Crank by Ellen Hopkins

I picked this book up on a whim, because it looked different. The book is wrriten in free verse which I wasn't even sure if I would like, but thought I would give it a try. This is a story of a young girl who becomes addicted to crystal meth. The story is semi-based on the author, Ellen Hopkins, own daughter. It is impossible to put down once you pick it up! You forget that you are reading "free verse" after the first few chapters and get lost in the story of the "good girl" Kristina, who transforms into "bad girl" Bree. Before you let your preteen read this book though, remember that its about a girl who becomes addicted to meth!

(I really apologize that this is such a poorly written review... I'm trying to come back to this after almost a year off... and I can't remember how to write!!!)

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella

This novella follows the life of Bree Tanner, who was introduced to the reader in Stephanie Meyer's Eclipse. Bree Tanner has been manipulated to believe certain things about vampires, and it follows her from her birth as a vampire, to her death. While I have been a fan of the Twilight series, this novella added nothing to the story, was hard to pay attention to, and I found myself skipping through the pages while I was waiting for the action to begin.

*
Not really recommended

Patterson, J. (2009). Maximum ride: The manga. New York : Yen Press.

I found this book at the library, and couldn’t say no. I had just read James Patterson novel version of this very book, and was very curious to see how it came out as a graphic novel. I have to say that I was a bit disappointed; the text is lacking parts of the plot that I thought were pertinent to the plot. However, if I had not read the novel beforehand, I am sure that I would have been able to read the story. I know that there are many children who get excited about graphic novels, and perhaps this would be a way to bridge a gap for some reluctant readers. If you can get a student to read the graphic novel, perhaps they would be willing to pick up the novel? Maybe then they would read the rest of the Maximum Ride series? It’s definitely worth checking out.

Recommended ***

Powell, M. (2009). Red riding hood: The graphic novel. Mankato, Minnesota: Stone Arch Books.

Ruby’s grandmother makes her a magical red cloak that will protect her only in the daytime for her birthday. As Ruby goes to visit her grandmother, she is visited by a talking wolf, who runs ahead to meet her grandmother before her. A fun twist on a classic story, this graphic novel is definitely worth reading. Could be used as a part of a fairy tale unit, or on its own with students who are interested in graphic novels.

Recommended ****

Paterson, K. (2007). Bridge to terabithia. New York: HarperEntertainment.

This Newbery Medal winning book, is about Jess Aarons, who befriends a new neighbor named Leslie Burke. As their friendship grows, they create an imaginary world called “Terabithia” where they go together, and transform as individuals. This book ends sadly, and is often challenged because of the topic of death in a children’s book, but it is not my opinion that books should be avoided because of death.

Recommended ***

Paterson, K. (1978) The great gilly hopkins. New York : Harper & Row.

Gilly Hopkins, a foster child, is being moved to a new home. Despite the fact that everyone in her new home and school are trying their best to make her happy and feel welcome, Gilly knows better. She knows that she has to cause problems, and confuse everyone, and build up walls around her. This is a realistic portrayal of the difficulties that foster children have, but be prepared for no happy ending. Also, Gilly says some very racist things in the story, and I would recommend this book, but only if it is to be followed with discussion. Race is a discussion that should be had with children, and this book will bring up questions and comments.

Recommended with Caution ****

Konigsburg, E. L. (1967). From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Fairfield, PA: Atheneum.

Claudia decides that she has had enough! Her parents overwork her, do not appreciate her, and definitely do not give her a big enough allowance. She is running away. She decided the place: the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her companion?: Her brother Jamie. They run away to the Museum, hide in the bathroom during closing, and sleep in the exhibits! During their stay, they become fascinated with an exhibit that may or may not have been sculpted by Michelangelo. I decided to read this book, because I read it as a child. When I originally read this book, I thought it was a delightful book and I got lost in my own imagination after reading the story. However, with adult eyes, all I could think about, was how much this could never really happen. I had such high expectations, that it ruined my second reading of the book. This story won a Newberry Award in 1967.

Recommended ***

Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco

Young Trisha is excited when she goes to school. She is excited to learn how to read and to taste the sweetness of books. However, as she goes through school, she realizes that she isn’t able to keep up with the other kids. When she reads, the letters get jumbled, and it is hard for to see the words. She fakes her way through her classes, and is relentlessly teased by her classmates…that is until she gets a new teacher, Mr. Falker. Mr. Falker is able to build a relationship with Trisha, see her difficulty, and work with her until she is able to overcome her difficulties. This is a delightfully heartfelt story that every teacher should read.

Highly Recommended *****

Say, A. (1993). Grandfather’s journey. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

A Japanese American retells the story of his Grandfather who was born in Japan, and moved to the United States. His grandfather was able to make both countries his home, and love both lands. His grandson grows to be very much like his grandfather, who was also born in Japan. The end of the book ends with "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other”. This line is universally applicable to both children and adults. Grandfather’s Journey is a Caldecott Medal Book.

Recommended ***

Ryan, P. M. (2000). Esperanza rising. Carmel, CA: Hampton-Brown.

On the eve of her thirteenth birthday, Esperanza has it all. She lives in a wealthy family, as her father owns a vineyard, and she has servants to care for her. When her father is killed, she quickly falls into poverty. Esperanza’s transition from a privileged girl, to a competent young woman, happens as she moves into California to work in the agricultural industry in the 1930’s. Winner of the Pura Belpré Award.

Highly Recommended ****

Blumberg, R. (1985). Commodore perry in the land of the shogun. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books.

A Newberry awarded book, this is the story of Commodore Perry and how he worked to build diplomatic relations between America, and the then very secluded Japan. Does a great job describing the cultural differences between the two groups, which led to difficulty in building these relations. This book would be a great tool when instructing students about Japanese history.

Highly Recommended *****

Stanley, J. (1992). Children of the dust bowl: The true story of the school at weedpatch camp. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

The “Okies” face a difficult time. Their land is dry and wind storms plague them. They are unable to farm, and it is hard to support their families. With the temptation of work, many trek across the country to California. Once there however, they were treated as second class citizens by the native Californians. The “Okies” weren’t allowed in public places, and often were not even given the jobs that they came for. They lived in dire poverty, and their children too faced opposition. In an attempt to give the Okie children the education that they deserve, Leo Hart fights to have a school built for the Okie children. This amazing story of the school at Weedpatch Camp, will remind readers of the importance of hard work, and being willing to fight for what you believe in.

Highly Recommended *****

Macaulay, D. (1988). New way things work. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.

This book illustrates and explains in detail how things work. Interested in how pulleys work? How about flying? Perhaps you are more into string and percussion instruments? A wooley mammoth guides the reader through pages of explanation to those who simply do not seem to understand how things work. The illustrations are very clear, and there are a vast amount of topics to read about, at times the concepts are still difficult. As an adult, I still at times scratched my head and said “huh?”, but I’m sure that there are some children who would devour this book, and be excited to learn more about the world.

Highly Recommended ****

McClellan, R. (2008). Supermoto. Minneapolis, MN: Bellweather Media.

Supermoto introduces the reader to the basic background of this extreme sport. You can find information about how the sport works, to the equipment that is needed, and basic safety information. Reluctant readers will be willing to pick up this book, and may get excited to share what they learned with others.

Recommended ***

Stewart, M. (2009). Movie blockbusters. Pleasantville, NY: Gareth Stevens Pub.

This book reviews the top ten movie blockbusters! From Titanic, to Jaws, to The Wizard of Oz, and The Lord of the Rings, this book has plot outlines, quick facts, and other information about these popular movies. Students will enjoy being able to read about some of the most well known books of all time!

Highly Recommended *****

Savage, J. (2010). Brian urlacher. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications.

Brian Urlacher is the Bears running back, and he has a classic American story. Brian didn’t have much as a kid, so he worked hard in school, and became a successful football player in high school. The University of New Mexico recruited Brian, and then in 2000 the Chicago Bears drafted him. Students interested in football will enjoy the story of Brian, who also is known for being modest and not boasting about his abilities.

Recommended ****

Parvis, S. (2009). Jonas brothers. Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel Pub.

Preteen girls will be very excited to read this story. This book goes into the stories of the Jonas brothers, and gives facts and details about their lives. I found this story very hard to read as an adult, because it turns out that the Jonas Brothers have not lived very interesting lives, despite the fact that they are popular singers. However, despite the fact I didn’t enjoy the book, I know that my students will love it!

Highly Recommended ****

Curtis, C. P. (2007) Elijah of buxton. New York :Scholastic Press.

Elijah is famous for two things: first, he is the first freeborn child in Buxton. Second, when he was a baby, he threw up on Frederick Douglas. When Elijah finds out that the preacher swindled money from his friend, he decides to go to United States to get it back. Elijjah transforms from a child into a young man in this story, as the first freeborn child in Buxton finally learns what it means to be freeborn.

Highly Recommended *****

Fletcher, S. (2007). Dadblamed union army cow. Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press.

Dadblamed Union Army Cow is based on the true story of a cow that follows her owner throughout the war. The cow, while a nusance at times, ends up being incredibly useful to the union army. When I read this book to my students they loved reading with me “moo” and “that dadblamed cow!”. This book is a great way to start talking to students about the Civil War.

Highly Recommended *****

Patterson, J. (2005). Maximum ride: The angel experiment. New York: Little, Brown.

Max is a typical teenage girl, if you don’t count the fact that she has wings, and lives with other children with wings, and that they don’t have parents. When the mutant Erasers (other children with genetic changes, but they have been genetically “enhanced” with wolves) come and take their beloved Angel away, they fight to get her out of the dreaded school, an experimental lab. Patterson has done a great job writing a story that reluctant readers will be willing to pick up.

Highly Recommended ****