Bronx Masquerade

Bronx Masquerade, by Nikki Grimes, is a story about an inner-city school where on teacher is striving to make a difference in a way that seems contradictory to the setting where the story takes place. The teacher, Mr. Ward, is trying to get his students to travel the path of self revelation by writing poetry, a medium in which none of his students are very well versed in. The book follows a few of Mr. Ward's Students as they go about their daily lives. Each chapter about the kids is followed by a short poem, written by a student. The book continues like this, and you can see the subtle, but powerful, change that is worked within each of Mr. Ward's students. The book is a powerful testimony to the changing power of words.

Though Bronx Masquerade was a book that deviated from the normal type of book that I was reading at the time, it still kept me entertained as I read it. I would say that I liked it, even if it was not my favorite book of all time. I think the poetry within the chapters was what threw me, but the story kept me coming back for more. By the end of the book I had come to terms with the poetry, and I was not just skipping over it. The poetry in the book is half the story, so if you think that you are going to skip over most of it, then this probably is not the book for you. The story and the poetry are well written, and the individual tones of the students gives the book a charm that is hard to find in many books about inner city life. This book portrays life in the Bronx as difficult but engaging, and the way that Nikki Grimes writes really brings out the best in each of the characters. If you are a fan of poetry, or if you can stand some poetry along with a story, then Bronx Masquerade is a good choice for a high school reader.



Also a quick question. I am going to be away at camp from June 21st to July 14th and will need some reviews for the blog. I wanted to know whether any of the readers would like to submit a review that would be published? If you are interested drop me a line on my email: alagaesia00@gmail.com.

Thanks,
Royce

Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska, by John Green, is a novel about a young man named Miles "Pudge" Halter whose love for last words drive him to search for the "Great Perhaps" ( The last words of Francois Rabelais). He travels to boarding school where his life is turned upside down by Alaska Young, a quirky girl who as an event all on by herself. Alaska takes Pudge along for the ride on her roller coaster of a life. Pudge is pulled into the inescapable world of Alaska Young and the crazy happenings around Culver Creek Boarding School. He meets new friends, makes new enemies, and does more within the first month than he thought he could ever do in a lifetime.

I enjoyed Looking for Alaska a lot. It offered a good view of teenage life, but had enough scandal and twists to keep me entertained in places where I normally would not have been. Though the story sounds like one about a boy becoming a man through a process of trials that are placed before him, it is really a story about dealing with loss. The book is set up in a distinctive two parts, and the contrast between the moods and tone of the parts made me reflect of the book all the more. However, the abrupt change in style does not distract you from the plot, but rather it enhances your understanding of the characters, and gives you even more to think about than you had before.

As it would seem, this is a book for high school students, and even though it could entertain some adults, I think that they may want to pick up another book. Though they may receive something from the plot-line, it is very little compared to what a high school student might get out of reading the book. Looking for Alaska is a powerful novel, and a great read for high school students.

Ironman

Ironman, by Chirs Crutcher, is about a young teenager named Bo Brewster an aspiring triathlete with family problems and a drive to compete.After an angry outburst against his football coach, is sent to Mr. Nak's class for Anger Management. There he meets a group of teens who are even more high strung and on the edge than he is. It is in that class that he also meets and falls in love with Shelly, a tough girl who can beat Bo up three times over. In the course of these events, Bo is training for a triathlon that could catapult him into the big time. With witty dialog and a unique first-person style, Ironman is a great sports book by a great sports author.

Chris Crutcher specializes in capturing the ups and downs, twists and turns of a teenagers life. All of his books are about young adults, many who participate in sports. Similar to Breathing Underwater, Ironman is told from the main characters point of view, which makes for a very interesting story. I really enjoyed Ironman because I thought that it offered a harsh-but-true view of adolescence. Often I think that people miss the uncertainty of teenage years, and I think that Ironman does a great job in depicting these uncertainties.

Though Ironman is not a book for the elementary student, upper middle school, and high school students will find a great story in the pages of Ironman. I also think that the book holds some good things for adults as well, if only so they can reflect on their own teenage years.

Breathing Underwater

Breathing Underwater, by Alex Flinn, is a book about a young teenager named Nick, who is under a restraining order from his ex-girlfriend. The book follows Nick as he looks back on his abusive relationship, and as he goes through Family Violence class. In the process he goes from wanting his girlfriend back, to accepting his mistakes and working to change them.

Breathing Underwater is most defiantly not suited for anyone under high school age. It deals with some more mature themes and subjects, ranging from abuse to violence. It does tell a good story though, and the mature parts do not get in the way of the great plot line. Alex Flinn crafted Nick to be a well rounded character, and the growth that he experiences from beginning to end of the novel is great. I think that the way that Alex Flinn portrays the conflicts between the characters brings a lot of life to the novel, as well as make the novel the much more personal.

Even though Breathing Underwater does have a lot of conflict and mature themes, the wonderful story gives these conflicts a much different light. Alex Flinn's novel Breathing Underwater is a great book for High School students and adults alike, and is a great quick read for those looking for a novel with a great story.

The Battle of Jericho

The Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper is a story about a young high school student who is recruited to be in the most prestigious club on campus, the Warriors of Distinction. The book follows Jericho as he goes through the challenges of initiation week, and is forced to make a distinction between right and wrong.

The Warriors of Distinction offers fame and popularity to all of its members. However, joining the acclaimed organization comes at a high price. Pledge's are forced through a series of challenges that test their mental and physical strength. But as the tests become more harrowing, and more dangerous, Jericho is forced to find a place to draw the line. How can he choose between popularity and belonging; and righteousness and self-acceptance. Is it even possible for Jericho to make a decision that will not haunt him for the rest of his life?

Told by master storyteller Sharon Draper, The Battle of Jericho is a classic clash between ideals. As the story unfolds, one can discover truths about peer-pressure and high school popularity that allow one to see the world in a new light. I highly recommend this Corretta Scott King Award novel to high school students of all ages, hopefully it will help you shed some light on your own high school experiences.