Tutored by Allison Whittenberg

Tutored
Allison Whittenberg
Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: December 14, 2010
Source: ARC from Around the World Tours


Summary (from Goodreads):  Wendy Anderson and Hakiam Powell are at opposite ends of the spectrum—the social spectrum, the financial spectrum, the opportunity spectrum, you name it. Wendy lives in an all-white suburb of Philadelphia, where she’s always felt like the only chip in the cookie. Her dad, who fought his way out of the ghetto, doesn’t want her mingling with “those people.” In fact, all Wendy’s life, her father has told her how terrible “those people” are. He even objects to Wendy’s plan to attend a historically black college. But Wendy feels that her race is more than just the color of her skin, and she takes a job tutoring at an inner-city community center to get a more diverse perspective on life.


Hakiam has never lived in one place for more than a couple of years.  When he aged out of foster care in Ohio, he hopped a bus to Philly to start over, but now he's broke, stuck taking care of his cousin's premature baby for no pay, and finding it harder than ever to stay out of trouble.  When he meets Wendy at the tutoring center, he thinks she's an uppity snob--she can't possibly understand his life.  But as he gets to know her better, he sees a softer side.  And eventually--much to the chagrin of Wendy's father and Hakiam's cousin--they begin a rocky, but ultimately enlightening, romance.


This edgy story about a star-crossed couple features strong African American characters and sparkles with smart, quirky dialogue and fresh observations on social pressures and black-on-black prejudice.


Review:  I absolutely adored Tutored!  I have a very short attention span, so it often takes me longer than most readers to complete a book.  Not this one!  From the first page, I was captured.


Told in chapters that alternate Wendy's and Hakiam's viewpoints, I had a deep connection to Tutored.  Though neither of my parents share Wendy's father's ignorant sentiments, I grew up one of few Black students in my school.  We were the only Black family in my neighborhood and church.  And while I was accepted by my peers, I often felt like an outsider.  This novel made me see that I was never alone, as so many other people from many racial backgrounds go through the same thing everyday.  Hopefully this book will make a difference for teens in similar situations.


In addition to my personal connection to the story, I was impressed by the two main characters.  Both Wendy and Hakiam went against racial stereotypes and were portrayed in positive lights.  Wendy was strong, intelligent, and profound.  I admired her willingness to disobey her father because morally it was the right thing to do.  Through her actions, she was able to show her father that his actions, words, and thoughts promoted Black-on-Black prejudice, rather than uplifted people to follow in his own successful footsteps.  Hakiam, though he made many mistakes in his past life in Cincinnati, was a dynamic character.  I enjoyed watching him learn about himself and grow as a person.  He was sensitive, responsible, and it was great to see a young Black male beating the streets and brightening his future.  


The romantic aspect of the novel was sweet.  At times, it brought a smile to my face.  What I most enjoyed about Wendy's and Hakiam's relationship was that it was realistic.  They had good times, but their relationship was not perfect.  In addition, it developed at a realistic pace.  


The writing in Tutored was clear and easy to follow.  The pacing was appropriate, and the voices of Wendy and Hakiam were distinct.  Kudos to Allison Whittenberg for jumping right into the storyline.  Rather than being bored to tears with useless background information, I was introduced to two unforgettable characters and found myself fascinated by a unique, yet realistic plot.  I will definitely be reading Whittenberg's other titles.


Since this novel is so amazing, I will be purchasing a final copy that I plan to reread many times over!  I highly recommend that lovers of contemporary YA novels give this one a go.  You will NOT be disappointed.


Rating:  9-You've gotta read this one!

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

Maniac Magee

Jerry Spinelli

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Released: April 2, 1990

Source: Purchased 


Summary: Jeffrey Lionel Magee is an orphan sent to live with his aunt and uncle.  When he tires of their constant arguing, he runs away, never to look back.  A year later, he ends up in Two Mills, PA.  While there Jeffrey teaches the citizens, young and old, lessons on friendship, courage, and how wonderful it is to be different.


Review: I very seldom reread novels, especially those that fall in the middle grades category.  Maniac Magee is a definite exception to the rule.  I recently read this novel for the one millionth time (ok, slight exaggeration) with a group of students during a summer literacy camp and was reminded of why I love it so much!  


One of the reasons Jerry Spinelli's masterpiece is amongst my favorite all-time reads is its cast of characters.  Focused primarily on Maniac, this novel hosts an extraordinary group of main and secondary characters, most of whom are dynamic.  Seeing John McNab and Mars Bar Thompson--the town's two bullies--grow and change throughout the novel as a result of the main conflict excited me and kept me enthralled.  Very rarely do secondary characters leave lasting impressions, however those like Mrs. Beale, Hester and Lester (twin children), and an old man simply called an old ragpicker have a major impact on the unfolding of the novel's events.  I could continue to gush about Spinelli's exceptional characterization skills, but this literary work is full of special moments.


Throughout much of the story, Maniac is running.  However along the way, fascinating events take place.  From Maniac performing athletic feats, like hitting a "frogball" to teaching someone to read, the many exciting events keep the plot moving at a fast pace.  These events, along with the novel's themes of courage, prejudice, friendship, homelessness, death and family, make Maniac Magee a real gem.


With crisp, clear writing, this book never ceases to amaze me.  With each read, I fall more in love with the characters and their individual stories and take note of the hilarious, yet remarkable events. 


If there were ever a book I wish I had written myself, Maniac Magee is that book!  Equally driven by its characters and plot, Jerry Spinelli has perfectly crafted a novel that will be enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries to come.


I highly recommend that everyone give this novel a chance.  It has a fantastic mixture of humor, drama, history, and warm your heart moments--in other words, there is something for everyone.


Rating: 10-Stop what you're doing...No, I'm not kidding.  Drop everything and read this book!