Young Adult Literature: Quick Reads

Horikoshi, K. (2014). My Hero Academia (vol. 1) (C. Cook, Trans.) SHUEISHA INC. (Original work published 2014). ISBN 9781421582696.

Plot Summary

Izuku Midoriya wants to be a hero more than anything, but has a problem. Because he does not have a quirk, at a time when all hero's seem to have one, he feels that he has no chance at getting into the best heroes in training school, U.A. High School. One day, an unexpected encounter comes to change Izuku's fate. 

Critical Analysis

My Hero Academia, which is a shounen class of manga, follows Izuku Midoriya and his determination to become a hero. Izuku is characterized as persistent, friendly, and an overall pleasant character. Horikoshi presentes him as the protagonist, with the characteristic big, round eyes used in this format of text, in this fast-paced read. The manner in which Kohei Horikoshi draws him is simplistic, yet clean and distinguishable from the other characters. Even Izuku's hair draws the eyes of the reader to him. He is a dynamic character who goes from feeling like an outsider, to being more secure of himself and his capabilities. 

Once he encounters All Might, who is the greatest hero of his time, They grow a bond, which helps Izuku work into his "unattainable" goal. All Might is a very interesting character in that you see how his character grows into maturity and how selfless he really is, and whose words have an impact on how Izuku grows into a hero-in-training. It is also particular how Horikoshi chose to draw All Might makes him look bigger than life, at least when he is not in his true form, as one would expect a superhero to look. When All Might's powers diminish and he appears in true form, he truly becomes a mentor and someone for Izuku, and readers in general, to look up to. 

The other characters all have their characteristic qualities which individually fit them. Horikoshi has made sure to draw all of his characters in such a way that they are easy to recognize in this fast-paced read. A review on School Library Journal states, "This is a high-energy series debut with a typical cast of manga characters." Some of the themes that can be seen are: heroism, determination, teamwork, believing in yourself, and the importance of helping others. Horikoshi goes beyond the story and gives readers some background as to how and why some characters are drawn and depicted in the manner that they are. It is another way of investing the reader into the characters. 

The book cover uses bright colors which draw the reader in. The front and back cover, which are inverted and which also draws the reader in, resemble a magazine. It is even made to look like it has ads, as would appear in magazines. When you open the front page, or back in this instance, you are introduced to manga by a page which explains the correct way to read it. The panels are easy to follow, once you get used to the flow of the page. The gutters vary in size, but facilitate the proper manner in which this should be read. The illustrations are very detailed and entertaining, regardless of the fact that this is all depicted in black and white, and draw the reader into the story. SLJ comments, "Horikoshi's artwork is solid, the characters are distinct and expressive, and the readers really get a sense of the sweeping, high-octane atmosphere of Izuku's world." The speech bubbles and text are eye-catching and Horikoshi uses a vast amount of text fonts and sizes to enhance the story. 

What makes My Hero Academia work really well is that the protagonist, Izuku, is relatable as a character. He has his flaws and is able to work around them. He is a genuinely good character, which is refreshing to read. Volume 1, contains the first 7 installments. They are easy to follow and when read in order, tell the intended story. Overall, this manga is a great read which grasps the reader and can be read in one sitting. Because it leaves off on a major cliffhanger, the reader will want to continue on to volume 2.

Review Excerpt(S) and Awards

Wins Best Manga at Harvey Awards (NYC Comic Con)

School Library Journal review "My Hero Academia is very much a shonen manga, with the usual themes of friendship and teamwork standing out, but they don’t feel forced or contrived. Horikoshi takes the one major trope that can drag down the story, the battles, and makes it work in its favor. The fights aren’t just couple of characters punching each other for the sake of fighting."

Connections

*Before reading this manga, I had noticed that several of my students were into reading and discussing manga. I decided to get their input about which title, from the suggested reading list in Young Adult Literature in Action, and they all pointed straight to My Hero Academia. They were ecstatic that I was actually going to read a manga and were excited for my take after I finished the reading.

*This title is great for reluctant readers, because it is not overshadowed by words. 

*Although the intended audience is boys, this title is and can be enjoyed by girls too.

*You will need to have the following volumes readily available!

*There is also a show, with the same name, that is very popular with students.

*Students will want to join in on a group discussion.

*Similar titles:

One, One-Punch Man. ISBN 1421585642

Kishimoto, M. Naruto, Vol. 1: Uzumaki Naruto. ISBN 1569319006

Tabata, Y. Black Clover. ISBN 14211587181

Ohkubo, A. Fire Force 1. ISBN 1632363305

Sones, S. (2001). What my mother doesn't know. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689841140

Plot Summary

Sophie is in ninth grade and experiencing high school for the first time. She crushes on boys, feels misunderstood at times, and is trying to find out what truly makes her feel happy and herself. 

Critical Analysis

Sonya Sones gives readers a glimpse into the complexities that adolescent girls face when transitioning into young adults. Sonya gives us a charismatic character, Sophie, who is experiencing many firsts that come at this early adult life. She has a strong sisterhood with two of her friends, which is needed at this stage of life, more than one romantic affair, which are full of innocence, and the inevitable power struggle that many experience at this stage of life. A review in Publisher's Weekly states, "Sones poignantly captures the tingle and heartache of being young and boy-crazy... Sophie's honest story feels destined to captivate a young female audience, avid and reluctant readers alike."

Sones's work is funny, emotional, disheartening, and has an innocent air of them. The reader will feel connected to the poems because they are raw. The poems are full of emotion and you can sense the timidity and questioning that Sophie feels within herself. Booklist Reviews gives a starred rating, "The poetry is never pretentious or difficult; on the contrary, the very short, sometimes rhythmic lines make each page fly." Readers will connect to this book because of the tone Sones takes on adolescent experiences, like falling in love, out of love, and the excitement that comes with each chapter in life. 

Because Sones wrote in verse, the reader is able to make inferences about how Sophie is feeling and can connect that with their own experiences. "Lying in bed/gazing up at the/glow-in-the-dark stars/ on my ceiling,/ I'm thinking of you/," is just one stanza, of many, that describes how she feels and through the reading, you can see how these emotions are easily changeable. Any reader who has felt that way at least once will be able to connect with the text. 

This text works really well because it is written in verse, which broadens the emotion and connection that the reader may feel as they read. One aspect that can be brought up is that the free verse poetry is not at a high literacy level, but it is written in the intended voice, which makes it work. It does bring up sensitive themes, such as: anti-semitism, dysfunctional families, and depression, but they are used in a manner in an appropriate and raw manner. Much like what someone experiencing these may feel. The reader is able to connect and empathize with Sophie, as she is experiencing life as a ninth grade girl who is trying to make her place. Sones ends the book with an optimistic take on standing up for what works for you and makes you happy. This book will teach girls, and any reader, that it is okay... life will go on... be true to yourself... and give life a chance. 

Review excerpt(s) and Awards

2002 ALA Best Book for Young Adults

Booklist Editor's Choice

ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

Iowa Teen Award

Publisher's Weekly starred "Drawing on the recognizable cadences of teenage speech, Sones (Stop Pretending) poignantly captures the tingle and heartache of being young and boy-crazy." 

School Library Journal "Sones is a bright, perceptive writer who digs deeply into her protagonist's soul. There she reveals the telltale signs of being "boy crazy"; the exciting edginess of cyber romances; the familiar, timeless struggle between teens and parents; and the anguish young people feel when their parents fight."

Booklist starred "In a fast, funny, touching book, Sones uses the same simple, first-person poetic narrative she used in Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy (1999), but this story isn't about family anguish; it's about the joy and surprise of falling in love...Sophie's voice is colloquial and intimate, and the discoveries she makes are beyond formula, even while they are as sweetly romantic as popular song. A natural for reluctant readers, this will also attract young people who love to read."

Kirkus starred "... romantic and sexy, with a happy ending that leaves Sophie together with Mr. Right, Sones (Stop Pretending: What Happened when My Big Sister Went Crazy, 1999 ) has crafted a verse experience that will leave teenage readers sighing with recognition and satisfaction."

Connections

*This would be a perfect read for girls and students transitioning into high school.

*You may need to discuss controversial topics such as: depression, marital problems, communication problems, relationships.

*You could try to find a similar text from a different perspective. Try from a male perspective, outsider's perspective, or the perspective from a parent.

*Similar titles:

Sones, S. Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy. ISBN 9780064462181

Sones, S. One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies. ISBN 0689858205

Acevedo, E. The Poet X. ISBN 0062662805

Myracle, L. Ttyl. ISBN 0810948214

Schroeder, L. I Heart You, You Haunt Me. ISBN 1439592365

Longoria, M. (Ed.). (2021). Living Beyond Borders: growing up Mexican in America. New York: Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC. ISBN 9780593204979

Plot Summary

This anthology is filled with a collection of works in various formats, such as poetry, comics, short stories, and personal essays, which celebrate Mexican American heritage. It shares different perspectives on what the Mexican American community has experienced living between two diverse cultures and among the outsider perspective. 

Critical Analysis

This is a powerful anthology that sheds light on what many Mexican Americans experience and grow up with. Margarita Longoria puts a collection of twenty titles including: poetry, short stories, comics, and personal essays, which correlate with her purpose. She begins with a letter to her readers, in which she explains why she was compelled to put this work together. She explains that she had an urgency once she saw how the media was showing Mexican Americans in a negative light. 

The selected works are diverse and the authors all come from various backgrounds, some emigrated to the United States at an early age, but all of them are Mexican American and have first hand experience to share and connect with readers. Margarita Longoria includes authors like: David Bowles, Dominic Carrillo, Angela Cervantes, Alex Temblador, Francisco X. Stork, and Guadalupe Garcia Mccall, among others, who share their experience of growing up immersed in two cultures without feeling completely accepted in either. 

Each title can connect with young adults and readers of all ages. The voices heard are unique, do not hold back at how they feel or felt in specific growing up in specific situations, and pull at the reader's heart strings. Selenia Paz, from School Library Journal states, "Voices reach out from the pages of this anthology, tugging at readers and pushing them to see the difficulties and beauty of what it means to live as a Mexican American in the United States." Each distinct voice can be heard and the selected works by Longoria are diverse, but align in tone and intensity of message. 

What really works with this anthology is that each selection can stand on its own, although it is beautiful and short enough to read in one or two sittings. Readers can pause and come back to this book at a later time and enjoy it just as much. It can be read in sections or by choosing specific titles; it is not intimidating to read because it does not have to be read from start to finish in order to understand its importance. The writers have very distinct writing styles, but can be appreciated as a whole. Longoria ends with a brief "About the Authors" which includes short biographies for each writer. This title must be in school library collections and classrooms because it celebrates diversity and shows what it truly is like growing up Mexican American. 

Review Excerpt(s) and Awards

School Library Connection starred "This superb anthology of short stories, comics, and poems is fresh, funny, and full of authentic YA voices revealing what it means to be Mexican American . . . Not to be missed, this richly worded anthology should be celebrated for its dignitas, perspective, and deep well of cultural and social diversity."

Booklist starred "Superlative . . . A memorable collection."

School Library Journal starred "Voices reach out from the pages of this anthology . . . It will make a lasting impression on all readers."

Connections

*This text will connect with readers of Mexican American, or hispanic, backgrounds as they will be able to see themselves and their experiences throughout the works. Many may even be able to see their parents' lives and stories on them as well. 

*This book should be in classroom libraries and used in the classroom as it uses voices and perspectives that are not widely represented, but which are a big representation of our population. 

*Various titles incorporate magical realism and you may need to explain the significance of this to some readers. You may even want to do a mini-lesson on magical realism.

*Some titles reference names such as Walter Mercado and Che Guevara, you may need to introduce some names and topics for context.

*Similar titles:

Fennel, S. (Ed.). Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed: 15 Voices from the Latinx Diaspora. ISBN 1250763426

Canales, V. The Tequila Worm. ISBN 0375840893

Valenti, K. Loteria. ISBN 0593176960