The Burn Journals

The Burn Journals

By Brent Runyon        Alfred A Knoff(2004)      ISBN: 0375826211

In the true story, The Burn Journals, Brent, 14, feels overwhelmed by the challenges he faces in his young life: he gets in trouble frequently, has failed most of his classes, and is overwhelmed by what seems to be an infinite sadness. One day, Brent receives some matches, lights one up, and sets the whole box on fire. In his panic, he throws the fiery box into a locker, igniting a t-shirt. After his is discovered as the arsonist, Brent is
up for expulsion. Feeling utterly beaten down by the “all the stupid things” he’s done, Brent walks to his family’s shed, grabs a can of gasoline and matches, trudges upstairs and locks himself in in the bathroom. There, he proceeds douse himself with gasoline, and like the t-shirt, erupts his body into flames—a move he immediately regrets. With his brother’s help, emergency workers arrive to take Brent to the hospital…

In the The Burn Journals, Brent shares the powerful grip of depression, his grueling recovering, and his willingness to live.

Quantitative: Lexile Level--690L; ATOS-3.8

Qualitative:   Even though ATOS ranks The Burn Journals between a 3rd and 4th grade reading level for independent reading, this book holds an interest level for upper grade students. Due to the graphic nature of Brent’s suicide attempt and some foul language, students in junior high or high school would be able to identify with the content of this book in a more impactful way. Overall the vocabulary used is not complex; however, during Brent’s time in the hospital, medical language is invoked which could confuse students. Context clues are helpful when attempting to make sense of this medical language.  Throughout the memoir, Runyon uses literary devices such as imagery and symbolism to describe the eyes as a window to the soul. The eyes play a significant part in Runyon’s recovery and the reader’s understanding of his pain, since his eyes are the only part he considers to be part of his true self—before and after his attempted suicide. Additionally, once Runyon enters the hospital, the book’s format shifts taking on the structure of a journal. Although dates aren’t always listed, the entries report his experiences as he goes in and out of treatments and recovery centers. Time may become a concern for novice readers without regular dates listed, but the narrative remains linear.

Content Area: English; Peer Resource; Health--Teen suicide; Art--Therapy

Curriculum Suggestions: This is not a book I would recommend for mandatory reading, but it would work well in a health class when examining the impacts of depression. Furthermore, the memoir highlights the painful nature of recovering from bodily burns. This could be used as a primary source to learn about both issues—depression and wound recovery. Additionally, Brent Runyon, through his journal entries, shows the reader the power of art as means of coping with mental health issues like depression. Any teacher—whether it’s in English, health, or art—could have students create a piece of art that represents an emotion that they have been caring. By allowing students to choose both the form and medium of the art piece, teachers offer a differentiated means of expressing that feeling while practicing a coping strategy that Runyon uses himself.

Teachers could also use The Burn Journals as a launch pad to explore how mental health is being addressed in the United States and how treatment compares to other countries.

Common Core Standards: RST 9/10.1-5

Additional/Digital Content:

• This American Life--http://www.thisamericanlife.org/contributors/brent-runyon

• All Things Considered-- http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=3074003

Personal Thoughts: What I appreciated most about The Burn Journals is that it presents the male experience when dealing with depression. We live in a culture that does not cultivate a safe space for sharing feelings, especially for young men. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are not isolated to one sex and Runyon makes this crystal clear. Runyon's attempted suicide occurred in 1991. Today, with kids' access to social media, students have shown that social media increases depression among its users. Growing reports of teenagers committing suicide related to online activity--specifically bullying--makes The Burn Journals as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 2004.

*Meets the “Reading for Pleasure HS/MS” requirement

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars

By John Green     

Dutton Books (2012)         ISBN: 9780525478812

The Fault in Our Stars is about a girl named Hazel Grace living with terminal lung cancer, which makes it hard for her breathe on her own. As a result, she carts around  an oxygen tank to help her breathe normally. Due to her circumstances, her mother makes her attend a cancer support group for teens, where she happens to met a charming and handsome young man,  Augustus Waters. The Fault in Our Stars takes the reader on a journey with these two “star-crossed lovers” and learn how it is to be alive when the odds are all against you. This isn’t a depressing book about two kids who have cancer; it is about two kids who are living their lives through laughter, reading, witty banter, and love. Through their devotion, Hazel Grace and Augustus prove that our lives are defined by how we live, not how we die.

Quantitative: Lexile Level--850L; ATOS--5.5

Qualitative: Do not be fooled by the ATOS measure;The Fault in Our Stars offers depths of complexity that make it suitable for high school students. Because of Hazel and Augustus’ love of reading, allusions to works of literature may prove a challenge to some readers, but makes for a rich reading experience. The highly literate teens throw out vocabulary beyond the level of a typical student that many not read regularly. Using context clues will be necessary for students to make meaning of the text under these circumstances.

Content Area: English; Peer Resource; Health

Curriculum Suggestions: It’s hard enough being a teenager, but when “adult” problems arise, most young students may not have the emotional tools needed to endure them. A Peer Resource class concerned with helping students experiencing trying or stressful situations could learn how impactful friendship and compassion can be. English classes could explore the literary allusions and research those pieces, if not read them, especially at the honors or AP level. Furthermore, classes that read Romeo and Juliet could compare the tragic play to this contemporary piece--What is the significance of the novel’s title when compared to Shakespeare’s classic? Health classes may want to use this book as supplemental reading to units on terminal illness or even healthy relationships.

Common Core Standards: RL.11/12.1-6

Additional/Digital Content:

• John Green, the official site--http://johngreenbooks.com/the-fault-in-our-stars/

• When Teens with Cancer Fall in Love-- http://www.npr.org/2012/01/28/145903081/star-crossed-when-teens-with-cancer-fall-in-love

• Teens Living with Cancer--https://www.teenslivingwithcancer.org/

Personal Thoughts: This is yet another book that addresses harsh, real-world issues. I appreciate Green’s ability to connect with a younger and older audience. Every person that I know who has read this book loves both the story and the storytelling. The Fault in our Stars blends humor and sadness in a way that shows how the two are almost always connected. A great addition to a high school library collection!

*Meets the "Reading for Fun MS/HS" requirement

Homboyz

Homeboys

By Alan Lawrence Sitomer      

Hyperion Paperbacks for Children (2007)         ISBN: 9781423100317

Homeboyz, once a YALSA “Top 10 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers,” depicts the tragic murder of Teddy Andersons’ little sister, Tina. Deeply saddened by Tina’s untimely death, the Anderson family must grieve for Tina, yet another innocent victim of But Teddy, opts for revenge. After conducting some late-night reconnaissance, Teddy plots to retaliate against his sister’s murderers and winds up in juvenile court for attempted murder. Luckily, Teddy avoids serious jail time when he becomes a mentor for a 12-year old, up and coming gangbanger, Micah. In an ironic twist, Micah happens to be involved with the gang, Serpent Street, that killed Teddy’s sister. Teddy, still consumed by anger, continues to plot his revenge, which ends with a violent street brawl against Tina’s killer, Eevil. Although this is a work of fiction, Homeboyz portrays the reality of gang violence for young men growing up in poor, urban neighborhoods, but beyond that, it shows that hope and friendship exists in the most dire of situations.

Quantitative: Lexile Level--860L; ATOS--5.5

Qualitative: When considering interest level, Homeboyz is directed towards an upper grade audience (9th-12th grade). This what would be considered to be a “hi-lo” read--high interest, low level of difficulty. Language could pose a level of complexity for readers due to the urban dialect and street slang. Those unfamiliar with impoverished urban communities may be lacking in cultural knowledge necessary to comprehend the nature of the story. The genres of “hi-lo” and real-world fiction offer a chance for struggling readers to explore the themes these books present more in depth.

Content Area: English; Peer Resource

Curriculum Suggestions: This book could be used in variety of ways. In order to get the most from this book would be to have this available for 9th graders or classes with a large percentage of reluctant readers. Some schools offer English courses designed for the struggling reader in mind. These classes promote reading skills and interaction that help students prepare for the more rigorous reading that occur in other subject areas. Teachers could:

• Create literature circles
• Create thematic reading lists
• Conduct research on juvenile justice
• Research and discuss hip-hop and its connection to literature

Common Core Standards: RL.9/10.2-4, 6-7.

Additional/Digital Content:

• Homeboyz, the official site-- http://www.alanlawrencesitomer.com/books/homeboyz/

• Hip Hop Literature-- http://www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/Resources/Journals/EJ/1025-may2013/EJ1025Hip.pdf

• Hip Hop Helps Teach Everything from English to Algebra-- http://www.edutopia.org/hip-hop-high

• Hip Hop and Education--http://www.ithaca.edu/wise/hip_hop/

• Goodreads: Popular Hi-Lo Books--http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/hi-lo

• Urban Dictionary--http://www.urbandictionary.com  

• The Secret Story of Sonia Rodriguez-- http://www.alanlawrencesitomer.com/books/sonia/

• YASLA 2104 Top Ten Quick Picks-- http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2014-top-ten-quick-picks-reluctant-young-adult-readers

Personal Thoughts: Homeboyz has the potential to qualify as a “home run” book for reluctant readers. Most students that read this book come back to the library looking for more just like it.

*Meets the "Reading for Fun HS/MS" requirement

Go Ask Alice

Go Ask Alice

By Anonymous               Edited by Beatrice Sparks            

Simon Pulse (1971)         ISBN: 0671664581

Go Ask Alice, edited by Beatrice Sparks, is the diary of an anonymous fifteen year old girl. Like many teenage girls, she struggles with her popularity, weight, and boys. One night, the cool crowd invites the narrator to a party and she experiences an unknowing, yet pleasurable high after consuming a drink laced with LSD. As the summer progresses, she becomes more and more addicted to a variety of drugs. As her addiction intensifies, her writing transforms into detailed remembrances of her drug trips. Eventually, the drugs overpower the diarist--she leaves her home and her loving family only to endure the harsh and unforgiving city streets and eventually loses her life.

Quantitative: Lexile Level--1010L; ATOS--5.7

Qualitative: Due to Go Ask Alice’s diary format, students may need to adjust to the structure and style of writing. However, all readers--reluctant ones included--find the story moving, compelling, and educational. Students will struggle with the cultural references and slang given that Go Ask Alice is set during the 1960s. Despite a need to scaffold for lacking background and cultural knowledge, the book’s access points and themes still resonate with readers today. Although ATOS recommends this book for 5th graders, Go Ask Alice would be appropriately placed on a 7th-10th grade reading list. Upperclassmen and adults even appreciate the novel’s value.

Content Area: English; Peer Resource; Health--Drugs.

Curriculum Suggestions: Because of the content, Go Ask Alice would be an excellent addition to any English, Peer Resource or Health class outside reading list. As the CCSS push thematic lessons, teachers could coordinate cross-curricular units that touch on addiction or even the 1960s counter culture. The journal structure of the novel could also be a means of encouraging journal writing. Students could take a secondary source on an event and convert it into a fictional firsthand account. Additionally, the novel could be used to question authenticity. A mini-research assignment involving the questionable non-fiction origin of Go Ask Alice could be a way to discuss credibility and an author’s intent.

Common Core Standards: RL.9/10.3, 5; W.9/10.3,10.

Additional/Digital Content:

• The House that Alice Built-- http://www.scribd.com/doc/29873595/Go-Ask-Alice-Lit-Crit-The-House-That-Alice-Built

• Establishing a Genre-- http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/11/15/reviews/981115.15oppenht.html

• Snopes.com: Fact or Fiction-- http://www.snopes.com/language/literary/askalice.asp

• ALA’s 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books-- http://www.ala.org/bbooks/100-most-frequently-challenged-books-1990%E2%80%931999

• Go Ask Alice full movie--http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMM3X3hqj3w

Personal Thoughts: In my experience, students that read Go Ask Alice love it. The gaps in cultural and background knowledge do not leave them unsatisfied with the content and message of the story. The fact is that students--no matter what the era--will experiment with drug use and sex. This book does not encourage this type of behavior, but rather serves as a cautionary tale.

*Meets the "Reading for Fun HS/MS" Requirement

Sharp Objects

Sharp Objects

By Gillian Flynn            Broadway Paperbacks (2006)         ISBN: 9780307341556

Flynn keeps a reader on his/her toes right from the beginning with this murder mystery thriller. It has been a long time since Camille Preaker, a journalist working for a Chicago newspaper, has been in contact with her hypochondriac mother and 13-year old half sister. But when she is asked to cover the mysterious murders of two young girls from her hometown of Wind Gap, Missouri, she is reminded of why she stayed away for so long. A cutter, Camille suffers from spouts of depression and self-loathing despite her beauty and her intellect. The more she investigates the murders, the more she realizes just how close to home these murders really hit. Flynn weaves a story that addresses a mother’s ability to give life and take it away.  

Quantitative: Lexile Level--NA; ATOS--NA;

Flesch-Kincaid grade level--8.7; Flesch-Kincaid ease--54.9

Qualitative: Sharp Objects came to my attention when some students came into the library raving about the book. I looked it up, read the reviews, and thought I’d give it a try. This book is definitely geared towards a mature audience--11th and 12th graders and beyond. Parents may find Sharp Objects  too replete with sexual content, but the issues and access points that it addresses speaks to many students, especially young women since it touches on body perception, self-mutilation, teenage partying, and mother-daughter relationships. The overall structure, narration, and language do not make this a particularly complex text; however, the foreshadowing adds to the interactive nature a reader experiences while reading Sharp Objects.

Content Area: English; Peer Resource; Journalism; Health.

Curriculum Suggestions: Due to the graphic nature of this novel, I would suggest Sharp Objects for pleasure reading only.  It has the potential to be used in a peer resource class to elucidate the struggle associated with depression and self-injury, but it may not meet the needs of the students.

Common Core Standards: RL.11/12.2-3

Additional/Digital Content:

• The Female Gaze, an all women’s blog dedicated to reviewing books- http://www.femalegazereview.com/post/45358133000/sharp-objects-by-gillian-flynn-

• Teens Health--http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/cutting.html

Personal Thoughts: Personally, I really enjoyed this book. Although I could see the controversy that may arise by adding it to a school library collection, it does touch on very real, authentic experiences students can relate to. Flynn’s focus on women really spotlights how women are treated and how they treat one another.

*Meets the "Reading for Fun HS/MS" Requirement

Valentine Road

Valentine Road

An HBO documentary directed by Marta Cunningham (2013)

In this documentary, filmmaker Marta Cunningham, investigates the case of Brandon McInerney, 14,charged with the murder of his classmate Larry King, 15. On February 12, 2008 at E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard, CA, Brandon approached Larry while the class worked in a computer lab and shot Larry in the back of the head. Larry survived the gun wound, only to die a few days later as a result of his injury.

The documentary explores how this tragic event came to be. Interviews are conducted with both friends and family of both boys, which provides insight into their character and background. When the incident occurred, Larry was living at a group home after being removed from his living situation after allegations of abuse were reported and Brandon lived with his grandfather due to his parents’ shared drug addiction. By portraying both young boys’ background, the audience begins to understand how the tragedy began years before these two boys even shared the same class.

Interviews from the boys’ teacher, Dawn Boldrin, former teachers, administrators, and attorneys add legal perspectives to the case including the logic of pursuing a hate crime conviction and trying Brandon as an adult.  It is argued that Brandon killed Larry because of Larry’s homosexuality and feminine attire, which is also argued was condoned and even encouraged by the school’s principal and Boldrin. In addition, because Brandon had just turned 14 at the time of the murder, he was eligible to be tried as an adult according to California law.

Brandon and Larry’s story really highlights how the adults in these boys’ lives failed them. The documentary does a thorough job allowing all voices from all sides be heard.

Quantitative: No Lexile Level or ATOS available

Qualitative: This film could be examined through many different lenses. Because of the sensitive nature of this film, I would recommend this for 11th and 12th graders. The film, rated NR, could pose a problem at some schools given the topics that emerge from it. The various access points, and

Content Area: English; Art--Film; Psychology; Government/Ethics; Health; Peer Resource.

Curriculum Suggestions: On the surface, this film could be used to discuss bullying or gay rights in the school setting. Beyond that, Valentine Road touches on:

• Child abuse
• Addiction
• Child protective services
• Education code--student rights and teacher rights
• Gun control
• School shootings
• Juvenile justice

Teachers could have students research these controversial issues and devise solutions or methods to address them. I know this sounds very broad, but there are many angles that a teacher could target in order to create a very authentic learning experience.

Common Core Standards: SL.11/12.1-6; RH.11/12.1-3; W. 11/12.1, 4-6.

	Additional/Digital Content: Valentine Road Home Page--             http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/valentine-road# Valentine Road Facebook Page--            https://www.facebook.com/valentineroaddoc- Overview of the murder of Larry King-- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Larry_King Time Magazine article-- http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2090287,00.html Overview from NPR--           http://www.npr.org/2013/09/30/226597210/valentine-road-a-path-to-teen-tragedy Personal Thoughts: Because of the local nature of this tragedy, it is important for students that live in Oxnard--where I work--understand the factors that both directly and indirectly contributed to Larry’s death. Beyond examining controversial issues, the documentary conveys the power of acceptance and compassion. It is a beautiful film that captures the horrific nature of what happened at E.O. Green and that healing must begin with remembering. *This meets the "media item" requirement