Popular Paperback

Bartoletti, S. (2008). The boy who dared. New York: Scholastic Press.  Based upon the setting of Germany, in a time when Hitler rose to power, a boy name Helmuth has come to realize he opposes Hitler’s intentions and refuses to believe in what he is doing.  After being tired of listening to the lies, he decides it is time to stand up.  He, along with a few friends he has recruited for the mission, decided to rebel and expose Hitlers motives and true reflection of the person he truly was.  Not long, does he become caught and imprisoned for several years.  Tragically he is killed guillotined at the end of the story.  The book provides a great opportunity for teachers to expand knowledge on the historical background on the rise of Hitler and the role of the Hitler youth.  Students can begin this novel by exploring Hitler and making references to Brtoletti’s,  Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow.  The book is definitely geared towards older children 14-18 years old due to the context and complexity of the different perspectives of Hitler, along with its correlation to World War I and the collapse of the German economy.  Criteria: The impact of the era (setting) in which the story takes place provide the reader with the suspense of the story and how the character undergoes the headships he had to endure, reflecting real life.

ALEX Award lists

Semple, M. (2012). Where'd you go, Bernadette: A novel. New York: Little, Brown and Company.  The story revolves around a 15 year old girl named Bee in her attempt to find her missing mother, Bernadette Fox.  Author describes Bernadette as a very awkward person.  Although once a very smart woman, after a tragic event she is forced to move and live in isolation from the world.  Her daughter, after much struggles to be conceived, is asking for a family trip (in hopes to unite her family).  Her father is a workaholic and brilliant Microsoft worker, so to Bee, this would provide a great opportunity to unite her family.  As the story progresses, Bee has aced her report card and now the family trip is set.  Her mother appears responsive and begins to plan for the trip and then suddenly, she goes missing.  The story begins to unfold as Bee finds clues to get to her mother: through emails, letters, and FBI documents, Bee begins to learn more about her family.  The author does a great job at depicting her mother as strange.  However, you begin to sympathize when you learn of her experiences and the life surrounding her. This is a great book that lends itself to mysteries and finding clues to make reasonable predications on her whereabouts along with her motives.  My recommendation for this book is for students 14-18 years old.   Criteria: A mixture of plot, conflict and characters allow the storyline to stem out.  You your first introduced to the peculiar behavior of Bernadette, but gradually you begin realizing there was a conflict within, allowing the plot to have a rise and a fall at the end of the book.  

Great Graphic Novels for Teens

Hale, S. (2008). Rapunzel’s revenge. NY: Bloomsbury.  People and some children have an assumption of who or what Rapunzel is about. In this book the author has taken a different style of conveying this character.  When Rapunezel realizes the life she has been living is all a lie, she is then faced with the challenge and determination of rescuing her birth mother, at which point the story begins to deviate from the traditional character. Readers begin to feel the heroic personality within her. Her adventures with Jack allows the reader to feel the thrill and excitement of the story's plot. Repunzel possesses the attitudes of being a risk taker and is valiant to any obstacles that approach her, of course while being able to use her extensive hair to her advantage.  While the story has elements of the traditional fairly tale, the author includes references to a western style that quickly captivates the readers attention through the comical illustrations.  This book proves you’re never to too old to read a comic book and best of all, making you reminisce your to your childhood tales.  The book provides a great opportunity to discuss fairy tales, along with being able to compare and contrast this book to the traditional story.  I would suggest this book to students ages 10-14.  Criteria: Definitely the book entails a different style (graphic novel) that allows the character to captivate the reader's attention.  Immediately you are drawn to the character's different personality from what most of know. 

Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults

Hopkinson, D. (2012). Titanic: Voices from the disaster. New York: Scholastic Press.  Though most of us know the story of the Titanic, what we truly know are the main and factual details.  However, this book allows the reader to take a deeper dive into the depth of characteristics that went into the Titanic.  Furthermore, this book provides numerous quotes, photos, unknown (never before heard of) people, that clearly portray more than what we have learned or watched in the movie.  For example, the author included the exquisite style of the ship that even people in bottom class received-from the jewels in the first class dinner table to the decor surrounding the ship.  The book also includes other information that was never seen before: tickets, transcripts, and ship records.  In conclusion, this book is a must read for everyone!  Even elementary students can learn a lot from this book.  Teachers can definitely incorporate this book into a lesson for social studies.  After all, it is one of the most important historical events that have occurred.  Furthermore, teachers can also include this book to provide a compare and contrast activity with other Titanic books, while being able to emphasize the characteristics of a nonfiction book.  Criteria: The book expands on our knowledge on the minute details of the Titanic, everything the author provided in the book is a true reflection of real life.  Her style was not just providing information, but substantial evidence that make this book even more thrilling. 

Printz and Printz Honor

Lake, N. (2012). In darkness. New York: Bloomsbury.  In Darkness is a story about two boys named Shorty and Toussaint that have become stranded underneath rubble after an earthquake in Haiti.  While the story introduces Shortly as young boy that has become trapped with fear and distress underneath all the after math of the earthquake, he soon discovers comfort in Toussaint.  As opposed to Shortly, Toussaint is much older and is a freed slave that led Haiti to freedom from the French.  Together, they discover both of their lives have been impacted by their environment.  After suffering loss of family and cruelty, they realize their lives have been given a second chance at survival and a chance at beginning their live once again.  Reading the story, you realize the hardships that impacted way of living and thinking for these two characters.   I enjoyed how the author embedded each of their stories to allow the reader to understand how their lives might have occurred at different times, but are very similar, which lead you to believe they have both survived for a reason.  The book is targeted towards older readers, ages 14 and up due to the language and issues discussed.  Great story that emphasizes historical events. Criteria: The language that the story possesses and the central focus of the characters play out the plot and meaning behind the story.  

Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

Kinney, J. (2012). Diary of a wimpy kid: The third wheel. New York: Amulet Books.  To my surprise, there’s another edition to the Diary of a Wimpy Kids collection.  Same the previous books, the main characters are Greg and Rowley.  Greg’s problem is finding a  date for his middle school Valentine Dance.  After much determination and silly efforts, such as writing a crush letter and strategically planning the response, Greg is able to find a date.  However, his friend Rowley still cannot find one and unfortunately, just before the dance, he gets chicken pox.  A sudden twist occurs in the end when Rowley ends up being approached by Greg’s date.  Throughout the years, we have seen how Diary of a Wimpy kid has gained so much popularity and momentum.  The books provides an excellent method of getting your reluctant readers to read.  The book is filled with creative comic illustrations and funny quotes that accompany the text.  This book would serve as an excellent tool to address dialogue, along with addressing literary elements, such as plot.  Extensions of this book include: "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," "Rodrick Rules," "The Last Straw, Dog Days," "The Ugly Truth," "Cabin Fever," and “Hard Luck,” as well as the "The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book.”   Criteria: As a reluctant reader you want a book that is going to captivate your attention.  For this book the style does exactly that.  The book is entertaining, it has a comical style of illustrations and language usage.  

Best Fiction for Young Adults

Woolston, B. (2012). Catch & release. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Lab.  Catch and Release begins with a story about a girl named Polly.  Polly was in high school and life was great for her.  As she planned to finish high school and continue to college, which would soon lead to her marriage to her longtime boyfriend, suddenly her life was striked with a sudden disease.  Polly contracted a flesh eating infection named MRSA.  Though it killed several people, Polly was lucky enough to be saved; however, she was left with a deformity on her face.  Unfortunately, her life changed.  Her boyfriend shockingly leaves her and now she if left to wonder what will become of all this?  Polly soon finds comfort in a friendship with a boy named Odd, who had also survived the infection.  Trying to escape reality, together they take a trip where they will find in each other the support and the connection that will bring them back to the happiness of life.  The book really does a great job expressing the effects of a sudden change that comes into anybody’s life.  Regardless if it’s an event or sickness, life brings you many obstacles that brings to light that challenges that come of it.  Through Catch & Release the reader can appreciate how life’s impacts can bring an unexpected happy ending.  This book would be most appropriate for ages 14 and up and can be used to elaborate on reading genres and elements of a fictional story such as symbolism.  Criteria: The central conflict of the story and theme is finding yourself again and accepting that things have changed, but yet it is essential that you move forward.  

Green, J. (2012). The fault in our stars. Dutton Books.  After discovering Hazel Grace Lancaster has cancer, she agrees to attend a cancer treatment center at the request of her mother.  Immediately, she catches eye of a boy named Augustus Waters. Their connection towards each other sets the storyline for the book.  After conversations and getting to know each other, they agree to read each other’s favorite novel.  Through these novels several key elements of the story begin to be unfold.  After much determination to find the author of An Imperial Affliction, Hazel realizes she has been falling in love with Augustus, but unfortunately, discovering that his cancer has returned aggressively. Sadly, Augustus passes away, however, Hazel realizes he had kept in touch with Van Houten, the author of her favorite novel.  Hazel learns that Augustus’s maintained his determination to fulfill happiness to Hazel from this person.  This book has become one of the most read books in recent  months.  It was an absolute river; the emotional roller coaster that anyone goes through while reading this book will surely put you to tears.  Due to the topics addressed in this book, appropriate ages would be 12 years and up.  Extensions of this book include Prufrock, The Emporor of all Maladies and Illness as a Metaphor.  Criteria: The plot takes you through all the hardships and happiness that Hazel and Augustus go through in the story.  When you feel things are getting better, there is a sudden twist to the storyline.  It captivates your attention and keeps you intrigued with the book. 

Stead, R., & Gartner, K. (n.d.). When You Reach Me.  After receiving a postcard from an unnamed person, we find out that Miranda’s mom will be playing on a game show called $20,000 Pyramid.  As the story continues to be told, we end up finding out that several letters/postcards have been arriving telling Miranda of things that have not happened yet.  As you progress through the story several incidents begin occurring; however, incidents that allow several stories to told intertwined of each other.  As the mom is getting ready to play on the game show, to story jumps to other occurrences such as Miranda’s “friendships” with Annmarie, Jualia and Sal.  As the story comes to an end, the reader begins to put all the pieces together and finds the connections towards each character that has unfolded in the story.  Ultimately, Miranda finally discovers who has been sending her all the postcards along.  This story had many twists.  Several plots begin to unfold, but nevertheless, the reader must be taking into consideration what was occurring in the previous story/chapter.  The author strategically wrote this story to keep the reader engaged.  Due to the complexity of the storyline, the ideal age to read this book would be 12 years ad up.  Furthermore, teachers can use this book to go over literary elements such as foreshadowing and flashbacks.  Criteria: The plot of the story definitely as it's surprises that creates a suspenseful and thrilling book to read.  The style was written make the reader feel like he or she was also solving the mystery themselves. 

 DiTerlizzi, T., & Black, H. (2003). The Field Guide. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Introduced as the first of the Spiderwick Chronicles, the story begins as Twins Jared and Simon Grace, and their older sister Mallory, move into the old home of their aunt, who  is in an asylum.  After constant noises being heard around the house, they begin an exploration that leads them to discover a secret.  After clues unexplained happening are left by a boggart, Jaredy finds the Field Guide book, he learns that he must destroy it if he wishes his family to survive. This is a fictional book filled with adventures and creatures such as the boggart and fairies that allow this book to provide the reader with an entertaining story.  Although the book is not real, at times as I was reading it, I got chills with some of the happenings occurring in the story.  For example, when Jared had woken up filled with bruises.  It was a movie playing in my mind.  The book definitely will be a favorite among middle school children, and is most appropriate for ages 10 years and up.  Teachers can incorporate this book to teach the elements of a fictional story and to explore different genres.  Other extensions include other books in the series such as The Seeing Stone, Lucinda's Secret, The Ironwood Tree and many more.  Criteria: The characters build the suspense of the story. Though it is fictitious, the supernatural experiences create a unique style of writing that allows the reader to feel the goose pumps traveling through the body! 

Angleberger, T., & Books, L. (2014). Princess Labelmaker to the rescue! (Unabridged. ed.). Prince Frederick, MD: Recorded Books. Part of the series from Oragami Yoda, this book is the fifth novel for Angleberger. Illustrated through the artistic and very fun representations of the book, the plot revolves around a plan to help save the electives at the McAuarrie Middle School. Together the children have formed a group called Rebel Alliance to oppose the plan, which was named ironically, “Fun Time.” Moreover, the book has a direct reference to Star Wars, making the characters more entertaining for the reader. Together, they fight against several students, defending their classmates against bullying and standing up for what education should be about. Taking aways what students love in school, would not have been a great ending for the Rebel Alliance. This book is a perfect example of how students feel with standardized state tests. Often teachers assume students do not think anything of all the testing that is being done in class. However, through this book, teachers can create the perfect opportunity to discuss their thoughts on testing and include other administrators such as the principal and assistant principal. Similar books include Diary of Wimpy Kid series.  Criteria: The author delivers a very unique style of book that contains a message (theme) in a very comical and interesting style of writing, comical.

Smith, A. (2008). Ghost medicine. New York: Feiwel and Friends.  After loosing his mother and consequently gaining a difficult relationship with his father, Troy Stotts proceeds by going and working at a ranch.  There, he finds the support and love he needs to cope with the loss of his mother, through his friends.  As the story progresses you see the connection they have towards each other.  After struggles with a bully named Chase, a son of the sheriff, life becomes a bit more complicated-facing issues of stealing and rape.  One night, they discuss how each of them will remain close with one another and overcome obstacles that could be heading their way.  It is through this situation they coin the term “ghost medicine,” a magical medicine that will keep each other safe and whose friendships will surpass all dangers.  This story contains a lot of dialogue.  What I found comforting in this story is the relationship that Luz, Tom, and Gabe have with one another.  Smith defines friendship through the portrayal of these 4 friends that are determined to overcome anything that heads their way-their source of weapon is their union.  With a few topics that are geared towards older students, this book is a great read for student 12 years and older.  Similar books include: The Bones on the Black Spruce Mountain, The Songweavers and Me and Jay.  Criteria: Set in such as tranquil setting, the author creates the story centralized at the ranch.  The plot clearly has a rising action, a climax and a resolution that keeps the reader attracted to the storyline.

Quintero, I.  (2014).  Gabi: A girl in pieces.  TX:  Cinco Puntos Gabi Hernandez is a young girl that is portrayed through the life realities that some girls undergo as they transition through life.  Gabi is soon to graduate from high school.  As she struggles through issues of insecurity and troubles surrounded by her friends and family, Gabbi displays confidence and a positive attitude.  Unavoidably, Gabi instantly becomes a girl that you can connect to.  Personally, coming from a Mexican heritage, I immediately felt a connection to the character.  Faced with choices that become influenced by tradition and customs, Gabi’s experiences help her make the choices that are right for her.  Through the addictions of her father, the sexuality of her friend, the surprised pregnancies, and the outrages weight that her family brings to her, Gabi has surely become a fictional character that I have enjoyed reading. The author does an excellent job illustrating the struggles that certain heritages can bring and moreover, how a typical high school teenager feels surrounded by friends and topics that are uncomfortable, yet depicted so well to represent real life.  Through the journal entries, the reader is able to caption a vivid representation of the life of Gabi.  This book is definitely great for students, ages 15-18.  Criteria: The main character unfolds throughout the story to show the difficulties she encounters, partially due to her heritage.  The multiple subjects/issues in the story, along with all the vocabulary and word choice, allows the portrayal of her conflict to reflect clearly to the reader.  

King, A. (2012). Ask the passengers: A novel. New York: Little, Brown.  Astrid Jones is a young teenager that is trying to understand life.  Growing up is difficult, and without the support of her family, she is left to confide in a very unexpected “person.”  As she lies on the ground starring at the sky, the planes that cross above become her best friend.  It is with them that she begins to open up and expose some of her most revealing secrets: her sexuality.  Though she is not sure, she feels she is falling in love with a girl.  Though most of her friends are bisexual, no one has revealed or demonstrated the possibility of her being gay.  As the story is being told, her genuine personality allows the reader to understand that Astrid Jones is simply a girl trying to make sense of what is going on.  She is uplifting, positive and sends her love to all those around her-even when it is not reciprocated.  Her ultimate goal is to make the decisions that are right for her and not let anyone dominate who she truly wants to be.  There are many books that have been created to show how teenagers struggle while growing up and often in many books, pressured to feel one way due to society.  What I loved about this book was the simplicity and how Astrid’s outlook of life remained optimistic.  She did not want to feel as if she was giving in to the world, but simply understand it.  An appropriate age level for this book is geared towards 14-18 years old.  Furthermore, it is a great book that encourages many high school students to feel and provide an acceptance towards others.  It’s about having the courage to speak up about problems or doubts and feel that you are not alone.  Criteria: There is a very huge theme set for this book, acceptance of you are and being vocal about it. Figurative language, along with symbolism was also incorporated to demonstrate how certain objects represented something else.  For example, the airplane represented her freedom.  

Crutcher, C. (1993). Staying fat for Sarah Byrnes. New York, N.Y.: Greenwillow Books. Initially, when the story begins, a newspaper created by Eric and Sarah called, "Crispy Pork Rind,”  provides the reader with the assumption it would be a story dealing with weight or perhaps eating habits.  On the contrary, as the story begins to unfold, we learn about the relationship and family backgrounds of Eric and Sarah.  Sarah in a psychiatric hospital, though the reasons or contributors remain vague.  What is covered by a spaghetti story, is soon unveiled to be an ongoing abusive relationship by her father.  Eventually, the friendship that Eric and Sarah have, provided the strength needed to overcome this hardship and move past forward.  What I absolutely loved about this story is how each of them ultimately depended on each other’s company.  As the titles insinuates, “Staying fat for Sarah Byrnes,”  Eric is willing to do anything for Sarah.  Though she has become mute, the book reminisces on their good times and implies why he is willing to put his life at risk for her.  Criteria: The characters provided the essential elements that strengthened the story and the plot.  If the character had not been overweight, it would have changed the storyline.  The plot also provided a very suspenseful rise, climax and resolution that kept the reader intrigued to discover how the story would end.  

Woodson, J. (2014). Browns Girl Dreaming.  NY: Nancy Paulsen Books The book is written to tell as story about a girl named Jacqueline “Jackie” Woodson.  Jacqueline discovers that her life of happiness and despair can be transmitted through her passion for writing.  The book is memoir that encompasses poetry to express the emotional stages of her life growing up.  The story initiates through the struggle of being separated between two places, home for her mother and home for her father.  Racism was also common and reflected through the references of white versus colored and furthermore, speeches made by Martin Luther King and Malcom X.  “It's easier to make up stories than it is to write them down. When I speak, the words come pouring out of me. The story wakes up and walks all over the room. Sits in a chair, crosses one leg over the other, says, Let me introduce myself. Then just starts going on and on.”  The simplicity of the poems, yet the affect of fluidity that easily creates a mental image of Jackie and her innocence and how she tries to find the good in every situation.  This book is an excellent book for ages 10 years and up.  Evidently, a great reference for teaching poetry, along will all of its elements: similes, metaphors, symbolism, point of view, etc.  Criteria: The style of this book was creatively written to demonstrate the life of Jacqueline transmitted through her poetry.  The vocabulary word choice was also written to be short and concise; thus showing the elements of poetry, such as the rhyme scheme.  Criteria: The story has a unique style.  The author describes the events in Jacqueline's life by using poetry.  Moreover, it also uses all the elements of poetry such as rhyme scheme to extend on the message being transmitted.  

Sartrapi, M. (2004).  Persepolis.  NY: Pantheon. Sartrapi, M. (2004).  Persepolis.  NY: Pantheon. Marjane is a girl that is clearly trying to find her identity.  Over and over again, she is faced with decisions that will impact the view that people have on her, especially of her family and the effect it will have on her heritage.  As the story progresses, she is faced with the injustices and treatment that places her in a position where she wants to forget it all and escape Iran.  After experiencing a life of thrill and “sin,” she is forced to return with her family.  Upon meeting a boy, who she felt was her better half, she decides to marry him, but soon realizes she isn’t happy.  Marjane knew that her identity would be defined by the action she would take.  She decided to return to Europe and leave behind the world she knew to become the person who she was meant to be.  I think that it is difficult to place yourself in the shoes of person that is coming from another heritage.  It is simple when heritages are so close together; but for Marjane, her story is depicted so well to demonstrate the struggles that people and children can undergo.  The pressure that Marjane felt to live up to the expectations of her parents was difficult, any reader can certainly empathize for her. Criteria: The story contained a very strong message (theme): Be true to yourself.  Though she tries to remain loyal to her family, the unavoidable truth that she was hiding from had caught up to her, and was faced with the decision to choose acceptance.    

Ness, P.  (2008).  The knife of never letting go.  Boston, MA:  Candlewick Press  Todd Hewitt  is a boy is that embarking into manhood.  However, as he’s about to become a man, a truth (although really pretending to never know) is revealed and he realizes he cannot continue living  in this place called Prentisstown.  Moreover, Prentisstown is awkwardly set on the idea that women cannot exist and is dominated by a germ called Noise, which allows every person’s thoughts to be known.  After escaping, he meets a person that is foreign to him: a girl named Viola.  Together they travel in search of a safe place called Haven, but unfortunately they discover it has been abandoned.  While Viola becomes injured, Todd and President Prentiss, continue in search of a place to call home and an opportunity for happiness. The book is clearly suspenseful and very intricate.  While some chapters were simple to follow, others, I had to read  and then reread to fully grasp what was going on.  However, the details and symbolism of various objects and places provided a well written story.  The book concludes with an ending that was not ideal for me.  I was unaware there are additional stories that follow; however, any reader would get hooked to read the next book.  As a teacher, clearly this story is appropriate for older students, 15 years and older.  Also, it provides an excellent example of a book that provides all  the elements of a fictional story (and more) that is rigorous and ideal for discussion.  Criteria: The plot is designed to show an intricate story line that possess all the appropriate elements to keep the reader thrilled. For example the suspenseful introduction that clearly doesn't explain what is going on.  However, once the reader dives deeper, the climax continues to build an interest for any reader. 

Myers, W. D. (1999).  Monster.  NY: Harper.  Steve Harmon is a young sixteen year old boy that is involved in a crime.  After his friends asked him if he wanted to be involved in a robbery, he accepted and took the responsibility of being the “lookout.”  Unfortunately, what he assumed would be a simple job, turned for worst after the owner of the store was shot and killed.  Steve deals with the affect of his actions in prison as he awaits trial.  As the story progresses, he decides to create a screenplay that allows the storyline to unfold.  Through ongoing flashbacks, we learn about his life and how the guilt remains definite in his conscious.  The word “Monster,” resounds in his mind, and after discovering his fate-not guilty, he is unsure who or what  has become of himself after this experience.  As I continued reading the story, I kept feeling the despair and disappointment that Steve was experiencing.  One mistake can define how people perceive you.  For example, Steve had to deal with the weight of his father's feelings toward the incident.  Though he was supportive, his perception of who his son was had changed.  Furthermore, the ending of the story provided a realization that just because he was found innocent, did not signify people truly felt that way.  The author does an excellent job creating suspense through the screenplay.  This story can be used to incorporate elements of a drama, and also to extend on a biography of a person awaiting trial-connecting it to Social Studies.  Excellent, suspenseful book for ages 11 years and up. Criteria: The plot of the story quickly begins to unfold.  However, more importantly, the style of the author is quickly captivated by the reader.  The story is not written to demonstrate a regular story.  On the contrary, it consists of a screenplay that is eloquently designed to show the characters thoughts and emotions.

 Harris, R.  (2009). It’s perfectly normal.  Boston, MA:  Candlewick Press  The book expresses the natural transitions of life that a teenager undergoes as they are becoming adults.  Although it is a very difficult subject matter, the author has eloquently provided all the essential elements of life.  For example, puberty, body changes, sex, birth, and even sexually transmitted aids.  Along with all the information, the author also has included illustrations that depict the topics being discussed.  When I initially checked out the book, I was mortified.  The cover does not outline what it contains inside.  As I began browsing through the pages, I realized it reflected more of a sexual education class.  Unfortunately, it did create an awkward feeling.  However, nonetheless, I  do agree that it is a book that should be incorporated by schools and/or Planned Parenthood.  The ideal grade/age group that should be introduced to this selection should be in middle school/12 years and older.  My assumption is that few students would be mature enough to handle a book like this in elementary.  It’s Perfectly Normal would be an excellent book that counselors, nurses and teachers can use to teach the importance of knowing your body and how safe practices can lead you to a natural stage of life. Criteria: The author included a very specific style that demonstrated the important stages of life in human beings.  It represented real life, and included images that demonstrated an educational lesson to everyone. As the title says, "It's Perfectly Normal."  

A heart moving book that will touch people of all ages, George is a boy that is struggling with his gender identity.  Though in school everyone acknowledges him as a boy, he must continue portraying what he feel society wants.  As the truth emerges, he finds the support needed in his friend Kelly.  Through the close friendship and acceptance, Kelly provides the perfect opportunity that will allow George to show everyone who he really is.  After performing in the school play of Charlotte’s Web, the conclusion of the play allowed Melissa to be freed from the barrier that kept him from being who he truly felt he was.  For me the book was an emotional roller coaster.  You can see the hardships and feel his pain.  The book isn’t written to be inappropriate or awkwardly felt.  On the contrary, his thoughts are well reflected in his actions, which then allows the reader to feel empathy and a clear understanding of the character and/or people struggling with the same issues.  The simplicity of innocence allows this book to have such an impact.  Though the elements of the story portray a perfect reading selection for elementary students, it contains a powerful message with the incorporation of a strong subject.  Teachers can use the book to reflect world themes such as acceptance and being able to show who you really are.  Criteria: The story has a very important message and topic that discusses a real life experience that could occur.  Moreover, it has a unique usefulness that encourages children to be true to who they are and speak up about issues that can be dangerous to not speak up about.  Theme: Being true to who are are and having courage.  

Garden, N. (1982).  Annie on my mind.  NY:  FSG  After Annie and Liza meet, they exchange numbers.  What begins as an innocent friendship, turns into something more that both girls did not want to admit was happening.  Consequently, the fear of being outcasted and ridiculed, transforms their “friendship” into something secretive that remains unexposed (though often hinted to some people).  In the end, an opportunity to be together shifts the storyline that forces the girls to reveal their true “identity" and puts at stake the job of two their teachers.  In concussion, the consequence of guilt forces their lives to take separate paths.  As a reader, I felt I was reading not the edge.  The plot takes you through a very traditional aspect of friendship, but slowly begins to take a different approach that to many people might be considered taboo.  This is definitely a book that must be carefully selected and used as a selection reading or made available to a library.  My suggestion is that the book is targeted to adult/student readers ranging from 14-18 years old. Criteria: The main characters in the story have a conflict within themselves.  Furthermore, the book also possesses a very important topic that reflects how teenagers and other people of all ages can be feeling.  A lesson or theme to learned is being true to yourself and having courage to speak up.  

Bell, C. (2014).  El Deafo.  BY: Abrams What’s great about this book is how Cece Bell has taken a small chapter of her life and turned it into an uplifting book for children and even adults.  Bell uses animal rabbits to portray the characters in the book.  What’s also different about this book is how she turns the storyline into a graphic novel.  Graphic novels have proven to be a book attractor for several readers.  Through the array of elements that Bell incorporated, the reader can understand the effects that becoming deaf can have on anyone, especially a child.  After she acquires the Phonic Ear, her ability to hear is restored, making her feel like a superhero. The illustrations and dialogue provided help any reader understand the impact of treating everyone with respect and kindness.  Teachers can use this book to target an exploration on meningitis and a deeper look on the effect of becoming deaf.  Moreover, you can make great connections to other important people in history that were faced with the same difficulty.  Criteria: The author clearly had a clear vision and authentic style of writing.  Aside from making her book comical and filled with graphical illustrations, she also decided to use rabbits as her focus of characters. 

Anderson, L. H.  (1999). Speak.  NY:  Penguin  Going into high school can be an exciting part of your life, but for Melinda this experience was taken away from her.  As the reader progresses through the book, her character can be portrayed as misleading, but on the contrary, also keep you in suspense and very engaged.  Melinda takes you through journey of hardships and realizations.  After finding then right guide, she gains the power and courage to face her reality.  This book truly brings you to chills. As I was reading the book, I placed myself in the shoes of a young adult.  Many people can relate to a feeling of outcast, even if it revolves only around one experience.  However, in this book, the underlying factor that contributed to the silence of Melinda was far more grand than what one would have expected.  Although, it’s a very difficult subject matter, if addressed appropriately, it can be a method of saving lives.  The issue is as reality that is occurring to people all over the world.  Extensions of this book can include an in-depth research of the topic, to then be able to create an action.  For example, giving the people the confidence to speak up, promoting awareness, or creating posters that encourage students to not stay silenced.  It also provides a great opportunity to produce art that reflects a feeling or theme. Criteria: The book clearly beats other books because it addresses an issue that reflects real life.  A topic that is often left unspoken, this author encourages all readers to speak up and not remain silence.  As the story continues, the plot also allows the storyline to strengthen.  

Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian.  NY:  Little Brown.  A boy named Arnold "Junior" Spirit lives in a reservation and is faced with multiple challenges at an early age.  In an effort to pursue his dreams and be able to surpass all the hardships, he decides to abandon his life in the reservation and moves to an all white and rich high school.  Though life was not easy after moving, he realizes that his potential and ability to succeed will have made his decision worth taking. I was extremely shocked to learn of all the accidents that were caused by the usage of alcohol.  It truly puts into perspective the effects that drinking can cause.  It not only delivers a powerful message, but also allows the reader to connect to the hardships that students can go through at an adolescent age.  For students 12 years and older, this book truly brings to light the personal life that a student can be carrying on their shoulder, while undertaking the difficulties faced in school.  Criteria: Though the plot allows the development of ideas to engage the reader, more importantly, it's a combination of the characters, conflict and background knowledge that strengthen the storyline.  The main character Arnold is forced to abandon his life and choose what he believes is right for him.  Thus, also transmitting a powerful message.