Center Field

I'm not the biggest fan of baseball, but I enjoyed the underlying story in Robert Lipsyte's Center Field.  Mike had everything going for him, friends, sports, and the perfect girlfriend.  But all of that changes when Oscar shows up.  He gives Mike a run for his money and is a threat to his center field position.  One of the things I really enjoyed in Center Field was the fact that Mike had someone to look up to.  Mike always kept in mind the center fielder for the Yankees.  I feel as though it is so important for children, even high school children, to have a role model to look up to.  He also looks up to his coach, hoping he will get back on track after falling in with the wrong crowd and making some bad decisions.  However, the people he considers his role models are unfortunately just a facade.  Billy Bud and His couch let him down, because in reality, they are nothing special, and even a fraud.  Now being at the bottom of the totem pole, Mike learns how it feels to be one of the "pukes."  He had seen himself as above everyone else, but circumstances have opened his eyes and these life lessons teach him to be humble.  Mike learns to be his own athlete and not rely on Billy Bud, his coach, or his teammates.

Lesson Learned:
No matter how much better your life seems than someone else, you have to be humble because it can be taken away in a heartbeat.

Eleanor and Park

The truth is, opposites attract.  This is most definitely the case in Rainbow Rowell's high school, star-crossed lovers novel.  Eleanor and Park are opposites in every sense of the word, different family backgrounds, different appearances, and different lives in school.  But all it takes is a bus ride for these two social outcasts to fall in love.  Sitting on the bus together allows them the briefest period of time to get to know each other.  However it's not that easy.  Eleanor's abusive step-father drives her to want to leave home and move back to her uncle's house, which she does with the help of Park.  After finding solace in each other, they are now forced to live separate lives.  I feel as though readers in high school will be able to relate to these very detailed characters.  Both outcasts, Eleanor is the focus of ridicule from bullies where as Park tries to stay hidden and unseen.  The ending of this novel had me begging for more and left room for so many different scenarios inside the reader’s head.  Overall, I really enjoyed this book, because I love love stories, and rooting for the underdog, which in the case are Eleanor and Park.  After hearing about their troubles, I wanted to see their happy ending!

Lesson Learned:

It is a blessing that opposites attract, because you can learn so much from someone who is not like you!

Wonder

R. K. Palacio has done with words what so many others cannot.  I loved the characters he created in Wonder, and the courage they possess.  Auggie, who was previously home schooled, finds himself in a fifth grade classroom and unknown to him, is assigned a friend, Jack.  Summer, however, is a character I truly admire and chooses to befriend Auggie.  She looks past Auggie's "deformities" and sees the real Auggie.  Summer's character reminds me of a quote about butterflies and their beauty, "Butterflies can't see their wings.  They can't see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can.  People are like that as well." It does not matter what is on the outside, but inside that shows who a person is.  Just because Auggie looks different, does not give boys, like Julian, the right to bully someone.  It takes a lot of bravery for Auggie to walk into school each day, and also for Summer and Jack to be seen with him.  Not many of his classmates can see past the exterior, but Auggie's first school year results in success thanks to Summer and Jack.  It's proof that it's not the quantity of friends that you have, but the quality.

Lesson Learned:
Have courage to be your true self, and find those who will support you no matter what, "Be careful who you call your friends.  I'd rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies."

19 Minutes

Jodi Picoult, a favorite author of mine, is the writer of the riveting novel 19 Minutes.  This story puts the reader in the heads of those involved in a high school shooting, both students and parents.  Reading this novel reminds me of the bullying and unkindness that unfolds in the halls of a high school.  My heart broke for Peter's parents, who struggle to come to terms with their son's actions.  On one hand, shooting and killing is unforgivable, but on the other, so is the tormenting and bullying those individuals put Peter through.  The truth of what happened in the locker room is unclear until the final chapters of the book.  However, when the truth comes out, it stuns many.  This book shows how words can truly hurt someone and cause scars that some people will never see. Peter wanted revenge on those who harmed him and caused him so much pain throughout his life.  I loved reading this book, which is why I have re-read it so many times, seeing and learning different things each time.  The more I read, the more I learn.  After the first time I read this novel, I was a little nervous to go into the locker room for gym......


Lesson Learned:
Some people are experts at hiding their scars from others and continually adding to the hurt, but is the revenge truly worth it?

Two Boys Kissing

There are some topics that are a true challenge to address in schools, homosexuality being one of them.  Levithan's story of true events focuses around the goal of setting a world record.  The novel follows the lives of Harry and Craig, as well as others dealing with their own identity.  We hear the story of Harry and Craig, determined to set this record for longest kiss, from other individuals, some struggling to find out who they are, and others who are confident in their relationships.  This is one of those novels that really needs a mature audience.  However, the words of this novel could really help a young boy struggling with who they are and what society wants them to be.  It also offers some sort of solace to readers by introducing couples at different stages in their relationships, almost a preview to what the future can hold for readers.  For me, this book was inspiring because these boys are so accepting of who they are and are prepared for the life of an individual who is gay.

Lesson Learned:
Everyone is their own person, unique and special, and it is no ones job to undermine that individuality or try to change it, which seems to be society's goal.

Father Water, Mother Woods

This non-fiction selection by Gary Paulsen is a great addition to a library that wants to attract male readers, based on the connection to fishing and the outdoors.  For me, hearing his discussions about fishing and hunting made me think about my own experiences with these activities.  It definitely promoted reflection for me, however, I definitely think these short stories are more well suited for a male reader who maybe partakes in these outdoors activities more frequently.  Topics aside, Paulsen is such a great writer when it comes to creating imagery and details.  His words really put a beautiful picture in your head and have you feeling like you are really there.  Back to my point on reflection, I often thought about The Hunger Games in "Working in the Ditches" when he was describing the challenges of shooting with a bow and arrow.  Also, the detailed description in "The Ninth Street Bridge" showed the thought process and detail in going fishing and when to drop your line.  There was even comedy intertwined in "Running the River" when so much time spent on planning is wasted when their boat sinks.  Again with the reflections, I instantly thought of one of my family's camping trips.  We all went, set up huge tents, my cousins and I played while the parents worked, they got a fire started... and then rain. Lots and lots of rain, which resulted in everyone sleeping in their cars.  Sometimes, no matter how much you think it through or plan it out, it just isn't going to turn out the way you had dreamed.  But in my case, it turned out even better, because I now have such brilliant memories of running around in the rain without a care in the world.  Paulsen's words really brought back so many memories of spending time outdoors for me, and for that reason alone, I did enjoy this collection of short stories.

Lesson Learned:
There is so much beauty in nature, that sometimes you just need to stop, look around, and see what has been created without answers, and appreciate it for the beauty that it truly is.

Son

Lois Lowry has touched many people through her novels, including Son, part of The Giver series.  Because I have never read any of the books form this series, I felt lost sometimes in remembering who characters were and what their roles have been.  This aside, I really was touched by Son.  The theme of sacrifice was so strong and apparent, especially in the "between" section of the novel.  Claire essentially gives up her own life and future, as any mother would do for their child. She is turned into an old woman.  Reading this really opened my eyes to the sacrifices parents make for their children on a day to day basis.  Even the small things, like cooking a meal their child likes over what they like, or what music they listen to in the car.  I have always been told I am a selfless person, and I related to Claire's eagerness to help others, including the child she birthed and wasn't allowed to know.  She found ways to see her son, Gabe, as a child and in the "beyond" section of the novel, eventually has the "old lady curse" reversed.  She set a true example for selflessness, and the love and loss she felt without her son.  This is a great novel to read and teach these themes with in a high school setting, and after reading this novel, I plan to read the other books connected to it.  I wish I was introduced to them earlier!

Lesson Learned:
Being selfless is one of the rarest and most special characteristics for someone to have, but one must be cautious to not let others abuse it.

Same Sun Here

Silas House and Neela Vaswani have created such an endearing compilation of pen pal letters in the form of Same Sun Here.  Learning about Meena's life as an immigrant from India and River's trials as a coal miner's son, you felt an instant connection to these you children as they come into their own and try to get by.  This made me think back to second grade, when my class paired with another class from a different elementary school in town.  We spent the whole year writing letters to each other, and then at the end of the school year, both classes meet at a park in town for a picnic and face-to-face meeting.  I made a friend, whom I eventually went to middle school with, and learned about the details of someone else's life.  I feel as though the friendship that grows between pen pals is a strong and unbreakable bond.  River and Meena transcribed their feelings and emotions to each other through letters sent in the mail.  Meena told about the fights she had with her mother and being an immigrant, and River opened up about his true feelings when he sees Mark, and his amputated leg, and the struggles his church was rallying against.  They did not hold anything back from the other, and neither was embarrassed to tell the other anything.  They shared their senses of humor, their dogs, and their memories with each other, and I feel like it showed young readers that it's ok to be friends with a member of the opposite sex.  Seeing such a sting boy/girl friendship in this book is a great example for readers, starting as young as fifth or sixth grade.  I loved seeing their drawings, post cards, and birthday cards, and the relationship they build across the country.  I am glad I had the opportunity to read this, because it is now something I would have found and chosen on my own.  I, as well as any other reader, learns about the values and traditions these two families of different cultures have, and the bonds that hold them together during some of the hardest parts of their lives.  Through loss and gain, Meena and River have each other.



Lesson Learned: 
Everyone has different struggles, successes, and cultures, but we all live under the same sun.

Zane the Hurricane

Well, this novel, by Rodman Phillbrick, had me so emotionally attached I wanted to cry with every page turn!  The imagery and uncertainty of the future of Zane and Bandy had me wanting to keep reading.  This is such a great book to read for both literary devices and historical significance.  I felt so connected with Zane as soon as the book began.  The respect he had for his mother, for his great-grandmother, and for those around him was heartwarming to read about in a young child.  It also had me thinking of what our state experienced with hurricane Sandy.  Though I was in no way affected like Zane, it reminded me of the generosity and self-sacrifice so many individuals both near and far made to protect people, like Mr. Tru and Malvina.  I was nervous throughout the whole reading, never knowing if they would survive, but I grew very concerned when Malvina met the drug dealer who sold to her mother.  But seeing Mr. Tru, Malvina, Zane, and Bandy stick together like a family was heartwarming.  I also loved the relationship between Zane and Bandy. When the storm began to hit, I was just was concerned as Zane was that most shelters didn't allow pets.  Being a dog lover, I can't imagine having to go somewhere that my own dog, Brody, wouldn't be allowed.  I also felt as though this novel was an easy read, and suitable for both middle school aged children and high school students.  Though the content is heartbreaking, and even scary, it really teaches readers what happened in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.  Such a great read!


Lesson Learned:
Life is scary, but you need to find those who will have your back and help you "whether the storm."

Monster

Monster, by Walter Dean Myers, was an amazing story of identity, racism, and the law.  I really enjoyed this book for multiple reasons, the first being the style in which it was written.  By using different fonts/handwriting, it broke up the story and made it easier to understand an read, while differentiating what we were reading about.  I also liked the addition of flashbacks in the novel, as I do in any novel because they give such great insight as to what lead to the current predicament or state of thinking.  Steve was called a "monster" by the prosecutor which really hit home for him.  Name calling can cause so many internal injuries and scars with oneself.  It came to a point where Steve wasn't really sure whether or not he truly was a monster.  I was relieved to see the novel ended with Steve's freedom.  I felt like it brought the novel to a close on a high note, and allowed us to relate to being accused of something we did not do.  The imagery Myers uses is great for teaching in high school, and also a book boys can enjoy.  I feel as though school readings and novels often are more geared towards female audiences, however this novel had a reoccurring theme of "confused male teen" that so many high schoolers deal with.  Overall I really enjoyed the novel and Steve's journey to freedom.


Lesson Learned: 
Don't jump to conclusions, accuse, or stereotype!

Brown Girl Dreaming

Jacqueline Woodson tells of the struggles she faced as a child in Brown Girl Dreaming.  Growing up in this time period was a challenge for an African American child.  She shows her triumphs while trying to find a place where she fits in the world, with her family, and with her future.  She wants to succeed in her own dreams of becoming a writer, but so much is in her way.  I felt like I related so much to Jackie's desire to follow her dreams.  It is so difficult to get to a point of comfort in your life, and like Jackie, I am still on that road.  It is hard to continue when so many people are trying to knock you down.  Jackie wants to so badly fulfill her dreams, and the lesson of persistence is a great theme to teach high school aged students in this novel, while also incorporating civil rights, and the need of support from others to follow your desires.  Similar to Jackie, this has been a trying year for me, but following my dreams and persisting is of the utmost importance for me right now.  I don't want to give up and I want to prove those who told me I can't wrong!  I could not have done any of this without my family, and neither could Jackie. 


Lesson Learned:
Never give up on your dreams, and accept the help from, and the need for, those around you!

Who Killed Mr. Chippendale?

I have never been a fan of poetry, however reading Who Killed Mr. Chippendale? grabbed my attention and held it to the very end.  The free-verse style breaks the story up into different poems, each written in a different character's perspective.  This gives insight for the readers as to the lives of those in the high school.  The characters we are introduced to are commonly found in a typical high school setting, and these viewpoints show what the students of the school deal with on a daily basis, and the reality, struggle, and challenge they face.  I enjoy novels that are told from different perspectives.  Some of my favorite books follow this same style, including books my Jodi Picoult, and a novel entitled 13 Reasons Why.  Because of the individual poems in Who Killed Mr. Chippendale, high school students can easily read and relate to the characters.  They will find themselves in the lives of these high school students, and realize they are not the only ones struggling with these plights.  I wish I had read this in high school because it really does show the common issues found in high schools, and Glenn is able to tie this in to a murder mystery, which I love to read!

Lesson Learned:
You are not the only one fighting a battle, and you can find solace and comfort in the lives of characters in literature!

An Abundance of Katherines

Being a "child prodigy," Colin, the main character in John Green's An Abundance of Katherines, spent a majority of his young adult life in search of his "eureka moment."  He believed that unless he had this epiphany-type moment, he would be a meaningless and worthless adult.  A road trip with his best friend results in a lot of self reflection.  He believes he has found an equation of sorts that explains his past relationships with all girls named Katherine, but there are some things science cannot answer, and love is one of them.  Colin falls in love with Lindsey, someone not named Katherine, and while in Tennessee on this trip, he comes to the conclusion that he may not need to "matter," and have this "eureka moment," in order to be something to someone.  Being a fan of John Green, I recognized his style of writing, and enjoyed this story of self-discovery.  At the start of the book, he was living in a state of depression, after breaking of with Katherine XIX and not mattering, but eventually, he learns that life isn't about the big things, but the little things that make life worth living.  I found myself thinking of one of my favorite quotes while reading this book, "enjoy the little things in life, for one day, you'll look back and realize they were the big things."


Lesson Learned:
If you spend life chasing an unattainable or trivial dream, you may miss the incredible journey!

Just One Year

After falling in love with Gayle Foreman's Just One Day, I could not wait to read the sequel, Just One Year.  I usually pick books that are part of a series, because I always become so invested and connected to the characters, that I want to read more!  I loved the way Foreman told the same story, but from a different perspective.  It gave a world of insight to the reader as to what happened that morning, and why Allyson woke up to find Willem absent.  Willem seemed to be a lost soul, wondering and traveling for years without a steady home or family.  I can't even begin to imagine what that must be like, considering how close I am with my family and friends.  While living "life after Lulu," Willem reflects on his past and the losses he has suffered.  When he has reached his breaking point, he goes back to his mother, who appeared to have left him in a previous period of her life.  The reader learns the love Willem's mother has for him through her actions and not her words.  They always say you have to love yourself before you can love someone else, so I feel like Willem spent this year without Lulu/Allyson finding and loving himself, his flaws, and his past.  This eventually results in Allyson and Willem's reunion.  Had he not been given the opportunity to rediscover himself over that period of time, he may not have been successful in a relationship with Allyson.


Lesson Learned:
It is never to late to go home, and embrace what or who has made you the person you are today!

Just One Day

I truly enjoyed reading the young adult novel, Just One Day, by Gayle Foreman.  Having read books by her in the past, I was eager to get started! This was definitely the type and style of book I enjoy reading, and have already recommended it to friends of mine.  I found a lot of myself in Allyson as she broke out of her shell and started to make her own decisions.  I consider myself a rule follower, and living my life as expected.  Reading this book showed me that sometimes, it is ok to take risks and step out of the "norm" or what is expected of you.  My friends know me to be a rule follower, and when I step out of my comfort zone, they are always surprised, hence why I felt a connection between myself and Allyson.  I loved the relationship between Allyson and Willem.  It is comfortable and realistic.  Seeing how her life continued after this major decision to go to Paris with a complete stranger, proved that life goes on.  When she decided to go after what she wanted and return to Paris, Allyson showed a confidence she did not have prior to meeting Willem or going on that great adventure.  Whether the decision you make is as big as Allyson's, or as small as trying a new restaurant, your life will not end.  This book showed me that life is short, and you need to do what makes you happy and shows you what life has to offer!  You can't let other people's expectations of you hold you back or let you live a life you are not proud of!  You could miss out on some of the most amazing experiences in your life.

Lesson Learned:

A lot can happen in just one day, so make the most of it and embrace the opportunities life gives you!