Novel Review for Poetry, Drama, and New Media/Module 9

Novel Review for Poetry, Drama and New Media-Angus, thongs and full-frontal snogging: confessions of Georgia Nicolson/Module 9 Bibliographic Citation: Rennison, L. (1999). Angus, thongs and full-frontal snogging: confessions of Georgia Nicolson. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. Summary: This story written in the format of a teenage girl’s diary shares the unusual antics, obsessively strange wondering about boys and just plain bizarre family dynamics of Georgia Nicolson. Analysis: The colorful writing style of Louise Rennison shines through this novel. Rennison begins the novel with a note from Georgia explaining the reader that a glossary is included her American-type chums to be able to understand terms used in England. The struggles faced by Georgia are the same ones faced by her American counterparts: a strange family who doesn’t understand anything about her life, strange body issues, such as the need of a nose job and lack of understanding of the opposite sex. The use of writing the story in a diary format allows the reader to follow the monumental details of Georgia’s life as it unfolds. While having the glossary does help with the understanding of Georgia’s writing, creating a book display highlighting different books about life in England would enrich the reading experience. A daily journal writing activity could help the reader connect to the diary writing format used in this novel. Since this is the first in a series of books about the quirky Georgia, the reader has ample opportunity to follow the adventures of this peculiar Brit and her strange family and friends.

Novel Review for Nonfiction/Module 8

Novel Review for Nonfiction-Steve Jobs: the man who thought different/ Module 8 Bibliographic Citation: Blumenthal, K. (2012). Steve Jobs: the man who thought different. New York: Feiwel and Friends. 310 pages. Summary: Steve Jobs has been called many names, innovator, intense, perfectionist, overbearing, just to name a few. The man who has been credited with many wonderful accolades, and well as criticized for his temper and zealousness when it came to details in his work, will stand among men who have changed our society. Blumenthal shows the reader the extreme highs, as well as the earth-shattering lows experienced by this man who followed his heart, did what he loved, and tried to live each day as though it really mattered. Analysis: The mind of Steve Jobs was always in motion, analyzing details that most of us would dismiss. However, this attention, sometimes described as overbearing, led to many of the devices that we, as a society, depend on and cannot live without. The author does a tremendous job of allowing the reader to understand why Steve Jobs was so consumed with the smallest of details on any project. The world viewed Steve as an innovator credited with the work involved with any of the Apple products, and in reality he was someone who was always looking for a way to improve the functionality of products. Through Blumental’s work, the reasoning behind his character and his flaws can be better understood. The journey of a young man, who was adopted as a baby, is filled with real-life struggles and triumphs. While we see him as the face of the iphone, ipad, and Macintosh products, he was intense, obsessively detailed oriented, and could even be considered mean by former co-workers. Throughout his life, his work was what he considered most important, and his family took second stage. The author gives a clear view of how his relationships were not his priority. The book gives a very descriptive view of his work ethic, his relationships with his children and sibling, although it scarcely touches on the relationship with his life partner, Laurene. Awards: YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award, 2013 finalist American Library Association Children’s Notable List Booklist Editor’s Choice list, 2012 Junior Library Guild Selection Kentucky Bluegrass Award Middle School list Librarian’s Choices, 2012 Texas Lone Star List, 2012-2013

Novel Review for Historical Fiction/Module 7

Novel Review for Historical Fiction-The Berlin Boxing Club/Module 7 Bibliographic Citation: Sharenow, R. (2011). The Berlin boxing club. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. 432 pages. Summary: As those around him are being persecuted for their religion, Karl Stern just wants to be able to defend himself from bullies in his school. The fact that he is a Jew had never been as issue, until Hitler came to power. Through a business transaction in his father’s art gallery, Karl receives a chance to learn the sport of boxing from one of Germany’s most famous fighters and national hero, Max Schmeling. As his training progresses, he learns that each lesson Max teaches him will help him survive not only the atrocities toward his people, but will help him to realize that he is stronger, physically and emotionally. Analysis: The subject matter of the Holocaust is a difficult topic to read about, speak about, or even to try to understand. Sharenow handles the subject matter very effectively as he tells the story of Karl’s journey. The relationship that develops between Karl and Max, as well as the other fighters who help Karl, is the only part of his world that he does have control over. Boxing becomes a saving grace for both Karl and his family. Karl’s religion had never been an issue with his friends or even his family, until the harsh cruel treatment of his people forced him to take a stand. The harsh reality of Hitler’s annihilation of the Jewish people causes Karl to see his father and his business dealings in a new light. Business now means surviving as a family and staying together as any cost. While we see Karl grow more as a young man living in a turbulent world, the reader never understands the effects of mental illness in his mother’s life, or how his younger sister dealt with growing up in a society that considered her to be an animal. Sharenow does an exceptional job to develop the relationship between Karl and his sister through the use of comic strips and Karl’s strength as an artist. The story lends itself to a sequel to follow the lives of Karl and his sister, Hildy and their journey into adulthood.

Novel Review for Adventure- Module 6

Novel Review for Adventure, Sports, Mysteries, and Westerns-I’d tell you I love you, but then I’d have to kill you/ Module 6 Bibliographic Citation: Carter, A. (2006). I’d tell you I love you, but then I’d have to kill you. New York: Hyperion. 284 pages. Summary: This novel is the starting of the adventures of Cammie Morgan, and the girls of the Gallagher Academy. All the students at Gallagher Academy are trained to be world-class spies, speak in various foreign languages, as well as be able to kill a man using just the materials in their purse. However, Cammie is faced with the ultimate mission-falling in love. Analysis: Carter’s writing makes the reader feel as if they have been unexpectedly dropped into a James Bond movie. The world of Gallagher Academy is the training grounds for exceptional young ladies to become world class spies. Cammie Morgan is not only a spy-in-training, with access to the coolest gadgets, but she has also suffered tremendous loss with the death of her father. Carter does a wonderful job of allowing the reader to see both sides of Cammie’s world, the elite spy training with access to the most up-to-date, as well as the sadness of seeing her mother crying when no one was around because she misses her husband. The use of secret passageways that could be hidden from outsiders at a moment’s notice, and covert operations for field trips as the girls work on analyzing their subjects without being seen bring the reader into a mesmerizing world in which you can never be sure if people are really who they say they are. This is the first book in the series of the Gallagher girls, as well as the first book written by Ally Carter. The story leaves the reader wanting to know more about Cammie, her friends, her teachers, and her relationships. Awards: Texas Lone Star 2007-08

Novel Review for Fantasy, Science Fiction and the Supernatural-Module 5

Novel Review for Fantasy, Science Fiction, and the Supernatural-The Uglies/ Module 5 Bibliographic Citation: Westerfield, S. (2005). The uglies. New York: Scholastic Inc. 425 pages. Summary: The Uglies is the first of a trilogy in which the reader is introduced to Tally, who is on the threshold of having her life change dramatically. At the age of sixteen, each individual in this futuristic society will undergo an operation that will alter his/her appearance, therefore that individual will always be pretty. As she prepares for her procedure, Tally learns the operation will change not only how she looks, but her thoughts, feelings and beliefs as well. Analysis: Each young person in today’s society strives to be considered beautiful, pretty or handsome by the world’s standards. However, these standards are constantly changing daily, or even by the hour. In Westerfield’s novel, we see that the powers in command decide what is considered pretty. This concept would be fascinating for adolescent readers, who may feel that this type of world would be inviting. They could see themselves in a world where once you were a “pretty”, life would have no problems, no sickness, and life is a constant party. However, is life worth giving up what makes you different from others in order to be beautiful. The promise seems fulfilling in theory, however is it worth sacrificing your individuality. As I read through this book, I found myself wishing that I could read the whole trilogy in one sitting. I had so many unanswered questions as the novel ended, and I feel that these will be covered in the second and third book of the trilogy.

Novel Review for Contemporary Realistic Fiction/ Module 4

Novel Review for Contemporary Realistic Fiction-If you come softly/ Module 4 Bibliographic Citation: Woodson, J. (1998). If you come softly. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. 181 pages. Summary: This novel revolves around pertinent issues in the lives of any adolescent: relationships, religion and race. The two main characters Jeremiah and Ellie meet by chance in the hallway at school as he helps her to pick up her books that have fallen. This chance meeting leads to a relationship in which their individual differences no longer matter. Their world becomes a place in which issues of race and religion are replaced by friendship, love, and their feelings for each other. Analysis: Relationships, dating and young love are issues that are such an integral part of the life of any young adult. An adolescent’s first encounter with love becomes such a strong presence, almost to the point of taking over thoughts, actions and decisions. Romance has been described as the wish to love and be loved, often with the successful pairing of a likable young couple. However, Woodson has brought together two individuals from two different worlds to form an unlikely, yet solid relationship. Their journey of discovering each other is told from each of their vantage points as they compare their unique relationship with the somewhat dysfunctional relationships of each of their family members. Their special bond also explores the issue of race and dating someone of a different race. While the majority of the book focuses on how the two main characters interact with each of their own families, the reader is left in the dark concerning the how the families would react to the issues of race and religion within the dating relationship of Ellie and Jeremiah. While these two characters confide their hopes, dreams and fears about their connection with each other, these feelings are confined for fear of the prejudice that could be shown because of their choices to love each other. Nilsen, A., Blasingame, J., Donelson, K., and Nilsen, D. (2012). Literature for today's young adults (9th ed.). New York: Pearson. Awards: Texas Lone Star book 2000-2001 ALA Best Book for Young Adults 2001 Detroit Public Library Author’s Day Award

Novel Review of Printz Award Winner-Module 3

Novel Review of Printz Award Winner-Monster/ Module 3 Bibliographic Citation: Myers, W.D. (1999). Monster. New York: Scholastic Inc. 281 pages. Summary: This riveting story about a young man fighting for his life is written in two different formats. The character of Steve Harmon views this struggle as a film of his life, with each of the characters playing a crucial role in the determination of his future. While the majority of the novel is written as if one is reading a screenplay, the true feelings are presented as if Steve is writing in a journal. It is through the combination that the reader is left to determine guilt or innocence. Analysis: The subject matter in this novel would be a traumatic event for an individual of any age. The character of Steve is forced into a very adult world due to questionable influences in his life. Questions concerning peer pressure come to mind: why did I let someone talk me into doing something that I know is wrong or how did I get into this mess? Walter Dean Myers allows the reader to become part of the Steve’s inner struggle to face what could be life in prison or a second chance to make better decisions. The addition of different individuals in the jail sharing about their struggles with law enforcement helps to reinforce the need to make better decisions, regardless of how it is perceived. Myers uses his own life experience of growing up in Harlem to convey the rough, brutal lifestyle of those adolescents who struggle each day not to become a statistic on the evening news. He shows that the perceived abrasiveness of the characters is softened by the insight of wanting a better life, not a life in prison. Awards: *Nominated for the 1999 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature *Michael L. Printz Award-2000 *Coretta Scott King Award-2000