Book Review + Classroom Activity: Ultraviolet by Aida Salazar
Image Credit: Aida Salazar Website
Book Summary
Ultraviolet is a coming-of-age book written in verse for teens and pre-teens. It tells the story of Elio who is in love for the first time with Camelia. His feelings for her are so strong that he sees things in ultraviolet: “Whoever heard of having your whole vision / change because you met some girl?”. The story takes place is East Oakland, California where Elio lives with parents who give him conflicting opinions on what it means to be a man. After Camelia and Elio’s relationship ends, Elio is left feeling angry, confused and grief, going through puberty only amplifies these emotions. The novel discusses important topics like masculinity and consent. Spanish words are interwoven throughout the novel and they are easily understood by non-Spanish speakers.
Image Source: Unsplash
Classroom Activity
Character Correspondence: Writing Letters from the characters
Objective: To explore the perspectives and emotions of the characters in "Ultraviolet" by Aida Salazar through the creative writing of letters.
Introduction
Provide an overview of the book "Ultraviolet" and the main characters, particularly focusing on Elio and other significant figures in his life. Discuss the importance of understanding the character’s perspectives and emotions in literature, and how writing letters can help to explore these aspects.
Character Selection
Allow students to choose a character from "Ultraviolet" whom they would like to write a letter from the perspective of. Encourage students to consider their chosen character's background, personality, and experiences when making their selection.
Letter Writing
Instruct students to imagine themselves as their chosen character and write a letter from their perspective. Provide writing prompts or guiding questions to help students structure their letters, such as:
What thoughts and emotions might your character be experiencing at this point in the story?
Are there any significant events or interactions that your character would like to reflect on or respond to?
How might your character express their hopes, fears, or aspirations in the letter?
Peer Review
Pair students up and have them exchange letters with their peers. Instruct students to read their partner's letter and provide constructive feedback on clarity, characterization, and emotional resonance. Encourage students to revise their letters based on the feedback received, focusing on strengthening the authenticity and depth of their character's voice.
Closure and Reflection
Invite students to share excerpts from their letters with the class or in small groups. Summarize key insights and reflections from the activity, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in literature and in life.
Library Program Idea
Kids will read a novel in verse before coming to the program. At the program, the librarian will go over the style of novels in verse and kids will spend some time writing their own short passages.
Image Source: Aida Salazar Website
About the Author
Aida Salazar is an award-winning author, translator and arts activist. Her writings explore topics of social justice and identity. She has numerous awards including: a Caldecott Honor, the Américas Award, Tomás Rivera Children's Book Award, International Latino Book Awards, California Library Association Beatty Award, Northern CA Book Award, Jane Addams Peace Honor, and an NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor.
Her other books include:
The Moon Within
Land of the Cranes
A Seed in the Sun
Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC Authors
Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter
In the Spirit of a Dream
Verdict
Ultraviolet is a perfect book for reluctant readers. The accessible text and content make it an excellent first choice when recommending a novel in verse.
Audience: Ages 10 and up