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

Young Adult Literature Review #2

 Young Adult Literature 

Book Reviews

Bibliography

Colfer, E., & Donkin, A. (2018). Illegal. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. ISBN 9781492665823

Plot Summary

Reality sinks in for Ebo when he realizes his brother has followed in his sister’s footsteps. He too has set off to escape Ghana in search of a better life. Left now with his wretched Uncle, Ebo knows he must do the same. He must find his older brother and go with him to Europe, no matter how dangerous the trip may be. Determined, Ebo sets off on a journey that tests his will and nearly kills him. A journey that will take him across the Sahara Desert, cast him out into city streets fending off rats and hoodlums, to finally attempting to cross the treacherous ocean which almost swallows him whole. Will he be able to find his brother? Will he be able to make the perilous journey? Only the future knows the answer.

Critical Analysis

In this powerful graphic novel, author Eoin Colfer presents a tale of a boy searching for a better life and willing to go to dangerous lengths to do so. Set in Ghana in a poor village, the main character, 12 year old Ebo, finds that his brother has left suddenly on a journey to find a better life in Europe…just like his sister did months ago. Feeling as though nothing is left for him, Ebo decides to go after his brother and make the treacherous journey to Europe as well. Colfer utilizes flashbacks to masterfully cut back and forth between past and present while telling Ebo’s story. Illustrator, Giovanni Rigano, captivates the reader with graphics that express the various situations and emotions of Ebo’s tale. This graphic novel is one that will grip its readers and keep them engaged until the very end. 

Review Excerpt(s)

- "Raw, realistic, and emotional, this graphic novel puts a harrowing spin on immigration and the risks people take to seek opportunities in other countries.... This graphic novel...makes truths about humanity abundantly clear with the frightening situations and tragic outcomes conveyed through the narrative, emotive illustrations, and the true story in the last five pages. Middle and high schools can use this book in curriculum and recommend it to comic enthusiasts." - VOYA Magazine

- "Action-filled and engaging but considerate of both topic and audience, Ebo's story effectively paints a picture of a child refugee's struggle in a world crisscrossed by hostile borders." - Kirkus Reviews

-"A thrilling and moving addition to any collection, and ideal supplemental reading in classes where students are studying immigration." - School Library Journal

2019 Excellence in Graphic Literature Award Winner

A New York Public Library Best Book of 2018

A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2018

An Amazon Best Book of 2018

A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Graphic Novel of 2018

An American Library Association Notable Book for 2019

2019 YALSA Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens

2019 CBC Notable Social Studies Book

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Reading Diary Ask readers what questions they have after reading chapter 1. They should consider what they know about the reasons why Ebo is on the boat, and what they would still like to find out. Ask them to make a note of questions that are unanswered in their reading diary. They can revisit these questions after reading more of the story.

• Research: In chapters 1 to 5, there are two sets of geographical coordinates. Ask readers to find them. As a class, enter the coordinates into Google Maps and see where Ebo is. Readers draw their own map and mark Ebo’s position on the map each time. Ask readers to predict where Ebo will go next.

• Activity: Hopes and dreams In small groups, students write a list of Ebo’s dreams for his new life. Ask students to think about each of Ebo’s dreams. Have his dreams come true? What is the reality of his situation now? Encourage students to think of adjectives to describe how Ebo feels about his dreams now.

**These and other activities can be found at: https://cdn.sourcebooks.com/assets/downloads/discussionguides/Illegal-TeachersGuide.pdf

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees by Don Brown

• When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson

• Displacement by Kiku Hughes

Bibliography

Longoria, M. (2022). Living beyond borders: Growing up Mexican in America. Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. 

Plot Summary

Being different is never easy, especially when you are Mexican-American. Despite living in America most of or all of their lives, Mexican-Americans often still find themselves enveloped in a tug-of-war between two sets of cultural expectations, bias’, and taboos. In this collection of short stories, personal essays, poetry and more, read about the perspectives and personal struggles of living as a Mexican-American in today’s society. 

Critical Analysis

In this compilation of short stories, personal essays, poems, and more by various authors, readers will have an opportunity to view varying perspectives from the storytellers. Compiling writings such as these, not only allows for readers to understand more about living as a Mexican-American today, but also the cultural and societal struggles of feeling as though one doesn’t belong. Readers will be consumed by each piece as the voice of each writer plunges into the depths of topics and scenarios often overlooked or dismissed today. 

Review Excerpt(s)

"Superlative . . . A memorable collection." --Booklist 

"Voices reach out from the pages of this anthology . . . It will make a lasting impression on all readers." --School Library Journal

"This superb anthology of short stories, comics, and poems is fresh, funny, and full of authentic YA voices revealing what it means to be Mexican American . . . Not to be missed."--School Library Connection

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Poem: Have students explore the issues that surround crossing the borders that divide our society and their lives by writing a narrative poem. 

• Discussion Questions: What did you learn about Mexican and Mexican American communities by reading this book? How do the authors share their truths while subverting stereotypes?

• Discuss the theme of having to “defend who we are, where we were born, and prove to others that we are, in fact, Americans” runs through several works in this anthology. Have students discuss or write about the following: 

-Why does this happen? 

-Has this ever happened to you?

Other recommended books if you liked this one:

• Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed: 15 Voices from the Latinx Diaspora by Saraciea J. Fennell
• We Are Not from Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez
• I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez

Bibliography

Lai, T. (2020). Butterfly Yellow. Harper. 

Plot Summary

Our lives can change in an instant, and that’s just what happens to Hằng. In an attempt to follow her dreams and make her father proud, Hằng takes her little brother, Linh, to the airport to escape Việt Nam, which has been at war. Wanting to find a way to America to take her brother to see wild horses, Hằng devises a plan to pose her brother and herself as orphans so that they may find passage to America. Devastatingly, Linh is taken from her and vanishes to America. Riddled with guilt, Hằng vows to find her little brother again one day.

A long six years passes before Hằng finds herself as a refugee in the America. Having survived a harrowing journey from Việt Nam to Texas, she must now find a way to track down her brother. An unlikely character, LeeRoy, who has big dreams himself of becoming a rodeo cowboy, soon crosses Hằng’s path and becomes a vital key into finding and befriending her long, lost brother.

Despite finding Linh after so many years, Hằng is heartbroken when he has no memory of her, their family, country, or customs. After waiting for so long, Hằng will do whatever it takes to reconnect with her brother, even if it means waiting longer for Linh to get comfortable with the idea. Hằng accidentally let her brother go all those years ago, and she won’t let it happen again, no matter what.

Critical Analysis

Thanhha Lai crafts a beautiful story in her novel Butterfly Yellow. Lai tells the story of a teen girl, Hằng, from Việt Nam who has journeyed to great lengths to find her long lost brother. Set in the early 1980s, themes such as survival, determination, and love are present in this gripping story. After 6 years of plotting with her mother and grandmother to find her brother, taken from Hằng at the airport while trying to find safe passage to America during the Việt Nam War, her journey finally begins. Surviving horrific events and situations that will haunt her forever, Hằng finally makes it to America. There, the second part of her journey begins and proves to be much harder than she expected. Another character pertinent to the story is revealed, LeeRoy. Lai uses the perspective of both characters to tell the story of Hằng’s perseverance and courage on her quest to find her brother. Readers will hang on every word and experience the turmoil and elation of one character’s pursuit to find the one she loves.

Review Excerpt(s)

- “In this radiant pearl of a book, Lại shows that we human beings are singing the very same song: a song of grace and redemption, a song of courage, a song of hope.” — New York Times Book Review
- “Every sentence is infused with warmth, and Lại shows readers that countless moments of grace exist even in the darkest times. Masterfully conjures grace, beauty, and humor out of the tragic wake of the Vietnam War.” — Kirkus Reviews
- “Lại’s imagery awakens the senses. Most powerful is the deep throb of regret and the thinnest wisps of hopefulness that Lại conveys throughout. They touch the soul.” — Booklist

Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• TREES AND LEAVES. Consider pages 153, 172, and 173. In these pages we are shown the diagrams Hằng uses to break down her sentences and understand how to correctly place every word. LeeRoy also joins in, often adding to the sentence with his own contributions. With a partner, write a short story consisting of 3 sentences using the same structure the characters use. 

• SNIPPETS OF WISDOM. Choose your favorite philosophical quote from Bà or come up with your own. Find a situation in your daily life that fits the context of the quote, and then come up with a plan to apply it to your life. Share your wise conclusions with a partner. 

• WRITE IT INTO EXISTENCE. We do not know the English names of the fruits Hằng draws for her brother until the end, but we are given vivid descriptions of each one. Without including its name, describe your favorite thing to eat using 5 specific sentences. Share the paragraph with your partner and guess each other’s favorite food. 

**These and other activities can be found at: 

https://cdn.website-editor.net/6556f4a41fb143f1b09366e7a46cb27b/files/uploaded/ButterflyYellow_Teachers%2520Guide.pdf

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• Angel Thieves by Kathi Appelt

• Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai 

• The Mountains Sing by Que Mai Phan Nguyen

Young Adult Literature Reviews

 Young Adult Literature 

Book Reviews

Bibliography

Boulley, A. (2021). Firekeeper's daughter. Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 9781250766564

Plot Summary

Struggling with not fitting in with her Ojibwe tribal roots or with her French and Italian ancestry, Daunis constantly feels torn. Still reeling from the death of her father and more recently, the death of her uncle, Daunis is yet again dealing with another family tragedy. Her grandmother has suffered from a stroke. Putting off the start of her freshman year at Michigan University, which would take her away from home, Daunis decides to enroll in the community college with her best friend and help her mother, who is struggling with the loss of Daunis’s uncle and her grandmother’s declining health.


As she gets used to her “new normal”, Daunis soon begins to see her two worlds collide, two worlds she has painstakingly tried to keep apart. Jamie, a new player on her brother’s hockey team, soon becomes more than a friend but Daunis can’t shake the feeling that he’s hiding something. Amidst trying to figure out her new love interest, there is trouble among the Ojibwe youth. A new lethal drug has recently invaded and caused multiple deaths in her community. Daunis feels a responsibility to her Ojibwe tribe to get to the bottom of this enigma that is taking more and more lives. Before she knows it, Daunis is knee-deep in an FBI investigation and working as a confidential informant. Trying desperately to juggle her lack of identity in one world and her undercover identity in another, Daunis begins exposing truths and secrets - some of which may tear her family and community apart.

Critical Analysis

Author Angeline Boulley has created a young adult masterpiece with her novel Firekeeper’s Daughter. As a member of the Ojibwe community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Boulley has successfully integrated important aspects of tradition and values from her tribe into a gripping fictional story young adults will become enthralled with. This thriller/mystery novel incorporates many current issues young adults face such as drug use, racism, murder, sexual assault, and acceptance. Taking place in the early 2000s in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan, Boulley creates a realistic main character, Daunis, who struggles with her identity and sense of belonging. Staying true to the characteristics of realistic fiction, the main character soon finds herself also dealing with death, suspicion, and local scandals and finds a way to help her community while staying true to herself. Young adult readers, and adult readers too, will find Firekeeper’s Daughter a read that they will never forget.

  

Review Excerpt(s)

• "Hitting hard when it comes to issues such as citizenship, language revitalization, and the corrosive presence of drugs on Native communities, this novel will long stand in the hearts of both Native and non-Native audiences." - Publishers Weekly

• "Boulley, herself an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, writes from a place of love for her community and shares some key teachings from her culture, even mixing languages within the context of the story. She doesn't shy away from or sugar-coat the very real circumstances that plague reservations across the country, and she tackles these through her biracial hero who gets involved in the criminal investigation into the corruption that led to this pain. An incredible thriller, not to be missed." - Booklist

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Disrupting Injustices and Inequities: Design a research project to address the following: What are other acts of injustices or inequities disenfranchised and underrepresented populations face? What actionable steps can be taken to disrupt them?

• Role of Helpers: Helpers are discussed and revealed throughout the novel, and they are not exclusive to Daunis and her efforts to save her community. In an essay, discuss the various helpers seen throughout the novel, and the vital roles they serve in creating a solution to the issue of meth in the community. Cite specific examples and analyze the purpose and benefits of these helpers

**Activities can be found at: https://www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/teachers-guide-firekeepers-daughter-by-angeline-boulley/

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith

• Give Me Some Truth by Eric Gansworth

• Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse 

Bibliography

Hinton, S. E. (2021). The outsiders. Viking. ISBN 9780142407332

Plot Summary

Having family and friends you can count on is all anyone could ever wish for, and Ponyboy is no exception. Despite losing his parents in a car wreck, Ponyboy knows he can count on his brothers, Darry and Sodapop, and his best friend Johnny. An economic divide within his community has pitted two social groups against one another, the Greasers and the Socs. As things begin to heat up between the two groups, one night changes things forever…for everyone.

Critical Analysis

S.E. Hinton’s classic, The Outsiders, has been a hit among young adult readers since 1967. Having been in print for over 50 years, Hinton created a novel that has sustained appeal for generations. Hinton, influenced by the time period, successfully incorporated many aspects of the ’50s and ’60s, including clothing and lingo. Included in this novel, are relevant themes young adults can relate to today such as loyalty, love, social class status, and bullying. 

Review Excerpt(s)

• "The Outsiders transformed young-adult fiction from a genre mostly about prom queens, football players and high school crushes to one that portrayed a darker, truer world." - The New York Times

• "Taut with tension, filled with drama." - The Chicago Tribune

• "[A] classic coming-of-age book." - Philadelphia Daily News

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Pre-Reading Web Scavenger Hunt: Get students interested prior to reading the book by providing them with some knowledge of the time period depicted in the book. Have students scour the internet for trends of the time, important figures from the 1960s, or even popular movies. While reading, students will see that characters in the novel are affected by the trends, norms, and even politics of the time.

• Poetry: In this activity, students will identify any words, phrases, or short lines from the text that they feel connect with who Ponyboy is. Students will then compose their poem however they see fit, but it should include at least 12 lines.

**Activities can be found at: 

https://ebacademics.com/2021/02/the-outsiders-3-engaging-activities.html

Other recommended books if you liked this one:

• That Was Then, This Is Now by SE Hinton
• The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Bibliography

Shusterman, N. (2017). Scythe. Simon & Schuster BFYR, Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781442472426

Plot Summary

Living in a perfect world seems like the best possible scenario. No hunger, disease, war, or death due to old age or ailments. But not all things are as perfect as they seem. In the world Citra and Rowan live in, the position of a Scythe has been created. A Scythe takes the lives of people they feel are necessary to control the world population. To their chagrin, Citra and Rowan have been selected to become apprentices for Scythehood. As they both begin training, they soon struggle with their consciences and the emotional toll being a Scythe takes. An unknown future awaits them both - Who will be able to make it through the apprenticeship and be selected for Scythehood? Who can bear the heavy burden of a perfect world?

Critical Analysis

Scythe, written by author Neal Shusterman, is a dystopian, science-fiction novel. Set in MidMerica (Central America) in the year 2042, Shusterman reveals to the reader the story of the futuristic life of two main characters, Citra and Rowan. Living in this world where immortality is a possibility, so too is the burden of being the deliverer of death. Intertwined in this futuristic tale are themes that appeal to young adults such as love, death, excess, compassion, and making one's own choices. Young adult readers will become captivated by the ebb and flow of uncertainty and unimaginable situations.

Review Excerpt(s)

• Elegant and elegiac, brooding but imbued with gallows humor, Shusterman’s dark tale thrusts realistic, likable teens into a surreal situation and raises deep philosophic questions. A thoughtful and thrilling story of life, death, and meaning. - Kirkus

• A brilliant and gripping sci-fi thriller that acutely explores the consequences of worldwide immortality and asks readers to think critically about the nature of morality. School Library Journal

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Cover: Come up with a new title for the story and change the cover art on the book. Explain your reasoning.
• Game: Create a board game based on the book. Design the layout, make the pieces, cards, and other components, and write clear instructions.

**Activities can be found at: 

http://www.bookrags.com/lessonplan/scythe-arc-of-a-scythe/#gsc.tab=0

Other recommended books if you liked this one:

• This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada
• The Program by Suzanne Young
• The Truth App by Jack Heath