Shadowshaper - Young Adult Fantasy

This urban fantasy follows the life of Sierra Santiago, a teenager living in Brooklyn, New York. Sierra seems like a normal teenager until she learns she is part of a community of shadowshapers. Without spoiling too much of the book, Sierra learns the "art" of shadowshaping and what must be done to save her ancestors and the rest of the shadowshaping community.

The author, Daniel José Older, did a beautiful job of choosing a strong group of main characters from diverse backgrounds. Although the plot is based in a fantasy world of shadowshapers, many students will be able to identify with Sierra, her family, and even her group of friends. Older did a great job of embracing Sierra's heritage in the book, without taking away from the magical world he created.

I listened to the audio version of this book, and I was so glad I did! The narration was done perfectly, and it really helped me understand Sierra's Latino culture. The narrator showed Sierra's urban accent along with native Spanish words she and the other characters used. I don't think I would have felt the importance of her culture if I had not listened to the book as I read it. I think the audio version would be a fantastic tool for teachers to use!

How Can I Use this Book in My Classroom?

This book could lead to multiple teaching points, depending on the age group you are teaching. I think this would be a fantastic read aloud for all students in the middle school and high school grades. Like I had mentioned before, the audio version of this book is so enjoyable! The author chose to integrate Spanish and English words throughout this book. This could lead to a great discussion with students who are unfamiliar with Spanish and determining how this language integration adds to the story and understanding of the characters.

Teachers looking to use this book for more in depth teaching points should visit Scholastic for more discussion ideas: Shadowshaper Discussion Guide

Love, By Matt de la Peña

Grab your box of tissues! Love by Matt de la Peña's is a sweet, heartfelt story about the different ways we experience love from childhood through adulthood. The message of this story can be used to reassure students that even in difficult times, like loosing a loved one or watching something sad on the television, love is still an emotion that can be felt. Matt de la Peña's lyrical, and soothing word choice will bring comfort to all readers:

"Love, too, is the smell of crashing waves, and a train whistling blindly in the distance, and each night the sky above your trailer turns the color of love.."

Besides the way this book is beautifully written, the illustrations by Loren Long also feature a diverse group of families of different races and economic backgrounds.

How Can I Use this Book in My Classroom?

The simple, yet intricate message of love will teach students the power of empathy and compassion. This book could lead to a rich conversation about love and the strength love can create through difficult times. Younger students might be able to write their own sentences showing what love looks like or sounds like to them. Older students could analyze how this book could relate to a time in their own life or a current event. An effective lesson about figurative language or the central message could also be used in many classrooms. No matter how old, everyone should take the time to read this sweet, sweet story.

Hello! I'm Kelly. Welcome to Balanced Book Worms! I have taught fourth grade reading and writing for the past five years. I grew up with my nose stuck in a book and try to share that same passion for reading with all of my students! I started Balanced Book Worms in hopes that I can share my knowledge of reading and books with all of you! I hope to show you novels that I've loved using in my own classroom through guided reading, shared reading, and read alouds! The goal of this blog is to share book titles, comments, and helpful strategies to use that will lead to a more enjoyable reading experience!