Through the Woods

Bibliographic Information

Carroll, Emily. Through the Woods. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2014. Print. 

Summary

Through the Woods is a graphic collection of short stories which focus on the dark elements of the woods at night. Author Emily Carroll clearly reflects the influences of fairy tales and gothic stories in her stylization and plots. Each of the five graphic tales tells the story of a dark thing lurking in the night, usually with an unexpected twist. The drawings are well-done and just creepy enough throughout the tales, keeping the mood just right as they progress. 

Analysis

This book’s greatest strength is in Carroll’s ability to draw a reader into her imagination through her drawings. Each one is in just the right color palette, evoking just the right mood to continue the story. The stories are intriguing and often unexpected. They play on traditional tales without falling into the trap of being entirely predictable. For some readers, it may be bothersome that not all the tales end conclusively. A couple left me wanting a little bit at the end, which is certainly intentional, but could bother some readers. 

Through the Woods would definitely be appealing to any teens who like reading graphic novels. Since it’s in a short story format within the graphic set-up, it also provides a slightly different reading experience than many other books. I think it would also appeal to anyone who leans towards original fairy tales and their dark endings. I would give this a book a place in the canon of young adult graphic texts. It is definitely for an older young adult audience, since many of the stories include slightly gruesome elements, but it’s formatting as a graphic collection of short stories is intriguing and compelling, especially since it is a rarer format. 

Activity

After reading Through the Woods, students could write their own stories, graphic or otherwise. It could be a story based in the fairy tale tradition, as these ones are. Perhaps it would be even more beneficial to have students choose the sort of story they’d like to reinterpret. Maybe some students want to rewrite westerns, or sci-fi, or romance. It would be great to have them all do a graphic format, but as a failure at graphic design myself, I’m hesitant to suggest that since it can cause some students to shut down. 

Related Resources

For students who enjoy graphic novels, both Anya’s Ghost and Sarah and the Seed are also folk/fairy tales told in a graphic form. They also both have strong elements of gothic storytelling in them, which will appeal to anyone who enjoyed Through the Woods. 

Brosgol, Vera. Anya’s Ghost. New York: First Second, 2011. Print. 

Andrews, Ryan. Sarah and the Seed. http://www.ryan-a.com/comics/sarahandtheseed01.htm. Online. 

Carroll is definitely inspired by the original fairy tales of tellers like the Brothers Grimm. Reading the original tales will help a reader see how Carroll got to her tales- especially if they’ve never read or heard the full tales in their original versions. Edgar Allen Poe is another strong influence on the gothic elements that readers will enjoy. 

Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm. Grimm’s Complete Fairy Tales. San Diego: Canterbury Classics, 2011.  

Poe, Edgar Allen. Complete Tales and Poems. Edison, NJ: Castle, 2009. 

Published Review

Hunter, Sarah. ”Reviews: Through the Woods." Booklist, vol. 110, no. 22, Aug 2014, p. 58.

Sugar Changed the World

Bibliographic Information

Aronson, Marc and Marina Budhos. Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science. Boston: Clarion, 2010. Print.

Summary
Sugar Changed the World traces the development of the sugar industry through its roles in religious ceremonies and as a coveted spice, well into the development and then end of slavery. The authors both trace their family histories back into the web of sugar trading and share that with the reader as they trace the story of sugar through to the modern day. The book is engaging, sweeping, and enlightening. The resources included at the end are an invaluable tool to see the progression of the story of sugar. The authors provide a master timeline- which ties together the timelines for multiple countries and eras. They also include notes, resources, and an index for reference. The pictures included through out the text are well chosen and bring a sense of reality to a story that seems impossible at times.

Analysis
This book’s greatest strength is the authors’ evident passion for the topic. They begin the story by sharing that the sugar industry formed each of their families, then tracing the history itself. The telling is interesting and detailed without being overwrought or draining. The pictures scattered throughout add to the story without making it feel childish. One weakness I would point out is that the story sometimes moves non-consecutively, especially between countries as slavery develops in America, England, France, and the Caribbean. This can make it confusing at times- though the timelines at the end help when it gets a bit convoluted.

The format and style of telling definitely makes this an appealing book for anyone who likes to read non-fiction titles, especially if they’re interested in overarching history. It tells a story that encompasses the world in a way that actually does just that, rather than continually splitting it into country-by-country histories. I would give this a book a place in the canon of young adult informative texts. It does a wonderful job of combining interesting tidbits and full overarching history into one text, even with pictures and maps included in the text. It is written conversationally without being condescending, as well, which is a feat in and of itself for many informative texts.

Activity
In relation to this book, a beneficial activity would be to have students research fields where slavery is still prevalent, or simply tends to fail in the realm of human rights. Many of our modern industries are not very reliable in terms of how workers are treated all the way through the process. This activity could open eyes to how often people are still mistreated and underpaid. Some good examples of questionable fields are chocolate, clothing broadly, and coffee.

Related Resources
For students who want to continue to learn about the development of slavery and it’s eventual downfall as the global economic power, there are a number of options to choose from. These suggestions are recommended for older teens by Social Justice Books, https://

socialjusticebooks.org/booklists/slavery/#non.

Hamilton, Ruth Simms. Routes of passage: Rethinking the Africa Diaspora. Michigan State University Press, 2006. Print.
Taylor, Yuval. Growing Up in Slavery. Chicago: Chicago Review Press, 2005. Print.

If a student felt especially drawn to either of the authors, they both have a wide range of books to choose from for a next read. Many of Aronson’s are less wide sweeping and tackle more modern topics like Race or J. Edgar Hoover. His book on the American Revolution seems to have the same sweeping worldwide scope. Budhos, on the other hand, writes more fiction than non-fiction, though much of it relates well. Tell Us We’re Home deals with teens who struggle with class differences in school, largely based in their mother’s jobs as maids and nannies.

Aronson, Marc. The Real Revolution: The Global Story of American Independence. New York: Clarion. 2005.
Budhos, Marina. Tell Us We’re home. New York: Atheneum, 2010.

Published Review
"Reviews: Sugar Changed the World." Kirkus Reviews, vol. 78, no. 17, Sept 2010, p. 848. 

Unbreakable

Bibliographic Information

Garcia, Kami. Unbreakable. New York: Little, Brown, 2013. Print. 

Summary

A paranormal romance, Unbreakable tells the story of Kennedy Waters, a teenage girl with a photographic memory, discovering the hidden world of ghosts and demons. After her mother dies suddenly, Kennedy is approached by mysterious twins who convince her to come along on their mission to banish a strong demon from this world. They believe she is the fifth member of the Legion of the Black Dove, a society formed in opposition to the Illuminati, specifically to rid the world of this demon. Along the way, Kennedy struggles with her own identity, her relationship with her father and feeling torn between the twin brothers. 

Analysis

This book’s greatest strength is how fast paced it is. It moves briskly through the story, always keeping the reader moving and on their toes. It’s engaging and believably references the real world, making the reader feel like this could actually be happening around them without anyone knowing it. It also does a good job tying in the historical references to secret societies and folklore of the supernatural elements. However, the romance is predictable and somewhat trite. It feels like every other teen paranormal love story. The characters could also use some more development- Kennedy herself can be annoying at times and unbelievable at others. The other members of the Legion suffer the same deficits. 

This novel would absolutely appeal to some teens, though most likely girls would be more drawn into the story since it is so heavy on the love triangle plot line. There is little in it that could make it inappropriate for the age range, though some of the paranormal elements may be too much for certain readers who find themselves sensitive to such topics. I wouldn’t necessarily say this title specifically ‘deserves’ a place in the canon. There are many other series that could fulfill its role, just with differences in paranormal style and characters. However, it is certainly an enjoyable quick read that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend as a fun diversion. 

Activity

An interesting activity could be to have a day where students learn about secret societies. This has long been a fascination point with teens, but even with adults. Having students do a “secret society” fair could be a really cool event that also forces students to learn about verifying sources and the role of such societies in history. Emphasize source reliability (not just sketchy websites claiming famous people are Illuminati) and the historical role the society has played in political and social development. 

Related Resources

From reading reviews and blurbs, this book seems to be similar to the TV show Supernatural, so that may be a good connection to make for students interested in either one. For readers who like the romance element of the story, just with a little supernatural element thrown in, both the Chemical Garden trilogy and the Fallen series will continue their reading through multiple more series. 

DiStefano, Lauren. Wither. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2011. Print. 

Kate, Lauren. Fallen. New York: Ember, 2009. Print. 

Supernatural. WB/ CW. 2005- . Television. 

Kami Garcia first became known for another book in a similar vein to this one- Beautiful Creatures. It is co-written with Margaret Stohl and the first book in a series (with many sub novels included), The Caster Chronicles. It was made into a movie, as well. Readers who enjoy Garcia’s writing style and form of creativity in Unbreakable will also enjoy the supernatural elements in Beautiful Creatures and may be inspired to further pursue works by both Garcia and Stohl. 

Garcia, Kami & Margaret Stohl. Beautiful Creatures. New York: Little, Brown. 2009.  

Published Review

"Reviews: Unbreakable." Kirkus Reviews, vol. 81, no. 16, Aug 2013, p. 142.

Two Boys Kissing

Bibliographic Information

Levithan, David. Two Boys Kissing. New York: Knopf, 2013. Print. 

Summary

Two Boys Kissing  gives the reader a broad overview of the experience of gay men (and boys) in America. As the title states, it revolves largely around Craig and Harry, who decide to break the Guinness World Record for longest kiss. They are supported by a myriad of voices through the text. It is narrated by a chorus of men who died of AIDS before medication became widely available. They give us the stories of 6 other gay high school boys- two other couples in different stages of knowing one another and two who feel alone. They also serve to remind the reader of the struggles, fears, and unknowns of the previous generation of gay men. 

Analysis

This book’s greatest strength is in its ability to give the stories of the boys real feeling and depth. Levithan does a wonderful job (in his writing in general) of bringing the high school boys into focus. He respects their doubts and fears about their communities accepting them as gay and gives the reader great insight into how each boy relates to himself and others differently. For some readers, I think the chorus style commentary may be confusing, although it could be a good introduction to the style of greek plays and other works that utilize a chorus. This chorus could be a weakness, depending on the reader, as could the multiple stories interlaced in the book. At times, it is difficult to remember which boys are which as the stories continue to develop simultaneously. 

I feel like this story would appeal to most teens- and especially to teens whoa re struggling with their own sexuality. Most young adults understand the feeling of being left out or unaccepted, a core conflict these boys are facing. It is developmentally appropriate, as most teens now know a friend or family member that has come out. Especially with the chorus of men reminding the reader of the past, it gives a clear vision into what the gay community has had to survive without being morbid or too detailed. Two Boys Kissing is a great example of an up and coming genre. It represents the LGBTQ genre of teen literature well, both in current experiences of teens and those of the men who came before. It deserves a place in the canon and will hopefully remain a core piece of literature for every reader interested in the growth of the gay community. 

Activity

Have students think of a cause they would like to make a statement for. Maybe they were convicted through this reading and want to be an advocate for LGBTQ rights. Maybe they see the race issues happening in the news every day now and decide to speak for them. Maybe they want to speak out on gender equality. Next, have them think up innovative ways to gain awareness for their cause. Craig and Harry think up an interesting and entirely different way to garner attention- perhaps your students can too! 

Related Resources

For readers looking to learn more about the history of gay culture in America, there are a number of books worth referencing, both non-fiction and fiction. While a bit older, Alsenas’ Gay America is a pictorial representation of this history and serves as a good introduction for a reader who may not be as interested in non-fiction.  Another book in the same vein as Two Boys Kissing that may appeal to readers is 2014’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. It also explores the expression and budding understanding of a teen boy’s sexuality and the implications it has on his life as a whole. 

Alsenas, Linas. Gay America: The Struggle for Equality. New York:Amulet, 2008. Print. 

Sáenz, Benjamin Alire. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. New York:Simon and Schuster, 2014. Print. 

David Levithan is an author worth sticking with, as well, if a reader is interested. He writes in many different styles and formats, so each book is a very different reading experience than his others, though he maintains his voice throughout his writing. He has also been proliferate in co-authoring books, many of which are entirely worthwhile and may even introduce some new authors!

Levithan, David. Every Day. New York: Ember, 2012. Print. 

Levithan, David. Boy Meets Boy. New York: Ember, 2003. Print. 

Levithan, David & John Green. Will Grayson, Will Grayson. New York: Dutton, 2010. Print. 

Published Review

"Reviews: Two Boys Kissing." Kirkus Reviews, vol. 81, no. 14, July 2013, p. 182.