Contemporary Realistic: Why We Broke Up

Contemporary Realistic: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

1. Bibliographic Information: Handler, Daniel. Illustrations by Maira Kalman. (2011). Why we broke up. New York City: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

2. Summary: Min Green, quirky and imaginative, and Ed Slaterton, a popular jock, just ended their short relationship, and Min is writing a letter to Ed explaining why they had to break up. The letter is placed inside a box filled with mementos from their relationship: a protractor, movie stubs, and a cookbook, just to name a few. Min, being no one's fool, has left the box and mementos upon Ed's door as a reminder of their time together and to show that he did not get the upper hand on her.

3. Critical Analysis: Why We Broke Up is by Daniel Handler, who also wrote A Series of Misfortunate Events (a best-selling series for young readers) under the name Lemony Snicket. Why We Broke Up has received favorable reviews from several places, such as: Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, Booklist, and Horn Book.

Obviously, this book is about a breakup between two high school students. This story has been told before, but Handler tells it with a fresh voice and memorable characters. His writing makes you wonder how he knows so well what it feels like to be a young girl in love. The story is told from Min’s letter to Ed. Her narrative is witty and remarkably endearing, with a sharp edge that shows she can be very independent, "Stop saying no offense,” I said, “when you say offensive things. It’s not a free pass” (114). While both characters could be described as self-absorbed (as most teenagers are), that is what makes the novel and story seem true. Handler does such a wonderful job with the portrayal of Min and Ed that the reader can picture them exactly in one’s mind. The only downside to Min’s character is the annoyingly long ramblings she does in parts of her letter. If readers can look past this, they will enjoy Min’s voice.

The story itself is told in a long letter from Min to Ed explaining why the relationship was doomed from the beginning. The letter references items in the box that is left upon Ed’s doorstep. Maira Kalman created the artwork for Why We Broke Up. Each item referenced by Min is beautifully illustrated. Her whimsical drawings go wonderfully with Handler's prose- a true compliment to each other.

With a title like Why We Broke Up, I knew the story was ill-fated from the beginning, but it did not stop me from devouring the pages in order to discover Min and Ed's story. This contemporary realistic novel is delightful example of how an old story given be given a fresh twist.

Challenged Books: The Chocolate War

Challenged Books: The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

1. Cormier, Robert. (1974). The chocolate war. New York: Knopf.

2. Summary: Jerry Renault is still reeling after the recent death of his mother. However, at a school like Trinity High School, he is not likely to find much sympathy. Trinity is led by a gang known as The Vigils, headed by Archie Castello. The Vigils make assignments that other students must complete. These assignments range from physical to psychological. Jerry gets an assignment from The Vigils that he is to refuse to sell chocolate at the school’s annual fundraising sale. After the assignment ends, Archie informs Jerry that he is to now participate in the selling of chocolates. Jerry begins to think about a poster in his locker that says, “Do I dare disturb the universe?”. Jerry feels like he must disturb the universe and The Vigils’ plan by refusing to sell the chocolates. This act at first deems him a hero by his peers, but as Archie and The Vigils pick up their intimidation factors, Jerry is turned into an outcast and victim.

3. Critical Analysis: Since its publication in 1974, The Chocolate War has been near the top of the most frequently censored books. According to Tasha Robison, reviewer in an online periodic book review YA Why?, the book has been banned and censored due “its violence and its several brief-but-frank masturbation scenes” (Robison, 2012). With brutality and sex aside, the book is written for teenagers. The story centers around our protagonist, Jerry Renault, in his desire to disturb the universe. He single-handedly takes on the bullies of the school, The Vigils, and a corrupt teacher, Brother Leon. In fact, Jerry is a remarkable character. Although he is all alone in his endeavor, Jerry shows strength, determination, and bravery. His stoicism is tested as he is tormented and humiliated until the very end of the novel. At no point, does Jerry complain about his lot or tell his father.

Cormier’s theme of disturbing the universe is very powerful. No one at Trinity High School has dared to disturb or defy The Vigils or the corrupt teachers. Jerry does disturb the universe, and for a small time, wakes up the rest of the student body to the wild goings-on at Trinity. Nonetheless, Archie and his gang turn the tides again, and Jerry is left alone to fight, literally, his battle. To me, this was the hardest part of the novel to read. After all the torment that Jerry has endured, I wanted the novel to end with Archie and his gang defeated. Cormier ends the novel with a depressing and “winner takes it all” mentality. This is a profound idea to discuss with students today. Is there always a happy ending? Was disturbing the universe worth the trauma that Jerry endured? This book is an amazing portrayal of going against the tide to be one’s own person in a teenage world of trying to fit in.

Reference

Robison, Tasha. (2012). Robert Cormier’s The Chocolate War is a much-banned, malevolent gem. YA Why? Retrieved June 16, 2014 from http://www.avclub.com/article/robert-cormiers-ithe-chocolate-war-iis-a-much-bann-83405.

Dragonwings by Laurence Yep

Classics: Dragonwings by Laurence Yep

 

1. Yep, Laurence. (1975). Dragonwings. New York: HarperCollins.

2. Plot Summary: Although Moon Shadow is eight, he has never meet his father. That changes when his father summons him from China to join him in the “demon town” of San Francisco. Moon Shadow begins to love and respect his father, a man of genius, a man with fantastical ideas of flying. Windrider is willing to endure the torment of fellow Chinese, longing for his wife, and poverty to make his dream come true. All the while, Moon Shadow stands by his father’s side.

3. Critical Analysis: Dragonwings, published in 1975, was given the Newberry Honor for exceptional children’s literature. Among other awards, Dragonwings was given: School Library Journal Best Book, Horn Book Award, ALA Notable Children’s Book, and Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. After reading, there is no doubt why this book was so highly acclaimed among literature enthusiasts. Dragonwings bridges many different genres. It could be described as a blend of historical, realistic, and fantasy rolled into one cohesive narrative.

Told from Moon Shadow’s point-of-view, the story really is an account of how life was for Chinese immigrants in the early 1900s. Booklist says, “"A fine, sensitive novel written with grace in a way that conveys the Chinese American's cultural heritage." And, the life that is portrayed is not an easy one. Moon Shadow sees first hand the negativeness of racism. One day while doing his chores, Moon Shadow was walking to the garbage can and a crowd of boys, led by the largest and surliest, surrounds him, “I passed by him, when he kicked me in the backs of my legs. I fell on my back, cracking my head against the ground, the breath driven out of me.” (p. 118)

Although there is plenty of heartache and sadness found in this novel, Yep does a fine job of turning each moment of the book into a living experience. To me, the most drawing theme from this book is the idea that, although we are all different, there are good men and bad men in each culture. Moon Shadow and Wind Rider befriend a “white demoness” named Miss Whitlaw. Miss Whitlaw is a strong woman of good character. In fact, Moon Shadow is convinced she must’ve been a Tang woman in a past life. Miss Whitlaw also befriends the patriarch of the company, Uncle. “I won’t say that Miss Whitlaw and Uncle became the best of friends, but they came to like each other as much as two such different people could.” (p. 244) This relationship shows that there can be a bridge built to cover the distance between two very different cultures.

This book will not touch every reader; however, many children will grow to respect the power found in Yep’s words. The story is eye-opening and beautifully written.

New Reviews Soon to Come!!!

With summer starting, the reviews will be amping up! :)

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

 

Book Review- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

a.      Bibliography

Zusak, Markus. 2006. The Book Thief. New York, New York: Listening Library. Audio CD. ISBN 0739337270

b.      Plot Summary

Set during World War II in Germany, Death himself narrates the story of Liesel Meminger. Liesel is a foster girl living outside of Munich who makes a living by stealing books. In a tough setting of rough kids and cruel mothers, Liesel is taught to read her stolen books by her accordion-playing foster father. Along with the collection of stolen books, Liesel collects a variety of friends: her foster parents, the mayor’s wife, a strange boy named Rudy, and Jewish refugee. In this captivating novel, we see Liesel begin to overcome the horrific events of her past.

c.       Critical Analysis

This is a moving story for sophisticated teen and adult readers with engaging characters and a heartbreaking plot. There are large blocks of action-packed adventure to keep the plot moving. Interestingly, Death is a fascinating narrator for Liesel’s story. Although it is set in the past, Death’s commentary is very postmodern.

As an audiobook, the story truly takes life. Zusak writes in such a beautiful, poetic syntax, which read aloud, the listener feels a part of the book.

d.      Review Excerpts

·        Starred review from School Library Journal “An extraordinary narrative.”

e.      Connections

·        A great addition to a World War II unit in a high school or college class

·        Have students discuss the importance of Death as the narrator. Have the students collaborate and rewrite a section with Liesel giving a first-person point of view.

Beowulf by Gareth Hinds

 

Book Review- Beowulf  by Gareth Hinds

a.      Bibliography

Hinds, Gareth. 2007. Beowulf. New York, New York: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763630233

b.      Plot Summary

“I am BEOWULF. Many deeds of note have I done in my life.” In three parts, this graphic novel is a retelling of the long-told epic poem of the hero Beowulf. To save the people of his kingdom, Beowulf battles the evil monster Grendel. Upon Grendel’s defeat, our hero then battles Grendel’s mother. The people of the kingdom are so thankful that they shower Beowulf with gifts. Among the gifts is the grim advice from King Hrothgar of Denmark, “Come in what shape it may, death will subdue even thee, thou hero of war.” This sound advice is given upon the impending battle of a terrible dragon that is tormenting his people.

c.       Critical Analysis

In poetic form and vibrant illustrations, Gareth Hinds bring the story of Beowulf alive. Hinds credits two adaptations (A.J. Church's 1904 translation and that of Francis Gummere) for his interpretation of the epic story. Each book begins with a narrative of beautiful cadence in verse, then the story progresses into a lengthy, wordless battle. Hinds uses a color palette from ash grey to burgundy red and every ruddy color in between. His arresting images lend themselves well to the beautifully written verses. It is a great graphic novel for a mature reader.

d.      Review Excerpts

·         American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults

·         From The New York Times Book Review “A first-rate horror yarn... Visceral.”

·         An American Library Association Great Graphic Novel for Teens

e.       Connections

·         In the high school classroom, this would be a great way to introduce discussion on epic fantasies.  

·         Compare/contrast various versions of Beowulf

o   Beowulf by Michael Morpurgo ISBN 0763632066

o   Beowulf: A New Verse Translation by Seamus Heaney ISBN 0393320979

 

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

 

Book Review- The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

a.     Bibliography

Gaiman, Neil. 2008. The Graveyard Book. New York, New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780060530945

b.     Plot Summary

The Graveyard Book opens with a grisly triple murder. It was supposed to be a murder of four, but the fourth family member, a young toddler, wanders away towards a cemetery before Jack the murderer has a chance to finish the job. In the cemetery, the toddler encounters the Owens’- an older couple with no children that happen to be ghosts. With the tot’s family no longer alive, the Owens’ take it upon themselves to adopt the boy. All the denizens of the graveyard help raise Bod, short for Nobody because “he looks like nobody but himself.” There are plenty of adventures to be had in the graveyard, but Bod cannot ever leave because Jack the murderer is still on the hunt for him.

c.     Critical Analysis

Gaiman does a fine job blending frightening and friendly in one fantasy novel. Although the story begins with quite a terrifying entrance, the text quickly moves into a more child-friendly plot. Bod has a pretty normal upbringing- he learns to read and write, makes friends, and gets into trouble. Through rich language and attention to detail, Gaiman brings the supernatural characters to life. Each character has a distinct voice throughout the novel. The only downside of the text might be that Bod may be too mature and precocious for the average reader to relate to.

d.     Review Excerpts

·        Newbery Medal Winner

·        Starred review from Kirkus “Wistful, witty, wise-and creepy. This needs to be read by anyone who is or has ever been a child.”

e.     Connections

·        As a visualizing exercise, the teacher can have the students illustrate various scenes throughout the book. The student can add details to their illustration after rereading the scenes aloud to a partner.

·        Author study of other Neil Gaimain’s fantasy books:

o   Coraline ISBN 9780061660160

o   Odd and the Frost Giants ISBN 0061671738

o   M Is for Magic ISBN 9780061186424