Troublemakers Update

For an update on our PLC group's reading of Carla Shalaby's Troublemakers, we recently examined different aspects of the book through the lens of what categorizes a YA Novel. However, when asked if it definitively counts as a YA novel, the answer lies in a gray area. The story-line does not follow that of a typical YA Novel, but the language used and topics explored makes it a book that YA's could read and use to reflect on their own school experiences.

Characteristics of YA Lit
Protagonist	Zora, Lucas, Sean, Marcus
Developmental Stage of Protagonist	Pre-Early Adolescence (Elementary School)
Key Conflict	Carla’s account of the students’ struggle to adapt to school culture and the impact that educators on those struggles; depicts each student’s personal struggle.
Point of View Telling Story	Carla Shalaby- former elementary school teacher
Evidence that this is written for YA	The topics that the novel Troublemakers span are relatable to adolescents who are reflecting upon their past educational experiences. This novel provides opportunity to delve into different “Windows and Mirrors” conversations. (Please, see below!) Young adult readers may also be able to relate the young students depicted in the book to their past selves.
Evidence that this is not written for YA	This novel may not be considered a YA novel because the language is inviting to people who are in a place to deeply reflect, observe and analyze their educational background. While this could help guide the way for adolescents to do that, they may have trouble connecting and relating to the teachers perspective.
Ending: “storybook” or no?	There is no definitive ending, but instead there are separate endings within each case study of the four different students.
Evidence of parents	Carla Shalaby discusses her experiences with home visits; observing the home life outside of the classroom, how the parents interact with the student behaviors and pulling this information to therefore better understanding the whole picture of each and every student.
Coming of Age Issue	While this novel may not include a distinct coming of age issue, it signifies the growth and struggles of the four students depicted. In addition, the novel also overviews the challenges that teachers and educators face, and the steps and support that should be relied on throughout those situations.
Number of Pages & Reading Level	Troublemakers is a 193 pages
Examples of “Windows and Mirrors”	All the students discussed are of different race/ethnicity and experience different life experiences, therefore serving as windows and mirrors to a wide variety of other students.