Book Blogs 9-16

Bibliography

Satrapi, M. (2005). Persepolis: the Story of a Childhood. Pantheon Books.

Summary

Persepolis is a story based on Marjane Satrapi's memoir of what her childhood. This was a time in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Marjane is born into a privileged family though that does not exempt her form the many changes coming her way. Marjane grew up during this turbulent time, but questioned why the country was progressing backwards. As like many teenagers do she rebelled at times and did not want to accept these new ideals that were being imposed by religious groups. Marjane experiences many situations that other individuals her age would not even imagine. From having to follow everyday dress code to taking cover on many occasions due to the war with Iraq Marjane did not have a normal childhood. As the conditions worsened her parents sent her off to Vienna, Austria. Her story will inspire many to keep fighting, not give up hope, and to value the commodities that come with living in this country.

Commentary

In this autobiographical graphic novel the author writes about her experiences between the ages of 6 to 14 while living in Tehran with her family. This story takes place in Iran during the Islamic revolution in the 1980s. The main character Marjane Satrapi who is a strong willed girl that is growing up during the oppression of civil liberties that resulted from the war. She yearns for cultural and social equality. The story is a great way for readers to be aware of the history of Iraq and Iran and how it impacted the political and cultural aspects of the countries. It addresses misconceptions the western countries have. This graphic novel does a wonderful job capturing the many emotions that the main character experiences along with the other characters. The illustrations are in black and white, but it seems as though the reader is watching a film.

Connections

This is a touching story and it makes one reflect on the privileges one takes for granted. This is a story that makes you count your blessings and appreciate the people around you, because one day they will not be around. The part in which the main character said good-bye to her parents is something I would have never imagined having the bravery to do at the age of 14. As the book progressed the Shah fled a new regime and a war resulted one could see how so many aspects of individual’s lives were changing. The part in which young boys were lied to in order to fight in a war made me angry. Though, because we live in a country in which we have many liberties we take things for granted and do not understand that others trying to enter our country are just looking for safety such as some Syrian refugees.

Bibliography

Telgemeier, R., & G. (2012). Drama. New York: Scholastic.

Summary

When Callie finds out that her school will have a production of the famous show Moon Over the Mississippi she is so excited. Even though she loves theatre, she does not have the voice or the acting skills and ends up being part of the production crew as the set designer. Callie is set out to make the best show possible though the lack of resources creates a burden. Plus before she notices there is drama onstage and offstage when her friends take part in the play along with some cute boys. Callie starts to set her eyes on a boy only to discover he has other sexual preferences. In this story Callie learns to juggle new friendships overcome heartbreak and work through the theatre budget. She manages to create a worthy set using her creativity and dedication to achieve her goals.

Commentary

At first when I began reading this book I thought that it would be for middle to tween though as it progressed I agree that it would be best for young adult readers between 13 and 18. The story follows the main character Callie through typical high school problems of friendships, heartbreak, and pressures. When the book includes certain characters questioning their sexuality I believe it is best suited for an older crowd. I am all for equality though there are still some parents that might object and I think a younger crowd would miss the point of the book. This is a graphic novel with many illustrations that follows the text. The pictures are all full of vibrant colors that I loved. Unlike other books by Raina Telgemeier this book addresses more young adult issues such as sexuality. The book is a great read which addresses issues in a humorous fun way.

Connections

I know this book takes place in middle school, but it brings back memories of high school. My prom date was really cute turned out he was just not into me, but into cute guys like himself. I like these books, because we live in a time in which people are becoming more accepting of others and our literature should be as well. I think that this book would be more appreciated by an age group that is growing into themselves.

Bibliography

Silvera, A. (2015). More happy than not. New York, NY: Soho Teen.

Summary

Aaron Soto has had a troubling life. His father committed suicide in their small apartment and Aaron cannot get the image erased from his memory. Aaron as well is trying to overcome his own suicide attempt. His brother is distant, his mother is always working, and insecure about his girlfriend.  When Aaron meets Thomas they become friends. Thomas has a nice set up to watch the fantasy series and they talk about comic books and fantasy fiction. Aaron develops feelings for Thomas and kisses him only to find out that he does not reciprocate the same emotions. Aaron decides to ask his mother for the Leteo procedure to forget his entire unfortunate memories. Though, as the story progresses Aaron discovers that he has already undergone the treatment before. When he first discovered he had an attraction for the same sex he came out to his family, which resulted in his dad’s suicide.

Commentary

This book really surprised me as the plot unfolded. The main character Aaron has had a rough time lately. He is trying to cope with the tragedy that has surrounded him and when he tries to escape he realizes that one must face reality. Aaron discovers that he has once before already been through the process of erasing his memories. This story touches on topics such as grief and sexuality. It shows the readers how one needs to accept and love oneself regardless of others. The book would be good for young adult readers in high school. This a fiction story can relate to many individuals going through sexual identity questions. It gives empathy to the reader by viewing the hardships of accepting that one might be different that others, but that is not a bad thing.

Connections

The books main character is Latin and living in a tough neighborhood that in order to survive he must hide his true self. Aaron knows he is not straight, but is scared of coming out so he would rather erase his memory. As the story progresses one can see that that is never the answer. This story demonstrates how remembering the hardships can help us appreciate the happy moments that may come after. 

Bibliography

Reynolds, J. (2015). The boy in the black suit. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.

Summary

Its Matt’s senior year and he has already missed several weeks due to his mothers passing. His father has resorted to drinking to cope with the loss, which has left Matt to fend for himself. Matt is considering taking a job at the local Cluck Bucket when Mr. Ray offers him an alternative. Mr. Ray is a funeral director and offers a job to Matt that pays way better. Matt takes the job and finds comfort in seeing people experience the same situation he has gone through. Wearing his black suit Matt stands in the back of the funeral service and looking at other people experience grief makes him feel not alone. Matt also meets a girl named Lovey who in has gone through some really tough times. Yet, Lovey seems to keep it together and never cry about her past. Matt grows closer to her and begins to like Lovey. Matt learns to cope with his grief.

Commentary

This story would be great for anyone experiencing loss. This is something that everyone has gone through or someday will. Loosing a loved one is a tough process to go through. Especially, if the people that are supposed to be there are not. The story follows Matt a boy who has lost his mother and has found no comfort in his father that has taken drinking as his outlet for his grief. This realistic fiction will touch home for many. The story is easy to read and encompasses topics such as grief, friendship, hope, love, and strength. It shows the reader a different culture and neighborhood all with realistic characters. This book has been awarded the Lincoln Award Nominee, Coretta Scott King, and Book Award Honor for its relevant topic and how it reaches the hearts of many.

Connections

I remember being in high school and one of my best friends being absent for a week. Back then it was not very common for high school students to have cell phone and social media was a bit more restricted. We did not know what was going on. A teacher let us know her father had past away. I did not know what to say, but to just act like nothing happened. I wish I would have read a book like this before to have a view as to what people go through when they loose someone they love. I think that it has such great reviews for it mirrors what so many have gone through. Just like Matt sometimes people isolate themselves, but with time one learns to cope with lose.

Bibliography

Blumenthal, K. (2013). Steve Jobs: the man who thought different. New York: Square Fish/Feiwel and Friends.

Summary

Steve Jobs was given for up for adoption. He grew up in San Francisco, California and even though he dropped out of college he was a genius. Jobs was attending Reed College, but dropped out after the first year. He then created Apple in his parent’s garage along with his friend Steve Wozniack. Jobs had a child with Chrisann Brennan his high school girlfriend, but did not legitimize her until later in his life. Jobs went through a lot in his life from being pushed out of his own company and then saving it from bankruptcy. He married Laurene Powell and had three other children. Steve Jobs died after a decade of battling pancreatic cancer.

Commentary

This book touches an every aspect of Steve Jobs life. It is a well-written nonfiction book. It contains information from the author’s life all the way to his passing. His personal and business life is described. The book gives the reader a glimpse into the life of one of the best inventors of all time. It includes many photographs, an author’s note, and even a technology time line. After reading this book one can see a more clear character of who Steve Jobs was and how he became so successful. The book would be great for all ages though do to the reading level it would be best for middle and high school students.

Connections

Who doesn’t like Apple? This brand is universal and many will stand in lines for hours to get the newest device. Steve Jobs was the one that created this phenomenon. I honestly would not have read this book if it weren’t for this class. Though, I cannot say I did not enjoy it. The life of this individual is very interesting and it goes to show that if one has the ambition and determination one can go places. There are many facts that I did not know about Jobs was that he was adopted, became a father earlier that I thought, and his friend was a cofounder. I think that this is a book that many students can read for inspiration on their dreams.

Bibliography

ONeill, L. (2016). Asking for it. London: Riverrun.

Summary

Emma O'Neill is selfish and mean. She uses her beauty to her advantage and not always does the right thing. She does not have a good reputation and there are many that do not like her. When Emma goes to a party she wakes up in front of her house with a very vague recollection of what happened. Soon she discovers pictures on social media depicting what happened at that party. Emma was sexually assaulted by some of the most popular kids in town. The community portrays these boys as good boys. Hence, not everyone believes Emma’s side of the story due to her reputation. Emma is shunned the community and even her family. Emma is caught in a horrible situation that sadly many women find themselves in.

Commentary

Emma is a character that many women can relate. There have been countless cases in which the defense states that in some way or form the woman that has been assaulted asked for it. This needs to stop and books like these shed some light on these issues. It does not matter a women’s reputation, the clothes, that she wears, or even if she is a kind person. If an individual is not in consent then anything else is considered a violation. The author creates a main character that is not very likeable and irresponsible. Though, it is done with intent to demonstrate that regardless of that if women are not in accordance it is wrong. The book is touching in so many levels, because this is an issue that has occurred many times and many times women are blamed instead of defended. This is a realistic fiction based on true events and would be aimed at young adult readers in high school or the new young adult readers.

Bibliography

Chmakova, S. (2015). Awkward. New York: Yen Press.

Summary (100-‐150 words)

Penelope “Peppi” Torres is attending Berrybrook Middle School. She has made some rules to stay out of mean kid’s radar. On her first day she trips in the hallway and a boy named Jaime tries to help her. Peppi hears the kids saying mean comments without thinking she pushes Jaime away. Peppi feels bad for what she did to Jaime. She decides to join the art club to make friends with others that share the interests. When not doing so well in her science class her teacher Ms. Tobins assigns her a tutor that is none other than Jaime. The two develop a friendship the only thing standing between them is the rivalry of their corresponding clubs fighting for spot at the School Club Fair.

Commentary

The author writes a cute story with a plot that is very realistic to situations that would occur in middle school. The author creates a great graphic novel showing Peppi’s shyness and awkwardness perfectly. I enjoyed that the background characters were diverse such as in ethnicities.  The book is very well rounded in the fact that it includes different types of people with different interests. The story does a good job as well at portraying the fears, worries, and pains middle school students encounter.  The book is considered young adult though I believe elementary students would enjoy reading this story.

Connections

This a great book for students entering middle school to talk about peer pressure and being kind to others. When entering into middle school many tend to follow the crowd books like this inspire readers to follow their own path. This book will help students find their own voice, go after what they truly want, and stand up to the bullies.

Bibliography