Book Review: Sold by Patrcia McCormick

Booklist says...
"Lakshmi, 13, knows nothing about the world beyond her village shack in the Himalayas of Nepal, and when her family loses the little it has in a monsoon, she grabs a chance to work as a maid in the city so she can send money back home. What she doesn't know is that her stepfather has sold her into prostitution. She ends up in a brothel far across the border in the slums of Calcutta, locked up, beaten, starved, drugged, raped, "torn and bleeding," until she submits. ... An unforgettable account of sexual slavery as it exists now."

Mrs. Clark says...
While this book was tough for me to read, I am sure glad I did! An eye opening account of the world of modern day slavery, I found this book to be well-written and honest. While it is easy to picture this story occurring in historical times, the author's references to modern day comforts such as Coca-Cola and soap operas really bring home the point that this travesty is occurring right under our noses, even today. It's definitely for the older reader, so parents proceed with caution and make sure to discuss the book with your child. You won't be sorry if you pick up this book!

How fast did I turn the pages? ****

You can grab this book, and many others like it, from our library! Come see me during open check out!

New Format

Hello! Welcome to my book review blog!

This blog was originally started as a project for a course, but I would like to continue it as a means for reviewing books for library patrons like you! Feel free to scroll through the previous posts for past book reviews, but make sure to check back soon for a review with the new (easy to read) format!

In the future you will see...
1. Published book review excerpts.
2. My thoughts.
3. A final grade. How fast did I turn the pages? The more stars, the better the book!

Easy enough right? So easy you can do it? You bet! If you would like to post your own book review, come see me in the library for information on how to become a blog contributor.

Final Thoughts

As the semester comes to and end, I thought I would take time to reflect on what I have read. Did I love everything? No, but I am elated to have been able to read as much as I did. I feel that as a librarian my job will not just be to familiarize myself with the books I enjoy, but with the books that might be enjoyed by my patrons. I feel that the reading lists from each genre, and the encouragement to read something new, have really stretched me to get to know what is out there for children. Because of that, I have in turn become closer with the older students in my school to which I have talked about these books. I know that that will translate into the library setting, with my knowledge of books allowing me to develop a relationship with the students who use the library. I hope to keep up with all styles of books throughout my career, never getting stuck in a rut!

Just in case you are wondering, my absolute favorite book I read this year was...

My second favorite?

And my least favorite?

You know, just in case you wanted to know. :)

Module 15- Journal

Choose one of the books from the reading list of censored books. Discuss the controversial issues in the book. Then discuss how a librarian might defend this book against censorship.

For the purpose of this discussion, I have chosen the book And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson.

This story, based on a true story, tells of two male penguins Roy and Silo. While all the other penguins in the zoo were partnering to raise a family, Roy and Silo continued to partner with each other. The zookeeper noticed this long standing pair trying to hatch a small rock, and gave them an egg to raise. Roy and Silo took turns sitting on the egg, and worked as any couple might to raise the penguin chick after hatching.

The homosexual relationship of the penguins has caused such controversy that this book was the most challenged book in America for three consecutive years. Critics say that the book shines a positive light on homosexuality, the story presented is too mature for children, the entire story is not told, and that the book portrays mating rituals graphically while describing overtly sexual acts. These complaints have resulted in the book being banned, restricted, placed in non-fiction, and/or placed in a designated library area.

As a librarian I would explain to patrons that while the book may not be the right choice for their child, there are patrons within the community seeking out a book such as this in order to talk to their child about the issue. As a library, we are here to serve the needs of all patrons, and therefore, keep the book on the shelf for those that might have a need or desire for it. If they feel that it is inappropriate for their child, I would encourage them to share with their child that it is not to be checked out by them. If possible, I would also allow the parent/patron to put a restriction on the account of their child in order to prevent check out. While I would do my best to hear and validate the concerns of the complaining patron, banning it from every family would not be an option in my book.

Module 15: l8r, g8r

Summary:
Maddie, Angela, and Zoe are making their way through their senior year of high school, and are anxious about graduation. Written in "instant messaging" speak, the author tells the story of the three girls as they handle relationships of all sorts. The story begins as Zoe's boyfriend Doug returns from his semester at sea. Zoe is thrilled to see him, as is her friend Angela. Angela's friendliness with Doug becomes the source of a flirting rumor, started by the school with, Jana. Zoe blows it off, preferring to spend every waking moment with her boyfriend, consumed by the relationship. Angela and Maddie however, want to get even with Jana. As they plan their revenge through a series of pranks, the girls also deal with relationship drama in their own lives. Maddie starts seeing her ex, Ian, again, even though the relationship ended badly. Angela finds herself unable to break up with a boyfriend she doesn't love after he gives her a car. Zoe, still head over heels, begins to prepare to lose her virginity to Doug. Soon, the girls begin to receive their acceptance letters to college, with each going to different schools in different states. Although it's not ideal, the girls realize if they can handle all they went through senior year, they can easily handle being apart. After all, they can always instant message.

My Thoughts:
At first, it was hard for me to see why this book was so controversial. I thought perhaps it was the format, although I would hope that those reading this book already had a good idea of proper grammar and spelling. Then, after some research, I saw that the book was challenged and banned because of the content, with most of the issues taking place in a middle school environment. While I do feel the book is entirely inappropriate for middle schoolers, I believe older high school girls will really relate to this book. The story reminded me of many conversations I had with my own friends at that age, and the author did a great job portraying high school life. If parents do take issue with the book, I challenge them to talk with their high schooler and see if the story line is really all that different than their life, chances are, it's not. The book can be a safe place for high school girls to read about obsessive relationships, the trouble with rumors, and the need to be true to yourself. That being said, I don't think it will be popular for long. The technology, movie, music, and television references will quickly date this series. 5 years from now I doubt we see it around.

Their Thoughts:
Francisca Goldsmith's Booklist Review-
"The third book in Myracle's online chat trilogy, which began with ttyl (2004), finds Zoe, Angela, and Maddie spending most of their time considering boyfriends, college choices, and getting the better of a nasty classmate. Readers will recognize each girl's distinctive voice, personality, and particular chat style, all of which have remained consistent across the series. In this book Zoe loses her virginity--in her typical, carefully planned fashion; Angela has her pride damaged by a guy who first gives her a Jeep; and brash Maddie, who avoids getting into a romantic quagmire, sets the pace for the friends' rebellion against their parents' choices of colleges. This will certainly appeal to the characters' peers, but it's also a good choice for adults who want to know what's happening in teenagers' lives."

My Ideas:
Honestly, with the controversy surrounding the book, I don't know if I would necessarily "promote" the book through displays, programs, or book talks. While I believe that the book should be included in the library, I think that doing some sort of outright promotion or activity with the book is asking for trouble. I would certainly suggest it to teen girls with the maturity to handle it, but beyond that, this might be one that speaks for itself!

Module 14: Witness

Summary:
A group of people from a small Vermont town express their feelings as the KKK moves among their quiet neighborhoods. Leanora Stutter, the young African American girl and Esther Hirsh, the young Jewish girl, seem to bare the brunt of the burden as far as emotional strain. Knowing they are constant targets for no reason other than race proves to be quite taxing for the young girls. While some members of the community, such as Johnny Reeves and Harvey Pettibone join the KKK out of greed and hatred, others, such as Sara Chickering and Dr. Flitt, make a point to stand against it's principals. Threats and small crime run rampant, particularly in an attempt to run the "undesirables" out of town, but one night one town member takes the hatred even further. As Merlin is sent to poision the well used by the undesirable families, Leanora watches from behind the bush. As Merlin is deciding how far he is willing to go, shots ring out. Someone has shot Ira Hirsch through the keyhole as he sat with his daughter. Merlin was an obvious target for suspision as he ran the night of the crime, by Leanora stood up for him, telling the law that she saw him that night, but not with the Hirsch family. For so long Leanora was a witness to hate, but one day, she witnessed a change of heart.

My Thoughts:
Overall, I enjoyed this story. I though the plot was interesting, and found many of the characters to be quite rich. However, I found myself often needing to refer to the photos at the front of the book to help keep the amount of characters straight. With so many presented, each without the interaction of others, there were many that were difficult to visualize. As a child, it might help to have a sentence strip with enlarged photos and descriptions to help them visualize the characters.

Their Thoughts:
Horn Book Review, 2002-
"Eleven different voices record the Ku Klux Klan's effects on a Vermont town in 1924. Many of the fictional cast (two children and nine adults) feel more like types than complex individuals. The free-verse format works well for some characters, but with others, the entries sound heavy and obviously staged. Witness has a compelling story to tell, but one that is too complex to work effectively in this format."

Awards and Accolades-
5 State Reading List Awards
Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 2001
Notable Books for a Global Society, 2002
Publisher's Weekly Best Children's Books, 2001

My Ideas:
It would be fun to put on a 'Popcorn and Poetry' event in the library. The students could read their own original poems, and listen to the poetry of famous authors. Books in verse, like Witness, would be included to show the wide range of possibility for poetry. Many younger students think that poetry must rhyme, and exposure to many types would be beneficial.

Module 13: Junie B. Jones Aloha Ha Ha

Summary: 
Junie B. is thrilled to learn that she will be acommpanying her parents on a trip to Hawaii (without Ollie!). She even gets to ride on an airplane. When she shares this news with her class, she receives some bad news- homework! Her teacher, Mr. Scary assigns her a different type of journal to use during her trip, a photo journal. As Junie B., Delores (her hula Barbie), and Phillip Johnny Bob (her elephant), set off for the islands, Junie B. realizes that taking the perfect photo for her journal might be tougher than she thought. Her first try on the airplane ends with the cranky ladies sitting around her. Her next few include the too small swim ring she HAD to have, which is now stuck around her waist. Even a bus trip (with old people!) to see beautiful flowers can't provide the perfect picture, instead it ends with a bird caught in her overly flowered hair. Luckily, once she recovers from the traumatic incident she finally snaps a photo worth showing her class, and heads home to tell everyone about her trip to Hawaii.

My Thoughts:
I am a HUGE fan of Junie B., ever since my first purchase in college. Each year I read the series to my class as an after recess cool down time. Kindergartners and first graders alike have loved Junie B. and her craziness! Aloha Ha Ha was no exception. The Junie B. photos and her thoughts on travel are just too funny for words. I especially enjoyed the plane trip, as I can relate to both Junie B. and those sitting around her. As compared to the rest of the series, this is not one of my top three, but I do enjoy seeing Junie B. out of her traditional settings. One thing I will say about the Junie B. series as a whole is that her language and behavior can sometimes be quite over the top. When reading to my class, I often sensor what she says, and even make up discipline from the adults. It seems that although Junie B. is 5 or 6, these books my best be enjoyed around the 2nd grade age when a student is able to read for themselves, and can also determine what not to emulate about the characters. For the younger set they can still be enjoyed, but require more adult discussion and explanation.

Their Thoughts:
Excerpt from Julia Beiker's Children's Literature Review-
"The unique and adorable voice of Junie B. delights her audience as she bubbles over with excitement about going on a vacation. She finds herself in quite the pickle when her teacher asks her to keep a picture journal of her trip to Hawaii. It seems simple to Junie B. She clicks off pictures and puts them in the picture diary. Well, Mr. Scary makes it a little complicated when he expects her to write simple captions under the pictures. Junie B. can handle that until her adventure in Hawaii starts with her being stuck between two grouchy ladies on the airplane. It has to get better, but it doesn’t. One picture after another and Junie B. still is not having her dream vacation, until her new friend, Don, takes her family into the wilds of Hawaii where Junie B. becomes everyone’s hero. Again Barbara Park takes her wonderful Junie B. character and shows her young readers how to make a vacation fun and educational."

Awards and Accolades-
Buckeye (Ohio) Children's Book Award, 2008
Colorado Children's Book Award, 2008

My Ideas:
I once used a tri-fold board to create a display on Barbara Park, and would love to do so again. While many students may love the Junie B. series, it is easy for them to outgrow her humor by second grade. By using a tri-fold board topped with a larger than life Junie B., I can grab the readers attention using a familiar character. In the display, there would be a collection of Junie B., but also other novels written by Barbara Park for the readers to try. While the typical patron may not know of Skinnybones, I know they will appreciate the author's writing style just as much as in the Junie B. series.