From the Jan Reimer Ladies (Team 8)

The Hate you Give vs. Optimists Die First

 

My reading journey this round began with Optimists Die First which my initial gut feeling wanted to declare it as a winner prior to finishing it. There were many chuckles as I read and related to the various cultural references (which I got perhaps more than a younger reader would), and most significantly to the over abundance of acquiring loveable fur balls (yes I do have three too many cats). Petula is not your average teen as she carries with her a major incident in her life that has made her weary of any and all life threatening ‘what ifs?’. I liked the quirkiness of her character and those around her as she tries to heal through group art therapy sessions. The topic of mental illness is again explored in this novel and in comparing it to many of my recent reads on the topic, this one handles it in a fun way, yet reminds the reader that everyone has a story to tell. Young love is also at the forefront of the plot as Petula develops a relationship with a ‘normal’ participant in therapy sessions. Petula’s journey begins similarly to mine as I began reading, optimistically looking forward to a fun read, but ends with an abrupt, all too quick finish after skillfully developing the plot. Unfortunately this left me disappointed and feeling like I was short changed in the optimism I originally experienced.

In this round the Optimist definitely dies.
I started this round with The Hate U Give and absolutely loved it. It captured my attention right from the beginning and I wanted to read on. Starr Carter’s voice was compelling and took me on an emotional roller coaster. One moment I was laughing out loud at the references (Fresh Prince of Bel Air anyone?) and the next moment I was twisted in knots as the scene unfolded. There are many layers to this story: the complexities of friendship and family dynamics, navigating your way through your first romantic relationship, the courage it takes to have your voice heard, the stereotypes based on socioeconomic status, and of course, racism and police violence. Regardless of what was unfolding in the story, Starr’s voice was able to draw you in and you felt like you were part of what was taking place. Starr’s incredible journey through shock, pain, courage and hope definitely comes out on top during Round Two.

March, March, March!  Joe Lewis's autobiographical graphic novel about the American Civil Rights movement was captivating.  I don't usually enjoy graphic novels because the visuals distract from the movie playing in my head.  March showed me the potential of print and visual in tandem.  From start to finish March enlightened, informed and enthralled me.  The writing, whether it is the description of courage shown by thousands, or the explanation of the the hours and years of collaboration and debate or the vision that fueled a movement was easy to read.  I would use this set of three books as one of my small group reading choices in junior high book clubs, so that a group of socially minded teens could devour the life lessons Joe outlines.  The artwork was so precise and intricate that I had to reread pages many times over, and I did not resent having to spend the time absorbing every detail.

My only question is whether  the majority of junior high students would have the stamina to read all three independently? There will be some that relive history as they read but  I believe many high school students would love to read the recounting of justice.

I had the pleasure of attending a Freedom Writer conference where Joe was our key note.  Our morning with Joe was held in an intimate setting.  Joe is not a tall man yet his unassuming presence changed as he spoke.  He is hilarious, brilliant and humble.  Service has been his life mission and it resonates through every story he gently tells.   At the end of Joe's speech he said "there are many who say things will never change.  I am here to tell you things do change.  The rate at which change occurs is up to each individual in our society, and rests upon how much we are willing to do."  I returned back to my grade 9 classroom, mid-May inspired,  and repeated his message.  The kids and I committed to our annual legacy project to be completed by June and the end result surpassed everyone's expectations.

March is a story about people who are systematically told 'they can vote' but the obstacles in their way could have been insurmountable.  As I read the books I could hear Joe's calm and strong voice and I could feel the emotions of the characters.  I believe this set of novels could engage teens and help them to find their conviction to make a difference, and to show them how much it can take to do the right thing.  My vote is for March!

The Girl Who Drank the Moon vs. The Smell of Other People's Houses

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We were split in terms a winner, but The Girl Who Drank the Moon rises above to claim victory.

The Smell of Other People's Houses was a beautifully woven tale of four teens living in Alaska. Each of the four narrating teens has a complex personal story which can be difficult for a reader to observe - partly because of the often disappointing adults in the youths' lives.  Despite being an occasionally bleak read, the prose is so rich it almost feels like poetry and the ending ties the stories together with grace and hope for a brighter future. I (Amanda) loved the lyrical prowess of this book, although it did take me a while to get into it, and the only reason I am not fighting for The Smell of Other People's Houses to be the winner is that I'm not actually convinced that this is a YA novel and I think that the likely readership among youth is fairly small and probably limited to select, older students.

Stephen E. and Shelley K. came down on the side of The Girl Who Drank the Moon. This fantasy is the tale of a girl who was abandoned in the woods and then accidentally fed moonbeams by the witch who saved her. This story has many unconventional supporting characters that would appeal to younger readers (Div II) and enough description to satisfy older readers. While it drags a little in the middle, the ending ties up the ends in a dramatic and emotionally satisfying manner. The Girl Who Drank the Moon will have a much wider audience than The Smell of Other People's Houses; and, while not mentioning specific ethnicities, many of the main characters are described as having darker skin and black, curly hair. Because of the quirky characters, touches of magic, positive representation of visible minorities, and accessibility, The Girl Who Drank the Moon in our winner!

But, read both! 

Happy reading!

Shelley Kunicki, Stephen Ekstrom, and Amanda Barrett

Refugee wins over Passion of Dolssa

Refugee by Alan Gratz

We all found this story engaging and emotionally heart wrenching. We think it is a
fantastic novel for showing middle school children other realities and teaching
empathy,  and that we are all human beings and should be treated as such.  
It is disheartening that the realities of our histories continue to repeat
in times of war.  The author did a wonderful job of connecting the stories and
leaving the reader with a sense of hope.

As I read Refugee, I was reminded of something my dad always tried to
explain to me, “You have it soo easy living in Canada. You have no idea how
lucky you are!”. While that continues to be true,Refugee offered me glimpses
of what it’s like to live a less fortunate life. I think this story has a lot of
merit for classroom use.

I was engaged by the idea that these stories were connected and it reminded
me of the Red Thread of Fate. According to this myth, the gods tie an invisible
red cord around the ankles of those that are destined to meet one another in a
certain situation or help each other in a certain way.

The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry

We all quite enjoyed this story, as adult readers, although at times it did seem
a bit drawn out.

As one of our teachers said, “ I don’t normally read a lot of Historical Fiction
story and had to keep reading to find out what happened to the characters.”  
Over all, we don’t think this will be a great fit for Div 2 classrooms.
However, I think it might work for an ambitious Div 3 reader. I’m unsure the typical
student would be up to the challenge of the Latin and OE words and phrases,
and religious content.

Overall Refugee gets our VOTE!

March tramples the competition

March written by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and illustrated by Nate Powell is a compelling and honest story about John Lewis' struggle for civil and human rights.  It is a powerful group of books as the story is personal and relevant to current world realities.  The illustrations capture the essence of the tumultuous time and readers have the opportunity to navigate a heavy topic through a different writing style.  I have never been drawn to graphic novels, but the topic and story was so strong that I was willing (and able) to overcome my reservations about the format.

Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina is set in New York city in 1977.  A serial killer is on the loose and Nora, a hard working industrious 17 year old is navigating work,  completing high school, emotionally supporting her Mom and trying to cover up for her younger brother who is involved with illegal drugs.  Add to this mix, a handsome boy who becomes Nora's boyfriend and you have quite a dramatic read.  I "cheered" on Nora in the hopes that she would find a path for the future; however the plot had too many complications for me to thoroughly enjoy the story.  


Once again I submit my vote without connecting with any of my fellow team readers.  My vote to continue on is March.


  

OCDaniel beats out Orphan Island

Orphan Island vs OCDaniel

Orphan Island is a beautifully written novel about 9 kids who are mysteriously put on an island. Every year, at the same time, a child arrives and a child leaves. No reason is given for why the children are picked, which leaves me hoping for a sequel! The island feeds them and sustains them. The eldest child is the leader and cares for the newly arrived child. The pictures this author paints and the setting of the island make this an easy to read book with some deep thinking ideas. The book is told from Jinny's point of view. She has just lost her best friend, he had to leave, and gained a care that she now has to teach how to survive, at the same time figuring out how to be leader. It is an awesome book that explores the topic of prepubescent and the angst, confusion, worry, and a feeling of larger world that can come along with it. Unfortunately for this wonderful book the lack of answers has us voting for...

OCDaniel is about a 13 year old boy who has undiagnosed OCD. It is written from his point of view and talks about his struggle with OCD, trying to fit in, trying to hide his "zaps" from everyone and playing the back up punter on the school football team. It talks about the struggle and exhaustion that Daniel experiences while going through his daily routines and the fear that if he doesn't do it just right, death may come knocking. One night he spends up to 4 hours doing his bed time routine. It is part autobiographical and the author does such a wonderful job of filling us in on the real struggle with OCD and the real consequences and panic attacks that can come with it. It is also about how a family, wanting a "normal" child can turn a blind eye to what is going on. This is a wicked book that talks about a subject that is not normally written about. As if that's not enough, the author throws in a little murder mystery and humour. 

Both books are awesome for div 2 and up. 

The Hate U Give comes out ahead

I agree with my reading partner - this was a brutally tough choice.  salt to the sea revealed a part of our World War II history that I have never known.  I have studied the Holocaust, met Holocaust survivors, been to the concentration camp museums in Europe and this book added a new level of war sorrow.  I started talking with my eleven year old, while and after reading the book, about Stalin and together we looked for more information about the evil that he embodied.

salt to the sea started the race as a favorite because of my love of history because I naively hoped that I could be part of the solution before another atrocities.  Naïve yes, but information is power.  This story increased my understanding of the complexities for everyone involved.  The use of multiple narrators was captivating and very engaging and created characters I hated, Alfred, yet I could see Alfred reflected in our world today. The themes of courage and risk, love and integrity gripped me.  When I found out that the boats did actually exist and so many thousands lost their lives I was devastated.  I was outraged that governments use their power to hurt so many!  Again I was hit in the face with the reality that things may not changed in the last 70 years as much I had hoped.  I loved this novel and even hugged it when I cried at the end.

The Hate U Give was equally enticing and gripping.  I replayed the recent news in my head after finishing each chapter.  I heard the voices of African American colleagues from the US that talk about this world I have only experienced once.  As part of The Freedom Writer Teachers there are many ethnic groups represented at our conferences. At one conference we had just finished the museum at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.  relishing in the section dedicated to the same Freedom Writers I was now with.

Upon leaving the museum, Melvin an African American Freedom Writer was searched for an extended period of time, even though he was wearing identification that identified him as an original Freedom Writer.  I was standing behind him and was aghast at how thoroughly he was searched and then horrified when I was next and they did not search me at all.  I did not have to open my bag, as Melvin had, I did not have to spread my legs to be body searched, as Melvin had. The greatest irony was that I had forgotten to pay for a T-shirt in the gift shop and was walking out with unpaid merchandise.  I had paid for the other 7 items but had been in such a rush I forgot about the t-shirt under my arm.

The Hate U Give is beautifully crafted and told from the teenager point of view that always touches my heart. This novel is so relevant so it is the one I have chosen to move forward.