RESPONSE by Paul Volponi

This Book is about a young African American male named Noah who is 17 yrs old and lives in the time when things were a bit hectic about racism. He was a teen father of a daughter named Destiny and loved her severely. One night him and his friends decided they needed money so they decided to go into the white town to steal a car and instead got caught up in and beaten. His friends ran off and he tripped and got severely jumped by the white gang and got a bat struck on the side of his head which went to his skull. This accident changed his life. He had the trouble of going through the court because they considered it a hate crime because the boys just jumped him because he was black. He realized then that if anything worse could have happened his daughter would not have a dad anymore and it made him feel even worse. In the end he figured out what he had to do to change his life and become a man and he did it successfully.

This book was probably one of the books I loved. Reading this book just was such an inspiration because it's all true facts on how the world really is. It shows hatred amongst others and social impact on racism. It hits you a lot when reading this book. What I gained from it is that even though you might hate someone so badly with your heart and mind that in the end you shouldn't react on your anger because it will get you nowhere. Instead take the time to relax, let your mind wonder and do the right thing by forgiving the one who did wrong, because in the end the person who did you wrong is the one who wants the anger back at them. That's what makes them keep going. Show them that you are stronger than you think and you can rise above and be a better person.

Just read it because honestly it will change you. It will show you how much brighter your future will be without being so angry.

Recommended for grades 11-12.


AH in Howland

THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS by John Boyne.

The nine-year-old German boy, Bruno, lives in Berlin with an immensely creative imagination. Sometimes he will talk to the family maid, who, he finds out, does have a life beyond serving his family; sometimes he will go up to the top floor and slide down the banister; and always he tries to avoid his sister who is, undoubtedly, a hopeless case. But then he moves from his comfy house. Maybe there will no longer be banisters, maybe there will no longer be five floors. But there will be a camp where thousands of people are trapped behind a fence. On a different side of the fence then him.

This book made you think - about what you know about the Holocaust, about what it would be like to be German or Jewish at that time in history, about how the Germans did it. About prejudice.

This book was one of the best books I have ever read about the Holocaust and was one of my favorite books in general. The story seemed to be geared to all ages, young and old, and is beneficial to them all, especially to people wanting a different type of story of this period in history or a child being introduced to it. Engaging, touching, and thought-provoking, this was an excellent book.

Recommended for all teens.


SA in Greenville

IF YOU COME SOFTLY by Jacqueline Woodson

His parents are divorced. Her's are just barely together. She is thoughtful and sweet. He lives for basketball. He picks up her dropped books for her, and suddenly they feel so perfect for each other ... they understand each other completely. Yet Ellie's skin color is white; Miah's is black. The world has not accepted them.

This book very clearly expressed the problems of racial issues. Through the individual, personal thoughts of both of the main characters, readers glimpse the struggles of the two teens as they cope with other people's belief's about racism. The use of words conjured up a clear picture and understanding of this deep issue. I felt I was more fully aware with the issue of racism.

I'd recommend this book. The characters were well defined. It portrayed racial issues very clearly, and it was an enjoyable read.

Recommended for all teens.


SA in Greenville

GATHER TOGETHER IN MY NAME by Maya Angelou

Angelou, age sixteen, has just given birth to an illegitimate baby boy. World War II has just ended and African-Americans returning home from the war re-encounter racism -- which is not a temporary aberration. Angelou turns tougher and her remembering evokes an immediacy of long-ago dejection.

This book manages to teach the reader how wrong racism is without being too "teachy". It's an interesting story that shows us not to judge people by where they came from or what skin color they are.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus