5385 Module 3 reviews

 

Bibliography

Stone, N. (2017). Dear Martin. Crown Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781101939499

 

Summary

Dear Martin tells the story of Justyce McAllister who faces teenage struggles while attending an elite prep school as an accomplished African American student. Justyce faces a harsh realization about how his academic excellence and future plans at college fail to shield him from the effects of institutional racism. The police violence and Manny's fatal shooting drive Justyce to start writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a way to deal with his injustice experiences and maintain his core principles. His real-world experiences and journal entries force him to doubt everything he used to believe about fairness and identity together with the American justice system. The first novel by Nic Stone delivers both urgent and timeless themes that express deep emotions within modern racial conditions.

 

Critical Analysis

Nic Stone uses Dear Martin to study race and justice and identity through the emotional experiences of Justyce McAllister who faces challenges as a Black student at a mostly white prep school. Stone makes the novel stand out by using personal letters from Justyce to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr as a tool for self-reflection and resistance. The letters allow readers to observe Justyce's growing comprehension of racial injustice together with his psychological and emotional state.

The author uses direct yet forceful writing to present natural dialogue that accurately represents how teenagers communicate. The story moves at a quick pace while maintaining its depth because each chapter creates emotional moments and important revelations and plot tension. Through Manny and SJ the narrative gains complexity because they demonstrate how privilege interacts with racism and friendship affects young people. Through his portrayal of Jared as an antagonist Stone presents a realistic depiction of everyday prejudice and systemic injustice.

Justyce faces an inner struggle to reconcile his authentic self with how others perceive him which reflects the split identity that many teenagers of color experience. The author creates a space for readers to think instead of offering straightforward answers. The novel maintains a hopeful outlook even when it depicts tragic events. The story shows pain but it gives readers a feeling of survival strength. Stone uses this emotional and thought-provoking story to push readers toward experiencing discomfort while questioning their assumptions before hearing the voices that society tends to ignore.

Reviews

• Booklist (Starred Review): “Teens, librarians and teachers alike will find this book a godsend… visceral and powerful.”
• Kirkus Reviews: “Vivid and powerful… Stone takes readers on a ride that will leave them breathless and wanting more.”
• Publishers Weekly: “Powerful, wrenching, and compulsively readable.”
• School Library Journal: “This is a book that begs discussion, and Stone has much to say.”

 

Connections:

• This book is an ideal choice for high school book clubs, discussion circles, or classroom units focusing on civil rights, justice, or identity.
• Teachers could use this novel alongside readings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches to explore how past movements still influence today’s youth.
• Justyce’s story can resonate with students who may feel misunderstood or stereotyped. Paired readings with books like The Hate U Give or All American Boys can lead to rich comparative discussions.

 

Bibliography:

Reynolds, J. (2019). Long way down (Reprint ed.). Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books. ISBN: 978-1481438261

Summary:

Through fast-paced verse Long Way Down follows Will during his battle with his older brother Shawn’s murder death at age 15. Will puts his weapon into his jeans waistband before entering the seventh floor elevator because he intends to carry out the neighborhood "rules" that include no crying, no snitching and always seeking revenge. The elevator stops at every floor to show Will a ghostly figure from his past who died because of the same violent cycle that took their lives. Through his visitors Will must face the harsh realities about vengeance as well as justice and the expenses of obeying "the rules." The elevator stops on the ground floor where Will faces an ominous decision to either end the pattern or join it.

Critical Analysis:

The verse novel Long Way Down uses poetic form along with white space and rhythm to portray Will's internal turmoil during his sixty-second experience. Jason Reynolds uses symbolism and metaphor alongside emotional resonance to present complex themes about gun violence and masculinity and generational trauma. The gun weight exceeds my expectations according to Will as he says "it feels heavier than I expected. Like holding a newborn." Will experiences a heart-wrenching comparison between new life and death instruments which powerfully shows his lost innocence.

Through its function as both a noun and verb and proper name Will's name develops into a complex metaphor which displays his multiple possible directions. The neighborhood's three unspoken rules of no crying and no snitching and revenge exist as both a framework and a prison for Will since these rules were originally intended for people who are already broken. Throughout the book Will uses anagrams to express his mental state through wordplay. Grief leads people to develop violent impulses according to the anagram "anger = range."

The elevator ride functions as a symbolic vertical descent which contains the entire story. Each ghost on each floor adds to the emotional weight Will is carrying which leads to the appearance of his brother Shawn. The final line of the book, “You coming?” is an open-ended question that leaves readers breathless and reflective. The decision Will faces remains uncertain as he prompts readers to evaluate the expenses of violence between continuous patterns and disruptive changes.

Professional Reviews:
★ “An intense snapshot of the chain reaction caused by pulling a trigger.” Booklist
★ “Astonishing.” Kirkus Reviews
★ “A tour de force.” Publishers Weekly

Awards:

·         Newbery Honor Book

·         Coretta Scott King Honor Book

·         Printz Honor Book

·         Edgar Award Winner for Best Young Adult Fiction

·         Walter Dean Myers Award Winner

·         Longlisted for the National Book Award

·         A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021)

·         Los Angeles Times Book Prize Winner

·         Parents’ Choice Gold Award

·         A Buzzfeed, Vulture, and Entertainment Weekly Best YA Book of 2017

Connections:
Long Way Down offers strong opportunities for classroom engagement and emotional exploration. Students can create mind maps as they read, tracking the ghosts, floor-by-floor revelations, and how Will’s internal conflict evolves. Another meaningful activity involves having students write their own “rules,” inspired by the rules Will is expected to follow. This can prompt reflection on unspoken rules in their own families or communities. Finally, incorporating anagram activities encourages creative thinking while reinforcing key themes—students can analyze or create anagrams to explore how language shapes understanding and emotion.

 

Bibliography:
Nijkamp, M. (2016). This is where it ends. Sourcebooks Fire. ISBN: 978-1492622482

Summary:

The entire narrative of This Is Where It Ends unfolds across 54 terrifying minutes within Opportunity High School in Alabama. The story follows four students Claire, Autumn, Sylvia and Tomas, through their distinctive views, as Autumn's estranged brother Tyler brings a gun into the school assembly which transforms into a disastrous situation by locking the doors. The story presents different narrative viewpoints between Claire, who is outside at track practice and Sylvia and Autumn who remain trapped inside and Tomas who searches the school for information. The school community experiences widespread chaos and grief as characters face their most profound fears together with their regrets about surviving. Through the story the author displays how Tyler reached this point by showing his past and present moments and how survivors manage their recovery from the traumatic events.

Critical Analysis:

The author uses raw emotional language to address school shootings with both urgent care and compassionate understanding. Through multiple character perspectives Nijkamp shows how traumatic events affect different members of the school community including siblings and survivors as well as friends and bystanders. The setting of Opportunity High serves as both a physical and emotional representation of loss and Tyler represents the manifestation of terror and unhealed pain. The allegorical description of Sylvia and Autumn reveals their innocent nature by calling Sylvia the "brightest spotlight on the darkest stage" and Autumn a "graceful swallow" when she dances. Nijkamp uses vivid imagery to depict beauty and tragedy through the contrast of Autumn's happy state "when she opens up, she is the sun" against the frightening presence of her brother. The book examines grief alongside domestic abuse and mental illness and LGBTQ+ identity issues at the same time it keeps the story moving at a rapid pace. The most powerful element of the story explores the different choices people make with their pain because some grow stronger while others like Tyler succumb to despair. The emotional depth of this novel forces readers to think about real school violence and its effects on communities while showing ways to start healing processes.

Professional Reviews and Awards:

·         “A gripping tale from start to finish.”  School Library Journal

·         “A Buzzfeed Best YA of 2016”

·         #1 Young Adult Debut of 2016

·         A Publishers Weekly Bestseller

·         Goodreads Choice Award Finalist for Young Adult Fiction

·         Featured on multiple “Most Anticipated YA” lists by Bustle, BookRiot, and Buzzfeed

Connections:

1.      Have students chart the events from each character's perspective to explore narrative structure and how shifting viewpoints impact empathy and understanding.

2.      Students can write journal responses on topics such as grief, healing, sibling relationships, or standing up for others.

3.      Analyze the use of metaphor, imagery, and allegory, especially around Sylvia, Autumn, and Tyler’s character arcs.

 

5385 Module 2 reviews

 

Bibliography
Sones, S. (2016). Stop Pretending: What Happened When my Big Sister Went Crazy. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0064462181

Summary:

Thirteen-year-old Cookie reveals in this raw and emotional verse novel the experience of watching her older sister experience a mental breakdown on Christmas Eve which requires hospitalization. The once close relationship between Cookie and her family members transforms into a relationship of strangers because she faces both social isolation and overwhelming emotions that she cannot comprehend. The author uses short but strong poems to guide us through Cookie's journey of confronting fear and anger and shame and sadness as she struggles to understand the changed sister and reversed life.

Critical Analysis:

This book grabs your heart from the first page. The poems use basic forms yet they carry deep emotional meaning. Through free verse Sonya Sones expresses genuine and untainted thoughts which seem to flow directly from someone experiencing a crisis. Cookie’s emotional condition determines the structure and speed of the narrative because her first poems appear brief and forceful before her later ones become more reflective and healing. The shortest poems within the book maintain their significant impact. The three-line poem reveals the most power because it reads “I don’t want to see you. / I dread it. / There. I’ve said it.” The book creates its deep impact because of the authentic honesty displayed in its text.

Through vivid imagery the story depicts the painful moments that Cookie experienced like the classmates' mocking note and the hospital visits during which she wished her sister could remember herself. The book contains more than just its weighty content. The story contains both dark and light elements including a new friendship and a boy who understands her true self alongside moments of hope and acceptance. Cookie discovers that recovery means remembering everything while learning love can persist through the most difficult challenges.

The book gains additional power because Sones wrote it from her actual experience. The author provides resources in her note while sharing personal details which demonstrate the dual nature of her story because it represents both her personal experience and the experiences of numerous readers who need help.

Professional Reviews:
“The poems have a cumulative emotional power.” — ALA Booklist (starred review)

“The poems take on life and movement, the individual frames of a movie that in the unspooling become animated, telling a compelling tale.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Unpretentious. Accessible. Deeply felt.” — School Library Journal

“Sensitively written.” — The Horn Book

 

Connections:
Stop Pretending is perfect for middle and high school readers and would make a strong addition to any classroom or school library collection. It opens the door for important conversations about mental health, family relationships, and stigma. It could be used in literature circles, mental health awareness lessons, or poetry units. The poems also serve as strong models for students writing about personal experiences. This book reminds readers that it’s okay to not have everything figured out and that even in the hardest moments, you’re not alone.

 

APA Citation:
HYBE. (2023). Dark moon: The blood altar (Vol. 1, C. Conley, Letterer). Ize Press. ISBN: 9798400900716

Summary:

Dark Moon: The Blood Altar, Vol. 1 presents a supernatural graphic novel which unites fantasy elements with romantic and mysterious plotlines within a school environment. Sooha enters Decelis Academy with her hidden secrets and emotional scars after becoming a new student. She encounters a group of enigmatic boys at the academy who possess striking features while living in their own exclusive world. Sooha learns that the boys possess vampiric nature, yet she becomes inexplicably attracted to Heli who leads the group despite receiving warnings to stay away from them. The story becomes more tense because the boys fight to conceal their true nature while Sooha battles to conceal her powers and an ominous darkness threatens the school. The story concludes with a cliffhanger that forces readers to continue reading the next installment.

Critical Analysis:

The story moves at a quick pace while delivering intense emotions which will attract readers who prefer character-based fantasy narratives. The manga stands out because it combines a well-known narrative with refined artwork and atmospheric cinematic artwork. The color scheme together with character design and dramatic paneling create an atmosphere of tension and emotional stakes. Each vampire possesses distinctive powers and Heli's telepathic abilities enable readers to understand his mental state. The combination of colored speech bubbles and visual indicators helps readers track the story's progression especially when characters use nonverbal communication. Sooha's emotional transformation to trust others after experiencing hurt resonates with teenagers who face identity and belonging challenges. The volume concludes with Sooha facing severe danger which leaves readers eager to continue the story. The combination of suspenseful elements with romantic and mysterious aspects makes this graphic novel and manga suitable for middle and high school readers who want to start their graphic novel journey.

Reviews:
YALSA’s Best List

Connections:
This title would fit perfectly into a middle or high school library’s manga section. It would also work well in a graphic novel book club or as a springboard for comparing visual storytelling across cultures. Students could explore themes of identity, power, trust, and belonging—all relevant to adolescent experiences. The book could even lead to creative projects, like writing alternative endings or illustrating character backstories. Its visual format, quick pacing, and dramatic plot make it a great option for reluctant readers or those who find traditional novels overwhelming.

 

APA Citation:
Jensen, K. (Ed.). (2018). Don't call me crazy: 33 voices start the conversation about mental health. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Summary:

Don't Call Me Crazy presents 33 distinct voices from various fields through the thoughtful editing of Kelly Jensen to explore how different people experience mental health. A scrapbook-like format contains brief essays together with poems and comics and artwork which present a wide variety of conditions including anxiety and depression and body dysmorphia and trichotillomania. Through their pieces the contributors show readers how their mental illness affected their personal lives by sharing their experiences of diagnosis and stigma and self-acceptance. The collection presents individual moments and stories that help readers feel understood without trying to explain everything simultaneously. The collection stands out because it presents diverse perspectives of identities and voices alongside mental health experiences which creates an inclusive reading experience that both validates readers and opens their eyes.

Critical Analysis:

The collection achieves its power through individual contributor voices rather than attempting to represent all mental health experiences. The collection changes between comics and journal entries and straightforward essays which maintains reader interest by allowing different readers to establish their own connections. The spoken words remain authentic while expressing positive messages. Through her comic illustrations Gemma Correll demonstrates the visual experience of anxiety and Yumi Sakugawa guides readers through her process of body acceptance. The stories investigate identity through Shaun David Hutchinson's experience of being defined by depression that overshadowed his entire being and Meredith Russo's disturbing experience of being ignored in a psychiatric facility as a transgender woman. The stories share their intense personal nature while becoming accessible to everyone. Jensen's selection process establishes a platform for readers to gain knowledge while forming connections and experiencing reduced isolation. The collection provides readers with a starting point for mental health discussions through genuine and empathetic perspectives.

Professional Reviews:

A Washington Post Best Children’s Book of 2018

“Jensen has brought together sharp and vivid perspectives concerning mental-health challenges. Featuring writers such as Shaun David Hutchinson, Libba Bray, Adam Silvera and Esmé Weijun Wang, this book asks questions and provides real-life experiences and hope for the future.”
—Washington Post, “Best Children’s Books of 2018”

“Empowering . . . deeply resonant . . . With this diverse array of contributors offering a stunning wealth of perspectives on mental health, teens looking for solidarity, comfort, or information will certainly be able to find something that speaks to them. Resources and further reading make this inviting, much-needed resource even richer.”
—Booklist

“Lively, compelling . . . the raw, informal approach to the subject matter will highly appeal to young people who crave understanding and validation . . . This highly readable and vital collection demonstrates the multiplicity of ways that mental health impacts individuals.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Connections:
This book could be a great choice for high school book clubs, health classes, or guidance lessons focused on mental wellness. Students could respond to individual entries in journals or create their own mini anthology inspired by the format. It pairs well with other titles like Body Talk or Here We Are, also edited by Jensen. It also opens the door for meaningful conversations around empathy, identity, and mental health awareness, topics that are more important than ever in today’s classrooms.

5361 Module 3 reviews

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Muñoz Ryan, P. (2000). Eperanza Rising. Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439120425.

 

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Esperanza enjoys a privileged lifestyle with her family at their ranch in Aguascalientes, Mexico, while experiencing love and luxury and traditional ways of life. After her father’s death and home destruction, Esperanza and her mother had to escape to California without Abuelita. The migrant labor camps of the Great Depression era brought harsh unfamiliar conditions to these people. Esperanza must face her pride while learning work skills to provide for her family after her mother gets ill. Esperanza discovers that true wealth exists in love and resilience and community after experiencing various challenges.

 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The book delivers an accurate representation of Mexican immigrant experiences during the 1930s both culturally and historically and emotionally. Through his writing, Ryan demonstrates how Esperanza transforms from a spoiled child into a strong young woman. The story moves from the luxurious Mexican vineyard estate to the challenging migrant camp in California which shows the extreme difference in Esperanza’s life.

The story contains abundant cultural elements that are deeply integrated into its narrative. Throughout the book Spanish terms such as “mija” and “mi reina” and loving nicknames like “Abuelita” appear naturally. Traditional Mexican dishes including tamales, tortillas, flan, agua de jamaica and papaya coconut lime salad receive loving descriptions. After her father's death Esperanza experiences the haunting memory of rotting papayas which serves as a powerful symbol.

Each chapter begins with a fruit or vegetable name which symbolizes both the agricultural seasons and Esperanza's character development. Catholicism manifests through characters who create a shrine for the Virgin Mary while praying for direction. The Mexican community faces discrimination according to Miguel who observes that people view Mexicans as one single group of brown-skinned people. Esperanza develops most when she learns to take pride in her work for her family because love and selflessness show her true power rather than social status.

Through the recurring “Las Uvas” chapters and Abuelita’s phoenix metaphor Ryan deepens the novel's themes of loss and hope and rebirth. Through her personal growth Esperanza shows readers the authentic Mexican-American experience while maintaining her individual journey.

 

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
★ “Told in a lyrical, fairy tale-like style… Readers will be swept up.” Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “Ryan writes a moving story in clear, poetic language that children will sink into.”  Booklist
★ “This well-written novel belongs in all collections.” School Library Journal

 

5. CONNECTIONS

• Class Discussion Prompt: Compare Esperanza’s journey at the start of the novel to the end. How does her understanding of family and strength change?
• Creative Activity: Students can design a chapter title page for one of the fruits, illustrating how it connects to Esperanza’s emotional growth.
• Text Pairing: Compare with Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall for another Latinx coming-of-age narrative grounded in family and resilience.
• Research Extension: Have students research the real-life history of Mexican migrant labor camps and deportation efforts during the Great Depression, as referenced in the Author’s Note.

 

1. Bibliography
Mora, P., & López, R. (2007). Yum! Mmmm! Que Rico!: America’s Sproutings. Lee & Low Books Inc. ISBN: 978-1-58430-271-1

2. Plot Summary

Through haiku poetry this collection allows children to discover traditional American foods including papaya, cranberries, chocolate, tomatoes, peanuts, potatoes, and more. The haiku poems describe the sensory experiences of food while the adjacent historical and cultural information sections deliver additional knowledge. These images show how these foods have brought nutritional value to communities across North, Central and South America since ancient times. Through its energetic words and beautiful pictures this book guides readers into a joyful appreciation of food together with cultural heritage and imaginative exploration.

3. Critical Analysis

Through haiku form and sensory details Pat Mora transforms everyday foods into poetic tributes that honor cultural heritage. The author pairs her poetry with short educational segments that explain both the historical background and Indigenous use of each food item. The combined format allows readers to experience literary beauty while receiving educational value. Readers discover two significant facts in this section: George Washington Carver discovered 300 peanut applications while Indigenous peoples grew pumpkins for thousands of years before European contact.

The text contains Spanish words which create authentic interlingual experiences for readers. The book incorporates Spanish terms like “dulces” and “luna” in context along with cultural information about prickly pear dessert production. These linguistic elements show the bilingual nature which exists in many Hispanic families.

Through his illustrations Rafael López brings food items to life while illustrating their cultural backgrounds. Every illustration explodes with vivid colors which incorporate symbolic meanings. The artwork contains cultural indicators which appear throughout the images as characters display different skin tones along with hairstyles and traditional clothing that represent Latin American diversity. The father's laughter becomes tearful after eating a spicy chile as he shares this moment with numerous families who use hot spices in their cooking. A girl enjoys a chocolate cookie while children in the sky pursue desserts in an illustration that combines cultural pride with imaginative flight.

The illustrations show scenes from agricultural lands to tropical forests and active volcanoes. Each page receives its cultural grounding through the use of baskets together with pottery items and textiles and musical instruments. Through its art the book displays unity and diversity through images of different body types and facial features and environments that unite people through food.

4.

 Review Excerpts

 

5. Awards and Reviews

·         Americas Award for Children’s Literature (2008)

·         Texas Bluebonnet Award (2008)

·         ALA Notable Book (2008)

·         “This inventive stew of food haiku celebrates the indigenous foods of the Americas… this will provide lots and lots of lip-smacking fun.” Booklist, starred review

·         “More interesting as social science than as poetry, but visually gorgeous.” Kirkus Reviews

 

6. Connections

·         As a follow-up activity, students can draw and label their favorite food, incorporating descriptive words and sensory imagery.

·         Use the haiku as mentor texts for a poetry writing activity focused on food, culture, or family traditions.

·         Pair with books like Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard or Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz for a unit on food, culture, and identity.

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Soto, G. (2009). Partly Cloudy: Poems of Love and Longing. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 9780152063016

PLOT SUMMARY

The poetry collection of award-winning Latino author Gary Soto explores the complete range of teenage romantic experiences. The book contains two parts titled “A Girl’s Tears, Her Songs” and “A Boy’s Body, His Words” which present the romantic experiences of both females and males. Soto uses more than 70 free-verse poems to depict the entire spectrum of first crushes and heartbreaks and daydreams and awkward flirting and developing desires. The authentic and relatable verses in this collection will help teenage readers recognize their emotions through their honest and sometimes humorous expressions.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Through his use of free verse and lyrical imagery Soto presents authentic adolescent experiences of romantic relationships. The straightforward honest language combined with humorous and sad moments in his writing makes these poems easy to understand. A girl expresses her emotional state after a breakup through the lines “Now I’m the color of / a bruise” in her poem “When I Lost You.” The poem “Faces” shows how boys experience brief and intense romantic feelings through their changing emotions.

The book presents no direct focus on race or ethnicity yet it includes subtle Latinx cultural elements through its expressive and emotional poetic tone. The text highlights both gender roles and emotional vulnerability as cultural markers. Through his dual-gendered perspective Soto demonstrates how love impacts all teenagers deeply yet remains influenced by cultural factors.

The lack of illustrations does not affect readers because the emotional power of the language enables them to picture the described scenes and emotions. The cultural authenticity emerges from the voice and thematic elements instead of specific details about food or dress or environment but the passionate expressive tone matches the expected emotional intensity found in Latinx communities.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist (2009): “Young teens will enjoy the ‘love sick’ puns and the metaphors, lyrical and sad, that show there is poetry in the way they speak.”
School Library Journal (2009): “Soto skillfully captures the voice and emotions of young teens in love.”
Horn Book Guide (2009): “The free-verse poems all ring true… accessible and believable.”

CONNECTIONS
·  Have students read one poem from the "Girl" section and one from the "Boy" section. Discuss how feelings, tone, or body language differ across perspectives.

·  Create a chart or timeline that tracks the emotional highs and lows from selected poems. Discuss how love and longing affect identity.

·  Performance Poetry:
Let students choose a poem from Partly Cloudy to perform aloud with emotion and interpretation. Discuss tone and word choice.

 

Bibliography
Tonatiuh, D. (2014). Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-1-4197-1054-4

Plot Summary

The book relates the actual story of Sylvia Mendez who faced school segregation as a Mexican American girl during 1940s California when she was sent to an "Mexican school" instead of her neighborhood school. A landmark court case entitled Mendez v. Westminster fought for equal rights through the efforts of Sylvia Mendez's family and established precedents that led to Brown v. Board of Education by ten years. Readers can learn about historical courage through Sylvia's experience because her family's fight altered the course of American history.

Critical Analysis

Through accessible content Tonatiuh tells this historical story which educates young readers about the subject. Through his storytelling Tonatiuh successfully merges original historical dialogue from court transcripts and Sylvia Mendez's interviews to create an authentic narrative. During courtroom proceedings the official transcripts contained the quote "they need to learn cleanliness of mind, manner, and dress" to reveal the harsh institutional racism Mexican American children encountered.

The text combines rich cultural markers that appear both as written words and visual elements. Mrs. Mendez states "No sabes que por eso luchamos?" ("Don't you know that is why we fought?") while fighting against school segregation which demonstrates the bilingual context and emotional intensity of their battle. The Mendez family demonstrates their cultural values through Mrs. Mendez taking over farm duties while Mr. Mendez organizes the community which shows their family and perseverance spirit.

Tonatiuh creates distinctive illustrations through his use of pre-Columbian Mixtec codices which incorporate stylized profiles and bold lines with collage techniques. The depiction of brown skin tones together with traditional hairstyles and mid-1940s clothing in the illustrations represents cultural authenticity. The book depicts Sylvia in different social positions from start to finish as she begins at a lower position than white children to represent her marginalized status before achieving equal height through her family's victory and her growing self-assurance.

The author includes additional back matter which expands historical understanding through his author's note and legal term glossary and genuine photos of Sylvia and her educational institutions. The supplementary content strengthens the book's historical accuracy as well as its cultural value.

Reviews
“Tonatiuh makes excellent use of picture-book storytelling to bring attention to the 1947 California ruling against public-school segregation… A thorough exploration of an event that is rarely taught.”  Booklist

“An extremely important story that should be widely known. Highly recommended for all libraries.”  School Library Journal

“A compelling story told with impeccable care… A modern story with figures reminiscent of the pictorial writing of the Mixtec.”  Kirkus Reviews

Awards

·         Pura Belpré Honor Book

·         Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

·         Jane Addams Book Award

·         Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award

·         NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor

·         Cybils Award Finalist

·         Texas Bluebonnet Award

Connections
Consider these titles by Duncan Tonatiuh for further exploration of Mexican and Latinx history and culture:

·         Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras

·         Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote

·         Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin

Use this text to introduce the concept of civil rights outside of African American history, highlighting the experiences of Latinx Americans. Discussion prompts might include comparing Mendez v. Westminster to Brown v. Board of Education, or asking students how it would feel to be excluded from a school based on appearance.

 

5361 Module 2 Reviews

 

A. CITATION
Watson, Renée. 2018. PIECING ME TOGETHER. Bloomsbury YA. ISBN 978-1681191072

 

B. PLOT SUMMARY

The story of Jade follows her life as a Black teenage girl who lives in a low-income area of Portland, Oregon. She receives a scholarship to attend an exclusive private school but she struggles to fit in with the predominantly white students who come from wealthy families. Jade questions if she received an offer of help or if she was viewed as someone who needed fixing when she received an invitation to join the mentorship program Woman to Woman. Jade starts to take control of her life through her love of art as well as her developing friendships and growing self-awareness. The main character starts to resist the labels society placed on her while learning to speak up against injustice and establish her personal definition of success.

 

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Renée Watson tells a powerful story through her main character Jade who explores race and class and gender issues from a thoughtful and creative teenager's perspective. The first-person narration of Jade's voice delivers a direct and reflective account that reveals the heavy emotions she faces when she moves between her lower-income neighborhood and her elite school environment.

The novel is rich in cultural markers. Throughout the entire story Watson presents Jade’s Black identity as the main factor that shapes her life. Jade learns about the strength and resilience of Black family structures through her relationship with her mother who works hard to educate herself while maintaining her self-respect.

Through Maxine’s mentorship Watson demonstrates that support from older Black women does not always exist perfectly. The support which Watson portrays in the book contains both positive and negative elements because of the class differences that affect how people understand each other.

The story reveals how Black students experience microaggressions and tokenism as well as coded language while attending white-dominated educational institutions. The private school environment of Jade appears genuine and intense as she faces moments where her voice is ignored or she experiences feeling isolated. A police beating of Natasha a Black teenager from Jade's neighborhood leads to a depiction of systemic racism that impacts Black youth emotionally. Through organizing an open mic event and making artwork Jade demonstrates how creative activities serve as both healing tools and activist instruments.

Through her collages Jade develops a symbolic way to unite identity with voice and power. The artistic practice represents African American cultural heritage by using visual and verbal methods to fight discrimination and showcase enduring strength. The book integrates Spanish phrases together with Black vernacular references and cultural commentary to enhance both meaning and authenticity.

D. AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPTS

• Newbery Honor Book
• Coretta Scott King Author Award
• NPR’s Best Book of the Year
• School Library Journal, Kirkus, Horn Book – Starred Reviews

“Watson’s story trumpets the power of artistic expression to re-envision and change the world.” -Publishers Weekly

“A timely, nuanced, and unforgettable story about the power of art, community, and friendship.” -Kirkus

“A thoughtful and meditative novel… providing an essential perspective on the challenges faced by Black girls.” -School Library Journal

 

E. CONNECTIONS

• Related Books:
• The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo – A novel-in-verse about a Dominican American teen discovering her voice through slam poetry.
• On the Come Up by Angie Thomas – A young rapper fights to make her voice heard while navigating race, identity, and expectations.
• Classroom Activities:
• Students can create personal collages that explore identity and values, inspired by Jade’s artwork.
• Host a classroom open mic or reflective journaling activity centered on social justice and self-expression.
• Student Response:
  Students may relate to Jade’s internal struggle to be understood and her journey to find confidence in her voice. Readers will also engage with the book’s portrayal of real-world issues like systemic racism, code-switching, and the assumptions often made about students based on race or income. Jade’s growth empowers readers to speak up, create, and lead.

 

A. CITATION
Reynolds, Jason. 2020. LOOK BOTH WAYS: A TALE TOLD IN TEN BLOCKS. Ill. by Alexander Nabaum. Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books. ISBN 978-1481438292

 

B. PLOT SUMMARY

The book contains various connected short stories which depict middle school students walking home from school as they encounter separate life events on their way. The book Look Both Ways presents a complex depiction of adolescence by showing its various aspects which include death loss identity-based struggles bullying and fear as well as friendship laughter and daily triumphs. Each chapter in the book shows a different perspective while they slowly merge into a unified tapestry that represents the experiences of growing up.

 

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Reynolds combines humor with vulnerability to create a powerful collection of stories that examine social issues through human eyes. The chapters use simple poetic writing to function independently but merge to form a comprehensive community story. The book requires readers to look in both directions which means crossing streets as well as recognizing individuals past superficial appearances. Empathy and imagination together with awareness grow stronger through this recurring motif that presents multiple perspectives.

The characters are realistic and multidimensional. The book presents diverse experiences which actively resist stereotypical representations. Bryson demonstrates bravery by sharing a kiss with his male friend during this moment of tender care. Fatima keeps track of everything she observes through writing because she identifies observations that others typically overlook. Each character reveals their inner depth and brilliance through the layers that Reynolds removes during his storytelling.

The neighborhood route to home demonstrates a vivid and recognizable atmosphere. The book uses specific references to walking past the candy lady's house and applying Vaseline to avoid ashiness and ice cream trucks and buzz cuts for cancer-stricken parents and imaginary street instruments to connect with diversity. Through their depiction of everyday routines the text demonstrates how survival depends on community bonds and family ties that exist within normal daily activities.

Through metaphorical and magical realistic elements Reynolds creates a feeling of wonder by using repeated images like the "school bus falling from the sky." Each chapter of the book exists independently until the characters reveal their connections through storylines like the rose theft in the first chapter leading to friendship restoration in the next chapter. The narrative structure shows how lives connect through shared human experiences while reinforcing the theme of interconnected lives.

 

D. AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPTS

• National Book Award Finalist
• Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book
• UK Carnegie Medal Winner
• Starred reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly

“As innovative as it is emotionally arresting.” -Entertainment Weekly

“A compassionate, funny, and thought-provoking collection.” -School Library Journal

“Everything and everyone has multiple facets, and it’s highly damaging to forget that.” -Kirkus Reviews

 

E. CONNECTIONS

• Related Books:
• Ghost (Track Series) by Jason Reynolds - Similar tone and character depth
• Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson -Focus on middle-grade Black joy and resilience
• New Kid by Jerry Craft - A graphic novel that explores identity and school integration from a Black student's perspective
• Classroom Activities:
• Have students create their own “walk home” story in a short narrative format
• Use the “school bus falling from the sky” metaphor as a creative writing prompt
• Have students pick one chapter to dramatize or illustrate, exploring themes of identity or connection
• Student Responses:
  Students will likely relate to the awkward, funny, and honest moments in these stories. From coping with illness or fear to feeling invisible or misunderstood, Reynolds validates their feelings while also spotlighting their imagination, strength, and sense of community. Many readers will find themselves in one or more of these characters.

 

 

 

 

Citation:
King, M. L., Jr. (2024). I have a dream (K. Nelson, Illus.). Dragonfly Books. ISBN 978-0593518113

 

Summary:

The picture book version of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech at the March on Washington in 1963 serves as the main content of this book. The book starts with Dr. King speaking at the Lincoln Memorial while it combines his speech excerpts with Kadir Nelson's stunning illustrations. Through these strong images the speech becomes alive by depicting crowds of listeners and children of different skin tones walking hand in hand and various American landmarks. The book contains the complete speech alongside brief biographies of Dr. King and illustrator Kadir Nelson in its back pages. The book presents an essential American historical event through visual and emotional storytelling that makes it accessible to young readers.

 

Critical Analysis:

The book masterfully unites powerful verbal delivery with emotionally powerful artwork. Through his oil paintings Kadir Nelson depicts Dr. King's powerful facial expressions while he speaks and the hopeful moments when children unite. The artwork conveys deep emotions without requiring any text. Through his illustrations of Black and white hands together with peaceful mountains and iconic American landscapes from Georgia to California Dr. King brings his dream to life. Young readers develop deeper connections through the illustration of Dr. King's four children during that specific part of the speech. The book maintains historical accuracy while presenting a vision of unity through its celebration of diversity. The book presents African American experiences with both strength and respect through Dr. King's serious expressions and the hopeful pictures of better times for every child. Through its pages readers encounter opportunities to think about social injustice and community bonds and hopeful possibilities.

Professional Reviews:

• Entertainment Weekly praised the “beautifully rendered and sincerely moving paintings.”
• Named a Best Book of the Year by School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus Reviews.

 

Awards:

• Caldecott Honor Book
• Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor (for Nelson's work)
• Best of Children’s Books (SLJ, PW, Kirkus)

 

Connections, Activities, and Responses:
Related Books:

• Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport
• Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson
• The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Activities:

• Students can illustrate their own “dreams” for the world and display them alongside quotes from Dr. King.
• Host a classroom “read aloud” or mini performance of the speech.
• Compare Kadir Nelson’s artwork to real photos of the March on Washington.

Student Response:
Students will likely connect with the visual storytelling, especially the scenes of children and the variety of skin tones and places shown. The pictures make it easier to understand the weight and meaning of the words. This book is a powerful tool to spark conversations about fairness, race, and unity, and will stay with students long after the final page.

 

APA Citation:
Lester, J. (1999). John Henry (J. Pinkney, Illus.). Puffin Books. ISBN 978-0140566222

 

Summary:

The book presents an engaging version of the traditional African American song John Henry. John Henry bursts through the roof at birth because of his powerful and loud voice which startles the sun. Julius Lester follows John Henry from his childhood to his legendary status by describing his racing a horse and road construction work without dynamite and his victory over a steam drill to demonstrate human strength. The narrative blends traditional oral storytelling with historical facts about the Big Bend Tunnel construction on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad to create a narrative that blends fact with myth. The story concludes by celebrating John Henry's dedication to work and his enduring spirit and his lasting impact.

 

Critical and Cultural Analysis:

The story's language features rhythmic patterns and exaggerated language and figurative devices which make it suitable for reading aloud to children. Through his narrative voice the storyteller presents a warm and humorous tone which includes metaphors that describe John Henry as having "muscles hard as wisdom" and "a rainbow ring tied around his shoulder." The storytelling elements demonstrate the traditional oral traditions of African American folklore. The watercolor illustrations by Jerry Pinkney bring the story's energetic and majestic elements to life through expansive environments and dynamic character illustrations that express movement and emotions. The illustrations of John Henry by the artist depict his dual nature as a powerful figure who also shows gentle moments. The book incorporates genuine cultural elements through its musical refrain ("ring, ring") and its depiction of animals and people watching his life unfold. The visual and verbal storytelling elements in this book emphasize three essential Black heritage themes: perseverance, resilience and dignity during times of change. The beginning of the book includes biographies and memorials for both Lester and Pinkney which enhance emotional impact and cultural importance.

 

Professional Reviews:

• Booklist (starred): “A tall tale and heroic myth, a celebration of the human spirit… Told with rhythm and wit.”
• Publishers Weekly: “Begging to be read aloud for its rich, rhythmic storytelling… A triumph of collaboration.”
• School Library Journal: “Muted earth tones bring this John Henry alive… A fine addition to any folklore collection.”

 

Awards:

• Caldecott Honor Book
• Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor
• New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book

 

Connections, Activities, and Responses:
Related Books:

• The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton
• Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby by Julius Lester
• Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Activities:

• Use this book in a folktale/tall tale unit, comparing it with legends like Paul Bunyan or Pecos Bill.
• Students can identify and illustrate examples of figurative language used in the story (e.g., similes, metaphors, personification).
• Play different versions of the John Henry folk song and discuss oral storytelling traditions.

Student Response:
Students are likely to be captivated by the mix of humor, exaggeration, and heroic strength. Pinkney’s art helps them visualize John Henry’s enormous presence and deep humanity. The story invites discussion about how legends grow and how history and storytelling shape identity. For many, this tale becomes a reflection of cultural pride and perseverance.