New YA Memoir – Becoming Maria

Posted on April 1, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Manzano, Sonia. Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx. New York: Scholastic Press, 2015. 978-0-545-62184-7. $18.00. 262p. Gr. 9 and up.

Most of us grew up watching Sesame Street and know all of its familiar loveable characters like members of our own families, but we may not have thought about how they got to that famed street. Becoming Maria shares Sonia Manzano’s journey from the South Bronx to Sesame Street sharing her earliest memories spanning from discovering her love of the theater as a young child to getting accepted at Carnegie Mellon University for acting. The emotional abuse that she endured from her alcoholic father, and the physical and sexual abuse from strangers will tug on readers’ heartstrings. Her family’s desire to create a better life for themselves was a struggle and often didn’t go as planned. They moved a lot from shabby apartment to shabby apartment often taking in family members as they immigrated from Puerto Rico. Becoming Maria is a true depiction of the American Dream and will give hope to all students with the desire to reach for the stars. Thoughts: This is a great memoir of a familiar tv star. It could be used in the tv classroom, theater arts program, or even in a history or language arts classroom. The writing hooks readers in with short chapters that lead the reader through the seventies and eighties.

Memoir Laura Ward, Fox Chapel Area High School

YA Nonfiction – The Shift; Judge This

Posted on February 2, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Brown, Theresa. The Shift: One Nurse, Twelve Hours, Four Patients’ Lives. Chapel Hill: Algonquin. 2015. 226p. $24.95. Gr. 9 and up.

We all know that nursing is hard; that nurses are often overlooked, underpaid, and way underappreciated. New York Times Opinion Columnist Theresa Brown, sets out to change that perception in The Shift. Brown gives an inside look at her day; from when she rises before the sun; to when she arrives at home after her twelve hour shift at a Pittsburgh hospital. Her day begins with three patients, all with varying types and stages of cancer, and continues as she’s given a fourth patient with an unusual, unpredicted infection. The reality of how busy nurses are, how little doctors respect the nurses on their floor, and how demanding some patients are, is vivid in this honest portrayal of one day in a nurse’s life. Thoughts: This is great work of narrative nonfiction. Although heavy with medical lingo at times, Brown makes sure to define everything for those readers not familiar with medical terms. This is a perfect book for a student interested in a career in medicine.

616; Health Care; Memoir Laura Ward, Fox Chapel Area High School

Kidd, Chip. Judge This. New York: TED Books, 2015. 978-1-4767-8478-6. 125 p. $16.99. Gr. 7 & up.

This adorable little book presents examples of design in multiple mediums and weighs the functionality of each. Chip Kidd is primarily a book jacket designer, but he includes examples of advertising, signs, packaging, and more. He rates each example on its clarity vs. mystery. “Clarity gets to the point … mystery gives us hope,” is how he sums up the difference. Designers often strive for a balance between the two. He notes that some mystery in design is often a good thing, but other times it’s just confusing. On examples of poor design, Kidd offers tips to improve. Kidd’s approach is functional and humorous, easily accessible by readers who have no design experience. THOUGHTS: This is a great book to include in a graphic arts or design course. I would present examples from this book and ask students to find their own examples of good and bad design to add to the collection. Students who are familiar with Kidd’s TED talk or design work will pick this up, especially because he does a lot of work with comic books and graphic novels. Students who don’t know who he is will still enjoy his unique perspective on our everyday visual encounters. Reluctant readers may pick this up because of the eye-popping visuals, small size, and sparse text.

Graphic Art, Design Kristen Rowe, Plum Senior High School

Take a Stand – New YA NF – Between the World and Me; Three More Words

Posted on February 1, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Coates, Ta-Nehisi. Between the World and Me. New York: Spiegel & Grau, 2015. 978-0-8129-9354-7. 152 p. $24.00. Gr. 9 and up.

Ta-Nehisi Coates writes this book for his son. It’s written as a letter to Samori, and what a beautifully written piece. Coates began to write this book after a grand jury declined to indict the police officer who shot Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. This was his attempt at explaining the world as he sees it; his experiences as a boy in school and his neighborhood in Baltimore; his college experience at Howard University, and his life since. “Never forget that for 250 years black people were born into chains—whole generations followed by more generations who knew nothing but chains.” There is fear, sadness, harsh reality, and hope in this work. THOUGHTS: Being a huge fan of “The Atlantic” magazine, I have read many articles by Coates and was very interested in reading this book. What a powerful work! My copy is flagged, underlined, and full of post its. Teachers and students should read this book. Its commentary on growing up black in America is necessary and important.

Social Commentary Rachel Gutzler, Wilson High School

Rhodes-Courter, Ashley. Three More Words. New York: Atheneum, 2015. 978-1-4814-1557-6. 290 p. $18.99. Gr. 9 and up.

Ashley Rhodes-Courter was a child of the foster care system. Taken from her mother at age three, she spent her childhood in 14 foster homes over ten years. She didn’t come out of it totally unscathed, but she was resilient, finding strength to advocate for herself and others in the system, and writing a book (Three Little Words) about her early life. Years later, she continued the story with this book, Three More Words. Ashley seems to have it all: a bright future with a career and speaking engagements. She was helping other children in the system, and she got her “happily ever after”, but it wasn’t always easy. She had to deal with issues from her past, and does so with great honesty in the book. She is very honest about her biological parents, foster parents, the foster care system, and all the struggles she had. The photos are a great addition, as are the updates included at the end of the book. THOUGHTS: I was touched by Ashley’s first memoir, Three Little Words, and her struggle spending almost 10 years in the foster care system, ultimately being adopted by a family. I was very excited to read more of her story. This was a wonderful follow-up, and I highly recommend both books.

Memoir Rachel Gutzler, Wilson High School

Middle School Nonfiction – Scientists in Action (series); Child Soldier (NF GN)

Posted on January 18, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Scientists in Action! (series). Broomall, PA: Mason Crest, 2016. 48 p. $20.95. each. Gr. 5-8.

Cassriel, Betsy R. Robot Builders! 978-1-4222-3426-6.

Kelley, K.C. Astronauts! 978-1-4222-3418-1.

Bailey, Diane. Biomedical engineers! 978-1-42223-420-4.

Glenn, John. Civil engineers! 978-1-42223-421-1.

Kelley, K.C. Marine biologists! 978-1-42223-425-9.

Rich, Mari. Big-animal vets! 978-1-42223-419-8; Cyper spy hunters! 978-1-42223-424-2,

Sutinis, Beth. Crime scene techs! 978-1-42223-423-5.

Thompson, Clifford. Archaeologists! 978-1-42223-417-4; Climatologists. 978-1-42223-422-8.

Icons draw attention to vocabulary, research projects and text-dependent questions in this new series from Mason Crest. Text is supported with catchy headings and colorful images. Just as Star Wars inspired scientist Dr. Dennis Hong to learn about robots, this series exposes readers to careers that they may have yet to consider. Readers will learn that robots are able to help soldiers in battle, safely explore the ocean and also assist doctors with surgery. If students have a passion for space, they can learn what they can do so they are prepared to apply to become an astronaut or a scientist in the field while learning first hand experiences of space related scientists. A listing of books and websites to read and learn additional facts and a series glossary of key terms and an index conclude each book. Thoughts: The series presents the many opportunities found in science while inspiring the possibilities that students invision for their future.

Careers and Occupations; Science Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Humphreys, Jessica Dee and Michel Chikwanine. Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War. Illustrated by Claudia Davila. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2015. 978-1-77138-126-0. 48 p. $17.95 Gr. 5-8.

This SLJ star reviewed graphic novel is a harrowing nonfiction memoir that provides an overview of the Democratic Republic of Congo leading up to the story beginning in 1993. Children craft their own soccer balls of paper and plastic bags. During a soccer game, rebel militia arrive. Michel is hopeful that his father, a civil rights lawyer, won’t let the rebels succeed, but there is nothing that can be stopped at the time. The kids are taken and later cut with a knife while the rebels place “brown brown” (gunpowder and cocaine mixture) in the wound. After being blindfolded, five year old Michel is ordered to kill his best friend. The book is powerful and the resources provide ways that children can make differences in the world. THOUGHTS: Consider cataloging this book with the graphic novels. Students that enjoy graphic novels might not find the book in the 300’s and they might gain a great deal by reading this graphic novel. This book provides a story of growing up that may be unknown to students.

NF Graphic Novel; Children and War Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Some Assembly Required…new memoir

Posted on October 29, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Andrews, Arin. Some Assembly Required: The Not-So-Secret Life of a Transgender Teen. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2015. 978-1-48141-675-7. 248 p. $17.99. Gr. 9 & up.

Arin’s memoir traces his struggles with gender dysphoria and eventual transition from female to male. Arin, born Emerald, felt from a young age that he was born in the wrong body. As he began to develop as a female, he became depressed and suicidal. It wasn’t until he saw a first-person YouTube video about a transgender person that Arin realized what he was experiencing. He began attending an LGBT support group and met Katie Hill, a teen who was transitioning from male to female. Their relationship highs and lows played a large role in Arin’s journey. Although Arin’s mom was not 100% supportive at first, she ultimately learned to accept him for who he is. Not all transgender teens are lucky enough to have family and friends as supportive as Arin’s, which he acknowledges. A list of resources in the back is essential to teens in isolated small towns such as Arin’s. This book is a strong addition to any memoir collection: All teens will gain compassion for the struggles of the transgender community, and teens who are transgender will find strength in Arin’s moving story. Pair with Katie’s memoir (Rethinking Normal), which also touches on her relationship with Arin.

Memoir (LGBT) Kristen Rowe, Plum Senior High School

The Boys in the Boat…young reader’s edition

Posted on September 15, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Brown, Daniel James. The Boys in the Boat: The True Story of an American Team’s Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936 Olympics. New York: Viking, 2015. 978-1-101-47592-3. 240 p. $17.99. Grade 5+.

The Great Depression was a difficult time for millions of people, including young Joe Rantz, who was forced out of his home because his family couldn’t care for him. Although Joe went back to his family, he was later sent away by his new stepmother who didn’t want any reminders of her husband’s previous family. In order to survive, Joe worked hard and learned to be self-reliant. He was bright and realized that college would enable him to achieve the financial independence he needed. He was accepted by the University of Washington in Seattle and tried out for the rowing team in order to stay at the university. Many of Joe’s teammates on the rowing team were in a similar position; they didn’t come from wealthy families and were used to hard physical labor. The boys on the boat were strong, but they were also insecure and didn’t know how to work together as a team. As they began to connect and rely on each other, they started to win against more skilled teams from California and the East Coast. Finally, they found the perfect synchrony that only exists in the best rowing teams, and they were on the path to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.

797.12; Memoir; Rowing Susan Fox, Washington JSHS

Although this book is supposed to be about the entire University of Washington rowing team that went to the Berlin Olympics, it is arguably Joe Rantz’s story. His life circumstances were almost unimaginably tragic, but he constantly picked himself up and worked to improve his situation. This aspect of the story alone makes The Boys in the Boat a worthy read for students. Although I didn’t find the coach’s speeches and the race descriptions to be that interesting, the human aspects of the story are engaging. The book’s treatment of Nazi Germany during the 1936 Olympics is somewhat controversial; the author portrays Germany as the rowers saw it, a friendly and scenic European country. They seemed to have little awareness of Hitler’s treatment of the Jews and the coming storm. On a final note, this book is very strong in the amount of supporting documentation it offers; there are many photographs, a timeline, a diagram/ description of the “art of rowing”, and a notes/ index section that will be included in the final version of the book. The Boys in the Boat will be a wonderful addition to any middle grade library.

Elena Vanishing…new YA Memoir

Posted on September 8, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Dunkle, Elena and Clare B. Elena Vanishing. San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2015. 978-1-4521-2151-2. 278 p. $17.99. Gr. 9 & up.

Elena Dunkle shares her harrowing battle with anorexia, which began to take hold shortly after she was raped while attending a German boarding school at age 13. Dunkle struggled through multiple rehabilitation centers over five years after she was diagnosed at age 17, losing friends, dreams, and ultimately herself. Her account is punctuated by the furious, obsessive voice anorexia took inside her mind. Her inner voice constantly berates her, demanding perfection, but it is never satisfied. So many times the reader may think Elena has hit her “rock bottom,” only to see her give up on treatment and increase her restriction and deception again. An exploration of her past traumas is what finally convinces Elena to face her demons head-on. An afterword underscores the gravity of eating disorders and recommends valuable resources for teens who may be exhibiting similar destructive behaviors. Her mother, who co-wrote Elena’s memoir with her, also wrote Hope and Other Luxuries: A Mother’s Life with a Daughter’s Anorexia. Pair the two to experience both women’s perspectives. Recommend to students who enjoyed Laurie Halse Anderson’s Wintergirls and are looking for an authentic account.

Memoir, Anorexia Kristen Rowe, Plum Senior High School

Brown Girl Dreaming…Memoir through Poetry

Posted on April 27, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Woodson, Jacqueline. Brown Girl Dreaming. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2014. 978-0-399-25251-8. 336p. Gr. 5 and up.

Woodson beautifully weaves her memories of growing up in Columbus, OH, Greenville (Nicholtown), SC, and New York City, into poems of her youth, family, friends, and ultimately maturation as an African-American born at the height of the Civil Rights movement. Her use of poetry to tell her story only adds to the memories of Daddy (her maternal grandfather), Dell, Hope, and Roman, her siblings, her mother, and her maternal grandmother. Each section of this memoir focuses on a different part of her youth, from the geography of moving multiple times, to the impact of being a Witness, to her desire to write and tell stories. Although each part of her memoir has a distinct focus, they are all intertwined because of Jackie or Jacqueline, depending on the poem and time in her life, and how each memory, event, family member, friend (and sometimes foes) help to shape her character and ultimately her writing. This is one of the most beautiful memoirs for young people. Not only do they get to experience Jacqueline Woodson’s youth (and the major movements in history during her youth), but they get to experience the beauty of storytelling through poetry, which in itself is an art. This is a must have addition to any memoir collection.

811; Memoir Erin Parkinson, Lincoln JSHS, Ellwood City

I got to meet Jacqueline Woodson this past summer at ALA, and she is awesome. She was very friendly and personable. Her memoir shares her wonderful character as she grows and matures. Her story will resonate with students who have single-parents, have moved, have been or are being raised by their grandparents, or who are just trying to figure things out in a confusing world. Each poem adds to the previous and Woodson’s story, but also is a beautiful stand-alone piece. The individual poems are great examples of using line and form to tell a story and are great examples for creative writing students developing their craft. Brown Girl Dreaming is a 2015 Newbery Honor Book, National Book Award winner, and Coretta Scott King author award.

Posted on April 22, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Copeland, Misty. Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina. New York: Touchstone, 2014. 978-1-476737-980. 288 p. $24.99 Gr. 9-12.

“This is for the little brown girls.”
Misty Copeland has worked her way from a “shuffled” sort of childhood to ballet stardom and, through her writing and affiliation with Under Armor, Prince, and more is nearly a household name. All this from a young woman who first took a ballet class at 13 (far beyond the usual 3 and 4-year-old beginning age) and who didn’t have the right “build” or the right skin color for ballet. What did she have? A seemingly innate ability to know and perform the moves, and soon, a love of ballet which fueled her drive to learn and to be the best. As evidenced in her memoir, she also has writing ability that pulls the reader in, and a kind, forgiving, no-grudges-held attitude. “This is for the little brown girls.” It is a line she repeats and a role she takes seriously. She sees herself as helping to open the body- and race-specific world of ballet to boys and girls of various sizes and races. This is an uplifting and inspiring biography of a woman to admire not only for her ballet accomplishments, but also for her strong, open-to-life character. This book fills a gaping need for biographies of contemporary dancers, and will be much in demand by young dancers in your school. Highly recommended.
792.8 Ballet; Memoir Melissa Scott, Shenango High School

How I Discovered Poetry

Posted on April 10, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Nelson, Marilyn. How I Discovered Poetry. New York: Dial Books, 2014. 978-0-8037-3304-6. 99p. $15.34. Gr. 7-12.

Written in poetry form, this book is a personal memoir of the famous author and poet Marilyn Nelson. Each page contains a beautifully written poem that invokes thought and critical thinking from the reader. The poems connect to tell the story of Nelson’s childhood as she lived in the 1950s. Readers get a firsthand taste of what it was like to be African American during the Civil Rights Movement, move from school to school with a military family, and live through the Red Scare in America.

This book is thought-provoking for both the 7th grade student learning about the Civil Rights Movement and seniors reading the book for pleasure. It was perfect for my 7th grade classes, who were moving from the subject of Civil Rights into a poetry unit with the Great Depression, since it connects both poetry and the Civil Rights. The winner of the Coretta Scott King Honor Award, this is a quick read that can be read in less than an hour!

811; Poetry (Memoir) Nicole Starner, Biglerville HS/Upper Adams MS

Literature Review

Part of the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA)

Tag Archives: Memoir