Sanchez, A. Bait. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2009. ISBN# 978-146937722. 239 pgs. $16.99. (from amazon.com)
Imagine being BAIT. Imagine being chased by a shark every night in your dreams.
BAIT is the story of Diego MacMann, a troubled teen. He is so troubled that Diego dreams a shark is attacking him almost every night. Diego didn’t know his real father, his grandmother died when he was five and his mother remarried when Diego was 5 years old. Diego’s step-dad, named MacMann, committed suicide in the garage a few years back. Clearly, Diego has had his share of difficulties. And what is even more saddening is that Diego blames himself for them. He even inflicts pain on himself to forget the pain he’s been through, but the high is only temporary. The scars are not - he has scars on his arms and chest from cutting himself with a shark tooth that his stepdad gave him on a fishing trip and he hides them. But, why did MacMann commit suicide? Was it Diego’s fault? His mother now has to work two jobs to support Diego and his little brother Eddie. Diego has quite a temper and lashes out at anyone who calls him gay. He has two assault charges for it. Diego winds up on probation and spends some time in juvie. Most times, the offender is guilty of attacking another person, but sometimes, the offender is BAIT. Through much disclosure of his past to his probation officer we learn about Diego’s difficulties. The story is not all about tragedy though– but it was all part of Diego figuring out who he is – and who is in control – before he becomes the BAIT.
I would recommend this book for high school teenagers and for anyone who wants to learn not just to tolerate differences in others but to accept and value differences in others. This book would allow for self-reflection. You cannot read this book without feeling sadness for Diego's experiences, but also without feeling compassion for those who have similar past. One thing I always say: "Never let your past dictate your future." If you need help, get the help you need and always love and accept yourself for who you are.
Other Information: Alex Sanchez writes about issues that real teens face everyday. Maybe you might be in a position where you might need some resources for something you are going through. Check out some of Sanchez's resources on his website.
Smith, R. I,Q:
Washington, D.C. Book Two. New York: Sleeping Bear Press, 2010. ISBN# 978-1585364565. 256 pgs. $10.85 (from amazon.com)
“Q” or Quest and Angela have found themselves in the middle
of attempts to catch terrorists plotting against the White House.Angela’s mother, Malak, who was a U.S. secret service agent, was thought to have died in the line of duty. But Angela and Q discover she is alive - and she is posing as
her twin sister – who was a real terrorist! Malak was believed to be dead - but it was really her evil twin sister who was killed in Book One.They call Malak's twin “the Leopard” - and rather than Malak give up on her hunt to stop the terrorists she pretends to be the Leopard, which will allow her to unfold the secret ghost cells of terrorists. There are a host of terrorists just
hiding and waiting for their next mission to be sent to them.Meanwhile, Angela (a young secret service
agent in training) and “Q” are wrapped into this while on music tour with their completely clueless newly wedded parents!Their music
tour is headed right for the White House – and Q and Angela find themselves in a position to help save
the President’s son!
This book has another mystery to solve and with all the suspense
and historical information it is sure to thrill you!That is if you like unfolding the truths about fake identities,
secret passages in the White House, card tricks and terroristic threats. When you finish, you will want to begin Book Three right away which is set to release on September 1, 2012!
Whitney, D. The Mockingbirds. New York: Hachette Book Group,
2010. ISBN #978-0-316-09053-7. Price $12.31. (available from amazon.com)
Accolades:
A Romantic Times Best Book of 2010
A Best Book for Young Adults - American Library Association
An NPR Best Book of 2010
An Association of Booksellers for Children New voices Pick for 2010
Chicago Public Library Best of Best Books for Teens in 2010
Northern California Independent Booksellers Association Book of the Year Award Honorable Mention
An Indie Next List Pick
A GoodReads Mover and Shaker for November 2010
The Books-A-Million teen book club pick for January 2011
(http://daisywhitney.com/mynovels/)
This is the story of a
Themis Academy Junior – an aspiring Julliard pianist. Her name is Alex. We instantly jump right into learning about her experiences and it is something traumatic. The story begins with Alex waking up in chapter 1 in an unknown bedroom of a boys dormitory. We find out later as the details unfold in the story that we see that she had sex that night, but it wasn't consensual. She was date raped. She is confused, scared, even feeling guilty and she begins by trying to hide all of this, but then she discusses this with her roommate and her older sister. They suggest turning to the Mockingbirds. Alex thought they were a choir group. But who are they really? She has never known much about them, but she finds out a lot more. Her older sister actually started the group. She meets with the board of the Mockingbirds (one of which is a friend of hers named Martin) and through much discussion and debate she decides to go through with a trial - she will fight for what she believes is right - she will stand up against this and in doing so she will stand up for other girls who have perhaps had a similar experience but did not come forward. Alex goes through with a trial of her peers and of her victimizer but it isn't easy - people talk, and gossip, but students run the Mockingbirds and students decide the punishments. Teachers, parents - they are an after thought because they just don't know that things like this go on and if they did, they wouldn't be able to help. Through the trial and all of the events as they unfold in the story, Alex finds inner strength with the support of her friends, roommates and even her music. She even finds a boyfriend unexpectedly.
This is one incredible story of a young girl who experiences something very difficult and looks to get some help in a perhaps unique way - from her classmates and a secret group called the Mockingbirds. This story, over 330 pages, seemed like the quickest read - and it might help that the story is told by someone with a similar experience. Author Daisy Whitney experienced something similar back in 1990. Alex might have been at a boarding school where these types of things just do not happen, but Author Whitney was date raped in 1990 when she was a freshman at Brown University. This is a book with a worthy message: speak up and stand up for what is right, even in the face of trials and struggles.
In the back of the book there are resources for students who
would read this book who might need support in standing up for their rights.
By connecting with Alex, girls can realize their own power in telling their
stories and standing for justice – for Alex, it wasn’t about winning a case, but it
was about seeking justice for something wrong that happened to her. It wouldn't make it right, but it helped her move on.
My book recommendations: I know you will love this debut novel The Mockingbirds and want to read it's sequel, so check out The Rivals by Daisy Whitney (published in Feb. 2012) Also, this book references To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Check them both out!
Shakur, T. The Rose
that grew from Concrete. New
York: Pocket books: 1999. ISBN:
0-671-02844-8. 149 pgs. $7.67 (from amazon.com)
After Tupac’s death in 1996, this book of poems was introduced in 1999. Tupac’s writing is on the left side of the page (sometimes
with illustrations) next to a typed version of the same poem on the right hand
side of the page.There are 4
sections of this book described below.
1st section: “The rose that grew from concrete”These poems show a spiritual side to Tupac.He dedicates several poems to God, his
friends, family or other celebrities. Tupac was never willing to quit achieving, reaching, striving
for his goals even when it was tough.
2nd section: “Nothing Can Come Between Us”Many of these poems he dedicates to someone close to him and even signs
the bottom of the page.He writes
about heartache and passion, faithfulness and unfaithfulness, kisses and tears,
and a love that will last forever.Maybe he wasn’t just a gangster rapper.
3rd section: “Just
a Breath of Freedom”In this
section he dedicates poems to Nelson Mandela, fallen friends, stars or
heroes.He writes about
topics like unemployment, drugs, poverty, pain, teenage mothers, and racism.He writes with a sense of pride and
dignity that he will make it through despite all odds against him.
4th section: “Liberty Needs Glasses”His poem titled “Liberty Needs Glasses” is clever and sheds light on
injustice in our world.This section of the book also contains
several of his most difficult poems to read – about the dangers in his life,
how he felt alone, confused, and abused in no-win situations with days and
nightmares filled with anger and hate.
My recommendation: This is a must read for 2pac fans, for adults and for teens alike – get to know this talented rapper Tupac on a
personal level! In the mean time,
keep your head up!
Here is an interview from youtube on 2Pac's thoughts on
Plenty of movies allow us the experience.....Well, this book Backtracked will allow you to travel in time if you are interested!
Alcantara, P. Backtracked.
New York: Delacorte Press: 2009.
ISBN: 9780385734196 256 pgs. $5.99 (Order from amazon.com)
Accolades: "Pedro de Alcantara creates a heartwarming story of loss and self discovery. . . . Readers will find themselves fascinated with de Alcantara’s use of true historical events and his obvious adoration for New York. Overall, this is a fantastic read for young and old alike."— Pick of the Month, ALAN (Assembly on Literature for Adolescents) (from http://www.pedrodealcantara.com/backtracked/)
My Review:
Tommy Latrella is the younger brother of a lost firefighter hero
from the 9-11 attacks. Tommy has
had a hard time dealing with his brother’s death after he died. He has been lashing out on his parents,
his teachers and also skipping school.
He can’t seem to live up to any expectations of those teachers at
Xaverian in Bay Village – he is never as good as his older brother. He escapes his lot in life by riding
the subways and he even tries to make his mark by spraying graffiti all over the
city. One day he rides the subway all night and he gets into a lot of trouble
with his parents when he comes home. He decides to run away, but at the time, he didn’t know how
far he would go – he winds up in the year 1918! Latrella, or “Wig Latrella” as he would be called,
experiences quite a bit of adventure in this book. That is if you consider serving jail time, living in a run
down tenement apartment, working with Italian immigrants to dig subway tunnels,
experiencing life in the Great Depression by living in a Hooverville an
adventure. As if that wan’t enough
adventure for Tommy, he had to take a job working for the mob during
Prohibition and he joined the army as a paratrooper in WWII in 1942. Each place he travels, he learns
and experiences the time period and the differences in culture, setting and
personalities of those around him.
He is challenged and gains valuable life experiences in each time all
the while appreciating his family, friends and school even more upon his
return.
This book is historically accurate and allows for you - the
reader - to experience life back in 1918, life in the Depression and even life
in WWII. I would recommend this
book to anyone who is interested in experiencing life as a time traveler! Time travel has always been something I
enjoy thinking about. If you are
the type who likes to talk to your grandparents about what it was like “back in
the day”– this book will provide you with a way to experience what those in the
past experienced. Also, it might
even provide you, like it did Tommy, with an appreciation for those who have
gone before us and experienced real hardship and struggle. Tommy feels empowered through his
struggles in the many places he time traveled – he was able to fit in a new
place in time without a dime in his pocket, only the shirt on his back, and
sometimes without shoes on his feet!
Upon Tommy’s return to present time he knew he had to make changes– and
he did. Through Tommy’s experiences,
we can grow in value of our own circumstances in life and be grateful for the
struggle that others endured so that we might have all that we do. Recommended for teens from middle school through high school and even young adults. If you enjoy time traveling, historically accurate novels and adventure, then this book is for you!
Check out Tommy Latrella's World on this flickr slideshow.
About the Author: (from the back book flap)
Pedro de Alcantara (http://www.pedrodealcantara.com/)
is a Brazilian musician who lives in Paris. He started riding the subways in New York when he was 19
years old and freshly arrived in the U.S. from his hometown of Sao Paulo,
Brazil. Ever since, he’s wanted to
tell a story about a young man in a hostile city whose best friend is the
subway. His first novel for young
people, Befiddled, is available from
Yearling Books. Read about it here on Alcantara's website: Befiddled.
Questions to reflect
on:
What were Tommy’s experiences like prior to time
travel?
Describe Tommy’s experiences during time travel.
Which time period was the hardest for Tommy and
why?
Which time period had the greatest impact on
Tommy and why?
How did Tommy change throughout the story in
each experience?
Smith, R. I, Q: Independence Hall.Chelsea, Mich.: Sleeping Bear Press, 2008. ISBN# 978-1585364688, 302 pgs. $6.82 (from amazon.com).
"I really enjoy Roland Smith's books. This particular one is an exhilarating thriller that will keep you on your toes."
-Jake N., Age 14
This mystery/thriller will keep you on the edge of your
seat. This book, almost 300 pages,
leaves you wanting more –and there is a Book Two! (Washington, D.C.) In this adventure you will follow “Q” or Quest along with
his new step-sister – Angela tagging along with their newly wedded parents. Their
parents are famous singers and the book starts off with a this new family heading west from California for a musical tour. The parents are a little out of touch because of their new
fame - all the interviews, tv shows and concerns are keeping them busy. The kids are left under the
care of “Boone,” an old roadie.
Or, so they thought. As the
plot thickens, you will learn that these two bond over the most serious situation and fast! Their lives depend on it and they are not only quick-witted, and skilled, but they can and do outwit some of the best secret agents out there.
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in
mystery or suspense! Think that kids can’t run from the government or understand political motives? Think again. If you read this book, you are in for a thrill.
Here is a you tube trailer created by a class for a project on Book One!
If you are interested in buying a copy of this book:
(from amazon.com: In addition to his action adventure books, Roland is the author of many award-winning books for children includingJourney of the Red Wolf; The Captain’s Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe;andThunder Cave,which was a 1996 Notable Children’s Trade Book in the field of Social Studies. His books with Sleeping Bear Press includeW is for Waves: An Ocean Alphabet; Z is for Zookeeper: A Zoo Alphabet;andN is for our Nation’s Capital: A Washington, DC Alphabet. Roland lives near Portland, Oregon.)
Here were some reviews of I,Q, Book One, Independence Hall
from the back book cover of the book:
A blend of adventure, suspense, intelligently imagined
charactesr and terrific authorial sleight-of-hand will keep readers engaged as
the kids solve the mystery in this series opener. –Kirkus Reviews
Roland smith has out-done himself with I.Q. He’s an American
Ian Fleming for teens, or any other reader who can’t resist a great suspense
story. – Terry Treuman, a Michael L.
Printz Award for Excellent in Young Adult Literature Honoree
It was a pleasure to read a book for middle schoolers that
is fast-paced, with great characters and dialogue, where the author cleverly restrains
the amount of gadgetry, gore, and personal grief, and relies on plot and
characters to write a ripping good thriller. – Dara La Porte, Children’s and Teens Department Manager, Politics and
Prose Bookstore, Washington, D.C.
Questions to reflect on:
How did Angela and Q’s relationship as step-brother and
step-sister develop? Describe the steps.
Who did you have a hard time trusting while reading this book?
If you were Boone, or Eben, what might you say to your supervisor about the events in Philadelphia?
Describe the angel and the leopard.
Are you interested in reviewing the book? Please write a review!!!!
