Module 6

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Cynthia Bolanos Flores
Cultural 6

Does My Head Look Big in This?
Bibliography
Abdel-Fattah, R. (2014). Does my head look big in this? London, England: Scholastic Childrens Books.
Plot Summary
Main character Amal is a 16 year old Muslim school girl. She has a happy household in which her mother wears a headscarf. As a high school student no one expected for her to want to wear a hijab. Amal wanted to show that she was proud of her faith and was inspired to follow what she believed in.  Though, the students are not as accepting about her choice.
Critical Analysis
One can see the obstacles that people of this culture face throughout the story. Amal knows she does not look like an Anglo. She is aware of misconceptions people have towards people of her culture. It is amazes me how there are women all over the world use head coverings, but due to appearances Amal encounter cultural backlash. Amal is spunky, but not everyone is equipped to deal with the bullying she had to go through. One can see the difference between religious beliefs and cultural traditions. Amal’s family does not want to impose old ways into their daughter. However, Amal’s friend is not in the same situation her mother even tries to find her possible suiters. It’s a great read to address misconceptions.
Review Excerpts
Review in Booklist, "More than the usual story of the immigrant teen's conflict with her traditional parents, the funny, touching contemporary narrative will grab teens everywhere."
Review in Kirkus, "Determined to prove she's strong enough to 'wear a badge of my faith,' Amal faces ostracism and ridicule as she dons her hijab with both good humor and trepidation. . . . Abdel-Fattah's fine first novel offers a world of insight to post-9/11 readers."
Review in Publishers Weekly, "Using a winning mix of humor and sensitivity, Abdel-Fattah ably demonstrates that her heroine is, at heart, a teen like any other. This debut should speak to anyone who has felt like an outsider for any reason."
Connections
Reviews with similar messages.
Satrapi, Marjane. The Complete Persepolis. ISBN 0375714839 
Nafisi, Azar. Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books. ISBN 9780812971064.



Bibliography
Gephart, D. (2016). Lily and Dunkin. New York, NY: Delacorte Press.
Plot Summary
Timothy McGrother wants to be no other than Lilly McGrother, a girl. Despite that not all her family is onboard with the idea. She knows that even though her anatomy might be of a male that is not who she is. Lilly has to face the scrutiny of her peers for not everyone is as excepting in middle school like her best friend.  Lilly meets Dunkin who is struggling with a mental illness and is new to town. Dunkin want to fit in and be part of the popular crowd so acts like Lilly is not his friend at school. Regardless, they form a friendship even though they are in different social circles at school. When things go south in their lives Lilly and Dunkin lean on each other along with friends and family. The story follows Lilly and Dunkin through the many obstacles that they encounter.
Critical Analysis
Lilly and Dunkin by Donna Gehart is a wonderful YA book. It is an easy read that students starting in middle school would enjoy. This realistic story is narrated between its two main character Lilly and Dunkin. It informs readers about the LGBTQ community and the struggles they go through. This book builds empathy for many do not comprehend the struggles that come with not identifying with traditional gender roles. It opens the door to all the physical and emotional factors that individuals experience in its main character Timothy, who identifies as Lilly. The book not only includes this issue, but mental illness portrayed in its other main character Dunkin. This nonfiction book was derived from part of the author’s life. Dunkin’s character is based on the authors son for he as well had bipolar disorder. This book deals with important issues such as transgender identity, bipolar disorder, bullying, and grief that affect many young adults.
Connections
In this story the reader can see the difficult path of finding oneself and overcoming scrutiny. This book allows the reader to build empathy towards others that are going through similar situations. LGBQT is a topic that is discussed in great length nowadays. People have becoming more accepting as time has passed. Though, they still experience many obstacles by certain individuals that want to impose typical sexual preferences. This book has showed me a glance at all the obstacles these individuals go through to be accepted. It really opened my eyes and it is heartbreaking to think that this is happening to so many people. In the story each of the main characters had their family to support them or at least towards the end they had changed their viewpoints. The importance of family and friends are crucial. As educators learning about this can help us relate to our students that might be going through these types of situations.
Connections
Other books by Donna Gehart.
Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen ISBN 0385740522
How to Survive Middle School ISBN 0385737939


Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship
Bibliography
Kensky, Jessica and Patrick Downes.  Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship. Illustrated by Scott Magoon. Candlewick Press, 2018
Plot Summary
This wonderful picture book tells the real life story of the author. Jessica has lost one of her legs. She is suffering emotionally and physically. Jessica can no longer do activities she took for granted, in comes Rescue. Rescue is a black Labrador service dog that creates a bond with Jessica.
Critical Analysis
I chose this picture book, because it carries such a wonderful message. It lets readers see the struggle that comes with a disability. It shows the bravery and courage these individuals have. The picture book shows how it is to live with a physical challenge in a touching and beautiful way. The pictures transcend the emotions of the main characters from sadness to finding happiness with Rescue. I think that it’s a picture book that creates empathy in young readers. 
Review Excerpts
Review in Booklist, “This riveting story about the relationship between a disabled girl and her black lab service dog is based loosely on Kensky’s own experiences as a double amputee...Throughout, the reader is treated to fascinating details on the many tasks service dogs can accomplish and, more important, how Jessica and Rescue saved each other. An inspiring tale of compassion and perseverance.”
Review in School Library Journal, “Magoon’s digital illustrations are a lovely accompaniment to the text, providing rich detail to the spare story, and the scenes of Jessica and Rescue playing and working with the Boston skyline as a backdrop only add to the poignancy. ­This is a strong selection for any collection, and stories about working dogs never get old; this will be appreciated and enjoyed by a wide variety of young people.
Review in Kirkus, “Magoon uses dark backgrounds to symbolize Jessica's sadness and fear, but scenes with Rescue are open and bright; with Rescue nearby, even the night after her second amputation is lightened (via lamplight and stars). An authors' note reveals that both are survivors of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and includes information on National Education for Assistance Dog Services, the organization that trained Rescue. A gentle introduction to service dogs and acquired disability.”
Connections
Students could do a reflective project on things they are grateful for. Books with similar message:
Lord, Cynthia. Rules. ISBN 0439443822
Erskine, Kathryn. Mockingbird. ISBN 0399252649


Brock, R. (2018). Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration. Listening Library.
Bibliography
Brock, R. (2018). Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration. Listening Library.
Plot Summary
A collection of stories inspiring hope from 24 authors. This work provides a range of experiences that any reader can find something to relate to. The author’s stories are sure to resonate with readers. An anthology that brings inspiration out of different situations that one can see the positive side of things.
Critical Analysis
The authors in the anthology provided very well collected stories providing different backgrounds, viewpoints, and messages. It’s a book to read through tough and happy times. It is a book written for anyone in the public. It provides personal short stories in which one can relate and view themselves. This book tackles so many issues such as low self-esteem, homophobia, racism, culture, and politics. All stories are written differently with the authors own tone and style of writing. Sometimes when going through struggles one might think that it is impossible to overcome them. Reading books like these might give young readers faith that they are strong enough to overcome any barrier.
Review Excerpts
Review in Booklist, "This amazing outpouring of strength and honesty offers inspirational personal accounts for every reader who wonders what to do when everything seems impossible."
Review in School Library Journal, "An important and inspiring read for thoughtful teens."
Review in Kirkus,"A salve when days are bleak."
Connections
Students could choose the story they relate the most and write a reflective essay. Review with similar messages.
Covey, Stephen R. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. ISBN 0743269519
Canfield, Jack. Chicken Soup for the Soul. ISBN 1558749209



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