Running head: SELIGMAN READING LOG
Final Reading Log – Part I & II
Eileen Seligman
Towson University
1
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Table of Contents
Realistic Fiction
Will Grayson, Will Grayson....................................................................................................................... 13-14
Ttyl ............................................................................................................................................................. 47-48
Out of My Mind.......................................................................................................................................... 49-51
Thousand Words ........................................................................................................................................ 64-66
Fantasy and Science Fiction (Dystopia)
Unwind....................................................................................................................................................... 11-12
The Giver ................................................................................................................................................... 24-25
Gathering Blue........................................................................................................................................... 28-30
Messenger .................................................................................................................................................. 31-33
Son ............................................................................................................................................................. 34-36
Mystery, Horror, Thriller
Gone Girl: A Novel .................................................................................................................................... 19-20
The First Phone Call from Heaven: A Novel ............................................................................................. 55-57
Nonfiction
Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon ............................................... 3-4
Brown Girl Dreaming ............................................................................................................................... 26-27
Poetry and Short Stories
Who Am I Without Him?: Short Stories About Girls and the Boys in Their Lives .................................... 21-23
Girl Meets Boy: Because There Are Two Sides to Every Story ................................................................ 40-43
Graphic Novels
American Born Chinese ................................................................................................................................. 5-6
Tyranny ...................................................................................................................................................... 37-39
Multi-Cultural Fiction
The Battle of Jericho ...................................................................................................................................... 7-8
November Blues ........................................................................................................................................... 9-10
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian ...................................................................................... 15-16
The Kite Runner ......................................................................................................................................... 61-63
General
The Running Dream................................................................................................................................... 17-18
Hidden ....................................................................................................................................................... 44-46
Rose Under Fire ........................................................................................................................................ 52-54
The Fault in Our Stars ............................................................................................................................... 58-60
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Bibliographic information:
Sheinkin, Steve. Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous
Weapon. New York: Roaring Brook, 2012. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-1-59643-487-5
Number of pages: 266
Source: Rockville Memorial Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 5-12 (from Destiny); Ages 10+; YA
Awards: Newbery Honor 2013; Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal 2013; YALSA
Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults-Winner 2013; 2012 National Book
Awards finalist for Young People's Literature
Description: This book examines the history of the atomic bomb, discussing the discovery of the
behavior of uranium when placed next to radioactive material, the race to build a bomb, and the
impact of the weapon on societies around the world. This book includes photos, bibliographical
references, and index. It is written like a global thriller about the birth of the bomb with narrative
points of view from primary sources.
Genre: Nonfiction
Characters: Robert Oppenheimer “Father of the Atomic Bomb” - skinny smoker who sounds
nuts but is brilliant and obsessed with physics (didn’t even know when stock market crashed),
professor, top theoretical physicist in the world that was in charge of the Manhattan Project (code
name for atomic bomb project), opposed the hydrogen bomb after WWII and was accused of
being a Communist/Soviet spy, lost his security clearance; Otto Hahn - German scientist who
discovers fission; Lise Meitner - a Jewish physicist who had fled Germany and confirms fission
discovery with nephew physicist, Otto Frisch, who then raced to Denmark to tell Neils Bohr;
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Albert Einstein - famous American physicist who wrote to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
about Germany’s discovery of fission, the control of uranium, and how important it was for
America to build an atomic bomb now; Leslie Groves - U.S. general and leader of Manhattan
Project, chose Oppenheimer; Harry Gold - American who was a courier and spy for Soviets, his
confession ignited Red Scare of the 1950s; Klaus Fuchs - Manhattan Project physicist; spy; Knut
Haukelid-Norwegian resistance fighter; Ted Hall - Manhattan Project physicist; spy; Paul
Tibbets - fighter pilot of Enola Gay who dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima (“Little Boy”,
August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (“Fat Man”, August 9, 1945); Harry S. Truman - President of the
U.S. that decided to drop the atomic bombs on Japan; Winston Churchill - Britain’s Prime
Minister; Joseph Stalin - Soviet dictator
Themes: WWII’s effect on the world; Violence; Treason
Art: Photographs
Literary Qualities: This book is told in narrative nonfiction with biographical references and
index. The curriculum focus on WWII and military adds value to middle and high schools.
Recommendation: I am not sure how many nonfiction books are told in a narrative format
without being a memoir, so I think this book has a lot of appeal for high school students. It is
very interesting since it seems like the reader is receiving inside information from the author. It
is very obvious the author worked hard to investigate and to research this WWII book
thoroughly. The only negative I have is the amount of characters involved in this story. The book
provides photographs with captions, but I even had to make sure detailed notes about each
character to keep all the information straight. I think this book might be better as an audiobook
for some students since it might be easier to understand the complexity of this text if it was read
aloud.
If you liked this book, then read:
● The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Marcovitz, Hal
● Children of Los Alamos: An Oral History of the Town Where the Atomic Age Began by
Mason, Katrina R.
● Now it can be Told: The Story of the Manhattan Project by Groves, Leslie R.
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlevcin
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Bibliographic information:
Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second, 2006. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-1-59643-373-1
Number of pages: 233
Source: Rockville Memorial Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 6-12 (from Destiny); Ages 12+; YA
Awards: Michael L. Printz Award 2007; 2006 National Book Award Finalist for Young People's
Literature; 2007 winner of Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album: New; 2007 Eisner Award
nominee for Best Coloring; 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year
Description: This books tells the story of three apparently unrelated characters: Jin Wang, who
moves to a new neighborhood with his family only to discover that he's the only ChineseAmerican student at his new school; the powerful Monkey King, subject of one of the oldest and
greatest Chinese fables; and Chin-Kee, a personification of the ultimate negative Chinese
stereotype, who is ruining his cousin Danny's life with his yearly visits. However, all the
characters are smartly intertwined by the end of the story leading the reader to understand the
struggle of Chinese American students in popular culture.
Genre: Graphic Novel, Multi-Cultural Fiction (Asian Americans)
Characters: Jin Wang, Chin-Kee, Danny, Monkey King, Wei Chen, Suzy Nakamura, Melanie,
Steve, Wong Lai-Tsao, Tze-Yo-Tzuh, Peter Garbinsky, Amelia
Themes: Coming of Age; Identity; Asian American; Prejudice & Racism
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Art: comic-style pictures (graphic novel)
Literary Qualities: The book is presented in comic book format making it appealing for
reluctant readers.
Recommendation: This is a worthwhile graphic novel for all students to understand a different
culture. It is told in such a way to allow for the reader to be surprised in the end. The twist is so
cleverly written that the author should be applauded for originality. This book is proof that
graphic novels can be challenging and rewarding with content. Stereotypes are dismantled and
lively discussions can be made with this thought-provoking graphic novel. The illustrations give
more substance to the text allowing for the story to come to life. I recommend all libraries add
this book for a diversified collection.
If you liked this book, then read:
●
●
●
●
Gordon Yamamoto and the King of the Geeks by Yang, Gene Luen
Loyola Chin and the San Peligran Order by Yang, Gene Luen
The Eternal Smile: Three Stories by Yang, Gene Luen
Peanut by Halliday, Ayun
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qla7owr
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Bibliographic information:
Draper, Sharon M. The Battle of Jericho. New York: Atheneum Books for Young
Readers, 2011. EPUB file.
ISBN-13: 978-1-439-11520-6
Number of pages: 316
Source: Montgomery County Public Library - 3M Company:
http://ebook.3m.com/library/MontgomeryCountyPublicLibraries-document_id-and4d89
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 7-10 (from Destiny); Ages 12+; YA
Awards: Coretta Scott King Author Honor 2004
Description: African American teens deal with real life situations in Book #1 in the Battle of
Jericho trilogy. Jericho, Kofi, and his best friend and cousin, Josh, are invited to pledge the
exclusive Warriors of Distinction school club at Frederick Douglass High School that has been
around for 50 years. Some of their fathers and uncles were brothers too. The initial Christmas toy
drive of the club has everyone excited and anxious of the possibilities to wear the black silk
jackets once members; however, the pledges must endure some bonding/hazing activities before
officially being accepted into this elite club. The readers soon learn that this highly-regarded
community club is definitely not what it seems. The ordinary pledge week changes with Dana,
Kofi’s girlfriend, sneaking into the midnight meeting for a chance to join the club. Members are
not happy and are determined to make Dana, a girl, suffer or quit, especially Eddie. Jericho
begins to see warning signs and often questions whether this is the right club for him when he
has to steal a Christmas ornament and give up attending a music competition for an initiation
meeting. Although Jericho loves the trumpet and the attention of Arielle, the hottest girl in the
school, he continues to question right and wrong regarding the club’s actions. Jericho and his
friends strive to protect Dana, especially after she is burned on the back and endures an
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uncomfortable toilet-dunking scene with Eddie. The realization of hazing consequences is
brought to its height when a terrible tragedy occurs to one of their own. Nothing will ever be the
same again.
Genre: Multi-Cultural Fiction (African Americans); Realistic Fiction
Characters: Jericho, Josh Prescott, Kofi, Dana, November Nelson, Eddie Mahoney, Rick Sharp,
Madison, Mr. Culligan, Eric Bell, Uncle Brock (Josh’s dad), Aunt Marlene (Josh’s mom), Mr.
Tambori, Geneva, Todd, Rory, Mr. Prescott, Arielle Gresham, Luis, Mr. Boston
Themes: Hazing, High School Clubs, Peer Pressure, Popularity, Friendship, African American
teen struggles, Death
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: The book provides ample amount of discussion regarding teenage peer
pressure and struggles. The chapter titles are in diary format and labeled with the different
characters' viewpoints for added layers. This also makes it easy for reluctant readers to
understand the character’s point of view in short, simple chapters.
Recommendation: This book highlights diverse teens with a tragic ending. The author clearly
wants the reader to receive the message about the dangers of hazing. In addition, urban teens
need to see themselves in books to validate their struggles and community. I found myself as the
reader wanting to be able to speak to Jericho to urge him to listen to the warning signs since he
was constantly questioning the pledge activities. These teens were struggling with popularity and
making good choices just like teens today. Although the book had some uncomfortable scenes
that Dana endured under the hands of Eddie, a member of Warriors of Distinction, these scenes
were important for the reader to experience to understand the messages of the book and to
authenticate these experiences. I recommend this book based on its outstanding messages for all
teens.
If you liked this book, then read:
● November Blues (Book #2) by Draper, Sharon M.
● Just Another Hero (Book #3) by Draper, Sharon M.
● Geography Club by Hartinger, Brent
● Tears of a Tiger by Draper, Sharon M.
● Drama High: Second Chance by L Divine
● Frozen Rodeo by Catherine Clark
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/ql2mhuk
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Bibliographic information:
Draper, Sharon M. November Blues. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers,
2007. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-1-41690-698-8
Number of pages: 316
Source: Rockville Memorial Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 8-11 (from Destiny); Ages 12+; YA
Awards: Coretta Scott King Author Honor 2008; Margaret A. Edwards Award 2015; BlackEyed Susan nominee 2009-2010
Description: Book #2 to Battle of Jericho trilogy. Shortly after her boyfriend Josh is killed in a
pledging accident, November Nelson learns she is pregnant. November, a smart, college-bound
girl now has to come to the realization of telling her mother about the pregnancy and her
mother’s disappointment in her. The dream of college has been put on hold, including her
acceptance into the Cornell Summer Program before her senior year. November befriends Olivia
and leans on Jericho and Dana for support. November must also deal with Josh’s parents wanting
custody of the baby. Life has definitely changed dramatically for everyone after the death of
Josh. Jericho continues to struggle with the death of his best friend and cousin. He can’t play the
trumpet anymore and decides to try football instead. Messages about “life has no guarantees”
and the trials and tribulations of teens are discussed.
Genre: Multi-Cultural Fiction (African Americans); Realistic Fiction
Characters: November Nelson, Dana, Olivia Thigpen, Joshua Prescott (deceased), Kofi, Mrs.
Nelson (November’s mom), Dr. Holland, Uncle Brock (Josh’s dad), Aunt Marlene (Josh’s
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mom), Mr. Tambori, Jericho, Geneva, Todd, Rory, Mr. Prescott, Arielle Gresham, Logan, Ms.
Hathaway, Henderson Grant, Coach Barnes, Eric Bell, Sunshine Nelson
Themes: Teen pregnancy, African American teen struggles, Death, Self-esteem
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: The book provides ample amount of discussion regarding teenage
pregnancy and other struggles. The chapter titles are in diary format and labeled with the
different characters' viewpoints for added layers.
Recommendation: This book is special because it showcases diverse teens with an ending that
does not wrap everything up in a neat bow. Teen pregnancy and teenage death are important
issues to discuss with teens. All teens can empathize with the characters in this novel. In
addition, urban teens need to see themselves in books to validate their struggles and community.
I also really liked some of the many positive messages in this book about building one’s
character, such as Coach Barnes’ statement, “A man is not measured by what he owns, but by
what he’s made of inside” (238-239). I recommend this book for parents and teens to read for a
deeper understanding of the struggles that teens experience, such as Olivia’s self-deprecating
jokes about herself and Jericho’s struggle to cope with the loss of his best friend and cousin.
If you liked this book, then read:
● Just Another Hero (Book #3) by Draper, Sharon M.
● Plan B by Simon, Charnan
● Tears of a Tiger by Draper, Sharon M.
● The Best and Hardest Thing by Brisson, Pat
● Slam! by Myers, Walter Dean
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/ql5dqfy
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Bibliographic information:
Shusterman, Neal. Unwind. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2007. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-1-41691-205-7
Number of Pages: 335
Source: Rockville Memorial Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 8-12 (from Destiny); Ages 13+; YA
Awards: Black-Eyed Susan Book Winner (2010); Publishers Weekly starred, 11/26/07; School
Library Journal starred, 01/01/08, Sequoyah Book Award (Oklahoma, 2010); Evergreen Teen
Book Award (Washington, 2010), Sakura Medal for Middle School Book (2009), Florida Teens
Read Nominee (2009), Gouden Lijst Nominee (2013); Green Mountain Book Award (2010);
Virginia Readers Choice Award (2010); One Book for Nebraska Teens (2010); Gateway
Reader’s Award (2010); Georgia Peach Award (2009)
Description: Book #1 in the Unwind trilogy. In a future world where those between the ages of
13 and 18 can have their lives "unwound" and their body parts harvested for use by others, three
teens (Connor, Lev and Risa) are brought together by a failed Juvey-cop capture and a bus
accident. They will soon be connected in their mission to stay alive until they are 18 and no
longer can be unwound. Connor's parents decide to unwind him due to his anger and
troublemaking issues. Risa, an orphan and ward of the state, strives to be perfect with her
amazing piano skills, but she is being unwound due to budget cuts and crowded orphanages. Lev
is a tithe, who was chosen at birth to be unwound as a religious commitment to the Church, soon
turns angry and hostile from the realization of his parent’s decision. The three teens eventually
make it to the Graveyard, a sanctuary for unwounds until they are 18 headed by the Admiral. As
Risa thinks that her life finally has possibilities with her training as a medic, an uprising at the
Graveyard changes everything again. Will they survive until they are 18? Will they ever enjoy
freedom?
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Genre: Science Fiction
Characters: Connor Lassiter (AKA Akron AWOL), Risa Ward, Lev Calder, Hannah, Sonia,
Roland, CyFi (Cyrus Finch), Hayden, the Admiral (Admiral Dunfee), Cleaver, Didi (storked
baby), Mai, Blaine, Pastor Dan, Marcus Calder, Amp, Emby, Harlan Dunfee (AKA Humphrey
Dunfee), Samson, E. Robert Mullard
Themes: Free will, Abortion, Death, Violence, Dystopian, Fear
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: Chapters are divided by characters’ viewpoints allowing the reader to fully
understand the character development. It is fast-paced with skilled writing that makes this a
thrilling book with fans of the book giving the author a built-in series development. The
seriousness of the topics discussed in the book regarding free choice and life make this book a
fascinating read.
Recommendation: This science fiction book will leave your heart pounding and the reader
racing to finish the book. Unfortunately, it is a series, so the reader is left with questions
regarding his/her favorite characters. This is a well-written, smart book that makes you root for
the survival of characters like Connor and Risa. I really enjoyed this book because of the
originality and controversial themes regarding when does life really begin. In Chapter 61 (page
288), Shusterman’s descriptive writing of Roland’s unwinding scene is haunting. It is not a
gruesome, blood-dripping account, but the words are crafted so beautifully that the reader will
feel the pain, fear, sadness, and helplessness of the character. It is almost like watching an
execution and then understanding why so many are against legal punishment. Teens need to read
clever-written books like this, and Shusterman is one of my favorite authors. I even had the
pleasure of going to one of his speaking presentations at a local high school, and his high school
fans are really committed to these characters. Some of the teens developed blogs and Facebook
character pages from the series. Also, it was very interesting to hear Neil Shusterman talk about
his writing process.
If you liked this book, then read:
● UnWholly, Book #2 by Shusterman, Neil
● UnSouled, Book #3 by Shusterman, Neil
● UnDivided, Book #4 by Shusterman, Neil
● UnStrung (eBook short story about Lev) by Shusterman, Neil
● UnBound (short story collection-alternative conclusion) by Shusterman, Neil
● Skinjacker Trilogy by Shusterman, Neil
● The Compound by S A Bodeen
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/ql9mxct
Author website: http://www.storyman.com/
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Bibliographic information:
Green, John, and David Levithan. Will Grayson, Will Grayson. New York: Speak,
2010. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-525-42158-0
Number of pages: 310
Source: Rockville Memorial Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 9-12 (from Destiny); Ages 14+; YA
Awards: Stonewall Honor Book 2011; Booklist starred, 01/15/10; Kirkus Reviews starred,
03/15/10; School Library Journal starred, 03/01/10; Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award
Nominee for Best Young Adult Novel (2010); Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook
Production Honor (2011); Milwaukee County Teen Book Award (2011); Children’s Choice
Book Award for Teen Choice Book of the Year (2011); The Inky Awards Shortlist for Silver
Inky (2010); Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2013); Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for
Young Adult Fiction (2010)
Description: When two teens, one gay and one straight, meet accidentally and discover that they
share the same name, their lives become intertwined as one begins dating the other's best friend,
who produces a play revealing his relationship with them both.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Characters: Will Grayson #1 (odd chapters, negative, heterosexual), Will Grayson #2 (even
chapters, written in lowercase, homosexual), Tiny Cooper, Jane, Maura, Gideon, Isaac (turns out
is Maura and made up), Derek, Simon, Nick, Gary, Randall, Anne Grayson (Will Grayson #2’s
mom)
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Themes: Coming of Age, Friendship, Homosexuality (GLBTQ), Bullying
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: This book has an alternating point of view between the two main characters,
Will Grayson #1 and Will Grayson #2. The writing allows for the reader to get an inside
perspective from the narrator of the chapter. Will Grayson #1 is the odd chapters, and Will
Grayson #2 is the even chapters written in lowercase format to illustrate how he views himself.
Recommendation: I can appreciate the diverse characters and the need for a book about gay
teens and teen identity in a high school library; however, I did not personally like this book. I
thought it was too confusing with the back and forth of the different Will Grayson characters.
Also, I thought it took too long to understand the premise of the book. It was not until page 111
until the two Will Grayson characters meet, and it felt like I waited forever until that climactic
point. I did think that Will Grayson #2’s character and depression were well-written and
thought-provoking. His words: “i am constantly torn between killing myself and killing everyone
around me” (22) are haunting and give the depth of the character. When Will Grayson #2
discusses how Tiny’s bad day is never equal to his bad days as someone dealing with depression,
it really clarifies the struggles of mental illness. Will Grayson #2 even writes in lowercase to
show how he sees himself as less than others. The language and themes are controversial, but
both authors do an excellent job of conveying these teen worlds. Even if I did not enjoy the book,
I do think this book should be in the high school library based on its diversity and issues
addressed.
If you liked this book, then read:
● The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd
● What They Always Tell Us by Martin Wilson
● The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider
● Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List: A Novel by Cohn, Rachel
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qln7onr
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Bibliographic information:
Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian. Illus. Ellen
Forney. New York: Little, Brown, 2007. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-316-01369-7
Number of pages: 229
Source: Rockville Memorial Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 8-12 (from Destiny); Ages 12+; YA
Awards: ALA Notable Children's Books 2008; Outstanding Books for the College Bound 2014; Abraham Lincoln Award (Finalist, 2011: Teen Fiction, Nominee); NY Times Notable
Book (2007); National Book Award (2007: Young People’s Literature); Publishers Weekly’s
Best Books of the Year (2007); School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2007); Odyssey
Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production Honor (2009); South Carolina Book Award
Nominee for Young Adult Book Award (2010); Michigan Library Association Thumbs Up!
Award Nominee (2008); Florida Teens Read Nominee (2009); American Indian Youth Literature
Award for Best Young Adult Book (2008);, Boston Globe-Horn Book Award (2007); The Inky
Awards Nominee for Silver Inky (2009); James Cook Book Award Nominee (2009); Bulletin of
the Center for Children's Books starred, 10/01/07; Horn Book Magazine starred, 09/01/07;
Kirkus Reviews starred, 07/15/07; Publishers Weekly starred, 08/20/07; School Library Journal
starred, 09/01/07; Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, 08/01/07
Description: Junior leaves his troubled high school on the Spokane Indian Reservation called
Wellpinit High School to attend an all-white high school, Reardan High School, after
discovering his mother used the same Geometry textbook 30 years ago. He is the only Native
American, besides the school mascot, at his new school. The book is based on the author's own
experiences, coupled with cartoon illustrations from acclaimed artist Ellen Forney to portray
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Junior’s feelings and understanding of the world around him. The book illustrates Junior’s
internal struggle of living half his life in a white society and the other half in the Native
American community. Native American struggles of alcoholism, abuse, poverty, and death are
real and expressed poignantly through Junior’s eyes.
Genre: Multi-cultural Fiction (Native Americans); Realistic Fiction
Characters: Arnold Spirit (AKA Junior), Rowdy, Oscar (dead dog), Andruss brothers (bulliesJohn, Jim, Joe), Eugene (Jr’s dad’s best friend), Mary Spirit (Mary Runs Away-Jr’s sister), Mr.
P. (Geometry teacher on Rez), Penelope, Roger, Grandma Spirit, Gordy, Coach, Arnold Spirit,
Sr., Agnes Adams (Jr.’s mother), Mr. Grant, Mr. Dodge, Dawn, Mr. Sheridan, Miss Warren, Dr.
Noble
Themes: Coming of Age, Multiculturalism, Overcoming Challenges, Family, Bullying,
Alcoholism, Cultural Identity, Sports, Poverty
Art: Illustrations
Literary Qualities: This book is written in first person point of view in a diary format with
cartoon illustrations by notable artist Ellen Forney under the premise of the main character,
Junior, to depict his feelings and understandings of the world around him.
Recommendation: I highly recommend this book due to the eye-opening, authentic portrayal of
Native Americans living on a reservation and their plight. My husband, being active duty, was
deployed to Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota to help with suicide clusters in the Lakota
Nation (Sicangu Sioux). He has said it was one of the most challenging experiences of his career,
considering the depth of poverty, alcohol and domestic abuse, and lack of resources on the
reservation. I can really understand and appreciate the Native American struggles based on this
book and the impression of my husband, who has over 15 years of service to our country and has
seen some of the worst disasters in history (Tsunamis, Hurricane Katrina, etc.). This is definitely
an essential book for any high school library, along with making it a curriculum staple for
cultural discussion.
If you liked this book, then read:
● This is All: The Pillow Book of Cordelia Kenn by Chambers, Aidan
● Cross Your Heart, Connie Pickles by Durrant, Sabine
● Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
● Wonder by R J Palacio
● Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going
● Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie
● The Summer of Black Widows by Sherman Alexie
● The Broken Cord by Dorris, Michael
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlzmkoi
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Bibliographic information:
Van Draanen, Wendelin. The Running Dream. New York: Ember, 2012. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-3758-6628-9
Number of Pages: 336
Source: Winston Churchill High School Media Center
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 6-12 (from Destiny); Ages 12+
Awards: Schneider Family Book Award, 2012; Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book
Award, 2013; Maryland’s Black-Eyed Susan Nominee for 2013-14 Grades 9-12
Description: Jessica, a sixteen-year-old who is a competitive, great runner in high school,
experiences a horrific school bus accident after a high school track meet. She is left as an
amputee while another teammate dies in the accident. She returns to school with a prosthetic
limb and her dreams of running over. She must learn how to walk again as an amputee. She then
realizes how invisible she is when she is stuck sitting at a special table for wheelchairs with
Rosa, a student with cerebral palsy. Rosa and Jessica eventually bond with Jessica utilizing
Rosa’s wheelchair to train for a prosthetic running leg that costs $20,000. Even though Jessica’s
belief that her running dream is over, it is her track team, family, and friends that will help her
realize some dreams have to be revised.
Genre: General or Realistic Fiction
Characters: Jessica Carlisle, Fiona, Rosa Brazzi, Sherlock (dog), Ms. Rucker, Hank Kruber,
Vanessa Steele, Merryl Abrams, Chloe, Dr. Wells, Annie, Mario Reed, Lucy Sanders (died in
accident), Kyro (coach), Kayleigh, Gavin (Jessica’s crush)
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Themes: Courage, Overcoming Adversity, Perseverance
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: The first person point of view hooks the reader right away with the first line
being “My life is over.” This book opens the discussion for people with disabilities and courage.
Recommendation: This book is told from a teen perspective dealing with the aftermath of a
terrible tragedy. It is one of those books that always stay with you because of the sincerity of the
characters and the belief in community and kindness. It is well written and researched with the
information regarding prosthetic legs. Since my husband is active duty, I go to the Walter Reed
National Military Medical Center. I see and have to explain to my children all the soldiers
returning from war with missing limbs. It makes your heart ache and break for these young
soldiers. Characters like Jessica take us into that world of pain, but Jessica soon reminds us about
strength and seeing people for more than their disabilities. It makes you want to volunteer and do
good in the world. This is a heart-warming, inspiring story for all to read.
If you liked this book, then read:
● Crazy Beautiful by Baratz-Logsted, Lauren
● The Fastest Runner by Robins, Eleanor
● Blind by DeWoskin, Rachel
● Waiting for Sarah by McBay, Bruce
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlg8gyk
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Bibliographic information:
Flynn, Gillian. Gone Girl: A Novel. New York: Crown, 2012. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-307-58836-4
Number of Pages: 419
Source: Winston Churchill High School Media Center
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 10-12 (from Destiny); Ages 15+
Awards: Booklist starred, 05/01/12; Kirkus Reviews starred, 05/01/12; Library Journal starred,
03/01/12; Publishers Weekly starred, 03/26/12; Edgar Award for Best Novel (Finalist, 2013);;
Women’s Prize for Fiction Nominee for Longlist (Finalist, 2013); Barry Award Nominee for
Best Novel (2013); Anthony Award Nominee for Best Novel (2013); Romantic Times
Reviewers’ Choice Award for Suspense/Thriller Novel (2012); Shirley Jackson Award Nominee
for Novel (Finalist, 2012); Puddly Award for Fiction (2013); Grand Prix des Lectrices de Elle for
roman policier (2013); Goodreads Choice Award for Best Mystery & Thriller (2012)
Description: Nick and Amy Dunne move to North Carthage, Missouri from New York City
after they both lose their jobs and Nick’s mother is diagnosed with cancer. They rent a big house
in a town that has suffered from the recession. Nick utilizes Amy’s money to open “The Bar”
with his twin sister, Margo (Go). Nick also has a job as an adjunct professor in journalism;
however, Nick has an affair with one of his college journalism students, Andie. On their fifth
wedding anniversary, Amy disappears. Nick’s attempts to appear as the “perfect husband” will
soon backfire while he attempts to unravel the clues left by Amy’s annual anniversary treasure
hunt. In the media, Amy is portrayed as the perfect, beautiful wife who is like the character from
her famous parent’s children’s book series called “Amazing Amy.” Nick’s golden boy image
begins to shatter after police discover Amy’s diary, which points to a tumultuous marriage. Nick
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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soon becomes the prime suspect. Nick claims he is innocent, but his behavior and revealing
evidence does not add up. Where is his wife? Why is there no body? Answers will be revealed in
an unusual fashion that will keep the reader guessing until the bitter end.
Genre: Mystery or thriller
Characters: Amy Elliott Dunne (wife); Nick Dunne (husband); Margo Dunne (Nick’s twin
sister known as Go); Maureen Dunne (Nick’s mother, dies of cancer); Bill Dunne (Nick’s
father); Rand Elliott (Amy’s dad); Marybeth Elliott (Amy’s mom); Andie Hardy; Noelle
Hawthorne; Tanner Bolt; Rhonda Boney; Jim Gilpin; Desi Collings; Hilary Handy; Ellen Abbott;
Tommy O’Hara; Shawna Kelly; Jacqueline Collings (Desi’s mom); Carl Pelley; Dorothy; Greta;
Jeff
Themes: Love and marriage, revenge, impact of media and journalism, job loss and economic
recession
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: This book switches between the two main characters point of view
stemming from the main event of the story, the wife’s disappearance. It is written from the
character’s perspective surrounding that timeframe. The question then becomes is the narrator
reliable.
Recommendation: This book is told from the point of view of Nick and Amy, the two main
characters, with a timeline surrounding the disappearance of Amy. It takes you into the art of war
in a marriage with the reader deciding who the bad character is or who is to blame in this fastpaced thriller. The author hooks the reader right away with the first line of the book portraying
Nick almost as guilty by saying: “When I think of my wife, I always think of her head.” I liked
the back and forth and constantly guessing what happens next in the book. It was refreshing to be
surprised in the end. I highly recommend this novel since it is a must-read for mystery and
suspense lovers.
If you liked this book, then read:
● The Empty Glass by Baker, J.I.
● The Double: A Novel by Pelecanos, George P.
● Criminal A Novel by Slaughter, Karin
● The Silent Wife by Harrison, A.S.A
● In the Lake of the Woods by O'Brien, Tim
Made into a movie: October 3, 2014:
Cast: Ben Affleck; Rosamund Pike
Directed by: David Fincher
Check out the movie trailer at: http://www.goodreads.com/videos/63242-gone-girl-officialtrailer-2014
SELIGMAN READING LOG
21
Bibliographic information:
Flake, Sharon. Who Am I without Him?: Short Stories about Girls and the Boys in
Their Lives. New York: Disney Hyperion, 2009. EPUB file.
ISBN-13: 978-1-42313-253-0
Number of Pages: 225
Source: Montgomery County Public Library - Overdrive, Inc.
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 6-12 (from Destiny); Ages 11+
Awards: Coretta Scott King Honor, 2005; Booklist starred, 04/15/04; Kirkus Reviews starred,
04/15/04; Library Media Connection starred, 11/01/04
Description: These twelve short stories told in first-person voices of young African-American
teenagers deal with girls and boys and their relationships, dating issues, sex, pregnancy, school
life, family life, and more. These short stories feel very realistic and will tug on your heartstrings
as the reader turns the pages and hopes the girls that are portrayed in the stories would have more
self-worth. For example, in “I Know A Stupid Boy When I see One,” the reader would hope that
this teen would make better choices than to pursue Willie Greentea, a mentally unstable boy, for
“extras.” This diverse book will give a different perspective to teens and dating.
Genre: Short Stories; Multi-Cultural Fiction (African Americans); Realistic Fiction
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Characters (listed by appearance in each short story):
1. So I Ain't No Good Girl: Raheem, “Boo,” “Good girls”
2. Girl, Didn't I Say I Don't Write Letters?: Devita Mae Calloway, Dominique Dumar
Dupree, Jaquel, Earle, Marlina, La Donna, Florence, Michael
3. The Ugly One: Asia Calloway (“Marbles”), Nock, Nicole, Barley, “Ramon”
4. Mookie in Love: Mookie, Shanna, Aunt Sukkie, Aunt Mildred, Aunt Grace, Aunt
Lucinda, Aunt Hattie, Marie, Gionna
5. Don't be Disrespecting Me: Erin Boven (“E”), Ona Bleton, Noodles, Brenda, Melvin,
Marie, Erie, Ona’s dad
6. I like White Boys: Erika, Winter (“Ghetto girls”), Johnny, Wendy, Mr. G., Melvin, Chet
Richards
7. Jacobs's Rules: Mr. Jacobs, Marimba, Anna, Michelle, Tyrek, Denise, Ryan, Kenya
Adams, Heavenly Smith, Brandon, D’Little, Olivia, Jonathan
8. I know a Stupid Boy When I see One: Momma, Willie Greentea, Daddy, Mable Lee,
Oscar, “Isaiah” (baby)
9. Hunting for Boys: Jeremiah, Main girl telling story from Calvary Church of God’s
Blessed Example, Satina, Pastor, China, Jamaica, N’kia, Karen, Anna Belle, K’ya,
Daylea, Lisa, Sister Berta, Z
10. Wanted: A Thug: “Miss Answers” from Teen Queen Magazine, “Cheryl,” which is really
Melody, J, “Katherine” (not real name, best friend), Rowl-D, “Shavon,” “Pretty,”
Cassandra
11. Not a Boy: Richard, Yesterday Johnson, Mr. Johnson, Simone, Jasmine, Cecil Carson the
Second, mother, (Cecil Carson) dad, Jason Crews,
12. A letter to My Daughter: Alicia, Daddy
Themes: Self-esteem, teenage girls and boys, adolescence, dating & sex
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: The first person point of view from different African American teenagers
brings an authentic voice to the book. The different perspectives teach the reader about diverse
issues. The Table of Contents helps the reader navigate the twelve short stories in the eBook
version (ten for the print format).
Recommendation: This book made me want to be able to reach the girls and give them the “I
believe in you” speech. It was heart wrenching to hear some of the stories and games that are
involved in dating and relationships through the eyes of these African American teens. One story
in particular really upset me, “Don’t Be Disrespecting Me.” “E” who had all the potential in the
world to do better decided to follow Noodles and make poor choices. Noodles’ revenge on Ona’s
family was disgusting and disturbing for something that seemed so silly to me. It made me sad
that Noodles had such hate in his heart and lack of parental guidance. What is to become of these
teens to understand self-worth and value in society? This book needs to be read in order to shed
light in these diverse communities.
SELIGMAN READING LOG
If you liked this book, then read:
● Sugar: A Novel by Hall, Deirdre Riordan
● Yellowcake: Stories by Lanagan, Margo
● The Kissing Game: Short Stories by Chambers, Aidan
● There Is No Long Distance Now: Very Short Stories by Nye, Naomi Shihab
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlbvqrv
23
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Bibliographic information:
Lowry, Lois. The Giver. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf, 1993. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-440-23768-6
Number of Pages: 179
Source: Potomac Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 5-9 (from Destiny); Ages 10+
Awards: Newbery Medal, 1994; Booklist starred, 04/15/93; Horn Book Magazine starred,
09/01/93; Black-Eyed Susan Award winner 1994-1995; Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, 1993
Description: This book begins the Giver Quartet series. There is a community where everything
is perfect and all the citizens are assigned a role in it. There are no choices. Everyone must
conform or be “released” from the society. Elders and babies that are not strong enough are
“released.” There are also no feelings or color in this world, including love, hate, and pain. The
story is told from the perspective of Jonas, an eleven-year-old boy, who receives the great honor
of the job, Receiver of Memory. Every citizen of this society receives their adult job at the
Ceremony of Twelve. As Jonas embarks on his trainings from The Giver, he soon discovers the
world he is truly missing. Rosemary, the last Receiver, could not handle the job or the truth.
Colors and feelings emerge. The truth is sometimes worse than we expect, and Jonas must
confront these new feelings and decide how he will handle these memories.
Genre: Science Fiction (Dystopia)
Characters: Jonas, Jonas’s mother, Jonas’s father, Fiona, the Giver, Gabriel (baby), Rosemary,
Lily, Asher, Lasrissa, Chief Elder
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Themes: Coming of Age, Memory, Ethics, Pain vs. Pleasure, Individual vs. Community,
Customs & Traditions
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: The third person point of view is told completely from the main character,
Jonas. The language is direct and simple to illustrate the importance of the “precision of
language” that is dictated by the community.
Recommendation: I recommend this book because it is told in such a way to make it easily
understood by a wide audience with its important examination of the symbols and themes
regarding individuality. Jonas is a likeable and relatable character, and readers will see the events
unfold as he sees them. The idea that a society could exist with a pill to wipe away pain or any
other uncomfortable feelings (to stop “stirrings”) will hook the teen audience. When I finally
discovered the truth about being “released,” I was upset about the twin babies and the elders. It
was frustrating and interesting to read the dialogue or observe the characters from the perspective
of Jonas that depicted the actions of others without a care of the world or any remorse regarding
death or even birth. Jonas’s realization of his world and desire to change it speaks volumes about
educating the community about the value of human life.
If you liked this book, then read:
● Gathering Blue (Book #2) by Lowry, Lois
● Messenger (Book #3) by Lowry, Lois
● Son (Book #4) by Lowry, Lois
● Among the Hidden (Shadow Children #1) by Haddix, Margaret Peterson
● False Memory by Krokos, Dan
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlgvzty
Made into a movie: August 15, 2014:
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Brenton Thwaites, Katie Holmes
Directed by: Phillip Noyce
Check out the movie trailer at: https://youtu.be/fH6B4S9ENY4
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Bibliographic information:
Woodson, Jacqueline. Brown Girl Dreaming. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2014.
Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-399-25251-8
Number of Pages: 336
Source: Rockville Memorial Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 5-10 (from Destiny); Ages 11+
Awards: Coretta Scott King Author Award, 2015; Newbery Honor, 2015; Black-Eyed Susan
Nominee Grades 4-6 for 2015-2016; Booklist starred, 08/01/14; Bulletin of the Center for
Children's Books starred, 09/01/14; Publishers Weekly starred, 05/26/14; Robert F. Sibert
Informational Book Honor, 2015; School Library Journal starred, 07/01/14; Horn Book Guide
starred, 04/01/15; Horn Book Magazine starred, 09/01/14; Kirkus Reviews starred, 07/15/14;
Library Media Connection starred, 03/01/15
Description: This powerful autobiography by Jacqueline Woodson is told in free verse poetry
format from her eyes as a child growing up during the 1960s and 1970s time period. Woodson’s
world is split between the North and the South. She was born in Ohio, raised in South Carolina,
and then moved to New York, but she returns to South Carolina during the summers. She shares
her feelings eloquently regarding the turbulent times for African Americans as she experiences
the Civil Rights movement.
Genre: Nonfiction (Autobiography); Multi-Cultural Fiction (African Americans)
Characters: Jacqueline Woodson or Jackie (as her younger self), Jack and Mary Ann Woodson,
Georgiana and Gunnar Irby, Dell, Hope, and Roman, Kay Irby
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Themes: Family, Civil Rights, African American struggles
Art: Illustrations (b/w photographs), genealogical tables
Literary Qualities: This memoir is written in free verse poetry format from the perspective of
Jacqueline Woodson as a child. The chapters are short and not overwhelming making it
accessible to a variety of readers. It also incorporates historical fiction since Jacqueline Woodson
conveys her story about growing up in the 1960s and 1970s as an African American in the North
and South.
Recommendation: I had a little difficulty keeping all the characters straight, so I appreciated the
provided family tree in the book. I kept flipping back and forth to make sure I was not mixing
family members up. I thought the writing in the book was very eloquent, and the perspective of
the author as a child very interesting. However, I think the book is geared more toward fifth
graders and up, most likely middle to high school students. The poem about the bubble-gum
cigarettes brought back memories of fooling around with those same candies when I was young.
Many of the stories from Jackie’s childhood were really brought to life with her writing, and I
could imagine all the scenes in my head. I even lived in New York City, and I can understand
about the fast talking, bustling city where supposedly “diamonds speckling the sidewalks.”
Jackie’s viewpoint about being a Jehovah’s Witness and not being able to pledge to the flag or
celebrate holidays, especially birthdays, made me understand a different religion. I thought about
how hard that must have been for Jackie, especially when she had to watch other people play on
her swings when she could not go outside. This diverse perspective would be important for
students to understand regarding not only African American struggles at that time, but even
struggles of being a different religion. I thought the book could open a dialogue for a lot of
different type of discussions, such as a comparison of how people are treated now as opposed to
during that time period. I like the “how to listen #” pages where it offers a simple thought for
readers to ponder and to learn.
If you liked this book, then read:
● A Girl from Yamhill: A Memoir by Cleary, Beverly
● Poems of Maya Angelou by Angelou, Maya
● Soul Surfer by Hamilton, Bethany with Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlrddbp
SELIGMAN READING LOG
28
Bibliographic information:
Lowry, Lois. Gathering Blue. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2000. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-547-90414-6
Number of pages: 241
Source: Rockville Memorial Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 6-9 (from Destiny); Ages 12+; YA
Awards: Booklist starred, 06/01/00; Black-Eyed Susan Nominee 2003-2004; Massachusetts
Book Award Nominee for Young Adult Literature (2001); Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s
Book Award Nominee (2003)
Description: This book is the second book in the Giver Quartet series. It is a companion book to
The Giver and connects with similar themes, but not the same characters. It centers around the
main character, Kira, who was born with a handicap, a twisted leg. In a community ruled by
selfishness and deceit, the strong and able-bodied survive while the weak and disabled are sent to
the “Field of Leaving,” similar to the “release” concept in The Giver. However, Kira is saved at
birth because of her mother’s love and ability to stand up against a village, especially since
Kira’s father, Christopher, was a well-respected hunter. Christopher was believed to be killed by
the “beasts.” Once Kira’s mother dies, Kira must defend her life in front of the Council of
Guardians, with help from her representative, Jamison, regarding Vandara’s charges about Kira
being useless and a burden to the community. Vandara just wants Kira’s mother’s land in order
to build a pen for the unruly toddlers of the community. At the Council of Edifice, the ruling
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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changes Kira’s role in the community. Her gift of weaving saves her life, and she will be
responsible for repairing and finishing the Singer’s robe for the annual Gathering ceremony. This
mandatory community event is where the Singer tells the history, customs, and traditions of the
community in song. Kira must learn all the dying of the threads from Annabella in order to
complete the Singer’s robe. The only color missing is blue. Soon Kira discovers that she does not
know the whole truth about her community. Thomas, Jo, Annabella, Matt and Christopher will
help her figure out the answers. There may not be “beasts” after all.
Genre: Science Fiction (Dystopia)
Characters: Kira, Katrina (Kira’s mother), Vandara, Council of Guardians, Singer, Chief
Guardian, Jamison, Thomas the Carver, Matt and his dog Branch or Branchie, Annabella,
Christopher (Kira’s father), Jo (soon-to-be Singer), Dan
Themes: Coming of Age, Memory, Ethics, Pain vs. Pleasure, Individual vs. Community,
Customs & Traditions, Special Needs/Disabilities, Orphans
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: The third person point-of-view is told completely from the perspective of
the main character, Kira. The broken, illiterate vocabulary of Matt from the Fen compared to
Kira’s vocabulary is quite distinct to illustrate the differences in communities. Also, the more
syllables in a character’s name means how old and knowledgeable they are perceived by the
community.
Recommendation: I recommend this book because once again Lowry introduces the reader to a
new world where ethics and one’s moral compass is under fire. Kira, like Jonas in The Giver, is a
very likeable, relatable character. From Kira’s perspective, the reader will dislike the cruelty and
heartless views of the village. I felt disgusted with the behavior of Vandara and the other
members of the community where if a mother breaks her arm, she must lose her job and children.
Imperfection truly kills in this world. A strong character like Kira, who endures the pain of her
leg to remain valuable and worthy of her community, illustrates the power of overcoming
obstacles to succeed. Kira’s gift of weaving is a curse too since she is stuck doing projects and
assignments without freedom to explore her own magic. Matt and Branchie allow us to see how
horrible and violent other communities can be as well. When Matt returns with blue from yonder
with Kira’s father, Christopher, it is Kira’s strength and kind soul of needing to stay and help her
community heal that touches me. The reader is taken on a captivating quest for truth in this book.
SELIGMAN READING LOG
If you liked this book, then read:
● Messenger (Book #3) by Lowry, Lois
● Son (Book #4) by Lowry, Lois
● Ashes by Bick, Ilsa J
● The Drowned Cities by Bacigalupi, Paolo
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlrf7ra
30
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Bibliographic information:
Lowry, Lois. Messenger. New York: Bantam, 2004. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-385-73716-6
Number of pages: 169
Source: Rockville Memorial Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 6-10 (from Destiny); Ages 12+; YA
Awards: Booklist starred, 02/15/04; Kirkus Reviews starred, 04/01/04; Publishers Weekly
starred, 02/16/04; Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, 06/01/04
Description: This book is the third book in the Giver Quartet series. It is a companion book to
The Giver and to Gathering Blue. It connects with similar themes and unites some of the
characters from the previous books. The book opens with Matty (no longer Matt from Gathering
Blue) living with Seer, who is blind and wise (Christopher, Kira’s father, from Gathering Blue).
Matty’s new village welcomes and helps everyone, including the sick and disabled, unlike the
place where Matty initially came from where people were violent, despicable, and selfish. Matty
has developed from a troublesome, deceitful boy to a caring young man in his new community.
Matty is desperate to receive the true name of “Messenger” from Leader (Jonas from The Giver)
after all his brave journeys into the Forest. Matty is the only one that can travel back and forth
between the regions to bring messages without the Forest harming him. The forest acts humanlike with the ability to warn of death to villagers who try to pass through it and kill if those
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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warnings are not heeded. It is in the Forest where Matty discovers his gift, the power to heal,
when he helps restore a frog’s leg and later Jean’s dog and Frolic, the puppy. However, Leader
can see beyond and knows something is changing in the community. The Trade Mart where the
community trades small things led by the Trademaster has become more sinister. There are
supposed to be no secrets in this community knowing how secrets destroyed their former lives.
The people are changing for the worst. The people vote to stop letting newcomers in the village
citing they are afraid of running out of resources. Something is going on, and Leader evokes
Matty to make the final journey of telling the other villages of its closing. Matty promises Seer
he will go get Kira (Gathering Blue) while delivering the closing messages to the other
communities since time has run out for her to come home. On the treacherous journey back with
Kira and Frolic, Matty must use his new power of healing to restore the community. Will Leader
and Kira use their powers to show Matty the way? Will the Forest kill them all?
Genre: Science Fiction (Dystopia)
Characters: Matty (Matt from Gathering Blue), Seer (aka Christopher, Kira’s father, from
Gathering Blue), Leader (aka Jonas from The Giver), Jean, Kira, Ramon, Mentor, Forest, Frolic
Themes: Community Life, Nature & the Natural World, Healing, Memory, Ethics, Pain vs.
Pleasure, Individual vs. Community, Customs & Traditions, Human Impact, Generosity vs.
Indulgence
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: The third person point-of-view is told completely from the perspective of
the main character, Matty.
Recommendation: I recommend this book because Lowry connects the characters from The
Giver and Gathering Blue for a deeper understanding of the communities and those characters.
The idea of selfishness versus selflessness is explored more with the contrasting communities. I
got to see how funny Matty is and how kind-hearted Seer is in this novel. The reader also got
introduced to more powers or special gifts of the main characters. The reader can rejoice that
Leader (Jonas) is okay and was forgiven by his old community with the books that were sent
over to him. I was upset how the book ended with Matty having to be sacrificed for the good of
the community, but I was happy that Kira and Seer would be reunited again.
SELIGMAN READING LOG
If you liked this book, then read:
● Son (Book #4) by Lowry, Lois
● The Destiny of Linus Hoppe by Bondoux, Anne-Laure
● The House of the Scorpion by Farmer, Nancy
● The Roar by Clayton, Emma
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qltk7a6
33
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Bibliographic information:
Lowry, Lois. Son. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-547-88720-3
Number of pages: 393
Source: Potomac Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 6-10 (from Destiny); Ages 12+; YA
Awards: Booklist starred, 06/01/12; Kirkus Reviews starred, 05/15/12; School Library Journal
starred, 09/01/12
Description: This book is the fourth and final book in the Giver Quartet series. It is a companion
book to The Giver, Gathering Blue, and Messenger. It connects with similar themes and unites
the characters from the previous books by being separated into three separate points in time
distinguished by Book I: Before, Book II: Between, and Book III: Beyond. It begins with Book I
where the reader meets Claire, a 14-year-old girl living in the same time period as Jonas from
The Giver. Claire’s job is a Birthmother, but she is decertified after having trouble with her first
birth. She learns she had a son, Newchild Thirty-Six, before she is reassigned to the Fish
Hatchery. Claire never took the pills that the rest of the community has to take in order to
suppress their feelings, so Claire misses and loves this baby right away. She sneaks over to the
Nurturing Center where she tricks Sophia to give her a tour in order to find number Thirty-Six,
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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her Product. It is there where she meets Jonas’s father, the Nurturer, and discovers Thirty-Six is
labeled failure to thrive and in danger of being released. The Nurturer takes Thirty-Six home
nightly, and it is decided that Thirty-Six would not be assigned to a family for another year.
Unfortunately, it is soon determined Thirty-Six will not be given another chance. This is how
Book I ends and The Giver coincide since Jonas escapes with Thirty-Six. The reader next meets
Water Claire in Book II: Between. The sea takes Claire’s memory away for a whole year when
she finds herself washed ashore in a new village at the bottom of a very tall cliff. Alys, the
midwife, herbalist, and caretaker of the community, nurses her back to health, and Water Claire
is embraced by this new community. It is strange when Water Claire discovers colors and
cooking for first time. Finally, Water Claire remembers giving birth and vows to find her baby
again with the help of Fierce Einar. Einar was the only member of the community that climbed
the cliff out of the village, but he was permanently disabled for it by the Trademaster when he
refused to make a trade. Water Claire also endures the whispers and cruelty of the community
upon her revealing that she gave birth. After six years of training with Einar and even falling in
love with him, it was time for Water Claire to climb out of the village. She meets the
Trademaster and trades her youth for her son, who she now knows as Gabe, not Abe. In Book
III: Beyond, Gabe discovers the old woman, Claire, and his gift of veering. Jonas, who is now
married to Kira with children of his own, is no longer the Leader like in the book Messenger.
The village’s problems have long been resolved and the welcoming community has returned.
Meanwhile, Gabe is building a boat to find his mother. He knows she is out there somewhere.
But, trouble is brewing ahead. Jonas thought they rid the world of the Trademaster only to
discover after seeing beyond that evil is still out there. Gabe must learn to use his power to beat
the Trademaster once and for all before it is too late to be reunited with his mother, the old
woman.
Genre: Science Fiction (Dystopia)
Characters: Claire, Gabe (baby Gabe from The Giver, or mistakenly “Abe” to Claire, or
Newchild Thirty-six), Marcus, Nurturer (Jonas’s father), Nancy, Nadia, Suzanne, Miriam, Elissa,
Heather, Dimitri, Eric, Rolf, Edith, Jeannette, Sophia, Water Claire, Old Benedikt, Alys, Tall
Andras, Fierce Einar, Elen, Bethan, Bryn, Trademaster, Deirdre, Nathaniel, Jonas (Leader),
Annabelle and Matthew (Kira and Jonas’s children), Kira, Stefan, Simon, Tarik, Mentor
Themes: Healing, Memory, Ethics, Pain vs. Pleasure, Individual vs. Community, Customs &
Traditions, Human Impact, Generosity vs. Indulgence, Mothers and Children (Parenting),
Separation, Relationships
Art: N/A
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Literary Qualities: The third person point-of-view is told from the perspectives of the main
characters, Claire and then later Gabe. This novel gives the perspective from the beginning of the
storyline with a smooth transition of characters and actions from all four books.
Recommendation: I recommend this book because it is the conclusion of the Giver Quartet, and
Lowry has flawlessly weaved together all four books into this fantastical journey of a novel.
Finally, the reader has the opportunity to hear the inside story of the Birthmother from the very
beginning. Without the pills, Claire yearns for her Product, her baby. She knows she is not
supposed to be feeling this way, but she refuses to ever lose the love she has for her baby. Her
tenacity and willpower exemplifies the love of a mother and the spirit of an individual. Claire is
faced with many challenges through her long journey to find her son, and she overcomes those
obstacles. On another note, it was wonderful to find out that Kira and Jonas are married and have
their own children that were named in honor of Annabella and Matty from Gathering Blue. They
deserve happiness and a life not focused just on their gifts. The final battle with the Trademaster
highlights how all the characters truly battle good versus evil to be reunited with love,
compassion, and humankind in this conclusion novel.
If you liked this book, then read:
● Goodbye by Phillips, Dee
● Across the Universe by Revis, Beth
● Massive by Bell, Julia
● I am the Messenger by Zusak, Markus
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlpazya
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Bibliographic information:
Fairfield, Lesley. Tyranny. Toronto: Tundra, 2009. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-88776-903-0
Number of pages: 114
Source: Rockville Memorial Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 9-12 (from Destiny); Ages 13+; YA
Awards: School Library Journal starred, 03/01/10
Description: This book tells the story of Anna, the main character, dealing with body image
struggles amid life and death choices as she tries to rise above her battle with eating disorders,
both anorexia and bulimia. Anna is faced with peer pressure to be thin and the biggest enemy of
all, known as “Tyranny,” which is really herself. Anna succumbs to peer pressure from friends,
fashion, her mirror, her job and more to try to be picture perfect thin. Her dream of becoming a
writer is put on hold when she drops out of high school and works as a waitress while she either
starves herself or binges with food and laxatives. Anna is in and out of therapy and a
rehabilitation center for eating disorders as she struggles to overcome her battles with herself.
The book does not shy away from the magnitude and consequences of eating disorders,
especially when Cynthia dies from the ramifications of her bulimia. Anna realizes at one point
that “Tyranny” has cost her everything, including happiness. She is trying to find herself and
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knows she has to be careful about “Tyranny” coming back to hurt her again. The graphic novel
format will appeal to teens and give hope on a subject that is so serious and important for girls to
read about in books.
Genre: Graphic Novel
Characters: Anna, Tyranny (as herself, the devil friend, Tim, Brenda, Dot, Stella, Dr. Moon,
Cynthia (died), Esther, Monique, Billy, old lady, Lily, Dr. Bissell, Kate, Tiffany, Elaine,
Heather, Bella, Lily, Ava, Olive, Al, Cordelia, Patrick, Denzel
Themes: Eating Disorders, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, Self-Perception, Psychological, Young
Women, Self-Esteem, Friendship, Peer Pressure, Health
Art: comic-style pictures in black and white (graphic novel)
Literary Qualities: This graphic novel is told in first person from the perspective of Anna, the
main character. The reader learns firsthand about the struggles with eating disorders from the
author’s own experience with anorexia and bulimia.
Recommendation: I first heard about this book through the Genre Group Presentations in class
from the Graphic Novels Group. After hearing the book sharing from my colleagues, I thought
this book sounded so interesting for a graphic novel. After reading it, I could not agree more with
the Graphic Novels Group about the value of this novel. I recommend this book because of the
authentic experience from the author as an eating disorders survivor with the addition of comic
art making this an appealing book for teens. The black and white comic pictures illustrate the
point of the author further and will connect readers to the story line. The skeleton type drawings
contribute to the overall understanding of the eating disorder battles of the characters. On page
90, my heart strings were tugged when a grandmother-like character shows kindness to Anna as
she faints on the sidewalk from starving herself to death. Anna even recognizes that a complete
stranger is more kind to her than she is to herself. What a poignant realization! This book also
gives the reader hope and a realistic view of eating disorders. On page 102, the reader can cheer
Kate on with the other characters as Kate struggles to finish her dinner in two hours. This graphic
novel is a window for readers to understanding a serious teen issue.
SELIGMAN READING LOG
If you liked this book, then read:
● The Squirrel Mother: Stories by Kelso, Megan
● Inside Out: Portrait of An Eating Disorder by Shivack, Nadia
● Epileptic by B., David
● Harvey: How I Became Invisible by Bouchard, Herve
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlkgs9e
39
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Bibliographic information:
Halls, Kelly Milner, ed. Girl Meets Boy: Because There Are Two Sides to Every
Story. San Francisco: Chronicle, 2012. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-1-4521-0264-1
Number of pages: 203
Source: Rockville Memorial Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 9-12 (from Destiny); Ages 13+; YA
Awards: Kirkus Reviews starred, 12/15/11; Written by prominent YA authors
Description: This short stories collection brings 12 well-known YA writers to illustrate that
there are always two sides to every story, especially in relationships. The 12 stories explore the
differences and similarities of boys and girls with diverse backgrounds and cultures. This
collection is definitely suited for teens with controversial storylines dealing with sex, heartbreak,
online chatting on a gay forum, deception, gender transformation, bullying, racism, fear, and
more. The first paired story by Chris Crutcher and Kelly Milner Halls introduces the reader to
Wanda Wickham. Wanda is definitely trouble for the good-looking John Smith. The reader will
quickly learn that Wanda uses guys for sex to control them while John uses his good looks to
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manipulate girls. The second paired story by Joseph Bruchac and Cynthia Leitich Smith
introduces a Native American boy who faces challenges in school with bullying and falls for the
larger-than-life Nancy Whitepath. Do opposites attract? The third paired story by James Howe
and Ellen Wittlinger tells of two people who desperately want love and friendship, but not from
each other. What starts with deception in an online gay chatroom by a loving sister ends in the
possibility for much more for Max and Cal. The fourth paired story by Rita Williams-Garcia and
Terry Trueman depicts a white boy and an African American girl navigating the waters to date.
The fifth paired story by Terry Davis and Rebecca Fjelland Davis tells of the difficulty of an
Islamic boy and a farm girl falling in love in a small hog town after September 11th. The reader
will experience firsthand the discrimination and fear the character endures living as a Muslim in
Iowa with a simple task of just adopting a dog at the local gas station. The last paired story by
Sara Ryan and Randy Powell explores how one boy touched another boy’s life in the strangest
way. It all starts with the ability to pee like it was a performance. Also, the book includes a Table
of Contents and a section about the authors and the inspiration for each story.
Genre: Short Stories; Realistic Fiction; Multi-Cultural Fiction
Characters (listed by appearance in each short story):
1. Introduction: What Was He/She Thinking?: Editor of this compilation and author Kelly
Milner Halls gives the reader information on why the book was written and how it is
organized with the first story told from the perspective of the boy and the second story
told from the perspective of the girl.
2. Love Or Something Like It by Chris Crutcher: John Smith, Wanda Wickham, alcoholic
mother, workaholic dad, Rita Crews (therapist)
3. Some Things Never Change by Kelly Milner Halls: Wanda Wickham, Andy (neighbor),
John Smith, Coach Butler
4. Falling Down To See The Moon by Joseph Bruchac: Sensei Dwight, best friend Neddy
Coming, Gramma Otterlifter, Robert Wildcat II (main character), Robert Wildcat (father),
Auley Crow Mocker, Mrs. Bootick, Charlie Wagon, Mr. McReady, Nancy Whitepath
5. Mooning Over Broken Stars by Cynthia Leitich Smith: Lady Warriors (Basketball girl
team name), Nancy Whitepath, Bobby the Wildcat, Mama, Daddy, Spence, Tracy, Joni,
Makayla, Eddie, Auley Crow Mocker, Charlie Wagon, Mr. McReady
6. Want To Meet by James Howe: Alex (Alexis), Max, Mom, Michael, Carly’s Cousin
(Lindsay), Dad, Sally the waitress, Alexis’s father, Cal, James
7. Meeting For Real by Ellen Wittlinger: Alexis (“Alex”), Cal, James, Jim Bellarose (Dad),
Max, Sally, Cody Marker
8. No Clue, AKA Sean by Rita Williams-Garcia: Sean, Raffina, Gary Frazier, Mr. Adams
9. Sean + Raffina by Terry Trueman: Raffina, Sean, Debra Quarantino, Mr. Adams, Sean’s
older dad from Alabama, Sean’s Mom, Sean’s little sister
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10. Mouths of the Ganges by Terry Davis: Kerry, Rafi, Rafi’s mom, Dadi (Bangla word for
Rafi’s grandma), Dr. Vikram Mahdood (Rafi’s dad), Dr. Kamilla Jamini, Muttski Bear
(Rafi’s dog), man in the NAPA hat, biker, sheriff deputy, Hank and Dave Thompson,
Rafi’s uncles
11. Mars At Night by Rebecca Fjelland Davis: Kerry, Rafi, Kerry’s Grandma, Kerry’s mom,
Kerry’s dad, Harvey Thompson, David and Hank Thompson, Joe, Dean (Kerry’s little
brother), Gordon Smith, Pigs: Gerbert, Herbert, Helga, Buster, Sally, Tim
12. Launchpad to Neptune by Sara Ryan and Randy Powell: Gavin, Dean, Stephanie Jones,
who later becomes Stephen, Peter Jones, Mr. Charlie Jones (Stephanie’s dad), Mrs. Dolly
Jones (Stephanie’s mom), Kaylie Jones, Gavin’s dad and mom, Christina
Themes: Interpersonal relations, Social issues, Perspective, Philosophy, Relationships,
Romance, Love
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: The book brings an interesting perspective since the stories are paired from
the alternating view of a girl and boy side of the story. It is a first person account with diverse
characters ranging from Native American, African American, Homosexual, Bangladesh, and
Transgender. The inclusion of the author’s inspiration for the stories will give extra meaning for
the reader.
Recommendation: I recommend this book because there were so many diverse characters that
teens could easily see themselves in this book. Teens need to read books about different types of
relationships, and this book gives a voice to African American, Native American, Islamic, and
Gay characters. The stories are short and told from alternating viewpoints and truly convey how
males and females see situations and issues quite differently. I liked how the answers were given
from two opposing characters, so the reader could piece together the full story after reading both
viewpoints. I had a better picture of the characters after reading his or her side. “In Some Things
Never Change,” I definitely disliked Wanda Wickham and her manipulative ways with men. In
“Mooning Over Broken Stars,” I liked Nancy Whitepath for her ability to see something special
in Bobby. I felt sorry for Gavin in “Launchpad to Neptune” when he discovered he had no
change with Stephanie. This collection is a nice array of relationship stories.
SELIGMAN READING LOG
If you liked this book, then read:
● The Kissing Game: Short Stories by Chambers, Aidan
● Kissing Tennessee and Other Stories from the Stardust Dance by Appelt, Kathi
● Violent Ends: A Novel In Seventeen Points of View by Hutchinson, Shaun David
● There is No Long Distance Now: Very Short Stories by Nye, Naomi Shihab
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlwbr9w
43
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Bibliographic information:
Frost, Helen. Hidden. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2011. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-374-38221-6
Number of pages: 147
Source: Rockville Memorial Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 6-10 (from Destiny); Ages 11+; YA
Awards: ALA Notable Children's Books, 2012; Black-Eyed Susan Nominee for 2012-13
(Grades 6-9); Kirkus Reviews starred, 04/01/11; Library Media Connection starred, 08/01/11;
Lee Bennett Hopkins Children’s Poetry Award Honor Book (2012); 2012 Bank Street Best
Children’s Books, Starred; Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award Master List (201213, Vermont); 2012 Texas Lone Star Reading List (middle school)
Description: This book told in free verse poetry connects two eight-year-old girls through one
horrible event that changed both their lives. Wren Abbott was waiting in the car while her
mother ran into the gas station to pay, not knowing that West Monson and his troubled associate,
Stu, were robbing the place. Wren hears gunshots and fears the worst. Is her mom okay? Is she
still alive? West then steals the car, not knowing Wren is hidden in the backseat. Scared to death,
Wren must try to figure out how to escape. In the meantime, West stores the stolen car in his
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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family’s garage until he can paint it and ditch it because of all the news reports of the missing
eight-year-old girl. Wren hides in a boat in the garage and has to eat cat food until Darra, who is
also eight-years-old, leaves her food. Darra tries to figure out how to get rid of Wren without
getting the police. Finally, Wren is able to successfully escape, but Darra blames Wren for
ruining her life and sending her dad to prison. Six years later, both girls are reunited at Camp
Oakwood in the same exact bunk. There are so many questions to be answered between them.
Wren does not want to remember the horrible incident, and Darra still blames Wren for her dad
leaving, even if he did hit and hurt her and her mother. Will they piece it together and understand
each other’s point of view?
Genre: General Fiction; Realistic Fiction
Characters: Darra Monson, Wren Abbott, West Monson, Stu, Stacey Monson, Alex, Archie
(cat), Kamara (Wren’s doll), Bilbo (Wren’s dog), Savannah, Zoe, Toryn, Chen, Meghan, Sam,
Rachel, Jeremy, Derek, K.C. (counselor), Josh, Derek, Miles, Mrs. Beams, Mrs. Seeger, Jonna,
Carl, Peter, Matt, Tyler, Mikki, Sylva, Skye
Themes: Blame, Camps, Interpersonal Relations, Memory, Friendship
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: This book is written in verse format from the perspective of Wren and
Darra, the two main characters. There is an author note in the back of the book explaining how
Wren’s voice is written in free verse with the first part of the book numbered to show passage of
time. Conversely, Darra’s poems have hidden messages at the ends of the lines to illustrate
Darra’s memories of her father and her deeper feelings over the same incident that changed both
of the girls’ lives.
Recommendation: I recommend this book because the poetry format makes the book an easy,
appealing read for teens. The story itself seems like a Law & Order Episode that makes you
scrambling to get to the end to find out how these two girls will cope with one, life-changing
incident. At first, I found it hard to feel sorry for Darra when it was Wren who suffered the
traumatic kidnapping event, but after reading and understanding both perspectives I changed my
mind. Darra did have good times with her dad, and her family was changed completely from her
dad’s bad decisions. Darra’s childhood was lost too. I understood Darra’s point of view that her
dad was not all bad to her. Plus, Darra felt that not having her dad at all was far worse for her.
This book illustrates how there are different perspectives regarding one event, and teens can see
hope, forgiveness, and friendship in dire circumstances.
SELIGMAN READING LOG
If you liked this book, then read:
● Girl, Stolen by Henry, April
● Face on the Milk Carton by Cooney, Caroline
● Ransom by Duncan, Lois
● Taken by Bloor, Edward
● What Happened to Cass McBride? by Giles, Gail
● Addie on the Inside by Howe, James
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/ql6mb3u
46
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Bibliographic information:
Myracle, Lauren. Ttyl. New York: Amulet, 2004. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-8109-8788-3
Number of pages: 209
Source: Winston Churchill High School Media Center
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 6-10 (from Destiny); Ages 12+; YA
Awards: School Library Journal starred, 04/01/04; Bestseller and Best of Titlewave
Description: This is book #1 in the Internet Girls series by this author utilizing the text shortcut
in the title for “Talk to You Later.” This novel speaks to teens with its innovative format to
illustrate how three best friends communicate on a daily basis through their mobile devices or
computer with text and instant messaging, including the use of chat rooms. Angela (Screen
name: SnowAngel), Maddie (Screen name: mad maddie), and Zoe (Screen name: zoegirl) are
high school girls navigating their tenth grade together. They do everything together, including
figuring out normal teen issues like boys, teachers, parents, fashion, parties, popularity, alcohol,
and more through their 21st century way of communicating via devices. The girls help each other
through it all. The girls are there for obsessed Angela when Rob falls for Tonnie. The girls are
there when Maddie’s drunken night yields topless photos all over the school because of Jana.
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The girls are there when innocent, “perfect” Zoe finds herself in a hot tub with her teacher, Mr.
H. Then, a big fight between Maddie and the girls brews trouble and the silent treatment dividing
the three girls. Can they survive high school as best friends? Will the big road trip be canceled?
Genre: Realistic Fiction; General Fiction
Characters: Angela Silver (Screen name: SnowAngel), Maddie or Madigan Kinnick (Screen
name: mad maddie), Zoe Barrett (Screen name: zoegirl), Mr. H, Doug, Rob, Tonnie, Jana, Ben
Schlanker, Ian
Themes: Interpersonal Relations, Friendship, High School, Instant Messaging, Computers,
Social Issues
Art: Different color font and use of emojis illustrate feelings and statements through text and
messaging format. The reader can tell who is talking or who is angry or excited through this
technique.
Literary Qualities: This book is written in text and instant messaging format for the iPhone teen
generation. It is told from the perspective of Angela (SnowAngel), Zoe (zoegirl), and Maddie
(mad maddie), who are the three main characters and high school best friends.
Recommendation: I recommend this book because teens, especially reluctant readers, will enjoy
reading a 21st Century style novel with text and instant messaging dialogue, including use of
emojis. The issues are real for teens in this realistic drama from boy trouble to demanding
parents. One of the biggest lessons is when Maddie learns how being a teen in the 21st Century
with devices at everyone’s fingertips can be challenging. She must endure the ridicule of her
peers after dancing topless at a frat party once her friend, Jana, uploads the naked pictures that go
viral across the school. This is a series that many teens would be fans of since they can relate to
the authentic dialogue and experiences of today’s high school students. It is filled with humor
and friendship that makes you appreciate your best friends and their loyalty.
If you liked this book, then read:
● Ttfn, Book #2 by Myracle, Lauren
● L8r, g8r, Book #3 by Myracle, Lauren
● Yolo, Book #4 by Myracle, Lauren
● Bff, Book #5 by Myracle, Lauren
● Something to Blog About by Norris, Shana
Teaching Activities: Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this
book at: http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlspox8
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Bibliographic information:
Draper, Sharon M. Out of My Mind. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2010. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-1-41697-170-2
Number of pages: 295
Source: Rockville Memorial Library
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 5-10 (from Destiny); Ages 10+
Awards: Multiple Coretta Scott King Award Winner Author; Booklist starred, 01/01/10; Kirkus
Reviews starred, 02/15/10; Parents' Choice Silver Honor, 2010; School Library Journal starred,
03/01/10; Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, 08/01/10; Maryland’s Black-Eyed Susan
Award Winner for 2011-12, Grades 6-9; Josette Frank Award (2011); Buckeye Children’s Book
Award for 6-8 (2011); Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award Nominee (2012);
Washington State Sasquatch Award (2013); NCBLA-Notable Children’s Books in the English
Language Arts (2011); Goodreads Choice Award Nominee (2010)
Description: This realistic fiction book is told from the point-of-view of the main character, an
11-year-old girl named Melody with cerebral palsy. Melody cannot speak, walk, feed herself,
dress herself, or write. Melody has no control over her body because of her disability, but she is a
genius with a photographic memory. Unfortunately, no one knows it until Melody starts talking
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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with “Elvira” (Medi-Talker). Melody has been misunderstood and underestimated for too long.
How Melody answers and observes each scenario allows the reader to fully appreciate the wealth
of knowledge she truly possesses. Everyone has some type of disability or difficulty in life, as
Melody points out, and it is just how one stands above it that makes the true difference. There are
so many poignant parts in the book that make it a compelling novel for a student to learn and to
empathize with all the characters, not just Melody. The lessons and the relatable characters are
well-written, such as the amazing strength of Melody’s parents and the outstanding Mrs. V. The
feeling of total helplessness is well captured by the author through the scenes with Melody and
Ollie the fish, and most of all, when Melody’s mom is backing the car out and hits Melody’s
little sister, Penny. What a heart-pounding moment!
Genre: Realistic Fiction; General Fiction; Multi-Cultural Fiction (Disabilities)
Characters: Melody Brooks, Mrs. V (Mrs. Valencia), Melody’s parents, Penny, Mr. Dimming,
Mrs. Billups, Mrs. Shannon, “Elvira” (Medi-Talker), Ollie the Fish, Whiz Kids quiz team, Rose,
Catherine, Claire
Themes: Interpersonal Relations, Special Needs, People with Disabilities, Social Issues,
Overcoming Adversity, Learning Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, Genius, Communication,
Computers & Technology
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: This book is written from the first person perspective of Melody, which
allows the reader to truly understand Melody’s daily struggles with her disability. Draper does
not give the reader information about Melody’s race allowing the reader to focus on Melody’s
life with cerebral palsy.
Recommendation: I recommend this book because this book truly represents how realistic
fiction can open your eyes and mind to diverse perspectives. I think the author does an excellent
job conveying Melody’s thoughts and ideas. I think the most heartbreaking issue is how so many
people associate immobility with intellectual disability as exemplified with the scenes from the
doctor and Melody’s mother, the different classroom teachers, Mr. Dimming and the quiz team,
and the other elementary students when Melody starts talking with “Elvira” (Medi-Talker). I was
not a fan of the part with Melody’s mom backing the car out and hitting Penny, though.
Also, I never have been so angry in my life with Mr. Dimming and the Whiz Kids quiz team
about not notifying Melody about the cancellation in flight causing Melody to miss out on the
Washington, D.C. trip for the competition. As a parent all you want to do is take away your
child’s pain, and this scene with the mother and father is incredibly emotional. Melody’s
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mother’s restraint when speaking on the phone with Mr. Dimming is commendable. I wished the
author would have added one more heartfelt moment with Melody and her mom after the
accident before ending the book. However, that is the beauty of a book knowing a reader can
utilize their imagination and understanding of the characters to know that Melody and her mom
did have that talk.
If you liked this book, then read:
● Accidents of Nature by Johnson, Harriet McBryde
● Cruise Control by Trueman, Terry
● Small Steps by Sachar, Louis
● Stuck in Neutral by Trueman, Terry
● Wonder by Palacio, Raquel
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlkdnbf
Sharon’s Draper website just for this book title: http://sharondraper.com/bookdetail.asp?id=35
SELIGMAN READING LOG
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Bibliographic information:
Wein, Elizabeth. Rose under Fire. Tullamarine: Bolinda Audio, 2013. EPUB file.
ISBN-13: 978-1-486-21972-8
Number of pages: 360
Source: SYNC audiobooks via OverDrive (http://www.audiobooksync.com/)
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 6-12 (from Destiny); Ages 12+; YA
Awards: Horn Book Magazine starred, 11/01/13; Kirkus Reviews starred, 05/15/13; Publishers
Weekly starred, 07/15/13; Schneider Family Book Award For Teen, 2014; School Library
Journal starred, 10/01/13; Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, 12/01/13; Maryland’s
Black-Eyed Susan Nominee for 2015-16 for Grades 9-12; Josette Frank Award (2014); 2014
Golden Kite Award for Fiction (Honor Book); Milwaukee County Teen Book Award Nominee
(2015); Carnegie Medal Nominee (2014); Boston Globe-Horn Book Award (Honor, 2014)
Description: This audiobook is read by Sasha Pick from the perspective of the main character,
American-born Rose Justice in a diary format of events. This is a companion novel to Code
Named Verity where readers met Rose’s friend, Maddie, another woman pilot. In this novel,
Maddie gives Rose the journal that Rose writes to unfold her tragic, amazing prisoner-of-war
story. Rose is only eighteen-years-old when she is captured by the Germans in 1944. Rose was
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an air courier for Britain’s Air Transport Auxiliary unit delivering planes, personnel, and
supplies. Upon capture, Rose is sent to Ravensbruck, a Nazi women’s concentration camp. Rose
tells her firsthand story of the horrible atrocities of the prisoner-of-war camp with gritty details
of medical experimentation and punishments. Rose survives with the help of her poetry and the
friendship of the Rabbits, a group of girls who are medically experimented on by the Nazi
doctors. In the face of cruelty, an unlikely hero emerges. Rose has to dig deep within herself to
figure out a way through her journals and the court to tell the story of those who did not survive.
Rose needs to tell the world what happened at the concentration camp. Rose needs to get justice
for her friends. If Rose cannot speak out, who will? This book speaks volumes about courage and
survival under the worst evils.
Genre: General Fiction (Historical Fiction)
Characters: Rose Moyer Justice (American), Nick, Aunt Edie, Uncle Roger, Maddie BeaufordStuart, Jamie Beauford-Stuart, Roza Czajkowska (Polish Rose/Rabbit); Lisette, Anna, Irina
Korsakova, Felicyta (Polish), Karl Womelsdorff, Elodie Fabert (French), Gitte, Karolina,
Fernande, Nadine Lutz, Bob Ernst, Dr. Leo Alexander
Themes: World War II, Air pilots, Prisoners of War, Diaries, Military & War, Holocaust,
Europe, Action & Adventure, Concentration Camps, Ravensbruck, Friendship
Art: Includes bibliographical references.
Literary Qualities: This book is written in diary format with a firsthand account of WWII
experiences as a prisoner-of-war. Whether listening to the audiobook or reading the printed
pages, the reader will have a new perspective of the concentration camp events and aftermath.
Recommendation: I recommend this book because it is told in such a way that will have the
reader crying or laughing from Rose’s intimate details about her life, along with her courageous
spirit. I did think the audiobook was at times difficult to understand and place all the different
characters with the pronunciations of some of the narration. It made the content a bit confusing,
so I would recommend the print version instead. However, teens will be able to empathize with
the characters and understand World War II concentration camps from the perspective of a
young Rose and fiery Roza, the Rabbit. These stories need to be told, and teens need to
understand the Holocaust and how precious freedom is for them. This is a serious book with
details regarding rapes, thrashings, starvation, death, cruelty, and more that will make the reader
uncomfortable and terribly sad, but it is an important story that is well-researched by the author
for an authentic account of the Holocaust and prisoner-of-war camps. Her story highlights a
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woman who survives because of her desire to live, friendship, and the love of words, sweet
poetry. The reader will have a new appreciation for life and the true meaning of willpower.
If you liked this book, then read:
● Code Named Verity by Wein, Elizabeth
● Caleb’s Wars by Dudley, David L
● Captured!: A Boy Trapped in the Civil War by by Immel, Mary Blair
● A Bag of Marbles by Kris; illustrated by Bailly, Vincent
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlxxksf
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Bibliographic information:
Albom, Mitch. The First Phone Call from Heaven: A Novel. New York:
HarperCollins, 2013. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-229437-1
Number of pages: 326
Source: Winston Churchill High School Media Center
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 9-12 (from Destiny); Ages 14+; YA
Awards: Library Journal starred, 11/01/13; Publishers Weekly starred, 09/09/13; Best of
Titlewave
Description: This book tells a story of a small, Michigan town called Coldwater that is turned
upside down with the hope of mysterious phone calls from heaven. Sully Harding returns from
prison to put back together the pieces of his life after being blamed for the death of wife when he
was a military pilot. He is a single father trying to raise his son, Jules. Then, people in the town
start receiving phone calls from deceased loved ones. Katherine gets a phone call from her sister,
Diane. Tess receives a phone call from her mom, Ruth. Police Chief Jack Sellers receives a
phone call from his son, Robbie. Elias Rowe receives a phone call from Nick, the employee he
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fired. Some people keep it a secret about the phone calls. Others announce it in church and some
to the world with the help of ambitious TV reporter, Amy Penn. The town becomes a frenzy for
people looking for their own miracles. Sully is convinced the whole town is under a hoax,
especially when his son, Jules, wonders why his deceased mother is not calling him. With the
help of the librarian, Liz, and reporter, Elwood Jupes, will Sully get to the bottom of this
mystery? Some anecdotal information about Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the
telephone is weaved into the storyline as well.
Genre: Mystery; General Fiction
Characters: Sully Harding (Sullivan), Giselle Harding (Sully’s deceased wife), Jules, Tess
Rafferty, Ruth (Tess’s deceased mother), Katherine Yellin, Diane Yellin (Katherine’s deceased
sister), Amy Penn, Rick, Elias Rowe, Terry Ulrich, Sam, Nick Joseph, Ron Jennings, Fred
Harding, Jack Sellers, Robbie Sellers (police chief’s deceased son), Doreen Sellers, Horace
Belfin, Elwood Jupes, Kelly, Maria, Liz (librarian), Pastor Warren
Themes: Future life, Single Fathers, Heaven, Belief & doubt, Hope, Small Town Life, Lake
Michigan, Religious, Visionary & Metaphysical, Love, Suspense, Communication, Human
Relationships
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: This book is written in third person, but through the main characters that
receive the phone call and the town’s reactions to the phone calls, along with Sully Harding’s
determination to prove the phone calls as a hoax to protect his son. It is written in a very easily,
understood fashion.
Recommendation: I recommend this book because it is very eloquently written regarding
human relationships, sorrow, love, death and heaven. It intertwines a story of hope and mystery
that teens will find appealing in order to know the truth behind these mysterious phone calls. The
fact that one of the characters, Katherine, holds on for her life to her old pink flip phone just to
hear from her sister, Diane, again is so moving. Poor Jules waits for his deceased mother to call
while Sully grows angrier by the minute since he is determined to solve this mystery. The author
does an excellent job depicting these heartbreaking stories without coloring the book as a
religious, overly zealous account of characters. The frenzy of the small town over the phone calls
illustrates the power of human connection. Also, this novel will encourage discussions about
hope and the afterlife.
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If you liked this book, then read:
● The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Albom, Mitch
● A Prayer for Owen Meany: A Novel by Irving, John
● The Temple of Doubt by Levy, Anne Boles
● Virginia by Hughes, Susan
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlafz7c
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Bibliographic information:
Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. New York: Dutton, 2012. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-525-47881-2
Number of pages: 318
Source: Winston Churchill High School Media Center
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 8-12 (from Destiny); Ages 13+; YA
Awards: Booklist starred, 01/01/12; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books starred,
05/01/12; Horn Book Magazine starred, 03/01/12; Kirkus Reviews starred, 01/15/12; Library
Media Connection starred, 08/01/12; Publishers Weekly starred, 01/16/12; School Library
Journal starred, 02/01/12; Maryland’s Black-Eyed Susan Award Winner 2013-14 for High
School; Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production Honor (Winner, 2013); Amelia
Elizabeth Walden Award (ALAN/NCTE Winner, 2013); Buxtehuder Bulle (2012); West
Australian Young Readers' Book Award (WAYRBA) for Older Readers (2013); Milwaukee
County Teen Book Award (2013); Indies Choice Book Award for Young Adult (2013);
Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis for Preis der Jugendjury (2013); Dioraphte Jongerenliteratuurprijs
for vertaald boek en publieksprijs (2013); The Inky Awards for Silver Inky (2012); Abraham
Lincoln Award (2014); Luisterboek Award (2015); Goodreads Choice Award for Best Young
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Adult Fiction (2012); Green Mountain Book Award (2014); Pennsylvania Young Readers'
Choice Award (Finalist, 2012); Florida Teens Read (2014)
Description: This book gives teens a different look at the serious topic of cancer from a teen
perspective. Told from the first person point-of-view of the main character, Hazel Grace
Lancaster, the story is much more than a cancer survival story. Hazel is an independent, feisty,
16-years-old girl that has Stage IV Thyroid Cancer. She has to carry an oxygen tank with her at
all times. Her mom makes her go to a support group meeting because she thinks her daughter is
depressed. At the meeting, she meets witty Gus Waters and his best friend, Isaac. Sparks fly with
Gus! Having the typical insecurities of a teen, Hazel is surprised that cute, confident Gus would
be interested in her. Gus has a prosthetic leg, and it appears his cancer is gone while Hazel
remains terminal. The story goes beyond cancer by intertwining friendship, love, and trust.
Eventually, Hazel and Gus travel to Amsterdam by using Gus’s last wish in order for Hazel to
meet Peter Van Houten, author of her favorite book, An Imperial Affliction. She wants Peter Van
Houten to tell her what happens to her favorite character, Anna, who also has cancer. The trip
has its highs and lows, and Hazel will be changed forever by her love for Gus.
Genre: General Fiction; Realistic Fiction
Characters: Hazel Grace Lancaster, Augustus (Gus) Waters, Isaac, Monica (Isaac’s ex), Hazel’s
parents, Augustus’s parents, Patrick, Peter Van Houten (author), Lidewij Vliegenthart (Peter Van
Houten's assistant)
Themes: Cancer; Identity, Independence, Friendship, Interpersonal relationships, Values,
Coming of Age, Love & Romance, Terminally-ill, Diseases, Illnesses & Injuries, Health & Daily
Living, Death
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: This book is written from the first person perspective of Hazel Grace
Lancaster, who is the main character, and has Stage IV Thyroid Cancer. Her satire, wit, and
clever dialogue of her and Gus make this an innovative look at teen’s lives, not just with cancer.
Recommendation: I recommend this book because it is very cleverly written from the
perspective of a 16-year-old girl named Hazel Grace. The story takes the reader on a journey, not
just about cancer, but about friendship, love, and hope. I was saddened by the turn of events for
Gus, but this is a good example of a novel for teens where not everything ends perfectly. Teens
will enjoy reading a book that has mature, independent teens in it. This is a story about love,
regardless that they found romance at a cancer support group. I thought that the author conveyed
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the realities of having a terminal disease well while dealing with teen angst. The story about
Isaac and Monica breaking up after she realizes she cannot handle a blind boyfriend is
heartbreaking but felt authentic. Monica is a teen, who thought she was in love, but how many
teens, or even people, can handle such a life-changing event in a boyfriend or girlfriend. This is
definitely a tearjerker novel filled with humor and wit.
If you liked this book, then read:
● Paper Towns by Green, John
● If I Stay by Gayle Forman
● Extraordinary Means by Schneider, Robyn
● Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Caletti, Deb
● Ten Things to Do Before I Die by Ehrenhaft, Daniel
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qlus4zb
Made into a movie: June 6, 2014:
Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Laura Dern, Nat Wolff
Directed by: Josh Boone
Check out the movie trailer at: https://youtu.be/9ItBvH5J6ss
Movie website: http://thefaultinourstarsmovie.com/
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Bibliographic information:
Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner. New York: Riverhead, 2003. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-1-59448-000-3
Number of pages: 371
Source: Winston Churchill High School Media Center
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 9-12 (from Destiny); Ages 14+; YA
Awards: ALA Alex Award, 2004; Kirkus Reviews starred, 05/01/03; Kliatt starred, 07/01/04;
Publishers Weekly starred, 05/12/03; Exclusive Books Boeke Prize (2004); Borders Original
Voices Award for Fiction (2003); Humo's Gouden Bladwijzer (2008); Puddly Award for Fiction
(2006); Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2006); Prix des libraires du Québec for Lauréats
hors Québec (2006)
Description: This book tells the story through the perspective of the main character, Amir.
Through Amir’s eyes, the reader journeys from early 1970s Afghanistan to present day San
Francisco, California in America. The story gives the reader a new understanding of Afghanistan
from the history of the monarchy to the Taliban invasion. It is also a novel about friendship and
betrayal with two characters growing up together under entirely different circumstances. The
reader meets Amir as a wealthy son of a well-respected businessman named Baba compared to
Hassan. Hassan is the son of Ali, Amir’s father’s servant, who lives on the same property, but in
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a shack. Hassan is everything Amir is not with his courage, loyalty, and athleticism. However,
Hassan worships Amir while Amir takes Hassan for granted with tricks over literacy and
ignoring him around other people because of society’s social classes. The boys are inseparable,
though. Also, Amir is jealous over Hassan regarding Baba’s attention and admiration. Amir is
desperate for his father’s love and respect to the point that he wishes Rahim Khan, Baba’s best
friend and business partner, was his father instead. Amir is not as brave and feels he embarrasses
his father over his desire to read and to write stories rather than playing soccer. Plus, Amir’s car
sickness does not help by showing more of his weaknesses. One tradition Amir does excel at is
kite running with the help of Hassan, who is the best at running and catching the fallen kites.
Unfortunately, everything changes forever in the winter of 1975 after Amir wins the kite running
competition and Hassan catches the blue kite. Hassan is alone in the alley trying to bring the blue
kite back to Amir when he is cornered by bullies, Assef, Kamal, and Wali. Amir watches without
helping Hassan, especially because without that blue kite Amir cannot win his father’s love and
admiration. Amir will live to regret not intervening to help Hassan for the rest of his life. Amir’s
guilt is too much for him, and he lies to his father to get rid of Ali and Hassan. Eventually, Amir
and Baba escape to America after Russia occupies Afghanistan. Later, Amir returns to
Afghanistan under Taliban rule to help Hassan’s son. Will Amir be able to face his demons and
atone for his betrayal of Hassan?
Genre: Multi-Cultural Fiction (Afghan); General Fiction
Characters: Amir, Baba (Amir’s father), Hassan (Ali’s son), Ali, Sanaubar (Ali’s wife), Rahim
Khan, Mullah Fatiullah Khan, Wali, Kamal, Assef, Sofia Akrami (Amir’s deceased mother), Dr.
Kumar, Saifo, Mahmood (Assef’s father), Tanya (Assef’s mother), Del-Muhammad (Dello),
Karim, Russian soldiers (“Mister Soldier Sahib”), Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen, Mrs. Dobbins, Soraya
Taheri, General Taheri (General Sahib), Khanum Taheri (Khala Jamila), Daoud Khan, Zahir
Shah (king who ruled Afghanistan for 40 years), Dr. Schneider, Dr. Amani, Martin Greenwalt,
Sharif, Dr. Rosen, Farzana (Hassan’s wife), Sohrab (Hassan’s son), Thomas and Betty Caldwell,
Taliban, Farid, Wahid, Maryam, Zaman, Dr. Faruqi (Armand), Aisha, Mr. Faisal, Dr. Nawaz
Themes: Coming of Age, Family, Friendship, Prejudice & Racism, Bildungsromans, Boys,
Kabol (Afghanistan), Social classes, Redemption, Regret, Love, Fathers & Sons, Betrayal,
Bullying, Role of books (literacy), Guilt, Resilience of Human Spirit, Inhumanity,
Discrimination, Bigotry, Master/slave Relationship, Loyalty & Devotion, Duty, Honor, Fear
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: This book is written from the first person point-of-view of the main
character, Amir. His authentic voice, along with his regret and betrayal of Hassan over some of
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his actions, will give readers a more insider look when reading this novel. It almost feels like a
memoir from the author’s portrayal of the characters and events.
Recommendation: I recommend this book because the memoir-like writing from the
perspective of the main character, Amir, makes this book feel so intimate and realistic. It will
touch your heart regardless of your politics about Afghanistan. Teens will have a new
appreciation of diverse struggles while empathizing with the characters in the novel. Hassan and
Amir are from different social classes, but they have a bond. It is such a shame that Amir does
not understand loyalty and courage like Hassan. It is unspeakable and haunting what happens to
Hassan in that alley over the blue kite. It is also terrifying and despicable what the Russian
soldier attempts to do to the young Afghan woman with her husband by her side and her infant in
her lap while trying to flee Afghanistan. Baba intervenes though. Amir did not intervene for
Hassan. These are the stories that stick with you after reading a poignant novel. Teens will be
captivated by this moving novel.
If you liked this book, then read:
● The Fortress of Solitude: A Novel by Lethem, Jonathan
● The Ink Bridge by Grant, Neil
● My Name is Parvana by Ellis, Deborah
● The Secret sky: A Novel of Forbidden Love in Afghanistan by Abawi, Atia
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/ql6v9os
Made into a movie: December 14, 2007:
Cast: Khalid Abdalla, Zekeria Ebrahimi, Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada, Homayoun Ershadi
Directed by: Marc Forster
Check out the movie trailer at: http://www.paramount.com/movies/kite-runner
SELIGMAN READING LOG
64
Bibliographic information:
Brown, Jennifer. Thousand Words. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2014.
Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-316-20970-0
Number of pages: 284
Source: Winston Churchill High School Media Center
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Grades 9-12 (from Destiny); Ages 14+; YA
Awards: Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, 06/01/13; Maryland’s Black-Eyed Susan
Nominee for 2014-15 for High Schools
Description: This book is about Ashleigh Maynard from her perspective as a high school student
desperate to keep the attention of Kaleb, her boyfriend leaving to college. Ashleigh goes to
Vonnie’s annual, end-of-summer pool party. Ashleigh is an honor student, a respected Cross
Country athlete, popular, and a virgin. She hardly drinks alcohol with the exception of this
August party. Ashleigh is upset, though, of how much time Kaleb is spending with his baseball
team friends. He is leaving to college, and she is worried he is going to forget about her. With
peer pressure from friends, especially Rachel, Ashleigh sends a naked picture of herself to Kaleb
from Vonnie’s bathroom at the party. This one poor decision by Ashleigh changes everything.
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When Kaleb and Ashleigh break up, he sends the naked text to his baseball team for revenge.
The text goes viral and catches the attention of the school board and the police. It does not matter
anymore that Ashleigh always eats dinner with her family and that she is a responsible, hardworking student. Her father is School Superintendent. What will happen to his job and his
relationship with his daughter? Ashleigh will have to fight to remember all the good things about
herself after this ultimate humiliation. She is arrested and luckily gets community service hours
while Kaleb could face prison time because he is 18. Ashleigh feels alone until she gets support
from an unlikely friend at Teens Talking Program. Will Ashleigh recover and understanding the
consequences of her sexting? Novel includes Author’s Notes and Interview.
Genre: Realistic Fiction; General Fiction
Characters: Ashleigh Maynard, Kaleb, Ashleigh’s dad (School Superintendent), Mrs. Mosely
(from Teens Talking Program), Tina, Darrell (Mack), Amber, Kenzie, Rachel Wellby, Adam,
Cheyenne, Annie, Vonnie, Coach Igo, Josh, Carlos, Daniel, Jake, Katie, Stephen Fillman, Cody
Themes: Community Service, Sexting, Interpersonal Relationships, Dating & Sex, Conduct of
Life, Social Issues, Peer Pressure, Social Media, High Schools, Personal Development,
Relationships & Sexuality, Friendship
Art: N/A
Literary Qualities: This book is written from the first person perspective of the main character,
Ashleigh Maynard. The chapters flip back and forth from the community service timeframe
(present) to the months prior to the incident. There is also a text message at the top of each
chapter about the past to help frame the reader’s mind regarding the events. This is an interesting
technique to entice the reader.
Recommendation: I recommend this book because the premise of the story is so important for
teens to read about regarding the consequences of sexting. I liked how Ashleigh realized that her
name was what she found when searching for articles on the Internet about “sexting and teens”
for her community service pamphlet project. I think the author achieves a nice balance between
sending the message about the dangers of sexting without writing a didactic novel. I do think that
the switching back and forth of the timeframes can be a bit confusing to the reader. I never felt
like I got enough information from each chapter, and I felt the story became a little bouncy at
points. However, I think teens can relate to this story since they are so active on social media. I
would imagine many teens would be surprised to learn that by Kaleb forwarding the naked text
to others he could be charged with dissemination of child pornography and considered a sexual
offender for life. I think this book will bring important discussions with teens about the
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consequences of social media. The author clearly demonstrates that a picture does not tell the
whole story. In addition, the reader will learn how hard Ashleigh will struggle to not be defined
by this picture.
If you liked this book, then read:
● Ten Things We Did: (And Probably Shouldn't Have) by Mlynowski, Sarah
● Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List: A Novel by Cohn, Rachel
● If We Kiss by Vail, Rachel
● Bitter End by Brown, Jennifer
Teaching Activities:
Check out teachingbooks.net for resources/ideas directly related to this book at:
http://www.teachingbooks.net/qln3twi
Better resources, along with PDF of Reading Group Guide for teachers, found for this title at:
http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jennifer-brown/thousand-words/9780316209724/