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Fantasy

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Reader’s Response: (A) While reading Crown of Feathers I couldn't help but to be reminded of a toxic person from my life. Val's treatment of Veronyka made my stomach turn. Dealing with manipulative people really takes its toll. (C Through the eyes of some of the characters I saw that it takes courage to stand up for what is right. These characters had to overcome their own barriers to do what was right, I always like to think I'd do the right thing but I've never thought of my own barriers. (G) I loved how some chapter contained letters, a story, or a piece of lore about the world the characters lived in, I felt like this made it easier for me to slip into the characters world. Each chapter even started with a qoute that added more to the lore of the world. These little details enhanced the world building. Many of the characters were so loveable, I'm thankful for the shifts in POV since it let me get to know these characters better. This story was a very enjoyable read and I cannot wait to devour the other books in the series.

Justification: This book is a fun read and I feel that youth would enjoy it. The world building is done well, all the little stories of the past interwoven with the main story helped to give a better sense of the world. The concept is interesting, and the characters are likeable. The story has a web comic on Webtoon which I feel would help get readers interested in reading the full text. This book was a nominee for the "Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award for Northern Lights" in 2021.

Conclusion: This book is an enjoyable read. The world building is done well, and the characters are easy to like. I really like the idea behind the plot, as an animal lover I would love to live in a world where I could communicate through my pets mind. I definitely recommend this book, and am excited to read the rest of the series.

Reference: Preto, N.P. (2019). Crown of feathers. Simon Pulse.

#part-two #fantasy

Printz Winner/Honor

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Reader’s Response: (A) One thing that perked my interest while reading Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me was that one of the side characters plays D&D. I love D&D! I also couldn't help but to feel a connection to the main character Freddy, I remember my first high school love and how crushed I was when he moved away. (B) Unlike Freddy though my relationship wasn't so toxic. I constantly felt bad for Freddy as she clearly wanted a monogamous, committed relationship with Laura Dean. Each time she crawled back to Laura Dean I cringed a little, but could understand how difficult it was for her break the cycle. Although, I found it difficult to forgive Freddy for ignoring her friends and their needs. (D) I loved how the book showcased how difficult it can be to end a toxic relationship. As bad as a relationship can get it can be so easy for someone to fall into familiar patterns, and just ride out the unpleasant parts. You have to see the relationship for what it is and want to make the changes yourself, it takes courage.

Justification: This book shows a lot of diversity. The main character is half-asian, and some of the side characters are also POC. Many of the background characters are also POC. This book is #ownvoices. This book also tackles serious issues that are of interest to youth, such as relationships. Since this book is a graphic novel it can interest reluctant readers and help those who are not skilled at reading decipher the text.

Conclusion: This book was paced well. The plot was something that can easily be relevant to young readers. The artwork was beautiful and fit the story well. I would love to read more by this author.

Reference: Tamaki, M. (2019). Laura Dean keeps breaking up with me (R. Valero-O'Connell, Ilus). First Second

#part-two #printz winner or honor

Poetry

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Reader’s Response: (A) My uncle was always talking about how we should have our own garden. He said that his family had one when he was a kid. Whenever the characters in Your Heart, My Sky mentioned their own secret gardens I couldn't help but to think of my uncle. (C ) This text opened my eyes to a world and time that was unfamiliar. It forced me to see a world of hunger through the eyes of two young teens and their dog. I don't know much of Cuba's history, and I feel like this text filled in some of the blanks. It was difficult to hear about all the oppressive rules and lack of food that the families faced. (G) I liked how the text was told from multiple points of view, the young boy, the young girl, and a dog. Although, the parts with the dog were a bit confusing. I wouldn't mind reading after text by this author.

Justification: I feel that this book is important because it can open our eyes to a world that is unfamiliar to us. It highlights a dark time in Cuba's history, which can make us aware of issues that have occurred. I feel that this text can also help us to develop empathy for others. This text is also #ownvoices. This text is also short, only 224 pages, which might be more suiting to a reluctant reader.

Conclusion: This book provides a powerful read that highlights a dark time in Cuba's history. Seeing the story unfold through the eyes of two young teens helps youth to make a stronger connection to the characters and story. The book is short and well written, each poem helps us to understand the characters and situations a little better. This book could be a great tie in to a history lesson.

Reference: Engle, M. (2021). Your heart, my sky. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

#part-two #poetry

Horror

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Reader’s Response: (A) Manga has always been one of my favorite forms of literature. This format will always have a special place in my heart. The world from The Girl from the Other Side is fascinating and I want to know more about it. (F) The characters were interesting and likable, especially Shiva. As this is only the first volume I did not get a chance to learn very much about Shiva, but I learned enough to make me curious about her and her world. I have so many questions and am looking forward to reading the other books in the series. (G) The artwork fit the story well, it had a spooky yet mystical vibe to it. Often times it felt like I was looking at some kind of old times fairy tale. The pacing was also done well, it never felt too rushed or slow.

Justification: I chose to add a Manga to my list of reads because it is important to have some diversity in format. There are many teens who enjoy Manga, and would be excited to see this book on the shelf. The pictures can help those who struggle with reading or those who are ESL students to understand the story. Each volume is also relatively short which would be considered a positive aspect for reluctant readers. This story also shows that although two people appear to be different they can get along just fine.

Conclusion: This story is a fun and quick read. The artwork is beautiful and the style fits well with the story. Graphic novels are a great choice for reluctant readers and those that struggle to read, as the pictures can help them to follow along with the text. The plot is very interesting, and the pacing is done well.

Reference: Nagar. (2016). The girl from the other side: Vol 1. (A. Beck, Teams). Seven Seas. (Original work published 2015).

#part-two #horror

Mystery/Suspense

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Reader’s Response: (A) I love mystery books, they have always been one of my favorite genres. From the first chapter I knew I would enjoy One Of Us Is Lying. I immediately felt a superficial connection to Bronwyn but only because I was one of those kids in high school obsessed with good grades and climbing the ranks. It also helped that she was a Latina. (F) The text was very entertaining, I kept finding myself souring for clues and playing Detective. Throughout the story I kept a profile of each character in my head. (G) I loved that each character got a chance to tell the story from their POV as it helped me to understand each character a little better. Each characters personality could be seem in the writing, which I thought was amazing as there were multiple characters to juggle.

Justification: This book is an enjoyable read, and very entertaining. The author does a great job of making each character come alive through the text. This book has also received various awards and nominations, including being a nominee for the "Good Choice Awards for Young Adult Fiction" in 2017 and a YALSA "Best Fiction Book" nominee. The text is a short read, thus making it something reluctant readers may be interested in reading. In fact, this book is a YALSA "Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers." It also has a "binge worthy" feel to it, I found it difficult to put down as I wanted the mystery to unravel.

Conclusion: I have always been a fan of locked room mysteries, and this one was definitely fun to read. The text was well written, and each time POV switched the characters were easily reflected in the writing. The author did a great job at making the character's personalities shine through, making them feel real. Other than the murder the teens face worries that are easy for other teens to relate to.

Reference: McManus, K.M. (2017). One of us is lying. Delacorte Press.

#part-two #mystery #suspense

Religious Theme

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Reference: Steven's, C.C. (2017). Dress codes for small towns. Harper Teen.

#part-two #relgious theme

Free Read

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Reader’s Response: (A) Verdad from The Truth Is struggles with what it means to be a Puerto Rican who cannot speak Spanish, I understand that all too well as a Mexican-American who cannot speak Spanish. In high school I was constantly tired from having to defend myself and my roots. I also know what it's like to want to be your unapologetic self. (B) Unlike the characters in this book I've never felt like I couldn't be myself. My parents never cast me aside because of who I am. They just accepted me, no questions asked, fully for who I am. I can't imagine what it must feel like to be kicked from your home by people who are supposed to protect and love you. I can't imagine the daily struggles these characters go through just for being themselves. (E) While this book tackled serious issues like homelessness, identity, internalized racism, and racism things seemed a little sloppy at times. Sometimes the pacing was so fast it felt like things were running together, and the side characters had no development at all.

Justification: This book provides a glimpse into the lives of homeless queer teens. The side characters each have their own stories that lead them to where they are now. The main character is searching for her identity, and battering internalized racism. There is so much diversity in this book, and I feel that it opens much needed windows into the lives of others. This a short read is something that may be a bonus for reluctant readers.

Conclusion: While at times this book feels messy, it showcases much needed issues. It brings to light important issues through the lives of the characters. There is so much diversity in this book, which was a wonderful experience. This book also touches on the importance of mental health.

Reference: Ramos, N. (2019). The Truth is. Lerner Publishing Group.

#part-two #free read

LGBTQ+

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Reader’s Response: (A) While reading You Should See Me In A Crown I couldn’t help but to smile fondly and remember my high school band experience. From the start of the story it is clear that band plays a special role in Liz Lighty’s life. I 100% understand that special feeling of connection, the joy of being a part of something bigger than yourself, and every time she made an analogy to a band moment I felt a goofy grin on my face. (B) When the rules for Liz’s school prom mentioned “no same-sex dates” and “girls run for queen, boys for king” I had to roll my eyes, these were the same governing rules from my time in high school. I had honestly hoped things would be different by now, although that being said I don’t know the current governing rules of local high schools. I could see some of Liz’s worries and struggles regarding her small town reflected in my own small town. (D) I feel like this book did a great job at highlighting the unfairness of high school, where popularity reigns supreme and those that are different are cast aside. It also does a good job at showcasing the drama within friend groups, and how quickly things can blow up. Finally, it shows how hard it can be to be out in high school. High school is a difficult time, and it’s hard to find the right fit when you feel like you don’t belong.

Justification: This book is a 2021 Stonewall Honor Book, and a 2020 “Good Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction” nominee. Liz’s love for Amanda is clear, and the book does a great job of showcasing a lesbian couple. .This book has Black representation, and shows the struggle of going to a predominantly White school. This book is only #ownvoices for Black representation. Liz also copes with anxiety, and her brother has a serious health condition. I also love how this book portrays diverse family units, homes aren’t always a mom and a dad.

Conclusion: This book does a great job at showcasing a diverse set of characters. I also love how it focuses on the outcast or those who feel like they don’t quote fit in with others. I truly enjoyed reading this book, and feel that it being centered around prom would be appealing to high schoolers. I feel that a lot of Liz’s worries are relevant to many high school students, regardless of their orientation or race.

Reference: Johnson, L. (2020). You should see me in a crown. Scholastic Press.

#part-two #lgbtq+

Realistic Fiction

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Reader’s Response: (G) I loved how the narration in The Sun Is Also A Star is set up. The story constantly swaps between the point-of-view of the two main characters, while sparingly sharing the point-of-view of side characters. I feel like this helped to make the story beautiful, and drove home the point that we don’t know what the life of another person is like. Often our stories are centered on us, we never stop to think of those we encounter, we know nothing of their struggles and triumphs. (A) I understand the pressure Daniel feels from his parents. My parents have also given up a lot for me, I know they just want me to lead a good life and make good money. But, like Daniel I feel more drawn to my passions. (D) I feel like this book did a great job of showing the plight of undocumented immigrants. Natasha may have been born in Jamaica but her home is in New York, it is all she has known and is where her future is planned. It’s heartbreaking to her struggle with the news of deportation.

Justification: This book was on the ALA’s “Best Fiction for Young Adults” in 2017. This book was also a Michael L. Printz Award nominee. One thing I liked about this book was it showed the struggle of forming an identity when you are a second-generation immigrant. I also liked how the story approached deportation, and what it means to a young woman to face those fears. This story provides representation for second -generation immigrants, Asians, Blacks, and undocumented people. The author was born in Jamaica and immigrated to the USA, she also married an Asian man, so I feel her experiences help to shape the story.

Conclusion: This story provided a beautiful and entertaining read. The author kept things serious but magical, which made it easy to lose myself in the story. I truly loved how the narration was laid out, and felt like it spoke to the message of understanding others. The characters dealt with such heavy situations that provide important talking points, and in this day in age these situations can be very relatable.

Reference: Yoon, N. (2016). The sun is also a star. Random House LLC.

#part-two #realistic fiction

Biography/Autobiography

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Reader’s Response: (A) I’m nonbinary, so I felt that I could resonate with Jazz from Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen to an extent. She believes that friends should accept you for who you are, and if they want to give you grief about you just being you then there's no point to that friendship. That was my philosophy in high school too, and still is my philosophy today. (B) My parents are also very accepting, although I didn't come out until I was a teen (it’s when I discovered who I was). They always let me dress however I wanted (except for picture day) and play with whatever toys made me happy. So Jazz’s accepting family fit right alongside my view of how families should behave, although I am well aware (as Jazz discovered through letters from other children) that not all families are loving and supportive. (C) My views weren’t necessarily changed but I did learn some new information from Jazz’s story. I knew about hormone treatments, but I didn’t know about blockers. I also wasn’t aware of the struggles and roadblocks transgender children face in sports. As I was reading I kept thinking how unfair it was for her to be deprived of playing with her teammates.

Justification: Jazz’s story is important and can show other youth that they are not alone in the world. She can act as a role model or a safe place for others who are going through the same things she faced. Her experience also can provide understanding to people not from the transgender community. She highlights her struggles, simple things cisgender folks take for granted like having access to the right restroom or playing on the right sports team. Becoming familiar with these struggles allows for understanding and empathy.

Conclusion: Jazz’s story is wonderful, she is a very strong and brave girl. I found her desire to stand up and be a spokesperson for other children beautiful. Jazz’s detailed account of her life, up until age 15, provides a window into life as a transgendered child. Her story can help breed understanding and empathy, which would make this world a better place.

Reference: Jennings, J. (2016). Being Jazz: My life as a (transgender) teen. Crown Books for Young Readers

#part-two #biography/autobiography

Printz Winner/Honor

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Reader’s Response: (A) Lazlo Strange from Strange the Dreamer is fascinated by books and stories, which are two things that I’ve loved ever since I was a child. He is also a junior librarian, so I felt an immediate kinship to the character. (B) It was easy to understand the thought process of many characters: From Lazlo’s optimism and belief that the world is accepting to Sarai’s understanding that hatred breeds fear. The struggles many of the characters faced were relatable, even though they were things I have not experienced firsthand. (F) This story is a work of art. The dialog and narration make it seem like I can reach out and touch the characters. The scenes are painted so well I feel as if my reality is being washed away only to be replaced with the world contained within the story. Honestly, the world building was fantastic. I felt invested in many of the characters' lives. The plot was beautifully woven and paced well, keeping me trapped in the moment.

Justification: This book is a Michael L. Printz Honor book, and was also a nominee for the “Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction” in 2017.The story is beautifully written, and has amazing world building. The characters are easy to invest in, as the dialog and narration make them feel real. This book is a work of art that provides an enjoyable read. The story explores themes that are important and relevant, and touches on concepts that can invoke deep thought.

Conclusion: This story is beautiful, I would highly recommend it. The world building and characters are just fantastic. There is so much packed within the pages, but none of it feels cramped or rushed. It approaches important topics and concepts that could lead to wonderful discussions. Honestly, I never wanted to put the book down.

Reference: Taylor, L. (2017). Strange the dreamer. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

#part-two #printz winner or honor

Science Fiction

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Reader’s Response: (A) Back when I was in high school I read The Hunger Games and joined in on the crazy excitement of the series, so I knew I needed to read A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I felt an immediate connection to Lucy Gray as music has always played a central role in my life (band for 7 years, squad leader for 3 years). Each time I read Lucy Grey’s lyrics I swayed back-and-forth, practically hearing the song in my head. I also felt a connection to Snow, which I found distasteful, as I’ve also faced the hardship of poverty and could understand many of the worries he felt in that area. (F) I loved getting to see how The Hunger Games developed to the biggest annual event of Panem that I am familiar with, things were just so different at the start. Luck was such a colorful and fun character, her personality leapt off the pages. It was neat to see a young version of Coriolanus Snow, watching his internal struggle kept me at the edge of my seat. And while I know "Snow lands on top" I couldn't have predicted all the twists and turns that lead him down his path, there was never a dull moment with this one. (G) Reading this made me have feelings for Coriolanus Snow that I never thought I would have, I was able to see him as a person. This was a bit disturbing as I’ve always seen him as a monster, but I suppose at one time monsters were people too.

Justification: The Hunger Games series is very popular with youth, as seen through online reviews. The accompanying movies could even help to garner interest in the book. Plus, everyone likes a good origin story, and this one is both entertaining and thoughtful. Like the main series this book brings out questions of morality and humanity. This book was a nominee for the “Goodreads Choice Awards for Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction.”

Conclusion: This book was very enjoyable and I was able to take away a great lesson from it. There are moments in my life where I feel so embarrassed and just want to look down, but with Lucy Grey’s advice of “own it” I’ve found myself holding my head high in those moments. The Hunger Games has always been a special series to me, and reading this book gave me a better understanding of the world and the characters that inhabit it. Even after all this time I still enjoy the stories Suzanne Collins has to tell, I would highly recommend her work to others as well.

Reference: Collins, S. (2020). The ballad of songbirds and snakes. Scholastic Press.

#part-two #science fiction

National Book Award Winner

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Reader’s Response: (A) I could easily understand Xiomara’s frustration when reading The Poet X. All my life people have struggled to pronounce, and sometimes spell, my last name. I can count on one hand the amount of people who have gotten it correct on the first try, so I understand Xiomara’s desire to have her name pronounced correctly. I also grew up in a Catholic home like Xiomara. There were times when I’ve faced many of the same questions Xiomara faces regarding faith. (B) However, unlike Xiomara my parents are both Catholic, and very relaxed about it. Unlike Xiomara I was never pressured to dress or act a certain way due to our religion, I was just allowed to be me. (D) I loved how Xiomara was able to find an outlet (slam poetry) to express her emotions and thoughts, because finding that special thing that is utterly you is a great feeling. Xiomara is in the stage of her life where she is as a person, this is an important milestone. She has questions about her world and her place in it, and readers get to see her begin to discover a new part of herself.

Justification: This book was recommended by a teacher I once observed for one of my classes. Her students absolutely loved the book, one kid would even quote parts of the book. This book was also listed on the “2019 Best Fiction for Young Adults” list published by the ALA. This book is also a National Book Award winner, it is a beautifully written and engaging novel. This book has also received other awards such as the Michael L. Printz Award, the Pura Belpré Award, and many other awards and honors.

Conclusion: Xiomara is a strong, defiant character that carves her own path in her world. She shows her audience that it is okay to question what is around you, that it is okay to stand up for those you love and for your beliefs. This novel-in-verse is well written, making for an engaging experience. And the problems she encounters in her life are something that is relatable to young adult readers. I would love to read more works by the author.

Reference: Acevedo, E. (2018). The poet x. Quill Tree Books

#part-two #national book award

Romance

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Reader’s Response: (A) Romance books have never been my cup of tea until I stumbled across I Believe In A Thing Called Love. I love K-Dramas, binge inducing love K-Dramas. Desi Lee plans her love life following the tropes of a K-Drama, and she does a great job as I felt like I was experiencing the rollercoaster of a K-Drama in text form. (F) The text was very entertaining to read and often I found myself ignoring the world around me just to get to the next chapter. I just had to find out how each step of Desi’s plan would play out since for her this is not a K-Drama, this is her reality. Some of the components of her plan were so ridiculous it was difficult to look away. (B) Although the book was fun, Desi did make some questionable decisions that had me shaking my head in disappointment. Desi constantly uses manipulation as part of her grand K-Drama love plan. This is not a healthy way to start any kind of relationship. Desi performs many cringe inducing manipulative moments, as she explains it all away in the name of love.

Justification: It is important to read diverse books as they can provide a window into a world that is not our own. I Believe in a Thing Called Love has many diverse characters: Asian, Latinx, LGBT. Currently, the Asian community is experiencing a lot of unwarranted hate, reading books by Asian voices, and other diverse books, can help us to understand one another better by providing a window into a life different than our own. This book is written by an Asian woman making it part of the #ownvoices campaign. It is important for young adults to see characters like them featured in the stories they consume.

Conclusion: Despite the cringe worthy moments Desi Lee creates when pursuing her plan this book is very fun to read. The K-Drama vibe is heavy throughout the text and provides Desi with a way to bond with her dad, which I found special as it made me think of how I typically spend time watching TV with my dad. The characters had bits of their culture weaved into the story which was nice to experience. This author has severely other books that I would love to read when I get the chance.

Reference: Goo, M. (2017). I believe in a thing called love. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

#part-two #romance

Free Choice

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Reader’s Response: (A) The connection Alex has to her family in Labyrinth Lost is one of the things that allowed me to connect so deeply with this book. Like Alex I have had the importance of family drilled into me from a very young age. Growing up I can remember all the big gatherings as we celebrated the holidays, a birthday, or how everyone would just get together for no specific reason. Even to this day my parents constantly lecture me on the importance of family. Like Alex, I would do anything within my power to help my family. (F) Personally for me, this book did not have an interesting start, I couldn’t find myself wanting to keep reading until Alex traced to Los Lagos. It wasn’t the strange, beautiful detailed world that drew me in but the creatures that lived there, from the frail and sickly avians to the tortured Adas who’ve lost their way. The two groups Alex encounters on her journey each have their own tragic story to share, a story that is intertwined with the path Alex must take. (G) Overall, I felt like this book spoke to me (the sense of family, strong Lantinx people, the love for ones departed but not forgotten) and I truly enjoyed the experience. The author, Zoraida Cordova, has two other books out in this series which I will definitely be reading.

Justification: This book was recommended on the ALA’s Rainbow Book List for 2017, Alex is bisexual and one of her love intrest Rishi is lesbian. All too often bisexuality is something that is erased, which is why it is important to show bisexuality in literature. I speak as someone who is not bisexual, but I feel that this book did a good job at showing Alex’s love for both Rishi and Nova. However, it is important to note that this book is not #ownvoices in the bisexual voice. This book also is influenced heavily by Latinx culture, and is written by someone from the culture making it #ownvoices. It is important for teens to be able to see people from their world, people like them, in the media they consume.

Conclusion: For me, this book was an enjoyable read. The sense of family and connection to one’s family no matter where they are (living or dead) was something that spoke to me. I loved the influence of Latinix culture, it made me feel seen and important. This is definitely a piece of literature I could have used in high school. This author has two other books out in her Brooklyn Brujas series, both of which I will check out as soon as possible.

Reference: Córdova, Z. (2016). Labyrinth lost. Sourcebooks Fire.

#part-two #free choice

Bluebonnet Award

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Justification: This book received the Bluebonnet Award in 2020. El Chupacabras provides a fun read due to the detailed illustrations, the facial expressions of the goats is hilarious. The author also provides readers with a fun storyline that gives a different spin to the infamous Chupacabra. One interesting thing is that this book alternates between Spanish and English within the text, each sentence is repeated twice and mirrored. Doing this will provide those who are picking up Spanish or English as their second language a fun way to study and immerse themselves in the language.

Evaluation: The illustrations in this book are very detailed and realistic, every line on Hector’s face is clearly visible. This detailed work makes for fun and hilarious facial expressions in not only the human characters, but the goats too. Readers can practically see the texture of the goats skin and fur, which is disturbing-in a good way-when the goats have been sucked dry by the Chupacabra. Even the texture of the Chupacabra’s scaly skin is clearly visible. The illustrations also have a fairly interesting surprise, Hector is clearly smitten with the lady who sells flowers. It is clear in the way he holds his hat and looks at the lady who sells flowers with love in his eyes. This is not related to the story, but is something fun to notice. The text has a fun pattern to it as it switches between Spanish and English. Each sentence is carefully thought out in order to make the switch as neat as possible. Sometimes whole sentences are in one language than translated to the other, other times it switches in the middle of the sentence and back again.

Conclusion: This book was a very interesting read, from the way sentences swapped between Spanish and English to the details of the illustrations. The illustrations were all fun to look at, especially the facial expressions of the goats. It is obvious that a lot of hard work went into the creation of this book. If anyone needs a fun read, or needs a study tool for learning Spanish or English, this book is a definite read.

Reference: Rubin, A. (2018). El Chupacabras (C. McCreery, Illus). Dial Books.

#part-one #bluebonnet award

Newbery Medal

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Justification: This book received the Newbery Medal in 2020. This book is a very interesting read as it contains a smaller story within the larger overall story, making the experience unique and delightful. This book focuses on a Korean family and often includes references to Korean culture. The writer behind the story is of Korean descent, and used her own experience alongside research to weave a marvelous tale. This story adds diversity providing a voice to those from the culture, and a window to those not from the culture.

Evaluation: This story was told in an interesting style, woven throughout the main story was a smaller story told like a fairy tale. This story-within-a-story was important because it gave insight into the main character and her family, and encompassed the theme of the major story. This was done beautifully and enhanced the magic of the book. The use of figurative language throughout the book was done well. Keller was able to paint a magical story, and provide beautiful imagery through her word choices. The characters in this story were very believable, often I could feel the pain of the family as they struggled throughout the story. The interactions between characters were done well. Even the supporting characters had life blown into them as they developed over the course of the story, although not as much as the main character who grew in strides. The dialog allowed readers to glimpse into the relationships between the character and gave insight into how those relationships changed over the course of the story. The dialog also gave us a better understanding of each character's personality and mindset, as well as the emotions they were feeling.

Conclusion: Keller created a magical world through style and language. Her believable characters made it easy to slip into the story’s world, and experience the turbulent emotions of the characters. The story provided a wonderful, magical experience albeit tinged with sadness. This book showed how important stories are to us, and how stories should be treasured.

Reference: Keller, T. (2020). When You Trap A Tiger. Random House Books for Young Readers.

#part-one #newbery medal

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