Becoming the Challenge

As libraries become the next political battleground librarians are faced with a uniquely daunting task. They are tasked with choosing books to meet the needs of our students while being prepared to face challenges to intellectual freedom. Texas has chosen to be a leader in the book challenging and banning movement. This movement is detrimental to our students. For many students, a library is a safe place. It is a place they can see themselves. They can discover their passions and they can travel beyond their current world, How are students going to learn about new places, and ideas, and find themselves if they are limited to what a few feel they should see and read. In Florida, textbooks were banned for having social-emotional lessons. Over and over new research says students need social and emotional. By pushing education to younger and younger grades students are falling behind because they lack the social and emotional components they desperately need. 

How as librarians can we fix these problems if we are faced with challenges and community backlash. We can challenge this by advocating for our patrons and shareholders. We can bring in new materials, teach the social-emotional and create a safe place for our students. We can have materials that meet our student's needs and allow them to find themselves. Those materials might include crafts or graphic novels. We can make sure there is a variety of materials even if they do not meet what we view as important. We can do lessons that encourage teamwork and teach students not only how to win but how to lose with grace. We can make the library a hub of learning and a fun place where students rush to school to be. The library should be a place where students are excited. A place where they cannot wait to see what will happen next. 

We need to fight these challenges for our students. We need to advocate for our students because they do not have a voice yet. We need to harbor their creativity and model what it means to stand up for ourselves and others. We are not given an easy task but this task is important. We need to think beyond our own battles and struggles and reach all of our students. The library must remain free, safe, and a place where students can see themselves. 

Juxaposition

Today was a day of juxtapositions. We started off the morning by taking a check to the bank, eating a quick breakfast and running to meet with our financial advisor. We sat down and talked about retirement, savings, and options. We talked about when to know when the economy hit bottom. Meanwhile, our little girl sat in our laps coloring and playing. We took turns giving our advisor rapt attention while the other one balanced a child, notepad, and toys. This was overwhelming but informative. We left with lots to discuss in the car. We left thinking what the world would be like for her, what it would be like to retire, and when that might even happen.

Our next stop was a funeral. This melancholy event was beautifully done. The pews were full of former coworkers. This woman had touched so many lives and people who had worked with her even if only for a brief time came to pay their respects. As our little one was exhausted and fell asleep in the car I walked in alone. I sat in the back and looked around. Thinking what is a legacy. What would be said for my parents, spouse, child, me? For our friends who were still single who would come? What would be said? The person who gave the eulogy spoke of her humor, and also her private independent nature. I thought of my friends. I thought of a friend who told me I was a bad friend earlier this year. I reflected on all of this and thought what would I say for them? Who would fill those pews? Would there be tears or laughter?  My daughter woke up and my husband brought her in. I looked around to see I was one of the few with a spouse or child in attendance. As I hugged my little one I felt so blessed and lucky. We are so blessed in the lives we have.

Ever on the run it was time to go again. As much as the time to sit and reflect would be wonderful we did not have the time. We dashed back in the car and picked up my husbands license plates. As we drove into the dealership we followed a little blue honda civic. I looked at that car who we had just traded in and thought of all those memories with that car. How someone is going to buy that car and it will be a blessing for them. I looked at the car and knew she was being test driven. Someone else would get to make wonderful memories in that car. It seemed fitting that right after a loss we should see my car.

We at this point decided we needed to feed out little girl. She by the way is a rock star. We go out and enjoy a lunch. We coax her to eat while she makes up her own mind. A quick bite later its time to go home.

This past year I have thought a lot about the number 52. There are 52 weeks in a year. 52 weekends to spend with my daughter. 52 weeks to make a difference and become a better person, to do, to lear, to be present.

My daughter loves the park. I wish we went more but it does not always happen. As soon as I got home we grabbed the tricycle and were off. I wanted her to have a day not of meetings and funerals but the memories and feelings of a mommy who loved her and took her to the park. Where we pushed the swings as she flew into the air. As we counted cars and trees as we walked. Where she became the number one thing on one of these precious 52 weekends.

After a quick trip she was done. We came home, got changed, and played. We sang songs, and played with her animals. It was time to get back in the car. We drove off to a friends engagement celebration.

We got to celebrate a friend getting engaged. It was wonderful to see everyone there. As the time grew longer our little one got more and more restless. She wanted to play and explore. We were the only couple with kids. Over the two hours my husband and I tagged team catching her, playing with her, and stepping away mid-conversation more times than either of us could count. This engagement was exciting but solidified in my mind that we are reaching different milestones. We were no longer the couple choosing the cool, unique restaurants. Instead we were thinking 401K, 403B and school costs. We could not sit down and celebrate any more. We had to be on the move. We left at the end of the night and for the first time I truly understood I would lose my friends. My friends I clung on so hard to keep. Their lives are on a different trajectory.

What would be said at their funerals verse ours would be drastically different. My super amazing husband and I looked at our lives and we took stock of it all. The way our lives were full. We have 52 weeks a year. We need to make them count.

Kristina Kuzmic just released a new book titles Hold on But Don't Hold Still. This title was perfect for today. I need to hold on but I can't hold still. I can't pretend my life is on the same path. I can't pretend everything will be the same as when I was in college.  Her book is about hope but also finding the light. I realize I won't be saying goodbye to my friends but I also know a new light will shine. I am excited for their new adventures and know that there is a mark we will all leave on the world.

I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

Title I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez

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Genre: Realistic Fiction

Justification:

I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is a National Book Award Finalist, the winner of the Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award, Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year, Texas TAYHAS High school reading list, Virginia Capitol Choices Award List, and a New York Times Bestseller  (Penguin Random House, 2019). This heavily awarded book speaks to Mexicans, Hispanics, and others are not represented in books. It also does a great job addressing suicide attempts and the importance of family, forgiveness, and trust.

Evaluation of the book:

This story talks about the plight of being a second generation American growing up with a first generation American. While the book is laced with the overall plot of Olga dying and Julia is trying to find out who she really is the main plot is what it is like growing up in a different culture. Julia deals with a lot of the same concerns our students deal with. Some of the issues include will her parents be deported, suicide, death, and depression. Julia needs someone she can turn too but her mom cannot overcome her own grief enough to reach her daughter. It is not until Julia gets sent to Mexico that she understands the trials her parents have faced and why she is raised the way she is. The plot addresses several major issues and helps the reader to understand that Julia is just not entitled, and her mom does not have the tools needed to be the best parent. The two plots intertwine well with each other telling an important story about acceptance and trying to move on and heal.

The tone of the book is full and anger and sadness. Julia is dealing with depression because she lost her sister. She is going through puberty and feels guilty for her sister’s death. Julia and her parents seem at odds through the whole book. Julia is told she cannot enter her sisters’ room to mourn for her and spends her life with no privacy and grounded. It is not until after Julia attempts suicide and is found by her father that the tone changes. Julia begins to heal. She goes to therapy. Goes to Mexico and learns why her mom is the way she is. She also learns that Olga is not perfect and was about to have a baby. This realization allows her to grow and move on. She gets into College and forges her own path with a new understanding of her parents struggles. She learns to open herself up and learn about others struggles and problems. Julia grows up and becomes more accepting. The tone becomes one of sorrow to one of growth then this occurs.  

Sanchez uses two languages in the book. She does not limit her words to just English but uses precise vocabulary. The mixture of both languages helps to get the point of the story across. Ama uses her native langue and Mexican ideals while Julia grows up in an American culture. Olga follows the traditional Mexican mentality why Julia rebels and focuses on getting out and working on her education. As the characters are mentioned the use of Spanish increases or decreases. Julia and her mom even pretend to not speak English while cleaning on of the houses. This precise language helps the reader to understand that background and mindset of each character.   

Response:

          (a) Growing up in El Paso there were many first- and second-generation families. Parties were large affairs where the whole community would attend. Quinceneras were a rite of passage and sweet sixteens did not exist. For many women they were overprotected. They could not leave home like their male counterparts. Makeup could not be worn till their fifteenth birthday. They were taught how to care for a family, to have a decent job but that family always came first. I watched as these girls longed to become Americanized. To go away to college and not have to stay at home. This is an issue that many immigrants face. First generation families have faced a lot of trauma and trials to do what is best for their families. Their children do not understand what it took and what was lost. It is hard to balance both cultures and grow. This story is something that affects thousands of women as their families try to protect them from the harsh realities they faced.

          (b) This book was an extreme example. It broke my heart reading how the family was all suffering along. I did not agree with Ama when she banned Julia from Olga’s room. Julia lost her sister just as Ama lost her daughter. The punishments were also too intense. They just pushed a greater divide and separated the family more. Julia felt like she had to rebel because she was not heard or seen. She needed her Apa and Ama to support her instead of blaming her for her sister’s death. I choose to parent in a less extreme way because I want my daughter to come to me if she needs me. I want there to be trust and understanding but not friendship. It is important to listen to both sides so that people can heal.

          (g) The text was slow at first. It picked up the pace at the middle. I loved how it addressed several issues that teens face daily. However, I felt that the subplot with Olga was forced. It did not add a significant amount to the story and was not flushed out well. The main story with the relationship of Julia and her mom was the true story. The elements of going back to Mexico were well done and needed. This book is a great book to have in the library. It would benefit many students and even though it is slow at first it does send the message of hope and getting help.

         

Conclusion:

          This award-winning book tells the story of dealing with grief, regret, and anger. The plot, tone, and precise vocabulary help tell a story of a girl trying to fit in two different worlds, while mourning her sister. It also tells the story of learning to live after tragedy. Sanchez does a great job of showing the struggles and the importance of branching out and learning to accept and fix the things that tear us apart.

Citation:

Penguin Random House. (2019). I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. Retrieved from Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/545723/i-am-not-your-perfect-mexican-daughter-by-erika-l-sanchez/

Sanchez, E. L. (2017). I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. New York: Ember.

The University of Texas at El Paso. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm

Transmission My Quest to a Beard

Title Trans Mission My Quest to a Beard by Alex Bertie 

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Genre: LGBTQ, Biography

Justification:

          Alex Bertie, you tube star wrote an autobiography about his life and coming out as Trans. While this book was not an award winner, it was still an important book to read. As someone who is straight and does not meet a large Trans population, I wanted to learn more. This book could be a beginner guide to understand Transsexual terminology, and desires. Many books and shows now have LGBTQ themes such as Rick Rioban’s Magnus Chase trilogy, Shameless, and even Geekerella. When looking for a book I intentionally chose an autobiography. As students come out, they need books to help guide them and realize they are not alone. This book has a glossary in the back with terms and talks the reader through each step of the process and support systems, so students do not feel alone or isolated.   

Evaluation of the book:

This book was written with precise vocabulary. Every word was carefully chosen and medically accurate. The book spends a significant amount of time going over the vocabulary and defining it. The end of the book includes a glossary defining the commonly used terminology. Sections of the book are highlighted and emphasized to help spread Alex’s point. Certain words are defined more then once to stress the importance. For example, Alex talks about coming out once as not straight and twice as trans. He describes the self-harm he does because he is uncomfortable in his own body. He spends the first chapter defining all the gender terms so the reader would know what he was discussing.

The book gave unexpected insights into the transition process. For instance, that there is no official timetable for approval. It took 11 months to be approved. That is a long time to wait not knowing when the end will occur. It was also interesting to learn that trans must be their own advocates. Alex had to go to three doctors before he could follow the path he wanted. The first doctor left him unprepared, the second ignored the research and the third doctor listened. It is important to have the research and advocate for yourself. Alex also discussed how his relationships suffered as people were in different parts of the process. For instance, it was hard for him to not wear his shirt after his surgery because his partner had not gotten here yet in their relationship.

Alex is a graphic designer. Throughout the book he uses line to help tell his story. His book does not follow a singular straight bath but just out with distinct lines are large text. Certain areas of the text are increased while others are decreased. Pictures are drawn around the edges periodically. These simple sketches represent important moment’s in Alex’s life. Each chapter had the same image through out the chapter.  

Response:

          (a) When I was in college there was a man named Alejandro. He came from a poor town where they had nothing. He was the boy who handwrote letters to computer companies asking for a computer and was sent one. He had nothing. Throughout our time in college he started to change. He grew his hair out. He got a chest, and no longer went by Alejandro but Aless. Aless was and is my only trans acquittance.  When she graduated college, she made her transition. I wanted to know more about her path and how she handled job applications, work, and a transition. I realized I knew nothing about the struggles and need to learn.

          © This book was very informative. I learned about dysphoria, the process and the struggles. I knew it was hard to be trans and that many trans individuals are murdered. I knew the bathroom bill targeted people who are trans and that it was unjust, but I did not understand the full range of information. I learned about sexual orientation and how it is difficult to hate your own skin. This book was eye opening to me and I would love to learn more. When I have time, I would love to watch the videos where Alex talks about his transition and helps others come to grips with their bodies.  

          (g) Although this book did not earn a lot of awards and accolades it is important book to read and have. The library needs to be a place where everyone feels accepted, included and where people can find information. This might be the book that a young man/women/ or none of the above needs. It might inform someone about a different minority or allow for less gender stereotypes. The most important thing is that it shows you are not alone. There might be one student who needs this book to know they are not alone, and they will survive and get through this. Alex’s mom reacted differently then Alex wanted because the internet knew before she did. This might show someone that reactions might look different because of different factors. Alex’s mom just wanted to have her happy child. I enjoyed learning a lot of information.

Conclusion:

          Trans Mission My Quest to a Beard might not be an award winner. However, this book taught me and changed my thinking on transgender issues. This is a must have book in every young adult library. It could be the book that saves a transgender student from self-harm or allows a child the tools to come out. It allows for others to have a new appreciation and understanding for those who think differently. This book uses precise vocabulary, unexpected insights, and lines to guide the reader through a process of coming out and become a male. This important message needs to be shares so that everyone can be more inclusive and understanding.

Citation:

Bertie, A. (2017). Trans Mission My Quest to a Beard . New York : Little Brown and Companry .

The University of Texas at El Paso. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm

Dear Martin

Title: Dear Martin by Nic Stone    

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Genre:  Fiction

Justification:

          Dear Martin was released in 2017. This book won nine awards including 2018 William C. Morris Award Finalist, YALSA 2018 Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers Selection, Booklist Top 10 Books for Youth 2017, and Buzzfeed 28 Best YA Books for 2017 (Junior Library Guild, 2018). This book has been features on bookstore displays, on scholastic reading club, and was also A New York Times Bestseller (Stone, 2017). I had heard wonderful things about this book and decided it was time to read it. This book concerned police targeting of African American Males which is a hot topic in todays society.

Evaluation of the book:

The gap between blacks and whites in prisons are shrinking according to the Pew research center in 2017 (Gramlich, 2019). However, that being stated the book has a lot of accuracy. In 2017 39,400 more African Americans were incarcerated verse white males.  African American make up only 12% of the population yet 33% of them are in jail. Meanwhile white’s make up 64% of the population with only 30% of white’s being in jail (Gramlich, 2019). Dear Martin, addresses these disparities in the debate that Jus an SJ have (Stone, 2017, p. 80). They win the debate discussing the racial gap. The book also addresses black killings by police officers. Black’s are killed at three times the rate of white killings by police officers (Lewis, 2019). Manny was killed by an off-duty police officer. He was murdered for playing music too loud in his car. The book draws attention to these frightening statistics and media portrayal. SJ a Jewish woman fights for equality in the debates in Doc’s class. When choosing their topic, she finds “The Myth of the Super predator” which discussed how crimes would skyrocket and became a self-fulfilling prophecy. All the topics in the book has factual date to support them and back up the story.    

The theme of this coming of age book is the disparity between black and white males and police bias. Jus is learning how to deal with being unfairly targeted when he was helping his drunk ex-girlfriend. He is handcuffed and falsely accused of hurting Melo. When his mom tries to help him, they treat him as an adult because he is 17 years old. This unfair bias is not just. When the cops come to interview him, they do not let his mother come because of his age. They treat him like a criminal and try to deny him his rights. Before Manny gets shot, he turns the music down at the light and does not turn it back up until they are driving again. He posts death gets accused of disturbing citizens however he did turn the music down when next to another vehicle. This story talks about the importance of speaking up and looking at the world through multiple viewpoints.

The plot of this book is of a young black man learning to adjust to the bias’s world around him. He writes to Martin Luther King to understand the unfair biases around him. As he grows, he learns about the different paths Blacks have taken the past to deal with biases. Some of these paths deal with language, fighting, and gangs. Jus decides it is not worth joining and gang and that it is a mistake. He also, learns that Martin Luther King Jr had to go through a lot to become the person he is. Jus learns not take anything for granted and it will always be an uphill battle to fight stereotypes and racism.   This plot is applicable for all minorities and people who are different. Everyone needs to learn how to deal with disagreement and how to change the world for better.

Response:

          (b) As a minority I was able to relate to this book. I see the unfair treatment of minorities and biases. I might not be visibly a minority, but I grew up as a White, Jewish girl in El Paso. This place me as the minority in two ways. Being white and Jewish meant I had to represent both cultures. I have watched people make unfair biases because they make assumptions. When I was in college I was in a few multicultural classes. In these classes I learned more about the disparities between races and cultures. I saw friends targeted in stores based on the color of their skin. I watched people in Walmart get stopped based on their skin color while they never asked to see my receipt and stop me. I got pulled over and was shown respect while I watched minorities fear driving one mile off the speed limit. I heard co-workers give their children the talk about what to do when the police pull you over. This book shows how wrong these disparities are. As a society this exposure is important because it will help us put our bias aside and help others. The treatment is wrong but the first step to fixing the problem is to identify the problem.

          (e) Comparisons are a dangerous thing. After reading The Hate U Give, Refugee, and One of Us is Lying Dear Martin did not have the same impact. The other books did a wonderful job covering biases and while Nic Stone wrote an amazing book it did not live up to the standard set by the other books. The message was well done, and the factual evidence was there. The character development needed a little more work. This book will be a must have in a young adult library, but it might not be the first book that is recommended.

          © This book did a great job teaching about biases. While living in a bubble it becomes easy to overlook other people’s challenges. I learned a lot more about how the media will find unfair snapshots of your life. I also, learned how strong the gangs hold is on minority cultures. The most important take away was from Manny’s father. He sat the boys down and talked to them about his challenges. He discussed how he shielded the boys from the racism he endures daily and how it is a constant struggle to better himself and his culture. He lost his job, and son but strove to the be the better person.  This is a message that I will take with me. When life gives you challenges it is important to rise above them.

Conclusion:

          This novel is a must-read novel for minorities. It uses accuracy, theme, and plot to teach how to handle unfair bias and treatment. This book also addresses the unjust murders of minorities and the bias around them. It is a different world based on races and culture and the stigma needs to be broken down so that everyone can be like Martin. The simple journal writing should be an inspiration to find a role model and find their motivation.

Citation:

 

Gramlich, J. (2019, April 30 ). The gap between the number of blacks and whites in prison is shrinking. Retrieved from Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/04/30/shrinking-gap-between-number-of-blacks-and-whites-in-prison/

Junior Library Guild. (2018). Dear Martin. Retrieved from Junior Library Guild: https://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/book/landing/detailedview?itemcode=9781101939505J

Lewis, T. (2019, December 4 ). Police Killings of Unarmed Black Americans May Affect Health of Black Infants . Retrieved from Scientific American : https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/police-killings-of-unarmed-black-americans-may-affect-health-of-black-infants/

Stone, N. (2017). Dear Martin. New York: Random House Children's Books .

The University of Texas at El Paso. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm

Stepsister

Title: Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly   

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Genre:  Fantasy

Justification:

          Jennifer Donnelly is an award-winning author. She has previously been a Printz Honor writer. In 2019 her released a new fantasy novel. This fractured fairy tale extends the story of Cinderella and changes the view point to the evil stepsister. This book is designed specifically for young adults even though older readers can enjoy it as well. Goodreads has already had 6,607 ratings and given the book 4.09 stars (goodreads, 2019). While this book has just been released in May it had not received any awards currently it has protentional to become an award winner.

Evaluation of the book:

The mood of Stepsister was dark. The book opens with the fates writing the maps. The descriptions alone were creepy” The crone’s eyes, like those of her sisters, were a forbidding gray, as cold and pitiless as the sea.” (Donnelly, 2019, p. 1)  Before the book begins an introduction takes place. It is written on black paper with tiny white font.

“This is a dark tale. A grim tale. It’s a tale from another time, a time when wolves waited for girls in the forest, beasts paced the halls of cursed castles, and witches lurked in gingerbread houses with sugar-kissed roofs.

          That time is long gone.

          But the wolves are still here and twice as clever. The beasts remain. And death still hides in a dusting of white.

It’s grim for any girl who loses her way.

Grimmer still for a girl who loses herself.

Know that it’s dangerous to stray from the path.

But it’s far more dangerous not to”  (Donnelly, 2019)

          This passage from the book sets the scene and creates foreshadowing. The first line about a dark tale and a grim tale accurately describe the book. As Chance battles the Crone, they watch Isabelle’s lifeline shift and change. Chance tries to give her courage while the Crone tries to destroy her. Even the fairy godmother is gruesome as she kills her prey. As Isabelle makes progress another depression action happens. She finds the love of her life to learn he has enlisted. She finds her horse and discovers he is set to die. She begins to build confidence and become stronger as her home is burnt down. She seeks to be a better person to have orphans taunt and throw things at her. She works to save her mom while being told she is not good enough and that madness has engulfed her. This dark tale has a deep message.

The quick pacing of this book made it an easy read. Donnelly does not linger. She moves the reader through the story quickly. She does not let the reader have time to process and mourn. When the book begins the girls are mutilating themselves for the mother’s benefit.  They quickly learn to live their mutilation and shame. Isabelle gets back and up and learns to ride a horse again. She becomes stronger. They lose their house and move on to work at the neighbor’s farm. She thinks she will lose her horse but instead saves three other horses. This fast pace moves the story along. Even Chance moves a rapid pace. He rushes the thespians to put on their performance. He quickly gets more maps and tries to give others a Chance. He makes new inks to help hide the world and give hope.

The characters are well developed. The fates are strong characters. “Do you think a coin can pay for what you’ve set looks?” she raged. “A warlord rampages across France. Death reaps a harvest of bones. A kingdom totters. All because of you!” (Donnelly, 2019, p. 5). Chance works hard to fix the error in his ways. Ella is found to not always be good. Isabelle learns it is not always important to be pretty but to play your strengths. Tavi learns to be happy with her books and intelligence. She can do experiments and ultimately ends up saving France. All the characters grow and change. Even the fates are shocked to see how the characters grow and survive. Each character and action is given thought. The Grand Duke does not want Ella to be queen. This is seen at the beginning and reinforced at the end. Isabelle shifts from wanting to be pretty to understanding her true gift of strength.

Response:

           (g) The beginning of the story was gruesome. Donnelly did not shy away from the original fairy tale. “The little toe was the hardest” (Donnelly, 2019, p. 11) this simple sentence tells so much. Isabelle against her better judgement cuts off her own toes to fit in the glass slipper. As the blood fills the slipper and the white dove tells the prince of how she cut off her toes it becomes difficult to read. However, as the book continues the gore diminishes and a sense of whimsy, urgency, and fear take over. After finishing the book, the art of the book is revealed.

(f) While reading the book it at first seemed like most fractured fairy tales. Yet, on the last chapter everything changes. The entire book is filled with foreshadowing, hidden messages, and clues. I would love to go back and reread the text again to see all the little masterful clues given in the text. This book got more entreating as it was read. The characters became more developed. The reader was rooting for Isabelle to realize that there are more important things then being pretty. The author also let the pieces all intersect and intertwine to form the story.

(d) The book does an amazing job of telling the reader to be yourself. Tavi is excited to finally get to do science and math. She can use her brain. She realized that the best thing for her was to be ostracized. It allowed her to be herself. She is the reason that Ella got to escape, the reason Isabelle going gets to the fairy queen. Isabelle changes from wanting to be pretty to wanting to defeat Volkmar. The book also shows that we all have jealousy and insecurities. These insecurities and jealousy can consume us if we let it. These are strong messages that are applicable to everyone. It is important to follow our own calling and understand that we all have strengths. We are also defined by more than our fate. We have the power of choice and change our own destiny.

Conclusion:

          While this book has a gruesome beginning, it was a wonderful read. It had a strong message about taking control of your own life and finding your own heart and truth. Isabelle learns about herself and how to become her true self in the book. This is important for young women to read and understand how to be their true self. The book uses a somber mood, a quick pace, and well-defined characters to spread her message. This book will be the perfect book for anyone struggling with their identity and societal norms. 

Citation:

Works Cited

Donnelly, J. (2019). Stepsister. New York: Scholastic.

goodreads. (2019, December ). Stepsister. Retrieved from goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41473840-stepsister

The University of Texas at El Paso. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm

The Poet X

Title: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

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Genre:  Poetry

Justification:

           This book is the winner of the Printz award, Pura Belpre award and the National Book Award for 2018. This award has received numerous accolades and awards. When choosing a book, the synopsis seemed interest and it showed up on multiple award lists. It was also interesting to read this novel that is told though poetry. The book also had an interesting cover. It showed a woman with poems flying from her. This cover reminded me of when I did spoken word poetry for

Speech and debate in high school.

Evaluation of the book:

Acevedo does a great job of building her characters. She dedicates certain poems to them.  Her introduction to her mother is called “Mami works” (Acevedo, 2018, p. 11). This poem talks about what her mom does for a living and how her mom lives “Her fingers rubbing the material of plastic gloves like the pages of her well-worn Bible” (Acevedo, 2018, p. 11)This simple 16 lines gives a heap of information about her Mami and the relationship they share. The way she introduces Ms. Galiano also has a lot of details and important information. The last stanza however gives the reader a crucial line. “I have a feeling Ms. Galiano actually wants to know my answer” (Acevedo, 2018, p. 38). This simple line tells the reader how much Ms. Galiano cares about her students and the way Xiomara trusts her. As the poems progress the reader learns about how Xiomara finds herself and builds the confidence to express herself.

The book is made up of different designs and layouts. Some of the poems are brief while others are long. There are narrative elements when Xiomara shows what she wrote for Ms. Galiano’s class. Each poem is formatted a different way to help express the meaning. Her messages are justified on the right side like in the poem “Communication” (Acevedo, 2018, p. 102). This helps the reader envision the poem is a text message. The post it is shaped like a post it to help spread the meaning (Acevedo, 2018, p. 109). Some of the poems are short like the poem “Haiku” (Acevedo, 2018, p. 27). Each poem is designed and laid out a certain way to spread them meaning. Father Sean is a static character, so he gets a short poem. After is a series of shape poems to show the downward spiral she is feeling (Acevedo, 2018, pp. 52-53). The words make an arrow down as she talks about her distress and her feelings. The changes and variety help the read understand her emotions and feelings.

The book is fast paced. At the front of the book it talks about the advanced praise. Ireland describes the pacing of the book perfectly “Elizabeth Acevado crackles with energy and snaps with authenticity and voice” (Acevedo, 2018). The pace is quick. Each poem sparkles and makes the reader want to read it aloud. Each poem is intentional and leads into the next. X is able to talk about how parents have their own expectations for their child. It also talks about how we all have ways we express ourselves. The book can go through tricky situations quickly while stressing the big picture with longer poems.  When Aman and X almost have sex the poem briefly states he does not turn her away but respects her decision. However, when her poetry journals are set aflame the reader has time to process this tragic monumental piece. The pacing makes the reader feel like they are there watching the journal burn. The reader also feels the slow pain of the rice as X is forced to kneel on rice. Each word is a single line. This helps slow the time as the pain grows one small piece at a time (Acevedo, 2018, pp. 198-203). The intentional pacing helps the tell an amazing story of how Xiomara grows and learns.

Response:

          (g) Wow! Wow! When I closed the book at the end this one word “wow” was all I could say and think about. I am not a writer and have never been a writer. I do not enjoy it but love to read. When reading this book the words became so profound and meaningful. Her use of different poem types and the story she told were unforgettable. This is the first book I have even taken a snap to send to a friend. This is the first book where my first response was going to the computer and write. Write because everyone deserves and needs to read this book.  This book had so much depth and meaning. I admire her bravery, her desire to share, and the strength it takes to let those inner emotions out.

          (f) This book is a novel written though poems. Each poem builds on the story. As the poems progress you can feel the shifts and changes in her emotions. She begins unsure of herself and then becomes braver and braver. The reader can fell her inner insecurities and how she becomes bolder and believes in herself. The reader also learn how she handles the judgement and expectations thrown on her. The readers can also feel her heartbreak when her book is destroyed. The poems are art. They use different forms and styles. All intertwined to develop the characters.

          (d) People tell us we are hard on our daughter. We have high expectations and expect her to be kind and always do her best she can do. This book made me rethink how hard I am being on her. We are hard on her so that she can succeed and learn. We do not want her to feel it is ever ok not to be kind. The mom had good intentions but was forcing her own desires and beliefs on her daughter. The pressure she was asserting pushed both her children away and made they lie to her. This made me think I need to be lighter on my daughter and listen more. Last night instead of reading our normal 20+ board books we just sat together, and she laid in my lap and I just listened to her babble until she decided she wanted story time. She chooses the books and there was not rush, or urgency. This might not seem like a large change but to her it made my little 17-month-old feel heard. This book caused me to rethink and will help other kids rethink their desires and relationships.

Conclusion:

          Poetry might not be my go-to genre, but this book was very powerful. After reading this book it has inspired me to read more poetry. It is amazing to see how broad of a range of poems can be used in one text. It also shows how everyone has an outlet to let their voice be heard. This book does a wonderful job of discussing issues in society and how we all need to be heard. The characters are well written and developed, the book uses an interesting design and layout and a quick pace to develop the story.

Citation:

Acevedo, E. (2018). The Poet X. New York: HarperCollins Children's Books .

The University of Texas at El Paso. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm