Mary's Monster: Love, Madness and How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein

Bibliography:

Judge, L. (2018). Mary’s monster: love, madness, and how mary shelley created frankenstein. Wren &    Rook. 

Plot Summary:

Mary’s Monster: Love, Madness, and How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein tells the biography of famed author Mary Shelley. Using free-verse and black and white illustrations, Lita Judge writes about Shelley’s struggles from her teenage years and using her pain and grief to create the classic novel that is still being read today.

Critical Analysis:

Lita Judge creates a beautifully written biography that will not only have you showing emotion for Mary Shelley but you get an understanding of how she created her famous monster. The reader is shown the struggles and grief that Mary goes through is painted through Judge’s words of poetry. The poetry creates a way that the reader doesn’t feel like they have information thrown at them, but it turns the story into a quick read that flows seamlessly. The black and white illustrations create a gothic and classic feel for the story that is similar in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The illustrations also help to connect with the darkness of the story that adds to the emotion the reader is going through as they read. You don’t have to have read Frankenstein to appreciate or understand the story. It does help to create a connection. For those that haven’t read Frankenstein, Judge’s novel will actually make you want to read the classic story after. 

Review Excerpts:

A 2019 Amelia Bloomer Project Book

“[T]his is a stirring, impeccably researched portrait of a remarkable woman and her literary 'progeny.' Much like Mary, Judge forges a Creature all her own.” ―Booklist

“Darkly evocative . . . Students of literature will appreciate the powerful poetry that brings life to Mary Shelley's story the way that Shelley herself breathed life into her novel of a scientist who animates a corpse.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Impressive.” ―Horn Book

Connections:

Read other works by Lita Judge such as How Big Were Dinosaurs?, Bird Talk, Born in the Wild, Flight School and Red Sled

Read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Bonnie and Clyde: The Making of a Legend

Bibliography:

Blumenthal, K. (2018). Bonnie and clyde: the making of a legend. Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. 

Plot Summary:

Bonnie and Clyde: The Making of a Legend tells the story of the notorious outlaw couple that is known for their robberies, kidnapping and murdering during the great depression. The story begins during their teen years through their violent end. 

Critical Analysis:

Before reading Bonnie and Clyde: The Making of a Legend, I knew of Bonnie and Clyde, but I didn’t know much besides they robbed banks and were killed. Karen Blumenthal brought the infamous outlaws to life through this biography of events. There was so much information covered about Bonnie and Clyde that starts in their teenage years and ends with their brutal deaths, but there is so much more added information that also tells you about the time that they lived in as well. Readers learn that Bonnie and Clyde were able to steal cars because in that time period, people would leave their cars unlocked with the keys in the ignition. They would have to change out cars because people wouldn’t fill up their gas tanks to where they would run out of gas. Blumenthal explains Bonnie and Clyde’s tactics while also explaining how people were during that time as well. There are so many different artifacts that add to the information such as pictures, timelines, and even tells you about what happened to the people involved after. There is so much information that is filled in the book but it flows smoothly throughout the book. Another added touch from Blumenthal is at the beginning of each chapter, there is a piece of Bonnie’s poem “The Story of Bonnie and Clyde,” that just gives you insight to their story. By the end of the novel, you get a complete understanding of why Bonnie and Clyde are still one of the most notorious outlaw couple. 

Review Excerpts:

"Blumenthal has written more than a crime narrative or a biography of the famous outlaws Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. The book presents a social and cultural snapshot of the duo’s times"

--School Library Journal

"Through her use of narrative nonfiction, Blumenthal builds a gripping story for readers of all ages. . .Blumenthal weaves her detailed account of history into a suspenseful tale that reads very much like a novel." --Voya

Connections:

Read other works by Karen Blumenthal such as Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different, Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition, Tommy: The Gun That Changed America and Six Days in October: The Stock Market Crash of 1929: A Wall Street Journal Book for Children

Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship"

Bibliography:

Heiligman, D. (2019). Torpedoed: the true story of the world war ii sinking of “the children’s ship.” Godwin Books, Henry Holt and Company. 

Plot Summary:

During WWII, British parents were sending their children out of the country away from harm. The children boarded the SS City of Benares to set sail for Canada. While on their way, a German submarine torpedoed the ship, through the tragedy, true heroism was shown through the historical event. 

Critical Analysis:

Before reading Deborah Heiligman’s novel, I knew nothing about the SS City of Benares event which was extremely eye opening to learn about. The story kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. At the beginning of the novel, the reader is given background information about the time period and introduces you to children that are on board which creates a connection to the children that continues throughout. From the background information the reader is led into the events and aftermath of the sinking. Heiligman includes photographs at the beginning that will help the reader get an understanding of the background information being explained. The pictures turn into black and white illustrations by the middle of the book that let the reader visualize the information but adds to the emotion of the event as well. By the end of the book, you are back to viewing photographs of the aftermath and you get to see some of the surviving children. You feel so invested in the story that I didn’t even realize that I was in tears by the end. 

Review Excerpts:

YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award Finalist

Golden Kite Award Winner

Junior Library Guild Selection

Horn Book Fanfare Selection

Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

“An Exceptionally well-researched and impressively crafted tale of desperation, tragedy and survival.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Heiligman tells a story of bravery, courage, and despair… A must-read for all, and a beautiful memorial for those who perished in this tragic event.” - School Library Journal

“Nonfiction maestro Heiligman here tells a riveting wartime survival story… Heiligman builds and maintains suspense while remaining scrupulously faithful to the historical record.” - The Horn Book

Connections:

Read other works by Deborah Heiligman such as  Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith and Vince and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers

The Golden Compass

Bibliography:

Pullman, P. (2007). The Golden Compass. Yearling. 

Plot Summary:

Lyra has grown up and always been around her best friend Roger but, Roger has disappeared. Lyra fears that he has been stolen by child snatchers known as Gobblers. Determined to find Roger, Lyra sets out with Pan, her daemon to the North where she will go against armored bears and witch clans. As Lyra continues on her adventure, Lyra learns about herself, her family and Roger. Lyra also learns throughout the story that her actions have consequences in her world and other worlds.

Critical Analysis:

The Golden Compass showcases elements of fantasy that are filled with magic, different futuristic worlds, and mythical creatures. Pullman creates a magical world that is intertwined with our own world. Each person has a daemon that is an animal that is basically a representative of their soul and conscious. Their animal changes form based off of their identity and actions. It isn’t shown to the audience and gives the audience a sense of mystery but we are given hints throughout the story to address it. Pullman creates great plot twists throughout the story that keeps readers engaged and shocked. Finding out Lyra’s origins and the people that she is surrounded by was a thought in my head but I was still shocked to find out. The biggest plot twist was the ending of the story when Lord Asriel severs Roger from his Daemon and kills him. The entire plot was Lyra trying to save him and after accomplishing it and then having him killed especially by her uncle left me in shock. The Golden Compass creates a deeper level of thinking such as manipulation and making decisions for the greater good. Pullman’s story can appeal to children, young adults and adults because of its fantasy elements and higher thinking.

Review Excerpts:

“This is a captivating fantasy, filled with excitement, suspense, and unusual characters.” - School library Journal

“This first fantastic installment propels readers along with horror and high adventure [...] A shattering tale that begins with a promise and delivers an entire universe.” - Kirkus Reviews

“A totally involving, intricately plotted fantasy that will leave readers clamoring for the sequels.” - Booklist 

Connections:

Compare and contrast the book to the movie or tv series

Read other works in series: The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass, Lyra’s Oxford, Once Upon a Time in the North, The Collectors, The Golden Compass Graphic Novel

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Bibliography:

Riggs, R. (2016). Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Quirk Books. 

Plot Summary:

Jacob grew up hearing peculiar stories from his grandfather’s past during WWII. As he grows older, he starts to not believe in the stories until his grandfather’s mysterious death. His grandfather’s death leads him to a small island off of the coast of Wales to an abandoned orphanage from his grandfather’s stories. The more he explores, the more he finds out about the children at Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar children and the truth to his grandfather’s stories. Jacob learns that the children aren’t just peculiar in nature, but have danger to them and are somehow still alive. 

Critical Analysis:

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is filled with mystery, adventure and magic. One of my favorite aspects of the story is that it doesn’t take place in a different world or time period but the magic and monsters are within our own world besides the time loop. The story begins right away learning about the relationship between Jacob and his grandfather. The mystery begins with his grandfather’s death with the warning that leads him to Wales. Ransom Riggs writes in simple sentences that help make the book a quick read but they also create a tone in the story that adds suspense. Jacob is transported through the time loop that the orphanage has been put in and is introduced to all of the peculiar children and Miss Peregrine. Each child has their own peculiarity that makes them unique such as being invisible, being lighter than air, or having an extra mouth on the back of your head. After learning that Jacob has his own peculiarity to see the monsters, it made me as a reader want a peculiarity as well. Riggs adds flair to the novel by including vintage pictures throughout the story. The pictures add to the strangeness of the story. Ransom Riggs ends the novel of course with a cliffhanger that makes the reader ready to read the continuing story of Jacob and the peculiar children to find help for Miss Peregrine.  

Review Excerpts:

“One of the coolest, creepiest YA books.” - PopSugar

“Delightfully weird.” - Good Housekeeping

“Readers searching for the next Harry Potter may want to visit Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.” - CNN

Connections:

Read other books in the series: Hollow City, Library of Souls, A Map of Days, The Conference of Birds, The Desolation of Devil’s Acre, Tales of the Peculiar, Miss Peregrine’s Museum of Wonders

Compare and contrast the book and movie

Matched

Bibliography:

Condie, A. (2018). Matched. Penguin Books. 

Plot Summary:

Set in the future, the Society officials decide and make the decisions such as where you work and who you marry. Cassia has always trusted their choices but when she sees her best friend's face on the matching screen and then another face flash, Cassia must make a decision between Xander and Ky. Cassia must make the choice to choose between passion or perfection. 

Critical Analysis:

Matched creates a futuristic world that is set to be the perfect society. Everything is clean and controlled by “The Society,” which includes paintings, poetry, and matches. The storyline put me in mind of Divergent or The Giver with the futuristic time and trying to create a perfect society that is controlled by the government. Cassia seems like a weak character at the beginning from being nervous about her matching to always following the rules The Society has given. As the grows stronger and shows her voice as the story progresses when she crushes the red pill that wipes away her memories. Condie uses the love triangle between Ky and Xander to show Cassia’s struggle with perfection or rebellion against The Society. Ky and Xander are opposites of each other in that Xander is everything that The Society wants you to be. Ky has a mysterious past and is seen as an outcast. Condie ends the story without ending the story with Cassia still searching for where The Society has taken Ky. 

Review Excerpts:

“Condie peels back layer after dystopian layer at breakneck speed, Dylan Thomas reverberating throughout. If the Society’s at war, who’s the enemy? Of the three tablets carried by everyone, what does the red one do?... This one’s a fierce, unforgettable page-turner in its own right.” - Kirkus Reviews

“The stunning clarity and attention to detail in Condie’s Big Brother-like world is feat. The author just as easily tears this world apart while deftly exploring the individual cost of societal perfection and the sacrifices inherent in freedom of choice.” - Booklist

#1 New York Times Bestseller

Texas Lone Star Reading List

ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults

An ALA Quick Pick

Connections:

Read the complete trilogy: Crossed and Reached

Other works by Ally Condie: Atlantia, Summerlost, The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe