Book Review The Crossover

Alexander, K. (2014). The Crossover. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

This book is beautiful, motivational, brilliant and devastating! The book is written in free verse form and it will challenge and move you out of your comfort zone if you don’t normally gravitate towards free verse novels. I thought that would be a challenge for a reader, but the rhythm and movement of  the words was enjoyable. The main characters Jordan and Josh Bell are 13-year-old twin basketball stars!  The characters are real and relatable to young readers. Basketball is a living metaphor in the book. Alexander gives wisdom and life lessons to adolescents using the metaphor of basketball, I wasn’t prepared to ugly cry and that is exactly what happened. Kwame Alexander's, The Crossover won both the Newberry and Coretta Scott King Awards for children's literature in 2015.

Grade level: 6-8

Below is a video of the author Kwame Alexander reading an expert of The Crossover.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbMj6lG4shM

Published in January of 2018 Alexander realeased a pre-quel. Before Josh and Jordan Bell were streaking up and down the court, their father was learning his own moves. In this prequel to Newbery Medal winner The Crossover, Chuck Bell takes center stage, as readers get a glimpse of his childhood and how he became the jazz music worshipping, basketball star his sons look up to.   

Book Review The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian

Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. NY: Little Brown

Junior is a young boy who loves to draw and is trying to find himself through those difficult adolescent years. Junior is a native American and attends high school on his reservation. Junior wants to make his own decisions and take charge of his life so he decides to change schools and attend the high school that is off the reservations. Junior expresses himself throughout the story with his drawings.  Through his drawings it is an outlet of self-discovery and venting. The book is controversial because it includes subjects such as racism and sex. The book has been banned in several schools but in my opinion that is not what is best for young adult readers. The amazing thing about young adult literature is that is translates and makes many uncomfortable realities that young adults face every day. They are able to see themselves in the characters of these books. The book is based on the author’s Alexie Sherman's own experiences.

Grade levels- 9-12

Recommend to read next: If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gransworth  Same but Different by RJ Peete, Holly Robinson Peete, Ryan Elizabeth Peete

LSSL 5385 Textbook Reflections Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Fantasy/Science Fiction

Fantasy is stories that violate the laws of physical reality fall into this genre. Fantasy is a form of literary genre in which a plot cannot occur in the real world. The plot usually involves witchcraft or magic, taking place on an undiscovered planet of an unknown world. Its overall theme and setting involve a combination of technology, architecture, and language. There are different types of fantasy.

Modern folktales are types of fantasy that narrates tell in a traditional tale accompanying some typical elements, such as strong conflict, fast moving plot, and sometimes magical elements and vague settings. Animal fantasy tells about animals, behaving like human beings, speaking, experiencing emotions, and having the ability to reason. They also keep their animal characteristics. In toy fantasy stories, narrators bring their beloved toys to life, and transform them into animated beings that can live, think, breathe, love, and behave like human beings.

 Heroic fantasy or high fantasy involve adventures with a search, quest, and motif. While this quest could be a pursuit for a higher purpose, like justice and love, or for getting a reward like a hidden treasure, or a magical power. The conflict of heroic fantasies focuses on struggle between evil and good. Mystery and supernatural fantasy is one of the most common forms of supernatural fantasy is known as a “ghost story” Ghost could be either helpful proectors, or fearsome adversaries.

 Science fiction is a subgenre of fantasy but not all fantasy is science fiction. Science fiction is the literature of change. For example when a culture is undergoing a lot of changes due to scientific advances and technological developments, and expects to undergo more, these stories about these changes become popular as a way of expressing people’s feelings about the change. These changes may be out way of understanding the world or the ability to control the world.

            There are criteria for evaluating science fiction and fantasy for children. Despite the fantastic aspects of the story, character must behave in consistent and believable ways. There are must still be rules for the fantasy world. Authors must assist readers in the “willing suspension of disbelief”. The themes should explore universal truths. There must also be a logical, consistency, and belief in the plot line.

            When reflecting on this chapter is was very informative to know the difference between fantasy and science fiction. I always believed they were the same. They are very similar in themes and content. Young adult literature includes great fantasy and science fiction books and authors. I know that this is a popular area in the library and often these books are in heavy rotation and display in the library. I would like to start personally reading more fantasy and science fiction books.

LSSL 5385 Textbook Reflections Chapter 12 Nonfiction

Nonfiction is an umbrella term because it includes narrative and expository approaches. It also includes biography, autobiography, and memoir as well. There is not one template to nonfiction there is a wide variety of texts that fall under the umbrella of nonfiction. Nonfiction books come in different styles, formats, and genres. Nonfiction is half or over half of your library. There is a certain criteria when you are evaluating nonfiction books.What are the qualifications of the author. You can check an author's website to see what they are qualified in. You can also look at the back of the book and also see the author's qualifications. Also look at the author’s notes. That is where you can see the amount of research that the authors used to write their books. James Cross Gibbions is a very well know author for young adult nonfiction. Next are the facts accurate. Are the fact that the author including in the book research based. Is the book correctly cited with provable references. What is the purpose and scope of the book. What is the book conveying to the reader. What information is the reader going to receive from the book. Is the book divided into chronological order. Is the book set in a certain point in time.How does the organization of the book assist readers in locating information. Is the table of content a resource for the reader to find the information they are looking for. Are the titles of the chapters or headings organize the information in a purposeful way. The organization of the book is important sometimes the books can have to much information and can be difficult for the reader to find the information that they are looking for. Does the  index allow the reader to find specific information for uses of research. Visualshelp elaborate the text but it also allows the reader to break the text intochunks. The visuals assist the readability of the book. Nonfiction books alsoinclude photographs that help the reader absorb the information from the book.Also charts and graphs help keep the interest of the reader.

The second half of the chapter focused on questions to ask students about nonfiction. The questions were on different levels are far as difficulty. Also some of the questions were very abstract in thinking and it would be difficult for students who weren’t in that developmental stage. The questions would have to be scaffold and model before they would be able to complete them independently. The question that I really liked was, If you had a chance to interview the authors of this book , what would you ask them? This would be a great question to ask them before they read the book and this would allow them to practice notetaking skills while reading the book.

         Nonfiction books are a very critical when teaching students to become proficient at information literacy. It is very important skill that students will need to be proficient in when entering college. This is the part of the job that allows you to students. Nonfiction books will be read and needed for research in the middle and highschool grades. Collaborating with teachers who will be teaching the research process with guide them through nonfiction books. As a librarian I will be the professional that will them through reading and referncing nonfiction text and or novels.

 

LSSL 5385 Textbook Reflections Chapter 11

Chapter 11 Realistic Fiction 

Realistic fiction also known as contemporary fiction or modern realistic fiction. The stories are believable due to the fact they are set in contemporary or modern times. What separates these books from historical fiction, fantasy fiction, and science fiction is that the characters, settings, and events are real. There are several characteristics of realistic fiction. The setting is an actual representation of the world around us. The setting could exist; it is vivid and accurate deception. The author uses extreme realism, it contains believable stories and occurrences.

Everyday language is present. The author uses dialogue that make the characters seem genuine and relatable. The plot contains conflict and tension as well as a resolution. The solution is believable because of the events that happen with the characters. The narrative structure and elements are presented in a time ordered sequence. Finally, it allows its readers to easily identify with characters and their experiences.

         Some of the common themes in modern contemporary fiction are death and dying, family life, sexuality, discovering one’s own identity, family life, and sexual orientation. Readers can connect because of the easily identifiable themes. Readers can learn from their experiences and compare how they have handled the same experiences. Realistic fiction focuses on solving problems, voyages, self-discovery, and coming of age. The author can also use humor, angst, silliness and drama.

         Realistic fiction is a large genre of YA literature. So why do teens enjoy reading realistic fiction? They read it to work through problems, issues, and ideas that they face in their own lives through literature. Teens want to explore how people who are different from them live, think, and feel. Due to the humor and drama of real life appeals to them more than the word-bending turns of fantasy, science fiction, or horror. Realist fiction allows readers to mirror the experiences that they see in their lives.

         There are many notable popular writers in realistic fiction. Chris Crutcher uses sports of all sorts to help his characters find their ways in the world. Sometimes his characters they’re running from something or sometimes to it. He has a wonderful ability to be intense, outspoken, and funnier than the dark themes. Some of his most popular Whale Talk or Staying Fat for Sarah Brynes.

         When reflecting on this chapter of realistic fiction I know that these are the books that I am drawn to. I love realist fiction because it allows the readers to experience the emotion, up and downs and complexity of life. I feel like as an educator I need to in tune with the life experiences that my students are going through. I want to connect to their feelings and emotions so that I can develop a relationship with them. I teach in an inner city low income Title 1 school. My students experience extreme poverty and complicated home life.  I am also an African American woman who is living in a time where race, injustice is on the nightly news and happening every day. Through the book I will be able to recommend them to students and hopefully build a bridge with these novels. 

LSSL 5385 Textbook Reflections Chapter 9

Chapter 9 Poetry

       Poetry is the most neglected form of literature. That is mainly due to bad experiences in school, or we don’t feel comfortable with poetry.  Poetry is not a genre, but poetry can be found in many different types of genres. Poetry is great for writing with students because there are no rules and not a format you have to follow. There are not any rules in poetry, so children can have the freedom to express themselves. There is a difference in the type of poetry that students should write and read.  It allows children to be creative. Elements of poetry include rhythm, rhyme, alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia, repetition, and shape. Children enjoy poetry for many different reasons. Poetry allows children to use their imaginations, emotions, and experiences. It provides children with enjoyment, knowledge of concepts, and increases the exposure to vocabular. It also helps children identify people, situations, and understanding their feelings. It also helps them understand their emotions and feelings.
      Criteria for evaluating poetry was developed through research by Margaret Natarella.  Does the poem use imagery and allow the children to visualize and expand their imagination? Children will enjoy poems that they can see vivid pictures in their heads.  Children prefer narrative poems or poems that tell a story.  This will feel natural to children because they are used to hearing stories. The poem should include rhyme, rhythm, and sound devices. They enjoy the poems with alliterations and onomatope. Children enjoy poems that are funny, things they are familiar with, and animals. These are popular with elementary students.

        There is a preference for contemporary poems. The language that is used that they recognize and feel comfortable with. Many older poems such as Frost and Dickinson were made for older readers, so they do not connect or enjoy those poems as much. Poems should not be brought down to a childish level. Poems do not have to be silly of childish for children to enjoy or understand them. Good poetry should allow children should allow children to interact and engage with the poem. Poetry is good enough for it to be repeated and read it over and over. Being familiar with the poem makes it more enjoyable.   

         When trying to decide what type of poetry or some great poetry books the NCTE Poetry Award is an excellent resource. It began in the 70’s and was given out every three years. It is now give out annually. Poetry should not be overlooked because it is enjoyable and meaningful for all children. Jean Le Pere states that there are six reasons to share poetry with children. It provides enjoyment for children. It provides knowledge of concepts and increases vocabulary that they might not be exposed to. It helps children identify with people and situations. It helps children understand their feelings by helping them with insight to their feelings and emotions.

       For students in grades 7-9^th they enjoy poems that have rhyme, humorous narrative, and familiar experiences. There are many forms of poetry that is written. Lyrics are brief poems that emphasize sounds and pictures. Narratives are poems that tell stories. Ballads are narrative folk songs that tell history or legends. Limericks are short, witty poems. Concrete is poetry that uses words to shape up a picture. Haiku is a three-line poem with five syllables in the first and last line, and seven in the middle.

    As I reflect on this chapter it made me think about my experiences with poetry and my enjoyment for poetry came later in life around my first year of college. I read Cage Bird by Maya Angelou. I immediately became engrossed in the beauty and imagery that her poems invoked. So, when thinking on poetry for YA. I am connecting back to the development of students into more abstract thinking and poetry is extremely abstract. As a librarian I want students to read poetry to enjoy its beauty so that they will want to read and reread it repeatedly. Most students already will have the experience with English class where they will read and then must dissect the poem. I would like to have poetry available to my students and on display.

LSSL 5385 Texbook Reflections Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Awards

There are many awards given to young adult literature. In this chapter it reviewed the many different type of award young adult literature can receive. The Michael L. Printz award is an award for a book that is the standard of excellence in young adult literature. It is named after a school librarian from Topeka, Kansas who was an active long-time member of the YALSA. The award is sponsored by Booklist, a publication of the ALA. Michael passed away in 1996. He had a passion for books and reading, picking books that were just right for kids. The award has a winner and honor books. The award began in 2000.

The YALSA’s Award for Excellence in Nonfiction is an award given to the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18). This award is given annually, and it usually is a shortlist with up to five books awarded. The award is given during the first week of December every year.  The award for great graphic novels for teens is a list of recommended graphic novels and illustrated nonfiction books for ages 12-18. This list is published yearly, and it also includes a top ten. This list began to be published in 2007. The Best fiction for young adult list is also presented by the YA committee of the YALSA. This is a list comprised of fiction titles from the past 16 months. The purpose of the annual list is to provide librarian both school and public with a resource to use for collection development and reader’s advisory purposes the committee does accept nominations yearly for this list.

The Margaret A. Edwards Award was first given in 1988 and honors an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. This award recognizes authors who books focus on helping adolescents become aware of themselves and their place in the world. It helps with addressing relationships, society, and the global community. Edwards career lasted many decades leading up to what was first called “the new realism” in YA literature around 1968. This alimentally led to the rich, diverse, and dynamic word of YA literature we enjoy and love today. The Alex Award is an extension of the Edwards Award. She was loving called “Alex”. This award is given to ten books written for adult that have a special appeal to young adult ages 12-18.

The ODYESSEY award is given to the producer of the best audiobook produced for children or young adults. This award was first given in 2008. The William C. Morris award debuted in 2009. It honors a book published by a first-time author writing for teens. It celebrates the impressive and new outstanding new authors in YA lit. It is given yearly and usually is a short list of five books. William C. Morris, an influential innovator in the publishing world. He was an incredible advocate for the marking of both children and YA lit. Outstanding books for the college bound is a list that offers opportunities to discover new ideas. It also can be used a resource for readers to gain an understanding of our diverse world. The list is published every five years beginning in 1999. The list is divided into five categories, arts and humanities, history and culture, literature and language arts, science and technology, and social sciences. Librarians also have the option to purchase downloadable pamphlets and posters that highlight this amazing list.  The popular paperback committee creates lists of books yearly to encourage young adults to read for pleasure. This list usually included popular titles with a broad variety of themes and genres.

The Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers is list that is aimed toward encouraging reading among teens who dislike reading. This list includes fiction and nonfiction titles. This list is created annually and usually has 10 books. This list was first published in 1997.  The Reader’s Choice list to a list that is used to help increase engagement of a wide audience of librarians, educators, teens, and young adult whole love YA lit. It’s a community that chooses the most popular teen titles in a given year. This is also an excellent list for librarians to use for collection development and book recommendations.  The Teens’ Top Ten is a “teen choice” list, is where teen nominate and choose their favorite books. Teens across the country vote on their favorite titles each year. The list was started annually in 2003.

The Amazing Audiobooks blogging team selects and creates a list of notable audio recordings that is significant to young adults from the past two years this list began in 20111. The Young Adult’s Choice project develops an annual list of new books that hopes to encourage adolescents to read. The books are selected by reader’s themselves and are usually very popular. This list began in 2014 so it is a new list but is a very trusteed resource. The Texas Lone Start list is a recommended reading list created by school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table. The purpose of this list is to encourage students in grades 6-8 to explore a variety of current books.

The Tayshas Reading List came from Dallas area librarians Gracelyn Shea and Monta Skaggs. They wanted a high school reading list for the State of Texas. They enlisted the help of San Antonio librarian Jack Alton Strawn and in 1996 in was created. The list is use a s a motivation for young adult grades 9-12 to become lifelong readers. The Edgar Allan Poe Awards which is now popularly called the Edgars is presented every year by the Mystery Writers of America. They honor the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction, television, film, and theater. It is considered the most prestigious award in this category. This award has been given since the 1950’s.

The National Council of Teacher of English gives the Orbis Pictus Award. It was first given in 1989 to promote and recognize excellent nonfiction writing for children. It commemorates the work of Johannes Amos Comenius, Orbis Pictus-The World in Pictures (1658), it is the first book planned for children. The Paura Belpre` was the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. The award was established in 1996 and is given annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays and celebrates the Latino culture for outstanding work of literature for youth and children. The Schneider Family Book Awards honors an author or illustrator for a book that give an artistic expression of the disability experience for a child and adolescent audiences. The award is given annually and was established in 2004.

As I reflect on this chapter I was very surprised by how many awards are given for YA lit. It’s a little overwhelming to receive all this information at once. I did appreciate how well organized the awards and list are to be used as a resource. I know that these lists are a valuable to tool for me to develop my library collection and to recommend for teachers and students. I also appreciated the inclusiveness of all the awards and list. I also am thinking about how I could incorporate these list and awards into my curriculum and highlighting these authors in the library. I did notice that some of the books that we will be reading for this course are listed on several of these lists.  I am also aware that these lists are a starting point when diving into this fascinating world of YA literature. I