Young Adult Literature Review #4

 Young Adult Literature 

Historical Fiction Book Reviews

Bibliography

Sepetys, R. (2023). I must betray you. Philomel Books. ISBN 9781984836045

Plot Summary

Seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu has many hopes and dreams, as any teenager would. However, his are tainted and crushed by the tyrannical regime and dictator of Romania, Nicolae Ceausescu. It’s 1989 and the oppressive nature of communism is strangling Romanians. Every aspect of their lives is controlled and manipulated by the dictatorship. 

Cristian soon finds himself blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer and betray those he loves most. As Cristian struggles internally, battling with the secrecy that must be maintained as an informer and the weight of betrayal against those he loves most, cracks begin to break apart the nation held together by totalitarianism. 

Cristian begins to plot a way to show the world the true nature of Romania’s brutal dictatorship and soon finds out that betrayal has already infiltrated his home. Fed up with being bound by the chains of isolation and fear, he risks everything to give a voice to suffering Romanians.    

Critical Analysis

Ruta Sepetys captures readers in this historical thriller set in Bucharest, Romania in 1989. Under the tyrannical dictatorship of Nicolae Ceausescu for more than two decades, readers are submerged into the world of the protagonist, Cristian Florescu. Incorporating carefully researched details about this particular time in Romanian history, Septeys provides the reader with the everyday reality of citizens living Eastern Europe. Carefully crafting a story that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, Cristian narrates his daily life and internal struggles. Being deceived and black mailed by secret agents, watching his grandfather deteriorate due to illness, and a small love story blossom, Cristian finds the strength to fight. He fights for freedom, fights for Romanians and fights for life. 

Review Excerpt(s)

“As educational as it is thrilling...[T]he power of I Must Betray You [is] it doesn’t just describe the destabilizing effects of being spied on; it will make you experience them too.” –The New York Times
"Sepetys brilliantly blends a staggering amount of research with heart, craft, and insight in a way very few writers can. Compulsively readable and brilliant." –Kirkus
"Sepetys once again masterfully portrays a dark, forgotten corner of history." –Booklist

Connections

• Discussion questions to use throughout the reading of the book can be found at PenguinClassroom - I Must Betray You 

• Differentiated lessons about story elements can be found at TeachingBooks.

• Reading guide can be found at IMustBetrayYouReadingGuide

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• A Hundred Sweet Promises by Sepehr Haddad

• Winter Work by Dan Fesperman

• Eternal by Lisa Scottoline

Bibliography

Zusak, M. (2007). The book thief. Knopf Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780375842207

Plot Summary

World War II in Germany is no place anyone wants to be or should be…but I was there working as diligently as I could. You see, this was a time of great turmoil and war for all. However sometimes, just someitmes, things can surprise you when you least expect it. For me, it was a little girl. A little girl who despite having such an unpleasant start, who experienced grief brought on by the passing of her brother and being left by her mother to be fostered by others, had so much will to live. I watched her many times as she formed bonds, stole books, learned to read and write and fall in love amidst the air raids. 

Come. Let me tell you a story about Liesel Meminger. A story you won’t soon forget. 

Critical Analysis

Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief, grips readers in this historical fiction novel and takes them back in time to 1939 Germany. Narrated by Death itself, a story unfolds about a young girl names Liesel Meminger and the heinous acts of the Nazis. Many themes are present, such as the power of words, guilt, propaganda, friendship and more. Careful research was conducted to incorporate details of the time period which provides powerful insight into just how much the country suffered under the rule of Adolf Hitler. Food rations, bartering, destruction of Jewish owned business, watching captured and chained Jewish men and women walk down the street, and much more is used to transport the reader to a time. As stated by The New York Times, The Book Thief is “The kind of book that can be life-changing”. This compelling story will submerge readers into a time of strife, turmoil, love, and friendship.

Review Excerpt(s)

“The kind of book that can be life-changing.” —The New York Times

"Elegant, philosophical and moving...Beautiful and important."- Kirkus

"This hefty volume is an achievement...a challenging book in both length and subject..."- Publisher's Weekly

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Discuss the symbolism of Death as the omniscient narrator of the novel. 

• Take a virtual field trip to Dachau, the first Nazi Concentration Camp on the following website: KZ-Gedenkstaette-Dachau.de/index-e.html. Then have students find a poem that expresses their feelings at the end of the tour. Have them write a paper that draws a parallel between the poem and the concentration camp. Encourage peer editing for clarity, spelling, and grammar. 

•  Death says that Liesel was a girl “with a mountain to climb.” (p. 86) What is her mountain? Who are her climbing partners? What is her greatest obstacle? At what point does she reach the summit of her mountain? Describe her descent. What does she discover at the foot of her mountain?

**Note: The activities above and more can be found at: 

https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=925

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne.
• The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult.

Bibliography

Avi. (2003). The true confessions of Charlotte Doyle. HarperCollins. ISBN 9780380714759

Plot Summary

A journey across the Atlantic ocean was supposed to be an uneventful voyage with two other families, a journey taking Charlotte to meet her family who have already gone to America while she finished her schooling. As fate would have it, the trek across the ocean would be only Charlotte, the captain and crew of the Sea Hawk. Despite the sudden cancellation of the others, uneasily Charlotte decides to board. Unbeknownst to her, the voyage would be forever life changing. Soon in the midst of a mutiny, charged with murder, tried and found guilty, Charlotte’s story of survival and triumph unfold. 

Critical Analysis

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, written by Avi, is a historical fiction novel readers won’t be able to put down. The story of a prim and proper thirteen year old traveling alone to America across the Atlantic ocean with an unruly crew and ruthless captain will have readers riveted. The story unfolds during 1832 and is told from the adult perspective of the protagonist Charlotte. As Charlotte “confesses” her story of her time on the Sea Hawk, certain aspects of the nineteenth century are incorporated, such as the primary use transatlantic voyages, spoken language and societal expectations of women. Readers will be in for a captivating ride as they travel with Charlotte on a journey of finding her true self. 

 

Review Excerpt(s)

“Tautly plotted, vividly narrated, carefully researched: a thrilling tale deepened by its sober look at attitudes that may have been more exaggerated in the past but that still persist.” - Kirkus

“Never wavering from its 19th century setting, the novel offers suspense and entertainment modern-day readers will enjoy.” - Publisher’s Weekly

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Create a plot diagram and analyze the plot of the story.
• Research social etiquette of the 1800s. Have students demonstrate a few selected practices, such as greetings or dinner manners.
• In Charlotte’s time, sailors were known for being superstitious. Research sailor lore and superstitions. Is there any truth to these beliefs?
• Research other women in history who have overcome their stereotypical roles and places in society to become leaders and heroines.

**Note: The activities above and more can be found at:
https://www.brighthubeducation.com/middle-school-english-lessons/88019-the-true-confessions-of-charlotte-doyle-book-activities-and-teaching-ideas/

https://www.varsitytutors.com/englishteacher/true-confessions-of-charlotte-doyle-lesson-plans

Other recommended books if you liked this one:

• Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
• Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
• The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz
  
  

Young Adult Literature #3

 Young Adult Literature 

Book Reviews

Bibliography

Thomas, A. (2017). The hate U give. Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers. 

ISBN 9780062498533

Plot Summary

Living a double life, Starr Carter tries desperately to balance her two worlds. Being 16 isn’t easy, but managing life in a poor neighborhood while attending a private school in the suburbs makes life even harder. Trying to stay connected to her neighborhood friends becomes challenging, but Starr finally finds time to hang out with an old, childhood friend named Khalil. Tragedy strikes one night when Khalil gets pulled over while taking Starr home. Despite being unarmed, Khalil is shot and killed by a police officer. Now a witness to a national news-making incident, Starr’s life is shattered by the death of her friend. This not only brings back memories of another childhood friend, Natalie, being killed years ago in a drive-by shooting but spurs the growth of Starr in unimaginable ways.  Will she have the courage to stand up to those who unjustly killed Khalil? Will she forever feel as though she can never truly be herself? Will she ever find which world she fits into? Starr Carter is the only one who can save herself and possibly her community - if she doesn’t get silenced first. 

Critical Analysis

Angie Thomas, the author of The Hate U Give, has created a powerful young adult novel. This realistic fiction tale incorporates many of today’s societal issues. Told in first-person perspective and set in the early 2000s, the main character, Starr Carter, is a 16-year-old African American girl who attends a predominantly white school but lives in a poverty-stricken black neighborhood. Dealing with the tragic death of her childhood friend Khalil, Starr must navigate the world as an unidentified witness to the crime, all the while fighting (at times silently) for justice against a corrupt system that is “supposed to protect them”. As Starr struggles with her identity and the role she must adhere to, at home in her neighborhood and her prestigious school, she faces many obstacles that only continue to burden her. Somehow along the way, Starr finds her voice and her strength to stand up for herself and others. Many themes are present throughout, such as police brutality, racism, and defeating the cycle of poverty to name a few. Readers will become engulfed with a multitude of emotions as they follow Starr’s journey to finding herself and fighting for what’s right. 

Review Excerpt(s)

"Heartbreakingly topical." —Publishers Weekly
"A marvel of verisimilitude." —Booklist
"A powerful, in-your-face novel." —Horn Book

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Watch the TED Talk video about code switching. Code-switching is alternating between two dialects of a language. It can also mean switching between the way someone expresses themselves. This is what Starr is doing as she floats between her two worlds.
• Write a personal journal entry on a time that you have code-switched, including on how it has impacted you.
• Watch the movie The Hate U Give. What is different about the book and movie? Which one do you prefer?

**Note: All activities and more can be found at https://www.learningtogive.org/resources/hate-you-give-literature-guide

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• Dear Martin by Nic Stone

• On the Other Side of Freedom: The Case for Hope by DeRay Mckesson

• All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

Bibliography

King, A. S. (2016). Still life with Tornado. Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. ISBN 9781101994887

Plot Summary

It’s not uncommon for writers to have writer’s block….but what about artists? Sarah, a sixteen-year-old, has always been an artist, until one day she can’t summon the energy to draw a pear. Something so simple throws Sarah into a whirlwind and makes her begin to question everything she’s known about herself and her art. Sarah begins skipping school and wanders the streets of her town Philadelphia trying to find something “original”. Things get even weirder as she begins to meet other versions of herself, younger and older. Thinking she is having an “existential crisis”, Sarah begins to contemplate the family dynamics at home. The tornado of a family unit that continues to whirl in intensity and that has banished her brother six long years ago. Deep down Sarah has known things haven’t been quite right but she has been a silent fixture for so long to a toxic home environment…where the tornado continues to gather strength. 

Critical Analysis

Still Life with Tornado, by A.S. King, is a realistic fiction young adult novel involving themes of family abuse, survival and acceptance of the truth. The narrative is told mainly by the main character, Sarah, with a few entries from the perspective of her mother Helen. Told in past and present tense, the story begins in the month of May during the main character’s sophomore year of high school. Flashbacks occur throughout the story which describe the memories of a family vacation Sarah has forgotten - memories involving her brother and her tornado of a father. With the help of other versions of herself, one, in particular, referred to as Ten, Sarah begins to remember exactly what happened between her father and brother during the trip. This multilayered novel draws the reader into the seemingly quiet, yet equally chaotic life of an abusive father who has reigned for far too long. As Sarah finally begins to understand the dynamics of her life, she makes contact with her brother Bruce. Connecting with Bruce is the turning point for the family and many hidden lies are brought to light. Readers will find themselves on a rollercoaster of emotion as they journey with Sarah to the real truth of what art is and what it means to be “original”. 

Review Excerpt(s)

”King writes with the confidence of a tightrope walker working without a net.” - Publishers Weekly
"[King] blurs reality, truth, violence, emotion, creativity, and art in a show of respect for YA readers." - Horn Book Magazine
“King’s brilliance, artistry, and originality as an author shine through in this thought-provoking work.... An unforgettable experience.” -School Library Journal

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Describe the main character(s) in the story. How realistic are they?

• Describe the plot of the story. Do you feel this is a realistic plot? Why/why not?

• Describe the theme of the story. How does this affect the reader?

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• I Crawl Through It by A.S. King
• Punching Bag by Rex Ogle
• The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan

Bibliography

Perkins, S. (2017). There's someone inside your House. Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. ISBN 9780525426011

Plot Summary

Adjusting to a new town and new school is challenging for Makani Young. After having been in Osborne, Nebraska and finally making friends, she seems to be settling in some…almost. A love interest begins to blossom but Makani worries if they will find out about her past and the REAL reason she moved to Nebraska. Her fear is heightened when a series of gruesome murders plagues her town. As Makani tries to make sense of fellow high school students being ominously murdered…she begins to wonder if she’ll survive or will she be next?

Critical Analysis

There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins is a teen thriller that will have readers on the edge of their seats. Set in Nebraska, the main character named Makani has lived with her grandmother for a year. Having been sent to live with her, her parents are in the middle of a divorce and her mother is too self-absorbed to deal with her teenage daughter. Getting in trouble during a hazing ritual with her teammates in Hawaii didn’t help the situation with her parents either. Many readers will be able to relate to the main character's feelings of loneliness and finding how they fit in. Early on in the novel, Makani’s fellow students get picked off one by one by a serial killer who stalks his prey and commits gruesome murders. Perkins masterfully builds tension throughout the course of the novel and uses foreshadowing to alert the reader of intense moments to come. As stated by Booklist in a review of the thriller, “Readers will be sleeping with one eye open” after reading this teen slasher. 

Review Excerpt(s)

“Readers will be sleeping with one eye open.” – Booklist
“A heart-pounding page-turner with an outstanding cast of characters, a deliciously creepy setting, and an absolutely merciless body count.” – Courtney Summers, New York Times bestselling author of Sadie and The Project

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Identify and discuss foreshadowing leading up to major events in the story.
• Identify and discuss the use of bullying and hazing within the story and how it affects the characters.
• Identify and discuss themes within the novel (Ex. forgiving oneself)

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• Get Even by Gretchen McNeil
• They All Fall Down by Roxanne St Claire
• People Like Us by Dana Mele