An Abundance of Katherines

 Green, J. (2006). An abundance of Katherines. New York, NY: Dutton Books.  No matter what the child prodigy, Colin, seems to always get dumped by his girlfriends, who happen to all be named Katherine, all nineteen of them. After the nineteenth Katherine, Colin and his best friend, Hassan, take a road trip to get over his break up. When arriving in Gutshot, TN, Colin and Hassan take a job recording the towns history. While there, Colin works on decoding his theorem of love and relationships, falls for a local girl, Lindsey, and expresses his worry and want to be known, for leaving his mark within society. Colin is forced to evaluate his traits and habits to learn that everyone counts in one way or another. 

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Clearly, B. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York, New York: Morrow Junior Books. Leigh has one goal in life, to become a famous author. He writes a letter to his favorite author, Body Henshaw, and asking him questions for a class assignment. This continues for several years, until 6^th grade. It is then that Leigh begins writing letters to Mr. Henshaw and keeping a journal reflecting upon his current issues. He reflects on his rocky relationship with his somewhat absent father, someone stealing his lunch daily, and being the new kid in school who does not want a lot of attention.  Clearly presents to her young readers what is, unfortunately, common within our society, absent parents. The journal entries and letters provide Leigh with an outlet that is productive in reflection, problem solve how to fix some things, and learn to accept certain things as they are. Such as, learning to cope with his parents never marrying again, his father coming and going as he pleases, and being the new kid. This novel could present a writing prompt for both young and older readers to reflect on their current situations. This can provide the opportunity to work on the writing process. The novel could also be used for overall theme of the book or for each letter or journal entry.  

Out of My Mind

Draper, S. (2010). Out of my mind (p. 295). New York, New York: Antheneum Books for Young Readers. At eleven years old, Melody has never spoken a word, but is one smart cookie! Wheel chair bound due to Cerebral Palsy, she is dependent on others to care for her. Things become interesting when Meldoy begins inclusion classes with her other classmates from the H-5 classroom. While on her middle school quiz team Melody and her team advance to the national competition in Washington, D.C. This is when things dramatically change for Melody. Her teammates leave without her for the competition and she is faced with a tragic event within her family. Stand with Melody as she keeps pushing forward in her story. You will be amazed, laugh out loud, cry, and see things through her much different perspective. Draper presents a story of Melody and her daily ups and downs within herself, family, school, and society. Although she is unable to speak or care for herself, Melody is stuck inside of her head and is very talkative. She has a photographic memory and is the smartest kid in her middle school. Draper provides a glance at a micro culture of a disabled student who could more than likely out do many of her classmates academically, but is striving to become accepted by her peers. Using Draper’s book would allow older readers the opportunity to identify theme, as well as plot and setting. It also presents the idea that not everyone is the same physically, but all wanting the same in acceptance within in a school society.