Tuesday, June 27, 2017

LSSL 5385- IT'S PERFECTLY NORMAL

Harris, R. H., & Emberley, M. (2004). It's Perfectly Normal: A Book about Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health. Candlewick Press.





It's Perfectly NormaI provides scientific information regarding sex and puberty that answers questions for teens and young adults regarding sex, contraception, physical changes, STDs, and more. It's an important guide for parents to discuss difficult subject matter regarding staying healthy and making hard decisions facing the pressures of teenage life. The best part of this book is the light-hearted but scientifically accurate approach. The illustrations set a tone that make it less awkward to open up about very personal subject matter, and I think it's so important to open up these discussions with teens and young adults so that they have all the answers to their many questions regarding sex and puberty.

I definitely think this book is for home, and not for the classroom, unless perhaps it's specifically for sex education courses and parents are aware of the content discussed. It's so important that these subjects are covered thoroughly, but also that we make sure parents have the ability to discuss them at home. I think some of the more graphic depictions were a little distracting from the content, and while I understand the importance of being up front with kids about the truth and realities of sex, I'm not sure the step-by-step pictures are necessary. That being said, I appreciated the cartoon nature. Another book to consider in regards to this subject matter is What's Happening To Me? A Guide to Puberty by Peter Mayle. When discussing these topics, I think it's important to not rush the subject matter and take it day by day, over the course of some time, and to allow kids to ask questions without judgment. This book does a good job of providing a guideline of how to do that.

LSSL 5385- LILY AND DUNKIN

Gephart, D. (2016). Lily and Dunkin. New York: Delacorte Press.




Lily and Dunkin are both going through a lot of emotions and identity issues- Lily, born Timothy, is transgender. Dunkin, born Norbert, is bipolar. They’re both in middle school, which is a time of identity crisis anyways, so the changes and emotions they are experiencing are truly deep and difficult. These two unlikely friends meet and change each other’s lives. We go on a journey through their lives and interactions with others, some who support them, some who have a hard time understanding, and some who flat out ridicule them. It’s an, emotional book that will open your eyes and your heart to a realm you may not have had personal experience with otherwise. I think it will encourage compassion among its readers.

When we talk about reasons that we share books with kids, we talk so much about building empathy and allowing them to use windows as windows to see into the lives of other experiences that they otherwise would not have. To me, this book provides that opportunity. It allows kids to develop their own opinions as well, and decide how they feel about some of these important issues that are prevalent in our world today.

I love this book as a middle school read- it’s funny how this age group has such touching novels that I love as an adult. Another book to connect to is This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp, it’s another middle school book about a school shooting, perhaps an issue worth discussing with that age group as well. The reviews don’t seem great, but I’m intrigued by it.

LSSL 5385 PERSEPOLIS

Satrapi, M. (2008). Persepolis: The story of a childhood. London: Vintage Books.




Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi’s memoir, written in graphic novel format, about growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. She is the only child of a wealthy, progressive family, and she is outspoken and witty. Marjane’s autobiography gives us a peak into her childhood and the history of Iran during a time when personal freedom took a step backward, and religious extremists revolutionized the lifestyle in Iran. Her family protests the changes, while still maintaining normalcy at home, and we watch this shape Marjane to be strong, opinionated, and literally, rebellious. It’s a very interesting book about a young girl in the midst of wartime- and while it isn’t a history lesson, the reader gets a realistic perspective of her childhood during the revolution.

My connection to the textbook was simple- this is a great example of genres and formats, as typically when I think of a graphic novel, I think of fiction. Persepolis, on the other hand, is in graphic novel format, but it is a non fiction autobiography. That's a great teaching lesson for the classroom as well! I think this would be a fabulous read for 9th or 10th grade students in conjunction with a history class during their discussions of the Islamic Revolution. It gives so much insight that I, even as an adult, never knew at all. Another similar book to consider is Epileptic by David B. It’s also an autobiography and written in graphic novel format. Watchmen by Alan Moore is a Hugo Award-winning graphic novel about super-heroes plagued by their all-too-human failings.

Friday, June 23, 2017

LSSL 5385- MONSTER


Myers, W. D. (1999). Monster. Amistad.



16 year old Steve Harmon is on trial for murder, and this novel unfolds in a dynamic fashion as it is written like a screen-play. It wasn’t my favorite format, but it did keep it more interesting, I suppose. I kind of wish I had listened to it as an audiobook. Walter Dean Myers brings many questions to the forefront, and leaves the reader to decide on their own what they believe in regards to faulty court systems, racial prejudice, and justice. The truth to Steve Harmon’s past is never fully revealed and we are left to decide- victim, or criminal? I will say, I had a hard time trusting Steve, and for me, characters are what really pull me into a story. I wish I could’ve trusted Steve more, but some of the story just didn’t add up for me, and I badly wanted him to prove that he should be vindicated in the end. The strength of this book, in my opinion, is that it has the potential to really pull in young adults who do not necessarily love to read. The format of the writing makes it quick and helps it read more like a movie. The mood and the tone of this novel is fitting for the subject matter, and it is certainly suspenseful, which will keep you reading. I just couldn't fall in love with any of the characters and for me, that's everything.


Monster provides young adults with a good opportunity to explore that post-conventional thought process regarding morals and ethics where they step away from their child-like thoughts of rewards versus consequences, and operate more based on humanity and what they feel in their heart to be right or wrong. I think it would be a great book for high school readers to debate- have the class split by who believes Steve is guilty, and who believes he is innocent. It could be a great debate for mature high school students! Perhaps consider letting the class listen to it as an audiobook, as well. The Beast by Walter Dean Myers is a similar book to consider reading if you enjoyed this one. 

LSSL 5385 GABI, A GIRL IN PIECES

Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi, a girl in pieces (First ed.). El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press. ISBN 9781935955948



This funny, charismatic, and extremely relatable protagonist, Gabi, brings a light to many issues and pressures teenagers feel every day. From body image, to teen pregnancy, addiction, and homosexuality, Gabi takes us on a humorous, lovable journey through her experiences as a senior in high school. Her Hispanic heritage is prevalent and offers the reader a look into the expectations of her Hispanic mother, su hermano Beto, and her crazy tia Bertha. All along the way, her best friends, Cindy and Sebastian, help her navigate the halls of high school during her senior year, boys, college applications, food, and friendship. I loved Gabi's voice- she really is the perfect protagonist. I laughed out-loud throughout this book, and as a female, I think she is so relatable on so many levels. For me, that is the strength of the book. Isabel Quintero does an amazing job of painting a picture for you and providing detailed imagery- I feel like I was watching a movie in my head. The downfall, for me, was that it was a bit pushy, as well as being a little unrealistic- who goes through all of those hardships in one year? I think Quintero would've done well to pick one theme and develop it throughout. Still, I enjoyed this book for the humor and character it provided.

I found a lot of similarities to this and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian: different cultures, but similar struggles. Gabi has a really funny and unique voice, and I think teen girls will really enjoy that. They will find her relatable and I think the “diary” format will keep them reading. While I think it’s important to bring up contemporary problems in society, I also think it’s important to allow our youth to form their own opinions about these issues. Overall, I think this book was pretty pushy about a lot of modern day disputes- the author was certainly not subtle. I would keep that in mind before putting it on a “required reading” list for high schoolers.

Monday, June 19, 2017

LSSL 5385 Textbook reflection 5- How adolescents develop

Understanding how adolescents develop and the stages that they go through physically, mentally, and emotionally is so important to us as teacher librarians. Whether they are dealing with the physical changes of puberty or the emotions of their teen years, if we can dive into a deeper comprehension of where they are developmentally, we can provide them with tools and books that will aid in their development in a positive way.

Starting with puberty, kids are in such an uneasy time of change. Physically, new things are happening that often lead to feelings of insecurity, clumsiness, and awkwardness. Books can be a great resource for kids to reassure them that they aren't alone in this time, and that the things they are going through are completely normal.

Adolescents also go through an intellectual change, where their thoughts and capacity for mature thought processes start to evolve. When kids are young, they operate on a very "concrete" basis: facts, base level thinking, and they do what they are told. As they start to grow and reach those teen years, they can adopt a more "abstract" level of thinking: i.e. "what is the theme of this book?" They start to understand purpose and motivation behind actions, and they start to develop their own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs on a moral level.

Relationships change, as we often see in literature. Adolescents start to develop a different relationship with friends, as well as with members of the opposite sex. They choose a "vocation," and develop specific interests that give them purpose and passion. It's a perfect opportunity to provide them with books that can validate their feelings, expand their growing imaginations, or just give them a break from the stress of everyday life! Allowing them to read simply for aesthetic enjoyment is a huge part of why we want to develop lifelong readers- it can evoke emotions, provide an outlet for creative thought, and encourage empathy.

LSSL 5385 textbook reflection 4- What is YA literature?

Young adult literature typically involves a youthful protagonist who gives the reader an adolescent point of view. This independent protagonist will go through some major change or life event, and usually will suffer/reap the consequences of his/her decisions throughout the novel. Young adult literature gives the reader a peek into the growth and gradual development of adolescents, and often reveals concerns over a contemporary issue. Ultimately, all of these factors lend it to be very relatable for young adults going through major life changes and experiencing some major life events for the first time. I think this is one reason why young adult literature is so influential. When I read young adult literature, it gives me a peek into the window of the minds of our youth and helps me to empathize with the feelings they may be feeling. Knowing that these authors are writing with the persective of an adolescent allows me to appropriately critique and review the language, writing style, and book format.

LSSL 5385- SPEAK

Anderson, L. H. (1999). Speak. Farrar, straus & giroux.




Melinda Sordino is a freshman in high school, and right from the start her ironic voice and pessimistic personality made me laugh, but context clues told me that her voice was a bit dark for a reason.  Melinda is a fairly depressed teenager who doesn’t feel like anyone listens to what she has to say, nor do they care to. Her parents don’t understand her. Most of her teachers don’t seem the slightest bit interested in her success as a student. Worst of all, she doesn’t have many friends because she called the cops at a party and it got busted.  Little do they know, she called the cops that night because she was raped by an upperclassman, and she continues to feel threatened by his presences on a daily basis. Through art class, Melinda finally learns to open up and speak.


The mood of this book perfectly fit our protagonist, Melinda. It was dark, dreary, and dry, yet, realistic throughout, and often funny, too. The strength of this book is that it starts with a dark mood, and the reader isn't sure where that stems from. As the novel unfolds, we start to fully understand the theme of shame and darkness throughout, and we watch Melinda grow from that shame and literally, find her voice. It's such a great connection and lesson for high school girls to read and relate to. 

This is a great book for freshman students, although, my students said it was very depressing to read as a freshman because it was a little disheartening to enter high school and read about a sexual asssault. The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Fault in Our Stars are similar books to consider for young adults, particularly high schools students. Wintergirls is another book that is also by Laurie Halse Anderson that is about a dark subject matter that would appeal to young high school students, particularly girls.

LSSL 5385- THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN

Alexie, S. & Forney, E. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time indian. New York, NY: Little, Brown, and Company.




Fourteen year old Arnold, aka Junior, is a Spokane Indian living on a reservation, with brain damage from birth due to his alcoholic parents. The circumstances on the “rez” are pretty grim as most people never leave and just live in poverty their entire lives. Arnold, despite his disabilities, yearns for more, so he asks his parents if he can attend a high school 22 miles away. At Reardan High, Junior finds himself through playing basketball- his coach recognizes his talent and puts him on Varsity his freshman year. He is determined to succeed despite his hardships, and by the end of the year, he’s not such an outcast anymore.

This is a well written book full of powerful themes regarding bravery and being unapologetically YOU! Junior pushes through so many difficult times and everyday hardships and doesn't allow those to stop him from reaching his goals. He is a great protagonist with a beautiful spirit, despite his physical limitations and, at times, unfortunate surroundings.

I definitely think this book is a little mature for young adults, and I can see why it’s a controversial book. Nonetheless, it has some important topics and themes to explore, and it gives the reader an insight into Indian reservations, which really opened my eyes. The Toughest Indian in the World by Sherman Alexie is another novel by the same author with similar themes that you may consider reading if you are intrigued by the topic of American Indians and Indian reservations. Fools Crow by James Welch is another classic novel that discusses similar topics, but is set in history, shortly after the Civil War.

LSSL 5385- ANNIE ON MY MIND review

Garden, N. (2013). Annie on my mind. New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux.




This book is about two high school girls, Annie and Liza, who meet in a museum and have an instant connection. Confused by her feelings and unsure of what it means, Liza brings us through her journey of love, finding out who she is, understanding homosexuality, and coming out to her community. In the midst of this journey, she encounters conflicts that threaten her reputation at her private school, Foster Academy, as well as her dreams of attending MIT, and her beloved relationship with Annie. She also learns the struggles, and triumphs, of homosexuality through her teachers, Ms. Widmer and Ms. Stevenson, who she comes to find out are living together as spouses. In the end, despite the separation that Annie and Liza find themselves in when they go to college, they end up back together and unashamed of their love.

The strength of this book is the imagery, mood, and tone that it provides. I really enjoyed the descriptive writing- I could see Annie and Liza meeting in the museum, I could feel the changing weather on my skin, and I experience the shame and fear that Liza felt as she navigates these new feelings.

Similar books to consider about LGBTQ topics are Am I blue? Coming out from the silence by Marion Dane Bauer, and novels by Sarah Waters such as Tipping the Velvet or Fingersmith. Annie on my Mind presents a great teaching opportunity to discuss banned books and teach lessons on challenges to materials as it was burned in front of the Kansas City School Board building in 1993 and banned from school library shelves. However, a group of high school students and their parents in Olathe, Kansas sued the school board in federal court, and ultimately got it back on shelves.

5385 Textbook reflections 3- Genres and Formats

Genres, categories, and formats are probably different than you may realize.

Genres are divided into Fiction and Non Fiction. Let's talk about fiction first. Fiction is divided into realistic fiction and fantasy fiction, which is pretty self explanatory. From there, realistic fiction is divided into modern/contemporary vs historical fiction. Fantasy is divided into modern fantasy vs traditional fantasy fiction. When we talk about traditional fantasy, we are talking about folktales, ballads, fairtytales, fables, etc. With modern fantasy, we are talking about hard and soft science fiction, high and low fantasy.

On the other hand, we have non fiction, which is informational. These informational non fictions are divided into three categories- biography, narrative, and expository. Biographies can be autobiographies or memoirs. Narrative non fiction is written more like a story, and reads like a traditional novel. Lastly, expository non fiction is written with facts and not written like a novel.

Categories are completely different from the above genres. Examples of categories are chick lit, horror, sports, guy reads, etc. These are not genres of writing but more of another way to categorize stories.

Lastly, formats are just that- the format of writing that the book is written in. Examples are poetry, novels, chapter books, short stories, picture books, and graphic novels, to name a few.

Understanding genres, categories/subjects, and formats is so important as I pursue a career as a librarian. It allows me to correctly organize my library, appropriately guide my users to the correct books, and correctly identify these books based on their genres. Since getting clarification on this, I've been trying to "label" the books that I read based on this information. It's great practice!



Sunday, June 18, 2017

5385 Textbook Reflections 2 Divisions of young people's literature

There are 4 divisions of young people's literature. Children's literature is the first one, mainly spanning ages 0-8. For our youngest readers, these are your beginner books, easy readers, wordless picture books, etc. Since this category does cover 8 years of life, clearly there must be a progression of reading levels as the child gets older. The 7-8 year old reader would be reading illustrated chapter books that take on more of a "novel" form, which is still considered children's lit.

Tween or middle grade literature is for kids of ages 8-12. Remember, middle grade is not the same as middle school. A great example of middle grade/tween is Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo. These are going to be chapter books with less controversial or complicated themes.

The next division for ages 13-18 is, of course, young adult books. These are going to be chapter books with "tougher" topics. Often, this division discusses many "firsts," for example, first love, first sexual encounter, or first high school experience. A few examples of young adult books are Lily and Dunkin, Annie on my Mind, or Pushing the Limits.

New adult books will be our last division which is targeted to ages 18-30. This division is fairly new as it really took off in 2009. These books typically have a cutting edge protagonist who would be slightly older than your young adult characters. These characters are more relatable for an adult audience and they are usually dealing with college experiences, or first major relationships. Examples of these books would be This is Falling, Sweet Home, or November 9.

Understanding the divisions of young people's literature is an important tool when picking books for specific age groups. It's important to find age appropriate material that will challenge the reader but still staying age appropriate. Paying attention to these age divisions will really help me to accurately evaluate the books for young people as I read them, and it helps me to understand the perspective of the author as their write for a target audience of youths.

5385- Textbook reflection 1- Why do we share literature with children?

Why do we share literature with children?

There are truly too many reasons to name, but let's talk about some of the most important reasons we have a responsibility to share literature with chidren.

First of all, we share literature with children because it's fun! Reading is such a joyous, fun, and intriguing experience that can truly be an adventure for kids. Aside from the reading itself, the cover art, illustrations, character development, and dialogue from the book, among other things, is so much fun for kids! We also strive to share literature with youth to aid in the acquisition of language and language development among kids. I consider myself to be a strong speller, reader, and writer, and I definitely attribute much of this success to the fact that I was always reading as a kid. The development and awareness of a wide range of vocabulary is truly fostered by reading a lot.

One of the main reasons it's so important for us to share books with kids is because it develops empathy. I always say that every novel I read helps me to find out something about someone else, and something about myself. It truly allows the children of our world to development empathetic bonds with the characters in the books they read, and therefore they can relate that situation to their daily lives out in the real world as well. It's so important that we develop lifelong readers so that they continue to learn these lessons, and they eventually share it with the children of their world, too. Similarly, it's vital that they have an opportunity to read about characters or people that they can relate to. Reading about someone that is like you is such an important aspect of literature; it helps us to not feel alone, and it allows us to learn more about ourselves without feeling like a complete outcast!

Another purpose that literature can serve for kids is to allow them to form their own opinions about issues in the world. Reading gives them the opportunity to "philosophically speculate" about things going on in the world simply by reading about similar situations. It gives them a chance to answer those big life questions: why am I here? What is my purpose on earth?

Literature also develops the imagination and helps readers to think outside of the box. For example, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter can open up the minds of readers and force us to enter into a new realm that we never knew existed. It allows us to go to a new place of imagination and creativity! This can help kids be inventors and creative thinkers in all aspects of life!

Lastly, literature can truly transmit culture. It can help us to learn about new cultures, different qualities of life, religions, traditions, and economies. For kids, this is vital. If you don't learn about what's going on around the world, you can form well rounded opinions, build empathy, or fully understand other cultures. This purpose ties together many of the others and encourages us as future librarians to make sure we are providing a wide ranger of variety and diverse books.

The truth is, we could go on forever listing reasons why it's important to share literature with children. It's so important on so many levels. Reading allows us to relate to each other no matter how many differences we have, and that's what makes it so special. Reading gives us the opportunity to jump into the life of someone else and experience the feelings and events that we may not have the opportunity to otherwise experience.