1968, Edited by Marc Aronson and Susan Campbell Bartoletti

-from https://susancampbellbartoletti.com/books/nonfiction/nineteen_sixty_eight/

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Aronson, Marc & Campbell Bartoletti, Susan. (Eds). 2018. 1968: TODAY’S AUTHORS EXPLORE A YEAR OF REBELLION, REVOLUTION, AND CHANGE. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 978-0-76368993-3.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This collection of essays are the recollections of a sad and tumultuous year in the world’s history.  Each story shines a light on the ups and the downs of the times. The year was marked by accomplishments and advancements as well.  However, sadly, the one constant throughout the year was death and war. The Vietnam War waged on, while so many tried to fight other wars against authority and tradition for freedom and equality.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book of protest and challenge is organized in three-month sections of 1968. Each of the four sections begins with a short summary written by Elizabeth Partridge, titled “Nightly News.” In these short segments, Partridge documents the deaths from the Vietnam War, Americans and Vietnamese, both ally and enemy, and also Vietnamese civilian deaths.  Seeing the numbers, broken down by month and category, is heartbreaking.  There were so many lives lost. She also covers the current events from those three months, from demonstrations to assassinations.  

The other essays are from all over the globe. Many of them are about protests that frustrated and angry people started, in California, in Chicago, in Paris, in China, in Mexico– in so many places. The language of the stories is rich and powerful. The diction conveys the passions of the people. In addition to these, some of the other essays are about much more subtle or furtive social commentary. In David Lubar’s essay, he analyzes the comedians of 1968 and their material.  He makes a point that comedians like Moms Mabley and the Smothers Brothers used their platforms to make important points about civil rights and war. 

Not all of the essays are about politics and violence.  There are some stark juxtapositions within the book. “Biker’s Ed” is about teenagers taking a fun, innocent bike ride along the California coast. “The Code Wars” is about an American scientist, Marshall Nirenberg, winning a Nobel Peace Prize for genetic coding. These, along with a few others, prove that 1968 wasn’t all bad.  It wasn’t just about fighting the corrupt systems and inequalities of the world.  

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist, September 2018: “With an approach promoting critical thinking, this collection will likely help illuminate a deeply important year in world history and encourage fresh thinking about our current contentious moment.”

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, October 2018

Kirkus Reviews starred, August 2018: “The book’s strength lies in the way different voices and different angles come together into an integrated whole. Fascinating and accomplished.”

School Library Connection starred, October 2018

School Library Journal, September 2018

5. CONNECTIONS

*This great book of nonfiction could join forces with other nonfiction to form a great unity of study about the 1960s in America.  A strange stirring : the Feminine mystique and American women at the dawn of the 1960s by Stephanie Coontz, The 1960s decade in photos : love, freedom, and flower power (Amazing Decades In Photos) by Jim Corrigan, or Civil unrest in the 1960s : riots and their aftermath by Wil Mara. 

#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women, Edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale

 

- from https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/2017/10/highly-recommended-notyourprincess.html

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Charleyboy, Lisa, & Leatherdale, Mary Beth. (Eds.) 2017. #NOTYOURPRINCESS: VOICES OF NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN. Toronto: Annick Press. ISBN 978-1-55451-958-3.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This book is a beautiful, eclectic mix of art, poetry, photographs, stories, and powerful quotations.  Some are celebrations of culture and identity, while others are lamentations of loss and abuse. There are many different tribes represented, Navajo, Cherokee, Cree, Lakota, and so many more. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

There are many artistic expressions within this book.  Whether it is a poem, a graphic story, or a short quotation, the words all seem to hold a lot of emotion. The most dominant mood of the book is solemn and melancholy. Many of the articulations refer to the tragic history of the American tribes. In spite of those references, the overall theme is strength. Themes are the way the work is organized, like “the ties that bind us,” “pathfinders,” “it could have been me,” etc. 

These reflections and expressions are personal, so the authenticity and accuracy are inherent. Although they are personal- a photo or a poem or a memoir- they are also communal. They aren’t just a declaration of personal identity or worth, they are messages to communicate worth to others. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

American Indian Youth Literature Award, 2018

Booklist, September 2017

Kirkus Reviews starred, July 2017: “The vital message that it offers is that Indigenous women continue to shatter stereotypes through their personal successes and creative expression. Both testament to the complexity of Indigenous women’s identities and ferocious statement that these women fully inhabit the modern world.”

Publishers Weekly, August 2017

School Library Journal starred, September 2017: “ A stunning anthology of creative writing and art-a love letter, indeed. All YA collections will want this.”

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, February 2018

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults-Nominees, 2018

5. CONNECTIONS
*This insightful book belongs in a study or unit on American Indigenous people. There are some other YA books that could accompany this one, like Notable native people : 50 indigenous leaders, dreamers, and changemakers from past and present by Adrienne Keene, Everything you wanted to know about Indians but were afraid to ask by Anton Treuer, and An indigenous peoples' history of the United States for young people (Revisioning History for Young People) by Debbie Reese.

Temple Grandin: How the Girl who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World

 

-from https://symontgomery.com/temple-grandin/

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Montgomery, Sy. 2012. TEMPLE GRANDIN: HOW THE GIRL WHO LOVED COWS EMBRACED AUTISM AND CHANGED THE WORLD. New York: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 978-0-547-44325-7. 

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Temple Grandin’s parents knew she was different from the beginning of her life.  Her mom did everything she could to give Temple the best education and opportunities. Like many kids with autism, Temple struggled to understand social situations and to control her emotions. However, she quickly learned to cope by taking advantage of her strengths and interests. Temple Grandin succeeded at earning a PhD and changing the cattle industry all over the world. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Temple Grandin is a fascinating person, and I really enjoyed this book! The tone and syntax of the work fit the subject matter and intended audience.  From the sources listed and the amount of material that are direct quotes from Ms. Grandin, the accuracy of the information presented seems very astute. The organization of the book is primarily chronological, with subtext inserted about relevant topics. The authenticity of the text is augmented by the quotes and contributions of Ms. Grandin’s relatives and friends.  

Montgomery does a nice job of including explanations and pronunciations for the pertinent, but particular terminology with which some readers may be unfamiliar. The design of the book is a great mixture of text, photographs and illustrations. Some of the illustrations are Grandin’s designs of her interesting inventions or systems. 

Some of the more minor details of the book that still have a positive impact on the reading experience are the colorful pages and the bigger font.  My favorite aspect of the book is the Appendix, “Temple’s Advice for Kids on the Spectrum.” What a beautiful and meaningful addition, meant to help and encourage readers that may have the same neurological difference as her! I will be buying a copy of this book for our school library! 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
ALA Notable Children's Books, 2013

Horn Book Magazine, March 2012: “One of Grandin's greatest gifts is her ability to describe what it is like inside her mind and how her mind and nervous system are similar to those of animals. Because of this, Montgomery's book not only tells the powerful story of one amazing woman's life journey, but also has potential to help readers understand autistic people and animals.”

Kirkus Reviews, February 2012: “A well written, admiring and thought-provoking portrait.”

Library Media Connection starred, November 2012

School Library Journal starred, April 2012

Science Books & Films (AAAS), November 2012

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), February 2012

5. CONNECTIONS
*This book about Temple Grandin would be a great addition to a collection of nonfiction books about neurodiversity, along with other books like A different kind of normal : my real-life completely true story about being unique by Abigail Balfe, or Funny, you don't look autistic : a comedian's guide to life on the spectrum by Michael McCreary.

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor (Book 1 of The Nsibidi Script Series)

 

-from https://nnedi.com/books/akata-witch/

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Okorafor, Nnedi. 2017. AKATA WITCH (NSIBIDI SCRIPTS, BOOK 1). Badaki, Yetide (Narrator). New York: Speak. ISBN 978-0-399-16030-1.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Sunny Nwazue is a 12 year old Nigerian girl who is albino. She appears to be different from everyone around her, but she soon finds kindred spirits. Her friends, Orlu, Chichi, and Sasha guide her into the discovery of her magical identity and the powers that are available to her. The friends create a supernatural coven that tries to stop a violent killer in their community, while also figuring out the ordinary challenges of adolescence. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is fascinating.  It is full of interesting Nigerian cultural references, and imaginative supernatural elements. The mystical elements of shape shifting, healing, and spells seem to correspond naturally with the background of African tribal culture. Juju is a common element in the Leopard community, which is the name for those blessed with supernatural powers. 

  

The severity of the violence is a little unnerving. The antagonist in this story is a serial killer, whose victims are all children, under the age of 16. The children are murdered, and also maimed. The presence of this evil is neither the focus of the story, nor is it described in detail. However, it seems like violence of that nature could be disturbing for younger adolescent readers.  It was for me.  

Okorafor includes descriptive details for her adolescent readers to enjoy.  For example, Sunny’s interest and play in soccer is relatable to many youths. Whether it is remarking that Sunny drinks Fanta soda with her okra soup or the commentary on the magical bird’s big “pile of poo,” Okorafor includes details to relate and entertain her intended young audience. 

Overall, the storyline focuses on the discovery of the characters’ magical powers and the introduction of the Leopard community. There is not a traditional, straight plot line, with a central conflict and resolution.

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist, May 2011: “Okorafor’s high-spirited characters, sly humor, archetypal themes, and inventive reworking of coming-of-age journeys will leave readers eager for this series starter’s planned sequels.”

Horn Book Magazine, May 2011

Kirkus Reviews, March 2011

Library Media Connection, October 2011

Publishers Weekly, February 2011: “Although a bit slow getting started, this tale is filled with marvels and is sure to appeal to teens whose interest in fantasy goes beyond dwarves and fairies.”

School Library Journal, June 2011

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), June 2011

5. CONNECTIONS
*Other contemporary African novels are Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor, City of Saints & Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson, or The bitter side of sweet by Tara Sullivan. Although they are fiction, these books could offer insightful cultural perspectives. 

*It would be really fun to do a Magical Fantasy book club, comparing and contrasting Harry Potter-like novels, where a young person is learning how to conduct his/her magic. There are several similar books that feature protagonists in other cultures or parts of the world, like The Marvellers, by Dhonielle Clayton, Solimar: the sword of the monarchs, by Pam Munoz Ryan, or The girl who drank the moon, by Kelly Regan Barnhill.

Dodger by Terry Pratchett

 

-from https://www.terrypratchettbooks.com/book-series/standalones/

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Pratchett, Terry. 2012. DODGER. New York: HARPER, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 9780062009494. 

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Dodger is a tosher, a scavenger of the London underground.  He is a sharp young man whose skill and charm were well-known throughout the city. To begin this tale, Dodger comes to the rescue of a young lady in peril, but in order to keep her safe, he must employ all his wits and connections.  Known as Simplicity, the young woman’s identity remains somewhat ambiguous, but she attracts the attention of the powerful because of her ties to international relations. Dodger will become her champion, and at the same time, become a champion of London for subduing the infamous, and perhaps misunderstood, Sweeney Todd.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I learned so much from this little book! It is classified as Fantasy, but I found it to be more Historical Fiction. Pratchett’s use of colloquial language and period references are both entertaining and a little confusing. I had to look up several of the words and phrases to understand the meanings, but I enjoyed learning the new words, like firkytoodle, and historical  allusions. One of the most provocative references was the Cross Bones Graveyard of the Winchester Geese. Another subculture of poverty in London, these ‘geese’ were prostitutes that were taxed by the Winchester Bishop and later buried in the pauper’s grave. This is just one of the many examples of heartbreaking, but historical references in the book. 

Pratchett does an excellent job of constructing the settings of this book, most interestingly, the mysterious underground world of London’s sewers. Through the eyes and thoughts of Dodger, the reader develops a fondness for this nasty netherworld. Even with the rats and the human waste, the tunnels provide a comfortable background for the lives and work of the toshers. The slums were described in the same way, dangerous, yet hospitable.

There are many colorful characters in this story, some fictional and some historical. Charles Dickens and Henry Mayhew are two of the most historically significant figures that are intertwined in Dodger’s story. Both of whom were real-life advocates for the poor of London.  Solomon, a wise, older Jewish friend, provides Dodger with the guidance and caretaking of a father-figure. However, there is a vast network of characters that provide Dodger with the help and assistance he needs to save his damsel in distress. 

I believe that Pratchett offers some subtle social commentary on poverty, and I think the desperation it induces is as true today as it was in Victorian London. The story offers an entertaining plot, with fantastical subplots included, but the exceptional quality of this book shines through the captivating dialogue and endearing characterization.   

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist starred, October 2012

Horn Book Magazine starred, November 2012: “His original take on the world and his deft way with language make him a wonderful guide through sewers, morgues, theaters, drawing rooms, pea-soup fogs, and barbershops and a story of espionage, romance, action, skullduggery, double-dealing, and heroism.”

Kirkus Reviews, August 2012

Michael L. Printz Honor, 2013

Publishers Weekly starred, August 2012

School Library Journal starred, November 2012: “Pratchett does a bang-up job of recreating Old London for today's audience, complete with pathos, humor, and truly nasty descriptions of the filth, stench, and danger, all narrated in Dodger's unique voice.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*This book would be a great addition to a study of Victorian London, along with other books like Constable & Toop by Gareth P Jones, How to Catch a Bogle series by Katherine Jinks, or the Agency book series, by Y.S. Lee.

An Ember in the Ashes (Book 1) by Sabaa Tahir

 

-from https://sabaatahir.com/an-ember-in-the-ashes/

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Tahir, Sabaa. 2015. AN EMBER IN THE ASHES (Ember in the Ashes Book Series, Book). Hardingham, Fiona & West, Steve, (Narrators). New York: HarperAudio. ISBN 978-1-51810-653-8.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Laia has lost almost everything. The empire has not only oppressed her people, but they have also taken those most precious to her.  Now, she must figure out a way to rescue her beloved brother. In her desperation, Laia makes the radical decision to become a spy for the Resistance, by becoming a slave to the cruel commandant of Blackcliff.  She is tested to her limits, of strength and bravery. Along the way, she finds a powerful ally in the most unlikely person, Elias.  Elias was an exceptional student at Blackcliff, but his conscience won’t allow him to take the next step into the role of Mask. He must decide whether to escape his violent fate, or compete for the ultimate honor.    

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Tahir creates a severe and formidable empire, built on violence and inhumanity. In this upside down kingdom, strength is unequivocally tied to malice. It is a true dystopia, where societal values seem to contradict the necessities of humanity.  In the tradition of The Giver or Divergent, the population has been divided into groupings according to the function or skill. The Scholars, those who value knowledge and culture, have been subdued by the Martials and the Masks, who kill mercilessly. 

Tahir’s characterization of Elias is especially intriguing. His character has strong convictions of right and wrong, but he is continually challenged in the application of morals. Tahir gives him depth, by revealing his fears, his regrets, and his carefully constructed affections. His conflicted soul secures him the spot of anti-hero in this tale.  

In contrast, Laia is motivated by love and loyalty to her brother, and then her fellow slaves. Her character is selfless in her personal sacrifices. She is the antithesis of the commandant, Keris Veturia, who is personified evil. In true dystopian fashion, the scales are turned upside down, with the power and glory on the side of the wicked and vile, while the good and true people are abused and oppressed.  Because this is only book one of a series, the question remains, will good triumph? Will love bloom and overcome the separation of classes?  

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Amazon's Best Young Adult Book of 2015

Booklist, September 2015 (audio format)*

Horn Book Guide, October 2015

Library Media Connection, September 2015

Publishers Weekly starred, (audio format)* June 2015: “Both narrators also voice other characters; for West, one standout is his sage treatment of an ancient soothsayer named Cain, and for Hardingham, it is the raspy narration of a jaded rebel turned-slave whom Laia meets while undercover. Engaging vocal performances and a fast-paced story line will keep listeners riveted.”

School Library Journal, January 2015

School Library Journal, (audio format)* July 2015: ”West and Hardingham bring the dystopian world to life and provide an engaging experience for the listener. VERDICT Fans of adventure, dystopias, and romance will enjoy this audiobook.”

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), August 2015

5. CONNECTIONS

*The Ember in the Ashes series is a dystopian series that could be compared or contrasted with other contemporary dystopic series like Arc Of A Scythe series by Neal Schusterman, The Stranded series by Sarah Viner-Daniels or the Legend series by Marie Lu. 

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

-from https://rutasepetys.com/books/salt-to-the-sea/

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sepetys, Ruta. 2016. SALT TO THE SEA.  New York: Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-399-16030-1.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Joana. Florian. Emilia. Alfred. Against the backdrop of World War II, these four tell their stories of struggle, suffering, and loss. Thrown together by dreadful circumstances, a group of ragtag refugees travel together, trying to escape the approaching Russians. However, many of them are also enemies of the Reich. The bonds that form through desperation can be strong and familial. Their fates will converge on the Wilhelm Gustloff, a vessel that promised safety, but delivered doom.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a heart-wrenching book. The suffering that the characters endure is heavy and horrible. Sepetys creates four different narrative perspectives, a German artist, a Lithuanian nurse, a pregnant Polish teenager, and a bullied Nazi soldier. 

Three of their stories converge early on, as they are running from impending Russian invasion. Each of them becomes dependent on another for strength or help. The theme of strength of the human spirit is present throughout the story. Death is also another dark theme that weaves through the book from beginning to end, from death of loved ones, death of community and identity, and for some characters, their own deaths.

There are appalling tragedies of war that Sepetys includes that are almost unmanageable for me.  This book is not for the faint of heart. She doesn’t include much detail, but rape and infant death are gruesome and heartbreaking. Sepetys includes historical research throughout her story, and I looked in the true story of Nemmersdorf. It made me nauseous. There are points of light and life in the book, but be forewarned. The truth of war is hell. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist starred, December 2015: “This haunting gem of a novel begs to be remembered, and in turn, it tries to remember the thousands of real people its fictional characters represent. What it asks of us is that their memories—and their stories—not be abandoned to the sea.”

Horn Book Magazine, January 2016

Kirkus Reviews, November 2015

Library Journal starred, December 2015

Publishers Weekly starred, November 2015

School Library Journal starred, December 2015: “Artfully told and sensitively crafted, Sepetys's exploration of this little-known piece of history will leave readers weeping.”

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), December 2015

5. CONNECTIONS
*The sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff is a little known slice of World War II history.  To teach World War II history with a wider lens, books that could offer different perspectives are We are not free by Traci Chee, about young Japanese-Americans sent to internment camps, Night Witches: a novel of World War II by Kathryn Lasky, about the Soviet female pilots, or Eyes of the Emperor by Graham Salisbury, about Japanese Americans training K-9 units to be used in Japan. 

**For great middle grade World War II books, The Midnight Zoo by Sonya Hartnett, Code Name Verity and The Enigma Game by Elizabeth Wein and Hero on a Bicycle by Shirley Hughes.