Monster

Monster. Walter Dean Myers. Illus. by Christopher Myers. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1999. 281 pages. $15.89 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-06-028078-6. Grades 7-12.

My Thoughts… 

When I reached for this book on the library shelf I recognized its cover. I had read this book before. I also remembered that I liked this book even though I couldn’t remember why. I did remember that there was a trial and a young boy was being tried for a crime that he didn’t commit. Upon rereading this book I know I had thoughts and questions that I didn’t have the first time around. While I did thoroughly enjoy reading this book again, it was for different reasons.

I watch A LOT of Law and Order, so I am pretty familiar with procedures of courtroom trials. I am also familiar with how questions are phrased, what is permissible, how closing statements work, etc. When I read this book the first time I was in middle school and was not as aware of these details. I took everything about the trial in the book at face value as fact. I did not understand what leading the witness meant or why the defense attorneys only had to provide “reasonable doubt.” I also didn’t understand how Steve Harmon could be found guilty since he didn’t actually do anything. Well, I am wiser now, and I am not sure that Steve Harmon should have been found not guilty. Don’t get me wrong, I was still relieved when the verdict of not guilty was delivered because Walter Dean Myers did make him a human and not a monster. Steve didn’t seem to want to get a cut of money or even participate in the crime, and he didn’t give any signal. There is definitely reasonable doubt for his participation in this crime so I think the trial was legit as an outsider looking in, or as a member of the jury. As a reader, however, who is privileged to all of the information and thoughts of Steve, know that he lied on the stand, and that doesn’t sit well with me now. He said he was not in that drugstore when he was and I don’t think that is okay. This lie does not make this a bad book, but I am not sure about the message it sends to readers. I don’t think it is okay to show someone lying under oath.

This book is interesting and great for many different reasons, however, and I don’t want to get caught up in the semantics of the court case. This book deals with peer pressure and wanting to be tough and how that can and will get you in to trouble. It deals with the myth of innocence until proven guilty, especially when you are African American. It also talks about the struggles of race, when the idea of turning against your own comes up. The emphasis on race in the prison (pointing out most prisoners are Latino or Black) seems a bit racist, but if that’s how that prison tends to be then it is more fact. I do think, however, talking about how a person sees themselves, their hobbies and passions, and how they see the world around them is crucial. I love the movie format. I think it allows the reader to take in all the sights and senses. The notes give us a personal view of Harmon, but the movie gives us what the outside world sees. The parts in jail are terrifying, and I think it is impressive that Myers put it so bluntly. I think that is another reason this book is great. It talks to young adults like they are adults. It shows them the ugly in the world and lets them face it. I definitely think this is a great book that can have young people looking at themselves and their decisions.

Mare’s War

Mare’s War.Tanita S. Davis. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. 345 pages. $16.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-375-8715-0. Grades 7-12.

My Thoughts…

As I have already mentioned numerous times in this blog, I love historical fiction. I love the way you can find yourself in history, learning about people and places that you knew nothing about without necessarily realizing it. As I read Mare’s War I was reminded of other historical fiction titles, especially Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly, since both of these novels mix present day life with stories from the past. This technique not only engages readers in a time period they know, but it makes them feel like they are being told a story within a story. In the case of Revolution, Andi gets to go back in time to learn about the past, but in Mare’s War readers get to hear Mare tell the story of her WWII experience. I definitely see why this book was a Coretta Scott King Award Honoree, and I am now also appalled that Richland County Public Library didn’t already have several copies.

I don’t think there is anything negative I can say about this book. It is well written, engaging, authentic, interesting and educational. I think the characters in the story (both Mare’s story and the greater novel) are fantastically written. I could definitely get the teen angst from Tali and Octavia’s impatience and nerves. I felt like I was in the car with them on their road trip. I loved how Mare’s life and experiences not only made for a great story and bonding experience between her granddaughters, but also linked back to why their father is the way he is. I think there are different story lines that come together to explain why current day life is the way it is. I think that showing the evolution of Mare is a way of tracing history and also teaching readers that you can never really know why people are they way they are until you hear their story. I think the organization of the book, now and then chapters, worked really well. Not only were the clearly marked periods easy to follow, but they were spaced out in a way that it felt like we were really being told the story. I like that we were never too overwhelmed with Mare’s story and I liked that each break reminded us of the road trip. I also think the breaks with postcards and what not were good too, since they give readers time to think about the story.

I don’t think Mare’s War is a great book just because it is well written, however. I think the content itself is incredibly important and enlightening. Prior to this summer I had never heard of Claudette Colvin, who as I now know was the first individual to get arrested in Montgomery as a part of the bus boycott. We always hear about Rosa Parks, but the truth is, there was someone before her. Mare’s War touches on this, as well as other important parts of African American history that are not often taught. I, like Octavia and Tali, didn’t know there was a large group of African American women in World War II training and touring or that there were African American truck drivers. Although this information may not be taught because it doesn’t seem like it is super important, it is! These individuals were someone’s relatives, their ancestors. It is only fair that their huge contribution be highlighted.

I really enjoyed this book and think a lot of young adults will too. I do think female readers may enjoy this title more, due to the very strong female characters.

Ninth Ward

Ninth Ward. Jewell Parker Rhodes. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2010. 219 pages. $15.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-316-04307-6. Grades 5-8.

My Thoughts…

I had stumbled across Ninth Ward last semester when I was trying to find titles that would fit a multi-cultural program designed for teenage girls. The focus of the program was to be coming of age. When I read the synopsis for the book from and OPAC it read, “story takes place in a recent natural disaster and features the growth of character with a distinct, magical culture. Although fictional, the magic possessed by this character is reminiscent of Creole and voodoo cultures.”  I thought this book would good for an audience for late middle school, early high school based on the description and reviews that I read. I found after reading, however, that while the synopsis was accurate, it wasn’t exactly what I expected. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed reading this book. I think the story of Katrina and its aftermath from a firsthand perspective is fascinating. I also thought that the coming of age aspect was pretty solid. I did find, however, that the cultural aspect was kind of weak. Yes, they emphasized the healing and midwifery that Mama Yaya performed and they talked about the caul and Lanesha have ‘the sight,’ but I didn’t really feel or get engrossed in the cultural aspect that I think I thought would be there. There was some talk about saints and gods, but it was more just about ghosts. It was interesting, but it wasn’t exactly what I expected. I had just learned about cauls and ‘the sight’ from Patricia McKissak’s The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tale of the Supernatural and its story “The Sight.” I was excited to see this cultural connection in more than one place and be familiar with it, so that was a plus.

I thought the organization of the book, by day, was perfect. I thought the story moved really well because Lanesha was just giving us an account of what was going on. The suspense from the dreams and the comfort/ambiguous messages from the ghosts also kept me interested and wondering what would happen next. I think my knowledge about Hurricane Katrina and the levee breaking was a good thing and a bad thing. I of course knew what the dream meant, so there was no surprise, but I also wasn’t distracted wondering what it was going to be. I think younger readers who did not see every news story about the Hurricane will be interested and surprised to read of its devastation. I also wonder, however, how those who experience Katrina would react to this book. While the damage sounded bad and Mama YaYa did die during the resulting flood, I don’t think this book gave the severity and loss of Katrina enough emphasis. Then again, I wouldn’t want to read a completely accurate account, I could just look at the news for that. I think Parker Rhodes have a perfect blend of fact and fiction in this story, and I love how Lanesha did grow up and get an inner strength and confidence. I would really love to see how this book appeals to Hurricane Katrina victims, however.

I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly: The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl

I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly: The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl. Joyce Hansen. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1997. 204 pages. $ 10.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-590-84913-1. Grades 3-5.

 My Thoughts...

This is the first book I have read from the Dear America series and if the rest of them are as touching, authentic, and interesting as I Though My Soul Would Rise and Fly then I should really investigate them. I had actually read this book before and remembered loving it, but since it was so long ago that I couldn’t remember specifics I decided it deserved a reread. I am very glad I decided to do so. I actually met Joyce Hansen during in the Fall of 2009. She was friends with my children’s literature teacher and she came and spoke to our class. We learned about how she did her research to ensure accuracy and authenticity and how there were guidelines for the series. Anyway, back to the book…

I love when books are written in the format of diary. I love how it allows us as readers in to their head and their private world. This was especially true of this book, since Patsy was reading and writing in secret for so long. I was thrilled that the publishers created the book itself in the style of the diary, all the way down to the purple place marker and textured pages. I have read other diary style books, including Julia Alvarez’s Before We Were Free, but I felt like this book was more diary like. What I mean is that I think we got more of Patsy’s thoughts and emotions than retelling of what went on. I was tickled every time she asked the diary (and us) if we were laughing, because she was. I felt like she was really making this diary (and us) her friends. In addition to the style of the book I was impressed with the dialect and grammar that Hansen employed. It was not difficult to understand and it was not cheesy or contrived. Patsy’s speech was accurate for her time period and situation, especially because she had a stutter and no formal education.

I think the best parts of this book, however, are the historical significance and lessons and the themes of identity, acceptance, and growing up. The story of this book does talk about the tail end of the Civil War and Emancipation, so readers get to learn a little bit about what it was like. Rather than overwhelm readers with too many facts or a history lesson, Hansen incorporates small details. I also love that she included spiritual hymns and folktales. I think that the additional information at the back of the book provides a healthy supplement to the tidbits shared in the story. I think that the photographs will open readers’ eyes and I am sure they will think back to what they read and try to picture the characters. I think the importance of voice and identity make this book special and relatable to many readers. Although Patsy was smart and could read she wasn’t confident due to her situation as an orphan and ex-slave. While readers will not be familiar with this situation, I am sure they will recognize her feelings of loneliness and doubt. Patsy is scared about her writing and embarrassed by her speech, and I am sure young adults have their insecurities too. Patsy gathers strength and confidence from her loving community and eventually grows in to her own. This example of personal growth should inspire readers to take comfort in their family and friends and try to get over their fears. Patsy’s thoughts and words are funny, entertaining, heart warming, and sad while her story is educational and inspirational all at the same time. I think this is a must read for students, and it could be easily brought in to a classroom or library program.

Visiting Langston

Visiting Langston. Willie Perdomo. Illus. by Bryan Collier. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2002. 32 pages. $16.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-8050-6744-2. Grades K-4.

Langston, Langston, Langston Hughes was more than a poet. He was an inspiration to many, a voice of the people, and someone worth learning about. InVisiting Langston a young poet gets the chance to visit the house where one of her heroes lived. She puts on her favorite blouse and begins her journey, while letting us know who Langston Hughes was and who she is. This rhythmic, sometime rhyming reflection on the life of Langston Hughes offers a great introduction for young people. Perdomo includes emotions that Hughes brought to life, and lists his famous works all while encouraging people to listen to their inner voice to find themselves. Through his award winning collages, Bryan Collier, both illustrates the rich, complicated world that Hughes immortalized in his poetry, as well as the rich culture and period in which he lived. The different textures, prints, shapes, colors, and media make each page of this book a world of its own. Together Perdomo and Collier open the door to a world of rhythm, blues, and beauty that was Langston Hughes. Highly Recommende

Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane

Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane. Carole Boston Weatherford. Illus. by Sean Qualls. New York: Henry Hold and Company, 2008. 26 pages. $16.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-8050-7994-4. Grades K-3.

John Coltrane’s ears helped make him famous. No, it wasn’t because they were unusually large. It was because they were always open, always listening.Before John Was a Jazz Giant introduces readers to the young John Coltrane and how sounds of his childhood influenced his unique musical style. He heard his Daddy strumming his ukulele, he heard steam engines, and he heard the words of his grandfather as he preached on Sundays. John Coltrane heard it all, and Carole Boston Weatherford turns all of these sounds in to a rhythmic, flowing and informative story for children. Weatherford describes every sound with flowery detail and precision, much like John Coltrane must have heard it while still ensuring readers will understand the meaning. Sean Qualls does not miss a note with his illustrations as his acrylic collages turn sounds in to images. Each page is alive as readers can almost see music’s movement due to his use of line and color. An extended author’s note gives a more in depth look at Coltrane’s career and lists of selected listening and further reading are also offered. This book is not only educational, but it encourages observation, creativity, and the arts. Highly Recommended

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Doreen Rappaport. Illus. by  Bryan Collier. New York: Hyperion Paperbacks for Children, 2001. 34 pages. $15.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-078680714-7. Grades K-3.

“Everywhere in Martin’s hometown he saw the signed, WHITE ONLY.” From a young age Martin Luther King Jr. recognized the damage caused by segregation and knew he wanted to grow up to do something about it. Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. takes readers on the journey and transformation of a wise boy to a preacher, activist, and hero.  Renowned author Doreen Rappaport shares Martin Luther King Jr.’s tremendous works and ideals in a way that any child can understand. She flawlessly incorporates key examples of his “big words” to help bring his voice to the story. Not only does touch on King’s childhood aspirations, but she also expresses how he motivated an entire population to work together for their rights. She successfully paints a portrait of a man and a movement. Award winning illustrator Bryan Collier molds the landscape of Dr. King Jr.’s life with historical accuracy and a level of emotion that will take astound readers. His unique mixture of collage and watercolors and use of stained glass windows bring the story to life, and help all readers see what has been and what is because of Dr. King. A chronology and extended reference list at the end of the book furthers the lesson and worth of this title. Highly Recommended

Thunder Rose

Thunder Rose. Jerdine Nolen. Illus. by Kadir Nelson. Orlando: Silver Whistle, 2003. 32 pages. $16.00 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-15-216472-3. Grades K-3.

From the day she was born Thunder Rose was a power to be reckoned with. Not only did she arrive in her parents’ presence with the wisdom and resourcefulness of an elder, but the strength of the largest ox and the power of a raging storm. As she grew Thunder Rose became more and more helpful, using her skills to build fences, baby sit, stop a stampede of wild steer, and even bring the cattle to Abilene. Thunder Rose ruled the West and became a hero to all when she channeled the “music ringing so sweetly in [her] ears [that she] register[ed] at the bull’s-eye set in the center of [her] heart” to do good. Award winning author Jerdine Nolen has created an American folktale full of power, adventure, and strength that will brighten the eyes of children everywhere. The strong African American hero Thunder Rose is a delightful presence in literature and serves to represent the influence of those who have often been omitted from American history and literature. The Coretta Scott King Award rightly honored the bright, colorful illustrations of Kadir Nelson; who paints Thunder Rose in the image of a child but with the emotion and delight of an era. The details of each page bring the story to life before reader’s eyes; securing Thunder Rose and her tale in their memories forever. Highly Recommended