Level Answers

Short Summary: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that tackles the themes of race, identity, and social justice. The story follows Starr Carter , a sixteen-year-old Black girl who witnesses the police shooting of her childhood friend Khalil . As the only witness to the event, Starr is thrust into the center of a media firestorm, with her life turning upside down as she grapples with the pressures of speaking out against police brutality while navigating the complexities of her own community, school, and family. Through Starr’s journey, the novel explores systemic racism, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the struggle for justice in an unequal society. Starr’s voice, both literal and metaphorical, becomes an emblem of the power of resilience , truth , and courage in the fight for social change. Book Information: Title : The Hate U Give Author : Angie Thomas ISBN : 978-0062498533 Genres : Young Adult Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Social Justice,...

Short Summary: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson is a poignant and heart-wrenching coming-of-age story about Jess Aarons , a fifth-grade boy who befriends Leslie Burke , an imaginative and spirited new girl in his class. Together, they create an imaginary kingdom called Terabithia , where they rule as king and queen, escaping the harsh realities of their lives. Their bond is strengthened by their shared creativity and sense of adventure, and they find solace in their secret world. However, the story takes a tragic turn when Leslie dies in an accident, leaving Jess to grapple with his grief and learn how to carry on without her. Through his pain, Jess finds healing in the love of his family and the lessons Leslie taught him about imagination, friendship, and courage. Book Information: Title : Bridge to Terabithia Author : Katherine Paterson ISBN : 978-0064401845 Genres : Young Adult Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Realistic Fiction Published Year : 1977 Detailed Summary: Jess Aarons ...

Short Summary: Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks is a haunting portrayal of a teenage girl’s descent into the world of drug addiction, capturing her battle with inner turmoil, peer pressure, and identity in a society that seems indifferent to her struggles. General Information Book Title: Go Ask Alice Author: Beatrice Sparks (anonymous author credited) ISBN Code: 978-1416914631 Genre: Young Adult, Fiction, Diary, Drama, Realistic Fiction Published Year: 1971 In-Depth Summary of Go Ask Alice Introduction: A Window into the Adolescent Mind Go Ask Alice is written in the form of a diary , chronicling the turbulent experiences of an unnamed fifteen-year-old girl who starts with a sense of youthful innocence and spirals into the dark world of addiction and despair. Presented as a real diary discovered by an anonymous author (later attributed to Beatrice Sparks), the book has captivated readers since its publication due to its candid, raw, and harrowing portrayal of a young girl’s vulne...

Short Summary The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith is a raw, emotional journey that explores trauma, resilience, and healing, as it follows a young girl’s struggle to regain her sense of self after a life-altering event shatters her innocence. Book Information Title : The Way I Used to Be Author : Amber Smith ISBN : 978-1481449366 Genre : Young Adult, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Romance, Coming of Age Published : 2016 Detailed Summary Amber Smith’s The Way I Used to Be tells the story of Eden McCrorey , a high school freshman whose life is forever changed after a traumatic incident. Through Eden’s story, the novel explores profound themes of identity, trauma, recovery, and resilience as she navigates the long and painful road to healing. Told in four parts, each representing a year in high school, the novel illustrates Eden's transformation as she tries to cope with her trauma and piece together her fractured identity. 1. Freshman Year: Innocence Shattered The book begins wit...

Short Summary Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a heartfelt story about courage, acceptance, and kindness, following a young boy named Auggie Pullman as he navigates school life for the first time while living with a facial difference. Book Information Title : Wonder Author : R.J. Palacio ISBN : 978-0375869020 Genre : Middle Grade, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Coming-of-Age Published : 2012 Detailed Summary R.J. Palacio’s Wonder tells the inspiring story of August "Auggie" Pullman , a 10-year-old boy born with Treacher Collins syndrome , a rare genetic condition that has caused significant facial abnormalities. The novel, narrated from multiple perspectives, explores how Auggie and those around him cope with prejudice, empathy, and friendship as he embarks on a challenging journey through fifth grade at a mainstream school. 1. Auggie’s Early Life and Challenges The story begins with Auggie’s perspective , where he explains his struggles and feelings about his appearance. Having...

Short Summary: "It's Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini is a candid, heartfelt exploration of depression and mental illness, told through the lens of a teenager’s time spent in a psychiatric hospital, where he learns to cope with the pressures of life and discovers the importance of self-care, community, and finding joy in small victories. Book Title : It's Kind of a Funny Story Author : Ned Vizzini ISBN : 978-0786851973 Genre : Young Adult, Contemporary, Psychological Fiction, Realistic Fiction Published Year : 2006 Introduction "It's Kind of a Funny Story" is a semi-autobiographical young adult novel by Ned Vizzini , detailing the mental health struggles of Craig Gilner , a fifteen-year-old boy who grapples with overwhelming academic and social pressures that lead him into a severe depressive episode. Written with a mix of dark humor and raw honesty, the novel addresses the often stigmatized topic of mental illness, making it a powerful and relata...

Short Summary The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a classic novel that explores the challenges and heartbreaks of adolescence through the lens of gang rivalry, poverty, and friendship, illustrating the power of unity and the search for identity in a divided world. Book Information Title : The Outsiders Author : S.E. Hinton ISBN : 978-0142407332 Genres : Young Adult, Coming-of-Age, Realistic Fiction, Drama Published : 1967 In-Depth Summary of The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton Introduction S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders , written when the author was just sixteen, revolutionized young adult literature with its gritty, authentic portrayal of teenage life. Set in 1960s Oklahoma, the story focuses on two rival groups, the Greasers and the Socs, who are divided by socioeconomic status and attitudes. Through the eyes of Ponyboy Curtis, a sensitive and introspective fourteen-year-old, Hinton delves into the hardships and small triumphs of adolescence, exploring themes of loyalty, class disparity, identit...

Short Summary This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel that captures the bittersweet emotions of adolescence through the eyes of two young girls as they navigate a summer filled with family tensions, budding curiosities, and the complex transition from childhood to teenage years. Book Information Title : This One Summer Author : Mariko Tamaki ISBN : 978-1596437746 Genres : Graphic Novel, Coming-of-Age, Young Adult Fiction, Realistic Fiction Published : 2014 In-Depth Summary of This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki Introduction This One Summer is a beautifully illustrated and deeply evocative graphic novel that explores the transition from childhood to adolescence. Co-created by writer Mariko Tamaki and illustrator Jillian Tamaki, this graphic novel follows the story of Rose Wallace and her friend Windy, two young girls who are on the cusp of adolescence. Set in the quiet, fictional town of Awago Beach, where Rose and her family spend every summer, the no...

Short Summary Drama by Raina Telgemeier is a graphic novel that follows Callie, a spirited middle schooler with a passion for theater, as she navigates friendship, crushes, and personal growth during the production of her school’s musical, capturing the highs and lows of adolescence. Book Info Title : Drama Author : Raina Telgemeier ISBN : 978-0-545-32698-8 Genre : Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Coming-of-Age Published : 2012 Overview Drama is a vibrant, heartfelt graphic novel set in the world of middle school theater. Through expressive illustrations and an engaging narrative, Raina Telgemeier explores the complexity of friendships, first crushes, and self-discovery. The story centers on Callie, a seventh-grader who works as the set designer for her school’s spring musical. As Callie’s dedication to theater grows, she faces the inevitable “drama” of middle school relationships and self-identity. Telgemeier combines humor, honesty, and warmth to create an authentic ...