Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sáenz, Benjamin Alire. 2012. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. New York: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9781442408920

PLOT SUMMARY

Aristotle (Ari) and Dante become quick friends during the summer of 1987.  Although it appears that they don’t have much in common, they later realize that they had more in common than they ever thought.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Ari is a character that most teenagers will relate to.  He struggles with finding a niche and doesn’t feel that he fits in.  He doesn’t have many friends.  When he meets (and becomes friends with) Dante, it is the first true friend he has really ever had.

This book chronicles the evolution of the boys’ friendship over about 2 years.  Dante and his family move to Chicago for the school year, but return the next summer.  The boys’ relationship ebbs and flows like real-life friendships. 

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Universe is truly a story of self-discovery, of Ari’s discovery of himself. 

Before reading this story, I had read reviews that made me think that homosexuality would be a much larger part of this story than it actually was.  I had made the assumption that this would be story about a romance between two boys.  And in some ways, it is.  But this story is bigger than that.  Sáenz has successfully created a story that makes homosexuality only a minor characteristic of characters and in no way is negative.  As a parent, I found the Ari’s and Dante’s parents’ love for them to be beautiful and powerful. 

The impact that this book may have on teenagers who are struggling with their sexuality should not be underestimated.  It is beautifully written and I highly recommend it.  This is the kind of book that leaves you thinking about the characters long after you finish it.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book Guide: “Two boys, Ari and Dante, strike up a friendship that will change their lives in ways both subtle and profound. When Ari saves Dante's life but breaks his own legs in the process, it cements the bond between the two Mexican American families. Ari's first-person narrative--poetic, philosophical, honest--skillfully develops the relationship between the two boys from friendship to romance.”

Publisher’s Weekly: “The story swells to a dramatic climax as Ari’s loyalties are tested, and he confronts his most deeply buried fears and desires. It’s a tender, honest exploration of identity and sexuality, and a passionate reminder that love—whether romantic or familial—should be open, free, and without shame.”

CONNECTIONS

Emily M. Danforth. The Miseducation of Cameron Post. ISBN 9780062020574

David Levithan. Two Boys Kissing. ISBN 9780307931900

Close to Famous

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bauer, Joan. 2011. Close to Famous. New York: Viking. ISBN 9780670012824

PLOT SUMMARY

Foster McFee and her mother are on the run from Elvis when they stop in the small town of Culpepper.  They don’t plan on staying, but Foster and her mother quickly carve out a place in the town.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

After reading this book, I fell in love with Joan Bauer’s writing style.  This story is witty, fresh, and engaging.  Foster is such a likeable character that I was completely hooked before the end of the first chapter.  This book will mostly appeal to girls, but its content could apply to both genders.

Foster and her mother are on the run from her mother’s abusive boyfriend.  Readers quickly learn that Foster’s short life has not been easy.  Her father died in Iraq years before and she struggles with his death.  She also has a learning disability.  She tries to overcome these obstacles by excelling as a baker. 

Despite the fun minor character and cute plot lines, the real focus of this story is Foster’s struggle to learn to read.  Foster becomes unlikely friends with Miss Charleena, a movie star, who works with her on her reading.

Bauer is very respectful with her explanations of Foster’s struggles.  Foster may struggle with reading, but like everyone, she has other talents.  Bauer has created an accurate and respectful example of what life with a learning disability is like.

I highly recommend this book.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book Guide: “On the run from Mom's ex-boyfriend, twelve-year-old cupcake-baker Foster McFee and her mother wind up in Culpepper, West Virginia. There, an odd assortment of characters come together like the ingredients for one of Foster's favorite confections. Foster's engaging first-person voice and interior monologue, the solid characterization, and the nimble, fast-paced prose are the quality ingredients of this tale cooked to perfection.”

School Library Journal: “The story is fast paced, and readers will be rooting for likable and gutsy Foster, who expresses her views on life in baking metaphors. The quirky residents of Culpepper are equally believable and appealing. Youngsters will find this story tastier than a batch of Foster's triple chocolate cupcakes.”

Publisher’s Weekly: “Bauer skillfully brings readers to the heart of Culpepper with rich depictions of a contemporary small town and its residents and rhythms. The characters' eventual triumphs are the type that this author's fans eat up.”

CONNECTIONS

Lisa Greenwald. My Life in Pink and Green. ISBN 9780810989849

Heather Hepler. The Cupcake Queen. ISBN 9780142416686

Habibi

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Nye, Naomi Shihab. 1997. Habibi. New York: Simon Pulse. ISBN 9780606163200

PLOT SUMMARY

Liyana and her family move from St. Louis to Palestine.  In Habibi, Naomi Shihab Nye details Liyana’s transition and exploration of Palestine.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The protagonist of this story, Liyana, is a character typical of any American girl.  As the story begins, Liyana has just gotten her first kiss as her parents announce they are moving to Palestine.  Liyana’s father is Palestinian and moved to the United States when he was training to be a doctor.  Liyana’s mother is American.  The parents have decided that it is a good opportunity for their children, Liyana and Rafik to discover their Palestinian roots.  Liyana and Rafik represent typical American children and readers will be able to relate to their actions.

The setting of this story is split between St. Louis and Palestine, with the majority of the story taking place in Palestine.  Throughout the story, Liyana must navigate a new world.  Her clothing is no longer appropriate and her behavior faces criticism from her father.  Liyana quickly befriends Omer, a Jewish boy.  Liyana’s family’s tentative acceptance of Omer speaks to the open hearts that many people have.

The conflict between Palestinians and Jews was not thoroughly explained in the book.  While that may be appropriate for younger readers, I found myself curious about how Liyana’s family would fit into the conflict.

Nye expertly includes cultural markers throughout this story and they are an integral part of this story.  Food preparation was frequently included and Liyana refers to her mother’s cooking often.  Although Liyana’s grandmother lives a very traditional lifestyle, Liyana and her family are very modern.  In this way, Nye defies some stereotypes and it was refreshing to see that, although there were many differences, there were also many similarities between their lives in both countries.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book Guide: “When Liyana Abboud is fourteen, her father decides that the time is right to move the family from St. Louis to his native Jerusalem. Inevitably, Arab-Israeli tensions enter into the story, but the message isn't preachy and remains almost secondary to the story of Liyana's search for her identity. The leisurely paced text contains poetic turns of phrase that accurately reflect Liyana's passion for words and language.”

Booklist: “The story is steeped in detail about the place and cultures: food, geography, history, shopping, schools, languages, religions, etc. Just when you think it is obtrusive to have essays and journal entries thrust into the story, you get caught up in the ideas and the direct simplicity with which Nye speaks.”

School Library Journal: “Though the story begins at a leisurely pace, readers will be engaged by the characters, the romance, and the foreshadowed danger. Poetically imaged and leavened with humor, the story renders layered and complex history understandable through character and incident.”

CONNECTIONS

Readers who enjoyed Habibi might also enjoy these books that have similar settings:

Ibtisam Barakat. Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood. ISBN 9780374357337

Cathryn Clinton. A Stone in My Hand. ISBN 9780763647728

The Year of the Dog

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lin, Grace. 2006. The Year of the Dog. New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 0316060003

PLOT SUMMARY

The Year of the Dog tells the story of a young girl, Pacy, and her experiences growing up as a Taiwanese-American.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In The Year of the Dog, Lin writes a story that is engaging and delightful.  The story chronicles Grace (or Pacy as she is known at home) and her quest to “find herself.”  Pacy is a charming main character, and readers will like her immediately.  Readers, especially young girls, of all races will be able to relate to her feelings about trying to fit in and navigate the social circles of school.  This theme is present throughout the story. 

At the beginning of the story, Pacy meets another Taiwanese-American girl, Melody.  The girls become fast friends.  Although they are similar, they find that they are quite different as well. 

Lin has incorporated small black and white drawings throughout the story.  These drawings are simple and add to the authenticity of the narration.

Throughout the story, Line breaks up the story by inserting stories from Grace’s different family members.  This provides a historical and cultural context for Pacy’s experiences.

Lin excels at including cultural markers in this story and examples can be found on almost every page.  The story is narrated by a childhood and throughout the story, Pacy explains cultural issues to the reader.  Her explanations are directed to young readers and are simple, yet informative.  For example, when Pacy has a new cousin, she explains how the extended family gives red eggs to the baby. 

Lin also tackles tougher issues, like racism.  For example, Pacy and her family attend a Taiwanese convention.  Pacy struggles with not being American enough for the Americans and not Chinese enough for the Asian population.  While at the convention, Pacy encounters this racism:

“You’re a Twinkie” another girl said.  “My brother said Chinese people who are Americanized are Twinkies.  Yellow on the outside, but white on the inside!” (p. 101).

This example is a brief summarization of Pacy’s identity struggles that continue throughout the book.

I especially enjoyed Pacy’s description of her family’s Thanksgiving celebrations in Chapter 27.  Her descriptions make it clear to readers how the family has adopted customs from both cultures.

Overall, this book was an enjoyable read and it presents cultural issues respectfully and with humor.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Publisher’s Weekly:  "Lin creates an endearing protagonist, realistically dealing with universal emotions and situations," in this "autobiographical tale of an Asian-American girl's sweet and funny insights on family, identity and friendship.”

Horn Book:  “For Taiwanese-American Pacy, sorting out her ethnic identity is important, and she wonders what she should be when she grows up. Writing and illustrating a book for a national contest makes her think that perhaps she can become an author of a "real Chinese person book." Lin offers both authentic Taiwanese-American and universal childhood experiences, told from a genuine child perspective.”

Booklist:  ”Lin does a remarkable job capturing the soul and the spirit of books like those of Hayward or Maud Hart Lovelace, reimagining them through the lens of her own story, and transforming their special qualities into something new for today's young readers.”

CONNECTIONS

Readers who enjoyed The Year of the Dog will enjoy the following books in the Pacy Lin series:

Grace Lin. The Year of the Rat. ISBN 1439596891

Grace Lin. Dumpling Days. ISBN 0316125903

Tree of Cranes

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Say, Allen. 1991. Tree of Cranes. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 039552024X.

PLOT SUMMARY

Tree of Cranes is the story of a young Japanese boy who is celebrating his first Christmas.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The protagonist of this story is a young Japanese boy.  Although Say does not identify his age, the boy is “not yet old enough to wear long pants” (p. 4).  The story begins with the young boy catching a cold from playing near the pond, even those his mother had warned him not to play there.  The boy returns home, and his mother acts strangely for the rest of the day.  He is confused about her behavior and she finally admits the reason—she has been preparing for Christmas.  Even though the mother is Japanese, she was born and raised in California.  In Tree of Cranes, she introduces the American custom of Christmas to her young son.

The beauty of this story is in the fusion of the two cultures.  Instead of decorating the Christmas trees with traditional American’s decorations, the mother uses paper cranes and candles.

Say’s illustrations are beautiful and culturally accurate.  The mother and boy wear traditional clothing in the pictures, but the father is wearing a Western suit and tie.  Skin coloring and hair texture are accurate and respectful of the culture.  The colors of the watercolor illustrations are vibrant.

In addition to the cultural markers in the illustrations, Say identifies typical food (rice gruel, sour plum, and yellow radishes).

Overall, this book would be a wonderful introduction to the holiday celebrations in other cultures.  This story is unique as it presents Christmas from an outsider’s perspective. Tree of Cranes would be a wonderful addition to any collection.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist: “Infused with gentle nostalgia, the quiet, graciously told picture book is a perfect blend of text and art.”

Publisher’s Weekly: “Heedless of Mama's warnings, a Japanese boy cannot resist playing at an ice-cold pond ``filled with carp of bright colors.'' When he comes home, he is immediately treated for a cold, with a hot bath and rice gruel. His mother's attitude chills him more than the weather, though; he cannot understand why she seems to be ignoring him. Hearing a noise in the garden, the boy spies Mama digging up the pine tree that was planted when he was born. She brings it inside and decorates it with paper cranes and candles. It is a Christmas tree, the first for the boy, and the first in many years for his mother, who tells her son she comes from ``a warm place called Ca-li-for-ni-a.'' The story is a poignant one, illuminated with finely drawn illustrations reflecting the serenity of a Japanese home and the quiet love between mother and son. Say (The Bicycle Man, El Chino), who came to this country from Japan when he was a teenager, again exhibits a laudable sensitivity to Eastern and Western cultures--and to both the differences and the similarities between them.”

CONNECTIONS

The following books by Allen Say offer similar themes and illustrations:

Allen Say. Grandfather’s Journey. ISBN 0395570352

Allen Say. Bicycle Man. ISBN 0812474279

When My Name Was Keoko

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Park, Linda Sue. 2002. When My Name was Keoko. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618133356

PLOT SUMMARY

In When My Name Was Keoko, Park tells the story of Japanese occupation of Korea during WWII.  The story is told from the perspective of young Sun-hee and her older brother, Tae-yul.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

When My Name Was Keoko is told from the alternating perspectives of Sun-hee and Tae-yul.  The story begins with the children having to give up their Korean names and adopting Japanese names in their place, a requirement from the occupying Japanese government.  As the story continues, the children’s family must endure other hardships enforced by the Japanese.  As children, Sun-hee and Tae-yul do not always understand what is happening or the larger implications of the Japanese occupation.

Both of the main characters are likeable children.  Boys may relate better to Tae-yul and girls may relate better to Sun-hee.  By using both characters, Park gives readers of both genders a main character with whom they can identify.  Although the siblings often quarrel, their love for each other is evident, especially when Tae-yul joins the Japanese army.

The theme of pride for one’s heritage is present throughout this book.  The children’s uncle first introduces them to the Korean flag, but must do so subversively as the Japanese have outlawed it.  He teaches the children about the flag and gives the children hope that the flag will fly again one day:

“It is against the law to fly this flag—even to put up a picture of it.  Korea is part of the Japanese Empire now.  But someday this will be our own country once more.  Your own country” (p. 14).

Both children remain optimistic that Uncles’ words are true and that one day they will be living under the Korean flag again.

The Author’s Note at the end of the book adds to the historical authenticity of this story.  In addition to the Author’s Note, Park provides and extensive bibliography.

Cultural markers are thoroughly incorporated into this story.  Specifically, forms of address are explained in a foreword.  The culture is specifically identified as Korean.  The Kanji form of writing is also explained several times throughout the book.  In addition to the Korean focus of the book, the story explores Japanese cultural markers as well, especially noting the difference between the Korean and Japanese cultures.

Most historical fiction novels set during WWII focus on the European experience during the war.  This novel presents a unique, authentic, and engaging perspective.  I highly recommend this novel. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Publisher’s Weekly”  “A brother and sister alternate as narrators in Newbery Medalist Park's (A Single Shard) well-constructed novel, which takes place from 1940-1945 in Japanese-occupied Korea. The Japanese government forbids the Korean language to be spoken and the country's flag to be flown, and even forces Korean families like Tae-yul and Sun-hee's to change their names (Sun-hee becomes Keoko). Through the use of the shifting narrators, Park subtly points up the differences between male and female roles in Korean society; and the father's process of choosing the family's Japanese name speaks volumes about his strength and intelligence. As the war intensifies, each family member asserts his or her individuality, from Sun-hee, who continues to keep a journal after a soldier calls it "a crime against our Divine Emperor," to her uncle, who prints a revolutionary newspaper in hiding, to Tae-yul, who joins the Japanese army to avoid helping the military police capture his uncle only to be chosen as a kamikaze pilot. The son comes to an understanding of his father rather abruptly at the novel's close, and some readers may wonder why Tae-yul was not labeled a chin-il-pa ("lover of Japan" ). But, in the end, telling details provide a clear picture of Sun-hee and Tae-yul and their world. Readers will come away with an appreciation of this period of history and likely a greater interest in learning more about it.”

Kirkus Review:  “This powerful and riveting tale of one close-knit, proud Korean family movingly addresses life-and-death issues of courage and collaboration, injustice, and death-defying determination in the face of totalitarian oppression.”

CONNECTIONS

The following books by Linda Sue Park might appeal to readers who enjoyed When My Name Was Keoko:

Linda Sue Park. A Single Shard. ISBN 0395978270

Linda Sue Park. The Kite Fighters. ISBN 054732863X

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

Alexie, Sherman. 2007. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Ill. by Ellen Forney. New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 9780316013680

PLOT SUMMARY

Fourteen year-old Arnold Spirit (also known as Junior) has always been an outsider in the Spokane Indian reservation where he lives.  This coming of age stories chronicles Arnold’s quest to better himself.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Alexie provides a good introduction to life on a reservation to readers unfamiliar with the lifestyle.  Similar to other coming of age stories, Arnold does not fit in in his community.  He has always been bullied and only has one true friend, Rowdy.  When Arnold decides to switch schools to better himself, he is ostracized by the reservation’s community.  At his new school, Arnold is the only American Indian.  He is able, however, to carve himself a spot within the school’s social structure. 

Teenagers, especially boys, will be able to relate to the main character, Arnold.  Arnold is a realistic character and Alexie has succeeded in creating a likeable and authentic protagonist.  Because this story is written in the first person, readers will feel like they personally know Arnold.

The setting of this book is split between the reservation and the white school, Reardan.  In his descriptions of the reservation, Alexie provides enough detail that readers will understand the poverty that the residents are experiencing.  The opposite is true with Alexie’s descriptions of Reardan.  The most prevalent theme in this story is the theme of identity, as Arnold is trying to discover who he is as an individual, apart from his tribe.

At 229 pages, this is definitely a chapter book for older readers.  Despite the length, Forney’s illustrations are included every few pages.  The black and white cartoons are supposed to be drawn by Arnold and definitely supplement the story nicely.  The illustrations add information to the story, such as the description of the differences between whites and American Indians on p. 57.  The illustrations also add to the appeal of this book to male readers.  This novel would be a good suggestion for readers who typically read graphic novels.

Cultural information is integral to this story.  Alexie does not include many physical descriptions, but he excels at describing the reservation culture.  Most notably, Alexie informs readers about the widespread alcohol abuse among American Indians.  Throughout the story, Arnold mentions alcoholism like it is not a big deal.  This, combined with the frequency it is mentioned, makes readers understand how widespread and “normal” alcoholism is.  For example, after describing his friend’s parents, Arnold says that “My mother and father are drunks too, but they aren’t mean like that” (p. 16).  Later, Arnold says that “I only know, like, five Indians in our whole tribe who have never drunk alcohol” (p. 158).  Alexie succeeds at describing cultural differences between American Indians and whites, but he also does well in explaining how the two cultures are similar.  Arnold’s parents, like parents of other ethnicities, want better for their children than they had themselves:

“But it isn’t weird that my parents so quickly agreed with my plans.  They want a better life for my sister and me.  My sister is running away to get lost, but I am running away because I want to find something.  And my parents love me so much that they want to help me.  Yeah, Dad is a drunk and Mom is an ex-drunk, but they don’t want their kids to be drunks.”

Throughout this story, Alexie uses humor address some tough issues.  This is an entertaining read and effectively teaches readers about cultural intricacies.  Some of the topics may be mature for very young readers, but readers in grades 8 and up will be a perfect fit for this story.    

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist: “Younger teens looking for the strength to lift themselves out of rough situations would do well to start here.”

School Library Journal: “The teen's determination to both improve himself and overcome poverty, despite the handicaps of birth, circumstances, and race, delivers a positive message in a low-key manner. Alexie's tale of self-discovery is a first purchase for all libraries.”

CONNECTIONS

In the following books, Alexie presents similar themes:

Sherman Alexie. War Dances. ISBN 9780802144898

Sherman Alexie. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. ISBN 9780802141675 

Sherman Alexie. Face. ISBN 9781931236706