Tuesday, November 22, 2016

The Sun IS Also A Star (348 Pages)

I read Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon, and loved it. So, when I saw this book by her, I grabbed it. In alternating chapters, the plot is told by Natasha and Daniel. Both of these teens are pressured by their parents with typical expectations. Both teens have brothers, Natasha's is younger, and she gets along with him. Daniel's is older, and he does not get along with him. Daniel is Asian, Natasha is a black Jamaican. They meet, accidentally, and Daniel is immediately smitten, convinced he's in love with her and that it is a love that was meant to be!  This story is interesting, and might be an idea for some students to imitate. The book takes place in the space of a single day! It is an amazing story to see these two develop their relationship.  Natasha is facing being deported because she is undocumented. The authorities found out about it, when her father was arrested for a DUI. Daniel's older brother can do nothing wrong, in his parents eyes. Until he flunks out of Harvard, that is. I really enjoyed the many themes of the book: family struggles, teen goals, young love. Daniel is a poet, Natasha is science minded. Your students will definitely enjoy this book!