Fiction, Fantasy and Graphic Novels

 New Kid

Craft, Jerry. 2019. New Kid. Quill Tree Books. Ill. by Jerry Craft.New York, NY. ISBN 978-0062691194

PLOT SUMMARY

Jordan Banks is nervous about his move to Riverdale, a new private school on the other side of town and in a very distinct neighborhood. In comparison to his old school in Washington Heights, his new school is quite a different place where only a few African American students attend. Jordan would much rather go to an art school since he has a talent for drawing, but his parents insist that this new school will open doors and bring many opportunities. Most of the students at Riverdale come from affluent homes and travel around the world.  Jordan learns to make new friends along the way and constantly remembers advice from his grandpa about treating others kindly. Although he has different interests than many of the students at Riverdale, he learns to accept them and finds similarities between some of his classmates. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

New Kid covers important themes for teens such as friendship, bullying, and rich vs poor. The main character ,Jordan, shows the typical tween problems at a school. The vocabulary used by the author is entertaining and simple. The characters’ dialogue is easy to follow. The use of figurative language such as similes and metaphors make the story comical. The drawings are loud and colorful bringing life to the book. When Jordan shows his sketchbook, the layout changes to black and white drawings. The author makes allusions to other books such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the Hunger Games.

REVIEWS:

School Library Journal (starred review)- “More than a story about being the new kid-it's a complex examination of the micro- and macro aggressions that Jordan endures from classmates and teachers...Highly recommended.”

Booklist (starred review)- “Speaking up about the unrepresented experience of so many students makes this a necessary book, particularly for this age group.”

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)- “ [A] heartbreakingly accurate middle-grade tale of race, class, microaggressions, and the quest for self-identity...Engrossing, humorous, and vitally important.”

Awards:

Newbery Honor Award Winner

Correta Scott King Award

CONNECTIONS

• For students who experience changes in their lives, such as going to a new school, moving to a new city, or making new friends.

Other related books:

• Class Act by Jerry Craft

• School Trip by Jerry Craft

• MexiKid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin

Activitiy:

Divide class into groups. Assign different characters to each group. Have students draw a storyline about the character they chose. Have students highlight strengths and weaknesses in the character assigned.

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The Crossover

Alexander, Kwame. 2019. Crossover . Clarion Books. New York, NY. ISBN 978-0544935204

PLOT SUMMARY: 

Joshua Bell and his twin brother JB are amazing basketball players who shine in their school’s 7th grade team. Their father, Chuck Bell, is a former Euroleague star who works at home, but spends his afternoon training his sons. Both boys have spectacular skills, compliment each other on the court, and are preparing to win the school championship. Everything works wonderfully, until JB begins dating and spending more time with Alexis, a girl from school. Joshua feels a bit jealous, out of place, and lonely because JB does not spend any time with him any more. Worst of all, his father’s health seems to be deteriorating and Joshua feels concerned.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

The Crossover is written in free verse which gives it a more poetic style and highlights its emotional depth. The words used to describe Joshua playing basketball mirror the actions of the ball on the courts. The words glide, move, slide, and flow in the same manner. The verses are filled with metaphors and similes that create a connection with the readers. The vocabulary is simple, however, certain important words are specified and defined to show the significance of their meaning. Some words are bolded and have different font styles to create a more dynamic rhythm to the verses. The illustrator gives a vivid portrayal of the emotions of young teens experiencing first love, loss, frustration and enthusiasm.

REVIEW:

Kirkus, starred review -"This novel in verse is rich in character and relationships. . . . Poet Alexander deftly reveals the power of the format to pack an emotional punch."

School Library Journal, starred review- "Alexander has crafted a story that vibrates with energy and heat and begs to be read aloud. A slam dunk." 

Awards:

Newbery Award Winner

Coretta Scott King Award

CONNECTIONS

• For those who are passionate about the game of basketball.

• For students who experience an unexpected  loss of a parent.

Other related books:

• The Academy by T.Z. Layton

• Rebound by Kwame Alexander

Activities:

Group students and research about a famous basketball player. Have students give presentations in class. Presentations can be a poster, a powerpoint, or a collage of pictures. 

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Roller Girl

Jamieson,Victoria. 2015. Roller Girl. Dial Books. New York. NY. ISBN 978-0803740167

PLOT SUMMARY

Astrid is enjoying her summer time with her best friend, Nicole, before beginning junior high. Astrid becomes enthralled after going to a roller derby competition. She is excited and asks her mother to enroll her into a roller derby summer camp. However, Nicole prefers to go to dance camp which Astrid dislikes. Astrid realizes that to become a good roller skater one has to work hard to master the skills. As time passes, Astrid notices she may not have the strength or ability for roller skating with a roller derby team. The worst part of all of this is that Nicole finds a new friend who is more similar to her. The summer is becoming a disaster and Astrid feels out of place both at roller derby practice and when she tries to talk to her forever friend Nicole.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This graphic novel describes the life of a typical teen character who is going through changes in life. The drawings are colorful and vivid and display the emotions, energy and excitement of teen life. Themes in this novel include friendship, perseverance, and girl power. Allusions are made to the Wolverine and to several well-known musicals such as West Side Story. The use of figurative language such as similes and metaphors add to the comical aspect of the novel. The author gives an accurate description of the rules, player positions, and skills needed to be a superior roller derby skater. 

REVIEW

School Library Journal- “Twelve-year-old Astrid realizes that her interests are distinctly different from those of her best friend. Mesmerized while viewing a roller derby, she dreams of becoming a "Roller Girl" but discovers that the sport is considerably more daunting than she imagined and is not without physical, social, and emotional pain. Nevertheless, Astrid is determined to succeed.”

Kirkus, starred review-  "Jamieson captures this snapshot of preteen angst with a keenly decisive eye, brilliantly juxtaposing the nuances of roller derby with the twists and turns of adolescent girls' friendships...Full of charm and moxie—don't let this one roll past." —

Publishers Weekly, starred review- "Readers will stand up and cheer."—

Awards:

A Newbery Honor book

2016-2017 Texas Bluebonnet Award winner

CONNECTIONS

• For those experiencing changes with new friendship, new school, or new challenges.

Other related books:

• New Kid by Jerry Craft

Activity: 

Have students design their own roller derby uniform and add a creative name for a player. 

Students can display a venn diagram depicting similarities and differences between roller derby and any other sport they play. 

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Sisters

Telgemeier, Raina. 2002. Sisters.  Graphix. New York, New York. ISBN 978-1338801880

PLOT SUMMARY

Raina is a soon to be high school student that wanted to have a sister, until her dream came true. When her parents announced the coming of a sister, Raina was filled with excitement about having someone to play with.  Yet, soon she realized that it might not be as pleasant as she thought. Her younger sister, Amara, was very different from her and sometimes was extremely annoying. Raina’s mom, Raina, Amara, and her younger brother Will embark on a road trip from their home in California through Nevada and Colorado to visit family. Raina discovers that her father is not coming to the trip for a special reason.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Sisters is a graphic novel that centers on the main theme about the importance of family. Even though Raina spends half of the time arguing with her sister, she realizes that her sister Amara will be her friend no matter what problems come their way.

The illustrator includes creative, colorful pictures throughout the book. The use of onomatopoeia is captured in many of the scenes to show character emotion. The vocabulary is simple and entertaining. Throughout the novel there are flashback scenes of when the characters were younger. There are several pictures of the author and her sister when they were children located in the back of the book. This gives a deeper connection and understanding that her graphic novels are memoirs that describe her childhood. 

REVIEW

Kirkus Reviews, starred review "A wonderfully charming tale of family and sisters that anyone can bond with."

Publishers Weekly, starred review- "Alternately poignant and laugh-out-loud funny."

Booklist, starred review- "Telgemeier's art complements her writing to great effect, offering a cheerful, vivid cartoon simplicity that allows readers to instantly engage even as it leaves room for deeper truths to take hold."

Awards:

• Will Eisner Award

CONNECTIONS:

• For anyone with siblings who realize the struggles and joys they bring.

• For those who enjoy family road trips.

Other related books:

• Smile by Raina Telgemeier

• Guts by Raina Telgemeier

Activity:

Have students share experiences about road trips. Have them plan a road trip including lists of where they would go and what items they would take.

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Mis Quinces

Fajardo, Kat. 202. Mis Quinces. Graphix. New York, New York. ISBN 978-1338535594

PLOT SUMMARY

Suyapa Gutierrez is about to turn fifteen years old and her family is headed to Honduras to visit the family for summer. What Sue does not know is that her mom is planning a secret “quinceanera”, a family tradition that celebrates a girl turning fifteen years old and becoming a young lady. Sue would much rather spend her summer with friends at a camp than have to endure countless hours of waltz practice dancing, buying a ridiculous fluffy dress, and having to wear heels. The only one that seems to understand that Sue is different is “abuelita”, her beloved grandmother who she loves spending time with. As the story unfolds Sue realizes that family is everything especially when life seems to turn sour.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Mis Quinces is a graphic novel that centers on the main theme about the importance of family and Hispanic traditions. In most Hispanic households a quinceanera is what all young ladies hope for. The planning involved in this dance has everyone in the family participating, and it symbolizes the coming of age. The illustrator does an excellent job with detailed drawings of life in Honduras, which is quite a contrast from life in the U.S. Life in Honduras is more simple, without internet connection, and sometimes not even telephone service, the children spend time outdoors running through the streets. The style of writing is simple, with occasional Spanish words in the dialogue. The author shares family pictures at the end of the book that show the quinceanera with her “chambelanes”, her gown and tiara. She also describes what each step symbolizes such as the waltz, the tiara, the ring, the heels and the last doll ceremony. This book was published in both English and Spanish simultaneously.

REVIEW

School Library Journal, starred review- "With all of the charm of Raina Telgemeier and Lucy Knisley’s works, this title will be enjoyed by voracious fans of coming-of-age graphic novels. But the specificity of having to stride two cultures and feeling like an outcast in both will especially resonate with readers from bicultural communities."

The Horn Book, starred review “Fajardo’s deft graphic-novel paneling, expressive use of line, and color palette of cool blues and pinks convey the complexity and full range of Sue’s feelings in important moments and more mundane ones.”

Publishers Weekly- “Fajardo's sympathetic look at a girl learning that she can be herself and still cherish family tradition celebrates the beauty of Honduras with vivid, summery art."

 

Awards:

• National Indie Bestseller

CONNECTIONS:

• For anyone who celebrates family traditions.

• For those who value the importance of family

• For anyone who has family who lives in other countries.

Other related books:

• Smile by Raina Telgemeier

• The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat

Activity:

Have students share experiences about family traditions which are unique from the customs celebrated in the United States.

Make a venn diagram comparing different Latin American countries and how they celebrate quinceaneras.

Historical Fiction

 Eyes of the Emperor

Salisbury, Graham. 2005. Eyes of the Emperor. Wendy Lamb Books. New York, NY. ISBN 978-0385386562

PLOT SUMMARY

Eddy Okubo, a Japanese American teenager living in Hawaii, decides to enlist in the Army by faking his age. Several days later Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japanese air strikes. Eddy never imagined his life was going to change drastically after those accounts. Eddy realizes that all Japanese, even those born in the United States are treated as enemies. Together with a group of other Japanese American soldiers, they are sent to a remote island to undergo a secret mission. In this mission they are treated as dog bait, where the dogs had to find the Japanese soldiers in the island and attack them.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Eyes of the Emperor is a historical fiction story that recounts the events that occurred to Japanese Americans who joined the Army during the Pearl Harbor Attacks. The author uses teenage dialect to make the scenes more vivid and memorable. The description of the Japanese Americans details how they tried to assimilate the culture, but how it was difficult for those who had been born in Japan. The language and vocabulary is simple to understand and emphasize the type of language. The use of powerful and dramatic action takes the reader to experience what was lived by these soldiers. The book contains a glossary with Hawaiian, Hawaiian Pidgin, and Japanese words to help the readers understand. Although the story is fiction, many of the characters as well as the setting were real and took place in an important time for Americans.

REVIEW

Kirkus Review  “Morally and psychologically complex, historically accurate and unforgettably gripping”.

CONNECTIONS

• For those whose family immigrated from other countries and found difficulties in adapting to the new country.

• For those who take interest in learning about events happening during WWII

Other related books:

• Displacement  by Kiku Hughes

• Paper Wishes  by Lois Sepahban

• Under the Red Blood Sun by Graham Salisbury

Activities:

Research events that happened during Pearl Harbor. In groups, create a Newspaper and write articles with information about the experiences lived in during that period of time.

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One Crazy Summer

Williams- Garcia Rita. 2010. One Crazy Summer . Harper Collins. New York, NY. ISBN 978-0060760908

PLOT SUMMARY:

One Crazy Summer is a story about three African American sisters who travel from Brooklyn to Oakland, California to visit their estranged mother in the summer of 1968. Eleven- year old Delphine and his younger sisters Vonetta, and Fern are sent to visit their mother who abandoned them when the youngest was just a baby. The girls embark on an unexpected journey and are greeted by their cold, distant mother, Cecile. Delphine, being the oldest, realizes that things in California are different than at home with her dad and grandmother. To begin with they are sent to a summer camp sponsored by a revolutionary group known as the Black Panthers. Delphine, being the authoritative older sister, is caught up in a world of protecting her sisters, but exposing them to a new reality, the treatment of colored people. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book relates to American history during the time when African Americans wanted their voices heard and form the revolutionary group, the Black Panthers. Although the girls have grown up in a different environment where their dad does not follow these ideologies, their long-lost mother Cecile joins the Black Panthers and expresses her emotions and frustrations about her people's treatment through creative poetry. Each character's voice and personality is expressed through the dialogue between the three sisters. Their tone, use of slang, even funny rhymes are used throughout the story. The mood of the story is entertaining, sometimes cynical, but honest as the young girls realize their mother does not care much for them or have any motherly instincts. The theme of the story is one of social justice, racial prejudice, and black pride. The 1960s Civil Rights Movement is depicted through the conversations Delphine has at the summer camp she and her sisters attend.

REVIEW:

Booklist- “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.”

Publisher’s Weekly- “ Williams-Garcia (Jumped ) evokes the close-knit bond between three sisters, and the fervor and tumultuousness of the late 1960s, in this period novel featuring an outspoken 11-year-old from Brooklyn, N.Y.”

Awards:

Newbery Honors

Scott O’ Dell Award for Historical Action

National Book Award Finalist

Coretta Scott King Award

CONNECTIONS

• For those who want to learn about racial prejudice and minorities

• For those who want to learn more about the Civil Rights Era

Other related books:

• Summer of the Mariposas by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

• Mexikid by Pedro Martin

• Red, White, and Whole by Lajani Larroca

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Activities:

In groups, students make a timeline of the political and social changes of the 1960s. 

Research key figures and terms associated with the Civil Rights Movement.

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Paperboy

Vawter, Vince. 2014. Paperboy. Yearling. New York. NY. ISBN 978-0307931511

PLOT SUMMARY

A young 6th grade Victor, who goes by Little Man, has a stuttering problem, and although he tries his best to speak clearly, he is just unable to say the majority of words without the words sounding stammered. One summer, his best friend asks him to take over his paper route. Victor is nervous knowing that it is difficult for him to speak to others. However, he meets interesting people while delivering the newspaper. One of the special people he meets is Mr. Spiro, a smart and kind sailor, who makes Victor understand that value does not always come from speaking. Throughout the story he is taken care of by his African American nanny, which he calls Mam. Mam insists that Victor stay away from Ara T, a junkman who walks the alleys of the neighborhood collecting trash. Victor experiences the inequalities and prejudices against colored people and does not quite understand why it happens.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Vince Vawter brings in several important themes into this book: disabilities, social injustices, and racial prejudice. Victor is made fun of and bullied for his stuttering throughout the story, and although he tries his best to ignore the situation, he feels frustrated to not be able to speak clearly. Furthermore, he sees that his nanny, Mam, is unable to do many things white people can regularly do, such as go to the zoo on any given day, or ride the bus up front. The novel takes place in the summer of 1959, at a time when the Civil Rights Movement was beginning to take force.Towards the end of the book his parents worry about the changes in the school system once segregation is terminated. The story is written in first person, Victor’s perspective. The author uses Victor's stuttering as part of the writing, and omits commas. The language is simple as it is coming from a young boy. This book is the first in a series of three books.

REVIEW

School Library Journal- “Vawter portrays a protagonist so true to a disability that one cannot help but empathize with the difficult world of a stutterer.” 

Kirkus Reviews “An engaging and heartfelt presentation that never whitewashes the difficult time and situation as Little Man comes of age.” 

 

Awards:

A Newbery Honor Award Winner

An ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book

An IRA Children’s and Young Adults’ Choice

An ALA-YALSA Amazing Audiobook

CONNECTIONS

• For those who want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement.

• For those with a speech impediment or disability that causes a loss of self-esteem

Other related books:

• Copyboy by Vince Vawter 

• The Watsons go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis

Activity:

Divide the students into groups. Choose a theme from the novel (social injustice, racial prejudice, disabilities, stuttering) Then create a collage with pictures that depict why those themes are important and write a reflection of why those themes were important in that time. Share with the class.

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The Boy in the Barn

Phelan, Matt. 2009. The Storm in the Barn. Ill. by Matt Phelan.  Candlewick Press. Somerville, Massachusetts. ISBN 978-0763636180

PLOT SUMMARY

Jack Clark, is a young 11 year old boy who is experiencing what many children experience at that age, bullying. His father is bitter and upset about the dust storm situation happening in Kansas and the lack of rain and unfortunately takes it out on Jack. This is about the time the  Dust Bowl begins to destroy much of the United States. With a serious drought of almost four years, Jack believes he can save his family from this situation by bringing back rain. Believing that he has a case of “dust dementia”, Jack imagines a tall dark figure in the barn. This figure resembles the rain that has been lost and gone from the land.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This graphic novel shares a time in history when many American families lose everything they have due to the terrible drought. The drawings depict the clouds and swirls of dust that hit the area and get many people sick. The colors used in the drawings describe the solemn mood of the time: gray, brown, and dark blue. The few scenes that recall the times of plentiful harvest and ranching have added bright colors. 

Most of the characters have a glum and somber face, portraying the feeling of the time. With everything lost with the drought, hope seems to be far gone. With a few words the author is able to describe the situation and the character’s emotions.

REVIEW

Booklist- “A thoughtful, contemplative homage to storytelling and storytellers, which, in the tradition of the greatest tall tales, presents an empowering message that all a child needs to change the world is courage and ingenuity.”

School Library Journal (starred review) “Children can read this as a work of historical fiction, a piece of folklore, a scary story, a graphic novel, or all four.”

The Horn Book (starred review)- “Measured, masterful panel pacing….use of color is simply stunning…potent subtext informs both Jack’s climactic showdown with the rain figure and the book’s tender, triumphant resolution.”

Awards:

• Scott O’ Dell Award for Historical Fiction

CONNECTIONS:

• For those that like to learn about events in history such as the dust bowl.

• For those who have experienced a loss and believe it difficult to find hope.

Other related books:

• The Boy who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

• Out of Dust by Karen Hesse

Activity:

Pair up students to research about the United States during the Dust Bowl. Make a timeline of the events.

Have students draw pictures of what they imagined the rain Jack saw looked like.