Nonfiction

The 911 Report for class is nonfiction and the format of a graphic novel is probably slightly more appealing to students. Whereas personally this format is an incredible deterrent to me. But the impression of a graphic novel is that there are more pictures and therefore less words. This is a great way to get students to read something that they otherwise might not even crack the spin of. Last year's freshman class had to read a graphic novel on the holocaust called Maus. This was a difficult topic, but I believe that the format being a graphic novel helped a bit. It can help readers to grasp difficult topics and make sense out of facts that appear abstract in textbooks. It is worth incorporating graphic novels into the classroom to help students.

The other nonfiction novel What Are You, I think, is a great book. I have only read a few stories out of it so far, but that is a part of the charm of it. You can read bits and parts of it and still get the essence of the work. Student's don't have to feel intimidated and like they have to read the entire book in one sitting. It can be picked up and put back down. The variation of the format for the different stories is another aspect that can appeal to readers. Different voices come through and there has to be a voice that will resinate with the reader in the book. The age of the 'authors' will help to add another aspect of connection between the text and the reader. It is also a topic that deserves attention from an audience that lives in an increasingly multicultural world.

The book, What Are You: voices of mixed-race young people, could lend itself very nicely into a classroom. Different styles of writing and expression could be explored with a project of "What I Am" in which the student explores aspects of themselves. Such a project would work equally well at any grade level, it might be especially useful for freshmen to dig into who they are to help them resist outside pressures by knowing themselves better or for seniors getting ready to leave school.

I have come to realize that nonfiction does not have to be as 'bad' as I was previously inclined to believe. It can be something other than a necessary evil and can become not only useful, but fun. Pairing fiction with nonfiction elements and vice versa can enrich any learning experience.

A Word on Adaptations

How many times can one hear the same story? For instance the story of Cinderella? 

There is a magic and beauty in retelling a familiar tale in a new way; weather it be from a different characters' perspective or with a twist. This in true for books and movies alike. Recently in the movie world there has been a collection of new releases that are retelling Snow White. The movie Mirror, Mirror telling the tale from the Step-Mother's point of view with some new twists as well. Then there is Snow White and the Huntsmen where the typical tale does not end in the expected way. I know that there is an older version as well that I believe is simply called Snow White that keeps the general plot line mostly intact with modifications throughout. Variation in fairy tales have been boundless in the book world. Cinderella spinoffs have spanned the ages (time and literal age ranges) and genres. I have found this trend fascinating and have had an avid appetite for each new story. I have not read it myself, but I have seen the movie based off it: Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carlson Levine is as the title itself says an enchanting tale of why Cinderella is so obedient and puts up with her step families abuses. The movie is vastly different though than the book, each is good in its own way though. Then there is a tale without magic in which we have a normal girl, Just Ella, find true love and her prince. Incidentally these two things are not the same.

 A short article with some more in depth description of some of the books that I've mentioned

In High school, I was on the Forensics' team in the category of Poetry. I wrote a collection of poetry from different perspectives of the classic Cinderella tale. I wrote my own adaptations. Not only do adaptations have the power to captivate a reader, but they can inspire one as well. 

There is a saying: 

“Every story has already been told. Once you've read Anna Karenina, Bleak House, The Sound and the Fury, To Kill a Mockingbird and A Wrinkle in Time, you understand that there is really no reason to ever write another novel. Except that each writer brings to the table, if she will let herself, something that no one else in the history of time has ever had.” 
― Anna Quindlen

Every story may have been written, but the devil is in the details to use another saying. So that's what I have to say on adaptations. 

a sponge - soaking up surroundings

Out of my mind is such and amazing book. It is enlightening and inspiring. A friend of mine has told me similar things because she works at a summer camp for children and adults with a wide range of disabilities. They are trapped, Melody had so much that she wanted to say that was trapped inside of her. Sometimes I struggle with what to say or how to say it. But that can't come close to what Melody was feeling. Everyone has hidden talents and is capable of more that we know, especially those students that are often underestimated. as teachers we have to expect the best out of our students and treat them as worthy individuals.

This book does a great job of giving a voice to a minority that's voice is often unheard. Kids tend to be disrespectful and inconsiderate towards those who are different. Valuable views and lessons can be found in this book. Melody overcomes so many obstacles, readers can do no less than try to overcome theirs.

I'd like to me able to be a teacher who can help the a classroom be inclusive and educational for all. I know that I need to work on this, especially for students who have challenges that they work to overcome. I think this book has helped to hit home and make me a better person. The same friend that I mentioned above has been helping me change my previous conceptions. I viewed a piece here at Edgewood that showed individuals with more sever disabilities and the tools they use to communicate. This book helped me connect better to what I saw and what I've been told.

I'm not sure how I might incorporate this book in the classroom (yet), but it will definitely be on my shelf for students to read. 

The Climb of a Lifetime

Let me first mention that what appeals to me about The Contest is the length. Normally I am not inclined towards books that are 'sporty' because I am not a sporty person. Sports are basically a foreign language to me. Which leads me to a side point I'd like to mention, I wish there was a glossary of terms. I understand that it might not be necessary for the overall comprehension or be of interest to young readers.

So, this is going to be an in progress blog as I read. This books brings to mind  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with the whole 'golden ticket' vibe going on. The added element of survival to the contest then inspires ideas about the Cody Banks (movie) series where a contest to be a kid spy ends up being real. The Contest element is not nearly as fascinating to me at the moment as the identity of the body left at the top of the mountain and this might just be able to get me through the book.

Training is never a piece of cake, it is supposed to be hard to prepare us for the worst. A common message that these kids are having to experience first hand. A powerful lesson for teens that the work they are doing now has purpose and meaning in the long run as well as the fact that they shouldn't just look for the easy way out. Team building and working together is slowly being developed, an important life skill. I'd say that attitude is being explored as well, for it impacts the people around the individual positively or negatively. Which then in turns affects the individual, plus their own attitude can change their perception of events. Intention goes along the same train of though. The intention behind ones words, intention towards others, and what one intends to get out of the experience. Motivation is key when combined with perseverance, but intention can go along way. For instance, Tilt has ill intentions towards others in his attitude and behavior, but he is motivated by his dream of an Ivy League education payed by the publicity of being the youngest climber to reach the summit of Everest. He has this attitude though because of financial strains, which is why he got so upset with Perry who has state of the art gear. One really has to know a person to understand why they do things and why they behavior in certain ways. Which is whey Tilt's 'betrayal' at the end is not as shocking as it could be. But Dominic really proves his worth. He shows his true character and his determination to do what is necessary and right. I really enjoy Dominic as a character.

I am actually a little disappointed that I have finished the book and don't get to find out my answer of the identity of the body left up on Everest.  I am partially inclined to hope that it is Tilt though I do emphasize with his trial to find the funds for education. I'd have to say that this series does have a gripping appeal, even to the nonsports people out there. The sports aspect might be what is needed to draw in a reluctant readers along with the ease of the reading (text itself and including its length).


On a bit of a side note, I'd like to mention a great action adventure series for teens. The Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz. This is an incredible series of a 'boy spy' who faces insurmountable odds with a method and style that engages any reader. My brother and myself can both attest to this series (I think my sister would too!).  http://www.anthonyhorowitz.com/alexrider/

Another good series in a more 'robin hood-esque atmosphere' would be the Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan. Again a young boy faces and beats the odds, sometimes with the assistance, but always with ingenuity. http://www.rangersapprentice.com/ -cool interactive features and  music

Reading about the extreme (sports, situation such as spying, etc) fascinates all, especially young adult readers. Perhaps because at this point, they still believe that they can succeed in the extreme. It is just fun at times too - like a good action adventure movie.

**I do love how it was such a short book, yet I've managed to write such a long blog.

A message to us all

52 cards
4 suites
  Diamonds
  Spades
   Clubs
   Hearts
13 cards/ suite
     Aces
     2-10
     Jack
     Queen
     King

Picking up the cards leads to a full hand.
A deck may have a joker, but this is no laughing matter. This is no joke.
Will you play the game, the hand that you've been dealt?

*One thing about this book is that it does contain swearing, drinking, and references to sex. But teens are going to say or think the words if not hear them for certain. Drinking may very well happen, but his book does not necessarily glorify or demonize drinking; it is just there as it is in real life. And they are teens so references to sex are likely to draw them in not push them away. But parents may object. It does have so much more to it though. Actually it all combines to send its own message that is worth hearing and should be heard by young adult readers. Ed just delivers the message it is up to us to interpret and decipher it for ourselves.

Right away the main character Ed is dealt an interesting hand - he's in the middle of a robbery in progress in which he somehow finds the card up his sleeve and apprehends the culprit before he can escape. He's a hero, although he never thinks much of himself in general, in this moment. He is given many more moments to be the savior because of a card that is sent to him. He is the messenger, he is somebody who can help.

Ed is such a real and vibrant character. The reader gets sucked in to his life and how he views himself. He feels like he isn't going anywhere with his life, that he has let everybody down. This sentiment mirrors what many young adults go through at some point. Here is a character after their own heart who is also a diamond in the rough.

Originally I had not noticed that every section starts with an ace and then goes through the whole suite. I actually kind of like this because I can gauge what might happen. The whole plot is like a gamble, because we don't know what the other players hold in their hand. But that's how life is, a bit of a gamble each day with our own choices.

It is well written and engages the reader quickly in an increasingly fast paced dealing of the cards. Events unfold and make us play our own hands. What we are thinking, feeling, and reading all make us play the game as well. Even though Ed even points out that it is just a text on a page for the reader, but very real for him. There are delightful moments of hidden puns and extensive vocabulary. For example: "his real name's Henry Dickens. No relation to Charles". This was definitely an enjoyable read overall with an even better 'message'.

unlucky number thirteen

If you were going to die what would you do? If you were going to die by your own hand would that change what you would do? Hanahh Baker isn't going to stay and spend time with her loved ones, she is going to leave them. Why? Just listen to her. Her tale unfolds in 13 (unlucky) tapes that explain her reasons as to why she did what she did. And these are some of the last words of a dying girl, shouldn't that mean even more to us? Listen and learn so that this doesn't happen to someone else.

13 Reasons Why this book has an impact

Words are more powerful than we imagine. Well maybe as avid readers we might recognize the power of words as they are written and consumed. But the old saying "sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you" is extremely false. We also tend not to think about the consequences of our actions - littering, spreading rumors, lying, bulling, teasing, etc. This book is powerful in how it shows the interconnectedness of everything, even though some might dislike the format that it is executed in. An important lessons for everyone to learn is in this book, and I believe receiving the message is the important thing. Our actions just like in science have equal and opposite reactions. The thing to remember is that we can't always control the reactions of others, but we can control our own actions.

Please Stop Laughing at Me - a nonfiction companion

This link leads to another powerful book about the hurtful power that words can have and the story of a 'survivor' of bullying. Hannah Baker became a victim instead of becoming a survivor. This book could have an excerpt pulled out of it to parallel what is going on with Hannah. This is a true story and the impact of this combined with Asher's text cold help to changes students for the better.

Ensnared and Consummed

"Engrossing" according to one of my favorite authors - Tamora Pierce. While the tale was a bit long it was indeed engrossing.


I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the appeal of cover arts and discover if what is inside is reflected on the exterior. While I do feel an interest in all of the cover arts to intrigue me to delve farther into the book, some may not depict the story line as well. The best image to reflect the story (in my opinion) would be the middle option.

The tale begins on the characters 16th birthday and her wedding day. (Personally I would prefer to think of her as 17 or 18 because 16 seems a bit young). Elisa sees herself as  overweight, unattractive, unintelligent, indvidual - especially compared to her sister. She is 'second best', the second princess but she is the bearer of the Godstone which is something unique. Though it is a blessing that she doesn't want because she doesn't think that she can do it. Elisa is so full of doubts about herself and her place in the world that readers can readily relate to. In the end, Elisa proves to herself and others that she can do it, that she is capable, that she is worthy. This is a powerful message that can hopefully play out in the reader's own life.

One thing that I disliked though was how Elisa in the end fits the ideal image. In the beginning she overate becase she didn't feel worthy and found herself in food. It was her comfort in a world that she felt she had no control over. Over the course of the novel though she ends up nearly starving in the desert and in this time she aquires the 'ideal' body image of beauty (aka skinny). She does discover that she is usefull, she is worhty, and that she has a purpose which does take away her need to compensate with food. But it just goes to show that it is still the pretty girls who are the ones in the 'fairy tales' getting their happy endings. Which is why I think the two outer covers are misguiding. I like just having the vauge face in the stone which gives a feeling of being trapped, yet waitig to shine and burst free. No ideal image of beauty on the front, just the face of a girl who is entrapped by the thorns and consummed by the fires of destiny.

This book does stress a religion which is not expressly defined as Christian (although it does have some similarities). It is a religion that does not exhist on our own world, but the fact that religion is stressed may cause some people to feel upset, uncomforatble, and who knows what else.

Political termoil comes with the terraine of the book leading to an ultimate standdown. This happens in real life, although minus the magic ammunitions that can be used by the enemy. A situation such as this is not too unfamiliar, but it it the reactions of those who decide to take things into their own hands that heat things up and add to the plot.

Of course, what would a 'fairy tale' be without a romance. A wedding happened in the beginning but it ends up being a secret one. Feelings start to stir in the heart of our heroine. Someone sees her for her. Not as the second sister, not as the second best, but for herself and the effort that she puts into things. We all want to be seen for who we are by another.

Even though it is a fictious world and situation, the characters have real issues. Self-esteeme, wanting to be loved, feeling adequate, and many others are fires in the night calling the weary reader to come and join. Within the circle of the fires light; we can all find warmth in a shared struggle.

Book Trailer: Girl of Fire and Thorns 

 "A well written captivating novel that siezes the soul and won't let go. Just the beginning of a tale that takes the reader to far away lands filled with turmoil and  Elisa's efforts to fufill her destiny."
~  Megan Christensen