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#10 National Book award winner Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

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Justification

I was interested in this book since I like stories that have a focus on mental health. I appreciated that the novel’s serious subject matter was being introduced to a young audience. Also, I am familiar with Neal Shusterman’s works and was excited to read another of his novels. Additionally, I enjoy adventures so the pirate storyline seemed like it would be engaging and fun. I believe this book would interest many young readers because of its unique storyline and wondrous writing. Challenger Deep is critically acclaimed and was the winner of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2015 in addition to several other awards.

Response

(c ) Challenger Deep is a novel that explores schizoaffective disorder unapologetically and the author does not hold back with vivid descriptions of the turbulent journey the main character Caden experiences. It is a disturbing but necessary text in these times of awareness of mental health. There is a great deal of symbolism in the book that consists of characters, concepts, and events that occur in the real world but manifest in unique ways in Caden’s alternate reality. I learned a great deal about schizophrenia and the feelings experienced by individuals with the disorder. (d) I think mental health is a very important part of human wellbeing that gets overlooked, especially the mental health of vulnerable teenagers. Although the novel deals with a very intense and serious mental health condition, it is important for teens to read about mental health crises. (e) I enjoyed reading the book since the main character's narration was interesting and made me want to read more. However, it felt like the book was intended for adult readers rather than teenager readers. This was continually evident to me by the author’s choice of very complex language and outdated expressions that fifteen-year-olds would not typically use. This negatively impacted my immersion in the text regardless of the author’s intentions by choosing that stylistic choice. Shusterman shifts between actual reality and Caden’s schizophrenic episodes in writing the story’s chapters. Towards the beginning of the novel, Shusterman alternates between the main character’s reality of living his regular life and his perceived reality of working aboard a ship seeking treasure. However, the balance shifts towards the middle of the book when Caden begins to sink deeper into his psychosis. More chapters describing the ship and its happenings appear and it becomes more clear to the readers that he is losing his hold on reality.

Conclusion

I enjoyed this book although it was confusing at times. Caden is an extremely intricate character, yet he is likable despite his mental illness which blurs reality. The novel addresses mental health in a shockingly accurate portrayal of a serious mental illness. I would recommend this book to readers who have had their own struggles with mental health or those who are curious about mental health disorders and what it is like to live with one. Also, readers who enjoy epic adventures with surprising twists would love this book, especially the altered reality Caden vividly experiences.

Citation

Shusterman, N., & Shusterman, B. (2015). Challenger deep. HarperTeen.

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#9 Printz winners or Printz Honor books Strange the dreamer by Laini Taylor

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Justification

I chose this book because I was excited to see a librarian as the main character of a young adult novel. From the description, I could tell he was an unlikely hero and I love stories that focus on a protagonist that overcomes the odds. I also was interested in the fact that the book is told from two perspectives of characters whose stories intertwine. Additionally, the book’s main genre is fantasy and the setting is spectacular which appealed to me. The book is critically acclaimed and won the Printz Honor in 2018. The book would easily attract avid readers of fantasy who enjoy intricate lore and detailed world-building.

Response

(b) One of the main themes of this book is good and evil and the philosophical discussion as to whether people are inherently evil. In the city of Weep powerful gods used their abilities to make humans into their slaves. However, the one man who later was called Godslayer stood up to them and killed all of them and their half-god half-human Godspawn. The Godspawn were infants, toddlers, and young children who were ruthlessly destroyed by the humans who feared them. The decision to murder innocents evokes a discussion within the book on what is right and wrong and whether descendants should face the punishment for crimes committed by their predecessors. (c ) This book challenged me in many ways and caused me to consider my personal morals. The main dilemma of the book is that a few Godspawn are still alive after all the humans thought they had slaughtered them all. Strange has to face his allegiances to his clever group of humans who plan to destroy the Godspawns’ home and his love for one of the Godspawn who visits him in his dreams. The horrible decision to eliminate the Godspawn from the world was not made lightly, however, the ethical issues of this choice are examined by Strange as he seeks to understand why the Godslayer killed them all. My connection to Strange deepened since I agreed with his opinion that the slaughter of the Godspawn was needless and cruel. (f) This book was written stunningly. The words, expressions, and descriptions the author wrote contributed to the fantastic, otherworldly quality of the world that is created in the novel. Although the writing at the beginning of the novel originally seemed excessive, however, as the book progressed, the value of the language chosen became much more evident to me. The personalities of each character are extremely clear as described by the actions, dialogue, and words used to discuss each character. The characters in this fantasy book In addition to being written beautifully, the plot of the book is extremely unique and engaging. The suspense created by not revealing the plan of the group assembled allows the reader to also be invested in the quest Strange sets out on.

Conclusion

Strange the Dreamer is a beautiful book that I would recommend to any teenage reader. The story and writing are equally wondrous to create an excellent experience. Readers of fantasy would be instantly drawn to the novel and the evocative writing of the author. However, the language of this book is quite advanced and that may cause reluctant readers to become uninterested in the book. Adults would also enjoy this book since it is complex and includes mature characters in their twenties.

Citation

Taylor, L. (2017). Strange the dreamer. Little, Brown and Company.

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#8 LGBTQ The Love & Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan

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Justification

I chose this book since the main character is LGBT+ and a woman of color. The description of the book covering the story of a teenage Muslim Bengali girl being forced to go to Bangladesh after being outed interested me. The diverse types of traditions and beliefs that are held by Muslims are something I am still greatly uninformed about and I hoped this book could present a genuine portrayal of the lives of the characters.

Response

(a) The main character, Rukhsana, is a lesbian like me. Similarly to me, she is not out to her family and only her close friends know about her sexual orientation. Unlike me, her family is staunch in their religious beliefs and has strong ties to a culture that is more conservative than most other cultures present in the United States. Although I was raised in a religious household, I never experienced violence and extremely hateful, intolerant insults like Rukhsana did. I gained greater insight into the fear closeted Muslim queer people experience through this book after reading the experiences that Rukhsana endured. (b) This book deals with homophobia present in Muslim and Bengali communities. Additionally, it addresses some Muslim practices and values some people find offensive or oppressive to human rights. This book does an excellent job of presenting both the good and the bad of the main character’s culture and how the negatives outweigh the positives in her experience. Additionally, the novel does not present a singular view of Bengali people; instead, the author included Bengali characters who accepted Rukhsana for who she is. (d) This book explores the negative attitudes and prejudice that many Muslims have against LGBT+ people. Another common issue experienced by closeted queer youth is introduced towards the beginning of the book. Rukhsana is dating a white teenage woman who is very detached from the Muslim experience Rukhsana is living. This causes her to fail to understand the impact coming out could have on her life; the girlfriend continually insisted that Rukhsana come out despite the consequences. This is an actual ongoing issue in queer communities since some queer individuals fail to understand the risk coming out presents for people with conservative families. I appreciated the inclusion of this issue in the novel since it is rarely discussed in LGBT+ young adult novels. However, I have an issue with the murder of the gay man Rukhsana was engaged to being used as a plot device. It felt like lazy writing and his death was cruelly utilized to magically convince Rukhsana’s parents that being gay is okay. As a queer person, his death felt very needless and was devastating. Also, the sudden change in Rukhsana's parent's beliefs was unrealistic.

Conclusion

Overall, this was a great book and includes representation from various LGBT+ identities. This representation is done authentically and presents a unique intersection of religion and membership in a sexual minority masterfully. The plot is interesting and the novel also empowers This book would appeal to POC and queer teens since it provides a relatable experience of life living with these identities.

Citation

Khan, S. (2019). The love & lies of Rukhsana Ali. Scholastic Press.

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#7 Mystery/Suspense The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephane Oakes

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Justification

I chose this book because I enjoy novels about cults that explore escaping the brainwashing that happens in them. Additionally, the murder mentioned in the description caught my interest and made me want to know more. Minnow, the main character, seemed like a very strong woman from the description and I like stories when women prove their abilities to the world. This book would catch the attention of teens with its thrilling description and immerse them in this wonderfully crafted novel once they begin reading.

Response

(d) I think cults are an under-recognized issue in the United States. The book also brought awareness to issues such as polygamy, underage marriage, sexual assault, racism, and violence. Despite these issues being shown in the context of a cult, the novel authentically shows the severity of these issues on individuals who are impacted. Minnow Bly lives in a cult off the grid with her father, his wives, and her siblings. She has her hands viciously chopped off by her father after she attempts to escape their encampment. Another issue the author addresses is the mistreatment of people with disabilities by the criminal justice system. They cruelly restrain her arms with zip ties and to not accommodate for her disability appropriately. (e) The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly is a wonderful book that explores the far-reaching effects of cults on their members, both those willing and coerced. The main character held doubts about the cult leader and they eventually culminated in her total disbelief in the religious lessons she was taught her entire life. The novel follows her on her journey to rediscover herself and find a new identity after she left the cult. The inclusion of the racist beliefs of the cult was startling. I do not immediately associate cults with white supremacy, however, the cult portrayed in this novel is definitely racist. The religious beliefs of the cult were extremely well-developed which made the cult believable and convincing. (g) I really enjoyed the text and would definitely read a book by the author again. I could hardly put the book down while reading it due to the enrapturing story and suspense. The subject matter is well-researched and the author’s writing is immersive. Overall, the book was disturbing and eye-opening.

Conclusion

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly is stunning and evocative. The portrayal of a disability is also done well and the cult in the novel is realistic. The characters are developed well and Minnow’s journey almost feels like the reader’s journey as well. I would recommend this book to both teens and adults who enjoy gritty and realistic stories.

Citation

Oakes, S. (2015). The sacred lies of Minnow Bly. Dial Books.

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#6 Horror One Was Lost by Natalie D. Richards

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Justification

I chose this book because the premise of a group of high school seniors being hunted in the woods by an unknown killer interested me. I do not often seek out horror books and I chose this book since it was the most appealing out of the horror genre. It looked the best out of the horror search results since I have been fond of reading survival stories since reading The Hatchet. The cover also interested me and made me wonder about the significance of the doll that is shown. The author is not well-known, however, the book would interest teen readers due to its short length and mystery.

Response

(b) Many of the character’s mindsets, beliefs, and actions clashed with my view of the world. The cast of characters reflected diversity, however, these diverse characters were just as prejudiced as people who have not experienced discrimination. One character is an African-American teen who was adopted by two white fathers. He keenly knows what it is like to be judged because of his situation and other people’s opinions of him. However, two of the several characters make fun of him for not being openly gay because of their assumptions about his sexual orientation. I thought this was tasteless and incredibly insensitive; the other diverse characters' insistence that they would be understanding if he was gay was only because they wanted to force him into confessing if he was actually gay. (c ) I think this book challenged my own beliefs about survival in incredibly trying situations. Although the characters made choices I disagreed with because I thought they were unwise, they had some good insight about how to survive. The text did not communicate with me; the protagonist Sera’s main problem was unrelated to the survival situation. Sera feels she cannot have feelings for a male friend that is also on the trip since romantic relationships remind her of her mom who abandoned her family for a man. This was a very illogical belief and her fixation on this issue was confusing for me as a reader. (f) This was a very mediocre book since there were few big twists to the story that were not predictable. The romance feels out of place in the novel and it took away from the main plotline. The characters were not likable with the exception of Emily. They felt like walking stereotypes since they were all conventionally attractive, able-bodied, and conformed to the clichés associated with horror stories. However, the foreboding atmosphere made the reading experience enjoyable despite its flaws.

Conclusion

Overall, the book succeeded in creating suspense, however, the characters were unlikable. The plot twists in the novel were mostly predictable and the story was not as compelling compared to other mystery works. The book would be a great fit for readers who enjoy horror stories but do not care a lot about the characters involved. However, I would not recommend this book to readers who like very intricate and complex stories.

Citation

Richards, N.D. (2016). One was lost. Tantor Media Inc.

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#5 Fantasy OR Science Fiction On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

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Justification

I chose this book since I enjoy stories with a diverse range of characters. I was also interested in the cover and the futuristic premise. Additionally, I was allured by the art style which was very different from the styles I had seen in other graphic novels. The description of the graphic novel includes that the book includes two separate interconnected stories; the use of two different storylines that intertwine appeal to me greatly in literature. Tillie Walden’s works have received several awards including an Eisner Award; her novels are highly praised for their moving stories and stunning art.

Response

(a) I am a shy person like the main character Mia, yet extremely capable of speaking up for myself. At the beginning of the book, the protagonist joins the crew of a ship that restores historical places in space. Although she is out of her element in the new environment, Mia quickly adapts and befriends her crewmates. I have a similar ability to quickly become acclimated to unfamiliar settings despite initial unease about the situation. She is also queer like me and proud of her identity despite her being private about her personal life. (c) I think my views on first impressions have changed since reading the book. Some of my initial assumptions about characters were incorrect and the character’s later actions challenged my opinion of them. For instance, Alma, the crew’s captain, is very rude to the main character and stern around all the crew members. However, her backstory is provided later in the story to give needed insight into her personality and the experiences that shaped it. (f) Despite the setting being in space, the problems of the characters are relatable. The book did fail to convince me of the reality of the space setting since the characters do not wear any type of protective gear outside of their ship. There were few explanations given to the rules that enable the planets to exist and the science behind the new technologies they utilized. This did affect my immersion in the book as a work of science fiction since there was a lack of scientific explanation. The illustrations of this graphic novel are amazing, intricate, and evocative. The art style perfectly suits the galactic setting. The world-building is done in great detail and the lore is stunning. However, I had a minor issue in differentiating between the characters due to the style of the drawing in mostly gray-scale coloring. I sometimes struggled to understand what certain panels meant since the author included very thin panels of scenery. After reading this book, I proceeded to read the rest of Tillie Walden’s novels since I enjoyed the way the author crafts her stories.

Conclusion

I really enjoyed this book despite its somewhat confusing nonlinear storyline. The art is exquisite and the characters are incredibly realistic. The planets and ships illustrated and discussed in the book are stunning and detailed. The story in itself is one-of-a-kind and engaging; the action and romance incorporated in the novel are excellent. Queer teens and also young adults who enjoy science fiction stories would like this novel due to its striking story.

Citation

Walden, T. (2018). On a sunbeam. Roaring Brook Press.

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#4 Biography or autobiography Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi

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Justification

I chose this book since I enjoy books about women of color who are proud of their identities. This book interested me because it focused on a woman who was from Iran and living in the United States undocumented, instead of a much more common scenario of undocumented immigrants from Mexico which is explored frequently in YA literature. Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card would interest teen readers with its honest writing and interesting stories. It is relatable to all teenagers, not just immigrants with its raw retelling of lived experiences as a young adult.

Response

(c) This book explores what adolescence is like for an undocumented teenager living in California. Despite being from Iran, her family is atheist and does not embrace Muslim traditions since they fled the country during the turbulent Islamic revolution. The book did not challenge my opinions but it confronted my assumptions about immigration. Illegal immigration in the United States is often conceptualized as an issue from Mexico, however, this book presents a different side of illegal immigration. It also is informative on the Islamic Revolution of Iran and how the country changed during that era. (d) Immigration and feminism are some of the most important topics covered in this book. The immigration of individuals from other countries without proper documentation has been a controversial issue in the United States for the past several years. In her book, she addresses how being undocumented prevented her from living the life of a typical American teen and the ways it affected her mental health. She makes sure to explain the long process of immigration, its evolution over time, and the barriers that exist to gaining American citizenship. Feminism is especially prevalent throughout the book. Sara is an atheist and embraces the more liberal aspects of American life such as doing drugs and not identifying with a religion. As a woman, I enjoyed how she did not shy away from divulging her sexual journey and her process of embracing her body. (f) Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card was an entertaining autobiographical book that was enjoyable. The author includes a variety of pop culture references such as memes and currently popular celebrities; however, I found the references too forced and out of place. The author’s writing is unapologetically honest and discusses taboo topics such as masturbation, sex, and drug use. These discussions are even more valuable since they are written from a nonfiction experience that is relatable to modern teens. Instead of a disconnected fictional portrayal of these events from an outsider’s view, they are told with accuracy that can only be gained through actual experience.

Conclusion

Overall, I enjoyed this fun autobiography due to its unique content and insights into American culture. This book would be a great read for any individual interested in the Iranian revolution and the culture of Iranians. Also, young feminists and women of color would love the authentic representation of their identities in the author’s life story. It would be a great book to create interest in nonfiction books among young adults who consider nonfiction works boring.

Citation

Saedi, S. (2018). Americanized: Rebel without a green card. Knopf Books for Young Readers.

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#3 Christian Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevens

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Justification

I chose this book because I felt the story and main character would be relatable to me. It also appealed to me because it focused on an intersection of identities that is not written about often in YA literature: queer and Christian. The cover is also eye-catching and makes readers interested in what the book is about. Dress Codes for Small Towns is a book that is flawed in my opinion, however, some teens may enjoy the interesting premise and diversity present in the novel.

Response

(a) Like the main character Billie, I am a queer woman who lived in a small, conservative town and was raised by a very religious Christian family. However, I quickly realized she was very different from me. Her social life revolved around her co-ed group of friends, who were all misfits in their own unique way in their tiny town. She was endlessly quirky, from the way she had kissed all of her friends to her creation of a sofa made out of newspapers. The one aspect of her character I strongly related to was her belief that religion is much more personal rather than being an oppressive institution. Despite me not relating to Billie as much as I anticipated, she was indeed unique. (d) One of the best elements of this book was the inclusion of a religious queer character. Indeed, this combination is not usually found in LGBT+ YA novels since religious beliefs tend to conflict with queer identities. However, the main character strongly believes in both of these identities that are important to her and do not let either one conflict with the other. She also appreciates her religion without feeling a great fondness for the religious institution that is judgmental. One quote that clearly expresses this idea is “I decided that church members would never tell me what to do again. (Jesus could have his say—I was a person of faith; I just wasn't a person of legalistic bullshit.)” (Stevens, 2017, p. 155). The book provides a vital representation of a queer Christian woman which can be relatable to both religious and non-religious queer readers. Also, sexual orientation in this book is represented as fluid as characters question the extent of their feelings for their friends. This was delightful to see in the book as a queer woman since sexuality in young adult books is either represented as being static rather than dynamic. (f) This is one of my least favorite books I have read in recent times for several reasons. Firstly, the main character is nearly impossible to relate to since she is portrayed as being incredibly unique. Although this succeeds in establishing her individual character’s personality, it distanced me as a reader since it felt as if the author tried too hard to make the protagonist outrageously special. She is also incredibly selfish and kissed most of her friends in an attempt to discover who she is. Also, the multiple perspectives included in this book are confusing and make it harder to differentiate between the characters.

Conclusion

Dress Codes for Small Towns was a very mediocre read that did not leave a big impression on me. However, the representation of a religious Christian queer woman was done excellently and presents a value perspective within LGBT+ YA fiction. I would only recommend this book to readers who are already interested in the book and LGBT+ readers who like the premise. Besides these two groups, I would not recommend this book to anyone because of the unlikable characters and uninteresting plot.

Citation

Stevens, C. (2017). Dress codes for small towns. Harper Teen.

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#2 Poetry Solo by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess

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Justification

I chose this book because I have not read many young adult books told from the perspective of a Black man. Also, I was interested in reading the story of a young man that enjoys the fine arts and is expressive with emotions through a creative medium. Another element that drew me to the book was the cover where the main character is shown confident and surrounded by symbols that represent his identity. Solo would appeal to young male readers since it is narrated from a male’s perspective, unlike most young adult novels. This novel, among the rest of Kwame Alexander’s works, are critically acclaimed for their masterful stories told in verse about the lives of African-American young adults.

Response

(b) The main character Blade thinks of his father as a washed-out druggie. His father used to be a rockstar and could not leave behind his party lifestyle after his wife died. Although his father does use a lot of substances and continually leaves rehab, Blade does not give him enough credit for trying. For example, Blade does not say a word to his father when he leaves for rehab after crashing his graduation. In my opinion, it is wrong that Slade does not make more attempts to support his father in his recovery from his dependency on drugs. Also, Blade is living a life of luxury where he can destroy a priceless guitar without a thought. Later, he recognizes that he has a lot of privileges because of his father’s successful career. Despite his knowledge of his privilege, he still attempts to use his wealth to solve problems. However, at the very end of the book, he begins to realize that human connections and empathy are sometimes more valuable than cash. I enjoyed this change in his mindset which represents the human ability to change to become a better person. (c ) Blade wants to be a better man than his father who struggles with substance use disorders and has not been a supportive parent. This aspect of the story touched me the most because he does fight with the temptation to fall into a life of drugs and alcohol despite hating his father for being absent because of them. One line that illustrates his internal conflict well is: “Maybe I’ve been crying too much or thinking too much about drinking this bottle of Malibu I took from Rutherford, but I don’t want to end up like him” (Alexander & Hess, 2017, p. 144). I was moved by this emotional portrayal of temptation to fall into a generational cycle of substance use and parental neglect. (d) As a Christian, I really liked Chapel’s character and her contrast with her religious father. Although Chapel is Christian, she does not resent Blade like her father does. This is because she does not define him based on his family member’s choices and respects him for the person he is. Additionally, the latter half of this book follows Slade as he journeys to Ghana and meets several communities living in poverty. Upon seeing the poor towns he is humbled but still cannot adapt to their way of living. The portrayal of the impoverished communities in Ghana in Solo raises awareness of issues such as a lack of accessible education and an absence of quality health care in some countries.

Conclusion

Solo is an emotional read and the use of poetry makes the book unique and engaging. The plot of the novel is unique and interesting. The book would be good for more reluctant readers since it can be read in several hours since the pages are shorter than a typical chapter book. The book would also be enjoyed by African-American teens, especially males since it has an African-American protagonist.

Citation

Alexander, K., & Hess, M. R. (2017). Solo. Blink.

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#1 Romance Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

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Justification

I chose this book because I enjoy LGBT+ romances, especially ones that are sweet and not stress-inducing. Surprisingly, the art style appealed to me despite my tendency to avoid graphic novels. Additionally, I like unlikely romances between characters that seem vastly different. The art style of this book, especially the interesting cover and aesthetic pastel color palette, would attract teen readers. The tagline of the book: “Boy meets boy” is also captivating and generates interest in readers. Although Heartstopper has not won any acclaimed awards, the series is extremely popular with teens for its adorable story and characters.

Response

(a) As I read Heartstopper, there were parallels I could draw to my lived experiences. The main character Charlie is an openly gay young adult who falls in love with his unexpected friend named Nick who plays rugby. Charlie is relatable to me because he is awkward, queer, does not enjoy sports, and is introverted. He prefers to keep a small circle of close friends rather than associate with a large group of people. Unlike me, Charlie frequently struggles with his mental health and hides his feelings so as to not burden others. (d) This book addresses a plethora of LGBT+ issues that are faced by the queer community daily. Charlie is openly gay and is bullied by his peers in high school. One memorable instance is when Nick announces to his teammates that he wants Charlie to join the team and one of the players says “Does he even like sports? Everyone knows he’s gay.” This comment, although it may seem fairly harmless, perpetuates the untrue stereotype that gay men cannot enjoy hobbies and interests traditionally liked by straight men. Also, the book addresses an extremely important issue that both straight and queer people experience: sexual assault and harassment. At the start of the book, Charlie has a male classmate he meets regularly to be intimate with and he eventually ends things with him after seeing him with a female classmate. Charlie’s ex later forces himself on Charlie and Nick luckily intervenes. The inclusion of this topic was a great choice by the author to raise awareness despite the book being light-hearted overall. (f) This book was a wonderful read and I have since finished the whole series. Heartstopper is entertaining from cover to cover and full of laugh-out-loud moments. The characters are extremely likable and their anxieties are relatable to any teen.

Conclusion

Heartstopper is a beautifully written and illustrated coming-of-age novel that explores identity. The art style and personalities of the characters are fully developed and beautiful. The plot of the novel is light-hearted, and despite serious topics being discussed, they fit perfectly in the book. The book would appeal to queer teens and other young adults who enjoy happy LGBT+ love stories. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone, even adults since the story is very pleasant and enjoyable.

Citation

Oseman, A. (2020). Heartstopper: Volume 1. Graphix.

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Second 10 blogs/Genres/Categories of Books (7th-12th grade level)

Romance

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Poetry

Solo by Kwame Alexander, with Mary Rand Hess

Christian

Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevens

Biography or autobiography

Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi

Fantasy OR Science Fiction

On a Sunbeam by Walden

Horror

One Was Lost by Natalie D. Richards

Mystery/Suspense

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephane Oakes

LGBTQ

The Love & Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan

Printz winners or Printz Honor books

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

National Book award winner

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

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#15 free choice Waiting is Not Easy! by Mo Willems

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Justification

Waiting is Not Easy! is a picture book by Mo Willems that won the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor in 2015. I chose this book because the cover's illustration was adorable and looked interesting. I also picked this book because I know how popular his Pigeon book series is with children and wanted to see how this author writes. The title amused me and I think the title would also attract readers who become curious about the book based off of its title. Lastly, the concept of waiting is universal and I was interested in reading about how it was presented.

Evaluation of book

The plot is fun and focuses on an impatient elephant who has to wait to receive a surprise from a pig. He constantly complains of being unable to wait and groans loudly about wasting his time. He repeats several times that the surprise is not going to be worth the wait that took the entire day. However, at the end of the book, he discovers just how great the surprise was and learns the value of waiting. The ending is definitely worth the wait and is a fun twist that is unexpected. The lesson that is taught is important and could easily be applied in many situations with children. The plotline is not predictable and the pacing is well-done. The use of patterns in the plot, such as him groaning and knocking over the pig, makes the story more enjoyable.

The characters are extremely likable. Although only so much can be known and assumed about them from this short picture book, they are funny and entertaining. The elephant is impatient and rude as he gets irritated on many occasions. This character provides comic relief and would amuse young readers with his repeated protests against waiting. He is a foil of the pig, who is perfectly content waiting all day for the surprise. The pig enjoys waiting and encourages the elephant to continue waiting. The elephant character is dynamic and undergoes a big change in mindset by the end of the book. At the conclusion, he realizes that waiting is worth it sometimes and he plans to wait again soon. Also, the author cleverly includes a cameo of the protagonist from his very popular pigeon series which would delight readers who enjoy that series.

The illustrations are simplistic and adorable. The illustrations portray action such as when the pig does a summersault and lines around the character demonstrate the motion. The illustrator used very large speech bubbles when the elephant is complaining about waiting that are so big they push the pig down. This comedic artistic choice adds humor and portrays just how loud his complaints are. The illustrator also ingeniously uses the white background of the story to demonstrate the passing of time, having it turn darker shades of gray to show that almost an entire day has passed while waiting. The humor in the exaggerated expressions is appealing and would make readers laugh easily.

Conclusion

I would recommend this book to any younger reader or fan of Mo Willems other picture books such as Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!. The natural use of language reflects realistic examples of sentence formation and word choice. It is full of humor and teaches the important lesson of waiting. The illustrations also make the story more engaging and a fun read.

Citation

Willems, M. (2014). Waiting is not easy! Hyperion Books for Children.

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#14 Horror The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

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Justification

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste is a children’s chapter book in the horror genre. I chose this book for the horror genre because I had never heard Caribbean folklore and horror stories before. I also was interested in the cover and the various details that are shown in the illustration. The suspense that was employed by having the reader know more than the protagonist was very effective and made me like the book. This is a thrilling book and it could be enjoyed by most children who read horror.

Evaluation of book

The Jumbies is a fast-paced horror novel targeted at a middle schooler audience. It follows a young girl named Corinne who has to confront an evil jumbie, an evil spirit, in order to save her island and family. The plot ensnares the reader from the beginning with her running in a forest unbothered by the scary legends of jumbie creatures her fellow island-dwellers believe in. However, she spots two yellow eyes staring right at her and is pursued by an unidentifiable monster. It is then that Corinne starts to question whether the legends might be true. The story of this novel is engaging and the use of multiple perspectives enhances the plot by building suspense. Additionally, this allows for the reader to know more than the protagonist and become more fearful for the main character after learning the motivations of the villain. The author uses chapter length to increase anxiety in the reader and demonstrate the fast-paced sequence of events towards the end of the book. Foreshadowing is used frequently throughout the book to encourage the reader to make predictions and discover which elements of the story are important. The plot is truly one-of-a-kind and informs readers of basic knowledge about Caribbean folklore.

The style and language of The Jumbies is powerful and evocative. That author’s use of descriptive language adds to the story. The imagery is effective and is often utilized to evoke shock from the reader. One memorable instance is when Corinne sees hundreds of insects crawling inside of a jumbie’s body. The author writes: “They dashed in and out of the fine fur and bored their way through her chest, so that Corinne could see straight through it like an old rotten tree.” The vivid image painted by the author’s words appall the reader and make the connection between nature and the jumbies. The Jumbies also includes a clear instance of drawing a line in the sand; the main character believes that the legends about jumbies are made-up, however, based on the title of the book, the reader already knows that these legends are true.

The cast of characters is fun and the characters have realistic personalities. The main character, Corinne, is strong and helps to manage her household after her mother passed away. She is also independent; she goes to the market by herself to sell the oranges she personally grew and explores the island’s forest without fear. Corinne has to save her own dad in a reversal of the typical roles of a vulnerable child and protective parent. Corinne is also a character with flaws, both ones she is aware of and ones she does not know. Corinne is flawed in that she is unwilling to change her beliefs until she faces the danger head-on. The supporting characters, two brothers named Bouki and Malik, provide humor and also demonstrate extreme resilience. When the brothers are first introduced in Corinne’s perspective, the reader is prone to believe they are cruel mischief-makers who have no concern for others. However, as the story develops, the reader finds out they are homeless orphans who have to steal to be able to eat. This type of plot development encourages the reader to question their own initial assumptions about people and to not make judgments until they know someone better. The author also tactfully alludes to the fact that most of the island residents are descended from slaves that were freed from a ship they were being carried on. This suggestion subtly pays patronage to the history of enslavement that some Caribean peoples were subjected to and is used to demonstrate a significant surprising message about the nature of jumbies.

Conclusion

The Jumbies is a suspenseful horror story for children that is well-written and exciting. The tension of the story will draw readers in and have them hooked on the interesting plot and fun characters. There are also strong messages incorporated into the plot that encourage readers to question their own beliefs about first impressions and what is truly evil in the world. This book is a wonderful read and would appeal to most young readers of scary stories.

Citation

Baptiste, T. (2015). The jumbies. Algonquin Young Readers.

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#13 Who Was? book Who Was J.R.R Tolkien? By Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso

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Justification

Who Was J.R.R Tolkien? by Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso is a fun biography on the life of J.R.R Tolkien. It has not won any awards, however, the subject is interesting and would appeal to young fans of fantasy. I chose this book since I am a fan of his works and I was curious about how fun this biography could be. It is an enjoyable biography and makes dull biographic information entertaining. Despite being an adult reader of this book, I found it funny and informative.

Evaluation of book

The plot of the book follows the life of J.R.R Tolkien from his birth to his death. The plot is written in a very engaging way that makes even the less interesting parts of his life fun to read about. In addition to the general biographical information about his life, the book includes several informational boxes that provide more information about mentioned events and things that were significant in Tolkien’s life. The book begins with one of the moments that would greatly change Tolkien’s life, his first spark of creativity that would lead to him writing The Hobbit. The book also features an emphasis on his passion for linguistics and languages and mentions that although he is known for his books, he still loved languages. The book introduces his love of linguistics by describing how he wanted to create his own languages and returns to his everlasting love of linguistics by writing that Oxford’s awarding of him an honorary doctorate degree for his work in studying historical languages “perhaps meant the most to him, because it was the only one he received that wasn’t for the Lord of the Rings.” This statement clearly shows that although Tolkien appreciated the attention he got for his fantasy novels, he also wanted recognition for his work in other areas of interest. These small details included in the book reveal a great deal about Tolkien’s personality and his life beyond the fact that he wrote the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. Also, the book conveniently includes a brief, comprehensive timeline of Tolkien’s life and major world events that were significant.

The characters in the book are all real-life individuals who interacted with J.R.R Tolkien during his life. The protagonist is J.R.R Tolkien and from his first appearance in the book, he is presented as a humble and imaginative man. He is very educated and knowledgeable in many subjects, however, he has to take on extra work to support his family before beginning his books. Additionally, his wife is written to clearly portray her kind and considerate nature. Instead of telling the reader that she made compromises so Robert could be happy living at Oxford, the author only writes that she did not enjoy living in Oxford, however, she lived there for decades while he was a professor at the college. Throughout the book, the author makes it obvious that Edith deeply loves Robert by describing her actions. One memorable example is when she leaves her fiance to be with Robert after she had given up on waiting for him. Additionally, the book provides a brief but very comprehensive description of each individual when they first appear.

The illustrations in the book are done in a unique style of black and white sketches. These sketches suit the comfortable mood of the book and add a vintage feel that matches the time period Tolkien lived in. The illustrations provide emotion to the story and allow the reader to visualize some of the important events that occurred during his life. For instance, the text mentions how Ronald moved back to England from war to spend time with his wife in time for Christmas. The words themself do not convey as much meaning that is illustrated in the picture of Ronald sitting on the couch with his wife leaning against him as snow falls outside their window. The illustrations also extend the plot by including small drawings alongside informational text boxes that provide information on the context of a certain event or item. Additionally, several illustrations throughout the book are of maps and drawings of the fictional places of the Lord of the Rings series. These enhance the reading experience and pay homage to Tolkien’s most famous work.

Conclusion

I would recommend this book to older elementary students and middle school students who are already fond of Tolkien’s books or the movie adaptions. Also, this book is so entertaining despite it being a biography that even children who are not familiar with Tolkien may enjoy the book as well. The book is written well and accurately provides the facts of Tolkien's life. The illustrations perfectly fit with the text and make the emotions of the characters clear.

Citation

Pollack, P. & Belviso, M. (2015). Who Was J. R. R. Tolkien? Turtleback Books.

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#12 fantasy or science fiction The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill

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Justification

The Tea Dragon Society is a delightful children’s graphic novel in the fantasy genre. I personally chose this book because the style of the illustrations caught my eye. Additionally, I was interested in the book because it includes several queer couples and representation of people with disabilities which is not shown often in children’s books. I loved the book and the cozy artwork and dialogue made me feel very happy while reading it. It has won two Eisner Awards and is upheld as one of the best children’s graphic novels with LGBT+ representation by the queer community. This book would be loved by children and adults both because of the adorable illustrations and sweet plot. Also, this book is valuable because children who identify as LGBT+ or any of the other marginalized identities portrayed in this book can read about people that are like them without having to process also the heavy plotlines regarding discrimination that are present in most books about vulnerable groups.

Evaluation of book

The Tea Dragon Society is a beautiful graphic novel is about a young girl named Greta who is learning blacksmithing from her mother but discovers the amazing world of Tea Dragons, small dragons who grow leaves on their horns that can be used in brewing a magical tea. She decides to learn more about the dying art of caring for Tea Dragons but struggles with her continued passion for blacksmithing. The plot is light-hearted but includes topics such as LGBT+ romance, disability, and taking a path different than what parents want for their children. The plot does not involve many major dramatic incidents that could be stress-inducing for young readers, however, the few that do occur happen in the past and are used to show how the characters have dealt with those occurrences and grown from them. The pacing is done well and the contents of the book are split into four chapters, each representing a season.

The characters are unique and extremely likable. Greta is a cheerful girl who is receiving training to become a blacksmith for the family business. She has a contagious positive energy and is always eager to learn from other characters. Greta is a dynamic character, and at the conclusion, she realizes that her interests are not at odds with each other and that she can be involved in both interests. The supporting characters are Minette, a girl who lost her memories in her training to become a prophetess, Hesekiel, an old man who cares for the Tea Dragons, and Erik, Hesekiel’s partner and fellow Tea Dragon enthusiast. All of the characters are diverse and accepted by each other without hesitation. The author refuses to incorporate heteronormality in this book and does not make the LGBT+ characters walking stereotypes or two-dimensional. Ultimately, these four characters grow close to each other and form a “found family.” The romance between the two couples is natural and adorable; the author focuses on showing the character’s emotions for each other through their actions and words in the illustrations. The dialogue also conveys the personality of each of the characters extremely well. For instance, Hesekiel is very intelligent and his speeches tend to include more advanced vocabulary and deliberate pauses.

The illustrations are very aesthetic and the pictures are demonstrative of a style that is considered “cottagecore.” The illustrations add a completely new layer to the narrative. For example, when Greta and Minette first meet, the panel demonstrating this shows vines of flowers blooming behind their handshake despite there being no flowers in the place where they are. The same situation occurs when Hesekiel and Erik form an alliance and both of these scenes mark the beginning of the couples’ romances. The color palette of the book changes to suit each season that particular chapter is set in. The overall mood is also established using illustrations. These pictures show a generally cheerful and uplifting mood with dainty flowers and pretty pastels. Even the book design is ingenious and combines Greta’s interest in both blacksmithing and raising Tea Dragons as shown by the illustrations inside the cover of cups of tea and the teapot she made herself.

Conclusion

The Tea Dragon Society is a heart-warming story that will engage most children with its peaceful story and lovely illustrations. The experience of reading the book can be best described as coming home to your loved ones after being away for a long time. This book would of particular interest to LGBT+ readers or children with disabilities since it includes representation that is authentic and unproblematic. I would also recommend this book to any reader that is generally interested in fantasy since the book has extensive lore about the Tea Dragons and features a cast of non-human characters.

Citation

O'Neill, K. (2017). The Tea Dragon Society. Oni Press.

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#11 historical fiction Sorry day by Coral Vass and Dub Leffler

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Justification

Sorry Day by Coral Vass and Dub Leffler is a beautifully illustrated children’s historical fiction picture book. The detailed cover instantly interested me in the book. I chose this book because I was not aware that it was commonplace for Aboriginal children to be ripped from their loved ones and never reunited with their families. I enjoy books that focus on multiple perspectives and novels that draw parallels between seemingly unrelated people so I decided to read this book. I also read this book because it does not sugarcoat history and presents the horrors that were conducted against Aboriginal people in Australia.

Evaluation of book

The plot is disturbing and deals with a horrible practice that is not well-known. The story switches between the past when Aboriginal children were stolen from their families by the Australian government and the important day in 2008 where a young girl watches the Australian prime minister publicly apologize to the Aboriginal peoples. The past perspective shows young children playing in nature before white men climb out of trucks and force them onto the trucks. The girl in contemporary times is seen waiting for the prime minister of Australia to give a speech and playing around her mother before it begins. This plot is unique and masterfully deals with a topic that is very emotional. The tension in the story is palpable, especially in the story set in the past. The existing tension present in the story of the past is greatly enhanced by the happenings in the more present story. One such instance is when Maggie slips and begins crying at the same time the children are being found in the past story.

The style and language of Sorry Day are exquisite. The language used in this picture book is fairly advanced and the author used many different types of sentence structures. There is almost a musical quality to the text when read aloud. The author had excellent word choice which conveyed the severity of the situations depicted. A memorable instance is when the children are being put on the truck and she writes “the land wailed as the children were herded on by one onto the back of the truck.” The words “wailed” and “herded” clearly demonstrate the immense loss the Aboriginal people suffered and the authoritarian nature of these removals. The urgency of the situation is also expressed through word choice. One impactful moment was when the men are spotted by the children’s family and a cry rings out saying “Hush children. They’re coming! Hide. HIDE!” The choice of a more calm method of telling the children to hide first shows the increasing urgency that results in the person screaming “hide!”

Sorry Day’s illustrations are powerful and capture the essence of the message the author was trying to convey. Each two-page spread focuses on the past with stunning pictures where the text is overlaid on the illustration. These illustrations use a palette of brown shades and stretch across the full two pages. On the other hand, the pages that portray contemporary times feature one-page illustrations with the text residing on a blank white page adjacent to the illustration. Illustrations of the contemporary times feature color and are bright. The pictures also portray the emotions of the characters through incredibly striking drawings of their eyes. The story is greatly enhanced by the illustrations because they draw parallels between the life of the girl in contemporary times and the taking of the Aboriginal children. For instance, the young girl falls and loses track of her mother; however, she finds her again and breaks into a big smile when she is back in her mother’s embrace. On the next page, the reader discovers a much different scene occurring in the past: a father of one of the Aboriginal children being stolen away runs after the truck where he has been contained. These impactful images further the message the author is trying to convey: there is a shameful past in Australia’s history that should not be erased and everyone should be aware of the terrible practice that ripped so many Aboriginal families apart.

Conclusion

This book is a powerful reminder of the terrible acts committed by the Australian government against Aboriginal people through two very different perspectives of children. The language used in this picture book is profound and spares no detail in presenting events that are difficult to process. The illustrations leave a memorable impact and make the story nearly impossible to forget. Additionally, this book provides a two-page spread on the historical context and facts of National Sorry Day and the removals of Aboriginal children.

Citation

Vass, C., & Leffler, D. (2018). Sorry Day. NLA Publishing

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#10 informational All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World by Lori Alexander

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Justification

All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World by Lori Alexander is a nonfiction picture book that explores how microscopic things were discovered via microscopes. It won the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal in 2020. I chose this book because I was interested in how an ordinary man helped to contribute to scientific advancements. I also picked this book because the illustration's style was appealing. The book includes an impressive amount of factual information on van Leeuwenhoek's life and historical context that immerses the reader in the story.

Evaluation of book

The plot follows Antony van Leeuwenhoek as he develops a passion for exploring things and eventually becomes knowledgeable enough to make massive breakthroughs in human understanding of the world. The plot follows him from his childhood until his death and provides a great deal of context for understanding the world at that point in history. The book is intended to be informational on both van Leeuwenhoek’s life and his major discovery, however, it includes just the right amount of factual information and humor to make the book entertaining. One hilarious instance is when he does an experiment to find out how lice are created and he makes the discovery that they hatch from eggs; however, he constantly gets bit by the lice and has to get rid of them. Additionally, the book includes fun facts that will amuse readers, such as the fact that children in the Netherlands historically drank beer instead of water since the rivers were polluted. The book also includes informational text boxes which provide historical context to aid young readers in understanding history and the life of van Leeuwenhoek. The plot’s pacing is wonderful and is easy for readers to follow and understand. A helpful timeline is included at the end of the book that includes van Leeuwenhoek’s life events and relevant world events. A glossary is also provided that defines many of the scientific terms used in the book.

The main character in this book is Antony van Leeuwenhoek who is introduced as a young boy who is curious about nature. The book cleverly introduces him as a humble boy who is seemingly destined for an ordinary life as a tradesperson. However, the author hints at his future success by mentioning his aptness for business and his natural curiosity about the world. The author writes that “He will not weave baskets. He will not brew beer. Antony has mastered the trade of draper.” These sentences convey his departure from the path of his parents who live simple and ordinary lives. The book shows rather than tells the reader about the determined and intellectual personality of van Leeuwenhoek. The author does this by stating that while in Amsterdam “he visits the bookstores, apothecaries, boot shops, bakeries, and stores filled with maps and nautical gadgets.” This statement reveals that van Leeuwenhoek loves exploring and gaining knowledge in many different areas. It is clear that despite van Leeuwenhoek’s basic education and apprenticeship, that he desires to learn more about the world. Anthony van Leeuwenhoek painstakingly creates a handmade microscope over the span of a few weeks that is actually better than the one professionally made. His dedication while creating this tedious device demonstrates his commitment to discovery and learning. The other characters are often portrayed as unbelieving, especially the educated scientists who look down on him. These characters help the reader understand the prejudice van Leeuwenhoek faced and how education does not necessarily equal an open mind to unknown discoveries.

The illustrations in this book are done in a unique style with watercolors. Overall, the illustrations make the book more appealing and add a vintage feel to the book. The illustrations create a quaint and appealing atmosphere through illustrations of Antony’s neighborhood. One of the most striking illustrations is a page that shows all of the objects he looked at under his handmade microscope and what he saw. This page includes a collage of what he saw illustrated as well as an image of the fungus spores he first saw. The inclusion of an actual picture enhances the realism of the book and makes it easier to understand van Leeuwenhoek’s wonder at the details. Several other pages include actual pictures to show an example of what van he would have seen in his microscope. These make the book more interesting and are scientifically accurate.

Conclusion

This book is a delightful book about how an ordinary man makes amazing discoveries in a time much less advanced than the modern-day. The writing in this book is done masterfully and the characters’ personalities and the setting are clearly established by the detailed descriptions provided. The illustrations are beautiful and greatly enhance the story. This book would both inform and entertain young readers who enjoy science.

Citation

Lori, A. (2021). All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World. HMH Books for Young Readers.