CRYM Middle School Nominated Books2012-2013

What is CYRM?CRYM = California Young Reader MedalAn organization promoting recreational reading

of popular literature. Books must be . . . Nominated by students, librarians, or teachersPublished within the last 4 yearsWritten by a living author

CYRM CategoriesBooks may be nominated in five different categories:

Primary Books (K through 3rd grade) Picture Books for Older Readers (4th grade and up) Intermediate Books (3rd through 6th grade) Middle School Books (6th through 9th grade) Young Adult Books (9th through 12th grade)

A CYRM medal is awarded yearly for each categoryStudents who read all nominated books in a category are

eligible to vote for their favorite book!All votes must be received by the CYRM committee by April

1st

Out of My Mind

Written by Sharon Draper

Two-time Coretta Scott King Award-winning

author

Published in 2010 by Antheneum Books for

Young Readers

Out of My MindThe story of 11 year old Melody who is strapped to a

pink wheelchair—she has cerebral palsyShe can’t walk, talk, or feed herselfHer teachers assume she is capable of only preschool

lessonsActually, Melody has an amazing memory and mindMelody’s “voice” is finally heard when she gets the Medi-

Talker, “Elvira”Now that she has a voice, will Melody ever find a true

friend?

CommentsMelody’s voice--does Melody sound like an 11

year old?What does Melody enjoy?What frustrates Melody?How does Melody feel after her sister’s birth and

what does she feel now?Is it fair what happens to Melody?

At school, in the competition, at the end?

Connections What does the title of the book mean to you? How would you feel if you couldn’t walk or talk? Other than

using a Medi-Talker, how could you express your personality? Have you ever been friends with a person who was

completely different from you? Are you friends with a “disabled” person or have you ever

helped someone with a disability? What does it mean to be smart? Are there different types of

intelligence? What role does Mrs. V play in Melody’s life? Do you have a

Mrs. V in your life?

Wild Things

Written and illustrated by Clay Carmichael

Clay Carmichael’s first novel

Published in 2009 by Front Street

Wild Things11 year old Zoe has been abandoned by her father

and shuffled between relatives after her unstable mother’s death

She’s basically been on her ownShe is taken in by her uncle Henry, formerly a

famous sculptor and now a gruff--and potentially crazy--recluse

Will he be the first dependable adult in her life and who has built the mysterious cabin in the woods?

CommentsZoe’s voice—is it believable given what has

happened in her life?What does Zoe mean when she says that the love

of animals is “purer”? (page 22)Why does Carmichael use the “voice” of a stray

cat throughout the story?What does Zoe mean when she says, “Deep down

I believed that the minute you talked about something, you risked losing it, and I couldn’t chance that.” (page 113)

ConnectionsWhat does the title of the book mean to you?Artists and their passions are important in this book—

what are your passions?Has an adult ever stood up for you when you were in

trouble or danger? Have you ever stood up for a friend or family member in a difficult situation?

What is your relationship like with your mother, father, or primary caregiver? What would you change if you could?

Would you want as much freedom as Zoe had? Would you be capable of living on your own as a middle schooler?

Invisible Lines

Written by Mary Amato

Illustrated by Antonio Caparo

Published in 2009 by Egmont

Invisible LinesTrevor, a seventh grader, has a terrific sense of humor and

is a talented artist and soccer playerHe has just moved to a new apartment unit called

“Deadly” Gardens and has just entered an upscale new school

He has erroneously been enrolled in the accelerated science class

His mother works two jobs so he must often babysit his younger brother and sister

Can Trevor use his talents to be accepted by the “cool” kids, Xander and Langley?

CommentsWhat challenges does Trevor face at school and at

home?Why is it important to Trevor to be friends with

Langley and Xander?How are mushrooms a metaphor for Trevor’s life?Who is the “Mudman” and why is he important in

the story?Trevor’s mom always says, “Rise above it.” What

does this mean?

Connections What does the title of the book mean to you? Have you ever been forced to babysit your younger siblings or

contribute to your family’s activities in ways that were not your idea?

Have you ever been bullied at school? What is bullying and can it be prevented?

How important is money in your life? Have you ever been in a class that you thought, or others thought,

was too advanced for you? How did you handle the situation? Have you ever had a teacher that inspired you to learn about an

entirely new subject? Have you ever stood up for yourself when everyone doubted you?

Read All 3 BooksYou are eligible to vote for your favorite middle

school novel if you read all three booksBallots are available online at the CYRM website:

http://californiayoungreadermedal.org/index.htmBallots must be postmarked by April 1, 2013 and

sent to: California Young Reader Medal Committeec/o G. Manildi6158 Olvera Ct.Chino, CA 91710

Nominate A Book!If you’ve read a book recently that you think

would be great for middle school students, send the name of the book along with the name of the author and the date of publication to:

California Young Reader Medal Committeec/o G. Manildi6158 Olvera Ct.Chino, CA 91710

PowerPoint created by Sally James, CYRM committee, member of CSLA (California School Library Association), and South Hillsborough School Librarian and Teacher, www.southlibrary.org