The Hanged Man by Frances Lia Block

Block, F. L. (1994). The Hanged Man. New York: HarperCollins. 

The book “The Hanged man” by Francesca Lia Block is about a young girl named “Laurel” who is trying to find herself while she is struggling to cope with fear of disease, lies, drugs, an eating disorder, secrets, and love. Laurel as a young girl has been sexually molested by her father and keeps it a secret from everyone even after his death. Not only does she struggle to hide that she was molested, but she also struggles with anorexia and will not eat much no matter who encourages her to eat. Her mother is lost as well after her father’s death and isn’t much of a character in the book, up until the end when Laurel finally opens up about her father’s actions. After Laurel lets go of her secret she can finally grow as a person, and be set free to live life without guilt. She also begins to have a positive outlook on the future. This book is recommended for the audience of ages 12 and up. Because of the content this book contains, I wouldn’t recommend it so much to middle school students. I could see high school teachers using this kind of book to show examples of imagery, mythology, and poetry. The book “Making the Match” explains that poetry is a great form of literature for teens which seems to be voted least favorite, but we can change that by using poetry more effectively with our students and identify topics that the reader is familiar or interested in.

A Step from Heaven By An Na

An, N. (2001). A step from heaven. Asheville, NC: Front Street.

A Step from Heaven is about an Asian family that migrates from Korea to San Diego, California in hopes for a better life. When Young Ju finds out that her family is moving to "Mi Gook" which to her means "heaven", she is thrilled and later realizes that "Mi Gook" is America. Throughout the story, Young Ju and her family struggle to learn English and have difficulties getting accustomed to their new location. Within time, "Apa" which is Young Ju's father, begins to show signs of aggression, excessive drinking, and also stops attending his jobs. Young Ju hides when she hears her father “scream” and later finds out that he abuses her mom as well. The drinking not only gets worse, but he also abuses Yung Ju when he finds out that she disobeyed his orders. Yung Ju builds the courage to dial 911, which is one of the best decisions that she will make to change their lives forever. He is taken away for a night, and deserts the family as he is released the very next day. Times continue to be difficult for them, and Young Ju's mother asks her if she'd like to move back to Korea. Young Ju declines the offer and is determined to survive in America. The family works together without Apa, they make ends meet, and learn to live peacefully in America. Other books that are similar to “A Step from Heaven” are Born Confused, Kira-Kira, and Girl in Translation. In reference to “Making the Match”, this book would definitely help support students who are new to our complex country and help them relate to Young Ju in this remarkable story "A Step from Heaven".     

Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood

Sáenz, B. A. (2004). Sammy & Juliana in Hollywood. El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press.

Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood is about Sammy Santos who lives in New Mexico, who lives in the 60's. The story begins with the infatuation he has for Juliana and the story later explains the experiences he has to go through. In the beginning of the story, Juliana is gone, but we later learn that she never really leaves his side. Some experiences he goes through are completely different than what teens go through now, but others are very much similar. Homosexuals were treated very badly, protesters were aggressive against the war, Sammy had to work very hard to save every dime for his college education, racism, and he unfortunately loses many of the people that were important in his life. When you think finally all the deaths have stopped, he gets a call while he is at work that his dad was in a horrible accident. His father survives and Sammy goes to college. Teens can relate to Sammy because he is a boy transitioning  into a man that has to be strong regardless of all the tragedies and sacrifices he has to make for his future and for his remaining family members. This is a touching, sad, but inspiring story that should be in every library collection. It is definitely an eye opening story that shows many sides to the Mexican culture. Other books similar to this culture would be “Oscar Hijuelos” and “Parrot in the Oven”.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Green, J. (2005). Looking for Alaska: A novel. New York: Dutton Children's Books.

Looking for Alaska is about a guy who is looking for the great “perhaps”. Miles Halter leaves his home town to move to a boarding school in Alabama called “Culver Creek”. Through his new roommate Chip also known as “Colonel”, he meets a girl by the name of “Alaska” in which he instantly falls in love with. They naturally all build a friendship by how much time they spend together by smoking cigarettes at the “smoking hole”, drinking together, and playing pranks on “The Weekend Warriors”. One night as they are preparing to do a prank on the Warriors, they get drunk and Alaska ends up confessing some real issues she has kept a secret. The boys then realize that is the reason she is unstable. No matter how unpredictable or unstable Alaska is, Miles is oblivious to any of her problems. The next night while they are drinking, Alaska receives a call and begins to cry hysterically. She then asks the guys to help her escape campus and they later find out that she died in a car accident. The two guys go through a journey trying to figure out if she committed suicide or if it was truly an accident. This book is intended for an audience in the 9th grade and above. I would recommend this title to students who have emotional issues dealing with guilt and the loss of a parent. This book could provide support for students who can identify themselves with characters from the story being around the same age, and may be going through some of the same obstacles.

The Abduction by Gordon Korman

Korman, G. (2006). The abduction. New York: Scholastic.

Aiden and Meg’s parents have been released from jail, and claim to have been framed for a crime they didn't commit. The town really does not believe that their parents are innocent and treat the family pretty unfair once they are out. The family is being harassed and the police do not seem to take action, and do the least they can to help make the family feel safe. One day while Meg and Aiden are walking home from torturous school, a van drives by slowly and Meg gets picked up by a Pest Control van. Aiden is the only one who is a witness and has certain information to track down where his sister is. Throughout the book, Meg and Aiden’s parents are worried sick and feel helpless so they advise the FBI on the situation, even though Aiden does not agree with that choice. Aiden struggles to find Meg, while Meg is being held captive. While she is in custody, the young kidnapper slips and accidentally tells her that they will not hurt her. As the story progresses, an FBI agent in disguise finally gets close to recovering Meg, but she only hurts her chances to finally being free (she hits the agent in the head, and gives him  a concussion). It ends where Meg is still wondering if she will ever be saved or free again. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what is going to happen next. The suspense and mystery in this book is what teens will get from reading this book! That’s what they want! They will have to read the second part to it, to find out.

The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld

Westerfeld, S. (2004). The secret hour. New York: Eos.

 The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld is a fictional novel that is about five characters that have a super power and live in the city Bixby, Oklahoma. These five teens all have the privilege to have an extra hour to themselves to roam around the city while everyone else in town is frozen in time. Everything seems fine up until the new girl named “Jessica Day” moves in from Chicago. The night creatures called “Darklings” somehow feel threatened by her presence and now need to attack or get rid of her somehow. The four characters use their power and tools to battle these creatures and try to keep her power under wraps to protect her from being harmed. Even though they are trying to protect her, Jessica is trying to figure out her own power that could help complete the gang and save them from the creatures. I would recommend this book to Science Fiction book lovers that are in the grade range of 6-10th grade. This book would greatly be appreciated by teens who love Science Fiction novels just like Dr. Lesesne stated in “Making the Match”. Teens love the fictional characters, powers, creatures and a plot that is filled with action and suspense. This would be a great hit and recommendation, especially for a book talk.

Me, All Alone, at the End of the World by M.T. Anderson

Anderson, M. T., & Hawkes, K. (2005). Me, all alone, at the end of the world. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

 This book written by M.T Anderson “Me, all alone, at the end of the world” is about a boy who lives by himself with his mule and lives carelessly with no distractions but just the woods and freedom. As he is one day enjoying his life sitting on the edge of a cliff, a man appears and tries to persuade him that he has not been living! This character builds an empire that is filled with attractions that bring in vacationers that visit throughout different times of the year. The boy begins to have fun with some boys that come often and experiences joys and games he has never played before. This vacation sight begins to take over his space and the boy that was once in solitude, has nowhere to go and be alone. He eventually says goodbye to his friends and leaves to a mountain to be in solitude once again. This book could be a great resource for a teaching students about resources, solitude, and caring for the environment. In relationships to making the match, the message being conveyed by Anderson would be a great discussion to address as a whole group.

Poop Fountain by Tom Angleberger

Angleberger, T., & Wang, J. (2007). Poop fountain! (The Qwickpick Papers). New York, NY: Harry N. Abrams.

 Lyle, Dave, and Marilla are three regular kids who come from different backgrounds, religions, families, and who have different views. One day they all manage to sit close to one another in the cafeteria and figure out that they all have one major thing in common- they all are bored on Christmas day! They decide to explore the adventures of the town’s famous “poop fountain” sewer plant. As they are discovering the “pool of poop”, Marilla’s expensive camera falls into the poop fountain. Lyle automatically dives in to help save her camera but still gets covered with stinky water poop. As the kids are preparing to close up shop, they run into a worker of the sewer plant who covers up for them and gives them a ride home. In the end, these three kid agree that this was the best time of their lives and wouldn't trade it for anything, even if they would've gotten into trouble. Dave agrees as well! This experience made them bond and create an unbreakable friendship. This book is recommended for the age group of 8 years old and above who enjoy reading about innocent and mischievous experiences that are filled with humor. Which teen wouldn't love that combination?

My friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

D. (2012). My friend Dahmer: A graphic novel. New York: Abrams ComicArts.

 My friend Dahmer is a graphic novel that explains the information known about Jeff Dahmer, also known as a serial killer. The sections of this novel are broken down by some history on the friendship of Jeff Dahmer and Derf Backderf, a prologue, the background of Jeff, his secret life, his fan club, becoming the monster, and fade to black which gives some information on how his killings all started. The purpose of this novel is to inform society of the background and history of Jeff. The world just knows the negative facts, but Backderf provides a different perspective on this serial killer. The author supports his book by expressing the misery Jeff went through by being a social outcast, having an unstable family, along with his damaging thoughts and feelings he kept within himself that finally made him lose control. This book also provides helpful extras such as sources, notes, and the players which are the guys that were formally his “friends” if that is even a proper word for them. This graphic novel is very deep and interesting story that could be a great read and continue with a discussion on whether students find Dahmer innocent or guilty of his crimes. Yes Dahmer did commit the crimes, but he also was mentally ill and could not control the horrible thoughts and feelings. What would've happened if someone tried to help Dahmer, or tried to be his actual friend, would he still have committed those crimes?  I can see a debate coming along! 

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Asher, J. (2006). Thirteen reasons why. New York: Razorbill.

Hannah is the protagonist in the story who is explaining through audiotapes the thirteen reasons why she has committed suicide. These tapes were sent from one person to the next, and so on from a list. Through the tapes, each individual listened and heard the role they took in Hannah concluding to leave this world. Hannah not only explains her reasons but also shows readers on how they can affect people negatively without even knowing it like Clay, the guy who sincerely had strong feels for her. All through the story Clay had no idea why and how he could’ve been part of the thirteen reasons. He felt even worse because he actually liked her and wished that there was something that he could’ve done to prevent the ending of her young life. Clay eventually hears all the tapes, and miserably mails it out to the next person. In the end, it is very difficult for Clay to return to school but does and gains the strength to stop and speak with Skye, in hopes to help her and prevent the same thing from happening. I believe that this book would be great for students to see that everyone does not perceive things the same way, take into consideration that people are stronger and weaker than others in multiple ways, and to treat others well.

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Satrapi, M. (2003). Persepolis. New York, NY: Pantheon Books.

Persepolis is about a little girl named Marjane Satrapi , her memories of growing up, and events that occurred through the Islamic Revolution. This memoir is created by complete black and white comic strips that really make the book very fascinating for readers. As the reader goes through the book, they will notice the strength and concern she has for family and war that is going on right before her eyes. You can’t help but feel empathy and hope for her. Marjane also shows the reader her clever, eccentric, full of life energy as she tells her story. If students wanted another book similar to this one, I would mention the Persepolis 2, Maus, or even Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic. In connect to “Making the match”, teens would enjoy this funny, deep, and factual memoir. This book will clear up some of the stereotypical thoughts people may have about people from the Middle East.

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher

Crutcher, C. (1993). Staying fat for Sarah Byrnes. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.

Sarah Byrnes and Eric Calhoune have been very close friends since grade school since they both were very unpopular in school. Sarah was unpleasant to look at because of so called “hot water burns and scars”, and Eric being “overweight”. Even though everyone knows the story of Sarah being burned from her tipping a pot with scorching hot water over her face, no one not even Eric her closest friend knows the real truth, until one day Sarah stops talking and is taken to a hospital. Eric never once gives up on Sarah and is determined to find out why Sarah has stopped communicating with everyone including him all of a sudden. Eric goes to the extreme to figure out the mystery of the silent Sarah Byrnes and almost getting killed by Mr. Virgil Byrnes. With the help of their friend and their teacher, Sarah is safe from her treacherous father, finds out that her mother will not save her, and is adopted by a loving family. I would definitely recommend this book to any student in seventh grade and above. I would also envision middle school teachers using this book to expose the difficult situations that students go through and how they can grow and accept these struggles and move forward. Like Michael Cart states, "Life is hard. Life is especially hard for teens. Books can make it easier. They can make it easier by showing kids that they are not alone".

The Knife of Never letting Go by Patrick Ness

Ness, P. (2008). The knife of never letting go. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press

Todd is a boy on the verge of manhood when he all of a sudden he hears a silence which indicates something unusual. Ben and Cillian, which are his care takers urge him to leave town to save him from becoming “evil”, a man. Todd finds out what the silence is and continuously tries to seek help with Viola by his side by running from the army, hopping from town to town. Aaron catches up to them and tries turning Todd into a man by pushing his buttons to anger him which should lead Todd wanting to murder Aaron. Instead, Viola manages to kill him so Todd doesn't have to turn evil. Todd and Viola eventually end up in Haven but to their surprise, Mayor Prentiss is already there waiting for his army to settle into their new town. This book is recommended for ninth graders and above and would be great to introduce for a science fiction/fantasy story. This book like stated in “Making the Match”, is a Fantasy/ Science Fiction title that attracts many types of readers. The invented plot or setting keeps readers interested and allows them to escape to a faraway world. This book contained fanciful characters “animals” which were able to use either basic or advance vocabulary and could be heard throughout by everyone.

The Fault in our Stars by John Green

Green, J. (2014). The fault in our stars. Speak.

Hazel is a young girl who is terminally ill from cancer who has no motivation in life and is dealing with depression as well. Hazel is convinced by her mother to attend a teen support group to help her make friends and seek support from others affected by illnesses too. While she attends the support group, she meets a very interesting young man named Augustus Waters who sparks a flame between them. He turns her whole life around and makes her feel things she never thought or has ever felt before. He eventually admits to her that he has had cancer this whole time, and hopes that she can forgive him in hopes that he has changed her life for the better before her time is up. In the end, Hazel is very depressed but accepts the fact that he is gone and is grateful to have had the chance to love someone the way she loved him in her life time. I believe the strong points in this book are the feelings, emotions, and support that are expressed though out the whole story. Both characters are terminally ill and show that they can still find multiple pleasures to enjoy the last days of their lives, not knowing when it will be their last. This book can give young adults that have been diagnosed with health issues hope to still live life, enjoy every moment till the end. If a student asked for a book similar to this one, I would recommend “A Walk to remember”, or “The Probability of Miracles”.

The Surrender Tree by Margarita Engle

Engle, M. (2008). The surrender tree. NY: Holt

The book “The Surrender Tree” by Margarita Engle is composed of a real-life struggle for Cuba’s independence. This poem book is separated into five different parts and begins with flowers used to heal the wounded, then explains the three wars that occurred, and closes it off by the Surrender Tree which is the final end of the fighting. Rosa guides us through her experiences of pain, suffering, and hiding out to heal anyone who is hurt. Rosa and her husband learn to use many and certain parts of plants to help heal wounded people. The extra information in this book includes: Authors note, Historical Note, Chronology, Selected References, and acknowledgments. I would definitely recommend this book to history teachers, or to anyone who wants to learn more about Cuba’s history. Not only could this resource be useful for history teachers, but also very useful for English teachers who are teaching poetry with figurative language and imagery.

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Myers, W. D. (1999). Monster. NY: Harper.

Steve Harmon is a 16 year old African American boy who is accused of committing a murder of a convenience store owner. Steve Harmon happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, and is writing in a journal and explaining the emotions and sadness he feels and experiences, as he waits in his jail cell throughout his trial. The protagonist keeps thinking throughout the whole story on why he is called a monster, if he did not commit any crime at all. If buying a candy at the grocery store is a crime, then he guesses he is a criminal. He ends up having many witnesses that help the judge determine that he is a well behaved, smart, and respectable young man who did not commit this monstrous crime. The age group for this book would be appropriate for grades 7-12th. Educators that have troubled kids or have students that are in gangs would find this to be a great resource for a wake up to call for their students.

It's Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris

Harris, R. (2009). It’s perfectly normal. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

 This book is all about the changes our bodies go through as we develop and grown in age. There are many questions that arise and at times we do not know how to answer some of those uncomfortable questions. Teens want to know why bodies and certain things are happening to them, and this book has most of the answers. “It’s Perfectly normal” is broken down into different sections by common questions, sex, decisions, and wraps it up by explaining how to stay healthy. This book contains a great amount of important information for the growing teens and also includes a thank you note, a bibliography, Index, a note to the reader, and a bit of information about the authors. This book was intended for children the age of 10 and up. If a curious student wanted another book like this, I would recommend “What’s Happening to my Body”, “Deal with it: A whole new approach to your body, brain and life as a goal”, ‘The boys body book: Everything you need to know for growing up you”, and “What’s the Big Secret?” Educators that teach sex education curriculum or even a health ed. class might find this resource very handy. Teens around this age are experiencing so many different emotions and body changes all at the same time, so we need to make sure we are educating them and supporting with accurate information to help them develop and be conscience of what is really happening to them, which is perfectly normal.

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

King, A. S. (2010). Please ignore Vera Dietz. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Vera is a young and responsible girl in high school who is trying to hold many secrets from her classmates about herself and her best bud. The only person who knows the secret that her mother was a stripper and left her at age 12, was her best friend Charlie. She struggles to keep her secret safe, explains her growing up experiences with Charlie, her feelings on becoming a young woman, and how she dwells on how she could’ve saved Charlie’s life. She solves her struggles by finally admitting and coping with her really being in love with Charlie all along. Her father as well faces and deals with his wife, Vera’s mom abandoning them, while that brings them closer together. Her dad supports her as she gains strength and courage to release the truth about Charlie Khan. This book would be best for the age range of 15 and up, or 9th grade and above. In correlation to the book, Vera undergoes a change of relationship with her dad and she matures with age, and after they both finish counseling and face the problems they have been hiding this whole time.

Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing by Ann Angel

Angel, A. (2010). Janis Joplin: Rise up singing. NY: Amulet.

 The book “Janis Joplin Rise Up Singing “was written to provide the factual information about the unstoppable famous first female rock and blues star, Janis Joplin. The story stated how Janis lived in a small town named Port Arthur in Texas and relocated to California to pursue her dream in singing and making music. Singing was Janis’ outlet to happiness and to relieve the pain she felt for being alone, and not fitting in with her typical classmates. Girls in her hometown wore pins, skirts, married their high school sweetheart, and lived in a house with a white picket fence. Janis Joplin never fit in and longed for acceptance. In connection to “Making the Match”, it was tough fitting into societal expectations. Not being the type of girl everyone wanted her to be, caused her to seek drugs and alcohol which made her a loud and crazy girl later whom her fans adored. The book started by introducing Janis’ younger years and then the different stages and experiences throughout her life. This book included valuable information such as a timeline on her life, notes on each chapter, a bibliography, and an index. Other books that are similar in context are: “Music was it: young Leonard Bernstein”, “Starting at Zero” by Jimi Hendrix, and “Joe Cocker: The Authorised Biography”. This book will surely satisfy the "curiosity" or "snoopy" feeling we as readers posses.

Tequila Worm by Viola Canales

Canales, V. (2005). The tequila worm. NY: Wendy Lamb Books/Random House

Sophia is the protagonist in the story who is a young girl who gets offered a prestigious award to relocate to a school in Austin, Texas. Her family does not understand why she wants to move 300 miles away from their tight family, customs, and traditions. As Sophia gets accepted and moves, she explains her difficulties fitting in with the rich kids, dealing with a racist girl, and being homesick. She eventually gets used to life away from home, and within time she fits perfectly into becoming a comadre. I believe the major strength of this book was Sophia’s will power, courage, and motivation to follow through with pursuing her dream to getting a better education, even if it meant being far away from family and what she was used to. Sophia experienced many forms of social development mentioned in the book “Making the Match”. She began to become independent by obtaining a job at a warehouse doing a job she disliked to make money for her entrance school fee. Sophia was also able to hold a friend-relationship with a boy that she would regularly travel down with back to Mc Allen during the holidays. I have to say that I really enjoyed reading this story because I can relate to Sophia’s culture and family traditions. I am also from the Rio Grande Valley and previously moved to Austin Texas for a better Job. My family was not very fond of my relocating, but I eventually gained their full support just as Sophia did. This book would be valuable to add to any collection because of the diversity and different cultures.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Anderson, L. H. (1999). Speak. NY: Penguin

 Melinda, is a freshman in high school who is being hated by her classmates for the wrong reason. Melinda withholds the truth about a past situation that could free her from self torment. She eventually faces the problem by finally speaking out to advise her best friend to protect her from a situation that could happen again. Speaking out allowed her to come to terms that it was not her fault for being sexually assaulted by the guy her ex best friend begins to date. In the end, Melinda almost gets assaulted again by the same guy because she speaks the truth about the night of the party. She screams and hollers which gets the attention of the Lacrosse team which unfolds the truth that Melinda was right about being sexually assaulted by Andy Evans.If a student were to ask me for other books similar to the book "Speak" I would have to recommend the story "Just Listen" by Sarah Dessen, or "Some Boys" by Patty Blount. They are similar in the sense of the protagonist being raped or sexually assaulted, no one believing their story which leads them to become a social outcast and eventually opening up about the situation. I feel that this may be a great read for students who are dealing or coping with a situation just like Melinda. Unfortunately, teens go through situations just like this and may need to read about how others can come back to life after being an outcast, betrayed, and raped.