YA Literature Book Blog Entries
Bibliography:
Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. NY: Little Brown.
Summary:
The main character, Junior, grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation and was born with many medical problems. He was part of the “black-eye- of-the-month-club,” but had his best friend Rowdy as his loyal sidekick, that is until Junior left the reservation school to attend an all white school called Reardan. Junior knew by attending this school he would be successful and become something more than if he stayed on the Reservation,where no one seems to pursue any dreams.
Reardan, his new school, was the opposite of everything that Junior was brought up to know. Most all of the kids who attended would most likely go to college, and no one in Junior’s family had ever gone to college. Through Junior’s transition into a new school, he met Penelope, his dream girl, Gordy a close classmate, and Roger an upperclassman who became one of his buddies.
Junior gets drafted onto the varsity basketball team, and their first game is against his old high school, and his old best friend Rowdy from the reservation. Junior was out of the game pretty quickly after Rowdy smashed his elbow into Junior’s head knocking him unconscious. The two teams went into a fighting frenzee afterwards and Junior was taken to the hospital.
While Junior is climbing up the social ladder at his new school, back on the “Rez,” everything seems to be falling apart. His best friend Rowdy hates his guts for leaving the school at the reservation, his dad’s best friend Eugene, dies in a fatal gunshot accident, and his grandmother passes from a fatal car accident. Junior is devastated, frustrated, and angry all at once. He has mixed feelings about leaving the reservation, but after Junior slowly heals from the empty gashes in his heart from the losses, his basketball team Rearden, goes up against the Wellpinit Redskins for a second round.
Coach puts Junior in as a starter, while the whole reservation watching the game in the stands booed Junior as he stepped onto the court. Junor’s team ended up beating Rowdy’s team, and Junior is ecstatic about dominating over Rowdy and proving to everyone of his worth. Soon after Junior’s high of winning, he is given news that his older sister died. While she was having a house party at her mobile home, a careless party goers turned on the gas stove, and her home exploded from a gas leak. He blamed himself for his sister’s death, and questioned his decision to ever leave the reservation to attend Rearden. After a long hard look in the mirror Rowdy and Junior have a serious talk about life and where they think they will end up. Rowdy eventually opens up to Junior and their friendship is mended.
Commentary:
This novel is a Young Adult Novel that is a required read for this course.
Alexie’s writing manages touchy subject matter in a well organized thought provoking way. I loved the ever developing main character of a male freshman perspective that demonstrates the struggles of ethnic culture, loss, and sense of identity. The hints of racial and cultural issues create a relevant perspective to students that possibly encounter in a high school setting, which makes the book very relatable to young adult readers.
Junior, the main protagonist, is a character that has many dreams, goals, and aspirations even though he seems to be brought down by many elements such as: a low socioeconomic status,his alcoholic father, and low standards on the reservation. His power to overcome his challenges gives readers a glimpse of hope and strength when dealing with difficult times. His cartoons indicate a great deal about how he sees himself, and clearly Junior is, in many ways, an optimist. The cartoons that Junior scribbles are pleasing to the eye with humorous touches and brings light and laughter to the deep dark heart wrenching moments.
This evolving theme of pursuing your dreams and becoming your own is very prevalent throughout the novel. Junior’s character evolves quickly right from the start of the novel, he is an open book, and does not shy away from his emotions, he is a very sensitive character who is not embarrassed to cry.
The structure of the story was very pleasing, overall it followed a chronological order of events, along with drawings of cartoons that helped visualize and create a better idea of how Junior portrays an event in his own mind. These illustrations break up the text very nicely and create the mood and tone for the events that are occuring in the storyline.
Connections:
* Another book that is similar in nature to the content of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, is My Name is Not Easy, by Debby Dahl, Edwardson. It features a main character who overcomes challenges like Junior such as identity, and culture clashes. In this book, Alaskans Luke, Chickie, Sonny, Donna, and Amiq relate their experiences in the early 1960s when they are forced to attend a Catholic boarding school where, despite different tribal affiliations, they come to find a sort of family and home.
*Invite students to describe the two ball games in which Rowdy and Junior meet on the court as opponents for their high school teams. What are Junior's attitudes during and after each of the games? Compare those attitudes to Junior's attitudes during the game of one-on-one he and Rowdy play at home. Allow students to write their answers in an essay format, and share their responses with the class.
*Encourage students to read other novels written by Sherman Alexie that incorporate the Native American Idian culture and their struggles. Students can compare how Sherman Alexie’s books differ from another, or how they are similar. Focus on how Sherman Alexie incorporates the Native American culture into his books. Allow students to decide if the author is portraying this culture in a good light or a bad light? The books are:
- The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven
- Reservation Blues
- Flight
Bibliography:
Behar, R. (2018). The lucky broken girl. NY:Puffin Books.
Summary:
Ruth, along with her family are recent immigrants from Cuba. Her mom is a housewife, while her dad works two jobs, and her younger brother tends to be a pest. The story takes place in the 1960’s in the hustle and bustle of New York City. Ruth is a bright young girl who lives in an apartment building with many other immigrant families from all over the world. Ruthie and her closest friend Ramu, who also lives in the apartment building, attend the same school and in the remedial class for not knowing enough English.
One day when Ruthie feels confident she challenges the teacher and is moved to the regular education class. Ruthie is known on the block as the “hopscotch queen” in her black Go-Go boots that her father purchased for her. As she struggles to navigate family tensions, forge friendships, and accommodate to her new lifestyle, she has another challenge to face. One day when her Papi brings home an oldsmobile, they take a joy ride out of the city to meet up with some old Cuban friends from back home.
During their trek home her family endures a horrific car accident leaving Ruthie with a broken mangled leg. Ruthie is confined to her bed for months on end as per the doctor's orders in a body cast from her legs to her chest. Her mother takes care of her as best she can under the circumstances, and Ruthie must learn to walk again. Her nurse Amara, tutor Joy, and friendly neighbor Chicho, are her support to get her back on her feet. After several months in a body cast Ruthie feels like prisoner and begins to despise the careless driver her caused her this pain and suffering. With time Ruthie heals her leg and eases her worries enough to forgive and let go of her injury. She learns to love painting from Chicho and starts typing on a typewriter all of the conversations that she has with her close family and friends. Ruthie begins to have a better understanding of what her family has gone through, and what they’ve lost by seeking a better life for her.
Commentary:
This novel is a Young Adult Novel that is a required read for this course.
Ruth Behar, writes this novel based off of the true events that occurred in her life. Lucky Broken Girl explores trauma with a deft, forgiving touch. Young adult readers who experience the same pains of moving and dealing with immigration will find comfort in this novel, and will be able to make deep connections to her experiences.
I enjoyed the perspective of young Ruthie in the big city during the 60’s. It gives an accurate account of all the struggles that immigrant families had to overcome during this time period. Ruth Behar not only introduced us to the cuban culture, but incorporated others such as Ramu, an Idian immigrant, and Danielle who was of Belgian descent who escaped an abusive father. Each character brings to light how beautiful it is to learn about other cultures and lean on each other in a time of need. Although Ruthie’s family had an especially hard time adjusting to their new home, Ruthie was reminded by her mother, that they will never forget where they came from, but always look to what the future has to offer.
The theme of patience, forgiveness and living in the moment, in this novel was intertwined ever so beautifully within the storyline. Behar’s use of detailed descriptions, and accurate dialog amongst the characters gave a realistic perspective on the lives, cultures and struggles that the characters endured during this time period. I especially loved the cuban language that was sprinkled amongst the dialogue between Ruthie, and her family. This use of spanish verbiage gave an authentic take on the cuban culture, especially for readers who lack knowledge of this region.
The historical aspects of the novel ties in by explaining how Ruthie’s family escaped the wrath of Castro’s Revolution back in Cuba as well as the father’s Oldsmobile, an accurate car used during the 60’s, her passion for wearing Go-Go boots also touched on the fashion during this time period, and the not so modern medicine, of giving her a full body cast for one broken leg. All of the points mentioned in the novel hint of the time period of the 60’s accurately. This gives readers a better perspective of the background to the setting, and events that push Ruthie's family into the United States.
Connections:
*This book trailer is a simple summary of the novel and the relevance that the storyline has to the author Ruth Behar. Students may find a deep connection to the struggling character and make relevant connections to the historical aspects found in the novel. Teachers can use this book trailer to engage them in a lesson about immigration, and the effects that it has on families, along with the turmoil of difficult hardships of leaving your home country behind and immersing yourself into a new country.
Book Trailer:
*Ruth Behar’s website, gives insight into the author and her inspirations for her books. Her website provides a good background on the true aspects that are found in her novel. Students can make connections to the storyline and Ruth’s real experiences as she immersed herself in a new world. Teacher’s and librarian’s can discuss how Ruth Behar is an award winning author and was the Winner of the 2018 Pura Belpre Award for Lucky Broken Girl. For students who are interested in pursuing more books written by Ruth Behar there are a list of books below that are recommended for reading after Lucky Broken Girl.
Ruth Behar’s Website:
Other novels written by Ruth Behar:
- An Island Called Home: Returning to Jewish Cuba
- Cubana
Bibliography:
Anderson, L.H. (1999). Speak. NY: Penguin.
Summary:
It is Melinda's first year of high school at Merryweather High as a freshman. She seems to be ignored by everyone, including her best friend Rachel who mouths, “I hate you,” while they are entering the auditorium to a freshman orientation. Heather, a newbie from Ohio, who doesn’t know about the rumors spreading around the school about Melinda, sits next to Melinda and is inclined to get to know her. As the school year progresses, Melinda expresses how dreadful “Hairwomen,” her English teacher, and Mr. Neck, her Social Studies teacher are making them her least favorite teachers. However, her sanctuary class, is Mr. Freeman’s, the art teacher. He gives the class an extraordinary assignment. They must create one piece of art that is graded at the end of the year. Each student picks their topics from a hat, Melinda’s topic is a “tree.”
Melinda soon becomes an outcast, not speaking to any of her old friends, but tries to get close to Heather, the newbie, however, when Heather wants to climb the social ladder, and join the “Martha’s,” group she quickly retreats, knowing that she has no business with that clique. Melinda observes the changes that she sees her old friends going through as they join different groups, and doesn’t take comfort or refuge in telling her parents of a deep secret she has been bottling up inside. Her grades are diminishing into C’s and D’s, and she lacks all confidence in herself. Her parents demand that she stays after school for extra help from her teachers. Instead of finding a tutor, she finds an empty abandoned janitor's closet that she personalizes, and turns into a refuge space. She retreats to her school closet often, even skipping classes.
As the book proceeds Melinda, gives the reader vivid flashbacks of the events that lead up to a horrific experience the summer before her freshman year. Rachel had gotten an invite to the “End of Summer Party,” and Melinda went with her, she drank a few beers and walked into the woods unknowingly of her dreaded fait. There she bumped into a senior jock. She was in awe that he was even talking to a freshman. Unfortunately, things escalated too quickly and before she even knew it he was taking advantage of her in the dark woods, and raped her. Melinda knew it was wrong even in her drunken state, she called 911. Her call to the authorities that summer night, caused her to be the most hated girl on campus. However, Melinda didn’t tell a soul about the truth behind the call to 911. In her thoughts she wants to speak up and tell someone but just doesn’t have the courage to.
As Melinda earns herself a day in “In-School Suspension,” for skipping classes, she is in complete terror when to her surprise “It,” is in the same room. “It,” is the senior boy who took advantage of her over the summer in the woods, and caused her so much pain. Melinda has a few more run ins with him in the hall, causing her to have frequent panic attacks at night while she sleeps. When Melinda finds out that her ex-best friend is dating “it” otherwise known as Andy, she writes her an anonymous letter explaining how he has a bad reputation. Days pass and Melinda continues to work on her art project when one day during study hall Melinda builds up the courage to spill her dreadful secret to her ex-best friend Rachel in a back and forth letter. Rachel seems to feel guilty for isolating Melinda but when she asks who did it, and finds out that the boy who raped Melinda happens to be the boy that she is currently dating, she disapproves and believes that it is all a lie.
Nearing the end of school Melinda’s worst nightmare happens. Andy Evans corners her in her sanctuary closet and threatens her of spilling lies to Rachel about how he raped her. He punches Melinda, straggles her, but this time Melinda does not stay quiet. She screams and defends herself the best way that she can. Luckily the lacrosse team, along with Nicole a recognized athlete at the school, hears her cry for help and opens the door, saving Melinda and proving her innocence. The word spreads throughout the high school of the situation between Melinda and Andy, and her name is restored. On the final day of school when she turns in her final art project, Mr. Freeman can see her brokenness and Melinda doesn’t stay quiet, she says, “Let me tell you about it.”
Commentary:
This novel is a Young Adult Novel that is a required read for this course.
The way that Anderson writes this heart wrenching novel, on such a touchy and difficult topic was outstanding! She does not focus the narrative around the one dreadful encounter of rape, but instead depcits the many effectes that it has on the main character, Melinda. The tone is very dark as the main conflict deals with rape, but Anderson incorporates touches of humor as she writes with a teenage perspective in mind, like nicknaming of her teachers, using teenage lingo, and the use of sarcasim that many teenagers are familar with.
This novel to me would be classified as a realistic fiction piece. In the author’s note you realize that though it is not a personal event that happened to the author, it was inspired by a dream that she had one night. The plot that Anderson unfolds is very unique. She does not give away what happened to Melinda right away, but gives hints of what she might have gone through to leave her so embarrassed to discuss it. The use of flashbacks throughout the story, gave the reader insight as to what truly happened to cause such a devastating state of silence, and isolation for Melinda, and brought to light how impactful this issue is. The problem that engulfs the main character, is one that is internalized deep to her core, and later she reveals what happened to her that dark night as she dreams about it in a nightmare. This book was extremely powerful and opened my eyes to this controversial topic, and the silence that follows. It makes me wonder how many untold stories there are for young girls who were put through this same situation.
Anderson creates Melinda as an inspiring heroine figure who solves her own problem, by giving her the power to speak her truth in the end of the novel. This evolving theme of strength through the use of your voice, was portrayed as Melinda wanted to speak up about it, but was too afraid of the consequences that would follow. Melinda’s characteristics such as being witty, courageous, and honest creates a character that readers can easily relate to along with a very authentic view of the hierarchy of high school, the drama that ensues, and the cliques that are created amongst the high school population. The character’s bravery may help others who are struggling to speak out against troublesome situations. Overall, I found that this book gave me all the feels, and was a page turner, as I found myself rooting for Melinda and hoping that she found her strength.
Connections:
*Something that teachers can do as a mini lesson with the novel is characterization. Students can trace Melinda’s personal growth over the course of the novel. Using a chart students can write down Melinda’s evolution from complete isolation to eventually opening up in the end. This will demonstrate to students the use of character development.
*For mini lesson on sensory images, teachers or librarians can model, identify, and discuss Anderson’s use of sensory images and how they relate to Melinda’s emotions. Anderson’s writing lends itself to beautifully embedding detailed explanations of the exact emotion that Melinda is overcome by. The teacher can explicitly teach how the use of sensory imagery can create a deeper meaning for the reader, and allow more connections to develop for the reader.
*Students can evaluate the effectiveness of the title and discuss the irony of the word “Speak” as it relates to the book. This book lends itself to deeper meaning and many uses of irony throughout the novel.
*Other books that incorporate the theme of isolation. These novels will be great segways for students to pursue after reading Speak. After reading one of these novels teachers can allow students to compare and contrast the main characters in the novels.
- The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway
- One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
*The video below is an interview with Laurie Halse Anderson discussing her personal experience as a freshman in high school, it is a great video explaining her background to creating her novel. This gives students a taste of her perspective into the creation of the book Speak.
Bibliography:
Albertalli, Becky. (2018). The Upside of unrequited. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Summary:
Molly is a seventeen year old junior in high school, who has a fraternal twin. She has a very different family dynamic, both her parents are female who had a sperm donor to create her and her sister. Although she is the complete opposite of her twin, Cassie, they are extremely close. They tell each other everything, and support one another through their difficult teenage years. Molly is shy, quiet, and timid, as her twin is loud, boisterous, and social. Together they make up for what one another lacks.
When Molly meets Cassie’s dream girl Mina, at the 9:30 Club, she doesn’t realize what's to come next. Cassie becomes close to Mina, closer than Molly would expect. As this new relationship blossoms into something beautiful, it also ruins the dynamic between Molly and Cassie. It rocks Molly’s comfort zone, as her mind wanders about her future with her sister, as well as her love life. Molly is not as social as Cassie, has never had a boyfriend, and is very protective of her feelings. She frequently fantasizes about what her first love will feel like, and seems to believe that she is an expert in unrequited love. She jokes around with her sister about her 26 crushes that she has had in the past, and Cassie constantly pushes Molly to go after her dreamboy.
Eventually Cassie demands that Molly and Will, Mina’s best friend, would make a suitable match. Molly has difficulties with her weight, appearance, and lacks self confidence, she constantly worries about what other people think about her. When Molly is hired on at a fairly popular boutique store called Bissel, she meets the owner’s son named Ried. She starts to open up and share tidbits about herself. At first, Molly thinks nothing of their friendship, just enjoying the hilarious inside jokes, and easy going personality that Ried portrays.
At this point in the novel, Molly and Cassie start to drift apart, as Cassie spends all of her spare time with her new girlfriend Mina, Molly realizes that as they get older, her relationship with her sister will change, as they find other people who they’d rather spend time with. This saddens Molly and makes her feel that she is not wanted anymore, leaving her with anxiety and strong emotions of sadness due to all of the changes.
When gay marriage has just been legalized and Molly’s moms become engaged, this leaves her to feel like the last remaining single person on the planet. With a fast approaching wedding date, Molly insists on planning and decorating the wedding for her moms. Meanwhile, Molly is drawn to Will for his sense of humor, and starts to think that he could be her first kiss, as well as the key to getting close to her sister again. When Molly and Will have a chance to spend some time alone together, Molly leans in for a kiss, Will steps back and explains that he thought they were just friends. Molly is absolutely humiliated for reading all of Will’s signs wrong. She is enraged with embarrassment and to top it all off the next day she sees Ried, the boy she is starting to like, walk her best friend Oliva home. Molly is confused by all the relationships that are producing around her, and can not grasp why she cannot find a special relationship of her own. Molly build up the courage to call Reid and ask if he has any feelings for Oliva, the phone call does not go as it was planned in her head, and Reid is furious that she even ask such a question, when she has been hanging out with Will.
After Molly and Ried cool off, they meet after work to talk things over. Reid spills out his feelings of love and affection towards Molly and she can’t believe that she feels the same way about Reid. She is ecstatic with happy emotions and her heart is full. As everything is coming together before her parent’s wedding, Molly and Cassie have a huge blow out fight, and Molly realizes that she has to start accepting the changes that are going to happen in the future, and how her sister needs space to grow.
At the wedding, Molly is surprised and pleased when Karen, her mom’s sister who does not approve of same sex marraige, attends the speacial wedding ceramony. Karen explains to Molly that she decided it was important for her to be there to support her sister. Reid, who is Molly's first ever boyfriend attends the wedding and continues to open up about his feelings towards her. Nadine, Molly’s mother, explains to Molly she understands her Molly’s frustration when she was waiting for the right boy to come along, because it was the same way she felt when she was trying to get pregnant with Molly’s younger brother Xavier. Nadine explains to Molly that by waiting so long for something, like one’s first love, it makes it even more special when it finally arrives.
Commentary:
This novel is a Young Adult Novel that is a required reading from the “2018 Best Fiction for Young Adults” list.
The protagonist character Molly Peskin-Suso, tells her story in first-person point of view. She describes herself as being overweight, shy and timid. As a reader, it was pleasing to read this novel from the point of view of a teenager. Molly uses realistic language that a teen would say, such as, “seriously,” and “literally.” She exaggerates emotions of moments in story like, “you just saved my life,” and overemphasizes the experiences that she goes through. The teen characters also communicate not only with face-to-face speech interactions, but also through texting, Facebook and Skyping. The author Alberalli, specifies each interaction with different types of text. For example, texts are indicated with bold type while Facebook posts are indicated with italics. Overall, I enjoyed reading the novel through Molly’s eyes, and the way Albertalli writes, it really grasps the reader’s attention with the thoughts that Molly has about her family, friends, and boy relationships, she is an easily relatable teenage character, and Albertalli unrolls Molly’s personality slowly but sporadically throughout the plot of the novel.
This realistic fiction piece hits on a lot of touchy topics such as same sex marriage, sex, sexual orientation, and teenage relationships. It focuses the setting on the present day, from the viewpoint of a teen in a modern society. The events that unfold such as a same sex wedding, a bloosoming same sex teenage relationhsip, and a heterogenious sex relaitonship, alllow for any reader to make connections to the feelings, events, and realistic family dnymaics relatable. Although they are touchy topics, they were written in seamlessly throughout the novel, and were not overbearing.
The structure of the novel follows a regular plot set up, where the characters are all introduced in the beginning, and as the plot unfolds steadily, the problem is introduced as Molly and her twin, Cassie, are drifting apart. Meanwhile Molly is trying to find who she is more fond of Will, or Reid? The climax is evident, when Molly is emotionally unravelling about her and Reid’s relationship, and how they finally spill out their love for one another. I enjoyed reading this book so that I could find out who Molly would end up with...Reid or Will? It was definitely written in mind for young adult readers by incorporating drama, love, and lust amongst the teenage characters.
A few themes that stood out in the novel where celebrating differences, finding your first love, and relationship bonds between sisters. This novel incorporates a non-traditional family. Molly, Cassie and their younger brother Xavier, are brought up with two mom’s. They later celebrate same sex marraige, by the wedding of Nadine and Patty. Not one character in the book mocks, makes fun of, or bullies the girls for the coming together of their parents. In fact, Reid’s parents are also both female, and Cassie’s sexual orientation is also geared towards the same sex. This allows readers to feel good about who they are and who they like, without having any repercussions. Another theme that is evident in this novel, is Molly’s adventures finding her first love. She mentions multiple times throughout the story that she has had twenty-six crushes, and not one of them ever became her boyfriend. She is a junior in high school who has never been kissed or liked by anyone, until she meets Reid. She tries not to tell herself that she likes him, and conveniences herself that Reid will never fall for a girl like herself, until he slowly starts giving her signs of his love for her. In the end, Molly learns that love comes when the time is right, with the right person, and waiting for something special will happen when it’s meant to happen. The relationship bond that Molly and Cassie have is something that is only found between sisters. This may be more touching to me, because I myself have a sister who I am very close to. A sisterly bond, is a strong tie that is woven tight when you are young and life is simple, but when you start to grow up and apart it tends to dwindle, because of all the changes that life has in store. Each theme was rolled out steadily throughout the novel and evolved slowly as it was embedded in the events that unfolded.
Connections:
*The Upside of Unrequited is a novel that introduces the importance of different sexual orientations. This would be a novel that I would gear students towards, who are looking to explore their sexuality, or discover how relationships work between same sex couples.
*This book has two very different characters Molly and her twin Cassie. As students read through this novel, they could focus on the similarities as well as differences that are very apparent between these twins. Students can create a powerpoint presentation taking on each of the perspectives of either Cassie or Molly and debate who is more mature or who do you find that you agree with more. Students can use quotes from the novel to justify their answers.
*Invite students to write a sequel to the novel. After reading the fictional piece, allow students to come up with part II of the book, and pick up where the story left off. Will Molly and Reid stay together or would you have them break up? What about Cassie and Mina? Would you set the setting right where the book left off or would you fast forward to their senior year in high school or perhaps college? Allow students to share their writing with a partner or to the whole class. This allows students to have a chance at creative writing.
Bibliography:
Alexander, K., & Hess, M. R. (2017). Solo. Grand Rapids, MI: Blink.
Summary:
Blade Morrison was born into an unforgiving spotlight of his father Rutherford Morrison, a washed up rockstar, who has had his issues with abuse of drugs and alcohol. Blade’s mother sadly passed away when he was only eight years of age leaving Blade, and his sister, Storm in the hands of their father. Storm attempts to become a musician following in the steps of her father, while Blade is more reserved with his musical abilities with the guitar. Blade copes and confides with his girlfriend Chapel, about his dysfunctional family life. Blade’s father’s reputation has made it where Blade has to sneak around to see Chapel because her father does not approve of the Morrison family.
When Blade is told on short-notice that he is to give the commencement speech to his graduating high school class, he works hard to write a song. The next day, as he is walking to the podium, his father disrupts this important moment when he drives on the football field drunk and yells out, “rock and roll!” Blade is torn by this and is deeply embarrassed and walks away. After the tabloids come out, his father is admitted to rehab in Denver.
Shortly after, Storm has a big party, and just as it gets out of hand, a limo pulls up. It is Rutherford with two models half his age. Blade is infuriated by this and gets into an argument with Storm which leads to Blade finding out that he is adopted.After some time passes, Blade returns home and decides he wants to find his biological mother. Rutherford talks to Blade and gives him two letters. Blade reads the first one with information on his biological mother. He proceeds to make a phone call to a school where she used to work a decade before. Then he recieves the phone number to his biological grandmother, and gives her call. She points him in the direction of the organization that his mother works with in Africa.
After some research, he concludes he will go to Ghana where she works in a rural village. Enroute to his mother, he encounters a woman named Joy, who knows of his mother and takes him to her. Before reaching the small remote village, they come across of all people, Rutherford Morrison and Uncle Stevie. They decided to pursue Blade after hearing of his quest to Africa. Along with them, they brought a camera crew, who are recording a reality television show. The group is introduced to a young girl named Cia who becomes ill as they begin the journey up toward the village.
Joy sees the relationship between Rutherford and Blade and she reminds Blade the importance of forgiveness. As they proceed to the village, Blade and his father seem to grow closer.
Finally, upon reaching the village and seeing his biological mother, Blade is overcome with emotion and passes out. After being unconscious for two days he wakes up hungry. His mother has now heard and learned alot about her son from Joy and Rutherford despite not having spoke to him. They get to know each other and Blade learns why he was put up for adoption, which was something that weighed heavily on him. The group has to leave to avoid being stuck in the remote village because of the rainy season. Upon their return, they learn of Cia’s troubled health and eventual death from Malaria. Rutherford takes her passing hard and his involvement in the funeral procession leads to him passing his guitar to Blade to sing a closing song.
Commentary:
This novel is a Young Adult Novel that is a required author read, by Kwame Alexander, for this course.
I am a fan of Kwamie Alexander, and I enjoy his unique writing style. Although this book may seem long, it is quite short by the way that it is written. The structure of this novel is very unique and each page looks like a poem with lines and stanzas, but in fact it is a methodical story with an expressive and engaging style.
The musical connection is the common thread amongst the family. Kwame Alexander also incorporates musical aspects in his writing, through the use of lyrics of actual songs. Alexander sparaticaly embeds actual titles of tracks within the subheadings on each page. These songs are correlated to the mood that Blade is in and connects to the actions of the characters. For example:”Track 1: Thinking of You...By Lenny Kravitz.” The text following discusses how the song impacts Blade to reminisce about his adopted deceased mother. There are other song titles that are used in the same way. I found that the embedded song tracks are a great tool to provide insight into the feelings of the characters.
The theme of this book is forgiveness and how time heals all wounds, for example the heated relationship between Rutherford and Blade improves over the length of the novel. Another prevalent theme, is Blade wanting to know his roots, and the reason behind his adoption by his biological mother. The trek to Africa that he does to find her is a main section of the storyline. The difficult relationships that Blade is involved in can be easily related to by others who have broken families, especially those with substance abuse, alcoholic addictions, being adopted, and high school relationships.
Blade Morrison, a graduating senior in high school, is the main protagonist in this storyline. He starts off very dependent on his girlfriend Chapel, by confiding in her with his problems, making him feel that she is the only stable individual in his life, so he ends up getting a tattoo, later finding out that she goes back with her ex-boyfriend. His father lacks in parenting skills as he is not a fatherly figure who does drugs and is addicted to alcohol. With this rock and roll lifestyle Blad tries to keep his distance. Overtime, closer to the end of the novel when Blade is searching for his biological mother, he believes in his father’s recovery, and starts to mend their broken relationship.
Connections:
*Encourage students to create their own poetic narratives that includes realistic song titles just as Kwame Alexander does in his novel. Students can write about a specific family relationship or a strained relationship that they may have. These poems can be shared in the class.
*The link below is a link to Kwame Alexanders, “Mixtapes.” He has created a few raps that may inspire students to create their own songs. Play a few of the songs for inspiration, and invite students to come up with a “mixtape” that summarizes the novel, Monster. Students can share their songs by recording themselves and adding background music through the use of apps or just sing it freestyle.
*This book could be a great introduction to an author study on Kwame Alexander. He is an award winning author, who writes in unique ways to keep readers engaged. The following books are great reads by this author and can be presented to a class if they would like to read stories that are in a similar poetic format.
- Alexander, K. The Crossover.
- Alexander, K. Booked.
- Alexander, K. Rebound.
Bibliography:
Myers, W. D. (1999). Monster. FL: Harper.
Summary:
Monster is a novel written as if it were a screenplay, it is a unique take on a murder case. The story starts off with text that resembles a movie script written by Steve Harmon, a sixteen year old boy from Harlem, he starts the scene in the Manhattan Detention Center where he is being held for possible murder of a drug store owner. Steve seems to be writing this screenplay to keep his mind off of the trial case. Steve meets his lawyer Kathy O’ Brian who tells him that the prosecuting attorney, Sandra Petrocelli, is good at what she does, and that the prosecution will be going for the death penalty. This makes Steve think about his own case, and if by asking his attorney if he will win or lose in court, afterall, his life is on the line.
James King, is accused of shooting and murdering the victim in a drug store during a robbery that King and another man, Richard "Bobo" Evans, attempted. Steve is accused of being the lookout man, the one who checked to see if the coast was clear before the robbery. Steve can’t help but think of the word “Monster” as a word that describes himself. As Steve tries to decide if he is innocent or if he is, in fact, a monster. He thinks his attorney, Kathy O’Brien, doesn’t believe in his innocence, and his father has been distant. Steve is on the brink of losing his ability to self-identify. To the reader, it seems after Steve’s lawyers opening statements, that it is doubtful that Steve ever took part in the robbery, and thus he cannot be guilty of murder. After the first court room meeting, it is concluded that the murderer is unknown, and anyone involved in the robbery are possible suspects.
Steve’s case becomes more complex. As the police state their findings, they turn to witnesses and informants because they can’t get any fingerprints at the crime scene. One character that is brought to the stand, is already in prison, and implicates Steve and his co-defendant, James King, as individuales involved in the murder. The police also suspect a man named Richard “Bobo” Evans, who is serving time because he got caught selling drugs to an undercover cop after the murder took place. Bobo Evans testifies in court that he planned the robbery with King, and that Steve was the “lookout” for the robbery. Bobo Evans says that King shot the victim. Steve is still in the hot seat after Bobo Evans claims that he had a part in the act of robbing the drugstore.
Meanwhile when outside of the courtroom, Steve is worried about what will come of the trial, he is terrified of being prosecuted and possible life sentence in jail. From what he has seen in the detention center, Steve struggles with his self-image and reflects on how he hates jail, it is always threatening and often violent.
After it is evident that Steve is no longer facing the death penalty, the threat of at least twenty years in prison still hangs over his head. This causes him to become devastatingly depressed and he contemplates taking his own life. O’Brien convinces him that he must testify to prove his own innocence, and she kindly coaches him in order to prepare him for what's to come in court. She suggests that instead of saying he’s not guilty, he should say that he didn’t commit the crime, because his fear and time in prison may have given him feelings of guilt even if he did not murder the store owner.
As Steve testifies, he follows what O’Brien coached him on, stating that he was only acquaintances with King and Evans, and that he had no involvement with the planning of the robbery, and the only reason why he was even out and about, was to take notes for his screenplay that he was doing in his drama club to eventually produce one of his films in that part of the neighborhood.
As the trial concludes, and all of Steve’s family sits in the courtroom waiting to hear the final verdict, the jury finds King guilty and Steve innocent. Steve’s mother is ecstatic and grateful for the good news. Steve walks away as a free man.
Commentary:
This novel is a Young Adult Novel that is a required read for this course.
The main character is Steve Harmon, he is the main character and the protagonist, he is also the fictional author as the point of view is written from his perspective. Steve’s character changes frequently thoughout the novel, he starts off as a person claiming innocencce in a murder, later identifying himself as a monster, and after the trail back to a good person. The way he identifies himself, sways the reader to think the same. A supporting character in this novel would be Steve’s lawyer Kathy O’ Brian, she herself has a hard time believing Steve’s innocence in the beginning, but once the other parties testify she can truely defend Steve and see him as not guilty in the act of murder. Although we do not know her true thoughts, we can tell what she is thinking by the way Steve describes her actions, facial expressions, and body language. Even though this novel was short, each character was developed thoroughly.
The structure of this novel was very interesting, and I found it quite refreshing. Myers builds the plot around a screenplay that Steve is writing during his trial for murder.The most impressive use of language is how Meyers tells this story with very few words. Myers captures the language of the street, prison and courtroom masterfully. Although, most of the novel is told in dialogue, with characters' names in typewritten boldface followed by their remarks in regular type, the reader can follow along easily. It was a great way to display a murder case in the format of a screenplay especially with all of the dialog between parties during the court room scenes. The screenplay format also offers a good way to look at how Steve sees himself as he deciphers whether or not he has become a monster.
The primary theme of Monster reveals how the American legal system works to determine a verdict of guilty or not guilty, and who committed a crime and how the criminal is punished. The book portrays the prison system through the eyes of a sixteen-year-old African American teenager, who describes intolerable images of life in a penitentiary. Readers can live vicariously through this character and just imagine how stressful, and nerve racking this situation can be for Steve, as his life is on the line for a crime that he had no involvement in.
I feel that the illustrations that are placed strategically throughout the novel truly impacts, and points out,the important changes in the protagonist Steve. These illustrations take the place of lengthy drawn out paragraphs that would explain in detail the happenings of the case, but by adding the illustrations they create the mood of the novel. These images and Steve’s handwriting provide images that speak louder than words ever could.
Connections:
*Invite students to write an essay on the following prompt: Will Steve avoid criminals in the future, or will he get into trouble again? Ask students to pick a side and defend it using text evidence.
*Allow students to do a research project on court cases that resemble a similar verdict. Students can present their findings using a speech format.
*Tell students that Steve gets caught in another run in with a murder case. If you were his lawyer, how would you defend him? How would you prosecute him? Ask students to pick a side and either defend or prosecute Steve, students can act out this new court case in class.
*Books that similar to Monster, that incorporate court cases are as follows. Students can read and compare or contrast the differences between the court cases.
- Nelson, M. A Wreath For Emmet Till.
- Woodson, J. Miracle's Boys.
Bibliography:
Sepetys, R. (2016). Salt to the sea. NY: Philomel Books.
Summary:
Sepetys writes a novel about the hard truths of World War II. This historical fiction novel is told through the perspectives of four travelers Joana, Florian, Emilia, and Alfred. The story starts off with Florian, a 17 year old Prussian art enthusiast, in a potato cellar who shot a Russian Soldier who held a gun to Emilia, a young 15 year old Polish girl. He saved Emilia’s life, but wasn’t about to continue to care for her, after all they were complete strangers. He wanted to travel alone, in order to complete his “mission,” but as soon as he takes off, Emilia follows behind him, as they enter what looks like an abandoned barn, they are greeted by a large group of travelers. One of them is Joana, a young nurse. Joana can tell that Florian has a fever and tends to his wounds. She tries to get to know who Florian is and what he is doing traveling with the young Polish girl.
Joana, a Lithuanian nurse is traveling with a young blind girl named Ingrid, an old shoemaker that she calls by the name of “Shoe Poet,” an unusually tall girl named Eva, and an orphaned little boy about six years old named Klaus. This group of refugees are fleeing from their war torn countries. Meanwhile, Alfred, a young German Nazi soldier, writes letters to his beloved Hannelore, about his work on the dockland area of the Wilhelm Gustloff ship as it prepares to embark upon its journey across the sea.
Florian takes a restful slumber after the nurse removes pieces of gun shrapnel out of his side and stitched him up. The next morning, he leaves the barn, and Emilia follows behind him. The rest of the group wanders to a nearby estate that the Shoe Poet is familiar with. As Florian and Emilia continue their trek in the cold winter snow, Emilia begins to lag behind. A Russian soldier appears before her pointing a gun to Florian, to Emilia’s dismay she ends up shooting the soldier in order to save Florian. They continue to trudge through the snow and find the manor house in the clearing. This distresses from her killing a soldier pained her so much that she falls to her knees and had an aching pain in her side that prevented her from walking further. Joana helps Florian bring in Emilia and they find out that she is eight months pregnant. Everyone talks about reaching the “ice.” It is their end goal to reach either Pillau or Gotenhafen.
The group continues their travels towards the ice when they reach a long stretch of walking travelers on a field path. Everyone was following evacuation orders and heading to the port now and the group finally reach a checkpoint. Through these travels the reader learns that Florian used to work for a famous art collector named Dr. Lange, Florian thought he and Dr. Lange were protecting all of the artwork that Germany seized from many other countries, but he finds out that they are actually stealing them and Dr. Lange is hiding the “amber room” in one of the biggest heists of all. Florian finds out and ends up stealing Hitler’s most prized pieces of art, and has been stashing it in his sack, it is a tiny amber swan. Florian discloses this information in his thoughts as he travels alongside the rest of the group.
Once the group passes a checkpoint of Nazi officers, they are one of the first groups to travel across the ice. Ingrid, the blind girl walks first, and the group follows behind. Unfortunately, Russian planes fly above and send bullets straight to the ice where refugees are walking. The ice starts to crack and everyone quickly races off the ice, but Ingrid is swallowed by the ice and passes away from hypothermia. Joana tries to save her but Florian pulls her back saving her life. The group is devastated by the loss of Ingrid, because they had traveled so far and were so close to boarding the boats to safety. The group waits on the bank for several hours, the ice freezes over and the group travels safely across but no one celebrated their return to dry land. The group decided to lend their cart and horse to family on foot, and they would hire a small boat that would meet them in Gotenhafen and retrieve their belongings.
Once the group arrives at Gotenhafen, they are surprised to see the large population of people waiting to board the ships. Everyone is worried about getting a boarding pass and registering to load the boat. This is where the traveling group meets Alfre, the Nazi soldier who is in fact a sailor on the boat they are trying to board. Joana being a nurse is put to use aiding the doctor on the boat, Florian had forged a letter from Gauleiter Koch a German Commander in the Nazi Army, Emilia used a dead womans Latvian identification papers, the Shoe Poet along with Klaus were, all registered to board the boat. Eva decided to stay and wait for her belongs to arrive so she is separated from the group and boards a different boat.
They all end up boarding the Wilhelm Gustloff, it is a ship that was originally designed for leisurely travel but now turned into a makeshift refugee vehicle. The boat departs from the harbor for Kiel. Joana and Florian spark interest in one another and share an unexpected kiss amongst all of the chaos on the boat. Shortly after boarding the boat, Emilia gives birth to her daughter and names her Halinka. During the birth of Halinka, Emilia reveals that the baby was not conceived with her boyfriend August, but she was instead raped by a Russian soldier. Emilia reveals that the family that she was living with traded Emilia to be violated instead of their own daughter. Florian hides away in the interior of the chimney to stay clear of the Nazi officers who had found him suspicous. Florian and Joana meet in the chimney often and start to open up to each other.
A short time into the voyage, the ship is attacked by Russian torpedoes which results in the ship sinking. The whole group manages to make their way to the top deck. The true personalities of all the characters begins to emerge, Alfred is shown as cowardly and indifferent to the suffering of others, while Joana, Florian and Emilia do all they can to help those in need. When boarding a lifeboat, Emilia allows little Klaus to take her place saving his life, and the shoe poet ends up perishing in the attempt to jump from the ship to reach the lifeboat. Alfred becomes increasingly delusional and falls into the sea and ends up drowning in an attempt to overthrow Emilia into the sea, after discovering her true identity, and eventually Emilia perishes too. Florian and Joana end up adopting Klaus and Emilia's baby, Halinka, and they go on to live a happy life.
Commentary:
This novel is a Young Adult Novel that is a required reading from the “2017 Best Fiction for Young Adults” list.
The structure of this historical fiction novel is tied in with each character’s point of view, its structure is a chronological alternation of perspectives as the events in the novel unfold. Where one character leaves off, the other one picks up on the storyline. This was interesting and held my attention throughout the novel. I enjoyed reading about all of the different perspectives of the characters, it gave each character more depth and meaning. Many of Alfred's narrations are written in the form of letters to his girlfriend Hannelore, so many of his perspectives are not immediately or necessarily anchored in the current events that are occuring, but they serve as to give insight and context into the war from a Nazi soldier’s point of view. On the other hand, many of Emilia's narrations involve her having thoughts unrelated to what is currently happening, she gives the reader insight into the mind of a young child in an imaginative way, and at times she is reminiscing about her life in the past, back home with her family.
The plot unfolds very quickly towards the end of the novel, with the sinking ship, and leaving only three of the original group to survive. The setting of the story takes place through the cold winter in wartime Germany and depicts this time period very accurately. Each character comes from a variety of backgrounds and cultures so the reader can become affiliated with the different countries that were affected by the war. The different languages that everyone speaks in the group, is used frequently in little spurts as the characters use dialog back and forth to one another, and gives the novel more authenticity to the location of the setting. The sinking of the Gustloff is an accurate event that did occur during World War II and would eventually become the scene of the greatest maritime disaster in recorded history as it is described in the Author’s note. The Amber room, and Operation Hannibal were also all real historical aspects that the book mentioned. The accuracy of this information is also noted in the “Research and Sources” page listing all of the resources and people who provided knowledge for this historical time period confirming the realistic aspects that the novel included.
There are many themes that are intertwined in this novel but the one that stuck out to me the most was the loss of reason and culture in society that the Natzi’s stole from the many victims of wartime. Through the most extenuating circumstances, the refugees escaping their homes are filled with despair and hopelessness of their homes ever being the same. This war destroyed families, homes, historical structures, and thousands of lives. Emilia recalls that the Germans had even renamed Polish towns and cities by renaming them with German names.
Connections:
*This book being a historical fiction novel would be a great introduction to a history lesson on World War II. It depicts many different perspectives of many different cultures and affiliations that were affected by Hitler and the Natzi regime. Students could do a report that surrounds one of the artifacts such as the Gursloff, Amber Room, and Operation Hannibal. Students can give a more in depth report using Prezi that goes into more detail of these historical features during this time period.
*Students can choose a character from the novel such as Alfred, Joana, Florian, or Emilia to write a letter to their family members about the travels that they have done, thoughts about theWar, things that have changed them internally, and describe the scenery surrounding their travels.
*Students can create a newspaper article that describes World War II and the events that are taking place during this time period. Students will need to compile research, and include at least one factual event that occurred in the novel.
Bibliography:
Crutcher, C. (2001). Whale talk. NY: Harper Collins.
Summary:
Whale Talk is a story narrated by the main character, Tao Jones, better known as T.J. He is a senior attending Cutter High School in Spokane, Washington. He is a multi-cultured boy who was adopted by his mother and father at a very young age. T.J. is a highly skilled swimmer who refuses to participate in any organized high school sports, but agrees to help his English teacher, John Simet, by recruiting a swim team. Two football players named Rich Marshall and Mike Barbour taunt T.J. with racial comments making them his number one enemies.
After T.J. witnesses the football players bullying defenseless, Chris Coughlin, a developmentally-challenged classmate, for wearing his deceased brother’s athletic letter jacket, T.J. is motivated to pursue the creation of a swim team in order to undercut athletes at his high school. T.J. recruits Chris Coughlin, Daniel Hole, a geek; Simon DeLong, a three-hundred-pound student; Jackie Craig, a shy kid who never speaks; Andy Mott, a swimmer with only one leg; and Tay Roy, a massive bench presser who is burned-out on wrestling to be his teammates.
T.J. eventually convinces Coach Simet a set of standards that will be met for the swimmers to meet, in order for them to qualify to get their letterman jackets. He proposes that if each swimmer beats one’s personal best time at each competition, thus they will meet the requirements for lettering. This is a standard, later explained by T.J., that is easily achieved by inexperienced swimmers. The members of the swim team begin to practice in the privacy of the All Night Gym. They find that the space gives them the individual freedom to be who they really are and develop a sense of belonging. Each young swimmer pushes the limits thier of physical endurance and in so doing finds each has a great deal to offer.
As the team travels to swim meets with one another, they begin to build a special bond. On one trip, during a heavy snowstorm, the bus is pushed off the road by a snow plow and lands in a ditch. This is the first time the reader is able to get insight on each swimmer as they discuss personal issues with one another. The reader learns that Chris has deep pain over the loss of his older brother, a famous Cutter athlete. Andy Mott reveals that he lost his leg at the hands of his mother's abusive boyfriend when he got gangrene and had to amputate his leg. The bus allows the team to open up and vent their frustrations and create a sense of acceptance for one another.
Meanwhile outside of school drama, T.J. gets involved with one of his counselor’s patients, a young girl named Heidi, who suffered from severe abuse from her stepfather. After Alicia, Heidi, and Heidi’s half-brothers move in with the Jones family under the advice of Georgia, T.J.’s former therapist, Rich Marshall begins stalking Alicia and making threats against the Jones family.
Near the end of the swim season, the swim team accumulates enough wins by T.J. that will ensure the school a first time win in this sport. However, during T.J.’s final competition, he discovers by a phone call that the Athletic Council met in his Coach’s absence and voted that the team’s letter requirements are not eligible. This threat angered T.J. and he intentionally loses his last event, so that the school would not earn any points from the swim team, thus causing Cutter High to lose the all-state points contest. Later in a post meeting after the decision of the letter requirements, T.J. bets that Chris can beat Mike Barbour in a swim-off. To everyone's surprise, Chris’ victory in a swim-off leads to the reversal of the Council’s decision and allows every member of the team to letter except for T.J.
Later in the year, the swim team joins an annual “Hoopfest” comprised of a three-man basketball team they call “Mermen.” The two teams left in the finals is T.J.’s team against Rich and Mike’s “Bushwhackers” team. When the Mermen beat the Bushwhackers, Rich Marshall becomes enraged with anger when he sees T.J’s dad John Paul carrying Heidi on his shoulders out of the gym. Rich leaves the court and comes back with a pistol. He aims at Heidi, but T.J’s dad takes the bullet instead. In his final words, as he lay on the concrete he tells T.J. to forgive Rich Marshall and to promise to not seek revenge against him. T.J. agrees and holds his father in his arms during his last moments.
The summer after graduation, T.J. returns to the town where his dad accidentally killed a young boy during a trucking accident. T.J discovers that the mother to the little boy, had conceived another son that was T.J’s fathers. His name was Kyle, and the son offered T.J. a job at his whitewater rafting company, so that he can learn about his dad from T.J. The novel ends with T.J. contemplating the offer and thinking of how he will continue to deal with the loss of his beloved father who adopted him and saved his life from a drug addicted mother.
Commentary:
This novel is a Young Adult Novel that is a required author read, by Chris Crutcher, for this course.
This novel incorporated many controversial issues such as gun violence, bullying, and the many challenges that young people are facing today. In my opinion it was a very compelling plot that challenged issues such as child abuse, racism, prejudice, and the mistakes that individuals make, but overcome. Crutcher does not shy away from using anything less than authentic. While some may find some of the language offensive, in my opinion, its usage was authentic and does not detract from the plot and important themes of the novel. The structure of the novel is an easy read, as Crutcher is able to intertwin together several different plot lines, I felt that it added to an already interesting narrative.
A major theme that develops throughout the storyline is how resilient the human spirit can be. T.J. does not shy away from backing down when the school bullies challenge him, crush his pride by demoralizing him or others on the team, and even block T.J. from receiving his letterman jacket. T.J. rises above them all, and accepts any roadblocks that they place in front of him. This is a very powerful book, with powerful characters who teach kids the importance of resilience and persistence. I highly recommend this book to other young adult readers, and found the main protagonist to be very inspirational.
The development of the main character T.J. was well done, Crutcher’s use of authentic teenage dialog, touch of humor, and the smart aleck remarks, creates a relatable high school character. I enjoyed rooting for this character as I read the novel, and I am pleased that Crutcher allowed for T.J. to have a win against the big bad jocks that ruled the school. There were many twists and turns that had me very compelled especially the final couple of scenes where T.J. loses his father in a tragic and shocking way, as well as a sympathetic moment when he realizes that he has a change to create a lasting bond with his father’s son.
Connections:
*Invite students to conduct interviews with peers regarding important symbols of achievement that are present in their high school such as letterman jackets, trophies, recognitions on the announcements, recognitions at pep-rallys? How do these recognitions affect the status of those achieving them? Ask students to write their findings in an argumentative essay. Students can collaborate and share their results with the class by presenting posters or reading their essays out loud.
*Working with a partner, select a particular chapter from Whale Talk and rewrite it as a screenplay. Students should follow the plot of the book and make changes if they see fit. The screenplay can incorporate reading through writing, and challenge students to think of what parts they found in the story to reenact in their plays.
*Encourage students to read another book by Crutcher, and compare the themes of the two novels. Students can compile their findings and present the content in a venn diagram or a web based presentation. Other books created by Chris Crutcher that can be used for this project are below:
- Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes
- Period 8
- Talking Aim
- Losers bracket
