Pink Smog: Becoming Weetzie Bat
"The girl in the mirror wasn't who I wanted to be and her life wasn't the one I wanted to have." This is what Louise (Weetzie) thinks about when she looks at her reflection in her mirror. Weetzie is thirteen years old and has moved to Los Angeles with her mom and dad. Suddenly, her father, Charlie, leaves the family, and she is left to take care of herself and her alcoholic mother. As Weetzie learns to take care of herself and her mother, she finds help along the way from a mysterious "angel", and even forms a close friendship with a quiet girl and a friendly young boy at her school. Constantly waiting for the reappearance of her dad, Weetzie learns to deal with her loneliness and lack of parent support. She becomes independent and self-reliant, but still continues to long for a sense of normalcy in her life. The author employs a lot of symbolism through the use of constant color association with Weetzie's surroundings and feelings..."The sky blooming a toxic pink around them." It is through this form of imagery and color symbolism that the reader becomes engaged in Weetzie's problems and her difficult situation. Young adults between the ages of 13-18 will find Weetzie's character appealing and will be able to relate to her spirit and determination to survive and succeed despite the many challenges she faces. Weetzie's difficult and changing relationship with her parents, and her attempts to find her place among the social setting at her school (Havighurst Stages), form the basis of her development and growth in the story. In the end, her experiences allow Weetzie to grow stronger and she begins to look forward to her future.
Other YA books by Francesca Lia Block: The Island of Excess Love, Beyond the Pale Motel, Rough Magic, Teen Spirit, The Elementals, Lay Me Out Softly.
Book trailer: Pink Smog: Becoming Weetzie Bat
Teacher Resources: Francesca Lia Block: http://www.francescaliablock.com/books
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes
Cruther C. (2013). Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes: TX. Novels Units.How far would you go to save a friendship? Eric Calhoune's (Moby) friendship with Sarah Byrnes has never been without its' challenges, but Moby's loyalty and friendship with Sarah is about to go through its' toughest test yet. Sarah Byrnes is a seventeen year-old girl with a badly scarred face and arm from a severe and mysterious burn she received when she was just three years old. She forms a close friendship with Moby, when they meet in junior high. Moby was extremely overweight and considered a social outcast, like Sarah. The two form an alliance and a strong bond and friendship develops through their high school years. When Moby is recruited by the swim coach, he begins to lose weight. Scared of losing Sarah's friendship if he becomes thin, he decides to stay fat for a whole year until she convinces him that their friendship is more than just about his obesity and her scars. They face many challenges and difficult situations, but their friendship is truly tested when the truth about the cause of Sarah's burns is discovered. Thanks to Moby's unwavering friendship and support, Sarah is able to put her difficult and haunting past behind her, and finally learns to trust and to look forward to a better future. There are very difficult subjects discussed in this novel such as child abuse, pregnancy, abortion, and bullying which makes this novel more appropriate for older young adults between the ages of 16 through new adult ages. The problems faced by the main characters in this story and the solutions to these problems, allow the reader to become involved in their growth and development within their relationships with their parents and peers. It is through these changing relationships (Havighurst) and their attempts to conform to society's expectations and acceptance (Kohlberg's Theories), that the story develops and unfolds before the reader's eyes.
Other YA books by Chris Crutcher: Whale Tale,Deadline, Running Loser, Stonta, The Sledding Hill, Iron Man, Period 8,The Deep End.
Book trailer: Staying Fat Sarah Byrnes.
Teacher Resources Lesson Plan: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiihOSd8qLTAhUqjFQKHd0pDaAQFggpMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chriscrutcher.com%2Fuploads%2F1%2F0%2F9%2F8%2F1098293%2Fsfsb_study_guides.pdf&usg=AFQjCNGGLfGU5oodwSpHaeHKU-0pdZvF0A&sig2=4PJFJyy5NGe0CeMr5qoHOQ
Sisters
Be careful what you wish for! Raina begs her parents for a little sister for a long time, and when her little sister Amara is born, she thinks her wish has come true. Raina Telgemeier's relationship with her sister, Amara, is chronicled in this humorous graphic novel. Amara is nothing like the sister Raina thought she would have. Amara is cranky, grouchy, and prefers to play by herself. Add to this, the addition of a baby brother named Will, and the family dynamic really becomes challenging. The graphic novel is wonderfully illustrated with lots of vivid color and graphics that bring the text to life. Raina's flashbacks to earlier years during her road trip to a family reunion in Colorado are provided in a darker shade of yellow that break the story line from present to past. During the family reunion, Raina finally learns that it is not easy feeling like you don't fit in, and her relationship with Amara and the rest of her family begins to change and grow. Children in the tween years (8-12) will love this graphic novel, although older young adults may as well, due to the great graphics and story line which many will be able to relate to. Raina's development and transition from that difficult period from childhood into adolescence (Havighurst) is humorously and effectively portrayed in this graphic novel format. A wonderful read for any young adult (and even enjoyable for some adults, such as I), that want to relive those chaotic and seemingly endless moments with our younger siblings.
Other YA books by Raina Telgemeler: Smile, Ghosts, Drama, The Baby-Sitters Club graphic novels.
Book trailer: Sisters
Teacher Resources Lesson Plan: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/guide-raina-telgemeiers-sisters/
Liar & Spy
What if you decided to make your own rules? Meet Georges (pronounced George with a silent "s"), a young boy in seventh grade who has to deal with many difficult situations, one of which is moving from a nice home into an apartment building where he meets another twelve year-old boy named, Safer, a self-appointed spy. When Georges decides to join Safer's spy club, he has no idea what he is in for, or what Safer is really like. Every day Georges must deal with his mom's absence from home due to work, bullies in his school, feeling like an outsider, and being friendless in middle school. When Georges meets Safer's nontraditional family, he thinks he has finally found a true friend, but when Safer asks George to be an accomplice in his quest to find out the truth about a mysterious neighbor he names Mr.X, and Georges finally discovers the truth about Safer, Georges learns a lesson in what it means to making your own rules and taking a risk to stand up for yourself and your beliefs. Young adults between the ages of 11-13 will enjoy reading about Georges and Safer's relationship and how it changes along the way. Each character undergoes a tremendous change and development through their relationships with each other, their peers, and their families (Havighurst). Safer learns what it means to be a true and honest friend, and George learns, through his relationship with his peers and family, that you don't always have to follow the established rules (Kholberg's Theory) when they are hurtful to others. You can take a risk and make your own rules along with a good and loyal group of friends and family members.
Other YA books by Rebecca Stead: Goodbye Stranger, When you Rich Me, First Light, Guys Read: Other Worlds.
Book trailer: Liar & Spy
Teacher Resources Lesson Plan: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi3hY3BgKPTAhUr6IMKHWAKD0oQFggjMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fd2wzqffx6hjwip.cloudfront.net%2Ftext-publishing%2Fassets%2F48%2F461d60490b11e48d5d2590c1fb4755%2FLiarandSpy_TeachersResource.pdf&usg=AFQjCNFEInAgUTIqVvGhhM_EMQFcYcP3NA&sig2=10WBgoizCL0rrLxjJp7nbA
Fake Mustache
Nasal gun, ultra-sticky-stretchy grabber hand, fake mustache... just your everyday novelty gag toys... right... or powerful weapons? This is where the silliness takes off in this funny and adventure-filled story about a young boy named Lenny and his best friend Casper's fiendish plot of becoming President of a town named Hairsprinkle. Along the way Lenny meets and gets help from a TV show star named Jodie O'Rodeo and her faithful horse, Soymilk.
Casper's hypnotizing power comes from the fake mustache (although made from real human hair), the Heidelberg Handlebar #7. It is up to Lenny and his new friend, Jodie O'Rodeo, to save the country from a mad genius, Fako Mustacho. Lenny even learns an important lesson along the way about friendship..."It's hard to give up a friend." Children between the ages of 8-12 will love all the crazy characters and action of this story. The silly and humorous use of language and make-believe characters and scenarios allow young readers the use of their imagination to go along with all the suspense-building action till the very end. Great for any young reader looking for a funny book to read other than the Captain Underpants series or Wimpy Kid.
Other YA books by Tom Angleberger: The Origami Yoda books, Inspector Flytrap, Crankee Doodle, Horton Halfpott, Fuzzy, McToad Mows Tiny Island.
Book trailer: Fake Mustache
Teacher Resources Lesson Plan:https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjxpNWAlKPTAhXE1IMKHeYIBDEQFggjMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.teachingbooks.net%2Ftb.cgi%3Ftid%3D29831%26a%3D1&usg=AFQjCNFM0zkc_vqjnVtDT3cnUMT76bQqQg&sig2=q1XzQxKaXmPQD7LsNcMwwg
Ironside: A Modern Faery's Tale
Magic, faeries, knights, queens, and pixies... all a part of this modern urban tale that takes place in two worlds, the realm of Faery and Ironside (human realm, New York). In this sequel, the protagonist, Kaye, a sixteen year-old girl (a pixie who was left in the human realm to replace the real daughter of a woman called Ellen), tries to save the Roiben (the Lord of Night Court), whom she loves, but is given an impossible quest by him in order to keep her safe from the Unseelie Court. Kaye must find a faerie who can tell a lie. Kaye must deal with difficult situations while trying to save Roiben, even confessing to her mother about being a pixie and not her real daughter. It is this confession that leads Kaye on a quest to find her true-self and where she belongs. In the end, she decides that she would rather live in both worlds, and not give up her human nor her pixie existence. Full of suspense and mysterious and conflicted characters, this faery urban novel is a mix of reality and fantasy. The characters, although some magical, deal with situations not uncommon to what humans must, such as love, betrayal, and loyalty. There are various topics such as homosexuality, vengeance, and death that may be more appropriate for more mature young adults. Young adults between the ages of 16- New Adult will find this sequel entertaining and engrossing.
Other YA books by Holly Black: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, Doll Bones, The Iron Trial, White Cat, Red Glove, Beware the night.
Teacher Resources Lesson Plan:https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiQj4fAl6PTAhWG1IMKHZADCg4QFggjMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.teachingbooks.net%2Ftb.cgi%3Ftid%3D7874&usg=AFQjCNGZRI4QixSV1e0LQMdJ-5jOiTU6og&sig2=LR7J3hVrbPzMKG4D2Jppfg
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