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Dahl, Roald. Boy. New York: Penguin, 1984.

Summary: Children and adolescent's literature author takes us on a fascinating, humorous journey throuth his life to adulthood. He describes colorfully the events that shaped him beginning with his birth in Sourh Wales and ending with his departure for East Africa as a fighter pilot in World War II.

For Whom Appropriate? 6th through 9th Grades

Teach or Circulate? It would be fun to teach in conjunction with anautobiography uinit since his apprach is so entertaining.

Dense Questions:
Having read Boy, what qalities do you think it takes to be a creative artist?
How have your life experiences influenced your interests as they did Roald Dahl's?

Thematically-related Literature: Tuesdays with Morrie by Albom and Going Solo by Roald Dahl.

Danziger, Paula. The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. New York: Dell Publishing; 1974.

Summary: A young girl and her classmates fight to keep their favorite teacher from being fired.

For whom appropriate? Grades 7-12

Teach it or circulate it? This book is easy to read, and while it has a controversial event in it, I think that students could handle it on their own, and it could be circulated.

Dense questions: In your opinion, did those in favor of it have a right to want to fire Ms. Finney? Why or why not?

What were some things you liked about Ms. Finney's teaching? What didn't you like? Have you had a similar teacher? What have they done to get you excited for teaching?

Thematically Related Literature: It's Not the End of the World- Judy Blume

Daly, Maureen. Seventeenth Summer. New York: Pocket Books, 1942.

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Angie Morrow has her first date the summer after graduation. This leads her through a whole new way of looking at the world, her family, and herself. Her blossoming relationship with Jack Duluth opens new doors for her.

For Whom Is This Appropriate? 8th-10th grade

Teach or Circulate? Circulate. This book is very outdated, and not engaging or relevant to a teen today. I feel it would be laughed at.

Dense Question: How do you feel about the way teen relationships were conducted in the 1940s, like Angie and Jack^Rs?

Related Literature: The Luckiest Girl in the World by Beverly Cleary

Summary: Phoebe is a ninth grade girl who is dealing with the divorce of her parents. She has to shuffle back and forth between her mom and dad?s house and she is getting tired of doing this. She rides a bus called the Divorce Express where she meets a young girl named Rosie who is also going through the same experience Phoebe is. The two of them deal through their tough times together and things seem to be going great for Phoebe. All of a sudden there is a sudden change and Phoebe has to try and handle the change...will she be able to handle it, or will she collapse?

For Whom Appropriate? Middle School age and up

Teach it or circulate it? I think the idea of diverse families could be taught, but I don?t think just the idea of divorce should be taught since some students may feel uneasy talking about something they don?t have to deal with. I would circulate the book around the room, and if a lesson is needed, I would teach a lesson from the stand point that there are many different types of families, and not just one family is the perfect family.

Shaded and Dense Questions: How would you feel being shuffled between homes every weekend? What would you do if your parents were getting remarried and you did not approve of the person? Does Phoebe have a right to get mad that her mom is going to marry someone she doesn?t like? Is the underlying frustration the divorce, or the remarriage of her parents? When have you felt like life wasn?t fair? In the beginning of the book Phoebe didn't have a voice in the decision making concerning her life; can you find any situation your life within the past year that is similar to her situation? How you react, similar or differently than phoebe? In the beginning Phoebe was suspended from school. If you were the superintendent, how would have handled the situation?

Thematically Related Literature: A Summer to Die. A Solitary Blue. Because of Winn Dixie; One Bird- Kyoko Mori, In The Wings- Katie Goldman, Holding Me Here- Pam Conrad, What's Best For You- Judie Angell, The Melinda Zone-Margaret Willey, My Mother Is Not Married to My Father- Jean Davies Okimoto, Unfinished Portrait of Jessica- Richard Peck-A Smart Kid Like You- Stella Pevsner, Please Dont Kiss Me Now- Merill Gerber, The T.V. Guidance Counselor- A.C. LeMieux, Now That I know- Norma Klein.

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Paula Danziger. The Pistachio Prescription. New York. Laurel Leaf Books. 1978.

Summary: Cassandra is a middle child who was not blessed with the perfect looks of her mother and sister. She has chronic asthma and hypochondria. She likes when her mother takes care of her so she makes up illnesses because it seems to be the only time her mother isn?t telling her in some way or another that she?s not good enough. In order to deal with her pushy mother, and her parents screaming at each other all the time she eats pistachios, which seem to be the only thing that can make her feel good when everything else is a mess.

Teach or circulate? I would circulate it or use it as part of a lit circle. The subject matter is specific to certain issues so it may not appeal to all students.

Dense Questions:
What coping mechanisms do you or others around you use to make it through difficult times?
When family members are inconsistent, and even mean, what can an adolescent do?
Does Cassandra create her own problems or is she a victim of her environment?

Summary: This is a collection of twenty four stories, fourteen of which are Canadian: Buckler, Findley, Laurence, Munro, Ross, Rule, Harris, Kerslake and Shields. This is a rich diversity of Canadian writing to say the least. It also includes writing from other countries around the world. The stories deal with characters that have either internal or external conflicts.

For Whom Appropriate? 10th-12th grade students

Teach it or circulate it? This collection of short stories could be used for both teaching purposes and for circulation. There are many questions and activities to assist the readers in understanding the stories and their meanings and relevance.

Dense questions: Depends on the stories.

Denenberg, Barry. The Journal of Ben Uchida. New York:
Scholastic Inc. 1999.

Summary: Ben Uchida is a Japanese-American who was taken with his family to Mirror Lake Internment Camp in California the year 1942. After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor all Japanese-Americans were held in camps until World War II was
over. Ben writes about his experience in schooling the camp provided and their living conditions.

Appropriate: 4th or 5th grade reading level.

Teach it or Circulate it? I would circulate this book because it is easy reading about a major historical event. The book doesn^Rt require guidance or further information in order to understand the book.

Dense questions:
1. If you lived during the time the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor would you have wanted any and all Japanese people locked up until the war was over?
2. If you were Ben Uchida what might you change or add in this journal in order to inform people what it was like to live in a camp because of his race?
Example: feelings, more pictures, etc.

Thematically related literature:
So Far from the Bamboo Grove, Yoko Kawashima Watkins
Night, Elie Wiesel
Snow Falling on Cedars, David Guterson
Number the Stars, Louis Lowry
The Upstairs Room, Johanna Reiss
Anne Frank: The Diary of a young girl, Anne Frank

Des Jardins, R. Joseph. Environmental Ethics. Belmont, Ca. : Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1997.

Summary: This book goes into the different philosophies held by people through out history regarding our natural world. It goes into many varying opinions on the ethics of the environment, some negative and some positive.

Appropriate: Grade 12

Teach it Or circulate it? I would teach this book because it deals with many complex views towards the environment and I think it could bring about wonderful discussions in class. Also, I would not want the kids to read this book straight through, I would only teach parts of it.

Dense Questions: What is your philosophy regarding the environment; The Puritan, Lockean or Romantic view? Why or why not?
Do you think that past views of the environment have carried over into the thinking of todays society?
I think that books dealing in the Politics of the environment would aid kids in their understanding of the ethics involved in environmental studies.

Dickinson, Peter. A Bone from a Dry Sea. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1992.

Summary: Vinny joins her father on an archaeological dig in Africa where she discovers a bone and wonders about its origin. Dickinson also tells the story of Li, a prehistoric proto-human. This book offers an evolutionary explanation in which our ancestors were sea-dwelling apes.

For whom appropriate? 9th - 12th grade students

Teach or circulate? This book would create interesting class discussions, but it can be circulated as well.

Dense questions: Do you think that the theory of human evolution put forward in the book is plausible compared to other theories you may know about? Would you argue with Stephen Hawkings or any other famous scientist, as Vinny did when she refused to have her picture taken for Dr. Hamiska? Why or why not?

Thematically Related Literature: Science Fiction, futuristic novels

Summary: Because of Winn Dixie is about a ten year old girl, India Buloni, who moves to Florida and her only confidant seems to be her new dog, which she named after the neighborhood grocery store. She must face the issue of her mother leaving, which is especially difficult because her dad refuses to talk about it. The book focuses on gratitude and healing relationships.

For whom is it appropriate? Anyone. The book is relatively easy reading.

Teach or Circulate it? I would circulate it or use it as part of a lit circle.

Dense Questions:
How have you or those around you dealt with loss?
Have you ever made a friend unexpectedly?
India could not even count on her father to tell her about the things she needed to know, how do people learn to trust others?
How can a person learn to forgive and feel grateful during a time of great loss?

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Dickinson, Peter. AK. New York: Delacorte Press, 1990.

Summary: Paul, a young boy who cannot remember who his parents are, is adopted by a group of revolutionary soldiers in Nagala, a fictitious country in Africa. Paul becomes a warrior, but the war ends. As the revolution starts again, Paul and his friend Jilli must find Paul's new 'father' in a city with many warring factions.

For Whom Appropriate? 7-12th grade students

Teach or Circulate? Circulate it.

Dense Questions: 1) In the Us there is concern about children and young adults with weapons. What do you think about Paul and the others his age owning and using guns?

2) Knowing what you know about revolutions in countries such as Mexico and South Africa, which of the endings do you feel is more likely?

Thematically Related Literature: Shadow of a Hero Peter Dickinson

Dickinson, Peter. Eva. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1988.

Summary: Through the wonders of technology, Eva's mind has been transplanted to the body of a monkey after an automobile accident. She must learn to deal with her human thoughts with her monkey instincts. Eva must fit in with humans and with monkeys. Worried about what similar experiments are doing to the few remaining monkeys in the world, Eva rotests and escapes.

For whom appropriate: 8th through12th grade students

Teach or circulate? This book can be circulated or taught. It deals with a lot of environmental issues that could be gone over in class.

Dense questions: What do you think about scientific testing on animals? Do you feel that Eva's brain should have been implanted in a chimp? Do you think the world will eventually end up like it is depicted in Eva?

Thematically related Literature: Flowers for Algernon Daniel Keyes

Dickinson, Peter. Tulku. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1979.

Summary: Theo's father's missionary village in China is destroyed. Theo escapes from the village and meets up with Mrs. Jones and her companion Lung. A Tibetan Lama, on a search for the next Tulku or spiritual leader, helps them escape from a group of bandits. The Lama thinks that Theo is the Tulku and invites them to his village. Theo struggles between his father's religion and Buddhism while planning his escape.

For whom appropriate? Age 12-19

Teach or circulate? This book can be taught because it deals with an unfamiliar religion and the historical background needs explaining. It is also very slow-moving.

Dense questions: 1) Theo feels hatred toward the Lama and the others who follow their religion. How would you have acted toward someone who practices a different religion than you do? 2) Pick someone you consider to be a strong woman character in a book you have previously read. Compared to your character, do you think that Mrs. Jones is a strong woman?

Thematically Related Literature: Adventure novels from other countries

Dorris, Micheal. A Yellow Raft In Blue. Water New York: Warner Books, 1988

Summary: Three generations of women, a grandmother (Ida), her daughter (Christine), and Christine=s daughter (Rayona), tell their stories in separate sections of this book which beautifully intertwine. The first chapter and probably the most appropriate for high school students, is about fifteen year old Rayona. She struggles to find her place in the world despite her absent father and alcoholic mother who is dying. Rayona is African-American and Native-American and finds that she isn=t accepted when her mother moves back to her home on an Eastern Montana reservation.

For Whom Appropriate? 10th grade and beyond.

Teach it. This reads well but there are a lot of characters and history to keep straight. The book also deals with some sexual abuse by a priest which may call for some teacher guidance. The book also deals with issues of race and discrimination which may need some class discussion.

Dense Questions What stereotypes does this book reinforce or deconstruct; relate it to some of your own experiences with Racism? What makes Rayona a strong character despite the hardships she has had to face and who do you know who despite a lot of adversity in their lives has made positive things happen for themselves?

The Earth Works Group. 50 Simple things kids can do to save the Earth. New York: Andrews and McNeel, 1990.

Summary: This is a step by step guide book for simple things that kids can do to help save the earth, with in their own homes or community. The tasks range from turning off the water when you brush your teeth to composting your garbage. All the tasks are easy and do not take up much time. The book also goes into the details of how much is actually saved in doing these tasks.

Appropriate: Grades 7-12.

Teach it or circulate it? I would teach this book because I think it could get a little monotonous for the kids if they had to read it. Also, by teaching it we could actually practice some of the tasks in the classroom. We could also relate many class projects to the suggestions from the book.

Dense Questions: Do you think that by doing your part in saving the environment that it will make a difference?
What do you think is the most demanding environmental issue and why?
Going Green is a similar type of book, and along the same style as this one.

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Duff, Alan. Once Were Warriors. New York: Vintage, 1995

Summary:  Beth Henke and her family are part of the Maori culture in urban New Zealand.  She is married to an alcoholic who is abusive to her on a regular basis.  Her five children have been raised in a violent household in which cause much disturbance mentally for her children.  Her children’s struggle with gangs, delinquent homes, and hurting daughter allow for Beth to fall back on her own Maori roots and personal strength to create new hope for her own and her family’s survival.   

Appropriate:  Grades 10-12               

Teach it or circulate it?  This is a toss up.  I believe this novel would not be appreciated in the parent’s eyes because of the topics such as rape and violence.  This book would be great to use for culture and society diversity but the issues are much more intense than this.  I think this book is uniquely written with a lot of literary value.  

Dense Questions: Some of Beth’s struggles involved the culture of her people, in what means or steps could you take to help change the reputation for your people and guide them in a different direction?     

Thematically Related Literature:  Potato Chips for Breakfast

Elkington, Hailes, Hill and Makower. Going Green. New York, N.Y. : The Penguin Group, 1990.

Summary: Going Green is very similar to 50 Simple.... in that it addresses small tasks that kids can do to become environmentally friendly. It also gives explanations on the Green House Effect, vanishing rainforests and the misuse of energy. It also gives kids a guide to local and national environmental organizations.

Appropriate: Grades 7-12

Teach it or circulate it? I would teach this book for the same reasons as I would teach 50 Simple.

Dense Questions: Try one of these tips at home. What changes if any did you notice in your immediate surroundings?
By acting as an environmentally friendly person do you feel better about yourself or do you feel it is a waste of time?
50 Simple... would be well related.

Summary: A bildungsroman, the narrator (never named) tells his story and why he is invisible. Much of the novel focuses on the narrators work with the Brotherhood, an organization that works for the socially oppressed. The narrator rises in and falls from favor in the Brotherhood, and things fall apart rapidly. The novel ends with a hint of optimism, as the narrator is ready to brave the world again.

Appropriate: Juniors and seniors. Another long book and race is a definite issue. The symbolism is simple enough for younger ages, but I would want a certain amount of maturity present before attempting to teach this.

Teach or circulate: Teach. As much as I’d like to say circulate so that we can get other books by and about African Americans in the classroom, it is hard to deny that Invisible Man is worth taking the time to teach.

Shaded or dense questions: When have you felt invisible in the same way the narrator felt invisible? In what ways are you limited by societal and/or peer stereotypes? How do the symbols found in the novel reflect issues about race in the time period of the narrator?

Thematically related literature: A Gathering of Old Men- Ernest J. Gaines. Going to Meet the Man- James Baldwin

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Erdrich, Louise. Love Medicine. New York: Henry Holt And Company,1984

Summary: Set on a North Dakota it tells the story of life on the reservation. It depicts the importance of family and shows the beautiful and tragic experiences that culminate a life-time. Each chapter has a different voice and a different story to tell, they speak to each other and they can stand alone.

For Whom Appropriate? 11th or 12th graders

Teach it. This book has a very complex plot. It=s difficult to keep all the characters and their relationships to each other straight. The book offers material for a number of dicussions: life , death, family, religion, race, alcoholism, only to name a few.

Dense Questions: How do you think tragedy and comedy are intimately connected in this book and what other books have you read that make this connection? Do you think this book needs to take place on a reservation; think about what you think it means to be a Native-American writer, an African-American writer or any other Amulti-cultural@ writer, does their ethnicity necessarily come into their writing and should they be categorized?

Related Literature Tracks---Louise Erdrich; Reservation Blues---Sherman Alexie; Ceremony---Leslie Marmon Silko; Fools Crow---James Welch.

Esbensen, Barbara. A Celebration of Bees. New York: Henry Holt and Company:1995.

This book is full of student-written poetry and ways to make it happen for students. It is written by a teacher and author of children's stories as well. Barbara does a great job of capturing the lively and concrete aspects of poetry in this book.

For Whom Appropriate? 6th through 8th Grades

Teach or Circulate? I would definitely teach this since it has so many good ideas.

Dense Questions:
How can words bring an experience to life in poetry as shown in this book?
From your reading of this book and experience, how would you say poetry is different from prose?

Thematically-related Literature: I'm Nobody! Who Are You? edited by Barbara Holdridge and The Poetry of Robert Frost edited by Edward Lathem.