Book Blurb #10: The D.U.F.F. (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) by Kody Keplinger

          The D.U.F.F. (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) is a fun and light-hearted story about a teenage girl named, Bianca.  Like most teenage girls, she is a bit self-conscious, and has some issues with boys.  One boy in particular, Wesley, is a total jerk to Bianca, giving her the nickname D.U.F.F., which stands for Designated, Ugly, Fat, Friend.  But despite the friction between these two characters, they develop a relationship with each other and also begin to develop genuine feelings for one another.  It is revealed that both characters are struggling with issues in their home life and turn to one another as a distraction.  With witty comedic banter and awkward teenage interactions, The D.U.F.F. is a relatable story for adolescents. 

          For some reason this book was the book that I was looking forward to reading more than any other. Though I did enjoy the book, I felt like I had got myself all excited and my idea of the book was better than what it actually ended up being.  Regardless, I thought it was a decent story, considering it was the author’s first novel.  Additionally, I could see a lot of teenage girls relating to Bianca’s experiences. 

            I feel that this book would be best for students who are in high school, because there are some inappropriate scenes that deal with sex and alcoholism/abuse.  With that said, it would make a good book for girls to read as part of a unit on friendship and respect.  One of the lessons presented in the book deals with name-calling.  The main character realizes that her name-calling is just as bad as calling someone a D.U.F.F. 

          Students could get together to reflect on issues stemmed from name-calling and/or bullying. 

          Based on what they read in D.U.F.F. and their own personal experiences, students could also write poetry expressing how being bullied felt and ways in which they coped.

          Additionally, students could use this book as a platform to promote anti-bullying initiatives.  

          Here is Kody Keplinger talking about the meaning of D.U.F.F. and her experience as being "the D.U.F.F." in her group of friends.

Thanks for stopping by!

Jamie

Book Blurb #9: Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugine Yelchin

     

          In Breaking Stalin’s Nose, Sasha Zaichik is a child who is a communist.  He respects and agrees with the views of the communist party and idolizes Stalin.  That is until his world, as he knew it starts crumbling down.  Right before he is to join the Soviet Young Pioneers, Sasha’s father, a member of the secret police, is arrested.  From this point on, Sasha’s viewpoint shifts. Specific events happen, like accidently breaking the nose off of the Stalin statue at school and lessons taught by he teacher, that put think into perspective for Sasha. Though the story only takes place over the course of a couple of days, it is well worth reading.   

          When I read this story I was very interested.  I thought the plot was interesting, but I absolutely loved learning about this part of history.  I thought the fact that the story was told from Sasha’s perspective really made the difference.  Though some events seemed unfathomable,  this story is a great way to present this historical information to a younger group of individuals.

          This book would be the perfect book to read when learning about World War II because it presents such a different perspective of that era.  The book provides information about the war, but also about Russian history and communism.  Students could complete reader response journals when reading this book.  This way they would be able to reflect and analyze major events of the story and of history.  I feel that it would be important for the students to try and understand Sasha’s perspective to truly understand the effects communism had on all members of society.

          In addition to reader response journals, students could create presentations on major events and characters.  One of my favorite activities is called the “Trash Can.”  This is where students make a poster containing all the things that would be in a specific characters trash bin.  All items would represent the character based on what was read in the story or known about the person throughout history.  

          Check out this clip of the author, Eugine Yelchin! Very interesting stuff!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jamie

Book Blurb #8: Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward

          Salvage the Bones is a powerful novel that leaves a lasting impression.  The main character, Esch, and her family, live in rural town in Mississippi.  Over the course of the story, the reader learns of the numerous struggles this family has to face.  For one, their father is a single alcoholic who is borderline neglectful.  Additionally, Esch has three younger brothers and no food for any one to eat, she has just found out that she is pregnant at the age of 14, and to make matters worse, a large hurricane is about to hit their coastal town.  Esch and her brothers have to come together and learn to rely on one another more than usual in order to survive.  At several times throughout the book, you find yourself asking, “Will Esch and her brothers be able to muster up the strength necessary to battle poverty and their dismal fait?”  

          The book, Salvage the Bones, pleasantly surprised me.  At first it seemed like such a negative read, as if nothing good would ever come for these characters.  As the story went on, I began to feel uplifted and inspired by the strength and passion of children.  I feel that though, I always felt sorry for the characters in this story, they each had their own moments of validation and victory, which made me feel happy in the end.

       

          Salvage the Bones is a powerful story that could be used in an upper level classroom.  I feel that students would enjoy the book because it deals with an event that they have heard of and has happened somewhat recently, Hurricane Katrina.  If working on a unit surrounding survival, this would be the perfect book to read. Students could also study the cause and effect relationships in the text, along with problem and solution.

          Some related extension activities could include:

• A science/current event activity focusing on hurricanes, how they form, features of the storm, history of hurricanes, devastating effects, recent hurricanes, etc.
• Students could compare and contrast events in the book with events happening in real life (Hurricane Katrina/Sandy.
• In response to the book, students could make book brochures as a way to summarize main events, analyze characters, discuss the setting, etc.

Thanks for stopping by!

Jamie

Book Blurb # 7: Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

          Hoot is a classic tale told from the perspective of the new student and outcast, Roy. While being harassed by bullies may seem like the worst way to start off in a new place, Roy soon starts to appreciate the bullying, purely for the events that happen because of it.  While getting beat up, Roy meets Beatrice and the running boy (Mullet Fingers), and they embark on an adventure of a lifetime.  Together Roy, Beatrice, and Mullet Fingers set out to stop the development of a new pancake house. The pancake house happens to sit on top of a colony of burrowing owls.  Building the pancake house would mean destroying the owls and their home, and the characters in this story are determined to not let that happen, despite facing resistance from the crooked developers.

           Though I had seen the movie version of this book, I had never actually read the book.  I always enjoyed the movie, but (of course) the book was significantly better.  I loved the storyline and I enjoyed the dynamic relationship between all of the characters. Also, being an animal lover, it was touching to read a story that brings awareness to such causes.  Since reading the book, I have recommended it to many of my 4^th graders.  They have all loved the book and pass it, along with the other Hiaasen books, around with their peers. 

          Now that many of my students have read this book, I think it would be fun to complete the Carl Hiaasen webquest that I created for my literature enrichment project.  Through this webquest, students would be able to read all about the author and answer questions related to the various activities.  Additionally, they would be able to learn more about his other novels, which have similar plots and themes. 

          Focusing more on the book Hoot, students could watch the movie and complete an analysis, comparing and contrasting the main events, main characters, and essential themes of both versions.

          Additionally, a class could complete an reflection/character education activity that centered around relevant themes in the text (friendship, integrity, corruption) Sample reflection questions could include:

1. Based on what you read in Hoot, what qualities would you find in a genuine friend? 

2. The story Hoot deals with a lot of corruption and dishonesty. In what ways did some of the main characters maintain their integrity throughout the story?

3. In you own words, why is integrity an important element of a person’s character?


Thanks for stopping by!

Jamie

Book Blurb #6: Heist Society by Ally Carter

          Welcome back to The Apple!  I just finished reading the book Heist Society by author Ally Carter and I really enjoyed it.  It was one of those books that you could just get lost in!  You may be thinking that the name Ally Carter sounds familiar and if you are, you are correct!  Ally Carter is also the author of the acclaimed series Gallagher Girls.  Though, I have never actually read that series, I hear they are pretty good.  If you have read any of the Gallagher Girls books, then you can attest to the awesome-ness that Ally Carter creates in her writing!  Before I blab more about the book I just read, I wanted to share this interview I found on YouTube.  Ally Carter talks about moving on from the Gallagher Girls series, how she came up with the idea for writing Heist Society, and even the potential of a movie!  Enjoy!

       

            Heist Society is an action packed, young-adult novel, staring main character and con artist, Katarina (Kat) Bishop.  In an effort to escape her criminal past and live a normal life, Katarina sneaks her way into boarding school.  Unfortunately, her efforts to achieve normalcy end quickly once Hale arrives. Hale, a con man himself, gets Katarina kicked out of school because he needs her help.  Apparently, Katarina’s father has, ironically enough, been framed for committing a crime that he actually did not commit.  It is up to Kat and Hale to steal back the missing paintings and prove her father’s innocence.

            I very much enjoyed the book, Heist Society.  I loved Kat’s character.  I also liked witnessing the relationship between Kat and Hale develop throughout the story. I feel that many teenage girls and boy would love this book because it is action packed and has a unique plot.  Heist Society has received several awards including the Texas Lone Star Reading List (2011); YALSA Teens Top Ten Book (2010); North Carolina Book Award Booklist (2010-2011); Teens Top 10 Finalist;

           I think this book would be a great book to use for classroom book clubs.  I could see many students being interested in this text.  It is interesting and contains unexpected twits that would engage boys and girls alike. During classroom book clubs students could really analyze the text structure, identify cause and effect relationships in the text, and conduct character analysis activities.

          More specifically, I think it would be a lot of fun for students to write alternate endings to this story.  After reading the text, students could brainstorm alternate endings as a while class.  Using the generated ideas, students could go through the writing process to compose the alternate ending.  After, students could complete a “gallery walk” and vote on their favorite alternate ending based on its level of accuracy relating to the text, practicality, and inventiveness.

Thanks for stopping by!

Jamie