Young Adult Reviews #1

 Bibliographic data - Boulley, A. (2021). Firekeeper’s daughter. Henry Holt and Co. 

 

ISBN - 1250766567 

 

Brief plot summary - 

 Former hockey player Daunis Fontaine, 18, lives in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, in both the non-tribal and Ojibwe communities. She is Native American and half-white. As a confidential informant, she joins an FBI investigation into a meth trafficking organization. Jamie, a junior officer posing as a high school student, sparks feelings in her. In the end, several people are charged, including her former coach and Levi, her half-brother. While some injustices are resolved, others remain. Daunis emerges with a clearer sense of who she is, what's important, and what she wants to accomplish in life. 

 

Critical Analysis- 

"The Fire Keeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley is a young adult novel that intricately weaves a coming-of-age story with themes of identity, belonging, addiction, and romance. Through the character of Daunis Fontaine, the author explores the challenges faced by a young woman who feels like an outsider in both her Anglo and Native communities. 

Daunis Fontaine, the central character, exemplifies the classic struggles of young adult protagonists. She grapples with profound inner conflict, trying to understand herself and her place in the world. Her mixed heritage—part Ojibwe and part French Canadian—creates a constant tension in her identity. She feels torn between two worlds, not fully accepted by either, which is a relatable theme for many readers who have experienced cultural duality. 

The feeling of being out of place in Daunis's Anglo and Native societies is one of the novel's primary themes. The story  explores the complex issues of cultural identity, the difficulties of dealing with different cultural norms, and the obstacles of finding a feeling of belonging when you don't exactly fit into the framework of either culture thanks to the dual views. 

The novel addresses a pressing issue in many Native American communities, the methamphetamine epidemic and sexual violence.. Daunis becomes an informant exposing a meth trade in her community, shedding light on the devastating impact of addiction on individuals and families. This aspect of the plot serves as a powerful commentary on the real-world problems that Native communities face, making the story more socially relevant. There 

also a incident where sexual violence occurs against Daunis. This is unfortanately also something young adults face in today’s world.  

As expected in the young adult genre, there is a romantic subplot between Daunis and Jamie. Their relationship adds depth to the story and is intertwined with the broader themes of identity and belonging. It's not just a typical teen romance; it becomes a means through which Daunis explores her own desires and priorities. 

It might not have a plot that progresses as fast as other young adult books, but it still offers an engaging and rich reading experience. The emotional and psychological traits of the characters and the problems they encounter can be fully explored by readers thanks to Boulley's writing style. The novel is nonetheless simple to read and interesting despite the complexity of the problems. 

Review – School Library Journal 

“This #OwnVoices novel is a character-driven crime thriller packed with Ojibwe culture and high-stakes tension with themes of identity, trust, and resilience. The journey of 18-year-old Daunis Fontaine is told in four parts overlaid by the four directions of Ojibwe medicine wheel teachings. Daunis should be focused on a fresh start at college after her uncle's untime ly death. She is sucked back into the world of ice hockey and starts slowly falling for Jamie, one of her brother's new teammates. Soon she finds herself living two disparate lives: one as a loving daughter, niece, and granddaughter in her family and tribal community, and one as a confidential informant to the FBI as they investigate a deadly new drug. She dangerously furthers the investigation on her own after witnessing a murder, and ultimately must choose between protecting the people she loves or protecting her tribal community. Native cultural aspects, such as the central role of Elders in tribal life, the special relationship between aunts and nieces, and decentering of the individual in favor of the tribe are included, as are some darker aspects of life including drugs, violence, and sexual assault. Daunis, Jamie, and other characters are fleshed out, relatable, and believable, and Daunis's journey to become a strong Ojibwe woman is compelling. VERDICT A strong crime fiction addition to any library, educators will find this text useful in discussions of character growth, social justice, and Native issues”.-Kara Stewart (Sappony), Literacy Coach & Reading Specialistα(c)   

Connections -  

• Discussion Groups: Organize discussion groups to delve deeper into the novel's themes, characters, and social issues. Encourage students to express their thoughts on identity, cultural belonging, addiction, and relationships as they relate to the story. 

• Author Study: Explore the works of Angeline Boulley and her background as a writer. Have students research her other writings or interviews and compare them to "The Fire Keeper's Daughter." 

• Cultural Exploration: Dive into the Ojibwe culture and history. Students can research and present on various aspects of Ojibwe traditions, language, and history. This could include traditional crafts, music, or storytelling. 

 
 

 

 

Bibliographic data - Blume, J. (2014). Forever (Reissue edition). Atheneum Books for Young Readers. 

ISBN - 1481414437 

Brief plot summary –The plot centers around Katherine Danziger who is a high school senior. One night when she is at a party, she meets a boy by the name of Michael Wagner. The two start up a relationship and things quickly progress in a physical manner. Katherine decides that Michael will be her first sexual partner. Because of summer jobs and college the two are separated and Katherine meets a boy. Katherine realizes that after spending time with another boy and her visti with Michael, things are no longer the same. She breaks up with Michael and becomes involved with Theo, the new boy she has met.  

Critical analysis – 

 Judy Blume possesses a unique talent for crafting literature that remains timeless and deeply engaging. Her writing has the remarkable ability to transport even adult readers back to the days of innocence and first love. In her work, readers become acquainted with the protagonist, Katherine, and her new boyfriend, Michael Wagner, embarking on a journey that explores the profound themes of sex, love, maturity, and the intricate process of growing up. 

For adult readers, immersing themselves in this coming-of-age narrative may necessitate momentarily shedding their parental roles to fully appreciate its depth and authenticity. Blume fearlessly confronts these pivotal, in-your-face subjects, including sex, drugs, relationships, abortion, and pregnancy. What sets her writing apart is her capacity to present these topics in a manner that is  captivating, fostering a powerful connection between the narrative and its audience. 

Within the pages of "Forever," readers encounter vivid and unapologetic descriptions as Katherine and Michael navigate their sexuality and the evolving dynamics of their relationship. Blume leaves no stone unturned, offering readers a candid and unabashed portrayal of the romantic experiences unfolding within the narrative. 

Furthermore, the novel addresses the sensitive and contemporary issue of abortion—a subject that resonates deeply with today's young adults, who often grapple with complex decisions. Blume's treatment of this topic underscores the enduring relevance of the novel's themes. 

 

Review - The New York Times Book Review 

"A convincing account of first love." 

Connections - 

• Have students keep journals in the voices of the main characters, Katherine and Michael. They can write diary entries or letters as if they were the characters, reflecting on their experiences, emotions, and personal growth throughout the story. 

• Organize a classroom debate or discussion on some of the controversial themes presented in the book, such as premarital sex, contraception, abortion, and the portrayal of sex in young adult literature. This can encourage critical thinking and a deeper exploration of the text's themes. 

• Have students read other young adult novels that address similar themes of love, relationships, and coming of age. They can compare and contrast the treatment of these themes in different books and discuss how societal attitudes have evolved over time. 

 

 

 

Bibliographic data - Nayeri, D. (2020). Everything Sad is Untrue. Levine Querido. 

ISBN - 1646140001 

Brief plot summary - The novel begins  In a middle school in Oklahoma, Khosrou (also known as Daniel) tells his family's historical stories to a group of unsure classmates. The tales span many years, decades, and even centuries. At its center is Daniel's account of how they came to be refugees, which begins with his mother's vocal embrace of Christianity in a country where doing so was punished by death and goes through their nighttime escape from the secret police and their purchase of a ticket to "anywhere". This becomes the depressing, cement Italian refugee camps, and finally, asylum in the United States. Nayeri  crafts through tales of his family's lengthy and beautiful history in Iran. 

Critical analysis - 

Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri is a  beautifully crafted autobiographical novel that intricately weaves the tapestry of a middle schooler's family's flight from Iran. This work, which has won numerous awards including the 2021 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in YA Literature, is a captivating exploration of identity, faith, and the human spirit's capacity for resilience.  

Nayeri's storytelling draws readers into a narrative that unfolds with grace and poignancy. Like many Young Adult Fiction texts, the author, through the voice of the young protagonist, Daniel, embarks on a journey that transcends geographical borders and familial connections, making the narrative both universally relatable and deeply personal.  

The story examines the subject of faith and the significant sacrifices that can be involved in pursuing it. A daring and heartbreaking story begins with Daniel's mother's conversion to Christianity against the backdrop of a fiercely Muslim country. She becomes a symbol of the endurance of faith and the sacrifices one could make for their convictions because of her steadfast dedication to her newfound faith in the face of challenges and danger.   

The tale also highlights the perseverance of familial ties and the strength of the human spirit. The family's difficult travel from Iran to America is proof of their unity and determination to keep going amid seemingly impossible challenges. The difficulties they encounter and the sacrifices they make along the way reflect how devoted  to one another. 

Review - SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review) 

"At once beautiful and painful, this timely story is highly recommended for middle grade readers." 

Connections - 

• Ask students to select a character from the book (e.g., Daniel/Khosrou, his mother) and create a character analysis. They should explore the character's motivations, development, and the impact they had on the story. 

• Create a timeline that traces the family's journey from Iran to the United States. This visual representation can help students understand the sequence of events and the challenges the family faced along the way. 

• Analyze the significance of the book's title, "Everything Sad Is Untrue." Have students discuss what this phrase means in the context of the story.