Smile (Raina Telgemeier)

Title: Smile

Author/Illustrator: Raina Telgemeier

Target Ages: 11-15

Genre: Memoir/Graphic Novel

Awards:  Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Winner, Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book, New York Times Editor’s Choice

Publisher Summary:

“Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly. Raina’s story takes us from middle school to high school, where she discovers her artistic voice, finds out what true friendship really means, and where she can finally…smile.”

Evaluation:
I recently reviewed Raina Telgemeier’s Sisters, which I loved. In many ways, I think I like Smile even more. 

The structure of the book is centered around Raina’s journey for the perfect physical smile. Many (myself included) will empathize with her journey—getting her front teeth knocked out, braces, root canals, head gear, and more. I cringed many times at the painful experiences!

Teen angst abounds from crushes to embarrassing moments to body changes.  For instance, she develops a crush on a boy in her band class, but loses interest in him before he loses interest in her—causing awkwardness for both of them.  Unfortunately, her next crush is long and unrequited. Also, she is often mocked and teased by her “friends.” One of the worst experiences is when they pulled down her skirt during lunch! Of course, she must go to school with zits, a lack of fashion sense, and tons of teeth problems. These types of issues plague most people as they move through middle school and into high school, making her memoir highly engaging and relevant.

The heart of the narrative, though, is Raina’s emotional journey. Like most adolescents, she struggles with feeling awkward, trying to fit in, and going through puberty. She has a toxic group of friends who exploit her insecurities further.  When she finally comes to realize how awful they are and makes new friends, her confidence and outlook change dramatically. Raina learns to smile at life. 

She ends with a timeless epiphany:

“My life didn’t magically turn perfect after that…Instead, I threw my passion into things I enjoyed, rather than feeling sorry for myself.  I realized that I had been letting the way I looked on the outside affect how I felt on the inside. But the more I focused on my interests, the more it brought out things I liked about myself. And that affected the way other people saw me!”

I highly recommend Smile for middle grade and teen readers.  The graphic novel format is ideal for reluctant readers.  The motifs are realistic and relatable for all ages. 

Historical Connections:

San Francisco Earthquake (1989)

For more Marvelous Middle Grade suggestions, visit Shannon Messenger's Blog.

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 Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (by Sherman Alexie)

Brief Summary:

Arnold Spirit (nicknamed Junior) is a 14 year old Native American boy, living on the Spokane Reservation. He comes into the world with lots of disadvantages—beginning with fluid on this brain which prompted some physical issues.  His family (like most of the others on the reservation) is extremely poor.  Arnold  is a budding cartoonist and stellar student.   He attends an Indian school with outdated textbooks and poor resources.  A teacher urges him to pursue his education in the white community, which leads to complications and obstacles—such as getting to and from school each day (often he must walk miles), being further ostracized by his native community (including his only friend), and learning to fit in his new environment. Through it all, Arnold learns about himself, his culture, and his community (both his white school and his Indian homeland).

Evaluation:

Sherman Alexie has created an amazing voice in Arnold.  I was immediately sucked into his story and his world.  First, I was intrigued by his early life and, then, the story of his dog just got me!  I could not put this book down!  I really felt for Arnold.  He is bullied.  He is poor.  He is largely alone.  Despite all of it, his spirit overcomes even as he deals with personal challenges, family difficulties, and tragic loss.  His depiction of Native Americans is raw but moving. 

Another dimension to the narrative is Arnold’s drawings, which are a creative and emotional outlet for him.  They often reveal further insights into his world and his feelings.   The cartoons also epitomize his character.  Sometimes they are funny.  Other times touching, revealing his tender heart.  They are always honest and entertaining. 

Several complex issues are dealt with, such as alcoholism, poverty, bullying,  and death.  With those awful and often heartbreaking matters, there is always a sense of hope and humor. A couple controversial issues may turn some people off.  There is some occasional profanity.  The biggest concern for many will be the references to physical arousal and self-pleasuring.  They are not graphic and only sporadic.  I would have preferred them not to be a part of the narrative, but I guess it is not entirely out of place since they are facts of life and reflective of the age of the protagonist. 

Despite a handful of unpleasant words and references, I highly recommend The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian for mature audiences (15 and up).  The story prompts insight and compassion.   You will not soon forget Arnold or his friends and family members. 

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.  

Middle Grade Reader: Walk Two Moons (Sharon Creech)

For Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, I am sharing one of my favorite books of all time:  Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech.   It is the 1995 Newbery winner.  This novel prompted me to read several of Creech’s other novels; all have 13 year old protagonists.   Each one I have read—Chasing Redbird, The Wanderer, Absolutely Normal Chaos, Bloomability, and Ruby Holler—delves into universal internal quests facing teens related to family relationships, loss, acceptance, forgiveness, and friendship.   

Creech is a master story teller.  There are three main storylines in Walk Two Moons that are intertwined.  Sal is the main protagonist and narrator.   As she is traveling across the country with her grandparents (storyline #1), she reveals her life before this journey (storyline #2) and tells her grandparents the story of her friend Phoebe (storyline #3).  

The physical journey Sal takes with her grandparents follows the path her mother took from Bybanks, KY to Lewiston, ID.  Through the trip, Sal shares memories of her mother and her life with her parents living on a farm in Kentucky.  Sal is determined to bring her mother back, but as she gets closer and closer, she is afraid to face what is to come.  During the road trip, the quirky and fun-loving characters of Gram and Gramps just steal your heart.  Their love and devotion to one another is endearing.  To help pass the time during the trip, Sal tells about her move to Euclid, Ohio after her mother leaves for Idaho and the story of her friend Phoebe who lives in a rigid and sterile home.  Phoebe’s mother is clearly unappreciated by her family.  One day, she leaves a note and disappears (similar to what Sal’s mother did).   To add more intrigue, there is a mysterious young man who they see periodically (called the “lunatic), envelopes with handwritten messages from an unknown source show up on Phoebe’s porch, and a flamed-haired neighbor named Mrs. Cadaver who is seen as a "threat" by both girls.  Another significant relationship in Euclid is with Ben, a boy in her class.  With him, Sal experiences young love and her first kiss.  This relationship is innocent and sweet. 

What makes this novel so amazing is that each of the storylines compliments the others, adding depth and complexity.  In the end, all of them come together in such a beautiful, compelling manner.  Sal reflects:  “Lately, I’ve been wondering if there might be something hidden behind the fireplace, because just as the fireplace was behind the plaster wall and my mother’s story was behind Phoebe’s, I think there was a third story behind Phoebe’s and my mother’s, and that was about Gram and Gramps.” 

Walk Two Moons is absolutely Marvelous Middle Grade fiction!   Each of the four times I have read it (over the past 15 years), I got choked up to the point of an all out catharsis.  Few stories have had such an impact on me.  It is a MUST READ!   Check out this novel and Sharon Creech’s other great works.  I recommend this book for anyone ages 9 and up.  

This post is linked up with Marvelous Middle Grade Monday at Ramblings of a Wanna Be Scribe.  

Fantasy Novel: The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents (by Terry Pratchett)

Summary of The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents (Terry Pratchett): 

The Amazing Maurice, a talking cat, leads a group of “changed” rodents and a musical orphan boy, Keith.  Together, they con towns with their pied piper scam.  The rats infiltrate the town and wreak havoc.  Then, Keith offers to help the town by luring them out with his music.  When they enter one last town before retiring, there are evil forces at work.  The townspeople survive on limited rations as well as live in fear of the rats and the plague.  Strangely, the rat crew finds few "normal" rats in the town, but a plethora of poisons and traps litter the underground pathways.  Keith and Maurice befriend Malicia who possesses a rich imagination from the many fairy tales she reads.  The trio stumble upon the rat-catcher’s scheme, but there is something more sinister at work.  Everyone must work together to defeat it or the human race will be annihilated. 

Evaluation:

A cat with a conscience?  Rats talking and thinking?  I know.  It sounds ridiculous.  I thought so too as I read the first few chapters.  As the characterization unfolded in The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, I found it to be a thought-provoking, literary read.  Several motifs are explored.  First, the rats spend much time grappling with age-old questions: What does it mean to be a rat?  How does it differ from humans?   Is there a part that goes on eternally?  If so, where does it go?   Not all of these questions are answered clearly or realistically, but they prompt a good discussion and deep thinking.  Next, I found the inner conflicts of the rats intriguing.  I could not help but to think of the book Flowers for Algernon where a mentally challenged man evolves into a genius and then back to his former self.  As he gains intellect, a lot of pain comes with understanding the world and people in it.  There is a fascinating contrast between being simple but happy and a genius but tormented.  The rats have a similar conflict.  As their intellects grows, so do their problems.  They begin to fear the shadows and the unknown.   One of my favorite elements is the fantasy vs. reality tension.  Much of the humor of the novel comes from this contrast and ironies associated with it.   Malicia represents fantasy and fairy tales while Keith symbolizes reality and real stories.  These two characters (ideas) are at odds for much of the narrative, but they eventually develop a friendship.  This conflict also plays out between the rats and humans.  Fairy tale stories and deep thinking prompt the rats to imagine a world where they are safe and can co-exist with humans, but in reality they must negotiated a contract for the two species to live harmoniously in a fallen and imperfect world. 

There are a couple ideas I do not agree with in the novel.  For instance, humans are often depicted as evil for desiring to eradicate rodents.  The human race is drawn as inhumane and selfish. While these are qualities found in some individual a great deal and in everyone at least a little, I do not believe they are what define humans. It felt a bit too narrowly focused by not showing the incredible generosity, sacrifice, and love that is also in the human race. Also, an underlying thread is that humans and rats are no different in their rights and value.  While I understand why some people react so vehemently toward those who are not respectful of animals and their habitats, the proper response is not equal rights.  Humans have special significance as the one creature made in God’s image and in whom God breathed life.  We have a responsibility to care for and to protect the rest of the creation, but we are not all "equal."  While I disagree with some the author's premises, I believe those areas are worthy of discussion as with many other ideas in this profound book.  

The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents has many other areas to explore like leadership, nature of good and evil, selflessness, and friendship.  I highly recommend this novel for ages 10 and up. 

Teaching Activities and Information for Lesson Plans
Suggested Teaching Resources
Annotations, Information, and Quotes
Discussion Questions from Harper Collins
Pearson Teaching Guide