Alyssa Bantleman

Professor Warner

English 112B

Annotated Bibliography

Realistic Fiction and the Importance of Unconventional Friendships and Families

There is no denying how crucial it is for a student to be surrounded by a support system that involves not only a strong familial influence, but friends as well. Through the help of many realistic fiction novels aimed towards young adults, it is possible for young readers to see that these relationships can come in all different forms and do not have to adhere to any strict societal rules. These examples can span across centuries as well, such as in John Steinbeck�s Of Mice and Men, where the unlikely bond that exists between a quiet ranch hand and his mentally disabled friend is tested after an unthinkable accident occurs. Another novel that displays this different type of friendship is Rodman Philbrick�s Freak the Mighty, which is about a friendship between a physically challenged boy, and his larger than life protector, also known as �freak�. These relationships are all throughout literature and are essential readings for students who may not fit into the mold that has been cast for them. It is important for students to know that there is no �normal� friendship or family situation and these books display that idea flawlessly.

Philbrick, Rodman. Freak the Mighty. New York: Rebound by Sagebrush, 1999. Print.

Max is a boy who is born unable to walk properly and he forced to use leg braces. This unfortunately makes him the object of ridicule amongst his classmates and despite being highly intelligent, many times he is not taken seriously because of his disability. He is able to become friends with Kevin, also known as �Freak� because of his large size. Their relationship is tested and although the end is heartbreaking, the importance of friendship still shines through the sadness.

Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men (Penguin Great Books of the 20th Century). New York: Penguin (Non-Classics), 1993. Print.

An essential part of the American literature canon, Of Mice and Men tells the story of a tough ranch hand by the name of George and his mentally challenged, but gentle companion, Lennie. The two set off to work on a ranch where they encounter many dubious characters. The only two people they can trust are each other. Unfortunately, an accidental death occurs at the hands of Lennie and George must make the ultimate decision of what should happen to Lennie.

Hinton, S.E. The Outsiders. New York: Puffin, 1997. Print.

This book is excellent for trying to understand the dynamics of friends AS your family. This book tells the story of a group of young men in the 1960�s that belong to a gang called �The Greasers�. The protagonist Pony Boy is able to become friends with boys that would normally be considered outcasts in society. It is through these friendships that he is able to create a new kind of family for him and understand what it means to be in a family.

Spinelli, Jerry. Stargirl. New York: Knopf, Distributed by Random House, 2000. Print

This story is important to the idea of non-traditional relationships because the main character of the novel, who is known only as Stargirl, is the epitome of non-traditional. She goes to football games and starts cheering with the other team�s cheerleaders. She bunny hops in front of the entire school and her only friend Leo can get her to change her ways. This book is important to understanding male female relationships that don�t conform to traditional standards.

Kidd, Sue Monk. Secret Life of Bees. New York: Viking, 2002. Print.

This book is an excellent example of a unique family dynamic that strays from the normally accepted conventions of family. The main character Lily, is a 14-year-old white girl when after the death of her mother and a series of mishaps with her abusive father, decides to go visit a honey farm in South Carolina. She ends up living there with the three black sisters who run it. Lily�s life is changed from the time she spends with them and she eventually grows to see the sisters as her family.

Lord, Cynthia. Rules. New York: Scholastic Paperback, 2008. Print

The protagonist of this story is a 12 year old girl by the name of Catherine. Catherine�s younger brother David has autism. While David undergoes his Occupational therapy, Catherine meets a young boy named Jason, in a wheelchair who is unable to speak. The two end up becoming friends, but Catherine is afraid to tell her other friends about Jason because she is afraid they will make fun of her. In the end Catherine must decide what is �normal� anyway, and is it worth giving up a good friend just to be seen that way?

Woodson, Jacqueline. Feathers. New York: Puffin, 2007. Print

Set in the 1970�s, this interesting book tells the story of a young white boy, Sean, who attends an all black high school. He is not deaf, but he knows sign language and that is how he chooses to communicate with most people. At first, he is the target of the school bully Trevor. But eventually, the two become friends once it is learned why Sean prefers sign language to actual speaking. This book helps to show students that friendship can transcend skin color and personality differences and triumph over anything.

Sachar, Louis. Holes. New York: Bloomsbury Children, 2000. Print.

While this book does have some magical or non- realistic elements to it, it still fits into the category of unconventional friendships and families quite nicely. At a detention camp, a group of juvenile delinquents are sentenced to digging holes as their punishment. The group of 6 boys all possesses unique character traits and learn to rely on one another the way family members do. Overall, the tone of the book creates a very realistic portrait of an unconventional group of friends.

Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Charles L. Webster, 1884. Print.

The literary merit of this novel cannot be denied and it is a classic example of friendship between Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Again, while there are some slightly outlandish parts of this book, as a whole it is realistic. It is very important that students are familiar with this masterpiece and using the idea of friendship to introduce it is a good way to show the bond that exists between these two boys.

Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner. New York: Riverhead Books, 2003. Print.

This book, in addition to giving a fresh perspective to students about the lives of people living in Kabul, is an excellent example of how powerful the bonds of friendship can be despite difficult circumstances. It tells the story of two childhood friends, Amir and Hassan and follows their lives across a few decades. This book may present a challenge to some students, but it is culturally relevant, not just because of the bonds of friendship that are on display in this novel, but because the Middle East is an area that all students should know about. Using a compelling story set in this part of the world makes the idea of this foreign culture easier to grasp.