How I Live Now

How I Live Now
 by Meg Rosoff

Bibliography

Rosoff, M. (2004). How I Live Now. New York: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 0385746776

Summary

With the feeling of being tossed out of her home in New York, Daisy arrives in England to an idyllic setting with her cousins and aunt shortly before terrorists invade England and war breaks out.  At first Daisy and her cousins feel untouched by the war, but this utopia doesn't last.  Completely at home and at peace, Daisy becomes involved in a physical and emotional relationship with her cousin, Edmond. Soon after the relationship begins, Daisy, along with her cousin Piper, are separated from Edmond and the rest of the male cousins.  Rejoining her family and taking care of Piper through the terrors of war become Daisy's focus.  An ending that takes place six years in the future, shows the family together again, though not in exactly the way the reader may expect.

Critical Analysis

Meg Rosoff tells a gripping tale using a distinct first person voice and a unique style.  When we first meet Daisy, she is self-absorbed and uses food to manipulate people in her world. As the story progresses, Daisy grows and matures in slow, but dramatic ways.  Run-on sentences and a conversational, almost stream of consciousness tone provide insight into Daisy's way of thinking. Stylized punctuations and capitalization help show Daisy's emotions.   

I can tell Meg Rosoff lives in England; her descriptions of the villages Daisy lives in or travels through are strikingly realistic, from the small village stores to the countryside and from the hustle of London to the slow pace of village life.  Rosoff is able to write convincingly about a time and place in which traditional moral behaviors are displaced; she creates a realistic world in which war breaks out.  Teens will almost certainly feel as if they have lived through this with Daisy.

When I first read this novel, I didn't like it.  As I have studied it and reviewed it, I realized I do like it, enough that I will read other books by Meg Rosoff.  What I don't like is the age recommendation.  The front jacket cover recommends ages 12 and up and I disagree.  I feel 15 and up is more appropriate.

Review Excerpts

* Kirkus Reviews, "This is a very relatable contemporary story, told in honest, raw first-person and filled with humor, love, pathos, and carnage."

* Kliatt Reviews,"Daisy is an unforgettable heroine--vulnerable and flawed, yes, but fiercely loving and tough as well."

* Horn Book, "This first novel is intelligent, funny, serious, and sweet; a winning combination of acerbic commentary, innocence, and sober vision."

Connections

* Here is an award winning, student created video related to How I Live Now by Expanded Books.

* Multnonah County Library has a book discussion guide for How I Live Now.  It includes a summary, a booktalk guide, discussion questions, and read alikes.  Find it here.

*Meg Rosoff has a website with a bibliography and a script writing contest for How I Live Now!  The contest is open to ages 13-18.  Check it out here.

American Born Chinese

American Born Chinese
by Gene Luen Yang

Bibliography

Yang, G. L.(2006). American Born Chinese. New York: First Second. ISBN 9781415688786

Plot Summary

Three separate yet connected stories make up this award winning graphic novel about the trials and triumphs of being an American born Chinese person.  The Monkey King is dissatisfied with his place in life, Jin Wang must figure out what his place is, and Danny has it all, until his cousin Chin-Kee shows up.  Each story moves forward in time until they meet and become one, ending in a satisfying, if somewhat abrupt, conclusion.

Critical Analysis

Realistic, dynamic characters; magical creatures; immortal battles; an original, exciting plot; and universal truths all rolled into one well written, creatively drawn and colored graphic novel for young adults.  American Born Chinese has it all. No wonder it won the Michael L. Printz Award in 2007. 

Yang creates a believable, consistent world with all the classic earmarks of good fantasy: the Monkey King's quest, excellent dialog, a clearly drawn setting, and those fabulous characters!  The only non-realistic character is the stereotypical Chin-Kee character who is so outlandishly drawn that he is obviously a foil in the story and a statement against stereotyping.

All young adults trying to find there place in this world will identify with Jin Wang and may even see themselves as giving up to much to fit in, as he does. Hopefully, they will also see that they too can remain true to themselves and have a fulfilling life, as Jin Wang and the Monkey King do after many trials and tribulations.

Review Excerpts

* Booklist, "The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects--shame, racism, and friendship--receive thoughtful, powerful examination."

* KLIATT Review, "It is highly recommended for all graphic novel collections."

* Derek Kirk Kim, "As an Asian American, American Born Chinese is the book I've been waiting for all my life."

Connections

* Here is a very interesting interview with Gene Yang.  If you scroll all the way to the bottom, you can see the original picture that inspired the illustration on the last page of the book.  He also discusses it in the interview.

* Humblecomics.com (Comics and Other Stuff by Gene Yang) is worth the time to visit.  There's educational value with Yang's Master's project on using Comics in Education and Factoring with Mr. Yang and Mosley, which I will be using with my son, no doubts!  There's also fun with Monkey Kingdom, along with other comics by Yang.  This is one of my new favorites.

* Gene Yang won the Michael L. Printz Award in 2007.  Here is a link the YALSA Michael L. Printz award page where you can view current and past winners as well as information about the award and Michael L. Printz.

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Rules
by Cynthia Lord
Bibliography

Lord, C. (2006). Rules. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9781428738096

Plot Summary

Catherine has rules, rules for her autistic brother ("A boy can take off his shirt to swim, but not his shorts.") and rules for herself ("Pantless brothers are not my problem.").  She loves her brother, David, but she also desires to be a normal kid with neighborhood friends and her fair share of parental attention. Catherine's friendships with Jason, for whom she creates words not rules, and Kristi, a new neighbor, help her discover some of the unwritten rules of life in this fabulous contemporary realistic fiction novel for middle graders.

Critical Analysis

What a pleasure to grow along with this 12 year old girl as she discovers what matters to her.  The fresh and contemporary language and setting transcend time and place at the same time they feel like the here and now.  The dialog is clean and realistic, absolutely believable.  Catherine is a pretty amazing 12 year old, but definitely 12, with real flaws and real heart and Cynthia Lord does a fantastic job keeping the story perfectly aligned with her character.

Rules could be about any American girl or boy in any town or city.  Young readers will easily identify with Catherine, even if they aren't living with her same challenges. This story is about personal growth, but is never didactic or preachy.  Catherine grows because it is natural to her personality, not because Cynthia Lord wants to teach us a lesson.  The conclusion is satisfying and leaves the reader proud and hoping we would behave similarly, even though we are never told we must.

Review Excerpts

* Booklist, "A heartwarming first novel.

* Kirkus, "Catherine is an appealing and believable character..."

* Horn Book, "The emotions in this fast-paced novel ring true."

Connections

* Cynthia Lord's website is quite comprehensive with a biography, her bibliography, links to interviews (including video and audio interviews), and her journal or blog. Check it out!

* Here is a discussion guide for Rules written by Cynthia Lord.

* Enjoy Rules in audio format from Audible.com.

Island of the Blue Dolphin

Island of the Blue Dolphin
by Scott O'Dell

Bibliography

O'Dell, S. (1960). Island of the Blue Dolphin. New York: Random House, Inc.  ISBN 0440439884

Plot Summary

Scott O'Dell tells the story of Karana, a girl who is left behind on her island home when her people, fearing the return of the Aleuts, leave for safer shores.  She uses old skills and learns new ones as she creates a happy home for herself, protects herself from wild dogs, and finds a family of her own among animals she tames.  She still thinks of and longs for people, though.  When the opportunity for rescue presents itself, does she take it?

Critical Analysis

Somehow, I missed this book growing up, even though I was born 10 years after it was published.  I may not have appreciated the beauty found in the authentically portrayed story then, so I don't regret it.  The author's note at the end tell us that the outline of this story is true, but the details filled in by O'Dell are what make this story worthy of its Newbery Medal.  Karana becomes a real person to us and the island in the Pacific takes on the role of a main character, too.  The tone of the story, Karana's words, and the island setting blend together to portray an unidealized version of what it could be like to live Karana's life.  Both sorrow and happiness, like in real life, are present, but Karana continues to strive to live the best life she can.

This book appeals to that desire in most children to see if they could make it in a situation like Karana's.  I can't imagine this book ever seeming out-of-date even though all the events are obviously in the past.  Like My Side of the Mountain, there is just something about the survival story in Island of the Blue Dolphins that challenges readers to be their best selves when facing hardships.

Review Excerpts

* The Times (London), “A novel of the highest excellence.”

* Library Journal, “. . . a haunting an unusual story.”

* The Chicago Sunday Tribune “This extraordinary book . . .  has the timeless, enduring quality of a classic. ”

Connections

* Scott O'Dell's website has great information on his life and books.  It also has a list of all the recipients of his namesake award, "The Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction."  View the home page here.

* Karana's story is also available in audiobook format.

* Glenco.com provides a fabulous resource for teachers.  Here is a free study guide to use with Island of the Blue Dolphins along with related readings, including poems and folktales.  Fabulous!

The Midwife's Apprentice

by Karen Cushman


Bibliography

Cushman, K. (1995). The Midwife's Apprentice. New York: Clarion Books.  ISBN 039562296

Plot Summary

The Midwife's Apprentice is a remarkable story of a waif of a girl who discovers that she wants "a full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world."  Cushman introduces Brat as she attempts to find warmth in a dung heap and is teased by village boys.  The story continues as newly renamed Beetle (after dung beetle) is taken in by the midwife to do menial tasks as her apprentice which is the first time Beetle remembers having a roof over her head and regular meals.  Take a heartwarming journey through 14th century England as you follow Beetle who takes a proper name, learns to stop running, and figures out that she does have very human desires. 

Critical Analysis

Winner of the Newbery Medal, The Midwife's Apprentice, lives up to expectations.  England during the 1300's is vividly portrayed through careful description of relevant details even though a specific date and location are absent.  As in all good stories, the main character is realistically protrayed with fears and kindesses appropriate to a person of her position and temperament.  She also grows and changes over the course of the story, as represented by changes in her name from Brat to Beetle to Alyce. I do have a very small objection to the unexplained change in the character of the midwife.  She is described through the entire story as a mercenary and as greedy and unwilling to teach Alyce, yet at the end of the book she claims to be looking for someone to teach her skills to and takes Alyce back into her home after Alyce agrees to "try and risk and fail and try again and not give up."

Karen Cushman's style is evident in the manner of the storytelling while at the same time the voices and manners of the characters and the flavor of the times come through as authentically of their time as we can almost taste the stale ale, the sawdust in the piecrusts and the hard bread.  The information Cushman provides at the end of the story solidifies for the reader the authenticity of parts of the story that describe the practices and knowledge of midwives of the day.  The Midwife's Apprentice, both historical and timeless, speaks to young readers of today and tomorrow who also face choices about their future.

Review Excerpts

* The Horn Book Magazine, “The graphic and convincing portrayals afford a fascinating view of a far distant time.”

* Booklist, “Cushman writes with a sharp simplicity and a pulsing beat.”

* Kirkus, “. . . this is not for fans of historical drama only. It's a rouser for all times. ”

Connections

* Walpurgis Night is mentioned in the story as a night when most people are frightened to be outdoors, but not Beetle.  Find out why from the BBC here.

* For a quick overview of women and medicine in medieval times check out this page.

* Here is Karen Cushman's bibliography.  Have a look around the rest of her website while you are there.

The Land

The Land
by Mildred. D. Taylor


Bibliography

Taylor, M. D. (2001). The Land. New York: Phyllis Fogelman Books.  ISBN 0803719507

Plot Summary

The Land is a prequel to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.  It tells the story of how Paul-Edward Logan comes to value, desire, and finally purchase land of his own, chronicling Paul’s journey through his own eyes from the time he is a child in Georgia to his manhood in Mississippi, with all the joys and terrible heartaches in between.

Critical Analysis

Mildred Taylor’s The Land is steeped in authenticity; it is based on family stories passed down through generations.  The author’s note at the end shares with the reader the parts which actually happened to members of her family. Her pride in her family’s accomplishments in the face of hardship is evident.

The Land is a faithful portrayal of the life of many black people in post civil war America, particularly the South.  In this amazingly well written book, Taylor creates characters we grow to love, allowing us to feel both their sorrows and joys. She also molds minor characters we admire and characters we despise but who seem all too appropriate for the era.  Each of the major characters is fully rounded, having human flaws and strengths.  The setting is deftly crafted with details about the land, the social customs, the clothing, and the language so as you are reading you are transported back to the time and place portrayed.

This book richly deserves every award it has won, which include the Coretta Scott King Award and the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction.

Review Excerpts

* The Horn Book Magazine, “A powerful coming-of-age story.”

* Booklist (starred review), “[A] landmark book. . . Young adults will want to read and talk about.”

* Riverbank Review, “Mildred Taylor is arguably one of the most important authors of our time.”

Connections

* Pair with Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry and other books in the Logan saga for a more complete picture of the Logan family. I am fortunate to have read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry with my children just a few months ago, so I was especially please to read The Land.  I can honestly say, both rank among my favorite historical fiction books ever.  I will be seeking out the other books about the Logan’s immediately.  Here is a link to Amazon.com's Mildred Taylor Page.

* Here is a link to a discussion guide for The Land by Scholastic.  Guides are also available for other books in the Logan saga.