The Fault in Our Stars




Green, John. 2012. The Fault in Our Stars. Penguin Books. New York, NY. ISBN 978-0142424179


PLOT SUMMARY



Hazel Grace is a young, brilliant 16 year old who is living with stage IV thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs. To be complacent with her parents, she decides to attend a cancer support group. In this group she meets Augustus Waters, who had his leg amputated, but has been in remission for osteosarcoma. From the start the teenagers feel an instant connection. Whether it is passing the time reading books or playing video games, the teenagers begin a friendship. One of the books they exchange is An Imperial Affliction by Peter Van Houten, who has retreated to live in Amsterdam. Both became obsessed with the book and Augustus decided to use his Make a Wish Foundation petition to visit the author in Amsterdam. Upon their arrival to Amsterdam, they realize that this famous author is a drunk who has no intention of revealing any further details about the book. Hazel Grace and Augustus fall in love while realizing Augustus’s cancer has returned.


CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Fault in Our Stars is a heartbreaking story that describes the thoughts, feelings, and adversities that cancer patients experience. Often through the use of metaphors, the author relays on the life of two young teenagers who want to live, but know their days are short. Neither of them want to make the other one suffer, but both know undoubtedly that this disease will cause harm to those they love. They realize that the people who surround them have a hard time understanding what they are going through. Yet, it is through their suffering that they find love and companionship. Their witty communication and dialogue makes parts of the novel fun and entertaining to read even with the dark mood of cancer.


REVIEW EXCERPTS


Booklist, starred review-“In every aspect, this novel is a triumph.”

New York Times Book Review- “[Green] shows us true love—two teenagers helping and accepting each other through the most humiliating physical and emotional ordeals—and it is far more romantic than any sunset on the beach.”


CONNECTIONS


This book reminds young readers of the process of feeling pain both physically and emotionally. However, it also dwells upon the importance of family and friends during difficult moments.


Other related books:

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes



Activity: Write letters to cancer patients and send them get well cards.

Choose specific quotes in the novel and analyze what they mean to each student.
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Clap When You Land




Acevedo, Elizabeth. 2022. Clap When You Land. Quill Tree Books. New York, NY .ISBN 978-0062882776

PLOT SUMMARY

Clap When You Land is a heartfelt novel about two teenagers who share the same father, but are unaware of each other until the terrible passing of their father in a plane accident. Yahaira Rios lives in New York and has a nice, comfortable life spending all school year with her father. On the other hand , Camino Rios, lives in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic where she only spends summer with her father. In one of those summers, the father is expected to fly to the Dominican Republic for his infamous summer “business trips” when the plane crashes into the ocean. Before the accident, Yahaira has unintentionally discovered that her father has another family in the Dominican Republic. Once the accident occurs Camino discovers the secret. The girls meet for their father’s burial and discover that even though they have grown up in different countries, they both share similar ideas, and even look alike. Camino has dreamt of living in the United States and attending Columbia University in New York. Although communication at first seems difficult, the girls embrace this new journey together.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Clap When You Land is a vivid picture of two lives that have been intertwined by a family secret. The book is written in free verse with powerful Spanish vocabulary that depicts the importance of culture. Each chapter is told from a different point of view; some of the chapters are told from Camino’s perspective while the others are narrated by Yahaira. The cultural descriptions in the book, such as the use of spiritual healing by Camino’s Tia, shows the importance of beliefs and customs. The contrast between living both in the United States and the Dominican Republic describe both the possibilities and dangers experienced by both girls. The theme of the importance and love of family demonstrates that even in strenuous situations family comes first. Despite the fact that their father kept a secret for so long, the girls realize he loved them and wanted the best for both.

REVIEWS

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)- "Tackles family secrets, toxic masculinity, and socio-economic differences with incisive clarity and candor... Every line is laced with betrayal and longing as the teens struggle with loving someone despite his imperfections. A standing ovation."

Booklist- "Acevedo's free verse poems for each girl share an easy cadence and thoughtfulness, yet each girl's perspective is clear: Camino is strong but fearful of the dangers that threaten her life and hopes; Yahaira's anger is palpable, but so is her tenderness and love for her girlfriend Dre.... Memorable for its treatment of grief, depiction of family ties, and lyrical strength, expect a well-deserved high demand."

Awards:

Winner for Best Young Adult Fiction (2020)


CONNECTIONS

This book reminds us of the importance of culture and family connections. Even with secrets within each family, the value and love shared by family members makes it all worthwhile

Other related books:

Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

Activity: Share cultural recipes.

Compare and contrast the differences and similarities between New York and Puerto Plata.

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Concrete Rose



Thomas, Angie. 2021. Concrete Rose. Balzer + Bray. New York, NY. ISBN‎ 978-0062846716


PLOT SUMMARY


Maverick Carter is a seventeen year old African American living in a dangerous society where young black boys are expected to belong to gangs and sell drugs for a living. Maverick’s father is in prison, and he knows his mother needs the help. Therefore he tries his best to get out of trouble, but he finds it difficult to make money. So he decides to make quick money selling drugs on the streets. He hopes this situation is just temporary, until he finds out he is a father. Maverick realizes he needs to “man up” and leave the unstable and unsafe life. His life changes even more drastically when he discovers his girlfriend is also expecting a baby. At times juggling social pressure, school, making good earned money,and staying away from gang life becomes unbearable for Maverick.



CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Concrete Rose paints a real picture of the struggles that young black boys encounter on the streets every day. Dealing with helping his mother because of his absent father, and emphasizing on the journey of becoming an adult while still being a child are some of Maverick’s problems. Coping with pressure from school, being a father, and making ends meet become a reality for many teenagers. The novel’s vocabulary and terms associated with gang members and drug dealers make the story more valuable and believable.


REVIEWS


Horn Book (starred review)-"Authentic to the point of heartbreak, Maverick’s voice is earnest as he wrestles with his decisions. Fans of Thomas’s work will not be disappointed in this intense portrayal of this phase in the Carter family’s story."


School Library Journal (starred review)-“This is the perfect example of a narrative that straddles the beauty and pain of belonging and having the courage to make your own choices…. Thomas writes with a depth of humor and clarity that really allows readers to bond with the characters.”


Awards:

Printz Honor Winner


CONNECTIONS

The book reminds us of what is expected in some of the different socioeconomic groups in America. It depicts a reality lived by an African American community that lacks opportunities.


Other related books:

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas


One of the Good Ones by Maritza Moulite


Activity:


Students can research data on teenage pregnancies in America.