Bacigalupi, Paolo. (2010) Ship breaker. 5Q 3P M J S
Ship Breaker brings to the forefront the devastation of centuries of global warming and its affect on the Gulf Coast. Nailer, a teenage boy, lives in this harsh world and survives by climbing into the broken ships of years past looking for copper wiring. His mother died years ago and he is left with a drug addicted father who cares so little for him that he is willing to kill him for money and information. Nailer has a "family" of sorts drawn together by circumstances and true affection all the while looking out for each other and trying to survive on the beaches of the Gulf Coast.
Nailer's future changes when he comes upon a clipper ship that can be broken down for far more than just the copper wiring. In the process he meets a young teenage girl from a wealthy family who owns the ship. Now he must decide whether to help this girl return to her family in the hope of receiving a reward for his effort or break the ship apart knowing that it will allow him and his makeshift family to have a better life.
40 Development Assets: External: other adult relationships. Internal: caring, equality and social justice, integrity, honesty, responsibility, restraint, planning and decision making.
Heiligman, Deborah. (2010) Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith.
5Q 4P J S
At one point in his early twenties Charles Darwin believed that he would become a preacher but life's circumstances took him in another direction. This book sheds light on his scientific discoveries equally mixing the details of his happy marriage to his first cousin, Emma Wedgwood, and their harmonious family life.
Amazingly his wife's strong religious beliefs helped Charles with his scientific study. Often he would turn to her as his editor to give him advice on how to best word his scientific information to cause the least amount of public backlash. Contrary to popular lore, he did not believe that humans evolved from apes, but that all species have evolved over time; adapting to their environments for survival. Emma struggled with Charles' Theory of Evolution but her love for him and her belief in the value of his work to him-allowed Emma to support Charles in his scientific study and writing while holding on to her religious beliefs.
40 Development Assets: This book and the lives of Charles and Emma Darwin are examples of every developmental asset.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
YA-Alex Award
Rosoff, Meg. (2009) The Bride's Farewell. 5Q 5P JS
The prospects for a young woman of the mid 1800's England, especially for a woman from a poor family, are meager and Pell Ridley knows this to be true of her life. She has watched her mother try to hold their family together while their phanlandering father, who claims to be a preacher, cannot conduct himself respectfully enough to support the family. On the day Pell is to be wed she flees her family and home, unwittingly taking her young, mute brother with her as she searches for a life without the restrictions of marriage and family.
During her journey she encounters and travels with a gypsy family, but must part their company when her brother disappears and she must find him. Ultimately Pell learns how her choices affect others but does find peace with her brother and a new beginning.
40 Developmental Assets: External: Positive Values; caring, equality and social justice, responsibility. Social Competencies; planning and decision making, resistance skills.
The Bride's Farewell
The prospects for a young woman of the mid 1800's England, especially for a woman from a poor family, are meager and Pell Ridley knows this to be true of her life. She has watched her mother try to hold their family together while their phanlandering father, who claims to be a preacher, cannot conduct himself respectfully enough to support the family. On the day Pell is to be wed she flees her family and home, unwittingly taking her young, mute brother with her as she searches for a life without the restrictions of marriage and family.
During her journey she encounters and travels with a gypsy family, but must part their company when her brother disappears and she must find him. Ultimately Pell learns how her choices affect others but does find peace with her brother and a new beginning.
40 Developmental Assets: External: Positive Values; caring, equality and social justice, responsibility. Social Competencies; planning and decision making, resistance skills.
The Bride's Farewell
YA-Graphic Novel
Mori, Kaoru. (2006). Emma. 4Q 5P JS
Emma is a Victorian maid to a spinster and former live in governess who is seemingly distant with little kindness for Emma. Emma is a bit clumsy at times and in true form she mistakenly opens the door and nearly crushes the visitor's nose. This male visitor, William, was the charge of Emma's spinster boss as a boy and has come to visit his formergoverness. While visiting he becomes intrigued with Emma. In Victorian society a maid would not be a likely partner for an upper class young man-yet this young man begins to persue Emma knowing that class distintions would not allow for such a match.
This is the first in this graphic novel series by Mori. Currently this series contains eight volumes, is translated from Japanese and is read back to front, right to left. There is a Japanese television series with English subtitles based on the Emma graphic novels.
40 Developmental Assets: External: boundaries and expectations. Internal: positive values; caring equality and social justice, intergrity, honesty, responsibility, restraint.
Emma
Emma is a Victorian maid to a spinster and former live in governess who is seemingly distant with little kindness for Emma. Emma is a bit clumsy at times and in true form she mistakenly opens the door and nearly crushes the visitor's nose. This male visitor, William, was the charge of Emma's spinster boss as a boy and has come to visit his formergoverness. While visiting he becomes intrigued with Emma. In Victorian society a maid would not be a likely partner for an upper class young man-yet this young man begins to persue Emma knowing that class distintions would not allow for such a match.
This is the first in this graphic novel series by Mori. Currently this series contains eight volumes, is translated from Japanese and is read back to front, right to left. There is a Japanese television series with English subtitles based on the Emma graphic novels.
40 Developmental Assets: External: boundaries and expectations. Internal: positive values; caring equality and social justice, intergrity, honesty, responsibility, restraint.
Emma
Monday, April 11, 2011
YA-Best Fiction for Young Adults- The Sky is Everywhere
The Sky is Everywhere (2010) Nelson, Jandy. 5Q, 4P, J S
What do you do when your older sister unexpectantly dies? Your life doesn’t stop, but you feel like it should. Somehow you continue to smile and laugh but feel guilty for feeling anything but grief. What do you do when the only person who feels your pain as deeply as you is your dead sister’s boyfriend? How can you feel this strong emotionally attachment and attraction to him? Aren’t you being disloyal to your sister? What about the new boy in band class who brings happiness and pleasure and takes you out of your sorrow?
Meet Lennie who has lived happily in the shadow of her sister Bailey until she unexpectantly dies at the age of 17. Meet Toby, Bailey's boyfriend who understands Lennie’s grief and brings with him the darkness of his own grief. They feel that if they are together they can somehow bring Bailey back. Meet Joe the new boy in school who brings Lennie the light and comfort that she needs and wants to help her heal. Somehow Lennie has to make it through this difficult time-but how?
40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents: External Assets of family support and positive family communication. Internal Assets of Positive Values, caring, honesty, responsibility.
YA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers-Fiction
Perfect Chemistry. (2008) Elkeles, Simone. 4Q, 4P, S. (Fast Read)
Simone Elkeles has written a modern version of Romeo and Juliet combined with that old saying, "You can never judge a book by its cover."
Brittney and Alex couldn't be any more different if they tried. Brittney is popular with the perfect boyfriend, excellent grades that will get her into the college of her dreams, and an only child with all of the advantages that an upper class life provides in suburban Chicago. Alex, or Alejandro, is the oldest brother and head of his family, who joins the neighborhood gang to protect his family while still trying to stay true to himself and what he wants out of life. Brittney and Alex are from opposite sides of the tracks and believe without ever talking to each other, that they have nothing in common until they are brought together by their Chemistry teacher to complete a project. When they begin the project they have many prejudices and obstacles that seem too powerful to overcome to even be friends, or so they think.
40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents: Internal Assets: Commitment to Learning and sub-headings, Positive Values and sub-headings.
Jumping Off Swings. (2009) Knowles, Jo.
Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles tells the story of four teens, Ellie, Caleb, Corinne and Josh as they each experience the same event but in different ways. The story alternates from voice to voice as Ellie longs for the simple days of jumping off swings in the local park with her best friend Corinne. Instead she is faced with stares and ridicule from classmates and her parents. Corinne stands by her friend but feels the pull of her first experience of love with Josh, but hides her feelings from Ellie to save her from any more emotional pain. Josh and Caleb are friends and have been since kindergarten, but find that they are being pulled apart by changing views about relationships.
Maybe there will be another time for Ellie and Corinne to spend at the park cheerfully Jumping Off Swings until then everything is up in the air.
40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents: External Assets of Boundaries and Expectations, adult role models and positive peer influence.
Simone Elkeles has written a modern version of Romeo and Juliet combined with that old saying, "You can never judge a book by its cover."
Brittney and Alex couldn't be any more different if they tried. Brittney is popular with the perfect boyfriend, excellent grades that will get her into the college of her dreams, and an only child with all of the advantages that an upper class life provides in suburban Chicago. Alex, or Alejandro, is the oldest brother and head of his family, who joins the neighborhood gang to protect his family while still trying to stay true to himself and what he wants out of life. Brittney and Alex are from opposite sides of the tracks and believe without ever talking to each other, that they have nothing in common until they are brought together by their Chemistry teacher to complete a project. When they begin the project they have many prejudices and obstacles that seem too powerful to overcome to even be friends, or so they think.
40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents: Internal Assets: Commitment to Learning and sub-headings, Positive Values and sub-headings.
Jumping Off Swings. (2009) Knowles, Jo.
Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles tells the story of four teens, Ellie, Caleb, Corinne and Josh as they each experience the same event but in different ways. The story alternates from voice to voice as Ellie longs for the simple days of jumping off swings in the local park with her best friend Corinne. Instead she is faced with stares and ridicule from classmates and her parents. Corinne stands by her friend but feels the pull of her first experience of love with Josh, but hides her feelings from Ellie to save her from any more emotional pain. Josh and Caleb are friends and have been since kindergarten, but find that they are being pulled apart by changing views about relationships.
Maybe there will be another time for Ellie and Corinne to spend at the park cheerfully Jumping Off Swings until then everything is up in the air.
40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents: External Assets of Boundaries and Expectations, adult role models and positive peer influence.
My Birthday
Today is my birthday! I shout it loud and proud and will even tell you that I am 43! WhooHoo! If you grew up in a big family-then you know that you have to advertise your birthday with the forcefulness and determination of -I don't know-a preacher saving us from the fires of hell, or no one will care or even remember. I have a bet with my kids: Will my mother remember to call me today? Still waiting and it is almost 2 p.m.. Well it won't be the first time. This is why I advertise it but I guess I forgot to remind her when I wished her a happy birthday two weeks ago. My fault if she doesn't call.
Anyway, my husband complains jokingly, I think, that my birthday isn't just one day but it is stretched out for at least one week. I have heard other members of big families can stretch theirs out for one month, but I'll take a week. So last night, the night before my official birthday, because the celebration week had begun, my family and our friends and their crew went to Mellow Mushroom for dinner. Good time, and while we were there a clown/balloon lady was working for tips. All six kids got balloons and I got a crown. A lovely pink and green balloon crown with silver beads that I wore in the restaurant and, of course, to work today. The story time 2-3 year olds were not too fazed by it because an adult with a balloon crown fits into their visions of the world-the parents were secretly jealous.
The celebration continues tonight with warm brownies and vanilla bean ice cream with whipped topping, caramel sauce and walnuts and presents. You can come if you want but you have to bring dinner-for the entire week-it's my birthday and I don't think I should ruin my birthday crown with such meaningless tasks. I will leave that to the peasantry.
Anyway, my husband complains jokingly, I think, that my birthday isn't just one day but it is stretched out for at least one week. I have heard other members of big families can stretch theirs out for one month, but I'll take a week. So last night, the night before my official birthday, because the celebration week had begun, my family and our friends and their crew went to Mellow Mushroom for dinner. Good time, and while we were there a clown/balloon lady was working for tips. All six kids got balloons and I got a crown. A lovely pink and green balloon crown with silver beads that I wore in the restaurant and, of course, to work today. The story time 2-3 year olds were not too fazed by it because an adult with a balloon crown fits into their visions of the world-the parents were secretly jealous.
The celebration continues tonight with warm brownies and vanilla bean ice cream with whipped topping, caramel sauce and walnuts and presents. You can come if you want but you have to bring dinner-for the entire week-it's my birthday and I don't think I should ruin my birthday crown with such meaningless tasks. I will leave that to the peasantry.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
YA Fantasy/Sci Fi. "Life As We Knew It" by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Life as We Knew It. Pfeffer, Susan Beth. (2006). 4Q 5P J S
This book is the first in a series by Pfeffer titled, The Last Survivors. It is sad and sometimes funny but you feel compelled to read the story of Miranda and her family as they try to survive their day to day life and hardships after a world changing disaster. You root for them, feel their pain, want to give them advice but more than anything you imagine yourself in the situations that Miranda and her family now find themselves in and wonder what you would do to survive.
Miranda is a typical teenage girls with typical teenage issues. Her parents are divorced and her father and his new wife are expecting a baby and Miranda is excited to be a step sister. She and her mother seem to argue, sometimes heatedly, over many mundane issues. But her biggest problem is tracking the whereabouts and events surrounding the local ice staking heartthrob from her Pennsylvania town that may be eligible for the next Olympics. Of course, there is talk about the meteor that is schedule to hit the moon in May but no one, including scientists, seem concerned about the possible affects to the Earth.
On the evening that the meteor is predicted to hit the Earth, Miranda, her family and neighbors meet in the road with chairs and snacks to watch the event. When the meteor finally hits it is immediately obvious that the result is not going to be good. The moon is too close to the Earth and within weeks the climate is changing. There are hurricanes and tsunamis, endless rain, cold weather, snow and volcanoes. Now Miranda's problems are bigger and more life threatening than she could have ever imagined. The question isn't can Miranda and her family survive, but how long can they survive.
This book is a great example of two developmental assets; planning and decision making and responsibility. Miranda had to grow up fast and make plans and decisions that she never imagined would fall on her shoulders.
This book is the first in a series by Pfeffer titled, The Last Survivors. It is sad and sometimes funny but you feel compelled to read the story of Miranda and her family as they try to survive their day to day life and hardships after a world changing disaster. You root for them, feel their pain, want to give them advice but more than anything you imagine yourself in the situations that Miranda and her family now find themselves in and wonder what you would do to survive.
Miranda is a typical teenage girls with typical teenage issues. Her parents are divorced and her father and his new wife are expecting a baby and Miranda is excited to be a step sister. She and her mother seem to argue, sometimes heatedly, over many mundane issues. But her biggest problem is tracking the whereabouts and events surrounding the local ice staking heartthrob from her Pennsylvania town that may be eligible for the next Olympics. Of course, there is talk about the meteor that is schedule to hit the moon in May but no one, including scientists, seem concerned about the possible affects to the Earth.
On the evening that the meteor is predicted to hit the Earth, Miranda, her family and neighbors meet in the road with chairs and snacks to watch the event. When the meteor finally hits it is immediately obvious that the result is not going to be good. The moon is too close to the Earth and within weeks the climate is changing. There are hurricanes and tsunamis, endless rain, cold weather, snow and volcanoes. Now Miranda's problems are bigger and more life threatening than she could have ever imagined. The question isn't can Miranda and her family survive, but how long can they survive.
This book is a great example of two developmental assets; planning and decision making and responsibility. Miranda had to grow up fast and make plans and decisions that she never imagined would fall on her shoulders.
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