I am Scout: A Biography of Harper Lee

Shields, Charles J. (2008). I am Scout: A Biography of Harper Lee. New York: Henry Holt.

Image credit: ©Macmillan

Annotation:  

A thorough look into the life of one of America's most celebrated and reclusive authors of the 20th century, Harper Lee.

Review:

I am Scout: The Biography of Harper Lee is serial biographer Charles J. Shields first attempt at writing for young adults. Shields success may be attributed to the fact that I am Scout is based on his award-winning adult-bestselling biography Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee. Whatever the reason Shields demands respect for his ability to get the reader into the head of his subject and portray them in an honest and masterful light. The cover art of the book is intriguing with an old Underwood typewriter, of personal importance to Lee, taking up most of the space as if it is ready to type the story of Harper Lee’s life. The title also features a tire swing in place of the “o” in Scout that is a nod to her childhood and a scene in Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The cover artwork and design is suitable for the topic, the target audience, and the storyline.

            The biography begins with the birth of Nelle Harper Lee in small-town Monroeville, Alabama and chronicles her life throughout success and tragedies. The book mainly focused on how her childhood inspired her best-selling novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Shields relies on first and second-hand accounts to pepper the biography with facts and insider stories, and is diligent in documenting sources in case readers want to further research anything. Readers become invested in Lee’s life, feeling her sense of accomplishment and sticking with her through the rough patches that frequented Lee’s life. While there is nothing in the book that is inappropriate, there are several instances of racial injustice that might be best understood by older readers ages 14 and up.

Awards:

• ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2009
• Arizona Grand Canyon Young Readers Master List
• Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, 2009.

The Outsiders

Hinton, S. E. (1967). The Outsiders. New York: Viking Press.

Image credit: Wikipedia

Annotation:  

A group of outcasts band together to survive the social injustice present in their small town and high school. 

Review:

The Outsiders is the quintessential young adult novel written by S. E. Hinton when she was just a sophomore in high school. Much of the success of this novel can be attributed to its authenticity in its representation of social class in high schools across the United States. Hinton presents two different social groups in an Oklahoma town; the Greasers are stereotyped as poor, uneducated “hoods,” while the Socs are perceived as rich, superior and perfect. Throughout the novel Hinton proves that appearances can be deceiving and all teenagers, regardless of their social class, experience similar challenges during adolescence. Touching on familiar teenage topics such as popularity, friendship, and identity allow young readers to relate to the main characters and storyline no matter what side of the tracks they reside.

The themes of death and loss are also present in The Outsiders, but Hinton uses both themes in a realistic way that demands empathy from the readers. The development of the relationship between the Curtis brothers is touching and authentic. While their familial issues may not be exactly the same as those of every reader, everyone can relate to growing pains within the family dynamic, especially during adolescence. Another important aspect of The Outsiders for many young adults is the portrayal of friends making a surrogate family for teenagers. As adolescents come of age, they tend to identify more with their peers than their family members. And in such a way, they develop a family as evidenced in the group of greasers that they novel is centered around. The book is most appropriate for young adults ages 14 and up due to the violence and intense scenes.

Awards:

• ALA Best Young Adult Book, 1975 
• Chicago Tribune Book World spring Book Festival Honor Book, 1967
• Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, 1979
• Media and Methods Maxi Award, 1975 
• New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Books List, 1967

Milkweed: A novel

Spinelli, Jerry. (2003). Milkweed: A novel. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Image Credit: Kidsreads.com

Annotation:  

An orphan child discovers friendship, racism, love, and his identity during the Holocaust.

Review:

“Stopthief” is nameless, homeless, and parent-less. But once he meets a respected street kid, Uri, he assumes a new identity and a new life as Misha Pilsudski. Just as Misha begins to get comfortable as his new self, the rise of Nazism and the Holocaust will once again alter his life course. In Milkweed, Newbery award-winning author Jerry Spinelli demonstrates his ability to interpret a horrible event in history and craft an inspiring historical fiction novel for young adults. The unique title sparks the imagination of the reader as they wonder when the significance will be revealed. The book jacket is hauntingly beautiful with a sepia-toned picture of the back of a stone angel statue, which is another symbol that is present throughout the story. The background and experiences of each of the main characters manage to evoke respect, sadness, laughter, and empathy. 

Spinelli masterfully integrates several themes into Milkweed such as identify, loss, friendship, and coming-of-age that are relevant and appropriate for the intended audience. The themes are flawlessly executed throughout the entire book which makes for a story that is strong, emotional, and inspiring at the same time. Some historical details are present but Spinelli relies more on storyline than facts, which keeps young adult readers interested without sounding like a textbook.This book is appropriate for children 11 and up as it is concise and uses short sentences with intermediate vocabulary. Milkweed reminds all readers that history can repeat itself if we do not learn from past events.

Awards:          

• ALA Best Book for Young Adults, 2004 
• Booklist Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth Selection
• Book Links Lasting Connections Selection
• Carolyn W. Field Award from the Pennsylvania Library Association, 2004
• Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice, 2004 
• National Jewish Book Award Finalist, 2004 
• New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age 
• The Golden Kite Award Winner (Fiction), 2003