WHEN WINTER ROBESON CAME by Brenda Woods

 When Winter Robeson Came by Brenda Woods

Historical Fiction, African Americans, Race Relations, Watts Riots 1965 Los Angeles, Novels in Verse

160 pages

Description

In August 1965, twelve-year-old Eden's older cousin from Mississippi comes to visit her in Los Angeles, and while the Watts Riots erupt around them, they continue their investigation of the disappearance of Winter's father ten years ago.

My Comments

Engaging, educational. I wish that Eden's character was older and that the cover didn't look so young because this book would be good for grades 7 and 8. Also, the cover is very young looking. Otherwise, this would be a great book for 8th grade since her older cousin is 14 and the time period fits into their curriculum.

Book Quotes

"I want to write music. I pause. I think.

You written any yet?

Some. They're not very good.

Why you gonna talk yourself down? There'll be plenty of folks to do that for you.

You haveta believe in yourself, cousin. That's my rule number one.

I ask, What's your rule number two?

Believe in yourself some more.

-page 85 (When Winter Robeson Came)

SIGN OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM by Katherine Paterson

 

Sign of the Chrysanthemum by Katherine Paterson

Historical Fiction, Adventure, Japan History,  Fathers and Sons, Coming of Age, Conduct of Life,

132 pages

Description
A teenager comes to know himself through contacts with social ills and political unrest while searching for his father in Japan's capital during the Heian period. (794-1185)

My Comments

Great story that moves along. I wish that there was a glossary to define many of the words. The beginning could be a bit confusing so it would be helpful to give some background and help with the topic specific vocabulary, but the story picks up quickly. There are a lot of worthwhile discussion possibilities despite the short length. Excellent.

CHECKED by Cynthia Kadohata

 

Realistic Fiction, Father-Sons, Grief, Sports (Hockey), Dogs, Character, Determination and Grit

408 pages.

Description

From Follett

"A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book." "To help his dog through cancer treatment, Conor gives up hockey and finds himself considering who he is without the sport that has defined him, and connecting more with his family and best friend"--Provided by publisher.

From the Publisher

"Kadohata's slapshot is the heart-swelling narrative of a father and son...Truly powerful." --Jason Reynolds

"A deeply poignant story about a boy sorting out his priorities." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A vivid, memorable portrayal of a boy within his family, his sport, and his gradually broadening world." --Booklist (starred review)

From Newbery Medalist Cynthia Kadohata comes a brilliantly-realized novel about a hockey player who must discover who he is without the sport that defines him.

Hockey is Conor's life. His whole life. He'll say it himself, he's a hockey beast. It's his dad's whole life too--and Conor is sure that's why his stepmom, Jenny, left. There are very few things Conor and his dad love more than the game, and one of those things is their Doberman, Sinbad. When Sinbad is diagnosed with cancer, Conor chooses to put his hockey lessons and practices on hold so they can pay for Sinbad's chemotherapy.

But without hockey to distract him, Conor begins to notice more. Like his dad's crying bouts, and his friend's difficult family life. And then Conor notices one more thing: Without hockey, the one thing that makes him feel special, is he really special at all?

My Comments

Love, love this book! I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened to all the characters: Sinbad, Conor and his efforts to be an amazing hockey player, the father's depression, and how the family's deep connections and love bring healing and joy to not only their own little family, but to those around them. I just wish Kadohata had made Conor 13 instead of 11, but the age doesn't really matter so I would recommend this for grades 5-8.

BREAKING STALIN'S NOSE by Eugene Yelchin

Historical Fiction, Soviet Union, Communism, Parents

140 pages

Description

In the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union, ten-year-old Sasha idolizes his father, a devoted Communist, but when police take his father away and leave Sasha homeless, he is forced to examine his own perceptions, values, and beliefs." (Follett)

"Sasha Zaichik has known the laws of the Soviet Young Pioneers since the age of six:
The Young Pioneer is devoted to Comrade Stalin, the Communist Party, and Communism.
A Young Pioneer is a reliable comrade and always acts according to conscience.
A Young Pioneer has a right to criticize shortcomings.
But now that it is finally time to join the Young Pioneers, the day Sasha has awaited for so long, everything seems to go awry. He breaks a classmate's glasses with a snowball. He accidentally damages a bust of Stalin in the school hallway. And worst of all, his father, the best Communist he knows, was arrested just last night.

This moving story of a ten-year-old boy's world shattering is masterful in its simplicity, powerful in its message, and heartbreaking in its plausibility." (Publisher)

My Comments

I was immediately drawn into this spare and chilling story. Sasha's story portrays the trust, fear, and anxiety during the era of Stalin rule. The deep tragedy of shattered lives is communicated through the eyes of a ten year old similar to the innocent perspective of Bruno in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne (2016). I do wish Sasha's character was a few years older to broaden the audience. It would be useful if elementary and middle school students learned something about this time period prior to reading this book for some historical context and deeper appreciation of the story.

FOURMILE by Watt Key

Realistic Fiction, Family, Loss, Violence

228 pages
Teacher's pdf guide available

Description
"Twelve-year-old Foster lives with his mother on Fourmile, their Alabama farm. Foster is still struggling with the death of his father the previous year and the knowledge that he and his mother will have to sell Fourmile and go live in Montgomery. To complicate matters, Foster’s mother is dating Dax Ganey, a man Foster knows is deceitful and bad for her. When a mysterious stranger, Gary, arrives at the farm, Foster bonds with him and looks up to him, unknowingly trying to fill his father’s place in his life. When Foster’s mother spurns Dax, he becomes a dangerous enemy to Foster, Gary, and her. Eventually, Foster must face both Dax and his fears and come to terms with a new life that does not include Fourmile." (teacher's guide summary)

My Comments
I read this book in one sitting. Key's plot and characters keep you on the edge of your seat. Key describes emotions of grief and the fear of change. He also portrays the frustration of being at the mercy of adult decision-making. There is a lot to think about in this short book. One caveat is that there is a lot of violence and grief, but I am glad to have this book on the library shelf. This important book will be just the right match for some middle school readers.

WHAT ELEPHANTS KNOW by Eric Dinerstein

Fiction, Adventure, Elephants, India, Nepal, Orphans

273 pages

Publisher's Description
Abandoned in the jungle of the Nepalese Borderlands, two-year-old Nandu is found living under the protective watch of a pack of wild dogs. From his mysterious beginnings, fate delivers him to the King's elephant stable, where he is raised by unlikely parents-the wise head of the stable, Subba-sahib, and Devi Kali, a fierce and affectionate female elephant.

When the king's government threatens to close the stable, Nandu, now twelve, searches for a way to save his family and community. A risky plan could be the answer. But to succeed, they'll need a great tusker. The future is in Nandu's hands as he sets out to find a bull elephant and bring him back to the Borderlands.

In simple poetic prose, author Eric Dinerstein brings to life Nepal's breathtaking jungle wildlife and rural culture, as seen through the eyes of a young outcast, struggling to find his place in the world.

My Comments
Magical. This gentle book conveys the power of connections and love. Give to Jane Goodall fans and kids who love animals. Uplifting!

THE HATE U GIVE by Angie Thomas

Realistic Fiction, Police Shooting, Racism, Conduct of Life, Friendship, Family

2018. 473 pages.

Multiple Awards including the Coretta Scott King and Printz Awards

Summary

"Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed. Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil's name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr. But what Starr does--or does not--say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life." (Follett)

My Comments

I listened to the audio book. Excellent narration. I was riveted to the story and frequently cried throughout. A passionate, important book with characters who are courageous with strong values of loyalty, family, friendship, and justice. A remarkable book.

KING OF THE SCREWUPS by K.L. Going

Realistic Fiction; Gender Identity; Fathers and Sons
REVIEW
Booklist (April 15, 2009 (Vol. 105, No. 16))
Grades 7-12. "Like her previous novels, including the Printz Honor Book Fat Kid Rules the World (2003), Going’s latest is a surprising, memorable story shaped from unlikely character bonds. High-school senior Liam is a talented, straight athlete who is as gorgeous as his mother, a former supermodel, and has inherited her interest in clothes: “I love fashion. And girls.” A mediocre student, he constantly disappoints his dad, an angry, sometimes verbally abusive executive who kicks Liam out of the house after one too many perceived transgressions. Against his homophobic dad’s wishes, Liam moves in with his gay, cross-dressing, trailer-dwelling uncle, Aunt Pete. Determined to meet his father’s expectations, Liam joins the AV club at his new school and actively tries to fight his natural status as “Mr. Popularity”; but once again, everything goes awry. Liam’s parents occasionally feel more like caricatures than fully developed characters, but Liam and Aunt Pete are true originals, and Going balances her strong messages of self-discovery and acceptance with compassionate, bittersweet scenes that highlight the soul-sapping futility of trying to please unappeasable adults."

Loved this one! Actually I love every book that I've read by Going. She is a fantastic teen writer - humorous, but with a punch of reality.