Growing Minds Through Reading

  Speak BIBLIOGRAPHY Anderson, Laurie H. 1999. Speak .  New York, NY: Houghton Macmillan. ISBN 9780312674397. PLOT SUMMARY Before high school, Melinda had her groups of friends and nothing could be going better.  But one summer night, while at a party, Melinda had to call the cops.  That was the beginning of her rejection as her own friends and even strangers turned against her.  Now, at the start of her freshman year in high school Melinda does not have much to look forward to.  Melinda is going through a very difficult time as she can’t forget what happened that terrible night and can’t talk about it with anybody.  She has terrible grades, is skipping school and her relationship with her parents is not the best.  The only place she finds some solace is in art class where her teacher pushes her to do her best.  At the end, the truth comes out and Melinda can finally speak about what happened.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS It is di...

  Hey, Kiddo BIBLIOGRAPHY Krosoczka, Jarrett J. 2018. Hey, Kiddo .  New York, NY: Scholastic. ISBN 9780545902472. PLOT SUMMARY In this memoir Krosoczka describes how his life was as he was growing up.  He had been living with his mother when his grandfather was granted custody of him.  As a small child, Krosoczka didn’t know why his mother wasn’t around until he was older and learned that she has been dealing with addiction.  His mother comes in and out of the picture while his father has never been around. Later in life, he had the opportunity to meet his dad and his half-brother and sister.  One way that Krosoczka dealt and tried to escape from his situation was through drawing.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS In this graphic novel Krosoczka tells about his life growing up with his grandparents and his mother not being around much.  Many readers, who might be living with other relatives other that their parents, will be able to relate to this story...

  Hello, Universe BIBLIOGRAPHY Kelly, Erin E. 2017. Hello, Universe .   New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 9780062414151. PLOT SUMMARY The lives of four middle school students cross paths in unforeseen events.   There is Virgil who is very shy and looks for the help of his friend Kaori at the end of his sixth-grade school year after he considers himself a Grand Failure. Kaori is willing to help as she considers herself a psychic reading fortunes and the stars.   Valencia is a smart and independent girl who ends up at Kaori’s house as a new client.   And there is Chet, the bully, whose actions put Virgil and his guinea pet in grave danger when they end up at the bottom of a well.   This is the beginning of events that make them wonder if the events were coincidence or they were meant to be.   CRITICAL ANALYSIS Kelly allows the readers to get to know each character well as their story is told from their point of view.   It is easy to see h...