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Student Voices: Book Editorials from Cooper T. & Trinity P., 8th grade, and Talia N., 7th grade

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Book Editorials

“What’s the Difference Between Single Books and Series?” by Cooper T., 8th grade

Character Development

From personal experience, I have enjoyed reading series over single books because of the connection you make with the characters. Getting to know the characters personally throughout 3+ books helps me to get engaged with the plot and series in and of itself. Many series authors also like to introduce twists in the characters as the books go on. While some readers may enjoy the less in-depth connection that single books bring, I appreciate books that allow me to connect with the characters, even if it means being more upset when the series ends. For example, most Gordan Korman books are standalone, so I read them if I need a quick read and not something to delve deep into, but I enjoy them less than series like The Testing trilogy by Joelle Charbonneau where new information about each character is revealed in ever book.

But that’s just the beginning. It’s pretty obvious that series will have better character development than single books because there’s more time to develop the characters. Going back to the example of The Testing compared to a Gordan Korman book like The Unteachables, we can look at the character development from just those two books (the first book in The Testing series has that same name). For those of you who haven’t read these books, here’s a quick summary because I’m going to try to use these as examples whenever possible (may contain spoilers):

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau: When Graduation Day rolls around for Malencia Vale, she finally gets the chance to be part of The Testing, where the brightest kids from each of the post-apocalyptic United States colonies are chosen to become the nation’s future leaders. The only problem is that no one from Cia’s colony, Five Lakes, has been chosen in over a decade, and on Graduation Day, no one is chosen. But life will always find a way, and the day after a Tosu City official from the capital of the nation comes to pick up Cia and 3 others to be transported to The Testing. As Cia tries to get through the Testing, she begins to discover the dark secrets it holds.

The Unteachables by Gordan Korman: When Kiana moves to Greenwich, Connecticut, her temporary home while her mother is filming a movie, her time in the city starts about as bad as can be. She has to stay with her stepmom, who forgets to enroll her in the school she’s supposed to attend. She ends up with another kid’s schedule though and decides to follow that instead. But that schedule has just one class that spans all day in one room. Turns out, that room belongs to the so-called Unteachables, now taught by the most burnt-out teacher in the whole town, Mr. Kermit. The Unteachables never knew there could be a teacher who cared less about learning than them, and Mr. Kermit never thought he would want to teach again, not since the cheating scandal that turned his career upside down. But they learn to accept each other and as Mr. Kermit works to bring education to kids that teachers never gave a chance, they work to give Mr. Kermit his career back.

Back to the point, we don’t get a lot of information on the characters other than Cia in The Testing and we get just enough information on all the characters in The Unteachables (there are around 5 main characters, if I remember correctly). However “just enough information” on the characters in The Unteachables is still a lot of information, which makes it feel more complete than The Testing even if not having information on a lot of the other characters matches the plot of The Testing. 

In the end, the character development can be better in single books because they’re more rushed to get information on the characters, whereas series have more time.

Plot and Storytelling

I decided to group these two because they’re very similar and the plot can come down to personal preference. I have enjoyed single books more here in the past because the plot is more rushed and suspenseful than series, where the plot can be slow to develop because they have multiple books to cover.

The books that will be used for this section are Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan for the series and Nothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManus. Here are the summaries:

Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan: Percy has always been the misfit. His dad left before he was born, he’s dyslexic and his only friend is the weird kid on crutches, Grover. Every teacher seems to have something against him, especially Ms. Dodd, the algebra teacher. When they go to the museum to study Greek mythology, Ms. Dodds takes it to a new level. After it’s all finished, Percy learns that his father is one of the Greek gods, and he is forced to leave his home and everything he’s ever known to go to Camp Half-Blood, where demigods can hone their skills and survive against creatures whose job is to destroy them, like Ms. Dodds. On his way, Percy, his mom, and Grover get attacked by a minotaur, who takes Percy’s mom to the Underworld. After a couple of months at Camp Half-Blood and learning the identity of his father, Percy is assigned to go on a quest to retrieve his mother. He only has so much time to retrieve his mother and more importantly, Zeus’ stolen master bolt.

Nothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManus: Tripp, Shane, and Charlotte were the only ones who were around when Mr. Larkin was murdered. Shane’s fingerprints were on the weapon and Mr. Larkin’s class trip money was in Charlotte’s locker. Tripp got their stories straight. After his murder, Brynn had moved away, but now she’s back, is interning with a true crime show, and is determined to solve the case. As soon as she gets back, she brings it up to her boss who immediately agrees to cover the story. Brynn is told to stay out of it, but she wants to find things out for herself. But the more she finds out about the case, she’ll find things that probably were better left undiscovered.

So, back to the point, which of these was better, and what makes it better? Both of these books were amazing, and I enjoyed reading both of them, but the plot of Percy Jackson was on another level. The events that occur in the book are so realistic but improbable that it makes for such a great story. It’s entertaining and there’s never a dull moment in the book. The author’s knowledge of Greek mythology and his way of explaining the myths makes the book so immersive and easy to understand. Nothing More to Tell was incredible as well, but the plot was very quick to develop and might’ve been better if there had been more explanation of some of the events.

The storytelling of Nothing More to Tell was great, and the amount of twists in the story made it very intriguing, especially with the very little information that is known about the case. However, the immersion in Percy Jackson is incredible, and the way the author blends the real world into Greek mythology feels so real. After reading the first book in that series, I was so excited for what was coming next, and the books never disappointed. I think series take this category simply because they can often be more creative because they have to span their ideas over multiple books.

In conclusion, a series is better in this category because the story keeps evolving throughout the books and since the first book is the introduction, it can be very intriguing. Single books do normally have good plots, but the fact that there is less time to develop the plot can lead to a decrease in quality.

Conclusion

In the end, it all comes down to preference. I tried to make this as unbiased as I could, but as I enjoy books like The Testing more than books like The Unteachables, there’s bound to be some bias. But when it comes down to comparing books, there always will be. These comparisons may not be the most accurate because every book is different and I haven’t read every book and every series but I hope the basis of this was valuable. Happy reading!

“Why Fiction is so Popular” by Trinity P., 8th grade

Fiction is very popular, and due to its abundance, everyone knows about it and seems to love it. But what is it about those books that makes it so loveable? 

Fiction is an imaginary story that contains characters or events that are usually not in the real world. 

One of the reasons why fiction is so popular is that it can have many topics like sci-fi, fantasy, romance, and mystery, and it can even be based on events in history like Refugee by Alan Gratz, because of the different options the readers would have a wider variety of books they can enjoy. 

With fiction, anything you think of can become a book. It allows authors and creators to have fun imaginations and express what they enjoy to others. 

From a young age, kids would usually start to read using fiction because it is easier to understand than books about history. Many movies are from fiction books like The Lord of the Rings, and The Hunger Games. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan is very popular because it takes Greek mythology and adds it to the real world and because we can’t see it in the natural world it is still fun to learn about it.

Fiction also has more representation because most of those books may not be centered around our world where some concepts or opinions are not respected, shone, or agreed with. Still, the story doesn’t take place in our world, it may be a totally different universe where some of those concepts are normal or don’t have an effect on the point of the book, so the reader can understand and know more about those opinions and apply them to the real world. 

We are naturally curious so fiction can give us more to explore in a different way than in the natural world, we have to think and come up with what characters look like, act, sound like, or the setting whereas in the real world, you can look up images and pictures which limit your imagination. Fiction can also distract people from the real world, which can be stressful and overwhelming, allowing us to take a break and travel into an imaginary world that can relieve the pressure of society. It can also bring back childhood memories and enjoyments that have been discarded over the years.

Fiction has had a big influence on me. Before, I rarely read or held a book in my hand but when I was introduced to the book Wings Of Fire, it showed me what book I liked or would enjoy which is fiction, then I explored other books and now I actually enjoy reading.

**SPOILERS FOR ORPHAN ISLAND BY LAUREL SNYDER AHEAD!!!**

“Rewriting Orphan Island‘s Ending” by Talia N., 7th grade

The original ending of Chapter 25, A Direction:

“Jinny sat up all night, in the darkness. Staring at the boy in the bed. Watching for any sign of change, anything but stillness. Loo made no sound at all,” (Loo got bit by a snake) “Every few minutes, Jinny forced herself to lean over, touch his lips, make sure there was still a faint stream of breath passing between them. The longer she sat, the more certain she became that this was the end, the very worst thing. Guilt and fear rasped inside her. Not even Ess’s whistling snore could comfort her now. Jinny had broken a rule, the rule” (The rule is that when the time comes you MUST go in the boat, but no one knows where that boat goes) “and nothing had been the same since. She had ruined the world. Unfortunately, that didn’t mean she could fix it. The mist would knit itself back together, or it wouldn’t. The wind would return to the cliffs. The snakes would settle. Or they might not. But she couldn’t change those things. They were too big for her, beyond her. She couldn’t undo them, or even understand them. She could only hope.”

“Then she stepped over Ess, leaned down, and scooped up Loo. Without word, without hesitation, Jinny turned, crossed the small room, and kicked the door open with a barefoot and strength she had no idea she possessed.”

“Then Jinny heard a shout. Many shouts. People were pointing up into the sky; and when she looked up. She saw it herself. Something was falling, like sand. Sand from the sky. Only the sand was white and soft, and it fell slowly—landed cold on her shoulders”

Jinny and Loo both leave on the boat and leave the other behind on the island with the sky falling.

What I want to rewrite is instead of Just Loo and Jinny leaving, I want them all to leave the island, not knowing what’s on the other side, I want them to pack some light supplies first. I also, this will happen before Loo gets the snake bite, Ben will be the first to come up with the idea. Jinny at first, doesn’t like this idea. She thinks that the boat will sink before they even get to the other side, but after some persuading from Ess and the others, she finally agrees, packs her belongings, and with the others gets on the boat one by one. At first, the boat looks like it’s about to sink, but lifted by the waves, it moves gently off the shore, into the water, and towards the sunset.

Thank you so much to my student voices today and their opinions on aspects of books!

Author Guest Post: “Living a Multicultural Life: A Book List” by Kara H.L. Chen, Author of Asking for a Friend

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“Living a Multicultural Life”

First and second generation Americans face the unique challenge of having to navigate between the culture of their (or their parents’) county of origin and those of America. For children and teens, especially, the tension that can come from the clash of these worldviews can be confusing and difficult.

Middle grade and young adult books that explore these differences in perspectives, and which discuss how characters deal with these conflicts, may provide some comfort for those in the same situation. In my book, ASKING FOR A FRIEND, the main character, Juliana Zhao, has spent her life trying to follow her Taiwanese mother’s guidance for “success” but soon comes to realize that it may not lead to what she truly wants.

Here are some other books that explore what it means to grow up with more than one culture (book descriptions provided by the publishers):

LILY XIAO SPEAKS OUT – Nicole Chen

Lily Xiao can’t wait to go to Camp Rock Out this summer, where she’ll finally be able to shed her “class robot” good girl reputation and start her journey to becoming the next Eddie Vedder! And she can’t wait to do it with her best friend and cousin, Vivian, who’s just moved from Taiwan to Lily’s California hometown.

But as the two cousins work their way through seventh grade, Vivian struggles more and more with her schoolwork, which is all taught in English. If Vivian can’t get her grades up, her parents won’t let her go to rock camp.

Determined to help, Lily embarks on a mission to push their school to provide more support for English-as-a-Second-Language learners like Vivian. But her first-generation immigrant family is nervous about Lily challenging the status quo. We should be grateful to be here, they always say.

With Camp Rock Out on the line, Lily will need to decide how far she’ll push against her family’s wishes in order to stand up and speak out.

IN THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY – Jane Kuo

Anna can’t wait to move to the beautiful country—the Chinese name for America. Although she’s only ever known life in Taiwan, she can’t help but brag about the move to her family and friends.

But the beautiful country isn’t anything like Anna pictured. Her family can only afford a cramped apartment, she’s bullied at school, and she struggles to understand a new language. On top of that, the restaurant that her parents poured their savings into is barely staying afloat. The version of America that Anna is experiencing is nothing like she imagined. How will she be able to make the beautiful country her home?

This lyrical and heartfelt story, inspired by the author’s own experiences, is about resilience, courage, and the struggle to make a place for yourself in the world.

RUBI RAMOS’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS – Jessica Parra

Graduation is only a few months away, and Rubi Ramos’s “recipe for success” to get into prestigious Alma University is already off track.

When Alma waitlists Rubi’s application, Rubi will need to be distraction-free to make the grade and keep her parents―who have wanted this for her for years―from finding out. Which means falling for her cute surfer-slash-math tutor, Ryan, definitely won’t work. And neither will breaking her mother’s ban on baking―her parents didn’t leave Cuba so she could bake just like them.

But some recipes are begging to be tampered with.

When the First Annual Bake Off comes to town, Rubi’s passion for baking goes from subtle simmer to full boil. Add to the mix her crush on Ryan may be turning into a full-fledged relationship and Rubi’s life is suddenly so different from what it was. She’s not sure if she has what it takes to win the Bake Off, or where the relationship with Ryan is going, but there’s only one way to find out―even if it means going against her parents’ priorities.

Now Rubi must differentiate between the responsibility of unfulfilled dreams she holds and finding the path she’s meant for.

A joyful novel of first romance, new possibilities, and the chance to define yourself, Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success will find its way into your heart.

THE LOVE MATCH – Priyanka Taslim

Zahra Khan is basically Bangladeshi royalty, but being a princess doesn’t pay the bills in Paterson, New Jersey. While Zahra’s plans for financial security this summer involve working long hours at Chai Ho and saving up for college writing courses, Amma is convinced that all Zahra needs is a “good match,” Jane Austen style.

Enter Harun Emon, who’s wealthy, devastatingly handsome, and…aloof. As soon as Zahra meets him, she knows it’s a bad match. It’s nothing like the connection she has with Nayim Aktar, the new dishwasher at the tea shop, who just gets Zahra in a way no one has before. So, when Zahra finds out that Harun is just as uninterested in this match as she is, they decide to slowly sabotage their parents’ plans. And for once in Zahra’s life, she can have her rossomalai and eat it too: “dating” Harun and keeping Amma happy while catching real feelings for Nayim.

But life—and boys—can be more complicated than Zahra realizes. With her feelings all mixed up, Zahra discovers that sometimes being a good Bengali kid can be a royal pain.

LOVEBOAT, TAIPEI – Abigail Hing Wen

“Our cousins have done this program,” Sophie whispers. “Best kept secret. Zero supervision.”

And just like that, Ever Wong’s summer takes an unexpected turn. Gone is Chien Tan, the strict educational program in Taiwan that Ever was expecting. In its place, she finds Loveboat: a summer-long free-for-all where hookups abound, adults turn a blind eye, snake-blood sake flows abundantly, and the nightlife runs nonstop.

But not every student is quite what they seem:

Ever is working toward becoming a doctor but nurses a secret passion for dance.

Rick Woo is the Yale-bound child prodigy bane of Ever’s existence whose perfection hides a secret.

Boy-crazy, fashion-obsessed Sophie Ha turns out to have more to her than meets the eye.

And under sexy Xavier Yeh’s shell is buried a shameful truth he’ll never admit.

When these students’ lives collide, it’s guaranteed to be a summer Ever will never forget.

And my newest book, publishing July 23rd:
ASKING FOR A FRIEND – Kara H.L. Chen

Juliana Zhao is absolutely certain of a few things:

  1. She is the world’s foremost expert on love.
  1. She is going to win the nationally renowned Asian Americans in Business Competition.

When Juliana is unceremoniously dropped by her partner and she’s forced to pair with her nonconformist and annoying frenemy, Garrett Tsai, everything seems less clear. Their joint dating advice column must be good enough to win and secure bragging rights within her small Taiwanese American community, where her family’s reputation has been in the pits since her older sister was disowned a few years prior.

Juliana always thought prestige mattered above all else. But as she argues with Garrett over how to best solve everyone else’s love problems and faces failure for the first time, she starts to see fractures in this privileged, sheltered worldview.

With the competition heating up, Juliana must reckon with the sacrifices she’s made to be a perfect daughter—and whether winning is something she even wants anymore.

“A swoonworthy, heart-wrenching view into the trials of growing up second generation in an immigrant community.” – Kirkus Reviews

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About the Author: Kara H.L. Chen is a Taiwanese American writer who received her MFA in fiction from Brooklyn College. She is the author of LOVE & RESISTANCE (Quill Tree/HarperCollins, 2023) and ASKING FOR A FRIEND (Quill Tree/HarperCollins, 7/23/24). Her website is at karahlchen.com or you can find her on Instagram and Twitter/X @hl_kara or @karahlchen on Substack.

Thank you, Kara, for this list of must reads!

Student Voices: Book Lists from Sarah S., 7th grade, and Lucy S., Isabela M., & Hala B., 8th grade

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Books Lists

“Ten Books I Wish I Could Read for the First Time Again” by Sarah S., 7th grade

New Kid by Jerry Craft

This book is much different than the graphic novels you will expect to read. This book is about Jordan who was enrolled into a private school where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade and is struggling to find ways to fit in. This book was one of my favorite books because it shows the struggles he had to go through as a kid with color and I’ve never read any graphic novel like it.

Restart by Gordon Korman

This book is so unique and entertaining that I couldn’t stop reading. It is about a kid in 8th grade who had an accident and banged his head on the ground and lost all of his memory and has no idea of all of the horrible things he’s done in the past and now he has to deal with all of the consequences and what people expect from him. This book is so fun and I would have never guessed all of the plot twists in this book.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

This book is about a girl named Mia who moved to the United States and helps her parents manage the front desk. She helps her parents hide immigrants, while dealing with the mean motel owner, and trying to fit in at school. While struggling for money, Mia uses her smarts to fight for her dreams of a better future. This book shows that no matter what is happening, you should always believe in yourself.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Drama is about Callie who is a theater-lover who’s working on her school’s production of ”Moon Over Mississippi ” because Callie’s not an actress, but instead she joins this production because she is all about stage crew and set design. This book dives into all the drama of setting up a school play and when two brothers enter the story, it just becomes even more messy.

The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther

This book follows Meredith who’s been grieving with her sister’s death. She goes to Martha’s Vineyard for her cousin’s wedding and there is a tradition of playing a game called Assassin with water guns. But things got messy when she met this guy named Wit and started breaking her own rules about love and life. This book is super interesting and I couldn’t stop reading. This book is so good and I would have never expected the plot.

Places We’ve Never Been by Kasie West

This book was such a fun book to read and honestly unexpected. Norah ends up on a road trip with her childhood friend, Skyler who she hasn’t talked to in a very long time. As they travel together, they start to reconnect and Norah begins to see Skyler in a different light. This book was super entertaining and a fast read. This book was so unexpected and I didn’t see it coming for sure. I thought it was just going to be a fast read but this story had much more coming.

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

This book is about Astrid who wants to be this cool and fun skater girl so she decides to join a summer camp to learn how to skate. She assumed Nicole, her friend would do the same but Nicole joined a dance camp instead. This book is all about Astrid growing up and the tough world of roller derby. This story has such a good moral about navigating friendships and still doing what you love and in this case skating.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

This book follows August who was born with a facial deformity and he has been home schooled his entire life until now. August is starting 5th grade face-to-face and he wants nothing but to be treated as an ordinary kid but the kids at his school have made this difficult for him. I read this book in 4th grade but I still remember it made me so emotional. This book was so good and I wish I could reread it and rewatch the movie because it made me feel for August and was so sad.

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Illustrated by Gabriela Epstein

This book was a very fun read and completely different from other graphic novels I’ve read. This book is told from five different points of views from kids who don’t have much in common but one thing they do is they are all hispanic and speak Spanish. They are now trying to get along while also trying to finish their school community hours. This book is so interesting and I wish I could read it for the first time again because it was so funny and I love the different points of view in the story.

Kisses and Croissants by Anne Sophie Jouhanneau

This book follows Mia who is a ballerina and she joins a ballet summer program and she has this idea that at all times she will be focused on ballet but her plans change when she meets this boy. This book is very cute and I wish I could reread it because it was so fun seeing how Mia was going to do with all of the decisions in the story.

“Ten Books I Wish I Could Read for the First Time Again” by Lucy S., 8th grade

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

The strong urge to revisit the Percy Jackson series, It’s like reconnecting with old friends you haven’t seen in ages – there’s this sense of familiarity and warmth that’s just irresistible. The blend of adventure, humor, and heart in those books is timeless, and it’s hard to resist the allure of diving back into that world.

But it’s not just about reliving past escapades; it’s about uncovering new layers and insights that I might have missed before. Each time I read any of  Percy Jackson’s universe, I discover hidden clues, unique parts, and character development that add depth to the story. It’s like peeling back layers of an onion – there’s always something new to uncover beneath the surface. So, yeah, rereading Percy Jackson isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about embarking on a journey of rediscovery and exploration, one that never fails to captivate me.

Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz

I’ve been really drawn to the idea of reading Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz again. It’s a book that really hit me hard the first time around, especially with Yanek’s journey through the Holocaust. The emotions and struggles he faces are so vividly portrayed, it’s like you’re right there with him.

But beyond just enjoying the story, I think there’s something important about revisiting “Prisoner B-3087.” In today’s world, where there’s still so much prejudice and injustice, it’s crucial to remember the lessons from history. Yanek’s story reminds us of the dangers of intolerance and the importance of standing up for what’s right. So, rereading “Prisoner B-3087” isn’t just about enjoying a good book; it’s about learning from the past and working towards a better future. (I’ve read this book a gazillion times 😁)

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi. As the second book in the Shatter Me series, it’s a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and self-discovery. Juliette’s journey, grappling with her identity and newfound powers, resonates with me on a deeper level, and I can’t wait to revisit the twists and turns of the plot.

However, beyond the surface-level excitement, Unravel Me delves into profound themes like individuality and the struggle for freedom. Each read-through offers a chance to uncover new layers of meaning and connect more intimately with the characters. It’s like embarking on a journey of self-reflection and growth alongside Juliette and her companions. So, rereading Unravel Me isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about exploring the complexities of the human experience and gaining insights that resonate long after the book is finished.

If He Was With Me by Laura Nowlin

Recently, I’ve found myself drawn back to the pages of If He Was with Me by Laura Nowlin. This novel holds a significant emotional resonance for me, particularly in its exploration of love, loss, and the relationships of human beings. The narrative, centered around Autumn and Finny’s profound connection amidst personal love, captivated me upon my initial reading and continues to linger in my thoughts.

Beyond the surface allure of its romantic drama, If He Was with Me delves into deeper themes such as friendship, grief, and the pursuit of happiness. With each revisit, I uncover new layers of meaning and insight, enriching my understanding of the characters and their struggles. Thus, the prospect of rereading this novel isn’t merely an act of revisiting a cherished story; it’s an opportunity for introspection, emotional resonance, and personal growth through literature. (I cried)

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Lately, I’ve been itching to dive back into A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. This gripping thriller had me hooked right from the start with its compelling storyline and well-developed characters. Following Pippa Fitz-Amobi’s quest to uncover the truth behind a murder in her small town was both exhilarating and thought-provoking, as the twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end.

With the excitement of solving the mystery, there’s a deeper desire to explore the novel’s underlying themes. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder delves into issues of justice, truth, and the complexity of human nature, offering valuable insights that linger long after the final page is turned. Each time I reread the book, I discover new layers of meaning and subtle hints that enhance my appreciation for the story. So, the idea of rereading A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder isn’t just about reliving the suspenseful journey; it’s about immersing myself in a world of intrigue and reflection, where every chapter holds the promise of uncovering hidden truths.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I’ve found myself drawn back to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This dystopian tale, with its gripping narrative and compelling characters, has left a lasting impression on me. Katniss Everdeen’s (With Peeta) journey through the brutal arena and her subsequent defiance against the oppressive regime of Panem resonate deeply with themes of resilience, social justice, and the human spirit’s capacity for resistance

Beyond the surface-level excitement and suspense, The Hunger Game offers a profound exploration of power dynamics and societal inequality. Each revisit to the novel provides an opportunity to delve deeper into its themes, uncovering new layers of meaning and relevance. It’s not merely about reliving the thrilling adventure; it’s about engaging with thought-provoking commentary on contemporary issues and reflecting on the complexities of the human condition.

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Lately, I’ve been feeling this strong urge to return to the pages of Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. It’s a story that holds a special place in my heart, like revisiting an old, cherished friend. Anne Shirley’s adventures, with her vivid imagination and boundless enthusiasm, never fail to uplift my spirits. Whether she’s embarking on mischievous escapades or enchanting the residents of Avonlea with her infectious charm, Anne’s journey serves as a comforting reminder of the joys of imagination and the warmth of companionship.

However, beyond the comforting familiarity of Anne’s world, there’s a deeper yearning to rediscover the profound wisdom and heartfelt emotions that the deeper meaning shows. “Anne of Green Gables” transcends its status as a simple children’s tale, offering timeless lessons in resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of love. With each return to its pages, I find myself drawn once more into Anne’s world, captivated by its rich imagery and enduring messages. The prospect of rereading Anne of Green Gables isn’t merely about revisiting a beloved story; it’s about reconnecting with the enduring spirit and timeless truths that lie within its pages.

She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton

This empowering collection of stories about women who have overcome adversity and made a significant impact in various fields resonates deeply with me. Each narrative is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering perseverance in the face of obstacles. From historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Helen Keller to contemporary trailblazers like Oprah Winfrey and Sonia Sotomayor, the stories inspire me to strive for my dreams and never give up, regardless of the challenges I may encounter or face.

Moreover, beyond just the inspiration derived from the individual stories, there’s a broader significance to rereading She Persisted. In today’s world, where gender equality and empowerment remain pressing issues, the book serves as a timely reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead. By revisiting these stories of resilience and determination, I am not only reaffirming my own commitment to perseverance but also gaining renewed inspiration to advocate for positive change in my community and beyond.

Wonder by R.J Palacio

Lately, I’ve been feeling a strong pull to revisit Wonder by R.J. Palacio. This heartwarming tale about a young boy named Auggie Pullman, who faces challenges due to his facial differences, resonates deeply with its message of empathy, kindness, and acceptance. The story touched my heart when I first read it, as it beautifully portrays the power of friendship and the importance of seeing beyond external appearances to recognize the beauty within.

But beyond just reliving the emotional journey of Auggie and his friends, there’s a deeper longing to rediscover the profound lessons and universal truths embedded within the narrative. Wonder isn’t just a story; it’s a book for empathy and understanding, prompting readers to reflect on their own actions and attitudes towards others. Each time I revisit the book, I find myself inspired anew by Auggie’s resilience and the transformative impact of small acts of kindness. So, the prospect of rereading Wonder isn’t just about revisiting a loved novel, it’s about embracing its timeless message and striving to make the world a kinder, more inclusive place.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K Rowling

Recently, I’ve been wanting to revisit Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling. It’s like taking a trip back to Hogwarts and joining Harry, Ron, and Hermione on their adventures all over again. The mystery surrounding the Chamber of Secrets adds an extra layer of excitement to the story, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

But beyond the thrill of the magical world, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets also explores important themes like friendship and bravery. Each time I read it, I discover new insights about loyalty and standing up against injustice, just like the characters do. So, rereading it isn’t just about having a good time; it’s about gaining valuable life lessons too.

“15 Books I Want to Read” by Isabela M., 8th grade

Twisted Tales: Part of Your world by Liz Braswell

I read the Cinderella twisted tale and I love it, so I want to read more of them and since the little mermaid is one of my favorite princesses I really want to read this book.

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

I’ve seen this book a lot online and heard a lot of good reviews. Also, my sister read this book and she said she enjoyed reading it.

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

I read the book summary, and it looks like a nice book. I also saw that this book has a movie on Netflix so I want to read it so then I can compare it to its movie adaptation.

One Of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

I’ve always wanted to read this book but never checked it out. I am pretty sure this book is really good because everyone I’ve asked about the book, they have told me to read it.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

I am very interested in her story. I’ve watched some videos of what she went through so I want to read what she wrote while everything was happening.

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

It was recommended to me by my 7th grade teacher, and I saw that one of my classmates read this book and by their review I am interested in reading this book.

14 Ways to Die by Vincent Ralph

The plot of this book sounds really interesting. I want to see who wins the competition to catch the killer. I also want to start reading more mystery books because I find them entertaining.

Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling

I watched all of the movies but never read the books because they are too long but now I think I may start reading them during the summer.

Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

I like reading romance books and this book based on reviews looks like a good and fun book to read.

White Bird by R.J. Palacio

I saw this book in my school library and when I looked it up, I saw that it has great reviews. I also read the summary and it looks like a great book.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

This book series has been recommended to me by some of my friends, so I decided to look it up on Goodreads, and I found really good reviews.

House Arrest by K.A. Holt

I saw this book in another blog post and by the description written about this book, I feel like I will like it.

If he had been with me by Laura Nowlin

I have seen this book and its sequel on the internet, and I have read that it is sad but at the same time is a good book.

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

My friend recommended it to me. She said that she read this book last school year and that she really enjoyed reading it.

I Survived The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912: The Graphic Novel by Lauren Tarshis & Georgia Ball

I love reading the I Survived books, and I am very interested in the story of how the Titanic sank.

“Ten of my All-Time Favorite Childhood Books” by Hala B., 8th grade

Books that give children the opportunity to enjoy reading are the type of books that parents should encourage their children to read. As a kid myself, I always chose books that looked like they would give me comfort and would be fun, I did not admire reading as much as a child but when I came to reading these books below I started to enjoy watching the stories unfold just to reread them over and over again. I recommend everyone to read even if it’s an audio book, picture book, hardcover, etc. It gives a lot of different messages and life lessons to a reader. You can choose to keep that lesson with you or even leave it in the book as it doesn’t interest you. Still, whatever you do just know that reading at a young age will help build up many kids’ strengths and abilities and they will be able to be strong-willed and achieve their goals using all the lessons they learned from books and real-life experiences that might have taught them the same lessons a book has.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Charlotte’s Web is an awesome book to read, this book shows friendship and perseverance it teaches determination and how true friendship is valuable, and that throughout many struggles the friends who stay and make you the best of who you are, are the true friends you should surround yourself with and appreciate them for being with you through thick and thin. Many should understand how friendship works and how having good friends allows you to be your best self.

The Tortoise and the Hare by Aesop

The reason I loved The Tortoise and the Hare is that it taught me two things, first thing is that even if you are faster or better at something, don’t take that for granted and level down because even if you are the best you can still get even better. The second thing I learned is that even when you are slow you can still keep going and try your hardest to get better and faster and even win if you keep trying as hard as you can.

Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, James Dean, and Kimberly Dean

This was such a good book, It showed me how Pete’s shoes changed and even as they changed Pete kept going forward with each couple of steps. I recommend this book because it shows that even when there is change, you can keep moving forward and towards the future. I loved that Pete never got discouraged even as the shoes kept getting worse and worse.

Mama Bear’s Love by Jane Hubbard

I loved this book, it showed me how much love a mom gives to her child and how much more moms need to be appreciated. It shows how important a mom’s love can be in someone’s life. I love my mom with all my heart and would do anything for her, Knowing that she loves me even more than that gives me the strength to keep going with my life and to make her proud but most importantly, It showed me that not only do we need our parents love but they need our love in return as well and that we should always try our best to take care of them as well as ourselves.

A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

This book was one of my favorites because It taught me to do my things and follow my dreams no matter who likes or dislikes it. It also showed me that no matter what there will always be someone or something trying to bring me down or challenge me but there will always be a way to bring yourself back up. I recommend this to others because It will show them that they should keep moving forward with their passion and dreams no matter what occurs.

Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell

This book showed how good friends are beneficial especially when someone requires a helping hand. Being a good friend is not a duty it is an option whether or not you want to be a kind and helpful friend and someone who will allow others to feel safe. This book taught me that helpful friends will stick with you and make you feel as happy as possible.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

This picture book was a very fun, exciting, and funny read, the book mainly showed a one-sided conversation in which you can respond to the characters yourself as if you were in the conversation. It was an exhilarating experience since as a kid I loved to answer the pigeon and tell them that they cannot drive the bus as if I was watching the bus for the bus driver. I believe this book is an easy, pretty quick, and funny read and should be more appreciated and read more often by children.

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

Some may disagree with the way I thought of this book and may argue that it shows how the fish has to get rid of part of itself for others to like him/her but when I was a child the way I felt about the book was that The Rainbow Fish was one of my favorite bedtime stories. This story showed a lot of different emotions which is why I loved it so much as a kid, it showed humiliation, sharing, friendship, and true happiness which are key things needed in one’s life to live with experiences of hardship and happiness of life so they can live to be a stronger person every time they grow older. I believe this book has taught me a lot about how to be prepared as I gain knowledge about expectations and how to move on with life as I make my own life myself with only the help of the important people in my life who have huge care for me.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

I loved this book as a kid, this book showed great lessons one being that we don’t always want to do things we might have to do even when they seem scary at times or even strange, but it is part of experience and life to try new things out to see how you can use it or not use it in your future. It also allowed me to stop only seeing the bad in things and decide to consider the good that may come out of it, although you should always take notice of the cons and pros of things before considering you shall also see how well or unwell it will take you or if it will take you far. It taught me a lot about decision making which is an important aspect of life because you will always face decisions you will have to consider and think wisely about. I recommend this book to many people because it will show how as you are living there will be many challenges you will have to face and during that period, how you react with words or actions will affect how you are going to move on with your life and stay in a comfortable environment with good people all around you.

Olivia the Ballerina by Farrah McDoogle

Olivia the Ballerina used to be a book I would read many times, for a matter of fact I still own it to this day. This book showed me how trying to achieve things by practicing hard will get you to where you want to be, but it also showed me that as important as following your dreams may be, you must always still balance that with education and all the other important factors needed in one’s life. Homework is just as important as having other dreams because it will help you in the long run when you require knowledge. I recommend this book because it will teach others to value their education and dreams all at once.

Thank you so much to my student voices today–I loved sharing your book lists!

Discussion Guide for Totally Psychic by Brigid Martin

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Totally Psychic
Author: Brigid Martin
Published: August 15, 2023 by Inkyard Press

Summary: This debut middle grade series stars a Cuban-American tween medium navigating friends, family and ghosts!

Paloma Ferrer is psychic. In fact, everyone in her family line has “the gift.” Now that Paloma has come into her powers, she dreams of a famous medium to celebrities, being just like her beloved grandma.

When Paloma’s parents move them from Miami to Los Angeles, she hatches a plan to get her career as a medium up and running:

  • Host seances at her new school and stream on social media
  • Build her profile and make a name for herself
  • Avoid detection from her tattletale of a little sister

But when a reading gone awry leaves Paloma in a sticky situation with a new friend, she’ll need more than a crystal ball to find her way out of this mess.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation and Discussion Questions: 

Please view and enjoy the discussion guide I created for Cake Creative Kitchen for Totally Psychic:

You can also access the educators’ guide here.

Recommended For: 

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Student Voices: Author Reflections from Susana N., 7th grader, and Meghan K. & Ricardo D., 8th graders

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Author Reflections

“Four Authors I’d Love to Meet” by Susana N., 7th grade

I will love to meet Jenny Han. The books of hers I have read are amazing. I want to keep reading all her books. I love how she keeps the readers interested in the book. I will love to meet her and have a book with her autograph. The Summer I Turned Pretty is, for me, in my top two in all the book I read in this whole school year, and I hope keep reading all her book.

I have read almost all of Raina Telgemeier’s books; they are very good, and I love all of them! They are all so funny, and I recommend them. I want to meet Raina Telgemeier because when I first read Smile, almost the whole school was talking about it and when I first read it, it was really good, and I knew I had to read the other ones by her, and they were really good she a very good author.

When I first read Sunny Rolls the Dice, it became one of my top books of all the books I have read. Since I liked it, I knew I had to read all the series. All the books are so good. I need to meet Jennifer L. Holm. Her books always put a smile in my face. All her books are very good, if I could read a book again and again, it would be these.

I read the first Baby-Sitters Club book when I was in 6th grade, and it was so good! I knew I had to read all the books. Then I found out there was a series on Netflix, andand the series is as good as the book. I want to meet Ann M. Martin because her books are nice and always have a message of the story. They are more than just good book, they are really good books. I will always love these books.

“Author Spotlight: Ann M. Martin” by Meghan K., 8th grade

Get to Know Ann M. Martin

Ann M. Martin is the author of many books and series. One of her most famous series The Baby-Sitters Club. The Baby-Sitters Club has sold over 180 million copies. Even though Baby-Sitters Club is a popular series in her collection, that does not mean it’s the only one. She has written many different books, like Slam Book, On Christmas Eve, Rain Reign, and many more. Ann M. Martin has great books, and they teach great life lessons and give messages to whoever reads them. Ann M. Martin is a great author, I think, because she relates her books to some of her own life experiences and childhood memories or feelings. Ann M. Martin has made a name for herself in children’s and young adult fiction. She is a full-time writer and published her first book in 1985 while working for Scholastic as a children’s book editor. 

I chose Ann M. Martin to spotlight because her books and series are very inspiring and interesting to read. I loved her series The Baby-Sitters Club throughout middle school. They are one of the only books I would read because they kept me interested, as well as Baby-Sitters Little Sister. If anyone asked me for an opinion on her books I would recommend for them to read them. 

Resource: The Baby-Sitters Club Wikipedia & Ann M. Martin Wikipedia

“Reflection on Akira Toriyama’s Passing” by Ricardo D., 8th grade

Akira Toriyama — The Legendary Mangaka, No More | by Jijo George | Medium

Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st 2024. The cause of his  passing was due to an acute subdural hematoma, which is when you injure your head severe enough to cause pooled blood to push on the brain. His death was not announced on March 1st, it was announced on the 8th due to his family’s request. He still had a lot of projects he was working on when he passed as well. I found out late at night when a friend called me out of nowhere and told me about it. Dragon Ball is my favorite anime and his death happened before they even animate the moro arc, which is tragic.

What caused his death?

A few weeks before his death, Akira Toriyama said he wasn’t sure he could keep going. “I am not sure how much more I can do, as I am not very confident about my health, probably due to my lifestyle when I was younger…”. It is not confirmed what he meant by lifestyle, but it is assumed that he is referring to his smoking habits, poor diet, and stress early in his career. He spoke many times about how deadlines were getting to him and that he would smoke several packs of cigarettes a day, hair loss due to stress, and sleepless nights for days. If it’s like that for other manga artists, worrying about deadlines and stress, that’s just too much.

Who will be Akira Toriyama’s successor?

Despite his death, Dragon Ball Super will continue. His student and apprentice Toyotaro will write and also draw the manga. Toyotaro himself was a massive Dragon Ball fan since he was little. His drawing style and skills caught the attention of Akira and ended up working closely with him. I think Toyotaru could continue Dragon Ball but it’s not going to be the same, art style sure but, writing-wise I don’t think so. Toyotaru’s drawing skills are good but I don’t think he has much experience writing manga.

Other manga creator’s thoughts

Eiichiro Oda, known for making One-Piece, and Masashi Kishimoto, known for making Naruto both wrote eulogies about Akira Toriyama. Oda stated that it was too early, that sadness washes over knowing he would never see Akira again. Kishimoto wishes his family well and feels lost like Oda. It’s sad that we probably will never know what he was working on, nor the finished result.

Impacts on me

I grew up watching Dragon Ball when I was younger, I liked it so much that I even watched Dragon Ball GT. Most people think GT isn’t good and whatnot but I liked it. I also watched Dragon Ball Z Kai which is just Dragon Ball Z but improved. Once I found out about Akira’s death I couldn’t believe it. He usually didn’t speak publicly much so people knew little about him but he made the show I and millions of people watched every day in the morning. These news made everyone that watched the show feel down, including me.

Sources: https://thedaoofdragonball.com/blog/news/akira-toriyama-last-message/#google_vignette | https://screenrant.com/one-piece-naruto-akira-toriyama-tribute-dragon-ball/ | https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/tv-shows/2024/03/08/65ea8bc622601d0e068b4575.html

Thank you so much to my student voices today and their reflections on favorite authors!

Author Guest Post: “Guide Them like Lighthouses to the Shores of Success” by Preston Norton, Author of The House on Yeet Street

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“Guide Them like Lighthouses to the Shores of Success”

When I was in second grade, I considered myself to be the dumbest kid in my class. I came to this rather tragic realization when my teacher instituted a math exercise where we would be given a sheet of fairly simple math equations and a time limit. Those who finished the series of equations before the time was up received a sticker that was placed in front of our name on a very pretty poster board display. Every successful completion within the time limit resulted in another sticker. Some of my classes finished every single math quiz within the time limit and had the unstoppable line of stickers to prove it. Other kids missed the occasional day, but overall, had a fairly mean lineup of stickers. There were other kids still who struggled but achieved the occasional sticker, and I’m sure the few they possessed meant a great deal to them.

And then there was poor, dumb Preston who had not a sticker in the world.

At this point, my teacher must have realized her error because she began the practice of “skipping” days. Whenever she skipped a day—and we did not have one of these timed math quizzes—everyone got a sticker. I finally had my sticker. There was only one problem: I knew I hadn’t earned it. As the school year progressed, more and more of these “skip days” occurred, and before I knew it, I had enough stickers to hide from the untrained eye the fact that I had not earned a single one of these on my own. None of my second grade peers made fun of me for how few stickers I had. But that didn’t change the fact that I had earned a tremendous new bully: myself. Nothing tanks one’s self-esteem more than knowing you’re the dumbest kid in the class and having the stickers (or lack thereof) to prove it.

I wish I could tell you that this was the origin story of how I went on to become the world’s greatest mathematician. Alas, this is not that story. I wager my math skills to this day are only marginally better than the fifth graders to whom I teach (environmental science). Math is not something I was born to be good at. This is not to say I think one needs to be born good at something in order to succeed at it. But I do think we are born with innate interests and desires. And the sooner we can key into what these things are, the sooner we can unleash a world of potential, either in ourselves, or—in the case of teachers—from these young minds whom rely so deeply upon the light of our learning. As teachers, we can—and should—guide them like lighthouses to the shores of success. Now I realize, as a children’s author, that I am a somewhat biased source, but I can think of no better beacon than the power of literacy and books.

Flash forward to the Scholastic Book Fair.

As a second grader—even one with zero stickers (real ones anyway)—the allure of the Scholastic Book Fair was powerful. Born into a relatively low-income family, I had enough money to buy one book—a single book—and as such, I had to make it count. The book I settled on was one about dinosaurs. I was probably eight years old. Of course, I liked dinosaurs. This purchase was made purely on the appeal of the cover with absolutely no understanding of the sort of book I was walking into. And that was nonfiction. Now, as someone who adores nonfiction, I can tell you with certainty that I was ill-equipped with the literacy required to tackle such a read. What essentially happened was I would “read” the words on the page and have zero comprehension of what I’d just read. It was the most surface level act of reading with none of the understanding behind it. This could have been a relatively painless failure, if not for my cousin Tobin—in the same grade as me—who bought the exact same book as me. And let me tell you, he was simply gushing with newly learned dinosaur facts. Hey, Preston, did you know that a stegosaurus was roughly 30 feet long, weighed 11,000 pounds, but only had a brain the size of a dog’s? Oof. I suddenly felt a terrible kinship to stegosauri.

Needless to say, I felt pretty defeated. The thought occurred that if couldn’t even understand a book someone else my age was reading for enjoyment, I might never amount to anything. This is a terrible thing for an eight-year-old to feel.

I may have been my own worst enemy, but I did have someone in my court: my mom. As a lover of books and even writing, she knew I had the desire to read—even if I hadn’t found the right book just yet. With that said, she’d heard a thing or two about this spooky book series called Goosebumps. And so, as I entered the third grade, to a brand-new school, a new start, and a slightly lower than normal self-esteem, she hooked me up with my very first one: Goosebumps #2: Stay Out of the Basement.

Holy f***ing s***! What the f*** was I reading? I had no idea—it was weird as s***—and I was here for it. Their dad was a f***ing plant monster thing? Hell yeah! And thus, I fell down the slippery slope of a book series with just way too many books and where every chapter ends on a cliffhanger.

I wasn’t long before my mom had realized her child’s sudden new hobby was about to get expensive. And so, without further ado, she introduced me to the library. While there were plenty of Goosebumps to spare, I burned through these faster than a teenage boy burns calories. At a certain point, I was forced to redirect my attention elsewhere. I had a great science fiction run with the works of Bruce Coville. But perhaps no chapter book had a greater impact on me than Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery (1979).

The premise is this: a family called the Monroes has a pet dog, Harold (the narrator), a pet cat named Chester (a vaguely paranoid orange tabby who loves literature and milk), and a brand-new pet rabbit—the titular Bunnicula—who may or may not be “sucking the life” out of vegetables. I can tell you the exact moment when this novel changed my life. Keep in mind that this is a recollection of events from the nostalgia-fueled memory of a thirty-eight-year-old, who has not reread the novel since they first read it as an eight-year-old (give or take). Picture this: Chester, jealous of all the attention the family bunny has been receiving of late, is contemplating an attempt on Bunnicula’s life. After reading that vampires can be slain by pounding a stake through their heart, Chester interprets this murder weapon as a juicy slab of steak, which he removes from the fridge, proceeds to throw on top of the bunny, and then hops on top of it, attempting to somehow pound it through this poor rabbit’s heart.

“I think it’s supposed to be sharp?” Harold asks (according to my memory).

“Of course, it’s sharp,” says the version of Chester who lives rent-free in my head. “It’s sirloin.”

Somehow, someone had forgotten to pass on the memo to me that books could be funny. This was undoubtedly the funniest thing I had ever read. To this day, it might still be! And it was in this moment, when a moment of humor conveyed through written word irrevocably tripped a dopamine neurotransmitter in my brain, flooding it with hysterical euphoria, that I came to a life-altering realization: I wanted to write.

When I was maybe eleven years old, I attempted to write my first novel. It was about a dog and a cat who get lost in Australia and befriend a dingo. I maybe wrote a chapter or two before I quit. Whether or not it was a good chapter or two is inconsequential. What it was instead was an important chapter or two—perhaps the most important chapter or two I’ve ever written—because it taught me one of the most powerful lessons that eleven-year-old me could learn: I could write. I could tell a story. I had stories inside of me that I wanted to tell.

When I was fourteen years old, I made another attempt, this time in the fantasy genre, of which I was growing quite fond. I got further this time; wrote more pages, more chapters. Did not finish.

I made another attempt again when I was sixteen years old, and this was an important one. Because I did not stop. I kept writing. Maybe on and off, but I kept on going, even when I turned seventeen.

When I was eighteen years old, I finished the novel that I started when I was sixteen: a high fantasy novel called The Mark of Mekken, starring a young protagonist named Aidan Cross. Once more, whether it was good or not is far less consequential than how important it is to me. Amidst my (failed) attempts to publish it, I asked for publishing advice in a fan letter I wrote Christopher Paolini, of whom I was a big fan at the time. Paolini’s success at such a young age was endlessly inspirational to me. To my surprise and delight, Paolini wrote me three pages of letters back in encouragement. Oh, and he also recommended me to his agent, Dan Lazar, who would keep an eye out for my manuscript! I’ll spare you the suspense: Dan Lazar did not sign on to represent my novel. But he did write me the most encouraging rejection letter I have ever received, particularly in regard to my protagonist, Aidan, whom he hoped would succeed on his journey.

Some eagle-eyed readers might recognize that my major middle grade debut, a queer ghost story called The House on Yeet Street—to be published August 27, 2024 by Union Square Kids—also features a protagonist named Aidan Cross. This is not by coincidence. The House on Yeet Street might be middle-grade horror—perhaps not so distant from the Goosebumps stories that inspired it and, indeed, changed my life—but it is also a story about creativity and identity and how closely the two intertwine. In The House on Yeet Street, my thirteen-year-old MC, Aidan Cross is writing a fantasy love story starring a fictional version of his best friend, Kai Pendleton—reimagined as a merman named Kai Pendragon—and a genderbending version of himself named Nadia (Aidan spelled backwards). When I originally pitched this MG book idea to my agent and editor, it was with three other ideas, two of which I was convinced would be selected over it. Not only was I surprised that The House on Yeet Street floated to the top, but I was also elated, especially as it has easily turned into the personal favorite and possibly most personal of all my novels. It has also caused me to reflect on the version of Aidan Cross I wrote all those years ago and the queer subtext I may or may not have fully understood in his story and my own.

I know what you’re thinking: what does this have to do with teachers? To which I would reply: everything! I would also pose the question: who is a teacher? Or better yet: who can be a teacher? To which I would reply: everyone. A teacher can be a mom, an author, even a literary agent. I believe a teacher can even be a book—even one about monster plant dads and vampire bunnies. What better teacher than the one who is born inside a child’s mind? There is a reason evil and ignorant people across the nation are organizing to ban books—of all things—from children, even as the whole entire internet sits at their fingertips. It is much easier to stop a child from becoming literate and learning to think independently—by carefully censoring and curating their access to literature and ideas—than it is to stop a young person from thinking for themself once they have learned how to do so.

To teachers, to librarians, to every adult with a child in their life: don’t stop shining your light. These children see you. These children need you.

The future needs you.

Publishing August 27th, 2024 by Union Square & Co.

About the Book: A hilarious ghost story about a group of thirteen-year-old boys whose friendship is tested by supernatural forces, secret crushes, and a hundred-year-old curse.

When Aidan Cross yeeted his very secret journal into the house on Yeet Street, he also intended to yeet his feelings for his best friend, Kai, as far away as possible.

To Aidan’s horror, his friends plan a sleepover at the haunted house the very next night. Terrance, Zephyr, and Kai are dead set on exploring local legend Farah Yeet’s creepy mansion. Aidan just wants to survive the night and retrieve his mortifying love story before his friends find it.

When Aidan discovers an actual ghost in the house (who happens to be a huge fan of his fiction), he makes it his mission to solve the mystery of Gabby’s death and free her from the house. But when Aidan’s journal falls into the wrong hands, secrets come to light that threaten the boys’ friendship. Can Aidan embrace the part of himself that’s longing to break free…or will he become the next victim to be trapped in the haunted house forever? 

About the Author: Preston Norton teaches environmental science to fifth graders. He is the author of Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe, Where I End & You Begin, and Hopepunk. He is married with three cats.

Thank you, Preston, for this reminder that we are guides to the kids in our lives!

Student Voices: Favorite Characters from Dhivya R., Hajirah Q., & Omayma H., 7th grade, and Azuri, 8th grade

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Favorite Characters

“Twenty Book Characters That I Want to Meet in Real Life” by Dhivya R., 7th grade

Jameson Hawthorne- Jameson is one of the four Hawthorne Brothers from the Inheritance Games series. I would want to meet him because he is super smart, adventurous, and always up for a challenge. 

Grayson Hawthorne- Grayson is another one of the brothers from the Inheritance Games series. I want to meet him because he will always help his family and friends that need it, and like his brother, he is always ready for a game. 

Juliet Grayson- Juliet is a character from the Inheritance Games series that you will meet in the 4th book, The Brothers Hawthorne. She is super sweet and lively, and will never fail to make you smile. 

Phineas Smith- Phineas, or Finn, is one of the main characters from the book If He Had Been With Me. I would want to meet him and be friends with him because he is described as one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He always puts other people before himself and will always be ready to lend a hand. 

Jack Murphy- Jack is one of the three characters POV that If Only I Had Told Her is told through. Jack is one of Finn’s best friends, and he would do anything for him. If you were one of his friends, you would know that you could always count on him for anything. 

Minho- Minho is the Keeper of the Runners from The Maze Runner series. He is a super hard working person and will always push you to do and be your best.

Daniel Wing (Day)- Day is one of the two main characters from the Legend series. He would do anything for his family and friends, no matter the cost. He would always put his friends first, and is not afraid to take on a challenge. 

June Iparis- June is the other main character from the Legend series. She is a hard working leader and does not ever give up. She is also really sweet and seems like a really nice person to be friends with.  

Peeta Mellark- Peeta is the male tribute from district 12 in the Hunger Games series. He will do anything it takes to protect Katniss, and he is super sweet as well. 

Primrose Everdeen- Prim is the younger sister of Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games. She is the most kind hearted, caring person and would always be able to put a smile on your face. 

Katniss Everdeen- Katniss is the female tribute from district 12 and the main character of the Hunger Games series. She is full of confidence and bravery, doing everything she can to protect her family and friends. 

Lucy Gray-Barid- Lucy is the district 12 tribute in the 10th hunger games from The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes. She is a very strong and determined person, and just a really kind person overall. 

Ally- Ally is one of the four main characters from I Know Your Secret. She is a very quiet and shy girl, but will take the lead when it comes to her family’s animal sanctuary, doing anything that she needs to do to keep it open. She will take initiative when she needs to, and will help her friends do everything they need to protect what they love as well. 

Marcus O’Mara- Marcus is the main character from the Surrender the Key series. He is really brave and will always try to do the right thing, even if it comes with a cost. 

Cassandra Hobbes-Cassie is a profiler from The Naturals series.  She will not stop until she gets what she is looking for, doing whatever it takes. She is super brave and courageous as well. 

Dean Redding- Dean is the first profiler accepted by the Naturals program from The Naturals series. He is really smart and will try to protect his friends whenever he can. 

Parker Jimenez – Parker is a hacker that was befriended by Katrina in Concealed. He helped Katrina find the truth about her identity and her family, even if it meant that he would have to make some sacrifices. 

Drew Ellis – Drew is one of the few kids of color at the private school in the New Kid series. He is brave and always stands up for himself and the other kids of color in his grade, even if it means he has to break the rules. He always does what is best for him and his friends, helping them and getting help as they go.

Omar Mohamed- Omar is the main character from When Stars Are Scattered. His main priority is always taking care of his brother, putting Hassan’s needs before his own and doing whatever he needs to do for his little brother. He is a hard worker, never giving up even when times get tough and making his way through life while also trying his best to follow his dreams. 

Fred and George Weasly- Fred and George are twin brothers from the Weasly family in the Harry Potter series. They are super funny and will never fail to put a smile on your face. They always put each other before anything else and would do anything and everything that they could dream of together. 

“Characters I Would Want to Be Friends With in Real Life” by Hajirah Q., 7th grade

Xander from The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes:
I would be friends with Xander in real life because his personality is to try and make people feel. But he can also be serious and supportive when he wants to be. He tries to make Avery feel at home and comfortable even when no one seems to trust her.

Kenji from Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi:
I would want to be friends with Kenji in real life because he jokes around a lot with his friends and has a funny personality. Even when things seem to be out of sorts, he thinks of a way to cheer everyone up. But in serious situations, he always tries to think of a way out of whatever case they’re in. 

Taylor from The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han:
She can sometimes be a little annoying and self-centered but she helps Belly whenever Belly needs it and is a great friend. And even though they fight with each other often, Taylor still tries to be a perfect friend.

Susannah from The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han:
She is such a sweet person and cares for Belly like a mom. When Belly doesn’t want to tell her mom something, she knows she can tell Susannah. Even though Belly likes one of Susannah’s boys’, whenever Belly tells her about them, she always gives motherly advice.

Chris from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han:
Even though she’s wild and does her own thing, she still takes time to care for Lara Jean whenever she needs it. If Kitty can’t make Lara Jean feel better, she makes sure to help Lara Jean get better in whatever way.

Lauren from A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson:
Even though she’s not as close to Pip, she still tries to be a great friend. She knows she’s not as close to Pip as Cara is, but she still tries to be there for Pip when she can, and when Pip lets her be there for her.

Cara from A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson:
Even though Pip is not telling her things, she tries to be a magnificent friend. Even when she herself is feeling down, she makes sure to be there for Pip when she knows Pip needs as much help as she can get.

Abigail from I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang:
Even though she hurt Sadie, she was trying to help her and did it out of the goodness of her heart. She is a great friend through Sadie’s ups and downs. And she listens to Sadie about all her problems and whatever drama is going on in her life.

Easton from Check and Mate by Ali Hazelwood:
She is a great friend to Mallory. Even though she has to move away from Mallory, and doesn’t get in touch with Mallory for a while, she surprises Mallory to make sure Mallory understands they are still friends. Because she knows Mallory could be worried about Easton not wanting to be friends with her anymore.

Bee from Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins:
She cares about Harper and loves her like a sister. And she tries to be an excellent friend to Harper. Even when Harper doesn’t tell her everything, she still forgives her and tries to be great friends with Harper.

“Top Five Favorite Book Characters” by Omayma H., 7th grade

Books are fun to read but you want to know what makes them better? The Characters! So here are my top 5 favorite book characters and why! (Note: These are not in order! I can’t choose between them all)

1. Sophie Foster from Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Sophie Foster is the Protagonist in the series The Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger and I think she is amazing! Sophie Foster was born in the human world but she is an elf! When she finds out and is taken to the Lost Cities (That’s what they call all the cities) her life completely changes. She makes friends and lives with a wonderful family. Sophie Foster is one of my favorite characters because she never gives up, Always tries her best, Cares TREMENDOUSLY about her friends and family, and she is brave! The book definitely would feel wrong without her (and not because she is the main character)! 

2. Keefe Sencen from Keeper Of The Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Keefe Sencen is one of the main characters in The Keeper of the  Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger. He is one of Sophie Foster’s closest friends and the most supportive of all of them. Even though he has his own problems you can notice that he ALWAYS puts Sophie before himself (and for specific reasons too!!!!!!!). Sophie tends to go to him A LOT whenever she has a problem and I think it is ADORABLE!!! Keefe is the “Clown” in the friend group. He is always making jokes and pranks to make everyone laugh. I think Keefe is one of those characters that all readers like and enjoy having in books. He makes everything better and happier for his friends and everyone around him. Keefe DEFINITELY makes the book more fun!

3. Dex Dizznee from Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Dex Dizznee is one of the main characters in the series. He is Sophie Foster’s adoptive cousin and best friend. He was one of the very first elves Sophie met after she moved into the Lost Cities. Before Sophie arrived, Dex had no friends. He ate lunch all by himself and was always bullied but that never stopped him from being funny and kind! Dex’s character is one of those funny kinds and he LOVES to play pranks on people using his mad alchemy skills! Dex’s personality fluctuates often, ranging from pushy and competitive to kind and gentle.  He is a really good friend and I really can’t imagine the story without him!

4. Kestra Dallisor from The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen                               

Kestra is an independent woman who just wants to do the right thing. Kestra’s mother died when she was little and her dad is the evil king’s closest advisor. I think what I like best about Kestra is that she never gives up no matter what. She always tries to do the right thing and has to go through a lot. During her Journey she is forced to make, Kestar is forced to be accompanied by  Simon (A boy who used to be her friend until she betrayed him) and Trina ( A girl who doesn’t want to be anywhere near Kestra) and I just think that without that part of the story, the story just won’t be complete! What I mean by that is during the story Simon and Kestra fall in love and it creates a romantic tone in the story. Also Trina and Kestra become friends and understand each other better. 

5. Moonwatcher from Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland

Moonwatcher (Moon) Is one of the students at Jade Mountain Academy (An academy for dragons from every tribe to come live and learn together). Moon is a really nice dragon and cares for people’s privacy except there is one problem she has that prevents her from keeping people’s privacy to themselves. She can read minds! How? Well before the dragonets of destiny (Clay, Glory, Starflight, Sunny, and Tsunami) Nightwings claimed that they had mind-reading and prophecy-receiving/vision powers, but after the war was over the night wings revealed that they didn’t have those powers anymore. But Moon was different. That’s what I liked about her! She was born in the rainforest under a full moon which granted her the powers.

“My Top Ten Favorite Book Characters” by Azuri Z., 8th grade

Pippa Fitz-Amobi from A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
I honestly love this book/series and the missions Pip goes on! Pip has to be one of my favorite characters because she is fearless and is not afraid to do what is right to save her friends. She has sacrificed many things in her life just for her to solve midden mysteries. She has also uncovered mysteries and long-lost secrets that not even the police can crack!

Joe Sylvester from Save Me a Seat
Save Me a Seat is one of my favorite books ever and Joe is the best character in this. He has really good metabolism and struggles with APD. He teams up with another kid in his class, Ravi, and comes up with a clever way to trick his class bully with an epic prank! The way he talks makes me laugh, and he has a great story to tell in this book!

Jen from Stepping Stones
Jen is kind, brave, and can draw very well. She is getting used to her new stepsisters and her annoying stepdad. I can relate a bit to how she feels sometimes, which is another reason why I like her character. She is adventurous, outgoing, and an excellent artist.

Kristy from The Baby-Sitters Club
I would love to meet Kristy from The Baby-Sitters Club because she is extroverted, funny, nice, and has great leadership skills! I feel like she would be a fun person to be around. She loves sports and has the greatest ideas. I love the Baby-sitters Club books, especially the ones where it’s about Kristy, Like Kristy and the Snobs or Kristy’s Big Day. She always knows how to make the story interesting and fun to read!

Bristlefrost from Warriors: The Broken Code
Bristlefrost is a Thunderclan warrior and lives in the forest with the rest of her clan. She has to be in my top 5 because she is courageous, sweet, and always puts her friend’s needs in front of hers. She has saved many lives of her friends and even gave her life to save everyone. I would absolutely love to meet Bristlefrost and I 100% recommend these books!

Jacky from Jacky Ha-Ha
I love these books and Jacky’s point of view. She is talented, fun, and hilarious. She is smart and has sisters. She loves to sing, perform, and tell jokes. She is a great friend and not afraid to stand up for her friends, and what’s right. I think she would be a cool and funny person to be around, and we would get along super well.

Jules from Maybe A Fox
I love this book so much; the story was amazing and so well written. Jules is such an awesome character in this book. She is smart, kind, and collects things like I do. When her sister Sylvie, who always had to be faster than fast, goes missing, Jules is devastated and just questions herself always why Sylvie had to run fast. I would love to get to meet Jules.

Gabe from Wayward Creatures
Wayward Creatures is such an amazing book that I would reread over and over and over again. Gabe is nice and I can relate to him sometimes. In an attempt to impress his friends who have no time for him anymore, Twelve-year-old Gabe sets of fireworks in the woods and causes a huge forest fire that burns acres of woodland. He comes across and helps an injured coyote named Rill who is tired of her family.

Nat from the Nat Enough
This book/series is hilarious and have a good story. Nat is sweet, funny, and smart, and never feels like she is enough. She loses her best friend from elementary when she goes into middle school and tries her hardest to get her back. As she tries to get her best friend back she learns more about herself and her natural talents and realizes she is more than enough just the way she is.

Antonio from Puppy Love
This book was… Uh- interesting. Antonio was the main character’s best friend, and he basically kept the story together. Antonio is hilarious and a good friend. He plays the piccolo and says the funniest things. I think he would be a fun person to be around and it would be really cool to meet him.

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