The Literary Maven

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3zbEoCkon0/XRgNfTp2foI/AAAAAAAAOn8/Bt18XMF6L9sRMdlDgoQOrAo9rIn2zBNngCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birthday by Meredith Russo is a story about gender identity that needs to be told to and read by young people.The plot structure concept is highly unique. Narration alternates between two best friends on their shared birthday over a period of six years. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3zbEoCkon0/XRgNfTp2foI/AAAAAAAAOn8/Bt18XMF6L9sRMdlDgoQOrAo9rIn2zBNngCLcBGAs/s400/Slide4.png" title="Birthday by Meredith Russo is a story about gender identity that needs to be told to and read by young people.The plot structure concept is highly unique. Narration alternates between two best friends on their shared birthday over a period of six years. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The basic plot from Amazon: </b>Two best friends. A shared birthday. Six years...<br />
<br />
ERIC: There was the day we were born. There was the minute Morgan and I decided we were best friends for life. The years where we stuck by each other’s side―as Morgan’s mom died, as he moved across town, as I joined the football team, as my parents started fighting. But sometimes I worry that Morgan and I won’t be best friends forever. That there’ll be a day, a minute, a second, where it all falls apart and there’s no turning back the clock.<br />
<br />
MORGAN: I know that every birthday should feel like a new beginning, but I’m trapped in this mixed-up body, in this wrong life, in Nowheresville, Tennessee, on repeat. With a dad who cares about his football team more than me, a mom I miss more than anything, and a best friend who can never know my biggest secret. Maybe one day I’ll be ready to become the person I am inside. To become her. To tell the world. To tell Eric. But when?<br />
<br />
Six years of birthdays reveal Eric and Morgan’s destiny as they come together, drift apart, fall in love, and discover who they’re meant to be―and if they’re meant to be together. From the award-winning author of <i>If I Was Your Girl</i>, Meredith Russo, comes a heart-wrenching and universal story of identity, first love, and fate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIUtHL84hIw/XRgNxYlLK6I/AAAAAAAAOoE/zFbnUidRgwYhqAlWE7J_bBtpBUUuSCX_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Slide16.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Birthday by Meredith Russo is a story about gender identity that needs to be told to and read by young people.The plot structure concept is highly unique. Narration alternates between two best friends on their shared birthday over a period of six years. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIUtHL84hIw/XRgNxYlLK6I/AAAAAAAAOoE/zFbnUidRgwYhqAlWE7J_bBtpBUUuSCX_wCEwYBhgL/s400/Slide16.png" title="Birthday by Meredith Russo is a story about gender identity that needs to be told to and read by young people.The plot structure concept is highly unique. Narration alternates between two best friends on their shared birthday over a period of six years. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b>Why I liked it: </b>The plot structure concept of<b> </b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2WXjNqh" target="_blank">Birthday</a> </i></span>is highly unique. Narration alternates between two best friends on their shared birthday over a period of six years. This was a really interesting way of seeing how the characters grew and changed as events unfolded. The character development is the best I've read in a long time in a young adult literature novel. Despite only getting a glimpse of their lives on one day out of a year, I felt an incredible connection to Eric and Morgan and the ups and downs of their coming of age.<br />
<br />
<b>Classroom application: </b>This is a story about gender identity that needs to be told to and read by young people, though I'd likely recommend this for high school and up because of mature themes and content. This would be a great add to your classroom library if you are looking to be more inclusive and feature diverse authors. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of <i>Birthday</i> for yourself, you can find it on Amazon <a href="https://amzn.to/2WXjNqh" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Note:</i> I received this book in exchange for my honest review. The Literary Maven is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

More From The Blog

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc_rSamgNL8/XRFzRLsZegI/AAAAAAAAOjc/5zj31jZAAUoKElqpW04MX2vAbs0gDh1lgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Slide8.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Crowns of Croswald is the perfect start to a new series for Harry Potter fans, full of magical creatures and dark forces, but starring a female protagonist. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc_rSamgNL8/XRFzRLsZegI/AAAAAAAAOjc/5zj31jZAAUoKElqpW04MX2vAbs0gDh1lgCEwYBhgL/s400/Slide8.png" title="The Crowns of Croswald is the perfect start to a new series for Harry Potter fans, full of magical creatures and dark forces, but starring a female protagonist. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The basic plot from Amazon: </b>In Croswald, the only thing more powerful than dark magic is one secret...For sixteen years Ivy Lovely has been hidden behind an enchanted boundary that separates the mundane from the magical. When Ivy crosses the border, her powers awaken. Curiosity leads her crashing through a series of adventures at the Halls of Ivy, a school where students learn to master their magical blood and the power of Croswald's mysterious gems. When Ivy's magic and her life is threatened by the Dark Queen, she scrambles to unearth her history and save Croswald before the truth is swept away forever.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b>Why I liked it: </b>My favorite parts of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2EKpEEb" target="_blank">The Crowns of Croswald</a> </i></span>were the magical creatures like the hairies (light producing fairies with an abundance of hair), scaldrons (dragons used to power ovens), and flying seahorses. There were some characters I wished the author had sent more time developing: the Dark Queen, Fyn (I was constantly questioning whether he was really on the side of evil) and Rebecca, Ivy’s closest friend at school. There were also some plot points that could use further development, such as the story of Rimrick and Isabella, and their connection to Ivy, and the ending when Ivy abruptly decides to spend the summer with Rebecca. <i> </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2SNDVUgV5I/XRJTwQ6Dl_I/AAAAAAAAOj8/vSxkxKka2FYA_qoZ3r4HWYZC25FzAf-NACLcBGAs/s1600/Slide1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Crowns of Croswald is the perfect start to a new series for Harry Potter fans, full of magical creatures and dark forces, but starring a female protagonist. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2SNDVUgV5I/XRJTwQ6Dl_I/AAAAAAAAOj8/vSxkxKka2FYA_qoZ3r4HWYZC25FzAf-NACLcBGAs/s400/Slide1.png" title="The Crowns of Croswald is the perfect start to a new series for Harry Potter fans, full of magical creatures and dark forces, but starring a female protagonist. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Classroom application: </b>I would recommend this for middle school and up. Magic and dark forces are central to the plot, not nothing too violent. Harry Potter fans will either love this book, or be annoyed by the similarities. While the protagonist is female, similar to Harry, her parents are dead and she is living in hiding as a servant. Unbeknownst to Ivy, she has incredible magical powers and is transported to a school for magic. Like the Harry Potter series, much of the Crowns of Croswald focuses on Ivy’s classes with professors of a variety of magical talents and her fight, with the help of her friends, against dark forces.<br />
<br />
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of <i>The Crowns of Croswald</i> for yourself, you can find it on Amazon <a href="https://amzn.to/2EKpEEb" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Note:</i> I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The Literary Maven is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTpPOp1bbhQ/XRJUP9yx1_I/AAAAAAAAOkI/25rfr_TGiz4b1Z6ah6971VU2JbNcmhaQgCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Crowns of Croswald is the perfect start to a new series for Harry Potter fans, full of magical creatures and dark forces, but starring a female protagonist. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTpPOp1bbhQ/XRJUP9yx1_I/AAAAAAAAOkI/25rfr_TGiz4b1Z6ah6971VU2JbNcmhaQgCLcBGAs/s400/Slide8.png" title="The Crowns of Croswald is the perfect start to a new series for Harry Potter fans, full of magical creatures and dark forces, but starring a female protagonist. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="266" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebrauovy6YQ/XRJTST3GxTI/AAAAAAAAOjs/dKst1uMR4Es_A71hRggUrU69S2DVGoO7QCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide19.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="In Sadie by Courtney Summers, Sadie is a fierce protagonist, willing to risk everything to avenge her sister's death. The novel is gritty and dark with alternating types of narration. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebrauovy6YQ/XRJTST3GxTI/AAAAAAAAOjs/dKst1uMR4Es_A71hRggUrU69S2DVGoO7QCLcBGAs/s400/Slide19.png" title="In Sadie by Courtney Summers, Sadie is a fierce protagonist, willing to risk everything to avenge her sister's death. The novel is gritty and dark with alternating types of narration. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The basic plot from Amazon: </b>Sadie hasn't had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she's been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water.<br />
<br />
But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice and hits the road following a few meager clues to find him.<br />
<br />
When West McCray―a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America―overhears Sadie's story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it's too late.<br />
<br />
Courtney Summers has written the breakout book of her career. Sadie is propulsive and harrowing and will keep you riveted until the last page.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b>Why I liked it: </b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2K6aj4j" target="_blank">Sadie</a> </i>is gritty, edgy, and dark and I was so wrapped up in the plot that I took the book to the gym with me to read on the treadmill. The mood and events reminded me of the first season of <i>True Detective</i>s and I loved that the novel had alternating types of narration (similar to <i>Monster</i> by Walter Dean Myers). Some chapters are written in first person from the point of view of Sadie, the main character, and other chapters are written as the transcript of a podcast focused on the disappearance of Sadie and her younger sister. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lokqJEoF17M/XRJTbOPvI-I/AAAAAAAAOjw/Ues1CTXmFZccEorP1Cr_gQaQu-GRHd4UwCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lokqJEoF17M/XRJTbOPvI-I/AAAAAAAAOjw/Ues1CTXmFZccEorP1Cr_gQaQu-GRHd4UwCLcBGAs/s400/Slide3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sadie is a fierce protagonist, willing to risk everything to avenge her sister's death. Because her mother was largely absent, the dynamic between Sadie and her younger sister Mattie is complex. Sadie was largely responsible for Mattie, especially as they got earlier, which cause Mattie to develop resentment toward Sadie. Sadie's quest to find Mattie's killer filled with dangers and risks. The conclusion of Sadie's mission </span>is somewhat implied, but also leaves readers hanging. I wanted a more conclusive answer to what happened. <br />
<br />
<b>Classroom application: </b>I would recommend this one to high school students and up. Some of the themes and content are too mature for middle school. Students who are fans of crime TV shows like <i>Criminal Minds</i> will love this book.<br />
<br />
After reading, students could take a look at the statistics surrounding missing children: how many go missing, how many are found, and how many are not. Students could research the complications surrounding missing teen girls and find out the protocol for filing a missing person report in their town, city, or state. Students could even interview a local law enforcement agent about the topic.<br />
<br />
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of <i>Sadie</i> for yourself, you can find it on Amazon <a href="https://amzn.to/2K6aj4j">here</a>.</div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Note:</i> I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The Literary Maven is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLvEDVV8GMM/XRJUberJCbI/AAAAAAAAOkM/Ra7QBMnvNR0oPYcr0kL589wNGSeyftNzgCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="In Sadie by Courtney Summers, Sadie is a fierce protagonist, willing to risk everything to avenge her sister's death. The novel is gritty and dark with alternating types of narration. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLvEDVV8GMM/XRJUberJCbI/AAAAAAAAOkM/Ra7QBMnvNR0oPYcr0kL589wNGSeyftNzgCLcBGAs/s400/Slide19.png" title="In Sadie by Courtney Summers, Sadie is a fierce protagonist, willing to risk everything to avenge her sister's death. The novel is gritty and dark with alternating types of narration. Read on for more of my review and ideas for classroom application." width="266" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFElh3Rnkv0/Wx2P3ysrP5I/AAAAAAAAMPY/xZ23Y3i5Cp47ISY9PGgW6ABPK7NvzFTIACLcBGAs/s1600/Slide01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What better feeling is there than finding yourself in a book? Many teenagers read to find themselves, to find other young people who share their struggles. In books, not only do they find validation that they are not alone, but also the hope that their struggles can be overcome. For students in search of themselves, here's 15 realistic fiction titles, separated into middle school and high school, that I've recently read and would recommend." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFElh3Rnkv0/Wx2P3ysrP5I/AAAAAAAAMPY/xZ23Y3i5Cp47ISY9PGgW6ABPK7NvzFTIACLcBGAs/s400/Slide01.png" title="What better feeling is there than finding yourself in a book? Many teenagers read to find themselves, to find other young people who share their struggles. In books, not only do they find validation that they are not alone, but also the hope that their struggles can be overcome. For students in search of themselves, here's 15 realistic fiction titles, separated into middle school and high school, that I've recently read and would recommend." width="400" /></a></div>
What better feeling is there than finding yourself in a book? Many teenagers read to find themselves, to find other young people who share their struggles: broken hearts and strained friendships, disengagement at school and disagreements at home, disappointment with their performance on the playing field and dissatisfaction with the reflection in the mirror. In books, not only do they find validation that they are not alone, but also the hope that their struggles can be overcome.<br />
<br />
For students in search of themselves, I recently wrote about <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/06/teen-books-realistic-fiction-high-school.html" target="_blank">18 realistic fiction titles for high school</a> students, <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/07/7-realistic-fiction-titles-to-recommend.html" target="_blank">7 for middle school</a>, and <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/11/teen-books-boys.html" target="_blank">8 that appeal specifically to teen boys</a>. Here's 15 more realistic fiction titles, separated into middle school and high school, that I've recently read and would recommend. Click the title of each to read my full review and ideas for using it in the classroom.<br />
<br />
<b>Middle School</b><br />
1. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/01/review-orbiting-jupiter-Gary-Schmidt.html" target="_blank"><i>Orbiting Jupiter</i> by Gary Schmidt</a><br />
Short with a simple plot, this book has such great messages about love, loss, trust, family (not just the one you are born into), and sacrifice. Jack and Joseph are still more boys than young men, and are feeling their way into young adulthood. Jack has been blessed with two loving parents and a peaceful life in a rural small town, while Joseph's journey has been more of a struggle.<br />
<br />
2. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/11/review-misfits-james-howe.html" target="_blank">The Misfits by James Howe</a><br />
The Misfits is the a sweet story of four friends who seem much wiser than their seventh grade years. Despite having four very different personalities, Skeezie, Addie, Joe, and Bobby support and care for each other because they understand what it is like to be different.<br />
<br />
<div>
3. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/08/review-hoot-carl-hiaasen.html" target="_blank"><i>Hoot</i> by Carl Hiaasen</a><br />
Roy is the new kid at school barely surviving the efforts of the school bus bully to crush him, until he spots a boy his age running barefoot one day. Roy is determined to find the boy and find out what he's running from. When he does find out, Roy becomes involved in a battle to preserve the habitat of burrowing owls.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
4. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/07/review-monster-calls-patrick-ness.html" target="_blank"><i>A Monster Calls</i> by Patrick Ness</a><br />
Conor is struggling to accept that his mother is losing her fight against breast cancer and holds out hope that a monster, in the form of a yew tree, will have a way to help him.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
5. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/07/review-whole-thing-together-ann-brashares.html" target="_blank"><i>The Whole Thing Together</i> by Ann Brashares</a><br />
Ray's mother and Sasha's father were once married, but after a bitter divorce all they have left in common is the beach house and their children. Narration alternates between Ray, Sasha, and their three sisters, offering different perspectives on the same events as they find love, forgiveness, and themselves. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>High School</b><br />
6. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/12/review-wintergirls-laurie-halse-anderson.html" target="_blank"><i>Wintergirls</i> by Laurie Halse Anderson</a><br />
The main characters suffer from two different eating disorders, anorexia and bulimia, as well as depression and cutting. The depiction of both girls and the diseases they struggle with was incredibly realistic and accurate. It's not a book for the faint hearted as it takes you inside the mind of Lia (anorexic) and she struggles with the death of her former best friend, Cassie (bulimic).<br />
<br />
7. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/11/review-the-hate-u-give-angie-thomas.html" target="_blank">The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas</a><br />
This novel covers so many important topics that are rarely touched upon in young adult literature in realistic ways. Even better is that Starr Carter is a strong African American protagonist supported by family members who are equally as well-developed as characters.<br />
<br />
8. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/10/review-scrawl-mark-shulman.html" target="_blank"><i>Scrawl</i> by Mark Shulman</a><br />
This book is written in a journal format by Tod as he sits in detention with his guidance counselor. He's a "bad kid" who loathes everything about the establishment of school and has quite the humorous way of describing his dislikes to his reader.<br />
<br />
9. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/10/review-hold-still-nina-lacour.html" target="_blank"><i>Hold Still</i> by Nina LaCour</a><br />
Caitlin is struggling with normalcy after the suicide of her best friend Ingrid. She finds Ingrid's journal, whose entries paint one of the most accurate depictions of depression that I've seen in literature. Every girl that has had that one best friend at one point in their lives, the kind of best friend that excludes the need for any other friends, will connect with the beauty of Caitlin's friendship with Ingrid while she was living.<br />
<br />
10. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/05/review-way-i-used-to-be-amber-smith.html" target="_blank"><i>The Way I Used To Be</i> by Amber Smith</a><br />
This is the devastating story of how keeping a secret you shouldn't can destroy your life. After Eden is raped in her own bed her brother's best friend, she is convinced that no one will believe her. Instead of seeking help, she tries to pretend it never happened, but the trauma of the event and refusing to deal with it just leads to a spiral of destructive behavior and ruined relationships.<br />
<br />
11. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/06/review-jake-reinvented-gordon-korman.html" target="_blank"><i>Jake, Reinvented</i> by Gordon Korman</a><br />
This is a modern take on The Great Gatsby set in high school. For anyone who has read Gatsby, the similarities are immediately clear, but for anyone who hasn't the story is just as enjoyable. The novel is narrated by Rick, but the focus is on the mysterious Jake who has just moved to town, takes up the position of snapper on the football team, and holds the wildest parties every Friday night.<br />
<br />
12. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/07/review-in-sight-of-stars-gae-polisner.html" target="_blank"><i>In Sight of Stars</i> by Gae Polisner</a><br />
The novel is a bit disorienting at first, but intentionally so. Klee has just entered a psychiatric hospital, is heavily medicated, and is trying to piece together the events that landed him there. Through his therapy sessions, Klee's relationships with his parents, particularly his father who recently committed suicide, and Sarah, Klee's love interest, are revealed.<br />
<br />
13. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/03/review-turtles-all-way-down-john-green.html" target="_blank"><i>Turtles All The Way Down</i> by John Green</a><br />
This book is just the right combination of seriousness and fun with a little mystery thrown in to the mix. It deals with friendship, the loss of a parent, teenage relationships, and mental health issues. I particularly appreciated Green's treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder and Daisy's mostly autobiographical Star Wars fan fiction writing.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
14. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/07/review-i-was-here-gayle-forman.html" target="_blank"><i>I Was Here</i> by Gayle Forman</a><br />
It is impossible not to sympathize with Cody's reaction to her best friend's suicide. Who wouldn't be hurt or angry or even feel guilty? Cody can't believe Meg would do something like this and even worse that she had no idea what Meg was going through. On a trip to clean out Meg's college dorm room, Cody begins to look for reasons why her friend ended up in such a dark place.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
15. <a href="http://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/07/review-highly-illogical-behavior-john-corey-whaley.html" target="_blank"><i>Highly Illogical Behavior</i> by John Corey Whaley</a><br />
Despite being focused on a serious anxiety disorder, tis novel was refreshingly funny. and full of charming characters. Solomon, despite not leaving the house in three years, is surprisingly social once he warms up and has a great sense of humor. Lisa, who befriends Solomon so that she'll have juicy material for her college essay, is an endearing perfectionist with a boyfriend, Clark, who turns out to share many of Solomon's interests, making him an even better fit as a friend. </div>
</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRtzOrNj3dA/W1UrkZYqpmI/AAAAAAAAWXE/uQEm3-4EHVYabreeBeqkHOvyoq6P3p_7ACLcBGAs/s1600/Slide69.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Join secondary English Language Arts teachers Tuesday evenings at 8 pm EST on Twitter. This week's chat will be about closing out the school year." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRtzOrNj3dA/W1UrkZYqpmI/AAAAAAAAWXE/uQEm3-4EHVYabreeBeqkHOvyoq6P3p_7ACLcBGAs/s400/Slide69.png" title="Join secondary English Language Arts teachers Tuesday evenings at 8 pm EST on Twitter. This week's chat will be about closing out the school year." width="400" /></a></div>
Brynn Allison, <a href="http://theliterarymaven.com/">The Literary Maven</a>, & Lisa Spangler, <a href="https://mrsspanglerinthemiddle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mrs. Spangler in the Middle</a>, host #2ndaryELA on Twitter every Tuesday evening from 8 - 8:30 PM EST. #2ndaryELA is a weekly chat for secondary English Language Arts teachers focused on a topic. Every Sunday, we post the topic and questions on our blogs to allow you to prepare for the upcoming Tuesday evening's chat. Thank you to everyone who joined us last week and we hope that you will join us again.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
We'd also love for you to join our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2ndaryELA/">2ndaryELA Facebook group</a>, even if you aren't on Twitter.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span>2ndaryELA is a group of middle and high school English Language Arts teachers looking to share ideas and best practices. This group is an extension of our Twitter chat and a place for collaboration, questions, and encouragement. Feel free to post teaching ideas, success stories, resource links, photos, etc. that will enhance our instruction.</div>
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On <b>Tuesday, May 14,</b> our #2ndaryELA chat will be about closing out the school year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XoRb0wbPPRs/W1UrwOoFZwI/AAAAAAAAWXI/85qFtIt8Bc8cozAARBE21_3X6oVk1-3-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide70.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Join secondary English Language Arts teachers Tuesday evenings at 8 pm EST on Twitter. This week's chat will be about closing out the school year." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XoRb0wbPPRs/W1UrwOoFZwI/AAAAAAAAWXI/85qFtIt8Bc8cozAARBE21_3X6oVk1-3-gCLcBGAs/s400/Slide70.png" title="Join secondary English Language Arts teachers Tuesday evenings at 8 pm EST on Twitter. This week's chat will be about closing out the school year." width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<div>
<b>The Directions:</b><br />
1. Log into Twitter on Tuesday from 8-8:30 PM EST.<br />
2. Search for tweets with the hashtag #2ndaryELA in the search bar. Make sure to click “Latest.”<br />
3. Introductions are for the first 5 minutes.<br />
4. Starting at 8:05 (@literarymaven or @2peasandadog) will post questions every 5 minutes using the format Q1, Q2, Q3, etc. and the hashtag #2ndaryELA.<br />
5. Respond to questions using the format A1, A2, A3, etc. with #2ndaryELA.<br />
6. Follow any teachers responding and who are also using #2ndaryELA.<br />
7. Like and respond to other teachers' tweets.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
You can schedule your responses to the questions ahead of time using a scheduler like <a href="https://tweetdeck.twitter.com/">TweetDeck</a> or <a href="http://signup.hootsuite.com/pro-ent-na-english-r7t/?mkwid=sDAsRitua_dc&pcrid=44033846494&pkw=hootsuite&pmt=e&cntry=na-usa&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hootsuite_pro_google_search_usa_english_branded_alpha&gclid=CjwKEAjwlPOsBRCWq5_e973PzTgSJACMiEp20deRUBEuNIc3-ysreF3wIpeNKNT2xjnz9NpEMAnVhhoCvPDw_wcB">HootSuite</a> (but don't forget to use A1, A2, etc. and #2ndaryELA). Links are encouraged, so be sure to use a link shortener like <a href="http://tinyurl.com/">tinyurl</a>, <a href="http://www.bitly.com/">bitly</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/">goo.gl</a> or <a href="http://ow.ly/url/shorten-url">ow.ly</a> Just visit one of those links and paste your long link to shorten it for Twitter. Using images is also encouraged when relevant.</div>
</div>
<br />
<b>New to chats? Here are the rules:</b><br />
1. Stay on topic & stay positive!<br />
2. Please do not post or promote paid products unless specifically asked.<br />
3. If you arrive late, try to look through other posts before beginning.<br />
4. Feel free to just read, like, and/or retweet.<br />
5. Always use our hashtag #2ndaryELA, including in your replies to others.<br />
6. Make sure your twitter feed is set to public. (Also keep in mind that Twitter is completely public – that means students, parents, and administrators can and will read what you tweet.)<br />
<br />
You can also check out a quick video tutorial in <a href="http://www.2peasandadog.com/2016/01/how-to-use-twitter-chats.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Be sure to spread the word to any teacher friends who might be interested in joining us as well. We look forward to chatting with you Tuesday evening and in our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2ndaryELA/">2ndaryELA Facebook group</a>!<br />
<br />
<b>Get caught up on past chats here:</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="240" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/LiteraryMaven/2ndaryela-twitter-chats/"></a><script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>

</div>

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i2pW_agyWI4/W2GlybEpG9I/AAAAAAAAM78/M65KMPRGM_ssgFQaXivkQW99hECbQxCigCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide17.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="No more pencils, no more books...well, school is almost out for the summer. This #2ndaryELA Twitter chat was all about winding down the school year. Middle school and high school English Language Arts teachers discussed favorite activities to culminate the year's learning. Teachers also shared favorite activities to do with students after grades are in. Read through the chat for ideas to implement in your own classroom." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i2pW_agyWI4/W2GlybEpG9I/AAAAAAAAM78/M65KMPRGM_ssgFQaXivkQW99hECbQxCigCLcBGAs/s400/Slide17.png" title="No more pencils, no more books...well, school is almost out for the summer. This #2ndaryELA Twitter chat was all about winding down the school year. Middle school and high school English Language Arts teachers discussed favorite activities to culminate the year's learning. Teachers also shared favorite activities to do with students after grades are in. Read through the chat for ideas to implement in your own classroom." width="400" /></a></div>
This #2ndaryELA Twitter chat was all about winding down the school year. Middle school and high school English Language Arts teachers discussed favorite activities to culminate the year's learning. Teachers also shared favorite activities to do with students after grades are in.<br />
<br />
Read through the chat below to find out how to have students reflect on their learning. You'll get ideas about summer reading requirements. You'll also find ways to assess summer reading through projects and essays.<br />
<br />
<div>
Hope you'll join us next week for another chat. We'd also love for you to join <span style="text-align: center;">our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2ndaryELA/" style="text-align: center;">2ndaryELA Facebook group</a> (<span style="text-align: center;">even if you aren't on Twitter).</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><span style="text-align: center;">2ndaryELA is a group of middle and high school English Language Arts teachers looking to share ideas and best practices. This group is an extension of our Twitter chat and a place for collaboration, questions, and encouragement. Feel free to post teaching ideas, success stories, links, photos, etc. that will enhance our instruction.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<a class="twitter-moment" href="https://twitter.com/i/moments/1125927393213014016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">End of the Year Activities & Summer Reading Assignments</a> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> 
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNYAAlFjGKM/W2GlrJ9XYRI/AAAAAAAAM70/1fsvdxuRmI0vmxzqyj1kNx4mRTkgAb15ACLcBGAs/s1600/Slide17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="No more pencils, no more books...well, school is almost out for the summer. This #2ndaryELA Twitter chat was all about winding down the school year. Middle school and high school English Language Arts teachers discussed favorite activities to culminate the year's learning. Teachers also shared favorite activities to do with students after grades are in. Read through the chat for ideas to implement in your own classroom." border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNYAAlFjGKM/W2GlrJ9XYRI/AAAAAAAAM70/1fsvdxuRmI0vmxzqyj1kNx4mRTkgAb15ACLcBGAs/s400/Slide17.png" title="No more pencils, no more books...well, school is almost out for the summer. This #2ndaryELA Twitter chat was all about winding down the school year. Middle school and high school English Language Arts teachers discussed favorite activities to culminate the year's learning. Teachers also shared favorite activities to do with students after grades are in. Read through the chat for ideas to implement in your own classroom." width="208" /></a></div>
<br /></div>

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QB0uXodo1kU/W1UqhIF-rzI/AAAAAAAAWWw/t1zSGscr0_sueWBIppvRhhEZsm2CjCClgCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide67.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Join secondary English Language Arts teachers Tuesday evenings at 8 pm EST on Twitter. This week's chat will be about end of the school year activities and reading assignments." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QB0uXodo1kU/W1UqhIF-rzI/AAAAAAAAWWw/t1zSGscr0_sueWBIppvRhhEZsm2CjCClgCLcBGAs/s400/Slide67.png" title="Join secondary English Language Arts teachers Tuesday evenings at 8 pm EST on Twitter. This week's chat will be about end of the school year activities and reading assignments." width="400" /></a>Brynn Allison, <a href="http://theliterarymaven.com/">The Literary Maven</a>, & Lisa Spangler, <a href="https://mrsspanglerinthemiddle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mrs. Spangler in the Middle</a>, host #2ndaryELA on Twitter every Tuesday evening from 8 - 8:30 PM EST. #2ndaryELA is a weekly chat for secondary English Language Arts teachers focused on a topic. Every Sunday, we post the topic and questions on our blogs to allow you to prepare for the upcoming Tuesday evening's chat. Thank you to everyone who joined us last week and we hope that you will join us again.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
We'd also love for you to join our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2ndaryELA/">2ndaryELA Facebook group</a>, even if you aren't on Twitter.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span>2ndaryELA is a group of middle and high school English Language Arts teachers looking to share ideas and best practices. This group is an extension of our Twitter chat and a place for collaboration, questions, and encouragement. Feel free to post teaching ideas, success stories, resource links, photos, etc. that will enhance our instruction.</div>
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On <b>Tuesday, May 7,</b> our #2ndaryELA chat will be about end of the school year activities and reading assignments.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J69TC7ETgUY/W1UqviLAL5I/AAAAAAAAWW0/ZXOPBs7GN_cw8D5g40kzm4fcg7twmx2OwCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide68.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Join secondary English Language Arts teachers Tuesday evenings at 8 pm EST on Twitter. This week's chat will be about end of the school year activities and reading assignments." border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J69TC7ETgUY/W1UqviLAL5I/AAAAAAAAWW0/ZXOPBs7GN_cw8D5g40kzm4fcg7twmx2OwCLcBGAs/s400/Slide68.png" title="Join secondary English Language Arts teachers Tuesday evenings at 8 pm EST on Twitter. This week's chat will be about end of the school year activities and reading assignments." width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<div>
<b>The Directions:</b><br />
1. Log into Twitter on Tuesday from 8-8:30 PM EST.<br />
2. Search for tweets with the hashtag #2ndaryELA in the search bar. Make sure to click “Latest.”<br />
3. Introductions are for the first 5 minutes.<br />
4. Starting at 8:05 (@literarymaven or @2peasandadog) will post questions every 5 minutes using the format Q1, Q2, Q3, etc. and the hashtag #2ndaryELA.<br />
5. Respond to questions using the format A1, A2, A3, etc. with #2ndaryELA.<br />
6. Follow any teachers responding and who are also using #2ndaryELA.<br />
7. Like and respond to other teachers' tweets.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
You can schedule your responses to the questions ahead of time using a scheduler like <a href="https://tweetdeck.twitter.com/">TweetDeck</a> or <a href="http://signup.hootsuite.com/pro-ent-na-english-r7t/?mkwid=sDAsRitua_dc&pcrid=44033846494&pkw=hootsuite&pmt=e&cntry=na-usa&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hootsuite_pro_google_search_usa_english_branded_alpha&gclid=CjwKEAjwlPOsBRCWq5_e973PzTgSJACMiEp20deRUBEuNIc3-ysreF3wIpeNKNT2xjnz9NpEMAnVhhoCvPDw_wcB">HootSuite</a> (but don't forget to use A1, A2, etc. and #2ndaryELA). Links are encouraged, so be sure to use a link shortener like <a href="http://tinyurl.com/">tinyurl</a>, <a href="http://www.bitly.com/">bitly</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/">goo.gl</a> or <a href="http://ow.ly/url/shorten-url">ow.ly</a> Just visit one of those links and paste your long link to shorten it for Twitter. Using images is also encouraged when relevant.</div>
</div>
<br />
<b>New to chats? Here are the rules:</b><br />
1. Stay on topic & stay positive!<br />
2. Please do not post or promote paid products unless specifically asked.<br />
3. If you arrive late, try to look through other posts before beginning.<br />
4. Feel free to just read, like, and/or retweet.<br />
5. Always use our hashtag #2ndaryELA, including in your replies to others.<br />
6. Make sure your twitter feed is set to public. (Also keep in mind that Twitter is completely public – that means students, parents, and administrators can and will read what you tweet.)<br />
<br />
You can also check out a quick video tutorial in <a href="http://www.2peasandadog.com/2016/01/how-to-use-twitter-chats.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Be sure to spread the word to any teacher friends who might be interested in joining us as well. We look forward to chatting with you Tuesday evening and in our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2ndaryELA/">2ndaryELA Facebook group</a>!<br />
<br />
<b>Get caught up on past chats here:</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="240" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/LiteraryMaven/2ndaryela-twitter-chats/"></a><script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>

</div>

Pages

On My Bookshelf: Birthday by Meredith Russo

On My Bookshelf: The Crowns of Croswald by D. E. Night

On My Bookshelf: Sadie by Courtney Summers

15 More Realistic Fiction Titles to Recommend to Secondary Students

#2ndaryELA Twitter Chat on Tuesday 5/14 Topic: Closing Out The School Year

End of the Year Activities & Summer Reading Assignments

#2ndaryELA Twitter Chat on Tuesday 5/7 Topic: End of the Year Activities & Reading Assignments

About me

Get Support

Find A Resource

Search This Blog

Labels

Archives