LSSL 5385 Young Adult Novels 9-11

 Book #9 Persepolis  

Sartrapi, M. (2004).  Persepolis.  NY: Pantheon

Marjane Satrapi tells a memorable event from her childhood. As a child she remembers the disturbing images of the war taking place in Iran. She mentions schools were segregated and tells how her parents tried to take a stand by attending protests. Later, Marjane and her uncle, who she had grown close to, had been killed. Marjane was devastated by the news. Marjane's parents try to escape the harsh environment, but find the US embassy had closed and missed their opportunity. She begins to worry about how she will continue her schooling. Tragedy hit again when the war is raging, she loses close friends and family. Unfortunately, tragedy after tragedy and loss of hope, makes Marjane turn rebellious and copes with using drugs. Her parents send her off on her own forcing her to fend for herself in a new world. 

Discussion 

The illustrations are interesting and immediately caught my attention. It demonstrated torture towards people and much hatred. I did not expect such graphic images. Also, the language is harsh. I had to remember this is a true story and this is a true account of a women's life. One cannot ignore the emotions she was feeling and situations she went through and want to help her. I was expecting a more happy ending, but not all stories have happy endings or turn out the way we would like them. 

Connections

This memoir reminded me of the hardships of Elie Wiesel and his treatment he endured as a teenager in the concentration camps. Although, Night did not have illustrations the vivid word pictures he would paint her disturbing and captured the torture he and the people experienced. 

Book #10 The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

 Thomas, A. (2017). The hate u give. NY:  HarperCollins

Sixteen year old Starr Carter is faced with the harsh reality of being discriminated by society especially the people who should be protecting her and the community. She attend a party with her friend, back in her neighborhood and knows she she does not fit in. During the party, shots are heard and both Starr and her friend leave the party immediately, but are stopped not to far from the party by a police officer. The white police officer asks Kahlil to exit the vehicle and fatally shoot him. Starr watched her childhood friend die in front of her eyes. Starr has flashbacks of another friend who was shot and killed. Starr is overcome with guilt and can't grasp the fact that it is not her fault for Kahlil's death. 

The case for the death of Kahlil, is taken to a grand jury and Starr is their witness who is ready to testify, but someone does not want her to speak. She is fearful after someone vandalizes her home and shots a gun. 

With all that has happened Starr knows one thing for sure, she wants to continue standing up for what is right and bring awareness to the injustices African Americans face on a day to day. She is doing this in memory of her childhood friend, Kahlil. 

Discussion

This book is powerful. It highlights the injustices and discriminations African Americans face still today. The book has strong language and is eye opening and realization that things in the justice system need to change. 

Connection 

This book was made into a motion picture in 2018 and stars Amandala Stenburg as Starr Carter. It's rated PG 13. 

Book # 11 Stamped from the Beginning

 Reynolds, J. (2020).  Stamped from the beginning. 

Summary

Reynolds and Kendi bring forth the myriad ideas of racism in America. They highlight the most prominent historical figures who contributed in helping end slavery and racism in the country. 

Discussion

The front cover is eye catching and it reminds me of battle, which is an excellent representation for this book by Reynolds. This book is a history lesson with a twist. They present a fresh perspective of racism that existed and still exists today and how it could change by knowing the facts. 

Connections

Stamped Racism, Antiracism, and you by Jason Reynolds and Ibram Kendi