Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly

 

-from erinentradakelly.com

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kelly, Erin Entrada. 2017. HELLO UNIVERSE. New York: Greenwillow Books, An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 9780062414151.

B. PLOT SUMMARY
Virgl is a quiet boy.  He struggles to let his feelings and thoughts come out.  Thankfully, he can consult his personal psychic and close friend, Kaori.  On the first day of summer, the neighborhood bully goes too far, and Virgl is forced to be heroic.  However, attempting to save his best friend’s life may end his own. 

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Kelly does a great job of writing a story with a diverse set of kids that all seem unique and similar at the same time. But isn’t that almost the definition of humankind? 

Virgil Salinas is painfully introverted. Valencia Somerset is hearing impaired. Kaori Tanaka believes she is psychic. They all feel misunderstood by their families, so they find comfort in other things like a guinea pig, a journal, and fortune-telling crystals. 

The presence and influence of Lola in Virgl’s home is a cultural marker. Multi-generational homes are more common in some Asian cultures, one expression of valuing the elderly and their wisdom. Lola is a great source of wisdom, but also of love and attention for Virgl. The Filipino folk stories that Lola tells him become a part of his consciousness, and in his hour of need, the stories both haunt him and help him.  

Language is a prominent cultural marker in Virgl’s part of the story also. His Lola uses Cebuano words and phrases, which is a language also known as Visayan, used in the central and southern Philippines. The meaning of the words can usually be ascertained by context. Some of her words are “anak,” which means ‘son’ and “mahal kita,” which means ‘I love you.”

The Tanaka sisters, who are “second-generation Japanese American from Ohio,” are a different  representation of Asian Americans in the story. Their lives portray typical American values and interests, with perhaps a stronger than average emphasis on fate and reincarnation. 

D. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

ALA Notable Children's Books, 2018

Newbery Medal, 2018

Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee

Booklist starred, December 2016

Kirkus Reviews starred, December 2016

Publishers Weekly starred, December 2016: “Kelly rotates among the viewpoints of Kaori, Virgil, Valencia, and neighborhood bully Chet, who contribute their own distinct stories, voices, and challenges. Infused with humor and hope, this book deftly conveys messages of resilience and self-acceptance through simple acts of everyday courage. Readers will be left inspired to tackle life's fears head-on.”

School Library Journal starred, January 2017: “ Unlikely friendships are formed and heroism abounds as the group of young people try to find their way in the world. Plucky protagonists and a deftly woven story will appeal to anyone who has ever felt a bit lost in the universe.”

E. CONNECTIONS

This middle-grade novel addresses an important and pertinent issue- bullying. Some other quality books that would be great to include in SEL lessons or literature circles for discussion are Starfish by Lisa Fipps, Restart by Gordon Korman, or Save me a seat by Sarah Weeks. 

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.

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.

Starfish

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fipps, Lisa. 2021. STARFISH. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books. ISBN 978-1-66883-520-3. 

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This well-written novel-in-verse proves that your heart can fall in love, while breaking at the same time. The young protagonist, Ellie, has such a great personality, but few look beyond her physical appearance. Her family dynamic is splintered, between a caring, supportive father, and a critical, harsh mother. Sadly, bullying is a constant in Ellie’s life, whether at home or at school. Thanks to a life-changing therapist, Ellie discovers her self-worth and learns how to stand up for herself. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Wow. This book was so sad. I cried multiple times. The cruelty that the main character, Ellie, experiences is almost unbelievable. However, the author’s notes explain that the bullying episodes that Ellie endures are based on her own life experiences. This explains why the character’s words and reactions seem so believable. 

Even though the ruthlessness that Ellie endures is heavy, the tone of this book stays light. Fipps doesn’t explore the depth of the hurt and rejection her protagonist would most likely experience.  In typical YA fashion, her problems are mostly resolved in a 200 page timeline. 

The young protagonist is certainly loveable. Ellie finds joy in her best friends. She finds unconditional love in her relationship with her dad and eventually with her sister.  Her older sister and Ellie are the only dynamic characters that transform through the progression of the novel. The characterization is built almost exclusively through their direct dialogue with the narrator.  

Books like this are important. They can help guide kids through life’s difficulties and even offer hope. However, YA novels need to be careful to not underrate the severity of the tough issues. The mental and emotional anguish young people experience from bullying may require significant intervention and/or therapies. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
ALA Notable Children's Books, 2022
Booklist starred, (December 2020)
Kirkus Reviews starred, (February 2021)
Michael L. Printz Honor, 2022
School Library Journal starred, (February 2021)
Texas: Lone Star Reading List, 2022

5. CONNECTIONS
*There are other great books about bullying, and specifically about kids being bullied for their weight.  Garvey’s Choice, by Nikki Grimes, Dear Sweet Pea, by Julie Murphy, and Jelly by Jo Cotterill would all pair well with Starfish, and be great book club material for discussion around this topic.