#5 Make Lemonade? How About Make the Pieces Fit...

When I found out that my class would be reading a novel that was written in verse I was extremely excited. I love poetry, and I guess I have a bias about poetry, because I am a poet. Make Lemonade was definitely a different read then I am use to. I have read epic poetry and then individual poems that form a story, kind of like a puzzle of poems one must put together to figure out the story. Make Lemonade was a form of puzzle that we as readers were suppose to put together, but at some moments it was hard to form the pictures in the story, and then sometimes hard to appreciate the overall story because of the jagged edges of the poem pieces that sometimes fit, and most times did not. I believe that Wolff mixed prose and poetry in a way that did not work so well for this book. If she was going to do poetry, then make the story poetic, meaning the language, the scenery (make it concrete for all the five senses), as well as other important elements. The poem, in majority, made me think of prose chopped and fitted to what poetry is ‘suppose’ to look like. The narrative throughout the book and the points and lessons made were in-depth and engaging, but the format and word usage lost the appeal as a whole work of art. Furthermore, I do believe Young Adults would be further confused then I did. I believe the only way an author will successfully draw a young adult audience with a story in poetry, is to have a prose poem or have stanzas of poetry connecting the dots and thereby story in each one.

#4 And Most Likeable Goes To....

Finding H.F. is the best book! I have truly enjoyed reading it this semester. All the characters are neatly crafted and relateable. The topic is fascinating and sought to teach me something as I went through this wonderful book. I believe Bo, in Finding H.F. is the character for me! Up-to-date, Bo has exceedingly become my favorite character so far. Everyone has a relateable and intriguing, depth drawing story in this book, but Bo's, even though he is not that main character, he has a story that endeared me to his character. Julia Watts created Bo to be a supporting actor,and he supported H.F., literally within the book, but Bo was also a complete character. He had flaws and yet painstakingly approached his fears and overcame some of them. I believe his strength lies in his loyalty and vulnerability; his kindness. For me, Bo defied the 'normal' stereotype for the gay guy. He is hard when he needs to be and strives to get out and learn, and be better than those who told him he couldn't. Perhaps I am crediting Bo with more than he deserves or I am perhaps biased in the gay guy category, but Watts has defiantly endeared Bo to me.

#3 Wish I Had Known When I was a YA!

I believe that Julia Watts framed, Finding H.F., with care and the right amount of everything. Watts understood that this is a hard topic for persons to talk about, let alone have the taboo topic written as a story with relatable characters that one may find in their own family. I believe that this is a topic that needs to be pushed further and not hidden. This is my first time reading a work of art where there is a lesbian protagonist and her gay guy side kick, and I absolutely enjoyed myself. I wish that I had the opportunity to read Finding H.F. when I was a young adult. This story would have given me an insight to the struggle and hardship of growing up gay especially in a town where you are consistently hounded by warped Christians and ethnocentric ideas.
One other aspect that I loved about Julia Watt’s feature of a lesbian protagonist is that she did not cheapen the experience of both a teenager growing up or the homosexual experience. Our ‘Shero’ and her sidekick did not buckle under pressure nor hide to an extent what they are. Watts offers most possible relationships, colors and creeds of characters. This story is full with tangible and tactical journeys, sights, and problems. It is a story for both the young adult and the older reader. It was a wonderful ride!

#2 What Has Changed?: Now and Then

I believe that I have grown to really appreciate Children’s and Adult Literature from then to now. I enjoy ferreting out the universal messages, despite age or education level, that are always found in the lesson of words or skill in the artwork. I do not think I have ever been against reading literature, especially Children’s and Adult Literature. I enjoyed many books in the children’s section such as Curious George, The Magic School Bus, Puff the Magic Dragon, and other great reads. I found that the adventure and mystery, and in my later years, the lesson taught in these various books were worth the time and excitement and proved to shape my reading ability and appreciation for the arts.
As a reader of Children's and Young Adult Literature, I still find amazing morals and information gathered from the techniques used in the artwork and the usage and craft of language and words begin unraveled. I always enjoyed going to the Book Fair in Elementary and Middle School to find the latest adventures and science books. After immersing my self into this class, I have a better understanding of Children’s and Adult Literature and the importance of this valuable foundation.

KimC.