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October 06
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Jeane
gave
 
to:
Heroes (Mass Market Paperback)
by Robert Cormier
bookshelves:
yaliteraturejournal
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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read in September, 2007
Jeane said:
"Cormier, Robert (1998). Heroes. New York: Delacorte Press. 135 pages.
Summary and Evaluation: After three years fighting in World War II, Francis Cassavant returns home a mangled, faceless Silver Star war hero. He still h...more
Cormier, Robert (1998). Heroes. New York: Delacorte Press. 135 pages.
Summary and Evaluation: After three years fighting in World War II, Francis Cassavant returns home a mangled, faceless Silver Star war hero. He still has one final mission though – to find and eliminate the childhood hero who destroyed his life. The reasons for this intense hatred are unraveled through the main character’s flashbacks and examine the nature of heroism and cowardice, betrayal and revenge.
I really enjoyed this book – hence I got through it in one night! The mystery of what happened between Francis and his childhood hero and also how Francis received his war injuries were lures that kept me reading. The reasons behind both were quite unexpected for me. This novel is not for those looking for a light, feel-good read. It’s dark and depressing and leaves you with a sinking feeling in your gut. But its ‘real life’ and the ending, while not happy, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit to go on even when life throws you the worst.
Booktalk Hook: I would introduce this book by asking the audience to think about their personal heroes and if they’ve ever been disappointed by one. I would probably bring in some current examples of athletes and Hollywood stars that teenagers may look up to that have been in the spotlight for “bad” behavior (e.g., Marion Jones, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan). The fact that the main character doesn’t have a face (and the depth of description the book goes into about it) is a good ‘gross-out’ sales pitch. The book cover is also interesting with a photo of a young boy in military uniform with his entire face, albeit one eye, scratched out....less
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October 03
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Jeane
gave
to:
A Hero Ain't Nothin But a Sandwich (Mass Market Paperback)
by Alice Childress
bookshelves:
yaliteraturejournal
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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read in September, 2007
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September 22
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Jeane
gave
to:
Hatchet (Paperback)
by Gary Paulsen
bookshelves:
yaliteraturejournal
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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read in September, 2007
Jeane said:
"Paulsen, Gary (1987). Hatchet. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. 186 pages.
Summary and Evaluation: One summer day thirteen year-old Brian Robeson sets off on a journey to visit his father in northern Canada. Not long into the...more
Paulsen, Gary (1987). Hatchet. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. 186 pages.
Summary and Evaluation: One summer day thirteen year-old Brian Robeson sets off on a journey to visit his father in northern Canada. Not long into the flight the unthinkable happens -- the plane crashes in the Canadian wilderness and Brian, the lone survivor, is faced with having to survive on his own with only one possession, a hatchet. Through this ordeal Brian learns important life skills including patience, thoughtfulness, courage, and "tough hope". It also becomes a time for him to reflect on and work through the "secret" that has destroyed his family.
As I read this novel, I imagined living the same experiences right alongside Brian. I found myself trying to figure out how I would solve the problems Brian encounters -- the need for food, shelter, warmth, and protection. Needless to say, I probably wouldn't have made it past the first few days. The action in Hatchet is fast-paced with a new crisis around each turn, easily holding the reader's interest. This is a story that celebrates human ingenuity, determination, and courage in the face of conflict and prompts the reader to reflect on how much our society takes for granted. I almost regret saying this because of the gender stereotyping implications, but this is a novel I would recommend to young boys because of it's action and problem-solving elements. But as a member of the opposite sex I also enjoyed this novel because of these same things.
Booktalk Hook: Assuming a small group I would start by asking several members of the audience what one item they would want with them if they were stranded without hope of rescue. This would then lead into a discussion about the book including a summary of the plot and a short reading starting with "Stupid, he thought" on pg. 161 through "And he had dropped it" on pg. 162....less
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September 21
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Jeane
gave
to:
Troy (Paperback)
by Adele Geras
bookshelves:
currently-reading,
yaliteraturejournal
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my rating:
Added to my books!
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read in November, 2006
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Jeane
gave
to:
Forever . . . (Paperback)
by Judy Blume
bookshelves:
yaliteraturejournal
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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read in August, 2007
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Jeane
gave
to:
Catalyst (Paperback)
by Laurie Halse Anderson
bookshelves:
yaliteraturejournal
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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read in September, 2007
Jeane said:
"Anderson, Laurie Halse (2002). Catalyst. New York: Penguin Group. 232 pages.
Summary and Evaluation: In Catalyst, author Laurie Halse Anderson creates a wonderfully complex character – on one hand a golden child, on t...more
Anderson, Laurie Halse (2002). Catalyst. New York: Penguin Group. 232 pages.
Summary and Evaluation: In Catalyst, author Laurie Halse Anderson creates a wonderfully complex character – on one hand a golden child, on the other a teenager struggling with the expectations she has placed on herself. The “good” Kate Malone is a straight-A science geek/track star/minister’s daughter, whose plans to attend MIT and become a Nobel Peace Prize-winning chemist are non-negotiable. And then there is the self-described “bad” Kate -- sarcastic cynic, religious skeptic, and reluctant caretaker for her father and brother. She is the quintessential type-A personality who believes that, “If I could run all the time, life would be fine. As long as I keep moving, I’m in control” (p.226). But a series of events that unfold during her senior year in high school will be the catalyst for Kate to reevaluate her relationships and life plans.
I really enjoyed this novel on a couple of different levels. The sarcastic humor of the main character comes through vividly in Anderson's narrative style. I couldn't help but break a smile, and even an occasional bust-out laugh at lines like, "The fat letter from the thank-you Jesus Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Salvation." These comic interludes balance the weighty issues dealt with in the novel. Many teenagers can relate to Kate and the pressures placed on them by friends, family and, more often than not, themselves. The stresses associated with having to be "perfect" all the time are real issues for many young adults and one failure or disappointment can feel like the end of the world. Another plus for the novel was the interaction between Kate and her love interest, Mitch, which added some spice to the novel without crossing any controversial boundaries. My only disappointment was that Anderson didn't provide enough insight into Kate's reasons for making the choices she does. It feels like the novel builds up to all of these climactic points only to skim over the the main character's motivations and reasoning for her actions.
Booktalk Hook:
I would introduce the novel with the quote beginning on pg. 38, "I study the parking lot", through pg. 39, "Get me out of here, I'm free, I am so gone", which conveys a good sense of the main character and the story's plot. I would then follow up the reading with a summary of the novel and close with reiterating the title and author. I would also consider pointing out that she also wrote the novel, Speak, which many young adults may be familiar with.
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September 13
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Jeane
gave
to:
The Giver (Paperback)
by Lois Lowry
bookshelves:
yaliteraturejournal
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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read in September, 2007
Jeane said:
"Lowry, Lois (1993). The Giver. NY: Bantam Doubleday Publishing Group, Inc. 180 pages.
Summary and Evaluation: In this 1994 Newbery Medal winner, the reader is introduced to Jonas, who lives in a utopian community without pain ...more
Lowry, Lois (1993). The Giver. NY: Bantam Doubleday Publishing Group, Inc. 180 pages.
Summary and Evaluation: In this 1994 Newbery Medal winner, the reader is introduced to Jonas, who lives in a utopian community without pain or fear; where all his needs are provided for – and all his decisions are made for him. During his twelfth year he is selected as the community’s Receiver to absorb and hold all the memories of humankind, both good and bad. His training will expose truths about the world and his community causing him to embark on a journey where he must make the biggest choice of his life.
My interest in this book was piqued last year when I read an excerpt of it in my Children’s Literature class. I know when I really enjoy a book because I find myself thinking about it for days after I’ve finished reading it. That's how I was with The Giver. This novel has elements of both mystery and science fiction (vaguely reminiscent of my fav, Frank Herbert’s Dune) that kept me engrossed to the end. Lowry keeps the narrative suspenseful by slowly uncovering details of community life allowing the reader to piece together the alien (not literally) yet fascinating community of these characters. I found this novel really refreshing after reading the relationship dramas of Forever and Seventeenth Summer. On the surface The Giver does not seem as based in ‘reality’ as Forever and Seventeenth Summer, but on deeper consideration it does deal with topics that many young adults are beginning to ponder at their age. This story delves into important societal questions such as: ‘Would the world be a better place if there were rules and punishments to guide every person’s actions?’, ‘Could a person be truly happy if they faced no challenges or did not have to make decisions in life?’, ‘Would you be willing to forgo the wonders of life if it meant you would never have to experience anything bad?’ Although somewhat exaggerated in a Twilight-Zone sort of way, this story includes the typical coming-of-age themes in young adult literature including the inevitability of growing up and learning hard truths about life, of seeking independence from family and community units, and developing ideas and beliefs separate from those you grew up with. The only thing that frustrated me with The Giver was the open-ended conclusion. While some readers might enjoy imagining what happens after the story ends, I personally wanted more of my questions answered! Without giving the ending away, I was left wondering whether the decision Jonas made turned out to be the best choice of action and the effect it had on those around him.
Booktalk Hook: This novel probably does not need much of a push due to its renown, but in any case I would begin by introducing the novel with a short summary similar to the one written above. I would then set up the passage I was going to read (pg. 47 beginning with "Break for midday meal." through end of chapter) by explaining that the scene involves Jonas, the main character, having a conversation with his best friend, Asher, about the Assignments they were to receive shortly at the ceremony celebrating their twelfth year.
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September 11
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Jeane
gave
to:
Seventeenth Summer (Archway Paperback)
by Maureen Daly
bookshelves:
yaliteraturejournal
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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recommended for: young adult females
read in August, 2007
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