Where Things Come Back

Cover art by Grady McFerrin,
image from goodreads.com

Where Things Come Back, by John Corey Whaley, 2011

Whaley, John Corey. Where Things Come Back. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2011. ISBN13: 9781442413337

Ages 14 and up

Being a teenager growing up in small town Lily, Arkansas is boring. But when 17-year-old Cullen Witter’s younger brother Gabriel goes missing, while the town is enthralled with the prospect of possibly sighting a rare woodpecker, his summer takes unexpected twists and turns. Meanwhile, Cabot Searcy, a college graduate who cannot hold down a job due to his obsession with ancient, forbidden Biblical texts, intersects with Cullen’s life in a sinister way.

First-time novelist John Corey Whaley masterfully weaves two seemingly separate stories together to create an intricate and fascinating young adult novel that touches upon many struggles that teens may experience – sex and dating, bullying, friendship, death and loss, uncertainty about the future, and dealing with parents.

Because there are two separate stories that merge toward the end, the reader experiences third-person narration in Cabot’s story, and Cullen narrates his own portion of the story. Whaley captures Cullen’s teenage sense of cynicism, and does a wonderful job of taking us inside his fantasies, where bullies become zombies, and he and his friend Lucas are able to off them in video-game fashion. This is a fascinating book that will capture the attention of young men and young women alike.

Reading/writing connections:

•        The author deals with several mature themes in this story, and it is written for a high school audience (14 and up). Have students write about how they deal with the problems in their lives. Do they create fantasy worlds where their problems are solvable in extraordinary ways? Do they isolate themselves from the world? Seek out the help and advice of friends? Have students write about a time when they had to deal with a serious problem, and how they handled it.
•        Several times in the story, Cullen retreats into fantasies in his mind. Have students write about a fantasy they have had that solved a problem in their mind (such as winning the lottery to solve money problems – what would that be like?).
•     Friendship is a theme that runs throughout Cullen's story. Have students write about a time when they helped a friend through hard times.
•        The small town-ness of Lily, Arkansas is referenced many times in the book. Have students write about what they think small town life must be like, either from reading this book, from personal experience, or both.

Awards:

• Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature, 2012
• William C. Morris Debut Fiction Award, 2012
• Nominated for American Library Association's Best Fiction for Young Adults, 2012

Reviews:

“…explores the process of grief, second chances, and even the meaning of life.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Because of how much I enjoyed this book; because of the complexity of Cullen’s loss and grieving; because I’ve reread the ending a half dozen times; and because I’ve been searching for other reviews, looking for insights and analysis; this is a Favorite Book Read in 2011.” – School Library Journal

If you want to learn more about author John Corey Whaley, here is a link to his website:

http://www.johncoreywhaley.com

Here is a link to the book’s official trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETJRIBUK8yA

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute, by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, 2009

Krosoczka, Jarrett J. Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. ISBN13: 978-0-375-94683-7

Cover design by Jarrett J. Krosoczka,
image from goodreads.com

Ages 8 and up

We’ve always suspected there was something strange about the substitutes roaming the halls of our schools….

Now our fears have been confirmed in Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s graphic novel, Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute. Lunch Lady (who’s real name is never revealed to protect her identity) serves lunch… and justice, at Thompson Brook School. In her secret lair, hidden behind the fridge in the cafeteria, Lunch Lady and her sidekick Betty monitor the school for any evidence of foul play. Fellow cafeteria worker Betty is an inventor, like “Q” in the James Bond movies, and provides Lunch Lady with cool gadgets like a Spatu-copter and a lunch tray that doubles as a laptop.

When a favorite teacher of the school’s students is replaced by an unusual new substitute, Lunch Lady springs into action to find out what’s going on. When she follows the substitute after school (on her moped), she discovers a dastardly plot by the school’s science teacher, Mr. Edison, to replace most of the school’s teachers with cyborg substitutes so that HE will become Teacher of the Year. Three nosy students, Hector, Terrence, and Dee, who want to know what Lunch Lady does on her off time (because they don’t believe she has a life outside of school), get caught right in the middle of all the mayhem. And of course, Lunch Lady must come to their rescue.

With plenty of cool action accompanied by onomatopoeia (Screech! Whoooosh! foomp! Hiiiyah!), students are sure to love this quick and easy read, with clever black, white, and yellow illustrations and witty dialogue. And of course, justice is served in the end, and things go back to normal at school. But the author teases the reader with an ending scene that promises we haven’t seen the last of Mr. Edison. Next in the series – Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians. I can’t wait!

Reading/writing connections:

•        The comic book style format of the graphic novel lends itself as a great example of how students can create their own stories in the same format. Teachers and students can discuss plot, characters, setting, and other story elements, then let the students’ imaginations run wild by letting them create their own comic strip stories.
•        Lunch ladies are often unsung heroes in our schools – not because they fight evil, but because they feed our students, sometimes two of the three meals they may get in a day. Have students brainstorm how they can show their appreciation for your schools cafeteria staff. Obvious answers may include thank you cards, drawings, or posters, which you can assign to students as part of discussing communities and community helpers.
•        Lunch Lady is a heroine who uses her wits, ninja-like skills, and gadgets that her sidekick Betty makes for her to fight evildoers. What kinds of gadgets can your students think up that could help Lunch Lady (or other crime-fighting heros) fight villains? Have them write about what the gadget does, its name, and draw a picture of it.

Reviews:

“There is a nice twist in the surprise ending, and the kids’ ability to stand up to the school bully shows off their newfound confidence in a credible manner. Little details invite and reward repeat readings with visual as well as verbal punning.” –Booklist

If you want to learn more about author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka, here is a link to his blog, which includes videos, downloadables, and other cool stuff:

http://www.studiojjk.com

On his blog, Krosoczka includes this cool Lunch Lady theme song clip:

http://www.lunchladycomics.com/Lunch_Lady_Theme_Song.mp3

Feathers

Feathers, by Jacqueline Woodson, 2007

Woodson, Jacqueline. Feathers. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2007. ISBN13: 978-0-399-23989-2

Cover design by Linda McCarthy,
image from goodreads.com

Ages 12 and up

Prejudice, bullying, family drama, faith (or the lack thereof), and hope. Author Jacqueline Woodson takes on all of these issues in her thoughtful Newbery Honor novel Feathers.

Woodson weaves this story together in short chapters through the eyes of Frannie, an 11-year-old African-American sixth-grade girl, who is a loving sister and daughter. She knows she isn’t good at science, math, and geography, and she doesn’t have faith in much of anything. But could it be possible that the reincarnation of Jesus may have recently joined her class? The reader can sympathize with Frannie’s many struggles and conflicts during a record-breaking winter in her urban neighborhood on the “wrong side of the highway." Woodson captures the essence of Frannie’s anxieties with her concise prose. The reader will appreciate her authentic writing, which includes Frannie using “jive talk,” to her grandmother’s chagrin. There is not a major problem in the story’s plot – Frannie is dealing with many issues in her young life, including her brother’s deafness and her mother’s miscarriages. And yet, even though everything is not settled by the end of the story, the reader will realize the meaning of the line from the Emily Dickinson poem from which Woodson got the name for this book: “Hope is the thing with feathers….”

Reading/writing/history connections:

•         This story should be very relatable for many upper elementary and middle school students. They could write about how they related and felt as they read about the problems Frannie was experiencing. Then they could write about the serious issues in their own lives. Teachers should be aware that such a writing assignment could bring up strong emotions for students, which could be difficult to share in a whole group. Also, consider bringing your school’s counselor in to discuss how Frannie copes with her problems, which would lead a discussion of how your students deal with their own issues.
•         Bullying is a strong theme in the story, and it has become a topic of national focus. Have your students ever been bullied? Or been a bully? Or witnessed bullying? This story is a wonderful introduction to the topic, and you can have students write about their experiences with bullying, from any perspective. What do they think could decrease bullying at your school?
•         The story is set in the year 1971. Students studying history during that period would probably find it interesting to find out what the major issues of the day were back then. They would probably  enjoy seeing what fashion, hairstyles, etc. were like, in order to get a clearer picture of what life was like during Frannie’s year in sixth grade.

Awards:

• Newbery Honor Book (2008)

Reviews:

“Set in 1971, Woodson's novel skillfully weaves in the music and events surrounding the rising opposition to the Vietnam War, giving this gentle, timeless story depth. She raises important questions about God, racial segregation and issues surrounding the hearing-impaired with a light and thoughtful touch.” –Publisher’s Weekly, starred review

“With her usual talent for creating characters who confront, reflect, and grow into their own persons, Woodson creates in Frannie a strong protagonist who thinks for herself and recognizes the value and meaning of family. The story ends with hope and thoughtfulness while speaking to those adolescents who struggle with race, faith, and prejudice. They will appreciate its wisdom and positive connections.” –School Library Journal, starred review

If you want to learn more about author Jacqueline Woodson, here is a link to her website:

http://www.jacquelinewoodson.com

Here’s a link to the Feather's book trailer she created:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlSXG6pPmP4

One Crazy Summer (Unabridged Audiobook)

Cover art by Sally Wern Comport,
image from goodreads.com

One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, narrated by Sisi Aisha Johnson, 2010

Williams-Garcia, R., & Johnson, S. A., narrator (2010). One Crazy Summer [Unabridged audiobook from Audible.com]. New York, NY: Amistad. ASIN: B004DI7WWE

Ages 8 and up

Eleven-year-old (going on 12) Delphine is use to looking out for her younger sisters Vonetta and Fern, ever since their mother abandoned them when they were young. Years later, when the three sisters fly from their home in Brooklyn to reunite with their mother, Cecile, who lives in Oakland, their 28-day summer visit winds up being what can only be described (as Delphine describes her mother) as “crazy.” Cecile, a poet, is detached from her daughters, writes and prints poetry in her kitchen, and has become mixed up with the Black Panther movement of the late 1960s. Disappointed to not have the loving reunion they wanted, the girls, led by Delphine, become involved with the Black Panthers also, as part of a Panthers-run summer camp. The girls learn about civil rights and Black oppression, gain a new sense of pride in their Black heritage, and have a few adventures on their own, including a memorable day-trip to San Francisco. And when Cecile is arrested, Delphine must take care of her sisters before it is time to go back home to their father and grandmother. The sisters are reunited with Cecile the day before they are due to leave, and they leave with a hug from their mother and an understanding that she will never truly be a mother to them.

Told from Delphine’s first-person point-of-view, professional narrator and actress Sisi Aisha Johnson gives readers a wonderful performance, consistently maintaining multiple characters in their various voices in a lively and engaging listening experience. Johnson, herself an African-American, captures the spirit of these Black characters in her narrative voices, without them sounding too stereotypical, and the pronunciation, sound, and volume quality of the recording are excellent.

I enjoyed listening to this story, and author Williams-Garcia did a wonderful job building the character of Delphine as a believable heroine that the reader can sympathize with. The experience of listening to the audiobook is like having an “adult read-aloud,” although I did realize that I need to be in a quiet place with few or no distractions to be fully attentive. Girls from upper elementary through high school will truly enjoy listening to the Audible MP3 or reading the print book, and will be able to relate to Delphine’s thoughts and actions as she tries to navigate a new city, make new friends, and has her first crush on a boy.

Reading/writing/history connections:

•       For social studies and history classes, students can research the Black Panther movement in the 1960s, exploring how the Panthers came to be, how they organized, and their status today (and historically) in the African-American community.
•       For social studies and history classes, students could explore other civil rights organizations and movements from the African-American, Latino, or other minority groups’ experiences.
•       One Crazy Summer takes the reader from one experience or adventure to another. As a writing extension after reading or listening to the book, students could write about their own “crazy” experiences – something unusual or out of the ordinary that happened to them, especially if it happened in an unfamiliar place. Teachers could encourage their students’ imaginations by making this a fiction assignment instead, where students develop their own character, who has a crazy experience.

Awards:

Coretta Scott King Award Winner (2011)

Newbery Honor Book (2011)

Scott O’Dell Prize for Historical Fiction (2011)

National Book Award Finalist (2011)

Junior Library Guild Selection (2011)

New York Times Editor’s Choice (2011)

Texas Library Association Best Book for 2010

Reviews:

“The story is tightly centered around the three sisters. In spare, poetic prose Williams-Garcia layers nuanced descriptions and brief, evocative scenes to create three utterly distinctive characters.” –New York Times

“Author Rita Williams-Garcia has a fine ear for the squabbles and fierce loyalties of siblings and a keen eye for kid-centered period details, including collect phone calls, go-go boots and the TV dolphin Flipper. With authenticity and humor, she portrays the ever-shifting dynamics among ultra-responsible Delphine, show-off Vonetta and stubborn Fern.” –Washington Post

“Set during a pivotal moment in African American history, this vibrant novel shows the subtle ways that political movements affect personal lives; but just as memorable is the finely drawn, universal story of children reclaiming a reluctant parent’s love.” –Booklist starred review

“This writer doesn’t just conjure up people. She has a way with a turn of a phrase. Three Black Panthers talking with Cecile are, 'Telling it like it is, like talking was their weapon.' Later Cecile tells her eldest daughter, 'It wouldn’t kill you to be selfish, Delphine.' This book is a pleasure to cast your eyes over.” –School Library Journal

“Each girl has a distinct response to her motherless state, and Williams-Garcia provides details that make each characterization crystal clear. The depiction of the time is well done, and while the girls are caught up in the difficulties of adults, their resilience is celebrated and energetically told with writing that snaps off the page.” –Kirkus Reviews

If you want to learn more about author Rita Williams-Garcia, here is a link to her website:

http://www.ritawg.com

For teachers and students who want to learn more about the Black Panther Party and their history, here is their website:

http://www.blackpanther.org

Watch an excellent book trailer for this book created by my TWU classmate, Eva Price:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvXJAvg7qLM