Patron Saints of Nothing in EVERYTHING...

Patron Saints of Nothing is EVERYTHING...

...Ok, that might be a lliitttllleee bit of an exaggeration. The book is damn near close though! Telling the story of a young Filopino-American boy who visits The Philippines after the death of his cousin, Patron Saints is a riveting tale right off the bat. Not only is the story accessible, it is very interesting and well told. I found myself trying to solve the mystery with every new piece of information. 

A telling sign of a great book is one that has you thinking long after you've read it. Not only did I spend hours researching the Drug War after I finished the book, I also thought of all the students I would recommend this book too. As a first generation Canadian myself, I understand the importance of representation in books! I can definitely see this book as being one that would be "the book" for a few of my students.

That being said, We'll Fly Away is also great! The characters tug at your heart strings, the story makes you ask questions. Like Patron Saints, I was trying to figure out what the "big event" was. The subject matter is tough, and it was heartbreaking. 

Ultimately, Patron Saints immediately drew my attention. It definitely took longer for me to become engaged in the story of We'll Fly Away. 

Patron Saints vs. Sadie

While I enjoyed Sadie more than I expected, I would like to see Patron Saints of Nothing proceed to the next round. Once again though, I’m choosing the feel-good pick with the tidy ending, but I like thinking that taking a journey, reaffirming a piece of yourself, and seeing what you’re capable of is worthwhile reading. Wait, that describes both books. Let me try again. Reading about the turmoil of family, the things people keep secret through silence, and who’s willing to act for justice inspires me to consider the power of familial bonds for both destruction and redemption. Hold on, that also describes both books. Hmmm. Well, I appreciated the layered storytelling and investigative journalism elements that point to the value of someone else authentically telling your story if for some reason you don’t have the ability to tell it yourself. Dang it! That also describes both books: one through letters and one through podcasts. I swear, I did choose a winner. The winning book shows how bearing witness and confronting those responsible for the ones we have lost is a brave and often healing act, especially if we feel we share some responsibility for losing them. It also delicately, yet unflinchingly looks at how drug use promises comfort or release, then addiction traps people in lives they never thought they would be leading. Guess what! That also describes both books! Tough choice.

When looking at the covers, blurbs, and even endorsements of these books, I would not have guessed that upon reflection they dealt with similar themes, messages, and challenges. Maybe it was so striking because I read them back to back, but I would seriously recommend Sadie to those who enjoyed Patron Saints and vice versa. What pushes me toward Patron Saints really boils down to the rich cultural elements that are essential to Ribay’s story. I got to travel with Jay to the Philippines, see the sights (beautiful and ugly), imagine the smell and taste of food I’d never heard of, and learn about a political situation I am also embarrassingly ignorant about (but less so since reading the book). The fact that Jay and his father have a heart-warming breakthrough in their relationship at the end and that Jay has a new-found purpose and plan for his future is a nice touch, but I simply enjoyed Jay’s journey more than Sadie’s. I maybe admire Sadie as a character more, but for book recommendations decided over a glorious two weeks away from school, my vote is for Patron Saints of Nothing.

The Ebb and Flow of Moonrise

Our two novels this round were Ebb and Flow and Moonrise. Both books are written in a freeform poetic format, and tell engaging tales. 

Moonrise tells the tale of a young boy visiting his brother on Death Row. I’ll admit that the reason I read this book first is because the cover felt nice; a smooth velvety feel (YAY TEXTURES). The character is interesting and the story is made accessible despite covering some tough stuff. The main character does not come from a privileged background and is doing what he can to make it through. The novel also made me question my own preconceived notions, as the image of the character in my head was definitely based on stereotypes. 

Ebb and Flow is a much shorter read and only took a couple of hours to go through. It would be awesome from reluctant readers that can’t stay focused on a single book for long. Ebb and Flow tells the story of 11 year old Jett, that is visiting his Grandma after doing something bad. It takes a while to learn what the bad thing is; eventually you learn that Jett had done something to hurt a friend of his (who is an adult that is also a little boy). 

Overall both books are fairly good, however Moonrise was our pick as winner. As the story is much longer, the reader gets to know the characters better. The story was also more engaging for us as readers, as the subject matter is a little more interesting and has a focus on Social Justice issues (that being said, the subject matter of Ebb and Flow would be great for readers in a late elementary, or early Jr High level).  

Ghost Boys By a Whisper, But Don't Sleep on Dread Nation

I finished Ghost Boys about 9:00 one evening over the break and kind of casually passed it to my daughter as she was wandering to her room. She finished it that night, and while she has the passing familiarity with Black Lives Matters that comes with existing on social media in this day and age, she had never heard of Emmett Till. That’s a pretty important reason right there for why we should get this book into the hands of our kids. This is a book that would be accessible for students in upper elementary right up to grade twelve and I think it would resonate - and maybe educate - their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, as well. As was the case with my daughter’s experience, I think it is a book whose power comes not so much from the strength of its prose or even a stirring narrative, so much as from what it offers moving forward. I don’t think our kids will finish thinking about this book when they are done reading it, and even if that means they pay a little more attention to the alarming shit-show south of the border, that can only help us all, particularly in a province that seems sometimes eager to embrace the darker impulses on display there. Ghost Boys is not an overly subtle book, but then there is nothing subtle about the legacy of systemic racism that it spotlights. Ultimately, though, the power of the novel doesn’t come so much from forcing us to look at the unimaginable (and yet, somehow unconscionably common) - battered, bullet-ridden bodies of children -but in asking us to contemplate a way forward. I was a bit skeptical of the ghost trope, but what it does (as every good ghost story should) is allow us to see something we wouldn’t, or shouldn’t, in everyday life. Jerome is the most literal victim in the novel, but through his eyes we see the horrifying scope of victimization stemming from his death, including the police officer who shot him and, perhaps most powerfully, that officer’s daughter. Ghost Boys will be an introduction to some, and an affirmation for others, of how a legacy of systemic racism continues to be the defining feature of the American Republic, perhaps more importantly, however, it points us to the only true salve for wounds this deep: empathy. 

All that being said, I don’t want to leave here without a shout out to Dread Nation. Zombies have never really been my thing and I’m kind of so-so on those modern-historical fusions where we’re thrust firmly into a historical period, but everyone still has the cool-kid swagger of 2020 (If you do like such things, check out Dickinson on Apple TV) , but I liked this book. Jane is both every high school girl you’ve ever met and the toughest human being you’d ever want to meet, and her marriage of strength and vulnerability is actually inspiring. There isn’t a ton of heavy lifting necessary to enter into this alternate reality and in the process of doing so, Ireland actually asks you to re-engage with the racial and sexual dynamics of this historical era in a way that hi-lights its particular relevance to our own. It actually treads some of the same ground - arguably in more subtle ways - as Ghost Boys, and it borrows from a range of different genres - romance, historical fiction, Big L. literature etc. - in such a way that I think it would also appeal to a surprisingly diverse audience. Dread Nation might actually be just as good a book (and I am pretty certain it will be a better film) but Ghost Boys is unquestionably the more important book, and the one we need to get into the hands of our kids, both for what it shows them and what it asks of them.

Sadie vs Patron Saints of Nothing

Another tough round as both books were excellent reads with strong protagonists dealing with some very heavy issues. The holiday break was the perfect time to devour both novels. I read Randy Ribay's Patron Saints of Nothing on a very long and flat car trip to Saskatchewan. Admittedly, I read this novel first because it looked like something I wasn't going to enjoy. I was wrong. It was easy to connect with Jay as he ventured back to his native Philippines in search of the truth about his cousin's death during President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. The story is well developed with only a few lapses (the love interest in Mia who already has a boyfriend didn't seem to add anything).
This book had me looking up more information on the Philippines; it's history, geography, and the  outrageous tactics of the current government, surprised at how little I knew from brief news reports.
Patron Saints of Nothing is well written and would be enjoyed by those who have ever had to come to terms with the truth, who feel like they are more than the one thing the world has labelled them as, who have had to face the reality of a place and people they thought they knew, and who have had to show courage and compassion in a time of grief. So basically, everyone would appreciate this book.

All that being said, the clear winner of this round for me is Sadie by Courtney Summers. Told through two narratives in two different time periods (while Sadie is searching for Keith and after Sadie has been missing for several months), the story is powerful. It's horrific. It's riveting. It's raw. It will linger with you and seep into your thoughts when you have to put the book down to make dinner or walk the dog. The pod cast - novel format with a main character who stutters may be challenging and truth be told I did end up listening to the last half on audio book (at the recommendation of my daughter). But whether you read it or listen to it, this story is a difficult one. Through the pod casts and Sadie's narrative you learn that Sadie’s 13 year old sister, Mattie was found murdered. Sadie is vehemently going after the man who hurt her and who she thinks is responsible for her sister's death. Although Sadie knows she could die, she doesn’t feel she has anything left to live for and will not stop until she finds him.
With child abuse, pedophilia, rape, drug and alcohol abuse, and graphic violence, it is not a story of happily ever after. It is a heart wrenching story. Yet I loved this book.

Far Away VS. We'll Fly Away (winner)

Our mighty team is spread throughout the Division so we used a good old Google Form to compile our votes and rationales.
For our team the overwhelming choice was for “We’ll Fly Away” We will look forward to seeing how much further this story flies through the next rounds!

Positive points for “Far Away”:

I enjoyed this book. It was an interesting story and one that might appeal to Division 2
students.

This round, for me, seemed to be about characters. Far Away welcomed me into the
story, and I felt like I knew the characters better, like we became friends over the
course of the novel, and like I was along for the journey. Maybe they were easier to
connect with?

I was also intrigued by the content - the idea of the Far Away - the contemplation
of what happens to us after death and the hope that we can maintain connection to
our loved ones once they leave us.

Positive Points for “We’ll Fly Away” 

It's been stated previously in more than a few reviews, but I think the insights
gained into the lives of those on the outside looking in at your garden variety
"middle class" life, are valuable for a range of students to ponder as is the simple
notion that immediate choices can have far-reaching consequences.

I think this is the better of the two books. The story was heartbreaking and
reminded me of many of the students I have worked with over the years.
Our students live in such difficult homes and we often don't
even know. The two main characters, Luke and Toby looked after one
another and having goals was what kept them out of trouble . . . until it didn't.
It also spoke to the power of friendship, sports, a positive adult in
ones life and what supports are in place for kids like Luke and Toby.
The way the story was written was also
compelling (with the letters to T interspersed) and kept the reader interested
until the very end. And it made me think about death sentences
(which was the catalyst for the Author to write this book) - does one
decision define who you are forever? And. . . I might have cried a little.

"We'll Fly Away" is a gripping story. I was drawn in by the harsh, horrible
circumstances our protagonists had to live in. Ultimately their circumstances;
poverty, abuse, neglect get the best of them in spite of their friendship and loyalty.
This book is tough. It was pretty much too tough for me, especially over the
Christmas holiday. I was emotionally exhausted by it but compared to the fluff
of "Far Away", it was a clear winner for me. 

This book had me in suspense right to the end to see what the big event was.
It speaks to the important of friendship, sports (or a strong interest, a supportive
adult, goals, and supporting those you care about
are some of the ideas related to this book it is slot but is well written and doesn't
feel forced you felt like you were getting to know the characters and could empathize
with them be sure to read the authors note.

I struggled at the beginning, but by the middle I was hooked. I wanted to know
more about the characters and how they would develop with the circumstances
fate had handed them. There was real emotion and
life lessons learned, but throughout it all--the two boys had the strong bond of friendship
to keep them going until the end.... A good book, but not one that my JH students
would be able to relate to.

The Case Against “Far Away”

Too far fetched for my brain - limited connection with the characters or the plot

Although the story was engaging and entertaining, I found parts of the story
to be unbelievable.I was frustrated that CJ was still looking for 'signs' right to the very end. 

I wanted to give a "Mighty Smackdown" to the lead character for her silly,
willful ignorance. I guess for younger readers there are some good lessons
about how things and people aren't always what they
appear to be, but overall, Far Away was just too fluffy for me. 

While did enjoy this book it did seem a bit far fetched at times, even within the
context of the story would a 12 year old really call out the adult she loves
to that extent? Speaks to how easily being dishonest, even
to protect someone, can get out of hand.

The Case Against “We’ll Fly Away” 

It felt a little bit like every possible issue was thrown into one book

The language and social situations are certainly "authentic", but they
might be a bit "too" authentic for some of my JH students. 

The story was great and kept me engaged but I found the writing
frustrating at times. I often had to slow down and reread parts and was
occasionally still not sure what the author was saying. It didn't really deter
from the story but was annoying at times. 

My goodness, is there not a single good adult in the world of this story?
I know the coach was there on the periphery, but wow, it was super-depressing
how blind the whole school and outside community was
to the abuse and neglect that the characters were living with.
Grim. Very grim. 

I struggled to connect to the characters in comparison to Far Away
- for an embarrassingly long time I struggled to know who was who on the
character front. And in a cruel way, struggling to know who was
who made me much less concerned about the outcome for these guys.

I can't say there's anything bad about the novel...it just wasn't for me.
These characters weren't my friends, and I didn't get to ride shotgun
in the car with them, and felt like they left me behind on their journey. 

The topics may be too heavy for younger students without discussion.

Some of the descriptions and topics are meant for older readers.

A Clear Winner at ABM
From Lisa:
Sometimes Smackdown sends you a sign...
I was struggling to decide between The Faithful Spy and Good Enough. The social teacher in me loved The Faithful Spy. Although there are several good YA/middle school books written about the resistance against Nazi Germany, not many are about German citizens who actively worked against Hitler. Who wouldn't love a story about a man who stood by his convictions even though it meant he faced death? As a reader who often doesn't "get" graphic novels, I also though the illustrations were thoughtful and worked to enhance the story rather than detract from it. But I teach grade 7, and I am not sure this book would be very accessible to them. High school, yes, grade 9, perhaps. As far as the story and the writing? I thought The Faithful Spy was the clear winner here. The writing in Good Enough is simple, and the story was a little predictable; certainly the subject matter is important, but I have read better books about the same topic. But then, something happened.
I had given the book to one of my students for the break, and she showed up Monday morning. Early. Not like her. I knew that she wasn't a big reader, but I also knew this young lady was suffering from some anxiety, and this book had some important ideas about dealing with those thoughts that can shout at you and linger in your mind. I was sitting at my computer. She showed up and was moving around my desk. I glanced her way, said good morning, and asked her if she liked the book, still a little focused on my computer, when she said, "Mrs. Haugen, this book was really important to me." I heard those words, and I stopped. I turned to face her, and prepared myself to really listen to what she had to say. She told me that she saw herself in this book - for the first time ever, she saw herself in a book. She confided in me that she often feels that her body does not measure up, and she really understood what this character was going through. She talked about the pressure that she sometimes feels to look better and be perfect. As a lover of books and reading, I always dream of putting the perfect book into people's hands. The book that speaks to them, and tells them exactly what they need to hear at exactly the right time in their life. If this book made her feel like this, maybe there is a whole army of young girls out there who will find the same kind of connection to this character and her story. How could I not vote for Good Enough after this experience? Now, if I can only find a way to tell Dia that the book has left my room in someone else's hands after a solid recommendation from someone who loves it.

From Annabel:

The Faithful Spy is my vote. It was the most text heavy GN I’ve ever read but was fascinating and compelling. A fresh insight into a topic which has so much literature written about it already. The wolf imagery stood out for me as did the use of authentic quotes and the insight into how a secret plot with such high stakes is planned and can fail. It reminded me of The Nazi Hunter and was just as compelling but in a more unique format.   

From Ben:

This was a tough round for me--two very compelling stories in two vastly different styles. Good Enough's Riley speaks in a very raw and jarring way, and you immediately see the juxtaposition of her wanting to get better with the gnawing self-doubt and self-sabotage. The Faithful Spy is a history buff's dream, but at times I found it challenging to balance and keep track of the biographical and historical aspects of the book. Perhaps the story of Bonhoffer would have been best served as either a conventional novel or an outright graphic novel--Palaccio's recent work White Bird comes to mind with regard to the latter.

So in the end, Good Enough was good enough for me!

From Arlene:

I agree with Annabel that Faithful Spy was one of the most text heavy GNs that I have ever read. It was fascinating and compelling for me, too.  However, I usually vote for what my class wants to read more and this time it was Good Enough. I will have to buy a copy as I returned the one I read to Dia. They are fighting over who was going to read Good Enough next. This isn't the case for Faithful Spy. From Holly:

I feel like The Faithful Spy isn't even a graphic novel, but instead a (info)graphic non-fiction book. I felt like I was misled when I first picked it up! I kept expecting the traditional graphic novel style to begin once we had the backstory but it never did. Some of the details were fascinating, and the illustrations and colour choices brilliant- the perfect book for our kids who LOVE history. I know a few of my kids would probably love it as they are already obsessed with learning about WWII. I have never heard of this particular person in relation to the siege against Hitler, but it did give me goosebumps reading about their attempts to assassinate him. Obviously I know that they all failed ahead of time, but how close they were to actually being successful was interesting! 

My vote goes to Good Enough. It took awhile for me to get into it, but the power that weight and body image has on her is a story that deserves to be shared. It provides hope to those that struggle with distorted beliefs about eating and would be more readily chosen by students, like others have said. I am sure many junior and high school girls could identify with some part of her journey. Without a doubt, Good Enough would get more reads, is easily accessible to many readers, and a topic that is still important in today's society. 

From Lil:

My vote goes to Good Enough. I really felt the topic was relevant  especially in our society so driven by social media platforms of being 'perfect'. The message needs to be delivered that trying to distort your body image to 'fit in' , comes with a price  and the realness of what could possibly be the end result. Yes, the book ties it up neatly but the message resonates that more people need to embrace  and love who they are and be less involved with the outside but the beauty that comes from within. This book would be very impactful for many, to know they are not alone and that who they are matters and that they are 'good enough' just the way they are!

From Andrew: This might sound a little strange from someone who loves history but I am also voting for Good Enough. This is why... I did enjoy Faithful Spy and found the story very interesting, especially the first section that explained how Hitler and the Nazi party took control of Germany - there is a good lesson to be shared with the discontent populations today. I did however find that the text was very dense and it was a struggle to read through it. Overall would I recommend it to students? It would have to be the "right student" who is a strong reader and has the determination to finish it when the reading gets tough. I was also surprised to discover that a number of people already knew about Bonhoeffer and his story when I was describing the book over the break.

Now on to Good Enough. This is a book that I believe needs to be read by teens. I think that it shows the dangers of eating disorders as well as does a good job of describing just how dangerous the offhanded comments of peers can be. It would be my hope that after reading this book that students would think twice before making a hurtful comment in passing. As well I liked that the young girl in the story doesn't really want to be helped and goes through a number of things to remain thin even though she knows it is a competition and a healthy choice.

SHOUT for Harry Ainlay

At Harry Ainlay, both The Prince and the Dressmaker and Shout are welcome additions to our library and classrooms.

Reading The Prince and the Dressmaker takes a reader on an undeniably sweet experience into another world. It is visually stunning and the ink choices/artwork bring out Paris during this time period. Things we enjoyed:

- refusal to pathologize the prince's love for dresses;

- father's denial and then the realization of his son's need AND his confident and supportive  participation in the fashion show;

- dressmaker's refusal to be hidden and her commitment to her craft and passion

From a structural perspective, the characters' motivations are not always discussed adequately. It is a unique subject matter where a young man who likes dressing up in clothes not socially acceptable. At the heart of the story, there are deeper issues that just are not covered or discussed. Sebastian does not really know why he likes dressing up in his mother's dresses, besides the fact that he feels more like himself by sometimes feeling like a princess and other times feeling like a prince. This concept needs to be addressed more thoroughly; what does this really mean? It goes beyond clothes, and it must be hard to depict through text, however, that probably was not the author's main purpose or intent.  The character development of Sebastian is shown well through the use of close-ups and specific facial expressions. The reader can feel for him as he feels like he has to hide what he likes doing from society and his family. That part of the story was interesting so that even though a reader might not understand him, they could still see his struggles.  There is a positive message of acceptance, from Frances and from the King. The novel does not discuss the depth of the relationship between Frances and Sebastian, though, and somewhat leaves the reader wondering what is happening or why. In this sense, there is a lot happening with Frances, as she is starting this relationship with Sebastian that is undefined and becoming a celebrated designer...there could be more character development for Frances.

Shout

Shout. Laurie Halse Anderson. Speak is still a novel used in our ELA classrooms and in junior high programs. Twenty years later Melinda's story and empowerment still grant readers to speak and shout their stories twenty years later. In the world we live in, we are now more open about consent, sexual assault, and the trauma that surrounds it, at any age. Given the Weinstein trial starting and the #metoo movement - Shout got our vote easily. We enjoyed:

- the rawness of emotion, sensation, language

- the reflective and recursive revisiting of her trauma in different stages of her life

- the inclusion of her adult experiences as a writer, as someone that people confide in and have connected with - the Melindas

Structurally, this novel is unique as the poetry takes the reader on a journey with the author. She has been shaped by her family, her rape, her international journey, and her work as a writer. There is power in her reflections, and power in the fact that she finds healing, strength, and then comes back to help others. Her words are sometimes heartbreaking, and sometimes pack a painful punch, when one realizes that what unites humanity might be more traumatic than positive. At any rate, the stylistic choices the writer uses, sound techniques and strong imagery, can allow readers to experience with her the trauma she faced, and how she managed to address it. Shout might not be something that would be accessible to many teens, though, in the sense that this is an adult reflecting and writing from an adult's perspective. That being said, this is poetry that tells a story, and students who are mature enough will gravitate to this style. The voice and the stylistic choices are in a league of their own.

After reading this novel, it made me want to write my own poetry. My own life story. How many books have this capacity?

This was in a way an unfair match up -- they are just so very different. As an authentic voice, allied with #metoo, this book matters, and Anderson's story matters.

Moonrise VS Ebb and Flow

Moonrise vs Ebb and Flow

Disclaimer - Everyone should read both of these books!  We are heartbroken that only one can go through  They are both beautiful well written and amazing stories in different ways and we want both in our libraries!

Ebb and Flow is a beautifully written story written in free verse geared for Division 2 students, but could be enjoyed by all Divisions.  The story is about a boy, Jett, who is spending the summer with his Grandma in her small town in Newfoundland.  He is repenting about something he did when he and his mother moved to the mainland for a fresh start. 
The Grandmother is a well developed character that loves Jett unconditionally as he works through his guilt and begins to love himself again.  The message coming through is that you can make a mistake, but it doesn't define you. 

Each chapter is a beautifully crafted scene filled with precision and imagery.  It is an excellent story to teach empathy, love and taking responsibility. 

Moonrise is an extremely powerful book about the injustices of the penal system in America that targets poor, marginalized people. 
This novel is also written in free verse through the voice of 17 year old Joe who hasn't seen his older brother, Ed for 10 years after he was sent to jail for murdering a police officer.
The story unfolds with flashbacks to Joe's childhood with Ed being the father figure- going to parent teacher interviews, making sure he had food, and doing the best he can to look after his brother with an alcoholic, often absent mother. 
It is beautiful and heartbreaking and terrible, and wonderful all at the same time.
It is a more mature read geared toward Division 3 and Division 4 readers, but an excellent read for us as adults too!

We were divided at Ellerslie!  3 for Moonrise and 3 for Ebb and Flow- so we hope that our other teammates from DSM will be the tipping point. 

Ghost Boys rise from Dread Nation

Ghost Boys was an easy read about a complex social topic.  Our readers weren't big fans because the style was so simple and we've read other books about racism and the shooting of a young black person that had more profound effects on us (for me, it's The Hate U Give).  However, we all agreed that kids would want this book.  In fact, we have kids in line asking for it.  The topic is relevant and important for them, and some of them aren't ready either for the content or complexity of some of the other texts. 
Dread Nation was an enjoyable read for many of us.  Some of us actually liked it better than Ghost Boys.  Zombies and the Civil War?  A heroine who is smart and sassy; who kicks butt and chops off zombie heads?  Yes, please!  Is there a niche of readers who will devour this?  Yes. 
We will have both books in our library. 
But we decided unanimously that we would vote through the book that we believed would have the bigger audience among our students:  Ghost Boys. 
We are curious now to see if the rest of our team at the other schools had similar feelings! 

 vs. Who wore it best? The Prince!

Shout was a strong book. It makes more sense if you've previously read Anderson's Speak (and if you haven't read it, you definitely should). The thing about this memoir in verse though is that it really isn't young adult fiction. It's an adult memoir. Although some of the experiences she's reflecting on occurred during childhood and adolescence, the poems are written from a pretty adult perspective. The topics are heavy and the reading can be depressing. And while adolescents can, and perhaps should, deal with some of the difficult topics Anderson broaches, she's looking at her PTSD'd father's abuse of her mother in a way that might be beyond young readers. In short, read Speak, then read this for yourself.

The Prince and the Dressmaker is a romp in comparison. The story is absorbing. It's fun. It's pretty, but it also has substance. Even though none of us are regular graphic novel readers, we all enjoyed the read. The graphics drew us in. We slowed down to read the pictures as well as the text.
We need more LGBTQ+ presence in our books. More kids need to be able to see themselves reflected in fiction. And our "mainstream" kids need to see that other kids can be the hero of the story too. The Prince and the Dressmaker gives readers LGBTQ+ content without being trite. It's about the pressure of familial expectations and gender roles, the risk it can take to be yourself, and the ways families can support kids. It has a happy ending, but it's not a simplistic happy ending, everyone finds a role.

That's 3 Ottewellian votes for The Prince and the Dressmaker. 

Renee (who wants some of Cressida's swirly dresses), Megan, Dianne

Patron Saints of Nothing vs. Sadie

Patron Saints of Nothing vs. Sadie

Krieger
While I enjoyed Sadie more than I expected, I would like to see Patron Saints of Nothing proceed to the next round. Once again though, I’m choosing the feel-good pick with the tidy ending, but I like thinking that taking a journey, reaffirming a piece of yourself, and seeing what you’re capable of is worthwhile reading. Wait, that describes both books. Let me try again. Reading about the turmoil of family, the things people keep secret through silence, and who’s willing to act for justice inspires me to consider the power of familial bonds for both destruction and redemption. Hold on, that also describes both books. Hmmm. Well, I appreciated the layered storytelling and investigative journalism elements that point to the value of someone else authentically telling your story if for some reason you don’t have the ability to tell it yourself. Dang it! That also describes both books: one through letters and one through podcasts. I swear, I did choose a winner. The winning book shows how bearing witness and confronting those responsible for the ones we have lost is a brave and often healing act, especially if we feel we share some responsibility for losing them. It also delicately, yet unflinchingly looks at how drug use promises comfort or release, then addiction traps people in lives they never thought they would be leading. Guess what! That also describes both books! Tough choice.
When looking at the covers, blurbs, and even endorsements of these books, I would not have guessed that upon reflection they dealt with similar themes, messages, and challenges. Maybe it was so striking because I read them back to back, but I would seriously recommend Sadie to those who enjoyed Patron Saints and vice versa. What pushes me toward Patron Saints really boils down to the rich cultural elements that are essential to Ribay’s story. I got to travel with Jay to the Philippines, see the sights (beautiful and ugly), imagine the smell and taste of food I’d never heard of, and learn about a political situation I am also embarrassingly ignorant about (but less so since reading the book). The fact that Jay and his father have a heart-warming breakthrough in their relationship at the end and that Jay has a new-found purpose and plan for his future is a nice touch, but I simply enjoyed Jay’s journey more than Sadie’s. I maybe admire Sadie as a character more, but for book recommendations decided over a glorious two weeks away from school, my vote is for Patron Saints of Nothing.

Chinn and Jarvis

While I thought the format of having Sadie be told from the perspective of a true crime podcaster was clever, there are few other redeeming qualities about it. The gritty, impoverished middle-American perspective leaves my stomach churned to bits - it may be one of the saddest, most gut-wrenching stories I’ve ever read. Would I recommend this book to my students? Absolutely not. But then again, I don’t teach high school. And that may be the only place to begin with this book. 
It’s important to know that I read these books not for myself, but with my 12-14 year old students in mind. Patron Saints of Nothing - I can’t recall the last time I came across a novel about Filipino youth. I have taught in middle schools where the Filipino population is very high and there is something particularly special about seeing part of your heritage represented in the stories we read, and I believe that this book has a very important role in representation and information about a little known, devastating drug war that many should know more about.
All told, Jeff and I are voting for Patron Saints of Nothing.

The Prince and the Dressmaker vs Shout

I was pretty excited to get a graphic novel and a free verse memoir; quick reading for the holidays! Luckily I started with the graphic novel as the memoir was rather unappealing for various reasons.
I'll begin with Shout as I really wanted to love it. The message is there, especially in the 'me too' movement that encompasses social media and today's culture. As Laurie Halse Anderson's novel Speak had been recognized for various awards, I might have had my expectations a bit too high as I read this one. My complaint is that I could not connect with the main character. I mean I felt bad for her struggles and emphasized throughout her story but I just kept thinking  'would a junior high student read this?' It's not that the content is inappropriate and I hate to censor, I just don't think there's enough to sustain their attention (it feels wrong to say this about a  memoir but I can't help but feel like the plot needed more). Perhaps I felt that her message/ journey is all too familiar in young adult literature where a young person goes through various struggles and finds their voice to overcome! Simply put, I just didn't enjoy it.

On the bright side, I was privileged to read The Prince and the Dressmaker. I have a hard time with graphic novels as my imagination hates being told what to 'see' by the images but something about this one, had me turning the pages quite quickly! Over the last decade, there have been so many changes in what is acceptable and it pleases me that anything goes in today's society with respect to gender/ sexuality, etc... Young people are brought up to be accepting and if they don't accept others, they are at least able to hold their tongue as we ensure that everyone has the right to be who they want! This novel encompasses this idea and displays a lovely amount of support for our prince who discovers, he too can be who he wants to be despite expectations!  I absolutely loved this and smile when I think about it!


~Jan Reimer

Hey Kiddo, it looks like Mason Buttle is moving on....

Smackdown the 10th

Round 2

Kim, Vanessa, Deb, Norma

vs

Hey Kiddo                            The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

Vanessa:  Well its Round 2 so I always think it’ll get harder and harder for me to decide.  That is not the case yet.  Hey Kiddo was a perfect story for the graphic novel format because the story was not over-run with details and I loved the inclusion of real-life letters and notes.  However, I think I would have liked it better if there was more detail and the story itself was richer.  I just wanted a little more.  I really loved Mason Buttle - the story showed how big Mason’s heart was and how he just wanted to find someone to love and to make sure he was doing the right thing.  And the way it is written, I can hear Mason so clearly in my head.  This was, however, a real apples versus oranges round because of format, fiction vs non,  and even audience.  Even with all the differences considered, my vote is for Mason Buttle!

Norma:  I read Mason Buttle first and really loved it.  I was quickly engrossed in the story and the way it was written. Students could find a way to access this story very easily.  Hey, Kiddo was o.k.  I did not enjoy the format.  I thought the information provided in the author’s note added some details that was missing in the story.  I didn’t find that the artwork added any additional information to what was in print.  I also found the print too small for me.  

For me the clear winner is Mason Buttle.

Deb: I was not expecting to enjoy “Hey Kiddo” as much as I did based on the story summary. I just wasn’t sure I was up for an “angsty” teenager read, right before Christmas but to my surprise, I did enjoy it. I’m a sucker for a good graphic novel and I thought the addition of notes and cards, etc. was an engaging way to add to the story. I think it would be a book that many teens would enjoy and identify with, although I know others might be distracted by all the extras that I found appealing. Having said all of this, I am voting for “The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle”. I loved the story and was emotionally attached to my man Mason right from the beginning. I thought the story was really well written, engaging and appropriate for a wide audience. Go Mason go!!!

Kim: (Sorry, will write next time.) My vote is for Mason Buttle - loved it!

Hey, Kiddo vs. The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

It was incredibly difficult to choose between these two books. Were they not facing each other in this round, I can see myself voting for each of them in their own right. 

Hey, Kiddo as a graphic novel memoir is certainly engaging. I can see older readers connecting with various aspects of this book. It kept me interested right to the end, at which time I continued on to the author's notes and wished I had read them first! After reading the notes, it gave me even more to think about. This is a book I will recommend to readers for sure.

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle is equally as engaging as its competitor. While it tackles many universal and typical YA topics, the story is unique and gripping. I found myself weeping through MANY passages, and that's a sure sign that it's a winner in my mind!

My vote is for The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle