The First Part Last 2004 Printz Award and 2004 Coretta Scott King Award 1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Johnson, Angela. 2003. THE FIRST PART LAST. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689849230
2. PLOT SUMMARY
At sixteen, Bobby has the immense responsibility of being the sole caretaker of his infant daughter, finishing high school and trying to find the time to be with his friends. Told in alternating chapters of events that took place before the birth of the baby, and the present time, this is a poetic, realistic portrayal of teen parenthood.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The ultimate revelation in this story is not the only surprise. Angela Johnson's masterful telling of a story about teen parents is not predictable, or entirely tragic. The events leading up to Bobby's daughter's birth are told in chapters which alternate between "then" referring to before Feather's birth, and "now." But what keeps the characters interesting and real are the unexpected details about their lives and circumstances that break down perceptions of where one might think these kids came from. Yes, they're urban African American kids, AND they have loving, supportive parents who have been involved in their lives. Nia, the baby's mother suffers a terrible tragedy which leaves the responsibility for raising the child on 16 year old Bobby. His previously doting parents do not "rescue" him by assuming responsibility for her. He is expected to attend school after he takes the baby to the sitter.
When Bobby is arrested for vandalism and taken down to the police station he wonders if the police " don't have anything to do besides bust underage artists." His crime wasn't one that involved destruction of property or violence. He is a graffiti artist who created a mural which represented his current situation and struggle with his new identity. He isn't just another angry urban kid taking out his frustration by being destructive. The language that Bobby and his friends use is contemporary and at times rough, but underneath, the bonds of their friendship help to hold Bobby up.
This book is a surprise because the teens are not what we expect, they are middle class kids who have parents who deal out a tough love that ultimately allows hope to take root in what could have been a hopeless situation. The story is poignant, engaging and the ending leaves the reader wondering what will happen to Bobby and Feather.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
From School Library Journal: "Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting."
From Publishers Weekly: "Readers will only clamor for more."
5. CONNECTIONS
Pair with Connie Porter's book, IMANI ALL MINE, about a teenage mom's experience raising a child. Discuss what a daily routine with a baby would entail.
The Graveyard Book (Audiobook) 2009 Odyssey Award winner
1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. Audiobook read by Neil Gaiman. Prince Frederick, Maryland: Recorded Books. ISBN 9781436158848
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A suspenseful, amusing, and at times, terrifying tale about a boy who is raised and educated by ghosts in a graveyard. Bod Owens needs protection from a man who killed his family and is in pursuit of him. His mother's ghost, enlists the help of a dead couple who reside in the graveyard, to protect her little boy. This weird, but wonderful tale, is reminiscent of books by Leon Garfield.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The audiobook is read by Neil Gaiman whose voice is as listenable as the previously incomparable Jim Dale's. The story, which is set in contemporary times takes us through time through the lives of the ghosts who reside in the graveyard where the main character, Nobody (Bod) Owens lives. He is adopted as a baby when he narrowly escapes the villian who murdered his family, and who is in pursuit of him. He becomes a student of the many ghosts who take them under their wings. His guardian, Silas, who is a vampire, (although that word is never used to describe him as such), literally takes him under his wing in one scence when Bod gets in trouble with the police!
But vampires are not the only fantastical beings in this story. The sneer, a three headed serpentine beast which resides deep underground is terrifying, but no match for our hero, Bod, who, when he comes into his own power, is as formidable as any of the horrifying creatures. He is loyal to the memory of his real parents as well as to his ghost parents. This story is a good introduction to fantasy for those readers who previously were not interested in the genre, because there is enough action set in real time with "normal" people. Bod, although in possession of some supernatural abilities,- for instance, he can insinuate himself into people's dreams, and he can fade (disppear) when he needs to, is a human boy with sensitivities and dreams not unlike any other teenager on the brink of adulthood.
The combination of Neil Gaiman's incredible voice,-he does all the characters,-and the humor, suspense and horror in the plot, make this audiobook one not to be missed. This book will be a welcome surprise for those who enjoy listening to Jim Dale's reading of the Harry Potter books.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
From Booklist: "An utterly captivating tale...this is a rich story with broad appeal and is highly recommended for teens of all ages."
From Kirkus Review: Wistful, witty, wise----and creepy. This needs to be read by anyone who is or has ever been a child."
5. CONNECTIONS
- Compare with Leon Garfield's, BLACK JACK.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kinney, Jeff. 2007. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID. New York: Amulet Books. ISBN 0810993139.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Middle schooler, Greg Heffley, chronicles with illustrations (cartoons), his hilarious trials and tribulations during one full academic school year.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Greg Heffley, the "wimpy kid" in Jeff Kinney's novel, is not particularly likeable, but his situations and mishaps are at times hilarious. The print looks like hand writing and the comic strip style drawings, although simple, aptly illustrate the episodes Greg relates. He looks out for numero uno even if it involves treading over his best friend Rowley who he is secretly embarrassed by.
The humor is clean and spot on in many situations, but the character borders on despicable at times. For example, when his best friend takes the punishment for something he did, Greg doesn't make it right by confessing, rather he tries to convince his friend that it is an opportunity for a great learning experience. Gregg Heffley will be familiar to fans of the self-serving, sarcastic characters that populate the Cartoon Network cable station.
4. REVEIW EXCERPTS
From School Library Journal: "Kinney does a masterful job of making the mundane life of boys on the brink of adolescence hilarious."
From Publishers Weekly: "...should keep readers in stitches, eagerly anticipating Greg's further adventures."
5. CONNECTIONS
Assign students to keep an illustrated diary of one day at school.
