Angry Management

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Chapter Book: Yes     Genre: Realistic Fiction - Short Stories 

Crutcher, C. (2009). Angry management. New York: HarperCollins.

     For most of my adult life I have worked with the general public predominantly adults, and what I have discovered is that each one of us could write a book about our lives; and depending upon certain circumstances it would probably be a best seller. More recently I have the pleasure of working with young children and young adults who are facing challenges that would make the average adult throw in the towel and give up on life altogether. Which leads to the book entitled Angry Management. It is a book of three short stories about a sixty two year old high school counselor/therapist, his sixteen clients, and the situations that caused their lives to intertwine. Each client is either on the edge of a cliff about to fall off or have fallen off to the point of no return.

     I really enjoyed the way Crutcher portrayed the characters in this book. The book Angry Management begins with Mr. Nakatani (aka) Mr. Nak dictating taped notes to himself about his clients. It is as if everyone is in a frozen position until he makes mention of their names and then the characters come to life. First up are Sarah Byrnes and Angus Bethune. Together they will discover that it is not how you look on the outside that determines the real you but what is on the inside is what will ultimately shine through good, bad, or indifferent. Then there’s Montana West, rejected by her adopted parents, learns the true meaning of love from perfect strangers. Finally there is Matt Miller and Marcus James tragically together they will learn that racism and hatred is alive and well in Sundown Towns (aka) Cutter, even after the 2008 Presidential election of Barack Obama. There are no illustrations in this book however; Crutcher paints a very vivid picture of each story so much so that you actually feel as if you have stepped into Sundown Towns. I higher recommend this book for young adult readers ages fourteen and above because of adult content in some chapters.

     Oh by the way, if you like this book then I think you will enjoy Dear Author letters of  hope by Joan F. Kaywell as well.

 Picture retrieved from: http://flit.hubpages.com/hub/Dear-Author-Letters-of-Hope

 Dear Author letters of hope is a compilation of letters to young adult literature authors from their readers expressing gratitude for the books they wrote. All of the letters were about challenges young adults face such as suicide, drug abuse, sexual abuse and self-mutilation. That’s not to say that these are the only types of books these authors write however; those topics just happened to be the focus of this particular book. Some of the authors were, Cherie Bennet, Lois Duncan, Rodman Philbrick, Laurie Halse Anderson, Chris Crutcher and Christopher Paul Curtis.

Below is a short biography about the author Chris Crutucher. 

 Chris Crutcher grew up in Cascade, Idaho, and now lives in Spokane, Washington. He is the critically acclaimed author of six novels and a collection of short stories for teenagers, all chosen as ALA Best Books. In 2000, he was awarded the American Library Association's Margaret A. Edwards Award, honoring his lifetime contribution in writing for teens. Drawing on his experience as an athlete, teacher, family therapist, and child protection specialist, he unflinchingly writes about real and often-ignored issues that face teenagers today.

Retrieved from:http://www.amazon.com/Angry-Management-Chris-Crutcher/dp/0060502479

Angela Johnson

This pathfinder will be useful in finding information about Angela Johnson. Angela Johnson is an author who writes children’s picture books, poetry, short stories and young adult literature. Johnson states that one of the ideas that has occupied her as a writer is a child’s search for truth or, rather, the quest to uncover what she calls “the big lie” – the feeling that one’s parents might not be who they seem, or that the things a child has always accepted as reality might not be true. She goes on to say that “you can get a great story from the big lie.” Most of the stories that are written by Angela Johnson are stories that are true to life.

Key Resources at a glance:

   Brodie, C. S.,. (2001). Angela johnson a conversation with an award winning author.school library media activities monthly, 17(10), 43-46. . (17 ed., Vol. (10), pp. 43-46   

Corbett, S. (2004). "'Genius' label doesn't erase author Angela Johnson's shyness." Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service  p. K4506.

Engberg, G. (2003). "The booklist interview: Angela Johnson." Booklist p. 1074. "The first part last. " Publishers Weekly  p. 73.

Hallett, V. (1995). "When mr. mom is a teenager." U.S. News & World Report (January 26, 2004): p. 16. " Humming Whispers. " PublishersWeekly  p. 71.

Unique Contributions:

  Angela Johnson has an exceptional ability to create memorable, real characters that stay in readers’ minds long after the book cover has been closed. In most of her books Johnson addresses personal, everyday subjects: family relationships, the difficulties of growing up, seeking comfort from loved ones during times of struggle (p.2). In her story Toning the Sweep, she tells about a fourteen-year-old girl named Emmie, who goes with her mother to pick up her grandmother who is dying of cancer. While there she learns a great deal about herself, her family and her grandmother’s friends. This story was praised for realistic style and having the ability to allow readers to use their imaginations. In 1994 Toning the Sweep won the Coretta Scott King award for outstanding works for young people by an African American author.

Books:

A Cool Moonlight Price: 6.99  ISBN: 9780142402849 (paperback)  Grade level: 3-6

"Once in a while a book of prose appears that reads as pure poetry. Such is the case with Johnson's newest novel. Fiercely quiet in its language, this powerful story touches the reader in unexpected ways. It is not the most unusual allergy afflicting the main character Lila that intrigues the audience, so much as it is how Lila uses her imagination to make peace with her condition. In a way that perhaps only the innocent are, Lila comes to a profound and complete acceptance of the situation over which she has no control. Young people and adults alike will be encouraged by the particulars of Lila's story, detailing the enormous harm with which sunlight threatens her. Especially important is how the adults around Lila allow her to grow and come to terms with the dangerous infirmity that would steal her childhood. Although many stories are about love, this one is about the most important love of all-love of self-and for young people, there can be no more important lesson. On the surface, Lila's story measures simple as a song, but straining beneath the unpretentious lyrics, a competing and memorable ensemble of what it means to shine with life reverberates. Courage, hope, and friendship are all found in this little gem of a novel. No library should be without it." VOYA

Daddy Calls Me Man Price: $6.95 ISBN 9780531071755 (paperback) Grade level: PreS-2 Illustrator: Rhonda Mitchell

"Joyously written and illustrated, these four poems reflect the concerns of children." School Library Journal

 The Day Ray Got Away Price: $16.99 ISBN: 9780689873751 (hardcover) Grade level: K-2

"Acclaimed author Angela Johnson and rising talent Luke LaMarca bring us a story about one balloon who defies the odds to reach his dreams.

 Do Like Kyla Price: $6.99 OUT OF STOCK ISBN: 9780531070406 (paperback) Grade level: PreS-2 Illustrator: James E.Ransome

 "'In the morning my big sister Kyla stands at the window, tapping at the birds. I do like Kyla. . . .' So begins a day of follow the leader between a young child and her older sister. . . . A universal story that features a warm and loving black family."-- School Library Journal

The First Part Last Price: $15.95 ISBN: 9780689849220 (hardcover) Price: $6.99 ISBN: 9780689849237 (paperback)
Grade level: 7-Up

 "In this companion novel, Johnson's fans learn just how Bobby, the single father for whom Marley baby-sits in Heaven, landed in that small town in Ohio. Beginning his story when his daughter, Feather, is just 11 days old, 16-year-old Bobby tells his story in chapters that alternate between the present and the bittersweet past that has brought him to the point of single parenthood....But as the past and present threads join in the final chapter, readers will only clamor for more about this memorable father-daughter duo-and an author who so skillfully relates the hope in the midst of pain." Publisher's Weekly

WINNER OF THE 2004 CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD (WRITING CATEGORY)

WINNER OF THE 2004 MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE

 Heaven Price: $16.95 ISBN 9780689822292 (hardcover) Price: $4.99 ISBN 9780689822902(paperback) Grade level: 7-Up

"Marley thinks her life in Heaven, Ohio, is perfect and secure. But when she learns that her itinerant uncle is really her father and her loving "parents" are her aunt and uncle, she has to come to terms with her feelings of anger, betrayal, and curiosity as to who she really is. Foreshadowing, humor, and well-defined characters work together to create a strong story about belonging and family." The Horn Book

Toning the Sweep NO LONGER AVAILABLE check your local library Grade level: 7-Up 

 Publishers Weekly, in a Starred review, praised this ``thoughtfully nuanced and penetrating'' novel about three generations of women from an African American family who must cope with a beloved grandmother's illness.

 Angela Johnson has written at least 34 books. See websites listed for more information about her books.

Awards:

Ms. Johnson has earned a number of awards including Best Books, School Library Journal, 1989, for Tell Me a Story, Mama; Coretta Scott King Honor Book, American Library Association Social Responsibilities Round Table, 1991, for When I Am Old with You; Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award, United States Board on Books for Young People, 1991; Editor's Choice, Booklist, Best Books, School Library Journal, and Coretta Scott King Author Award, 1994, all for Toning the Sweep; Coretta Scott King Author Award, 1998, for Heaven; Coretta Scott King Honor Book citation, 1998, for The Other Side: Shorter Poems; MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, 2003. The Coretta Scott King Author Award is an annual honor given by the ALA for outstanding works for young people by an African American author. The MacArthur Foundation is a private organization that, among other things, awards grants to exceptionally talented people in a variety of fields. In addition, in 2004, Johnson earned the Michael L. Printz Award which is given for excellence in young adult literature.

Websites:

http://www.notablebiographies.com/news/Ge-La/Johnson-Angela.html

http://www.answers.com/topic/angela-johnson-1#ixzz1njMxufri

http://authors.aalbc.com/angela.htm 

 http://www.visitingauthors.com.

 http://www.eduplace.com/kids/tnc/mtai/johnson.html

http://www.teachingbooks.net/interview.cgi?id=28&a=1 

Source: All pictures and information about Angela Johnson was retrieved from the websites listed.

Where Things Come Back

Picture retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Where-Things-Come-Corey-Whaley/dp/1442413344

 Chapter Book: Yes        Genre: Realistic Fiction

Whaley, J. C. (2011). Where things come back. New York: Simon & Schuster, Inc. 

     Where Things Come Back is a book about people who live in a small southern town with children. As the children begin to mature and some are about to graduate from high school they begin to wonder if their small town is all that life has to offer. Meanwhile when a middle-aged bird watcher comes to town looking for a bird that everyone believes is extinct; their small town is propelled into media frenzy. In addition, 15 year old Gabriel, brother of the protagonist Cullen, is kidnapped and their lives will never be the same.

     I really enjoyed reading Where Things Come Back and I truly understand why this book won the Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. From the moment you start reading this book you do not want to put it down. It is filled with mystery, adventure, and surprise. The author John C. Whaley holds your attention by telling different stories about the lives of some of the families in this small town within the story. The stories are all woven together like a beautiful quilt. From the young lady who leaves home to find true happiness, to the young man who becomes disillusioned with his faith and commits suicide there is never a dull moment.  I highly recommend this book for readers 14 and above, you will not be disappointed. Moreover, in a classroom setting I would use this book to discuss the afterlife in other words is there life after death?  Below is information about the author, songs that motivated him while writing Where Things Come Back, and his website. I hope you enjoy listening.

Biography

   

     John Corey Whaley is an American Young Adult author from Louisiana. His first novel, WHERE THINGS COME BACK is the winner of the 2012 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature and the 2012 William C. Morris Debut Fiction Award.

     Whaley was named a Spring 2011 Flying Start Author by Publishers Weekly as well as a Top Ten New Voice for Teens by the ABC Children's Group at ALA and a Spring 2011 Okra Pick from the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance. WHERE THINGS COME BACK has also been nominated for the American Library Association's Best Fiction for Young Adults 2012. He was recently selected by the National Book Foundation as a Top 5 Under 35 author, making him the first YA author to be awarded the honor.

     Where Things Come Back is based on the true story of the Lazarus Woodpecker: The supposed reappearance of the ivory-billed woodpecker is a true story that inspired expression in a variety of media. Author John Corey Whaley was inspired to write the book after he heard Sufjan Steven’s "The Lord God Bird" on NPR. Here he provides a custom playlist--one he listened to while writing the book--and some background on each song choice, including the song that inspired the book. Listen to his playlist.

     To learn more about John Corey Whaley and WHERE THINGS COME BACK, visit www.johncoreywhaley.com    

Source retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Where-Things-Come-Corey-Whaley/dp/1442413344

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The Hunger Games (The Movie)

Picture retrieved from: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-hunger-games/1430290/main?flv=1

Chapter Book:  No     Genre: Motion Picture inspired by The Hunger Games Trilogy

    What do you hunger for? Is it truth, righteousness, freedom, health, happiness, survival, riches, wealth untold, the American dream? Moreover, what price would you pay for it? What if one day you woke up and the life you were accustomed to had changed, and you barely had basic survival tools such as just enough food and water for that day and the only way you would live to see another day is to kill or be killed; could you? Well that is what young Katniss and Peeta the other young tribute had to decide in the movie The Hunger Games. The movie is the depiction of the Hunger Games Trilogy written by Suzanne Collins (2008).

     In the movie The Hunger Games, It is a futuristic story about the have and the have-nots and how those who have manipulate the lives of those who do not have because of war and wealth inequities. The people in power have created a lottery system whereby two children a boy and a girl from each district twenty four in all compete to the death for food for their families just for the sick amusement of those in power. Once the tributes are selected they go through rigorous training and are then put on display for those who might sponsor them in their fight for survival. While watching this movie I was reminded of the war in Iraq and our military forces. I thought that the cinematography was great. I enjoyed the fact that even though there was a lot of violence the actual acts where somewhat left to your imagination. This indeed was a very good movie and I would recommend it to teens 14 and above.

    If you enjoy futuristic movies that depict teens having to decide their own fate, making good choices and changing the world for the good of mankind you will also enjoy In Time featuring Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, and Cillian Murphy. It is a movie about people living only until the age of 25. In a time where only the rich are granted more time Will, a poor young man has been given more time. What will he do with all his time? Will he keep it all for himself or will he give it away? Only time will tell In Time!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1637688/

Ship Breaker

Picture retrieved from: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7095831-ship-breaker

Chapter Book: Yes       Genre: Fiction

Bacigalupi, P. (2010). Ship breaker. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

     The story Ship Breaker is about the adventures of a young man named Nailer who learns the true meaning of family and friendship. The story takes place on a beach somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico near Mississippi and New Orleans. The main characters are adults and children who perform slave labor on grounded oil tankers for large corporations who import and export goods and services up and down the Mississippi River. In addition; the main characters make their living by scavenging ships that have been wrecked and abandoned by hurricanes aka city killers. One day after a terrible hurricane while searching for food Nailer, and his friend Pima discovers an abandoned ship with a young girl aka swank, pinned down by furniture below deck barely alive and that is where their adventure begins.

      After discovering Nita aka Lucky girl, Nailer and Pima must decide if they will take their newly found riches and live happily ever after or risk everything and save this dying girl’s life. Since Nailer had been so close to death himself just a few short days ago and someone saved him, he decided that he would save the girl not knowing that it would cost him dearly, not knowing that he would have make the ultimate sacrifice. There were no illustrations for this story however; I thought Bacigalupi did a great job of very vividly portraying each character and every scene. It is interesting to note that while reading this story I was reminded of C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and how Lewis made fantastic characters come to life. Moreover, I thought some of the characters and chapters in Ship Breaker had elements of fantasy. For example: because of Nita's weakened state, the three decide to camp out until they could come up with a solution to how they will deal with their present situation. Meanwhile, Nailer's father Richard Lopez, and some of his crew have discovered them and have taken them hostage for scavenge. His crew includes giant like creatures, half man half breast, and a huge blue-eyed witch-like woman.

          If you are between the age of 12 and above and you enjoy reading adventure, mystery, and fantasy I would highly recommend this book. In addition, I would suggest The Hunger Game, Sofi Mendoza’s Guide to Getting Lost in Mexico, and the companion novel to Ship Breaker, The Drowned Cities. I believe that all of these stories have elements of mystery and adventure. For more information about each story you can visit these websites: http://www.amazon.com/Ship-Breaker-Paolo-Bacigalupi/dp/0316056219 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kM7mxk3-ZU, http://www.amazon.com/The-Hunger-Games-Suzanne-Collins/dp/0439023483