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YA Non-Fiction

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Author Anne Frank

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bantam

  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 3, 1997

  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Reprint

  • Language ‏ : ‎ English

  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 400 pages

  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0553577123

  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0553577129

  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds

  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 17 years

  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.17 x 1.02 x 6.87 inches

  • Best Sellers Rank: #3,056 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) 

Plot Summary

​A Jewish teenager, Anne Frank, and her family as they hide from the Nazis in a secret annex during World War II. The diary chronicles their 26 months in hiding with another family and a dentist, detailing their daily struggles, fears, and hopes as they face persecution and confinement. After two years, the hiding place is discovered, and the eight people are arrested and sent to concentration camps; Anne, her mother, and sister die, but her father, Otto, survives and later publishes her diary.The diary, which Anne writes between her 13th and 15th birthdays, details the daily life, emotional turmoil, and growth she experiences while confined in the annex. She writes about her relationships with her family, particularly her mother, and her budding romance with Peter Van Pels.

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Anne Frank (1929–1945) was a German-born Jewish girl and diarist who became a worldwide symbol of the victims of the Holocaust. Her diary, written while her family was in hiding in Amsterdam during the German occupation of the Netherlands in World War II, offers a poignant and insightful look into the experience of living under Nazi persecution.Annelies Marie Frank was born on June 12, 1929, in Frankfurt, Germany, to Otto and Edith Frank. The family was Jewish and, due to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party's antisemitic policies, they moved to Amsterdam in 1934.After the Nazis invaded the Netherlands, the persecution of Jewish people intensified. When Anne's sister, Margot, received a call-up notice to a work camp in July 1942, the family went into hiding in a concealed annex above Otto Frank's place of business on the Prinsengracht.The Franks were later joined by four other Jewish individuals (the van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer), totaling eight people living in the confined space. They were aided by trusted employees of Otto's, who risked their lives to bring them food, news, and supplies. 

Critical Evaluation

​​The diary provides a unique, first-hand, and deeply personal account of a Jewish family in hiding during the Holocaust, offering an accessible entry point for understanding the human cost of the war and Nazi persecution. It humanizes the abstract statistics of genocide and stands as an indictment against the injustices of the era. Anne's writing is surprisingly shows maturity, psychological depth, and evolving style. Her ability to craft vivid descriptions, insightful character sketches, and philosophical reflections (such as the duality of her "inward" and "outward" selves) elevates the work beyond a simple journal to a piece of significant 20th-century literature. She consciously developed her diary with the intent of publication, revealing her ambition as a writer.The diary resonates with a global audience due to its exploration of universal adolescent concerns: identity formation, family conflicts, emerging sexuality, and dreams for the future. This coming-of-age narrative, set against the backdrop of extreme adversity, fosters empathy and allows readers to connect with her experiences on a personal level.

The diary is a cornerstone of Holocaust education, particularly for younger generations, due to its relatable first-person perspective. However, some critics caution against relying on it as the sole representation of the Holocaust experience, as her family's relatively comfortable hiding situation was not typical of most victims. They emphasize the need to contextualize her story with other, more diverse narratives to provide a comprehensive understanding of the event's multifaceted nature. 

Readers Annotation

​Anne often writes about her feelings of isolation and loneliness. She has a tumultuous relationship with the adults in the annex, particularly her mother, whom she considers lacking in love and affection. 

 

Genre

Classics Nonfiction History Biography Memoir Historical Holocaust tAutobiography l

 

Book talking Idea

​Prompt creative thinking with "what if" questions, such as "If you had to go into hiding for an indefinite period, what 10 items would you bring?". Students can write about their choices and reflect on what is truly essential.

 

Challenge Issues

Sexually Explicit Material, Homosexual Themes,Depressing Content

Challenge Issue Resources:

    • Collection Development Policy

    • FAQs for library employees about answering questions about youth and access to library resources

    • Contact info for ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF)

    • Active listening skills – library employees will listen and respond without judgment. They will ensure that the complainant is heard and will attempt to respond to the complaint fully. If the complainant is not satisfied, he or she will be directed to fill out and submit a Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources.

    • List of awards and reviews for the materials

    • If available, info on material from https://www.teachingbooks.net

    • Library Bill of Rights on Intellectual Freedom

    • Library Bill of Rights Interpretations (designed by Intellectual Freedom Committee)

    • Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy (JIFP) - includes substantive essays, peer-reviewed articles, book reviews, legal briefs, and opinion pieces.

    • Intellectual Freedom Manual - day-to-day guidance on maintaining free and equal access to information for all people, including:

      • 34 ALA policy statements and documents, 17 new or updated for this edition, addressing patron behavior, internet use, copyright, exhibits and use of meeting spaces

      • At-a-glance lists summarizing key issues such as access, challenges and censorship, access by minors to controversial materials, and advocacy

      • Explanations of legal points in clear, easy-to-understand language, alongside case citations

      • Numerous checklists to help readers stay organized

    • Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources

    • Guidelines for Reconsideration Committee

    • Process of the reconsideration along with timeline and how the complainant will be informed of the outcome

Brandy Colbert
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Plot Summary

​Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre is a nonfiction book by Brandy Colbert that details the events leading up to and including the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The book explains how a thriving Black community in Greenwood, Tulsa, Oklahoma, known as "Black Wall Street," was destroyed by a white mob, leading to the deaths of hundreds of people. It explores the historical, social, and racial context of the time, such as rising white resentment, the resurgence of white supremacist groups, and the media's role, to explain how this devastating act of racial violence occurred.The book provides background information on the history of Tulsa, the aftermath of Reconstruction, and the forced removal of the Muscogee (Creek) people to explain the racial tensions of the era.It details the specific events of May 31 and June 1, 1921, when the massacre began after an alleged assault on a white woman by a Black man, leading to a violent white mob descending on Greenwood. 

The Author

Brandy Colbert was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, and graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in print journalism. She has worked as an editor for several national magazines and is currently a faculty member in the MFA program for Writing for Children and Young Adults at Hamline University. She lives and writes in Los Angeles. â€‹â€‹She is an author of young adult fiction and nonfiction. Her work includes award-winning titles like Little & Lion and Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. A trained journalist, her writing has appeared in the New York Times. Her stories often feature strong Black characters.Colbert has written numerous acclaimed books. Some of her notable titles include Pointe, Little & Lion, and Finding Yvonne. 

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Critical Evaluation

​The book situates the 1921 events within the broader, long-standing history of racism in America, rather than presenting it as an isolated incident.Colbert's writing is described as "clear" and "readable," making the complex and difficult history of the massacre accessible to a young adult audience.The book provides a compelling and detailed account of the events, covering the prosperity of the Greenwood District and the horrific violence of the massacre itself. It is a crucial event that has been largely excluded from mainstream history curricula to a wider audience. The book's resonance with current events, prompting reflection on enduring issues of racial violence and inequality. The text is engaging and reads somewhat like a narrative, with facts and context sprinkled throughout, making a difficult subject accessible to a young audience. Colbert's meticulous research ties the 1921 massacre into the broader history of racial violence and systemic racism in the United States, providing vital context that has often been omitted from standard education. By incorporating quotes from survivors and witnesses, the narrative underscores that this was a real event that happened to ordinary people, creating an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking experience. 

The primary "negative" is the graphic and intense subject matter, which includes descriptions of violence (shooting, lynching) and the use of racial slurs (in historical quotes). This has led Common Sense Media to recommend it for ages 14+. 

Readers Annotation

Colbert emphasizes the strength and resourcefulness of the Greenwood residents before and after the tragedy, and connects the legacy of the massacre to present-day conversations about racial justice and accountability. 

Genre

Primary Genre: Nonfiction

Young Adult Nonfiction, American History, Prejudice

 

Book Talking Idea

Connect the Tulsa massacre to the broader history of racial violence in the U.S., including the legacy of slavery, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement. 

Challenge Issues

"Too Controversial" for Students. Explicit Content. Avoidance of Discomfort. 

Challenge Issue Resources:

    • Collection Development Policy

    • FAQs for library employees about answering questions about youth and access to library resources

    • Contact info for ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF)

    • Active listening skills – library employees will listen and respond without judgment. They will ensure that the complainant is heard and will attempt to respond to the complaint fully. If the complainant is not satisfied, he or she will be directed to fill out and submit a Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources.

    • List of awards and reviews for the materials

    • If available, info on material from https://www.teachingbooks.net

    • Library Bill of Rights on Intellectual Freedom

    • Library Bill of Rights Interpretations (designed by Intellectual Freedom Committee)

    • Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy (JIFP) - includes substantive essays, peer-reviewed articles, book reviews, legal briefs, and opinion pieces.

    • Intellectual Freedom Manual - day-to-day guidance on maintaining free and equal access to information for all people, including:

      • 34 ALA policy statements and documents, 17 new or updated for this edition, addressing patron behavior, internet use, copyright, exhibits and use of meeting spaces

      • At-a-glance lists summarizing key issues such as access, challenges and censorship, access by minors to controversial materials, and advocacy

      • Explanations of legal points in clear, easy-to-understand language, alongside case citations

      • Numerous checklists to help readers stay organized

    • Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources

    • Guidelines for Reconsideration Committee

    • Process of the reconsideration along with timeline and how the complainant will be informed of the outcome

Author Dashka Slater
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​

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 17, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0374303231
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0374303235
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 18 years
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.85 x 1.1 x 8.55 inches
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Best Sellers Rank: #30,527 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) 
    • #2 in Teen & Young Adult LGBTQ+ Issues
    • #44 in Censorship & Politics
    • #594 in LGBTQ+ Books

​

 

Plot Summary

​​On November 4, 2013, high school senior Sasha, who is white and identifies as agender, was asleep in a gauzy white skirt at the back of the 57 bus. Richard, a Black 16-year-old junior from a different, economically disadvantaged high school, was goofing around with friends. Encouraged by a friend, Richard held a lighter to Sasha's skirt as a "prank," which immediately ignited the garment.

The book delves into the very different worlds of Sasha and Richard to provide context for the incident. Sasha grew up in a supportive, middle-class family and attended a private school where their agender identity was accepted. Richard grew up in a high-crime, low-income area of East Oakland and faced systemic challenges, including poverty and violence in his community.

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About the Author

​

Dashka Slater’s novel, The Wishing Box, was named one of the best books of the year by the Los Angeles Times, which called it “an impish novel, hopeful and full of humor.” She is the author of four acclaimed children's books: Baby Shoes; Firefighters in the Dark; The Sea Serpent and Me and Dangerously Ever After. She has two picture books forthcoming in 2017, as well as the much-anticipated Young Adult non-fiction narrative The 57 Bus.

Slater is also an award-winning journalist who has written for such publications as Newsweek, More, Salon, Mother Jones, Sierra, and The New York Times Magazine. The recipient of a Creative Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, she is currently working on new books for both children and adults. Learn more at www.dashkaslater.com.

Critical Evaluation

 The book has an objective, journalistic style, which avoids condemning Richard and instead explores his perspective alongside Sasha's. The author is lauded for showing empathy for both teenagers, even in the face of tragedy, and for humanizing the people involved beyond the crime. In-depth social commentary: The narrative effectively weaves in discussions on important social issues, including gender identity, the intricacies of the criminal justice system, and the cycle of poverty and prejudice. It's engaging and thought-provoking. The book is gripping and emotionally impactful, sparking discussions about justice, identity, and community. The book is noted for its clarity in explaining complex topics like preferred pronouns, the difference between sex and gender, and the workings of California's justice system. 

 Some readers may find the book's structure, particularly with its short chapters and frequent shifts in focus, to be confusing at times. The book felt slow in certain parts, which may detract from the narrative's impact for some readers. 

​

​

Readers Annotation

​The book uses this single event to explore complex issues of justice, forgiveness, identity, and the profound impact of a moment's reckless act on many lives.

​

Genre

​Non-fiction, True crime, YA

​

​

Book Talkie Idea

​Discuss what might have prevented the incident. What role could other passengers on the bus have played?

​

Challenge Issues

LGBTQ+ themes and gender identity, Violence and crime,Race, class, and justice,Obscene or offensive

Challenge Issue Resources:

    • Collection Development Policy

    • FAQs for library employees about answering questions about youth and access to library resources

    • Contact info for ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF)

    • Active listening skills – library employees will listen and respond without judgment. They will ensure that the complainant is heard and will attempt to respond to the complaint fully. If the complainant is not satisfied, he or she will be directed to fill out and submit a Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources.

    • List of awards and reviews for the materials

    • If available, info on material from https://www.teachingbooks.net

    • Library Bill of Rights on Intellectual Freedom

    • Library Bill of Rights Interpretations (designed by Intellectual Freedom Committee)

    • Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy (JIFP) - includes substantive essays, peer-reviewed articles, book reviews, legal briefs, and opinion pieces.

    • Intellectual Freedom Manual - day-to-day guidance on maintaining free and equal access to information for all people, including:

      • 34 ALA policy statements and documents, 17 new or updated for this edition, addressing patron behavior, internet use, copyright, exhibits and use of meeting spaces

      • At-a-glance lists summarizing key issues such as access, challenges and censorship, access by minors to controversial materials, and advocacy

      • Explanations of legal points in clear, easy-to-understand language, alongside case citations

      • Numerous checklists to help readers stay organized

    • Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources

    • Guidelines for Reconsideration Committee

    • Process of the reconsideration along with timeline and how the complainant will be informed of the outcome

Author Nikki Grimes
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Plot Summary

​

The memoir describes Grimes' difficult early life with a mother suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and alcoholism, and an absent father. She was subjected to abuse by babysitters and eventually placed in foster care with her sister. Foster care and separation: After cycling through various foster homes, Grimes and her sister ran away to their grandmother's house, only to be turned over to Child Services and separated. Finding a voice through writing: At the age of six, Grimes began writing to cope with her pain and found solace and identity in her notebooks. Writing became her constant companion and a way to make sense of her life. Navigating abuse and finding support: The memoir details her experiences with bullying and abuse, but also highlights the support she received from her father, who introduced her to the Harlem arts scene, and a foster family who nurtured her talent. Confronting the past: As she matures, Grimes uses her writing to confront the past and process the "ordinary and extraordinary" hazards of her life, showing how writing helped her to overcome adversity. 

​

About the Author

​Nikki Grimes is an acclaimed American author and poet known for her extensive work in children's and young adult literature. Ordinary Hazards (2019) is a memoir in verse that chronicles her difficult childhood, marked by a mother with paranoid schizophrenia, an absent father, and experiences in foster care. Born in Harlem, New York, Grimes began writing poetry at the age of six, using it as a vital coping mechanism and a way to process her trauma and emotions. Her notebooks were her constant companions throughout a challenging youth. As an adult, she has become a celebrated and prolific writer, focusing on themes like social justice, identity, and hope, often featuring African American characters and urban settings in her work. She has authored over 100 books spanning various genres, including picture books, novels, and biographies. 

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Critical Evaluation

​The book has a poetic structure and the powerful way it uses verse to convey Grimes's traumatic experiences. It offers a candid and often heartbreaking look at childhood abuse, neglect, and instability. Despite the difficult subject matter, the memoir is ultimately a story of survival and triumph, with Grimes's resilience and passion for writing shining through. The poems are noted for presenting traumatic memories with a calm, straightforward simplicity, preventing the narrative from becoming overwhelming for the reader. The memoir features strong and memorable characters, including Grimes herself, her mother, and the supportive figures in her life. 

Many of the poems read more like prose and that the line breaks didn't always add to the impact of the writing.The book contains disturbing themes and situations, including child abuse and sexual assault, which may be too intense for some readers. While considered appropriate for its target age group, the book does deal with mature themes and includes strong language. 

Readers Annotation

The book highlights how writing became Grimes's "strategy" and a way to "construct herself" and process her life. The memoir explores the impact of her parents' addictions and her experiences in foster care, including the separation from her sister.

Genre

​Non fiction, Biography, Autobiography

​

Book Talking Idea

How important is it for teens (and adults) to have friends and mentors who encourage and support their dreams, as Nikki found in her father and certain teachers?

​

Challenge Issues

Childhood sexual abuse, Parental alcoholism and mental illness

Challenge Issue Resources:

    • Collection Development Policy

    • FAQs for library employees about answering questions about youth and access to library resources

    • Contact info for ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF)

    • Active listening skills – library employees will listen and respond without judgment. They will ensure that the complainant is heard and will attempt to respond to the complaint fully. If the complainant is not satisfied, he or she will be directed to fill out and submit a Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources.

    • List of awards and reviews for the materials

    • If available, info on material from https://www.teachingbooks.net

    • Library Bill of Rights on Intellectual Freedom

    • Library Bill of Rights Interpretations (designed by Intellectual Freedom Committee)

    • Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy (JIFP) - includes substantive essays, peer-reviewed articles, book reviews, legal briefs, and opinion pieces.

    • Intellectual Freedom Manual - day-to-day guidance on maintaining free and equal access to information for all people, including:

      • 34 ALA policy statements and documents, 17 new or updated for this edition, addressing patron behavior, internet use, copyright, exhibits and use of meeting spaces

      • At-a-glance lists summarizing key issues such as access, challenges and censorship, access by minors to controversial materials, and advocacy

      • Explanations of legal points in clear, easy-to-understand language, alongside case citations

      • Numerous checklists to help readers stay organized

    • Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources

    • Guidelines for Reconsideration Committee

    • Process of the reconsideration along with timeline and how the complainant will be informed of the outcome

all boys.jpeg

Plot Sunmary

​All Boys Aren't Blue is a non-fiction "memoir-manifesto" by journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson, which presents a series of personal essays about their experiences growing up as a Black queer individual in New Jersey and Virginia. The book is a blend of autobiography and a guide, intended to provide a reassuring testimony for young queer men of color and a primer for allies.The book is structured as a collection of non-chronological essays that weave together the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer youth. Johnson recounts various episodes from their childhood, adolescence, and college years, exploring how race, gender, and sexuality intersect in their life.

About the Author

George M. Johnson is the author of All Boys Aren't Blue, an award-winning Black nonbinary writer, activist, and producer. Johnson wrote the young adult memoir-manifesto, which explores themes of Blackness, queerness, and identity through a series of personal essays. They were inspired to write the book after feeling a lack of representation for their own experiences as a Black queer person growing up. Johnson grew up in New Jersey and Virginia. They are an alum of the HBCU Virginia Union University and attended graduate school at Bowie State University. All Boys Aren't Blue was a New York Times bestseller and is a Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2020. Johnson has also written for major outlets like Teen Vogue and Entertainment Tonight, and their second memoir, We Are Not Broken, was released in 2021.  Johnson is a prominent activist for LGBTQ+ rights and against book bans. They have received the National Coalition Against Censorship's Free Speech Defender Award for their efforts. The memoir delves into growing up Black and queer, covering topics like family, identity, gender, toxic masculinity, and consent, all while sharing stories of both challenges and Black joy. Johnson uses they/them pronouns today, but used he/him pronouns at the time of their first memoir's publication. 

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Critical Evaluation

​The book is praised for being a contemporary hallmark in YA literature, offering realistic guidance and empowerment for queer Black youth. It addresses important topics like racism, homophobia, and sexual assault, providing context and discussion points for complex issues that are often ignored. Breaks down toxic masculinity by sharing vulnerable experiences of abuse and harm, the author aims to challenge traditional expectations of masculinity that discourage men from speaking out about trauma. The book's status as a frequently challenged title has made it a symbol in the fight against censorship and for the right to access literature. 

The book contains graphic descriptions of sexual activity, including details of a sexual assault by a family member and consensual sexual experiences. May be too explicit and inappropriate for the young adult audience for which it is marketed. Specific passages detailing sexual assault have been a major point of contention. Some readers may take issue with the specific nature of the sexual descriptions, while others may feel like it is an essential part of the memoir's overall narrative and its purpose to communicate difficult truths. 

Readers Annotation

​The book was written to fill a void in literature where Black queer youth could see themselves represented and find guidance.

Genre

​YN Non fiction, Biography, Autobiography

​

Book Talking Ideas

Discuss the challenges and bans the book has faced, as well as the accusations of it being obscene.

 

Challenge Issues

LGBTQIA+ content, Sexually explicit content, Profanity and other mature themes, Targeting of identity

Challenge Issue Resources:

    • Collection Development Policy

    • FAQs for library employees about answering questions about youth and access to library resources

    • Contact info for ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF)

    • Active listening skills – library employees will listen and respond without judgment. They will ensure that the complainant is heard and will attempt to respond to the complaint fully. If the complainant is not satisfied, he or she will be directed to fill out and submit a Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources.

    • List of awards and reviews for the materials

    • If available, info on material from https://www.teachingbooks.net

    • Library Bill of Rights on Intellectual Freedom

    • Library Bill of Rights Interpretations (designed by Intellectual Freedom Committee)

    • Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy (JIFP) - includes substantive essays, peer-reviewed articles, book reviews, legal briefs, and opinion pieces.

    • Intellectual Freedom Manual - day-to-day guidance on maintaining free and equal access to information for all people, including:

      • 34 ALA policy statements and documents, 17 new or updated for this edition, addressing patron behavior, internet use, copyright, exhibits and use of meeting spaces

      • At-a-glance lists summarizing key issues such as access, challenges and censorship, access by minors to controversial materials, and advocacy

      • Explanations of legal points in clear, easy-to-understand language, alongside case citations

      • Numerous checklists to help readers stay organized

    • Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources

    • Guidelines for Reconsideration Committee

    • Process of the reconsideration along with timeline and how the complainant will be informed of the outcome

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