YA Reading Post #3





Chmakova, Svetlana. 2017. brave. New York:Yen Press. ISBN 978-0-316-36317-4

Jensen Graham wants to save the world. He has dreams of becoming a astronaut and saving the world as well as his friends. But the reality is that Jensen is having a difficult time finding and keeping friends. He just can't seem to fit with anyone at his school. He gets bullied and taken advantage of even when he gets included into social clubs at school.  For example, the newspaper club crew Jenny and Alikah want to include Jensen in their social-experiment on the topic of bullying. This situation doesn't make Jensen feel any better. He hears about the Art Club but as much as he wants to attend the meeting, he is forced to attend Math tutorial if not he is going to fail the class. Then you have the two bullies at school, who just can't seem to leave Jensen alone.  He just doesn't have the courage to stand up to the bullies and therefore they continue to bully him. Until one day Jensen tries to stand up to his bullies and the bullies take his glasses away and break them. As that scene is happening, the newspaper club is video taping the whole incident .  It is then that the school decides to implement a school wide bully awareness and prevention program to help students realize that everyone must respect and have empathy towards others. This situations make Jensen feel much better about himself and he even tries to befriend his bully.

I sympathize with Jensen as I read the book. It made me feel sad to see kids treat others with such cruelty. Jensen like many other students constantly get teased at school almost everyday.  It is a very tough situation for those students who get teased constantly.  I like the fact that Jensen had the  courage to stand up to his bullies. He didn't let rejections and bullying get the best of him. Somehow he found a way to overcome those difficult obstacle in his teenage life.

Other Books by Chmakova, Sveltana:










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Reynolds, Jason. 2016. GHOST. New York: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books. ISBN 1481450158


Castle Grenshaw also know as Ghost is a fast runner.  But the reason why Ghost is a great runner, is simply for the reason that he has been running away from his abusive father who has threaten to shoot him and his mother. Ghost and his mom live a very poor part of the a neighborhood. Since she can't afford to buy him clothing and shoes, the students at his middle school make fun of Ghost. Ghost fights back and usually ends up getting in trouble. Then one day he notices some track runners practicing in the track field. Although he believes he is not much of a runner but more of a basketball player, he decides to challenge the elite runner on the track team.  The track coach notices that Ghost has a special talent in running. He decides to give Ghost an opportunity to try out for the track team after Ghost refuses to leave the scene. Ghost joins the track team but feels out of place since everyone in the track team has nice clothing and shoes to wear and he doesn't. He decides to cut one of his shoes to make it look better but he ended up making things worse. The students made fun of Ghost shoes and he ends up leaving the school grounds to a shoe store. He goes inside the shoe store only to shoplifts a pair of running shoes. Ghost now feels like he can fit in with the rest of the track team. On their first meet, Coach is passing out the uniforms but he doesn't give Ghost one. What he does give him is a picture of himself as the shoe's store shoplifter. Ghost is shocked and is afraid his mother is going to find out. Ghost begs coach not to tell his mother. Coach makes Ghost promise never steal again and to go apologize to the store owner for stealing the shoes.

Everyone needs to be given an opportunity in life and that is what Coach did for Ghost. He gave Ghost the an opportunity to try out for team but also made him understand that life is not easy sometime but stealing something that doesn't belong to you is not the way to go.

Reynolds, Jason. Miles Morales: Spider Man. New York. Marble Press. 978-1-368-00137-0


Just like your typical teenager, Miles Morales enjoys hanging out with his friends, play video games. One day while tying to impress a girl named Alicia he makes a bad judgement which leads to a suspension for a few days.  He hopes not to cause any more trouble because he is afraid his boarding school scholarship might be taken away. But lately, Miles has been having nightmares about his history teacher Mr. Chamberlain. Miles history teacher has been declaiming racist views about slaves being happy being slaves and that black men don't belong in school but in prison. Miles Morales  senses  that his teacher has something against him. He must come face to face with his antagonist and settle this issue once and for all.
 Reading Jason's Reynolds books are rewarding. Some of the themes that are written in this novel are defining your identify, the power of responsibility, racism, and incarceration.

Other books by Jason Reynolds

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Albertalli, Becky. 2015. Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda. New York: Harper Collins Publishing. ISBN: 978-0-06-234868-5


Sixteen year old Simon is being placed in a difficult situation. After using the computer, he forgets to log out of his gmail account and Martin happens to see what the email said. He finds out that Simon is gay but he really doesn't care except that he wants Simon to encourage Abby his friend to talk to him. Simone feels like he is being blackmailed but he must do whatever it takes to get Abby to talk to Martin or else his sexuality and emails to Blue will be exposed. He is not ready to let his friends nor his parents know that he is gay. His email correspondence with Blue is getting more serious and intimate and is afraid he might be jeopardizing his relationship with a guy he has become very close to. Soon, Simon's parents find out about him coming out. His father apologizes for always making jokes about gay people. Simon's parents accept him for who he is and will always support him no matter what. Simon's parents are proud of him, he also finds out the identity of Blue and is very happy to experience love for the very first time.

It takes a lot of courage to let everyone known that you are gay. Simon is brave and lucky he had parents and friends who were very understanding and supportive about his sexuality. It is a very difficult choice for gay people to make their sexuality public especially if others are not willing to accept them for who they are.

Other books by Becky Albertalli

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Senn, Matthew. 2017. Quiet. New York: Friesen Press. ISNB: 1525510614

Claire Glade is an very introverted girl. She doesn't speak much and keeps every thought to herself. The only person she really talks to is her older sister. Claire doesn't mind being at home enjoying her art work and just enjoying herself. Her sister Madison encourages Claire to enroll in college. Although she has no friends, no social skills, Claire must learn how to deal with college life. College life for Claire  was scary and difficult  especially when she was very shy and an introvert.
This book can help make an impact in a person's life especially those who like Matthew was very quiet and an introvert and who experienced many lonely times, did not have many friends, and got teased for being different.




Gratz, Alan. 2017. Refugee. New York: Scholastic. ISBN:

Three different characters experience conflicts in their home countries in three different eras. Josef from Germany must flee his beloved country in the 1930's after Adolf Hitler and the Nazi's want the Jews to vanish from their country. After his father is arrested and taken to a concentration camp, they must make the most difficult decision; to leave their beloved country and hope to meet with their father so they can flee Germany.  Isabela from Havana, Cuba and her family are distressed when Fidel Castro and his regime take control of the government and the Cuban people. After leading many protest, Isabel's father is in danger of being arrested. Isabela and her family make the decision to leave Cuba after Fidel Castro announces that if anyone wants to leave Cuba, they can do so without repercussions.  The young boy Mahmoud from Alepo Syria and his family make the ultimate decision to leave their country when they revolution and conflict takes a tow on the family. When Bashar al-Assad became the leader of Syria, the country turns into a revolution and the people living in Syria go to the streets to protest the tragic events in their country. Some people were killed, others were taken to prison for going against the government. This is when Mahmoud and his family decided to flee to Cuba after experiencing a life and death situation at home. All three children and their families go on dangerous journeys, separation from family members and experience death and suffering while fleeing their countries.

This historical fictional book is so intense and heartbreaking. The book shows readers the dangerous journey's many refugee's families must make to keep their families safe from conflict/wars. Their journey's are very difficult but they must do whatever it takes to keep their families together even if it means risking their lives to find a place where their families will be safe.

Other Books by Alan Gratz













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Leiris, Antoine. 2017. You Will Not Have My Hate. New York: Penguin Books. ISBN: 0735222150


Antonie Leiris biography tells the story of a terrorist attack that takes place in Paris France at concert where his wife was attending. His life forever will be changed leaving him alone with his new born son. His grief and loss of his wife would forever be with him. In this book Antonie makes sure that the death of his wife will not take the best of him and his son. On a Facebook post, he lets the world know that the only way to insult those who terrorized and murdered his wife and others is by making sure that his son will live a life of full of happiness and freedom.
Antoine's memoir book was touching and heartwarming, Although he could have lived a life of sadness and grief, he chose to live a life full of happiness for his son and himself. As I listened to his video post of Antoine, I couldn't stop shedding a few tears. It took so much courage for Antonie to turn something so horrific into something so hopeful and optimistic.

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Jamieson, Victoria. 2015. Roller Girl. New York: Random House LLC Scholastic. ISBN:978-0-545-93407-8


Roller Girl, Astrid did everything with her best friend Nicole ever since they were young. Astrid's mother takes the girls to a surprise event to go see a Roller Derby Tournament. Nicole was amazed to see some of the most unbelievable Roller Derby Skaters. Encouraged by her mother to sign up for the Roller Derby Camp, Nicole assumes her friend would want to attend the camp to. When Astrid mentions it to her best friend to join her at the camp she was surprised Nicole did not want nothing to do with it. Nicole was stunned and hurt that her best friend did not want to join her.  They both went their separate ways.  Astrid  to the Roller Derby Camp and Nicole joins the Ballet Camp with her new friend Rachel whom Astrid dislikes. Astrid lies to her mom that Nicole was going to join her at the Roller Derby.  Soon, Astrid has to learn how to do things on her own with or without her best friend. She learns how to stay strong, tough and does what she enjoys even if it is doing things on her own.

I enjoyed reading this graphic novel. It is definitely a book for young girls, whom like Astrid and Nicole, go through similar friendships disagreements in middle school.  Many young teens, like the two characters, have probably experienced the loss of a friend, meeting others, and doing things on their own even if it's without their best friend.

Other books by Victoria Jamieson:














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Prince, Liz. 2015. Tomboy. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 978152510601

This memoir describes the life of Liz, a young girl growing up looking like a tomboy. She liked wearing boys clothes, short hair and just being herself. But as she was growing up, she was bullied because of they way she looked. Liz struggled with her identity and she didn't feel like she fit in or what society expected of her. Life for Liz, was very difficult and hurtful because of the name calling and not being accepted for who she is. In this memoir, she wants to make people aware that we need to think about how we address others. Using hurtful words, can have a negative effect in a persons life.  Liz had a difficult time making friends for the simple reason that she was not like other girls. Instead of wearing girl clothing and make up, Liz preferred wearing boys clothing.  This became an issue for many, especially young kids her age, who made fun of her and made her feel unworthy.  Liz explains that the negative words can be hurtful and damaging to their self esteem.
This graphic memoir can become a teachable moment for many young readers, who like Liz, face many challenges about finding their identify, being bullied because they are different and expected to behave and do things a certain way.  Talking about her experiences can help others to deal with similar issues that she herself experienced. This book also can teach students that speaking negative words toward others can have a lasting effect in someone's life.

Other books from Liz Prince,

YA Reading Post 2
Fall 2019



Quintero, Isabel. 2014. GABI A GIRL IN PIECES. El Paso, Tx. Cinco Punto Press. ISBN: 978-1-935955-94-8

Gabi Hernandez is experiencing many challenges on her last year of high school. From having a father who is a meth addict and suddenly overdosing in the family home, to her best friend Cindy who gets pregnant in high school but later confesses to her friend that she was raped, and to her gay friend Sebastian who was kicked out of his home after his parents find out that he is gay, Gabi always found ways to support those she loved.  She also had issues of her own. For example, her love of food, being overweight, boys and her mother constantly reminding her that girls must never be too loose.  Gabi finds a way to cope with all these issues through her love of poetry thanks to her teacher mentor and supporter Ms. Abernard. She encouraged Gabi to write. In her journals and poetry,  Gabi writes the most intimate things. Her love for food, body weight, boys, sex and the people in her life. Gabi  doesn't feel that having sex is nothing to be ashamed of even after her mother implies that she should not be having sex at her age.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I found Gabi to be a phenomenal character not only because she was able to help others but she is able to deal with her own issues in a positive way despite always being criticized that girls should act a certain way.

Other books on Isabel Quintero: My Papi has a Motorcycle

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Satrapi, Marjane. 2004. PERSEPOLIS. Paris France: Pantheon Books. ISBN:0-37-42230-7

Persepolis is a remarkable graphic autobiography book about a young girl who at the age of six years old experienced the overthrown of the Shah in 1979 to the control of the Islamic Revolution. After the Islamic Revolution took over, and the war with Iraq, Maryjane experiences many difficult times as the war affects her country and laws being imposed by a Islamic government. Marjane can no longer enjoy dancing to Michael Jackson music or wearing anything she wants. She is forced to wear a veil everywhere she goes. Her parents opposed the the Islamic Revolution and would take part in the protest. Seeing her parents take part in the countries protest against the government gives Maryjane the courage for her passion for social activism. Because of her intelligence and outspoken ways, Maryjane's family decide to send her to Paris to avoid being persecuted by the government. It pains Maryjane to leave her parents but she must obey their wishes and find a new life in a country she knows so little of.
I love the feisty character in Maryjane. She fights for what she feels is the right thing to do. She was blunt and outspoken when she saw things not handle the right way. She just had so much courage to do what was always right in spite of any repercussions she might endure.

Other books by Maryjane Satrapi:

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Thomas, Angie. 2017. THE HATE YOU GIVE. New York: Harper Collins Publisher. ISBN: 9780062498533

Caught between two different worlds, a poor black neighborhood and wealthy prominently white school prep, Starr is forced to balanced her two lives. After leaving a evening party, Starr witnesses the killing of her childhood friend Khalil who was shot and killed by a police officer during a traffic stop. This leaves Starr traumatize and unable to deal with the devastation of the death of her childhood friend. Starr must decide whether or not to speak up for her childhood friend despite endangering her life and being ostracized by her own community and her prep school friends. Only she has the answers to what happened that night and she must decide to do what is right.
This book is so uplifting in the way Starr has to deal with the wake of the shooting and her courage to stand up for what is right. Although her family lives in a poor neighborhood in town, they kept their family tight-nit and Starr's parents always kept her grounded and real. Her mother always had a positive attitude towards life and her dad was a wise man who loved and cared for his family.

Other books by Angie Thomas:

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Alexander, Kwame. 2014. CROSSOVER. New York: Hougthon Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 

Josh Bell, aka Filthy McNasty, is known for his basketball skills. He and his twin brother are phenomenal basketball stars known for there crossover skills on the court. They live and breath basketball and hope someday to play basketball professionally. Both their parents are very supportive of the boys especially their father who shares a few basketball rules about the game.  Although they have the support of both parents, mom claims that dad gets over worked with watching the boys play which can affect his hypertension. Mom wants everyone to be eating healthy but dad refuses to eat healthy nor  does he want to visit the doctor.  One day the boys discover a box full of memorabilia in their parents closet. It's there that they discover that their father couldn't play basketball when he was young because of his patella tendinitis. As the story progresses, Josh's twin brother falls hard for a girl and Josh feels that his twin brother is not taking his game serious. During a basketball game Josh throws the ball hard on his twin brother's face almost breaking his nose. Josh is suspended and his brother wants nothing to do with him. Soon their father has a set back. One day during a basketball game, the boys fathers is rushed to the hospital after feeling sick. He goes into a coma and later dies.  After the funeral, they boys finally reconcile after shooting some free throws at home.
I found this books to be so much fun to read. I can understand the reality of pain and challenges most teens go through and how life can be very difficult at times. But what makes it a finer read is how Kwame Alexander used poetry to tell a wonderful and touching story. I was excited to share it with my students. They loved it and were ready to read it themselves.

Other books by Kwame Alexander:

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Telgemeir, Raina. 2014. SISTERS. NewYork: Scholastic Graphix. ISBN 978-0-54060-5

Raina has longed for a little sister but when her sister finally arrives, it is nothing like she had expected.  Furthermore, living in a small apartment does not help the relationship between Raina and Amara.  Amara is cranky, likes to play alone and is difficult to get along with.  Their relationship does not improve over the years but when a baby brother enters the picture and something does not seem right between their parents, the sisters realize they must figure out how to get along.

Telgemeier's graphic novel, Sisters, is full of humor and everyday charm and draws readers with her characteristic colorful pictures that are easy to absorb and understand. In this narrative, Telgemeier uses humor in perfectly placed flashbacks to tell the story of her relationship with her younger sister, Amara, which becomes difficult when both take a long road trip from their home in San Francisco to a family reunion in Colorado. Additionally, the author is able to illustrate the characters' emotions in a fun and playful way that is relate able about siblings, family life and growing up. 

Other books by the author:

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Green, John. 2014. THE FAULTS IN OUR STARS. United Kingdom: Penguin. ISBN:9780141345659

Sixteen year old Hazel Lancaster has been battling cancer for the past three years.  In order to make her daughter deal with the disease and meet others just like her, her mother forces Hazel to look for a support group. It is there where she meets Gus Waters. Gus is a seventeen year old boy who is now in remission after having a tumor in his leg.  He is charismatic, full of life and has such a positive attitude that Hazel truly admires him. Gus is falling for Hazel  and she has the same feelings for Gus but knows that their lives are going to be heartbreaking. One day they travel to Amsterdam to meet their favorite author. On their trip they realized that with or without cancer, their lives would still challenging so might as well make the best of it.
I admired Hazle's character for having a strong willed personality. She choose to live life just like she wanted to despite knowing that one day she was going to die of cancer. She experiences more in life after falling in love with Augustus and she did not regret it one bit.

Other book by John Green:

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Smith, Andrew. 2011. STICK. New York: Feiwel and Friends. ISBN: 978-0-312-61341-9

Stark McClellan also know as Stick is sixteen years old and was born with a deformity. Because he is was born with one ear, he is always so conscious about what others think of him. He is bullied at school frequently and he has a hard time standing up for himself. He just found it so ridiculous to fight over things like that but not his older brother Bolten. Bolten took matters in to his hands when others picked on his younger brother. Life was very difficult for Stick. He not only experienced rejection and  mockery at school but his life at home was not much better. He had to face a life of uncertainty at home with two abusive parents.  One day he discovers that his brother and brother's best friends like each other.  Stick is afraid that if his parents find out that his brother is gay they will beat and chastise him which will prompt his brother Bosten to run away. His fathers soon finds out about his son Bolten being gay.  After an altercation with his father, Bolten runs away.  Stick can't go on living at his home with his father and steals his fathers car in search for his brother. During his journey, Stick comes across bad people who want to take advantage of him and is stuck in a home where two men have been murdered. He flees that home plans to travel to California with his Aunt Dehlia. As he travels, he encounters a pleasant man who helps him get to his aunt's house.  His only hope is to find love again and his brother.
My heart ached as I read this book. I can't imagine these two characters going through the most traumatic life experiences with two parents who were supposed to love and protect their children. Stick was a sweet, caring, and kind character. No matter how much pain he endured from the bullies at school and his parents, he stayed strong and positive. His love for his brother was the most important thing in his life.

Other books by Andrew Smith.












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Crutcher, Chris. 2018. LOSERS BRACKET. New York: GreenWillow Books. ISBN978-0-06-222006-6

Annie Boots life experiences with her biological family have been incredibly painful for the last seventeen years. Bouncing from foster care multiple times until her biological mother's rights were brought to an untimely end.  Annie just cant seem to stay away from her biological family. Everywhere they meet, it ends up in misfortune but it is still her family. Her foster parents want Annie to stay away from her biological family once and for all but Annie finds it hard to let go. She keeps disappointing her Pop no matter what he says because she thinks family is family. During a swimming meet, Annie's family are there to support her, including her biological family. An argument
 erupts between the family and Annie's nephew Frankie is nowhere to be seen. She must do whatever it takes to find him even if she has to take part in supporting her biological family.
I found Annie to be such a loving and strong character even after going through so much agony and pain throughout her life.  She always wanted to make things right and better for her biological family but no matter what she did, it always end it up in disenchantment. Annie never stopped making things better for everyone and that is what I admired about her character. I enjoyed reading this book and hope to read others books from this author.

Other Books from Chris Crutcher: