Hope Nation

Brock, Rose. 2018. HOPE NATION. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 9781524741679

Plot Summary

In this book there are stories of grit, determination, disappointment (surviving and coping), love, hope, and so much more. Professor Rose Brock has brought together YA authors who share their stories about life changing moments: Before and After by Libba Bray to finding your true love: Love by Nicola Yoon. A book filled with stories of inspiration.

Critical Analysis

Reading Hope Nation is emotional and insightful; reading about how various authors experienced a life changing moment and coming through that moment stronger and more resilient. Ms. Brock has assembled a variety of authors who are all strong in how they write. The stories assembled will take you on a journey of reflection: how life was growing up, trying to find oneself, and believing that anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself. Although each story is unique and different, the string or thread that binds them together is the theme of believing something will happen and it's up to you to make it happen. Ms. Brock found a way to encourage youth (this adult, too) during what can be considered tough growing years to see that life can be hard but it is how you respond that can make things better.

Review Excerpt(s)

Booklist (starred)-”This amazing outpouring of strength and honesty offers inspirational personal accounts for every reader who wonders what to do when everything seems impossible.”

School Library Journal-“An important and inspiring read for thoughtful teens.”

Connections

When teaching theme, ask students what are some topics they can think of. Then have them write a theme that relates to the topic. (use hope as an example if no students give this as answer)

Find 1-2 TED Talks given by authors from the book. Have students write down what they heard and learned from the talk.

Hold a discussion about the meaning of hope and what it can look like for teens. Then have students write a short reflection on experiencing hope.

The words expressed are my own and are part of a graduate studies class at Sam Houston State University.

Hey Kiddo

Krosocka, Jarrett J. 2018. HEY KIDDO: HOW I LOST MY MOTHER, FOUND MY FATHER,AND DEALT WITH FAMILY ADDICTION. New York: Graphix Scholastic. ISBN 9780545902479

Plot Summary

Growing up wondering why your mom isn't around can be hard for a young kid; Jarrett was upset that he couldn't stay with his mom but his grandparents loved him so much that they took him in. In Hey Kiddo, Jarrett Krosoczka tells his story of growing up and being raised by his grandparents. He talks about how loving they Shirley and Joe were, doing their best to instill good qualities in him. Jarrett also recalls what his mom was like: how she wanted to be a good mother but struggled because of addiction. As Jarrett grew up, he would learn that life has its ups and downs. Jarret found comfort in art and that is how works through his feelings. His mother always loved him but couldn't get herself together for awhile. Shirley and Joe (grandparents) would be there for Jarrett for all his life and his aunts and uncle supported Jarrett in his life choices.

Critical Analysis

In this well-written and greatly illustrated graphic memoir, Jarrett Krosoczka opens up about what his life was like being raised by his grandparents and having a mother who suffered with addiction.  He also has aunts and uncle who are supportive of him as well. He writes with strong detail, for example, his grandmother, Shirley used strong language(she drank occasionally), and Jarrett captured it well. He also captures the experiences with his grandfather well also by illustrating the conversations that show the emotions of how Joe felt about life and helping Jarrett understand it. Mr. Krosoczka is an excellent illustrator; he draws his family with precise detail. He also captures the other people and scenery with precision. Mr. Krosockza writes with strong feelings and emotions that the reader is able to feel angry, sad, or even relief at knowing that it possible for a person to grow up and make something out of themselves.

Review Excerpt(s)

Kirkus Review-"Krosoczka as an author generously and lovingly shows his flawed family members striving to do the best they can even as Krosoczka the character clearly aches for more."

"...Jarrett J. Krosoczka makes visible — and poignant and funny — what is most important about that experience: Somehow, you can still love your imperfect family and survive with your spirit unbroken." (McCormick, Patricia. 2018.October 18. New York Times. accessed 2022. September 30.)

Connections

During Red Ribbon week, talk with students about the negative affects of addiction and how it impacts children and youth. Explain that even famous people have been impacted. Share their stories.

Encourage students to seek help from an adult they trust if the student's life is being impacted by addiction: whether a parent or guardian is involved or the student themself is experiencing a life choice.

Show students Jarrett Krosoczka's TED Talk; allowing students to hear him talk about his life experience and why he wrote Hey Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction.

The words expressed are my own and are part of a graduate studies class at Sam Houston State University.

The Rose That Grew From Concrete

Shakur, Tupac. 1999. THE ROSE THAT GREW FROM CONCRETE. New York: Pocket Books. ISBN 9780671028459

Plot Summary:

In this collection of poems written by rapper, Tupac Shakur the reader is taken into the heart and soul of a man who yearned for love; he was willing to give and share but also wanted it in return. This collection of Tupac's deepest thoughts was discovered after his death and the reader is able to read about how one of the greatest rappers put his everything into the words that he not only rapped but out of the spotlight, he wrote down in a journal. These poems are of love, friendship, faith, and the longing to be seen as a man who can love.

Critical Analysis:

The Rose That Grew From Concrete is an insightful collection of poems that showed the world how Tupac(Shakur) was really a guy with a big heart.  Most people (including myself) knew him as one of the greatest lyricists of 90s; rapping about street life, the ills of the government, and loving his mama.  When I read the words on the pages, I feel like Tupac is speaking to me: he writes like a boy who pours his heart out to his crush. Seeing copies of the words written in his handwriting on page opposite from the typeset shows the depth of emotion that Tupac was feeling as he wrote.  The actual handwritten copies cause the hard and tough shell that he wore as a rapper to fade away; showing a soft, caring side. It is also interesting to note that Tupac not only wrote about love and caring for someone but he also wrote about life. Tupac wrote about what he saw, how he felt in a world that had not been kind to his people, even his belief in God. I have often heard rap aficionados question if Tupac were alive would he still be rapping; but, I wonder if Tupac were alive, would his writings continue to be ones that question love, life, and God?

Review Excerpt(s):

NA (Private bloggers reviewed this title, primarily)

Connections

Open the discussion with asking students what do they think of when listening to rap music? Ask them to describe it using adjectives.  Then tell students to think about any poems they have read or heard and describe them with adjectives.

Print out Tupac's Dear Mama and Changes; have students read the lyrics and write down adjectives that describe the songs.  Then play the songs for the students and have them write down again some adjectives that come to mind after hearing the words.  Assign students a one page written work where they are to write a poem that can read, rapped, or sung.

Explain to students how Tupac was a lyrical poet. Give students a brief history about his life and then read a few selections from The Rose That Grew From Concrete.

With the poems written by students, host a poetry slam in the classroom. Have students consider planning and hosting a campus wide poetry slam.

The words expressed are my own and are part of a graduate studies class at Sam Houston State University.

The Firekeeper's Daughter

Boulley, Angeline. 2021. FIREKEEPER'S DAUGHTER.  New York: Henry Holt And Company. ISBN 9781250766571

Plot Summary:

Daunis Fontaine is a recent high school graduate who lives on the Ojibwa reservation.  She is smart, pretty, and strong-willed. She grew up with her mother, grandmother, and uncle caring for her. Because her grandparents did not approve of Daunis' parents being together; they sent her mother away when she found out that she was pregnant. When Daunis was three months old, her mother returns to the reservation to learn that her former boyfriend had gotten married and had a son. Her best friend Lily is the opposite of Daunis: she's small, dark-skinned, and is somewhat of a rebel. She is ready to better herself by attending college but soon Daunis has to put her plans on hold. After experiencing a string of family tragedies: her uncle dies from an overdose, her grandmother suffers a stroke, and she has to take care of her sick mother. Soon Daunis falls for a boy on her brother's hockey team. But just as it seems that life is good and Daunis adjusts to caring for her mother, tragedy strikes again and she finds herself wrestling with doing what is right by her community but trying to avoid betraying the same community because of the choice she makes to protect those she loves.

Critical Analysis:

The debut novel of Angeline Boulley is a good read. I listened to the unabridged version on Audible. It is read by Isabella Star LaBlanc, she is a Native actress (Dakota tribe) who has done live theater.  I was expecting a dry, flat voice reading the story but surprisingly, Ms. LaBlanc read Firekeeper's Daughter with liveliness. She sounded very much like a teenager: witty, serious at moments where it is warranted and she uses tone inflection at the right moments. The story is introduced with the customary title details. Listening to the story, I was able to imagine what Daunis was experiencing as she went about living her life and doing things that young adults do. Ms. Boulley writes about Natives or Indigenous people with details that are real and tell a story that is centered around the 21st century.  Touching on the themes of family, loyalty to one's community, death and grief, remaining true to one's self, and making right choices are woven throughout Daunis' story. She also captures the teenage experience very well; writing with care how even Indigenous youth go through similar life experiences as other teenagers. Ms. Boulley also does an excellent job of talking about how people of the Ojibwe Tribe live: how they speak, interact and engage with one another. Overall, I enjoyed listening to Firekeeper's Daughter; it is well-written.

Review Excerpt(s):

Kirkus Review-"Daunis is a three-dimensional, realistically imperfect girl trying her best to handle everything happening around her. The first-person narration reveals her internal monologue, allowing readers to learn what’s going on in her head as she encounters anti-Indian bias and deals with grief."

Connections: 

Introduce students to the Ojibwa Tribe and other tribes that are a part of this family unit through pictures and historical accounts virtually: https://americanindian.si.edu. This is the National Museum of American Indian, located in Washington, D.C.

Display a large map of the North America and point out where the Ojibwa tribe originated and where they currently live.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Alexie, Sherman. 2007. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN. Ill. by Ellen Forney. New York: Hachette Book Group. ISBN 9780316013680

Plot Summary: Junior was born with health challenges: he had too much Brian fluid.  This caused him to have poor vision and when his teeth began to cut through and fill his mouth, he had ten extra teeth; giving him 42 in all. Junior was also an Indian (Spokane Tribe) and he lived on a reservation in Spokane, WA.  Junior was picked on often because of his deformities and although it hurt him physically and emotionally, he was loved by his parents and sister. He also had a best friend named Rowdy, who defended him from the bullies. One day during Geometry class, Junior discovers that his math book once belonged to his mother; thoughts began to race through his mind about how poor and mistreated Indians were by other people who were not like him. Unfortunately, without thinking, Junior throws the math book across the room and it hits Mr. P right in the face. After a conversation with his math teacher, Mr. P; Junior asks his parents can he transfer to the all-white school in a town 22 miles away. His parents agree and Junior begins on the journey of living and as a "part-time Indian".

Critical Analysis: 

Sherman Alexie writes a sometimes funny but interesting story about a boy who is Native American and has suffered with health issues as a result of having too much fluid on his brain.  The character of Junior reads like a typical teenage boy: he is awkward looking, he gets bullied because of his physical appearance, no girl likes him, his best friend is rough and has his own issues, etc.  He also shows how Junior is mistreated by not just white kids but even Native Americans and they were adults. However, like most teenagers who are going through their personal life changing issues, Junior has the love of his family and it turns out that he can draw pretty good.  We see Junior's artwork made real through the handiwork of illustrator Ellen Forney. Ms. Forney does a great job capturing what Junior is feeling; giving us clear, detailed drawings that match his story. What Mr. Alexie tries to draw on is how Native Americans have been treated as outcasts not just by whites but sometimes by their own people. He also creates a story where parents want better for their children.

Review Excerpt(s):

Kirkus Review-"Alexie nimbly blends sharp wit with unapologetic emotion in his first foray into young-adult literature.Junior’s keen cartoons sprinkle the pages as his fluid narration deftly mingles raw feeling with funny, sardonic insight. "

Connections:

Locate a map of early America and ask students what do they know about Native Americans (Indians). Place 4-6 pieces of chart paper around the room. Put students into groups of 3-5(depending on class size) and have them list Native American tribes. Do this as an introduction to the story.

Share articles and videos about the Native American tribes that live in Washington state; tracing their beginnings and researching what tribes are still alive.

As students read the story about Junior, have them create questions about the tribe which he belonged to as well as questions they may have about Native Americans in general.

The Poet X

 Acevedo, Elizabeth. 2018. THE POET X. New York: Harper Teen. ISBN 9780062662811

Plot Summary: Xiomara is a strong-willed, Afro-Latina who just wants to be heard.  She is also a twin; her brother is smart and is not constantly watched like she is by Mami. For the past two years, Xiomara has been able to avoid taking confirmation classes: the first time because they are full; and the second time because her best friend is spending en extended in the Dominican Republic. However, as she gets ready to start her tenth grade year in high school; Mami has completed the forms to enroll Xiomara in confirmation classes.  Xiomara is not thrilled about having to take the classes because she believes that God is real but she no longer needs to think about him 24/7. As Xiomara goes through her confirmation classes; she finds herself being drawn to indulge in the typical teenage acts: expressing her feelings for a boy, wanting to hang out with kids from her school, and try to maintain a good relationship with her brother. Only being on good terms with her brother is what Mami will allow because the other two are considered to be sins. Then Xiomara begins to hide her feelings in her writing and her English teacher encourages her to join the poetry club. This is just one more thing that Mami will not approve of. Xiomara is torn and soon finds herself going against all the good intentions that Mami has planned for Xiomara's life.

Critical Analysis: In Elizabeth Acevedo's debut novel about a young Afro-Latina girl who is on the brink of testing the waters of being a teenager in her sophomore year of high school, the reader is immediately swept into the thoughts of "what if this were me"? Ms. Acevedo writes in verse capturing the details of Xiomara's life: her strong personality, the meaning of her name, her relationship with her twin brother, the relationship with her parents; particularly her mother, and so many other details.  For teenagers reading this story, they are reading about a fictional character well-written but seems so realistic. With the smatterings of Spanish words placed throughout the story, Ms. Acevedo does an excellent job of showing the relationship between Xiomara and her mother as well as the Latino community that she lives in. Ms. Acevedo touches on the subjects of faith, family, growing up and discovering what the meaning of life is (as an Afro-Latina teen), and taking a stand against the cultural and family traditions that are around you everyday. I found The Poet X to be a relatable story because some of the expectations that Xiomara is held to: faith, high academic achievements, and family comes first; were some of the expectations that my friends and I were raised to believe in and follow.

Review Excerpt(s): 

Kirkus Review- "Themes as diverse as growing up first-generation American, Latinx culture, sizeism, music, burgeoning sexuality, and the power of the written and spoken word are all explored with nuance."

Entertainment Weekly-"While struggles with faith, family, and self-acceptance are not unique teenage experiences, it is their presentation through the lens of Xiomara’s Afro-Latina heritage that makes her story a startling standout. The balance of humor and emotion with which her thoughts are expressed is charming and engaging. " (Freeman, Luria. 2018, March 14. ew.com. )

Connections:

Hold a discussion with students asking if they know what it means to call an individual Hispanic, Latin/a/o, Afro-Latina/Latino. Talk about what these different words mean and how they apply to people.

This book can be read during Hispanic Heritage Month: analyzing and discussing the themes of being Afro-Latina; faith and family; becoming a young woman in a culture that often marries off girls at a young age; being a first-generation American.

When discussing literary elements and writing styles, have students analyze stories written in verse: looking at how the author makes the words stand out and draw on the reader's imagination. Pointing out what they consider to be strong details.