1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Green, John and David Levithan. 2010. Will Grayson, Will Grayson. New York: Dutton Books. ISBN 9780525421580.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Two teenaged boys, both named Will Grayson, happen to meet under most unusual circumstances one night in Chicago. One Will is the studious misfit whose only friend is Tiny Cooper who just happens to be not so tiny and very much gay. The other Will is another social misfit who is battling his inner struggles and finds solace only when he meets someone who helps him discover that being himself is not such a bad person to be after all.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
If taken solely at face value, this storyline would not only seem improbable but also a bit absurd. However, Green and Levithan have such a command of storytelling and a style of writing that make this book a moving yet hilarious depiction of teenage life. They certainly take on the subject of homosexuality headfirst with one Will Grayson falling in love with the other Will Grayson’s best friend, Tiny Cooper. Tiny Cooper adds humorous relief throughout the book without coming off as “stereotypically gay.” In fact, the book was referred to me by a gay friend who absolutely loved it. The characterization is authentic throughout. The alternating chapters are defined by a change in style making it easy for the reader to follow each Will Grayson throughout the story.
The authors have a way of portraying all of the characters in a realistic, honest teenage light. Every reader can find something with which to identify whether it be taking an unpopular stand, coming to terms with romantic issues, problems with parents, being betrayed by friends, or fears about the future. The best part is that the book is not preachy but gets the message of acceptance across in an entertaining and engaging way.
Because of the use of strong language and some sexual situations this book would be appropriate only at the high school level.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
VOYA review: “What results is a wonderfully campy, sweet, romantic gesture in the spectacular style that readers have come to expect from these two YA masters. Although not entirely unfamiliar—or precisely because of it—Will Grayson will find a fast and adoring audience.”
KLIATT review: “…complete with honest language, interesting characters, and a heartfelt, gritty edge, this quirky yet down-to-earth collaboration by two master YA storytellers will keep readers turning pages.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book brings up so many issues relevant to high school life that it leads perfectly into a discussion about the importance of acceptance and how to deal with everyday issues.
Other books about teenage homosexuality for young readers can be found on Alex Sanchez’s website. http://www.alexsanchez.com/gay_teen_books.htm
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Review: THANK YOU, MR. FALKER by Patricia Polacco
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Polacco, Patricia. 1998. Thank You, Mr. Falker. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 0399231668.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Patricia Polacco uses this story to pay tribute to her fifth grade teacher, Mr. Felker, who finally identified her dyslexia and helped her learn to read. The little girl in the book goes through many trying times as she experiences the death of her beloved grandparents and moving across the country, but nothing compares to the daily torture of not only failing at reading but also being ridiculed by her classmates.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Any child who has ever had to overcome difficulties at school will relate to Trisha’s feelings as she tries her best but cannot seem to master the skill of reading. Polacco brings attention to the very personal and lonely battle many children with dyslexia face. Throughout the years, none of her teachers were able to diagnose her disability which makes sense because the story is set in the early 1950s. One thing that is universal is the ridicule Trisha faces from the students in her class both in Michigan and in her new home in California. Fortunately for Trisha, Mr. Falker is able to change her life and open new doors for her through books.
The illustrations are drawn in true Patricia Polacco style. There is attention to detail in the faces of the characters which help the reader make a personal connection. We can share in her pain but also in the pride she feels as she triumphs over her disability.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “Young readers struggling with learning difficulties will identify with Trisha's situation and find reassurance in her success. Polacco's gouache-and-pencil compositions deftly capture the emotional stages frustration, pain, elation of Trisha's journey.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Without belaboring the point, the author clearly shows the ways that children internalize critical comments made by others and suffer for their differences. This touching story is accompanied by illustrations in Polacco's signature style. Youngsters, as well as adults, may find themselves choked up at the emotions so eloquently described in words and pictures.”
5. CONNECTIONS
As a daily journal entry, students should reflect on a time when they had to overcome a difficult situation including the feelings they experienced not only during the struggle but also how it felt to finally experience success.
For more information about the life of Patricia Polacco, visit her website at: http://www.patriciapolacco.com/ which is filled with pages of information about her life, her books, and other fun stuff.
Polacco, Patricia. 1998. Thank You, Mr. Falker. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 0399231668.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Patricia Polacco uses this story to pay tribute to her fifth grade teacher, Mr. Felker, who finally identified her dyslexia and helped her learn to read. The little girl in the book goes through many trying times as she experiences the death of her beloved grandparents and moving across the country, but nothing compares to the daily torture of not only failing at reading but also being ridiculed by her classmates.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Any child who has ever had to overcome difficulties at school will relate to Trisha’s feelings as she tries her best but cannot seem to master the skill of reading. Polacco brings attention to the very personal and lonely battle many children with dyslexia face. Throughout the years, none of her teachers were able to diagnose her disability which makes sense because the story is set in the early 1950s. One thing that is universal is the ridicule Trisha faces from the students in her class both in Michigan and in her new home in California. Fortunately for Trisha, Mr. Falker is able to change her life and open new doors for her through books.
The illustrations are drawn in true Patricia Polacco style. There is attention to detail in the faces of the characters which help the reader make a personal connection. We can share in her pain but also in the pride she feels as she triumphs over her disability.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “Young readers struggling with learning difficulties will identify with Trisha's situation and find reassurance in her success. Polacco's gouache-and-pencil compositions deftly capture the emotional stages frustration, pain, elation of Trisha's journey.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Without belaboring the point, the author clearly shows the ways that children internalize critical comments made by others and suffer for their differences. This touching story is accompanied by illustrations in Polacco's signature style. Youngsters, as well as adults, may find themselves choked up at the emotions so eloquently described in words and pictures.”
5. CONNECTIONS
As a daily journal entry, students should reflect on a time when they had to overcome a difficult situation including the feelings they experienced not only during the struggle but also how it felt to finally experience success.
For more information about the life of Patricia Polacco, visit her website at: http://www.patriciapolacco.com/ which is filled with pages of information about her life, her books, and other fun stuff.
Review: ASK ME NO QUESTIONS by Marina Budhos
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Budhos, Marina. 2006. Ask Me No Questions. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 1416903518.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Young Nadira and her family are fleeing to the Canadian border to start a new life. They had always thought of the United States as home but since the INS are tracking down and deporting illegal aliens with haste since the 9/11 attacks, her family who are from Bangladesh must seek asylum in Canada. Unfortunately, their world is turned upside down when they are sent away and Nadira’s father is taken into custody. Now it is up to Nadira and her older sister to figure out how to save their father and remain in the home they’ve come to love.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Through this story of a Bangladesh family’s struggle to stay in the United States, Budhos sheds light on the prejudices faced by immigrant families. She gives some insight into how the detainees are mistreated and the families are ignored. Many political issues are brought into question through these events and others such as the lawyers who prey on desperate immigrants promising them help then leaving them helpless. Intertwined with the social problems is the story of a loving family who encounter some of the same difficulties as other families such as the sibling rivalry between Nadira and Aisha.
Nadira and her sister learn from a young age that in order to maintain their family’s secret, they must keep a low profile. As her Abba told them “The most important thing… was not to stick out.” This is reflective of the lives of actual immigrant children who know they must not make trouble and disappear among the crowds. Even students who are not immigrants would benefit from reading this book because Budhos’s story captures the reader and her style of writing helps the reader connect to Nadira. The other characters in the book are not as well developed; however the connection to the main character is enough to create an interesting, heartfelt story.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
VOYA review: “Budhos's descriptive writing style helps the story seem more realistic. Nadira's conflicting emotions are portrayed in such a way that even though teens might not identify with her situation, they can easily relate to her feelings. The topics addressed in this book are very relevant in today's society, and teens will quickly be able to make real world connections.”
KLIATT review: “This is a powerful story, especially for those YAs who know something themselves about the immigration situation. Budhos doesn't make heroes of the illegal immigrants, but she illuminates the reasons why families stay here, and she focuses on the children who have grown up in America but who are threatened with deportation because of the mistakes of their parents.”
5. CONNECTIONS
A great nonfiction companion to Ask Me No Questions is Ann Bausum’s Denied, Detained, Deported: Stories From the Dark Side of American Immigration (ISBN 1426303327). It contains three profiles of immigrants who were treated unfairly followed by further discussions about current immigration issues.
The topic of immigration opens up a multitude of discussion questions. Students should be encouraged to openly talk about their opinions and research to find out more about the realities of immigration.
Budhos, Marina. 2006. Ask Me No Questions. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 1416903518.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Young Nadira and her family are fleeing to the Canadian border to start a new life. They had always thought of the United States as home but since the INS are tracking down and deporting illegal aliens with haste since the 9/11 attacks, her family who are from Bangladesh must seek asylum in Canada. Unfortunately, their world is turned upside down when they are sent away and Nadira’s father is taken into custody. Now it is up to Nadira and her older sister to figure out how to save their father and remain in the home they’ve come to love.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Through this story of a Bangladesh family’s struggle to stay in the United States, Budhos sheds light on the prejudices faced by immigrant families. She gives some insight into how the detainees are mistreated and the families are ignored. Many political issues are brought into question through these events and others such as the lawyers who prey on desperate immigrants promising them help then leaving them helpless. Intertwined with the social problems is the story of a loving family who encounter some of the same difficulties as other families such as the sibling rivalry between Nadira and Aisha.
Nadira and her sister learn from a young age that in order to maintain their family’s secret, they must keep a low profile. As her Abba told them “The most important thing… was not to stick out.” This is reflective of the lives of actual immigrant children who know they must not make trouble and disappear among the crowds. Even students who are not immigrants would benefit from reading this book because Budhos’s story captures the reader and her style of writing helps the reader connect to Nadira. The other characters in the book are not as well developed; however the connection to the main character is enough to create an interesting, heartfelt story.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
VOYA review: “Budhos's descriptive writing style helps the story seem more realistic. Nadira's conflicting emotions are portrayed in such a way that even though teens might not identify with her situation, they can easily relate to her feelings. The topics addressed in this book are very relevant in today's society, and teens will quickly be able to make real world connections.”
KLIATT review: “This is a powerful story, especially for those YAs who know something themselves about the immigration situation. Budhos doesn't make heroes of the illegal immigrants, but she illuminates the reasons why families stay here, and she focuses on the children who have grown up in America but who are threatened with deportation because of the mistakes of their parents.”
5. CONNECTIONS
A great nonfiction companion to Ask Me No Questions is Ann Bausum’s Denied, Detained, Deported: Stories From the Dark Side of American Immigration (ISBN 1426303327). It contains three profiles of immigrants who were treated unfairly followed by further discussions about current immigration issues.
The topic of immigration opens up a multitude of discussion questions. Students should be encouraged to openly talk about their opinions and research to find out more about the realities of immigration.
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