Satrapi, M. (2003). New York: Pantheon. 
Persepolis is a graphic novel memoir about the author, Marjane Satrapi's life growing up in Iran during the 1970s and 1980s.  The book’s black and white illustrations makes her story personal and understandable even to those without any background knowledge of the history of  Iran.  Marjane's family was progressive, educated and resisted traditional dress code as the government became more religious and totalitarian.  Her uncle was accused of being a spy and had been jailed and tortured.  Satrapi identified with him and those that resisted the government's absolute authority.  Through her narrative and illustrations, she tells her every day experiences of neighbors and relatives that were jailed and tortured under the government rule.  As she was growing up, she did not understand why they could not stand up for their rights and did not always follow her parents’ rules.  Even though her parents did not agree with the government, they follow laws in public to avoid harm to their family. One can feel the love and care her parents gave to her in this dangerous time.  Eventually, Marjane was sent to Austria to complete her schooling and embrace freedoms that Iran would not provide. Statrapi has a companion book, Persepolis 2, that tells of her life once she left Iran.  Those books have been made into a movie true to her graphic novel creations.  Students will be able to identify the correlation between Marjane's struggle and those of the Civil Right era. It will also assist the reader in examining the universal commonality of those that look and/or raised differently than themselves.  As the book is presented in graphic novel form it opens up Iranian history to those that might not be drawn to the initially.
As I read, Persepolis, the connection I made with the textbook repeatedly is seeing books as windows.  Persepolis has an unique perspective that most of our students haven't experienced and frankly have not been exposed. The graphic novel format, opens up the book to students who would otherwise not been interested.  It also reminds me of Hidden, a graphic novel tells of a grandmother's childhood experience during the Holocaust. 

Smith, A. (2010). The Marbury lens. New York: Feiwel and Friends. Smith has created a science fiction world within a contemporary setting. Summer is beginning and Jack is about to go on discovery trip to England. He lives with his grandparents who largely ignore him and give him what he wants. Conner is his best friend and will be joining him on the trip.  Before they leave, Conner has a huge party, where Jack gets drunk and heads home on foot. As he is resting in the park, he is kidnapped.  The man is evil and through the course of events, Conner becomes part of the revenge on this lunatic.  Now they have a secret. It is hard for Jack to realize all that has happened and he is afraid to share with anyone. He leaves to go to England and meets a peculiar man, who is vaguely familiar.  The man gives him glasses that eventually draw Jack into a strange world where he is running from bizarre creatures that are trying to hurt him and his friends. Which world Jack is in and how long he has been there is becoming a tricky reality. Also, he somehow knows the story of Seth, the ghost that keeps luring him with the marbury lens to the world of fighting and pain.  He meets Lauren and loves her but the draw of the other world is making his life havoc.  The secret back home tortures him along with the phenomenon of what is happening when he puts on the glasses, Despite his insistence, Conner discovers the lens as well.  Can Jack protect the people he cares about in both worlds without losing them or his mind?
An analogy Jack uses at the beginning of the story about Russian dolls are parts of his life. Each part is represented by a different Russian doll but fit within each other, this is a theme that many will identify with in their own lives. We all have differents aspects of our lives that make us who we are and other areas we do not want to share with others. A sense of not belonging within a particular group or place is a theme along with wanting to help others but not sure how to accomplish that without pain. Andrew Smith has written several books including The Grasshopper Jungle which has won several awards.  Passenger is a sequel to The Marbury Lens. The book lends to starting conversations with students about the hidden topics of sexual abuse, emotional trauma and its effects.
As I read, The Marbury Lens, the connection I made with the textbook was the value of series reading. I haven't read many science fiction books but I found myself being drawn into the story and really caring about the characters.  During my research, I discovered that there is a sequel to this book.  Smith's talented writing has caused me to want to find out what happens to Jack, Conner and Lauren.  I want the boys to just stay in their own world but Smith has provided a reading ladder to continue the saga with Jack.

Black, H. (2011). Red Glove. New York: Simon & Schuster.
In Red Glove, Cassel's family is less than desirable to most of those around him. His mom is a con artist and his brothers are criminals on a larger scale. Cassel is a little bit of con himself, he has learned from the master but goes to a private school and wants a better life.  Cassel is a transformer and both sides of the law want him to work for them. He does not want to be a pawn for anyone; his brothers have already used his power for their gain.  Lovely Lila was a casualty of the abuses and the harm his brother has caused, she is cursed to always love Cassell.  She doesn't know about the curse which makes resisting her even harder.  Cassell's roommate, Sam and his girlfriend, Daneca are friends even though they don't know his secret power. Daneca and her mother have secrets they are hiding as well.  The pull of Lila's mafia type family is forceful trying to convince Cassell to work for them.  He must resist and he needs discover what crimes he actually committed without being in more trouble and pacifying all that are tugging on him.  He can't leave Lila the way she is, he would rather her hate him instead of being cursed to love him.  Will he find a way to break the curse and be free of everything that is trying to control him?
Red Glove is part of a trilogy including White Cat and Black Heart but can be read independently. Holly Black is an award-winning author that specializes in science fiction, she has written many YA novels and several graphic novels. Black's writing draws you in to the mystery of the story while making the characters likeable and identifiable. She is well known for the Spiderwick Chronicle books. Black is an excellent writer in which teacher can create reading ladders with students. Black has several series. On her website, she has many connections for students and educators, there are book guides and discussion questions.   Black has links for writers, writing as well as research at www.blackholly.com, students will enjoy exploring this site.
Red Glove was an book I found myself reflecting on the genre and format chapter in the textbook. It is soft science fiction and before that chapter I had not really thought about all the subgenres or formats.  I also was reflecting on the power of series reading. This book stood alone but is the middle book in a trilogy.  I found myself thinking about what person in my life would appreciate the genre and story of Red Glove.

Telgemeier, R. (2014). Sisters. New York: Scholastic.
Sisters is a graphic novel that tells of cross country trip with her family minus her Dad to see the sights and visit relatives.  Throughout the story, there are flashbacks that demonstrate the contentious relationship with her sister. The flashbacks which are colored slightly lighter blend with the chronicle of the long trip and all the mishaps.  Her younger sister, Amara, is always annoying and wants her way.  Raina can remember when she was first born and the difference,for the worse, Amara has made.  Telgemeier also recounts the family struggles and parental arguments as her Dad loses his job. The tension of these times, a cramped apartment and her baby brother being born are chronicled. Telgemeier hints to marital trouble as Dad doesn't go on the trip and is thinking about leaving to another job far away.  As they visit their relatives, it is painful obvious how much her cousins have changed and see her as a little girl. She is stuck in the middle not sure of who to hang out with during this family time. Snake-loving Amara is frustrating to her but she is starting to see her a little differently. Over the course of the trip, through car breakdowns, desert heat and a beloved walkman, Raina starts to enjoy the journey with her family.
Sisters is the companion to the New York Times bestseller, Smile. Sisters is a relatable to anyone that has been on a long road trip or had an annoying sibling. Telgemeier's graphic novel is enjoyable to read and provides fun for the reader along with flashbacks to the adult sharing the reading experience. Telgemeier along with the Hales and others have  helped popularized graphic novels with a storyline about real life beyond classic thought of superhero graphic novels.  This story is a great introduction to not only students but to their parents and educators that might have resisted graphic novels. Telgemeier has written other books as well including Drama and Ghosts. The books are also available in Spanish. She has a wonderful website www.goRaina.com that includes webcomics, illustrations and upcoming events.
Sisters is a book I could identify and viewed reading the book as a mirror as mentioned in the textbook.  I was the oldest girl with an annoying sister and little brother, a child of the 80s with a walkman on every trip. In the textbook, it talks about reading for the pure enjoyment. When my niece saw the book in my hand she immediately started talking about it with me. She had already read it but wanted my sister to read it with her to share that experience of loving a book together.

Alexander, K. (2014). The Crossover. Boston: Houghton Harcourt.  Josh Bell and his twin brother, JB are amazing basketball players, their Dad, Chuck was a professional player when he was young.  Their Mom is a non nonsense type of person and the Assistant Principal at the school they attend.  All Josh can think about is basketball, he works hard on his team.  Josh's Dad has nicknamed him - Filthy McNasty because he is so talented, Josh can even dunk at 12 years old.  JB starts to get distracted from basketball when a new girl comes to school.  She is cute but Josh is a little jealous of how much time he spends with her. Dad's health makes his Mom nervous, she wants him to go to the doctor due to his bad eating habits and that his Dad died at a young age.  Dad refuses to go, he just doesn't like doctors.  He continues to coach the boys even from the stands usually Mom has to make him sit down and not yell at the games.   Sometimes Dad even starts to sweat and has to take a break, this is happening more frequently. Josh continues to excel in basketball and his schoolwork but has to sit out games due to the pass he threw at his brother's face in anger.  Josh, JB and their friend are in a 3 on 3 tournament.  Dad plays with Josh pre-game, suddenly Dad passes out, he is rushed to the hospital.  The Crossover is written in verse rather than typical novel form.  The format and text of the book is compelling and visually interesting to read as the typeface changes to caps and sometimes stagger across the page.  It is written with the language of a cocky basketball loving kid, the reader is invested in the main character and a little worried about his Dad.  It won the 2015 Newbery Award and is a 2015 Coretta Scott King honor winner. Kwame Alexander is an author, poet and educator, he has created a paper to stage workshop that encourages young writers and shares how to self-publish.  He has written several other books, most recently, The Playbook.
The book and the quality in which it is written is one that helps provides a foundation for a lifelong readers. Also, reading for the beauty of the language and presentation of The Crossover is applicable. It can also help students bridge different genres and formats, Alexander is excellent as he shares Josh's story and love of basketball in prose form.  The Crossover for my students and I has every marker listed in the textbook of why and how we develop readers.

Anderson, L.H. (1999). Speak. New York: Penguin.
Speak is written intelligently and speaks to chaos and heartache of high school from the personal narrative of Melinda.  Melinda is just beginning high school and everyone is ignoring her. The close set of friends she had since childhood are hostile to her.  Something has happened at a summer party but we as readers aren't really sure. Melinda has the typical high school teachers but she finds refuge in her Art class with Mr. Freeman.  Her art projects are centered around trees, the subject she randomly pulled.  Melinda's mom and dad love her but do not really understand her.  As the school year progress, Melinda finds a secret hide away in an old janitor closet, a space she can have all to herself away from the horribleness that high school can be.  IT seems to always be around, a most unwelcoming presence. To make matters worse, IT (Andy) is starting to date her former best friend, Rachel.  If she only knew what happened with him last summer, Rachel would not like him so much. David is a welcome awkward presence in her high school experience but she isn't sure if he likes her or not.  Melinda finally has the courage to tell Rachel what happened last summer, something she hasn't told anyone.At first, she is sympathetic but once Melinda tells her who it was she doesn't believe her. As the school year winds down, Melinda cleans out her secret place closet at school and IT confronts her again. Will this be a repeat of the summer and more of the endless cycle of isolation or will the encounter finally reveal the truth?
Speak is wonderfully layered and creates a identifiable experience of high school.  The author writes with clarity and details that draws the reader into Melinda's frustrations. The book's themes of rape, bullying and intimidation is relevant to the classroom.  Speak also has a movie based on the book.  I would recommend watching the movie after reading the book.  The book is well written and the movie is minimal in the acting.  I still believe that the movie would help create a dialogue to further a conversation about the important topics of sexual crime and cover up, speaking out and isolation.
Speak was deeply personal to me and as the textbook reflects - reading autobiographically. I identified with Melinda as I think most would during the high school years. It was completely reflective as a mirror on teenage struggles and journey. My connection to the story went a little further as I have experience some of Melinda's trauma. My high school experience junior high and high school journey included being "hunted" by older boys and not telling anyone but a couple of friends.  I want to open up a dialogue with my daughter and later on students about Melinda's journey as a springboard to discuss about the issues presented. I want my daughter about her experiences.  It is important to talk about these topics with boys as well as girls. One question in discussion could be, Who do you see yourself as in this book?.

Myers, W.D (1999). Monster. New York: HarperCollins.
Monster is about 16 year old, Steve who is on trial for murder. The author, Walter Dean Myers, has an unique approach in writing the book like a movie script from Steve's perspective. Steve was a lookout for a robbery that went wrong and now he is accused of murder.  Steve wasn't in the store when it happened and no one really knows who killed the store keeper.  The prosecutor has labeled him a monster for the crime and is trying to tie him to the killing.  His lawyer isn't confident that she can distant him from the real perpetrator.  The book follows the court case from direction of the camera to the expression of the players involved. If Steve is convicted he will receive life in prison.  His life will be over before it even starts.
Readers will identify with the theme of helpless and see themselves through Steve's eyes. The book allows the reader to see the criminal justice system through the eyes of the accused.  Conversations about race and how someone is treated based on poverty and how they are perceived are interesting talking points to discuss with students.
Myers created an original book that will inspire student to write differently and see their ideas in a new way. Myers was a multiple award-winning author who wrote over 45 books and visited often with young offenders at detention centers.  A connection idea with students is to encourage students to write a "movie script" story about their lives or something that interests them.
When reading Monster I thought about the chapter in the textbook about development aspects. Many of my students come from a background that could reflect Steve's life.  I could share the book with students with a reading group providing the library as a safe place.  Also, finding books that are reflective of the students' environment as well as experiencing some consequences without living them. I find this book important to share with students without similar backgrounds as a window to see the criminal justice system from the perspective of someone in poverty and without a voice.