Literature for Young Adults: Books 9-16

9) The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Alexander, K. (2014). The Crossover. NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Summary:

Josh is an 8th-grade boy who has a twin brother named Jordan. Both brothers are basketball stars and want to play professionally someday. Their dad was a famous basketball player back in the day. The boys find out while snooping around that their dad has patellar tendonitis. The dad is always giving them basketball rules and childhood stories. The boy's mother is the assistant principal at their school. The new basketball season has started, and the boys are working diligently to win the championship. Their parents are supportive of the game, but the dad is too supportive, and the mom gets worried because the dad gets to worked up, and that is terrible for his hypertension. Jordan falls for a girl named Alexis and his brother gets concerned because his brother is losing focus. Over time, Josh grows frustrated because Jordan is pulling away from him. The situation became worse when, during a game, Josh passes the ball extremely hard to Jordan's face, almost breaking his nose. Josh gets suspended from the team and Jordan refuses to talk to him or accept his apology. Josh does his best to make amends with Jordan. Josh is feeling bummed because his brother and friend have girlfriends and because he is not part of the team. Their dad displays more evidence of being sick, but the dad decides to accept a coaching position at a local college. Josh has a hope of getting back on the team, but his coach tells him he has to make things right with Jordan. Their dad falls into a coma because of a heart attack. Dad wakes up and he can talk to Josh. On the way to the championship game, the mom gets a call that dad had another heart attack. Jordan goes to the hospital with his mom and Josh goes to the game. While Josh leads his team to a victory hid dad passed away. Josh doesn't know how to deal with the pain. In the end, Josh accepts Alexis and his brothers' girlfriend and he reconciles with Jordan.

Strength:

When reading this book you can't help but feel so many emotions. I can see many of my students being able to connect with the characters of this book. The students can relate to feeling angry over a sibling distancing themselves from them and also by the passing of a family member. The struggles that Josh went through with his brother and family make you realize that we are not the only ones that suffer from family problems. Being put in a situation where choosing between going to see your father at the hospital and being part of a championship game must be very difficult. Many students are put in this situation daily between choosing between many decisions that can affect their future. This also teaches the students that they need to be patient and understanding. Many things in life can go wrong but the only thing a person can do is be there for each other and give support.

Connection

Other book by Kwame Alexander:

10) Deadline by Chris Crutcher

Crutcher, C. (2007). Deadline. NY: HarperCollins.

Summary:

Ben is an eighteen-year-old high school senior who lives in a small town in Idaho. Ben suffers from a rare blood disease and although he knows its terminal, he refuses treatment so he can spend his last year of life living it to its fullest. Ben is very close with his younger brother Cody. Ben found out about his blood disease when he went to his doctor for a sports physical. Ben decides not to tell anyone about his condition. His doctor doesn't agree with his decisions, but like Ben is over age, the doctor can't do anything. Ben decides to be part of the school football team. Ben also tries to woo Dallas, a smart girl from his school. Ben's primary academic interest is nonfiction literature. For a history project, Ben decides to get an all-white town in which he lives to name a street after Malcolm X. His teacher told him that he would fail him if he goes through with the idea bur Ben doesn't care because he won't have the opportunity to attend college. Ben starts building a close relationship with Dallas and also forged a friendship with the town drunk. The doctor suggested for Ben to see a counselor and he agrees to make the doctor happy. Ben continues to keep his illness a secret, but he starts to feel like he is betraying the people he is the most close to. Since Ben found out about his illness, he has had dreams of a figure named Hey-soos. Hey-soos leads Ben to be able to find his own solutions to difficult situations. As time goes on, Ben finds out that life is more difficult and complicated than what he had once thought. Eventually, Ben decides to tell people closest to him what is happening and accepts their support and help.

Strength:

This book made me realize how important family is in tough situations. On a personal level, I can connect to this book in two different situations. The first situation was when one of our fifth-grade students got diagnosed with leukemia. It was hard to explain to the other students the situation. This book would have a great resource to have then to be able to understand my student on a better level. The second situation was more personal because it happened to me. I was diagnosed with skin cancer in December of 2019 and I refused medications and surgery as well. I decided not to tell anyone in my family including my husband. I had such a hard time keeping my emotions together for a while. I was struggling with work, school, and family. I went into a depression until I realized I couldn't do it on my own and decide to speak to my family. Reading this book I was able to feel like I wasn't alone and I know any other student who reads this book and going through a similar situation will be okay.

Connection

Other book by Chris Crutcher:

11) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Green, J. (2012). The Fault In Our Stars. NY: Dutton Books.

Summary:

Hazel Grace Lancaster a seventeen-year-old has terminal cancer who reluctantly attends a cancer patients' support group at her mother’s behest. In the support group, she meets Augustus WatersHe is cancer-free but his leg had to be amputated. Little did she know her life would be changing. Hazel introduces Augustus to her favorite book and he does the same with her. Gus makes it his mission to give her wish of meeting the author of the book in person so he can answer her unanswered questions from the book. Augustus used his one wish from a charitable foundation to take Hazel to Amsterdam to meet Peter Van Houten her favorite author. Hazel's mom does not want her traveling to Amsterdam in her condition but the doctor allows her to go. Hazel and Gus meet the author but it is nothing like they would have expected. They walk out of there so disappointed with the author. They return home and realize that they are in love but love can be cruel. Gus has relapsed, his cancer has returned and finds himself dying. She was determined to be there for him every day until his last and as each day passed she fell more and more in love with him. At the end of the story and after the passing of Augustus Waters, Hazel discovers through some emails sent from Mr. Houten’s assistant that Augustus had written to Peter in hopes of convincing him to write Hazel’s eulogy.

Strength:

This book shows the will a person has to live when they have something to live for. When someone has cancer it affects everyone around them. When someone finds out they have cancer they usually live out their best until the day comes when they leave this world. The fact that Hazel had a guy like Augustus by her side is the best because he did everything in his power to give her what made her happy. Although he relapsed and got cancer again he still didn't give up in making Hazel happy. To his last moment, he did everything for her. Cancer is a very trying illness that not only destroys the person that has it but everyone who loves the patient. Everyone suffers when a loved one has cancer because they love that person and they don't want to see them suffer in any way. The love and support they give one another will help them bond together and be strong in tough times.

Connection

Other book by John Green:

12) Me and Marvin Gardens by Amy King

King, A.S. (2017). Me and Marvin Gardens. NY: Scholastic.

Summary:

Eleven-year-old Obe Delvin lives in a small house that has a small creek running by the house, the Delvin Creek. Obe loves the land that surrounds his home. The 175 acres surrounding the home used to belong to the family, but his grandfather slowly sold if off because of his drinking problem. Obe watches as they build housing developments on the land he adores and he feels unfortunate. At the same time, Obe is also dealing with the loss of his best friend Tommy to the cool kids who sit in the back of the school bus. Tommy has always accepted Obes strangeness and never said anything about it, but know Tommy and his new friends make fun of Obe. One day while cleaning the Delvin Creek, Obe sees an unusual animal. The animal was unlike any he has ever seen before. At first, he was scared, but he then gets curious and he goes to investigate what kind of animal it is. The animal is not quite a dog, not quite a pig, but it has hoofs. The animal is all weird, and the strangest thing is that it eats plastic. Obe and the creature become friends. Obe calls the creature Marvin Gardens. Obe starts to wonder if Marvin Gardens is there to assist him in combating environmental issues. Like Marvin eats plastic he can help him clean the plastic from the creek and help him clean the environment.

Strength:

This book is really good to teach about the environment and how one person can make a difference in the world. By reading this book students will be able to understand the importance of helping the environment that we live in. Protecting where we live is something crucial because it can change many things in the future. I do believe that if students read this book they will have a better understanding that no matter if it's just one person making the difference, there can be some change. It also shows the students that friendship is valuable and that you shouldn't be friends with people who make fun of you and are embarrassed of who you are.

Connection

Other book by Amy Sarig King:

13) Gabi: A girl in pieces by Isabel Quintero

Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi a girl in pieces. TX: Cinco Puntos.

Summary:

Gabi was named after her grandmother. Her grandmother beat her mother because she got pregnant without being married. What happened to her mother formed the foundation of her sexual education. Her mom told her to keep her eyes open, and her legs closed when going out with boys. Summer vacation was about to end and Gabi was going to start her senior year in high school. Gabi's best friend, Cindy, tells her that she is pregnant, which makes Gabi angry. Her other best friend Sebastian, gets kicked out of his house because he tells his parents that he is gay. Gabi works hard in school so she can be admitted to Berkeley, her dream university. She experiences her first kiss with Eric Ramirez and sees her best friend Sebastian doing drugs. To make situations worse, Gabi's father comes back after disappearing due to a drug addiction. Her father says he is going to get clean so that he can go back with Gabi's mom. A while later, her dad relapses and leaves again. Gabi then finds out her mother is pregnant, and she gets worried that because of her mom's pregnancy, she won't be able to go to college. Gabi finds out her boyfriend is cheating and breaks up with him. She starts to bond with Martin, a boy from her poetry class. Gabi starts to see poetry as a connection to her feelings. One February morning, Gabi discovers her father dead in the garage. Gabi sinks into a depressions and drops everything in her life. Her friends help her take her first steps back from her grief. Gabi is overjoyed to find out that bother Cindy and her mother give birth. Gabi Then finds out her friend Cindy was rapped. Gabi confronts the guy that raped her friend and attacks him. Gabi is suspended and can't walk in her graduation. Gabi regrets what she did because her friend Cindy is angry at her. In the end, they reconcile, and Gabi realizes that no matter the worry and drama, everything will work out.

Strength:

Gabi is a young girl who experienced many difficulties in a short period of time. When reading this book I was very intrigued by the life that Gabi lived. I connected with what her mom told her about keeping eyes open and legs closed. My mom always used to tell me that all the time growing up. Students can relate to this book because some of their life experiences can relate to the ones that Gabi experienced, from their best friend getting raped and pregnant to drug use. Many of our students silently struggle with many difficulties and this book can help students that they are not alone and no matter the worry everything will work out. The book will help students understand that although things might seem not to be good at all and you fall into a depression, there are friends and family that will help them overcome any circumstance.

Connection

Other book by Isabel Quintero:

14) Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Satrapi, M. (2004). Persepolis. NY: Pantheon.

Summary:

It was the year after the Islamic Revolution. Marji is a 10-year-old girl who is forced to wear the veil and is segregated by sex in school. Marji attempts to speak out against injustices in society. As she observes all the oppression going on around her, she studies her history and wants to attend protests, but she can't because of her age. Her dad tells her about her historical family background, and she is shocked to learn how she doesn't know about her country's history. Marji starts to become more aware of class structure. She remembers how her nursemaid was treated and how her heart was broken by a boy she loved because he found out she was a maid. Marji continues to educate herself on the revolution and gets people to join the protest. Marji begins to lose her faith in the government as the political situation in Iran deteriorates. Marji and her family want to leave to live in the U.S., but those chances are slam shut. The universities are closed, and she is crushed at losing the opportunity of an education. Marji's mother is assaulted for not wearing a veil. The family decides to go on a vacation to Spain. When they return, war breaks out with Iraq. Marji continues to wrestle with her growing distrust of the government. Marji becomes more rebellious and outraged when her younger sister is killed, which leads her to rebel against the government openly. Her parents are scared that she will be executed if she continues with her rebellion, so the family decides to send her to Austria to attend school.

Strength:

This book is was an interesting read. What Marji went through at such a young age is very heartbreaking. When reading this book I realized that I am very fortunate to live in this country. The liberties that we have should not be taken granted. This book will open the eyes of students and give them a perspective of what Marji went through at a young age. Marji experienced war, segregation, and pain. This will be a good teaching tool in Social Studies because you can compare how many years ago women as well didn't have all the rights they have today. When reading this book students who have experienced a situation similar to Marji can relate to her pain and suffering. Some students can also relate to the situation of Marji's family wanting to live in the U.S. because many families come from different places to the U.S. to find a better living and find peace for their families.

Connection

Other book by Marjane Satrapi:

15) Winger by Andrew Smith

Smith, A. ( 2013). Winger. NY: Simon & Schuster.

Summary: Ryan Dean West is also known as Winger for the position that he plays in rugby, is a fourteen-year-old boy who goes to the school at the Pine Mountain Boarding school for rich kids. Ryan Dean's roommate, Chas, invites him to a poker game. During the game, Chas forces Ryan Dean to drink his first beer. Ryan Dean's best friend and romantic interest, Annie gets angry. They both go to converse in the woods near Stonehenge. Ryan Dean confesses to Annie that although he is two years younger, he's just as suitable for Annie as any other boy at the school. Ran Dean meets Chas's girlfriend Megan and secretly makes out with her. Ryan Dean finds out that Annie is going to a Halloween party with another boy, and that makes him angry in which he attacks the boy. The boy fights back and leaves Ryan Dean with seventeen stitches above his left eyebrow. Ryan Dean visits Annie's family in Seattle. Annie tells Ryan Dean that she cannot love him. Ryan Dean apologizes to Chas and Megan for coming between them. Chas still hates Ryan Dean but admires his courage. Ryan's friend Joey goes missing, and they report his disappearance to the police. The next day Chas and Ryan Dean help the investigation in the snowy woods where they find Joey's dead body. Joey was found naked, bound to a tree, and beaten to death by Casey and Nick. Since that day, Ryan Dean refuses to speak anymore. He and Chas become close and Ryan realizes that love is something you have to experience when growing up.

Strength:

This book teaches young students that everyone suffers when dealing with love. We all have experienced some type of heartache in our lives that have taught us or changed many things in life. This book had many good topics that young students go through at that age. When Ryan Dean finds out that his friend Joey is missing and he does everything in his power to find him made me think that there is people who cherish true friendship. When they found out Joey's body it broke my heart because Ryan Dean felt so sad because that was his friend. At some point the felt responsible for what had happened to Joey because he knew of the secret. It all made sense to me when after seeing joey dead he refused to speak anymore. It affected him so much but with the support and love of the people closest to you, you can overcome any obstacle.

Connection

Other book by Andrew Smith:

16) The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Thomas, A. (2017). The hate u give. NY: HarperCollins.

Summary:

Starr Carter is a sixteen-year-old African American girl who is attending a primarily white school. Starr is going to a party in her neighborhood with Kenya. Keyna is her friend, whom she shares an older half-brother. Starr runs into a childhood friend, Khalil, whom she hasn't seen in a long time. During the party, gunshots from a gang fight are heard and the party gets canceled. Khalil offers to take Starr home. Khalil gets pulled over by a white police officer with the badge number one-fifteen. Khalil questions why he got pulled over and the cop orders him out of the car. The cop searches him and commands Khalil not to move. Khalil returns to his car, opens the door to check on Starr and the officer shoots him. At school on Monday, Starrfeels tense around her white friend and boyfriend because she feels they don't understand her. Starr's uncle, who is a police officer, urges Starr to go into the police station to testify about the shooting. Starr begins to worry that justice for Khalil will not be served. At the funeral, a lawyer and activist confirm Starr's worries when she finds out that the police will not pursue legal action against the police officer that shot Khalil. Days of protest in Garden Heights occurred when the news broke about the police officer not being prosecuted. Starr's father gets into an argument with a barber and two police officers show up. When they realize that he is Starr's father, they push him to the ground. Experiencing that scary event, Starr decides that she will no longer be silent. Starr will testify against the case of one-fifteen, the police officer who shot Khalil. Starr also agrees to do a TV interview. In the interview, she talks about the truth behind Khalil's drug dealing. The night before her testimony, someone throws a brick and fires a gun into her home. Starr gets scared for a moment about testifying but decides that Khalil needs the truth. Two months later, the jury announces no to indict one-fifteen. Starr gets involved in a protest for justice. The police get involved and use tear gas. Starr and her friends go to her family store to get milk to help heal their eyes. An ablaze happens in the store, trapping them inside, but Starr's father arrives in time to open the back door. King, the gang member involved in the ablaze, is taunting them and is proud of getting revenge. The police show up and arrest King. Starr vows to continue fighting for justice of Khalil and all other black people who have been killed at the hands of the police.

Strength:

This book was one of the best books I have read so far. Starr not only experienced one death of her friends but two. This book really touched my heart because she was put in a really tough situation and no matter what were the consequences she did what was right. This book will be relatable to many students because many of the students have either seen a death of a friend or relative, or they have experienced some type of racism because of their skin color or cultural background. My personal experience has been that I have been treated badly at stores or restaurants because I am Mexican. This story brings to light that there should be justice in this world and that just because we are a specific race doesn't mean they have more of a privilege than others. This story will help students understand that they can overcome a scary experience and that they should never stop fighting for what is right.

Connection

Other book by Angie Thomas: