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. 

Freedom Summer (Deborah Wiles)

Title:  Freedom Summer

Author:  Deborah Wiles

Illustrator:  Jerome Lagarrigue

Target Ages:  4-8

First Lines:  “John Henry Waddell is my best friend.  His mama works for my mama.  Her name is Annie Mae.  Every morning at eight o’clock Annie Mae steps off the country bus and walks up the long hill to my house.  If it’s summer, John Henry is step-step-stepping-it right beside her.”

Publisher Summary:  “Joe and John Henry are a lot alike.  They both like shooting marbles, they both want to be firemen, and they both love to swim.  But there’s one important way they’re different:  Joe is white and John Henry is black, and in the South in 1964, that means John Henry isn’t allow to do everything his best friend is. Then a law is passed that forbids segregation and opens the town pool to everyone. Joe and John Henry are so excited they race each other there…only to discover that it takes more than a new law to change people’s hearts.”

Evaluation: 

I was touch immediately by this realistic fiction picture book inspired by the author’s experience growing up in the South during the tumultuous 1960’s. The focus is on a sweet friendship between John Henry (African-American) and Joe (Caucasian-American). The racially tense backdrop lurks and haunts in the understated text and illustrations. This writing technique is significant though.  To the boys, race does not matter. They see each other as people and, more importantly, as friends and equals. As the story moves toward the climax though, the social inequalities and injustices in the outside world become more apparent.

The first hint is when they go to Mr. Mason’s general store. John Henry quietly waits outside while Joe buys ice pops for them.  To a young reader, it may not be noticeable.  Similarly, the boys function this way because it is just expected. They do not put much thought into it. 

During dinner one night Joe’s father announces, “The town pool opens tomorrow to everybody under the sun, no matter what color.”  John Henry’s mother adds, “It’s the way it’s going to be now—Everybody.”  Of course, the boys are thrilled! 

The next morning they run to be the first ones there.  To their (and the reader’s) great disappointment, some men are filling the pool in with asphalt!  In this climatic moment, John Henry voices his heartbreak to his friend. Wiles does an excellent job balancing showing the boys’ frustration at the prejudice of some while not sounding preachy or didactic about it.  It allows the reader to feel and sympathize in a genuine way.

Despite the setback, the boys show their solidarity as they go into Mr. Mason’s store for ice pops, walking “through the front door together.”  Their arms are around each other as the move toward the future.  This final image and sentence is so poignant.  There is a strong sense of hope for the future—both in individual relations between races as well as for society as a whole. 

Freedom Summer is a beautiful story of friendship, the impact prejudice, and the importance racial equality.

Awards:  Coretta Scott King Award; Ezra Jack Keats Book Award

Companion Book:  I also read Jacqueline Woodson’s The Other Side which would be a perfect companion book with Freedom Summer.  Two young girls live side by side (one African-American and the other Caucasion), but with a fence between their properties. They are both instructed not to go to the other side of the fence. One day, they meet each other ON the fence, beginning a sweet friendship between them and a step toward greater community.

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

Teacher Lesson Plan: Let Freedom Ring

Freedom Summer Lesson Plan 

A Guide to Teaching and Talking About the Civil Rights Movement

Visualization Activity

Freedom Summer and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Unit

Discussion Questions for the Book

For other Perfect Picture Books, visit Susanna Hill's blog.

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. 

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 Monday: Finally (by Wendy Mass)

Summary of Finally (by Wendy Mass):

Rory Swenson feels like everything in life is leading up to her 12^th birthday!  She has been preparing by saving items and notes that remind her of all the things her parents promised she could do when she was 12, like get a cell phone, wear make-up, and own a pet.  Now she has her list ready—but will her overprotective parents finally allow her fulfill all her wishes for independence and maturity?  As she accomplishes each task—big and small—it is just one disaster after another.  Rory is so eager to be “grown-up,” she is missing out on the joys of friends and family as well as allowing things to happen in their own time.  Fortunately, she realizes that these milestones do not define her or make her special.  Instead, she is growing into an adult with good character by the deeds she does for others and the wise choices she makes with her life.

Evaluation:

Finally is a kind of sequel to 11 Birthdays.  It stands on its own, but there are a few references to the former that make more sense if you have read it. The action occurs approximately one year later in the same town.  The main characters are different, but the main protagonists and some of the minor characters from the earlier novel have small roles in Finally.

I was drawn to Rory right away!  She has a genuine tween/teen voice.  I laughed in several places because she reminds me so much of my own daughter, who like Rory, thinks I am too strict, complains about my couponing, and is too anxious to grow up.  Rory, also, struggles with figuring out how she fits in with her peers. 

I also appreciated that overall Rory is not a sassy or disrespectful tween.  Her parents are actively involved in her life (sometimes more than she would like), and her family is relatively close (even though she sometimes gets embarrassed by them). 

My favorite part is the ending (which I will not spoil by giving the details).  Finally is really about figuring out who you are and determining what you want your life to be like.  There is a real positive message about how tweens/teens can begin to find that out.  It is not the superficial “grown up” things you do, but the choices you make in your daily life and relationships. 

I HIGHLY recommend Finally for ages 8-12. 

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