Ms. Nichols Reads

  Things I Should Have Known by Claire LaZebnik Bibliography LaZebnik, Claire. 2018. Boston, MA; HMH Books for Young Readers Publishing. ISBN 1328869342 Plot Summary Chloe is a seventeen girl, living a typical teenage life. A few small differences however; Chloe’s father has recently passed away from cancer, her younger sister is autistic, and she absolutely cannot stand her mother’s new husband. This story is a coming of age story that teaches you about love, heartache, and overcoming all obstacles to achieve the ultimate goal of happiness.  Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers) The main cultural marker of this story is witnessing the extremities of living with an autistic person. Seeing the reactions and hearing the thoughts of that autistic person really puts into perspective how others treat people with disabilities. Just because a person is different doesn’t mean they don’t have feelings. This can be seen in the way Chloe and her sister react with each other. ...

  Does my Head Look Big in This? By Randa Abdel Fattah Bibliography Fatton, Randa Abdel. 2008. New York, NY; Scholastic Publishing. ISBN 043992233X Plot Summary Amal is a seventeen year old high school student that is learning to navigate the waters of high school, while simultaneously making the decision to wear a hijab full-time to school. With this decision, Amal is subjected to teasing and torment from fellow classmates. Told through the voice of the main character, this story confronts the “true” realities that Muslim women must face on a daily basis.  Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers) The cultural markers that are made apparent in this story seed from the root of racism and the treatment that the main character, Amal, received throughout the entire story. The abuse can be seen in many different situations of Amal’s life. Beginning with the teasing she received at her high school, due to the hijab she chose to wear. In fact, the decision to even wear a hijab...

  Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly Bibliography Kelly, Erin Entrada. 2020. New York City, NY; Greenwillow Books. ISBN 006241416X Plot Summary Virgil is a little boy that feels out of place in his family, and really in his world. He is bullied at school for being different. As like most boys his age, Virgil develops a crush on a little girl. Unlike most boys his age, the said crush is deaf. He befriends a self-proclaimed psychic and sets off on adventures of self-discovery. One day, Virgil finds himself alone (with only his pet guinea pig for company) and trapped in the bottom of a well. It takes bravery and true friendship to help Virgil out of the sticky spot he finds himself in.  Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers) The cultural influence in this novel can be seen in the main characters’ different backgrounds and homelives. Starting with Virgil, who is a Filippino boy that enjoys listening to stories told by his grandmother, or his Lola. Then we have sisters ...

  Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin Bibliography Lin, Grace. 2014. New York City, NY; Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0316125970 Plot Summary Rendi is a little boy that runs away from home and finds himself working for an innkeeper. At the inn is the innkeeper’s daughter and a mysterious patron named Madame Chen. Madame Cheng tells Rendi stories that end up persuading him to create his own stories. Through the stories that Rendi tells, he is able to grow himself from a selfish boy, into a thoughtful young man. Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers) This novel uses the traditional Chinese mode of storytelling to teach lessons and morals. The characters portray traditional Chinese culture, including symbolism, animals, names, and words generally found in Chinese stories. Specifically, we can see the presence of the moon and the power that the moon plays in not only this story, but more folklore stories similar to this one. The importance and power that the m...

  The House Baba Built by Ed Young Bibliography Young, Ed. 2011. New York City, NY; Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780316076289. Plot Summary This story starts off taking place in Shanghai, China with a war approaching. The family of five; Mimi, Buddy, Hardy, Fifi, and Eddy move to a safe area of Shanghai, in a home that the father designs. This home included a swimming pool and a constant stream of friends and family cascading throughout the home. The children played together and the adults shielded them from the dangers of the war. This home provided this family protection and shelter from a world of war and danger.  Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers) The point of view that this story is told from, comes from the eyes of an innocent child that is shielded from the cruelties of war, by his parents. Along with his brothers and sisters, the reader is able to see the lengths that his parents and family members go through to provide food, shelter, and...

  Tea with Milk by Allen Say Bibliography Say, Allen. 2009. Boston, Ma; HMH Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0547237472 Plot Summary This is the story of a young girl named Masako, as she immigrates to Japan from the United States. Masako, or May, is forced to learn Japanese and how to be a “proper Japanese lady.” The struggles May faces as the outsider in a foreign land is one that sets her on the path of self-discovery. Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers) The opening page of this story features an image of a little girl standing in a white dress, in front of an American flag. The contrast between the little Japanese girl, with her dark black hair cut into a short and sleek bob and the American Flag in the background is striking.  Continuing on with the story, Masako is introduced along with the customs of her family. These customs are authentic to the Japanese culture, and include eating rice and miso soup and drinking green tea. This in comparison to the pancakes, ...