Playing with Matches. By Brian Katcher

By: Brian Katcher

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 978-0385735445

Date: July 8, 2008

Summary:


This book tells the story of a Missouri high school student named Leon Sanders and his experience of finding a first love relationship with a girl named Melody. Melody was permanently disfigured by an exploding oil lamp when she was four and her face was severely burned. Leon hurts Melody by cheating on her with Amy Green, the most beautiful girl in school, only to find out that looks do not always lead to happiness. Leon then sets out to try everything possible to win Melody back.

Assesment:


I found this book engaging! I started reading and could not put the book down until I finished it. The format was easy to follow and the moral of the story was well presented. For example, after Leon goes out with the gorgeous Amy, he realizes that they have nothing in common and that she treats him like a servant. Leon realizes that he really misses Melody and wishes he had her back and Amy’s physical beauty cannot compare to a deep connecting friendship/relationship he had with Melody. The author’s writing format made this story enjoyable and easy to follow.


Potential Use:


I feel this book could be selected as leisure reading or could be a great one to use in a reading club. Since this book has a moral to the story this would be a good book for high school readers. I feel that this book could be used as a tool to get teenagers to understand that looks are not everything and real beauty comes from within. I really feel teenage males would enjoy this book because of the inside view you get through Leon’s dating scene and how certain choices can lead to someone getting hurt. I haven’t come across many books that I feel a teenage boy could possibly relate too. Good book!


Reader Appeal:


This book would appeal to teenagers/young adults. I feel this book would be enjoyed by both males and females. The characters’ experiences in this book can be compared to real life high school drama such as dating, friendships, beauty/disfigurement and social groups. This book also contains amusing moments that help lighten up the dark overtones of a broken heart.


Other Information:

Author's website: http://briankatcher.com/site/
This book was voted as one of the 2009 “Best Books for Young Adults” by the YALSA.

God went to Beauty School. By Cynthia Rylant

By: Cynthia Rylant
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 0060094354
Date: February 28, 2006








Summary:

This book contains 23 poems reflecting God’s experiences. While these poems are short some are very thought provoking and some are very humorous.

Assessment:

I found this book very interesting. I liked both the humorous and seriousness sides of some of the poems. For example, the poem “God Brought a Couch” was very funny to me especially the reference of his credit card billing address being “Hell.” All of the poems were easy to follow and understand. I feel the author did a good job of engaging the reader by showing the similarities of God’s and human experiences.

Potential Use:

While this book would not be accepted in a public school setting, I feel that this book would be great for 12 to 17 year olds in a Christian school environment. This book would also be great to use in a book club because of the discussion that would result.

Reader Appeal:

I feel that the humorous appeal of some of the poems will appeal to the reader. This could help stir the thought process in the reader on the question “What Would God Do?”

Other Information:

This book has won the following Awards:
ALA Best Book for Young Adults, New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age, Horn Book Fanfare and the ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/.