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Showing posts with label Teens with Disabilities. Show all posts
When people think of Parker Grant, they think she is outspoken, intelligent, and incredibly brave despite the fact that she is blind. Parker wasn't born blind, but an accident that claimed her mother's life is the reason she can no longer see. Although Parker cannot see, she chooses to wear a scarf around her eyes simply to make a statement that she may be blind, but she isn't dumb. Along with her intellect, and sharp whit, Parker is passionate about running. Whenever Parker goes running, she uses her senses to navigate the streets pretty much freaks out her aunt and most of the neighbors. Despite running the risk of literally running into things, Parker runs her heart out because it's her only chance to escape reality for a few moments. Life wasn't always easy for Parker, but, with the help of her devoted father, Parker has been able to overcome quite a few things. Unfortunately, life happened once again and Parker must now go on without her dad. Luckily for Parker, she has a group a friends who have not only been there since the accident, but have been by her side ever since her best friend betrayed her. Now a junior in high school, Parker must now face the past and not only forgive, but deal with the challenges that face her in the present and future. In this riveting coming of age story, Parker Grant must let go of all of the pain and learn how to trust and love all over again.
Critical Evaluation:
I am beyond impressed by Eric Lindstrom's craft. Not only did I devour this book in one night, the story has been stuck in my mind for over a week. Although this story is nothing new, it is told from the point of view that a lot of us cannot begin to understand. Parker Grant is blind and it happened in accident that claimed her mother's life. Although her mother should have never been behind the wheel, stories like Parker's are not new. Furthermore, with the loss of her father, Parker has never been more alone despite the unconditional love and support from her best friend, Sarah. Furthermore, with the return of Scott, all of the pain and anger that she has been trying so hard to bury is ready to explode. What I love the most about this story is that it's not a story about a girl with a disability, but about a regular teenager who is trying to mend a broken heart and just so happens to have a physical disability. By using her blindness as a back drop, Lindstrom conveys to readers that being blind doesn't affect a person's ability to love and feel. In fact, the only difference between a person who can see, and one who cannot, is sight. All of the characters in this story are so well done that it's not hard to love them because they represent some aspect of our own character whether we want to believe it or not. This is a beautiful debut and I can't wait to see what this author comes out with next!
Information about the Author:
According to the author's website:
Eric Lindstrom writes Young Adult novels, including Not If I See You First, released December 2015, and the upcoming A Tragic Kind of Wonderful, coming January 2017, in English in the USA from the Poppy imprint of Little, Brown for Young Readers, and in the UK and the rest of the world from HarperCollins Children’s Books.
He has worked in the interactive entertainment industry for years as a creative director, game designer, writer, and combinations of all three. As Editor and Co-Writer for Tomb Raider: Legend he received a 2006 BAFTA nomination for Best Video Game Screenplay. As the Creative Director for Tomb Raider: Underworld he received a 2009 BAFTA nomination for Best Action Adventure Video Game and a 2009 WGA nomination for Best Writing in a Video Game.
He has also raised children, which led to becoming first a school volunteer, then a substitute teacher, then a part time kindergarten teacher, then getting a credential to teach elementary school, and most importantly the discovery that Young Adult books are awesome. It’s pretty much all he ever reads, and now writes, in his house near the beach on the west coast, with his wife and, yes, cats.
Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction, Teens with Disabilities, Teen Romance
Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up
Books Similar to Not If I See You First:
- Running Dreams by Wendolyn Van Draan
- The Beginning of Everything by Robin Schneider
From Amazon.com
* "Lindstrom's immersive portrayal of the dimension Parker's
blindness adds to both atypical and everyday angst imbues his
protagonist with mature complexity...An unflinching exploration of
trust, friendship, and grief."
"The byplay between Parker and her friends is believable, and in creating a heroine whose drive for independence brings both risks and rewards, Lindstrom adds a note of complexity to his gripping depiction of how Parker learns to trust and forgive."―Publishers Weekly
"[Not If I See You First] possesses crackling wit, intense teen drama, and a lively pace that pulls readers in, as do the everyday details of Parker's world: spoken-word texts, clever methods of finding her way, and a guide runner who helps Parker when she considers joining the school track team. This unique coming-of-age tale is off and running from the start."―Booklist
"Characterization is fantastic-very few high school stereotypes, and lots of challenged expectations about mean girls, pretty girls, blind girls, fat girls, jocks, and coaches. Parker has just the right degree of acerbic wit to be likable even when she's bitchy, and when she falls apart, her insight into her own character is heartbreaking. And Scott?-oh, Scott, may your tribe of boys who respect boundaries and learn from mistakes increase. This will have broad appeal for readers who need to learn a thing or two about how to shepherd themselves and their friends through difficult times."―BCCB
"Lindstrom's realistic and humorous dialog breathes life into an eclectic cast of characters. Parker's relationships, including the one with herself, do not sugar-coat the mental struggles familiar to many teenagers. Readers will laugh through tears, with the novel ending on a note of hope and maturity."―School Library Connection
"Bursting with complex, lovable, and, best of all, real characters, Not If I See You First is a beautiful story about love, loss, friendship, and the difference between looking at and truly seeing. Parker Grant feels like a friend now -- a friend I want to laugh with, to cry with, and especially...to run with."―Jennifer Brown, author of Hate List
"This book is fierce, funny, and honest. And get ready for some of the most likable characters you've read in years."―Deb Caletti, National Book Award Finalist
"Parker Grant is unforgettable: vivid, feisty, and absolutely loveable. This book broke my heart, but left me smiling."―Fiona Wood, author of Wildlife and Six Impossible Things
"Not If I See You First is thoughtful and honest, with characters that made me laugh, cry, and surprised me at every turn. It's a book I'll recommend for years to come."―Kody Keplinger, New York Times bestselling author of The DUFF and co-founder of Disability in KidLit
Life for Quincy and Biddy has not been kind. According to Quincy, she used to be smart until her mother's boyfriend hit the side of her head with a brick and that is why she is a Speddie (Special Ed student). Despite being "slow," Quincy is quick on her feet and keeps her guard up because she won't let anyone hurt her again, nor will she allow anyone keep her from achieving her dreams. As for Biddy, she is "moderately retarded" due to a lack of oxygen to the brain and abandoned by her mother. Although she was raised by her grandmother, Biddy has never known kindness, or been loved, and constantly picked on by other people because she is heavy and "slow." The only thing in common that Biddy and Quincy have is that they are in the same life skills class, but, now that they have graduated, they are part of new program that will make them roommates because they are no longer in foster care. For Quincy, she sees Biddy as a silly fool and treats her that way. However, as Quincy gets to know Biddy, she learns that Biddy has been through a whole lot worse, including the fact that Biddy had a baby she was forced to give away. With a new home, and new life with Miss Lizzy, Quincy and Biddy are off to a rocky start. However, all of that changes when Quincy finally understands what it's like to be Biddy and decides to let her guard down in order to heal. For Biddy, she finally hones her abilities to love unconditionally that it forces her to overcome her fears in order to protect those she loves. In this emotional roller coaster, readers will learn the horrors of reality where two girls must stick together in order to success and survive.
Critical Evaluation:
Gail Giles is a phenomenal writer and I was truly moved by this story. Although the language and the dialogue she uses can be somewhat confusing for some readers, it will come to them organically as they progress through the story. Both Quincy and Biddy have intellectual disabilities due to two very different situations: Quincy suffered a head injury and Biddy was born with moderate retardation. However, both girls have very distinct personalities where Quincy is always angry and Biddy is always fearful. Although tragedy is what brings these two girls together, they are able to heal and overcome their fears by relying on each other. With that said, I will warn readers now that rape is described and discussed, but it needs to be addressed because thousands of young girls (with or without disabilities) are assaulted every year. What makes this act even more disgusting is that them boys who did this to Biddy and Quincy knew they were incapable of defending themselves and easy to intimidate. This is not acceptable, especially when it comes to people with disabilities. Giles story is an honest depictions about girls who are forced to face the world alone and its heart breaking. Despite the ugliness that surrounds these girls, there quite a few beautiful moment makes them shines hope for Biddy and Quincy. I just love the fact that Quincy can cook Because, of all things, this is one act that don't require using her fists or sharp tongue. For Biddy, her knack for cleaning goes very deep , psychologically, but it helps her cope with her issues, but her maternal instinct is what makes her the perfect companion for Quincy. I was absolutely devastated when I heard Biddy's story, but she as the only who could Quincy in her time of need. Although Quincy doesn't, initially, tell Lizzy about her assault, she gathers all her strength and courage to tell her and they report the assault to the police who, contrary to what Biddy and Quincy think, they actually took this report seriously. this story has such phenomenal character development because Biddy is actually able to walk outside without her coat and Quincy finally lets people help and love her. So much happens in this tiny book and its mind blowing!!! Be sure to have a box of tissues at your side and be prepared to have one hell of a conversation with your friends, mentors, and family members.
Information about the Author:
According to her blog:
Born in Galveston, Texas, raised in LaMarque, Texas, went to school in Nacogdoches, Texas, lived for years in Lake Jackson, Texas, taught high school in Angleton, Texas. Is anyone picking up a pattern here? After three fabulous in Chicago, Illinois, I moved to Fairbanks and then Anchorage, Alaska, and yes, it was COLD! As of August, 2004, I'm back in Texas, Yee Haw!
[I am married to] Jim Giles—husband, best friend, love of my life. Josh Jakubik—son and hero. Hunter and Chase Jakubik—grandsons. Dawn Jakubik—terrific daughter in law.
Genre:
Teens with Disabilities, Teen Issues, Teen Contemporary Fiction
Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10 & up
Books Similar to Girls Like Us:
- Stuck in Neutral by Terrie Trueman
- The Silent Boy by Lois Lowry
Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:
In compelling, engaging, and raw voices, 18-year-olds Biddy and Quincy, newly independent, intellectually disabled high-school graduates, narrate their growing friendship and uneasy transition into a life of jobs, "real world" apartments, and facing cruel prejudice. ... Biddy and Quincy share deep secrets and narrate lives heartrendingly full of anger, abandonment, and abuse... But with the help of patient Elizabeth and the support they gain from each other, they are empowered to move forward with strength and independence. Giles offers a sensitive and affecting story of two young women learning to thrive in spite of their hard circumstances.
—Booklist (starred review)
Giles’s background teaching special education students informs this blunt, honest, and absorbing story about two young women overcoming challenges that have less to do with their abilities to read or write than with how society views and treats them. In short, alternating chapters, the girls narrate in raw and distinct voices that capture their day-to-day hurdles, agony, and triumphs. The "found family" that builds slowly for Quincy, Biddy, and Elizabeth—with no shortage of misunderstandings, mistrust, or tears—is rewarding and powerful.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
The story is told with both gentleness and a humor that laughs with, not at, the two girls. ... [T]he warmth, conflict and mutual caring that develop among Quincy, Biddy and elderly Miss Lizzy is authentic and genuinely moving. A respectful and winningly told story about people too often relegated to the role of plot device—bravo.
—Kirkus Reviews
The book gives memorable voice to underrepresented young women.
—The Horn Book
Girls Like Us is a quick, enjoyable read that is hard to put down. The author draws readers in with deep, meaningful characters who play on sympathies. ... The book is well written, with believable scenarios and dialogue most readers will enjoy. Girls Like Us will remain with readers long after they finish this story.
—VOYA
Before she got on the bus to a track meet, Jessica's life was perfect. Not only could she set a record, she had friends, a wonderful family, and was well respected by her teammates. However, when the bus was hit by a truck that would not only claim the life of the driver and her classmate, her dreams were shattered. When she woke up in the hospital and saw the space where her leg should have been, she thought she was dead. After spending weeks in the hospital, and many days of self-loathing, Jessica returned home to face the truth that she has changed and that competing would be the last thing she would ever be able to do again. Although she has been given the opportunity to resume a normal life with a prosthetic leg, she is unsure and doubtful that she could ever be the same. However, with a little prodding from her best friend, Fiona, Jessica tries to be the girl she used to be. What Jessica did not count on is that there are worse things then losing a limb. When she returned to school, she not only dealt with the glares and stares, she realized what life might be like for someone who was unable to walk. When she went to math class, she was asked if she wanted to sit with Rosa. Rosa sits in a wheel chair and that made Jessica which made her panic because she did not wanted to be seen as one of "those" people. However, when Rosa passed her note, she realized that there is nothing wrong with Rosa. Rosa cerebral palsy, which is a debilitating condition and, although Jessica is missing a leg, she at least knows what its like to walk. By looking past her condition, Jessica sees that Rosa is an intelligent and hopeful girl who helps her get out of her rut and even helps her pass math. While getting to know Rosa, Jessica starts to realize just how blessed she really is and she gets the biggest surprise from a certain boy and her dreams of running again are not as impossible as she thinks.
Critical Evaluation:
I will be completely honest...this book is exactly what this generation of teenagers needs. Adolescence, in itself, is hard enough, but when life throws curve balls that adults can't even handle, these situations can be devastating. I can't even begin to imagine the tragedy that Jessica has experienced because she did absolutely nothing to deserve losing a limb and a team mate. I really do hate saying it but this story, like many, are prime examples of horrible things happening to good people. On the other hand, this story is not about loss, but about surviving and conquering. Jessica was definitely in a slump, but she decided and dared to hope that she can do anything she can set her mind to. I was so touched by her support team because, without them, Jessica would have probably never left the house. Her best friend, Fiona, is what I call a class act; she not only helped Jessica deal with her loss, but pushed her to strive for more. Rosa, the biggest blessing in Jessica;s life, is just beyond amazing. If anyone had a right to be angry and depressed by her condition it's Rosa. However, she doesn't blame people, or the world, for having CP. In fact, Rosa has accepted that she will never run, but it doesn't stop her from living vicariously through others by asking questions. I seriously had goosebumps towards the end when Jessica and Rosa were racing because talk about a wish come true: a girl with a prosthetic limb pushes another girl with CP in a ten mile race. I would have given anything to be in this story just so I can see the power of the human spirit uplift and stomp our despair and hopelessness. The romance bit was toughing, as well, because love doesn't know boundaries and people need to realize that if we cut our hair, gain weight, or lose a limb, we are still worthy of being loved. I was so inspired and beyond grateful that I read this book because we tend to take a lot of things for granted in this world until someone shows us to treasure every day and everyone around us. Bravo, Wendelin Van Draaen!
Information about the Author:
According to Random House:
Books have always been a part of Wendelin Van Draanen's life. Her mother taught her to read at an early age, and she has fond memories of story time with her father, when she and her brothers would cuddle up around him and listen to him read stories.
Growing up, Van Draanen was a tomboy who loved to be outside chasing down adventure. She did not decide that she wanted to be an author until she was an adult. When she tried her hand at writing a screenplay about a family tragedy, she found the process quite cathartic and from that experience, turned to writing novels for adults. She soon stumbled upon the joys of writing for children.
Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction, Teen Sports Lit, Teens with Disabilities
Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up
Books Similar to The Running Dream:
- Wonder by R. J. Palacio
- Jerk, California by Jonathan Frissen
Awards & Recognition:
- 2012 Schneider Family Book Award
- Positive review from Booklist
- Positive review from School Library Journal
Tag :// Teen Contemporary Fiction,
Tag :// Teen Issues,
Tag :// Teen Sports Lit,
Tag :// Teens with Disabilities