ATHLETE VS. MATHLETE by W.C. Mack

W.C. Mack. Athlete vs. Mathlete. New York: Bloomsbury Children's 

Books, 2013. ISBN  9781599908588

Russell and Owen are fraternal twins.  Even though they are brothers, they couldn't be more different. Owen is a super jock, interested only in basketball.  Russell is super smart and interested in reading, studying, and making straight A's in school.  Seventh grade is beginning, and both twins are facing a problem.  Russell's "Master's of the Mind" team needs a new team member, and Owen's basketball team has a new coach who is making everyone re-try out for the team.  Things get worse:  the new basketball coach meets Russell and, seeing that he is so tall, forces Russell to try out for the team.  Russell now begins to miss his "Master's of the Mind" meetings and Owen thinks he is stealing the spotlight from him.  Everyone just wants things to go back to normal.  But what is 'normal'?  Can Russell be a mathlete and an athlete?  

This book is superbly written in first person narrative.  Each chapter, the twins take turns telling their side of the story.  The reader is able to see both boys' perspective, which makes the story even more enjoyable.  The author sets the tone and the mood of the story better than most middle grade novels I have read.  I love that you are mad at both brothers at one point in the story, and you can't decide which side to take.  The lesson or moral of the story is great, one that needs to be told over and over.  So far, this is my favorite of the Bluebonnet Reading Lists this year. 

Athlete vs. Mathlete in the Classroom

While reading this book, it will be the perfect time to partner with the gym teacher when he/she is teaching the rules of basketball.

Here is an article about the difference between boys' and girls' basketball.  After reading the article, students can create a Venn Diagram or Double Bubble Map to show the differences and similarities.

The characters in this book are very unique and strong.  Students can analyze characters, especially Russell and Owen. 

The theme, or message, of the story is big.  This would be a great book to discuss theme.

Awards for Athlete vs. Mathlete

Texas Bluebonnet Nominee 2014

#8 on Amazon's Top 100 Best Seller List

Nominated for Iowa's Children's Choice Award

More Fiction Books About Basketball

Big Nate: Game On! by Lincoln Pierce

Travel Team by Mike Lupica

Airball: My Life in Briefs by Lisa Harkrader

LIAR & SPY by Rebecca Stead

Jacket Art 2012 Yan  Nascimbene

Stead, Rebecca. Liar & Spy. New York: Wendy Lamb Books, 2012. ISBN 9780385737432

The award winning author Rebecca Stead writes a story about a seventh grader, Georges (the s is silent), who is not popular at school.  He is a little of a geek, but very likable.  His family is forced to move out of their house into a Brooklyn apartment after his father is laid off from his job.  Georges meets a boy named Safer, who has appointed himself the building spy.  He recruits Georges to spy on Mr. X, who leaves the buildings with a large suitcase often and always wears black.  Safer gets more and more serious about spying, and Georges has to decide how far he will go to help out his new friend.

I loved this book and the characters.  You wonder through the entire book, who is the spy and who is the liar.  There are many surprises through the book, you find out things aren't really as they seem to be.  The message is subtle, but a very good message for all ages. Georges learns that sometimes people lie because they are afraid.  There is also quite a bit of humor throughout the book and puns.  Some might be harder for students to understand, but this would be a good classroom lesson.

Liar & Spy in the classroom:

Rebecca Stead makes many references to artist Georges Saurat and the game Scrabble.  Similar to her other books, she gives many opportunities throughout the book to bring in outside conversations about art, literature, and popular culture.  There is also extensive scenes from the science classroom that can lead to other science lessons extending from the book.

The sense of taste is referenced many times throughout the book.  A study of senses, or the five different types of taste buds, would be a great extension of this book.

The artist Georges Seurat is mentioned many times in the book, and Georges' parents have a painting in their living room.  This would be a good chance to collaborate with the art teacher and bring in images of Seurat's paintings.  Students can also learn more about Seurat here.  See Seurat's paintings at this link, then ask students if they can figure out which painting was in Georges' living room from the description in the book. (warning -- there is one nude painting toward the bottom of the page.  Preview before showing in the classroom!)

Awards for Liar & Spy

Bluebonnet List for 2014 - 2015

School Library Journal Best of Children's Books 2012

Publisher's Weekly Best of Children's Books 2012

New York Times Bestseller

THE LOST TREASURE OF TUCKERNUCK by Emily Fairlie

Laurie Madison is a sixth grader at Tuckernuck Hall, a school in danger of being torn down.   Laurie desperately wants to transfer to Hamilton, where her best friend attends school.  Laurie believes that if she finds the treasure left by the first school principal, Maria Tutweiler, all her problems will be over.  Laurie ends up on guinea pig duty with the school outcast, Bud Wallace.  Together they set out on a quest to solve the puzzle and find Tuckernuck's treasure.  The school board wants to tear down the school, so will Bud and Laurie find the treasure in time to save the school?

Fairlie, Emily. The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck.
illustrated by Antonio Javier Caparo. New York: Harper Collins, 2012.
ISBN 9780062118905

This novel is laugh out loud funny!  Fairlie develops the characters wonderfully, and the reader is able to solve the puzzles along with Laurie and Bud.  Fairlie mixes classic prose with emails, notes, and lists to make the story fun for readers.  Will you be able to solve the puzzle before Laurie and Bud?

A Note about the Author:

Emily Fairlie went to Tukahoe Middle School in Virginia and also owned two gerbil escape artists. 

Awards for The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck

2014 - 2015 Bluebonnet Nominee

The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck in the classroom

Click here for a reader's theatre script to use as a book teaser in the classroom or library. 

Click here to read Emily Dickinson's poem that is referenced in the book. 

Have students create their own scavenger hunt.  You can find steps and instructions on creating a scavenger hunt at this website.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green

Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. Dutton
Books. 2012 ISBN 978052478812

Hazel is 16 years old and has been diagnoses with terminal cancer.  Her lungs no longer function well, and she must carry "Philip the oxygen tank" with her everywhere she goes.  Hazel believes her final chapter has already been written and refuses to go see friends and hates that her mom wants her to go to a Cancer Kid Support Group.  Then enter Augustus Waters.  Hazel meets beautiful Augustus at the Cancer Kid Support Group and her whole world is changed.

Hazel and Augustus are not typical 16 year olds, due to their diagnosis of cancer.  They have been forced to grow up too soon, and they see the world differently then normal teenagers.  These characters will grow on you through the book, and you will love them.  This book will cause you to have every emotion you can think of.  You will laugh out loud! You will be angry! You WILL cry!

Awards for The Fault In Our Stars

#1 New York Times Bestseller

#1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller

#1 USA Today Bestseller

Reviews for The Fault In Our Stars

"In it's every aspect, The Fault in Our Stars is a triumph." ~ Booklist

"A smartly crafted intellectual explosion of romance." ~ Kirkus

"An achingly beautiful story" ~ School Library Journal

Other Books by John Green

Looking for Alaska. Dutton Books. 2005.
An Abundance of Catherines. Dutton Books. 2008
Paper Towns. Dutton Books. 2009

LESTER'S DREADFUL SWEATERS by K.G. Campbell

Lester's Dreadful Sweaters, written and illustrated by K.G.Campbell is a Bluebonnet books for 2014-2015.  

Cousin Clara's cottage has been consumed by a crocodile!  And while no one is sure whose cousin she actually is, Cousin Clara comes to live with Lester's family.  Cousin Clara is a whiz with knitting, so she knits Lester dreadful sweaters.  Lester creatively gets rid of each sweater, but Cousin Clara knits faster than he can get rid of them.  Each sweater is more ghastly than the one before.  Will Lester be doomed forever to be made fun of at school and wear these dreadful creations? 

Campbell, K.G. Lester's Dreadful Sweaters. New York:
Kids Can Press Ltd., 2012.  ISBN 9781554537709

Author and illustrator, K.G. Campbell, has created a wonderful book that will appeal to anyone that has received an unwanted gift.   His character, Lester, expresses good manners and gracefully accepts each present, but creatively finds ways to dispose of his unwanted gift.  This character will appeal to many children, who have received a ghastly gift from an elder family member.  He takes an annoyance of childhood and turns it into a ridiculous situation.  Children and adults will love the humor in the book.

The illustrations, done in pencil crayon, add humor to this wonderfully written picture book.  Campbell illustrates the ridiculously, ghastly sweaters while poor Lester wears them.  Campbell does an amazing job of adding detail in his illustrations that add to the detail of the written story.  

Awards for Lester's Dreadful Sweaters

Picture Book Illustration Winner, 2013 Golden Kite Awards

Book Reviews for Lester's Dreadful Sweaters

"Lively writing is peppered with clever alliteration and wordplay." ~ Kirkus Reviews

"...readers will thoroughly enjoy Campbell's canny blend of irony and sweet-heartedness." ~ Publisher's Weekly

Lester's Dreadful Sweaters in the Classroom

• Click here for a reader's theatre script for Lester's Dreadful Sweaters. 
• Use this book to begin a unit of alligators and crocodiles.  This lesson will be a good start on comparing the alligator with the crocodile. 
• In the book Lester likes to make lists and collect things.  Use this as an introduction to making lists.  Or invite students to bring in a collection they have for show-and-tell.

REBEL MCKENZIE by Candice Ransom

Ransom, Candice. Rebel McKenzie. New York:
Disney-Hyperion Books, 2012.  ISBN 9781423145394

Rebel McKenzie is 12 years old and practically a paleontologist.  The Ice Age type, not the dinosaur type.  Rebel wants nothing more than to go to a Scientific Dig Camp, but can't because her parents had to spend the extra money after the refrigerator broke down.  No problem, Rebel decides to run away from home instead.  Unfortunately, she makes a bad choice in shoes, and ends up having to be taken to the doctor for the numerous blisters on her feet.  Rebel's older sister, who is married with a child, needs Rebel to come babysit her son, Rudy, for no-pay during the summer.  Rebel is determined to somehow earn enough money to attend the Scientific Dig Camp.  During her babysitting adventures with her nephew, Rebel meets a bully who becomes her best friend, Lacy Jane.  Together they decide to enter a beauty pageant and win the money to go to the camp.  By the end of the summer, Rebel has made many new friends and learned a valuable lesson.

Rebel McKenzie is one of the most real twelve year old characters I have met in a book in a long time.  She has real relationships with her family, not fantasy ones.  Rebel acts just like a pre-teen girl: selfish and doesn't understand her choices effect other people.  She loves nonfiction, is funny and flawed, and dreams big.  The other characters in this book are also amazing and very real.  Over the summer babysitting her seven year old nephew, Rebel meets many strong characters in the trailer park, each very unique.  Rebel's sister is a hot-mess, as her husband is off on the job and she if left to take care of herself and her son, while she goes through beauty school.  Lacy Jane has a secret that she hasn't shared yet, and Bambi is a prissy girl full of herself.

The book does feel more like a middle school age book, though it is on the Bluebonnet list for 3rd through 6th graders.

More books by Candice Ransom

Ivy Honeysuckle Meets Her Match

Ivy Honeysuckle Discovers the World

Seeing Sky-Blue Pink

Finding Day's Bottom

FLORA & ULYSSES: The Illuminated Adventures

DiCamillo, Kate. Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated
 Adventures. Candlewick Press: 2013.  ISBN 9780763660406

Flora, a cynic, meets an unlikely squirrel turned superhero after a tragic vacuum cleaner accident.  The squirrel never saw the vacuum cleaner coming, as he was only thinking of how hungry he is. However, Flora, our cynic who is absorbed in comic books, is sure that she can save him!

No one can predict what the squirrel can do next!  He has powers of strength and word, as he is able to write poetry onto typewriters and computers.  Then we meet our arch-nemesis, Flora's mother, the author, who is out to smack the squirrel on top of the head with a shovel.  We also meet the temporary blind boy that lives next door.

Go on an adventure with Flora and Ulysses, the poetry writing superhero squirrel and see our cynic open up her heart.

Kate DiCamillo has created wonderful characters and magic in this Newberry Award Winning book. Each character is unique and DiCamillo has portrayed each character magically throughout the book.  Children and adults will love meeting the characters. Flora's love for comic books is seen throughout the book, as the descriptions of Flora seeing words above people's heads are described beautifully.  Illustrations throughout the book at times are in panel form, just like the comic books that Flora loves so much.  The book is filled with humor, that children and adults will both love.

Awards for Flora & Ulysses

2013 National Book Awards Longlist

2013 Newberry Award

2014 Bluebonnet Nominee

Flora & Ulysses in the Classroom

This book is filled with beautiful vocabulary words, that even I had to look up -- malfeasance, capacious, obfuscation.  This is just a start of the high level vocabulary words that can be taught from this book.

Throughout the story, the strong characters each experience change.  This is a great book to focus on character traits and change in character.

Candlewick Press Teacher Guide

Hear Kate DiCamillo introduce the book and share her backstory for creating the book.  Click here.

THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak

Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief. Knopf
Books: 2007. 

Set in Nazi Germany in 1939 - 1943, and Death has never been busier.  Death tells the story of a nine year old girl, Liesel Meminger, as she tries to make meaning of her life.  Liesel finds that she cannot resists books, even though she cannot yet read.  Liesel is fostered by an accordion playing father and foul mouth mother.  With the help of her foster father, Liesel learns to read, and finds herself stealing books after bomb raids in her city.  She helps her neighbors by sharing the books with them while in bomb shelters during raids, and helps the Jewish man hidden in her basement write his own stories.  She makes close friends through her adventures, including Rudy and the mayor's wife.

The book, a historical fiction, is superbly written and, interestingly, narrated by Death.  The author does a wonderful job of creating the setting of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust.  While the book will make you cry (I cried often through the book), it is full of true history and allows the reader to see the Holocaust, with all of its cruelty, through a German young girl. The characters are all very strong characters, and we see many emotions throughout the book, including love and grief.  The foster mother is not a likable character to begin with, however, throughout the book, the reader begins to see more emotion from her and begins to fall in love with her.

While this book is definitely not a fast read, I highly recommend it for ages 12 and up.  Have your tissues handy!

Awards for The Book Thief

2007 - Michael L. Printz Honor Book

2007 - ALA Best Book for Young Adults

2006 - Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book

2006 - School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Classroom Connections:

It would be a good idea to review WWII with your students and see what their prior knowledge of the Nazi party is before beginning this book.  

Due to the length of this book, teachers will want students to create a plot diagram to keep up with their comprehension. 

Compare and contrast the message and tone of the book to John Donne's poem, "Death Be Not Proud".  Donne's poem is found here.

After reading the first chapter, discuss the personification of Death.  Discuss questions: How does the author personify Death?  Does Death like his job? 

Throughout the story, Death describes the color of the sky as it changes.  Have a class discussion over what the different colors signify.

RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE by Shannon and Dean Hale

A tale of Rapunzel, the girl with the extremely long hair, like you've never read before.  Rapunzel grows up with her mother, or who she thinks is her mother, in a castle surrounded by a very tall wall. Rapunzel is very curious to see what is on the other side of the wall, so one day she ventures out and climbs the wall. Mother Gothel finds out that she has ventured beyond the wall and locks Rapunzel in a tower, where her hair grows and grows.  Set in the wild west, Rapunzel and an outlaw, Jack, go on many adventures seeking Rapunzel's true mother.  

Hale, Shannon and Dale.  Rapunzel's Revenge. illustrated by Nathan Hale. New York: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books, 2008.  ISBN 9781599900704

In this graphic novel retelling of the fairy tale classic, Shannon and Dean Hale create a very strong feminine character who ends up being the heroine.  Rapunzel proves to be independent, smart, and saves the day.  The reader will have trouble putting this book down, waiting to find out how Rapunzel gets out of another dilemma.  The plot somewhat follows the classic fairy tale, but is set in the wild west with cowboys and horses.  The authors pack this graphic novel full of action and adventure on every page as Rapunzel seeks her true mother to save her from slavery and to overtake the cruel Mother Gothel from her magical powers.  

The illustrations throughout the graphic novel are marvelous and add emotion to the story. The illustrator, Nathan Hale, does a wonderful job of adding images that show action on every page.  Hale adds emotions in the characters' faces and the sequence of the illustrations helps the story flow.  Throughout the story, Rapunzel must use her ridiculously long hair as a weapon.  Without the detailed illustrations, the reader probably would not have a complete picture of this, however Nathan Hale illustrates Rapunzel's use of her hair magnificently and adds humor to the adventure.

Awards for Rapunzel's Revenge

ALA 2009 Notable Children's Book
YALSA 2009 Great Graphic Novel for Young Adults
Eisner Award Nominee
2011 Young Reader's Choice Award
Cybil Award Winner
ALA 2009 Popular Paperback

Reviews for Rapunzel's Revenge

"With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody."~ Publisher's Weekly

 "Readers familiar with graphic novels will feel at home...Newbies may not realize how particularly well-matched the Hales' gutsy tale is to its format, but this introduction--with its high action quotient, immediate sensory thrills, and wisecracking heroes--should win many converts. With such a successful debut, one hopes to see more graphic novels from this trio."~ Horn Book 

"Rich with humor and excitement, Rapunzel's Revenge is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers."~ Booklist

More Books by Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale

Calamity Jack. New York: Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2010.  ISBN  9781599903736

Books by Shannon Hale

The Goose Girl. New York: Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2005.  ISBN 9781582349909

Book of a Thousand Days. New York: Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2009. ISBN   9781599903781

Princess Academy.  New York: Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2007.  ISBN   97881599900735

Classroom Connections

After reading, brainstorm other settings for a fairy tale, such as outer space or under the sea.  Then have students choose a fairy tale to rewrite with the new setting.  

Discuss general elements of a fairy tale.  Which elements does Rapunzel's Revenge have?  Compare/contrast Rapunzel's Revenge with the classic Rapunzel fairy tale. 

Collaborate with the history teacher and explore what life was really like in the "old west".  Discuss the illustrations by Nathan Hale and parts that are fanciful/fantasy and parts that are true to the "old west". 

Reader's Theatre Script for RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE

WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead

Book Design by Kate Gartner

Stead, Rebecca. When You Reach Me. New York: Wendy Lamb Books, 2009.  ISBN 9780385737425


Miranda is in the sixth grade and lives in New York City, 1979, in the same apartment building as her best friend Sal.  She is a "latch key kid" and is infatuated with the novel A Wrinkle in Time.  Sal and Miranda know the safe places in their neighborhood and they know who to avoid, such as the "laughing guy" who sleeps under a garbage can near their apartment building.  Then, one day, Miranda's life is turned around.  The extra key to her apartment comes up missing, Sal gets punched and decides they shouldn't be friends, and then Miranda receives mysterious letters.

"I am coming to save your friend's life, and my own."

Miranda realizes that whoever is leaving these notes knows details about her, but also things that have not happened yet.  She must find new friends and solve the mystery of the letters and find a way to stop the tragedy that is predicted.

When You Reach Me is a fantasy set in a realistic setting, or low fantasy.  The main character, Miranda, is realistic and much like a normal sixth grader.  Miranda is a strong character and the reader will relate to her immediately.  Miranda is also the narrator of the story, so the reader is able to hear her thoughts and point of view.  The plot is originally grounded in reality, then later moves into a  fantasy.  Everything is tied together and explained by the end of the book, so the reader is satisfied and any open questions are answered.  The reader will be intrigued with the adventures of Miranda and her friends through New York in the late 70s and they learn the importance of friendship and love.  While friendship is the major theme, the reader will also see topics, such as homelessness, single parenting, and jail discussed throughout the book.  Even though the story is told from Miranda's point of view, the author creates a distinct voice of each character through the story and makes the fantasy world believable to the reader.

AudioBook

An audio book is also available for When You Reach Me, narrated by Cynthia Holloway.  The reading is very strong and shows the emotions of Miranda throughout her journeys.  Holloway provides an excellent reading so that the listener is presented with Miranda's feelings and actions as she solves her mystery of the letters.

Stead, Rebecca. When You Reach Me. narrated by Cynthia Holloway.  Listening Library, 2009.  Overdrive MP3 Audiobook Unabridged Edition  ISBN 9780739380758

Awards for When You Reach Me

2010 John Newberry Medal

2010 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction

A New York Times Bestseller

Reviews for When You Reach Me

"This unusual, thought-provoking mystery will appeal to several types of readers."         ~ School Library Journal

"[T]he characters, children, and adults, are honest bits of humanity no matter in what place or time their souls rest." ~ Booklist

"Smart and mesmerizing." ~ New York Times 

Classroom Connections

With the number of strong characters in the book, teachers can have students choose a character (Miranda, Sal, Colin, Annemarie, Julia, Jimmy, the laughing man, Miranda's mom, or Richard) and create a character map with adjectives describing the character.  Then students can partner with someone that created a character map on another character to compare/contrast the characters. With their partner, have students create a Venn Diagram.

There are a number of themes relevant to this book which can be discussed in class.

• Family - compare the different family types in the book.
• Friendship - discuss the change of Sal and Miranda's friendship.
• Bullying - students can list characteristic of a bully and name the bullies present in the book.
• Social Class - discuss how social class is portrayed in the different families in the book.  What do the girls, Miranda, Julia, and Annemarie, learn about social class by the end of the book.
• Fear - discuss how Sal deals with fear after being punched by Marcus.  Miranda's mom is also afraid for Miranda on occasion.  Why?

The novel, A Wrinkle in Time, is mentioned throughout the book and is Miranda's favorite book.  Pick up a copy of A Wrinkle in Time to read with your students.  Then students can compare/contrast Miranda with Meg (from A Wrinkle in Time).  Students can also stage a meeting with Miranda and Meg.  What would their conversation be like?

L'Engle, Madeleine.  A Wrinkle in Time. New York: Dell Publising, 1976.  ISBN 9780440498056

SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson

"I am Outcast" (Anderson).

Melinda Sordino is beginning her freshman year of high school, but an event that happened over the summer has caused her entire life to change and others to treat her differently.  Melinda has become friendless and an outcast because she called the cops on an end-of-summer party with underage drinking.  No one will talk to her and no one will listen to her, and so Melinda has practically stopped talking all together.  Melinda finally finds solace in her art class and she finds that she can trust her art teacher.  Through her art work she is able to face the truth of what happened to her at the party.  Melinda finally finds the courage to speak up for herself, fight back, and receives retribution.  This is a dynamic novel with a beautiful heroine.

The novel is written in first person narrative, in the style of a diary written by the main character,  Melinda Sorina.  While reading the story, you can almost hear Melinda's voice telling you her troubles and fears.  High school students and young adults will relate with Melinda, even if they have not had a tragedy such as hers.  Anderson creates the character true to today's high school students and the reader is able to see a life through her perspective.  The theme of Speak is that of finding oneself or standing up for oneself, which many young adults will understand and will find personal meaning in the book's theme.

Anderson, Laurie Halse.  Speak. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 1999. Nook eBook.  eISBN  9781429997041

At the end of the ebook, the publisher has included an interview with Laurie Halse Anderson regarding the writing of Speak and the character, Melinda. Anderson discloses that she spent many evenings at a local Taco Bell observing teenagers in order to portray their language correctly in her contemporary realistic fiction.  Also included are facts and resources for sexual assault survivor resources.  A discussion guide will prove helpful for librarians that are leading a book club or for teachers that are completing a novel study in their classroom.  Anderson has also included a word about censorship.

Awards for Speak

1999 National Book Award Finalist

1999 BCCB Blue Ribbon Book

1999 Golden Kite Award for Fiction

2000 Hornbook Fanfare Best Book of the Year

2000 ALA Best Books for Young Adults

2000 Edgar Allen Poe Best Young Adult Award Finalist

Michael L. Printz Honor Book

Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year

Reviews for Speak

"In a stunning first novel, Anderson uses keen observations and vivid imagery to pull readers into the head of an isolated teenager."  ~ Publisher's Weekly

"An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last." ~ The Horn Book

"Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers." ~ Booklist 

Other Young Adult books by Laurie Halse Anderson

Wintergirls. Viking Juvenile, 2009.  ISBN 9780670011100
Twisted. Viking Juvenile, 2007.  ISBN  9780670061013
Prom. Viking Juvenile, 2005.  ISBN 9780670059744

Classroom Connections for Speak

Speak is recommended for grades 9 - 12, and has been taught in classrooms throughout the United States and Canada, as well as college.  

Teachers can connect Speak with The Scarlett Letter and have students compare the two books, or the two female characters.  

Teachers can follow the lesson plan found here to guide their classroom in a lesson analyzing the Pledge of Allegiance and the Freedom of Speech in the U.S.  After analyzing the Pledge of Allegiance, students can then discuss the character in Speak and how she struggles with her freedom of speech.  

ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia

Set in Oakland, California, in the summer of 1968, three sisters are sent to spend four weeks with their mother that abandoned them years ago.  Eleven year old Delphine has had to grow up too quickly and become a mother figure to her two younger sisters: Vonetta and Fern.  When they arrive in California, they get a very cold greeting from their mother, Cecile, who makes it very clear that she didn't ask for them, nor did she want them there to visit.  Cecile is only concerned about her poems and sends the girls out of the house every morning. Through this month spent in California with their mother, they were hoping to visit Disneyland and meet Tinker-bell. Instead, the three sisters are sent to a nearby Black Panther summer camp, where they are fed a free breakfast and taught about family, freedom, and their country.

Cover Art by Sally Wern Comport 2010

Williams-Garcia, Rita. One Crazy Summer. New York: HarperCollins, 2010.  ISBN 978006070885

The main character in this book, Delphine, is a character that mid-elementary to junior high age children will easily relate to and empathize with.  She is forced to take care of her younger sisters when they visit their mother in California who is only concerned with her poems and printing.  The reader follows Delphine through this month with her estranged mother, and we get to see her find herself, make new friends, and even have a boy-crush.  The character of the mother is very hard to sympathize with, and she comes off as being very self-centered.  Toward the end of the book, the mother begins to explain to Delphine why she abandoned the girls, but the reader is left unsatisfied with no true reason why the mother left.  The Black Panther characters in the book seem very angry and violent, but a lot of their background is not touched on.  The reason for their protesting is never really explained.  

Even though the Black Panther group was not explained thoroughly, the tone of the time was kept true by the author.  The reader is able to see the racism and protests through the eyes of a young eleven year old girl, Delphine.  The author also stays true to the dress and speech of the 1960s, while using true to history characters such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and famous poets of the time.  

At the end of the book, the author acknowledges articles she read that helped her to relay the climate of the 1960s.  

Awards for One Crazy Summer

2011 Coretta Scott King Award Winner

2011 Newbery Honor Book

2011 Scott O’Dell Prize for Historical Fiction

2010 National Book Award Finalist

Junior Library Guild Selection

Texas Library Association Best Book for 2010

Reviews for One Crazy Summer

"Author Rita Williams-Garcia has a fine ear for the squabbles and fierce loyalties of siblings and a keen eye for kid-centered period details, including collect phone calls, go-go boots and the TV dolphin Flipper."  ~ Booklist

"Emotionally challenging and beautifully written, this book immerses readers in a time and place and raises difficult questions of cultural and ethnic identity and personal responsibility. With memorable characters (all three girls have engaging, strong voices) and a powerful story, this is a book well worth reading and rereading." ~ School Library Journal

"Set during a pivotal moment in African American history, this vibrant novel shows the subtle ways that political movements affect personal lives; but just as memorable is the finely drawn, universal story of children reclaiming a reluctant parent’s love. Grades 4-7." ~ Gillian Engbert, School Library Journal

Also by Rita Williams-Garcia 

Everytime a Rainbow Dies. Amistad, 2002.  ISBN 9780064473033   

Blue Tights. Puffin, 1996.  ISBN  9780140381453

Like Sisters on the Homefront.  Puffin, 1998.  ISBN 9780140385168

P.S. Be Eleven.  Amistad, 2013.  ISBN 9780061938627   (Sequel to One Crazy Summer)

Classroom Connections

Suggested age: Grades 4 - 8

Listen to the author, Rita Williams-Garcia, introduce her book and explain her backstory for creating ONE CRAZY SUMMER.

Create a character web, or bubble map,  for Delphine.  Students can also compare themselves to Delphine.  

Students can defend or critique Cecile's role as "mommy, mom, or ma", defined by Delphine in the book.  

Who were the Black Panthers?  Students can discuss what they already know, then come up with questions they want to research and find out more about.  Then allow students to research this organization. 

Share poetry with your students by the poets that the author, Rita Williams-Garcia, gives acknowledgements to in the back of the book.  These poets include:  Nikki Giovanni, Gwendolyn Brooks, Lucille Clifton, Sonia Sanchez, and Kattie Miles Cumbo.