ROLLER GIRL by Victoria Jamieson

Review by Christi De Leon

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jamieson, Victoria. Roller Girl. New York: Dial Books, 2015. ISBN 0803740166

2.    PLOT SUMMARY

During the summer before middle school, a girl named Astrid becomes interested in roller derby and decides to sign up for roller derby camp. Nicole, her childhood best friend, chooses to go to dance camp instead. Astrid has a difficult time keeping up with the more experienced roller girls at camp, her friendship with Nicole gets complicated, and she makes a new friend named Zoey who shares her love for roller derby. After a series of struggles, Astrid realizes how to face challenges and become strong.

3.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Taking place in Oregon, twelve-year-old Astrid is on an emotional rollercoaster ride as she copes with the struggles of early adolescence while attempting to redefine herself as a roller girl. Told in first person with constant dialog, this powerful graphic novel engages in a way that readers feel how Astrid feels through the unforeseen events that occur. Tension emerges all around her as she continuously struggles at roller derby camp, and she eventually hits a breaking point. As the summer progresses, Astrid learns the influence of a positive role model, the importance of honesty, the true value of friendship, and how to rise above the negativity. Astrid discovers how to become strong and fierce, as if she had to grow emotionally before she could embrace her fear. Although she still has a lot to learn, her dream of being a roller girl becomes far more promising by the conclusion of the story.

A key moment in the story occurs when Astrid visits Nicole’s house to apologize for lying and work matters out. Although Astrid gets to express what has been on her mind, their differences are inevitable at this point. Leaving Nicole’s house, Astrid mentions the poster in Kindergarten that teaches feelings. Astrid goes on to say, “They didn’t tell you about feelings that got mixed together like a smoothie.” Not only can most readers relate to this poster from early childhood, but readers can also understand these jumbled up feelings firsthand as a natural way of dealing with changes, especially at this age.

This authentic story has a female protagonist, yet this highly visual graphic novel has the potential to be favored by anyone. The author’s use of imagery is exemplary. Accurate cultural markers are presented both visually and within text. Being a roller girl herself, the author organized the novel with reflection upon some of her own experiences, creating a graphic novel that is believable and insightful.

4.    REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2016 Newbery Honor Book

 New York Times Bestseller

From The Horn Book: “Jamieson’s dialogue captures coming-of-age.. so authentically.”

From School Library Journal: “The story will engage readers… Offer this comic to fans of Telgemeier’s Smile and Laura Lee Gulledge’s Page by Paige.”

From Publishers Weekly: “Readers will stand up and cheer.”

5.    CONNECTIONS

Gather other graphic novels to read such as:

Chmakova, Svetlana. Awkward. ISBN 0316381306

Gulledge, Laura L. Page by Paige. ISBN 0810997223

Gather other Victoria Jamieson books to read such as:

The Great Pet Escape. ISBN 162779106X

Olympig! ISBN 0803735367

Possible activities:

Discuss attributes of Astrid’s character, such as perseverance.

Encourage students to share what their derby names might be if they were characters in this story.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green and performed by Kate Rudd

Audiobook Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Audiobook:

Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. Performed by Kate Rudd. 2012. Grand Haven, MI: Brilliance Audio, 2012. Audio on Compact Disc.

Novel:

Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. New York: Penguin, 2012. ISBN 9780525478812

PLOT SUMMARY

A 16-year-old cancer patient named Hazel Grace Lancaster meets a young man named Augustus Waters at a cancer support group. They fall in love and take a trip to meet the author of Hazel’s favorite book. Towards the end of their trip, Augustus tells Hazel some news that is heartbreaking for them both.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The audiobook format of The Fault in our Stars is an unabridged version consisting of 6 compact discs in slipcase packaging. Kate Rudd, the female reader who individually performed this audiobook narration, has a career in acting and performing vocally. The overall sound quality seems faultless, with clear pronunciation and appropriate volume. Subtle music, fitting to the mood of the story, plays at the beginning and end of each disc. The reader alters her voice just enough for the listener to be aware that another character is speaking. Introductory information includes the basic information such as the title, author, performer, and publisher. The backmatter includes a highly informative Q & A with John Green. This audiobook offers a riveting listening experience filled with expressive emotions that will engage the listener until the very end.

This realistic fiction story, primarily set in Indianapolis, follows the female protagonist named Hazel as she struggles daily with weak lungs and dwindling years. Meeting Gus at Support Group brings love and a new sense of purpose to Hazel’s life. The outspoken, yet natural dialect among the teens is accurately abundant with words such as “like” and “whatever” throughout the story. John Green weaves in plot twists and turns, many of which are unpredictable, while the charming pair embraces opportunities as if each day could be their last. Amsterdam, as accurately described by John Green, also exemplifies a major turning point for Hazel and Gus. Readers have little hope to latch onto by the end of the story. However, Hazel has the satisfaction of reading meaningful words written about her, giving a gentle end to a moving story.

Though many moments are tough to swallow, the story is captivating in both formats. The audiobook seemed to take my experience with this novel to a whole new level for several reasons. Being somewhat unfamiliar with Amsterdam, hearing the Dutch accents of Peter Van Houten and his assistant allowed my imagination to travel one step further. As a result, I was able to grasp a more well rounded understanding of these characters. The way Kate Rudd conveyed Hazel’s many feelings enhanced my reaction to the humor, truth, and sorrow that flooded the story. Seeming as if Hazel was actually telling the story herself made the audiobook version even more emotionally powerful. This story will continue to win over teens and young adults in either format through seamlessly reflecting the mindsets of this age group.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Audiobook:

Audie Award Nominee, Best Teens Category, 2013

From AudioFile: "It's a testament to John Green's writing and Kate Rudd's narration that, in a book about teenagers with cancer, there are still plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Green's teens are precocious and clever, and Rudd sells it, delivering every 'or whatever' with perfect teenage inflection and fully inhabiting protagonist Hazel as she navigates the world with lungs ravaged by cancer. When Hazel has trouble breathing, we hear it in the way Rudd gasps and pants between words. It's a sad, funny, smart, beautiful book."

Novel:

#1 New York Times Bestseller

#1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller

Now A Major Motion Picture

From Booklist: “In its every aspect, this novel is a triumph.”

From Entertainment Weekly: “The greatest romance story of this decade.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other John Green books also available in audiobook format such as:

Paper Towns. ISBN 014241493X

Looking for Alaska. ISBN 0142402516

Gather other #1 New York Times bestsellers also available in audiobook format such as:

Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief. ISBN 0375842209

Possible activities:

Discuss and analyze the poems in which Hazel verbalizes in the story.

Examine metaphors within the story, such as Augustus’s cigarettes, and how these metaphors help the reader understand the characters.

RULES by Cynthia Lord

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lord, Cynthia. Rules. New York: Scholastic, 2006. 0439443822

PLOT SUMMARY

A twelve-year-old girl named Catherine becomes frustrated with life. She has a brother named David with autism, and her family’s attention is focused on his disability. Catherine struggles to try to teach him the rules because she wants life to be as normal as possible. Catherine ends up becoming friends with a paraplegic boy named Jason and a neighbor named Kristi. These friendships and her own behavior make matters more complicated for Catherine, causing her to contemplate normality altogether.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Catherine, the female protagonist, tells this heartfelt story from her point of view as she tries to find balance in her life. Catherine displays her compassionate side as she is often the first one to stand up for David and spends much of her time making cards for Jason, who communicates using a book of words. Dialog is important in conveying the characters’ conversations realistically, such as Catherine trying to teach David the rules, talking with Jason using his cards, reasoning with her parents, and attempting to please Kristi. The plausible events that take place will engage readers as Catherine seems to be in constant switching mode between her time spent at home with David, her visits at the clinic with Jason, and her experiences getting acquainted with Kristi. Each place is described in detail, complete with the sights and sounds of a coastal atmosphere in the summertime.

Many themes are evident within this realistic fiction novel, such as friendship, honesty, self-identity, and acceptance. All of these exemplify milestones of growing up, in which readers can relate to as they begin to discover who they are. Catherine is an inspirational character, not only for those who have a sibling with autism, but anyone in the midst of adolescence. Despite the rules she gives David, Catherine realizes her own imperfections and begins to understand how to express herself. A key moment occurs when Catherine and Jason dance in the middle of the dance floor. This happens to be against one of her rules, “No dancing unless I’m alone in my room or it’s pitch-black dark.” The author’s writing naturally blends narration with dialog, successfully giving the reader insight into many of the characters’ personalities. The novel is organized by chapters, each creatively titled with one of the rules applicable to the story. Overall, this book is uniquely wonderful and enriching.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2007 Newbery Honor Book

2007 Schneider Family Book Award

From Booklist: “A heartwarming first novel.”

From School Library Journal: “Catherine is an endearing narrator who tells her story with both humor and heartbreak… this sensitive story is about being different, feeling different, and finding acceptance. A lovely, warm read, and a great discussion starter.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Newbery winning books to read such as:

Applegate, Katherine. The One and Only Ivan. ISBN 0061992275

Black, Holly. Doll Bones. ISBN 1416963995

Gather other Cynthia Lord books to read such as:

Touch Blue. ISBN 0545035325

A Handful of Stars. ISBN 0545700272

Possible Activities:

As a journal writing activity, students can compose their own list of rules applicable to their life.

Read David’s favorite book Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel and discuss possible connections between the two stories.

TURTLE IN PARADISE by Jennifer L. Holm

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer L. Turtle in Paradise. New York, Random House, 2010. ISBN 9780375936883

PLOT SUMMARY

This historical fiction novel is about an 11-year-old girl named Turtle who moves to Key West, Florida to live with some of her relatives in 1935. Florida isn’t what Turtle had imagined, but she still has many unforeseen adventures. She searches for secret treasure with several of the other kids, and eventually finds it. After having to stay back for a housekeeping job, Turtle’s mom decides travel to Key West to reunite with Turtle. This leads to more unexpected events for Turtle and her family.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Life in Key West during the 1930s is revealed through the eyes of an eleven-year-old strong-willed protagonist named Turtle. The kids on Curry Lane in Key West wander outdoors with no shoes and tend to criticize each other often. Considering that the parents are facing difficult times, it’s quite believable for these times to also take a toll on the demeanor of the children. They also enjoyed simple forms of entertainment like dolls, playing marbles and spending time outdoors, which sometimes led to mischief. The funny pages, radio shows, and Hollywood pictures are mentioned often throughout the novel. Connections are also made to Shirley Temple and Orphan Annie as strong influences on youth during this time. Bits of insight about important events are woven into the story such as the stock market crash, the Great Depression, and a historical hurricane.

Several key themes include an emphasis on work, the importance of family, and an overpowering sense of greed. The way of life is highly reflective upon the hard times following the Great Depression. In the midst of the scarcity, everyone relied on work in some way or another. Children began working at a very young age. For instance, the kids in the Diaper Gang worked by taking care of others’ babies.  Everyone nearby knew each other and most were related, especially on Curry Lane where Turtle stayed. Although they may not have always been happy about it, they all seemed to depend on one another to get by. Evidence of greed, through sneaky and dishonest behavior, is also shown in various ways throughout the story. Even the children pick up on this behavior early on.

This story is bursting with flavor of Key West in the 1930’s, sometimes literally. For example, they called avocados “alligator pears” and had “cut-ups” consisting of a bowl full of scrounged up food that was seasoned until it was tasty. Speech patterns of the era are also consistent, particularly with names. Everyone in the story has a unique and meaningful name resembling a nickname. The author successfully captures this time in history by blending fact and fiction in a manner that is also easily understandable. In the “Author’s Note,” Holms describes what inspired her to write the novel along with many historical facts, explanations, and photographs that are relevant to the story. At the end of the book, she includes “Resources” used for researching, “Web Sites” leading readers to more information, and “Acknowledgements” to those to shared their support.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2010 Newbery Honor Book

Golden Kite Award

From Booklist: "Turtle is just the right mixture of knowingness and hope; the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with a dollop of adventure."

From Publishers Weekly: "This humorous adventure effectively portrays Turtle as caught between her mother's Hollywood-inspired dreams and the very real family… that offer a different kind of paradise."

From School Library Journal: "This richly detailed novel was inspired by Holm’s great-grandmother’s stories. Readers who enjoy melodic, humorous tales of the past won’t want to miss it."

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Jennifer L. Holm books to read such as:

Penny from Heaven. ISBN 0375836896

Our Only May Amelia. ISBN 0064408566

Gather other Newbery Honor Books to read such as:

Timberlake, Amy. One Came Home. ISBN 0375873457

Possible activities:

Research the Great Depression and relate it to Turtle’s perspective.

Teach a science lesson about hurricanes and make connections.

LILY'S CROSSING by Patricia Reilly Giff

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Giff, Patricia R. Lily’s Crossing. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1997. ISBN 0440414539

PLOT SUMMARY

This historical fiction novel is about a young girl named Lily whose life changes in Rockaway in the summer of 1944 due to World War II. Lily’s best friend moves away, and Lily’s father goes to war. Lily becomes friends with a boy named Albert, a refugee from Hungary, and they care for a kitten together. They continue to help each other through difficult times, sharing secrets and telling lies.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The adventurous protagonist, Lily Mollahan, struggles often with childhood imperfections, which include lying and daydreaming. Lily’s life gets thrown for a loop one summer when everything seems to change at once. Between her Poppy going to war, a close friend named Margaret moving away, and forming a strong friendship with Albert, Lily must try to overcome these habits before they affect those most important to her. Presented in a way that children can grasp, Lily and Albert share their perceptions of World War II through their individual stories. It seems as if the children in America each had their own connection to the war, although they all commonly expressed a sense of worry in their thoughts and actions. The setting is vividly portrayed with plenty of details to visualize what is occurring. Readers can easily envision the children as they watch the passing ships or splash in the water.

Lily, Margaret, and Albert all deal with their own form of grief in this story, along with feelings of uncertainty. Particularly intriguing was the star that Lily took to Rockaway with her each year, symbolizing a gift from her mother, whom she had lost when she was younger. Friendship is another theme expressed throughout the story. By sharing their fears with each other, Lily and Albert eventually become stronger together leading to a sense of comfort. This well-written novel flows smoothly by combining fact and fiction, in which historical facts are blended right in. At the end of the book, Giff writes to the reader, explaining what she remembers from her childhood as World War II was taking place. This solidifies the reality of this time in history for the reader, and how the author was able to successfully capture this era through writing this historical fiction novel.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

1998 Newbery Medal Honor Book

1998 ALA Notable Children’s Book

A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book

From The Horn Book: "Details...are woven with great effect into a realistic story."

From Publishers Weekly: "Exceptional characterizations and a robust story line...this has all the ingredients that best reward readers."

From Booklist: "With wry comedy and intense feeling...Giff gets across a strong sense of what it was like on the home front during World War II...The friendship story is beautifully drawn."

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Patricia Reilly Giff to read such as:

Willow Run. ISBN 0440238013

Storyteller. ISBN 0440421757

Gather other Newbery Award winning books to read such as:

Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. ISBN 054577098

Possible activities:

Use a Venn Diagram to compare character traits of Lily and Albert.

Conduct research on some of the specific aspects of World War II as mentioned in the story.

ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Williams-Garcia, Rita. One Crazy Summer. New York: HarperCollins, 2010. ISBN 9780060760892

PLOT SUMMARY

After being abandoned by her mother seven years ago, Delphine began to help take care of her two little sisters, Vonetta and Fern. During the summer of 1968, their father and Big Ma sent the three sisters to Oakland, California to visit their mother, Cecile. Instead of spending time with them, Cecile sends them to a day camp sponsored by the Black Panthers. Surprisingly, the girls end up learning quite a bit during their trip.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The brave eleven-year-old female protagonist, Delphine, leads the way with Vonetta and Fern as they travel from Brooklyn to see their “crazy” mother in Oakland. Each character is unique and well-rounded, especially Delphine. The girls’ attitudes and reactions to their experiences are authentically portrayed as they learn about the revolutionary group called the Black Panthers, giving readers accurate insight, also. The author captures the flavor of the 1960’s in Oakland as the girls set out for food, summer camp, and nearby explorations. Each place is distinctly described through Delphine’s youthful point of view. Mentions of Mean Lady Ming, for example, add a hint of humor throughout the story as they get Chinese takeout dinners so frequently. Speech patterns are also reflective, like when Fern often chimes in with her sassy words, “Surely don’t.”

One Crazy Summer is abundant with themes that reflect the time, such as an emphasis on names, civil rights, family loyalty, and responsibility. Delphine’s loyalty to her family, including her mother, and her strong sense of responsibility exemplify timeless parallels for the reader. The oldest sibling, even in today’s families, often demonstrates strength as they set an example for the others. Readers can relate to any of the sisters, as they all have a role of their own. Rita Williams-Garcia gives "Acknowledgements" at the end of the book, stating that many of the girls and women in the novel were part of her own childhood in some kind of way. She also mentions the resources and interviews that allowed her to capture this time in history. The author combines a seamless mixture of fact and fiction to create a humorous, yet powerful historical fiction novel.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2011 Newbery Medal

2011 Coretta Scott King Award

2011 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

2010 National Book Award finalist

From Booklist: “Regimented, responsible, strong-willed Delphine narrates in an unforgettable voice, but each of the sisters emerges as a distinct, memorable character, whose hard-won, tenuous connections with their mother build to an aching, triumphant conclusion.”

From The Horn Book: “The setting and time period are as vividly realized as the characters, and readers will want to know more about Delphine and her sisters after they return to Brooklyn...”

From School Library Journal: “Emotionally challenging and beautifully written, this book immerses readers in a time and place and raises difficult questions of cultural and ethnic identity and personal responsibility. With memorable characters (all three girls have engaging, strong voices) and a powerful story, this is a book well worth reading and rereading.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Rita Williams-Garcia historical fiction books to read such as:

P.S. Be Eleven. ISBN 0061938645

Gone Crazy in Alabama. ISBN 0062215876

Gather other Newbery Honor Books to read such as:

Vawter, Vince. Paperboy. ISBN 030793151X

Possible activities:

Research the Black Panthers and connect the findings to Delphine’s viewpoint in the story.

Find current information regarding civil rights issues. Discuss similarities and differences from 1968 to now.