The Cazzy Files

A slight change in address

Thank you for stopping by! The Cazzy Files is now hosted on WordPress - the address is http://thecazzyfiles.com. Please visit me in my new blog home.

Tween Tuesday: Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

Today is my first post for the weekly meme Tween Tuesday. It is hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen to highlight great reads for tweens.

Here is an example of how captivating Mockingbird is: While on vacation together, my sister saw this book sitting on a table, picked up, and was hooked within one chapter. She enjoyed Caitlin's character, and connected with the author's purpose in writing (my sister is a Virginia Tech graduate). After we both finished, we discussed the merits of the book and agreed it is a terrific read.

The book begins after Caitlin's beloved brother Devin has been slain in a middle-school shooting (a little close to home for me). I found it interesting that Caitlin is grieving, but is unable to connect her actions and words with the emotion 'grief". In Caitlin's world, emotions are gray and difficult to understand, and she likes things in black and white. This is due to her condition, Asperger's syndrome.

Ms. Erskine uses color as a symbol, perhaps a bit heavily to an adult reader, but for a middle grader reader, I think it is just right. If I were still teaching English, this would be a perfect class novel for sixth grade. Especially because of the reference to To Kill a Mockingbird, it would be a fantastic preparation for a future read of that classic.

Other merits of the book: the supporting characters are well rounded, the resolution is believable, and Caitlin experiences believable character growth. I teared up multiple times, and my compliments to Ms. Erskine for her writing, because I was completely in Caitlin's head.

I can't really think of anything I didn't like, although I do wish that so many Asperger's and autistic characters were not always portrayed as artistically talented. The biggest drawback to the book is really Caitlin's age. Since most students want to read about characters older than themselves, it might be difficult to convince students who possess the requisite maturity to pick this up. Hand selling is required!

---

Source: ARC picked up at ALA Midwinter
Related reads:

Characters dealing with grief

Rain is Not My Indian Name by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Stories that deal with school shootings

After by Francine Prose
Shooter by Walter Dean Myers

Will someone just pay me to read, please?

The ALA Annual Conference is almost over, and what a whirlwind it has been! Aside from the excitement of the exhibit floor, I interacted with authors during the YA Coffee Klatch; participated in my first meetings as a PPYA member; networked with librarians from around the country; made new friends; and reaffirmed my passion for YA literature.

By the way, if anyone wants an eating recommendation, Zaytinya is a fantastic Mediterranean tapas establishment. The Greek white wines are delicious, too!

Our PPYA meetings have been very interesting. One of my subcommittees changed its title, and therefore slightly expanded the focus of nominations. I am curious to see how that plays out in future nominations between now and Midwinter. My other subcommittee is also expanding its focus, but we aren't changing the title or tagline as yet. Both changes have me excited, and during the meetings I was already listing titles I will nominate when I return home.

I met numerous authors today, and each was a thrill. I know they are all "real people," but it is still amazing to me that people who have created such marvelous stories have any interest in what I might say (even if I am simply complimenting their work!). 

What am I excited to read? Well, The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith, for starters. Also The Clockwork Three by Matthew Kirby, Stolen by Lucy Christopher, and Tell Me A Secret by Holly Cupala. I didn't get a copy of this title, but saw a discussion guide for it and I am intrigued: The Clone Codes by Patricia McKissack and company. I will definitely be checking that out of the library upon my return!

I'm sure my TBR list has become ridiculously bloated at this point. Even so, it gives me something to look forward to. And plenty to choose from when I am trying to decide, "what should I read next?"

Poetry Friday: Light-Gathering Poems

The poetry collection I am highlighting for this week is Light-Gathering Poems, edited by Liz Rosenberg. In the introduction, Ms. Rosenberg states that the book is "intended as a healing answer, poems that in one way or another turn toward the light." The myriad styles and subjects, as well as the various poets represented, create a thought-provoking collection.

With a class, it would be interesting to read a few of these poems and discuss why they were included. How do they fit the theme? Probe further by asking students, "What other poems could be added?" That might involve a poetry hunt.

A project that draws on student choice and critical thinking is a songbook. Each student in the class is tasked with selecting a song that fits the theme. A short explanation of why the song was chosen and how it fits the theme would accompany it. Creating a CD of the songs for the class would further extend the project. Hmmm... maybe I'll try that next year!

My poem today is "Wishing Well" by Kate Schmitt. This is my first encounter with Ms. Schmitt's poetry, but I will definitely be seeking out more.

The mesh of the blanket tangles
and lumps of comforter
two-toned flannel and bedspread
twist and slip.

I haven't slept in a week
so I wear my brown hooded
sweatshirt with the hoodstrings
pulled tightly around my face.

I picture a wishing well
with edges of greening minerals
and coins dull with old water.
I throw my wish in a copper arc.

After I've thrown it I lie
unconcerned. These things take time.

I am hosting Poetry Friday this week! I tried to use Simply Linked, but that didn't work. Please leave a comment with a link and a hint about your post. I will add links to the post on Saturday - I will be traveling all day Friday. Thanks for participating!

Links

1. Father Goose offers the poem "Air Ships."
2. Linda is featuring a poem by William Stafford.

Poetry Friday: Honoring Mom

It is nice to be back! In honor of Mother's Day, I am selecting a poem from the book Dear Mother, Dear Daughter: Poems for Young People by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple. The book deals with a variety of issues teens experience, explored from two persepectives. Some of the poems are funny, some are poignant. The one I chose makes me smile because of my own need as a teen to set myself apart through piercing.

"Can I Please?"

I don't want to dye my hair bright blue
or get a nose ring
or a tribal tattoo.

I don't want to sky-dive from a plane
or touch a live wire
in the rain.

Nothing dangerous.
Nothing to cause tears.

All I want is to pierce my ears!

Visit Random Noodling, today's Poetry Friday host, for more poems!