Things I Have to Tell You

Franco, Betsy.  2001.  Things I Have to Tell You.  Ill. Nina Nickles.  Cambridge, Mass: Candlewick Press.  ISBN 9780763609054

In this compilation of poems by teenage girls, the reader is given a glimpse into the inner-workings of female adolescence. Franco and Nickles offer insight into their methods for collecting the poetry and photographs that make up this rich collection. From cultural identity, drug addiction and sexuality, the varied topics and poets offer something for every reader.

The photographs by Nickels depict teenage girls from all walks of life, which effectively represents the many voices in the book. The black and white photographs throughout allows for character development by giving the reader a sense of reality. Many of the poems are written in free-verse or a loosely structured scheme, but this only bolsters the tone of unconventionality.

Both experienced and inexperienced readers of poetry will be able to appreciate the honesty and creativity with which these girls express themselves. I highly recommend this book to all.

“…the images of a multicultural array of "everygirls" are harmonious complements to this outstanding collection.” (School Library Journal/May 2001)

“…teens will listen and see themselves.” (Booklist/May 2001)

Possible Activities:
1. Many of the poems in this book could be used to spark deeper discussions with teenage girls; may best be used in book club setting.
2. These poems can also be used as examples of free-verse and to motivate teens to expolore their inner-poet.

A Wreath for Emmett Till

Nelson, Marilyn.  2005.  A Wreath for Emmett Till.  Ill. Philippe Lardy.  New York: Houghton Mifflin.  ISBN 9780618397525

This heroic crown of sonnets is incredibly deep in its exploration of the murder of Emmett Till. Each sonnet delves into the known past and the speculative future of the young victim. Nelson also effectively ties in modern fears and perceptions that draw parallels between the emotions felt after the lynching to those felt after the 9/11 attacks. Each powerful sonnet builds upon the last line of that previous, creating a very real connection between poems throughout. Philippe Landy has captured the tone of each poem with bold colors and severe shapes.

Along with the actual sonnets, the author’s and illustrator’s notes give background information about the lynching, additional resources for research and ideas on how they crafted their respective contributions to the book. Biographical information is also included, as well as notes on each sonnet, so readers will be able to fully understand the poetry’s connection to Emmett Till.

This chilling, honest and creative journey through a tragic event is well-worth the read. Nelson writes, “Emmett Till’s name still catches in my throat,” and this holds true for this work of art and remembrance.

“…Lardy's remarkable paintings capture the rising emotion and denouement of the historical event…” (Publishers Weekly/April 2005)

“Only Marilyn Nelson can take one of the most hideous events of the 20th century and make of it something glorious…” (Kirkus Reviews/March 2005)

“…these poems are a powerful achievement that teens and adults will want to discuss together.” (Booklist/February 2005)

Possible Activities:
1. This book should not be read without forethought; however, it could easily be included in a lesson on Civil Rights for teens.
2. This book also serves as a fantastic example of the different roles poetry can play in a literary diet.

Bronx Masquerade

Grimes, Nikki.  2002.  Bronx Masquerade.  New York: Dial Books.  ISBN 9780803725690

Eighteen teenage voices tell intertwining stories through prose and poetry in Nikki Grimes’ Bronx Masquerade. From a study of the Harlem Renaissance, Open Mike Fridays are formed in Mr. Ward’s English class. Beginning with the shock of the self-proclaimed “gansta,” Tyrone, reading a thoughtful and deep poem and progressively moving on to varying personal issues of the rest of the class, this thought-provoking journey through the teenage psyche is accessible to all races, genders and ages.

Grimes captures the voices of each of characters without compromising their individuality or threatening the authenticity of their voice. The raw, urban poetry presents a perfect forum for the exploration of the often enigmatic emotions and taboo experiences of teens today, while the straightforward, first-person narrative of each student allows the reader to gather enough background knowledge interpret the poetry that follows in the author’s predetermined way.

Tyrone, a recurring voice states that “[t]he world ain’t but one big surprise after another.” This statement sums up what the reader finds between the covers of Grimes’ book. Not only will Bronx Masquerade serve as a lively example of modern poetry, but it will also lend teenagers excitement and a connection to poetry and, maybe, to each other.

“Rich with humor and excitement, this is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers.” (Booklist/September 2008)

“…readers will enjoy the lively, smart voices that talk bravely about real issues and secret fears.” (Booklist/February 2002)

“…readers will enjoy the lively, smart voices that talk bravely about real issues and secret fears.” (School Library Journal/January 2002)

Possible Activities:
1. This book would do well for a readers' theater. Depending on the number of participants, each child could choose a voice to read their narratives and poems.
2. Bronx Masquerade would also easily fit into a poetry lesson to help motivate young poets and artists.
3. Would also tie in well to a Harlem Renaissance lesson; selections could be read along side well-known poems of that time to illustrate how things have changed and how they have not.

Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past

Deem, James M.  2008.  Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past.  Boston: Houghton Mifflin.  ISBN 9780618800452

This intriguing and thought-provoking collection of scientific facts and stories of climbers will engage minds of many ages. Deem begins with the discovery of a 5300 year old mummy, finding his way to sacrificed Incan children and many other finds. The detail of the exhumed bodies is paired with text that gives detailed scientific evidence of why and how these bodies were preserved and the scientists’ speculation and evidence of how they died.

In addition to the scientific, historical and exploratory information, much information is also given about global warming and why the glaciers are revealing their long hidden secrets now.

Every page splits space between text and graphics. Many pictures of artifacts and glaciers are present, as well as lithographs of glacial journeys and images of scientists at work in the cold conditions. Maps and discussions give the reader the perspective of where the individuals were discovered, and often the journey taken by the ill-fated explorers, both alive and dead.

Accompanying this text are extensive resources for further exploration. Suggested websites, a bibliography and an index are present; vocabulary words are italicized and defined throughout the text.

Deem has compiled a fantastic resource for understanding both the science behind mummification by freezing and the reasons many have resurfaced in recent past.

"…[Deem’s book] boasts his signature balance of delightful shivers and solid science." (Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books/December 2005)

"...an intriguing read." (Kirkus Reviews/October 2008)

Possible Activities:
1. This book could easily be worked into a science-based classroom, particularly biology.
2. Additionally, this could be used as an example and incorporaed into a discussion of some changes taking place due to global warming.

The Wednesday Wars [sound recording]

Schmidt, Gary.  2007.  The Wednesday Wars.  Read by Joel Johnstone. Portland, Maine: Scholastic Audiobooks.  ISBN 9780439925013

Most of the daily struggles of 7th grade, including how to wear tights without being the laughing stock of the school and how to avoid the many death threats from 8th graders, plague Holling Hoodhood. Every Wednesday of 7th grade, Holling stays behind with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, while his classmates split between Catholic and Jewish instruction. Holling is a Presbyterian on Long Island in 1967, and he is sure his teacher hates him.

If the reader stays through the slow beginning and the too oft mentioned light, brown, cream-puffs, this text will pleasantly surprise. Told from the perspective of the seventh grader, the audience gets a tangible sense of growing up in 1967 without the adult understanding of the current affairs of the world. Through Holling’s naïve narration, the audience receives glimpses of the war in Vietnam, Robert Kennedy’s campaign for president and the mid-sixties Beatles. As the story progresses, more of the nature of the world is revealed and understood by Holling, and so the audience is given a broader view of his world.

This is a coming of age story offers not only self-awareness, but also global perspective, understanding that love is more than a word and that life offers understanding and support in many unlikely and unexpected places.

Joel Johnstone’s reading of the text is very effective, as he provides not only the various voices and cadence of the characters’ speech patterns but also the emotion of each situation. This satisfying, if not sometimes predictable, novel has much to offer readers of young adult literature.

““Listen, laugh, cry, and marvel at the goodness of humankind.” (Audiofile/August/September 2007)

"Holling’s unwavering, distinctive voice offers a gentle, hopeful, moving story..." (Booklist/Jun 2007)

Possible Activities:
1. This text can easily be used to support a history class covering Vietnam, or American life during Vietnam.
2. The Wednesday Wars can easily be used as a motivator for an English class covering Shakespeare's plays.
3. A discussion could be initiated to discuss the normalcy versus strangeness of life at home during war. Many connections can be made to the present.

King of the Mild Frontier: an Ill-Advised Autobiography

Crutcher, Chris.  2003.  King of the Mild Frontier: an Ill-Advised Autobiography.  New York: Greenwillow Books.  ISBN 9780060502492

Just how does one become an author of some of the best and most frequently banned young adult books? In King of the Mild Frontier, personal stories, lessons learned, and humiliating occurrences of Chris Crutcher, author of Whale Talk and Running Loose, are compiled for a humorous, sometimes sad and disturbing, autobiography.

From growing up in a small town to working as a therapist in the city, readers will be treated to some of the stories behind the stories in his books. This book unfolds in a non-linear way, allowing the reader to get a strong sense of Crutcher’s past and how individual events impacted his future. Most readers will find some part of Crutcher’s past to relate to, though it would be difficult to find someone who relates to all of the experiences lain out here.

This biography is highly enjoyable, and those parts I labeled “disturbing” are incredibly telling of the time-period and the author; they are also often amusing. Readers will be interested to find that they take some of life’s lessons away from this reading without realizing it until the end. This would be a highly enjoyable choice for many young adults.

"...any reader from sixth grade to adulthood will enjoy this not-so-ill-advised rendition of Crutcher's childhood." (KLIATT/2005)

Possible Ties:
1. This would be a great choice for an individual reader, and possibly a Teen book club.
2. For those attempting to come to terms with their own awkwardness, this is a good example of "making it through."

Among the Hidden

Haddix, Margaret Peterson.  1998.  Among the Hidden.  New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.  ISBN 0689824750

Don’t be seen. Don’t be heard. You don’t exist. Imagine a world in which these are your commands. For Luke, this is reality. The population is being controlled by the government in an attempt to ration the world’s remaining resources. Not until he looks out at the newly developed homes from his concealed attic window does Luke begin to believe he’s not alone in the world. He meets Jen, another illegal child, who introduces him to a wealth of knowledge and danger as she begins to unveil what has been hidden from him about his own existence.

Haddix creates a believable world in which government control has been mandated, invading the personal rights of all citizens. The terrifying similarities between this fictitious government and those running our countries today are unsettling. The individual characterization of each voice is very well-written, forcing the reader to stop to examine the motives of each person.

The reader will also be intrigued by the developing plot, its twists and turns and the inevitable personal journey taken by Luke. The feeling that this story is not a very distant future adds to the suspense and relevancy of Among the Hidden. For young adults interested in creating a sustainable planet and promoting equity among all individuals, this book will become a fast favorite.

"The seizing of farmlands, untenable food regulations, and other scenarios that have come to fruition in these pages will give readers a new appreciation for their own world after a visit to Luke's."(Kirkus/1998)

"...the fully realized setting, honest characters, and fast paced plot combine for a suspenseful tale of two youngsters fighting for their very existence.” (The ALAN Review/Winter 1999)

Possible Activities:
1. This would be a fantastic choice for a school book club. Earth science, political science, ethics, and sociology are all possible tie-ins.
2. For great discussion questions, see the following guide created for the Multnomah County Library: http://www.multcolib.org/talk/guides-amongthehidden.html