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| #MustReadin2020 |
Hello, fellow book lovers! 📚💗
While I know that some people found reading extremely difficult during the pandemic, for me, the ability to totally lose myself in a book was an incredible gift. I also consider this professional development (although I will never receive any points) because these are all books that I will share with students whether we are together virtually or in-person. Sadly, now that the new school year is in full swing, my reading time has drastically diminished. I'm so glad that I was able to complete my list before the year's end. I don't post about every excellent book that I finish, so please follow my Twitter feed for additional book recommendations.
Finished reading May 10, 2020
This story is told in alternating chapters by two middle school students, Karina Chopra and Chris Daniels. While walking home from school one afternoon, Chris, Karina, and Karina's grandfather are assaulted by a complete stranger. Papa is badly injured. Usually quiet, Karina begins posting about their experience on social media and becomes an "accidental activist".
Takeaway quote: "With patience, Papa reminds me that evil exists everywhere, in every corner of every country on Earth--but so does good" (150).
This story resonated with me specifically because, like Mila, I too spent a huge amount of time in band rooms during my school years. This story is mainly about Mila receiving unwanted attention from some boys in her class. Even when she tells them to stop, their behavior continues, and then escalates. Everyone tries to convince Mila that the boys are just flirting with her, but it feels much more sinister to her. Mila learns that in order to finally be heard, she really has to make some noise! This is such an important book!
Black Brother, Black Brother
Finished reading May 17, 2020
"Bullies, prejudiced, ignorant people make life hard."
Jewell Parker-Rhodes has become one of my favorite middle grade authors of all time. She is able to make heavy topics accessible for young readers. Donte and Trey are multiracial brothers who attend Middlefield Prep. Donte is relentlessly bullied by Alan and others for being the "Black brother". One day in a moment of extreme frustration, Donte slams his backpack on the floor in the school office and is removed by police. During his week-long suspension, Donte goes to the Boys and Girls Club to seek out Coach Arden Jones, because he has decided that the best way to deal with Alan is to beat him at his own game...fencing. I knew next to nothing about this sport before I started reading this book, but found that I really like the metaphor of life being a fencing bout: "Focus, fence fair, and you're a success."
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Finished reading May 28,2020
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes takes place ten years after the great uprising, at the start of the 10th Annual Hunger Games. Coriolanus Snow is an 18-year-old academy student, who is chosen along with 23 of his classmates to be mentors to this year's tributes. He is assigned to the girl from District 12, Lucy Gray. The Games are at their early stages, and much less of a spectacle than we saw in their 74th year. As a fan of The Hunger Games trilogy, I quite enjoyed reading how Snow's circumstances as a child growing up in the years following the uprising shaped the person whom he would become. I paid particular attention during the conversations that Snow has with Dr. Gaul, the Head Gamemaker, about the nature of humanity. It was also interesting to hear (read) discussions like this one about Capitol people vs. district people. "'One look tells you ours are a superior breed.' 'One look tells you ours have had more food, nicer clothing, and better dental care,' said Dean Highbottom. 'Assuming anything more, a physical, mental, or especially a moral superiority, would be a mistake'" (199).
What Lane?
Finished reading July 29, 2020
"Maybe if she doesn't see race, that's why she doesn't see racism. Like, she wishes we had no problems so there's no problems to fix (92)?"
Now that Stephen is in sixth grade, he has begun to notice that people treat him differently than his friends...his building super, store employees, kids at school, and people in the neighborhood. His mom wants to protect his sense of imagination and innocent childhood. His dad is trying to prepare him to live in the world where prejudice and racism are everywhere. And then something happens that really opens up Stephen's eyes....
Torrey Maldonado is outstanding! His books are must-haves for your classroom library!
Allies
Finished reading August 3, 2020
What I love most about Alan Gratz's books (aside from the enormous amounts of research that he does) is how he weaves the characters in his stories together. Allies takes place beginning in the early hours of June 6, 1944. Dee Carpenter, age 16, is a US soldier who wants nothing more than to do some serious damage to Hitler and the Nazis. But, Dee also has a secret. Samira Zidane, age 11, ends up working with the French Resistance when Nazi soldiers detain her mother. Lance Corporal James McKay, age 19, is with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, and just keeps asking himself, "What the hell am I doing here?" And Corporal Henry Allen, age 20, is a US Army medic who sets up an aid station on Omaha Beach. This book is intense and action-packed. I have not read an Alan Gratz book that I didn't enjoy immensely.
Yes No Maybe So
Finished reading September 20, 2020
"'No one person can fix it all,' my father says. 'All our actions are little drops that collect into a groundswell for change. It's the only way most change happens. Ordinary people doing everything they can.'"
Jamie, who has difficulty speaking to just one or two people, is tasked with delivering a toast at his sister's Bat Mitzvah. Maya, who was supposed to be leaving for Italy two days after Eid, finds out the trip has been canceled because her parents' marriage may be over. At a campaign event at Maya's mosque, Jamie and Maya's moms volunteer them to spend an afternoon canvassing neighborhoods for a state senate candidate. At first neither is thrilled with the idea, but as one afternoon becomes another and another, the teens not only develop a relationship, but realize firsthand how important local activism is. I found the authors' note to be just as compelling as the book itself. This is an important read!
The Boy at the Back of the Class
Finished reading October 22, 2020
"The entire world is full of hearts searching for a place to call home. But, refugees are different because they don't just look for a home. They look for peace, too. And because of that, they possess the most special hearts that anyone could ever have" (250).
One day at a school in London, a new boy named Amhet arrives. At first, a small group of students just try to become Ahmet's friend, giving him small gifts and inviting him to play at recess. After a while, he shares his story of leaving Syria with his class, and his new friends decide to take some major steps to try and help Ahmet reunite with his family. This story reminds us that while there are ALWAYS bullies, small acts of kindness go a very long way.
Wishing you all hope and peace!
Happy Reading! 📚
