Anything but Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin

 

-from https://www.norabaskin.com/books/middle-grade/anything-but-typical/

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Baskin, Nora Raleigh. 2009. ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0-329-76048-9. 

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Jason is a tween with autism. He is also an aspiring writer. After he survives the days at school, Jason likes to post his creative stories on a communal website. One day he discovers that he has a fan of his writing- a female fan! PhoenixBird, the online name of his admiring reader, becomes a focal point for Jason. He makes plans to attend a writing convention for the website, but when he finds out PhoenixBird will be there too, Jason fears reality may deter their online relationship. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I read this novel with my summer school students.  I thought it would be a relevant and accessible read, because we have several kids with autism in our school and the reading level was a little easier for middle schoolers. In fact, one of my favorite summer school students, D, had autism. His commentary on the book was insightful and helpful to the rest of us.  

I can’t know exactly- but it seems as if Baskin does a good job writing the first person narrative perspective as someone who has autism.  The voice of Jason was different than most YA narrators.  It was very matter-of-fact and less emotional. He experienced and thought of sensory occurrences in a very different way than most “NTs,” which he established as an abbreviation for “Neurotypical.” For example, he would describe the way a lightbulb felt and tasted, not just the way it looked.  

The organization of the chapters was different, less sequential and sometimes challenging to follow. Jason’s thoughts would jump from one topic to the next, especially due to sensory input. 

Also, the details that Baskin included were different because of the narrator’s disorder. Jason’s character was much more observant of his physical environment than most kids his age, but less aware of social cues or expectations.

There was a story within the story, one that Jason was writing about a dwarf named Bennu.  Jason used Bennu as a symbolic representation of himself.  Both Jason and Bennu struggled to make peace with their differences, but thankfully, in the end, there seems to be a content acceptance for both of them.

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
ALA Notable Children's Books, 2010

Booklist starred, February 2009, “This is an enormously difficult subject, but Baskin, without dramatics or sentimentality, makes it universal. As Jason explains, there’s really only one kind of plot: Stuff happens. That’s it.”

Horn Book Magazine, May 2009

Kirkus Reviews starred, February 2009

Library Media Connection starred, August 2009

Schneider Family Book Award, 2010

School Library Journal, March 2009, “Baskin also does a superb job of developing his parents and younger brother as real people with real problems, bravely traversing their lives with a differently abled child without a road map, but with a great deal of love.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Other books that feature a character with autism are Get a grip, Vivy Cohen! by Sarah Kapit, Moonwalking by Zetta Elliott, Rules by Cynthia Lord, and the Tales From Alcatraz series from Gennifer Choldenko. These could be used in a variety of ways, whether to complement a research study of Autism, or as reading assignments in buddy programs. These books could benefit any reader, to help understand the perspectives of those with autism.

All Fall Down (Embassy Row series- Book 1) by Ally Carter

 

-from https://allycarter.com/books/

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Carter, Ally. 2015. ALL FALL DOWN. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 978-0-545-65474-6. 

2. PLOT SUMMARY
At thirteen, Grace suffered through the tragic loss of her mother. Now at sixteen, she finds herself back on Embassy Row in Adria, where she spent her childhood summers with her grandfather, the American Ambassador. Grace is plagued by memories of her mother, as well as memories from the night she died.  She is convinced her mother was murdered by a man with a scarred face, but no one seems to believe her due to her reputation of mishaps and fumbles. Grace, along with an eclectic mix of co-conspirators, search high and low to find the one responsible for her mother’s death.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Admittedly, this is not my favorite YA book.  It is not a bad book, but it is not exceptionally good, like most of the other books I have posted on this blog. I was excited to read a mystery novel, and there were thrilling parts of the story. This is the first book in a trilogy, and I am somewhat tempted to read the following books to see if the unfinished storyline comes to a satisfying ending.  

The main character, Grace, has experienced personal trauma. Due to this, she experiences a lot of flashbacks, anxiety, and even panic attacks. Of course, this affects the first person narrator perspective. Even with the first person voice, the characterization of Grace is challenging to understand. This may or may not be intentional. The secondary characters are very limited in description and depth, which is disappointing. 

The emphasis is definitely on the plot action and the development of the mystery surrounding the mother’s death. The progression of the storyline feels a little disjointed. Transitions aren’t as natural as they could be.

The setting is intriguing. I like political dramas, which is partly why I chose a book set in a foreign diplomatic community. The abandoned Iranian embassy and the ancient underground tunnel system were intriguing backdrops for some of the more exciting parts of the story. 

I hope the following books continue to develop the characters from book one, and help bring the story elements together. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist, November 2014, “A supporting cast of other spunky teenage children of ambassadors brings levity to the darker turns in this thriller. Readers will be excited for the next book in the series, sure to be a hit with Carter’s already sizable audience.”

Horn Book Guide, October 2015

Kirkus Reviews, November 2014

Publishers Weekly, November 2014

School Library Journal, November 2014, “Grace's justifiable anger and spunk are sure to resonate with teens. With its intrigue and clever plot twists, this series opener will leave readers hungering for more.”

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), February 2015

5. CONNECTIONS
*This is the first book in the Embassy Row series, by Ally Carter. See how they run is book two, and Take the key and lock her up is book three. Carter is also known for her Gallagher Girl series, which contains six books, and Heist Society series, which contains three books. Her most recent books are the Winterborne Home books. 

*All Fall Down could join with other mysteries for a book club or even book display, with books like Girl Forgotten by April Henry, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson, or The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

-from https://angiethomas.com/the-hate-u-give/

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Thomas, Angie. 2017. THE HATE U GIVE. New York: Balzar + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 978-1-54900-622-7. 

2. PLOT SUMMARY
One minute she is at a Spring Break party, the next, she is watching her childhood friend, Khalil, get shot by a police officer. Sadly, death and loss are not new to Starr. In Garden Heights, gunshots are heard regularly. But this time is different. Now Starr Carter has to decide how she moves forward. Her life is already complicated; she lives in two different worlds. Garden Heights is her home, but Williamson Prep is where she goes to school. Starr has to figure out how to be true to herself and how to stand up for what is right.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Once again- wow. This book feels so important. Angie Thomas wrote a realistic fiction story that is, tragically, too real. In the final pages, Thomas lists familiar names- Trayvon, Tamir, Sandra, Emmett…of the real victims who have lived this story. Police violence toward young black people has finally made it to the mainstream conscience. Too often, news outlets are bringing our attention to these types of tragedies that are occuring in our country. 

As a close observer to the unjustified killing of a young, black man, Starr gives readers the context that we can’t understand in a 2-minute news segment. Thomas’s characterization of Khalil, as well as DeVante, Maverick, etc. addresses stereotypes and critical misconceptions. She gives depth and context for her character’s actions and motivations. 

The juxtaposition of the different neighborhoods helps the reader see the good, the bad, and the ugly of different communities. Thomas also addresses the tension between service to our community and preservation of our personal well-being and safety.

The diction and syntax of the book are well-used tools. The dialogue builds the characters into beloved people who earn your respect and empathy.  The mood of the book shifts back and forth between the lightheartedness of teenage drama to the heaviness of adult hardship and humiliation. The Hate U Give takes its reader on an emotional, but valuable journey to see contemporary news stories from a different perspective.  

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist starred, December 2016

Coretta Scott King Author Honor, 2018

Horn Book Magazine starred, March 2017

Kirkus Reviews starred, December 2016, "With smooth but powerful prose delivered in Starr’s natural, emphatic voice, finely nuanced characters, and intricate and realistic relationship dynamics, this novel will have readers rooting for Starr and opening their hearts to her friends and family. This story is necessary."

Michael L. Printz Honor, 2018

Publishers Weekly starred, November 2016

School Library Journal starred, January 2017, "The first-person, present-tense narrative is immediate and intense, and the pacing is strong, with Thomas balancing dramatic scenes of violence and protest with moments of reflection."

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, February 2017

William C. Morris YA Debut Award, 201

5. CONNECTIONS
*If you teaching a Social Justice unit, there are several good books that could be read alongside The Hate U Give that address police violence and the Black Lives Matter movement like I am Alfonso Jones by Tony Medina, Shot Clock by Caron Butler, Light it Up by Kekla Magoon, and Tyler Johnson was here by Jay Coles.

Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration

 

-from Penguin Random House

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Brock, Rose. (Ed.) 2018. HOPE NATION. New York: Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. ISBN 9781524741679. 

2. PLOT SUMMARY
“Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear.” A fictional president says this in Hunger Games. These short, autobiographical essays are testimonies to the strength of Hope. From a myriad of perspectives and life experiences, each narrative gives a testament to the hope that the author found in his/her life.   

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
It is intimidating to write a review of a book that is the curated creation of your professor! However, I am truly glad I chose to read this particular book. As you would expect of a book titled, Hope Nation, it is inspiring! 

These are not stories of the mainstream, middle class majority. Every author seems to identify with a marginalized or minority population- whether it is by race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, weight/body type, ability, poverty or politics. Throughout the different essays, there is a theme of the underdog, the underestimated. 

Nevertheless, any individual can relate to these anecdotes. Some are a discovery of self or purpose; some speak to the hardships of struggle. Just by being human, one can relate to the authors’ tales. Whether it was immigrating to the United States or surviving a tragic car accident, each author focuses on a time when he/she needed hope, and then shares how he/she identified it for themselves. Each story has a slightly different voice, a slightly different style. 

Some of my favorites were Libba Bray’s “Before and After” and Atia Abawi’s “Don’t Listen to the A**holes.” Bray’s essay centers on her tragic car accident and her recovery afterward.  Her writing is so vivid. Her description and personification of her pain was agonizing. What incredible strength she had, as she chose writing as an alternative to self demise. As an Afghan American, Abawi experienced discrimination, even from her high school teacher, but she went on to be an accomplished journalist. I also loved Alex London’s “Different Dances” as he described his fragile high school ego, before coming out, but spotlighted the strength friendship can give us in our most vulnerable moments. 

Although hope is the obvious theme, many essays seem to be in particular response to the political climate and Presidential election of 2016.  It is grievous how many people, especially those of minority populations, felt hopeless during that season of time.  This project was a timely work of encouragement then, but hope is timeless.  No matter the season or leader, we will always need hope. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist starred, April 2018, “This amazing outpouring of strength and honesty offers inspirational personal accounts for every reader who wonders what to do when everything seems impossible.”

Horn Book Guide, November 2018

Kirkus Reviews, March 2018, “This work comes at a crucial time, as many people struggle to find hope in a confusing and disappointing world. A salve when days are bleak.”

School Library Journal Xpress, April 2018

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, June 2018

5. CONNECTIONS
*In a classroom or group study, these essays could be used separately or together, for many different lessons or units of study. Social awareness, prejudice, or personal growth are just some of the themes that could be explored, as well as literary contexts such as voice or style for personal narratives. Hope Nation is an excellent resource, along with other essay collections like Our Stories, Our Voices, edited by Amy Reed, or Wild Tongues Can’t be Tamed, edited by Saraciea J. Fennell, or Nevertheless, we persisted: 48 voices of defiance, strength, and courage, edited by In This Together Media, which can be previewed at Random House: Teachers & Librarians. 

Bull by David Elliott

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Elliott, David. 2017. BULL. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 9780544610606. 

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Greek Mythology has never felt so contemporary! Elliott retells the ancient tale of Theseus and the Minotaur in a modern-day novel in verse.  It is a heartbreaking story of revenge and jealousy.  Asterion, the Minotaur, is a victim of curse and circumstance, whose physical appearance precludes him from acceptance and love. After Poseidon sets his plot in motion, he sits back and watches the players deteriorate and descend into misery.  

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The poetic structure of this book is exceptionally unique and powerful. It is entrancing- with its dramatic soap opera-like plot of twisted loves and family betrayal. Elliott has taken a story that has been told and retold so many times, and he has given it new life. 

The Afterword gives insight into the varying poetic structures of the different character voices. Elliott was very intentional with the relationship between structure and meaning.  He gave different characters different poetic forms. The varying cadences enhance the potency of the character’s thoughts and feelings, and distinguish the perspectives. 

His characterization of Asterion is sympathy-inducing. The reader can’t help but fall in love with this sad aberration. All he wants is love and acceptance from his own family. His unique parentage is no fault of his own, yet he bears the burden of his mother’s cursed misdeed. He maintains hope for longer than anyone would expect.

The universal lessons of choice and consequence can be seen in several plot points. Even when the choice is not your own, it does not prevent one from bearing the consequences. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist starred, (December 2016) “Effective both for classrooms and pleasure reading, this modernization brings new relevancy to an old story. It’s a conceit that easily could have floundered; in Elliott’s capable hands, it soars.”

Horn Book Guide starred, (October 2017)

Kirkus Reviews starred, (December 2016) “Elliott’s absolutely magnetic rhythms will wake up any high school class, and the book could also work as a play. Irresistible, slick, and sharp (no bull!)—with plenty of bull to dissect.”

School Library Journal, (February 2017)

Teacher Librarian, (April 2018)

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), (February 2017)

5. CONNECTIONS
*Because of the language, this book is recommended for grades 9+.  It would be a strong addition to a more modern mythology unit, along with the Olympians series by George O’Connor, and the graphic novel of The Odyssey by Gareth Hinds.
*For high schoolers and beyond, Bull would be a great introductory novel to a characterization study of the cast of the classic myth, with further, more in-depth readings like Ariadne by Jennifer Saint and Phaedra by Laura Shepperson. 

White Bird by RJ Palacio-- Movie coming to theaters this August!

 

-from https://wonderthebook.com/books/white-bird

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Palacio, R.J. 2019. WHITE BIRD. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 9780525645535. 

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Julian has been recently expelled from school because of his bullying behavior toward another student (our beloved Auggie, from Wonder.)  At his new school, he is assigned to research someone and write an essay about his/her life. He has chosen his grandmere, his beloved grandmother, Sara. She tells him the harrowing story of her life during World War II, as a Jewish French citizen. Her story is filled with both love and hate. As the Nazis invade her town, she is forced to separate from her family, and finds herself at the mercy of a kind classmate. The bravery, compassion, and generosity of the people in Sara’s story will inspire her grandson, as well as the reader. Palacio connects the past to the present and once again, petitions for our humanity. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This graphic novel is very well done! Palacio is so talented, to be both the writer and illustrator of this work. Kevin Czap is the artist that “inked” the story, which I recently learned is a crucial role in graphics. Czap created the shades and shadows of the drawings. 

The color choices create the tone of the story, and in this case, the muted colors of the flashback story are different from the brighter colors of the current day story. The narrator, Sara Blum, describes her younger life as a fairytale, and the color choices match that description- soft, happy colors. Then the shades associated with the evil of the Nazis and conspirators are darker and more shadowy.

I loved that this story was told in the form of a graphic novel. The pictures added so much to the story.  The emotions of this book are strong, and the details of the characters’ body language and facial expressions added to the depth and complexity of the emotion. Also, the symbolism was augmented by the visual aspect. For example, the yellow scarf that the sacrificial school teacher gives to Sara, as a symbol of hope and strength. Sara wears it throughout her time in hiding, but then she passes it along to Madame Beaumier, who must continue to face life without her son. 

There is a strong social-emotional lesson here. A connection is quickly made between bullying and oppression.  Bullying is a term that one may view as banal or  innocuous, but abuse and cruelty get our attention much quicker. They are one in the same, and Palacio shows her reader both the evidence and consequence. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Kirkus Reviews starred, July 2019, “ Although the book is being marketed as middle-grade, the complexities of the Holocaust in Vichy France, the growing relationship between Sara and Julien, Julien’s fate, and the mutual mistrust among neighbors will be most readily appreciated by Wonder’s older graduates. A must-read graphic novel that is both heart-rending and beautifully hopeful.”

Publishers Weekly, July 2019

School Library Journal, September 2019, “Moments set in the present featuring Julian and Grandmère frame the tale and draw parallels to family separation at the U.S. border, offering a powerful conclusion.”

Sydney Taylor Book Award, 2020

5. CONNECTIONS
*The topic of bullying needs to be addressed throughout every stage of schooling. This book would be a poignant addition to a SEL unit on bullying, along with Fish in a Tree, by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Restart by Gordon Korman, or A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat.
*White Bird would also be a great complementary piece of a Holocaust study, alongside other middle grade books like Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen, or Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus. There are so many more! 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Alexie Sherman

 

-from https://fallsapart.com/

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alexie, Sherman. 2007. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN. New York: Little, Brown & Company. ISBN 978-0-316-01368-0. 

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Arnold Spirit was different from most of the other Spokane Indians on the reservation. He considered himself both deficient and exceptional.  He was bullied by everyone, including his best friend, Rowdy. He was skinny, awkward and had a disproportionate head. However, he was also smart, but even more importantly, he was hopeful. He decided that his only chance to make something of his life was to attend a better school off of the reservation. At Reardan High School, his life was still full of challenges and grief, but at least he had a chance to make something of himself.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is a paradox. It is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Arnold Spirit is an extraordinary character. His matter-of-fact narration sheds an honest light on the overwhelming challenges on Native American reservations. The issues of alcoholism, poor education, mental illness and empty government promises all have devastating effects on Arnold and his family.  

The befitting diction and syntax, along with the teenage humor, bring the voice of the narrator to life. His wit is so entertaining. In the same paragraph, Alexie will juxtapose humor with hardship. For example, Arnold describes the hunger that comes along with poverty, and then starts to talk about KFC chicken and says …“a good piece of chicken can make anybody believe in the existence of God.”   

The theme of alcoholism is very poignant throughout the story. All four of the deaths that the Spirit family grieve are alcohol-related. Arnold’s young point of view is able to see the consequences of the adults’ choices around him, but he is powerless to affect them. On the other hand, he does have power over his own decisions. It is inspiring to see Arnold break the mold of his family and tribe, and make strides toward success in his life. The theme of hope balances out the sadness within the book.

      
4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
ALA Notable Children's Books, 2008

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books starred, (October 2007)

Horn Book Magazine starred, (September 2007)

Kirkus Reviews starred, (July 2007)

Publishers Weekly starred, (August 2007)

School Library Journal starred, (September 2007)

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, (August 2007)

5. CONNECTIONS
*Whether is during Native American Heritage month in November, or just a study of American Indian Reservations, this book would coordinate well with other books like, The Second Chance of Benjamin Waterfalls, by James Bird, or Walking in Two Worlds, by Wab Kinew or The Heart of a Chief, by Joseph Bruchac.

*Warning: this book does contain adult language.