The Fab Five Young Adult Reads

Zusak, M. (2005). The book thief. UK: Picador.

Narrated by death in the Holocaust era, he is intrigued by Liesel a young Jewish girl who has been adopted by a German couple in order to save her life. She loses her brother and mother, as well as many along the way. She finds comfort in reading, as a Jew who her parents were hiding taught her how to read. As she continues to lose family and deals with the German army who make their presence well known. Death discusses how on certain days and nights he comforts many. He also talks about some grasp and beg for him.

(NYT Bestseller) An interesting take on the Holocaust with the narrator being death. This is a brilliant book that shows how the survival of young children and their views of Hitler and the Nazis. How they felt, the attachment and the resilience of these young men and women and would help them deal with it. 

DeAngelis, C. (2015). Bones and all. UK: Macmillan Publisher.

A young woman trying to define her place in the world and a reason why she is the way she is. A mother who is protective, but proves too much for her and on her 16^th birthday she abandons her as her father did. Maren wants to know why she eats people; surely it has to have something to do with her father she has never known. In an effort, to find out who she really is she leaves on a journey to find him. Along the way she meets several people, some like her, and a love interest. Her biggest success is of course finding herself.

(Alex Award) Someone who doesn’t have a parent and wants to find where they come from or why they do certain things could definitely relate to this. As an adolescent many children who have never met a parent can feel like they don’t know who they really are. Naturally they will want to find him or her so they can find themselves. 

Block, F. L. (1999). The hanged man. NY: HarperCollins.

Laurel is on a downward spiral. Her father is dying of cancer, her mother’s sexual abuse, and she’s become anorexic. As she tries to escape her reality by partying with a new boyfriend who doesn’t leave her side, things only become worse, she has an abortion, does drugs, and ultimately leads to her breakdown. She is constantly battling her personal life and her party life. Finally she is forced to deal with all the pain and dysfunctional life she has.

Similar to the Crank series, the Anonymous series, all dealing with good children who get so wrapped up in the party scene that they ultimately lose themselves. In the other books it’s too late, in this book she breaks and then heals. This is a great book for teens to be able to have an outside looking in view. Seeing the dangers of trying to live life in the fast lane.  

Green, J. (2015). Paper towns. NY: Penguin Books.

A true coming of a story about Quentin who has always enjoyed the company of Margo who is more of an acquaintance and adventurer. It all changes when she enters his life and bringing a bit of excitement into his life. Suddenly, she is gone and his cannot cope with the fact that she is gone. He goes on a journey and follow clues, he feels she has specifically left for him to follow. He is on a mission to find her, but is not prepared for the reaction he receives from Margo.

A great book, that helps a boy find who he really is and gets a sense of adventure. Margo trying to escape her mundane life, but finds that many times life is what it is. Adolescents will be able to relate to both Margo and Q in many ways. It would also be a great book for teachers to use as a compare and contrast piece, showing that the book is better than the movie. As well as analyzing the title and why he chose that as the title for the book. 

Telgemeier, R., & Yue, S. (2015). Smile. NY: Graphix.

The constant battle every teen goes through except Raina’s life is kicked up a knotch when she falls and has her two front teeth broken. She had to deal with boys, friend drama, and a major earthquake and to top it off major teeth reconstruction. At times it seems like too much, in this graphic novel you not only read about her head gear, fake teeth and braces, but you also have the privilege to see it in bright colorful pictures. She deals with all the embarrassment of having to look different from everyone else and eventually accepting who she is.

A great book for adolescents especially those who have to use braces which can majorly alter the views of others. It is important that children know many embarrassing moments in their life are only temporary and they will get through it. As adults we need to remember that what is not that bad to us is devastating to teens. 

6 more books for YA Readers

Brooks, K. (2013). The bunker diary. UK: Penguin Books.

Linus Weems wakes up in an underground bunker with six rooms, a restroom and a kitchen. Slowly more people are sent down in a lift where “the man upstairs” sends things down. As the six of them begin to form a type of alliance he doesn’t like it sending items down to cause chaos. It works some of the time, what’s worse is when they try to escape, as they found out when he sent a dog that viciously attacked one of them. He even sends down a note stating someone must be killed or they won’t receive any food. Gradually, they begin to die. The lights are turned off and the man upstairs is gone. It ends with the first two who arrived, including Linus pass away.

(Best Fiction for Young Adults) This Carnegie Medal winner left many with unanswered questions. For example why were those people chosen for being in the bunker? What happened to the kidnapper? Keeping you on the edge of the seat, always wondering what’s going to happen next. This doesn’t end with the usual happily ever after. For me this brought a sense of reality, everyone time someone is kidnapped or kept prisoner they are not always released or found. Many times they do die and are never found. I believe this will definitely turn the attention of reluctant readers everywhere. 

Schatz, K. (2015). Rad American Women A-Z. CA: City Lights Publisher.

Each woman gets her own page outlining what she did in her lifetime from the struggles to how she made a difference in the world. Sequenced in alphabetic order the book includes all types of women, athletes, activists, inventors, scientists, and the list goes one. Along with pictures and a section in the end giving tips on how to be a rad women. This is truly a book about how women who have impacted the world not only for women but for everyone else as well.

(Quick Picks) Seeing as the world is constantly changing, so are the roles of women. Young girls or women need to read this book to let them believe they can achieve their dreams. That they can achieve anything they put their minds too. This should be a great influence to young women and give confidence on how to continue to be successful in a world where many still believe certain professions should be a male dominated. We are women hear us ROAR! 

Murphy, J. (2015). Dumplin' NY: HarperCollins.

A story about a high school girl going through life all while trying to really find herself. Her mother is a pageant mom, her best friend has become distant and her crush makes her aware of all her physical flaws. Oh yeah and she’s overweight. Dealing with all the normal high school obstacles plus trying to keep her confidence can be overwhelming. Willowdean does find acceptance and love, proving that love is for everyone.

(Best Fiction for YA) As an overweight woman, I remember feeling the same things Ms. Willowdean felt. I connected with her so much and wished this book would have been around when I was younger. This will really help many who are in her same situation not feel alone or feel like in the end everything will be okay. As an adolescent, you want so badly to find love and as an overweight adolescent you think it’s only for the more popular, attractive people. However, this book proves otherwise. This was an amazing book that tugged at the memories and feelings big time.

Aveyard, V. (2015). Red queen. NY: HarperCollins.

In a society, where your social status is determined by the color of your blood. Mare is a red and is forced to survive as a thief in order to make ends meet. She has an unlikely encounter with a prince who is a silver and becomes a servant at the palace. She soon finds that she is actually of a different breed with having red and silver blood, and quickly the king and queen want to cover it up. They come up with a plan that she is a long lost relative and is princess. However, this now creates a reason for the reds and other classes beneath the silvers who are treated as less to rise and rebel against them.

(Quick Picks)  Very similar to Divergent, where if you have an abnormality you are seen as special, creates a rise and a reason to fight the higher ups. Anyone who like the Divergent or Hunger Game series will love this book. Though at times it can seem a little slow. You are able to follow a girl who really goes from rags to riches all while trying to do the right thing. 

Ruby, L. (2016). Bone Gap. UK: Faber & Faber Publisher.

Bone Gap is about a town that is divided by two different worlds. There is a man who can walk between the two worlds and people suddenly disappear.  That’s what happened to Finn and Sean’s mom and her boyfriend. Coping with not having their mother, Sean finds Roza in a ditch battered and bruised. They put her up and take care of her, in turn she takes care of them. Sean and Roza fall in love. However, Roza soon disappears to a land where an obsessive man will give her all the materialistic things anyone could want if she just returns the love he so yearns from her. She can’t give him that love for her heart belongs to another, Sean. Finn, finds love with “Petey” who tends to the café with her honey. As their love progresses, Finn sees the man at a house and knows that he knows where Roza is. He takes things upon himself in an attempt to rescue Roza and bring his love back to his brother so he can feel whole again.

(Printz Award Winner) A coming of age story that has a great deal of loss and coping with it, this story also points out about control and abusive relationships. Many teens can have controlling boyfriends or are in abusive relationships that make them feel trapped. I usually look into stories deeper. This book has a ton of gaps and is a great thriller for all who may be struggling with loss. 

Davis, K. C. (2016). In the shadow of Liberty: the hidden history of slavery, four presidents, and five black lives. NY: Henry Holt and Company.

Five stories of slaves who were owned by the U.S. presidents and what they went through not only as slaves but also serving the leader of our country. Emphasizing on how these four presidents all knew and believed that what they were doing was wrong, however due to the fact of the where the country was at the time with their beliefs they continue with slavery. It discusses how they felt and how we think so highly of these men but they didn’t treat these people with respect as we so wish they had.

(Excellence in Nonfiction for YA) A true eye opener that even those of the past have stories and we truly don’t know all that goes on behind closed doors. We hope that our president will do the right thing and always treat all with respect, but it’s clear that that is not all true. 

6 Young Adult Readers

Crutcher, C. (1993). Staying fat for Sarah Byrnes. NY: Greenwillow Books.

Sarah Byrnes is the hospital not moving or speaking to anyone, not even her best friend Eric who has been visiting her constantly. Seen as outcasts due to Sarah’s tough attitude because of her burns and Eric being overweight though he’s losing it from swimming, formed a secret newspaper, Crispy Pork Rinds. As Eric tries to discover the truth about Sarah Byrnes, he turns to Dale Thorton a former bully turned friend to her. He reveals that the burns weren’t an accident, but intentional from her father. When mentioned to her, she finally reveals the truth, fearing for her life. Eric with the help of others close to them such as his swim coach and Thorton’s father are able to have Sarah escape the madness. Some suffered, but the safety of Sarah was vital.

A sensitive subject, that many teens may not be able to discuss and are usually once again quiet such as in the book Speak. Many times they are ashamed or scared, such as Sarah, making them feel safe or having someone to turn too is important to encouraging them to talk. Sharing this book with teens will show the struggles some people have and perhaps shed some light on those who are suffering from abusive parents. We want those kids to speak up and hopefully they will be inspired with this book. I know I was. 

King, A. S., (2011). Everybody sees the ants. NY: Little Brown Books.

Lucky is a boy who comes from a dysfunctional family. Dad is passive; grandpa is a Vietnam Vet, Mom and Nader who is his biggest problem to date. Nader is his bully that he can’t escape unless it’s in his dreams. His dreams involve his grandfather’s Vietnam days where the prison is and he is a valiant hero completely opposite from his reality. Soon he gains strength to stand up to his bully as he soon realizes no one is going to be able to solve or stop this problem but him.

Much like the book Monster, a teen is trying to escape the reality of his life which is isn’t happy. Lucky goes to his a prison in Veitnam as a hero who is brave, which is completely different from how he deals with the constant bully. However, those dreams give him strength to cope with the bully he has been dealing with all the time. Bullying has become such as huge problem in today’s society. Books such as these help bring out discussions and a feeling of I’m not the only one, especially since this is a boy and usually boys don’t come out with it. Most of the adults are so involved with their own lives they forget that this child is going through something major. We as adults need to remember that something minuet to us is something gigantic to them.

 Smith, A. A. (2010). The marbury lens. NY : Feiwel & Friends.

Almost everyone has been drunk before just like Jack, and sometimes you need some air to walk it off. As he takes a little break in a park, he wakes up the next morning with a man In scrubs to ends up being his undoing. The man kidnaps and does unimaginable things to him. As Jack escapes he runs and confesses all that happened to his best friend Conn. Revenge ensues and is successful. They travel to London to get away from things and that’s when Jack is given an odd gift, purple glasses. He soon realizes that when he puts them on he is transported to another world, where there is war and his best friend is now his enemy. Chaos is everywhere and he is trying to survive. Jack is having a tough time distinguishing the post-apocalyptic world to reality.

Graphic and probably not as appropriate for a school setting, this book deals with serious issues such as kidnapping, rape and heavy violence. Kids who enjoy post-apocalyptic settings would love this. Reluctant readers who enjoy video games would probably benefit from this type of book. I interpreted this book in a different way. To me the Marbury was a way for him to get away and deal with the traumatic events that occurred to him, even seeking revenge doesn’t really make those issues and feelings go away. As an adult people have trouble dealing with that, I couldn’t imagine an adolescent who is more sensitive to certain things. Transporting to another world to just free yourself of having that internal battle that victims of these crimes go through is what he is really fighting in Marbury.  

Angleberger, T. (2014). Princess labelmaker to the rescue awards. NY: Amulet Books.

Book number five of the Origami Yoda series continues with the fight against standardized testing. This time they are trying to get the principal to change her views against the school board. Yoda and the rebel alliance receive information that could change everything, Princess Labelmaker, sneaks off and delivers it to the principal hoping it will seal her decision to side with the rebels rather than conform to the likes of the school boards support in testing. This book is written with a Star Wars theme, involving characters such as Jabba the Puppett and Art2-D2.

Making light of the situation of the ongoing battle between standardized testing and the education world. Covering the decision many teachers and administrators deal with whether they are for or against and will actually make that public. Seeing this through the eyes of children who are the rebels and their fight against testing. A huge stick it to the standardized testing supporters and how it affects students the most. Many children may be able to relate to this story. 

Stead, R. (2009). When you reach me. NY: Random House.

A sci-fi novel about a teenager who begins receiving notes from the future who is trying to save someone’s life. Miranda, continues on with life all while following what the notes say which are to keep a sort of diary of what is going on in her day to day life. Markus, a bully who cause some chaos throughout the story and had something to do with her best friend Sal not speaking to her anymore. As life goes one, she slowly begins to realize that “the laughing man,” a man who repeats four words and  laughs often is from the future. When he does indeed save the life he intended to save by sacrificing his own all is right in the world.

Winner of the Newbery Award this book shows how simple bullying can have a negative effect on a child and the turn of events can cause tragic endings. This is proof that things have a domino effect, and because of one situation that happened it affected this kid so much that he found a way to travel back in time to change the mistakes he made. This book will teach children to be careful what they do because the consequences can be dire. 

Black, H. (2013). NY : Scholastic.

Three best friends Zach, Alice and Poppy have pretty serious problems they have faced, however together they have been there for each other. Zach’s father throws out some of his toys and it affects Zach tremendously as he tries to pull away from his friends. Not so fast, they refuse and an adventure ensues. Poppy has been having dreams of a girl trapped in a doll’s body which is in the house she now lives in, but wants to be placed back in her empty grave. The three set out to do just that and along the way they encounter a few mishaps and break a few laws, however they are successful in returning the doll to her peaceful resting place.

Winner of the Newbery Award, this story is once again as I have been interpreting it, is about children escaping from their worries and problems. What many parents see as perhaps rite of passage, throwing away toys because they are considered “baby,” can seriously affect a child if he or she isn’t ready as you can clearly see with Zach.  This also shows kids that it’s okay to be upset and talk about your feelings. 

6 more great must reads!

Gephart, D. (2016). Lily and Dunkin. New York: Delacorte Press.

Follow the lives of Lily and Dunkin who seem like ordinary 8^th graders, but deal with real obstacles that not every teen may have. You see Lily is a transgender who has a father who is completely against it and a mother and sister who are very supportive. Then you have Dunkin who is bi-polar and stopped taking his meds recently to improve his performance for the basketball team joined. Lily’s “safe place”, Bob a tree at a park she’s been going to since she was small, is being cut down and as she protests, it draws the attention of Dunkin who conquers his fear of heights with the help of his friends.

Once again a book for the LGBT community to relate too, however many reviews have stated that Lily is too “goody goody” of a character. Though it shows the real life struggles of mixed acceptance from close ones for those who are transgender, it also helps other realize the difficulty teens go through when it comes to puberty especially for those in this case where they are exceptionally different. Also you see the pain of a child trying to be considered normal and how medication can sometimes stifle ones talents, which may not seem like a big deal to an adult but to a teenager who is trying to fit in and new to a school it is exceptionally trying. In the end both characters find a way to cope with their situations and lean on each other. 

Harris, R. H. (2009). It's perfectly normal. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

A book with pictures, comics, and everything dealing with preadolescent and adolescent changes covers many questions they may have dealing with puberty. An expository that does discuss the tough subjects of abortion, homosexuality, sex and reproduction with a little sense of humor and detailed illustrations to say a few. This book is intended for the ages of 10 to 15 and does contain graphic illustrations of the human anatomy.  It literally covers almost everything that many parents can be uncomfortable discussing with their children. From planning to masturbating, this is meant to make it more comfortable for teens and parents to have these types of conversations.

This is a crucial point in a teen’s life. They will have tons of questions and this book seems to hit all the nails on the dot. Any uncomfortable parent can easily use this book to help explain what they may not be able too. Making teens comfortable with the subjects, so they make better decisions and are aware of specific topics and changes their body is going through is crucial to their growing as a young man or woman. Being knowledgeable of changes in both sexes is also important for future purposes.    

Myers, W. D. (1999). Monster. NY: Harper.

Steve adapts his real life story into a movie to better cope with the realism of the tragedy he is dealing with. Being in jail for a murder with 3 others which one took a plea bargain, and his father wishing he had chosen a different path, Steven is having a hard time remembering everything. He begins writing everything down as in a journal which of course was advised to be careful for anything incriminating. The death was caused by a gunshot from a robbery from three blacks and one Latino who is in a gang, seeing as the witnesses only saw two people. The prosecution really isn’t focused on Steve, however along with the others he is labeled a “monster.” Due to the evidence pointing towards the other two, Steve is set free and though many are happy one of the lawyers doesn’t share the joy leading him to think why. Steve is left contemplating why.

Winning the Printz Award and Coretta Scott King Award, this book has made a difference in many teens lives especially those dealing with the peer pressure of having to do things that may cause harm to others. The feelings of the teen while he is incarcerated and how he is making it a movie, shows that in the end he is still just a kid dealing with an adult mistake that could cost his life. Having this book will show teens who live in troubled areas that they do not have to succumb to what others tell them, there are other ways to deal with struggles.

Ness, P. (2008). The knife of never letting go. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

The first book in the Chaos Walking series, in a dystopia world where only men exist and everyone can hear each other’s thoughts, a young boy discovers the a deep dark secret that his beloved town is keeping. Not being able to live with it he flees the town on the verge of reaching his manhood. When he finds a girl in a place where it is finally silent, he must learn to continue to survive with everything he is dealt.

This book was a great fiction read that can just be read for pure enjoyment. I mean it can show appreciation for women and silence, however, I overall found this book hard to put down. Reluctant readers could possibly benefit from reading this, due to the relation to a teens thoughts and the different fonts. 

Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi, a girl in pieces. El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press.

A book that is the definition of girl power for Latinas of all varieties, follow Gabi who has an overprotective mother, addict for a father, pregnant best friend and another who is gay. All this while trying to still complete her senior year of high school and dealing with all obstacles that she is still going through like losing weight or meeting her mother’s approval. She turns all the obstacles she has witnessed and gone through into a story of resilience. Written in diary form you go through day to day life with Gabi and feel what she is feeling throughout her year.

Winning countless awards, this young adult book helps deal with all the trials and tribulations a teen goes through their last year of school and can relate to it. This also can help Latino readers especially with everything going on in the world right now with Latinos. This also touches on the subject of the important decision of sex and whether following the “wait till you’re married” rule or not. Many teens struggle with this and you go through the pains with coping with food.  Dealing with helping friends through their problems and wanting to be a strong independent woman.

Satrapi, M. (2003). Persepolis. New York: Pantheon Books.

 Originally published in French this autobiography about a girl’s childhood in Iran is depicted in graphic novel format. A young child trying to get through life all while not really agreeing with certain aspects of her culture. This graphic novel about the struggles of the after effects of the Islamic Revolution and the rebellion that ensues inside this little person who from the beginning felt beside herself with the whole situation. Dealing with all the fear and pain that results in war also comes the rebellion which Marji joins even though it is completely against what her family and culture believe in. Death as a consequence is a huge probability for this, but she cannot be contained any longer.

I loved this book because I felt like I was reading a comic book. Also it shows the reality of people from the Islamic culture and the troubles women go through. Of course it also shows the acceptance of what many women feel, but then you have ladies like Marji who just don’t feel things are right with what they have been brought up believing. Many children and adolescents will be able to relate to her knowing how it feels to be trapped and not being able to do things you truly feel is right. 

3 Young Novels that should be required for all!

Alexie, S., & Forney, E. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. New York: Little Brown.

Arnold Spirit, Jr. is on verge of discovering who he really is as a young Native American man. After a string of negative events that occurred he decides, with the support of his parents to attend a white school, hoping to start over. He soon gets his new beginning after standing up to a bully and dating a girl he’s pining over. Things are looking up when sudden deaths affect him heavily and he has to deal with reality of being an outcast in all aspects of his life. In the end, he discovers that he doesn’t have to label himself as belonging to only one culture, he accepts that he is a nomad and can adapt too many types of surroundings (such as “white” and “Indian”).

Many adolescents will be able to relate to this book due to its adapting and discovering who they really are. Kids in high school often feel as they don’t belong and are trying to fit in. Having a young child who leaves to a completely different school and ends up getting that new beginning really can give a child a sense of “ok things can get better.” This book has won several best book of year awards in 2007 and been on the NYT Bestseller list. 

Anderson, L. H. (1999). Speak. New York: Penguin.

A young woman goes from being a semi normal teen, friends, parties, and a pretty great life. All of a sudden, everything changes, no one talks to her including her best friend, and she’s skipping classes, failing classes, and really doesn’t care about anything except for Art. In art she can escape it all, she is able to be silent and no one question her. In fact the entire year she really hasn’t said much to her family, classmates because she has no friends and to her teachers. It’s not until she has to battle her monster that took her voice the first time, however she won’t let him take it from her again. This time she wins and an unlikely person shows his true colors for everyone to see.

Many times it’s the quiet ones you have to look out for and this book is proof of that. As an educator you really have to stop and think about why a child is so secluded. Everyone ignored Melinda, thought she was weird and just another emo person. I can see this book creating a mirror effect with victims of sexual assault especially in high school where if the predator is a person who doesn’t meet the stereotypical criteria. Many victims may feel like they are not alone and they need to realize that no matter how bad things get they aren’t.  This book has won many awards and I can see it being a topic of many discussions even at home parents with children. 

Garden, N. (1982). Annie on my mind. New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux.

Liza is a private school teen with successful parents, and a more privileged life. Annie is a public school teen who have parents who work average wage jobs and is on the cusp of poverty. When these two worlds collide they are turned upside down. A basic friendship soon turns into love as Liza’s life is challenged with a few rebellious hardships in school. Though she conceals her true feelings due to fear of judgment, an opportunity comes for Annie and Liza to spend some real time together alone. As their relationship deepens, they are caught and lives are gravely affected in a negative way which proves too much for Annie and Liza’s relationship. They go their separate ways in college and are reunited in the end once Liza realizes she doesn’t want to hide who she really is anymore.

Acceptance, with the way the world is today, this is a great book to begin helping anyone LGBT feel like they aren’t the only ones struggling with their sexuality. As an adolescent, discovering your sexual orientation can be a defining moment and coming out can be the best or worst event in your life. As you read what Liza is going through the memories, the mental battle of back and forth, the feeling of love and hope, so many can have a vicarious experience or a mirror effect. This can also assist parents in experiencing how their children or anyone they may know is feeling going through this. This novel is definitely seen as a breakthrough book for the LGBT community and has paved the way for many more books dealing with the subject.

Textbook Reflections 10-13

10. Realistic Fiction

Getting confused with realistic fiction and other sub-genres that are similar happen every day. I know in my teachings, I already see how I’ve wronged my students in misleading them on certain titles. Knowing the criteria once again brings clarity to not only us librarians but can also help teachers. Realistic fiction should be more carefully looked at because of the fact that they cover such serious subjects now.

11. Nonfiction

Many libraries may have difficulty having their nonfiction books checked out due to the fact that they set up their library in fiction and nonfiction. I know my current library does. However, if we stop and begin turning students into more nonfiction readers and use the questions above with the kids will definitely benefit all parties.

12. Fantasy/Science Fiction

I learned that science fiction is a part of fantasy and now that I think of that it makes complete sense. There are so many cool titles that were mentioned in the video that I need to go back and write them down to read. I really don’t read many of these books, but really need to reevaluate my choices because if I can explain a book the way Dr. Perry did then I will be able to assist students in choosing these titles better.

13. Graphic Novels

Graphic novels I have noticed have been becoming more popular with many kids. They see it as a comic book. Being familiar with the parts of a graphic novel and educating students on the specific parts can open their eyes to a different format. Showing the different books that are graphic novels, not only “boyish” there are books that are girly such as “Baby Mouse.” I really need to be become more open to graphic novels.

Graphic Novels

A format not genre.

There are graphic novels that are history, fantasy, nonfiction and other sub generes as well.

Don’t have to be used for learning can be enjoyed.

Educator’s Guide to Graphic Novels

http://www.randomhousekids.com/media/activities/GraphicNovels_EducatorGd_15_WEB.pdf

Major Types of Graphic Novels

Magna: descript in Japanese style comics, read from top to bottom and right to left

Superhero Story: dominated by mainstream publishers; Marvel, DC & Darkhorse

Personal Narratives: autobiographical stories written from author’s personal experiences.

Non-fiction: author uses own personal experience to cover a greater social issue

Using http://www.getgraphic.org/ will help with teaching the parts of a graphic novel and they even have clubs and other helpful tips and tabs for teachers, librarians and they even have a blog. 

Reflection

Graphic novels I have noticed have been becoming more popular with many kids. They see it as a comic book. Being familiar with the parts of a graphic novel and educating students on the specific parts can open their eyes to a different format. Showing the different books that are graphic novels, not only “boyish” there are books that are girly such as “Baby Mouse.” I really need to be become more open to graphic novels. 

Fantasy & Science Fiction

Stories that go against the physical reality fall into this genre.

There’s something for everyone.

Science fiction falls into fantasy.

Resource: Sci Fi on the Fly by: Karin Perry

Different sub-genres

1.      Apocalyptic: end of civilization from a catastrophe, what happens to people as they live through the changes

2.      Post-Apocalyptic: after the catastrophe; primitive setting

3.      Steampunk: technology it features steam powered; Victorian era

4.      Cyberpunk: relationship between humans and computers, sinister feel

5.      Biopunk: manipulating DNA or brain, viruses, dark atmosphere, genetic engineering

6.      Dystopia: for teens, propaganda, figure being worshiped, individuality stifled resistance to government

7.      Extra-Sensory Perception: associated with telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition

8.      Robots/Androids/Cyborg/&  Artificial Intelligence

9.      Time Travel/Parallel Universes

10.  Virtual Reality/ Gaming: get lost in the world

Criteria for Evaluating Science Fiction and Fantasy for Children

1. Characters have to behave in consistent and believable ways.
2. There must still be rules
3. Authors need to help readers in the “willing suspension of disbelief.”
4. The themes should explore universal truths.

Reflection

I learned that science fiction is a part of fantasy and now that I think of that it makes complete sense. There are so many cool titles that were mentioned in the video that I need to go back and write them down to read. I really don’t read many of these books, but really need to reevaluate my choices because if I can explain a book the way Dr. Perry did then I will be able to assist students in choosing these titles better.