Smackdown Books 2021

Ordinary Hazards
We Dream of Space
If These Wings Could Fly
We Are Not Free
The King of Jam Sandwiches
All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team
The Companion
Punching the Air
Show Me a Sign
Land of the Cranes
Furia
Dragon Hoops
When Stars Are Scattered
Snapdragon
The Radium Girls: The Scary But True Story of the Poison That Made People Glow in the Dark
American as Paneer Pie
Tune It Out
The Gilded Ones
The Left-Handed Booksellers of London
Switch

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

                                Darius the Great is Not Okay vs Far From the Tree

As others have mentioned...when it gets to this point in the year, a book has to be really good to hold my attention and pull me away from everything else I need to get done.  Thank goodness, I had such a book.  This round, we at Dr. Lila Fahlman are voting to advance Darius the Great is Not Okay.

In the middle of interim report cards, writing formal report cards, planning for our student-led meet-the-teacher conferences, I found myself slipping into my chair whenever I could find a moment and just reading. The characters were rich and real and engaging.  Alternating between geek culture, nerdy dialogue, and exotic locals, I really felt a part of the world created by Adib Khorram.  It was emotional without being maudlin, and funny without losing the reality of this boy's life.

This was a book I had already planned to add to my classroom library but, upon a second reading, I'm even more certain that a large number of my students are going to love it, as well. 

Now this is not to say that Far From the Tree was in any way disappointing...I can totally see why it made it as far as it did, but it just didn't grab me the way the other story did.  Maybe it was because I'd just finished reading Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt three times with my various classes and the thought of reading another teen pregnancy/parenting book was too much, or maybe it was because the problems of the kids in Far From the Tree were, literally,closer to home and therefore not as interesting to me at a time when I'm finding myself dealing with issues of my own.  Either way, it didn't stay with me the way Darius the Great did. 

So, again, if you haven't yet had the chance to pick it up, give Darius the Great is Not Okay a read.  Brew a nice cup of tea, settle back, and enjoy the journey. 


Thursday, March 7, 2019

Poet X and The Marrow Thieves: Two Great Books




True Story: As is often, nay, always, the case, no matter when the Smackdown deadline is I am somehow mentally (physically, emotionally, etc) incapable of finishing both books anytime prior to an hour before midnight on the posting deadline. I was very hopeful that this time I would change that unfortunate pattern, as I finished Poet X almost a month ago, but it was not to be. So, there I was sinking into the last chapters of The Marrow Thieves after the rest of the family was tucked away snug in their beds. I finished up and was still in that kind of over-tired wired zone, that I would usually just use to push through and write my typically manic blog post, but I just couldn’t do it. Tired? Yes. And, if not entirely indecisive - like most of our small (SBS) and large (Smackdown Group 2) team, Poet X had left an indelible impression on me - I really deeply enjoyed both books and was struggling to articulate a sound rationale. I often think about how these tough calls in The Smackdown have us grappling between two books we might give to very different kids, and while there are certainly kids that each of these texts might speak to more than the other, I’ve found myself wanting to thrust them both into more than a few hands these past few weeks. So, it was pushing 10:00 and I just didn’t have it in me to just start writing and see where it leads (my usual strategy). Instead, I slunk downstairs to watch The Sopranos. No, this is not some TV snob type thing (although I am one) celebrating the 20th anniversary of that landmark show. One day, a few months back I just happened across an old episode on HBO and found it strangely calming and for the last little while I’ve been working my way through the series (again) as some strange form of meditation that I probably could use my own Dr. Melfi to help me sort out.

Well, last night’s episode was a strange fever dream of a viewing experience (Season 5 episode 11 for you aficionados out there) and in the most serendipitous way it provided me with some kind of clarity on why Poet X was so powerful. While not entirely devoid of a narrative arc, the storyline itself certainly wasn’t as carefully crafted or plotted as most episodes, yet it was riveting to watch, held together by what many would consider one of the great acting performances in film history (over the span of the whole series)  by the late James Gandolfini. Reading Poet X is like watching a true master performance. Let me be clear: Poet X is not lacking in the area of plot or narrative craftsmanship, but the heart of its power is Xiomara, our narrator and yes, truly, our poet. As I read this book I was really struck by what I can only call an unbridled honesty that came through both in voice and subject matter. This book was a reminder of how fiction can provide us with a different depth of truth than what we sometimes call reality. We see nuanced aspects of Xiamora and the world she inhabits that we more often than not cannot access in “real“ life, even with those closest to us. This is an epic work of art, by a poet of note and I think it would be a compelling and valuable read for our junior high folks - guys and girls alike- right up to old guys like me.

Here’s the big challenge I have: I can tell you why we chose Poet X, but I don’t know if I can tell you why we didn’t choose The Marrow Thieves. I think it is a powerful and moving book and I really enjoyed reading it. I don’t think it is too big a stretch to say that this novel - set in a not too distant future - speaks to ideas and concerns, most notably our glacially slow response to a world-wide environmental crisis and similarly limited commitment to truth and reconciliation in regard to our First Nations that will decide how we ultimately see ourselves - and how we are seen - as a nation. It also has fully realized characters and a gripping narrative. Only one book can move forward and that is Poet X, but you should read The Marrow Thieves and I will go ahead and attach my zombie pick to it right now. And now, with all of this reading out of the way, I’m going to watch TV.

The 57 Bus vs. Far from the Tree


We had two great books this round. The 57 Bus was definitely relevant for many reasons, and as a Social Studies teacher I made the easy connection with this book and the grade 9 YCJA unit. In fact, I plan to use it as a lit circle option in the future.

However, at DDM we are voting for Far from the Tree to advance to the next round. When I read these books, I try to separate how I feel about them vs. how a student might feel. With The 57 Bus, there were parts that dragged on and, in my opinion, made the book too long. For me, that's a red flag that my average junior high reader isn't going to push through and actually finish the book, however important it may be. Far from the Tree was better written, as my colleague Brandy Lee said, and I feel it was an overall more engaging story for a student to read. It also brought up a number of issues that aren't commonly talked about in YA literature, like teen pregnancy and foster care/adoption. 

It wasn't an easy decision and I think either book could arguably move on to the next round, but at DDM, we went with Far from the Tree!

The Bus Hit the Tree and the Tree is Still Standing


Image result for the 57 busImage result for far from the tree

We got to read two really good books this round! Our decision wasn't easy, but we've given the edge to Far From the Tree.

The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater is non-fiction, a refreshing change. Nevertheless, it reads a lot like fiction, which might win over some who claim not to like non-fiction. The story it tells is not easy to stomach. It does, however, leave a reader with some powerful insights. There are far too few windows on trans teens in our libraries. The appeal of this true story pushes us to think about the reality trans youths face. We might even be more willing to use 'they' as a singular pronoun now. Additionally, we see the realities of youth marginalized by socio-economic status. This makes real the situation of teens growing up without the advantages most of our students enjoy.

Therein is both a strength and a weakness of the book. Slater attempts to tell both sides of the crime story. She attempts equal representation and unbiased reporting. She falls a bit short though. Perhaps she just had less access to Richard Thomas, but he doesn't get as much attention and isn't quite as sympathetic. And if you're wondering why the 'bad guy' should garner any sympathy, you should definitely read the book.

Another weakness was Slater's writing style. Her descriptions of people are a little off. Renee swore that if she read the word penultimate another time, she would scream; she had to scream several times.

Still, Renee is debating using the book with her 9s next year. Wouldn't Richard's experience with the justice system be an interesting way to discuss youth justice and the goals of our current Canadian system. Dia warns of the controversy and parental reaction. What do you think, dear blog reader?

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway grabs you and makes you want to keep reading. It might be meaningful for kids who suffer a lack of family connection. It was refreshing to read about sibling dynamics from a teen point of view; maybe though, first person point of view would have been more effective?

The novel deals with a huge number of issues - foster care, teen pregnancy, slut shaming, drugs, divorce, social anxiety, parental alcoholism. It would have been so easy for this to become a problem novel; but it rises above that. It deals with difficult topics without preaching; it's simply realistic. That said, Dianne points out that the likelihood of three siblings adopted to different families finding each other in close proximity is a little far fetched.

In the end, Far From the Tree is moving on because it's a compelling novel that we really enjoyed reading.

-The Ottewellians: Renee, Dianne, Alisha, and Megan


Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Nevermoor vs Piecing Me Together



Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson
This was a great read for me because it
felt relatable (from when I was a teenager)
and it was well crafted. I found the storyline
to be a bit of a sleeper, however. What I mean
is that the climax was pretty subtle. It is a nice,
gentle read. I think it is a great for junior high
students who like realistic fiction. DS


Nevermoor - The Trials of Morrigan Crow
by Jessica Townsend

This was a fantastic book. I had trouble
putting it down. I loved the characters and
that it kept me guessing about the plot.
This is a great story for students (and adults)
who like clean fantasy, with a hint of danger,
and strong characters. The narrative is also
well crafted. Between the two stories, my
vote goes to Morrigan Crow and her trials. DS


Ellerslie really enjoyed both the
books for very different reasons,
and we will be purchasing both
books to have in our classroom
libraries and school library, however
all of us agree that Nevermoor
is the winner. We all thought
it was well crafted, well written,
engaging and would be enjoyed
by students of all ages (and as adults, we all loved it!)

The Marrow Thieves vs Poet X

Although The Marrow Thieves has an intriguing book cover and an interesting title, the book fell flat. There is no denying that the characters were well developed. We, however, struggled with the dystopian nature of the book. In our opinion, it just didn't work. Judy mentioned that she tried more than once to pick up the book and read it but she just couldn't follow the storyline or the characters. The storyline lost her as it moved too fast without explanation. We all agreed with her. It took over 3/4 of the book for the plot to make sense and those of us that stuck with the story, did find the ending worth the read. 

Poet X is a quick and powerful read. The book is full of many relatable issues although some felt the book wasn't all that new or refreshing in its ideas. However, we all agreed the it is a beautifully written. We were easily and quickly drawn into the story of Xiomara as she grew in confidence and learned to believe in herself while finding her place in her family and in the world.  For us, hands down, Poet X gets our vote. (Hillcrest School)


Tuesday, March 5, 2019

It's a Hard Day For a Booktator!

Image result for child having a fit


Why? Why do people disagree with me? Right, because I encourage it, because reading the same book and coming to have completely different feelings about it is the biggest part of reading magic for me. A writer writes, a reader comes and then each time something different occurs.  With a vote of six to three with two fence sitters (or possible forgetters) Piecing Me Together won the battle of ABM over Nevermoor. Much has been said about Nevermoor and its Harry Potter/Charlie and the Chocolate feel and I think it is outstanding. However, we must spend more time today on the book that is moving on. Here are the voters feelings:

Tammy: This book as immediately given to my daughter to read. I loved the connections between Art and Voice - struggle and resilience. Watson created a character grappling with gender, race and class discrimination. She was smart, vulnerable and in the end autonomous.

Holly: This book shows the true difficulty and struggles that many face with no easy way out and lack of support from their family who are just buys themselves trying to survive. I think this book would be a good fit for some of our kids who would want to read around these themes without the language and events that we see in The Hate You Give.

Andrew: I believe that the best lesson from the book is the "Don't give up" comments and the fact that postie outcomes occur when this advice is followed.

Annabel: This was the book I was looking for. A strong female who realizes her own inner potential and recognizes she doesn't need 'fixing' more than anyone else.I loved her struggle with being given opportunities that others thought she needed rather than those that supported the direction she wanted her life to go in.

Lisa: A gentler The Hate You Give that is appropriate for JH. Well written with some thought-provoking passages around her parents and a Dairy Queen run-in with boys.

Arlene: I read it all in one go the Christmas before last and the story has stayed with me ever since. It is making its way through my Grade 9 girls right now and there hasn't been one yet that has not enjoyed it. Many of them read Nevermoor last year and when asked which they would vote for, they tell me Piecing Me Together. One wrote: "Jade's mentor, Maxine, is a character that grows on you. Did I mention there is absolutely no romance whatsoever? That's because not all young women think about boys non-stop. Take note."

There you have it folks. Sounds like an outstanding book - some real magic there. For me Morrigan was all that and Nevermoor.

Darius vs. Rydr





















Darius the Great is Not Okay
From the beginning of the novel, I was interested, but not necessarily sold on the protagonist being a teenage boy. So often teen literature deals with a female lead struggling through life's triumphs but Darius soon becomes as much a heroic lead as his feminine counterparts in other coming of age stories. The struggles that Darius deals with from bullying, acne (ergh the description will make you green), depression, and friendship can be related to regardless of gender, making the journey of the protagonist important rather than who 'he' is. He deals with 'things' comically at times and emotionally at others that I found I could not help but relate to him.
How often does a YA novel teach you something new? I discovered so much about life in Iran and the Farsi language that I never knew I wanted to know but feel that much more involved with the character's development as he too learns about his family and cultural history and significance.
I often need to connect to the characters in what I read and their development will sell me or distract me from thoroughly enjoying a book, for this reason, Darius the Great is Not Okay gets my vote.

As I ramble on about character development and whether or not I like or dislike a novel, Train I Ride had our typical female protagonist struggling through changes and adapting to somewhat obscure situations. Although resourceful character Rydr just didn't captivate me. I made the mistake of beginning to read reviews f this book and there is a tremendous amount of praise for the writing, some saying it is poetically written, it makes me want to go back to see what I missed the first time around. I felt the relationships that Rydr establishes were too quickly created and therefore superficial.Contrary to many reviews, I didn't connect with the plot nor protagonist and having to choose the better of the two novels for this round, Darius was much more believable!

Jan Riemer Staff

Fahlman cries NEVERMOOR!

... it didn't take much for us to start "Piecing it Together" (aha.... so clever!). Jeff and I gravitated towards Jessica Townsend's dark, edgy and downright spooky world very quickly. We were excited to read it, and even more excited to put it into the hands of students we knew would love it too. Piecing Me Together was a good book, but it didn't grab us in the same way. I appreciate strong female leads with an important message to impart - but this book is more geared towards a high-school crowd, and my middle schoolers would likely not find it nearly as engaging as Nevermoor was. I had a student borrow my copy, and read the thing OVERNIGHT. She wouldn't stop talking about it for days afterwards. That is the measure of a good read.

The Poet Thieves

To select which novel moves on was challenging for some of us at Harry Ainlay. Ultimately, we selected Poet X by way of voting - 2 to 1. Here are some of our reflections on both texts.

The Marrow Thieves

  • The concept of not ever giving up hope and never giving up dreams is powerful; this would be what keeps people going after atrocities occur, such as what happened to many in residential schools. The futuristic setting relates to those who love Dystopian literature.
  • The past lifestyle of Indigenous people (being in the wilderness, travelling, living in community, learning from others, learning all roles that make a community function) is shown really well in a relevant way.
  • The metaphor of the dreams being held in the language and the culture is powerful, and gives a message of hope for Indigenous people and allows non-Indigenous people to hear Indigenous peoples’ voices and be able to approach reconciliation in a powerful way.
  • The futuristic setting is one of warning, but almost makes it seem as if what happened in residential schools can (or even will) happen again if nothing is done. That at times seems to be perpetuating something negative instead of something healing, a message of condemnation of the future instead of healing for the past.
  • Really liked the reversal of indigenous people surviving as a contrast to mass extinctions of any indigenous culture
  • Happens in present day: refuses to perpetuate the notion of the “dead Indian” or the one who lives in the past only, even though there is travel and living on the land, etc.
  • why is it called The Marrow Thieves? Isn’t this books about the marrow holders? The survivors? Why name it after the colonizer? (Maybe that’s the warning?)

The Poet X
  • Strong characterization
  • Focus on slut shaming; religion; homophobia; relationships; use of writing to heal
  • Favourite quotes: “words give people permission to be their fullest self” and “I only know that learning to believe in the power of my own words has been the most freeing experience of my life. It has brought me the most light. And isn’t that what a poem is? A lantern glowing in the dark?”
  • Captures the two worlds that children of immigrants often have to switch between and navigate and the profound pressures placed on them by their parents who have sacrificed everything for them
  • Honest characterization of a teenage girl - thoughtfully explores the conflict young woman face about trying to explore their sexuality versus being sexualized by others. Really strong depiction of shame that girls experience regarding this conflict
  • I have recommended it to a few students already
  • Fave lines: “And I think about all the things we could be if we were never told our bodies were not built for them.”
  • Her English teacher is rad
  • Ably addresses the false assumption that everyone gets the same education, particularly stateside; struggling with doubt in a faith practice that condemns it

Monday, March 4, 2019

Nevermoor vs Piecing Me Together



My vote this round goes to Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend.

I read Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson first and I really enjoyed the first half of it; however, I found the story started to take a bit of a twist that wasn't really going anywhere. It was a nice coming of age book for the main character but not comparable to Nevermoor in my opinion.

Nevermoor was exciting and oddly intriguing right from the get-go. It felt like some sort of a mash-up between The Hunger GamesHarry Potter and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The magic and mystery and wit was all very engaging. Morrigan Crow is a cursed child who is doomed to die at midnight on her 11th birthday. However, a stranger comes and whisks her away to a faraway place. I think my students would be a lot more interested in reading this book. It appeals to both girls and boys. This is the first of four books.


         Image result for nevermoor                                       Image result for piecing me together