Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos

Genre: Autobiography

Honors: ALA Best Book for Young Adults, Michael Printz Award/Honor Book

Review: This autobiographical account begins with Gantos discussing the picture on the book cover which features his mug shot.  The image serves to intrigue the reader and it is made clear this is not going to be the usual autobiographical novel.   Before he describes his criminal activities Gantos describes his mediocre performance in school, his interest in being a writer, and his lack of motivation due to excessive drug use and his low self-esteem.  Gantos eventually gets offered an opportunity to smuggle hashish into the United States for a large amount of cash.  He decides to take the risk and go on the uncertain journey.  Along the way, the reader shares in Gantos’ ups and downs and in the end develops a deeper understanding of the man and writer.

Opinion: This is a fascinating autobiography.  After reading the book I felt like I could not only relate to Gantos and his struggles but I also I really liked him as a person.  This is a worthwhile book for young adults because it is an honest look at the inadequacies many young adults feel about their abilities.  Gantos exposes his vulnerabilities and shows that he too was lost, but over time, managed to find his calling and successfully pursued his interests.  

Ideas:  In the library or on the library website make a display of author autobiographies and biographies.  Connect these to the other books written by the author.  Readers can be exposed to the writings of this author and can also learn about them in a personal manner. 

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Genre: Historical Fiction

Honors: Pura Belpre Award, YALSA Top Ten, NCTE Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts

Review: Esperanza has the perfect life; loving parents, a beautiful home on a ranch, and all the fine things a young girl could want.  One day, during an uprising in historical Mexico, her beloved father is murdered and her life changes drastically.  Esperanza and her family are forced to move to the United States and work as pickers in the agricultural fields of California.  Esperanza must change her lavish lifestyle, and more importantly, her privileged attitude if she is going to survive.  In this inspirational account of a young Mexican girl, readers will learn that even in the most challenging and oppressive situations the human spirit can rise. 

Opinion: This is a fantastic book.  It is heartwarming and inspirational and at the same time a realistic and contemporary piece that includes issues that many families are still facing.  

Ideas: I think this book is great for all readers, but may be little low-level for some sophisticated readers.  It might be a good recommendation for students that have immigrated from Mexico recently and are still learning English.  There are many Spanish words in the novel, and the reading level is low enough that it will be manageable for English learners.  Also, the story takes place partly in Mexico and partly in the US much like the lives of some modern Mexican families. 

Japanese School Girl Inferno: Tokyo Teen Fashion Subculture Handbook by Patrick Macias and Izumi Evers

Genre: Contemporary, Fashion

Honors: None Found 

Review: Prepare to be amazed and inspired as you take in the magnificent and elaborate fashion trends of young Japanese women.  In chronological order, Japanese Schoolgirl Inferno, explores notable fashion trends in Japan.  Each trend has a dedicated section which includes pictures, drawings, and diagrams detailing the features of the specific fashion.  While the text is interesting, it is the real-life pictures that make this book absolutely captivating. 
 
Opinion: I kept going back and looking through this book.  It is absolutely fascinating and I really enjoyed it.  Teens will go crazy for this book!

Ideas: Display this book with Manga books that have images of girls that may be dressed in similar fashion trends.

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Genre: Historical Fiction

Honors: NCTE Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts

Review: This powerful and educational account of a Hitler Youth will inspire teen readers.  The novel is based on a real boy named Helmuth that lived in Hamburg during the Nazi regime and become recruited into the Hitler Youth Organization.   In a time when speaking or even learning about the truth could lead to loss of civil rights or even death, Helmuth risks his life to try to empower the people.  Through Helmuth’s courageous actions readers will understand the true meaning of sacrifice and valor.   The facts and pictures in this novel add to the realism and provide images to connect and enhance this dramatic story.

Opinion: I highly recommend this book to young adults and adult readers.  The writer is able to bring Helmuth's story to life and explain who he was and why his contribution was so important.  The story shows how young boys were pressured to be part of the Hitler Youth and that not all of them believed in the regime, but few dared to speak out.  

Ideas: Combine this novel with the nonfiction, young adult book, "Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler's Shadow" for a more complete understanding of the Hitler Youth.  The real-life Helmuth is featured in this book and so are some of the other characters in the fiction novel.