YA Reading List (updated)

  
  Home of the Brave (2007) by Katherine Applegate - African immigrant to present-day Minneapolis experiences confusion with American culture an English words:  this book in verse gives us a different perspective to view ourselves - with humor too.  This is a book to connect people and certainly offers a comforting read for ESL students trying to adjust to a new culture.  
  The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2007) by Sherman Alexie - National Book Award for Young People's Literature.  Semi-autobiographical story of Arnold Spirit's "betraying" the rez to attend the white school in Reardan, his hope for a better life.  Alexie's humor makes the sadness and anger in the story less devastating.  Some of Alexie's language and content is controversial (recommended for 7th grade and up).  See NCTE publication 'Sherman Alexie in the Classroom' for background, teaching ideas and critique.  
  A Week in the Woods (2002) by Andrew Clements - Set in New Hampshire, the 5th grade Week in the Woods at Gray's Notch State Park is a tradition of Hardy Elementary.  Mark and program organizer/science teacher Mr. Maxwell 'knock heads' - reader learns some survival skills, both for wilderness and for dealing with people - fun, fast read.  Good for grades 4 - 6 and independent reading.  
  Fire From the Rock (2007) by Sharon Draper - In this book, Draper provides insight into a fictional girl's decision to become (or not) one of the Little Rock Nine.  Draper paints a vivid picture of the the historical background, the pop culture and its song titles, and a family wrestling with the push/pull of a life-changing decision.  
  Copper Sun (2006) by Sharon Draper - A favorite among 7th and 8th graders (particularly girls) for independent reading or literature circles.  An "unflinching and unforgettable look at the African slave trade and slavery in America".  Draper says, "It is the book of my heart, the book of my spirit."  
  Habibi (1999) by Naomi Shihab-Nye - A glimpse into the culture, everyday life and tensions in Jerusalem through the eyes of Arab-American 14-year-old Liyana, whose Palestinian father decides to move his family to his birthplace.  The characters, including colorful grandmother Sitti and a Jewish boy who brings romance to the story, help the reader gain some understanding of contemporary issue in this part of the world.  
  Homeboyz (2007) by Alan Sitomer - This is the third in a trilogy that began with The Hoopster and Hip-Hop High School.  Homeboyz tells the story of teddy Anderson's planned revenge on the gang who gunned down his sister as part of a shooting of another gang member.  When 17-year-old teddy is arrested, he is placed in a trial intervention program in which he must mentor 12-year-old Micah, an effort to keep Micah from gang membership.  Sitomer leads the reader into gangsta logic and shows some hope for change with our country's gang problems.  
 

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