Amanda has
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0064472078
9780064472074
3.68
4,085
Jan 01, 1997
Mar 24, 1999
Snapshot: Seedfolks is a story told through the points of view of a diverse cast of characters. The characters all share a neighborhood with an ugly,...more
Snapshot: Seedfolks is a story told through the points of view of a diverse cast of characters. The characters all share a neighborhood with an ugly, trash-filled vacant lot. One spring, a young Vietnamese girl plants some bean seeds in the lot, and one-by-one her neighbors join her in making the garden grow. Each character has different motivations for starting the garden, but eventually they become their own community--even those who only observe the garden.
Hook: The book is short, easy to read, and offers an opportunity to learn about many different kinds of people who make up a city. It is also about gardening and includes immigrant characters who grow food that connects them to their homelands. The book is about looking at people and places differently, and I think that would be enticing to many teenagers.
Challenges: While the language is not complicated per se, there is quite a lot of figurative language. Also, each chapter is written through a different character's voice, and struggling readers might take some time getting used to that trope. There is slang and subtleties of language that might be lost on some ELLs. Additionally, there is a lot of garden vocabulary that would probably need to be addressed prior to reading.
Students in Mind: I would probably use this as a whole-class text for ESL 1 or 2. It would be a good basis for a themed unit on community, gardening, diversity, or cities. One could get a lot of mileage out of this book that way, looking at the characters and their backgrounds and how their histories shape what they grow.
Conference notes: Why do you think the garden is so important to the characters in Seedfolks? What would you grow in a community garden? Do you think a common project like this really has the power to build a community, even if some people are motivated by selfish reasons (to make money or win someone's heart)? What character do you most identify with and why? (less)
Hook: The book is short, easy to read, and offers an opportunity to learn about many different kinds of people who make up a city. It is also about gardening and includes immigrant characters who grow food that connects them to their homelands. The book is about looking at people and places differently, and I think that would be enticing to many teenagers.
Challenges: While the language is not complicated per se, there is quite a lot of figurative language. Also, each chapter is written through a different character's voice, and struggling readers might take some time getting used to that trope. There is slang and subtleties of language that might be lost on some ELLs. Additionally, there is a lot of garden vocabulary that would probably need to be addressed prior to reading.
Students in Mind: I would probably use this as a whole-class text for ESL 1 or 2. It would be a good basis for a themed unit on community, gardening, diversity, or cities. One could get a lot of mileage out of this book that way, looking at the characters and their backgrounds and how their histories shape what they grow.
Conference notes: Why do you think the garden is so important to the characters in Seedfolks? What would you grow in a community garden? Do you think a common project like this really has the power to build a community, even if some people are motivated by selfish reasons (to make money or win someone's heart)? What character do you most identify with and why? (less)
Notes are private!
none
0
1
not set
Jul 2010
Jul 12, 2010
Paperback
0698118022
9780698118027
4.06
6,758
1977
Dec 01, 1999
Snapshot: A short, simply written narrative about a young girl affected by the nuclear bombs dropped in Japan during WWII. As she is diagnosed with Le...more
Snapshot: A short, simply written narrative about a young girl affected by the nuclear bombs dropped in Japan during WWII. As she is diagnosed with Leukemia, Sadako believes that by creating 1000 paper cranes she will stave off inevitable death. The story is about her hope, perseverance, love, and untimely death.
Hook: The book is short and very accessible to ELLs. As one studies the themes of war and its aftermath, Sadako offers an interesting perspective--she is suffering the consequences of a war that she barely lived through. This book also speaks to the idea of crafting to a certain extent--making something with one's hands and working together toward a goal. This edition even includes instructions for making one's own paper cranes.
Challenges: Books with themes of war and death always pose difficulties and can strike too close to home. There is a danger of some students thinking this book is too easy, but I would not recommend it to them. The cultural traditions in the novel might be foreign as well, but I would include conversations on that in conferences.
Students in Mind: Low-level English Language Learners. While the story is about a younger girl, I think older students would still find the story compelling and relatable. The language is accessible (probably targeting 5th-6th-grade range for native English speakers), and the story is straightforward. The edition I read even included a few illustrations.
Conference notes: What are some of the cultural traditions in Sadako's family? Why does Sadako believe in making the thousand cranes? Do you think she would have lived if she could have finished making all the cranes? Is there anyone you would like to make a crane for? I would also like to have a discussion about themes of war and how people deal with the aftermath long after.
Level: Lower-level ELL students, grades 5th and up.(less)
Hook: The book is short and very accessible to ELLs. As one studies the themes of war and its aftermath, Sadako offers an interesting perspective--she is suffering the consequences of a war that she barely lived through. This book also speaks to the idea of crafting to a certain extent--making something with one's hands and working together toward a goal. This edition even includes instructions for making one's own paper cranes.
Challenges: Books with themes of war and death always pose difficulties and can strike too close to home. There is a danger of some students thinking this book is too easy, but I would not recommend it to them. The cultural traditions in the novel might be foreign as well, but I would include conversations on that in conferences.
Students in Mind: Low-level English Language Learners. While the story is about a younger girl, I think older students would still find the story compelling and relatable. The language is accessible (probably targeting 5th-6th-grade range for native English speakers), and the story is straightforward. The edition I read even included a few illustrations.
Conference notes: What are some of the cultural traditions in Sadako's family? Why does Sadako believe in making the thousand cranes? Do you think she would have lived if she could have finished making all the cranes? Is there anyone you would like to make a crane for? I would also like to have a discussion about themes of war and how people deal with the aftermath long after.
Level: Lower-level ELL students, grades 5th and up.(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Jun 2010
Jul 12, 2010
Paperback
0439023483
9780439023481
4.44
1,577,250
Sep 14, 2008
Sep 14, 2008
Snapshot: This is a distopian novel set in the future after what was previously North America has been divided into well-controlled districts. The mai...more
Snapshot: This is a distopian novel set in the future after what was previously North America has been divided into well-controlled districts. The main character, Katniss, is a survivor dealing with the death of her father and the burden of supporting her mother and younger sister. When it comes time to participate in the annual Hunger Games--a competition to the death for one female and one male teenager from each of the 12 districts--Katniss volunteers to go in place of her sister. Action, romance, and subtle rebellion ensue.
Hook: This is an exciting novel! The action of the plot draws a reader in, and it is hard to be let go. I'm not normally a science fiction fan, but this story was compelling from the beginning. I think the fact that the lead character is female will encourage girls to take a second look, yet there is enough suspense, chase, violence, and gore, to keep any boy entertained as well. As book 1the first part of a trilogy, I can't wait to get my hands on Book 2!
Challenges: While this book is a quick and compelling read for fluent readers in English, I think the length of the book and the language would be less accessible to lower-level ELLs. Also, there is a good amount of detail about death and killing, which may be difficult for some students. Another challenge would be in not having Books 2 and 3 on hand when students finish reading the first one!
Students in mind: I would suggest this book to someone like Jean Cotard--a decent reader with a short attention span who finds it hard to make it all the way through a book. There is so much happening in terms of plot that I think upper intermediate ELLs would be able to get hooked quickly and go along for the ride.
Conference Notes: I would be interested in talking with students about what distopia means and why authors would choose to write a story set in that kind of world. But one could also consider Katniss' reasons for volunteering in her sister's place, her likelihood of surviving (i.e., winning), the role of love and romance in the story, and predictions about what will happen next in the novel and beyond.
Level: High school, intermediate-level readers.(less)
Hook: This is an exciting novel! The action of the plot draws a reader in, and it is hard to be let go. I'm not normally a science fiction fan, but this story was compelling from the beginning. I think the fact that the lead character is female will encourage girls to take a second look, yet there is enough suspense, chase, violence, and gore, to keep any boy entertained as well. As book 1the first part of a trilogy, I can't wait to get my hands on Book 2!
Challenges: While this book is a quick and compelling read for fluent readers in English, I think the length of the book and the language would be less accessible to lower-level ELLs. Also, there is a good amount of detail about death and killing, which may be difficult for some students. Another challenge would be in not having Books 2 and 3 on hand when students finish reading the first one!
Students in mind: I would suggest this book to someone like Jean Cotard--a decent reader with a short attention span who finds it hard to make it all the way through a book. There is so much happening in terms of plot that I think upper intermediate ELLs would be able to get hooked quickly and go along for the ride.
Conference Notes: I would be interested in talking with students about what distopia means and why authors would choose to write a story set in that kind of world. But one could also consider Katniss' reasons for volunteering in her sister's place, her likelihood of surviving (i.e., winning), the role of love and romance in the story, and predictions about what will happen next in the novel and beyond.
Level: High school, intermediate-level readers.(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Jun 2010
Jul 12, 2010
Hardcover
1934781630
9781934781630
4.12
32,248
Jan 01, 2009
Jul 15, 2009
Snapshot: Zeitounn is a man who decided to stay in New Orleans during Hurrican Katrina, and the book tells a day-by-day account of the events before,...more
Snapshot: Zeitounn is a man who decided to stay in New Orleans during Hurrican Katrina, and the book tells a day-by-day account of the events before, during, and after the hurricane that changed him forever. Zeitoun is a business-owner and father, and Dave Eggers goes to great pains to detail his story and his life.
Hook: A nonfiction account of recent American history. The storytelling is straightforward and detailed, and the reader is allowed to get the real inside account of the hurricane scandal.
Challenges: Length! The book is almost 400 pages! The story moves incredibly slow, and it was hard for me to stay with it. I think endurance would be a key issue for teenaged readers. Also, the language is somewhat sophisticated, which would be another challenge to reading. Another challenge is that the book is emotionally difficult to read, and for anyone who was even remotely affected by the hurricane the details might be too much to take.
Students in mind: None, really. I would recommend this book to adults I know, but only a student very interested in the details of Katrina would I think recommending this to.
Conference Notes: Do you think Zeitoun did the right thing to stay in New Orleans? What would you have done in his situations? (Stay? Sail the canoe? Leave earlier?) What is your opinion about Zeitoun's wife and her decisions? Does this story surprise you about the American government? Why or why not?
Level: Older, advanced-level reader.(less)
Hook: A nonfiction account of recent American history. The storytelling is straightforward and detailed, and the reader is allowed to get the real inside account of the hurricane scandal.
Challenges: Length! The book is almost 400 pages! The story moves incredibly slow, and it was hard for me to stay with it. I think endurance would be a key issue for teenaged readers. Also, the language is somewhat sophisticated, which would be another challenge to reading. Another challenge is that the book is emotionally difficult to read, and for anyone who was even remotely affected by the hurricane the details might be too much to take.
Students in mind: None, really. I would recommend this book to adults I know, but only a student very interested in the details of Katrina would I think recommending this to.
Conference Notes: Do you think Zeitoun did the right thing to stay in New Orleans? What would you have done in his situations? (Stay? Sail the canoe? Leave earlier?) What is your opinion about Zeitoun's wife and her decisions? Does this story surprise you about the American government? Why or why not?
Level: Older, advanced-level reader.(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
May 2010
Jul 11, 2010
Hardcover
014038572X
9780140385724
3.97
274,868
1967
Nov 01, 1997
Snapshot: I'd forgotten how much I love this book until I reread it this year. The Outsiders is a story of the Greasers, a working-class group of boys...more
Snapshot: I'd forgotten how much I love this book until I reread it this year. The Outsiders is a story of the Greasers, a working-class group of boys trying to survive against the rival gang, the Soc's. The book focuses on Ponyboy, his two older brothers, and his best friends as he learns to deal with the loss of his parents, young love, and the violence always lurking around the corner.
Hook: This is an exciting coming-of-age story with an attractive main character. It's mostly a story of friendship and rooting for the underdog who always gets dealt a raw deal. But there is also lots of action: rumbles, weapons, and running away. Both boys and girls identify with the characters, and the theme of family is a strong one.
Challenges: Historical context. There is a certain amount of '60s pop-culture language and slang that take getting used to. Also, there are a lot of characters to keep track of, especially in the beginning. I think this text would work best as a class text or literary circle text, in which students are able to discuss with one another as they read.
Students in mind: My ESL 2 class, who for the most part loved this book. A good book for all reading levels from advance beginner upward and for boys or girls.
Level: Upper middle-high school and up. Advance Beginner ELD level and up.(less)
Hook: This is an exciting coming-of-age story with an attractive main character. It's mostly a story of friendship and rooting for the underdog who always gets dealt a raw deal. But there is also lots of action: rumbles, weapons, and running away. Both boys and girls identify with the characters, and the theme of family is a strong one.
Challenges: Historical context. There is a certain amount of '60s pop-culture language and slang that take getting used to. Also, there are a lot of characters to keep track of, especially in the beginning. I think this text would work best as a class text or literary circle text, in which students are able to discuss with one another as they read.
Students in mind: My ESL 2 class, who for the most part loved this book. A good book for all reading levels from advance beginner upward and for boys or girls.
Level: Upper middle-high school and up. Advance Beginner ELD level and up.(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
May 2010
Jul 11, 2010
Paperback
0679766758
9780679766759
3.78
25,973
Jun 11, 1996
Apr 29, 1997
Snapshot: This is the story of a 16-year-old girl who is pregnant with her second child as a result of incest. And things just get worse from there. P...more
Snapshot: This is the story of a 16-year-old girl who is pregnant with her second child as a result of incest. And things just get worse from there. Precious has the reading ability of a 2nd-grader, but a teacher recognizes potential and enrolls Precious in an alternative school. Here Precious learns she has the strength to stand up for herself, make friends, and make choices that support life rather than tear it down--the latter of which she's seen infinitely more of.
Hook: The novel inspired a major movie, so I think students would be drawn in through that. The stories are captivating though emotionally difficult, but the extreme situations make for a compelling read. Also, since the novel is written through Precious' voice, the language is relatively accessible.
Challenges: While the vocabulary and grammar are pretty straightforward, the emotional difficulty of this novel is overwhelming. The book contains graphic narration of sex; incest; rape; racism; physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; and explicit language. I think this novel would be too emotionally heavy for certain students, and I would want to carefully monitor and check in with students as they read.
Students in mind: Honestly, I couldn't see myself recommending this book to many students. It's simply too much. However, I would recommend this to certain female students I had this year who were themselves victims of abuse. I think the strength Precious shows in learning to understand that what happened to her was indeed abuse and that she did not deserve it would benefit others with similar--although not necessarily as extreme--situations.
Conference Notes: As mentioned above, I would be very careful about checking in with students as they read this novel. I would try to engage with them about the heavy themes in the book, but without making it in any way personal for the student. This would be a fine line, but such a provocative book would require special attention.
Level: Mature, older students at Intermediate or above reading level in English.(less)
Hook: The novel inspired a major movie, so I think students would be drawn in through that. The stories are captivating though emotionally difficult, but the extreme situations make for a compelling read. Also, since the novel is written through Precious' voice, the language is relatively accessible.
Challenges: While the vocabulary and grammar are pretty straightforward, the emotional difficulty of this novel is overwhelming. The book contains graphic narration of sex; incest; rape; racism; physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; and explicit language. I think this novel would be too emotionally heavy for certain students, and I would want to carefully monitor and check in with students as they read.
Students in mind: Honestly, I couldn't see myself recommending this book to many students. It's simply too much. However, I would recommend this to certain female students I had this year who were themselves victims of abuse. I think the strength Precious shows in learning to understand that what happened to her was indeed abuse and that she did not deserve it would benefit others with similar--although not necessarily as extreme--situations.
Conference Notes: As mentioned above, I would be very careful about checking in with students as they read this novel. I would try to engage with them about the heavy themes in the book, but without making it in any way personal for the student. This would be a fine line, but such a provocative book would require special attention.
Level: Mature, older students at Intermediate or above reading level in English.(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
not set
Jul 11, 2010
Paperback
0142406007
9780142406007
3.63
848
Feb 29, 2000
Jun 08, 2006
Snapshot: Hush is about a family in Witness Protection after the father, a former cop, testifies in a murder trial. The family moves and each member c...more
Snapshot: Hush is about a family in Witness Protection after the father, a former cop, testifies in a murder trial. The family moves and each member copes with the changes differently. Evie, the book's main character, is caught in the web of family drama while trying to figure out what this change means for her.
Hook: I think students would be intrigued by the idea of a teenager in Witness Protection. The book sort of opens up a secret that is enticing. Also, Evie's struggle is ultimately uplifting as she learns to rely on herself. Many students would identify with family members going through their own crises that make life hard, and they would be inspired by this thoughtfully told story.
Challenges: The timing of the novel is non-linear--lots of flashbacks and jumps through time. The text features help to set this off, and eventually readers get into the groove of the cues.
Students in Mind: While this novel plays with time, the language itself is not incredibly difficult. I would recommend this story to most students at an intermediate ELD level. While many students would be able to access this book, I would probably recommend it more to girls (due to the female lead character).
Conference Note: How does the author let you know the time has changed? Do you think the flashbacks work to tell the story, or would you prefer everything were told chronologically? Can you think of any times you had to hide (a part of) who you are? What do you think you would do if you had to become a new person overnight?
Level: Advance beginner and up; middle school and up.(less)
Hook: I think students would be intrigued by the idea of a teenager in Witness Protection. The book sort of opens up a secret that is enticing. Also, Evie's struggle is ultimately uplifting as she learns to rely on herself. Many students would identify with family members going through their own crises that make life hard, and they would be inspired by this thoughtfully told story.
Challenges: The timing of the novel is non-linear--lots of flashbacks and jumps through time. The text features help to set this off, and eventually readers get into the groove of the cues.
Students in Mind: While this novel plays with time, the language itself is not incredibly difficult. I would recommend this story to most students at an intermediate ELD level. While many students would be able to access this book, I would probably recommend it more to girls (due to the female lead character).
Conference Note: How does the author let you know the time has changed? Do you think the flashbacks work to tell the story, or would you prefer everything were told chronologically? Can you think of any times you had to hide (a part of) who you are? What do you think you would do if you had to become a new person overnight?
Level: Advance beginner and up; middle school and up.(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Apr 2010
Jul 11, 2010
Paperback
0689862210
9780689862212
3.74
20,404
Sep 01, 1996
May 01, 2003
Snapshot: Four middle school children find themselves at a state championship Academic Bowl. As they compete, the children and their teacher reflect o...more
Snapshot: Four middle school children find themselves at a state championship Academic Bowl. As they compete, the children and their teacher reflect on how they came together and came to know the answers to the questions. It turns out the students assembled themselves in alliance to the teacher, but without ever telling her. This is a charming story about smart, precocious, awkward children who are drawn together and create an amazing friendship.
Hook: The children are interesting, the stories involving and suspenseful; overall it's a joyful novel to read. I think the writing is beautiful as well, and the characters both dynamically multidimensional and realistic.
Challenges: The language of this novel is sophisticated, and there is a lot of the backstory rooted in American geography. Much is explained through the story, but the context might be difficult to pin down. Also, because the novel is about 6th-graders it could be difficult to convince older students it is appropriate for them (which I think it still would be!).
Students in mind: Younger readers who want more challenging reads in English. I would also suggest this book to students who are interested in themes of friendship or complicated family relationships.
Conference Notes: Draw a map of how all the characters are connected. What do you think are the strengths of each character? How do you think the characters decide to stick together? Have you ever felt like you were a part of a club like this?
Level: Upper level readers in English.
(less)
Hook: The children are interesting, the stories involving and suspenseful; overall it's a joyful novel to read. I think the writing is beautiful as well, and the characters both dynamically multidimensional and realistic.
Challenges: The language of this novel is sophisticated, and there is a lot of the backstory rooted in American geography. Much is explained through the story, but the context might be difficult to pin down. Also, because the novel is about 6th-graders it could be difficult to convince older students it is appropriate for them (which I think it still would be!).
Students in mind: Younger readers who want more challenging reads in English. I would also suggest this book to students who are interested in themes of friendship or complicated family relationships.
Conference Notes: Draw a map of how all the characters are connected. What do you think are the strengths of each character? How do you think the characters decide to stick together? Have you ever felt like you were a part of a club like this?
Level: Upper level readers in English.
(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
not set
Jul 11, 2010
Paperback
0316011274
9780316011273
3.94
8,325
Feb 01, 2006
Feb 01, 2006
Snapshot: Luna is the story of a sister coping with her brother's gradual revelation of his plan to transition from male to female. This is not a comi...more
Snapshot: Luna is the story of a sister coping with her brother's gradual revelation of his plan to transition from male to female. This is not a coming out story as such, but rather a coming of age story. Both Regan and her brother Liam are discovering how to stay true to themselves and to one another--especially Regan, the sister. She has been Liam's only real support her entire life, and now she's becoming smothered by Liam's constant need. On the other hand, she can't imagine her life without him. Other threads are Regan encountering her own romantic situations and complicated family dynamics between among the parents and children.
Hook: I think this story is cleverly written through the voice of a caring sibling rather than through the character actually transitioning. While many teenagers can be afraid of labels if they are found reading something "gay," I think looking at such a controversial issue through the lens of a supportive character makes the story easier to identify with. There is also the undercurrent of Regan's own first romantic sparks and insecurities, which students can easily identify with. This is a compassionate, eye-opening novel that would be a fit for any student who loves someone outside of the norm.
Challenges: High readability level; controversial topic. Many students might be squeamish reading a novel about gender transitioning.
Students in Mind: I would recommend this book to a student like Myther--a student who is interested in learning about the human experience through people's stories. I would be careful about the student I would suggest to read this: depending on cultural differences some students might be incredibly embarrassed. I would also lean toward suggesting this book to higher-level readers.
Conference Notes: What do you think about the relationship between Liam and Regan? How would you react if you were in Regan's situation? Would you be able to tell your boyfriend or girlfriend a secret like Regan's? Why do you think the parents weren't more supportive?
Level: High school, advanced readers.(less)
Hook: I think this story is cleverly written through the voice of a caring sibling rather than through the character actually transitioning. While many teenagers can be afraid of labels if they are found reading something "gay," I think looking at such a controversial issue through the lens of a supportive character makes the story easier to identify with. There is also the undercurrent of Regan's own first romantic sparks and insecurities, which students can easily identify with. This is a compassionate, eye-opening novel that would be a fit for any student who loves someone outside of the norm.
Challenges: High readability level; controversial topic. Many students might be squeamish reading a novel about gender transitioning.
Students in Mind: I would recommend this book to a student like Myther--a student who is interested in learning about the human experience through people's stories. I would be careful about the student I would suggest to read this: depending on cultural differences some students might be incredibly embarrassed. I would also lean toward suggesting this book to higher-level readers.
Conference Notes: What do you think about the relationship between Liam and Regan? How would you react if you were in Regan's situation? Would you be able to tell your boyfriend or girlfriend a secret like Regan's? Why do you think the parents weren't more supportive?
Level: High school, advanced readers.(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Mar 2010
Jul 11, 2010
Paperback
0060280794
9780060280796
3.61
569
Oct 31, 2006
Nov 01, 2006
Snapshot: This is Walter Dean Myers' shot at writing a novel in verse. The "action" takes place between Damien and Junice, two teenagers from differen...more
Snapshot: This is Walter Dean Myers' shot at writing a novel in verse. The "action" takes place between Damien and Junice, two teenagers from different worlds. It's a star-crossed lovers theme, but the poetry is less between them then about them (even though it's written in first-person). I found the poetry hard to get through, although the book is very short.
Hook: I couldn't help but compare this book to Locomotion, another book of poetry for young adults by Jacqueline Woodson. However, after reading Locomotion, I feel that Street Love is a letdown. The poetry seems to be trying to hard to fit the characters' voices, and it's hard at any point to forget you're "working" on a poem.
Challenges: Readability. I would not be likely to recommend this book to English Language Learners because the language seems both forcedly "poetic" while also infused with slang.
Students in Mind: I might recommend this book to a highly motivated student who was interested in poetry for independent reading or who was a poet and wanted models to review. This book would be good for persistent readers or those ooking at voice in poetry.
Conference Notes: Do you think poetry is good genre through which to convey this story? (If student read Locomotion:) Compare and Contrast Street Love and Locomotion--What is the purpose of the poets? Can you make connections to other books/stories you've read? How do the poems help you get to know the characters? How do they work to tell a story?
Level: High School(less)
Hook: I couldn't help but compare this book to Locomotion, another book of poetry for young adults by Jacqueline Woodson. However, after reading Locomotion, I feel that Street Love is a letdown. The poetry seems to be trying to hard to fit the characters' voices, and it's hard at any point to forget you're "working" on a poem.
Challenges: Readability. I would not be likely to recommend this book to English Language Learners because the language seems both forcedly "poetic" while also infused with slang.
Students in Mind: I might recommend this book to a highly motivated student who was interested in poetry for independent reading or who was a poet and wanted models to review. This book would be good for persistent readers or those ooking at voice in poetry.
Conference Notes: Do you think poetry is good genre through which to convey this story? (If student read Locomotion:) Compare and Contrast Street Love and Locomotion--What is the purpose of the poets? Can you make connections to other books/stories you've read? How do the poems help you get to know the characters? How do they work to tell a story?
Level: High School(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Feb 2010
Jul 11, 2010
Hardcover
0064407713
9780064407717
3.55
591
1997
Apr 28, 1999
Snapshot: Buried Onions is a story about Eddie, a nineteen-year-old Latino man living in Fresno, CA. He has no direction in life and feels trapped in...more
Snapshot: Buried Onions is a story about Eddie, a nineteen-year-old Latino man living in Fresno, CA. He has no direction in life and feels trapped in a city of sorrow, poverty, and loneliness. He thinks everyone in Fresno is so sad because there are onions buried underground, providing a constant source of tears.
Hook: I think students would be interested in this book for the street action inside: Eddie is involved in situations that include robbery, gunshots, blood, drugs, and both running from and confronting dangerous people. This is a short book, and I think urban Hispanic students would identify with Eddie's story. Gary Soto is a gripping writer, so students who have read his other works might be interested in following up with this more adult novel.
Challenges: The language would be difficult for students learning English because there is a lot of regional and cultural slang. Furthermore, the book is overwhelmingly sad. I struggled to push on, waiting for Eddie to finally find some kind of solution or salvation, but it never comes. As I read, I could feel and smell the onion fumes mixed with heat and concrete and dust that come through every page of the book; the book's oppressive atmosphere weighed down on me. Without a sense of hope or closure for this character, the novel is both realistic and depressing.
Students in mind: I think older male students, especially from Hispanic backgrounds, would be drawn to this book. I would recommend it for more mature students who are advanced or persistent readers. I think it would be a good choice for a differentiated literature circle, providing comprehension and reader-response questions for deeper consideration along the way.
Conference notes: What do you think of the onions metaphor in the book? How does the idea of "buried onions" contribute to the theme and voice of the novel? Do you know anyone like Eddie? What advice would you give him? Do you think Eddie makes the right choices? Do you think Eddie is a victim of circumstances, or do you think he made choices that brought him to this place in life?
Level: High school, Advanced English-language readers(less)
Hook: I think students would be interested in this book for the street action inside: Eddie is involved in situations that include robbery, gunshots, blood, drugs, and both running from and confronting dangerous people. This is a short book, and I think urban Hispanic students would identify with Eddie's story. Gary Soto is a gripping writer, so students who have read his other works might be interested in following up with this more adult novel.
Challenges: The language would be difficult for students learning English because there is a lot of regional and cultural slang. Furthermore, the book is overwhelmingly sad. I struggled to push on, waiting for Eddie to finally find some kind of solution or salvation, but it never comes. As I read, I could feel and smell the onion fumes mixed with heat and concrete and dust that come through every page of the book; the book's oppressive atmosphere weighed down on me. Without a sense of hope or closure for this character, the novel is both realistic and depressing.
Students in mind: I think older male students, especially from Hispanic backgrounds, would be drawn to this book. I would recommend it for more mature students who are advanced or persistent readers. I think it would be a good choice for a differentiated literature circle, providing comprehension and reader-response questions for deeper consideration along the way.
Conference notes: What do you think of the onions metaphor in the book? How does the idea of "buried onions" contribute to the theme and voice of the novel? Do you know anyone like Eddie? What advice would you give him? Do you think Eddie makes the right choices? Do you think Eddie is a victim of circumstances, or do you think he made choices that brought him to this place in life?
Level: High school, Advanced English-language readers(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Jan 2010
Jul 11, 2010
Paperback
0142501913
9780142501917
3.66
422
Sep 08, 1997
Oct 27, 2003
Snapshot: Set in the rural South, this book is the story of Staggerlee, a 14-year-old girl who is searching for her own identity while also attempting...more
Snapshot: Set in the rural South, this book is the story of Staggerlee, a 14-year-old girl who is searching for her own identity while also attempting to understand her complicated family legacy. Staggerlee is caught between worlds in terms of race--her mother is white and her father is black in a mostly black community--and in terms of sexual orientation--Staggerlee is trying to come to terms with being gay. A visit from a cousin who seems to understand her enables Staggerlee her own awakening.
Hook: This book is fundamentally about gaining the strength to be yourself, a theme most teenagers can relate to. Woodson's language is gripping, precise, and honest, and offers Staggerlee a powerful voice of discovery. The books is a short read, so students might like it for that. But anyone going through the hard work of figuring herself out would find an ally and a comfort in Staggerlee's story.
Challenges: While the language is beautiful and poetic, I think Woodson's novel would be challenging for beginner/intermediate-level ESL students. There is a great amount of American historical context for a student to understand the family legacy thread of the book: race, interracial marriage in the South, the 1960s American civil rights movement, and cultural attitudes toward homosexuality.
Students in mind: Specifically, students working through sexual orientation identity issues. More broadly, I think many teenagers who feel out of place, alone, and isolated through puberty would appreciate the themes of this book. I think it would be most appropriate for strong English-language readers who would be able to benefit from the nuances of voice and language in the book. I also think this book is more appropriate for girls; I'm not sure most boys would hold interest for long.
Conference notes: How do you think Staggerlee's family's background contributes to her confusion about who she is? What do you think Staggerlee learns through her relationship with Trout? Do you think Staggerlee would encounter similar issues if she lived somewhere else? What are the attitudes toward homosexuality where you come from?
Level: High School, advanced readers in English
(less)
Hook: This book is fundamentally about gaining the strength to be yourself, a theme most teenagers can relate to. Woodson's language is gripping, precise, and honest, and offers Staggerlee a powerful voice of discovery. The books is a short read, so students might like it for that. But anyone going through the hard work of figuring herself out would find an ally and a comfort in Staggerlee's story.
Challenges: While the language is beautiful and poetic, I think Woodson's novel would be challenging for beginner/intermediate-level ESL students. There is a great amount of American historical context for a student to understand the family legacy thread of the book: race, interracial marriage in the South, the 1960s American civil rights movement, and cultural attitudes toward homosexuality.
Students in mind: Specifically, students working through sexual orientation identity issues. More broadly, I think many teenagers who feel out of place, alone, and isolated through puberty would appreciate the themes of this book. I think it would be most appropriate for strong English-language readers who would be able to benefit from the nuances of voice and language in the book. I also think this book is more appropriate for girls; I'm not sure most boys would hold interest for long.
Conference notes: How do you think Staggerlee's family's background contributes to her confusion about who she is? What do you think Staggerlee learns through her relationship with Trout? Do you think Staggerlee would encounter similar issues if she lived somewhere else? What are the attitudes toward homosexuality where you come from?
Level: High School, advanced readers in English
(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Jan 2010
Jul 11, 2010
Paperback
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