#michael l printz award

[meganwhalenturner]

2023 ALA Youth Media Awards

I was a little disappointed by the coverage of the Youth Media Awards. So few of the book jackets were featured in the articles I read. I'd like to say a special thank you to @the-dust-jacket for taking the time to put together the beautiful posts I have reblogged below.

The Newbery, the Caldecott, the Coretta Scott King, the Bel Pre etc etc-- the whole point of these awards is to drive sales. Because those sales motivate publishers to print more diverse books. The bigger the sales bump, the more important the prize; the more important the prize, the bigger the sales bump.

I think seeing the covers makes a huge impact and I hope @the-dust-jacket's posts gets lots of reblogs.

Congratulations to all those honored this year!

[the-dust-jacket]

Congratulations to the 2023 Printz Award winner and honorees! 

[haveacupofjohanny]

Friday Feature: Celebrating Angeline Boulley - A Voice for Native American Stories

New on the blog for #fridayfeature: Discover Angeline Boulley, the celebrated author of "Firekeeper's Daughter." Learn about her heritage, advocacy, and the impact of her debut novel on Native American representation in YA literature. Visit Have a Cup of

This week’s #Fridayfeature shines a spotlight on Angeline Boulley, a celebrated author best known for her debut young adult novel, “Firekeeper’s Daughter.” This was my introduction to the author, and it’s one I will never forget. While her work has garnered significant attention, several lesser-known aspects of her life and career deserve recognition. Background and Heritage Sault Ste. Marie…

[gangseysallhere]

WE'RE GETTING SHIVER!

EXCLUSIVE: Andy Fickman (One True Loves) is set to direct Shiver, a feature adaptation of the same-name novel by New York Times bestseller Maggie Stiefvater.

Producer Addam Bramich (Russell Crowe’s Poker Face) optioned the book, published by Scholastic in 2009, which is the first in Stiefvater’s globally bestselling series The Wolves of Mercy Falls and spent more than 40 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list. The film will follow Grace, who for years has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf — her wolf — has a chilling presence she can’t seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human… until the cold makes him shift back again. Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It’s her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human — or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

A writer for the film has not yet been attached. But Bramich will produce alongside Fickman and Betsy Sullenger (You Again, Scout’s Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse) through their Oops Doughnut Productions, with Stiefvater consulting.

“From the first page of Maggie Stiefvater’s novel, I was transported to a vivid, magical and romantic world that I immediately wanted to bring to life,” said Fickman. “These multidimensional characters are grounded in the daily joys and terrors of high school, live in an elevated arena between fantasy and reality, and love across those boundaries and without limits. I’m thrilled to bring this stunning tale of forbidden romance to the screen along with a fresh coat of Minnesota snow.”

“We could not be more thrilled to embark on this journey with the incredibly talented director Andy Fickman, as we bring the adventurous and thrilling world within this story to the big screen,” added Bramich. “With this unique story, and the help of the brilliant author Maggie Stiefvater, it is with great enthusiasm that we begin this exciting collaboration.”

Fickman is an award-winning writer, director and producer whose romantic dramedy One True Loves hits theaters on April 7th. Simu Liu, Phillipa Soo and Luke Bracey star in that pic based on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestseller. In conjunction with Village Roadshow, he also recently directed and produced the stage capture of his award-winning show Heathers the Musical, which debuted to acclaim on Roku last September. The stage show is currently selling out at The Other Palace Theatre in London, where it has received several West End noms and other accolades.

Other notable titles helmed by Fickman include Fox’s family comedy Parental Guidance starring Billy Crystal and Bette Midler, DreamWorks’ teen sports rom-com She’s the Man, Paramount’s Playing with Fire starring John Cena, Keegan-Michael Key and John Leguizamo, Disney’s hit films The Game Plan and Race to Witch Mountain, both starring Dwayne Johnson, as well as Disney/Touchstone’s comedy You Again starring Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Betty White and more.

On the television side, Fickman most recently directed and exec produced Netflix’s NASCAR comedy The Crew, starring Kevin James, Freddie Stroma and Sarah Stiles. He previously collaborated with James as director and EP of his Netflix stand-up special Kevin James: Never Don’t Give Up, also directing on Nickelodeon’s No Good Nick, starring Melissa Joan Hart and Sean Astin.

An author of books for all ages, as well as a musician and artist, Stiefvater’s book series The Wolves of Mercy Falls and The Raven Cycle were both #1 New York Times bestsellers. She also previously penned The Scorpio Races, which was named a Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book in 2012.

Fickman is repped by WME, Entertainment 360 and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller; Stiefvater by Angela Cheng Caplan of Cheng Caplan Company, Richard Pine of InkWell Management and VanderKloot Law.

[nealshustermanreal]

Save the date! Join me at @bienaldolivro on 02/09. We'll chat about my works, including the Scythe trilogy, acclaimed by the Michael L. Printz Award! Can't wait to meet you!

[pagebypagereviews]

John Green Biography John Green is a bestselling author, YouTube content creator, and philanthropist, renowned for his poignant young adult novels like "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Looking for Alaska." Biography John Green Information Table table width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; th, td border: 1px solid #dddddd; text-align: left; padding: 8px; th background-color: #f2f2f2; Field Details Full Name John Michael Green Date of Birth August 24, 1977 Nationality American Profession Author, YouTuber, Podcaster, Philanthropist Notable Works Looking for Alaska (2005) An Abundance of Katherines (2006) Paper Towns (2008) The Fault in Our Stars (2012) Turtles All the Way Down (2017) The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet (2021) Education Kenyon College (Double major in English and Religious Studies, 2000) Major Awards Michael L. Printz Award (2006) Notable Projects Vlogbrothers YouTube channel VidCon Crash Course Project for Awesome Philanthropy Trustee for Partners In Health (PIH) Advocacy Global health causes, maternal mortality reduction in Sierra Leone, tuberculosis fight Significant Honors Included in Time magazine's 2014 list of the 100 most influential people in the world Early Life Early Life of John Green John Green, a renowned author and YouTube content creator, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He spent his formative years in Orlando, Florida, where he was raised. His early education included attending a boarding school located outside of Birmingham, Alabama. These diverse geographical experiences during his childhood and adolescence contributed to shaping his perspectives and literary voice, which would later resonate with millions of young readers around the world. Family John Green's Family Information table width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; th, td border: 1px solid #000; padding: 8px; text-align: left; th background-color: #f2f2f2; Relation Name Information Father Mike Green Mike Green is John Green's father. The family moved to Orlando, Florida three weeks after John was born. Mother Sydney Green Sydney Green is John Green's mother. She, along with her husband Mike, raised John in Orlando, Florida. Brother Hank Green Hank Green is John Green's younger brother. He is also a well-known author and YouTuber. Wife Sarah Urist Green Sarah Urist Green is John Green's wife. They met at Indian Springs School and have two children together. Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements John Green's Body Measurements table width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; th, td padding: 10px; text-align: left; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; th background-color: #f2f2f2; Attribute Measurement Height 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) Weight 172 lbs (78 kg) Chest Size Not Available Waist Size Not Available Hip Size Not Available Shoe Size Not Available Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend John Green's Relationship Information table width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; th, td border: 1px solid black; padding: 8px; text-align: left; th background-color: #f2f2f2; John Green is currently married to Sarah Urist Green. They met while attending the same preparatory school in Indian Springs, Alabama. They have two children together, a son named Henry and a daughter named Alice. Marriage Date: Not publicly disclosed. Sarah Urist Green is an art curator and the creator of the PBS Digital Studios series "The Art Assignment." She has a keen interest in contemporary art and has worked in various capacities within the art world. Information about John Green's previous relationships is limited. However, it is known that he dated E. Lockhart, a fellow author. List Of Previous Relationships

Name Relationship Type E. Lockhart Girlfriend John Green is a celebrated author known for his popular contemporary Young Adult books, including "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Looking for Alaska." He is also the co-creator of the educational YouTube channel "Crash Course," which he runs with his brother, Hank Green. John Green has been open about his struggles with OCD and has used his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues. Career, Achievements And Controversies John Green - Career, Achievements, and Controversies How He Became Famous John Green gained widespread fame with his novel The Fault in Our Stars, published in 2012. The book's success was propelled by its poignant storytelling and emotional depth, resonating with a broad audience. The novel was later adapted into a successful film, further cementing Green's status as a prominent author. How The Career Started John Green began his literary career as a publishing assistant and production editor at the Chicago-based book review magazine Booklist. It was during this period that he wrote his first novel, Looking for Alaska, which won the Michael L. Printz Award in 2006. This recognition marked the beginning of his successful career as a young adult author. Popular Works Looking for Alaska (2005) An Abundance of Katherines (2006) Paper Towns (2008) The Fault in Our Stars (2012) Turtles All the Way Down (2017) Awards Throughout his career, John Green has received numerous awards and accolades, including: Michael L. Printz Award for Looking for Alaska (2006) Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Novel for Paper Towns (2009) Corine Literature Prize for The Fault in Our Stars (2013) Impact John Green has made a significant impact on American culture, particularly in the realm of young adult literature. His works often deal with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with younger generations. Additionally, Green co-founded the educational YouTube channel Crash Course, which provides informative and engaging content on various subjects. Controversies Despite his success, John Green has not been without controversy. Some of the notable controversies include: Criticism regarding the portrayal of mental health issues in his novels, particularly in Turtles All the Way Down. Debates over the appropriateness of certain themes and language in his books for young readers. Discussions around the representation of minority characters and diversity in his works. Despite these controversies, Green continues to be a beloved author and public figure, known for his ability to connect with readers and address complex topics in an accessible manner. John Green's career has been marked by significant achievements and a lasting impact on young adult literature. While his works and public persona have not been without controversy, his contributions to literature and education remain highly influential. Faq FAQs about John Green body font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; background-color: #f4f4f4; margin: 0; padding: 0; .container width: 80%; margin: 0 auto; background: #fff; padding: 20px; box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); h1 text-align: center; color: #333; .faq margin: 20px 0; .faq h2 color: #007BFF; .faq p color: #555; John Green is an American author, vlogger, producer, and educator. He is best known for his young adult novels, including "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Looking for Alaska." He is also a co-creator of the popular YouTube channel, Vlogbrothers, along with his brother Hank Green. Some of John Green's most famous books include "The Fault in Our Stars," "Looking for Alaska," "Paper Towns," "An Abundance of Katherines," and "Turtles All the Way Down." His works have been widely acclaimed and have received numerous awards. Yes, several of John Green's books have been adapted into films.

"The Fault in Our Stars" was released as a film in 2014 and received critical acclaim. "Paper Towns" was adapted into a movie in 2015. Additionally, "Looking for Alaska" was adapted into a miniseries by Hulu in 2019. Vlogbrothers is a YouTube channel created by John Green and his brother Hank Green. The channel features a wide variety of content, including educational videos, personal vlogs, and discussions on various topics. It has a large following and has led to the creation of several other projects, including the annual charity event Project for Awesome. John Green has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Michael L. Printz Award for his debut novel "Looking for Alaska" and the Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Novel for "Paper Towns." His book "The Fault in Our Stars" has also received various accolades and was a #1 bestseller on the New York Times Best Seller list.

[culpaedasestrelas]

Biografia do autor, Jonh Green:

John Green nasceu em Indianápolis, no Estado de Indiana, Estados Unidos, no dia 24 de agosto de 1977. Criado em Orlando, na Flórida, frequentou a Lake Highland Preparatory School. Estudou também na Indian Springs School (local usado posteriormente para o cenário do livro "Quem é Você Alasca?"). John Green é um romancista e vlogger norte-americano, autor de "A Culpa é das Estrelas". Depois que graduou-se em língua inglesa e estudos religiosos, passou cinco meses trabalhando como capelão estagiário no Nationwide Children' s, em Ohio. Em seguida, mudou-se para Chicago onde trabalhou como assistente editorial do jornal Bookist. Seu irmão se chama Hank Green e seus pais são Mike Green e Sydney Green.

Iniciou na literatura como novelista, no seguimento Young adult - a literatura para adolescentes e jovens adultos, com o livro "Quem é Você Alasca?" Essa história é ambientada em um internato, que possui traços autobiográficos de sua passagem no Indian Springs School. Além do livro "A Culpa é das Estrelas" (2012) que é um romance em que um casal de adolescentes enfrenta uma realidade incontornável: o câncer terminal, também tem os livros Deixe a Neve Cair (2008), Cidades de papel (2009), Will e Will, Um Nome, Um Destino (2010) e Tartarugas Até Lá Embaixo (2017).

Ganhou os Prêmios Goodreads Choice Award de Melhor Ficção, Michael. L. Printz, Edgar: Melhor Livro Jovem Adulto, entre outros.

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki

This One Summer

Written by Mariko Tamaki. Illustrated byJillian Tamaki.

Genre or Category

Printz Winner or Printz Honor Book

Target Age Group

7th-12th grade

Recommended for ages 12-18 years, grades 7-12th.

Format

Physical, print

Summary

Awago Beach is a refuge for the young Rose and Windy, who are friends and enjoy the festivities of summer there every year. This summer isn’t like every past year though, because tensions between Rose’s parents have grown. In the midst of family issues, Rose and Windy find themselves tied up in the drama with some local teens that are also at Awago Beach.

Justification

This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “Printz Winner or Printz Honor Book.” In 2015 it received the honor of being listed as a Michael L. Printz Honor Book, which is an award that recognizes the best books written for teens, which is based entirely on literary merit. Additionally, it was also a Caldecott Honor Book in 2015, received an Eisner Award for Best New Graphic Novel in 2015, and an Ignatz Award for Outstanding Graphic Novel in 2014. Both Mariko and Jillian Tamaki have received highly esteemed awards for both their works in writing and illustration. Although this book has received many brilliant reviews, it has also been on the end of scrutiny with many attempts at censorship because of the mature themes included in the story. 

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating illustrations, mood, and tension.

Illustrations

This One Summer is a graphic novel for young adults that features gorgeous illustrations that depict both lighthearted and emotionally heavy scenes. Although the character designs are fairly simple themselves, they have more detail in the linework used to create unique features, facial expressions and clothing, including the various textures used to emphasize those aspects. This is the same in regards to the scenery and settings used throughout the graphic novel - what appears simple is rather quite intricate. One key element that ties these illustrations together is the use of color, which is dominated by dark purple and purple blue in the linework. The remaining space is white. This use of a monochromatic design creates a sense of nostalgia, especially when characters are going through a sequence of memories. Additionally, these dark colors help to set different moods throughout the narrative. 

Mood

Graphic novels and other media intended for young adults often explore the complexities that come with growing up, and This One Summer is no exception. Mood in this graphic novel is established in one sentence of the synopsis of the story: “Rose’s mom and dad won’t stop fighting, and Rose and Windy have gotten tangled up in the tragedy-in-the-making in the small town of Awago Beach.” In this sentence, it has told the reader that this particular story is moody and that it will most likely be angsty and full of conflict. This is also highlighted in the dialogue between the characters and the illustrations, which feature soured facial expressions and intense weather.

Tension

Tension is present throughout This One Summer in many different interpersonal relationships. It’s seen between friends, lovers, and characters we wouldn’t think of having tension between them. Similar to the mood, tension is supported by the writing and illustrations present in the graphic novel. However, the more mature or sensitive themes in this story tend to create the most tension. For example, Rose’s mother, Alice, experiences a miscarriage which impacts her ability to connect with other people and enjoy the lake. As a result, this creates tension between her, her husband, and her daughter. The use of onomatopoeia is also helpful in creating tense scenes, such as doors slamming or heavy rain on the roof.

References

Tamaki, Mariko. (2014). This one summer (J. Tamaki, Illus.). First Second.

Tamaki, Mariko. (2014). This one summer [Cover illustration] (J. Tamaki, Illus.). First Second. https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781596437746/thisonesummer

[azbookblog2023]

The Poet X (Ebook)

The Poet X is a powerful novel in verse written by Elizabeth Acevedo. It is the 2019 Michael L. Printz award winner and is intended for young adults 13 and up.

This story follows Xiomara Batista, a sophomore who lives in Harlem with her family. She has a twin brother and strict Dominican parents who are very religious.This becomes problematic as her confirmation approaches because Xiomara begins to question the Catholic faith among other things. She is also becoming aware of her body and sexuality. Moreover, Xiomara’s character deals with sexism, exploring her identity, and hoping that her difficult family will accept her new interests. She uses poetry as a coping mechanism to express her frustrations, and is tempted to perform in poetry slams, but is afraid that her family will not approve.

I chose to review this book because it is culturally significant. Similar to Xiomara, I also grew up in a religious home with strict parents. I think that stories like this one are crucial for young Latina women who struggle with body discomfort as they become teenagers. Moreover, I think it’s important for all young adults to know that they are not alone if and when they begin to question the customs and beliefs their families impose on them. Xiomara's story is empowering and encourages self love. I think this is a great book for individuals who may be struggling with religion, self acceptance, and family. 

For this review, I will be evaluating Format, Pacing, and Character.

Format: I read this book on my Kindle as an ebook and had a good experience. I noticed that I went through it faster than when I read a physical book, but I’m not sure if it was because it was novel in verse or because of the format. After reading that the author had narrated the audiobook, I plan on listening to it at some point in the future. Xiomara’s character is so passionate and is filled with so many emotions that are not foreign to young teenage girls, and the author did so well in capturing those emotions. While I enjoyed my experience reading this as an ebook I look forward to hearing the audio version. 

Pacing: The pacing of this book is pretty fast, and Xiomara’s story is so captivating that it’s hard to put it down. However, because it’s a novel in verse the pacing feels appropriate. I think the author did a good job with the pacing in this story because the reader gets a good sense of what is going on and in a way it matches Xiomara’s character. As the reader I imagine Xiomara would be telling her story at this pace. The only time I felt like the pacing was not well executed was towards the end of the book because the ending seemed rushed. 

Character: Xiomara’s character seemed so authentic and wise beyond her years. I appreciate that she was a first generation immigrant, and I really sympathize with her when she feels that pressure on her shoulders. I found her relatable on so many levels and as someone who has gone through similar experience with religion, strict immigrant parents, and struggling with body discomfort I think that the author succeeded in reaching the intended audience for this novel. I found myself going through the same emotions as Xiomara, and was ultimately rooting for her the entirety of the book.

References: Acevedo, E. (2018). The poet X: A novel. HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers.

[hollymbryan]

Blog Tour: Top 5 Reasons to Read PLAN A by Deb Caletti!

Welcome to Book-Keeping and my stop on the TBR and Beyond Tours blog tour for Plan A by Deb Caletti, which is OUT TODAY! I've got all the book details for you below, along with my top five reasons to read this latest Caletti contemporary.

About the Book

title: Plan A author: Deb Caletti publisher: Labyrinth Road release date: 3 October 2023

A sixteen-year-old girl’s road trip across the country to get an abortion becomes a transformative journey of vulnerability, strength, and above all, choice. From the acclaimed author of A Heart in a Body in the World , this is both an achingly tender love story and a bold, badly needed battle cry about bodily autonomy and the experiences that connect us. Ivy can’t entirely believe it when the plus sign appears on the test. She didn’t even know it was possible from . . . what happened. But it is, and now she is, and instead of spending the summer working at the local drugstore and swooning over her boyfriend, Lorenzo, suddenly she’s planning a cross-country road trip to her grandmother’s house on the West Coast, where she can legally obtain an abortion. Escaping her small Texas town and the judgment of her friends and neighbors, Ivy hits the road with Lorenzo, who, determined to make the best of their “abortion road trip love story,” has transformed the journey into a whirlwind tour of the all the way from Paris, Texas, to Rome, Oregon . . . and every rest-stop diner and corny roadside attraction along the way. And while Ivy can’t run from the incessant pressure of others’ opinions about her body or from her own expectations and insecurities, she discovers a new world of healing and hope. As the women she encounters share their stories, she chips away at the stigma, silence, and shame surrounding reproductive rights while those collective experiences guide her to her own rightful destination. Content Warning: Abortion, harassment, assault, rape, trauma

Add to Goodreads: Plan A Purchase the Book: Amazon | B&N | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Deb Caletti is the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of over twenty books for adults and young adults, including Honey, Baby, Sweetheart, a finalist for the National Book Award, and A Heart in a Body in the World, a Michael L. Printz Honor Book. Her books have also won the Josette Frank Award for Fiction, the Washington State Book Award, and numerous other state awards and honors, and she was a finalist for the PEN USA Award. She lives with her family in Seattle.

Connect with Deb: Website | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook

Top 5 Reasons to Read

It's Deb Caletti. Isn't that enough?! I read and reviewed A Heart in a Body in the World when it released, and I *still* think about it to this day. She writes YA contemporary like no other.

I don't think there is any topic more relevant and urgent to the lives of young women than abortion -- the right to healthcare, the right to make one's own choices, the right to control one's own body.

The mother in this book is strong and amazing and supportive, and it was wonderful to read such a present and powerful parental character in YA.

The trip across country that Ivy and Lorenzo make is whimsical and fun while also leading to Ivy figuring out more who she is and what she wants. It may seem weird to have the trip to get an abortion be like this, but when reading you realize it makes perfect sense.

Perhaps my most favorite aspect of the book, and my top reason to read it, is the character of Lorenzo. Ivy's boyfriend not only supports whatever choice she wants to make, he calculates the travel route that takes them through all the "world cities" between Paris, Texas and Manhattan Beach, Oregon -- from Lima, Oklahoma to Naples, Utah to Rome, Oregon. He knows how desperately Ivy wishes to see the world, and he wants to give it to her, making my heart completely full.

While this isn't a traditional review, I do have to say this is a 5-star book for me for sure. I want to put it in the hands of every teen reader I come across -- and parents, too! It's beautifully written and empowering, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Thank you so much to the publisher, author, and TBR and Beyond for the early copy of the book and for having me on tour!

[tianasdominicanlitblog]

10 Fiction Titles

In The Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

This Julia Alvarez classic is a must-read for anyone of Latinx descent. If you haven't yet read In The Time of the Butterflies ($16), it's Alvarez's interpretation of the story of the four Dominican sisters known as the "mariposas," three of whom were killed presumably because they were opponents of real-life dictator Raphael Trujillo. Although this one is classified as historical fiction, it quite accurately clues readers in on what it was like for people living in the Dominican Republic during Trujillo's reign, and the sheer determination it took to overcome him.

How the García Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez

Released more than a decade after In the Time of the Butterflies, Julia Alvarez's How the García Girls Lost Their Accents ($17), introduced an entirely new generation to her powerful writing style. Julia again writes about four sisters from the Dominican Republic, but this set of sisters flees Trujillo and lands in New York City, where they must figure out how to become American and learn to fit in, while their parents desperately fight for them to hold onto their traditional ways.

Afterlife by Julia Alvarez

Julia Alvarez's latest, Afterlife ($24), departs quite a bit from the other two novels mentioned here. It's about a woman whose life turns tumultuous when her husband suddenly dies right after she retires from the college where she taught English for years. Her sister disappears and one day, a pregnant undocumented teenager shows up at her home. She finds there are no answers to the chaos she's in the midst of and instead she must embrace each challenge as it arises, with an open heart and an open mind. It's a quick read, but a poignant one.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Dominican poet Elizabeth Acevedo skyrocketed to literary fame after her novel-in-verse The Poet X ($12) was released. It's the recipient of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Pura Belpré Award, and is a New York Times bestseller. It's written from the perspective of a Dominican teenager growing up in Harlem, and struggling against her environment and her old-school and often abusive mother, to come into her own and figure out how to pursue her passion for poetry.

With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo

In her second novel, With The Fire on High ($13), Elizabeth Acevedo taps into the passion many Latinx people have for food. It's a fun novel about a teen mom, who turns to the kitchen to escape the stresses of her young life. She's gifted in the kitchen but doesn't think she'll ever be able to have a career as a chef. She chooses what she thinks is the responsible path, but her talent refuses to take the back burner.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Elizabeth Acevedo's latest novel, Clap When You Land ($19), is the emotional tale of a young girl living in the Dominican Republic who looks forward to her father's visits from New York every year. She's devastated when she finds out he's died in a plane crash. But she soon learns that he left her with something to fill the void: an American sister she never knew about.

Dominicana by Angie Cruz

Dominicana ($16) by Angie Cruz is a beautiful novel that illustrates the difficult immigration story of many Latinx people quite authentically. It's about a 15-year-old Dominican girl who receives a marriage proposal from a much older man, that she has no choice but to accept because her family believes the union will open up a world of opportunities for them. Despite being content where she is in the Dominican Republic, she has to move to New York City's Washington Heights with her new husband, where she'll have to let go of all she's known her entire life. She dreams of escaping, but when her husband returns to DR temporarily, she begins to feel hopeful.

A Taste of Sage by Yaffa Santos

Born and raised in New Jersey, Dominican author Yaffa S. Santos developed a love for cooking that was inspired and ignited by her heritage, and that ultimately ended up turning into her first novel, A Taste of Sage ($16). The book is a romance about a chef who has the uncanny ability to be able to read people's emotions simply by tasting the food they cook, which leads to some unexpected feelings when she indulges in her boss' cuisine.

Halsey Street by Naima Coster

Halsey Street ($15) by Naima Coster is a deeply emotional novel about a young woman who sacrifices her art career to move back to the Brooklyn neighborhood she grew up in to care for her father. She's confronted with the unsettling implications of gentrification in the place that once belonged to her, and must also grapple with feelings and emotions about her family that she buried long ago.

What's Mine and Yours by Naima Coster

Naima Coster's second novel, What's Mine and Yours ($26), is one of the newest books on this list. This time, Naima shifts her focus to the American south, in a story that spans twenty years, about two kids whose lives and families end up forever connected despite their vastly different upbringings. The book takes a deep dive into the loaded topics of race, politics, love, and family, and offers an interesting look at the complexities of modern relationships.

[gn349]

THE FIRST PART LAST

[Cover art for The First Part Last]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_First_Part_Last

"No, I don’t know anything about raising a kid. I’m sixteen and none of those people on the wall look like the kind of family me and Feather’s gonna be. But I’m doing it.”

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson follows 16-year-old Bobby as he navigates life as a teenage father. Bobby is faced with many tough decisions and has to worry about himself and his newborn daughter, Feather.

The First Part Last offers many different topics that are discussed today but from very different perspectives. Teen pregnancy novels, more often than not, follow a pregnant female protagonist and avoid the nitty-gritty details of pregnancy other than morning sickness, lack of sleep, and swollen ankles. Angela Johnson pushes the boundaries by not only flipping this role around completely but also disclosing some of the horrific truths and possibilities of childbirth. I believe teens would quickly pick up this novel and relate to it. While it’s no secret that teens are sexual beings, this novel does a magnificent job describing the realities of what being sexually active means. Johnson does a fantastic job of creating a story that spells out the need to discuss safe sex with teens and that they are stronger than society has deemed them. I give this novel a 10/10 and recommend it to anyone who wants to partake in this emotional rollercoaster! I will also be reading the other two books in the series, which are Heaven and Sweet, Hereafter.

AWARDS:

Coretta Scott King Award, 2004

Michael L. Printz Award, 2004

Watch the book trailer for The First Part Last, created by teens in the DC Public Library’s Summer Youth Employment Program!

[gone2soon-rip]

MARCUS SEDGEWICK (1968-Died ? November 2022,at 54). British writer, illustrator and musician. He has published novels such as the children’s fantasy Floodland (2001; winner of the Branford Boase Award) and The Dark Horse (2002; shortlisted for The Guardian Children's Fiction Prize). He authored several picture books, and has illustrated a collection of myths and a book of folk tales for adults.The first U.S. edition of his 2011 novel Midwinterblood won the 2014 Michael L. Printz Award from the American Library Association as the preceding year's "best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Sedgwick

[nealshustermanreal]

I'm excited to announce that I'll be at the @bienaldolivro @02/09 to talk about my books, including the Scythe trilogy, which was chosen as an honorary book by the Michael L. Printz Award! Hope to see you there!

[logobosskingdom]

Monster walter dean myers study guide

Film review from The Hollywood Reporter.

Watch Mandler and Harrison discuss the movie here!.

The indie film, directed by Anthony Mandler, stars Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jennifer Ehle, Jennifer Hudson, and Jeffrey Wright.

Monster, a movie adaptation of the novel, premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.

Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare.

Guilt - The novel examines the difference between innocent and "not guilty" as demonstrated by the characters present in the trial. Justice - Through illustrating the damaging emotional effects of imprisonment and being on trial, Myers makes an argument about the injustice that overwhelms the justice system. Lies and Betrayal - Steve makes the critical mistake of trusting the wrong people key characters in the trial lie for self-preservation or to protect others.

Engage with the text in creative ways, such as dramatic performance and analysis of illustrations.

Evaluate how Steve's time in jail affects him emotionally and develops him as a character.

Examine the author's choice of using two main formats-journal entries and a screenplay.

Trace themes regarding discrimination in the criminal justice system, deception, and the effects of peer pressure.

Discuss to what extent Steve is guilty and in what way.

Draw the distinction between legal and moral guilt as it relates to the characters.

Extracting the truth from Steve's unreliable narration.

Keeping track of all the key characters in the trial.

The interesting format of journal entries and screenplay excerpts.

What Your Students Will Love about Monster Despite being found innocent in the end, he is plagued by the trial's aftermath.Ĭontent Warning: Although middle-grade readers are the intended audience for Monster, the novel contains references to violence, drug use, and sex, so the maturity of your class should be considered. Forced to confront the consequences of his choices, Steve grapples with guilt and self-perception as he endures brutality in jail and institutional racism in court. Harmon describes his emotionally challenging experiences in prison through a series of journal entries and the events of the trial in a screenplay format. Part epistle, part screenplay, Monster tells the story of 16-year-old Steve Harmon, a teenager from Harlem on trial as an accomplice to murder. Printz Award for Excellence in Literature for Young Adults

Awards: 1999 National Book Award Finalist, 2000 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, New York Times Notable Book of the Year, 2000 Michael L.

And if the retail value of your order is at least $2,500, you'll save 35% on all your paperbacks. If the retail value of your order is at least $500, you'll save 30%. You'll always save at least 25% on any paperback you order. Facilitate classroom discussion about the degree to which Myers succeeds in creating an empathetic character, and how Steve's introspection and experiences both limit and expand the story.Ĭourt is in session: Learn everything you need to know about Monster below!

Authors often uses these tactics to emphasize a character's humanity, with struggles and flaws. Students who enjoy the visual arts will appreciate applying themes from the novel to analysis of these illustrations.īeyond making the novel structurally interesting, Myers makes unique narrative choices, employing literary devices such as flashback, stream of consciousness, and unreliable perspective. Additionally, the author incorporates thought-provoking artwork by his son, Christopher Myers.

To further engage your class, consider having students perform parts of the screenplay or write journal entries from the perspective of another key character. Instead of using the traditional chapter-to-chapter format, Myers structured Monster as a work of confessional literature, shifting between Steve's emotional journal entries and a screenplay Steve wrote about the trial. Moreover, how does each type of guilt affect the characters differently? Which kind has a more lasting impression? Additionally, the role Steve's race plays in how he is perceived by the jury can lead to an in-depth discussion about prejudice and discrimination. As they read, students should note which characters are guilty and in what manner. Myers subtly draws a distinction between legal guilt and moral guilt through the actions and emotional state of each character involved in the trial. The core themes of this novel address justice, institutional racism, deception, guilt, and the effects of peer pressure. A teenager named Steve Harmon finds himself on trial, facing the death penalty, for being the "lookout" during what turned out to be a lethal burglary. Sometimes, a small choice has monstrous consequences, and there's no better example of this predicament than the story told in Walter Dean Myers's award-winning novel Monster.

[lgbt-frogs]

more gay books because gay

“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

!!!!!!! this is such a heartfelt story and i cried so many time while reading it. i love it so much. it won a lot of well-deserved awards like the micheal l. printz award, the stonewall book award, the pura belpré award, and the lambda literary award. the characters are so different and so well written and I just cannot put into words how great this book is 11/10

“The Infinite Noise: A Bright Sessions Novel” by Lauren Shippen

the bright sessions was originally a podcast (listen to it too it’s great) and there are like certain ppl who have things like telepathy and stuff like that. it’s sci-fi mixed with romance and a great depiction of depression and how you can’t just love depression away. 8/10 really just cuz im not that much of a sci-fi person, but if you like sci-fi and queer romance you’d definitely love this

“Will Grayson Will Grayson” by John Green and David Levithan

in this book, the happy ending you get isn’t necessarily the one you expect, but the characters do learn a lot about love. and not just the romantic kind. they learn a lot about friendship and platonic love and the characters are very relatable and act how teenagers act and it’s a really great book 10/10

“They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera

this book. god this book. i know it says it in the title but i was not prepared. the story takes place in a world where you get notified when you have one day left before you die. and these two boys meet through a death day app and it’s really heartbreaking because you know they will die and they know they will die and they go out and do the things they never did before and they’re just finally starting to be happy and i have a lot of feeling about this book 12/10 but if you read it you will cry about it for days

— lavender