YA Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Forman, G. (2009). If I Stay. Dutton Books a member of Penguin Group Inc. ISBN 9780525421030

Plot Summary

Mia's life changes in an instant when she is traveling with her family. Her parents are taken from her in an accident which no one saw coming. She doesn't know what happend and can't bear to learn where her brother is. She finds that she is stuck and must decide for herself whether she wants to follow the fate of her family or stay to fight for her own life. 

Critical Analysis 

If I Stay is a fast-paced read that grasps your attention from the get-go. Mia and her family seem to have a very close and loving relationship. Her parents maintain open communication with her and push both Mia and her younger brother to follow their dreams and talents. 

The inciting incident occurs when Mia and her family are involved in a horrific car accident. The language is raw and powerful, such as, "Blood. It is everywhere. It does not faze the doctors one bit." Both of her parents instantly perish, her brother is critically injured, and she is left in a coma, without knowing what and how to get out of it. Because she is stuck in a coma, Mia is able to hear others and "navigate" around the area. She listens to what her loved ones tell her, what she remembers from her memories, and what she learns as she is able to observe her present dilemma. 

Gayle Forman uses flashbacks and anecdotes throughout the entire novel which are compelling and give insight to the characters. The reader becomes involved in Mia's life and sympathizes with the questions she must answer herself. Time plays a big role in this novel as well. Each section, which switches from flashback to the character's present, is marked by time. The first couple sections happen within minutes of each other. Once Mia internalizes what she must do and has a better understanding of what happened with her family, time slows down. 

The other characters help drive the plot forward by being a part of her past: like her loving grandparents who are also in a terrible situation, but know that they must persevere, her boyfriend, Adam, who truly loves her, and Kim, her best friend who is always at her side. The conversations Mia hears them having with her are heartbreaking and make her realize that regardless of her situation, she is not alone. As the novel unfolds, the reader gains insight as to Mia's relationship and feelings towards Adam. The description used and tone is what an adolescent who is falling in love feels. One instance is when Mia is describing her emotions when she is near Adam, she states, "...vibrations that kept growing and growing...that's what Adam's grin what doing to me during dinner."

What may not work for some readers is that some of the events that happen may not seem too credible, such as when Adam gets Brooke Vega, a famous rock artist, to create a diversion in the hospital. It seems like something unlikely, but it keeps the novel feeling like a soap opera. What really works is how Forman's use of voice allows readers to sympathize with others, especially victims in comas. Mia as a protagonist is passionate and relatable to any adolescent who is experiencing many firsts in life. You end the book questioning if your words can truly have an impact on other people's lives, even when you feel like they can't or won't listen. 

Review Excerpt(s) and Awards

2010 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

Young Reader's Choice Award

Publisher's Weekly starred  "Via Mia's thoughts and flashbacks, Forman expertly explores the teenager's life, her passion for classical music and her strong relationships with her family, friends and boyfriend, Adam. Intensely moving, the novel will force readers to take stock of their lives and the people and things that make them worth living."

School Library Journal starred "Forman creates a cast of captivating characters and pulls readers into a compelling story that will cause them to laugh, cry, and question the boundaries of family and love. Teens will identify with Mia's honest discussion of her own insecurities and doubts. Both brutal and beautiful, this thought-provoking story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned."

Booklist starred "More developed and satisfying than a Lurlene McDaniel drama, Mia’s story will engage readers willing to suspend their disbelief that the future can be seen in the present."

Connections

*This would be a great read for teenage girls who love romance novels.

*This novel helps readers empathize with victims who may be in comas. 

*This novel was turned into a movie in 2014 with positive reviews. 

*Readers who like music and instruments connect like this book.

*Similar titles:

Forman, G. Where She Went. ISBN 97805254422945 *This title takes place after If I Stay.

Green, J. The Fault in Our Stars. ISBN 9780525478812

Yoon, N. Everything, Everything. ISBN 0553496646

Moyes, J. Me Before You. ISBN 0670026603

Perkins, S. (2010). Anna and the French Kiss. Dutton Books, a member of Penguin Group. ISBN 9780525423270

Plot Summary

Anna was happy with her life in Atlanta; she was looking forward to spending her senior year with her best friend and first crush. She is devastated when her father announces that she will attend a school in Paris, France. She does not look forward to being alone, without anyone she knows, and in a city across the world and to make matters worse, she doesn't even know the language. To her surprise, she quickly finds that people are welcoming and she has more in common with her classmates than she previously thought. She is particularly attracted to St. Claire, a handsome classmate who seems to be drawn to her too. Anna gains a group of friends that help her learn a little more about herself and feel sure about herself. 

Critical Analysis

Stephanie Perkins' book, Anna and the French Kiss, is such a relaxing and feel good read. Anna is a relatable character who is struggling to cope with the idea that her father, who divorced her mother a few months after her younger brother was born, is sending her off to finish her senior year at a school in Paris. She is shy, gets anxious in new situations, dreads trying to make new friends at a new place, and is self-conscious about not knowing French. 

This coming-of-age novel will be hard to put down. Anna's character development takes you from a withdrawn and insecure girl to a young woman who is growing into her skin and learning what love is. Perkins' diction makes Anna a down-to-earth protagonist who is lovable and which readers will feel her frustration when she is thrown into a different environment that is far from her comfort zone. A Booklist review states, "Featuring vivid descriptions of Parisian culture and places this lively title incorporates plenty of issues that will resonate with teens." Anna learns that infatuation with others can bring heartbreak, particularly with her one-sided relationship with Toph. 

The other characters in the novel are interesting and dynamic. Anna's main love interest is Etienne St. Clair, a strikingly handsome young man who, regardless of what others think is struggling with his own insecurities. Meredith is the first person to welcome Anna into her new dormitories, they have their dilemmas, but she proves to be a good friend to Anna. Another character that helps drive the plot and which conflicts help Anna grow is Bridgette, her best friend from back home.  All of the characters contribute to the plot and help Anna mature.  Anna realizes that, "Home isn't a place. It's a person." She learns that in order for her to be comfortable in her own skin, she must be able to communicate with others and allow herself to feel vulnerability and emotions like love. 

The themes and topics used throughout are universal and include: love, betrayal, friendship, and acceptance. Perkins' style of writing is descriptive and she utilizes the voice of a teenage girl experiencing life in a believable way. The emotions Anna faces are raw and heartfelt. Readers of all ages can relate to her insecurities, anxiety about the unknown, and distress that comes with first loves. Perkins does not exaggerate the emotions, but clearly relates what it is like to be a teenage girl who just wants to be accepted. 

What may not work for some readers is that some characters can be rather irkesome, such as Anna's parents who are willing to let their teenage daughter stay alone, across the globe; Etienne St. Clair's relationship and dependence on his girlfriend can also seem rather long. Regardless, this read is fun and energetic. It has a pleasant storyline which takes place in a beautiful city and which will bring out the adolescent in all of us.

Review Excerpt(s) and Awards

2012 ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults

School Library Journal review "Perkins has written a delightful debut novel with refreshingly witty characters. There is strong language and mention of sexual topics that make the book more appropriate for older teens. The chapters are concise, and the steady pacing leading up to the “will they or won't they?” moments will capture even reluctant readers. Teens will feel like they are strolling through the City of Lights in this starry-eyed story of finding love when you least expect it."

Booklist review "Featuring vivid descriptions of Parisian culture and places, and a cast of diverse, multifaceted characters, including adults, this lively title incorporates plenty of issues that will resonate with teens, from mean girls to the quest for confidence and the complexities of relationships in all their forms. Despite its length and predictable crossed-signal plot twists, Perkins’ debut, narrated in Anna’s likable, introspective voice, is an absorbing and enjoyable read that highlights how home can refer to someone, not just somewhere." 

Kirkus review "Perkins’s debut surpasses the usual chick-lit fare with smart dialogue, fresh characters and plenty of tingly interactions, all set amid pastries, parks and walks along the Seine in arguably the most romantic city in the world."

Connections

*This book is perfect for anyone wanting a quick read which will pull you into the story.

*This book is perfect for someone wanting to get away from reality and be transported to Paris. 

*This book is for anyone wanting to read about falling in love.

*This title would be perfect for book-talks. You can discuss the conflicts, how the different characters are characterized, the majestic setting, and the character development.

*You may want to show videos and images of Parisian landmarks and streets read about in the book.

*Similar titles:

Florand, L. The Chocolate Kiss. ISBN 9780758269416

Fitzpatrick, H. My Life Next Door. ISBN 9780803736993

Cass, K. The Selection. ISBN 9780062059932

Han, J. To All the Boys I've Ever Loved. ISBN 9781442426702

Stone, N. (2017). Dear Martin  (D. Graham, narr.) [Audiobook] Listening Library. ASIN B074FDPXX3

Plot Summary

Justyce McAllister is an excellent son and student who is trying his best to follow in Dr. Martin Luther King's shoes to choose a higher path. He does his best at school and pushes through to ensure that he attains the higher education that his mother wants for him. Justyce learns that stereotypes are prevalent and that there is only so much he can truly control in his life. He finds himself stuck in the crossfire that he is truly trying to prevent. Justyce will have to decide if he will fall for exact stereotypes he has been working to move away from or if he will endure his hardships to persevere in his life. 

Critical Analysis   

Nic Stone's Dear Martin is an intriguing contemporary read. As a protagonist, Justyce is fresh and captivating. He genuinely wants to be a better person than what society has painted about him. He is angered by the prejudices that follow simply because of his skin color. He is passionate about his culture and lives his life trying to pull away from the stigmas society places on African Americans. In a turn of events, Justyce is a victim himself of racial profiling and police brutality, which opened his eyes to the injustices that are still happening in society.

The audiobook version of this book is read by Dion Graham. It is approximately 4 hours and 32 minutes in length. It is fast paced and Graham's voice makes the chapters and storyline meticulously flow. Graham's voice evokes emotion and his pace is conversational and strong. He uses a distinct voice and tone for each character and this helps enhance the fluidity of the plot. The reader or listener can vividly picture the story. Graham anticipates his tone to match the text and even uses pauses for emphasis. A review from AudioFile states, "In his entries, Graham reflects Justyce's isolation, suffering, and occasional moments of solace."

The other characters are complex and have their own situations they are trying to overcome, such as: Manny, who is Justyce's best friend. Manny has an inner conflict with acceptance from others, which he seems to get mainly because of his wealth, and who tries to persuade Justyce to take his side in situations. Ultimately, Manny has a political awakening that will bring consequences to all. Sarah-Jane is a true friend to Justyce. She shows him that there are truly good people out in the world who want to see him succeed in life. Doc Dray is his teacher who has a good relationship, and helps mentor Justyce and other students. The other minor characters all have a purpose and drive the plot by their interactions with Justyce. 

The book utilizes universal themes such as: coming-of-age, police brutality, the effects of racial profiling, and the dynamics that the media can have on our lives. The text is raw and Stone does not shy away from using diction that will ignite deep emotions in her readers. One of the most inspirational quotes utilized and which emphasizes the book's message is, "If nothing in this world ever changes, why type of man are you going to be?" This is a universal comment that will make readers reflect. What may not work for some is that the text does use a good amount of profanity and sexist remarks, but they are used in a way that can easily be heard of in society. I think that their use connects the story to our modern society and makes it relatable. 

Dear Martin is an eye-opening novel that will show the readers why you must show empathy to others. Everyone is different and facing their own struggles. This novel will help its readers understand that our actions or inactions will have a consequence at one or another. 

Review Excerpt(s) and Awards

New York Times Bestseller 

Time Magazine's top 100 YA Books of all Time

2018 William C. Morris Debut YA Award

AudioFile Earphones Award Winner

AudioFile review "Narrator Dion Graham conveys Justyce McAllister's depth of character and inner conflict...In his entries, Graham reflects Justyce's isolation, suffering, and occasional moments of solace... Graham voices Justyce's reactions of disbelief, disgust, and, finally, hope in this powerful journey of self-discovery."

Booklist starred review "Teens, librarians and teachers alike will find this book a godsend...Vivid and powerful."

Publisher's Weekly review "A visceral portrait of a young man reckoning with the ugly, persistent violence of social injustice."

School Library Journal review "The length and pace of this well-written story make it a perfect read for reluctant and sophisticated readers alike. The main characters are well balanced and will resonate with teens. However, the voice of African American women is largely absent from the narrative."

John Green "A powerful, wrenching, and compulsively readable story that lays bare the history, and the present, of racism in America."

Angie Tomas "Absolutely incredible, honest, gut-wrenching. A must read!" 

Connections

*This text will bring sensitive topics out for discussion, such as: police brutality, stereotypes, and racial profiling.

*This text would be a great supplement or anchor text for units dealing with any of those topics. 

*This could easily pair with new articles or current reports.

*This text would lend itself for a comparison and contrast on how society has evolved from when Dr. King was alive.

*Similar titles:

Stone, N. Dear Justyce. ISBN 9781984829665

Thomas, A. The Hate You Give. ISBN 9780062498533

Reynolds, J. All American Boys. ISBN 9781481463348

Reynolds, J. Long Way Down. ISBN 9781481438254