Dear Mr. Henshaw
by Beverly Cleary
In this sweet story about a boy who is going through a difficult time in life which relates to other children his age. The theme and characters in this book create a very realistic story that could be relative to boys and girls across different ages and generations. The main character, Leigh, is having a challenging time at home with his family going through divorce. Confiding in his favorite author, he finds a friend who can help him cope. The characters in the story definitely provide the ability for children to relate and identify with a character like themselves. The theme of this book is centered around family issues and friendship which creates a world that is very similar to the target audience. Children can all relate with family drama, even without going through a divorce situation. The characters and theme of this book clearly explain why it is a favorite among children.
Bridge to Terabithia
by Katherine Paterson
The plot and characters lure young readers and even adults with the relativity of the situations in the story. Any child who has undergone the loss of a friend, need for a safe haven, or ever struggled with relationships will quickly relate to this event-filled story. In the story’s plot, there are realistic but also very dramatic scenes to keep the reader interested from the first page to the very last. Although a fictional safe haven, Terabithia provides a very real place in a harsh world that the kids can escape from reality making it easy to identify with at many ages. The setting for this story is vital to the plot development since Terabithia was the place that served as a safe haven. Many children can relate to a location where they feel comfortable and free of worry.
Crossover
by Kwame Alexander
This book is eye-catching and intriguing from just the front cover, unless you aren’t a fan of basketball. Of all the evaluative criteria, this book identifies most with style and gender. The style of this book is very unique since it is written in verses like a poem and is very fast-paced. Its catchy rhythm keeps readers interested and engaged throughout the short novel. The style of this author gives a unique twist that makes the novel difficult to compare. This book is about a basketball star who has a crush on a girl at school which seems to relate more with a male audience. The basketball culture and following is exemplified throughout using terminology and slang phrases coined by the main character.
George
by Alex Gino
While not all children can relate with a character who is transgendered, they can recognize the feeling of being different or peer pressure. Of the evaluative criteria, both character and culture/gender are the most prominent in this novel about a boy struggling with the pressure to please his family but also feel comfortable in his body as a girl. The main character is forced to be someone he isn’t when his family only accepts him as George. When they are away, he identifies with his true self as Melissa. All children struggle with identify and finding their true self even if it is not quite this situation. On the same note, character development ties directly in with the elements of culture and gender because of the recent media and legality of people who identify as transgendered.
Orbiting Jupiter
by Gary D. Schmidt
An emotional and deep story about a teenager’s search for his daughter while undergoing difficult situations is engaging for people of all ages. Joseph and Jake are new friends who met through their foster home. The struggles and difficulty that Joseph faces throughout life and the search for his daughter are heartbreaking. Students can either relate or learn about the culture of children who live in poverty or homelessness through the characters and culture in this novel. The theme of this story is compelling and very in-depth emotionally. It is a story that is long-lasting and memorable for all readers.
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