Behind the Beautiful Forevers

Modern narrative non-fiction: Yes, please.  The realities and tragedies of Mumbai are recorded in this book by a well known journalist, Katherine Boo.  The characters are real and create a sense of reality with the reader.  Although there are unanswered questions, the reader is left with hope for all humanity.  

RC points = check list

Code Talker - READ IT!

For summer school, I read this book aloud to my students, and I loved it!  I guess it would be considered historical fiction although it is written as a narrative.  It tells the story of Kii (Ned Begay), a Navajo, who becomes a code talker during World War II.  The story is abundant with historical facts from the perspective of a person in the war.  There is no fictionalized love story, rather just narratives of relationships with other soldiers and perspectives of the Navajos.  The story travels from California to Hawaii to the Soloman Islands, Guam, Saipan, Palau, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.  This would be a perfect addition to the history classroom as it is rich in content, not length.  A must read!

RC = 13 points

Art Boy or Not?

After reading, Where I Belong, I fell in love with this author.  It's just a feel good story that isn't too over the top.  I loved every moment of this book just as I loved every moment of the first one.  This book follows Kitsy, Corrinne's best friend from the Spoke, as she ventures to NYC to pursue her dream of being an artist.  Kitsy goes through many adventures in hopes of finding out who she is without the constant reminder of a part time mom and overbearing small town.  Without her boyfriend, cheer, and the expectations of a small town life, Kitsy goes for the gold in the Big Apple.  You must read Where I Belong first, but I guarantee you will love this book.

RC = 15