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Author Guest Post: “Create Your Own Dragons: Fantastical Creatures Shaped by the Natural World” by Kacy Ritter, Author of The Great Texas Dragon Race

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“Create Your Own Dragons: Fantastical Creatures Shaped by the Natural World”

One of my favorite parts about writing fantasy is drawing inspiration from anywhere—including geography, ecology, and biodiversity. While creating the alternate modern world for The Great Texas Dragon Race, I aimed to introduce kids to diverse dragon species, each intricately shaped by their habitats in Texas and beyond.

In this article, I’ll outline how I used real-world creatures and climates to develop a few of the dragons in The Great Texas Dragon Race. From arid deserts to vast mountain ranges, each dragon possesses unique traits inspired by its specific habitat. I hope these mythical beings will fire young readers’ imaginations while also serving as a reminder of the boundless wonders of our own natural world. You can even try a similar exercise with students who are hesitant to “get excited” about ecosystems!

Species: Cyan Mountain Dragon
Habitat: The Rocky Mountains
Inspirations: Bald Eagle; Side-blotched Lizard

How I Created It:

The fierce Cyan Mountain Dragon was designed as a creature born to soar above the lofty peaks of the Rocky Mountains. I wanted this mighty dragon to easily navigate the rugged mountain terrain by allowing it to blend in with the sky. Stealing from the majestic traits of a bald eagle, I gifted this dragon with exceptional eyesight, allowing it to spot prey high above the peaks.

Species: Mexican Free-tailed Dragonette
Habitat: North, Central, and South America
Inspiration: Mexican Free-tailed Bat

How I Created It:

My Mexican Free-tailed Dragonette borrowed heavily (and I mean, really heavily) from its inspiration, the Mexican free-tailed bat, which lives all across the Lone Star State. (I even had these bats living outside my home in a bat house we installed. . . Yes. We put it there. On purpose.) Resembling a bat in size and appearance, I imagined these fuzzy brown dragonettes with scales peaking through their fur as a nod to their reptilian heritage. Equipped with a pig-like snout and expert echolocation, I wanted these tiny dragons to have unique features which would allow them to thrive in my alternate world just like bats.

Species: Texas Coral Viper
Habitat: Southern United States (and, umm, Texas)
Inspiration: Texas Coral Snake

How I Created It:

The Texas Coral Viper in The Great Texas Dragon Race is stolen from its real-life venomous prototype, the Texas Coral Snake. Its markings of red, black, and yellow (which are also the colors of the “bad guys” in the race… hmmm…) serve as a warning to potential threats. I added to the features of a typical Texas coral snake, both nocturnal and solitary, to make it more “dragon-like.” These additions included ivory fangs the size of golf-clubs and an underdeveloped set of wings. But just like the Texas coral snake, its fangs also release deadly venom.

Species: Purple Lightrage
Habitat: Domesticated
Inspiration: My dog and cats… No, really!

How I Created It:

My dog and cats inspired this adorable dragon, by I added cobalt blue horns and tiny wings. Its slender frame and wriggly nature make it fun and endearing—a far cry from what most kids think of when they think of dragons. (Because, come on… who doesn’t want a cute little bacon-loving dragon to curl up at the end of their bed at night?)

A Final Note

My hope is that young readers and writers will realize they don’t have to create something out of thin air if they don’t want to. Sometimes, the basic subjects we learn in school can give us fantastic ideas for developing fantasy creatures. This is an exercise I will begin using in school visits this Fall. If you want to try this exercise with your students, ask them to start with a location and build their own dragon based on what it would need to thrive in that location. Maybe they’ll pick a snowy peak, a massive forest, or a backyard. Either way, the world is their oyster dragon.

Published August 1st, 2023 by Clarion Books

About the Book: Thirteen-year-old Cassidy Drake wants nothing more than to race with her best dragon, Ranga, in the annual Great Texas Dragon Race. Her mother was a racing legacy, and growing up on her family’s dragon sanctuary ranch, Cassidy lives and breathes dragons. She knows she could win against the exploitative FireCorp team that cares more about corporate greed than caring for the dragons.

Cassidy is so determined to race that she sneaks out of her house against her father’s wishes and enters the competition. Soon, Cassidy takes to the skies with Ranga across her glorious Lone Star State. But with five grueling tasks ahead of her, dangerous dragon challenges waiting at each one, and more enemies than allies on the course, Cassidy will need to know more than just dragons to survive.

About the Author: Kacy Ritter is a fantasy geek who has lived all across the Lone Star State. She holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of North Texas, and currently resides in Houston with her partner and their daughter. She daylights as a healthcare professional, and loves writing at the intersection of fantasy and Texas Americana.

Thank you, Kacy, for this fun look into your inspiration!

Student Voices: Book Recommendations from Anja K., Meghan K., & Teresa Z., 7th graders, and Silvia S., 8th grader

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Book Recommendations

“Top Ten Books I Recommend” by Anja K., 2022-23 7th grade


This book is so good; I really don’t get why people don’t read it! It is about a girl that goes to school in Paris and meets a boy that she really thinks is cute. I really thought it was a cute moment when St. Clair took Anna to his secret spot!! So Romantic!!! I REALLY RECOMMEND!!


This book is such a great book!! It is about 4 kids that are in suspicion for killing a young man in the same grade. I REALLY RECOMMEND!! (I definitely recommend it for people that are interested in mystery!!) 


This book is SO GOOD! It has a lot of action and a bit of blood, but if you like action, this book is for you! It is about students that go to a school and learn how to be heroes. Great! Amazing! Recommend!!


I think this book was a really cute book!! It is about this girl that found a smelly pet and does not know what it is so she tries to find out what the animal is and how it got there. This was a very interesting and funny book to read!! Really recommend for people that like funny content!!


This series is so good!! I am trying to finish the series and you can get some of the books in the HCMS library!! This series is about a boy named Tanjiro and his sister which turns into a demon and fights with him in the Demon Slayer Corps. 


 I really recommend this book it is so good!! It has a nice theme to it about twins, their competitiveness, and how they live!! It was a cute little book!!


This book is such a good book!! I totally recommend this!! It is about a girl that is allergic to mainly dogs and all animals with fur so she tries to get a pet, and it does not work out so well. 


This book is about kids that learn how to do Yo-Yo tricks and dancing. I really recommend this book for kids that like graphic novels that have dancing in it. This book is a little different from others though.


A Silent Voice is about a girl that is deaf and a boy that makes fun of her and how he tries to make up with her in High School after Middle School. I really loved how it had a cute message to it!! If you like this summary, I totally recommend this book for you!! 


I really loved how this book had 2 twins that wanted to be different and not the same as the other twin because people kept on messing up there identities I really recommend!!

“Ten Favorite Books” by Meghan K., 2022-23 7th grade


A girl who wants to play football with the boys but everyone is judging her….She does not care what people think and she follows her dream. I recommend this book because girls can do anything boys can do. Also, this book made me really happy to read because I was in a similar situation when I started playing football with the boys.


A family moves to a new town, They meet this boy and he claims the town is haunted, Only to their surprise he is right….. I recommend this book because it was interesting! I could not stop reading it.


A girl named Pip thinks Sal did not murder Andie Bell. Will she find the real murderer. I LOVE this book!! SO many twist and turns. Always kept me interested. 


A girl who does not want to have a Quince. Her family convinced her but it went differently for what she suspected. I really like this book because the mom finally realizes that the girl should wear what she likes and do what she likes.

A girl who wanted a pet dog until she found out she was ALLERGIC… So she decided to get a rat, still allergic. Ends up finding a way to keep her cute little rat friends. I Love Allergic! Definitely a 5 out of 5. Amazing book. I Understand because I have a lot of pets and I thought I was Allergic to my cat and I was sooo sad. But it ended up that I was not!


A girl who wants to be just like her dream Tik Toker. One day she wished for her to be 22 just like the famous Tik Tok star she wanted to be. Really good book! Kept me interested. Definitely worth reading. I loved it!


A big family has to share a tiny house. Second oldest child is not too happy with her older brother because he does not have to share a room, so they find a solution. I can relate to this book because my middle sister got the biggest room and I always wanted it but when she moved out I got it! Definitely miss my sister though.


When girls were brought down because they wanted to do other things besides chores. Jane Goodall did not care and did what she loved…Studying chimpanzees. I love reading books where women do what they want to do and do not let people judge them!! Pretty good book.


A young Otter learns to follow his mothers footsteps and be just as good as her. I like this book a lot because as family you always need to stick together even through ups and downs. 


Stacy has to go to babysit this family… They go to the beach and Stacy falls in love. How does Marry Anne feel about having to watch over all the kids by herself while Stacy is off with this guy. I recommend this book because it shows that you should stick with your friends over a guy! Don’t just push your BFF over a guy you just met. 

“Ten Books I Enjoyed from my School Library” by Teresa Z., 2022-23 7th grade


This book is really good. I enjoyed it!


It was about a kid that just went to a new school which has rich kids and more bullying involved with it but I thought it was really good!!


I love this book because it teaches you how to reach your goals.


I like this book. Overall it’s good, but it is really dark.


This book is so good. I love how they learned how to overcome their differences and be friends.


I love this book–it’s so good! I love love stories!


I love this book it teaches how to go through stuff, and it’s so fun to read. 


This book is good; it teaches a really good lesson.


This book is really good, and it’s really fast to read. I love it so much!


This book is really good–I 100% recommend this book.

“Recommended: The Clique by Lisi Harrison” by Silvia S., 2022-23 8th grade

The Clique books felt exclusive and special. I truly enjoyed the drama and how Lisi Harrison created their own slang and inside jokes with hidden meanings. Reading the clique allowed me to live a fantasy quite similar to Mean Girls with girls my age with real insecurities. I do wish the clique continues and that some of the characters undergo some character development. The Clique will always be a series I recommend because it deserves every star it gets. I hope that you are as interested in the clique as I was. 

Ever dream of that fashionista and luxurious lifestyle with the perfect friend group? Meet The Pretty Committee comprised of 4 girls Massie, Alicia, Dylan, and Kristen. Massie the girl meant to lead and conquer with her miu miu lace cami, who can turn any fashion-don’t into a fashion-yes. Alicia is the exotically beautiful and stylish runner-up that can get any boy with a hair flip. Dylan the polished redhead daughter of a tv star surrounded by cameras and all you can hear of clicks and flashes. Kristen is the smartest and sportiest girl in the pretty committee with her secret double life. 

On the night of the nationwide New Year Yve’s party where everything comes to place by the drop of a handbag. Massie Block trapped as a beta in The Ahnnabeees (the wanna-be clique) at Presbyterian Middle, has amazing ideas for them but is neglected. Alicia Rivera eager to guide and lead her dance studio squad with their caption on vacation, gets her one in a lifetime to shine and perform at Merri-Lee Marvil’s New Year Yves party. Dylan Marvil always sweet-talked because of her mother’s fame she has had no one ever bother standing up to her. Kristen Gregory needs to leave planet loser and change up her life this year. Claire Lynons the sweet naive Orlando girl psyched to win a last-minute invite to the New Year Yves party but has to sneak out before the countdown to midnight ends. 

Massie goes to a physics telling her she will now be the leader and connect 5 gems by midnight and she should have purple because royals like Massie always had purple. Alicia with her determination “offends” one of her teammates and gets in great trouble but who can let a chance of being the next star go like that? But it’s not meant for her; she trips on a bracelet charm. Claire was held in a room before getting her first kiss from a star until her parents come in to take her out after seeing her on tv. Dylan struggling to fit in her size 2 pants doesn’t know her mother’s stylist has put skinning mirrors is told the truth by Massie and wonders who that girl is. Massie after telling a girl her pants are not going to fit no matter what bumps into someone and her charms come falling out.

Kristen who happened to come in and sees Dylan out asking to switch clothe seems rich enough to enter the party sees a girl looking for something and goes to help. Each girl finds a charm and goes to Massie to give her the charm and they realize they are meant for each other after discussing how each of their lives is missing something. Massie and Alicia decide to move schools to Octavian Day and The Clique begins. But where is the last gem? 

Thank you so much to my student voices today and their recommendations!

If You Meet the Devil, Don’t Shake Hands by Sylvia Whitman

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If You Meet the Devil, Don’t Shake Hands
Author: Sylvia Whitman
Published September 19th, 2023 by Fitzroy Books

Summary: Twelve-year-old Gavin Baker, son of a warrior, is a born worrier. With his father serving overseas, Gavin assumes that he’ s already imagined the worst that can happen— until he shakes hands with his best friend Javi’ s long-lost grandfather and finds himself trapped in the old magician’ s ailing body. Help! As the trickster takes over Gavin’ s life, fooling the girl of his dreams and even his own family, Gavin wonders if the imposter is a better version of Gavin than Gavin himself. He has to convince Javi that the real Gavin now has hairy knuckles and a love of Pablo Neruda’ s poetry. Then the boys can try some tricks of their own. But will the two friends be able to reverse the old devil’ s magic? Or will both of their families get their hearts broken?

About the Author: Sylvia Whitman, a writer and educator, has published articles, a picture book, and nonfiction & fiction children’s books. A folklore and mythology major in college, she has always liked proverbs, particularly this one: “A book is a garden carried in the pocket.” She lives with her husband and two kids in Arlington, Virginia. Visit her at SylviaWhitmanBooks.com.

Review: This twist on Freaky Friday looks at the heart of family trauma and perspective. It was fascinating to see how the switch into an unwelcome visitor led to a conclusion that I would not have guessed. Through the eyes of Javi’s returned abuelo, but with Gavin’s narrative, we learn the truth of the past and the present. Though the story focuses on Gavin and “El Diablo,” there are side stories that add heart to the story and flesh out the supporting character. Whitman does a wonderful job showing the reader both reasons for sympathy and anger while validating all of the emotions of all of the characters.

Tools for Navigation: This book will be perfect for middle school classroom and school libraries. Middle school readers are going to be enthralled by the concept of the book and want to figure out how it all shakes out.

Discussion Questions: 

  • Why do you think El Diablo and Gavin switched places?
  • How did the switch affect both of them?
  • What do you think happens next, after the end of the book?
  • How do you think the story would have been different if Gavin and El Diablo hadn’t switched places?
  • Through the flashes of El Diablo’s memory coming through, what do you believe happened in the past? Do you think Javi’s abuelo is as devil-like as they’ve all assumed?
  • Do you agree with the tactics that Gavin uses to reach the conclusion of the book?
  • What do you believe the theme of the book is?

Flagged Passages: “El Diablo’s hand is still waiting for mine.

Should I tell him my last name? He’s Javi’s granddad, after all. Or should I make one up?

Say nothing. Smile. That’s Mom’s advice.

It’s rude if I don’t shake, though.

When we touch, Javi’s grandfather gives me a shock so strong I can hear the snap. Before I can pull back, he clamps his left hand over the shake, trapping me. His eyes bore right into mine.

“What are you good at”—he gulps a quick breath—“Gavin?”

I don’t know. My whole arm is tingling—no, stinging—like after it goes to sleep and then starts to wake up. I want to shake it out. I pull back slightly, but this guy is not relaxing his grip. He’s acting like a diablo, not an abuelo.

I’m about to yelp for help when El Diablo says, “Good with the girls?”

At that, both Javi and I snort.

“Science,” Javi says. “School.”

So is Javi. He’s good at everything.

“A smart one,” El Diablo says to me. “What else?”

I wait for Javi to speak up, but he doesn’t. Outside of class I’m not much of anything.

My dad is always telling me that I should take some risks—not stupid ones, like stealing a car or smoking dope, but expanding ones, like reading a book you’ve never heard of or tasting food you can’t pronounce. Right after Dad went downrange, I tried some borscht that a lady from the family support center gave us, but when Mom explained beets made it purple, I spit it back into the bowl and just ate rolls for supper.

Now the pins and needles are spreading across my collarbone and down my left arm. My blood is bubbling like soda fresh from the can. Isn’t this a symptom of a heart attack?

I yank my hand, but El Diablo holds tight. “Sports?” he asks.

“Your grandson’s the soccer star,” I say. Now let go of me.

Javi shakes his head.

“You are,” I insist. “You’ll make the team this year. They need another goalie.”

“Not if I don’t practice,” Javi says.

“Get your friend here to shoot on you,” El Diablo says.

“He won’t,” Javi says. That’s not true. I’m just careful. I read somewhere that soccer’s the fifth most dangerous sport, with 22.12 injuries per 100,000 participants.

“Before I came to this country, I played striker for El Brujos,” El Diablo says.

Given that he’s sitting down and practically panting, I find it hard to believe that he once covered a field. Javi’s always telling me that soccer requires incredible conditioning. He even found some story about soccer players living longer to convince me to try out with him for the Crossroads team. But he forgot to factor in sudden cardiac death, concussions, and dementia.

I expect El Diablo to start reminiscing, or making up stories, about his athletic career, which I can tolerate as long as he relaxes his grip on my hand. I need it for scratching since it feels as if approximately 250 ants have crawled under my shirt and are marching down into my pants. At six legs per ant, I have roughly 1500 roaming itchy spots.

“Would you mind…letting go?” I ask in my most polite desperate voice.

“You’re a smart boy, Gavin,” he says. “Smart is good. Wise is better.”

I try to signal SOS with my eyebrows, but Javi thinks I’m just puzzled by the comment.

“What’s the difference?” Javi asks.

“Smart knows facts,” El Diablo says. “Wise understands people.”

“Sir—my hand. I think maybe the circulation’s cut off,” I say. But it’s not just my hand; every nerve cell in my body is cut off and in flames.

Still gripping, El Diablo leans toward my ear and whispers, “You have something I want.” (Chapter 4)

Read This If You Love: Freaky Friday by Mary Rodgers, The Switch by Anthony Horowitz, Estranged by Ethan M. Aldridge

Recommended For: 

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**Thank you to the author for providing a copy for review!**

Saints of the Household by Ari Tison

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Saints of the Household
Author: Ari Tison
Published: March 28, 2023 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Summary: Saints of the Household is a haunting contemporary YA about an act of violence in a small-town–beautifully told by a debut Indigenous Costa Rican-American writer–that will take your breath away.

Max and Jay have always depended on one another for their survival. Growing up with a physically abusive father, the two Bribri American brothers have learned that the only way to protect themselves and their mother is to stick to a schedule and keep their heads down.

But when they hear a classmate in trouble in the woods, instinct takes over and they intervene, breaking up a fight and beating their high school’s star soccer player to a pulp. This act of violence threatens the brothers’ dreams for the future and their beliefs about who they are. As the true details of that fateful afternoon unfold over the course of the novel, Max and Jay grapple with the weight of their actions, their shifting relationship as brothers, and the realization that they may be more like their father than they thought. They’ll have to reach back to their Bribri roots to find their way forward.

Told in alternating points of view using vignettes and poems, debut author Ari Tison crafts an emotional, slow-burning drama about brotherhood, abuse, recovery, and doing the right thing.

Review: This gorgeous novel alternates two brothers’ perspectives, one in prose (similar to short vignettes) and one in verse. I was captivated by this book and felt really connected to the two characters. The story begins immediately following a violent altercation between the brothers and their cousin’s girlfriend. The boys (Jay and Max) also experience domestic abuse at home. Jay and Max are less than a year apart in age and very close, yet they negotiate the altercations in very different ways. I highly recommend this book and am really glad that I read it and got to know Jay’s and Max’s stories.

Tools for Navigation: This book inspires creative writing. Teachers might ask students to try writing alternating perspectives of two people who are negotiating a conflict in different ways. They might also try writing one voice in prose and one in verse.

Discussion Questions: 

  • Did you find yourself feeling more empathetic toward one of the brothers? If yes, why might this be? If no, do you think audiences might be more empathetic to a brother, and why or why not?
  • How does the domestic abuse impact each of the brothers?
  • How did the different forms enhance your reading of the text?

Flagged Passage: “‘Sadness is not uncommon for our people,’ he tells me. ‘We have been hurt by many. People have been murdered. Our lands taken. But, in turn, when you are so hurt, you cannot let them win again by allowing them to take your mind. We’ve got everything against us, dawö’chke, but we’re still here, aren’t we? Each one of us made it. And we will still make it through all we’re facing'” (p. 186).

Read This If You Love: Angeline Boulley, Amber McBride, Ibi Zoboi

Recommended For: 

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Author Guest Post: “Growing Up and Growing Older” by Ciera Burch, Author of Finch House

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“Growing Up and Growing Older”

Adults were kids once.

As a kid, the idea that your parents and grandparents have led a good deal of their lives without you present in it can be a hard thing to grasp. I think that’s part of what makes seeing pictures of the adults in our lives as children so strange and yet so much fun. It’s hard to take a fully-fledged adult (or someone who seems like a fully-fledged adult when you’re young) and think of them as being your age at some point. For many kids, they only have the here and now: This is my mom and she has always been my mom. Who she might be outside of that identity, or before it, can feel a lot like a mystery.

Even more so when there is no evidence for it—no pictures or stories readily available or shared. For example, my own Poppop was (very briefly!) in modeling school and even now, it’s something I can’t wrap my head around. Often, however, it’s not simply a job someone may have had or how they may have looked, but the surprise of an action or a personality trait.

In Finch House, Micah has a very clear perception of Poppop. After all, she should. She’s lived with him her entire life and considers him one of her best friends. He’s also someone who has always been forthcoming in his reasonings about things. Except for when it comes to asking her to leave a curious, unassuming Victorian house alone. In this instance, his behavior shifts into someone she doesn’t recognize because, in a way, Poppop is not someone she recognizes. His own childhood experiences and connection with Finch House have shaped his behavior regarding it, both in the past and in the present. But Micah has no context for his past self, so his behavior makes no sense to her.

Without any insight into who Poppop was or what the house means to him, Micah’s attempts to find and connect with him lead to her following in his footsteps while looking for more information on him and his past, which quickly becomes scary and even a little dangerous. She becomes aware that her present day childhood and his past childhood were set in two very different time periods within very different societies and that his actions, and his silence about his childhood since, reflect that.

Over time there has been a lot of change and progress in many areas of acceptance and equality in society and because change is not a static thing and humans are capable of learning, there will continue to be. Hiding the past from kids, whether it’s actual history or personal or familial history, does a disservice to everyone. Kids deserve to know that their parents or grandparents are and have always been as human as they are. They had friends and played games and teased their siblings…and they also made mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes are in the context of a society that looks very different than our current one, but it doesn’t mean they should be ignored or hidden from sight, especially if feelings and minds and hearts have since changed. Just as we have all changed from childhood, so too will the current generation of kids, and it can be nice to know that you aren’t alone in something as monumental as growing up.

Published September 5th, 2023 by Margaret K. McElderry Books

About the Book: Encanto meets Coraline in this spooky middle grade story that deals with family ties, fear of change, and generational trauma as it follows a girl who must convince an old, haunted house to release its hold on her and her family.

Eleven-year-old Micah has no interest in moving out of her grandfather’s house. She loves living with Poppop and their shared hobby of driving around rich neighborhoods to find treasures in others’ trash. To avoid packing, Micah goes for a bike ride and ends up at Finch House, the decrepit Victorian that Poppop says is Off Limits. Except when she gets there, it’s all fixed up and there’s a boy named Theo in the front yard. Surely that means Finch House isn’t Off Limits anymore? But when Poppop finds her there, Micah is only met with his disappointment.

By the next day, Poppop is nowhere to be found. After searching everywhere, Micah’s instincts lead her back to Finch House. But once Theo invites her inside, Micah realizes she can’t leave. And that, with its strange whispers and deep-dark shadows, Finch House isn’t just a house…it’s alive.

Can Micah find a way to convince the house to let her go? Or will she be forced to stay in Finch House forever?

About the Author: Ciera Burch(she/her/hers) is a lifelong writer and ice cream aficionado. She has a BA from American University and an MFA from Emerson College. Her fiction has appeared in The American Literary Magazine, Underground, Five Points, Stork, and Blackbird. Her work was also chosen as the 2019 One City One Story read for the Boston Book Festival. While she is originally from New Jersey, she currently resides in Washington, DC, with her stuffed animals, plants, and far too many books. Visit Ciera at CieraBurch.com.

Thank you, Ciera, for this look at perspective!

Student Voices: Character Reflection from Luci S., Caeden S., & Anna D., 7th graders, and Elisa, 6th grader

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Character Reflections

“5 Books That Would’ve Been Better from the Villain’s Point of View” by Luci S., 2022-23 7th grade

I did not dislike any of these books; however, I think they would have been intriguing from the villain’s point of view.

Shatter Me Book Summary – The Advocate

  • Shatter Me would have undoubtedly become more captivating and alluring if it had been presented from the perspective of the villain. By delving into the depths of the antagonist’s mind, readers would be exposed to a complex and intriguing character with multifaceted motivations and a compelling backstory. Exploring the world through the villain’s eyes would provide a fresh and unique perspective, allowing us to witness the evolution of their sinister plans and the meticulous strategies they employ to achieve their goals. Understanding their fears, desires, and the circumstances that shaped them would not only add depth to the narrative but also blur the lines between good and evil, creating a morally ambiguous landscape where the reader is constantly questioning their own loyalties. By immersing ourselves in the villain’s point of view, ‘Shatter Me’ would have been transformed into a captivating tale of twisted emotions, gray morality, and a truly unforgettable antagonist.

Avatar: The Last Airbender: Volume 1 (Avatar: The Last Airbender) – Author Random House – Random House Children's Books

  • Avatar: The Last Airbender would have taken on a mesmerizing and thought-provoking dimension if it had been narrated from the perspective of the anti-hero’s. By peering into the inner workings of the antagonist’s mind, readers would gain profound insights into their motivations, fears, and struggles. The story would transcend the conventional battle of good versus evil, providing a  exploration of the villains’ personal journeys and the circumstances that led them down their dark path. This shift in perspective would challenge our preconceived notions and force us to question the very nature of morality. We would witness the conflicts within the villains themselves as they grapple with their actions, delving into their complex emotions and understanding their reasons for pursuing power. The Last Airbender would become an enthralling tale of redemption, empathy, and the exploration of the human capacity for change, blurring the boundaries between heroes and villains in a way that resonates deeply with readers.

Cleopatra in Space - Wikipedia

  • Cleopatra in Space would have taken on a fascinating and captivating dimension if it had been narrated from the perspective of the villains. By delving into the minds of the antagonists, readers would be introduced to a rich and complex world of intergalactic politics and power struggles. Exploring the story through the eyes of the villains would provide a unique insight into their motivations, their twisted ideologies, and the intricate web of alliances and betrayals they weave. It would offer a fresh perspective on Cleopatra’s journey through space and time, as we witness the villains’ relentless pursuit of dominance and their relentless efforts to thwart her mission. This shift in perspective would add depth and complexity to the narrative, introducing morally ambiguous characters with their own personal struggles and conflicts. “Cleopatra in Space” would become a gripping tale of conflicting loyalties, blurred lines between good and evil/ Backstabbing characters, and the intricacies of power dynamics in an interstellar realm.

The Stonekeeper (Amulet Series #1) by Kazu Kibuishi, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

  • Amulet would have taken on an enthralling and captivating twist if it had been narrated from the perspective of the villains. By immersing readers in the minds of the antagonists, we would gain a deep understanding of their motives, fears, and the darkness that drives them. Exploring the story through the eyes of the villains would provide a fresh and intriguing perspective, allowing us to witness their intricate plans, cunning strategies, and the inner conflicts they grapple with. It would offer a fascinating exploration of the villains’ backstory, their troubled pasts, and the events that shaped them into formidable adversaries. This shift in perspective would add depth and complexity to the narrative, blurring the lines between good and evil and prompting readers to question their own allegiances. ‘Amulet’ would become a spellbinding tale of moral ambiguity, showcasing the intricate dance between light and shadow, and revealing the intricate layers of the villains’ motivations and inner struggles.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan | Goodreads

  • The Lightning Thief would have gained a mesmerizing and captivating allure if it had been presented from the perspective of the villains. By delving into the minds of the antagonists, readers would be introduced to a complex and layered world of deities and mythical creatures. Exploring the story through the eyes of the villains would allow us to witness their relentless pursuit of power, their through plans, and their relentless determination to thwart the protagonist’s journey. Understanding the villains’ motivations, their troubled pasts, and the circumstances that led them to the dark side would not only add depth to the narrative but also blur the lines between good and evil. This shift in perspective would provide a fresh and thrilling angle, highlighting the complexities of the supernatural realm and prompting readers to question their perceptions of right and wrong. ‘The Lightning Thief’ would transform into an enthralling tale of conflicting loyalties, moral ambiguity, and the pursuit of power, offering a truly unforgettable exploration of the mythological universe.

“Characters That Would (or would not) Make the World a Better Place if They Were Real” by Caeden S., 2022-23 7th grade

4 characters that WOULD make the world a better place

  • Annabeth Chase-The Percy Jackson series and the Heroes of Olympus series: Annabeth is known for being the daughter of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, so of course she would be able to make the right decisions. I think she would find an accurate solution to world hunger, fix our economy, solve political issues and also be fair to all of the people that she would help.

  • Starflight- The Wings of Fire SeriesStarflight is the Nightwing in the Dragonet Prophecy and helps to save the dragon world, Pyrrhia. He would probably be fair to all of the world (Granted he is a dragon, so we as humans would be afraid of him, as shown in the books.) Because he’s seen what war did to his world, maybe he’ll try to help our world solve disputes as well.

  • Katnnis Everdeen- The Hunger GamesKatniss is known for being the girl from The Hunger Games who wins for District 12 in the first book. She then helps to spike and uprising and then goes back to the games and wins. I think that she’d be excellent at the food crisis, if war breaks out, she’d find an excellent way to defeat the enemy and bring peace again. 

  • Link- The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess Manga We all know about Link. From the Manga to the Games, he’s changed worlds there. But what about in real life? I think that he would make sure that all our peace was peace, and I think he would make sure to defend the world while also keeping the peace in the world.

4 characters that WOULD NOT make the world a better place

  • Nico Di Angelo-The Percy Jackson Series, The Heroes of OlympusNico is the child of Hades who helped in the battle of Manhattan and helped to transport the Athena Parthenos to save Camp Half Blood. However, I think that he would unpurposefully act upon the trauma that he suffered in the books. He would try to help people, but he might scare or traumatize them, causing the world more problems. 

  • Moon- The Wings of Fire seriesMoon is the Nightwing from the second prophecy. I think that she is like Nico, in the sense that she would try to help people, but end up hurting them. She would try to help teach people about the dangers, but end up causing them. (Also again, she’s a dragon, so she would scare people.)

  • Peeta Mellark-The Hunger GamesPeeta is the other tribute who survives the games. But I think because of what he did to Katniss, with the trickery and everything, he would make the world worse. He would try to scheme his way into powerful positions, and may end up hurting some people. 

  • Zant, The Usupur King- Legend of Zelda: The Twilight Princess manga Zant is the big bad of this manga in the twilight realm. Link has to defeat him with the help of the twilight princess, and manages too. From what I’ve read of the series, Zant seems to always be power hungry, looking for ways to exploit people, or just causing disaster. He would not try to even be nice to people if he existed. He would just try to end the world. 

“Characters I Feel I Could Open Up To” by Anna D., 2022-23 7th grade

Smile by Raina Telgemeier | The Scholastic Teacher Store

  • Raina– Raina is a wonderful character from the book Smile by Raina Telgemeier. She is a relatable and endearing protagonist, and I feel like I could talk to her about anything. Her struggles with braces, friends, and crushes are all things that many of us can relate to. I admire her resilience and positive attitude, even when things get tough. If I could talk to Raina, I would tell her how much I appreciate her story and how it has helped me feel less alone in my own struggles.

Sylvie GN (2021 Walker Books US) 1-1ST NM

  • Sylvie– Sylvie is a fascinating character from the book Sylvie by Sylvie Kantorovitz. She is creative, curious, and has a unique perspective on the world around her. I believe that Sylvie can achieve anything she sets her mind to. Whether she wants to talk about her latest artistic creation, her favorite book, or her thoughts on the world, I am here to listen and provide helpful insights. She could really inspire me.

Numb to This: Memoir of a Mass Shooting: 9780316462099: Neely, Kindra: Books - Amazon.com

  • Kindra- Have you met Kindra? She’s a captivating character from the book Numb to This: Memoirs of a Mass Shooting by Kindra Neely. I find her to be quite intriguing with her unique perspective on life and the world around her. I’m sure I could have some stimulating conversations with Kindra about anything that she finds fascinating. As she has experienced things that many can relate to. She’s a captivating character with a unique perspective on life.

Bridge City Comics - Click GN Vol 01 Places Everyone

  • Olive-
    There are many reasons why I could freely talk to Olive from the book Click by Kayla Miller. For starters, Olive is a relatable and likable character who is easy to connect with. Additionally, the book conveys important themes such as friendship, self-discovery, and identity, which makes it a great conversation starter. I also find that talking about Olive and her experiences would help me gain a deeper understanding of my own feelings and experiences. Overall, there are plenty of good reasons to chat about Olive and her story, I wouldn’t hesitate to share my thoughts and feelings with her.

Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, #1) by Svetlana Chmakova | Goodreads

  • Jaime- There are a number of reasons why I feel comfortable discussing Jaime from the book Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova. Jaime is a relatable character who many readers will be able to connect with, as he struggles with fitting in and finding his place in a new school. Also, Awkward explores important themes such as bullying, friendship, and self-expression, which makes it a great starting point for discussions on these topics. I find that talking about Jaimes and his experiences could help me better understand my own feelings and experiences, and can even inspire me to be more confident in myself. Overall, there are many good reasons to talk about Jaime and his story with others, so I wouldn’t hesitate to share my thoughts and feelings with him.

Drama : Telgemeier, Raina: Amazon.co.uk: Books

  • Callie-
    There are a couple reasons as to why I feel like I could open up freely to Callie from the book Drama by Raina Telgemeier. Callie is a determined character who has high hopes, many readers could connect with the fact that she had to be flexible with roles in the play. I feel like I could talk to her about how she handled the situation and learn from her. Callie is also not a judgmental person, she is very kind, which proves why I could talk to her freely. Additionally, the book Drama conveys important themes such as perseverance and being flexible with ideas, which would make a great thing to talk about with her because she has more firsthand experience. Overall, I feel that talking to her would be entertaining and easy. 

“My Favorite and Least Favorite Characters” by Elisa M., 2022-23 6th grade

Dork Diaries English Set of 14

Dork Diaries Series

Dork Diaries is one of my favorite series. I love everything about it. Niki is the main character with her two best friends by her side. Her biggest enemy is Mackenzie because both Niki and Mackenzie are in love with a boy. In every book Niki is always getting herself into crazy situations.

Favorite character

Mackenzie-  Mackenzie is one of my favorite characters. She was one of the main villains in the series. I liked how she never changed in any of the books and definitely has the best comebacks and sass in the book. I wish to have her confidence and comebacks one day.

Least favorite character

Niki- Niki was definitely my least favorite character. She always made problems for herself when she could have fixed it if she told someone. She would keep things to herself and avoid the problem which created confusion and anger with others. Like Brandon, and her two best friends. She also acted like a pick me and always pitied herself.

Sylvie GN (2021 Walker Books US) 1-1ST NM

Sylvie

Sylvie lives in a school in France. As a young child, Sylvie and her brother explore this most unusual kingdom, full of small mysteries. But in middle and high school, life grows more complicated with school, parents, family, and love life.

Favorite character

Sylvie-  Sylvie was an amazing character . She was the main character of the book. I could really relate to everything she was going through throughout the story.  I loved how she was creative and that she expresses herself through art.

Least favorite character

Slyvie mom- I disliked her mom very much. You don’t really realize that she is the villain in the story but she is the one who caused Sylvie biggest problem in the book. She always wanted everything perfect and made Sylvie clean constantly and didn’t let Sylvie follow her dreams. Slyvie always felt like she wasn’t good enough for her mother and caused her to almost not follow her dream and do what her mother said. She was always on constant stress because her mom would always seem mad.

THE PROMISED NEVERLAND VOL. 1 - 1ªED.(2018) - Kaiu Shirai - Livro

The Promised Neverland Volumes 1-2

This is one of my favorite series. Three gifted kids at an isolated orphanage discover the secret purpose they were raised for. They look for a way to escape from their evil mother and try to escape and try to get everyone out of there.

Favorite character

Mother- I loved Mother so much!  She is basically the main villain in the story but she was forced to do everything or else she would end up dead . She was smart with every move she played and was always 1 step ahead.

Least favorite character

Ray- I liked all the characters but Ray I liked a little less during the second book. He was being selfish and only thinking about himself. While planning the escape the whole time Ray was a traitor. He was still on the good side but was being selfish not wanting to help the other children escape leaving them behind.

JUN198619 - CAMP GN NEW PTG - Previews World

Camp

Kayla and Willow the main characters go to a camp for the summer. They go through difficult situations throughout the book and overcome their fears.                        

Favorite character

Kayla- Kayla is the main character in the story. She is nice and pretty funny. She tries so hard to make no problems and tries to please everyone. I could really relate to her character which is a very big reason she is my favorite character.

Least favorite character

Willow- Willow was very annoying. She always created problems and would be mad at her best friend constantly just for hanging out with other people other than her. In the other books she was the exact same way and did not have a character

Thank you so much to my student voices today and their look at some characters in their favorite books!

Students Voices: Book Recommendations from Sai B., Kyan V., Liam Z., and Gabi C., 8th Graders

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Book Recommendations

“5 Books with Indian Rep” by Sai B., 2022-23 8th grade

India being one of the biggest countries in the world as well as one of the most populous countries is still very unknown to people who haven’t been to the country. There are so many cultures, languages, food, and people that have come from different parts of the country and there is so much to explore. As an Indian person myself, the country is so beautiful and fun to visit. Moving on, many people continue don’t know the true beauty of this country as they haven’t visited the country or have a stereotypical ideology about the country. However, these 5 books can help people understand the cultural and beautiful aspects of the country.

Book 1: Aru Shah Book Series (Pandava Series) by Roshani Chokshi(Presented by Rick Riordan)

I am so happy I read this series as it was written by an Indian author and it was presented by my favorite author Rick Riordan. These books explore one of the biggest stories in Indian mythology called the Mahabharata. This event was about these two groups called the Pandavas and Kauravas in which they fought over the destiny of a  Kingdom. Many important gods took part in this event and are very important to the cultural part of India. These books go over a girl named Aruh Shah who learns she is a reincarnation of a Pandava who was the son of a god. She has to stop many evil spirits and demons through these books. These books do a great job in exploring the cultural part of India and explain a lot of the morals and values we learn from Indian mythology.

Book 2: The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

This is another great book with representation of India but it digs deeper into the lifestyle of how Indian people live. Even though the scenario of Rukku and her brother Viji leaving their house after being violently hurt by their parents, this event is somewhat common to the poorer part of the country. Many families depend on their children to give them financial support and since in the book Rukku the older sister has intellectual problems, it is hard for the family to accept that type of child. Nevertheless, this book was an emotional rollercoaster as it did a really good job of depicting how poorer people live to survive in the country and also expresses the importance of family throughout the book.

Book 3: Save Me a Seat by Gita Varadajan and Sarah Weeks

This book is another great book with Indian representation. Even though it takes place in an American society it represents the adaptations Indian’s have to take after moving to a new country in order to have a better future. However, the lesson learned from the book does not just apply to Indians and is more of a broader moral. The book is about a character named Ravi who tries to adapt to a new way of experiencing things. He has to adapt to school and life in general. Throughout the book he meets Joe, an American, who is also struggling with fitting in and life. They both have the same problems and both try to fix them together. This book does a great job in depicting the values of friendship and the hardship it is for adaptation in a new society. 

Book 4: Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca

This book is very similar to Save Me a Seat as it also explores a girl named Reha who is the only Indian-American in her school. However, this digs deeper into the way Indian homes are like. It shows how many kids have strict interpretations from their parents and feel disconnected from their parents. This is very common in Indian households as parents were raised to work hard and achieve success but they put these expectations on their kids. The kids feel very pressured by this expectation and feel distant from their parents. In the book Riha’s mom starts to feel really sick and this event allows Riha to be closer to her mom. This book does a great job in explaining the difficulties of fitting in and the importance of family.

Book 5: Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond Series by Sayanti DasGupta

This book is another cultural representation of India. It is about a girl named Kiranmala who lived in New Jersey. One day her parents disappear and a demon appears. We later learn she is a long lost Indian princess and goes on a journey to fight demons and save her family. Even though this book is somewhat fictional there are many cultural aspects included in the book and develops a lot of morals and values related to Indian culture. Overall, this book does a great job in representing Indian culture and is definitely a must read.

“5 Mystery Books You Need to Read Right Now” by Kyon V., 2022-23 8th grade

Within fiction, 12.5% of adult books are in the thriller genre. That is estimated to be about 23.6 million mystery books a year in the US alone.

So why are these books so popular? Everyone loves to read about a great mystery for several reasons. Some like to try and solve the mystery before someone in the books does. Some like the suspension and action the book brings. Some like imagining all sorts of things, like what they would do in the characters’ situations. For all these reasons, mystery books are one of the most popular genres. Here are my top 5 favorites for the year.

Concealed by Christina Diaz Gonzalez

Chrstina Diaz Gonzalez is an Edgar winning author from The US with heritage in Cuba. Concealed is part of the 2022-2023 SSYRA ( Sunshine State Young Readers awards books.) With its release just over 2 and a half years ago, this book has been very popular with all kinds of ages, but especially middle schoolers. It has a plot like no other book that keeps the reader glued to the pages of the book, wondering what will happen next.

Framed! And its sequels by James Ponti

This book is the first of a series of 3 thrilling mystery books by James Ponti. The main character is a 12 year old boy with a new technique to help solve mysteries. He, alongside the FBI, solve mysteries together. Each book has its own unique plot. The reader can try to solve the mystery before the characters, therefore providing a reason to keep reading.

City Spies and its sequels by James Ponti

This book, just like Framed!, is the first of a three book series by James Ponti. In these books, a group of young students work together to thwart evil. It provides a vision into the characters and is totally immersive. The characters all come from different backgrounds and countries, and have to figure out a way to become a team in beating evil.

All Fall Down and its sequels by Ally Carter

This book by Ally Carter is highly underrated. This book does not receive the credit it deserves. What is your next step of action when your mom gets murdered? Of course go for revenge and make the killer pay. Who can you trust is on your side? This Mystery series by Ally Carter is just as good as the most popular mystery books out there to date. 

One of us is Lying and its sequels by Karen McManus

5 kids from different backgrounds and social groups walk into a classroom. Only 4 make it out. This mystery book between 4 kids to find out which one is the killer is electrifying. I love this book because it relates to me as a middle schooler and different kids being forced to work together on something.

In conclusion, next time you want to find an exciting mystery book, come back to this blog post for 5 top mystery book recommendations that are sure to leave you excited and delighted.

“Favorite Between Two Favorites” by Gabi C., 2022-23 8th grade

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen vs Love & Olives by Jenna Evans Welch

It’s gonna be so hard to choose a favorite because I love both of these books. However, Love & Olives wins by a margin, and here’s why.

Love & Olives had a better slow-burn plot, but the character development prize goes to Flipped. Both books had an amazing plot with nice pacing especially for their varying lengths. The major difference between the books was the boys. The girls were easily confident in themselves, loving, nurturing, and overall good role models. The boys however, couldn’t have been more different. In Flipped, Bryce was a terrible guy. While he became a “good guy” in the end, in the beginning and end, he was a jerk! His whole persona was bullying Julie and being mean to her at every chance he got. In Love & Olives, Theo is an angel who does everything in his power to make sure Liv is comfortable and happy in her new environment. This makes such a good difference in a book! But Bryce did redeem himself in the end. Love & Olives wins.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes vs AGGGTM by Holly Jackson

This may surprise some of you who know me in real life but I actually prefer AGGGTM by Holly Jackson.

Both books have creative mysteries with fun characters and unique plots. However, the way I am deciding these books is the small little details. I’m talking Romance, Sequels, etc. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love both but they each excel in different ways. AGGGTM did it a bit better… The romance won in the Inheritance Games, even though it was a bigger focus. I love the romance between Jameson and Avery in The Inheritance Games. Pip and Ravi were a bit plain but I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt given that they were only getting together at the end of book. When it comes to sequels I also prefer AGGGTM. But both books were amazing.

Like a Love Song by Gabriela Martins vs Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & Park wins by default.

As many of you know Like a Love Song wasn’t one of my favorite books, especially compared to Eleanor & Park. Park was one of my favorite book boys! He was so sweet. Everything he did, he did for Eleanor. He introduced her to his mom. He defended her in front of her dad and provided such a safe space for her, no questions asked. He knew when to let go. As you can see, I put a lot of weight into how much romance my books have. So Eleanor & Park wins.

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzales & Gabriela Epstein vs Starfish by Lisa Flipps

These Books. I LOVE these books. I have no complaints. The representation of Latino kids and Plus-size kids is exceptional. Both of these books make a safe space for kids who may feel a little different from everything else. Invisible made me see a little bit of myself in every character. Starfish made me see the perspective of someone different. Starfish was written so beautifully. It feels impossible for me to put these books against each other, So… I choose to break make an exception to my own rules. I have decided to make a tie between these two books!

“5 Underrated Books” by Liam Z., 2022-23 8th grade

Some books don’t get the credit they deserve. There are many good books but they are just not very heard of. While some books are lesser known, they are still extremely good and entertaining . Instead of searching for more known books, search for less popular books as they can be just as good or even better. Smaller books should get the credit that they deserve.

Rebel By Marie Lu

Rebel is an excellent book that not a lot of people read. This book is the 4th book of Legend but is normally outshined by the first three books. This is because this story took place many years later after the third book and it doesn’t contain June’s POV anymore. Despite that, the story is still incredibly good and contains Eden’s story of joining the republic. And also how Day reunites with June. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys fast paced action books.

Restart By Gordon Korman

This book is super unique and different from other books. It is about a kid in 8th grade who had an accident and banged his head on the ground. This caused him severe amnesia which made him forget all about his life and had to try and regain it. In my opinion, this has one of the best plots and stories but more people should know about it. Overall, this book is wonderful but not enough people read.

Slacker by Gordon Korman

This is an extremely funny book about a kid named Cameron. Cameron is an extremely lazy kid who slacks off and causes many problems, including almost burning down his house. I really liked it because it has tons of funny parts and it’s entertaining. recommend this book to everyone.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

This is an interesting story about a boy who has these nightmares of a monster in the shape of a tree. This is not all he has to deal with because he deals with death and grief and struggles to overcome it. This story can be emotional or sad but the ending is very happy and he finally overcomes all the things that have happened. I really enjoyed this book because of the good story and plot.

Framed (Swindle#3) By Gordan Korman

Framed is a really good book that contains the search of a very expensive ring. Griffin Bing was getting framed by who he thought was his bully.  But in the end, he discovered it was rats who ate the ring and coincidentally all evidence led to Griffin. This is not only a mystery book but also a comedy book. This book is better than it looks and should be more well known.

Thank you so much to my students for their book recommendations!