Steve Jobs The Man Who Thought Different

Blumenthal, Karen. STEVE JOBS THE MAN WHO THOUGHT DIFFERENT. 2012. New York: Feiwel And Friends Book. ISBN 9781250015570

Plot Summary:

Steve Jobs was part creator of the greatest technology piece that would go on to be a big-time, top-selling brand. Not only was he smart and brilliant but Steve was a guy who did things on his terms. He was a hard-worker, charmer, deep-thinker, and an inventor.  This is his life story: how he got his start and would go on to revamp and change a floundering computer company that would make him rich and known as a tech genius worldwide. Jobs would also give the people a love for animation that was realistic looking thanks to technology. It is a story about a man who wasn't perfect and experienced his share of troubles. A tech genius, driven, hardworking, family man, and well-respected by many in the tech industry as well as outside of it: meet Steve Jobs.

Critical Analysis:

Karen Blumenthal does a great job in writing about the life of Steve Jobs. The font size which is used to tell this story about a man who was complex, smart, at times unnerving, but was loved, respected, and disliked by some; makes this biography an easy read for teens.  Ms. Blumenthal weaves facts from many sources and tells a story that allows the reader to understand how and why Apple is a mainstay and giant in the world of technology. For many readers, what they will delight in learning as they read about Steve Jobs is how he is responsible for giving them Pixar, the animation company that has produced great kid movies like The Incredibles, Monster's Inc., and Toy Story, just to name a few. While, Ms. Blumenthal does give us some pictures, she is careful about not making this biography a photo album.  She chooses pictures that are meant highlight and/or supplement the chapters. It is her use of words and keen detail that make reading about the life of Steve Jobs interesting.  Ms. Blumenthal also includes a glossary so the reader can know and understand the technology jargon that was a part of Mr. Jobs life. It was interesting to read and one that I would recommend to teens who are interested in learning about the man who gave Apple a new life.

Review Excerpt(s):

"The vivid retelling of Job’s hurdles and triumphs will inspire you to never stop aiming for what you want to become. Everyone loves the underdog story and here we see how great things can come from even the humblest and most unlikely of beginnings. After all, Apple was started by two college dropouts in a parent’s garage. A great addition to any library, in either the adult and/or young adult sections!" (Bogan, Kelsey. 1 July, 2015. https://dontyoushushme.com/2015/07/01/steve-jobs-the-man-who-thought-different-2012/. Accessed November 30, 2022)

Publishers Weekly-"Framing her work around the themes of a lauded commencement speech that “technology rock star” Jobs delivered to Stanford University’s class of 2005, Blumenthal crafts an insightful, balanced portrait of the enigmatic man whose life was cut short by illness in 2011. The book chronicles Jobs’s boyhood passions for technology, simplicity, and design that led to his rocky tenures with the technology company he helped create, was fired from, and returned to and led to the heights of its success. Readers receive a primer in technological advances, including the mathematics of animation, as well as Jobs’s vision for product design and marketing innovation. Blumenthal relates accounts of Jobs’s eccentric hygiene and eating habits, his infamous tantrums and tirades in the workplace, and his harsh treatment of colleagues, loved ones, and friends. However, his charisma often won the day, and commentary from Jobs and his wife, given near the end of his life, help soften the picture. "

Connections:

Locate old Apple advertisements and project them or print them for students to examine and make observations about what Steve Jobs did to create the products.

Make copies of the commencement speech Steve Jobs gave in 2005, at Stanford University. Have students jot down notes about what Mr. Jobs was telling the graduates. Then play the video for students to watch and listen to the words they have read. Lead and facilitate a discussion about Mr. Jobs success and what his message was to the young college graduates. https://news.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html

Have students pair up or get into groups and create a timeline of the first Apple product to what is currently sold and used by consumers.

Talk about the economics of Apple and what Jobs vision was for the company. Discuss the impact that Apple products have had on people around the world.

The words written in this review are my own. They are written for the a graduate studies class at Sam Houston State University.

Black Birds In The Sky: The Story And Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

Colbert, Brandy. BLACK BIRDS IN THE SKY: THE STORY AND LEGACY OF THE 1921 TULSA RACE MASSACRE. 2021. NEW YORK: BALZER+BRAY. ISBN 9780063056664

Plot Summary:

This is the story of a community that is tragically killed because they dared to grow, thrive, and succeed in the face of adversity. The people who lived in the Greenwood District, a predominantly Black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma understood that they couldn't patronize certain establishments because of their race. These people were educated and they decided to create businesses for their own: banks, beauty salons, grocery stores, etc. But this was during segregation and despite the unjust and unfair treatment of Blacks; the people who lived in Greenwood worked hard to create and have something for themselves. Unfortunately, Whites didn't like what the people of Greenwood had and soon a misunderstanding led to the killing of hundreds of Black people.

Critical Analysis:

Brandy Colbert writes about the Tulsa Race Riots and Massacre through the lens of a historian.  Ms. Colbert takes care in doing research about an event that happened in America and has never been spoken outside of the few people who lived through it and are descendants of those killed. Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulse Race Massacre, she writes about history from information found in archives and talking with the descendants and survivors. With this retelling of one of the many massacres that happened in the United States during Jim Crow; all going untold and unknown except by the survivors and descendants of the community in which they lived.  Ms. Colbert opens with her own experience of growing up in a community where it was uncomfortable at times because she and her parents were one of the few Black families.  She goes on to write about how Greenwood was built and the circumstances that led to a group of people coming together and deciding to establish businesses that offered the same goods and services that Whites had but Blacks were not allowed to patronize or use. Although it takes a few chapters to learn what happened in Greenwood; Ms. Colbert offers a lot of background information to lead into how and what happened there. Black Birds in the Sky..., is well-written and contains a lot of historical facts and pictures. Students will not only benefit from this book but adults also because it is written in a manner that can be understood and allow for reflection on how things have or have not changed for Black Americans.

Review Excerpt(s):

Publishers Weekly(starred)-"Colbert displays an impeccable grasp of the history of segregated Black towns and communities, such as Tulsa’s Greenwood District, and the powder keg of hatred and prejudice that would eventually condemn it. Moreover, this telling of an often-excluded story is powerful in its clarity about “the violent, genocidal foundation of this country” and its continuing effects."

Kirkus Reviews-"By weaving together many elements, this sophisticated volume makes clear that the destruction of Black property and lives in the Tulsa Race Massacre was not an isolated incident. Beginning with the author’s personal foreword and continuing throughout the detailed narrative, readers are guided to see the complex, interconnected nature of history. The clear, readable prose supports a greater understanding both of how and why incidents like the one in Tulsa happened and their exclusion from curriculum and conversations about U.S. history."

Connections:

Ask students what they know about the state of Oklahoma. Record their answers on chart paper and then read the story, Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston-Weatherford, Illustrated by Floyd Cooper.

PBS Learning Media has a collection of lessons and visuals that talk about the community of Greenwood and what happened in Tulsa, Oklahoma. https://houstonpbs.pbslearningmedia.org/search/?q=tulsa%20race%20massacre

The words found in this review are my own and have been written as part of a graduate studies class at Sam Houston State University.

Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary

Brockenbrough, Martha. ALEXANDER HAMILTON REVOLUTIONARY. 2017. New York: Feiwel and Friends. ISBN 9781250123190

Plot Summary:

Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of treasury and this was because of his loyalty to George Washington and believing that the Colonists were entitled to certain rights independent of the British. In this biography about a man who would late be responsible for creating the Treasury Department; we learn about where Alexander Hamilton was born and how he was raised by a mother who would be labeled a whore to eventually becoming an orphan. We read about how Mr. Hamilton decides to go to New York to further himself by getting an education at a reputable college to meeting Angelica Schuyler and being introduced to her sister, Elizabeth.  We learn how Alexander Hamilton tries to befriend Aaron Burr (only to lose his life at his hands) and ultimately becomes the right-hand man of General George Washington. Alexander Hamilton lived a life filled with great moments as well as scandalous moments and this is his life story.

Critical Analysis:

Martha Brockenbrough has written a well-detailed and interesting account of Alexander Hamilton.  As I first ventured into reading this book, I was impressed with the font that Ms. Brockenbrough chose that resembles early colonial period. I believe she chose this style to match Hamilton's early writings and documents that she includes in the book as well as other documents from this time period.  The font size entices the teen/YA reader as it is easy reading and viewing on the eyes. Something else that caught my eye about this book is it's cover: the photo is the portrait that I believe is found on the $10.00 and around the edges are adjectives that describe how Alexander Hamilton was known. When it comes to the life account of Alexander Hamilton, Ms. Brockenbrough has done extensive research, providing some of the basic information about where Hamilton is born and raised to how he made his way to New York and would ingratiate himself into business and political circles. She goes further with what readers may know to filling in the holes and expanding on the accomplishments, achievements, and unfortunately some of the not so great moments of Mr. Hamilton.  What she has done is give a more complete picture of who Alexander Hamilton was; as many teens have watched the musical that made this Founding Father famous or a least they have listened to the soundtrack and/or engaged in discussions with friends. Ms. Brockenbrough even includes in her biography about Mr. Hamilton: illustrations, portraits of key figures who played a role in establishing our country, and a lot of extra information about societal norms for that time. Ms. Brockenbrough does an excellent job of citing the sources that she used to write this biography. I would highly recommend this book to any person who is interested in learning about Alexander Hamilton. Although, it is meant for teen readers; this is also a good place for adults to start who may not be interested in a biography due to the length.

Review Excerpt(s):

Publishers Weekly-"Tracing Hamilton’s amazing journey from his illegitimate birth in 1755 on the West Indies island of Nevis to his death by duel in 1804, Brockenbrough (The Game of Love and Death) dives into the extraordinary life of this accomplished and multifaceted historical figure. Packed with characters and detailed descriptions of the major historical events of the late 18th century, including many Revolutionary battle scenes, the book’s scope is somewhat daunting; even readers newly obsessed with Hamilton, thanks to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s blockbuster musical, may feel overwhelmed at times."

CommonSense Media-"This book tackles some heavy topics about Hamilton. The BIO of him impacted me to think what Alexander went through! This book has some disturbing violence that may scare young ones. When I bought this book, it is was everything I hoped for and more! Not for young kids; more for older teens!" (commonsense media.org. Accessed 2022, November 25)

Connections:

Ask students what do they know about Alexander Hamilton and then share a few video with them about the man responsible for our country's financial system and other government practices. Crash Course: Emerging Politics

United States Treasury Profile: Treasury Secretary Ask students if they know what dollar denomination Alexander Hamilton is on? Share with them the history of when he was chosen to be featured on the bill and who he replaced.

PBS Lesson: Who Was Alexander Hamilton?

Many students are familiar with the musical, Hamilton; however, they may not have seen it. Talk with your administration (if applicable) about showing the musical in class over the course of 2-3 days. Use this as a culmination to reading the book.

The words found in this review are my own and were written for a graduate studies class at Sam Houston State University.

First Test (Book 1 of the Protector of the Small Quartet

Pierce, Tamora. FIRST TEST (BOOK 1 OF THE SMALL QUARTET). 1999. New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN 0679889140

Plot Summary:

Alanna is excited to know that another young girl wants to be a page.  Being a page was a step that led on the path becoming a knight. What made this experience different is that Kelandry is the daughter of a Baron and she would not have to hide her sex. Kelandry is excited to learn that she will be able to study and become a page but there is a stipulation: that she will go through a probationary period. Kelandry doesn't like this, because she wants to be treated just like the boys. As she begins her training, Kelandry is teased and taunted for wanting to be a page instead of a noble lady. 

Critical Analysis:

First Test was a good read. Ms. Pierce writes in a style that is easy to follow and understand. She offers a setting that is medieval but isn't too dark and heavy with violence. The characters of Alanna and Kelandry are well-written; Ms. Pierce doesn't make them too girly or even tomboyish. She balances the girls with personalities that are strong, respectful, but have grit and determination.  Throughout the story as Kelandry trains, the reader gets the impression that girls and boys have defined roles and they are not to try things not meant for them. Something that makes this story fantastic fiction is the use of magic by Alanna.  It is believed that because of Alanna's "gift" that is how she was able to achieve knighthood. Although, First Test may at times seem to be trying to capture the magic like Harry Potter (mentioning Alanna); it is a story that stands alone.

Review Excerpt(s):

"This is a nice quick read with a smooth cohesive plot that really works as both a primer for the world and a refresher for returning reader. I am giving it such a high rating for mostly enjoyment purposes but do still think this is a very solid first book for a series."(https://hedwigsworldofbooks.home.blog/2020/06/14/review-first-test-by-tamora-pierce-the-protector-of-the-small/. 2020, June. Accessed 2022, November15)

Connections:

Ask students if they are familiar with classism and sexism. Have them think about places and things that are impacted by these two systems.

The words found in this review are my own. They are written for a graduate studies class at Sam Houston State University.

Dread Nation

 Ireland, Justina. DREAD NATION. 2018. New York: Balzar + Bray. ISBN 978006257604

Plot Summary:

Jane was taken from her home, Rose Hill plantation. Born to a rich White Southern woman, Jane would always be considered less of a person because she was Black.  But Jane was taken because it was required of her and girls like her (brown and black) to learn how to fight and kill Shamblers aka zombies.  jane's mother taught her how to read and carry herself in society but Jane was born too dark and so she will never be accepted by the upper crust.  While attending Miss Preston's School of Combat Jane befriends Katherine Deveraux. Jane and Katherine are chosen to work at a society event that is being hosted by the mayor. Jane was chosen primarily for her skills that she exhibited while out when Shamblers invaded a crowd of people. Before long, and through circumstances that Jane brought upon herself, she gets shipped to a new town called Summerland. Soon, Jane discovers something evil about the men of Summerland: they are mean and do not like outsiders especially Jane and Katherine.

Critical Analysis:

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland was an exciting read! I have to say that reading about zombies and the Civil War was not on my list. However, Ms. Ireland writes with depth and detail; she tackles topics that may not be obvious to the reader but the more you read about Jane and the adventure she goes on to help her ex, you may pick up on the sexism, classism, and racism that is woven throughout this story. Ms. Ireland jumps right in by writing about Jane being born on a plantation to a mother who is white but the father is black (a slave). While Jane's mother loves her unconditionally, she cannot protect her from the law that says girls who are Black and Native Americans (Indians) must go to school and learn how to fight the zombies known as Shamblers. Ms. Ireland does not hold back on writing about the societal norms and ills that take place throughout the story. She manages to stay true to the setting in that this story takes place during the Civil War; a time of slavery and segregation. It is also a time when women were seen as weak and lacking the ability to do for themselves. But Ms. Ireland decides to give what one can read to be a historical fiction story a twist by adding zombies and a perfect town, that isn't perfect. Ms. Ireland writes a story that is a mash-up of historical fiction meets dystopian and add a little scary and a little love and you get fantastic fiction. 

Review Excerpt(s):

Common Sense Media-" It is well written with complex themes regarding slavery, self-determination, and good and evil. Zombies, of course, are never just zombies, but metaphors for the ills of society. It straddles the lines of historical fiction and fantasy well. Jane and Catherine are great, strong, complex characters. I love a story where the heroes are teen girls of color." (Jeanette W. 2021. commonsensemedia.org. Accessed 2022, November 15.)

Publishers Weekly-"Abundant action, thoughtful worldbuilding, and a brave, smart, and skillfully drawn cast entertain as Ireland (Promise of Shadows) illustrates the ignorance and immorality of racial discrimination and examines the relationship between equality and freedom. Mounting peril creates a pulse-pounding pace, hurtling readers toward a nail-biting conclusion that inspires and will leave them apprehensive about what’s to come."

Connections:

Find short stories and historical accounts that talk about life during the Civil War. Have students read these pieces as they are reading Dread Nation. Ask them what do they notice?

Share with students "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street"; allow them read the play (there is an abridged version). Hold a discussion asking them if they notice any themes or topics that could be similar to Dread Nation. Then let them watch the Twilight Zone episode.

The words of this review are my own and are created for graduate studies work at Sam Houston State University.

Cinder

Meyer, Marissa. CINDER. 2012. New York: Feiwel and Friends. ISBN 9780312641894

Plot Summary:

Cinder is a 16 year-old cyborg. She is a human and yet much of her body is has wires. She is very skilled at repairing electronics and one day the prince (Kai) comes to her booth, wanting Cinder to fix his android. But before Cinder is able to complete the job, she is sent to a lab  for experimentation where the doctor is trying to find a cure for a deadly plague. But soon, it is discovered that Cinder is immune to this plague. Cinder wants to save her cousin and makes the doctor promise that the first antidote will be given to her cousin but it is too late. As Cinder cousin has died; so has Prince Kai's father and he (Kai) is being forced into a relationship with a queen who only wants  more power. Can Cinder help Prince Kai and save the people of New Beijing or will she die in prison?

Critical Analysis:

Marissa Meyer does a superb job with taking a classic fairy tale (Cinderella) and turning it into a science fiction fantasy. Cinder is the first book in the Lunar Chronicles series and it is what I had dubbed as a "fractured fairy tale" because the author chose to make a cute, sappy, girl story into something dark.  Upon initially reading Cinder, I found it to be a little slow and uninteresting. However, once I got further into reading the story, I became intrigued with what was going to happen to Cinder. Ms. Meyer writes with great detail; describing Cinder and how she is able to remove her foot due to the pain and discomfort; to how the people react at learning that someone has caught the plague. In a story that has a dystopia/fantasy setting: New Beijing and Eastern Commonwealth, the reader is able to decipher that the story is taking place in China.  Although Ms. Meyer has created a disease that is known as "letumosis", this reminds me of the Black Plague. Ms. Meyer keeps the story moving with the action of following Cinder as she navigates trying to save Peony; to learning that she is not a typical cyborg.  I can not find the right words to fully describe how Ms. Meyer has taken various literary elements and written a story that has the reader hoping for the "happy ending" that we look for in fairy tales but not offering full-on sappiness. She manages to provide intrigue, good versus evil, and even a few eclectic characters: Dr. Erland, Iko, and Peony. One day, I will make time to finish reading the other books in this series.

Review Excerpt(s):

The Guardian-"The story was interesting and had plenty of twists and turns to keep me entertained. I did guess the ‘big reveal’ right from the start but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. There was a good blend of action and mystery which was addictive; I always wanted to know what happened next." (theguardian.com. 15 November 2015. Accessed 14 November 2022)

Publishers Weekly-"First in the Lunar Chronicles series, this futuristic twist on Cinderella retains just enough of the original that readers will enjoy spotting the subtle similarities. But debut author Meyer’s brilliance is in sending the story into an entirely new, utterly thrilling dimension. "

Connection(s):

Pass out copies of Cinderella to students and have them get into groups of four and read-aloud the story. Ask them a series of questions that relate to theme, setting, characters, and mood.

Show a few clips from Disney's Cinderella. Have the students create a Venn diagram (or other graphic organizer) on the similarities and differences of the story they read and what the clips showed.

For a creative writing assignment: have students rewrite the tale of Cinderella. It can be a story, poem, play, song, and/or a movie trailer.

Salt to the Sea

Sepetys. Ruta. SALT TO THE SEA. 2016. New York: Philomel Books ISBN 9780399160301

Plot Summary

This is a story about four people who leave their homes and countries during World War II. Joana, Florian, Emilia and Alfred meet each other as they are fleeing their countries for various reasons. Joana is a refugee from Lithuania and she has resettled in Germany. Emilia is 15 years old and pregnant as a result of being assaulted by German soldiers. Florian is an artist on the run because he stole from the German soldiers as an act of revenge. Florian works on the ship that Joana, Emilia, and Florian find themselves on.   Although, World War II is coming to an end, the protagnists of the story find themselves in a dangerous situation. This is a story told from four different perspectives and in the end they all have a few things in common. 

Critical Analysis

In Salt to the Sea, Ruta Sepetys, writes with great detail and care a story set in Eastern Europe during World War II. She has written a story that is told by four different people of various ages and from different backgrounds. It can be difficult write a story with multiple narrators and keep the plot strong but Ms. Sepetys does an excellent job in her writing. She seems to have done extensive research about the event which she writes about: the sinking of a large ship that was meant to transport people to safety and freedom. One detail that Ms. Sepetys chooses to write into her story is that of teenage pregnancy. The character of Emilia is pregnant because of an encounter with a German soldier.  Including a pregnant teenager in the story may seem out of character because this is set during World War II but Ms. Septys chose to write about a time in history where information has been lost and/or left untouched. Teenage pregnancy has been a part of humanity for years and although today many would consider this taboo; society has been dealing with this matter for centuries.  When it comes to the depictions of the atrocities and horrors that many Europeans experienced at the hands of the Germans, Ms. Septys captures those details quite well.  I will say that I prefer to read historical fiction that is somewhat light on the dark moments in history; and I do struggle with stories told from multiple points of view but Salt to the Sea is a decent read.

Review Excerpt(s)

Booklist-“An impeccably researched story of hardship and survival in Eastern Europe. In many ways, the greatest punishment—and the greatest of all tragedies—is to be forgotten. This haunting gem of a novel begs to be remembered, and in turn, it tries to remember the thousands of real people its fictional characters represent.”

School Library Journal-“Observations of war and loss, human cruelty, and hatred are unflinching. But through the horror and heartbreak shine rays of hope: love, kindness, courage, and sacrifice. Artfully told and sensitively crafted, Sepetys’s exploration of this little-known piece of history will leave readers weeping.”

Connections

Display a map of Eastern Europe and highlight the countries of Poland, Lithuania, Prussia, and Germany. Briefly talk about how World War II affected these countries and its citizens.

Create a character map or Venn diagrams: comparing and contrasting the characters.

Have students partner up or form groups of four and research the MV Wilhelm Gustloff (ship). 

Discuss with students if there are moments found in the story that mirror other historical events. (i.e., discrimination based on sex and/or race, assault, friendships)

The words found in this review are my own and are part of a graduate studies class at Sam Houston State University.