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.

 

Burn Baby Burn

Median, Meg. BURN BABY BURN. 2018. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9781536200270

Plot Summary

Nora is a senior in high school living in Queens, New York with her mother and brother, Hector. She works at the deli, her best friend is Kathleen, and she has a huge crush on Freddie Prinze (an actor). Nora has decisions to make about her life: will she attend college, stay and help her mother, or move away because what her mother doesn't want to acknowledge is that Hector is a danger to them. Hector has a thing for fire and he is a user. Nora's parents divorced when she was a young kid. There is this cute guy, Pablo who she works with but isn't too sure about dating. Senior year seems to go well. But the summer after graduation becomes a mess: acts of arson are happening around the city, a nineteen year old girl is killed, and soon Nora finds herself in a bind as she may lose her best friend and boyfriend.

Critical Analysis

Meg Medina does an awesome job of writing about events that occurred in Queens, New York in 1977. First, how Ms. Medina weaves the killings committed by David Berkowitz aka Son of Sam into the story is remarkable. She includes points where Nora and Kathleen talk about how having a curfew as seniors is bad because they had more freedom during middle school. Ms. Medina was just a teenager in 1977 so her memories are from a child's perspective; however, she does her research to make sure that including such tragic events as the Son of Sam killings, to the blackout that would paralyze a large major city for days would make Nora living in Queens realistic and relatable. Ms. Medina creates a setting that allows the characters and story to flow with ease as it is being read.  She writes Nora as typical teenage senior that has to deal with being raised by a single-mother; having a brother who is angry and a danger to not only himself but Nora and her mother. On the other side of Nora is her best friend, Kathleen, who has two parents who love her and are active in the community: Kathleen's dad is a firefighter and Kathleen's mother is active in the Women's Movement that is about women having equal rights to men.  With all these layers woven into the story, the reader is given a tale that is believable.  Ms. Medina allows for multiple view points so the reader can choose which character they like or do not like. Ms. Medina also adds complexity when it comes to family. The way she has chosen to write Hector as a pyromaniac and drug user is surreal. Every detail that surrounds Nora is written with care so as not to make the story seem too fake.  Although, Burn Baby Burn is historical fiction, Meg Medina has written a story that I may have to read again and then go look up more information about Queens.

Review Excerpt(s)

Washington Independent Review Books-"Burn Baby Burn is more than just a coming-of-age novel. It’s also a keen exploration of the immigrant experience, family violence, mental illness, and the convulsive revolution of sexual politics in the 1970s. All of it is still highly relevant."(Watkins, Steve. May 13, 2016. Accessed 10.30.22)

School Library Journal-"I also loved Medina’s choice to write historical fiction. The time period is as much a part of the setting as the NYC cityscapes surrounding the characters. The pivotal summer depicted allows for a slow build in the plot —... Medina does not allow these dramatic events to drive the story. The historical setting gives readers the opportunity to make connections and parallels to the headlines and current events we see today. Medina allows Nora’s personal story to slowly collide with the escalating events of 1977, while still keeping the focus on Nora’s own situation."(Couri, Sarah. October 14, 2016. Accessed 10.30.22)

Connections

Provide a brief introduction about New York City and explain how the city is divided into boroughs. Pull up a map and show students what the city looks like. Transition to talking about Queens, as it is the setting of the story.

Create and display a poster/infographic of what was happening in 1977 in New York City and a few facts about the nation.

Briefly talk about Son of Sam killings. You can show a video clip of the killer being interviewed in the past 3-4 years. Crime Stoppers: David Berkowitz

Discuss immigration and how it continues to impact communities across the United States. Comparing and contrasting Nora's family and her community to present day. Encourage students to share books and/or real-life experiences that are similiar to Nora's.

Discuss how addiction and drug use affects families and communities; looking at what has and has not changed from 1977 to 2022.

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

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

Lee, Mackenzi. THE GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE. 2017. New York: Katherine Teagan Books. ISBN 9780062382818

Plot Summary

Monty has been dismissed from school for his disorderly behavior: drinking, chasing after lads and ladies, and not showing interest in settling down.  His father is fed up with the wild behavior and he allows Monty to go on a tour with a few conditions: ease off drinking heavily (stop), do not have affairs with boys, and come back with a clear mind and be ready to assume a role in the family business.  Monty will have traveling companions: his best friend, Percy; Felicity, Monty's sister; and Mr. Lockwood, the right-hand to Monty's father.  Monty will enjoy the arts of Europe as well as getting caught in some perilous situations.

Critical Analysis

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue is an interesting mix of early European history, class stereotypes and expectations, strict family expectations of young adults (who rebel). Mackenzi Lee writes a story that is filled with details that require a strong knowledge of European history but also how people lived in 18th century Europe. Ms. Lee begins the story introducing Monty whose birth name is Henry Montague in a percarious position: he is lying in bed wasted with his best friend next to him. This opening can capture a reader's attention. However, as the story progresses, you can get bored. Since Ms. Lee has taken care to make the setting(s) well known European cities, the reader may spend a good amount of time looking up and learning about the cities menitoned in the book. Yes, Paris and Venice are familiar but Sarotini is not familiar to those outside of Europe. Another detail that Ms. Lee does a good job of using are allusions. For example, at the beginning of chapter four, Monty refers to violent biblical deaths seen in paintings to be better than his days he has spent in Paris. In other words, Monty would rather be tortured to death than have to be told what to do, how to dress, and where to go by an old man. There are other moments throughout the story that Ms. Lee uses allusions and it helps the story along. Ms. Lee also does a fine job of writing the story from a first person point of view. She takes care in making sure the reader understands who Monty is as a person. She also allows for Percy and Felicity to stand out and not just be a part of the background.  Overall, The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue is a good read for the many literary facets that Ms. Lee uses to make it an enjoyable book.

Review Excerpt(s)

Kirkus Reviews-"The book’s exquisite, bygone meter and vernacular sit comfortably on a contemporary shelf. And the friction of racism, tyrannical entitled politicians, and misguided disapproval of homosexuality also have a relevance rooted in current culture’s xeno- and homophobia."

"This wonderful historical romp is a fast paced ride through 18th Century Europe that examines the social mores surrounding racism, gender expectations and sexuality – all topics that fit right in with our 21st Century society.  And this is all viewed through the lens of Monty’s charismatic personality which at times will poke fun at society while it illustrates with each new plot point his totally lack of perception and understanding of those closest to him." (Downtown Branch. August 5, 2017. Dallas Public Library. Accessed 10.29.22)

Connections

Locate pictures of people dressed in traditional 18th century European clothing (find kings, queens, prince, princesses) and create a prompt that will begin discussion about the book.

Display a poster of Monty's grand tour and have students in groups pick a country or city and create an infographic; have them do a presentation talking about why they chose their particular location. (this can be done as a wrap-up after reading the book)

Have students create a character map: list traits, lines from the story, observations on the characters growth.

Have students create their own grand tour: pick 5-10 cities they would want to visit. Use PowerPoint or Google Slides to create the visual. Display the maps around the classroom.

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

Looking For Alaska

Green, John. LOOKING FOR ALASKA. 2019. New York: Penguin Random House. ISBN 9780593209462

Plot Summary

Miles Halter lives a safe life: two parents who love him and he makes good grades. Miles is also fascinated by famous last words. After his sophomore year in high school, Miles tells his parents he wants to go to boarding school. His dad is excited because Miles will attend Culver Creek Prep Academy where he went as a teenager.  When Miles arrives at Culver Creek, he has a roommate who loathes the rich kids but does not disrespect them; he meets Alaska, a pretty but troubled girl, who thinks its her fault that her mother died; and Takumi, a quiet guy, who is happy to be in a friend group.  Once Miles is settled in at Culver Creek, he is initiated by the Weekday Warriors; the rich kids. Which was a prank but act of revenge because of The Colonel, Miles' roommate.  Miles finds himself attracted to Alaska but she doesn't feel the same or she is trying to hide her feelings. Alaska has a boyfriend who is away in college. Miles enjoys the ebb and flow of being around his new friends and navigating school on his terms: engaging in smoking (not allowed), to contemplating life via the lens of religion and conversations with Dr. Hyde, to taming his feelings for Alaska. Miles also learns what it means to be loyal even when it comes with drama. When tragedy strikes, Miles and his friends must come together to not only support each other but remember the friend who is no longer with them.

Critical Analysis

I listed to the audiobook for Looking For Alaska read by actor Will Wheaton.  While Mr. Wheaton has a great voice and he does a remarkable job capturing Miles, The Colonel, Dr. Hyde, and the other characters in the story; my mind would wander thinking about if the voice inflections and tones matched the character.  Mr. Wheaton is lively in his reading and he makes the effort to differentiate in which character is speaking. For example, when Miles is talking, the tone sounds light and quick. Miles sounds like a boy who is naive but excited about experiencing new things.  Mr. Wheaton captures the personality of Dr. Hyde well; from describing how he walks to the lecturn to talking to Miles about being present in the moment. Mr. Wheaton uses voice inflections to emphasize the good moments in the story as well as the bad moments. John Green has written a story where coming-of-age story has meaning. Mr. Green tackles the topics of fitting in, crushes or love, finding your voice, handling and living with mental illness, friendships with ease and familiarity. He finds a way to make the characters fit together to make a complete story but they also standout because of their unique characteristics.

Review Excerpt(s)

Kirkus Reviews-"What sings and soars in this gorgeously told tale is Green’s mastery of language and the sweet, rough edges of Pudge’s voice.  Girls will cry and boys will find love, lust, loss and longing in Alaska’s vanilla-and-cigarettes scent."

Connections

During Red Ribbon Week, as you discuss with students the dangers of smoking cigarettes, consuming alcohol, and using drugs; ask students (if they are comfortable) with sharing why kids their age enjoy doing these things. Talk about how they are used as a way to mask feelings of hurt, anxiety, etc.

Talk about the importance of having a support circle outside of family that can relate to the experiences which students live through. Ask students to describe what qualities they look for in a friend.

All Fall Down

Carter, Ally. ALL FALL DOWN. 2015. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 978054654746

Plot Summary

Grace Blakely is the granddaughter of a U.S. Ambassador. The daughter of an Army officer and without her mother. Grace's mother was killed and she believes that it had something to do with her grandfather and his position. Grace has spent the time since her mother's death not thinking about why someone would kill her mother until she has to go live with her grandfather in Adria. Grace hadn't visited the embassy since her mother's death and memories come rushing back about the good times but there are some memories that make Grace question what events caused her mother's death. Grace isn't happy with being in Adria and even worse, she has a "bodyguard" in Alexei, the Russian ambassador's son.  As Grace tries to get herself together and not be so angry; she wants answers about who wanted her dead and where are they now.

Critical Analysis

Ally Carter's All Fall Down is a story of diplomacy and espionage that explores the world through a teenager's perspective. Ms. Carter writes the story in a manner that will make teen readers wonder if the lives of children with family in government is one of bore and excitement. Ms. Carter does an excellent job of capturing the hurt and angst of Grace's teenage character. How the emotions come through the details as Grace recalls spending time at the embassy during the summer to remembering the tragic way her mother died. She also includes realistic details about how power countries like the United States and Russia interact with each other through the ambassadors and their staff. Although All Fall Down is considered a mystery; Ms. Carter does offer teen readers details of friendship and teen love to make it a story worth reading. 

Review Excerpt(s)

Kirkus reviews-"It rockets wildly to and fro; the setup for the inevitable second volume doesn't follow even slightly naturally from the mystery's conclusion. Still, the mix-and-match bucket of tropes creates a not-entirely-infelicitous goofy whole: Hallucinations, mean girls and kidnappings abound."

Connections

As an introduction to the story, ask students if they know what an ambassador is and the job they are responsible for doing. Then show a chart explaining ambassadors and how they are assigned to serve.

Show students a video that talks about being an ambassador: NowThisWorld

Have students take a virtual tour of Embassy Row in Washington, D.C. and write down the countries that have offices (houses). Further instruct students to complete a search if Embassy Row exists in other countries and to create a slide presentation showcasing their office and listing who the ambassador is.

Concrete Rose

 Thomas, Angie. CONCRETE ROSE. 2021. New York: HarperCollins Children's Books. ISBN 9780063046788

Plot Summary

Maverick Carter has a reputation to live up to; he comes from a line of men who belong to a gang and have done some not so good things in the community. As a result, his dad is in prison and Mav as he's known by family and friends is being raised by his mom, who is determined not have her son not end up the way his father did. Mav is smart, a good looking young man, and he has a cute girlfriend named, Lisa. His cousin Andre aka Dre is like a big brother who tries to make sure Mav doesn't get caught up in the gang life.  However, Mav sees how hard his mom works to make sure he has the necessities of life and he wants to help out. So Mav sells on the down low (his mom doesn't know) for the lead dealer in the neighborhood, King. Although, Dre sells he does everything to discourage Mav from being like him; Mav doesn't listen until he becomes a dad. But things change when Dre is killed. Now Mav has some decisions to make and whatever he decides to do will impact him in a big way.

Critical Analysis

In this prequel to Angie Thomas' THE HATE U GIVE, Ms. Thomas tells the story of a young Maverick Carter who is Starr's dad.  Ms. Thomas writes a story  that is strong in details and rich in words that capture the urban lifestyle of some communities where gangs, teen parenting, community, family, and loyalty are important values. It is also a story about the young Black male growing and surviving against all odds.  The setting of Garden Heights and how the neighbors look out for one another is well-written. She captures the characters of Mr. Wyatt and Mr. Lewis as the neighborhood noseys: they know everything and anything about the people whether its good or bad. If you have lived in a neighborhood like that; then you can relate.  Ms. Thomas also does a good job of infusing pop culture references throughout the story. I know I shouldn't sound biased but Concrete Rose is a story that I could relate to if it had been written thirty years ago. For the youth of today, they can also relate.

Review Excerpt(s)

New York Times-"In “Concrete Rose,” Thomas casts a loving eye on the lives and realities of Black people, which is a powerful continuation of one of her most moving endeavors as a writer: her challenge to readers to affirm the goodness of all types of characters and to greet them with compassion at every turn, no matter where those turns may lead." (Tesema, Martha. Angie Thomas’s ‘Concrete Rose’ Is a Love Song for Young Black Lives. 2021, March. New York Times. Accessed October 15, 2022)

Connections

In English classes, teachers introducing character development can use Concrete Rose for a class read aloud or literature circle book choice and have students diagram and analyze how Maverick changes throughout the story.

Teachers can do a lesson on pop culture and stereotypes. Asking students to list what they enjoy about their lives and then to share how they think people see them as a result of their likes.