Something Like Hope

Something Like Hope
by
Shawn Goodman
YA fiction

Shavonne has had a rough life. Her mother did not adequately care for her. She was essentially on her own by about age 9. Shavonne had a child while in jail. Is there anything like hope for someone like this? A new psychologist in the jail challenges her assumptions about life and gets her to thinking about what she will do once she turns 18. This is a bleak, realistic novel that does not sugar coat the consequences of a teen landing in jail. This book would be a good conversation starter for teens and the adults who care about them (parents, teachers, psychologists, police, etc).

Author Shawn Goodman has worked as a psychologist in a girls' juvenile justice facility and he draws on his experiences to paint a picture of contemporary life.

I recommend this book for public and high school libraries.

David Goes to School

David Goes to School
by
David Shannon
children's ficton/autobiography
ages 5-8

Oh, boy! David is back! The star of "No, David!" returns with more misbehaviors. I can only assume that David is based on author and illustrator David Shannon's life as a child. Call him a menace. Call him hyperactive or ADHD. Call him a juvenile delinquent. Whatever you call him, you had better keep an eye on David when he is in your classroom.
We all know a child like David. Maybe you were that child. Maybe David is your child. David is wild, but the author does not glorify this. He just presents it. That is how David is. In the telling, it is pretty funny.
I haven't read much about author David Shannon, but I hope I am correct in assuming that eventually David (the book character) learns to channel his energy and grows up to be a successful illustrator and author.
A quote from David Shannon: "My advice would be that getting into trouble isn't the end of the world".
This book can certainly be a good discussion starter. How should David behave differently? How can his teacher help David to have a good day? Would medication help David? Would therapy?
Whatever you take from this book, it belongs on the shelves of every American elementary and public library. The illustrations are perfect for a book about an elementary school and the text is even written in pencil on manila lined paper.