Introduction to Young Adult Literature
Module 1
Nayeri, D. (2020). Everything Sad is Untrue: (a true story). Levine Querido by Chronicle Books LLC. [Kindle version] ISBN 9781646140022.
Plot Summary
Daniel Nayeri tells the story he recalls as his truth as a young Iranian boy adapting to change as a refugee. Daniel is trying his best to adapt and fit in with his new life in Oklahoma with his mother, sister, and inconsistent step-father. He constantly looks for acceptance from his father, step-father, classmates, mother, and anyone who may come across his life. Although he has many changes and obstacles he must face, he finds the constant is his story-telling ability and the love of his mother.
Critical Analysis
Everything Sad is Untrue is told through the voice of Daniel, a young refugee with an Iranian background. Daniel tells the story of his childhood and recounts the changes he has to endure as a result of his parent's actions. His story interweaves, and although it can be confusing at times, keeps the reader interested and engaged. It is made to resemble the myths he blends in about Scheherazade and the 1,001 Nights. Nayeri blends his memoir with fiction and nonfiction elements throughout the entire novel, which make it fascinating to read. He successfully interlaces his own stories and blends the timeframe of those events with legends from his childhood, which makes sense once it is pieced together, much like the Persian rugs he fondly describes.
The characters and dilemmas are all described and seen through the eyes of Nayeri and how he remembers them as a child. Some of the characters come out rather harsh, like his stepfather who more than once is aggressive towards others, and his father who he describes as selling drugs to make money. Throughout the novel, he seeks the approval of the father figure he is missing by his side. His fondest memories are of his life back home with his Baba Haji and that freedom which he so fondly remembers. He constantly thinks back and remembers the Iranian environment with a child's innocence and perspective. He keeps referring to the divided mentalities he struggles with in his new home, Oklahoma. "Persians aren't liars, they are poets...," seems to resemble the constant prejudice and assumptions, which he faced in Oklahoma, such as when he would recall telling his classmates about his family. American society did not try to understand him, rather he was forced to accommodate and change himself.
The situations presented by Daniel will help readers become empathetic towards others who may be experiencing similar situations. There is one incident where perspective is really emphasized when Daniel tells how fond his mother, like any mother, is of him. He then goes on to explain how he feels that no one in Oklahoma would agree with his mother. He constantly struggles with acceptance, which is a theme found in Young Adult literature. This novel is perfect for readers of all ages, particularly young adults, who may be struggling with a change in their lives or integration into a culture different then their own.
This book contains mature themes like drug usage, physical abuse, bullying, poverty, and identity. The topics found throughout the book are relatable, the characters are unique and identifiable, and the reader will end the novel satisfied and will gain perspective on how much your actions and words can impact someone. Because the themes are universal, this book would be a great choice to read with a class where students are learning about new cultures. It will also be a great choice for lessons dealing with refugees.
The tone constantly blends from joyful and lighthearted, to more woeful and questioning, and back. Nayeri masterfully captivates the reader and teaches us why we must be kind to each other because of our differences. Everyone has their own story to tell that may be different than what we are accustomed to; more so a refugee living in a new country. Some of the issues that may arise can be that there are no chapters or distinctive breaks between sections. This may be intimidating to some readers, but it does not take away from the beauty of the text and Nayeri's ability as an author and storyteller.
Review Excerpt(s) and Awards
2021 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature.
School Library Journal starred "At once beautiful and painful, this timely story is highly recommended for middle grade readers."
Booklist starred "A journey as intimate as it is epic. A remarkable work that raises the literary bar in children's lit."
Publisher's Weekly starred "A distinctive voice. A rare treasure of a book."
Kirkus starred "A modern epic."
New York Times “A modern masterpiece — as epic as the “Iliad” and “Shahnameh,” and as heartwarming as “Charlotte’s Web.” It’s for the kids at the lunch table; the heroes of tomorrow, just looking to survive the battle of adolescence.”
Connections
*You may need to conduct a lesson on controversial topics with this book, such as immigration, drug abuse, and domestic violence.
*This would be a great opportunity to use 1,001 Arabian Nights, or excerpts of, to introduce world mythology.
*This text would work perfectly for cross curricular lessons with the ELAR and History department teachers who are working with the same grade level.
Similar title(s):
Farook, N. The Girl Who Stole an Elephant. ISBN 1682633772
McManus, K. One of Us is Lying. ISBN 1524714682
Nayeri, D. Strawhouse: A Novella by Daniel Nayeri. ISBN 0763655260
Alexie, S. (2007). The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. (E. Forney, Illus.). Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 9780316013680.
Plot Summary
Junior, a member of the Spokane Indian reservation, has struggled with health issues and being truly accepted by his community. He has grown to be accustomed to people picking on him, except for his childhood friend, Rowdy. One day he decides to look for a new path, away from the reservation, to try to escape the undeniably hard life which awaits him in this community. Although his community feels like he has turned his back on them and with the acceptance of his family, he attends the new school, meets new friends, and learns to feel more sure of himself. Junior learns what true friendship means, the perplexity of love, the unbreakable bonds with family, and that life can change in one instant.
Critical Analysis
Junior's life as a coming-of-age boy growing up in the Spokane Indian reservation can be relatable to readers of all backgrounds. He faces many obstacles, like numerous medical problems, being picked on by others who see him as different, and a struggle to form relationships with others. Sherman Alexie successfully shows a sort of pendulum effect: one is the way of life for those growing in the reservation and the other is for the outsiders who can't understand their way of life. Alexie also uses a light and comic tone for Junior and his experiences, which matches how he is characterized.
Other than this family, the only other constant in his life has been his childhood friend, Rowdy, who is the only person who has stood up for Junior. Despite them being polar opposites, Rowdy and Junior compliment each other. Both of these characters grow apart, due to differences, but ultimately do not let their friendship fall apart. One day Junior realizes that in order to make a better life for himself, he has to take a stand and endure pain, all in order to open more doors. He learns that he must broaden his community, because he knows that he wants a life outside of the reservation, but with the support of the friends he has grown up with. Junior's perseverance will resonate with readers who may be struggling with similar issues or emotions.
Alexie utilizes universal themes that are relatable to young adults, such as coming-of-age, childhood crushes, acceptance, and finding your identity. Alexie is honest about how these themes come across and affect an adolescent of Junior's age. He is funny and the reader is able to see Junior's deeper emotions and reflections. Alexie does include controversial topics which can be hard to read about and may trigger some unwanted memories for some readers like: dealing with alcoholism, depression, sexuality, poverty, and physical abuse both of adults and children.
The illustrations by Ellen Forney are divine and really help the reader visualize Junior's diary. They perfectly blend with the constant change in topic that Alexie uses to relate his story. Forney is successful at capturing the intended tone by Alexie. For example, when Junior learns that his sister was into writing romance novels, and which he laughs at, the illustration by Forney shows a comic representation of what Junior would picture the romance novel to be like. The other illustrations are similar in that they coincide with the tone taken by Junior. It feels like you are really reading Junior's diary. He is a diverse character who faces "human" and diverse conflicts.
Overall, Alexie is successful at giving the readers a relatable character which is perfectly matched with Forney's illustrations, who has flaws and perseveres in his own way. Junior's story is heartfelt and gives insight to the way of life and struggles which a Native American growing up in a reservation may face. Alexie also shows how anyone from any background can struggle with juggling the expectations placed by society and our own personal goals.
Review Excerpt(s) and Awards
National Book Award Winner
Best Books for Young Adults
Publisher's Weekly starred "A Native American equivalent of "Angela's Ashes."
Kirkus reviews starred "Nimbly blends sharp with unapologetic emotion....fluid narration deftly mingles raw feelings with funny, sardonic insight."
Horn Book starred "The line between dramatic monologue, verse novel, and standup comedy gets unequivocally-and hilariously and triumphantly-bent in this novel."
The New York Times review "This is a gem of a book....may be [Sherman Alexie's] best work yet."
Booklist review "Alexie's humor and prose are easygoing and well suited to his young audience."
Los Angeles Times review "Few writers are more masterful than Sherman Alexie."
Connections
*This title will resonate with all readers, especially with boys who may be struggling with identity or moving into a new community.
*This title does introduce sensitive topics which some readers may be hesitant about: such as sexuality, masterbation, domestic abuse, and alcoholism.
*This title can be used for students who may be seeking change, acceptance, and courage.
*Similar titles:
Yang, G. American Born Chinese. ISBN 159633736
Hinton, S. E. The Outsiders. ISBN 0670062515
Palacio, R. J. Wonder. ISBN 0375969020
Sherman, A. The Lone Ranger and TontoFistfight in Heaven: Stories. ISBN 0871135485
Sherman, A. Flight. ISBN 1417788488
LaCour, N. (2017). We Are Okay. Dutton Books an Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. ISBN 9780525425892
Plot Summary
Marin, a girl from coastal California, is attending college in New York, alone, and hasn't spoken with her close friends since she abruptly left California. No one, including her best friend, Mabel, knows her reason for shutting everyone out. Although she was trying to avoid it, one day Marin realizes that she must speak to the people from her past, because Mabel is now coming to her. Marin decides to confront her fears and expresses what she has been holding inside of her and which has been holding her back from the people who truly love her.
Critical Analysis
We Are Okay is a book about learning to push forward and accepting that things may not be what you initially thought them to be. LaCour writes in first person point-of-view to introduce Marin, a girl who is experiencing anxiety and who is trying to figure out her place in the world. This works really well because, by only getting her perspective of events, the reader is able to feel her emotional rollercoaster. The book offers insight to Marin by offering complex flashbacks that introduce the inciting incident of the story.
Marin's perspective is the one that drives the story. She is a complex leading character which is suffering in complex and relatable internal conflicts. The reader feels her anxiety when she is pacing back and forth and constantly over thinking every action that she takes. She questions everything throughout the entire novel and the language LaCour uses is raw and even has a nostalgic aura about it. Everyone at one point or another has felt vulnerable, alone, and struggling to find their place...this is where Marin is at the start of the novel.
The other characters, other than at times Mabel, are shown through recollections. The most prominent memories are that with Gramps, who was her only family member she remembers and whom she loved, but who became someone she felt she didn't really know. Marin begins to feel that their relationship lacked open communication and really starts to feel that as she is reflecting on her own in New York. Mabel is her best friend and the person who she has shared experiences with. Mabel and her family truly love Marin and try their best to include her in their lives.
LaCour uses themes like: grief, acceptance, LGBTQ, experimentation, anxiety, doubt, and family to reveal the complexities many people face. The writing is raw and the reader will feel Marin's anxiety and loneliness, but that truly is the beauty of this book. It puts you into Marin's character.
What may not work for some readers is that you truly only get Marin's perspective and take on things. There are questions that are left unanswered, particularly those relating to Gramps, that one may want to know. Although it would be nice to learn some reasons for the way things turned out, the other perspectives are not truly needed. The star is Marin; we feel her pain, anxiety, sorrow, and finally acceptance.
Review Excerpt(s) and Awards
2018 Michael L. Printz Award
ALA Rainbow List
2017 Publisher's Weekly Best YA Books for the Year
Booklist Editor's Choice: Top 10 Books for Youth
School Library Journal starred "Beautifully crafted . . . . A quietly moving, potent novel."
Publisher's Weekly starred "A moving portrait of a girl struggling to rebound after everything she’s known has been thrown into disarray."
Booklist starred "LaCour paints a captivating depiction of loss, bewilderment, and emotional paralysis... raw and beautiful."
The New York Times review "A meditation on surviving grief, We Are Okay is short, poetic and gorgeously written…. The power in this little book is in seeing Marin come out on the other side of loss, able to appreciate a beautiful yellow-glazed pottery bowl and other people’s kindnesses, and to understand that she might one day have a girlfriend and a future. The world LaCour creates is fragile but profoundly humane."
Connections
*This book will help readers realize that anyone can be struggling in their own way, but someone is always there for you.
*You may need to discuss topics like grief, depression, and LGBTQ acceptance.
*You may want to look for other books which match the point-of-view used in this title.
*Similar titles:
LaCour, N. Watch Over Me. ISBN 0593108973
LaCour, N. Hold Still. ISBN 9780525421559
Smyth, C. The Falling in Love Montage. ISBN 0062957112
McQuiston, C. One Last Stop. ISBN 1250244498
