Life in Prison by Stanley “Tookie” Williams

Rules

“I am sure there are times when you feel your parents are being too hard on you, that they have too many rules for you to follow.  But know this: No matter how unfair you may think you parents are, or how tough you may think their rules are, you’re parents’ rules are nothing like the rules we are forced to abide by in prison.”   —-Life in Prison, chapter 5

I introduced this book with the above entry because it is what young people need to know about prison life and life in general.  After reading this book, I think it should be a “must-read” for all students, regardless of their socio-economic status.  Everyone I know, I’m sure has heard of Stanley “Tookie” Williams.  Well, before his execution, he wrote many books.  He spoke out against gangs and violence in the black community.   His message was simple; he advised young people to make better choices than he did.  To a certain extent, he wanted redemption and forgiveness.  

Keesha’s House by Helen Frost

Having read, The Braid, which I enjoyed, I decided to pick up this book.  Keesha’s House is a 2004 Printz Honor book.  I LOVED it!  Written in traditional poetic form, this book is about seven teens dealing with problems such as pregnancy, homosexuality, alcoholism, physical abuse, foster care, etc.  Its message will resonate with teens.  If you’ve never read this, pick it up. Some readalikes: Sharon Creech’s Heartbeat, Nikki Grimes’ Bronx Masquerade, Jacqueline Woodson’s Locomotion. Highly recommended.

Walking on Glass – Free verse

I approached this book with no expectations and was very pleased.  This is a free-verse novel about a teenage boy whose mother attempts suicide and ends up in coma.  His mother is kept alive through live-support.  He has to make an important decision –should he keep her alive or let her go?  A very quick and engaging read. Highly recommended.

Blue Blood: Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz

Masquerade is the second book in the Blue Blood series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book – it was a quick and engaging read.  The story begins with young Schulyer Van Alen, a half-blood vampire in Italy searching for her grandfather.  She is still trying to solve the mysteries of the Silver Bloods. There are some twist and turns in the story – we learn more about the story of twins Jack and Mimi Force, which is a little weird.  Schuyler’s relationship with best friend, Oliver takes an interesting turn. Also, we still get the brief synopsis of incidences from the past –very intriguing. I am looking forward to the next book.  I want to see how the characters interact with each new development.  Oh yes, I love the settings: NYC (my hometown), private school and the fashion industry (very cool). This story is just pure fun —nothing too substantial.  Definitely read Blue Blood.  Recommended.

A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb

A ghostly story about a woman who is caught up in time –she died over 100 years but she cannot pass over to the other side because of a moral baggage that burdens her. She meets a young teen boy who can see her and they fall in love.  Not longer after, things become quite complicated and very unpleasant for the two lovers. This is the type of story that when you are finished with it, you will continue to think about it.  It will not be soon forgotten. A very interesting read.

Inexcusable or Not? by Chris Lynch

Inexcusable by Chris Lynch

 If you like Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, then I think you will like this one as well. I have to admit, I was attracted to this book because of its provocative title.  I wanted to know what was inexcusable.  This story is thoughtful and yet disturbing.  We’ve finally been given a chance to learn about rape from a male perspective—something rarely done.  As the story ends, there are no clear answers or conclusions.  This is a very satisfying read.  Other books with male protagonists with issues: Laurie Halse Anderson’s Twisted, Alex Finn’s Breathing Underwater and David Klass’ You don’t know me.

PHENOMENAL WOMAN by Maya Angelou (a reflection)

After reading several poems, I began thinking about some of my favorites.  What made them so special to me? So I began to cogitate on the works of a few greats like Robert Frost, Gwendolyn Brooks, Langston Hughes, Sylvia Plath, and of course Dr. Maya Angelou.

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It’s the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can’t touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them They say they still can’t see. I say, It’s in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I’m a womanPhenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.Now you understand Just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing It ought to make you proud. I say, It’s in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need of my care, ‘Cause I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. Maya Angelou

When I first read this poem, I thought, “What a fine representation of the black woman” but the more I have matured, the more I understand its meaning.  It represents all women – as we learn to love ourselves through all the hypocrisy and self-doubt.  Yes, being a woman is hard work.  We endure and overcome because the strength of our souls cannot be subdued.

Sun Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

This is an amazingly honest book that recounts the experiences of two girls growing up in 19^th century China.  They come from different worlds (i.e. social classes) but are drawn together and become best friends.  This story shows the joys and pains of foot-binding, nu shu (secret handkerchief writing), arranged marriages, and motherhood.  This is an excellent, must-read for anyone interested in learning about other cultures.  Historical Fiction. 

Sold by Patricia McCormick

McCormick‘s has done a remarkable job addressing the many social ills affecting young women with this novel, Sold.  This story takes place in the Himalayan Mountains of India, where poverty is a way of life for most families.  In this story, a 13 years old girl is unknowingly sold into prostitution by her stepfather. She endures great pain and sorrow at “Happiness House” yet she remains optimistic. This story is heartbreaking and raw—true to life. Definitely, a great read for reluctant readers.  Realistic fiction.

Kindred by Octavia Butler

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read—it is Phenomenal.  Kindred was written by the first black science fiction writer.  The story begins with a young woman, Dana, celebrating her 26^th birthday with her new husband.  Abruptly, she is snatched back to the days of slavery by her ancestor.  She is summoned by her ancestor to protect a young boy.  He must grow to manhood and father the daughter who will become her ancestor.  Each time she goes back, it become more difficult to return to modern day.  This book ought to become a required read for students studying African-American history and/or American slavery.  Highly recommended.  Historical/Science fiction.