American Born Chinese: wwwhhhhhhAAAAATTTTTT?

Okay so.... Would anyone care to explain that ending to me?! No? okay...

Man, I don't know. I'm not saying I didn't like it, and maybe I've been reading books that are more realistic for too long, but that was crazy. I definitely didn't see it coming. I didn't expect to see the author tie it together so much that some of the characters were actually in each others stories. That being said though, it was a fun read. Kind of a week off in a way you know? I felt less stressed about homework so that was a major plus. It made me want to try out a few more graphic novels sometime. 

The issue of fitting in is present throughout the book and it's definitely possible to tie it in with the other books we've read this year, even though it's a graphic novel, and much more fantastical. It made me wonder at points whether everything has a deeper or symbolic meaning. If anything I read in the past I might have missed or not understood. 

Overall, I really loved the meaning of it. On the base level it was a real situation that many people must face at some point in their lives. I loved that it was both real and fantastical, like anyone at any age could read it , enjoy it, and learn from it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone, even if it did get a little weird there for awhile....

American Born Chinese

It's safe to say, this book isn't what I was expecting. I've read few graphic novels myself, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. The illustration, while simple, is light and fun, adding comedy to what could be a much more depressing story. The time flew by as I read and I found myself wanting to continue past the first 130 pages.
My favorite part of the novel so far is that it follows three separate stories. This serves quite a few purposes. Firstly it ensures interest. My favorite of the three is the one about Mr. "I'm not a monkey". Even if I'm not loving reading the other two, at least I have my monkey pal to fall back on. Luckily though I am enjoying all of the stories so far.
The connection between them all I find most fascinating though. Each story is different but they all relate to each other and the underlying issue of race and discrimination throughout the novel. It's almost a study to see how different characters react to racism and bullying in their own ways. Though I personally can't relate to any of the characters, they seem to be realistic portrayals of what could go on in school or life in general. I'm really enjoying the creative directions and illustrations and I'm looking forward to reading the rest.

Brown Girl Dreaming: Final Thoughts

More than anything, this novel makes me realize how important the activists in the  generations before us were in changing this country. While the novel has a stronger focus on Jacqueline herself, we see her grow into a young girl who longs to make change the world or herself and those around her. She idolizes activists she see's on t.v and claims to be willing to give her life up for the cause. She never speaks of the darker issues though.
From this novel we see examples of segregation and racism in many forms. What she doesn't see are the killings. The lynchings. The KKK. The true, life threatening danger that could face her if she's in the wrong place at the wrong time. It demonstrates her naivety as a young girl and how sheltered she is. Of course, if the novel did touch on these more serious subjects, it would be a very different book.

 It would seem that Jacqueline found her way of fighting for her rights in words rather than protests.  I think we are meant to learn from that. Each of us can change the world in our own ways, whether we be writers or artists or the men and women who struggle on the streets to bring change. Even in today's times we see fights for basic rights. This book isn't only about the past but our present and our future as well.What we must acknowledge though are those who die fighting for things we see as rights, because they weren't always given so freely. What we must acknowledge is that though you or I may not ever experience prejudice or racism, so so many have. This is a lesson, take from it what you will.
We may never HAVE to act out against our government. We may never have our lives or well-being threatened. This is a call to act on the injustices we see. To join a movement even though you may never see the problem first hand. To get up off the couch and face the world in any way you know how.

Diving Into Brown Girl Dreaming

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jaqueline Woodson has so far been an interesting change. It seems deeper than the other books we've read thus far in the semester. Maybe it's the way it's written in a type of poetry, though I think it's more serious in the issues it's tackling. It's deep from the start. We get perspective from a baby to a child and several depictions of racism were given already. There's a sense of  danger for the character and her family, especially after moving down south. They seem happy with their grandparents and safe enough, but by page 138, it's clear the children are worried about leaving their home.
We are protected from now by the age barrier between us and the narrator. While the writing isn't unsophisticated, it is minimalist and simple. The child doesn't fully understand why the things around her are happening, but in an insight far ahead of her years, grasps on some level that she isn't safe. That a change is coming.
The form of writing, while slightly offputing at first, fits the narrator well and gives her a sort of unique voice. Though I have never been in a situation such as her, or faced discrimination on this level before, investment is the character is needed to keep me reading. I found this interest both in the diction and in the content. The idea of writing from the point of a baby is something new to me and grabbed me from day one. I'm curious to see what struggles she may face in the future.

Yaqui Delgado is Done Kicking Ass... Or is She?

Though the conclusion of the novel ended, for the most part, in Piddy's favor, we as readers are left to wonder, what becomes of Yaqui? While I do think Piddy made the right decision, Yaqui's reign of terror will probably continue, despite the school's efforts. This is concerning on many levels. Here's why.
This book took a deeper look at bullying. It was serious and real.  We aren't talking about Mean Girls here. The thing is, we see the bullying in a very intense way. Piddy is threatened to the point where she could be killed. This isn't a rumor that she's pregnant, it's not whispers in the hallways that you can ignore. It's assault. It's violent and animalistic. It's wrong.
 All we can hope for is that it ends on its own because what could Piddy do? She made a choice to leave which was really her only safe option. She ran, leaving Yaqui to terrorize someone else. It's horrible but true. Yaqui needs therapy. She needs authority. She'll probably only find one of those in her lifetime and it'll come with a prison cell.
Unfortunately I think the book is a fairly realistic representation of bullying.We see how bullying is handled in schools, in households and by peers. It's deeper than most book or movie depictions and shows us just how intense it can be.  Most of all though it teaches us a lesson. Sometimes, there isn't a way to fix everything. Sometimes you have to run.
I mean. Either that or you go full on Heathers on her ass.

The Youth Lens and Feed

While I don't always agree with YL, I do understand that there are many stereotypes in which teenagers fall under.  We see this in Feed through the behaviors of  Titus and his friends. Titus himself represents the jock, or the dumb jock really. He's popular and he just goes along with what his friends want, even though he's not always having fun and is a little lost. He also represents a well known stereotype about teenagers. He has  a problem with thinking things through, which he demonstrates with how he treats Violet towards the end of her life. If things get deep in any way, count him out. I think many of us can think of stereotypical teenage boys who have the same problem.

Violet displays another stereotype, the lovesick teenage girl. Yes, she has a lot to deal with,  but she is the most emotional character by far. She's the rebel, no doubt about it. Somewhere though, she changes. She starts clinging to Titus and becomes more of a clingy girlfriend type of character.
This book is filled with characters we've all seen before by other names in books or on television. Perhaps that's why I didn't enjoy the book. There wasn't much originality. Just how teenagers are probably supposed to act based on their stereotypes.

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass: Part 1

So far, I've read pages 1-88 of  Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina. I have to say, I'm already loving this book a lot more than Feed.
What stands out to me the most in the novel so far is the bullying. This led me to look into it a little. The first fact I found was a staggering one.
Bullying affects nearly one in three American schoolchildren in grades six through 10. I wonder if that's in cases as extreme as Piddy's case. Honestly, this book isn't really centered around her, the main subject is bullying itself. It has ruled her life. Especially after her elephant necklace was stolen from her.
Gosh. This book is depressing. Sure her home life isn't near as bad as Eleanor's from Eleanor & Park, but her school is worse. Yes, Eleanor was bullied too, but she was so focused on Park, that it almost didn't matter. Besides, Park protected her. She had someone to rely on. Piddy doesn't really have that. She has a friend or two but the only boy who has shown real interest seems to only want to get in her pants. Or maybe he just doesn't know any better. Who knows. He saddens me really.

Aside from the very very depressing aspects of her life, I'm enjoying the reality of the book. Piddy has very real problems. She's dealing with what I would imagine, millions of  high school students deal with. I pity her a little, and I'm a little defensive of her. As I read I'm thinking of giving Yaqui a piece of my mind. Can we all just agree that if your boyfriend is looking at another girl, you kick his ass and not hers!? Thanks. What a jerk. As if Piddy doesn't have enough problems to deal with.
Even if this story doesn't lighten up right away we can be sure that, excuse my french, s*** is about to go down.

Make America Great.... Again?

Whether you fall on the left or right side of the political spectrum, or perhaps you consider yourself not on it at all, I'd like to take your attention for a moment, not to discuss trump, but rather, his campaign slogan.
Make America Great Again.
I get that its made for people who look back fondly on their childhoods and want things to be like that again. I understand.
My main question is this; what time period exactly are you referring to? I'm sure there are pros and cons to each period in American history, but why move backwards? You see, in my view, we should be moving forward. I, for one, am not willing to relive the mistakes of those before me. I have no desire to live in a country in which some are separate but not equal. Nor will I allow my children to grow up in a place where we don't have basic civil rights for everyone. This is why I made my subversive ad.

I chose this image for a few reasons. Firstly because it represents one of the darkest periods in America's history. I'm sure even Donald Trump wouldn't site the great depression as his goal for this country... hopefully. Nonetheless, it makes my point. There were sadder pictures available but this struck me as the most famous image from the time. Hopefully it puts my message across more clearly.
My original idea came from this video. Which I encourage everyone to watch.