Module 5: Divergent By: Veronica Roth

Summary

In the future the world is divided into five fractions, Abnegation, Duntaless, Amity, Candor , Eruidite. You are born into one fraction but at the age of 16 you are able to choose your true fraction. Beatrice was born Abnegation so imagine everyone's surprise  when she decides to leave home to become a Duntless. But the Duntless actually have more in store then what Beatrice actually signed up for will she be able to survive or will she be tossed to the side.

Reference

Roth, V. (2013). Divergent. New York: Katherine Tegen Books.


Review

Divergent is another Dystopian novel that is very similar to some of the others in the same genre. While these words maybe true this book was still very enjoyable. I enjoyed reading about the initiation process and of course what would a young adult novel be without a love story. Although the love story was a very slow and unexpected development it was well worth the wait. This novel is all about finding yourself and that is exactly what Beatrice or trice does. By the end of the novel she becomes a strong, brave young woman who can do anything she puts her mind too and I can tell she is going to need it. I would suggest this book for middle - high school age students 7-12th grade.

Professional Review

DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth | Kirkus. (n.d.). Retrieved August 15, 2015, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/veronica-roth/divergent/

Library Uses

I would use this story to create a book trailer. I would allow the students to create their own and pick the best one.

Module 10: The Hunger Games By: Suzanne Collins

Summary

Katnis Everdean is no hero at least she doesn't think she is until the day that she is forced to volunteer as tribute for district 12 ultimately saving her younger sister prims life. Now Katnis is forced to face one of the toughest competitions ever a fight to the death in the annual hunger games.

Reference

Collins, S., & Fournier, G. (2009). Hunger Games. Paris: Pocket Jeunesse


Review

The Hunger Games is an awesome action packed dystopian novel that really lives up to the hype. I enjoyed the fact that the hero in this story was a girl and I could really relate to that (as most females do). The only problem that I had with this novel was the fact that Katnis doubted herself throughout the novel. She never though she was good enough or capable to handle any situation when she really was the most capable in the whole novel. I also enjoyed the budding romance between Katnis and Peta and I look forward to reading more about the reluctant (on katnis end) romance in the next few novels.

Professional Reference

THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins | Kirkus. (n.d.). Retrieved August 15, 2015, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/suzanne-collins/the-hunger-games/

Library Uses

I would use this book for a read aloud . While reading I would model my thought ideas and how I go about identifying characteristics and other reading terms.

Module 10: Go Ask Alice By: Unknown

Summary

Go Ask Alice is the diary of a teenage drug addict. Alice is a teen who is tired of trying to please her perfect parents. One night while at a party someone slips LSD into her drink and she experiences her first high. After that she is hooked and so begins her journey into the dark and unforgiving world of addiction.

Reference

Go ask Alice,. (1971). Simon Pulse.


Review

I read Go Ask Alice assuming that I would be reading a novel featuring a true account of a teenage drug user. Currently, I am unsure if this story is true or not but I will agree that it is a great novel. This novel should be read by all teenagers entering high school. The main character in this story was very similar to a typical teenager and the only thing that gave away the age of the novel was some of the slang words that were used by characters. The Characters fall into addiction is described perfectly the only thing that made me think that this may not have been written by a teenager was when she described how the drugs made her feel. It was very technical and cold the description seemed as if it came out of a text book. Overall I enjoyed this novel.

Professional Review

R, N. (n.d.). Go Ask Alice by Anonymous. Retrieved August 15, 2015, from http://www.teenink.com/reviews/book_reviews/article/56564/Go-Ask-Alice-by-Anonymous/

Library Uses

Students will keep a month long anonymous journal where they will document their personal experiences.

Module 10: Smile By: Raina Telgemeier

Summary

Smile is the story of Raina Telgemeier who at the age of 12  was in an accident were she lost her two front teeth. After losing her front teeth Raina experienced surgery, implants, false teeth and finally rearrangement of incisors before everything was back to normal again. This is a fun colorful story that is loved by all upper elementary and middle school students too.

Resource

Telgemeier, R., & Yue, S. (n.d.). Smile. Graphix.


Review

Smile is a fun heartwarming story about the authors personal experiences. I always noticed that students loved this book and I could never figure out why. Now after reading it I understand that they love the characters and that the story is very entertaining. Just like the students I loved the coming to age part of the story and experiencing those life experiences with Raina. The girls in my class loved this novel the most. They enjoy reading about Raina and were anxious to read her next novel and so am I.

 Professional Review

SMILE by Raina Telgemeier | Kirkus. (n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2015, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/raina-telgemeier/smile/

Library Uses

, I will have the students choose five consecutive pages in the book per week, and translate them into a typical written work. Ideally, these written assignments should be about one to two pages in length. In addition to implementing the dialogue into their writing, students will also be able to study what is not being directly stated in the story­, such as the setting, the attitudes and emotions of other characters (major and minor), as well as physical descriptions. With the basic foundation of the pictures, students can continue to build their strengths as writers by looking beyond the obvious. This assignment will allow students to reflect upon the story, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the different characters and elements being used to tell the story.

 

Module 10: Yummy The last days of a Southside Shorty By: G. Neri

Summary

In 1994 on the South Side of Chicago 14 year old Shavon Dean is accidently shot and killed by a stray bullet during a gang shoot out. Her killer is 11 year old Robert " Yummy" Sandifer's. Robert's tale is told by Roger a classmate who is attempting to make sense of how someone so young and nice could do such awful things (murder, arson, etc). Will Robert turn himself in or will he be caught by his gang or the police only time will tell.

Reference

Neri, G., & DuBurke, R. (2010). Yummy: The last days of a Southside shorty. New York: Lee & Low Books.


Review

Yummy is a novel that I use with my students (inner city, urban children) and they really enjoy it. They feel as if they can relate to Yummy and they understand his plight. This graphic novel works well with my reluctant readers. After reading this book they are usually interested in finding similar novels like it ( The Blueford series, Walter Dean Myers, etc).  I enjoy this novel because it is based on a true story which allows me the opportunity to pull other documents about the characters to help support the story. The characters in this novel are interesting and you are on the edge of your seats waiting to find out what is going to happen to Robert. I think this novel would be enjoyed by students grades 5th-8th.

Professional Review

Review of the Day – Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty by G. Neri. (n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2015, from http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2010/07/06/review-of-the-day-yummy-by-g-neri/

Library Uses

Students will create posters about gang violence. Students will use scenarios from the story to decorate their posters.

Module 4: The Fault in Our Stars By: John Green

Summary

Hazel Grace Landcaster is a grenade she is a three year stage 4 cancer survivor who should have blown up years ago and she would have if it wasn't for the miracle drug that continues to keep her alive. As a result Hazel is depressed and does nothing but watch tv and attend cancer kid support group (at her mothers request) once a week. One day while attending support group Hazel meets Augustus Waters a smart, funny handsome young man who really makes a difference in Hazels life. This is not just a story about kids and cancer it is a great love story about two people who are willing to stick it out until the end.

Reference

 Green, J. (n.d.). The fault in our stars. Penguin Young Readers Group.

Review

The fault in our stars is a wonderful story about love and loss. I really enjoy this story and the romantic interest between Augustus  Waters and Hazel Landcaster. Some people do not enjoy this novel because they feel that the characters are not believable (how they talk and behave). I feel that John Green created very believable and interesting characters this book was actually his best books (my personal opinion). Although the stories main characters are two kids who have cancer the book is not about cancer it is about love, death and acceptance.

Professional Review

Review of The Fault in Our Stars - The Horn Book. (2012, January 6). Retrieved August 14, 2015.

Library Uses

Compare and contrast the eulogies on page 260 and 272.
Which is more effective?
Would the original have been more effective?
Pretend that you are friends with Hazel and was asked to write her Eulogy what would you say?

Module 4: Hope was here by: Joan Bauer

Summary

16 year old Hope and her aunt are presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. Move to Wisconsin to take over an old dinner there is only one problem. The owner GT isn't really ready to let the place go and to make matters worse he has decided to run for mayor and he has enlisted Hope to help him with his campaign. Hope was here that is a fun lighthearted story that can be enjoyed by all.

Reference

Bauer, J. (2000). Hope was here. New York, NY: G. P. Putnam's Sons.

Review

Hope was here is a fun lighthearted story about family and friends and standing up for what you think is right. This is a great novel to use when teaching characterization and plot students can learn about the flow of a story (intro, rising action, climax, falling action, conclusion). The actual storyline was very enjoyable lighthearted funny and fun students in grades 4-6th will enjoy this novel very much. I would recommend this novel with no reservation the content is appropriate for the age level and very enjoyable.

Professional Reference

Bauer, J. (2000). Hope was here. New York, NY: G. P. Putnam's Sons.

Library Uses

Inference activities predict what is going to happen next using the given clues.