Reading Log #1
Graphic Novel
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| (Baker 2020) |
Amulet: The
Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi
In this first book of the series, Emily, her mother, and brother, Navin, relocate to a home once belonging to her great-grandfather who mysteriously disappeared following the death of her father. Shortly after their move into the home, Emily discovers an amulet necklace that had been left in the study of her great-grandfather. When an otherworldly creature living in the house’s basement kidnaps their mother, Emily and Navin enter into another dimension within the home to rescue her. The story follows the siblings on their adventure in this other world as they meet new friends and continue the quest to rescue their mother.
This is a very enjoyable and fast-paced book for a teen to read. The story is thrilling, suspenseful, and easy to follow. The artist that creates the images used to help tell the story does so in a way that provides a perfect visual for the story. When the characters moved or spoke, I felt that movement. The images that were used not only provide a visual for the written story, but also help you feel the emotions the story’s character is experiencing throughout their journey to rescue their mother.
I would use this book to interest a reluctant reader. The story (both words and images) tells a very interesting, fast-paced story that interests the reader as soon as the book opens. Since it is only the first of eight books in an ongoing series, readers will want to continue reading the series. For young adults that are reluctant to read or have a difficult time locating a book that interests them, this story will hook them immediately and keep them reading.
Baker, K. (2020). Amulet Book Cover
[Image]. Connecticut.
Kibuishi, K. (2008, Jan 1). Amulet, The Stonekeeper. Graphix.
#adventure #rescue #quickread #reluctantreader #series #graphicnovel #amuletthestonekeeper #kazukibuishi
Audiobook
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| (Baker 2020) |
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, Read by Jim Dale
After a boy named Harry Potter learns that he is a wizard, a secret kept from him by the aunt and uncle who raised him, he goes on the adventure of a lifetime while attending his first year at Hogwarts. Throughout his first year, Harry learns new spells, makes new friends, Ron and Hermione, and learns more about himself and his past than he ever could have anticipated. By the end of the school year, Harry already cannot wait to return to his newfound wizarding world and friends.
To be honest, audiobooks generally are not for me. Despite my love of podcasts, I find being told a story as opposed to reading it myself very dull and difficult to hold my attention. That being said, the reading of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was even more magical than when I when I physically read it. The reader of the book, Jim Dale, delivers such an excellent performance that the voices he gives the different characters actually sound like some of the actors/actresses who perform in the film. This narration kept my interest throughout the entire story. Since I have also read the book, I can also tell you how important it was that I got to hear the names of certain people and places actually pronounced. I had no idea I was mispronouncing some of them for years!
I would recommend this story for anyone who is looking for a lighthearted adventure that truly immerses you into the world it is set in. The more you read this story, the more it hooks you. However, since reading a physical book is not for everyone, I would recommend the audiobook format for some. For younger teen readers especially, I would recommend the audio format because they may have an easier time beginning the journey that is Harry Potter and hearing the pronunciation of certain names and locations.
Baker, K. (2020). Harry Potter Audio Book Cover [Image]. Connecticut.
Rowling, J.K. (1999). Harry
Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Dale, J.) [Audiobook]. Listening Library.
#wizard #audiobook #engaging #lighthearted #adventure #jkrowling #jimdale #harrypotterandthesorcerersstone
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| (Baker 2020) |
Lumberjanes: Beware the Kitten Holy by Noelle Stevenson & Grace Ellis
Lumberjanes: Beware the Kitten Holy tells the story of five very quirky, different girls who make up one cabin at a girls summer camp. Throughout the story, they work together to complete different challenges to earn badges, such as “Up All Night” (Stevenson & Ellis, 2015, pg 27), look out for each other, and learn important lessons, such as my personal favorite “Friendship to the Max!” (Stevenson & Ellis, 2015, pg 24). Along the way, they work with the camp director Rosie (who looks suspiciously like “Rosie the Riveter”), to solve much more supernatural problems, including a sea monster in a river (Stevenson & Ellis, 2015, pg 39). Their goal at the beginning of the summer of learning and making friends at summer camp soon becomes unlocking new mysteries in the forest and around the camp and helping each other along the way.
I actually love this book. It is a quick read not only because it is intentionally fast-paced, but because you don’t want to put the book down. Lumberjanes not only has the setting and scenarios of a girl-scout summer camp, but others as well, including surprising supernatural situations. There was also the prominent theme of empowerment. The friendship of the girls empowered each other as did the camp director. The girls were very different from each other in every way, appearance, attitude, and behaviors, yet they were all friends who supported each other throughout the story. Their interactions played an enormous role in my enjoyment of the story. They were silly, interesting and strong-willed. It was not only the story that made me love Lumberjanes, it was the characters.
For all of the reasons that I entirely enjoyed this first book in the Lumberjanes series, I would strongly recommend it for teens. The story itself was exciting and engaging. Just like myself, I imagine teens will not want to put this book down and continue to read the remainder of the series. Beyond the story, the characters that brought the story to life were so different and strongly support the theme of diversity. I believe that the ways in which they are each different and unique, yet a group that comes together as friends that rises to challenges, will be an opportunity for teens to connect with. It would also be an excellent choice for a book group with a theme of diversity, due to the characters’ uniqueness, as well as include in a book display featuring diverse characters, especially since there are several books in this series. Whether they are silly and quirky, generally serious, or strong-willed, it is important to be accepting of everyone as these characters were and empower each other.
Baker, K. (2020). Lumberjanes Book Cover [Image]. Connecticut.
Stevenson, N., & Ellis, G. (2015). Lumberjanes: Beware the Kitten Holy. BOOM! Box.
#empowerment #quickread #supernatural #diversity #diversecharacters #noellestevenson #graceellis #lumberjanes
Contemporary Realistic Fiction
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| (Baker 2020) |
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
After witnessing the brutal event of police officers shooting her friend, a black man, main character Starr feels shock and confusion in the wake of the crime. In the weeks that follow the shooting, Starr, caught between the police inaction against the officer who shot her friend, and the gang that inaccurately claimed him as one of their own, continues to fight for justice – against the gang for continuing to cause trouble and the police authority for failing to provide justice for the black community. Though the story ends without resolution for her friend’s murder at the hands of the officer, Starr vows to continue to fight for justice until it is won.
I found that reading The Hate U Give felt exceptionally realistic. The voice of the protagonist helped me as a reader to not just understand her thoughts regarding the actions that occurred in the story to set the tone, but also emotionally feel how it affected her. All the anger and sadness that she felt was something that I, as the reader, felt and understood. The brutality and death of a friend she loved gave her a voice that she chose to raise and thus speak out against the violence. While reading, I felt as though I was feeling her thoughts and emotions along the way. I think this will prove to be an excellent story for teens to relate to.
As terrible and tragic as the events that ignited the plot in The Hate U Give were, what continues to be more so is that it these are events that happen in real life. This was a fictional story with fictional characters, but the premise behind it is not. How much the story remained relevant is another reason I enjoyed it and feel that it will be beneficial as part of a young adult collection. As similar events continue to occur in real life, teens will be searching for an avenue to relate to and to help them understand. While The Hate U Give unfortunately does not necessarily contain the answers, it will help them come to terms with some of the questions running through their minds and to help them become the agents of change that this country so strongly needs.
I would use this book in a book discussion for young adults. Since the material is so timely, though it was actually published a few years ago in 2017, it would definitely serve as an excellent conversation piece for the teens to open up about how the story made them feel and how they think it may relate to the world around them. Considering the subject and tone of the story, I would definitely approach the discussion with caution. However, I feel The Hate U Give would serve as an excellent tool for teens during this turbulent time.
I would also use it in a book display that is comprised of novels that are intended to inspire and empower teens. Though the initial events in The Hate U Give are unforgiveable, the lead character is empowered to ignite change following those initial events. Having a display of a collection of books that inspire teens to rise above the tragedies that they have witnessed or been involved in may make for an opportunity for them to relate to a novel and feel empowered in the process.
Baker, K. (2020). Hate U Give Book Cover[Image]. Connecticut.
Thomas, A. (2017). The Hate U Give. Balzer + Bray.
#racism #policebrutality #protest #speakup #injustice #contemporaryrealisticfiction #thehateugive #angiethomas
Reading Log #2
Historical Fiction
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| (Baker, 2020) |
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee tells the story of Scout, a young girl growing up in the American south during the early twentieth century. The story is told from Scout’s perspective as she grows up with her older brother, Jem, and lawyer father, Atticus. While the story does provide opportunity for Scout’s silly youth to show, many large social issues are also discussed such as her father’s defense of a black man in a major court case and how Scout befriends local recluse, Boo Radley. This coming of age story definitely raises hard issues as it details Scout’s adventures growing up in the Deep South.
I was a teen myself when I first read this book and I think it was just as important to read then as it is now. One of the many reasons I immediately enjoyed this story is that it is told from a younger person’s perspective. Many of the stories we read in class that carried important lessons learned were told either third person or from an adult’s point of view. It intrigued me that this very heavy story was indeed told from a child’s point of view. It brought a child’s innocence with many deeper, heavier lessons and themes that would also be delivered throughout the book.
While it is made clear from the very beginning of the story that racism and judgment would play an enormous role in the story, the idea that we should rise above played just as important a role. Despite the blatant racist views that many of the townspeople had, it was an important lesson for both the main character, Scout, and the readers that her father Atticus defend a black man in court, accused of raping a white woman. This point is further enforced when Boo Radley, the Finches’ reclusive, neighbor helps the children get home safely one night. Once again, Atticus drives home the lesson that people shouldn’t be judged, as a sleepy Scout is trying to convince him she did not fall asleep and did, in fact, hear the story he’d read. Atticus responds by agreeing with her comment that a story character should not have been judged by saying “most people are, Scout, when you finally see them” (Lee, 1960/2002, pg 323).
This book would be excellent for a book discussion. As it raises such hard issues such as racism and bigotry of the south and judging those who may not be quite like others, it would be interesting to have teens discuss their perspectives and what they learned by reading it. Since this is known to be such as banned and challenged book, I may try to plan the discussion during “Banned Books Week” at the end of September to tie it into the theme of the week as well.
Baker, K. (2020). To Kill a Mockingbird Book Cover [Image]. Connecticut.
Lee, H. (2002). To Kill a Mockingbird. Harper Perennial Modern Classics. (Original work published 1960).
#harperlee #tokillamockingbird #bannedbook #racism #scout #historicfiction
Fantastic Fiction
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
In Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, protagonist Jacob travels to a Welsh island with his father following the death of his grandfather. Despite the disbelief of his father, Jacob felt that his grandfather left a message for him and he sets out to find it. When he does, he finds a fantastical world and gifted children, beyond what he could possibly have imagined, guided by Miss Peregrine, that is tucked away in a 1940’s time bubble where it is tucked away from outside forces. It is up to Jacob to help them remain hidden to protect them from those forces that have now found where they are and are out to secure their beloved matron.
This story fascinated me from the moment I read it because it was so unique and I believe that teens will feel the same. Since it was set in both present day and the 1940’s, I would not necessarily consider it historical fiction. However, based on some of the references made, it did paint a unique picture of what it would have been like to live on this island during that time period when there was the threat of being bombed. Considering the children living in Miss’s Peregrine’s home were living in a time loop, they experienced that bombing nightly. Thanks to her, however, they experienced it more similar to fireworks than destruction.
This story is also an excellent example of diversity and acceptance. As Jacob finds as soon as he meets the children living with Miss Peregrine, they each have unique abilities and personalities. However, they have all learned to live together as friends. It is an excellent example of diversity and acceptance of the differences of the people around you.
It is also important to note that this book is only the first in a series of six books by Ransom Riggs. As that is the case, when a young adult becomes engrossed in this series, there are several others for them to continue with. While I would not necessarily intend this book as a quick read, I do anticipate young adults to progress through the story quickly because they will not want to put it down.
This story would be excellent as the theme, or part of a theme, of a costume event. Throughout the book, the author includes the antique photos that have served as a muse for the characters and stories he writes. These can serve as inspiration for participants’ costumes or they could add their own interpretation of one of the characters. My library has never directly held a costumed event at this point in time, even around Halloween, but I definitely think it would be a fun and unique opportunity that teens would enjoy.
Riggs, R. (2011). Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Quirk Books.
#ransomriggs #missperegrineshomeforpeculiarchildren #worldwarii #uniquecharacters #series #fantasticfiction #antiquephoto
Informational
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| (Baker, 2020) |
Parkland Speaks: Survivors From Marjory Stoneman Douglas Share Their Stories Edited by MSD teacher Sarah Lerner
Parkland Speaks: Survivors From Marjory Stoneman Douglas Share Their Stories is a collection of art, poetry, speeches, and short stories written by the students of the school. While the pieces were collected by one of the school’s teachers and the book does contain short written pieces from her as well, the book is truly composed of student voices. Throughout the book, you learn who they are, hear their stories, feel their pain, and hear their cries for an end to these situations.
This book is an excellent example of self-expression. It was an opportunity for the students, who underwent a very traumatic event at the hands of a school shooter, to express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions and use different methods to tell their story of that day. It is important that after going through something to the magnitude that they did, that they find an outlet to express their feelings and talk about their experience. Not every teen has been through an active shooter situation, however, every person has their own burden to carry and creating artwork or writing poetry could help. I was impressed with how well the student contributors to this book grasped this idea. I felt as though I was witnessing the situation through their eyes and experiencing their pain. The art of self-expression, in whichever form it takes for them, is important to understand and learn so that if teens have an outlet to express feelings.
Reading this book was also a good way to learn how the students were affected following this event. While most recently COVID-19 has changed school attendance entirely, prior to its emergence, school shootings had unfortunately become all too common. Currently, our country is searching for answers and an opportunity to make a change to end any and all mass shootings, especially in schools. I feel that in reading this book, teens and adults alike, will feel the pain of individuals who were in school during a shooting and hear their cries for help to ensure that this does not continue.
I feel that there are many situations in which this book could be used. It would be an excellent opportunity to use this book during a book discussion specifically targeting school shooter situations. Even if a student was not part of this type of event at their school, they still could possibly have been affected. In utilizing this book for a “special” book discussion, it would not only give teens an opportunity to read the book, but also to discuss their feelings and/or experience with this type of situation.
Baker, K., (2020). Parkland Speaks Book Cover [Image]. Connecticut.
Lerner, S. (Ed.). (2019). Parkland Speaks: Survivors From Marjory Stoneman Douglas Share Their Stories. Crown Books for Young Readers.
#parklandspeaks #sarahlerner #marjorystonemandouglasschool #schoolshooting #speakout #selfexpression
Book In Verse
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| (Baker, 2020) |
Unbound by Ann E. Burg
Unbound by Ann E. Burg is the story of Grace, a young girl who escapes with her family from her enslavers after she made the mistake of speaking out in the masters’ home. Throughout the story, she and her family fear discovery by slave owners and suffer from elements of the woods as they journey towards the hope of freedom.
I really enjoyed reading Unbound by Ann E. Burg because not only did it provide significant suspense during a historical time, but the verse was very well written. Poetry and/or verse is not a genre I will generally pick up for pleasure reading, but in some situations when it is particularly well written, I enjoy it. This story caught my attention from the very first page because of how well it was able to capture not only the action of what was happening in the story, but also the emotion the character felt as a result. I feel that this will entice a young adult reader because it is a unique format. It will deliver them a unique experience where they will not only progress through a story, but feel it as well.
I also felt that the story was exceptionally fast paced. Immediately as you begin reading, you are thrown into the protagonist’s world and her journey speeds up from there. I would not categorize Unbound as a quick read, I but I do believe they will be able to read it quickly purely because they will not be able to put it down. The suspense of the story began with the start of the story and I was hooked from the very beginning.
An excellent opportunity to use this book would be during a writing workshop. This program could include a professor from our local community college who teaches courses in English, or poetry specifically. It would serve to not only introduce teens to poetry and stories in verse, but also teach them how they are written. Unbound could be utilized as an example of a book written in verse so the participants understand. After learning about the genre and an overview of how a few different forms of poetry and verse are written, participants would be given the opportunity to write their own. The librarian hosting the event would be available to guide them, as well as the professor hosting the program. At the end of the program, teens can choose to present their work if they choose to.
Baker, K. (2020). Unbound Book Cover [Image]. Connecticut.
Burg, A.E. (2018). Unbound. Scholastic, Inc.
#anneburg #unbound #bookinverse #escapeslavery #quickread
Reading Log #3
Website
Snopes.com
This is the website to visit to confirm or disprove any news or stories that you feel uncertain of their validity. When you first reach the homepage, you have the ability to click on many different trending news stories from political subjects, to scientific, or you have the ability to search for your own. Despite the more realistic nature of the titles displayed on the homepage, visitors to the website have the ability to search for any subject or particular story of their choosing.
I have found that Snopes is an excellent website to utilize to debunk strange stories. Everyone has heard propaganda in the media, urban legends, and stories from friends that just don’t seem quite right. This has been my resource to confirm whether something I have heard or read is a reality. While I am a fan of folklore, urban legends, and horror stories for fun, I am not a fan of ill-reported news stories. Since Snopes.com covers the news as well, I definitely use this webpage as one of my sources when confirming accuracy.
Additionally, in order to ensure their authenticity, the writers of the different articles proving or disproving a particular subject actually detail where and how they found their information. When completing scholarly projects or papers, we cite our sources in order to give credit and provide information for those who choose to read on or fact check. In writing their articles or broadcasts, news writers indicate where they obtained their information as well. I truly appreciated that the writers at Snopes.com were no exception and made sure to indicate where they obtained their information as well. At times when someone is looking to read into a situation or event to confirm its authenticity, seeing how the person who is providing you answer came to theirs is very important.
The topic of teens not understanding how or where to
search to ensure their information is correct and valid has come up frequently.
To be honest, I think we all have those moments when we hear a snippet of news
or a story from a friend that just doesn’t sound correct. This would be the
time to search Snopes. While I feel that to truly combat young adults’
inability to locate and utilize correct, scholarly information as a whole
should be combatted from a different angle beginning at a much younger age, I
also feel that Snopes is a quick fix to those times when they’re certain
they’re telling you a true story they’ve
just heard from their friend. I would certainly recommend this website to any
and all of them anytime they’re telling me a “guess-what-I-heard” story. In
this situation, I would definitely be comical so as not to make it seem like
I’m laughing at them or do not believe them, but I would recommend Snopes as a
starting point in order to teach them to double-check their sources.
Movie
Mean Girls
This is a film about a girl who moves with her family and begins at a new school. While she does make two new friends, she also becomes part of the popular group of snotty girls called “the plastics” for the way they act and dress. While part of this group, she loses her sense of identity along the way and is subject to bullying while becoming a bully herself. By the end of the story, we learn how she overcame period of her life, but also became herself again.
No matter how many times I watch this movie, I find it hysterical and realistic. Some of the scenarios this group of popular girls subjects others to is honestly just as ridiculous as they are. However, I can also envision the cruelty of bullies. While I do hope that not every individual has been the victim of bullying, I do believe that many of us have been in this position. While watching this film, it is easy see how, while exaggerated, these are scenarios bullies would enjoy tormenting others with.
Gives great examples of and teaches teens the repercussions of bullying. While not everyone in a bullying role can be considered a “plastic,” just as not everyone can find themselves in front of a bus, there are examples in this film of bullying that all can relate to. Some of those lessons are not just the acts, but also the way that the bullies make others feel. In the event that someone is doing the bullying, “Mean Girls” is a good example so they can see how their hurtful words and actions can make a person feel. Sometimes the best way to help a person understand the harmfulness of their actions is seeing it in action.
While bullying can occur at any age or time in a person’s
life, it is particularly jarring in young adulthood. That is a time when a
person is growing and figuring out who they are so the mental trauma can be
damaging. I would use this film as part of a larger lesson on the effects of
bullying. Since this is something that so many are affected by, it would be
important to host a program, in collaboration with a school counselor, how to
manage and prevent bullying. Whether a teen is being bullied, or doing the
bullying, it is important they learn the harmful effects and repercussions as well as why it is important to be kind to
all.
App
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| (Baker, 2020) |
Instagram
The Instagram app for cell phones is a fun photo-editing opportunity for young adults. Users have the ability to either upload a photo or take one directly from the app. Once a photo is taken or selected, a user has the ability to edit the photo if they choose. To edit, they can either choose one of Instagram’s pre-selected filters, or manually modify the image. When they feel it is complete, they can upload the image to their Instagram social media account for friends to see. To a young adult who is interested in photography, or even someone who prefer their image have a certain look or feel, this app will address their photo editing needs.
From the very beginning of using this app, I have been impressed by its photo editing capabilities. While to truly edit an image, I am much more used to using a program on a physical computer, as opposed to a cell phone, I was impressed with what Instagram had to offer someone who was interested in editing. For someone who is simply starting out with photo editing and prefers the preselected filters, they will not be disappointed by how those filters can make their picture look. For others who prefer to play with the app’s more in-depth capabilities, the modifications that can be made will further impress. Whether a teen is just starting to learn the art of photography, or is more skilled, but looking to be able to edit photos quickly before posting on social media, this will definitely be an enjoyable app for all.
From the very beginning of the process of posting an image to their social media account, the user has the opportunity to take as much time as they need to edit the picture, whether it is simply using one of the quick filters pre-selected by the app, or using the editing features to further manipulate the image.
I would recommend this app for teens who are looking for
a free-download experience where they will be able to take and edit images
right from their cell phones. To ensure the safety of the users of this app,
whether I was the individual who recommended it to them or they previously
download it, I would definitely give pointers on usage to ensure the safety of
teen users, such as privacy settings. While Instagram is a fun photo-editing
experience, it is also a social media application which comes with risks. As
will all social media applications, young adults will need to be taught that
while is fun and engaging to use, it could also be risky and they need to be
safe.
Baker, K. (2020). Screenshot of Instagram Edit Screen [Image]. Connecticut.
Instagram, Inc. (2020). Instagram (Version 168.0.0.40.355) [Mobile application software]. Retrieved from instagram.com.
#instagram #photography #photos #photoediting
Game
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| (Baker, 2020) |
2048
This free to download game is an easy, mathematical puzzle. To play this game, you need to continuously and methodically move around the game-generated numbers, either a “2” or a “4,” to add them together. As the player continues to add them together, they add higher and higher denominations. As the numbers are populated, they double as such: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, and 2048. The goal of the game is to add together the numbers until they reach 2048.
This game is absolutely addicting. Whether a person is a fan of puzzling prior to downloading 2048, or they are looking for something new, it will not disappoint. I like how it starts off simple because you’re adding simpler numbers (2 and 4), but as you progress those simpler numbers grow higher so it is more difficult to formulate a plan to organize the numbers you have already added while still leaving room for small numbers to populate. If you run out of room to shift or add numbers, you will lose the round and need to start over. The way the game begins easy, but grows in complexity is what hooks a player to want to keep playing until they reach the goal of 2048.
While playing this game at first does seem like it could be a mindless shifting of numbers, it truly requires much more complex thought. While playing, a person is focused on in which direction to shift the numbers to add them correctly, or planning out how to shift and add methodically to set up a domino-effect of addition, that truly they don’t realize how much planning, or thinking, they are doing in the processes. This is one of the reasons I would definitely recommend it for young adults. Many are interested in playing silly games, such as Animal Crossing, or first-person shooters, such as Call of Duty. They may not expect to enjoy or become hooked on a game such as this instead of one of the others. However, to date I have not yet heard of someone who dislikes this game.
2048 is a single player game. Unlike many other games
that teens frequently play today, there is no multi-player setting. However, if
I found that several young adults were fans of this game, I could create a
small competition for goals such as high score and how many rounds it takes
them to reach 2048 (when player is newer to the game, it could take several).
In an ordinary situation though, I would simply suggest this to a teen who is
looking for a new game.
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