Mod. 8- Frequently Challenged/Banned Book: Unwind

Unwind by Neal Shusterman is a thought provoking speculative fiction/science fiction title in a future world much different from now. Unwind contains unique characters whom you will follow on their fugitive journey. Watch my book talk below to learn why you should read this challenged book.

Excerpt: 

"The date on the order was the day before the Bahamas trip.  He was going off to be unwound, and they were going on vacation to make themselves feel better about it."

More info on why Unwind was challenged

Reference

Shusterman, N. (2009). Unwind. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Mod. 7- Graphic Novel: Speak

The realistic fiction graphic novel Speak tells the story of one teen girl's plight to find her voice after a traumatic event. Watch the book talk to learn why you should read this book.

Excerpt: 

"The snow settles on rooftops like powdered sugar on a gingerbread town.  

It covers up yesterday's slush too."

Reference

Anderson, L. H. (2018). Speak: The graphic novel (2nd ed.). Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr).

Mod. 7- Manga: Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid

The manga (Japanese comic book) title Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid is an intriguing tale of dragons living in the human world. The quirky characters and lightening quick dialog will have you seeking the next volume in no time! View my book talk below to learn more about the tale.

Excerpt: 

"Tohru...I'm glad that you're helping out with the housekeeping, but... you know..."

"You want me to lick you clean instead?  Should I start there?"

"NO!"

Reference

Coolkyoushinja. (2016). Miss Kobayashi’s dragon maid: vol. 1. Seven Seas Entertainment.

Mod 7- Graphic Novel Display

Graphic Novel Displays in Destiny Discover Collections

Click for Destiny Collection: (DHS) Something for Everyone: Graphic Novels. 

A High School graphic novel collection for more mature young adult readers.  Check out the assortment of genres hand selected for your reading pleasure.  Access PDF here!

Click for Destiny Collection:  (WIS) A Graphic Novel for Everyone!  

A junior high graphic novel collection with a young adult interest.  Titles were hand selected to cover a variety of interests.  You'll be sure to find a match.  Available in PDF here.  

Bonus- Diverse Representation: Love from A to Z

The book Love From A to Z by S.K. Ali is a fabulous realistic fiction love story about two culturally diverse individuals from different backgrounds who share the Muslim religion in common. I had SO much to say about this book, I couldn't get it under 90 seconds no matter HOW I tried. So worth the read, view my book talk here:

Excerpt:

"Maybe that’s what living is-- recognizing the marvels and oddities around you.”

Reference

Ali, S. K. (2019). Love from a to z. Salaam Reads.

Mod. 6- Quick Read: Be Not Far From Me

The book Be Not Far From Me by Mindy McGinnis is a MUST read if you like survival stories.  Please watch my book talk below to learn about Ashley and her quest for survival in the Rocky Mountains after a camping trip gone wrong.  I highly recommend the audiobook version of this book for the excellent narration that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Excerpt: 

"We live in a place where geography can not only kill you, but also dictates your friends."

More books by Mindy McGinnis

References

McGinnis, M. (2020). Be not far from me (Audiobook). Katherine Tegen Books.

McGinnis, M. (2020). Be not far from me. Katherine Tegen Books.

Mod. 5- Informational Book: Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi is an informational book on a pressing social issue:  racism.  The book is a self proclaimed "remix" of the book Stamped from the Beginning by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi.  The end of the book contains a robust section for further reading if you find this topic intriguing.  Watch my book talk below to learn more about why you should read this book!

Excerpt:

"This isn't a history book.  Or, at least, it's not that kind of history book.  Instead, what this is, is a book that contains history.  A history directly connected to our lives as we live them right this minute.  This is a present book.  A book about the here and now."

Reference

Reynolds, J., & Kendi, I. X. (2020). Stamped : racism, antiracism, and you. Bold Type Books.

Mod. 4- Diverse Representation: Patron Saints of Nothing

Patron Saints of Nothing is a realistic fiction murder mystery novel by Randy Ribay.  This tale of courage, culture, and family secrets is a must read!  See my book talk below.

Excerpt:

"My family, myself, this world- all of us are flawed.  But flawed doesn't mean hopeless, it doesn't mean forsaken.  It doesn't mean lost.

Reference

Ribay, R. (2019). Patron saints of nothing. Kokila.

Bonus- Diverse Representation & Quick Read: Long Way Down

Long Way Down is a realistic fiction novel written in verse by Jason Reynolds.  This compelling story of loss and revenge is a must read!  I recommend reading the ebook version, you won't be able to put it down until it is finished.  Watch my book talk below to learn more.

Excerpt:  

"IN CASE YOU AIN'T KNOW,

gunshots make everybody

deaf and blind especially

when they make somebody

dead.

Best to become invisible 

in times like these.

Everybody knows that."

More books by Jason Reynolds

Reference

Reynolds, J. (2018). Long way down. Faber & Faber.

Mod. 3- Fantastic Fiction: Scythe, Arc of a Scythe Trilogy

Check out my book talk on Scythe by Neal Shusterman.  If you like dystopian novels, you are going to enjoy this tale of intrigue.  This book is part of the Arc of a Scythe trilogy, including Thunderhead and The Toll.

Excerpt:  

"He outlined for them the seven basic methods of killcraft.  "Most common are the three Bs: blade, bullet, and blunt force.  The next three are asphyxiation, poison, and catastrophic induction, such as electrocution or fire-- although I find fire a horrific way to glean and would never use it.  The final method is weaponless force, which is why we train you in Bokator.""

More info on the Arc of Scythe trilogy here.

Reference

Shusterman, N. (2016). Scythe. Simon & Schuster Books.

Mod. 2- Popular (Bestselling) Realistic or Historical Fiction: Monday's Not Coming

Monday's Not Coming, by Tiffany D. Jackson, is a best selling realistic fiction novel.  You must read this book, you won't regret it!  Check out the book talk below.

Excerpt:

"Back at home, I tried Monday's number again, and the same automatic lady told me I was wrong. I slammed the phone down with a scream. I wasn't wrong! We've been friends forever. I knew her more than I new myself: her favorite color was pink, she loved crab legs and corn on the cob, hated running late, and was allergic to peanuts. Knowing all this, I couldn't ignore that voice shouting in my ear.

Something was wrong."

Coretta Scott King Award

Reference

Jackson, T. D. (2018). Monday’s Not Coming. Katherine Tegen Books.

Book vs. Movie: The Giver

 Available in the the Fresno County Public Library system!  Read or listen to The Giver and then watch the movie to compare which you think is best.

References

Lowry, L. (2003). The Giver. HMH Books.

Lowry, L., & Rifkin, R. (2006). The Giver. Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group.

Noyce, P. (2014, November 14). The Giver. Starz Digital.

Mod. 1- Award Winning: Written in the Stars

Hello!  Today I'll be sharing my quick book talk on the California Young Reader Medal young adult winner for 2019, Written in the Stars by Aisha Saeed.  

Excerpt:

"Besides, we can control many things. But not whom we marry. Our marriage was written before we ever existed.  We could no more keep this marriage from taking place that we could control the weather."

Reference

Saeed, A. (2015). Written in the stars. Speak, imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.

Book Trailer: One of Us is Lying

Scan the following QR code to watch the riveting book trailer I created for One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus.  You will enjoy reading this "who did it" story that will keep you on your toes until the very end.

Reference

McManus, K. (2017). One of us is lying. Penguin Books.

Young Adult Literature

 Hello!  Starting November 2020, I will share various selections in young adult literature.  Hope you enjoy my perspective and interpretation and find something you would like to read!