Title: How I Discovered Poetry
Author: Marilyn Nelson
Pages: 112
Publisher: Dial
ISBN: 9780803733046
Publication Date: January 14, 2014
AR Levels: Book Level - 5.2, Interest Level - 4th to 8th grades, Points: 1.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18079805-how-i-discovered-poetry
In a nutshell: Join young Marilyn Nelson's journey from air base to air base as she and her African-American family experience the blessings of home, family, friendship, and art and the struggles of being a family on the move in a country that wasn't always welcoming. This memoir told in verse recently won the Coretta Scott King Author Honor.
I'd recommend it to grades: 4th to 8th
I'd recommend it to: fans of historical fiction, poetry, and biography and teachers and students looking for an excellent Black History Month read
What I liked most about this book: As
an African-American woman who grew up in the 1950's on various Air
Force bases across the country, Marilyn Nelson has a unique perspective
on what it was like to be an African American during that hostile era.
This memoir written entirely in verse is told in a child's voice that is
equally full of wonder, innocence, wisdom, and fear. Kids, teens, and adults
alike will connect with this heartfelt book of poetry. It's a great read
for Black History Month.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Early on in the book, Marilyn attends church and mishears a sermon on the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, thinking that Lot and his wife have a pet "flea" instead of how they had to "flee." Her imagination then runs away with ideas of giant pet fleas big enough to ride. It sets the tone for a character who's funny and charming and sure to steal your heart as poetry helps her find her voice.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars
Title: El Deafo
Author: Cece Bell
Pages: 248
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
ISBN: 9781419710209
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20701984-el-deafo
In a nutshell: As a preschooler, Cece Bell loses most of her hearing after suffering from meningitis. This graphic memoir follows Cece's journey through elementary school as a hearing-impaired child. Along the way, she navigates the ups and downs of friendships, first crushes, and family relationships and comes to discover that her deafness (and her ultra powerful hearing aid, the Phonic Ear) might just be her superpower. It's a delightfully funny snapshot into the life of a hearing-impaired girl that is sure to charm you.
I'd recommend it to grades: 4 to 6
I'd recommend it to: graphic novels fans and anyone who enjoyed Raina Telgemeier's Smile
What I liked most about this book: This book is completely adorable. Not only does it tackle a subject that doesn't get much attention in children's literature, but it's just a fun story too! I learned quite a lot about the deaf community and hearing-impaired people and fell in love with the characters too. The underlying theme of accepting others' differences is woven throughout the plot in a way that will get the point across in an affective but subtle way. Upper elementary kids are going to eat this up for its humor and heart. Fun side note: Cece Bell is married to Tom Angleberger, author of the Origami Yoda series!
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Cece's Phonic Ear hearing aid has a microphone for her teachers to wear so that Cece can understand their words better. When Cece realizes just how powerful the microphone is, it makes for some hilarious moments involving her teachers. Let's just say, they think they're out of earshot, but they're not, and Cece overhears some private moments that would mortify them if they found out. All good fun. :)
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars
Title: March: Book One
Authors: John Lewis and Andrew Aydin (Illustrated by Nate Powell*)
Pages: 128
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions
ISBN: 9781603093002
Publication Date: August 13, 2013
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.6, Interest Level - 4th-8th grades, Points: 1.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17346698-march
In a nutshell: This 2014 Coretta Scott King Honor Book is the first of a trilogy chronicling the life of Congressman John Lewis, the Civil Rights Movement hero, in graphic novel format. Book one highlights his childhood and the beginning of his involvement with the Civil Rights Movement, including his participation in the non-violent movement and the sit-in demonstrations.
I'd recommend it to grades: 8 and up (for intense situations and use of the "n" word in context)
I'd recommend it to: American history teachers, students who love graphic novels and history, and fans of Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis
What I liked most about this book: I'll be honest; I'm not a huge fan of non-fiction, which is mostly why we don't review a lot of it here, but I am always up for reading graphic non-fiction, especially biographies, and this one impressed me greatly. There's something about seeing a person's life illustrated on the page that brings it alive, and this one is an excellent example of how artwork can make someone's life story so much more engaging and impactful. By seeing images of these sit-ins and not just reading about them, you can truly feel the tension and the courage it took for Lewis and his fellow protestors to stay true to their non-violent commitment. I was moved in more ways than one, and I even learned a few new things I had never known about the Civil Rights Movement. I can't wait for the other two books.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Lewis notes that his librarian played a large role in his life and encouraged him to read whatever he could get his hands on. :) Yay, libraries!
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars
*It also noted in the back of this book that Nate Powell is currently working on the graphic novel adaptation of Rick Riordan's The Lost Hero! Get excited!
Let me begin by saying that this is a difficult book to review. I had read great reviews about this book, so I picked it up in the teen section of a local book store; however, after reading it, I'm wondering why I found it there. The book was fascinating, to say the least, but I don't see it as a book that every teen needs to read. Tweak does a great job of exposing what life is like for an addict at this age who has secluded himself from his family; it's gritty, it's real, and it doesn't sugarcoat anything. The problem I have is not with the book but instead with the audience to whom it's being marketed. This book could be appropriate for older teens, but I would still advise that educators and librarians read it first and recommend it cautiously.
Title: Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines
Author: Nic Sheff
Pages: 336
Publisher: Ginee Seo Books
ISBN: 9781416913627
Publication Date: February 19, 2008
AR Levels: Interest Level--9th to 12th; Book Level--4.9; Points--17.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/657371.Tweak
In a nutshell: Nic Sheff's real life journey with substance abuse began at age 11. He's done it all--alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, crystal meth, pills, heroin. He was in and out of treatment programs during his teens and early 20s, and finally his family told him they were through with him until he decided to get help and commit to staying clean. He's lived on the streets, in his car, on friends' couches, and has resorted to extreme measures to feed his habit, including dealing drugs and prostituting himself. This book chronicles a few years of his life on his journey to recovery. (I sugarcoated that description--the language and content of the book are much more vivid.)
I'd recommend it for grades: 12+. If I have to give it a grade recommendation, I'd say mature 12th graders (if that). The f-word is used hundreds of times, the sexual content is very explicit, and the descriptions of drug use are very graphic. Viewer discretion advised is an understatement.
I'd recommend it to: All of that said, there is still an audience for this book. Teens and young adults struggling with addiction might appreciate reading about the similar struggles of someone their age. Also, parents and educators familiar with students in similar situations might benefit from an insider view of what that experience can be like.
What I liked most about the book: Nic is very genuine and doesn't hold back from sharing his failures and weaknesses. He gives the reader total access to his past.
Single Favorite Moment: At one point, Nic is talking with Spencer (his recovery sponsor), who tells him a story to illustrate that even the worst of experiences can have a positive outcome. The story he uses is the Arabian Horse Story if you're interested.
Star Rating: I'm giving this one 3 stars. It's a good book, but it's not for everyone. You may also like Nic's father's telling of the story--Beautiful Boy by David Sheff.
