Amerian Born Chinese

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Yang, Gene Luen. 2006. AMERICAN BORN CHINESE. Ill. by Gene Luen Yang. New York: Square Fish. ISBN 0-312-38448-3

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

This plot revolves around three interrelated stories about young Chinese Americans trying to fit in the popular culture.

3.      CRITCAL ANALYSIS

 Yang takes three seemingly separate stories and eventually weaves them all into one amazing look into the Chinese culture. One tale is a traditional Chinese folktale with a few details tweaked. The second tale is of a second generation Chinese boy and we follow him through his life. The third is about an American boy who has a stereotypical Chinese cousin who visits every year.

There are many themes in this book: self-acceptance, overcoming obstacles, and friendship. Not only that, but the story is told in full color cartoon drawings as this is a graphic novel. The graphic novel is fast becoming popular in America and Yang makes good use of it here.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Winner of the 2007 Michael L. Printz Award

Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Yang accomplishes the remarkable feat of practicing what he preaches with this book: accept who you are and you'll already have reached out to others.”

Review in BOOKLIST: “The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects––shame, racism, and friendship––receive thoughtful, powerful examination.”

5.      CONNECTIONS

*Open up a discussion about being an American, but having strong cultural roots in a different country. Does it make life harder for them, or do they embrace it? What are some of the differences in cultures they have to deal with?

* Other books by this author:

            Yang, Gene Luen. Prime Baby. ISBN 9781596436121

            Yang, Gene Luen. Loyola Chin and the San Peligran Order. ISBN 1593620055

            Yang, Gene Lune. Gordon Yamamoto and the King of the Geeks. ISBN 0943151953

Speak

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 1999. SPEAK. New York: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-14-131088-X

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

After experiencing a traumatic event at the end of the summer, Melinda deals with it during her freshman year of high school by not speaking.

3.      CRITCAL ANALYSIS

Anderson’s powerful book deals with a sensitive topic—rape. It is surely one of every female’s greatest fears, and for Melinda to have had it happen to her at such a young age is even more devastating. And the way she deals with it is heartbreaking—she stops speaking.

Because 99.99% of the book involves no dialogue from her, we get to know her innermost thoughts that no one else is privy too, which perhaps brings her even closer to the reader. Anderson handles the topic very well, and provides readers with a unique look into the life of a victim of such a heinous crime, and gives us hope that even adversity such as this can be overcome.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Awards & Honors:

            Michal L. Printz Honor Book

National Book Award Finalist

Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist

Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist

Winner of the SCBWI Golden Kite Award

ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults

ALA Quick Pick

Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

Booklist Top Ten First Novel

BCCB Blue Ribbon Book

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Horn Book Fanfare Title

New York Times Bestseller

Publishers Weekly Bestseller

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This is a compelling book, with sharp, crisp writing that draws readers in, engulfing them in the story.”

Review in PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “In a stunning first novel, Anderson uses keen observations and vivid imagery to pull readers into the head of an isolated teenager.”

Review in BOOK LIST: “sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.”

5.      CONNECTIONS

*Rape is a sensitive subject no matter what the age of the reader. Broach it gently and see what the group has to stay. You may be surprised at what you hear and learn from both the male and female perspective.

*Nonfiction books about this topic:

Mather, Cynthia L. How Long Does It Hurt: A Guide to Recovering from Incest and Sexual Abuse for Teenagers, Their Friends, and Their Families. ISBN 0787975699

*Other young adult novels by this author.

            Anderson, Laurie Halse. Catalyst. ISBN 0-6700-3566-1

            Anderson, Laurie Halse. Twisted. ISBN 0-6700-6101-8

            Anderson, Laurie Halse. Wintergirls. ISBN 9780670011100

When You Reach Me

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stead, Rebeccca. 2009. WHEN YOU REACH ME. New York: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 978-0-385-73742-5

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

While her mother is preparing to become a contestant on a 1970s television game show, 12-year-old Miranda begins receiving anonymous notes that seem to accurately predict the future.

3.      CRITCAL ANALYSIS

Stead’s When You Reach Me explores the idea of time travel. It’s a gripping mystery that has you hanging on to every word until the end because there are questions that must be answered: Who is the laughing man? Who is sending Miranda the notes, and how are they predicting the future?

The novel is character driven just as much as it’s driven by its plot. The characters are intriguing, always leaving you wanting to know more about them. All in all, just a wonderful story that keeps you on your toes and is a perfect read for children and adults who enjoy a good mystery.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Winner of the 2010 Newbery Medal

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This unusual, thought-provoking mystery will appeal to several types of readers.”

Starred review in BOOK LIST: "The mental gymnastics required of readers are invigorating; and the characters, children, and adults are honest bits of humanity no matter in what place or time their souls rest."

5.      CONNECTIONS

*Open with a discussion on time travel and see how many ideas and opinions pop up!

*Read the book that plays a large role in this story:

            L’Engle, Madeleine. A Wrinkle in Time. ISBN 0-374-38613-7

*Other novels by this author:

Stead, Rebecca. First Light. ISBN 978-037584017