Multicultural Annotated Bibliography

Multi-Cultural Texts for Young Adults

*Full-length fiction (poetry format)

*Multicultural Focus: African-Americans

Becoming Billie Holiday by Carole Boston Weatherford, Boyd Mills Publisher, 2008, 120pp. Fictionilized History, ISBN: 9781590785072.

Awards:

·         2008 SLJ Extra Helping Hot Pick —School Library Journal

·         2008 SLJ Best Books

·         2008 Best Young-Adult Books 2008 —Kirkus Reviews

·         2008 Best Books —Christian Science Monitor

·         A Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book

·         Best Books for Young Adults —YALSA/ALA

·         Capitol Choices Award

From School Library Journal: Gr 8 Up In this fictionalized memoir, Weatherford has composed nearly 100 first-person narrative poems that detail Holiday's life from birth until age 25, the age at which she debuted her signature song, "Strange Fruit." The poems borrow their titles from Holiday's songs, a brilliant device that provides readers with a haunting built-in sound track. Weatherford's language is straightforward and accessible-almost conversational. She captures the woman's jazzy, candid voice so adroitly that at times the poems seem like they could have been lifted wholesale from Holiday's autobiography, Lady Sings the Blues . Cooper's sepia-toned, nostalgic, mixed-media illustrations provide an emotional counterpoint to the text. Resembling old photographs seen through a lens of aching hindsight, they make explicit the pain that Weatherford studiously avoids giving full voice to in her poems. Although Holiday's early life was one of relentless rejection, discrimination, and poverty, the author stays true to her subject and maintains a resolute and defiant tone, albeit one tinged with regret. Prostitution, rape, jail time, and violence are mentioned, but the book ends on the proverbial high note, before the singer's drug use, alcoholism, and early death. This captivating title places readers solidly into Holiday's world, and is suitable for independent reading as well as a variety of classroom uses.-Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

*Full-length fiction

*Multicultural Focus: African-Americans

Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper, Simon and Shuster, Inc., 2006, 314pp. Historical Fiction, ISBN: 9781416953187.

Awards:

• ALA Best Books for Young Adults Nominee ,
• CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
• South Carolina Book Award Nominee for Young Adult Books (2009)
• Coretta Scott King Award (2007)

From School Library Journal   Copper Sun Gr 8 Up-This action-packed, multifaceted, character-rich story describes the shocking realities of the slave trade and plantation life while portraying the perseverance, resourcefulness, and triumph of the human spirit. Amari is a 15-year-old Ashanti girl who is happily anticipating her marriage to Besa. Then, slavers arrive in her village, slaughter her family, and shatter her world. Shackled, frightened, and despondent, she is led to the Cape Coast where she is branded and forced onto a "boat of death" for the infamous Middle Passage to the Carolinas. There, Percival Derby buys her as a gift for his son's 16th birthday. Trust and friendship develop between Amari and Polly, a white indentured servant, and when their mistress gives birth to a black baby, the teens try to cover up Mrs. Derby's transgression. However, Mr. Derby's brutal fury spurs them to escape toward the rumored freedom of Fort Mose, a Spanish colony in Florida. Although the narrative focuses alternately on Amari and Polly, the story is primarily Amari's, and her pain, hope, and determination are acute. Cruel white stereotypes abound except for the plantation's mistress, whose love is colorblind; the doctor who provides the ruse for the girls' escape; and the Irish woman who gives the fugitives a horse and wagon. As readers embrace Amari and Polly, they will better understand the impact of human exploitation and suffering throughout history. In addition, they will gain a deeper knowledge of slavery, indentured servitude, and 18th-century sanctuaries for runaway slaves.-Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

*Full-length fiction

*Multicultural Focus: African-Americans

The Known World by Edward P. Jones, HarperCollins, 2004, 432pp., Historical Fiction,

             ISBN: 9780060557553.

Awards:

·         National Book Critics Circle Award (2004)

·         Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2004

·         International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award ( the literary prize with the world's largest purse) 2005

Publishers Weekly: In a crabbed, powerful follow-up to his National Book Award-nominated short story collection (Lost in the City), Jones explores an oft-neglected chapter of American history, the world of blacks who owned blacks in the antebellum South. His fictional examination of this unusual phenomenon starts with the dying 31-year-old Henry Townsend, a former slave-now master of 33 slaves of his own and more than 50 acres of land in Manchester County, Va.-worried about the fate of his holdings upon his early death. As a slave in his youth, Henry makes himself indispensable to his master, William Robbins. Even after Henry's parents purchase the family's freedom, Henry retains his allegiance to Robbins, who patronizes him when he sets up shop as a shoemaker and helps him buy his first slaves and his plantation. Jones's thorough knowledge of the legal and social intricacies of slaveholding allows him to paint a complex, often startling picture of life in the region. His richest characterizations-of Robbins and Henry-are particularly revealing. Though he is a cruel master to his slaves, Robbins is desperately in love with a black woman and feels as much fondness for Henry as for his own children; Henry, meanwhile, reads Milton, but beats his slaves as readily as Robbins does. Henry's wife, Caldonia, is not as disciplined as her husband, and when he dies, his worst fears are realized: the plantation falls into chaos. Jones's prose can be rather static and his phrasings ponderous, but his narrative achieves crushing momentum through sheer accumulation of detail, unusual historical insight and generous character writing. Agent, Eric Simonoff. (Sept.) Forecast: This is a new tack for Jones, whose collection Lost in the City was set in Washington, D.C., in the 1960s and '70s. Amistad is sending the novel off with a bang-a 10-city author tour, a 20-city national radio campaign-and it should attract considerable review attention. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

*Full-length non-fiction (memoir)

*Multicultural Focus: African-Americans

The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother: 10^th Anniversary Edition  by James McBride, Riverhead Trade, 2006, 352pp., Memoir, ISBN: 978-1594481925

Awards:

• Anisfield-Wolf Award for Literary Excellence (1997)
• American Library Association Notable Book of the Year Award (1997)
• Philadelphia’s second selection for the city’s One Book Program (2204)

Library Journal: The need to clarify his racial identity prompted the author to penetrate his veiled and troubled family history. Ruth McBride Jordan concealed her former life as Rachel Deborah Shilsky, the daughter of an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, from her children. Her grim upbringing in an abusive environment is left behind when she moves to Harlem, marries a black man, converts to Christianity, and cofounds a Baptist congregation with her husband. The courage and tenacity shown by this twice-widowed mother who manages to raise 12 children, all of whom go on to successful careers, are remarkable. Highly recommended for public libraries.-Linda Bredengerd, Univ. of Pittsburgh Lib., Bradford, Pa.

Book Review - Short Stories

BOOK REVIEW – SHORT STORIES

21 Proms

Levithan, David & Ehrenhaft, Daniel, Eds. 21 Proms. New York: Scholastic, 2007.

ISBN: 978-0439890298.  298 pages.  Reading Level: 5.1 Interest Level: 9-12

“Some proms go well. Some don’t.”

            (taken from front cover of book, right under title)

            The phrase written above “just about” sums up the content of this off-beat, quirky collection of short stories.  Twenty-one different authors have added their short stories revolving around the issue of “The Prom”. The authors are:

            Cecilia von Ziegesar                                      Daniel Ehrenhaft

            Libba Bray                                                    David Levithan

            Holly Black                                                    Jodi Lynn Anderson

            John Green                                                    Leslie Margolis

            Jacqueline Woodson                                     Brent Hartinger

            Rachel Cohn                                                  Lisa Ann Sandell

            Melissa de la Cruz                                         Will Leitch

            E. Lockhart                                                   Adrienne Maria Vrettos

            Elizabeth Craft                                              Ned Vizzini

            Sarah Mlynowski                                          Billy Merrell

            Aimee Friedman

           

            All of the above contributors bring to this short story collection their own style of writing and personality. Some stories are rather cynical about the subject matter, some humorous, some sad, one is reminiscent of another prom in the past, but they all discuss the

event known as “The Prom. For some students, this event is magical while for others it is rather painful, and still others, it becomes a non-event. Whatever the case, the prom has become a “rite of passage” for many high school students.

            In one story, “Mom called, she says you have to go to prom” by Adrienne Maria Vrettos, a young woman is delivered that very message by her brother on the night of the prom. She knows she cannot go against her mother’s wishes, so she raids her mother’s closet and wearing a much too large dress heads off to the prom with her brother as chauffeur. In another story, “Off Like a Prom Dress”, Billy Merrell tells his story in a 3 page poetry format.  In “Better Be Good to Me” by Daniel Ehrenhaft, a father reminisces about going to the prom with his then girlfriend and now – wife. Their 17 year old daughter is about to attend her prom. Another short story is titled “Prom for Fat Girls” by Rachel Cohn. The title gives the subject matter away.  In “The Great American Morp” by John Green, we have the backlash against the traditional prom, where students crate their own event called the Morp (prom spelled backwards). Each of these stories stands alone and provides its own unique look at the institution known as the high school prom.

            This book is very popular among students at my school.  It is in constant circulation, so much so that I have three copies of it on the shelves (or off the shelves as it spends little time where its’ home is).  

            Many students enjoy the short story format. I would recommend the following titles to them as good reads. Most are in the traditional short story format, but one Twice Told: Original Stories Inspired by Original Artwork is unusual in that it combines original artwork with a story written around the piece of art.

145th Street
Short Stories
by Walter Dean Myers

Geektastic
Edited by Holly Black
and Cecil Castellucci

Twice Told: Original Stories Inspired by
Original Artwork
Scott Hunt Illustrated

13: Thirteen Stories that Capture the Agony and Ecstasy of Being Thirteen
edited by James Howe

Library Media Event

 

Library/Media Event – Book Buddies Book Fair

The Book Buddies Program was started in the School Year 2009-2010. It is basically a large group of teacher/staff - led book clubs, where the students decide which group to join based on the book they wish to read. Everyone reads their book and all groups come together in a large culminating activity to discuss their books within their individual book groups. The Book Fair is a new component added to the program.

Purpose of Book Fair Event

•      To promote reading 

•      To explain the “Book Buddies” program to the students - face to face

•      To give students a chance to see and look at the different titles available and choose the book they wish to read (57 different titles available)

•      To give students an opportunity to see and hear from the participating teachers/staff (via a video)

•      To answer any questions students may have about the different titles

•      To show students a variety of genres –fiction/non-fiction for students to choose from

•      To invite students into the Library so they can see what a wonderful library we have

•      To generate excitement for the program

•      To have a “captive” audience to promote participation in the program

Intended Audience for Book Fair

            All students enrolled at Northwestern High School in grades 9-12.

Instructional/Educational Focus of Book Fair

            Northwestern High School is “growing readers by offering choice, ownership, pleasure, and practice in the following literacy skills: reading, talking, writing, responding and connecting” (PowerPoint 2/8/11 – K. Bull). The Book Buddies program “provides opportunities for social interaction around literature” (PowerPoint 2/8/11 – K. Bull). The Book Fair is the initial event in which students will choose the book that they wish to read for the Book Buddies program. The Book Buddies program is not a mandatory event, but it is a reading program with a final activity that is designed to be “fun” for all participants. Students are encouraged to participate.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The Book Fair is a new component of the program. It was suggested by Beverly Hall in a C&I Meeting (Curriculum and Instruction) on February 23, 2011.  It was embraced by all members of the meeting and it was decided that it would be a two day event and take place on the days of Tuesday, April 5^th and Wednesday, April 6^th. We have a literacy committee and all members were assigned various tasks to create a successful Book Fair.

                                                           

Trish Griffin (Academic Dean)

·         Obtain Principal’s permission to hold the Book Fair.

·         Establish schedule for classes to attend the fair/inform teachers.

·         Introduce program to each group of students on the days of the fair.

·         Assist the day of the Book Fair.

·         Act as administrator in charge on the days of the event.

            Levi Straight  (Math IST)

·         Take individual videos of all teachers/staff talking about their book.

·         Create comprehensive video for the Book Fair.

·         Run video and assist the days of the Book Fair.

Beverly Hall  (Librarian) and Assistant - Toni Vonderhaar

·         Take pictures of all Teachers/Staff with their books.

·         Create all displays for hallway and Book Fair

·         Make sure there is a copy of each book for display & list of all titles

·         Create check-out cards and database for student sign-up of books.

·         Create library lay-out plan for Book Fair.

·         Facilitate set-up of library.

·         Prepare and hand-out passes to seniors who do not have English this semester.

·         Assist students on the day of the event.

Lynda Anozie, Cheryl Paules, Karelle Ward, Keely Brelsford ( Staff members)

·         Assist with Book Fair: helping students, hand-out book selection cards, check –out process.

Timeline:       

February 23    Decision to hold Book Fair made.  Dates picked: April 5 & 6

March 2           Last Day for Teachers/Staff to sign up for a book.

March 7, 23    C&I Meetings Agenda - Book Buddies and the Book Fair

March 22        Class Schedule sent out to teachers for Book Fair attendance.

March 24, 25, 28        All pictures and video blurbs done by teachers/staff.

March 28        Meeting for all Book Fair helpers

April 4            Set-up for Book Fair

April 5, 6         Book Fair

Follow-Up:    

April 11-15     Process and deliver all books to students

                        Process late sign-ups of students for program

April 11- May 3         Preparation for Book Buddies Event

May 4 (Wednesday)  Book Buddies Event

                       

Resources:      Location of Book Fair: Library

·         All tables/chairs/ equipment (LCD/2 laptops/speakers/screen) housed in library

·         pieces of foam core board for posters @1.00 each = $60.00

·         15 individual books (not in library collection) for display at fair -(Total of 57 titles)                        c. $240.00

·         Shoe Bags to Hold Sign-up Cards   8 @ $1.00 each = $8.00

·         Hooks to hold up Shoe Bags             4 sets @ $1.00 each= $4

Materials Available at School (must be budgeted if not available)

• Glue to make posters
• Packing tape to hang posters/hall display
• Lamination of all teacher pictures/book covers for display in hallway
• Printing of color copies of book covers and teacher pictures (for posters and hallway display)
• Colored paper for Posters (to serve as background pop of color)
• Cover stock for Sign-up Cards
• Stick-on Labels for Titles to be placed on shoe bags         
• Painters tape to put arrows on floor                                  

Book Review - Unwind

Shusterman, Neal. Unwind. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2007.

ISBN: 978-141692040  335 pages  Reading Level: 5.0 Lexile: 740L

Interest Level: 7-12    Recommended Grade Level: 9-12

“There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself.”   Henri David Thoreau

Unwind – in financial terms: to cancel out an earlier transaction with a new transaction.

                                                                                    (www.investorswords.com)

Image living in a world, where your parents or guardians can give the order to have you “unwound” anytime between the ages of 13 and 18 years of age - not terminated in the sense of death but transformed into a “massive organ donor” for the benefit of others.  Technically you are not dead – that’s not allowed – you live on in whoever receives each part of you – theoretically at least.  The process of unwinding” is the outcome of the Bill of Life amendments marking the end of the second civil war. The second civil war was a bloody conflict waged between pro-lifers and pro-choice proponents. 

            In the story, Connor - a troublesome young man, Risa – a ward of the state which is making tight budget choices, and Levi – a religious young man raised to meet his destiny are thrown together by circumstance when Connor chooses to try and save himself from being “unwound”. Thrown together by accident, they form an uneasy alliance as they come to terms with what their futures will look like.

            Mr. Shusterman presents us with a future world where anyone can receive a heart transplant, liver transplant, skin graft because there is no shortage of viable, healthy body parts.  Within the story, we learn about “storking” where unwanted babies are left on doorsteps to come under the care, or not, of the person opening the door. If the baby’s lucky, he/she receives a good home – if not, sad things transpire.

            We are given a glimpse of a world where life has a different meaning and value, and depending on how your family/guardian perceives your place in the “family” structure, a signature on a legal document seals your fate with a trip to the Harvest Farms. According to the Parents’ Unwinding Handbook:

            “For your ease and peace of mind, there are a variety of harvest camps to

            choose from. Each facility is privately owned, state licensed, and federally

funded by your tax dollars. Regardless of the site you choose, you can feel

confident that your Unwind will receive the finest possible care from our board-

certified staff as they make their transition to a divided state.” (p263)

Needless to say, Connor does not plan on letting his “unwinding” happen.  Does he stand a chance in stopping it? What happens to Risa?…to Levi?  Read the book and find out.

            Futuristic novels, where the main character/characters try to maintain their lives when challenged or in some cases alter it to conform to a standardized image or feeling have become an exciting entry in young adult literature.  The following novels all explore different forms of these ideas:

            The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

            The Maze Runner by James Dashner

            Uglies  by Scott Westerfeld

            Delirium by Lauren Conrad