Mind's Eye by Paul Fleischman

Here is the book on Amazon.


This book is written completely in dialogue, which I love. I think it's a great way to teach students about dialogue and also give them something to read that has a little depth. Mind's Eye is told from the point of view of a young paraplegic named Courtney. She is 16, stuck in a rehabilitation home surrounded by elderly women. She is sullen and withdrawn and clearly hurting, and her roommate, Elva tries to change that by bringing her on a journey through literature.

Together, the two woman travel through Italy in their minds, exploring the city and following stories only they know. By the end of the book, Courtney is a stronger, wiser young woman and the future looks less bleak.

I think this story would be great to use in-class, but I also think it's nice for students for quick book for free choice. It is only 112 pages and I think it can quickly rope in a more reluctant reader. The descriptions are really intense and vivid and I don't feel that the story is aimed at any particular demographic, so any student in high school would be able to tackle this book.

Quaking by Kathryn Erskine

Here is the book on Amazon.

This book pulled me in from the first line: "Families come in all varieties but with no warranties." I thought to myself "Well, I'm sure many adolescents will be able to relate to this!"

The story that unfolds in this book is quite a triple-threat. It tackles finding one's voice, religion and the varying interpretations of family. It does all that in a way that doesn't feel cliche or predictable. Matt, the young woman in the center of the story. Her real name is Matilda, but as you come to know her, you realize she defiantly prefers to be called Matt. Anyways, the book opens with Matt on her way to a foster home to live in a Quaker community.

Matt is a little rough around the edges and the Quaker lifestyle is a lot for her to adjust to. This book follows her journey as she becomes part of the community and her growth as she becomes part of a family.

This book would be great to use in the classroom for a variety of reasons. I really like the way it includes a look at war and the Quaker's emphasis on peace. I think this book would be a great way to teach students more about religion and also to explore the different interpretations of family. All students have different family structures and I think this book really explores that in a mature and yet accessible way for a variety of ages.

Um, so what are we doing?

This blog is all about my experiences with young adult literature. I'm going to be a teacher in the near future and so I figure I should be familiar with what my students are reading and the possibilities I can offer them!

It's magical.

And I think that's about all you need to know!