Out of the Easy

Sepetys, Ruta. 2014. Out of the Easy. Philomel Books. New York, NY. ISBN 978-0147508430

PLOT SUMMARY

  

Josie Moraine is a smart, mature young girl living in New Orleans during the 1950s. She is the daughter of a prostitute that works for Madame Willie in the French Quarter. Josie’s mother has always been interested in money and fame, and she has no concern for her own daughter who lives alone in a small room above the bookstore she works at. Josie has dreams of leaving New Orleans and attending Smith College in Massachusetts. However, a series of unfortunate events make it difficult for her to follow her dreams. Although she has never felt affection from her mother, she receives love and support from others such as Mr. Charlie and Patrick, the bookstore owners, and Cokie, Madame Willie’s driver. Madame Willie, the head behind the brothel, may seem to lack compassion, but she is always there to support Josie.

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Out of the Easy paints an interesting historic picture of New Orleans during the 1950s. It describes how the high society members tend to live a double life in the French Quarters while they live a false luxurious life back home.  During a time where the mob was strong in New Orleans, the author portrays the life of those that followed that kind of life. Mr. Hearne was killed unjustly due to someone drugging him which seemed to be a common form of stealing from the rich in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. 

An important theme covered in the book was to follow one's dreams even when the circumstances make it difficult. Josie wanted to attend Smith College and even after receiving her denial letter, she embarked on the journey to try to achieve her goal.  Although she dislikes the life the prostitutes lead, Josie realizes they are caring and want to help her throughout the story. 

REVIEW EXCERPTS


Kirkus, starred review- "With a rich and realistic setting, a compelling and entertaining first-person narration, a colorful cast of memorable characters and an intriguing storyline."

Booklist “A page-turner that noir romance fans will gobble up. The legions of fans that Sepetys earned with her best-selling debut novel will all be lining up for this."

CONNECTIONS

• This book gives you a historical overview of the French Quarter during the 1950s. It gives a detailed description of the life of prostitutes in the brothels, and the expansion of the mob.

Other related books:

• Chasing the Devil’s Tail by David Fulmer

• The Last Madam: A Life in the New Orleans Underworld  by Christine Wiltz

Activity: Research New Orleans in the 1950s, creating a timeline to important events and people that were recognized during the era. 

The Downstairs Girl

Lee, Stacey. 2021. The Downstairs Girl. G.P Putnam’s Sons. New York, NY .ISBN 978-1524740979

 PLOT SUMMARY

Jo Kuan, an Asian American seventeen year old, shares her personal journey living in Atlanta during the late 1800s. During this time women are considered a minority and are fighting for the right to vote. Being a woman and being Asian makes it harder for witty and intelligent Jo to find her place. Jo lives secretly in the Bell’s basement with Old Gin, who has taken her in after her parents abandoned her. Jo is hard working, perseverant and outspoken. Living in the basement allows her to learn new things through the lives of the Bell’s who own the town’s newspaper. Jo eavesdrops and hears that the Bell's newspaper business is dwindling, so she decides to anonymously write letters to be published as an advice column. This gives the newspaper a boost in sales, although her column causes quite a stir in the small town due to the shocking topics. During this time she also  works as a lady’s maid at the Payne’s household and takes care of stubborn and feisty Caroline. With time, Jo discovers a terrible secret that involves her parents. She has to learn to accept this new situation and realizes that she is surrounded by people who love and admire her like Old Gin, Naomi, and Nathan Bells.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Girl Downstairs describes a time in the late 1800s when women want to be treated fairly and equally. This time demonstrates the inequality of the moment. Suffragettes are rallying and finding their voices. Jo gives a glimpse of living as an Asian woman during this era. She finds it unfair that she is unable to voice her opinions and has to go under the pseudonym, Mrs. Sweetie, to write a column for the Focus newspaper. Women are expected to marry into society and to act decently. Jo is let go of her job at the millinery because she gives advice about fashion when she is not asked to do so. Jo’s character has a charm that defies the stereotype of the typical quiet Asian woman. Jo learns to persevere even when all odds are against her. 

REVIEWS

Kirkus Reviews, starred review - “Luminous . . . An optimistic, sophisticated portrayal of one facet of Chinese-American—and simply American—history.”

Booklist, starred review -“This spectacular, voice-driven novel raises powerful questions about how we understand the past, as well as the ways our current moment is still shaped by that understanding.” 

School Library Journal, starred review- “Unflinching in its portrayals of racism yet ultimately hopeful and heartfelt, this narrative places voices frequently left out of historical fiction center stage.”

Awards:

New York's Time bestseller

CONNECTIONS

• This book reminds us of the importance of culture and family. Sometimes learning about our past can make us realize our present is complete.

Other related books:

• Tokyo Everafter  by Emiko Jean

• Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See

Activity: Research about millineries and horse racing in the south during the late 1800s.

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The Book Thief

Zusak, Markus. 2007. The Book Thief. Knopf Book. New York, NY. ISBN‎ 978-0375842207

PLOT SUMMARY

The Book Thief is centered in Germany during World War II in a time of horror and desolation. Death, the narrator of this story, is diligently working to pick up souls of those dying during the war. Death encounters a young girl named Liesel Meminger who is to be fostered by the Hubermans. Liesel yearns to learn how to read and her foster father Hans Huberman helps her achieve her goal. However, she has to find or steal the books to read because most of the books are being burned by Nazi soldiers. In an unexpected turn, a Jew, Max Vanderburg, secretly seeks asylum with the Hubermans. Knowing that this could become a death sentence for all of them, they decide to hide him in the basement. Liesel and Max become friends during an extremely difficult time. During his time in hiding, Max becomes extremely ill and is taken care of by Liesel and the Hubermans. The young girl learns about compassion and realizes that words can be powerful in both a negative and a positive way.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is powerful and unexpected in many ways. Having death be the narrator makes the book appear chilling, but sometimes comical in some parts. Death shares his beliefs and feelings ,and his thoughts appear in small bolded excerpts throughout the book. There is a moment when one's opinion of death changes from that of fear to that of empathy. At the end, as death explains, it is just doing its job. Death describes humans as being the cause of their own misfortunes. The book is divided into ten parts and in some of the parts, Max Vanderburg, the Jewish character, shares his drawings about his frustrations. While hiding in the basement, Max materializes his dreams by making a thirteen page booklet depicting himself as a bird. In the booklet he describes the importance of Liesel’s presence and how she gives him hope for a better future. Max’s drawings bring the story to life. Liesel’s search for books gives power to the ability that words may have on others.

REVIEWS

School Library Journal, Starred–"An extraordinary narrative."

The Horn Book Magazine, Starred–"Exquisitely written and memorably populated, Zusak's poignant tribute to words, survival, and their curiously inevitable entwinement is a tour de force to be not just read but inhabited."

Awards:

National Jewish Book Awards for Children’s and Young Adults Literature

Kathleen Mitchell Award

CONNECTIONS

• The book reminds us of the horrors lived in World War II and about the importance of friendship and empathy during such a terrible time. 

Other related books:

• All the Light We Cannot See  by Anthony Doerr

• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Activity: 

Students can research World War II and learn about concentration camps and the harsh and deplorable living conditions experienced by the Jews during that time.

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.

 Butterfly Yellow

Lai, Thanhha. 2019. Butterfly Yellow . Narrated by Lulu Lanm et al. Audible Harper Audio. Audiobook.

PLOT SUMMARY

  

Hằng, a young Vietnamese girl, is determined to find a way to travel to America with her younger brother Linh. However, an unplanned event occurs and the siblings are separated in the airport where only her brother is sent to America. Hằng begins a distraught journey to find her brother. Six years later after experiencing the unimaginable in a war-torn country, she decides to travel to Texas as a refugee. Once in Texas she unexpectedly meets an 18 year old cowboy named LeeRoy. Hằng is delighted when she finds her long lost brother, but soon realizes her brother hardly remembers her or his life in Vietnam. Through courage and persistence she learns the English language, trying to decipher syllables and sounds so she can learn to communicate with her brother and win back his heart. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Butterfly Yellow in the unabridged audio was entertaining, but difficult to understand in some parts of the story. Hằng tries her best to learn English, but deciphers words phonetically which makes it harder to comprehend. It is only certain words that are pronounced in syllables and with a Vietnamese accent, therefore the rest of the audio is understandable. The voices are easily distinguished between the Hằng, the Vietnamese girl,  and LeeRoy, the Texan cowboy. The listening experience was lively, especially when LeeRoy speaks his mind. His character is silly, but determined to help Hằng. Some of the descriptions included in Hằng’s flashbacks are distressing to listen to because of the content. It is harrowing to know what people experience in war-torn countries.

REVIEW EXCERPTS


New York Times Book Review- “In this radiant pearl of a book, Lại shows that we human beings are singing the very same song: a song of grace and redemption, a song of courage, a song of hope.”


Kirkus Reviews (starred review)- “Every sentence is infused with warmth, and Lại shows readers that countless moments of grace exist even in the darkest times. Masterfully conjures grace, beauty, and humor out of the tragic wake of the Vietnam War.”

Booklist (starred review)- “Lại’s imagery awakens the senses. Most powerful is the deep throb of regret and the thinnest wisps of hopefulness that Lại conveys throughout. They touch the soul.”

Awards: 

Scott O’ Dell Award

AudioFile Earphones Award

CONNECTIONS

• This book reminds us about the hardships endured by countries at war and the importance of being empathetic to refugees.

Other related books:

• Finding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh

• What the Night Sings by Vesper Stamper

Activity: Have students make a phonetic dictionary with the words that Hằng uses and decipher how she is pronouncing each one. 

Read upon Operation Babylift and write about the advantages and disadvantages of this program.

Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America

Longoria, Margarita. 2022.Living Beyond Borders: Growing up Mexican in America. Viking Books. New York, NY .ISBN 978-0593204986.

 

PLOT SUMMARY

Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America is a heartfelt collection of poems, stories, and essays written by a group of award- winning Mexican American authors as they depict their struggles, hardships, and glories of being raised in a Mexican American household. Some of these stories share their view of living in a Mexican American community where they are criticized and marginalized for not being considered Mexican or completely American either. Most of these stories come from a teenage point of view as they describe rich Mexican cultural values. The importance of family and friendships are explored in the book.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America is a relatable collection of books of Mexican American first generations. Cultural value is added when the book mentions important traditions such as a “quinceanera” and “una limpia de huevo”. Most of the teenagers in this book share the importance of value and the hard work most parents have to endure to give their children a better life. The inspiring stories deal with significant themes like the feeling of not belonging, a struggle to find themselves, racial discrimination, and dignity. Growing up in a border town on the southernmost tip of Texas, I found a deep connection to many of the storytellers. The rich use of vocabulary and Spanish words adds meaning to the book. 

REVIEWS

Booklist, starred review- "Superlative . . . A memorable collection."

School Library Journal, starred review -"Voices reach out from the pages of this anthology . . . It will make a lasting impression on all readers."

School Library Connection, starred review- - "This superb anthology of short stories, comics, and poems is fresh, funny, and full of authentic YA voices revealing what it means to be Mexican American . . . Not to be missed.

CONNECTIONS

• This book reminds us about how people view immigrants, especially those coming from Mexico. These Mexican Americans speak their truth in a world where they are criticized and isolated.

Other related books:

• We Are Not from Here  by Jenny Torres Sanchez

• The Journey of the Hummingbirds by Sue Zurita

Activity: Make a family tree that shows each student’s family ancestry. 

Share cultural celebrations in each family.

Make a pinata using video tutorials.

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Almost American Girl : An Illustrated Memoir

Ha, Robina. 2019. Almost American Girl. Balzer + Bray. New York, NY. ISBN‎ 978-0062685094

PLOT SUMMARY

Chuna is a young teen growing up in Seoul, Korea with her mom. As far as she remembers her dad has been out of her life, and her mom has worked fiercely to give her everything she can. However, one day they travel on vacation to Alabama. Chuna is unaware that it will be more than a week of family vacation, and is not prepared to stay in America indefinitely. Her mom surprises her with the news that she will be marrying a Korean man, and that she will be enrolled in school. She is devastated knowing she left behind her friends, her prized comic books, her food, and most importantly her culture. Being in America came with much difficulty, especially since she struggled with the English language and with making new friends. Chuna even decides to change her name to Robin to make it easier for Americans to pronounce and understand. Life at home was also filled with struggles with her new stepfamily. Chuna finds solace in her drawings and Korean comic books.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Almost American Girl : An Illustrated Memoir is a graphic novel that embraces important themes such as the importance of family, the American dream, and immigration. This memoir touches your heart as a young teenager shares her struggles in American society. Feeling isolated, she tries to learn the English language to no avail. Although she knows her mother has worked tirelessly to give her all she needs, she would rather return home to Korea to be with her friends, eat her favorite food, and understand the language. The colorful pictures in the novel depict the differences between America and Korea. The pictures change to a sepia tone when the author is having flashbacks of certain events in her life. She uses Korean words for certain favorite meals and compares it to greasy American food.

REVIEWS

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)- “This heartfelt memoir from an author who shares her honest, personal experiences. An insightful, moving coming-of-age tale.” 

School Library Journal (starred review)-"A poignant and unvarnished depiction of immigration—both the heartache and the rewards." 

Awards:

Harvey Award Nominee

CONNECTIONS

• The memoir reminds us about the struggles immigrants have to deal with when they move to a different country not only with the language, but also with the food, the customs, and the culture.

Other related books:

• Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

• Something Like Home  by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Activity: 

Students can choose to look up words in Korean.

Students can make a recipe book of common Korean dishes.

Students can create a short story using comic strips. 

The Outsiders




Hinton, S.E. 1967. The Outsiders . Viking Books. New York, NY. ISBN 978-0142407332




PLOT SUMMARY

The Outsiders explores the life of a group of teenagers from low socio economic backgrounds called the “greasers”. These boys are in a constant battle with the “socs”,a group of upper middle class boys who have an easy life with money. The Curtis brothers, part of the “greasers”,lost their parents to an accident and rely on each other to make a decent living. The eldest, Darry, takes the role of the father, while the middle teen, Sodapop, quits school since he is unable to manage getting high grades. The youngest, Ponyboy, does well in school and spends most of his time with Johnny, who is ignored and belittled by his parents. One evening, after an argument with Darry, Ponyboy runs out of home to meet up with his friend Johnny. Both teens are confronted by the “socs. Johnny accidentally injures and kills one of the socs which leads him and Ponyboy to escape from the authorities and run away. As the events unfold, they hide in an abandoned church that later catches on fire. The young boys do everything they can to save some children caught in the fire. The “greasers” learn a valuable lesson about friendship and survival.



CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Outsiders is narrated through the eyes of young Ponyboy. Although he is only fourteen at the time, he has encountered such difficulties in life that have made him mature for his young age. Although he comes from a low socio economic status, he does well in school and values learning and reading which is uncommon for a group like his. This book emphasizes the value of friendship, loyalty and finding one's true identity.. It also depicts the differences between two groups of teenagers; it describes a division between classes.


REVIEW EXCERPTS

The Horn Book–"This remarkable novel gives a moving, credible view of the outsiders from the inside...we meet powerful characters in a book with a powerful message."

Awards:

A New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Book

A Chicago Tribune Book World Spring Book Festival Honor Book

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

Winner of the Massachusetts Children's Book Award


CONNECTIONS

This book reminds us about the importance of the value of friendship and the importance of an education.

Other related books:

That Was Then, This is Now by S.E. Hinton


The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger


Activity: Have students compare and contrast the differences and similarities between the “greasers” and the “socs”. Then list the positive and negative traits of each group.


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We Are Not Free









Chee, Traci. 2020. We Are Not Free. Clarion Books. New York, NY .ISBN 978-0358668107

PLOT SUMMARY

We Are Not Free is a compelling and emotional historical fiction novel that portrays the lives of fourteen Japanese American teenagers living in San Francisco after the Pearl Harbor attack. With their families, these teens describe their anguish and desperation of being forced out of their homes, leaving their prized possessions and family heirlooms to go live in the Topaz incarceration camp. Each chapter narrated from a different character’s point of view shares the feeling of not belonging to either the Japanese or the American culture. Through their voices feelings of anger, resentment, hope, and bravery are observed. The teens value their friendship and share a dream of being accepted and valued. However, they are seen as a threat and the discrimination against them is horrendous. They are asked to present their loyalty to the American Flag, while being mistreated by the Americans. Some of the teens are asked to fight in World War II with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and show their loyalty to their country, while the families who are unable to share their allegiance are relocated to Tule Lake Camp.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story is told chronologically during a period between 1942 to 1945. Each character continues the story from their point of view. The style of writing varies from verse to letters. The narration captures the essence of the teenagers as they share their deepest feelings from loyalty to fear to anger. Symbolism is captured through different objects such as the origami creations left behind by Mr. Ito. These paper animals are distributed the depressing day they leave for the encampment which brightens up the day for the small Japanese Americans not knowing what awaited them. While Bette’s blonde wig symbolizes her desire to embrace American culture.


REVIEWS

Booklist (starred review) –"Chee is a master storyteller…. Here, she uses her own San Francisco–based Japanese American family's history to inform a blazing and timely indictment of the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII. Her passion and personal involvement combine with her storytelling talents to create a remarkable and deeply moving account of the incarceration…. [We Are Not Free] should become required curriculum reading on a shameful and relevant chapter in U.S. history."


Kirkus Reviews (starred review) –"A compelling and transformative story of a tragic period in American history....Each voice is powerful, evoking raw emotions of fear, anger, resentment, uncertainty, grief, pride, and love....An unforgettable must-read."

Awards:

National Book Award Finalist

Printz Honor Book

Walter Dean Myers Award

Asian/ Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book

CONNECTIONS

This book reminds us about the many injustices that have happened in the span of America’s history. It can appeal to immigrants who have found discrimination in this country. It also can connect to those who find the positive even in difficult and dark moments.

Other related books:

We Are Not from Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez

They Called Us Enemies by George Takei


Activity: Draw a portrait of your favorite character depicting both the external and internal responses.

Create origami art by listening to tutorials.

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Ordinary Hazards: A Memoir



Grimes, Nikki .2019. Ordinary Hazards: A Memoir. Wordsong. New York, NY. ISBN‎ 978-1635925623


PLOT SUMMARY

Ordinary Hazards is a memoir that recounts the life of young Nikki Grimes. Living with a psychotic schizophrenic mother and an absent father, Nikki and her older sister Carol, learn to fend for themselves at an early age. With time, both sisters are sent to separate foster homes. Nikki is blessed to spend several year with the Buchanans who teach her the meaning of love and family. Yet, soon she is sent back to her mom who has recently remarried. Nikki learns to adapt to many moves, and to defend herself against gangs, a delirious mother, and an abusive stepfather. Through these frightening ordeals she learns to express her emotions and begins to write her feelings in her confidant notebook.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Ordinary Hazards takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride that celebrates the power of words. Learning about Nikki Grimes’s experiences from such a young age, allow the reader to discover that many children live a tumultuous childhood. Through a collection of powerful poems, Nikki Grimes delves into themes such as family, abuse, and finding a place in the world. The book is arranged in chronological order from 1950 to 1966. However, instead of allowing her childhood traumatic experiences to shape her life, she turns to writing to inspire her to persevere and become resilient.

REVIEWS

The Horn Book, starred review- "As poetically written as Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming with a story as hard-hitting as Sapphire’s Push....the striking free-verse poems powerfully convey how a passion for writing fueled her will to survive and embrace her own resilience.... (a) must-read for aspiring writers.

School Library Journal -Grimes offers young adult readers the special treat of literary ingenuity in her new memoir... that doesn’t demand a time line. This nontraditional memoir from a long-working and highly acclaimed author will speak deeply to young readers harboring their own interest in writing or otherwise squeezing art out of life’s spiky fruit.

School Library Connection, starred review- “Written in highly readable verse and delivers a relatable message characterized by pathos and resilience... This book is an homage to the fortifying effect of written expression. School counselors can use this text as bibliotherapy for students in similar situations (and it) can also act as mentor text in classroom lessons on memoir writing or when teaching confessional poetry."


Awards:

ALA Michael Printz Honor Book (YA)

ALA Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

Arnold Adoff Poetry Award 2020


CONNECTIONS

This novel will appeal to those who have suffered from family abuse


This novel will create class discussion about trying to find oneself after experiencing traumatic events.



Other related books:

Forever is Now by Mariama J. Lockington

Brown Girl Dreaming- by Jacqueline Woodson

Apple: Skin to the Core by Eric Gansworth


Activity:

Students can choose to write a journal entry depicting a significant event in their life that has shaped them.

Students make a collage of pictures that describes what they represent.