Booked (Kwame Alexander)

Title: Booked     

Author: Kwame Alexander

Target Ages: 10 and up

Genre:  Realistic Fiction/Novel in Poetic Verse

Sample Poems:

Thought

It does not take

a genius

to understand that

when you subtract

a mother

from the equation

what remains

is negative.

Only

ONLY. Three. Weeks.

but Dallas is in one.

ONLY your stomach is shattered

and your dream’s undone.

ONLY not playing soccer

makes the pain seem severe.

ONLY your eyes can’t conceal

tear after tear.

ONLY your ship is sinking

and you’ll miss all the fun.

ONLY. Three. Weeks.

but Dallas is in one.

What happens to a dream destroyed?

Does it sink

like a wrecked ship in the sea?

Or wade in the water

like a boy overboard?

Maybe it just floats

around and around…

or does it drown?

Publisher Summary: 

Like Lighting

You strike

Fast and free

Legs zoom

Down field

Eyes fixed

On the checkered ball

On the goal

Ten yards to go

Can’t nobody stop you

Can’t nobody cop you…

Nobody can stop Nick Hall—he’s a star on the soccer team, cruising in school and getting ready to ask out a girl of his dreams. But then a bombshell announcement shatters his world. 

Evaluation:

Booked has a strong authentic middle grade voice.  Nick, the protagonist, has the passion, sass, and vulnerability typically found in this transitional period.  

Despite being in poetic form, the language and imagery are accessible for the target age. The poems are written primarily in free verse, but there are also some structured ones, such as acrostic and haiku. Rhythm, rhyme, alliteration, and other sound devices are expertly incorporated, making for a smooth flow.  The poems are often short and sweet, conveying a moment in time. Others are a couple pages long, especially when there is an extended scene with dialogue. I especially enjoy novels told in verse, like Booked, because the approach keeps the moments concise, focused, and fast paced—making for an engaging reading experience, especially for reluctant readers. 

An important motif of the novel is the power of language. Nick, though hesitant to admit it, enjoys creative word play, vivid figurative language, and unusual words. These words are defined in the footnotes at the bottom of the page. (See Notable Vocabulary section.) Some readers may find it too didactic or distracting; however, I found it insightful. In part, it conveys Nick' grasp of the word's meaning and the experience. Also his personality is revealed in the snarky comments often included with the definitions. Finally, it models incorporating the beauty and versatility of words in everyday conversations. Ultimately, language and poetry allow Nick to release his pent up frustrations, to grapple with his emotional trials, and to savor his triumphant moments. 

There is a cliffhanger at the end that may bother some readers. To be literary, a book must represent life as it is, rather than, as we want it to be.  In life, everything is not neatly tied up which legitimizes the open-ended conclusion. To maximize the technique though, this type of ending should prompt the reader to think more deeply or to re-examine the text. In this case, I do not think it does. As a result, I am hoping the cliffhanger is a hint that a sequel is on the way.

There are some motifs that are worthy of classroom, book club, or family discussion.

• Family: There are several family dynamics. Nick has a strong connection with his mother, but due to her decision to leave the state to pursue her dreams, hurt and tension erupts.  His relationship with his father is distant and strained.
• Divorce/Separation: Right off, the tension between the parents is clear. They decide to separate. Divorce appears to be imminent. Nick’s anguish over the choices of his parents is the most heart-wrenching part of the novel.
• Friendship: Nick and Coby have a strong friendship. Even though they talk smack, they challenge each other on and off the field.    
• Bullying: A couple neighborhood bullies give Nick a hard time, but he learns to stand up for himself.  His method is an excellent conversation starter.
• Disappointment: Along with disappointments at home, a big unexpected incident prevents him from fulfilling a dream. 
• Passion: Finding a passion and following it is vital for young people.  Generally, it keeps them out of trouble (or at least minimizes it) if they are goal oriented. For Nick, it is soccer.  When he is not at school, he is usually on the soccer field working on his skills. 
• Mentorship: One of the best parts is the dynamics between Nick and other adults. Mr. Mac (librarian) and Ms. Hardwick (English instructor) encourage and challenge him. Mr. Mac speaks wisdom and truth into his life.
• First Love: Nick has a love interest, April.  He is awkward and nervous, but overtime his interactions improve.

In many ways, the novel follows the successful format of Kwame Alexander’s Newbery winner The Crossover. Unfortunately, Booked is not quite as literary and profound as the aforementioned award winner. The characterization, format, and motifs will appeal to middle grade readers though, especially reluctant ones. 

Educators should visit The Classroom Bookshelf for some outstanding teaching ideas and links.

Notable Vocabulary:

• verbomania: a crazed obsession for words (4)
• malapropism: the amusing and ludicrous misuse of words, especially with one of a similar sound (18)
• pugilism: the art of fighting with your fists; boxing (39)
• futsal: indoor soccer played with five players on each side (43)
• cachinnate: to laugh loudly (52)
• mewling: to cry weakly; whimper (68)
• ragabush: worthless; rubbish (79)
• codswallow:  something utterly senseless; nonsense (82)
• logorrhea: an excessive use of words (100)
• flummoxed: to bewilder or confuse (117)
• onomatophobia: fear of hearing certain sounds (119)
• farrow:  a litter of pigs (132)
• sweven: a dream or vision in your sleep (142)
• nutmeg: a soccer trick in which the ball is dribbled between the defender’s legs (180)
• rapprochement: a re-establishment of harmonious relations (213)
• stupefy: to stun or overwhelm with amazement (218)
• twain: two (247)
• callipygous: having a beautiful backside (258)
• incompassible: incapable of coexisting, of being together (267)
• hellkite: an extremely cruel person (271)
• gadfly: an annoying person (288)
• wordbound: unable to find expression in words (294)
• yobbery: hooliganism (296)
• zazzy: stylish or flashy (300)

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday again. Visit Shannon Messenger's blog for more Middle Grade reading reviews. 

The Crossover (Kwame Alexander)

Title

The Crossover

Author

Kwame Alexander

Ages

Middle Grade and Teens (YA)

Sample Poem

“Conversation”

Dad, this girl is making

Jordan act weird.

He’s here, but he’s not.

He’s always smiling.

His eyes get all spacey

whenever she’s around,

and sometimes when she’s not.

He wears your cologne.

He’s always

texting her.

He even wore loafers to school.

Dad, you gotta do something.

Dad does something.

He laughs.

Filthy, talking to your brother

right now

would be like pushing water uphill

with a rake, son.

This isn’t funny, dad.

Say something

to him. Please.

Filthy, if some girl

done locked up JB,

He’s going to jail.

Now let’s go get some doughnuts.

Publisher Summary

"A bolt of lightening on my kicks...

The court is sizzling.

My sweat is drizzling.

Stop all that quivering.

Cuz tonight I'm delivering.

raps basketball phenom Josh Bell.  Thanks to his dad, he and his twin border, Jordan, are kings on the court, with crossovers that make even the toughest ballers cry.  But Josh has more than hoops in his blood.  He's got a river of rhymes flowing through him--a sick flow that helps him find his rhythm when everything's on the line.

As their winning season unfolds, things begin to change.  When Jordan meets the new girl in school, the twins' tight-knit bond unravels.  In this heartfelt novel, basketball and brotherhood intertwine to show Josh and Jordan that life doesn't come with a playbook and, sometimes it's not about winning.

The Good

Alexander creates life-like characters that middle grade readers can connect to.  Josh (Filthy) and Jordan (JB) are typical seventh graders dealing with love, friendship, school, and family issues. They have sensible parents who are devoted to each other and the boys.  Much of the novel involves positive interactions between the parents and the twins. 

Rather than chapters, the narrative is broken into four quarters and overtime. The text is in mostly free style poetry, but there are some rhyming ones as well. Most of the poems are written like short vignettes or as conversations. Sometimes the narrator muses on intriguing words or basketball rules. While some figurative language is incorporated, overall the poems are highly accessible to the target audience. 

While Josh's love for basketball comes to the forefront as the novel begins, I quickly realized he is not a flat character.  He is smart, loyal, and sensitive. Words fascinate and delight him. Josh is devoted to his family, especially JB. There is much more to discover about him.  

The Bad

My attitude. Well, at least at first. After several recommendations, I started listening to the audio book. I will keep it 100%. I rolled my eyes with all the basketball talk and wondered if I could make it through it.  I do not regret sticking it out.  The Crossover defies expectations.

The only “bad” about the text is a couple subtle references to the parent’s sex life. Very subtle, but creeped me out anyway.  No young person wants to put parents and sex together in the same thought.  At least I hope not! 

The Brilliant
The significance of the title is what stands out most to me.  The crossover is a basketball move that Josh is known for.  The books is about basketball, so at first it seems that is the reason for the title.  However, I found that is much more.  First, the boys are crossing over into adolescence.  With that crossover, comes hormones and girls.  JB’s relationship with a girl comes between the brothers.  They are moving into a new phase of their lives and relationships.  Another crossover is in Josh’s attitude.  He begins a bit flippant and arrogant, which leads to a bad decision.  Fortunately, he has good parents and coaches.  Their consequences prompt him to reflect and to grow into maturity.  Finally, a character crosses over into death, impacting the lives, growth, and attitudes of Josh and others.  The multiple layers are rich for discussion and reflection.

Even though I am not a sport’s fan, many tweens and teens are. There is a huge enthusiastic audience for this type of book. Whether a sports lover or not, I cannot more highly recommend this Newbery and Coretta Scott King winning novel.  

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.  Hop on over to Shannon Messenger's blog for other middle grade recommendations.

The Fault in Our Stars (John Green)

Summary of The Fault in our Stars (by John Green):

Sixteen year old Hazel is clinically depressed after three years of fighting off terminal cancer. The doctors have found a way to keep the cancer from spreading (for the time being), but she has limited lung capacity.  To help her deal with her illness and (hopefully) make friends, her parents bring her a weekly support group.  When charismatic and witty Augustus Waters begins to attend, Hazel finds a kindred spirit who not only understands her situation but is also her intellectual equal.  Through their relationship, Hazel begins to experience life more fully. 

Evaluation:

Insightful:  Author John Green has drawn authentic characters who offer insights not only in what it means to live and to fight off illness but also on what it means to be young, in love, and dealing with loss.  I loved the playful banter between the characters (especially Augustus and Hazel).  The often poetic way that a situation or idea is described is brilliant and wonderful.  I thoroughly enjoyed Green’s use of language and metaphor. 

Bold: The author does not belittle those with terminal illness, but he does not romanticize the fight of cancer patients either.  The characters themselves comment on the common stereotype of the “heroic” fighter.   They illustrate in their lives that even the “best” of people and fighters are not always graceful and brave. 

Irreverent:  Hazel has no idealistic notions of the world, God, or the afterlife.  She believes in a vague “universe” that she eventually concludes “wants to be noticed.”  Her attitude towards traditional religion and beliefs is impertinent.   While Augustus has a sense of wanting to make a difference in the world and of a “something” beyond, Hazel does not see the purpose.  She shames him for believing his position is more enlightened, and he caves.  Hazel is content to just be part of her small circle, eventually dying and being forgotten.  While this aspect of the novel is realistic and reflective of many people’s beliefs, I found it disappointing and depressing.

Raw:  Green reveals the harsh reality and difficult setbacks of his characters.  The characters get angry, yell, and, even, break things. They occasionally use raw language and profanities.  Parents sometimes showed their weakness in dealing with their sick children.  Some of the more heart-wrenching moments are when Hazel is desperate to find out what happened to the mother in her favorite novel (An Imperial Affliction), and her fears on what will happened to her parents (especially her mother) after her death. 

Overall, I genuine enjoy The Fault of our Stars.  I cried.  I laughed.  I smiled (especially when Augustus was “in the picture”).  I recommend this book for ages 14 and up. 

Delirium (by Lauren Oliver)

Summary of Delirium (by Lauren Oliver):

Lena Haloway is content in the government-managed society she lives in.   The reality that everything is neatly laid out for her—career, husband, life—makes her look forward to her “cure” and the future.   Despite the tragedy of her mother’s suicide and the whispers of the “invalid” community, Lena believes the government knows what is best for its people.   As she dabbles in investigating the forbidden parts of society, she begins to realize the government and the cure are not really about her best interests.  Instead, she will seal for herself a future that is grey and dreary—if she submits.   Lena realizes it is better to love and to live—even if it means feelings of pain and loss.  She must make an important, and possibility dangerous, decision before it is too late. 

Evaluation:

I have seen the Delirium series and Lauren Oliver on many favorites’ lists.  I took the plunge and began reading Delirium at the beginning of the week…I could not put it down.  I was enraptured in the plot immediately!  Ms. Oliver’s language is often poetic.  Her storytelling keeps a steady pace, each new event driving me to find out what will happen to Lena, Hana (her best friend), and Alex (her first love). 

The characterization is well done.  One of my favorite parts is the relationship between Lena and Hana.  There is an innocence in their friendship as they savor the last days of their youth and life with emotions.  They are fiercely loyal and devoted to each other.  Lena starts off as an obedient, though internally conflicted, protagonist.  As the story progresses, she grows bold, confident, and independent—willing to risk everything for truth, freedom, and love.  Alex is protective, loving, and strong.  They appear to be a good, healthy match.    

Since they are living in an oppressive society, it is natural to cheer them on as they defy social and government expectations.  On the other hand, I always feel a sense of conflict as teens’ rebel in novels.  I realize a certain amount of stepping out from parents is healthy and necessary, but I don’t believe it has to be under of cloud of deception and rebellion.  Lena lies and sneaks around a lot--though it is understandable to a degree in her extremely rigid society because there is no other recourse, ever.  I hope young adult readers will not view their own seemingly “oppressive” lives as an excuse to do the same.  This story (like other dystopian novels) should be a cautionary tale of allowing the government too much control over our lives.  Hopefully, it will prod young people to seek out representatives that fight for individual autonomy rather than government control--no matter how enticing the freebies may seem.

There are, also, a handful of profanities and some mild sexual content.  For instance, a scene is briefly described where Alex gazes at Lena with no shirt on.  They also have a night alone sleeping together.  Lena does not feel ready for sex. Alex respects her decision with grace.  Of course, there are many references to kissing.   

The novel prompted me to think about the age-old dilemma of emotion vs. reason.   I think we are so drawn to emotions as humans because they, along with their cohorts passion and  love, are not something we can readily control.  Sometimes we don't want to.  Other times we want or need to, but feel we cannot.  This situation could spur a lively discussion on the role of passion and emotions as well as reason and control in our lives.

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed this dystopian novel.  I have the next one, Pandemonium, on reserve.  I look forward to reading the other books in the series.  I recommend Delirium for ages 14 and up.  

Middle Grade Reader: Middle School the Worst Years of My Life

It is Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, hosted by Shannon Messenger.  I have seen James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts’ Middle School the Worst Years of My Life everywhere, from the Barnes and Nobles to Kroger to the library.   I had to read what it is all about…

Summary:

Rafe, a sixth grader, struggles with his peer relationships, his classes, and his home life.  His sole friend is Leo the Silent. The only thing Rafe finds fulfilling about middle school is figuring out how to break all the rules in the school handbook.  Home is anything but ideal.  His mother works all of the time to support the family while her “fiancé” lies around watching TV and emptying the fridge.  Rafe, along with Leo, makes breaking all the school rules not only a goal, but a game.  His “accomplishments” temporarily make him feel successful, but his failing grades and strained relationship with his mom make him feel sad and worthless.  Rafe is desperately trying to figure out how he fits into the world.   Unfortunately, he is drawing A LOT of negative attention to himself in the process.   

Evaluation:

The Good…The journal format is VERY popular right now.  The protagonist has an amazing imagination and artistic gift. The creative drawings, interesting plot elements, and the engaging narrative voice make it a big draw for middle grade readers, especially reluctant ones.  I was drawn in right away and highly motivated to keep reading.  

The Bad…In much of the narrative, Rafe is making poor choices, like bullying a bully, breaking school rules, lying to his mother, stealing from others, and ignoring his class assignments. 

The Conflicting…There are a few things that I felt conflicted by as I read.  [SPOILER] Several pages into the novel, Rafe reveals that his best friend is not a person.  He is an imaginary friend.  This element seemed off to me.  Rafe is not six.  He is in sixth grade!  At the end of the novel though, his origin is revealed, which makes his function in the book more meaningful and understandable. Also, I was really creeped out by the fiancé (referred to as “Bear”) living with the family.  He is mean to the children, treats the mother poorly, and does not even earn his keep.  Even though the children hate him (and for good reason), the mother allows him to be their primary guardian since she is working most of the time.  The situation made me feel uneasy.  Finally, as an adult reader, I could see that Rafe is acting out as a result of his home life and his lack of self-identity.  Part of the self-identity crisis is that Rafe is a non-traditional, but gifted student.  Fortunately, he has a teacher who recognizes the situation and works to help him.  While I could see that Rafe's mischief is a cry for help, I wonder if middle grade readers will pick up on it or if they will see the narrative as a glorification of defiance and irreverence.  


As a parent and an educator, I recommend  Middle School the Worst Years of My Life  with some reservation.  I realize there are children out there like Rafe or those who have experienced many of the same situations/choices.  As a result, it is relevant to reflect it as a slice of life.  On the other hand, I do have great concern about the growing atmosphere of disrespect that all forms of media are fostering in young people with little guidance or consequences.  Many young readers will enjoy the voice, style, and plot.  The book could definitely be used as a discussion platform about bullying, poor choices, consequences, family relationships, and many other relevant areas.  

Fairy Tale Friday: Awake (by Jessica Grey)

Thanks for joining us for Fairy Tale Friday.  We hope you will link up and/or join in as we talk about fairy tales.  Visit my co-host, Literary Transgressions. This post is, also, linked up with the Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop.  Enter to win a free copy of Jessica Grey's Awake. 

Summary of Awake: 

Alex loves science, especially studying rocks.  She enjoys spending her summers working at the Gem and Mineral Museum where she feels in control and comfortable.  The summer before she leaves for college, her equilibrium is thrown off when Luke, her high school’s heart throb (and her former best friend), takes a job at the museum too.  What's more, Alex is thrust into an unexpected magical adventure when some ancient artifacts show up at the museum—one of which is an 800 year old bed with a princess sleeping on it!  Clueless about fairy tales, she teams up with a co-worker and the awakened princess to unravel the mystery and break the curse.  Together, they find they have an unlikely bond.  Reluctantly, Alex learns about the magic that resides within her, the importance of friendship, and the power of true love.   

Evaluation:

Author Jessica Grey has woven together a distinctive and unpredictable retelling of “Sleeping Beauty.”  There is an interesting dichotomy between the magical, fairy tale world and the real, modern world.   The fairy tale setting is portrayed as “real” with a seamless blend of fairies and magic in the natural world.   Then, there is the modern world with a hidden magic below the surface of constant busyness and sterile technology.  Finally, there is a fairy realm where magic is still strong. 

Another unique aspect is the characterization.  The female characters are strong, smart, and heroic which contrasts sharply with the traditional retelling where the prince embodies those character qualities.  Alex does not define herself by the “prince” or other men.  Instead, she is independently forging her own path.  During the story, she finds strength in her female friendships and eventually in true love based on friendship and respect.  I like that Alex is not perfect and popular.  She is the intelligent, nerdy girl.  The downside is that she sometimes downplays her abilities and appearance too much.  She severely lacks confidence in herself, particularly early in the novel.  This situation does remedy itself for the most part. 

There are lots of twists, turns, and unexpected events in Awake, making it an enjoyable and engaging read.  I recommend this book for ages 10 and up.  

Where the Truth Lies by Jessica Warman

Story Summary for Where the Truth Lies: 

Emily Meckler has an idyllic life on her New England boarding school campus—except for her severe suffocating nightly dreams about fire and water.   She feels fortunate to have her parents in close proximity and to live in the dorms with her three best friends.  Everything changes though when a new student transfers to campus.  Emily is swept off her feet by this mysterious and wild guy, Del Sugar.   Her previously solid and honest relationships with her parents and her friends crumble as she begins to sneak around, keep secrets, and rebel sneakily.  Under Del’s gripping spell, Emily shuts out everyone else from her life except for her new found friendship with Renee, a free-spirited girl across the hall. 

Everything changes when Emily finds out she is pregnant.  Emily struggles with hiding her pregnancy and conflicting feelings about Del who has been kicked out of school (unrelated to the pregnancy).   Renee supports Emily emotionally and gives her a place to spend the summer as her delivery date nears.  As Emily’s dreams intensify, she feels frustrated with a lack of progress in understanding them.  When she returns to school for her senior year, she develops a healthy relationship with a dynamic, caring guy, but not before the secrets from her past trickle out, including the origins of her dreams and her decisions about Del and the baby. 

Evaluation:

Where the Truth Lies (by Jessica Warman) is a good read.  Even though it took me a little while to become enraptured in the narrative, once I did I could hardly put the book down.  There are a few situations that rely on chance and coincidence or wrap up a little too nicely, but the story also illuminates some genuine human emotion and internal conflict.  Emily is a complex-character who falls into a dysfunctional romantic relationship (a prevalent occurrence with teen girls).  Fortunately though, she learns from her mistakes with her first “love” and goes on to make some better choices. 

Parental Advisory:

In this book, the main character, Emily, has sex and there are a few other references to other characters having it.  There is no explicit language or descriptions.  Irresponsibility, Emily only uses protection some of the time.  She gets pregnant.   There is also some casual drug use with no real consequences.  A sexual relationship between an 18 year old student and a staff member is brought up.  This relationship is not a focal point of the book, but it is justified as being acceptable because the couple is of age and in love.   Finally, Emily starts out loving and respectful to her parents which turns disrespectful and disobedience.  Eventually, she does make amends with them though.  While I hate seeing teens make these poor choices, I also realize that these decisions are commonplace.  In order to reflect real life, stories do need to imitate these undesirable choices.   I would suggest this book for ages 16 and up.