Module 6

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Craft,Jerry. 2019. NEW KID. HarperCollins. ISBN 9780062691200 

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In “New Kid” we meet Jordan Banks, who absolutely loves to draw about his life. He is quite talented, instead of sending him to an art school his parents send him to a school that is known for their academics. Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade, as he is going from his Washington Heights apartments to his new school, he finds himself in between two different worlds and is having trouble finding himself within them. As we read we get to see his self-journey to find himself.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

"New Kid" by Jerry Craft is a graphic novel about Jordan Banks, he’s a seventh grader who starts attending a private school and he faces challenges based on his race. In this book Craft explores many themes such as diversity, self journey within their identity and managing stereotypes and microaggressions. We can see how Jordans growth advances as he gets the courage within interactions, and as readers we get to see this narrative unfold. Craft does an excellent job within the illustrations and adding detail so that it enhances the story. “New Kid '' is a great read, and gets readers to reflect on social issues, and how to be better advocates for each other.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Kirkus Reviews starred (November 1, 2018)

Jordan Banks takes readers down the rabbit hole and into his mostly white prep school in this heartbreakingly accurate middle-grade tale of race, class, microaggressions, and the quest for self-identity. He may be the new kid, but as an African-American boy from Washington Heights, that stigma entails so much more than getting lost on the way to homeroom. Riverdale Academy Day School, located at the opposite end of Manhattan, is a world away, and Jordan finds himself a stranger in a foreign land, where pink clothing is called salmon, white administrators mistake a veteran African-American teacher for the football coach, and white classmates ape African-American Vernacular English to make themselves sound cool. Jordan’s a gifted artist, and his drawings blend with the narrative to give readers a full sense of his two worlds and his methods of coping with existing in between. Craft skillfully employs the graphic-novel format to its full advantage, giving his readers a delightful and authentic cast of characters who, along with New York itself, pop off the page with vibrancy and nuance. Shrinking Jordan to ant-sized proportions upon his entering the school cafeteria, for instance, transforms the lunchroom into a grotesque Wonderland in which his lack of social standing becomes visually arresting and viscerally uncomfortable. An engrossing, humorous, and vitally important graphic novel that should be required reading in every middle school in America. (Graphic fiction. 10-14)

School Library Journal (November 1, 2018)

Gr 4-7-Jordan Banks is anxious about being the new kid at Riverdale, especially since he'd rather be going to art school. He's even more nervous when he realizes that, unlike in his Washington Heights neighborhood, at Riverdale, he's one of the few kids of color. Despite some setbacks, Jordan eventually makes a few friends and chronicles his experiences in his sketch pad. This is more than a story about being the new kid-it's a complex examination of the micro- and macro aggressions that Jordan endures from classmates and teachers. He is regularly mistaken for the other black kids at school. A teacher calls another black student by the wrong name and singles him out during discussions on financial aid. Even Jordan's supportive parents don't always understand the extent of the racism he faces. This book opens doors for additional discussion. Craft's illustrations are at their best during the vibrant full-page spreads. The art loses a bit of detail during crowd scenes, but the characters' emotions are always well conveyed. Jordan's black-and-white notebook drawings are the highlight of this work, combining effective social commentary with the protagonist's humorous voice. VERDICT Highly recommended for all middle grade shelves.-Gretchen Hardin, Sterling Municipal Library, Baytown, TX © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist starred (November 15, 2018 (Vol. 115, No. 6))

Grades 4-7. Don’t let the title fool you. Seventh-grader Jordan Banks may be the new kid at his upper-crust private school, but this remarkably honest and accessible story is not just about being new; it's unabashedly about race. Example after uncomfortable example hits the mark: casual assumptions about black students’ families and financial status, black students being mistaken for one another, well-intentioned teachers awkwardly stumbling over language, competition over skin tones among the black students themselves. Yet it’s clear that everyone has a burden to bear, from the weird girl to the blond boy who lives in a mansion, and, indeed, Jordan only learns to navigate his new world by not falling back on his own assumptions. Craft’s easy-going art and ingenious use of visual metaphor loosen things up considerably, and excerpts from Jordan’s sketch book provide several funny, poignant, and insightful asides. It helps keep things light and approachable even as Jordan’s parents tussle over the question of what’s best for their son—to follow the world’s harsh rules so he can fit in or try to pave his own difficult road. A few climactic moments of resolution feel a touch too pat, but Craft’s voice rings urgent and empathetic. Speaking up about the unrepresented experience of so many students makes this a necessary book, particularly for this age group. Possibly one of the most important graphic novels of the year.

5. CONNECTIONS

• Road to self discovery, finding oneself with faced with challenges

• Social awareness understanding ones and each others backgrounds 

• Prejudice and racism and how this can play a role in one's journey

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Telgemeier,Raina. 2022. GHOSTS GraphixanimprintofScholastic. ISBN 9780545540629

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this graphic novel Catrina and her family have made a huge move, by moving to Northern California, in order to help Maya because she is sick. Maya has cystic fibrosis and Catrina knows that this will be great for Maya, but is uneasy about what it might mean for her and the transition.  Catrina struggles with the feeling of missing her friends, and then soon the issue of “ghosts”, which she is unsure of how to feel about. The cultural celebration of “El dia de los Muertos” is arising, Maya is all in, but Cat is still not sure what it'll all entail. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this graphic novel we can see how Telgemeier explores many themes throughout the book, sibling relationships, illness, and family/self growth. The detail in the illustrations make the story feel more authentic, especially when thinking about the “los días de los muertos” element in the story. Her writing style also makes it authentic in having our character's mother have conversations that many generations may now be having when thinking of traditions our ancestors may have done, and how we may or may not still follow them. I am in awe of how authentic she is. She is also able to have Maya, Cat’s sister's character, authentic to her genetic condition and you can see how she took the time to research to get it just right. As readers we can also empathize with our main character Cat who is struggling with the move, and with the tradition at hand who is presented with “ghosts”, and her sister's condition. As the story develops we get to see a narrative that is true to some and their family/sisterly bond and even trusting relationships with new friends. Overall Telgemeier does a great job in staying authentic to the culture, the story line and making the reader feel invested in this compelling story.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book Magazine (September/October, 2016)

Telgemeier presents modern magical realism in a graphic novel format. Almost-sixth-grader Catrina and her family move north from sunny Southern California to the foggy (fictional) town of Bahia de la Luna -- in part to make breathing easier for Cat’s little sister Maya, who has cystic fibrosis. The sisters meet their ghost-obsessed neighbor Carlos, who teaches them about the town’s traditions (the townspeople are serious about Dia de los Muertos and all things supernatural) and sparks a renewed interest in the kids’ Mexican roots, especially their deceased abuela. When the girls meet ghosts face to face, the results are scary both physically and psychologically, with Maya’s health declining and Cat’s anxieties escalating. At the town’s otherworldly (and theologically fuzzy) Day of the Dead celebration, the sisters get a chance to focus on the moment. The plot is paced steadily, building to moments of high emotion, often seen in enlarged panels or full-page illustrations. A muted color palette reflects the foggy, misty setting. Ghosts appear in bed sheet–like from afar, but at close range resemble human skeletons with smiling faces, making them more approachable and even comforting than frightening. From sisterly squabbles to tween crushes, the characters’ interactions feel genuine, with plenty of relatable dialogue and interests (e.g., gaming, texting, and pumpkin spice cosmetics). Notes on cystic fibrosis and Dia de los Muertos (but nothing about the cultural liberties taken) are appended. elisa gall September/October 2016 p 120

Kirkus Reviews starred (July 15, 2016)

Catrina narrates the story of her mixed-race (Latino/white) family’s move from Southern California to Bahía de la Luna on the Northern California coast.Dad has a new job, but it’s little sister Maya’s lungs that motivate the move: she has had cystic fibrosis since birth—a degenerative breathing condition. Despite her health, Maya loves adventure, even if her lungs suffer for it and even when Cat must follow to keep her safe. When Carlos, a tall, brown, and handsome teen Ghost Tour guide introduces the sisters to the Bahía ghosts—most of whom were Spanish-speaking Mexicans when alive—they fascinate Maya and she them, but the terrified Cat wants only to get herself and Maya back to safety. When the ghost adventure leads to Maya’s hospitalization, Cat blames both herself and Carlos, which makes seeing him at school difficult. As Cat awakens to the meaning of Halloween and Day of the Dead in this strange new home, she comes to understand the importance of the ghosts both to herself and to Maya. Telgemeier neatly balances enough issues that a lesser artist would split them into separate stories and delivers as much delight textually as visually. The backmatter includes snippets from Telgemeier’s sketchbook and a photo of her in Día makeup. Telgemeier’s bold colors, superior visual storytelling, and unusual subject matter will keep readers emotionally engaged and unable to put down this compelling tale. (Graphic fiction. 8-12)

School Library Journal (June 1, 2016)

Gr 4-8-Catrina and her family have just moved to Northern California. Bahía de la Luna is different from Cat's hometown-for one thing, everyone is obsessed with ghosts-but the sea air makes it easier for Cat's younger sister, Maya, who has cystic fibrosis (CF), to breathe. Carlos, a new friend and neighbor, introduces the girls to a different perspective on the spiritual world. Ghosts, he says, aren't frightening; they're the spirits of loved ones. Cat has her doubts-especially after a ghostly encounter puts Maya in the hospital-but as Day of the Dead celebrations draw closer, she starts to reconsider. Readers will relate to these realistically flawed characters. Maya is frank about her illness and optimistic despite her awareness that her prognosis is poor, while Cat struggles, feeling intensely protective of her sister, anxious about her illness, and resentful about the limitations that Maya's condition places upon the whole family. Themes such as the sibling bond, death, and culture are expertly woven throughout. As Cat comes to terms with the existence of ghosts, she also navigates her background (her father is white, while her mother is Mexican). Telgemeier employs the cheerful cartoon artwork that fans of Smile, Drama, and Sisters know and love, but her palette is more muted in places, fitting the book's somewhat serious and somber themes. VERDICT A can't-miss addition to middle grade graphic novel shelves; hand to fans of the author and newcomers alike.-Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

5. CONNECTIONS 

• Siblings and family, this is a great book to talk about some family challenges children may face

• Adolescence and coming of age, such as change, and the transformation of our character, and self journey. (Moving)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Krosoczka,Jarrett. 2019. LUNCH LADY: AND THE CYBORG SUBSTITUTE. AlfredAKnopf.. ISBN 9780375846830

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In the book, Hector, Terrence, and Dee have always wondered about their school lunch lady, what she does when she isn’t serving lunch. They have no clue that their “lunch lady” does so much more than just serve food! 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Krosoczka keeps the storyline authentic to what school life would be like within this age range, or what we see portrayed in movies, shows, and something that actually plays out in real life. Such as the bullying in the beginning of the story which most movies use as the bully with the “lunch money”. The detail to the illustrations and text to follow makes the story an easy and engaging one to follow. Within the story the readers can see the “behind the scenes” within the lunch lady’s “double life”. The author's writing style really helps us understand all that is going on even if the storyline switches between the two scenes of in school and behind the scenes. Overall, this was an enjoyable and engaging story. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Kirkus Reviews (June 1, 2009)

Punk Farm creator Krosoczka breaks out of picture books with this agreeably silly graphic novel for young readers. Classmates Hector, Dee and Terrence have always wondered about the Lunch Lady: What does she do when she's not making chicken-patty pizza? Tending to her many cats? Taking care of her family? After some amateur sleuthing, the kids discover that their Lunch Lady is out fighting the forces of evil, of course, with her trusty sidekick, Betty. This dynamic duo uncovers a nefarious plot hatched by a villainous teacher to overrun the school with cyborg substitutes. Backed up by Betty's ingenious arsenal of amalgamated cafeteria utensils including Spatu-copter, Chicken Nugget Bombs and Lunch Tray Laptop, the two are on the case. This graphic novel alternates between boxy, regular panels and full-page spreads, keeping readers' visual interest piqued. Filled with goofy puns and grayscale art with cheery yellow accents, this is a delightfully fun escapist read. Be sure to recommend this to fans of Captain Underpants. Publishes simultaneously with Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians (ISBN: 978-0-375-94684-4; paper 978-0-375-84684-7). (Graphic fiction. 7-10)

Booklist (March 1, 2009 (Vol. 105, No. 13))

Grades 2-4. This tongue-in-cheek superheroine graphic novel will hit the spot for chapter-book readers. Lunch Lady and Betty, her assistant in both the cafeteria and her role of wrong-­righting supersleuth, investigate the strange case of an absent teacher, his creepy substitute, and a plan to grab the Teacher of the Year Award by truly foul means. Three little kids join in the action as Lunch Lady, equipped with a variety of high-tech kitchen gadgets like a spatu-copter and a lunch-tray laptop, tracks a cleverly disguised robot to his maker’s lab, where a whole army of cyborgs require kicking, stomping, and the wielding of fish-stick nunchucks. Yellow-highlighted pen-and-ink cartoons are as energetic and smile-provoking as Lunch Lady’s epithets of “Cauliflower!” and Betty’s ultimate weapon, the hairnet. There is a nice twist in the surprise ending, and the kids’ ability to stand up to the school bully shows off their newfound confidence in a credible manner. Little details invite and reward repeat readings with visual as well as verbal punning.

Horn Book (4/1/10)

Three friends (a.k.a. "the Breakfast Bunch") wonder what the lunch lady does when she's not cooking. Little do they know she's a superhero in disguise, complete with flying Spatu-copter and lunch tray laptop. This tongue-in-cheek graphic novel series, illustrated in bold black-and-white with vibrant highlighter-yellow accents, is a strong choice for superhero-

5. CONNECTIONS 

*This can be connected to other comic books, and their similarities (like others in the series or series that are similar)

*Robot fiction

*Women heroes in fiction stories

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kwame,Alexander. 2014.. THE CROSSOVER HoughtonMifflinCourt. ISBN  9780544107717

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This novel is written in many verses, we can see Josh and Jordans twin sibling relationship, as basketball players. They are stars in the basketball court, and their father was also one of a kind in the sport. As the season for basketball begins, it also brings out tension between the brothers. Jordan starts dating a girl and this causes issues with his brother Josh, then soon after their fathers health starts to go downhill, which brings in a different strain of stress.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Kwame, captures the real and raw feelings within siblings and the strains that a health scare may cause on a family. We can see, feel this through his writing, and the characters' back and forth communication. I thoroughly enjoyed how the book was written in verse, it truly engages the reader and keeps them wanting to read more, since it gives us a short and quick part. His writing style was also quite compelling and knowing that this was about basketball, I know that many people who can relate to the sport or know of basketball will be able to decipher some of the metaphors, or word play that he uses within his subtitles or the story itself. 

Overall, this story captures the gravity of basketball and how it can tie into your family, the value of it all, and how we can grow through hardships and new challenges that may arise. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book Guide starred (Fall 2019)

This graphic-novel adaption of Alexander's Newbery Medal–winning verse novel, about African American twins and middle-school b-ballers Josh and JB Bell, retains all the on-court drama, swaggering narrative voice, and poignant emotional pitches of the original. The basketball action comes alive in the angular, motion-filled art, in shades of black, white, and (aptly) orange; the art also captures the story's more tender social interactions, moments of familial intimacy, and later scenes of heartbreak surrounding the boys' father's death.

Kirkus Reviews starred (January 15, 2014)

Basketball-playing twins find challenges to their relationship on and off the court as they cope with changes in their lives. Josh Bell and his twin, Jordan, aka JB, are stars of their school basketball team. They are also successful students, since their educator mother will stand for nothing else. As the two middle schoolers move to a successful season, readers can see their differences despite the sibling connection. After all, Josh has dreadlocks and is quiet on court, and JB is bald and a trash talker. Their love of the sport comes from their father, who had also excelled in the game, though his championship was achieved overseas. Now, however, he does not have a job and seems to have health problems the parents do not fully divulge to the boys. The twins experience their first major rift when JB is attracted to a new girl in their school, and Josh finds himself without his brother. This novel in verse is rich in character and relationships. Most interesting is the family dynamic that informs so much of the narrative, which always reveals, never tells. While Josh relates the story, readers get a full picture of major and minor players. The basketball action provides energy and rhythm for a moving story. Poet Alexander deftly reveals the power of the format to pack an emotional punch. (Verse fiction. 9-12)

School Library Journal (October 1, 2014)

Gr 5-9-Everything seems to be going right for Josh "Filthy McNasty" Bell. His life has always been defined by two things: being a twin and being a great basketball player. When his brother Jordan gets a girlfriend, the boys' relationship becomes strained. To make matters worse, Josh is suspended from the team, and their father's health starts going downhill. With his life falling apart, Josh starts doing a lot of soul searching and wondering if there is more to life than basketball. Narrator Corey Allen brings a unique dimension to Alexander's (He Said, She Said) tale. Although Allen's poetic pace takes a little getting used to, his intonation gives realistic, unique dimension to the voice of a teenage boy. Other voices are easily distinguished and seem fitting. The plot, though relatively simple, is well developed and full of energy. Jazz, reading, hip-hop, and school life are blended together with finesse and engage the listener. Avid and reluctant readers who like sports, coming-of-age stories, and realistic fiction will enjoy listening to this work.-Kira Moody, Whitmore Library, Salt Lake City, UT (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

5. CONNECTIONS 

• Twins/sibling relationship 

• New relationships and the shift in one's life because of them

• Basketball (there is a series on Disney that has Lebron James as a producer based on this series)