Cesar Chavez: A Photographic Essay by Ilan Stavans

It is possible that there is another more perfect photograph in a library book for sharing with students when Yom Kippur, a holiday they may have never heard of, occurs smack-dab in the middle of Latino/a History Month, but on page 62 of Ilan Stavan’s Cesar Chavez: A Photographic Essay, there is a wonderful image for sparking students’ curiosity and wonderings.  Here is a picture of Cesar Chavez holding a shofar.  Why is Cesar Chavez holding a shofar?

Serendipitous events aside, this book is essential for readers who have yet to wonder or have just begun to ask the question Who was Cesar Chavez?  With a minimum of text, this volume is an invitation to consider the life of the six-year old boy, his eighth-grade graduation photo, the farmworkers and farm life he concerned himself with, and the battles he fought to establish the humanity and dignity of farm workers.  Highly recommended as a supplement to Steinbeck’s Grape of Wrath, Zola’s Germinal, or units of study on child labor, human rights, activism, civil rights, labor movements, and revolution.  This book will also be of interest to instructors searching for accessible photobiographies with social relevance which include a higher degree of text-complexity than usually accompanies so much white space. --Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Stavans, Ilan.  Cesar Chavez:  A Photographic Essay.  El Paso:  Cinco Puntos Press, 2010. Print.

Usagi Yojimbo Book 4: The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy by Stan Sakai

Welcome to Edo Japan! Usagi Yojimbo is the story of a rabbit named Miyamoto Usagi, a rounin (a samurai that doesn’t have a lord to serve) who wanders the land taking jobs as a yojimbo (bodyguard).  Throughout his journey Usagi meets many fascinating characters; some who become allies willing to aid him in his journey and others who turn into sworn enemies.  These characters help keep the story fresh as the focus is not constantly on Usagi. One of the series’ charms is the characters being anthropomorphic animals, which makes the otherwise bloody story more approachable.  The series is one of the longest I’ve seen, having well over 23 volumes. Although it is not necessary, I would recommend starting from book one since the story sometimes makes references to previous books.  The art is a cross between Japanese manga and western comics all drawn in black and white.  Teachers looking to introduce students to Japanese culture, history during the Edo era (1603 - 1868), and the Samurai code (Bushido) should look into this series.  Students that have enjoyed Buddha, Maus and Barefoot Gen would probably enjoy Usagi Yojimbo as well. --Claudio Leon

How They Croaked: the Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous by Georgia Bragg, illustrated by Kevin O’Malley

What else do you need to know, really? In this collection of historical biographies, all the facts point in one direction -- toward cause of death. Bragg expertly tells the story of nineteen well-known figures in history, from Mozart to King Tut to Edgar Allan Poe, in a mere four or five pages each. Granted, these biographies are not exhaustive, but they do describe who the person was, what they are famous for, and how they died.

Because of the historical nature of these awfully famous people, some of the deaths are quite gruesome, many having come about from less-advanced medical practice and widespread diseases. Mozart, for example, was only 35 when he died of strep throat in 1791; antibiotics were invented one hundred and forty years later. The details of his death are gory, but somehow Bragg’s sly sense of humor makes it all easy to digest.

With the addition of O’Malley’s whimsical illustrations and some fun trivia at the end of each chapter, this book is a sure winner among readers of history. Teachers and librarians will also appreciate the table of contents, bibliography, further reading suggestions and index.  --Anja Kennedy

Bragg, Georgia. How They Croaked: the Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous. New York: Walker & Company, 2011. Print.

Would You Rather: Doubly Disgusting by Justin Heimberg and David Gomberg

Would you rather get lost in your favorite novel, or debate with a group of your peers?  If you fall into the latter category, then this is the book for you.  It starts quietly, a question posed to a nearby friend, “Would you rather...” marking the discovery of this hilariously disgusting tome by another curious student.  Suddenly everyone is thinking long and hard about the options, weighing the pros and cons, and discussing the long-term ramifications of choices such as, “Would you rather clean yourself like a cat, or use a litter box like a cat?”  This small book is full of options designed to nauseate and repel, so it is obviously very popular.  One part joke book, one part introduction to debate, Would You Rather is an engaging and stress-free read for students that will get them talking about what they are reading, as well as a wonderful tool to introduce the idea of argument and debate to a class.  --Regan Schwartz

Heimberg, Justin and David Gomberg. Would You Rather: Doubly Disgusting. New York: Seven Footer Press, 2009. Print.

Drake by C. F. Earl

The wait is over.  New this year to the Superstars of Hip-Hop series from Mason Crest, Drake the biracial Canadian rapper on the rise since 2009 now has a spot on school library shelves. While this title would benefit from higher quality images and a reconsideration of the “hip-hop lingo” text boxes that define words as basic as “rap” (telegraphing to teens that this book does not recognize their prior knowledge), the current dearth of available library materials on this popular topic makes this volume worth considering.  Earl focuses on Drake’s ascent to stardom after establishing the music star's success as actor Aubrey Graham.  Earl pays particular attention to Drake’s use of the internet and mixtapes to create a fan base without the backing of a major label, and offers a sequential explanation of the artist's eventual connection with Lil’ Wayne which may have been previously obscure.  For urban teens not yet ready to tackle more challenging text, Drake offers an opportunity to access a simple expository text on a subject that will be of high interest to some.  The back matter includes a sparse timeline, web links, an index and picture credits.--Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Earl, C. F.  Drake.  Pennsylvania: Mason Crest, 2013. Print.

* note this review copy was provided by a publisher at the request of the reviewer.

Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson

This slim, poignant novel in verse introduces the reader to Lonnie Collins Motion, four years after a tragic accident took his parents and separated him from his beloved younger sister.  Bounced from home to home, Lonnie has finally found some stability in his foster mom, Ms. Edna, and his teacher, Ms. Marcus.  Told in Lonnie’s voice, through his poetry, Locomotion is an engaging and accessible glimpse into the mind of a bright and loving, but traumatized, young man.  Readers interested in exploring novels in verse will find in Locomotion a great place to start with its judicious use of white space, uncomplicated forms, and realistic middle grade vocabulary.  Throughout the book, Woodson uses the conceit of classroom writing, allowing her to naturally introduce and explain a variety of poetic forms, making Locomotion a fantastic introduction to a unit on poetry. --Regan Schwartz

Woodson, Jacqueline. Locomotion.  New York: Puffin Books, 2003.

Bad Dog: 278 outspoken, indecent, and overdressed dogs by R. D. Rosen, Harry Prichett & Rob Battles

Looking for a laugh? Bad Dogs is popular with students who just want to browse and enjoy a few giggles while at it. This is a collection of photographs of dogs, all of them in compromising situations, ridiculous costumes, or both. The authors have included silly captions for each photo, written in the first person from the dog’s perspective. Also included are the pets’ names, ages and hobbies. A call for submissions in the back of the book implies that this is a collection of regular dogs, albeit with maybe not so regular owners. And while the title may suggest the featured dogs are bad, it seems obvious to this reader that these animals have the patience of saints. Also check out the book’s companion, an equally popular Bad Cats: 244 not-so-pretty kitties and cats gone bad.  --Anja Kennedy

Rosen, R. D., Harry Prichett, and Rob Battles. Bad Dog: 278 outspoken, indecent, and overdressed dogs. New York: Workman Publishing, 2005.

Hulk Vs Wolverine by Damon Lindelof, art by Leinil Francis Yu & Dave McCaig

Two of Marvel’s biggest names come together to create a story fueled by love, betrayal and vengeance.  Told from the viewpoints of Bruce Banner, Betty Ross, Jennifer Walters and one relentless hunter, Wolverine, this story is full of twists, turns and surprises.  Bruce Banner, better known as the Incredible Hulk, has been sentenced to death but he (not surprisingly) survives the death sentence and goes into hiding.  In comes Wolverine who is ordered by Nick Fury to find and eliminate the Hulk.  The entire story plays out as a high octane action film with an underlying love story between Betty Ross and Bruce Banner.  Can Wolverine really bring an end to one of Marvel’s most powerful heroes?  And why would Nick Fury select Wolverine for this task out of all the other heroes?  Those aware of Jennifer’s true identity will be surprised at the turn of events.  This is a must read for any comic book fan. --Claudio Leon

Black Boy White School by Brian F. Walker

If who you are is a product of where you’re from, how do you stay true to yourself nearly a thousand miles from the only home you’ve ever known?  That’s exactly what Anthony “Ant” Jones tries to figure out when he’s sent to elite Belton Academy after witnessing a horrifying murder in his rough Cleveland neighborhood.  Over the course of the school year, Ant struggles to navigate the tricky private-school politics of race, class, and academic achievement as he works to find his place in the overwhelmingly white and wealthy crowd.  And yet, when he returns home for vacation, he finds himself a stranger on his own block. Can Ant succeed at Belton without losing his identity and alienating everyone who loves him?

Based on the author’s personal experience at prep school in Massachusetts, Black Boy White School is a thoughtful and engaging novel, full of believable characters and realistic situations.  The text is straightforward and well-suited to readers of popular teen fiction, such as the Drama High series, and the works of Allison Van Diepen.  Readers interested in race and politics will find a lot to think about in Brian F. Walker’s first book. --Regan Schwartz

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

There is more than geography separating the south and north sides of the Chicago suburb of Fairfield, IL.  On the north side, the houses are immense, the clothing gorgeous, the GPAs impeccable, and the pressure nearly suffocating.  There is a whole different kind of pressure on the south side, where poverty and gang warfare end lives far too early and protecting your loved ones often means giving up your future.  These two sides come together and often clash at Fairfield High School, where a tough chemistry teacher has partnered popular cheerleader Brittany Ellis with dangerous gang member Alex Fuentes.  Amused by this situation, Alex happily takes a bet that he can lure Brittany into his bed before the semester ends.  But as they cautiously grow closer, they both realize that under the stereotypes and the facades, they have more in common than they ever thought possible.  Will it be enough to save them from the futures everyone else has mapped out for them?

Told in both main characters voices, this fast-paced novel, full of realistic relationships and dangerous situations is a hit.  This title will appeal to readers looking for teen romance and gritty “real life” novels.  Although the epilogue pushes the boundaries of believability, sometimes a bit of a fairytale ending is just what a reader needs. -- Regan Schwartz

Buddha by Osama Tezuka

This compelling manga series takes readers on a journey of enlightenment across 8 volumes.  It begins before Siddartha, the Buddha, is born.  Book one starts by explaining the different social castes in Kapilavastu, India.  Siddartha who is born a prince sacrifices his riches and family in order to search for the meaning of life.  This journey is what makes the series such an amazing read.  A Throughout the series we learn about a multitude of characters, that change their lives as they interact with Siddartha.  In turn they also force the future Buddha to rethink the purpose of his journey.  This manga series offers an accessible entry point to classic works on the buddha, such as Hermann Hesse’s Siddartha. The first volume in the series can be helpful to introduce students to the concepts of social classes and segregation and to world religions, perhaps in Global Studies.  Students looking for drama or that have read titles like The Alchemist would likely enjoy the series. -- Claudio Leon

Sports Illustrated Kids: In Your Face 3-D: the Best 3-D Book Ever! by David E. Klutho

This has been, by far, the most handled book in the Horizon library this summer. Perfect for reluctant readers, book lovers and everyone in between, each page in this book dares the reader to swipe a hand over the image to make sure there’s nothing actually floating above it. Using the 3-D glasses that come with the book (and I just discovered a phone number printed inside to receive FREE replacement glasses!), students have been eager to take turns flipping through and pointing out their favorite images to one another and staff. There is very little text throughout, mainly in captions and highlighted quotes, saving plenty of room for oversize pictures of sports action.

My favorite thing about In Your Face 3-D? Everyone forgets to maintain their cool while wearing the 3-D glasses. This book has the ability to bring out the fun-loving kid in even the most stoic teen.  --Anja Kennedy

Guest Post: American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

A 3-in-1 graphic novel, American Born Chinese intertwines three narratives that converge to reveal the author’s message of self-acceptance.

The first narrative revolves around Jin Wang, the only Chinese-American student in his high school.  He is bullied and lonely and in love with beautiful, blonde Amelia Harris.  All of a sudden, his life changes when a Chinese boy moves to town with his family.  Jin now has a friend, but accepts Wei-Chen’s friendship begrudgingly, since he would only cast greater light on Jin’s own other-ness.

The second narrative is based on a traditional Chinese fable: the story of the Monkey King.  Pompous and stubborn, the Monkey King wishes to raise from the status of king to that of a god.  He trains and becomes seemingly invincible.  Tze-Yo-Tzuh, the creator of all existence, takes umbrage at the Monkey Kings arrogance and traps him under an immense pile of boulders where he remains for a long time.

The final narrative is that of Danny, a popular, blond, all-American teenager.  The only atypical thing about Danny is his cousin, Chin-Kee, whose name is a play on a slur.  Chin-Kee is a cultural stereotype brought to life.  From the illustration which brings to mind propaganda posters of the ‘40s to the way he speaks in broken and accented English, Chin-Kee is the embodiment of all that embarrasses Danny and does so to such an extent that Danny is forced to transfer schools every year after Chin-Kee’s annual visit.

Each of the protagonists is struggling to discover how he can be accepted and content, while still being a part of his own culture.  At the end, the stories converge and each realizes that the key to happiness is in self-acceptance.  Each has his own role in life, and, by embracing that role, he will be satisfied.  Yang incorporates both visual and written humor, cultural traditions, and honest expression of emotion to fuse together this compelling and complex, yet very understandable, graphic novel.  --Julie Weber

Guest blogger Julie Weber currently teaches at Passages Academy.

A Girl Like Me by Ni-Ni Simone

Elite Parker is living a lie.  She works so hard to keep up the show - great clothes, attitude to spare, amazing voice, and hot boyfriend - but her home life is a dangerous mess.  Elite has been raising her four younger siblings for years, paying the bills and keeping everyone fed, healthy, clothed, and (most importantly) together.  Her mother is an addict with an addict boyfriend and their father was never in the picture.  Elite is struggling to hold down a job, keep up her grades, and keep her facade from crumbling.  When her vocal talent wins her tickets to the hottest concert of the year, Elite is swept up in a fairytale romance that threatens to ruin everything she has worked so hard for.

Written with plenty of humor and slang, A Girl Like Me is almost always a hit with readers looking for “real” books.  Ni-Ni Simone’s honest depiction of a family in crisis and the responsibilities shouldered all-too-often by older siblings is immediately relate-able, despite the over-the-top romantic fantasy.  This is a Cinderella story that emphasizes family, friendship, and honesty. --Regan Schwartz

Summer Update

We apologize for our blogging absence during the month of July!  The Passages Academy Libraries team has been very busy.  We are excited to be offering library services to our students in secure detention this summer.  This is the first year that students have been able to visit the school libraries over the summer break!  


As part of these new summer services, we’re running a Summer Reading incentive program, offering great rewards like scratch and sniff bookmarks and certificates of achievement to our voracious readers.  So far this summer, Ni-Ni Simone’s A Girl Like Me has been our most popular book (stay tuned for an upcoming review).  What’s been flying off your shelves this summer?


You can expect weekly posts for the remainder of August and the What’s Good bloggers to be back to frequent reviews and highlights when the new school year starts in September!

We're at ALA!

Three of us, Regan, Claudio and Anja, are at the American Library Association's Annual Conference this weekend. Regan and Claudio are presenting our iPad pilot on Sunday afternoon -- come find us and say hello!


Details here: Touching Literacy: iPads in the school library serving incarcerated and detained youth

Guest Post: Feed by MT Anderson

 

Imagine a world where you don't need a computer to get onto the Internet. You're always on, because it is wired directly into your brain; this is the world of Feed by MT Anderson. Feed is set in a not-too distant future where going to the Moon is as easy as going downtown and where almost everyone has the Feed installed into their brains at birth.

The Feed is like having Facebook and Google Instant Messenger just by thinking about it. Don’t know what to buy? The Feed will tell you. Don’t know what to wear? The Feed will tell you. Don’t know what to say? The Feed will tell you.

This makes school pretty much a joke. You can look up anything you don’t know on the feed, so you really don’t need to study.

This is the world where Titus lives. He’s a 15 year old, bored, and looking for fun. He and his friends take a trip to the Moon for the weekend, but the moon turns out to totally suck...until he meets Violet.

Violet isn’t like anyone he’s ever met before. She didn’t have the Feed installed until she was older, so she can think for herself. She doesn’t just buy what the feed tells her is cool or use the slang the Feed tells her everyone is using. She asks questions that the Feed doesn’t want her to ask. Like why is the rest of the world so angry at us? Why am I only a good person if I buy things? And what is causing these strange, bloody, oozing, pussy lesions that everyone is getting on their bodies?

As Titus talks to Violet at a club on the moon, a hacker breaks into the Feed and hijacks their minds. The police beat him down, call him a terrorist, but Titus can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. It’s not just in his mind. Something has gone wrong with his Feed, and it looks like it might destroy him and Violet unless he can resist it.

But how do you fight your mind? How do you break out of the insanity that everyone around you thinks is normal? How do you save the girl you love from a world that wants to destroy her, and you, with it if you won’t obey.

Welcome to the Feed.

Fans of Scott Westerfeld's Uglies series and readers who have enjoyed The Maze Runner trilogy by James Dashner will find a lot to like in FEED. It's funny, exciting, and unforgettable. While the dystopian universe isn't nearly as violent as the world in Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, it is in a way far scarier: it looks an awful lot like our own. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who's ever looked around and wondered if all our phones and gadgets are actually controlling us. --C. Alexander London

Guest blogger Mr. London is an acclaimed author of middle grade fiction and adult nonfiction.  Find out more at http://www.calexanderlondon.com/

Programming Spotlight: Arts & Dreams

I am bright so I shine like the sun

I feel good about myself

My life is a gift so I appreciate

I love and approve of myself through all the ups and downs of life

There's a whole world out there...

Earlier this week, students at Summit participated in two empowering art workshops, facilitated by Arts & Dreams. After learning about the meaning of positive affirmations, and the power they have to make desired changes in our lives, students used paint and colorful paper to create beautiful art. They wrote uplifting messages for themselves, and then some messages to inspire others. Thank you Laura, Patricia and Zyambo! --Anja Kennedy

Photo credits: Patricia Geremia and Laura Baran, Arts & Dreams

Four Eyes Volume 1: Forged in Flames by Joe Kelly

 

This gorgeous graphic novel is a scorched and smoking slice of revisionist history: the Great Depression with dragons.  It is 1934 and most of New York City is suffering the hunger, cold, and fear that comes with unemployment and a failing economy.  Underground dragon fighting has made a few men into emperors while the rest of the city starves.  Young Enrico Savarese becomes the man of the house after watching his father die at work - stealing a baby dragon.  Soon the dragon money runs out and Enrico must work to take care of his mama after he chases their boarder (and main source of income) out of the apartment at knife point.  Enrico seeks out Mr. Boccioni, his father’s old boss and declares himself ready to hunt dragons - after all, a dragon killed his father.  But the world is rarely as simple as it seems and lost inside the dragon’s cave - alone and scared - Enrico will discover who the real enemy is.

Exquisitely drawn and colored, Four Eyes expertly evokes the grit and grime of Depression-era New York.  Enrico’s quest for work, and his terrifying job at the DoReMe steel factory offer the reader a glimpse into the reality faced by many children in tough economic times.  The allure of dragon-fighting in this context, with its echoes of illegal dog fighting and gambling rings, is easily understood.  This is the first volume in the series, which includes issues 1-4 of the comic.  --Regan Schwartz

Programming Spotlight: Alex Simmons Visits Crossroads

On Tuesday, April 24th, author Alex Simmons visited Passages' middle school boys and girls at Crossroads, a secure facility in Brooklyn.  Mr. Simmons is a prolific professional writer who has authored many comic books (including many Archie and DC Comics titles and his own independent comic - Blackjack), as well as fiction and nonfiction books for youth, theater and radio plays, and even games!  He spoke about his life as a freelance writer, and about the many careers available in the comics industry.  All of the participants received copies of Obama and Palin in Riverdale, generously provided by LIT, which Mr. Simmons autographed.  Students also had a chance to practice creating their own comic character, and to autograph their work for Mr. Simmons who collected it to possibly include in his Kids' Art Gallery.

Mr. Simmons is also hard at work organizing this year's Kids Comic Con, on May 5th in the Bronx. --Regan Schwartz