Stephanie Seaman Ashes by Laurie Halse

Professor Danielle DuPuis

Anderson
SLM 504: Literature for Young Adults
28 April 2019

Summary: In the conclusion to the Seeds of America Trilogy, narrator and former
slave Isabel has traveled with her friend Curzon to find and free her little sister
Ruth. Set against the backdrop of the American Revolutionary War, finding Ruth is
not the only problem; a bounty hunter is tracking them. The road to freedom
proves to be very difficult. And along the way Isabel has to decide if she even be-
lieves in the revolutionary cause; is it truly a fight for the freedom of all or just
some?

Reading Promotion Strategy

The struggle of Isabel, Curzon and Ruth in Revolutionary America is Awards:
one that many students may not be familiar with. This often for- YALSA Best Fiction For Young
gotten part of African-American history can be more deeply ex- Adults 2017
plored in a book talk format. My suggestion is to have students Quick Picks for Reluctant Young
Adult Readers 2017
read all three books in the Seeds of America Trilogy. Books can be
New York Times Bestseller
spread out over three months, perhaps culminating during Black
History Month in February. The author has both questions with an-
swers and works cited for linked non-fiction texts in the appendix.
This book has been excellently researched and would be a good op- Other titles you may enjoy:
portunity for a media specialist to collaborate with a middle school
Anderson, Laura Halse. Chains.
history teacher on African-American contributions to the Revolu-
Atheneum Books for Young
tionary War. Readers, 2010.
Anderson, Laura Halse. Forge.
AASL Standard III. Collaborate. Work effectively with others to
Atheneum Books for Young
broaden perspectives and work toward common goals.. D. Grow.
Readers, 2012.
Learners actively participate with others in learning situations by: 1.
Actively contributing to group discussions.

Evaluation
Genre: Historical Fiction Grades: 6-10

Before reading the book, I was unaware that this was the third book in a trilogy. It was a little bit difficult at
first to figure out the references, but eventually I figured it out. I did go back and read both of the other
novels to make sure I completely understood everything. This book was very good; it was a little slow in the
middle because they were in the wilderness for a long time. It does wrap up the series very well, but as a
stand alone novel it is lacking. The first book in the series, Chains, is the strongest of the three and would
be a better choice as a single read. The main characters are all teens, which I think will resonate with a
young adult audience. Isabel is just 17 at novel’s end and she has already had an eventful life.
Stephanie Seaman Au Revoir, Crazy European
Professor Danielle DuPuis
Chick by Joe Schreiber
SLM 504: Literature for Young Adults
28 April 2019

Summary: Perry is a high school senior who dreams of his band hitting it big
and getting into college at Columbia. He is set on this path until Gobi enters
his life. Gobi is a Lithuanian foreign exchange student that Perry’s parents are
hosting. His parents insist that he take Gobi to Prom. Begrudgingly, Perry
agrees. And that is when the story takes off. Gobi transforms from dowdy
student into a glamourous femme fatale. And she recruits Perry as her geta-
way driver. On a wild night in New York City, Perry is now the accomplice to
an international assassin, who has five targets that she needs to hit before
daybreak. Prom night gone wild and dangerous!

Reading Promotion Strategy

Perry is in a band and has plans to play a “real” gig. His dad Awards:
dreams of Perry going to Columbia University. Sometimes the ALA Best Fiction for Young
Adults 2013
plans you have for yourself do not match with your parents’
YASLA Quick Picks for Reluctant
plans. In the book, Perry ends up having to make a choice about
Young Adult Readers 2013
his future. If there was not pressure from anyone, what would
Publisher’s Weekly Starred
your dream be? Would you want to be a famous rock musician
Review
like Perry? Or a doctor or a chef? Write or draw your dream, if
there were no strings attached. Other titles you may enjoy:

AASL Standard V. Explore Discover and innovate in a growth

Bray, Libba. Beauty Queens.
mindset developed through experience and reflection. B. Create:
Scholastic, 2012.
Learners construct new knowledge by: 1. Problem solving
through cycles of design, implementation, and reflection.
Schreiber, Joe. Perry's Killer
Playlist. HMH Books for
Young Readers , 2013.

Evaluation
Genre: Adventure/Thriller Grades: 7-10

If you enjoyed Ferris Bueller’s Day Off or watched Gossip Girl, imagine blending the two and you have this
book. The book moves are brisk pace and while it is a preposterous at times, you will overlook everything
because the plot is strong. The characters are very generic except for Perry and Gobi. This would be a
book that many teens would be attracted to. The excitement and humor elevate this story; lots of sarcasm
and car chases .
 Stephanie Seaman The Clockwork Dynasty by
Professor Danielle DuPuis
Daniel H. Wilson
SLM 504: Literature for Young Adults
28 April 2019

Summary: The Clockwork Dynasty is a two stories intertwined. The story

from the past is one of robots or “automat” as they call themselves. These
humanoid beings have been around for centuries, living among humans and
searching for their own purpose. They have served great leaders, but now
their sources of power are running out. The second story is set in present day.
Anthropologist June accidently finds evidence that the beings exist. She races
to help keep them functioning or is it to keep them alive? The key to finding
out the answer may lie in who created them.

Reading Promotion Strategy

Awards:
June has been interested in history and technology since she was a ALA Best Science Fiction 2018
ALA Alex Award Winner 2018
child. She has the unique skill set to be in the position to help Peter
Kirkus Starred Review
and Elena. The books takes place in multiple time periods and places
on Earth. The suggested activity for this book is to read the book and
gather weekly for a book club and robotics club combination. Stu-
dents can build and program a robotic project while discussing what
was read. Additional information can also be shared by reading non- Other titles you may enjoy:
fiction passages about World War II, Tsarist Russia, Colonial India, Turn
Reeve, Philip. Mortal Engines.
of the Century London, the Terracotta Warriors of China and other his-
Scholastic Press, 2017.
torical interests in the novel.
Wilson, Daniel H. Robopocalypse .
AASL Standard V. Explore. Discover and innovate in a growth mindset
Doubleday, 2011.
developed through experience and reflection. Learners construct new
knowledge by: B. Create. 1. Problem solving through cycles of design,
implementation, and reflection. 2. Persisting through self-directed
pursuits by tinkering and making.

Evaluation
Genre: Science Fiction/Steampunk Grades: 6-12

It took me a fair way into the book to figure out what was going on; it was so interesting and confusing at the
same time. The two main automats, Peter and Elena, are both interesting. Elena reminded me of little Claudia
from Interview with the Vampire. The book requires you to overlook some minor inconsistencies, like the au-
tomats feelings that seen to come and go. This book blends history with science fiction in a way that makes
the reader want to know more. It is an exciting read that also deeply asks what it really means to be “alive”
Stephanie Seaman Doll Bones by Holly Black
Professor Danielle DuPuis
SLM 504: Literature for Young Adults
28 April 2019

Summary: Zach, Alice, and Poppy play a game of fantasy and make-believe with a
complex, continuing storyline. Toys and action figures of various types are trans-
formed into heroic warriors and dashing pirates. The one doll they cannot play with
is locked inside a china cabinet at Poppy’s house. The antique bone-china “Queen”
becomes the center of play, ruling all the other toys in their game despite being
locked up.
The friends are also starting to feel the pressure of middle school and growing up.
When Zach states he won’t play anymore, suddenly Poppy tells them she is having
dreams about the ghost of a little girl. The ghost directs Poppy to send them on a
quest to bury the “Queen” in her empty grave, so her soul can rest. Is there really a
ghost? And if there is, can they complete the quest and escape before it is too late?

Reading Promotion Strategy

Awards:
The three main characters are playing a game of fantasy with action
Newbury Honor Book 2014
figures and dolls, while still attempting to be “cool” middle school-
YASLA Quick Picks for Reluctant
ers. I think this book lends itself really well to being the first book Young Adult Readers 2014
of a 6th grade book club. The new world of 6th grade can be a ALA Notable Book 2014
daunting one and I think this book describes Zach’s feelings of al- Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review

most feeling like two different people very well. He wants to play
Other titles you may enjoy:
with toys, but is also on the basketball team. The copy I read in-
cluded a section with questions and book discussion ideas which Baptiste, Tracey. The Jumbies.
could help guide the first meetings. Algonquin, 2016.
DiTerlizzi, Tony and Holly Black.
AASL Standard III. Collaborate. Work effectively with others to
The Spiderwick Chronicles:The
broaden perspectives and work toward common goals. . D. Grow. Field Guide. Simon and
Learners actively participate with others in learning situations by: 1. Schuster, 2004.
Actively contributing to group discussions.

Evaluation
Genre: Horror/Suspense Grades: 6-8

This book is a cross between a first horror novel and a coming of age story. This book deals directly with
how children feel as they leave true childhood behind and move towards being a teen; even as it sends
chills down your spine as a ghost story. The reader can certainly understand the pull to be a child and
wanting to play the game the three friends play. And the reader can understand Zach’s attempts to act like
a middle schooler and not be seen playing with toys. The ghost story is just the icing on the cake to an
emotional story.
Stephanie Seaman The Girl with the Red
Professor Danielle DuPuis
Balloon by Katherine Locke
SLM 504: Literature for Young Adults
28 April 2019

Summary: Ellie touches a red balloon and is magically transported to East

Berlin, 1988 before the fall of the Wall. She meets Kai, a boy who helps
people escape East Berlin by using the balloons. The novel also offers a
glimpse of 1942 Poland, where a Jewish boy named Benno is trying to sur-
vive the Nazis. The balloon makers are puzzled by Ellie’s time travel and
it becomes obvious that dark magic is afoot. History is being changed
and it is up to Ellie to risk everything to stop it.

Reading Promotion Strategy

This book is a mix of genres. It does not fit into just one category.
It could be listed as a fantasy book or even as an historical fiction Awards:
2018 Sydney Taylor Honor Book
novel. The historical side deals with two major events in world his-
tory: the Holocaust and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Using those two 2018 Carolyn W. Field Honor Book
events, students would work to create a web of links from this book
to specific elements from each historical event. See how many oth-
ers books can be linked to this quirky novel. Use a bulletin board Other titles you may enjoy:
to display copies of the covers and is pins and string to “link” the
Albert, Melissa. The Hazel Wood.
different works together. Books could be limited to only fiction or
Flat Iron Books, 2018.
for a larger display, non-fiction as well.
Locke, Katherine. The Spy with the
AASL Standard IV. Curate: Make meaning for oneself and others by Red Balloon. Albert Whitman &
Company, 2018.
collecting, organizing, and sharing resources of personal relevance.
Share: Learners engage with the learning community by: 1. Ex-
pressing curiosity about a topic of personal interest or curricular
relevance.

Evaluation
Genre: Fantasy/Magic/Historical Fiction Grades: 6-9

The first challenge for this book is that the three narrators each have significantly different tones. I enjoyed
two of the narrators, but Kai seemed to only be the narrator when something needed to be explained. It
limited my interest in him and I found his chapters hard to finish. I also found it hard to believe that Ellie
was just fine with leaving her family and friends behind once she traveled by balloon. I kept expecting her
to be sad or maybe mad. The best quality of the book was its portrayal of Jewish young adults and the tra-
ditions of Judaism. Additionally the events surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall put a spotlight on a very
rarely mentioned event. Some teens may not be overly familiar with this historical event.
 Works Cited

American Library Association. Best Science Fiction, ALA, 2018. Web. 22 Apr. 2019.

American Library Association. Newbery Award Honor. ALA, 2014. Web. 20 Apr. 2019.

American Library Association. Notable Book. ALA, 2014. Web. 20 Apr. 2019.

Anderson, Laura Halse. Ashes. Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, 2017.

“Ashes cover.” Simon and Schuster, www.simonandschuster.com.

Association of Jewish Libraries. Sydney Taylor Book Award. AJL, 2018. Web. 22 Apr. 2019.

“Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick cover.” Houghton Mifflin, www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com.

Black, Holly. Doll Bones. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2013.

“The Clockwork Dynasty cover.” Doubleday, www.penguinrandomhouse.com.

“Doll Bones cover.” Simon and Schuster, www.simonandschuster.com.

Black, Holly. Doll Bones. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2013.

“The Girl with the Red Balloon cover.” Albert Whitman & Company, www.albertwhitman.com.

Locke, Katherine. The Girl with the Red Balloon. Albert Whitman & Company, 2017.

Pennsylvania Library Association. Carolyn W. Field Honor Book. PaLA, 2018. Web. 22. Apr. 2019.

Schreiber, Joe. Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick. Houghton Mifflin, 2011.

Shesman, Jennifer. Stages of Literacy Appreciation. PowerPoint. Web 26 Mar. 2019.

Wilson, Daniel H. The Clockwork Dynasty. Doubleday, 2017.

Young Adult Library Services Association. Best Fiction for Young Adults. ALA, 2013. Web. 22 Apr. 2019.

Young Adult Library Services Association. Best Fiction for Young Adults. ALA, 2017. Web. 22 Apr. 2019.

Young Adult Library Services Association. Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. ALA, 2014. Web.
20 Apr. 2019.

Young Adult Library Services Association. Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. ALA, 2017. Web.
22 Apr. 2019.