Burning Blue by Paul Griffin

Mix top-notch YA writing with tight plotting, suspense, and a mystery to be solved and you have Paul Griffin’s latest.  A gorgeous girl takes a shot of acid to the face and the narrator, a teen hacker who can flip over the wrestling team but is rendered helpless by a seizure disorder every so often, is on the case.  While there’s nothing urban about the book, Passages' students are reading it on the strength of Griffin’s sterling reputation with them.  One student who told me she has spent most of her life in institutions of one kind or another recently stated to me that this book is her current favorite.  A crossover hit with independent urban readers!--Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Griffin, Paul.  Burning Blue.  New York: Penguin, 2012.

Megaman Megamix by Hitoshi Ariga

Like classics?  Well Megaman Megamix takes it back to the good ol’ days.  This is the original Megaman we all fell in love with and he’s joined by the rest of the original crew, Roll, Rover, Dr. Light and of course Dr. Wily - they’re all here.  In the future, Dr. Light creates a multitude of robots to help humanity.  Megaman (or Rockman as he is called in the series) is Dr. Light’s robot helper.  Dr. Wily, an evil scientist and old acquaintance of Dr. Light, reprograms all of the robots via computer virus (except for Megaman!) to become destructive.  With Megaman being one of the only robots not affected by Dr. Wily’s virus, Dr. Light is forced to change Megaman from a helper robot to a combat robot.  Megaman receives his very famous Mega-Buster, an arm-mounted energy cannon, along with the ability to steal his adversary's abilities.

In each chapter Megaman will battle it out with different robots all while trying to figure out Dr. Wily’s base of operation.  The series is only three volumes long, but it has all the great things that make Megaman such a great read.  Students who enjoy Pluto or Megaman NT Warrior will likely enjoy reading this series.--Claudio Leon

Ariga, Hitoshi.  Megaman Megamix. Tokyo: Enterbrain INC, 2003. Print.

Pull by B.A. Binns

David Albacore’s proverbial plate is overburdened and beginning to crack under the weight.  The tragic murder of his mother by his estranged father has him questioning his identity and desperate to hold his shattered family together.  He managed to finagle his and his sisters’ way into their aunt Edith’s tiny apartment - a situation he is sure will end the second he’s not bringing home enough money from his second shift construction job.  As if the universe intends to bury him, he is immediately on the wrong side of Malik, the volatile star of his new school’s basketball team, and falling hard for Yolanda Dare, Malik’s gorgeous girlfriend.  Will David be able to hold it all together long enough to graduate?  And if he does, then what?

Fans of Simone Elkeles’ Perfect Chemistry will enjoy this dramatic boy meets girl tale.  With a straightforward narrative, less sophisticated sentence structure, and a very readable mixture of basic language and slang, Pull is accessible to older, less sophisticated readers.  I can’t wait to read the recently released sequel. --Regan Schwartz

Edited to add that a teacher's guide is available here.

Binns, B.A. Pull.  Arlington Heights, IL: All the Color of Love Books, 2010. Print.

Arrest-proof Yourself by Dale Carson and Wes Denham

Want to “stay free?”  Carson and Denham acknowledge that “racism is a problem for society.”  Cluelessness, however, is the reader’s problem, and it’s one that the authors believe the reader can address and control through the study of this self-help volume.  The density of information on the close to 300 pages that follow will overwhelm most developing readers.  The content, however, is so extraordinarily useful to urban teens that educators may consider offering selections and encouraging the reading of the introduction and reader-driven use of the index.  While Carson calls himself out on his own political incorrectness, this does not lessen the value of his perspective and generous information.  Carson is a retired Miami city cop and FBI agent, currently employed as a criminal defense lawyer.  This book remains among the most popular non-fiction titles in our libraries.--Jessica Fenster-Sparber


Carson, Dale C.  and Wes Denham.  Arrest-proof Yourself.  Chicago:  Chicago Review Press, 2007.

The UnConference is Nearly Here!

The 2013 School Libraries Serving Incarcerated and Detained Youth Unconference is a week and a half away!  Join Passages Academy Libraries next Friday, March 22nd for an exciting day of  presentations, workshops, and discussion.  Sign up here.

Pavement Chalk Artist: The three dimensional drawings of Julian Beever by Julian Beever

There is nothing quite like 3D pavement art - those mind bending works of street art that, from just the right perspective, appear to leap off the sidewalk.  In Pavement Chalk Artist, Julian Beever showcases over fifty of his own creations - often including himself and passersby in a creative, and often very amusing, tableau.  Each photograph is accompanied by a brief description of the project, often including a bit of art instruction.  In addition to the luscious, full-color photographs, the book contains a biographical introduction and a brief description of Beever’s anamorphic drawing technique.  This is a captivating book of creative art, as well an in-depth look at one man’s artistic journey.  Students pore over the pictures, often expressing disbelief at what they are seeing and eagerness to try it for themselves.  Pavement Chalk Artist is would make excellent supplementary non-fiction reading for a unit on perspective or for a unit on media and advertising, as that is how Beever generates much of his sidewalk art income.--Regan Schwartz

Beever, Julian.  Pavement Chalk Artist: The three dimensional drawings of Julian Beever. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books, 2010. Print

Programming Spotlight: Alex Simmons visits Crossroads

On Friday, February 22nd, students at Passages Academy-Crossroads were treated to a visit from Alex Simmons, author of Archie Comics: Clash of the New Kids, and organizer of the Kids Comic Con.  He spoke with three classes about his life and career, did some quick drawing instruction, and signed their gift copies of Clash of the New Kids. --Regan Schwartz

Programming Spotlight: Bonnie Erickson visits Crossroads

On Friday, February 8th, Bonnie Erickson, Executive Director of the Jim Henson Legacy, visited with three classes at Passages Academy-Crossroads.  Students were treated to a presentation on the history of the Muppets, including the pitch video for Sesame Street, as well as on Ms. Erickson’s work in advertising around the world.  I’m sure we have some students now contemplating a career with furry monsters!  Thank you, Ms. Erickson! --Regan Schwartz

So Cute You Could Die!: puppies, kitties, bunnies galore! by Jennie Summers

Life can be stressful and unpleasant and sometimes you need to take a moment to relax and remember the wonder of the world around you.  So Cute You Could Die seems tailor-made to the task.  It is 256 wordless pages of adorable, cuddly animals mugging for the camera.  The ultimate stress-free read, So Cute You Could Die is an absorbing book, sure to spark interest and conversation and almost guaranteed to turn bad moods around.  

So Cute You Could Die is a great book for engaging reluctant readers in the library.  It has proven popular with boys and girls alike, and has prompted some serious discussions, from dog breeding and fighting, to wildlife conservation and general wonderings about the intricacies of the animal kingdom. --Regan Schwartz

Summers, Jennie. So Cute You Could Die!: Puppies, Kitties, Bunnies Galore! Philadelphia: Quirk Books, 2007. Print.

The Cartoon History of the United States By Larry Gonick

Looking for history with comic relief? The Cartoon History of the United States is one of the most entertaining history books I’ve ever read.  The book delivers hundreds of years of history about the United States while keeping it all light with witty humor.  The drawings are simple, entertaining and accompanied by large quantities of text, allowing the book to deliver an ample amount of information disguised as a graphic novel. The caricatures are often entertaining and provide the much needed breaks between all the chunks of text.  It feels as if the book is flying through the years, providing just enough information about events to whet students’ appetites.

The Cartoon History of the United States would make an excellent place to start an inquiry project. This text could be used to introduce students to U.S History or as a companion to the course textbook.  Students who enjoy comedy, history and other non-fiction graphic novels might enjoy this selection. --Claudio Leon


Gonick, Larry. The Cartoon History of the United States. HarperCollins, 1991. Print.

Sneak preview: Kindness for Weakness by Shawn Goodman

Want to take a walk inside a secure detention center in New York state in the aughts?  Goodman captures the authentic details of the dynamics among staff and incarcerated youth to an uncanny degree.  Although Louis, the novel’s protagonist, is never sharply drawn enough to warrant the reader’s attachment, several supporting characters are, and in spite of the wan first fifty pages, once Louis gets on the bus heading upstate, the reader is undoubtedly along for the ride.  Students who have not yet experienced secure detention environments may appreciate the heads up or, perhaps, the history.  This novel could pair interestingly with Walter Dean Myers’ Monster or Lockdown, or the author’s previously published Something Like Hope. The text itself begs a reading of London’s classic, Call of the Wild.--Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Not yet published, due out May 2013 from Delacorte Press.

Other People’s Rejection Letters by Bill Shapiro

Whether your curiosity is driven by schadenfreude or sympathy, there is a lot of appeal in this substantial volume of collected rejection letters, notes, emails, and texts.  Rejection is a universal experience and there is something for everyone to connect to in Bill Shapiro’s well-curated tome.  These rejections run the gamut, from the official rejection of Mark David Chapman’s parole to the Museum of Modern Art’s letter rejecting a painting from Andy Warhol, with plenty of Dear John letters, notes between estranged parents and children, and good, old-fashioned thanks-but-no-thanks letters from prospective employers.  

Preserving most of the entries in their original state (facebook page, toilet paper, cell phone screen, note passed surreptitiously in class) makes Other People’s Rejection Letters a uniquely visually stimulating browse.  There are even a handful of rejection letters from galleries that have been fully-illustrated by the rejected artist!  

Any solid collection of written rejection will include a bit of colorful language and there is a tiny smattering of profanity sprinkled throughout.  What may be more interesting to teachers is the range of register, tone, and voice represented.  Many of these collected letters seem tailor-made to teach the idea of audience and purpose. --Regan Schwartz

Shapiro, B, ed. Other People’s Rejection Letters. New York: Clarkson Potter, 2010. Print.

Burned Alive: a Survivor of an “Honor Killing” Speaks Out by Souad

With a can of gasoline and a match, Souad’s brother-in-law changed her life forever. In this gripping memoir, Souad recounts her childhood in Palestine, where her father considered his daughters less valuable than farm animals, and the events that led to her horrific attempted murder, while pregnant, at the age of seventeen. After she and her unborn child miraculously survive the burning, thanks to some quick-acting village women, she is taken to a hospital where she receives little care as her family and hospital staff hope for her to die. Luckily, Jacqueline, a woman working for a Swiss humanitarian organization, hears about her story and takes pains to get Souad and her newborn son out of the country and into safety.

This memoir is consistently popular with students who are drawn to the incredible story of a young woman who finds herself in an all too common situation -- in love, pregnant, and then abandoned by the man. In Souad’s story, however, the consequences are far more extreme than what many free and independent women can fathom. This book has the potential to open our students’ eyes to the atrocities around the world, and to help them understand and appreciate their own freedoms a little better.

Souad never learned how to write; the result is a book that was dictated in a very simple, straightforward style, following her story from Palestine to Europe. Some parts may be challenging for struggling readers, but the overall text is very accessible, especially for students who have been hooked by the story and are willing to persevere through foreign concepts. --Anja Kennedy

Souad. Burned Alive: a Survivor of an “Honor Killing” Speaks Out. New York: Grand Central Publishing, 2004. Print.

Batman Hush story by Jeph Loeb

The world’s greatest detective is back, trying to solve one of the greatest mysteries of his life.  Who is Hush? How is he always one step ahead of the Caped Crusader? After rescuing a kidnapped boy and discovering Catwoman in the process of stealing the ransom money, Batman gives chase to the feline thief above and below the streets of Gotham City.  The chase leads them both to a larger mystery that will force the long time frenemies to join forces and investigate what connects all of Batman’s greatest villains to the mysterious figure named Hush.  With every one of his well-honed skills put to the test, Batman will prove why he’s the world’s greatest detective.  But as he gets closer to the truth the Caped Crusader will have to figure out how Jason Todd’s (Robin) death is connected to Hush.

Batman fans will not be disappointed by Batman: Hush.  Students will love seeing the Joker, Two-Face, the Penguin, Nightwing and plenty of other guest appearances in the book.  I would recommend this book to any comic book reader who likes their mysteries mixed with action. --Claudio Leon

Loeb, Joseph. Batman: Hush. New York, 2003. Print

Robot Dreams by Sarah Varon

Wordless friendship is probably be the best way to describe this fantastic graphic novel about a dog and his robot friend.  Through the use of imagery alone, Sarah Varon does a great job demonstrating the friendship between the dog and his mail-ordered robot.  Together both characters share many adventures and have a great time, until they go to the beach.  Dog encourages Robot to jump in the water with him.  Robot reluctantly agrees and eventually joins Dog in the water.  After their swim they both decide to lay down on the sand, but when it’s time to leave, Robot is unable to move. Dog is forced to leave Robot at the beach where he comes to visit Robot every day.  When winter comes and the beach closes, Dog can no longer visit Robot. Will Robot still be there when the beach opens next summer?  Dog doesn’t know it, but Robot’s adventures are just about to begin.

Robot Dreams is suitable for any reading level since the only text found in this graphic novel is onomatopoeia; the rest of the novel is textless.  Students will enjoy looking at each panel and flying through the pages as though they were watching a silent film.--Claudio Leon

Varon, Sara. Robot Dreams. New York & London: First Second, 2007. Print

Encyclopedia of Sharks by Steve Parker

Sharks are older than dinosaurs and just as fascinating.  These mysterious predators come in all shapes and sizes, from the 6-8 inch dwarf lantern shark, to the 40-foot whale shark, and the Encyclopedia of Sharks has them all.  Chock-full of glossy, full-color photographs, charts, and maps, it’s clear that the immediate appeal of this book is visual.  However, the casual browser is soon roped in by the interesting snippets of information presented in sidebars and captions.  Each page of the book is a separate section, clearly organized with titles and subtitles, making it easier for fluent readers to skim for information.  These sections are grouped into chapters, such as “Shark Design” and “Hunters and Killers.”  The Encyclopedia of Sharks includes an extensive index and glossary, as well as a list of places to see sharks and shark-related resources. --Regan Schwartz

Parker, Steve. Encyclopedia of Sharks. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books, 2008. Print.

Can’t Get There from Here by Todd Strasser

The New York City streets that Maybe and her tribe of homeless teens have called home for months are growing colder and more desolate with each passing day.  As the winter wears on and intensifies, the group struggles to survive, spending their days and nights in ever-more-desperate searches for shelter and food.  For Maybe, life on the streets is a better option than going home, but trust is hard to come by.  She learned a long time ago that adults lie and cheat and generally want something in return for any small kindness.  As the temperature drops and her friends begin to disappear, can Maybe learn to trust in time to save herself?

Written in Maybe’s humble voice, the narrative is fairly straightforward and easy to follow.  However, it is interspersed with short biographical sketches that may prove a bit confusing at first.  While the situations and events portrayed are uncomfortable and ugly, the language is not, making this book suitable for sensitive middle grade readers and classroom use. --Regan Schwartz

Strasser, Todd. Can’t Get There From Here. New York: Simon Pulse, 2004. Print.

Ray Charles: Find Another Way! by Susan Sloate

Don’t be fooled by this slim biography. Yes, it’s easy on the eyes with large font, plenty of white space and large color photographs, but it’s also filled with interesting information about the late rhythm and blues great, Ray Charles. In a mere thirty-two pages, I learned several memorable things about the man that I had never heard before. For instance, he changed his name from Ray Robinson, so as not to be confused with the boxer, he played chess against people with sight, and he even drove a car sometimes! These personal facts are intertwined with the historical context of his career, and Sloate includes a few anecdotes about Ray’s participation in the Civil Rights Movement.

The back of the book has an abbreviated timeline, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. If you want to learn more about Ray Charles, Sloate includes a few books to consider reading as well as a few websites. This book is a great choice for struggling and reluctant readers, especially as the the Common Core State Standards ask all classes to incorporate more nonfiction texts.  --Anja Kennedy

Sloate, Susan. Ray Charles: Find Another Way! New York: Bearport Publishing, 2007. Print.

Amazing Baby by Desmond Morris

From their button noses to their teeny toes, babies are designed to enthrall us, and Amazing Baby is your one-stop guide to them.  This book, full of gorgeous full-color photographs, tackles every aspect of human infant development, from gestation to toddler.  With sections on “staying healthy,” “how babies learn,” and “emotional life,” Amazing Baby covers a wide range of topics thoroughly and succinctly.  Each topic is amply illustrated with photographs and full-color overlays, and broad categories are broken down into a series of 1-2 page subtopics, each further broken down into 1-2 paragraph sections, allowing the reader to skim for pertinent and interesting information.  This book proves ever-popular, especially with our female students.  When it comes time to browse for books, you can be sure there will be a group of two or three poring over the images and information in this one.

Because it covers such a broad range, the readability of the text varies quite a bit from topic to topic.  Some of the sections dealing with physiology are quite dense, while others dealing with play or common routines are very readable.  The text is well organized, with a table of contents and a comprehensive index.  However, the real appeal of this book is in the stunning images. --Regan Schwartz

It should be noted that there are two images of a nursing infant and one image of a topless, pregnant torso, which may make this volume unsuitable for some readers or environments.

Morris, Desmond.  Amazing Baby. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books, 2008. Print.

You're Invited: Biblioball 2012

This short video invitation says it all.  But for those of you who like to have things spelled out:  December 8th, 2012, 8pm, The Bell House in Brooklyn.  Click here for tickets.

Hope to see you dressed up, getting down, and getting literary!