ttfn - Module 15

t t f n

By Lauren Miracle

Published by Harry N. Abrams (2006)

ISBN 0810959712

Grades 9-11

tale

Sequel to ttyl, this book is the record of instant messages flying between three BFF (best friends forever) Zoe, Maddie and Angela (nicknamed zoegirl, mad maddie, and snowangel). Sometimes they do it by conferencing and the three of them are all communicating at the same time. Angela is forced to move to El Cerrito, California, with her family when her father loses his job; Maddie experience drugs to impress the boy she likes; Zoe is developing stronger feelings for the boy that used to like Angela. This is just part of the ingredients that could add up to disaster.

thought

They are very close friends and their friendship is beautiful to observe. They support, help, and love each other. They are 16 years old, attending 11th grade, and they talk about everything (and I mean everything!). The question now is: can their friendship survive so many adversities, the distance, the lies, and the pressure of being a teenager?


about the author

Lauren Myracle was born on May 15, 1969 in Brevard, North Carolina and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where many of her stories take place. With 3 brothers, three sisters, and now three kids she has no problem finding content for her books.

Although she has always had a passion for reading, and an inclination towards the writing business, she first majored in English and Psychology, followed by a Masters in English, and finally received her MFA (Masters on Fine Arts) in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College. Having started writing at age 22, her first book Kissing Kate, was published when she was 32. The book was a success appearing on 2004 ALA Best Books for Young Adults list, being included on the Top Ten Youth Romances of the year by Booklist, and among the Top Ten Books by New Writers. Eventhough ttfn was a New York Times Best Seller list, was also one of the most challenged books of 2009 (according to the American Library Association).

Tthe author received many rejections and suffered numerous frustrations during her efforts to get published, and certainly is qualified to give advices on how to persist in following your dream:

"Because I loved books so much, I always knew I wanted to be a writer. And I always knew I wanted to write about kids, because they're so damn interesting. I figured that maybe college was the place to make that dream happen. But at the University of North Carolina, where I received by bachelor's degree, I was told that I wasn't good enough to take the advanced creative writing class. Next I earned a master's degree at Colorado State University, where again I was told that I wasn't good enough to take a graduate-level creative writing class. Good heavens, girl! Give it up, will you?

(Excerpt from the text at http://biography.jrank.org/pages/1743/Myracle-Lauren-1969.html)

Lauren Myracle has a website full of fun to explore, learn, and share: http://www.laurenmyracle.com/yummy-books/ttfn

review

From School Library Journal Review

"Gr 9-11-Best friends Angela, Maddie, and Zoe are back for their junior year in this sequel to ttyl (Abrams, 2004), also written entirely in text-message format. Zoe has recently started working with Angela's former crush, Doug, at Kidding Around, a daycare. Zoe is not sure how to tell her that she likes Doug, and just when she gets up the courage, Angela drops the bomb that her family is moving to California. Maddie is in love with Clive, who doesn't mind spending time with her and even occasionally making out, but he's in love with someone else. He is witty and charming and DEEP. He is also a pothead. In her efforts to keep him interested, Maddie begins smoking pot. As her friends put up protests, she gets defensive and tension ensues. Angela attempts to make new friends, but misses her old ones fiercely. She also misses having a romantic interest. As a result, on New Year's Eve, she drunk dials Doug. He breaks the news that he is now with Zoe, which exacerbates her loneliness and feelings of isolation. Confrontations result but the three friends resolve their differences. This is definitive chick-lit, a comfortable read that explores sexuality, drugs, depression, and learning about oneself. Myracle does an excellent job of developing the characters and a plot that is easy to get into and fun to follow.-Emily Garrett, Naaman Forest High School, Garland, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted."

activity

Students will work in groups of five each. Each group will identify a member of the group to assume one of the five personalities: a mother, a father, Zoe, Maddie, and Angela. Each group will receive one scenario from the book. They will discuss the scenario under the personality they have assumed. At the end of the session they will write the result of their discussions and how they felt portraying that particular personage.

Bronx Masquerade - Module 14

Bronx Masquerade

By Nikki Grimes

Published by Dial Books for Young Reader (2002)
ISBN: 9780803725690

Grades 8 up.

Tale

Mr. Ward, a high school English teacher, realizes his students are more interested in his class when they are writing poems about what they are learning and about themselves. Each student has a chapter of their own in this book, in which they narrate about themselves and things they like and dislike. Tyrone is one of the students but he makes a comment at the end of each of his classmates’ chapters;  it is like he is adding an outsider’s view about the person in question. The students have the opportunity to read their poems out loud to the other students on Open Mike nights. At the end of the school year Mr. Ward surprises his students by giving each one of them a booklet containing all the poems they have written during the year.

Thought

A young adult’s Coretta Scott King Award winner, Bronx Masquerade is a very interesting book in which the story is supported by poems written by the characters. This is a group of students from different backgrounds and cultures, but they are all part of the marginalized social-economical class in the Bronx. Some of them have no interest in school whatsoever, and others feel a need to hide their talents and aptitudes in order to maintain their ‘dignity’ before their classmates. (One of the students hides his joy of reading because that is not considered ‘cool’ in his group). Many problems faced by teenagers are discussed in this book through the characters’ narratives, Tyrone’s comments, and by the poems themselves; including drug abuse, physical and psychological abuse, racism, loss, and abandonment. A good read and poetry exercise.

About the author

Nikki Grimes was born on October 20, 1950 in Harlem, New York. After growing up in New York, she now lives in Corona, California. Writer, poet, and journalist, her passion for writing appeared early, when at six years old she started writing poems. This enthusiasm for poetry and writing has taken her to many countries as a guest speaker. Recipient of many honors, her work is well recognized. In 2003 Bronx Masquerade received the prestigious Coretta Scott king Award. In 2005 the Southern California Children’s Books Association recognized her work awarding her the Golden Dolphin Award. In 2006 she received the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. 

To visit Grimes website click here. The website contains many resources for students, teachers, and those passionate about poetry in general.

Review

From Publishers Weekly

“When a high school teacher in the Bronx begins to host open-mike poetry in his classroom on Fridays, his students find a forum to express their identity issues and forge unexpected connections with one another. Grimes's (Jazmin's Notebook) creative, contemporary premise will hook teens, and the poems may even inspire readers to try a few of their own. The poetic forms range from lyrics penned by aspiring rapper Tyrone to the concrete poem of a budding Puerto Rican painter Raul (titled "Zorro" and formed as the letter "Z"). Ultimately, though, there may be too many characters for the audience to penetrate deeply. The students in Mr. Ward's English class experience everything from dyslexia and low self-esteem to teenage motherhood and physical abuse. The narrators trade off quickly, offering only a glimpse into their lives. Not even Tyrone, who breaks in after each student's poem to offer some commentary, comes fully to life. The students' poems, however, provide some lasting images (e.g., overweight Janelle, who is teased for her "thick casing," writes, "I am coconut,/ and the heart of me/ is sweeter/ than you know"). Any one of these students could likely dominate a novel of his or her own, they simply get too little time to hold the floor here. Ages 12-up. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.”

Activity

This book can be used in a classroom in many different ways, each achieving a different objective. Students can learn poetry, and how to express themselves while learning almost any school subject. A good activity would be to ask students to paint or draw their feelings about one of the book’s characters.

 

The Plain Janes - Module 13

THE PLAIN JANES

By Cecil Castellucci

Published by Minx (2007)

ISBN 9781401211158 (paper back)

Grades 7-10

Tale

Jane is a ‘big city girl’ living in Metro City until she experiences

a terrorist attack and is forced to move with her parents to a calmer place. Although invited to sit with her new school’s popular girls, she decides to sit with the ‘rejected ones’. Jane is being very friendly with the girls at her table but they don’t seem interested in any relationship. The ice is broken when Jane asks the other girls’ names and starts laughing as they say “Jane, Jayne, and Polly Jane”. They become friends and together they find a clever way to become very popular, even though nobody knows that they are the ones behind P.L.A.I.N. (People Loving Art In Neighborhoods); the organization everybody is talking about.

Sequel: Jane is in Love

Thought

This is a graphic novel about current topics involving teens of all ages and cultures: moving, terrorist attacks, idealism, rejection, friendship, fear… a little bit of everything. The ‘Janes’ find a mature and acceptable way to fight against rejection and rebel against the city’s nonsensical projects. They perform secret ‘art attacks’ by painting, decorating, remodeling, and sculpting the most interesting things, always leaving a note of explanation with the project. On their first attack they construct three pyramids on a lot reserved for a shopping mall and posted the following signs: “The Pyramids lasted for thousands of years. Do you think this strip Mall will?” and “Art saves. Think big, think P.L.A.I.N.” Of course the public opinion is divided and even the police become involved, but nothing stops the P.L.A.I.N Janes!

About the author

Cecil Castellucci was born in New York City on October 25, 1969. She lived in New York until admitted at the Concordia University in Montreal to pursue her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production.

Still in Montreal, Cecil jumped into a music career. She was a part of several bands until she moved to Los Angeles and became Cecil Seaskull to start her solo career. In 2005 Cecil’s first novel, Boy Proof, was published. Plain Janes is her first graphic novel. The same year the book was published she was chosen the Best Canadian Comic Book Writer by Shuster Award. Cecil also received the California Book Award Gold Medal for her first picture book, Grandma’s Gloves, published in 2010.

Review

From School Library Journal

“Grade 7–10—Young adult author Castellucci makes her graphic-novel debut with this quirky comic. Jane's parents relocate to the suburbs when she's caught in a bomb attack in Metro City. Bored and lonely in her new town and school, the teen is thrilled when she meets three other girls named Jane, all of them as out of place as she is. They form a secret club, the Plain Janes, and decide to liven up the town with art. Some people like their work, but most are frightened, and the local police call the Plain Janes' work "art attacks." Castellucci gives each girl a distinct personality, and spirited, compassionate Main Jane is especially captivating. Rugg's drawings aren't in superhero or manga style, but resemble the more spare, clean style of alternative comics creators such as Dan Clowes and Craig Thompson. A thoughtful look at the pressures to conform and the importance of self-expression, this is also a highly accessible read. Regular comics readers will enjoy it, but fans of soul-searching, realistic young adult fiction should know about it as well.—Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved."

Activity

If you were a P.L.A.I.N.’s member, what projects you would like to see accomplished in your city? First, students will think individually about the ideas they have. They will write down the ones they consider best for the community. In groups, students will discuss the ideas they have and will write and draw the top picks of the group. They also need to write the purpose of each project.

Knucklehead - Module 12

Knucklehead

Published by Viking Juvenile (2008)

ISBN 9780670011063 (hardcover)

Grades 3 – 6

Tale

This is an autobiography full of humor in which Scieszka revitalizes many of his memoirs. The entire journey, from being one of six boys to becoming a children’s author, is recounted. He has fun telling the reader what and how everything happened; while the reader has fun learning about it. Many aspects of the daily routine of a young boy are humorously discussed.

Thought

Scieszka is one of my favorite authors. I use many of his books for storytime and it was wonderful to learn more about him and his trek to becoming an author. The chapters are short and include many of his real-life pictures while growing up. Although the book has over one hundred pages, it is a swift and pleasurable read. The fun starts on the cover with a picture of the young Sciezka’s head popping up from a cartoon military tank while airplanes fly overhead bombing him. The fun goes from the front cover to the very end because of his special way of telling his story, the events he relates, and some of the words he uses to do so. I really recommend this one!

About the author

With Polish background, Jon Scieszka was born in Flint, Michigan on September 8, 1954, to become the second-oldest of six boys.

Although he started on a career path towards the medical field, he soon recognized his passion for writing and graduated in 1980 from Columbia University with a Master in Fine Arts in Fiction. 

He started working as a 1^st grade Assistant Teacher and soon worked as a 2^nd grade teacher. Then he worked as a teacher for 3^rd to 8^th grades until his passion for writing revived and he took a year off from teaching to work on his writing. Rejected by all the publishers he sent his stories to, he went back to painting apartments (work he had done right after graduating).  Meanwhile, he met Lane Smith who was working on his first children’s book. Lane drew some illustrations for Jon’s A. Wolf’s Tale and they send copies of the story to many publishers. Although all were rejected, they kept trying until the Viking Books’ editor Regina Hayes thought the book was funny and decided to publish it. With a new name, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs was published in 1989.

 

Jon has become a renowned author and illustrator with millions of books sold in many languages around the world. Based on his experience as a teacher and having grown up as one of six brothers, he became concerned with the reluctance of boys to read.  In 2002 he created Guys Read; a program and website dedicated to inspiring boys to read. In 2008 he was appointed the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.

To visit Guys read click here.

To visit Jon Scieszka Worldwide click here.

Review

From School Library Journal

“Gr 3-6.  Jon Scieszka is well-known for his quirky sense of humor and ability to connect with adolescent readers, especially boys, and was named the first National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. His autobiography (Viking, 2008) is clearly aimed at his target audience and it hits an easy bulls-eye. Scieszka reads his book, explaining about growing up in a family of six boys in Flint, Michigan. Growing boys and common sense don't usually go together, and the author's tales from his boyhood offer plenty of evidence. Peppering the nativity scene with army soldiers, peeing on the space heater, dealing with vomiting cats on car trips, being required to write a list of bad words for his teacher (a nun), and explosions both small and large clearly explain how Scieszka turned out the way he did. There's plenty of bathroom humor here as well as wanton destruction. More than one of the many short chapters quickly overwhelms listeners with a feeling of impending doom as the boys come up with yet another "good idea." Yet through it all, there's the unmistakable feeling of togetherness, unity, and a sense of the security felt as part of a large and very forgiving family. There's even a short addendum where Scieszka talks about his writing. Listeners will laugh out loud and feel an uncontrollable urge to repeat bits of these stories to anyone who happens in range. Isn't that the best recommendation?  Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.”

Activity

Ask students to identify, while they are reading the book, the passage that most relates to their own experience, and how similar or different the outcome is from Jon’s experience.

The Day-Glo Brothers - Module 11

The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas

 and Brand-New Colors

 

By Chris Barton

Illustrations by Tony Persiani

Published by Charlesbridge Publishing (2009)
ISBN: 978-1570916731

For ages 7-10

Tale

The Day-Glo Brothers is a colorful and fun journey describing the invention of glowing color ink by the Switzer brothers. By using their knowledge and experimenting, Bob and Joe Switzer developed surprising results, while creating greens, oranges, and yellows that have a number of uses beyond just advertisement. The book shows how these colors revolutionized many things. 

Thought

This is a book that can certainly educate and entertain readers of all ages as it presents facts about the discovery of glowing colors in a fun way, and includes colorful illustrations. There are many illustrations in black and white or gray scale with only one object in fluorescent paint, and there are pages with an explosion of glowing orange, yellow, and green. “For more than a mile away it looked like the billboard was on fire!” is the description on one of the very colorful pages.  Then they acknowledged they must have made a wonderful discovery: a paint that could even glow in the sunlight! A great book with wonderful illustrations.

 About the author

Chris Barton was born on May 24, 1971 in Sulphur Springs, TX, and he graduated in history by the University of Texas at Austin. Son of a language high school teacher (French and Spanish), he always had a passion to write. He started sharing his books with others since young age but it was The Day-Glo Brothers his first children’s book to be published.

To read more about the author visit http://www.chrisbarton.info/

Review

School Library Journal

“Gr 4-6.  Before 1935, fluorescent colors did not exist. Barton discusses how two brothers worked together to create the eye-popping hues. Joe Switzer figured out that using a black light to create a fluorescent glow could spruce up his magic act, so the brothers built an ultraviolet lamp. They began to experiment with various chemicals to make glow-in-the-dark paints. Soon Joe used fluorescent-colored paper costumes in his act and word got around. Through trial and error, the brothers perfected their creation. The story is written in clear language and includes whimsical cartoons. While endpapers are Day-Glo bright, most of the story is illustrated in black, white, gray, and touches of color, culminating in vivid spreads. Discussions on regular fluorescence and daylight fluorescence are appended. This unique book does an excellent job of describing an innovative process.  Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.”

Activity

Individually, children will write a list of things they believe would be better if they could glow in the dark.

Links that ‘glow’

Animated demonstration on how regular fluorescence and daylight fluorescence work: http://charlesbridge.com/day-glo-animation.html

The Day-Glo official website:  http://www.dayglo.com/home

Al Capone Does My Shirts - Module 10

AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS
by Gennifer Choldenko

ISBN 9780399238611

G. P. Putnam's Sons-New York (2004)

Grades: 6-8.

TALE

The story is narrated by 12 year-old Moose. He has moved with his family to Alcatraz Island where his father is going to work as a prison guard and electrician. He is a caring son and a devoted brother, but his 16 year-old sister Natalie suffers from autism and needs his commitment, affection, and dedication more than ever. Their mother is determined to get Natalie accepted as intern at Esther P. Marinoff School, where she will have better chances for progress. In this commitment she is guilty of delegating too much responsibility to her young boy that just misses being a kid. Between struggling to adapt to a new school and new friends (some not so friendly), suffering from the absence of his father who is working extended hours, enduring the absence of his mother who is teaching music to increase the family income, and helping his sister… not much time is left for him to enjoy life. Moose’s narratives are embellished with interesting descriptions of the island and the routines of residents and convicts alike.

Thought

This book is a good read from beginning to end—which is great! Choldenko’s depiction of Alcatraz is rich and feels realistic. A picture of the island is printed at the beginning of the book along with notes and arrows pointing to settings included in the story. The year is 1935 and the island is ‘home’ for many known criminals including the famous Al Capone.

About the author

Gennifer Choldenko was born in 1957 in Santa Monica, California. Today she lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband and two children.

She began her career as a advertisement illustrator but relized that children’s books were her true love. Graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design. Notes from a Liar and Her Dog was her first novel and it received many awards.

Al Capone Does My Shirts’ character Natalie was inspired on one of Choldenko’s sisters who suffered from a severe form of autism.

Review

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-8--In this appealing novel set in 1935, 12-year-old Moose Flanagan and his family move from Santa Monica to Alcatraz Island where his father gets a job as an electrician at the prison and his mother hopes to send his autistic older sister to a special school in San Francisco. When Natalie is rejected by the school, Moose is unable to play baseball because he must take care of her, and her unorthodox behavior sometimes lands him in hot water. He also comes to grief when he reluctantly goes along with a moneymaking scheme dreamed up by the warden's pretty but troublesome daughter. Family dilemmas are at the center of the story, but history and setting--including plenty of references to the prison's most infamous inmate, mob boss Al Capone--play an important part, too. The Flanagan family is believable in the way each member deals with Natalie and her difficulties, and Moose makes a sympathetic main character. The story, told with humor and skill, will fascinate readers with an interest in what it was like for the children of prison guards and other workers to actually grow up on Alcatraz Island.--Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Activity

Thinking about Piper’s laundry service, have student groups come up with an idea for a scheme to make money. They will create a poster and flyers to advertise that service.

39 Clues: The Maze of Bones - Module 9

39 Clues

The Maze of Bones

By Rick Riordan

Published by Scholastic Press (2008)

ISBN: 978-0545060394 (hardcover)
Grades: 4-6

Tale

In this first book of the series, as their beloved grandmother passes away, orphans Amy (14) and Dan (11) realize that their family tree holds more than traditions; it is surrounded in secrecy, mysteries, disappearances…and that no one can be trusted. The two children and all the Cahills invited, need to choose between a million dollar “no questions asked” inheritance or fighting with the other family members to discover all 39 clues that will reveal the family’s secret; and that may lead them to what is supposed to be the most valuable treasure in existence (If they survive all the ordeals)! In the second scenario, only one team will win and the others will be given nothing. Amy and Dan decided to take the challenge. They travel the world chasing for the 39 clues, they discover the power of their family, meet the famous relatives, and discover the dangers of belonging to one of the four branches of the Cahill family.

Thoughts

The book is a blast of hide-and-seek experiences, explosions, excitement, and mystery; but is also an enjoyable lesson on geography and history. The series’ readers are taken around the world in search of the clues, and clues for clues. They visit world-famous monuments and institutions, and learn about historical personalities such as Amadeus Mozart and Benjamin Franklin, which all happen to be Cahill relatives. Literature and math topics are also present throughout the chapters.

The fun goes beyond the book’s pages as readers have access to online games, activities, and webcasted events at http://www.the39clues.com/. This website also provide a comprehensive support for educators such as lesson plans, classroom activities suggestions, and detailed literature comprehension and content overviews for each volume. 

About the Author

Rick Riordan was born in San Antonio, Texas, on June 5, 1964. He started writing short stories at young age. Although he became famous for his adult mysteries, the idea of writing a juvenile fiction never died. It was from a bedtime story he wrote for his older son that his first children’s book arose—Percy Jackson was born! Recently Riordan became a full-time writer, but he uses much of his time visiting schools and other educational institutions.

“I think kids want the same thing from a book that adults want—a fast-paced story, characters worth caring about, humor, surprises, and mystery.”

Click here to visit “the online world of Rick Riordan”.

Review

From School Library Journal

"Starred Review. Grade 4–7—When their beloved Aunt Grace dies, Dan, 11, and Amy, 14—along with other Cahill descendants—are faced with an unusual choice: inherit one million dollars or participate in a perilous treasure hunt. Cahills have determined the course of history for centuries, and this quest's outcome will bring the victors untoward power and affect all of humankind. Against the wishes of nasty Aunt Beatrice, their reluctant guardian since their parents' deaths, Dan and Amy accept the challenge, convincing their college-age au pair to serve as designated adult. Pitted against other Cahill teams, who will stop at nothing to win, the siblings decipher the first of 39 clues and are soon hot on the historical trail of family member Ben Franklin to unearth the next secret. Adeptly incorporating a genuine kids' perspective, the narrative unfolds like a boulder rolling downhill and keeps readers glued to the pages. As the siblings work together to solve puzzles and survive dangers, they develop into well-drawn individuals with their own strengths and personalities. Supporting Cahill cast members come across as intentionally exaggerated caricatures, adding to the tale's breathless fun. The book dazzles with suspense, plot twists, and snappy humor, but the real treasure may very well be the historical tidbits buried in the story. Part of a multimedia launch including a Web site, collectable game cards, and a 10-title series (penned by different authors), this novel stands solidly on its own feet and will satisfy while whetting appetites for more.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. "

Activity

Based on a teacher activity suggestion found on the official 39 Clues website at http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=37926

Geography:

"Grace Cahill kept a map of the world with pushpins in her secret library. Help your students track their journey around the world by displaying a world map in your classroom. Track their locations with pushpins like Grace!”

Mark each one of the pushpins with numbers in descending order. As the numbers are added to the map, students will discuss and write in their “travel journal” which places they visit, who they found, which historical personage they met, and what clues they have discovered.

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment - Module 8

Maximum Ride

The Angel Experiment

By James Patterson

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2005)

ISBN 978-0316155564 (hardcover)

Grades: 7 Up

 Tale

Maximum Ride, or simply Max, is a strong 14 year-old girl. She takes care of her younger (not blood related) ‘siblings’: Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and little Angel. Without parents or any adults around, she is responsible for “the flock”. As a result of modifying laboratory experiments, they are children with wings—their 2% bird genes allow their 98% child bodies to fly. They ran away from the lab in which they were raised in small cages and cannot trust anyone. Living in secrecy in the Colorado Mountains, they run away again when discovered by the Erasers: half man/half wolf genetic experiments created in the same lab. Their lives are always in danger as these sanguinary mutants are always hunting for them, wherever they go. With a single light kiss, a slight element of romance is added to the story, probably to be developed in one of the book’s sequels.

Thoughts

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment is the first in a series of seven books. It appeals to a broad spectrum of readers as it has characters of all ages, genders, personalities, and nature. It offers suspense, surprise, fantasy, science labs, fights, romance, and many other elements that may appeal to readers. Apart of the fantastic nature of being scientific mutants, the characters are mainly normal children that are fighting for their freedom. The contrast between the day light and the peaceful sound of the wind under their wings, against the dark, dirty, and noisy world they endure when hiding underground between the train tracks and the lab, add to the suspense.

Grade 7 up.

About the Author

Born in Newburgh, New York, on March 22, 1947, author James Patterson is well-known for many of his works and charismatic characters in a wide range of genres, especially thriller and suspense. He writes for various ages and reading levels and many of his works have been adapted for TV and to the big screen. The Thomas Berryman Number, published in 1976, was the first of several novels. He has written over seventy novels and many of them have appeared on best-seller lists around the world. He is listed in the “Guinness World Records,” as the author with the most New York Times best sellers (NYTimes, 2010). Today, Patterson lives with his wife and his son in Palm Beach, Florida.

Click here to visit James Patterson official website.

Review

Horn Book Guide Reviews 2006 Spring

Website: http://www.hbook.com

Max Ride and five other human-avian genetic hybrids fly (literally) from the lab where they were created as experiments and forge a new life in hiding. When six-year-old Angel is captured, Max leads her makeshift family in a rescue attempt, raising questions about their origins and destiny. Smart-mouthed, sympathetic characters and copious butt-kicking make this fast read pure escapist pleasure. Copyright 2006 Horn Book Guide Reviews.

Activity

From Maximum Ride official website

Click here to visit the website for more activity ideas.

“Science—Unfortunately for Max and her Flock, the scientists experimenting with genomics use their knowledge to harm rather than aid society. But genomic research can be used for useful purposes: developing new energy sources, insect-and drought-resistant crops, and hardier livestock. Assign students a partner and ask them to select one of the above fields to research. Each pair should make a brochure explaining the field of genomic research, detailing both its positive and negative impact. The brochures should be presented to the class and displayed in the classroom.”