"Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School" By Sonora Reyes

 "Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School" By Sonora Reyes

Originally Published in 2022

Awards: National Book Award Finalist

Summary: The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes is a novel that follows Yamilet, a mexican American girl from a religious family that happens to be a closeted lesbian. The book takes place just after Yamilet has outed herself to her best friend at her previous school which backfires against her. She is transferred to a new predominantly white catholic school and hopes to create a new start for herself. One that is free of the scrutiny she received from her peers at her first school. The story revolves around Yami's attempt at living a double life. One where she passes for straight to keep her reputation in tact and to protect herself from her religious family. All of her attempts begin to crumble when she meets a new love interest at the all catholic school. 

This book does really well with characterization and addressing themes of young adulthood. The perfect spot for this novel would be 8th and 9th graders. I think in particular this novel explores the relationships of LGBTQ+ young adultsThe Author's Note says what people should be wary of perfectly so I'll include it here: 

Teaching Considerations: 

This novel is particularly strong in its representation of different themes as well as demonstrating good storytelling. While not a unique story about love it does represent love from a new perspective. A perspective that highlights the cultural differences aroudn love and even more so when it crossses LGBTQ+ Lines. This novel would be great for a whole class or small group study. It has easily recognizable plot elements and has many different themes that students can explore. Students can work in groups to start identifying key moments into plot maps as well as have greater discussions around what it means to be closeted LGBTQ+ and how Yami handles it in the book. 

One of  the first passages in the book encapsulates how Yami handles being a closeted Lesbian. The passage is "But that's the problem isn't it? Im not supposed to be thinking about bianca. Or Jenna. Or Bo. Not like that. I'm supposed to be thinking about Hunter, and how he says my name right and buys me cookies. Hunter who blushes when I talk to him. Hunter... who is not a girl. And then Jenna calls me cute again, and she really needs to cut that shit out because she is most definitely straight and I am most definitely Not Gay. Not Here. (p. 42) Yami mentions in the book previously that she only wants to remain closeted until she moves out. This is an important detail that students should examine into Yami's characterization. Questions like what does it say about her as a person? She is fights back against stereotypes of non acceptance especially from a religious household yet still in some ways needs to hide it. Students could have a greater discussion about what this means and make determinations if she adheres to stereotypes or not. 

Another passage worth examining is when Yami and her brother telling each other about their sexualities. Throughout the novel Yami and Cesar demonstrate such a strong bond yet they still hide the fact they are both gay/bi from each other. When this moment finally arrives life seems to get better for the both of them.  The passage that students should look at begins with "The room is completely silent while I let him build the courage. We're both holding our breath. I find my lip mirroring his as it starts to tremble. Whatever CEsar is about to say could change everything. We can be in this together." Then after they share they "Laugh and sing and twerk. It's so gay". (p. 86-87) Looking at this passage can be instrumental in showing students the theme that siblings need to trust and love one another regardless of what they might think/feel. Another theme that students might want to explore here is looking at family dynamics in general. Cesar and Yami learn to confide in one another but their mother is still unidentified as homophobic. It would make for a good study for students to begin to uncover details more about the themes present around this interaction. 

The third passage(s) that students should examine in more detail is the chapter Thou shalt not covet thy brothers life and chapter 22 where Yami finds out that Cesar is having suicidal thoughts. These chapters really spell out the life that Cesar is living all the while Yami is deailng with her own issues. Cesar is chased by homophobic bullies almost to the point where their lives are in danger. Students should examine these chapters in closer to detail to see what kind of lives that hispanic people of the LGBTQ+ community go through. Something to have students look at here too is to think about these moments in terms of a plot map. Where do these events fall on the plot map story. Having students work through this will help them to better understand how specific details add or detract from stories. 

This was a fun read. Getting to know these main characters and how they interact with the world around them definitely resonates with teenagers of all different identity markers. If you enjoy this book another book to consider is the 99 boyfriends of micah summers by Adam Sass. Another book about an LGBTQ+ teen the 99 boyfirends is another contemporary realistic novel that explores life and love. 

"The Realm of Possibilities" By David Leviathan

"The Realm of Possibility" By David Levithan

Originally Published in August of 2004

Awards: American Library Association Margaret A Edwards award in 2016

Summary:  David Levithan's The Realm of Possibility is a novel in verse that explores the lives of 20 different teenagers. He presents different these different voices through the use of monologues, each one distinct yet similar to the others. Leviathan explores topics of love, angst, sexuality, and sense of belonging throughout this novel. It is hard to summarize just what this novel is about but if you had to put a sentence to it this novel seems to explore all the different possibilities that could exist within a teengagers life. 

This novel would be great for any young adult but in particular this feels like a higher grade level read particularly 11 or 12th grade. While is has themes that connect to any 6-12 the way it is written speaks to a more mature audience. There are specific poetic choices that Levithan makes that might be missed from younger readers. This novel does talk about sexuality (both hetero and LGBTQ+) as well as themes of bullying, sexism, racism, etc. which might trigger young readers. I would recommend this novel for any mature young reader. 

Teaching Considerations: 

This is a book that no matter what section you look at you can teach a different aspect of poetry as well as how authors characterize people inside of novels in verse. The amount of literary techniques, stanza building, and overall synthesizing of the lives of these 20 people while still giving them distinct voices is truly impressive to look at and/or study. This book would do well as part of small group instruction. Giving each group a different persons story to study and examine the literary techniques could be immensely powerful in developing students ability to recognize parts of poetry as well as how to write it. As mentioned before you can look at any section of this book and discover different poetic styles being utilized. Students should be made to look and differentiate how theirs are different to others as well as seem what is similar in style and how the stories are connected. 

There are lots of voices to examine but the two passages/ mini chapters that I feel are most impactful are Gail and Jill. 

Gail's chapter is called Gospel and it has every bit of religious undertones and style as you can imagine. The chapter is filled with dedicated stanzas, hallelujah's, repetition of phrases. All the things you might see inside the bible itself. It shows Gails story of living to herself and her religious beleifs even in a sea of people that don't preach or believe the way she does. The cadence changes as events unfold in this glimpse into her life. It culminates in this moment: 

This passage could be a good one for students to closely examine together. It has lots of repetition and unique feels connected to biblical structures. Phrases like I call out, I testify, I rise all seem to give this effect of a large encompassing moment that Gail participates in. It creates this effect of larger than life proportions even though it is a case of bullying inside a classroom. Students could learn a lot about how certain phrases, sentence/stanza structure can aid into the overall tone/feel of a story. 

Another chapter that is worth looking at is Jill's Chapter Titled: Lying awak beside you, these thoughts run through my head. In this chapter we see the inner turmoil that Jill faces in this novel. This would be a great passage to have students examine how language can be vastly different through not just different people but by how it is structured in the poem. 

The passage on page 85 reads: 

"I have never been faithful.

until you. 

but I do not know if that can last, if I can overcome who I 

am. 

you open your arms to me and I want to tell you not to. 

do not expose yourself to me. 

the last boy who did ended up shattered."

These are put into two line stanzas that seem to have breath in ever line. They seem to come in waves. Like thoughts that have a resigned nature to them even in this short passage you can learn a lot about the tone of the person behind the words. It speaks also to the cadence of the thoughts too. Being in two line stanzas adds significant weight to the words within them. Students could look at this and compare this to the passage about Gail. They could examine and even practice how the differences in syntax and structure work to create two uniquely different voices within the same story. 

Overall this was a really great read. It is filled with great literary devices to look at as well as very relatable perspectives that I feel would resonate with a great majority of young adults. For people who liked this book I would recommend Turtle Iland by Gary Snyder. It isn't a book about teenagers but it has the same feel intertwining different voices into poems that all aim around one greater topic. That topic being how we should treat the land that we are on. 

"Sunny G's Series of Rash Decisions" by Navdeep Singh Dhillon

 "Sunny G's Series of Rash Decisions" by Navdeep Singh Dhillon

Originally Published in 2022 

Summary: Sunny G's series of rash decisions follows the story of Sunny Gill a Sikh high school boy that is just coming of age in his modern world. Sunny is much like any other teenager: hangs out with friends, plays music in a band, and chases after girls. Sunny's life takes an unexpected turn when his brother Goldy passes away from alcohol poisoning. In an attempt to reconcile with his brothers death he decides to live in the moment causing him to make a series of rash decisions including cutting his hair and shaving his beard (Against the tenants of his religion). This novel explores what it might be like if we let go of our preconceived notions of what we are supposed to be and how others see us in a way that is entirely relatable to a young adult (even adults!) audience. 

This novel is based in contemporary realism and would be appropriate for any high school level audience. The language that is used is easy to understand and the novel is filled with many 'nerdy' pop culture references sure to excite any young reader. It does deal with themes of toxic masculinity, racism, and alcoholism that could be traumatic for young readers that deal with or have friends/family that have delt with these themselves. 

Teaching Considerations: 

While this story is very fun and engaging this novel feels more like an individual read vs a whole class or small group read. I found while reading this it very much revolves around the life of a young man. One who struggles with their  own identity and has this growing sense of rebelliousness against who they think they should be vs. who they actually are. Upon reading this novel I immediately thought to myself that this would have been a great book for me to look at as a teenager. To see what it might be like to let go of my own fears surrounding my own identity. There is definitely a case for this to exist in a whole class instruction setting. However, I feel the most powerful aspect of this book is the themes and lessons that can be garnered from it particularly at the individual level. It will really resonate with a lot of young men inside classrooms because of the themes that it outlines as well as how the internal monologue of Sunny G is presented. 

There are lots of examples of these themes as well as Sunny's internal monologue throughout the book. The first passage that I would have students examine is the passage where Sunny G Explains the tumultuous relationship he had with his brother and how he decides to change his life.  

These few pages in the book say a lot and reveal a lot about the main character. They show simultaneously family expectations and what it means to deal with your own sense of masculinity. Sunny later reveals that his ability to make rash decisions will also get him the favor of girls. This passage shows just how Sunny being compared to his brother affected his sense of self. He decides to make an almost 180 turn around to trying to reinvent himself. This passage is important for those that read this to recognize just what happens when you let go of some of the preconceived notions of self. Teaching this passage I would have students look at the inner thoughts of the character and then think about the decisions he is about to make. Do those decisions help him or hinder him and why. Thinking this way even at the very start of the book will start to reveal those moments where Sunny discovers that he can be himself just the way he is. 

The second passage that is worth examining is in the end of the book where he is talking to his brothers friend raj. Raj was good friends with his brother and had this to say about alcoholism: "You do know that I'm still an alcoholic right? I was gonna say, since I worked the night shift at my chacha's store.... I'll always be an addict, man. It's and Illness plain and simple." (p.619) In an effort to understand his brother Sunny asks " Why couldn't Goldy do it?" Raj responds " You gotta remember Goldy was sick. It aint just willpower. It's environment, genetics, habits, and there's the whole punjabi and general dude culture that makes you feel like you're a punk if you admit you have a problem." (p.620)  This passage towards the end of the book really highlights the unspoken masculinity that afflicts many men as well as what was happening to Sunny throughout the book. In an effort to 'be a man' he has decided to try and do things against what people think he should be but may have participated in toxic masculinity in different ways. These few sentences are important thematically because they work to help Sunny address the feelings he has about his brother. In turn too it gives a lens to examine Sunny's behaviors throughout the book. How much was he trying to just 'be a man' vs. do things he actually wanted to do. 

Ultimately this was a wonderful novel and a wonderful examination of teenage masculinity. This novel gives great perspective of the inner thoughts young men go through and what it might actually look like if we were brave enough to choose just being ourselves. 

Readers who enjoyed this book might also enjoy The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashjian. This novel follows another young male protagonist who is a math and technology prodigy who creates an alter ego named larry who critiques celebrities and consumers alike. This novel also explores what were to happen if we spoke our minds and took action against who we think we are supposed to be. 

"Balcony on the Moon" By Ibtisam Barakat

 Balcony on the Moon by Ibitsam Barakat

Originally published in 2016

Summary: 

This book is a memoir of Ibitsim Barakat. It is the sequel to her first novel Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood. The novel follows Ibitsim, a palestinian girl, through her high school years where she discovers more about what she wants her life to be like while confronting societal expectations of staying at home, raising children, and having nothing to do with education or working outside the home. Ibitsim regularly fights back against societal norms leading her to pursue an education. Funny enough, it inspires her young mother to pursue an education as well. This novel uncovers the details that inspired Ibitsim to become a writer and to share her story with the world. 

I would recommend this for 9th-12th graders as the story follows Ibitsim in her high school years. The language used in the novel has an almost lyrical quality to it which I believe requires a better understanding of language and how it aids to the telling of her story. It also explores themes that many high schoolers go through as well. Coming of age, becoming more independent, educating yourself even against cultural norms. This novel could be used in a middle school setting but I think would be most effective with High schoolers. 

Teaching Considerations: 

This book has a lot of applications for teaching at individual, small group and whole group levels but where I see the most value in this book is in whole and small group instruction. With strong themes of woman empowerment to redefining cultural norms/values this book would do well as a whole class read particularly in learning what details make for a good memoir, exploring themes of sexism and female empowerment, as well as how someone characterizes themselves in their own story. This book definitely tackles some tough topics of prejudice, sexism, and patriarchal systems as well as some traumatic family events, but I feel it is appropriate for 8th and 9th grade audiences and beyond. This book appeals to young women and in particular arabic women considering the protagonist as well as the characters in the story are of arabic descent. Reading this together would be incredibly valuable not only to help students understand worldly cultural perspectives but also learn how to engage with memoirs through a fascinating story.

The first passage to have students look at is on p.199. In this moment we get a glimpse into Ibitsims self discovery and utilizing the education that she fought so hard for. This specific stanza shows a lot about the societal expectations and Ibitsim pushing back against them. "Mother keeps repeating the proverb that does not apply eve to her own life: The shade of a man is better than the shade of a wall... I do not want shade I tell her. 'I like the sun, for it has all colors, and if I must stay away from the sun, there are tress and hats that can provide shade bettern than a man." (Bakarat, 2018, p.199) This passage shows how Ibitsim is fighting back against the expectations set upon her by her culture of becoming someones wife and mother. It is an immensely powerful passage to have students examine not only for the beauty in how the sentence was formed but for thinking about perspectives. She shares two very distinct perspecties that students can examine and make sense. Even more so they can begin to understand and recognize these themes elsewhere too. 

p.46-48 would be another good close read. The chapter is title Ramadan but the passage that I would recommend students to read and discover together is about how Ibitsim talks to her new baby brother. While talking to her baby brother she describes all about their traditions, the world he was born into and ultimately does this while introducing aspects of herself too. In two sentences Barakat describes " Islam is the younger sibling of Christianity and the lunar year is shorter than the solar year by ten or eleven days. I hope that you will grow to love languages and mathematics like I do" Even in this short excerpt from the passage we can tell so much about how Ibitisim characterizes herself as well as introduces aspects of her identity through the proceeding pages. This would be a great passage (or ultimately chapter) to do a close reading on as it reveals a lot about how authors can characterize themselves especialy in this biography/memoir format. This passage would be a great passage to have students look at to begin their own memoir style writing. Having students examine this passage closely would reveal a lot about how an author might show more about themselves than tell. 

An Important theme that occurs in this book is the transition of women with limited rights to opening up what is available to them particularly in the field of education. Ibitsim herself commits to understanding the declaration of human rights to get herself into school. She also helps her mother to understand cotinuing her education much to the dismay of her father. The Chapter: " Separation" does a great job of again encapsulating how her mother behaves but also demonstrates the perspectives that come with such a transition as women receiving higher education. Ibitsim writes what her father says about her mother going to school. " I refuse to let you continue going to this school.... I cant have you sitting near thos emen who spent time in prision, exchanging notes with them and spending hours in the same room breathing the same air! How can I show my face?" This small segment in this chapter speaks a lot to the major cultural shift that was occuring at the time. Her father speaking in this way shows not only the cultural values that are being disrupted but the fear and anxiety surrounding women having more of a say in their own lives. This passage would be great to explore in a group discussion. Students could first determine what the different perspectives are and what to think about them. Students could share out ideas from earlier in the book and compare it to their lives now. This would be a great passage to explore in real time what comes with shifting cultural perspectives in such a drastic way. 

"Beating Bullying at Home and In Your Community: The LGBTQ+ Guide to Beating Bullying" By Clara MacCarald

 Beating Bullying at Home and In Your Community: The LGBTQ+ Guide to Beating Bullying By Clara MacCarald

Originally Published in 2018

Summary: The title of this book summarizes the content well. This is a short read novel (approximately 54 pages long) that anyone can read to discover where bullying happens and how to help/prevent bullying for people in the LGBTQ+ Community. It describes how families, communities, as well as social media are all mediums where bullying occurs and affects peoples lives and how people can address bullying in general. 

This novel would be a great introduction for any secondary students. Because of the shortness of length, and the straightforward content, any student should be able to read this and gather the intended messaging and information. In addition to the shortness of length it provides a series of powerful images that any secondary student would be able to recognize and take meaning from. 

Teaching Considerations: 

This novel is one that I feel would be a perfect novel to cover in a week/ few days class period. In many schools they have bullying awareness/ bullying prevention assemblies and/or teachings around bullying. I think this novel would be a great addition to these small session/mini units and would bring tremendous value to those teachings and introduce a lot of concepts that many students may not be aware of. The first thing that this book brings up is how bullying affects LGBTQ+ people at home. 

A close read that teachers should have students examine is on page 13. It describes the scenarios in which parents can be bullys." 33% of families were not accepting .... parents may make negative comments whenever they see someone who is LGBTQ+... They may try to control an LGBTQ+ teen, thinking they can make their offspring straight..." (p. 13) This is just one example of how the novel addresses bullying that can occur at home. This passage is important for teachers to share with students because it exposes a reality that many teens may not know is happening. For teens that are experiencings bullying at home it can be an immensely powerful tool for recognition. Considering the Power and position families have in youths lives a student that experiences bullyin may not recognize what is happening or may begin to internalize the bullying that happens to them. Looking at this novel may be the small addition to an LGBTQ+ teens life that helps them to find acceptance especially within a family dynamic that they may or may not know is hurting them. 

This novel would also be a great addition to a unit around identity. It could be used as a supplementary text to help students recognize and understand what is happening not only in their own lives but in the lives of the characters they see in novels. One example of how this text could be used is in addition to the text The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis. The Dangerous Art of Blending in follows the story of a young LGBTQ+ Teen that has abusive parents. In short, How to beat bullying can be used in supplementation to this novel to help students understand the perspectives of the main character as well as extend their thinking about how to address these situations moving forward. 

A final passage that would be good for students to look at is on Page 39 in the section title Getting the Message out. Having students read this passage would be transformational because it could help students see the greater picture of how what they learn in school transfers to the outside world. Even the first sentence can have a profound impact on student thinking. MacCarald notes "Schools often run antibullying campaigns but so do community organizations" Having students read through this passage could help them to understand that all the things we do in class have applications outside of school too. This could easily extend in to a research study to find different organizations and maybe how we can help them or how they can help schools to build up their own campaigns. A teaching move that could be good here is creating a presentation about a specific outside program that a school could lean on. It would teach students to be advocates for themselves and in their communities. 

This is a short, to the point book that would be a great addition to any school antibullying campaign, any identity unit, and just overall great information learning to examine. There are some themes that may be difficult for some students including abuse, cyberbullying, etc. so it is important to preface these before having students embark into this novel. 

Mentioned before a great text to consider if you like this one is The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis. It is a novel that would pair very well with this one to provide an example of some of the concepts that are explained in this novel. 

" The Girl who stole an Elephant" by Nizrana Farook

 " The Girl who stole an Elephant" by Nizrana Farook

Originally Published in 2020

Summary: The Girl Who Stole an Elephant follows the story of Chaya and her friends Neel and Nour in a past rendition of South Asia/India. This story feels like a Indian version of Robin hood where Chaya is the one who steals from the rich to give to the poor. In a regular event of stealing from the palace. Chaya happens to steal something far to valuable that ends up getting her friend Neel in trouble. In order to save her friend Chaya must make some tough decisions around morality and what it means to create a better world for the people around her. Without too many spoilers each chapter leaves the reader on the edge of their seat wondering how Chaya will escape the trouble she has gotten herself into this time. 

This would be a great read for any child in middle elementary school to middle high school. Academically it should be readable by most 5th graders but can easily be followed along with through the audiobook (the version I chose)  

Teaching Considerations: (Spoilers included) 

The primary considerations to using this novel in the classroom is teaching Plot. This story does a wonderful job of building excitement, anticipation and sometimes fear in each chapter of the book. It can sometimes feel like you don't know exactly when the climax of the book is supposed to be because each chapter leaves the reader feeling that the next 'big thing' is coming. For example in Chapter 6 we see that the jewels that Chaya had stolen in the first place, are safely recovered. However, the chapter ends when guards come into the shop where Neel works and discover the gems. The guards take him away and Chaya has to figure out what to do. Each major transition within the book feels like it's own plot map where there is rising action, climaxes, and falling action. Looking at these places would be great for students to see how certain events, characters, etc. affect the overall story. 

The first close reading(listening) I would have students look at is the afformentioned event from chapter 5. students can see that Chaya participates in losing the jewel, making her way to Nour's house to retrieve it, recovering the jewel and then all hell breaks loose again when her friend Neel is taken away by the guards. An activity I imagine could be helpful for students is just to look at plot elements within this chapter alone. They could identify the beginning, rising and falling actions and ultimately the climax that happens at the end of the chapter. Ideally this could be a place to look at authorial choices of leaving a cliffhanger at seemingly every chapter too. This one ends with Neel being taken away which ultimately leaves the reader wanting more. Students could reflect on their feelings to this and write about why it makes them want to continue on with the story. 

Another close read that would be good for students to look at is chapter 15. Chapter 15 is the actually climax for the novel and like chapter 6 feels like there are many pivitol moments even within the chapter itself. Teachers could consider having students look at the very last cliffhanger where (spoiler) chaya steals an elephant to help her and Neel escape. They could determine how the events before where chaya is nearly killed, gets hurt but makes it through to escape play a role in curating this story. They could examing how creating those events affects their reading and influences the whole story. 

This novel was a very very fun read. A female, young adult robin hood adventure that discovers what it means to create a better world and more about herself along the way. The audio book is wonderful and I imagine reading it would be just as fun. This would be a great mentor text to have students look at to creating their own fiction/ fantasy stories. They could learn plot elements and how to create compelling narratives through the deliberate placement of cliffhangers. 

If you like this book another book to look at/ Read is Rowan Hood: Outlaw girl of Sherwood Forest. It tells a similar story of a young girl who steals from the rich to give to the poor. It embodies strong young adult female characters that would inspire anybody.

"African Town" by Iren Latham and Charles Waters

 African Town By Irene Latham and Charles Waters

Originally Published in 2022

Summary: African Town tells the story of the last American Slave ship that brought Africans to America to be enslaved. It follows over 14 different perspectives of different people involved with the ship including the ship itself. It follows the lives of the africans lives from before they were taken, while they were traveling on the ship and ultimately when they were enslaved to when they bought land from their enslavers to begin creating a life for themselves in the USA. The story shares the thoughts, feelings, motivations, and overall perspectives of the people as they try to make sense of the lives they lead. 

This would be a great novel for any secondary education student. I particulary feel that 7th graders would be ready to read this novel and gain perspective of all the players involved in the enslavement of Africans in the middle 19th century USA. The major themes of racism and slavery could be challenging for some students but with proper care for themselves this could be a great read for any student. 

Teaching Considerations: 

This Novel would be great to look at to show student show to organize multiple perspectives inside a story. With over 14 different characters/narrators each telling their story each passage sheds light on the thoughts and actions of all the players involved with the last (illegal) capture and enslavement of africans in the United states to the then establishment of Africatown (now Plateu, Alabama). The novel travels effortlessly between both 1st and 3rd points of view which for students will be important to recognize and understand so they can keep track of the plot, narratives and perspectives of characters within the novel. 

One of the close read passages I would recommend to have students look at is Clotilda Conundrum. Told from the perspective of the ship the enslaved africans are brought on, it gives a unique point of view. The ship not only would be a great example of personification, but makes for a great case for people to see how some 3rd person points of view can be omiscient even while inanimate. In the chapter it reads "Foster and Meaher are both smart, driven men-- one an immigrant, the other a son of an immigrant--... what good they could do if they weren't so arrogant, so bent on profit and breaking the law." (p. 84-85) These few sentences allow the reader to see through the eyes of the ship. To put an objective viewpoint that can still determine the morality of the situation that the ship has become part of. 

Good novel to look at dialect. Even on the first couple pages you can see great examples. " Someday maybe you will see de world de way I have seen it in Bante. Then you will know how de sun kisses de earth, melts like honey, over de land--" p.22 The use of de gives an auditory sound to the words on the page. Just from this small dialect presentation in the novel we can get a better understanding of where the person is coming from. This small detail is important to look at because how the words appear on the page directly influences the readers perspective and clues the reader in on who and what ethnicity the person speaking is. 

This was a very interesting and fun novel. The unique perspectives, alternating viewpoints, and overall deeply moving story, make for a read that would have any person asking for more. The novel sheds light on the situations of the enslaved africans in such a way that humanizes the people behind the enslavement. Each person has their own story to tell and ultimately is able to drive their own story after the end of the civil war. 

A novel that people might like if they like this novel is "Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?" This Novel like African Town, is told from multiple perspectives about two young friends Aurora and Frenchie. Frenchie is neurodivergent non verbal boy with autism who finds frienship with Aurora. The was the story shifts viewpoints feels very similar to this novel. Though the themes are different the constant shifting of perspective really allows the reader to get a clear and wholistic picture of the story. Like this novel, definitely worth the read. 

"Brooms" by Jasmine Walls & Teo Duvall Illustrated by Bex Glendining & Ariana Maher

 "Brooms" by Jasmine Walls & Teo Duvall Illustrated by Bex Glendining & Ariana Maher

Originally Published in 2023

Summary: Brooms is a graphic novel that tells a story of perserverance, love, and acceptance in a fantastically magical way. This story takes place in an alternate reality version of the early to mid 1900's U.S. but unlike our world this world is full of magic. Based loosely in historical U.S. This story follows young women with magic Luella, Billie Mae, Emma, Hattie and their families. As a child, Luella was taken from her family by governments authorities who seek to get rid of all magic. Luella was one such victim. Flash forward, Luella’s younger half-sisters, Mattie and Emma, are getting more adept at using magic, and the whole family is worried about the two girls being taken away by the governemnt. There is hope for these two girls though however. Like many solutions to problems the girls can be saved by buying exception licenses/tickets in order to secure their freedom. Both Emma and Hattie turn to broom racing to find the money to help their family and keep the government away. They meet Billie Mae and her team and begin a unique adventure to winning a highly competitive broom racing tournament to not only secure their freedom but to help their family and grow as people along the way. 

This is a very magically real book and any young adult could enjoy this book. It explores LGBTQ+ Love in a very safe and fun way. It could be a great book to introduce children to identity, sexuality etc. There is some language that might be challenging for younger readers but any reader 6th grade and up would be able to read through it. 

Teaching Considerations:

This Graphic novel does many things very well. The first thing that it does well is present the intersectionality of identity through the characters in the book very well. You can look at any character in this novel and see just how deep the characters are. For instance on page 

p. 95-99, p. 80-82. Loretta Identifies as a girl but is biologically a boy. They are discovered to be a boy dressing as a girl that fears what will happen if their parents find out. The novel does justice to how to treat LGBTQ+ community as well. Walls depicts Emma and Hattie to show how to treat somebody. They feared only outing their broom riding group in public vs. any sort of backlash because Loretta identified differently. The novel shows that being LGBTQ+ is not your whole identity but a part of it. This is just one of many passages I would encourage teachers to look at for close reads. In this passage you can examine the characteristics of Lorretta, Emma and Hattie and can build great discussions of how authors go about characterizing people in their stories.

Another close read passage that I would recommend is any scene where authorities are searching Emma and Hatties home. In particular on P.110- 111. Authorities come to the home to search for magic users in an attempt to take them away. because Luella was born with magic they also want to punish the girls if they happened to be magic too. Brooms in conjunction with the authors gives a sinister look to the government officials as they question the family and search the house. This passage would be great to have students think about very real issues that people face today of discrimination just for being who they are. This book explores discrimination on magical lines but the parallel to racism, sexism, etc. in our own world is uncanny in these pages. Thematically the problems we face still exist whether we live in a world of magic or not. It is what we do to solve those issues that counts. 

Another title that people who enjoyed this book might consider is The 99 boyfriends of micah summers. Much like this novel, it explores LGBTQ+ themes and 'normalizes' the aspects of LGBTQ+ relationships.

"Audacity" by Melanie Crowder

 "Audacity" by Melanie Crowder

Originally Published in 2016

Summary: Audacity follows the story of Clara Lemlich, a young Ukranian/russian decent jewish girl who works in the garment industry. The story is mostly based on historical events writings of Clara herself piece together in the form of a novel in verse. The story explores the challenges Clara faced at home and in her workplace where conditions got to a point where the workers were suffering terribly. From carrying their own sewing machines to long hours and low pay, these women in the garment industry worked desperately to fight for treatment that was afforded men of the time. Crowder tells the story in a beautiful way showcasing the fears, ambitions, and downright audacity that Clara Lemlich ends up displaying in the culmination of the Uprising of the 20000. 

This is a book that would be appropriate for any student from 7th- 12th grade. Crowder has a way of writing that utilizes literary techniques but doesn't stray too far from the sentiments and emotions that Clara had or likely experienced herself. The novel touches on some themes of abuse both physical and mental that students who have experienced abuse like this in the past. 

Teaching Considerations: 

Close read passages: The First close read passage is at the end of the book. Though I wouldn't start with this passage if I were to teach the book, but it is immensely powerful not to share. Crowder writes in a style that has this immense buildup of emotions that culminates in a very powerful last couple of words. Crowder writes "I have no further patience for talk as I am one of those who suffers from the abuses described here. I move that we go on a general strike... now." (p. 619 digital) These few lines along with the visceral descriptions of movement from Clara's perspective. All the emotions, pain, and suffering that Clara and her fellow employees felt in the years before turns to excitement for fighting for whats right. 

Another close read passage worth looking at is the section named 25. It is another passage where you can feel the emotions the women felt at the creation of their own local union. " We pushed demanded insisted and the male leadership at the union finally, finally gave in" In this scene again we see the side of Clara that continues to fight for what is right for her family and the people around her. 

Something that teachers could look at with this book is the stanza style and organization. Crowder uses lots of line breaks, enjambment, imagery, etc. These literary devices enhance how we see Clara and empower her and her ability to advocate for herself, family and co workers. 

When thinking about this book another great title to consider would be Girl waits with gun by Amy Stewart. Similar to this novel, it follows the story of one of the nations first female detectives. 

Overall this was a very fun read. It was poetic, beautiful and really shows what it means to fight for equality. 

"War Reporter Muhammad Najem" By Muhammad Najem and Nora Neus. Illustrated by Julie Robine

"War Reporter Muhammad Najem" By Muhammad Najem and Nora Neus. Illustrated by Julie Robine

Originally Published in 2022

Summary: This is a graphic novel that explores the conflict in Syria from 2011 to the present day. This book is told from the perspective of young Muhammad Najem who reports the happenings in his city from 2011-2019. Muhammed is a muslim boy with many brothers and sisters from eastern Ghouta. (Goo Ta) A province outside of Damascus syria.He does not share the traditional appearance to what we think is muslim. He has blonde hair blue eyes and fair skin. However, he is a devout muslim. He uses videos, social media, and journalistic testimonies to spread information about what is happening to civilians in his country. Muhammed explores what it means to fight for the truth. How love of family and friends transcends all. And how social media, videos, journalism can impact the world around us

While it explores these themes in great detail, this is a very challenging novel. It depicts violence, war, and genocide in its rawest form. It depicts innocent people dying, being bombed etc. for seemingly no good reason. I urge you to tread carefully while reading this book and to take care of yourself while you read it.

This book would be appropriate for 9th graders and beyond. Honestly it could be read for any audience but some of the themes may affect younger readers.

Teaching Considerations:

This book would be a great mentor text to review not only graphic novels style but journalist style of writing as well. There is no fancy language throughout this novel, only the facts of Muhammad and his family's situation. It uses images, social media, and journalistic reporting to showcase how Muhammad went about reporting the happenings inside his city.Where this novel really shines is in the themes it shares with the viewer as well as the combination of the captions and art.

Thematically it shows the impact of war and how it affects the civilians trapped between conflicting parties. Muhammad shows throughout the novel various events that show how devastating war can be. From some of his friends dying to fearing for their lives whenever a plane passes overhead the book captures in great detail how syrian people from Eastern Ghouta lived. However, it is not all misery. It also explores themes of deep love and commitment to family. How doing the right thing is necessary as well as helping others even at the expense of your own well being. This novel dives deep into what being human really is especially in times of severe discomfort. A couple of close passages to read with students are on page 117-118 and on page page 231. Pages 117- 118 show a powerful image of Najem and his family while explaining the the scale and impact of their situation. It shows how 350000 people were trapped in the city as the bombings occurred. It uses a large scale picture to capture the scope of the events muhammed and the syrian people were experiencing. On page 231 it explores the story of a young girl who lost her leg. In the events of war she feels no hope for ever getting a prosthetic leg. Muhammed shows how through the power of social media she can show others and potentially get her help. These passages show through images how powerful the concepts are. 

Another thing to look at with this novel is the use of imagery and symbolism. One of the most powerful images in the book is on page 76. It depicts several large dogs fighting with one another. Each of the dogs is wearing a collar with a countries flag on it depicting russia, United states, United Nations, and ISIS and Iran. The dogs fighting represents the various countries involvement in the syrian conflict. All fighting but not helping. The novel is riddled with imagery like this that would be worthwhile exploring inside of a classroom. 

Overall this was a very interesting read. It shows from the perspective of the people of a conflict that was semi overlooked in the news and sheds light on the people that suffered the most in this Syrian Civil War. 

People that liked this book would also like When Stars are scattered by Victoria Jamieson. It explores the life of refugee children living in a refugee camp. These stories told from the perspective of children would really resonate with youth alike. 

"The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers" By Adam Sass

 The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers by Adam Sass

Originally Published in 2022

Summary: The 99 Boyfriends of Micah summers follows the story of Micah summers the son of a popular radio host in chicago. Micah is a gay boy that struggles with anxiety so he creates instagram posts of imaginary boyfriends based off of the boys he sees out in the city. 99 imaginary boyfriends later and he thinks he sees the one on the subway one day. Micah just about builds the courage to ask this boy out before he runs off the train. The story then follows in micahs journey to find said boy with his friends. He might just discover that true love and real life relationships are closer than he thinks. 

This is a book that would be a great read for late middle school all the way through high school aged young adults. It explores LGBTQ+ scenarios which are done in a playful and tasteful way. The nature of love and relationships is explored heavily in this novel and would be worthwhile for any student to read. With the themes of love and relationships there is the nature of social media and how it permeates the life of young adults in ways that can sometimes be far from the truth. 

Teaching and Content Considerations: 

This book is a prime example of a romance/rom-com novel. The humor and the way love and relationships are portrayed in this novel are quintessential and really sell the idea of what romantic love can be. Specifically Chapter 12 describes a scene with Micah and Grant where they ask each other to be boyfriends. Lines like "Grant lets out a single relieve laugh. 'Really?' and but I guide him by his chin back into my eyes. "Never the right time, only the right guy."  (Sass, 131) are lines that pervade whenever relationship are abound in this book. This would be a great book for students to use as a mentor text when writing romantic novels. 

The novel also explores Love and Jealousy in new and suprising ways. In chapter 17 Micah and his friend Elliot both have jealous boyfriends who are very close to fighting each other. This passage would be great for a close read so students can see the similarities between stereotypical hetero relationship tropes and those that pervade this LGBTQ+ version. This could be a great point for students to also compare and contrast gender roles and to see what ideology sticks around or goes out the window. 

Without revealing the whole story, the story leans on fairy tale, knights and castles, and many of the themes that you would find in an old school romance novel. The story plays on Disney princesses and how sometimes events occurr where hope seems lost but it all works out in the end. These are filled throughout the novel but the ending of the novel in particular plays on the cinderella story and really makes you consider what it means to find true love/happiness. 

Overall this was a wonderful read. Very heartwarming, fuzzy and downright lovey dovey. This would be a great book for any LGBTQ+ student to read to see get glimpses of what relationships are like and for any other types of students that migh be interested in the same thing. 

"We Set the Dark on Fire" By Tehlor Kay Mejia

 We set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Originally published in 2019

Awards: Oregon Spirit Book Award for Debut Fiction, Neukom Institute Literary Arts Runner Up Award

Summary: We Set the Dark on Fire follows the story of Daniela Vargas set in a dystopian future where there is laws in place that people in positions of power should have two wives. One for politics and one to raise a family. Daniela is a 'primera' who struggles with balancing the demands of the political circles and life on a fictional island. There are threats to Daneilas status in the world and her world changes when she is approached by a rebel revolutionary group that asks for her help in changing the way of their world. Daniela struggles with protecting her family, doing what is right and a rival love interest along the way. 

This book deals with some modern themes of opression, rebellion, as well as deeply ingrained patriarchal traditions which make for a book that is geared towards more mature young adults. This book is appropriate for any 10th through 12 grade audience due to the language choices used. The complex plot narratives as well as political motivations. 

Teaching and Content Considerations: 

This is a book that goes deep into the motivations of human beings especially when faced with 'impossible' circumstances. The main character as well as other minor character, are all faced with immense challenges along the way of trying to break down the old political system. With so many factors to keep track of this book would be great for helping students to dive deeper in characters, complex societal issues, as well as how novels are organized and structured to produce different narrative outcomes. 

The novel explores opression, privilege (high status),sexuality, as well as immigration and class. Through these themes students can learn a lot about how our modern day society operates in some contexts and see the possible futures that could be possible if we are not active participants in society. The novel covers in great detail the representations of key figures that mimic our own society. Politicians, military personnel, etc. that are worth studying in a high school classroom. 

The first passage that is worth a close read is in Chapter 10. Dani meets with Sota (a rebel member) to share information about what she hears at politcal events. She comes to interact with Sota and finds that she will not be let out of joining the rebels as she thought she might. Turns out political dealings are not so cut and dry. This passage is worth looking at because it describes what could be very real political structures. 

Another passage that should be looked at is in chapter 21. It is a passage where the author describes the physical insurrection mounted by the rebel army. She sets the tone by creating a sense of mystery, dread, and even anxiety around the events that are about to happen. The rebel army captures innocent civilians including our main character. The tension that is build in pages 235-238 brings you into the moment. This would be a great passage to look at the word choice and organization that builds/ehances these emotions. 

This is a solid read for anybody interested in dystopian futures with complex political structures. The LGBTQ+ positive themes would appeal to any teenager/ally apart of that community as well. The book represents women in power quite well. 

"Maisy Chen's Last Chance" By Lisa Yee

Maisy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee

Originally Published in 2022

Awards: Maizy Chen's Last Chance has been awarded a Newberry Honor, is a National Book Award Finalist, and is the winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature

Summary: Maisy Chen's Last Chance Follows the story of young asian american girl Maisy chen who travels to Last Chance Minnesota to visit her Grandparents. The reasons she is visiting is because her grandfather is sick and they need Maisy's Mom's help with their restaurant called the Golden Palace. While Maisy is visiting she gets to know her grandparents well and learns a whole lot about the town her mom grew up in as well as a fair amount of the History of Chinese people in America. The story comes to a turn when the beloved mascot of the Golden Palace Bud gets stolen. Maisy along with the help of her new friends tries to solve the mystery of it along the way. Little does she know she learns a whole lot more about racial discrimination in America too. 

This is a story that could be enjoyed by anybody but really would target a much younger audience. Due to the choice in simpler language, easy to follow stories and overall movement of the story it makes for a novel that would be appropriate for advanced elementary 5th graders and 6th and 7th graders. 

Teaching and Content Considerations: 

Considering the nature/pacing of the novel, this would be a great read to introduce students to characterization. There are many characters, each with different motivations, that students can look at and begin to do some of that higher level critical thinking to uncover the motivations of people. Maisy as well as all the other characters in the book are very straightforward with what they are thinking. Though not expressly stated at first with some, the true thoughts of the character are easily discernable. This would maek for great conversations with students to understand why people think, act, and do what they do. It would also make for good learning for how the author makes choices in presenting it's characters and the events of the story. This would also be a great novel for students to begin to identify parts of a story. The rising action, climax, falling action, etc are all easily able to be identified so students can spend time on thinking of the specific events that fall within each category. Students can use this as a way to begin to differentiate important details of stories and think about parts in terms of importance. 

This novel also does a wonderful job of exploring the human condition. It beautifully captures how sometimes emotions like love, anger, sadness cannot be described or categorized with just one singular event. Each character is revealed over time which adds to this sense much like in real life that not everything can be discovered in a single moment. It takes time of talking with people to get to really know them. On the inverse it also deals with the very tough subject of racial discrimination. The family is the only chinese american family in town and they deal with, at many points in the story, bigotry and discrimination. The novel does a good job of sharing history of the chinese and their emergence in America. The ability to weave in history into stories is well done and should be looked at with students as well. 

There are many good places for students to look at but the two that would be best to focus on are in chapter 6 and chapter 61. In chapter 6 this is the first time we find out the difference in how Maisy and chinese American's like Daisy are treated. The person talking to her asks "Where are you from really" to Maisy. Maisy replies with "If you are asking my nationality... I am chinese" This is an important passage to look at because it shows the modern considerations for peoples discriminatory practices even if they are not intended that way. It shines a light on unintentional racism. 

The passage in chapter 61 follows the interaction between Maisy and another woman in town that is noted as a not so nice person. Maisy has the chance to get to know this person better adn show that the more you find out about people the better you can grow to understand them. This passage would be important for students to know to look at the whole picture before making a judgement about somebodies character. It also shows that students need to take evidence right from the texts to make a judgement. 

Overall this is a great book to begin getting into some of the things that make up books. From great characters to easily followed story, this is a great read for any young adult.