"Signifyin"

There is definitely a common vernacular found amongst most African-Americans. Moore very plainly states this among other things in the "Black Aesthetics" section of his book. Then he dives into the concept of double meaning, saying that in black literature this is mostly seen as a type of metaphor; it says one thing but means another. After reading The First Part Last, I was trying to find this relationship and after discussing the book with the class I understood it some what better. "Signifyin" represents the double meaning, or double voice found within black literature. Even though I can see some of what Moore is talking about in The First Part Last as it relates to his concepts, I do not feel that it is necessary nor is it 100% applicable. To me this is just a theory that he came up with. I find it very awkward that he puts a racial label on a book based on how it is written. I hate to disagree with him, but I feel that his theory is merely an assumption that can not be proven. With all that being said, I would not apply "signifyin" to this book, but I would say that there is language throughout the text that is found predominantly in African-American culture.

What makes What I Saw and How I Lied a book that might be worthy of the National Book Award?

Blundell does an excellent job with this book. First, with her language she creates a very mature and thought provoking setting. As soon as I began reading the book I pictured a scene from the "Notebook." It was a very nostalgic book that really draws you in. This was definitely National Book Award worthy. Blundell used imagery and language that, to me, is very relatable to any age. Her creation of relationships and how they interact throughout the book is very easily understandable and I am sure many of the young readers can relate. The book is also a page turner, with every page she creates new detailed imagery or brings in new characters that always keep the reader on the edge.
I definitely enjoyed this book and feel that it is worthy of the National book award. She created a great story that is mature and relatable.

What were your reactions to reading a novel written in verse, like Make Lemonade?

When I first glance at the book, I just thought there were a compilation of poems that were similar to one another. Boy was I wrong. I did not feel a sense of connection with the book like I do others. I think this has to do with the fact that I might not be used to this style yet. I tried to see what the poems were like individually and I was not to pleased. I felt like pieces were missing when I did that. On the other hand, a couple of them I found could stand alone. I think this book is a great teaching tool and if exposed early enough students could get alot from reading in this style.

I think the author is challenging her audience in a very abstract way. You can almost think of this book as a masterpiece that you can't quite figure out, but you know all then elements are there; it's just going to take some time. I am sure young readers enjoy this style because it is new and almost refreshing. It is not like sitting down and reading a long over analytic novel. The pages seem to invite you, but it is up to the reader to accept the invitation. I definitely commend any author is writing in this innovative and complex style.

The most oustanding character award goes to...

I feel the character that is most likable is H.F. She is a replicate of most girls at that age and what is going through their minds about school, relationships, and friends. She grabbed my attention by being someone who is easily read and easily relate able. She was charming and very humorous. Her personal thoughts that she shared with the reader brought her character to another level. I was able to not only see the story, but what she was thinking about the story and maybe things she wanted to say, but could not out loud. At some point in time we all feel this way. That brings me to my next point, YA literature is so important and amazing because it is so relate able. Even for adults who read the books, I am sure they can remember feeling the same as a character at some point in time. I feel that I can also use some of the characters' stories as metaphors for my own life. Then, I can maybe solve the situation the way they did or not. I really think these books are amazing testimonials for bits and pieces of every one's life.

What are your feelings about a book for teenagers that features a lesbian protagonist, like Finding H.F.?

I think books like these are for special readers. The reader has to have an open mind and a certain maturity level. Since characters like these are viewed differently based on culture and beliefs, I would not say that this type of book is for everyone. Not having some of the same characteristics of H.F, I found myself very uncomfortable when she encountered new experiences, but I could find some way to relate those experiences to my own personal life. If I was a teacher I would not necessarily assign this book just because of the controversy that it could possibly cause. I personally enjoyed the book, but when I think about the age group for this particular story I do not know if they would feel the same. To me, the stage that H.F is going through is that very awkward one and many of the readers are probably going through the same thing. Stories like these definitely raise questions and help people to see life from another perspective, which I think is great!

When you compare your views about literature written for children and young adults before this course began to what you are thinking now...

I was definitely a bit narrow minded about the concepts of children and adult literature until now. I always thought of children's book as being these easy to read fantasies that were literally only for children. I never thought of being able to apply them to my own life because I never thought that there was any depth to them. Adult literature to me was, in my world, a book that used words to abstract to understand with no meaning. All of this has changed for me. The more I have been reading the more I realize my ignorance. Children's books are so applicable to our lives today and our lives in the past. Sometimes I see the fantasy stories as a metaphor for bits and pieces in my life. I truly enjoy reading them now. I feel that being exposed to several different styles of children's literature has also helped me to see the readings in a new way. I feel that this experience will help me to choose books wisely now, not just based off of the cover, that goes for adult and children lit.

What would you say to someone who might think of children’s picture books as “lesser” literature?

I feel that many people have poor misconceptions about the intelligent legitimacy of many children's books. I for one never really saw the importance of these books until I began taking this education course. The first thing I would say to someone who felt this way would be, "have you ever read The Invention of Hugo Cabret". This book and so many others like it allow not only children, but adults to explore their imaginations a create a temporary realm of fantasy. 

 To anyone who feels that picture books are a lesser literature I would have to say these books are the exact opposite. They are full of enrichment. Reading and truly comprehending these books takes a great deal of attentiveness and concentration. The pictures are telling you a story that you as a viewer are to determine. To me, this challenges the mind to see new concepts, evaluate situations, and discover a new way of learning. I feel these challenges are needed and appropriate for all ages. Besides, whose to say that the knowledge you gain from an adult novel you can not gain from a children's picture book?