For another monday, I’ve decided to participate in It’s Monday! What are you reading?, which I found through Jen Vincent’s Blog TeachMentorTexts.com, and Kellee’s Unleashing Readers. Jen has children’s literature as the subject for these posts, which she has defined as “picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, anything in the world of kidlit…” If you’re interested in books appealing to younger crowds, or children’s literature in general, check the links that Jen Vincent provides on her blog. There you will find a list of sites participating. Each separate site has a similar posting with children’s literature titles.
Since I tend to read middle grade and young adult novels for school, and I’m currently writing a young adult novel series and posting previews on Wattpad, my focus will be on the older end of the children’s literature spectrum. With some exceptions, the books I read are typically a little darker or more serious in content than most you would find in intermediate and primary fiction.
A link to Common Sense Media appears under each book for parents and teachers to assess whether or not the book’s material is appropriate for their children / students.
What am I reading?
Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli
Reading Status: Looking Forward To This
One of my students gave me this book as a gift, which I always take as a strong endorsement for the book’s quality. In fact, several students have read and enjoyed Stargirl, but I have not yet had the opportunity to read it. At a short 186 pages, Stargirl follows an eleventh grader and the tension between staying unique or becoming “normal.” It’s been quoted on Common Sense Media as a popular book and a “scathing commentary on teenagers.” How interesting! Themes related to nonconformity run throughout the book, which means it will be a great pick for teens. It’s always nice to see a book that paints social pressure with a full spectrum of colors. I’ll post about it next week, or on YA Friday, if I am finished with it then.
Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli on Common Sense Media
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Reading Status: Finished.
This is definitely a book that would appeal to young adults, although I’m sure it’s classified as adult fiction/mythology. That’s the funny thing about mythology; the distinctions we build around which audience should read mythology, and at what age, are blurry at best. Neil Gaiman does a fantastic job of retelling the Norse myths with a contemporary voice. Interestingly enough, there are mixed reviews for this book.
Whenever sacred source material is rewritten, this seems to be the case. Some critics loved it, while others questioned the authenticity of Neil retelling the stories. All in all, this was a quick and gripping read. I recommend it to anyone who loves mythology. Before you hand it to kids, however, please note that it was marketed towards an adult audience. See the CSM link below.
Norse Mythology on Common Sense Media
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Reading Status: Partway through – I’m still reading The Graveyard Book! Here’s a link to my previous post.
The Graveyard Book on Common Sense Media
I seem to have a thing for Neil Gaiman lately…
What are you reading?
Please comment or share. The new layout occasionally moves the comment link to the top of the post! Happy Monday!
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Oh, I adored The Graveyard Book, such a wonderful balance of darkness and light, with eeriness and heart.
I enjoyed all the books here. I listened to Gaiman narrate Norse Mythology and that gave it a special boost. Did you know that there is a sequel to Star Girl? I loved the first one and am embarassed to admit that I haven’t read the second one.
I didn’t know that! So cool.
I should read more Neil Gaiman. I think I’ve only read one of his books. Good luck with your young adult novel!
Thank you! That’s very kind, and yes, everyone should read more Neil Gaiman.
Curious to see what you think of Star Girl. It used to be a language arts core novel, but it’s now older than all of my students, so the teachers are wondering about its impact. Considering it took them 50 years to drop Zindel’s The Pigman, I think it has a few good years left in it!
I haven’t read the mythology book, but have read The Graveyard Book multiple times. The audio read by Gaiman is awesome. Stargirl is excellent especially when children read and have a chance to discuss it.
I definitely need to check out the audio. I’ve heard Gaiman is awesome when reading his own work.