El Deafo by Cece Bell

 El Deafo

By:Cece Bell

               Another graphic novel review, El Deafo by Cece Bell. El Deafo is a Newberry Honor Book.  I am not a big fan of graphic novels, but am learning to enjoy them more and more. I am also understanding how pictures would be beneficial for struggling readers. I think a great aid for ESL students.

             El Deafo is a novel that reminded me of my childhood. The author Cece Bell who is also the main character mentions things like: Little House on the Prarie, John Boy from The Waltons, Hostess Cherry Pies, etc. Cece is a girl who loses her hearing from sickness. She tries to transition to the hearing world and creates El Deafo aka her Superperson. She journals her adventures of trying to fit in a world of hearing and dealing with looking odd with wires going to her ear due to her Phonic Ear amplifier.

            The story deals with many things that kids can relate to. For example looking different than others is something Cece tries to figure out. Another is moving to a new neighborhood and school. Many kids go through this and this could possibly hook students to read this. The graphics are good, and Cece does a great job of telling her story.

            I would definitely recommend this to other students and teachers. My only fear is that it is lengthy. El Deafo might be a book you build up to a class and show the book trailer that I have added to the blog. Enjoy and let me know what you think.

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

                                                       Inside Out & Back Again
                                                       By: Thanhha Lai


             The story authored by Thanhha Lai is a wonderfully written story in verse. The story is about a young Vietnamese girl name Ha and her family. She is living in the war torn country of Vietnam. The war has taken her father and hopefully not the rest of her family. Ha is learning that she may not like hat is going on, but must obey what her mother ask. She is learning that war is a horrible thing, and must flee to America with her family on a boat during a Communist strike. The boat she is on is finally rescued by Americans. The family is taken to Tent City in Florida. There her family hopes to find a sponsor so they can get to live the American life. The American Cowboy sponsors the family, and life for the family becomes on of transition and change. Ha must learn that things are not always happy and great. She learns that she hates everything and hopes things will change. Luckily for Ha she is introduce to a few friends Steven, Pam, and her English tutor Miss Washington. Will Ha learn to love America and take advantage of everything that is offer. Will Ha make it through life in America?

        I would definitely recommend this to students who love to read stories in verse. The story is a cute coming of age in America story. The author shares in her notes that part of it is related to her experiences, which makes this very believable.

           

Trash by Andy Mulligan

                                                              Trash by Andy Mulligan

       
     I came across this book through SSI summer school. I am teaching summer school for 6 days and this was the read aloud included in the material. Now just looking at this book, I don't think....no wait I know I would of never picked up this book. However, thankfully I started reading this out loud to the students.

     Andy Mulligan does a great job of hooking a reader into this book. As a reader I was wanting to know what was going on and what these characters were going to do. As you read the story there are some lulls but then you are wanting to know what is going on.

    The story is about three teenagers who come across a wallet full of money. Gardo, Raphael, and Rat try to figure out how the money of wallet came to the dump.  However, the wallet is not the only thing causing a stir. It seems the police are wanting something out of the trash dump. The police offer a reward for a bag. Unfortunately Gardo is leary of the police and does not fess up to finding anything in the dump except a shoe. This gets him in trouble. He takes a beaten at the police station and leaves. Gardo and Raphael enlist the help of Rat. They go on their own journey of trying to find out what is so important about this bag the police are looking for. During their trip they encounter many people some who will be helpful and others who will be out for their own reward.

   I would definitely recommend this story to others. I didn't think I would like it, but really loved the story. The boys have a heart and learn why this bag is so important. I can say at times the book can be lulling but you don't put it down because you want to know what the heck is about to happen.  Great suspense and action. A definite boy book.

  Just a FYI, there is some profanity in the book. However, it is very limited. I can count the words probably all on one hand.

Graphic Novel: Smile by Raina Telgemeier

To start this blog off, I am not a graphic novel fan, but thought I would give it a try. I bought a book at the book fair last week and it was one I have seen kids read. The graphic novel is Smile by Raina Telgemeier. The book has been sitting on my couch for the last three days. I finally broke down and read it. I am so glad I gave it a chance. I loved it. Telgemeier tells the story about herself. She is the main character. I am assuming this is a story from her life as a middle school student. The story starts off with Raina knocking her two front teeth out. The story centers around the different things that happen with these teeth. Her friends, if you want to call them that are very "mean girl." They are far from nice and Raina continues to allow them to be apart of her life. However as she goes through her teeth dilemma she starts to realize things aren't really that great for her, but she starts to see things through her experiences. I loved this story because it reminds me of what some students go through. It just makes you realize that kids really do have it rough in their mind because they don't have the skills to cope with it. Also some kids want to grow up faster than others. It is nice to see a character to find themselves and to have a voice. I would recommend this to every teacher to read. Graphic novels remind me of comic books. Comic books remind me of the Archie books I read when I was younger. This book has a purpose and a theme. Students will love this book because it is a quick read, but they could read the pictures too so they can see how the main character reacts to the different things in the story. Love it love it love it.

One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Katherine Applegate's book One and Only Ivan is a great book. I have seen the book many times at book fairs and finally took it upon myself to buy this. Well it helped that it was buy one book and get one free. I know you don't judge a book by the cover. I did that and so regret it. Ivan is the main character of the story. He is a gorilla who lives in an exhibit that helps his owner make money. Ivan becomes friends with Stella an elephant, Bob a homeless dog, and Julia a young girl who comes to the exhibit because her dad George works there. The story is about Ivan who has no recollection of his life as a child, but is unsure about being animal or human. He is a side show for Mack his owner. He doesn't seem to be pulling in money like he use to so Mack buys a baby elephant named Ruby. Ruby is unsure of what to think but learns to become friends with everyone and Stella takes Ruby on as family. As time goes on a tradegy happens and everyone tries to figure out how to overcome it. Ivan makes a promise and hopes to be able to keep it. Will Ivan figure out if he is more human or animal? Will Ivan be able to keep his promise? Read this and you will find out all the answers. I would definitely recommend this Newberry Medal winner. Katherine Applegate's story of these animals is very touching. If you like books about animals and how they can overcome things, this is the book for you.

Bluford Series

So I have been reading the Bluford series with my READ 180 students. These books have been in my room for several years. I finally broke down and decided to read the series. Let me tell you it was the best decision I made. Now I can really tell all my students now and in the future about these books. They are really great books. Students can relate to some of the issues that each book portrays. The characters in the books all have contact with one another. Darcy is one of the main characters that definitely represents many of the students in school. I would call this the Sweet Valley High of the 2010. I would say this series is definitely a must for struggling readers who are into high school drama or just trying to find something to connect to, I would say read this series. I luckily have several students reading the series. One told me why did you wait so long to tell me about these books. School is almost out and I don't have the books. Well luckily for them I do have an answer for them. Bluford has the audio books online. It is free and anyone who loves these books can have access to them without having the book. A definite must for all those who are looking for books for their struggling middle school or high school students.

The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

The Selection by Kiera Cass is one of the best series I have read in a long time. The series reminds me of "The Bachelor." The story about a young girl who applies to be put into a pool of women to be courted by Prince Maxim. As she goes through this process she is not wanting any part of this. She is trying to get over her first love Aspen. As the process goes on in all three books you learn to love the America Singer. She is a rebel in her own right. During the story you find out a lot about all the girls. They all have different ideas of how things will be if they are princess. They also learn that not everyone is nice, and that there are other agendas out there. The love triangle of Maxim/America/Aspen tears America's heart in tow. She finds it hard to decide where her heart belongs. She likes the friends she has made in Maxim, but she misses her love Aspen. As time goes on and a surprise visit from Aspen that doesn't go away makes life at the palace difficult at times. She titter totters between her love loyalty. I would recommend this to those who love stories about a strong female character. America is a modern day heroine.