Maus I: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman tells the story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Jewish survivor of Hitler's Europe, and his son, a cartooni...moreMaus I: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman tells the story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Jewish survivor of Hitler's Europe, and his son, a cartoonist who wants to know more about his father and his mothers story. The book starts out with Art trying to get his father to tell him his story so Art can draw a comic of it. Throughout the book the panels alternate between the present struggle of Art's relationship with is father and the story that his father tells.
I thought that this book was very creative and entertaining. I am not a huge fan of comics, but I thought that the story was well written and it was easy to follow. By addressing the Holocaust through cartoons, I feel that the author captures the everyday reality of fear and the sensation of survival that happened in World War II and during this time. (less)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a book that is set during World War II in Germany. It is about a young girl named Liesel Meminger, who is a foster c...moreThe Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a book that is set during World War II in Germany. It is about a young girl named Liesel Meminger, who is a foster child living outside of Munich. Throughout this book, Liesel is trying to figure out who she is, and to do this she steals, not just anything, but books. With the help of her foster father, Hans Hubberman who plays the accordion, and plats a big part in Liesel's life, she learns how to read through sharing with him her stolen books. She also shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau. This book is an unforgettable and touching story.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is quite long, but so worth the read. I not only enjoyed reading and getting involved in Liesel Meminger's life, but also learned about the World War and the things that went on during that time. It is a complex story, filled with symbolism. I would suggest this for young adult readers, it is a good read and is good reminder of the power of words, how they can heal and or destroy depending on how you use them. (less)
Crossing Stones by Helen Frost is a book about an eighteen-year-old girl and her brother Ollie who have lived their entire lives by their good friends...moreCrossing Stones by Helen Frost is a book about an eighteen-year-old girl and her brother Ollie who have lived their entire lives by their good friends Emma and Frank. It is set in 1917 and during this time, their families struggle through the tragedies of war, a major flu epidemic and women's suffrage movement. Through these hard times, the families concerns and love for each other gives them strength to make it through. The four teens go through events and tell them from their viewpoints, and approach them with their own purpose.
This story is a coming-of-age story that I feel is told in a unique and compelling style. I loved how it was presented in a way that you could see how each person in the book felt, and what their views were on what was going on in their young lives. I would recommend this book for middle and high school students, because it show show other teens in their age range have overcome struggles and problems in their lives. (less)
This book was so cute. Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen, is about a young girl named Julianna and a young boy named Bryce. Julianna has had a crush on...moreThis book was so cute. Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen, is about a young girl named Julianna and a young boy named Bryce. Julianna has had a crush on Bryce since before the second grade when he moved in across the street from her. The first time Juli saw Bryce she, ran right to him, and the first time he saw Juli he avoided her. Bryce and Julianna do this off and on until about the eighth grade when both of them start to change. She starts to see Bryce as he really is and he starts to realize that her being less obnoxious has made him more interested in her.
I loved this book. It is told from both Julianna's and Bryce's perspective, alternating every chapter from one point of view. Juli is a nice,caring young girl and Bryce needs to get his head on straight. I really felt that the way the author wrote this book from both perspectives that I was able to better connect with the characters and what they were going through. Great book!(less)
The Only Alien on the Planet by Kristen D. Randle, is a fascinating book. It is about a young girl named Ginny, who has just moved to a new home and s...moreThe Only Alien on the Planet by Kristen D. Randle, is a fascinating book. It is about a young girl named Ginny, who has just moved to a new home and school, and is starting her senior year in high school. Her year starts off to be a little difficult, but it eventually starts to feel normal until she sees him, Smitty Tibbs, in her English class. He has never spoken a word to anyone, does not touch anyone or make eye contact with anyone. Everyone at school calls Smitty Tibbs "The Alien." As she trys to get to know this young boy she can see that their is something more to him. Ginny along with her good friend Caulder attempt to break him and see whats really going on inside his head. Throughout the book Ginny and Caulder go back and forth in deciding if their efforts are worth it or not.
I thought that The Only Alien on the Planet was well written and intriguing. The author did an excellent job on the characters in this book, and I personally was able to connect with each one of them. I would highly suggest this book if you are looking for an intense, though-provoking read. (less)
Leo Borlock has never met anyone like Stargirl Caraway, and neither has anyone else at Mica Area High School. She dances around the cafeteria playing...moreLeo Borlock has never met anyone like Stargirl Caraway, and neither has anyone else at Mica Area High School. She dances around the cafeteria playing a ukulele, carries her pet rat Cinnamon around in a sunflower canvas bag and never misses a chance to sing "Happy Birthday." She doesn't act right, she dresses weird and she is not afraid to be herself. Stargirl becomes the most popular girl at school. And Leo is in love. Stargirl and Leo face many different challenges throughout this book.
Stargirl is a good book, that is based on popularity as well as many challenges that many kids and teenagers face today. Things such as how to fit in, what to wear everyday, and who your friends should be. Stargirl was a great read(less)
Esperanza Rising is set in about the 1930's and is about a wealthy young girl, who is of Mexican descent and is forced to flee to America with her mot...moreEsperanza Rising is set in about the 1930's and is about a wealthy young girl, who is of Mexican descent and is forced to flee to America with her mother and family, who have worked as servants for years at El Ranchos de la Rosas. They end up working in Southern California. Throughout the book Esperanza goes through many hard and difficult changes in her life, but she eventually learns to except the change that has come upon her.
I really enjoyed reading this book because it tells a lot about the Mexican culture and their way of life. It was also a good book because it relates to many things that happened back in the 1930's in history. The story in this book is based off of the life of the authors grandmother. I would definitely recommend reading this book, it is an easy read and very enjoyable. (less)
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