Tuesday, June 10, 2025

LSSL 5385 YA Lit Book Reviews Module 1


a. Citation

Iloh, C. (2020). Every body looking (Kindle ed.). Dutton Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780525556213

b. Plot Summary

The story of Every Body Looking starts with Ada’s graduation from high school as she departs home to attend a Historically Black College for her first year of college. The strict rules of her Nigerian father and the emotionally unpredictable nature of her mother drive Ada to create her own path in life. She spends her college days remembering important events from her past including her hidden scars and first love of dance and the mixed relationship she had with her family. The memories from her past interweave with her college experiences as she handles college friendships and religious obligations and searches for her true identity. Through dance along with friendship and personal discovery Ada develops self-awareness which enables her to take control of her body and her future.

c. Critical Analysis

From the beginning the story emerges through Ada's first person verse which creates an authentic connection between the reader and her narrative. The beginning of college life triggers Ada to remember childhood moments which alternate between past and present times. Through this structured format the readers gain insight into both her past experiences and her current journey toward progress. The reader finds it simple to connect with her because she presents her perspective directly without pretenses. The verse style adds a lot to the storytelling. The lines maintain their short yet forceful nature and the text arrangement through body like arches or block divisions enhances Ada’s emotional state. Certain pages use black backgrounds with white text to indicate when she experiences past memories. Through these deliberate choices readers can experience the natural flow of her mental processes and emotional states. Through her words Ada creates a voice that rings authentic for her young character. She defines words in the middle of poems for the reader to understand them better. The emotional tone of her experiences evolves from vulnerable to angry before reaching hopeful before ending in growth. Iloh uses her style to present Ada's journey in a natural manner which combines raw emotions with creative expression and deep personal connections. The honest and vulnerable nature of Ada in the story touched me deeply because it showed how important it is for young women to tell their own stories.

d. Review Excerpts
“This book is a testament to the beauty of Black girls, their circumstances, bodies, and cultures.” - Booklist, starred review
“In this stunning debut for young adults, Iloh crafts succinct, beautiful poems to illustrate the difficulties of navigating the tangle of family history and obligation, the power of art to heal and express, and the strength it takes to chart an authentic, independent path.” -Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Iloh uses verse beautifully…[A] captivating, sometimes heartbreaking, yet ultimately hopeful story.” - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Ada, pronounced Aah-dah!, means ‘first daughter’ in Igbo... Readers will be left wishing they could accompany Ada as she pursues her passion and finds her way to a genuine relationship.” - School Library Journal

e. Connections
·  Ideal for teen writing workshops, especially in verse or memoir formats

·  Use in class to explore:
                        First-generation identity
                        Trauma and healing through art
                        The intersection of race, culture, and body autonomy

 

 



 

a. Citation
Myers, W. D. (2009). Monster (Kindle ed.). HarperCollins. ISBN 9780061975028

b. Plot Summary

The story follows sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon who faces trial for murder after being arrested. The narrative follows Steve's screenplay thoughts alongside his journal entries to express his fear alongside his confusion and his hope. Steve faces the possibility of decades in prison because he is charged with being the robbery lookout who survived the fatal shooting. Steve keeps his identity intact as a future filmmaker through his writing despite the prosecutor's description of him as a monster. His thoughts revolve around his parents as well as his youngest brother and he maintains his belief about being a decent person. The courtroom trial continues to raise questions about the extent of Steve's involvement in the crime.

c. Critical Analysis

The powerful effect of Monster emerges from the authentic way the author presents Steve's narrative voice. The story presents two narrative styles by showing a courtroom drama through screenplay format and Steve's inner thoughts through journal entries. The narrative structure presents dual perspectives between how the world views him and his personal understanding of himself. The quick-moving pace combines intense dialogue with unfiltered emotional thoughts between each section. The overall mood throughout the book remains dark and uncertain. The author displays fear through his written words as he expresses his terror. Through his journal entries he expresses his powerful thoughts about prison life as well as his family and his identity search. Myers refuses to reveal whether Steve is innocent thus making the story more thought-provoking. The story makes us ponder the connection between judgment and bias while demonstrating how a person's life can transform in an instant. The straightforward language works effectively with the distinctive presentation method to create an engaging reading experience. Steve's account presents a truthful and complex narrative which matches the reality of his situation. The emotional uncertainty about Steve's guilt or innocence kept me guessing throughout his story which made his narrative both disturbing and realistic.

 

d. Review Excerpts
“A novel that in both form and subject guarantees a wide teen audience.” -Horn Book, starred review
“A riveting novel with breathless, edge-of-the-seat courtroom scenes. Taut and moving.” - Kirkus Reviews
“The tense drama of the courtroom scenes will enthrall readers, but it is the thorny moral questions raised in Steve’s journal that will endure.” - Booklist
“An emotionally charged story that readers will find compelling and disturbing.” - School Library Journal
“Chilling and engrossing.” - The New York Times

e. Connections
This book would pair well with The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas or All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely. All three challenge readers to think about race, justice, and how young people are treated in the legal system. Monster would work well in classrooms as part of a unit on criminal justice or media literacy, students could even write their own screenplay scenes based on key moments in the book. It’s also a great pick for reluctant readers because of its unique format and intense storyline.


 


a. Citation
Johnson, A. (2010). The First Part Last. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781442403437

b. Plot Summary

Bobby from The First Part Last narrates his life story as a 16-year-old father who must single-handedly care for his newborn daughter Feather. The story reveals two time frames through alternating “now” and “then” chapters which demonstrate Bobby's current experiences as a young father and his life before Feather's birth. The authentic tone of Bobby's voice communicates his complete experiences about lack of sleep and the heavy responsibility of making good decisions. Bobby and Nia decided on adoption at first but the reason Bobby raises the baby alone becomes known only at the end of the story in a touching yet powerful manner. The quiet reflective times Bobby spends with his daughter alongside his deep parental love demonstrate an unusual perspective on teenage parenthood which rarely appears in literature especially when viewed through a young man's eyes.

c. Critical Analysis

The First Part Last stands out because of its intensely personal tone. The book presents a first-person narrative from Bobby's perspective through Johnson's basic yet poetic and emotional writing style. Each brief chapter maintains a concentrated focus that drives the narrative forward with minimal interruptions. Through the "now" and "then" alternating structure readers experience both the pre-pregnancy phase of Bobby's life and the present reality of his daily fatherhood. The language is natural and realistic, nothing feels forced. Readers find themselves in Bobby's shoes because of his genuine thoughts about his mother and his friends and the drastic changes in his life. The initial concept which suggests life would improve if we experienced the first part before the last section creates an enduring impression that stays with readers throughout the book. Johnson presents Bobby's genuine experience without providing educational content or final resolutions; she simply shares his truth. The genuine emotions and challenges alongside his deep love for Feather create a powerful impact in this story. Bobby's silent strength and his love for his daughter left a lasting impression on me because it made me see teen parenthood in a different light.

d. Review Excerpts
“Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting.” - School Library Journal
“Readers will only clamor for more.” - Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Poetry.” - Booklist, starred review
“Johnson has carved a niche writing realistically about young people's issues.” - U.S. News and World Report

e. Connections
·  Great for personal narrative or journaling prompts

·  Use in class to explore:
            Teen parenting and emotional growth

The role of fathers in literature         

Nonlinear storytelling techniques

·  Students could create a “Then vs. Now” timeline of Bobby’s life or a baby-care survival guide from Bobby’s point of view

 

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5385 Module 3 reviews

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