The Serpent King

The Serpent King

Bibliography

Zentner, Jeff. 2016. THE SERPENT KING. New York, NY: Crown Books of Young Readers. ISBN 9780553524024

Plot Summary

Dillard Early Jr. is entering his senior year of high school and has no clue what his future holds. His father, Dillard Early Sr. a former preacher, is in jail and his mother is working to make ends meet. His friends, Travis and Lydia, are prepared to help him through this year, but when tragedy strikes, Dill must make his way and try to find his identify and separate it from what he perceives to be a curse on his name.

Critical Analysis

Jeff Zentner's The Serpent King, follows a group of misfits as they face their last year of high school. Each character has their own unique personality and goals, Lydia being set for college, Travis being content with staying in his home town, and Dill having no clue. The readers will fall in love with these characters easily, and relate to their youthfulness and their sense of belonging and strive for freedom. Zentner's story takes place in small town Tennessee, which brings a sense of homeliness but also a need for an escape. With his descriptions of this little town, we can see why our two of our characters want to get out as fast as they can and why one might feel safe and sound there. 

As the book goes on, we find that Dill feels that there is a curse on his name, as his father got sent to prison and his grandfather went mad and killed himself. Dill feels this sense of dread creep up on him after a tragic event, and the emotions that he feels are heartbreaking and strong. Zentner shows Dill's want to continue living through not just his friendship/love for Lydia but through his own strength and courage and need to truly LIVE. These themes are ones that readers will take to heart, especially those that may find that they will never break free from the hole that they find themselves in.

This book is an emotional journey and one that all should transverse. 

Review Excerpts

2017 William C. Morris Debut YA Award

Horn Book Guide: "The friends' relationships are complex and credible; Zentner vigorously wrestles with issues of faith, family history, poverty, and mental health."

Publishers Weekley Starred: "Zentner explores difficult themes head on—including the desire to escape the sins of the father and the fragility of happiness—while tempering them with the saving grace of enduring friendship."

Connections

More by Jeff Zentner: Goodbye Days 2017

                                    Rayne and Delilah's Midnite Matinee 2019

                                    Colton Gentry's Third Act 2024

If You Liked The Serpent King: Wildman by J.C. Geiger

                                                    Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen by Susan Gregg Gilmore

                                                    Play Me Backwards by Adam Selzer

Activity: Write a journal entry from the point of view of one of the characters. 

Two Boys Kissing

Two Boys Kissing

Bibliography

Levithan, David. 2013. TWO BOYS KISSING. New York, NY: Knopf Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780307931900

Plot Summary

This book follows the lives of a cast of young gay men, ones in relationships, ones at the start of a relationship, ones seeking a relationship, with the narrator being the gay men that have come before them, having perished from AIDS. Each story ends up intertwining in some way, with the center of it being an attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the longest kiss. 

Critical Analysis

David Levithan's book, Two Boys Kissing, is a book that is a celebration of being gay and about the stages that can come in a relationship. While the book's main focus is on two former boyfriends, Harry and Craig, that try to break the record for the longest kiss, Levithan also explores those that are affected by this moment and where they are in the different stages of their journeys.

Throughout the book, we see the events unfolding through the eyes of the Chorus, who we come to find out are the spirits or souls of gay men that have died from AIDS. They express their interests in the boys that we are following and lament on what they have missed out on in this present day. The readers find themselves joining the Chorus in rooting on the characters, sympathizing with them and hoping that they will find fulfilment in their respective paths. Levithan's deep and moving language touches on ours hearts and makes this cast of characters more than just a part of a book. 

We see the highs and lows of humanity and kindness, from Harry's family support and Neil's sister's acceptance, to the scathing comments from the radio and the egg throwing from the unknown assailants. We see that love is stronger and can overcome adversity, even if that love comes in ways that we have and probably will not experience ourselves. This book has lots of heart, and Levithan has done an excellent job of sharing it with others.

Review Excerpts

2014 Stonewall Honor Book for Children's and Young Adult Books

Horn Book Guide: "Narrated by a ghostly chorus of past generations of gay men who died of AIDS, Levithan's latest novel weaves together an informed (sometimes melodramatic) perspective on the past with the present-day stories of seven boys constructing their own sexual identities."

School Library Journal: "Although Levithan has a tendency toward didacticism, his characters are likable, with some more developed than others. The story will engage readers, both female and male."

Connections

More by David Levithan: Every Day series

                                          Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist with Rachel Cohn

                                          Every You, Every Me

If You Liked Two Boys Kissing: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

                                                    How to Survive a Summar by Nick White

                                                    Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Activity: Research the history of AIDs and how it changed the idea of health care for gay men,

Concrete Rose

Concrete Rose

Bibliography

Thomas, Angie. 2021. CONCRETE ROSE. New York, NY: Balzer + Bray. ISBN 9780062846716

Plot Summary

In this prequel to Angie Thomas's bestselling novel, The Hate U Give, Concrete Rose takes place seventeen years before Starr's story. Seventeen year old Maverick thinks he has it all, but when he discovers that he is a father, he must do what it takes to take care of his family, his education, and himself while being a part of the notorious gang, the King Lords.

Critical Analysis

Concrete Rose is a prequel to Angie Thomas's, The Hate U Give. This book tells about Maverick Carter, a seventeen year old gang member who becomes a father at a young age and must do what he can to take care of what he needs to. 

Maverick Carter is like and unlike every seventeen year old boy. His struggles are some that young boys face (trying to keep up grades in school, working things out with a girlfriend) while others are some that only few boys face (becoming a father at seventeen, being a member of a gang). What every boy and even girl can relate to though is the emotions that come with facing difficult circumstances and the thoughts that go through the mind of those that feel like they can't give anymore. Thomas does an excellent job of expressing these things through Maverick and making him out to be such a relatable character, even if readers haven't faced the situations he has.

The other characters in this book make a fantastic supporting cast, with characters like Maverick's mother, Faye and Maverick's neighbor turned boss, Mr. Wyatt being role models and mentors and characters like Lisa, Maverick's girlfriend and Dre, his cousin, being strong and determined. Each character is filled with personality and play an important part in the story being told.

Thomas's themes of loyalty, family, and responsibility come in different, poignant moments, like the death and Dre and Maverick's struggles with getting out of the gang. Again, while readers may not relate to the exact circumstances, they will relate to the overall emotions and thoughts that Maverick experiences in those moments and the lessons he learns from them. 

Without a doubt, Concrete Rose is a hit and a great continuation to the The Hate U Give series. 

Review Excerpts

Michael L. Printz Award Honor 2022

Kirkus Reviews Starred: " Thomas proves Game of Thrones–esque in her worldbuilding ability, deepening her landscape without sacrificing intimacy or heart. Garden Heights doesn’t contain dragons or sorcerers, but it’s nevertheless a kingdom under siege, and the contemporary pressures its royalty faces are graver for the realness that no magic spell can alleviate.:

Publishers Weekly Starred: "Through its portrayal of loss and upheaval, this story acts as a tender love letter to a close Black family and community—one that isn’t without problems but is always full of love."

Connections

Other Books by Angie Thomas: The Hate U Give

                                                    On the Come Up

                                                    Blackout

If You Liked Concrete Rose: Smooth by Matt Burns

                                               Come Home Safe by Brian Buckmire

                                               The Boy Lost in the Maze by Joseph Coelho

Activity: Read both this book and The Hate U Give. Discuss how the characters from the prequel have grown and changed since then and how they are portrayed now in The Hate U Give.

Library AI Newsletter

I think using Chat GPT to create the newsletter was a success. It put down everything that we asked of it. The AI also formatted the newsletter really well. I like how it created bullet points and numbers and bolded the different headings. We did note that you have to be very specific with what you want if it is going to be in the newsletter. I think using AI tools for doing things like this can save you a lot of time and it is very efficient. 

Write a Librarian newsletter for an elementary school including the Dia de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 1, 2024 from 5-6 pm for Washington Elementary School. Include book recommendations that include Day of the dead children's book. Include reading tips for the students. Include a group of 6th graders student council members setting up an alter with family pictures. Library phone number is 321-987-6543 and office hours are from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Follow us on instagram Washington Librarian. Add Sign up to volunteer! Include a Surprise visit from local author!

Washington Elementary School Librarian Newsletter

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Library Office Hours:
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Phone Number: 321-987-6543
Follow us on Instagram: @WashingtonLibrarian

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Dear Washington Elementary School Families,

We are excited to share our latest updates and events from the Washington Elementary School Library! This month, we have an array of activities and resources planned to engage our young readers and celebrate cultural traditions. Here’s what’s happening:

Día de los Muertos Celebration

Date: November 1, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Join us for a vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in the school library! This special event will honor the rich traditions of this Mexican holiday, where families remember and celebrate their loved ones who have passed away.

Highlights of the Event:

• 6th Grade Student Council Altar: Our 6th grade student council members are setting up a beautiful altar (ofrenda) with family pictures, marigolds, and other traditional decorations. Come see their hard work and creativity!

• Storytime and Crafts: Enjoy a selection of Day of the Dead stories and participate in fun, themed crafts.

• Surprise Visit from a Local Author: We are thrilled to announce that a local author will make a surprise visit to read their latest book and sign copies for our students!

Book Recommendations: Día de los Muertos

Here are some wonderful books to help your children learn more about this meaningful celebration:

1. "Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras" by Duncan Tonatiuh

2. "Clatter Bash! A Day of the Dead Celebration" by Richard Keep

3. "The Day of the Dead / El Día de los Muertos" by Bob Barner

4. "Rosita y Conchita / Rosita and Conchita" by Eric Gonzalez and Erich Haeger

5. "Dia de los Muertos" by Roseanne Greenfield Thong

Reading Tips for Students

Encouraging a love for reading at an early age is crucial. Here are some tips to help your child become a more enthusiastic reader:

• Set a Routine: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading. Consistency helps build a habit.

• Create a Reading Nook: A cozy, quiet place for reading can make the experience more enjoyable.

• Be a Reading Role Model: Let your child see you reading. Share your favorite books and discuss what you’re reading.

• Visit the Library Together: Explore new books and let your child choose what interests them.

• Discuss Books: Ask questions about the stories your child is reading to enhance comprehension and engagement.

Sign Up to Volunteer!

We always welcome volunteers to help make our library events successful. If you are interested in volunteering for the Día de los Muertos celebration or other upcoming events, please sign up at the library or contact us at 321-987-6543.

Stay Connected

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @WashingtonLibrarian for the latest updates, book recommendations, and event announcements.

We look forward to seeing you at the library and celebrating Día de los Muertos together!

Happy Reading!

Warm regards,
Washington Elementary School Library Team

Blood Water Paint

Blood Water Paint

Bibliography

McCullough, Joy. 2018. BLOOD WATER PAINT. New York, NY: Dutton Books. ISBN 9780735232112

Plot Summary

Artemisia Gentileschi, a young Italian girl, has a passion for painting and is one of the most talented painters of her time. But nobody knows this, as her father is the one to sign his name on her paintings, passing them off as his own. This is how 1600s Rome is. When her father brings in a well known painter to help tutor Artemisia, and that man rapes her, Artemisia must find the courage in herself to bring this man to justice, no matter the cost.

Critical Analysis

Blood Water Paint is a moving read, based on true events of the life of Artemisia Gentileschi, a young woman who became one of the most well known painters of 1600s Rome. McCullough uses verse to paint Artemisia as the creative and brave young woman she was and how she decided not to be silent when, as a woman, she was expected to be.

McCullough mostly writes in Artemisia's voice, where she depicts her thoughts and feelings, from her memories of her mother to her rape to the trial that strives to clear her name, in such a beautifully poetic way. There is so much emotion and feeling in each word McCullough chooses, and this style shows Artemisia's youthful but also mature outlook on life as well as how much she longed to paint. We are also shown two stories from the point of view of Artemisia's mother, who tells about two women who took matters into their own hands when they were wronged. These two figures repeatedly show up in Artemisia's thoughts as her guardian angels and who guide her, which is good symbolism for how Artemisia's mother would have been for her if she was still alive.

McCullough's themes of bravery and longing for freedom are ones that young adults can relate to and if any young child is going through what Artemisia did, may this book help them to find their voice and use it to scare the monsters away.

Review Excerpts

William C. Morris YA Debut Award 2018

Horn Book Guide: "Told largely in verse from Artemisia's perspective, McCullough's debut is a vivid portrait of talent and strength."

Publishers Weekly Starred: "A haunting, stirring depiction of an unforgettable woman, Artemisia's story will resonate deeply with readers today and beyond."

Connections

More by Joy McCullough: Enter the Body

                                            Great or Nothing

                                            We Are the Ashes, We Are the Fire

More Gender Role Fiction: Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler

                                            Quiver by Stephanie Spinner

                                            Open Fire by Amber Lough

Activity: Create your own epilogue for the book. What do you believe happens after the events that unfolded?

Hope Nation

Hope Nation

Bibliography

Brock, R. (2018). HOPE NATION: YA AUTHORS SHARE THEIR PERSONAL MOMENTS OF INSPIRATION. New York, NY, Philomel Books. ISBN 9781524741679

Plot Summary

Hope Nation is a collection of stories and essays written by different authors that share their moments of hope that they have experienced as young teenagers and young adults. Experiences with discrimination, death, accidents, and more have shown these authors that you can always find hope in the bad.

Critical Analysis

Rose Brock has brought together a variety of different authors, ones from different backgrounds and walks of life to discuss one main theme: hope. Each author has written their own personal experience with it and how it has affected their lives and their outlooks on the world and the people that inhabit it.

Each author has their own specific voice in how they tell their story. David Leviathan has written a short story to relate his message, while other authors like Angie Thomas and Nicola Yoon talk about their experiences with racism and how that inspired them to hope. Each essay is unique and written poetically and with style and tact. These authors know their audience and work hard to make sure their stories relate to the lives of young adults. But people of all ages can read these stories and feel connected to them, which goes to show how we have all experienced some type of hope in our own lives.

Hope Nation is a wonderful collection filled with messages for young adults that will inspire faith and trust in any type of circumstance they may face.

Review Excerpts

Horn Book Guide: "A few passionate expository pieces have a distinctly political bent and seem to be written in response to the 2016 U.S. presidential election; most others are moving personal stories from the authors' diverse experiences as teens. A consistently readable and well-curated collection."

Voice of Youth Advocates Star: "All essays encourage the reader to turn off the negative voices and seek out those who offer support, while reminding readers that agreement is not a condition of support. It is a strong addition to both YA and adult nonfiction collections."

Booklist Starred Reviews: "This amazing outpouring of strength and honesty offers inspirational personal accounts for every reader who wonders what to do when everything seems impossible."

Connections

Books Similar: Hope Wins by Rosemarie Brock

                        Notes on Being Teenage by Rosalind Jana

                        And God Cried, Too: A Kid's Book of Healing and Hope by Marc Gellman

Books on Social Issues: Victory Stand!: Raising My Fist For Justice by Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes,                                         and Dawud Anyabwile

                                        Shackled: A Tale of Wronged Kids, Rogue Judges, and a Town that Looked                                               Away by Candy J. Cooper

                                        Tomorrow Begins Now: Teen Heroes Who Faced Down Injustice by Ava                                                     Lorelei Deakin

Activity: Write your own personal story on what hope means to you and when you have experienced hope.

Bloom

Bloom

Bibliography

Panetta, Kevin. 2019. BLOOM. Ill. by Savanna Ganucheau. New York, NY: First Second. ISBN 9781549092053

Plot Summary

Ari is a recent high school graduate who plans to move with his friends and bandmates to Baltimore to make it big with their music. His parents aren't in agreement with this plan, as they need his help with their slowly failing bakery. When a young man named Hector comes in looking for a job, Ari begins to question what he wants in life and finds that his identity, hopes, and dreams begin to change.

Critical Analysis

Bloom is a graphic novel that explores two boys and their identities. Panetta's heartfelt storytelling and Ganucheau's masterful artwork will draw readers into this tale of love, passion, and finding out what you are meant to do in this one life we live.

Ari and Hector come from different walks of life but are brought together by baking. Ari's plans of moving with his friends/bandmates to Baltimore are shattered when he must stay and help with his parent's bakery. Hector, who moves into town after the death of his grandmother, decides to take his love of baking and find a job, which leads him to Ari and his family. Ari and Hector both comes to realizations as the novel goes on, about who they are and their life aspirations. Panetta does a great job of building up their friendship and eventual romance, with cute and insightful dialogue and with Ganucheau's mesmerizing montages that show how Ari and Hector grow together and see their true purpose in life.

With a cast of colorful side characters and with moments that will make you laugh and cry, Bloom is a novel that will inspire your love of baking and of seeking out those that make you happiest in life.

Review Excerpts

Booklist: "A quiet, earnest romance with warmth and depth."

Kirkus Reviews Starred: " Panetta and Ganucheau’s graphic novel debut is as much a love story between people as it is with the act of baking. Ganucheau’s art, in black ink with varying shades of blue, mixes traditional paneling with beautiful double-page spreads of detailed baking scenes, where the panels sometimes take on the shape of braided loaves."

Publishers Weekly: "While some of the supporting characters are thinly developed, a pleasantly diverse cast and realistically varied relationship dynamics from Panetta (Zodiac Starforce) offer a thoughtful look at how one grows into and out of relationships, with all the commensurate joy, awkwardness, and reconciliation that family and friends offer."

Connections

More by Kevin Panetta: Zodiac Starforce series

                                        Lorel

                                       Codes of Shovelry Handbook

Readers also enjoyed: The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

                                    The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

                                    Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman

Activity: Do a character analysis of Ari and Hector. How have their dreams or aspirations changed throughout the book?

Environmental Scan

     Hearne ISD is home to about 750 students. The majority of students are African American (43.3%) and Hispanic (44.5%). (Hearne ISD 2023) There are quite a few students that have immigrated from Central American countries, mainly Mexico, that I know about. Most students in the district speak English, but quite a few speak only Spanish. Many of the students' parents work in the city at local businesses like restaurants and grocery stores. Quite a few work at the local plants in town. There are a few kids that have parents that are unemployed. Hearne can get extremely humid, but the temperature is manageable and in the Texas average. The majority of the students that attend the Hearne schools are from Hearne, while a few are from Gause, since Hearne is a magnet school for the city of Gause. There are quite a few kids that live in the city that go to other schools in the county, such as Franklin or Mumford, so the enrollment numbers at Hearne are low and there are a few kids that transfer out in the middle of the year to move to those districts.

All students in Hearne ISD from grades 3-12 get their own device at the beginning of the school year to complete assignments and use in their classrooms and at home. At the elementary level, Pre K-2nd graders have classroom tablets but don't get to take them home. I work primarily at the elementary, so I know more about what technology they use there than at the junior high and high school levels. Teachers will use lots of technology in their classrooms. The younger kids get iPad time and have different activities on there. There are many apps that they use to help with their reading and math skills. The older kids work on MClass, ST Math, Lexia, Zearn, and MyON. These curriculums are mainly done on their computers, so this is where students do their learning and complete assignments and tests. Many of the teachers also use YouTube to show different educational videos and use Kahoot or Blookit as review tools. 

Internet connection at the school can be shaky sometimes. We have had days where the internet is extremely slow or doesn't work for a few hours. This causes teachers to have to think of something for the kids to do that doesn't involve a device. Many students also don't have wifi connection at home, so they are only able to complete assignments while they are at school. Many of the older kids do have cell phones and will sometimes use those when the internet is working with their computers or if they forget their device at home. The students have their own network to connect to while teachers and administrators use a different one. On the student's network, they don't always have access to certain things. For example, they cannot connect to YouTube. Teachers have more access than students.

The district is continually making improvements to technology and internet connectivity. Hearne ISD recently had a bond passed that will spend lots of money on high quality technology.

References

District Profile - Hearne Independent School District. (n.d.). District Profile - Hearne Independent School District. https://www.hearneisd.com/en-US/district-profile-74293faf

Michael Cohen Group, LLC. (2016, December). Environmental scan of
educational technology in U.S. public school. www.mcgrc.com/. https://www.mcgrc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Report-Environmental-_-Final12.22.2016.pdf

Dragon Hoops

Dragon Hoops 

Bibliography

Yang, Gene Luen. 2020. DRAGON HOOPS. Ill. by Gene Luen Yang. New York, NY: First Second. ISBN 9781626720794

Plot Summary

Bishop O'Dowd High School is home to the Bishop O'Dowd Dragons, a basketball team whose continuous appearances at the State Championship ends in loss every year. But this year is the year. Teacher and author Mr. Yang is stuck on what to write next when he hears of basketball coach, Lou Richie's, hope of making it all the way this year. Mr. Yang decides that his next book will be about this and begin following the team, highlighting their games, as well as the players and their lives and what made them decide to play this sport. Based on true events, Gene Luen Yang writes and illustrates a story of hope, dreams, and what it means to be a part of a team.

Critical Analysis

To many, basketball is just a sport. To some, it is life. For the players of the 2014-2015 Bishop O'Dowd High School basketball team, basketball is what brought them happiness, or friends, or success. It gave them a place to be themselves. It gave them the opportunities of a lifetime. This is what Gene Luen Yang shows in his Printz Award Honor book, Dragons Hoops. 

The book is based on true events how Mr. Yang decided to write about this basketball team and how watching these boys play and getting to know them and their backgrounds made him love the game and what it stood for for these young men. He grows a friendship with their coach, Lou Richie, whose own past with the team is depicted in a chapter in the book. The "character" of Lou Richie is seen as a role model, a mentor, someone to look up to and work hard for. The players and their pasts and what brought them to the school and game are shown in a way that also illustrates the history of basketball itself. One player, Qianjun or Alex, has his own chapter and readers are shown how basketball became popular in his home country of China. These historical moments in the book are engaging and tie into the story really well. They get the reader interested in that point in time. 

While Yang's themes of friendship and how hard work can help you to persevere have been seen before, we now see them through such a real life lens. These young men were real and had lives and struggles and moments of heartbreak and joy. We can feel that emotion in Yang's work, right until the very end. These lessons hit home harder than before, and the success by the basketball team resonates beyond the book's pages. 

Review Excerpts

Michael Printz Award Honor- 2022

Publishers Weekly: "Using a candid narrative and signature illustrations that effectively and dynamically bring the fast-paced games to life, Yang has crafted a triumphant, telescopic graphic memoir that explores the effects of legacy and the power of taking a single first step, no matter the outcome.

Horn Book: "Yang skillfully juggles the stories of multiple players and coaches as well as his own journey from basketball novice to avid fan."

Connections

More by Gene Luen Yang: American Born Chinese (2006)

                                            Level Up (2011)

                                            Secret Coders series (2015-)

Basketball in Young Adult Novels: Hoops by Walter Dean Myers

                                                        Rez Ball by Byron Graves

                                                        The Final Four by Paul Volponi

Activity: Theme Match- Match the themes of the book to different parts of the story.

                                            

Tears of a Tiger

 Tears of a Tiger

Bibliography

Draper, Sharon M. 1994. TEARS OF A TIGER. New York, NY: Simon Pulse. ISBN 9780689806988

Plot Summary

Andy Jackson, a young basketball player, crashes his car while drunk driving. One passenger is killed; his best friend and teammate Robert Washington. Andy is guilt-stricken and begins distancing himself from his family, friends, teammates, and his girlfriend. He is losing sight of the future and must figure out how to forgive himself before his dark thoughts take over. The book is told through different modes; letters, conversations, and thoughts from Andy and his friends.

Critical Analysis

Sharon M. Draper masterfully tells the story of how the aftermath of the tragic death of a young teenager can change the lives of those that were closet to him. Tears of a Tiger is a book of tragedy, guilt, hope and love and shows how hard it is to forgive yourself.

This book is told mostly from the experiences of Andy Jackson, the character who inadvertently causes the death of his friend and how he struggles to accept the fact that his friend is gone and forgive himself for what has occurred. We see how his attitude changes toward his friends and girlfriend, how he begins acting out and school and how his grades begin to drop, how his cries for help go unnoticed and unheard by many, and how his guilt eventually consumes him. Draper illustrates his decent into darkness in a harrowing and sorrowful way, and we see this not only through Andy's eyes but though the eyes of his friends and girlfriend, who are also still struggling from Robert's death. Draper chooses her words carefully, in a way that doesn't somehow glorify Andy's actions but shows the readers how to recognize these signs of depression in ourselves and in others.

Andy is, in a way, a warning for those that suffer from the feelings he has to get the help that they need to overcome the intrusive thoughts that can get in the way of our healing and happiness. Draper knows that there is hope, as she shows at the end of the story with Andy's brother, Monty. There can be forgiveness and redemption. There are people out there that love you and will be there for you. This is the lesson that Draper wants us to take away, especially if we are Andy.

Tears of a Tiger is a great read for teens and adults and for those that need to learn how to forgive ourselves for our past transgressions and realize that this is not the end.

Review Excerpts

Publishers Weekly: "Though the issue-oriented plot can get a bit preachy, the combination of raw energy and intense emotion should stimulate readers."

School Library Journal: "...the characters' voices are strong, vivid, and ring true. This moving novel will leave a deep impression."

Horn Book Guide: "...it is intense and truthful in its exploration of suicide, drinking, and other potent issues."

Connections

Continue the Hazelwood High Trilogy: Forged by Fire

                                                                Darkness Before Dawn

More by Sharon M. Draper: Romiette and Julio (1999)

                                             Copper Sun (2006)

                                             Out of My Mind (2010)

Activity: Like the characters in the book, write a letter to someone you care about that you feel has wronged you in some way.

The Outsiders

 The Outsiders

Bibliography

Hinton, S.E. 1967. THE OUTSIDERS. New York, NY: Dell Publishing. ISBN 0044967694

Plot Summary

Ponyboy is the youngest amongst his brothers, friends and gang, known as the Greasers. After the death of his parents, his brothers and himself struggle to make ends meet and Ponyboy tries to figure out his identity and what he wants in life. After a tragedy involving his friend and fellow gang member, Johnny, Ponyboy must overcome what occurs in the fallout and learn what it means to be loyal and brave, all while addressing his doubts and dreams.

Critical Analysis

S.E. Hinton's, The Outsiders, is still read and talked about almost 60 years after it was first published. The story of a young group of boys and their struggles with identity, purpose, and the world around them still resonate in today's youth and generate discussion on what teenagers experience and feel. 

The characters of the book, while all within a few years of each other and in the same gang, have different personalities, beliefs, and struggles. Ponyboy's brothers, Sodapop and Darry, have different experiences with school and their jobs and show their love for their younger brother in different ways. Johnny and Dallas come from homes where their parents don't care and are two completely different individuals in how they think and act. Two-Bit and Steve are charismatic and open, while Ponyboy and Johnny are quiet. There is a character that each person that reads this book could relate to, in some form or fashion. And their bond and friendship are a theme that Hinton does an amazing job of illustrating with the events that occur in the story, such as Dallas jumping into the burning building for Johnny or the gang coming together to avenge Johnny in the rumble. Their love for each other is raw and open, a love that many people couldn't see happening between a group of teenage boys until this book.

Seeing the book's events occur through the eyes of the youngest in the gang create a sense of naivety, innocence, and confusion. Ponyboy has grown out around all the violence that occurs with the gang, but he doesn't always know why it has to be that way. He questions what goes on around him and wants things to be different, for everyone to get along and not fight. He wants his brothers to love him and for his friends to do good and for the hurting and killing to stop. This helps to remind the reader that these are just kids. That they are having to deal with what they have to because they grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. This is how Hinton illustrates the theme of identity and self. Can you truly change who you are despite your circumstances? Is it even possible?

The Outsiders is a book for all, not just teenage boys. It has stood the test of time because of this. Everyone has an identity. Everyone wishes to change. And it doesn't matter where you grow up. What matters is what you do with it.

Review Excerpts

National Observer: "What it's like to live lonely and unwanted and cornered by circumstance... There is rawness and violence here, but honest hope to."

The Guardian: "The Outsiders is gritty, honest and authentic, and a novel that I feel every teenager needs to read. It makes the reader see that at the end of the day, as Ponyboy says, 'we see the same sunset, and that while we are the ones who create the divides between ourselves, we can also be the ones to challenge them'."

Chicago Tribune: "...taut with tension, filled with drama..."

Connections

The Big Screen: Watch the Francis Ford Coppola 1983 film adaptation, and compare and contrast. What is left in, taken out, changed for the screen?

More by S.E. Hinton: That Was Then, This Is Now (1971)

                                    Rumble Fish (1975)

                                   Tex (1979)

If you liked The Outsiders, you should read: Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

                                                                        The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

                                                                        The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

Pedagogy Before Technology

        When I first started teaching, I was 22. I still considered myself to be “cool” and thought I understood young people and their technology. I have found that while some of our views align, there are some major differences the more I grow up and the age gap between me and the students grows. 

One facet of technology that I feel I can relate to along with my students is how technology, mainly social media, is a key to communication. According to the article, The First Marist Mindset List is Released, number 17 on the list states that “Snapchat has become their social media app of choice, thus relieving them of the dilemma of whether or not to friend Mom” (Marist, 2019). I happen to have a Snapchat account myself and use it to communicate with friends and even family (my brother sends me pictures of the dog). On the other hand, one aspect of technology that differs from what I have grown up with is the use of technology such as ChatGPT which assists them with learning different material for classes. In my mind, the use of this technology seems like a handicap rather than an assistant, but I didn’t grow up with information so readily available as today’s generation does, and this kind of A.I. technology can be more of a benefit to them than I believe.

I do believe though that technology can have its benefits. As we can see on the Bloomin’ Apps website, there are so many different online tools for students to use to hit all areas of Blooms and go from remembering certain content to creating something from what they have learned. I think that despite differing views on some parts of technology, these technological tools are familiar to students and help them in ways even us teachers cannot. We don’t know everything and all of those things that we do not know can be found on the world-wide web. In the past, when technology was new and upcoming, I think that it was found to be a tool for learning. In this day and age, I think that technology has become more of a foundation to build upon. Now that it is so readily available, teachers can use technology as a base and students take what they learn and use that technology so that their learning can flourish. 

As a librarian, I would be remiss to say that technology isn’t useful or applicable in this setting. I already use technology to check in and check out books; why not use it to assist students in their studies or in library lessons that I give? One important part of a librarian’s identity is that of an information specialist. In that role, we must use technology and teach kids how to use technology so that they may seek out information that they want to know. I would never be able to accomplish this role without taking this course and learning about the educational technology that is out there. And while technology continues to grow and change, so must we. Librarians must continue to study and discover what technology is being used currently and share that information with our colleagues so that students can learn in a way that is updated and meets their needs. If we don’t adapt, we will fail these students.

References

Bloom’s digital taxonomy. Common Sense Education. (n.d.). https://www.commonsense.org/education/videos/blooms-digital-taxonomy 

Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy�. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://www.ccconline.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Churches_2008_DigitalBloomsTaxonomyGuide.pdf

The First Marist Mindset List is Released. (n.d.). Marist College. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://www.marist.edu/w/marist-news-the-first-marist-mindset-list-is-released

Schrock, K. (2012). Bloomin’ Apps. Kathy Schrock’s Guide to Everything. https://www.schrockguide.net/bloomin-apps.html

Toolkits. (n.d.). K-12 Blueprint. https://www.k12blueprint.com/toolkits