CRYM Middle School Nominated Books

CRYM Middle School Nominated Books 2012-2013

What is CYRM? • CRYM = California Young Reader Medal • An organization promoting recreational reading of popular literature. Books must be . . . • Nominated by students, librarians, or teachers • Published within the last 4 years • Written by a living author

CYRM Categories • Books may be nominated in five different categories: • Primary Books (K through 3rd grade) • Picture Books for Older Readers (4th grade and up) • Intermediate Books (3rd through 6th grade) • Middle School Books (6th through 9th grade) • Young Adult Books (9th through 12th grade) • A CYRM medal is awarded yearly for each category • Students who read all nominated books in a category are eligible to vote for their favorite book! • All votes must be received by the CYRM committee by April 1st

Out of My Mind Written by Sharon Draper Two-time Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Published in 2010 by Antheneum Books for Young Readers

Out of My Mind • The story of 11 year old Melody who is strapped to a pink wheelchair—she has cerebral palsy • She can’t walk, talk, or feed herself • Her teachers assume she is capable of only preschool lessons • Actually, Melody has an amazing memory and mind • Melody’s “voice” is finally heard when she gets the Medi-Talker, “Elvira” • Now that she has a voice, will Melody ever find a true friend?

Comments • Melody’s voice--does Melody sound like an 11 year old? • What does Melody enjoy? • What frustrates Melody? • How does Melody feel after her sister’s birth and what does she feel now? • Is it fair what happens to Melody? • At school, in the competition, at the end?

Connections • What does the title of the book mean to you? • How would you feel if you couldn’t walk or talk? Other than using a Medi-Talker, how could you express your personality? • Have you ever been friends with a person who was completely different from you? • Are you friends with a “disabled” person or have you ever helped someone with a disability? • What does it mean to be smart? Are there different types of intelligence? • What role does Mrs. V play in Melody’s life? Do you have a Mrs. V in your life?

Wild Things Written and illustrated by Clay Carmichael Clay Carmichael’s first novel Published in 2009 by Front Street

Wild Things • 11 year old Zoe has been abandoned by her father and shuffled between relatives after her unstable mother’s death • She’s basically been on her own • She is taken in by her uncle Henry, formerly a famous sculptor and now a gruff--and potentially crazy--recluse • Will he be the first dependable adult in her life and who has built the mysterious cabin in the woods?

Comments • Zoe’s voice—is it believable given what has happened in her life? • What does Zoe mean when she says that the love of animals is “purer”? (page 22) • Why does Carmichael use the “voice” of a stray cat throughout the story? • What does Zoe mean when she says, “Deep down I believed that the minute you talked about something, you risked losing it, and I couldn’t chance that.” (page 113)

Connections • What does the title of the book mean to you? • Artists and their passions are important in this book—what are your passions? • Has an adult ever stood up for you when you were in trouble or danger? Have you ever stood up for a friend or family member in a difficult situation? • What is your relationship like with your mother, father, or primary caregiver? What would you change if you could? • Would you want as much freedom as Zoe had? Would you be capable of living on your own as a middle schooler?

Invisible Lines Written by Mary Amato Illustrated by Antonio Caparo Published in 2009 by Egmont

Invisible Lines • Trevor, a seventh grader, has a terrific sense of humor and is a talented artist and soccer player • He has just moved to a new apartment unit called “Deadly” Gardens and has just entered an upscale new school • He has erroneously been enrolled in the accelerated science class • His mother works two jobs so he must often babysit his younger brother and sister • Can Trevor use his talents to be accepted by the “cool” kids, Xander and Langley?

Comments • What challenges does Trevor face at school and at home? • Why is it important to Trevor to be friends with Langley and Xander? • How are mushrooms a metaphor for Trevor’s life? • Who is the “Mudman” and why is he important in the story? • Trevor’s mom always says, “Rise above it.” What does this mean?

Connections • What does the title of the book mean to you? • Have you ever been forced to babysit your younger siblings or contribute to your family’s activities in ways that were not your idea? • Have you ever been bullied at school? What is bullying and can it be prevented? • How important is money in your life? • Have you ever been in a class that you thought, or others thought, was too advanced for you? How did you handle the situation? • Have you ever had a teacher that inspired you to learn about an entirely new subject? • Have you ever stood up for yourself when everyone doubted you?

Read All 3 Books • You are eligible to vote for your favorite middle school novel if you read all three books • Ballots are available online at the CYRM website: http://californiayoungreadermedal.org/index.htm • Ballots must be postmarked by April 1, 2013 and sent to: California Young Reader Medal Committee  c/o G. Manildi 6158 OlveraCt. Chino, CA 91710

Nominate A Book! • If you’ve read a book recently that you think would be great for middle school students, send the name of the book along with the name of the author and the date of publication to: • California Young Reader Medal Committee c/o G. Manildi 6158 OlveraCt. Chino, CA 91710 • PowerPoint created by Sally James, CYRM committee, member of CSLA (California School Library Association), and South Hillsborough School Librarian and Teacher, www.southlibrary.org

CRYM Middle School Nominated Books