Ciambrone RIFF Finalized

RIFF: Research into Fiction

L i t e r a t u r e f o r Y o u n g A d u l t s

E n g l i s h 3 8 5 : 0 1

D e c e m b e r 1 s t , 2 0 1 4

By: Nicholas Ciambrone

The RUNNING BACK DIARIES

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Questionnaire Samples……………………………………………………………………………2

Questionnaire Summary…………………………………………………………………………12

My Ideas on Genre Study………………………………………………………………………15

Chapter Sample………………………………………………………………………………………16

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Questionnaire Samples

Please answer these questions fully and honestly. This information will be used to

generate ideas for writing a young adults novel for Literature for Young Adults.

1. What hobbies (sports teams, clubs, activities, etc.) do you participate in?

2. What genre (fantasy, science fiction, mystery, romance, tragedy, sports, fiction,

nonfiction, etc.) of reading do you most enjoy?

3. What is the last book you read outside of school? Why did you enjoy this book?

4. What is the last book you read in school? Did you enjoy it?

5. What types of characters do you most enjoy in a book?

6. What do you want to be when you grow up?

7. What type of music do you listen to?

8. What sports do you like?

9. What else would you like to say about yourself?

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Questionnaire Summary:

Football is popular among boys and girls

Diary of a wimpy Kid is a popular book

Romance and sports books are popular

Hip-hop and rap is a favorite type of music

Funny characters are a hit

Books Content Organization Style

QB1: Mike Lupica Lots of narration, very little

dialog, mostly about the

football field, very little

outside of the field

Chapters following

a sequence of

events, makes

logical sense.

Third person point of

view, a bystander was

looking in but they

knows what everyone

is thinking

Crash: Jerry

Spinelli

Lots of dialog, talk about

sports, competitive main

character

Chapters with

Dates, follow

logical sequence of

events

Narration from main

character, dialog with

friends, antagonists

Back-up

Quarterback:

Eleanor Robins

Lots of football talk, friends

are present and supportive,

work with the protagonist

Chapters with a

sequence, follows

logical order

Lots of dialog, with

narrator filling in gaps

Similarities:

These books all have a major focus on the aspect of sports. Each book

focuses on characters that are facing some sort of adversity in the sports realm.

These characters are all relatable to children who read them. They all face the

same type of situations in their lives. The books all follow a similar sequence. Each

text is organized in chapters that follow a logical sequence from the beginning of

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the story to the end. They do not jump around a lot and stay very organized

throughout. Each book also used dialog to tell a big part of the story. The

characters have conversations with their friends and enemies. Seeing the

interaction of the characters is important to each book. I would like to capture

these aspects in my young adult chapter. They will allow me to properly focus on

formulating a well written sports book.

Differences:

Each book and author uses their own stance on how to go about writing a

sports novel. Crash used a technique that makes the main character seem like a

misfit kid. As opposed to the other books, Crash utilizes this technique, which

allows young adults to connect to the main character. As they grow, young adults

often feel like a misfit and don’t fit in with the other kids. Seeing character

overcome obstacles is exciting to young adults. I would like to try to capture that

in my own writing. In QB1, the book is told from the third-person view. The story

takes the reader as a by-stander to all the action, as if you are watching the

scenes take place. This works well for this book, but is something I don’t want to

do in my writing, because it restricts how much the reader knows. I want to write

my chapter from the stance of a main character telling the story. In the book

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Back-Up Quarterback, the writing is in the same style as QB1. Again, I am going to

do that differently in by book. Back-Up Quarterback uses a lot of dialog, which is

something I want to do in the book. My characters will be talking much more than

in Crash and in QB1.

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My Ideas on Genre Study:

All of these books focused on male characters. I think it would be

interesting to take on writing about a female football player. The plot would be

that the girl is in middle school and is playing football. When she goes to high

school and is a freshman, she again signs up to play. By the time the first game

comes around dissatisfaction comes from opposing teams and they make a

complaint to the league. Because there is so much opposition from opposing coaches

and players, the league makes an agreement that she cannot play. After this, she

faces ridicule in school for acting like a man, but a few people in the community

rally behind her. They work to getting her back onto the team that she worked so

hard to be on. As the story progresses, more people support her cause and the kids

that had made fun of her in school begin apologizing to her. At the end of the

story she is allowed back on the team to the dismay of the opposing coaches. I plan

to organize my writing similar to that of the studied texts. I will work to

incorporate a logical, sequential pattern in the book, while also splitting it into

chapters. Immediately there will be a twist in my book, which will change all events

afterward. The content will involve a sports theme, as well as show the main

character under distress. This will allow the book to be very similar to those I have

studied. The characters will be young adults, as well as figured that young adults

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often have in their lives (parents, coaches, teachers, etc.). The style of the book

will capture that of other young adult texts that I have studied. It will place a

focus on the grammar that young adults are accustomed to, as well as create a

parallel to my reader’s lives. Doing so will allow the reader to develop friendships

with the characters and connect with the book.

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Ch.1

The Decision

“WHITTEN! GET OVER HERE!!!”

“What the heck you doing over there? You wanted on varsity, you can’t be goin’ off

whenever you want like this is JV. You don’t practice you don’t play and its back to

JV. Don’t make me disappointed I let you on Varsity.”

“Coach, I know. I just needed some water.”

“You see these boys drinkin’ water? Nope. Cause they are tough. Those are some

big boys and they are sweating like a rat trapped in a wool sock in July, but they

ain’t stopping to drink water.”

“I know, I know, sorry Coach.”

“Ahh it’s alright. You are a freshy and girl. How much could I expect?”

****

“Yo Kristin, over here!”

“Coming Scott!”

Comment [N1]: ORGANIZATION: The books I studied were all broken up into chapter, and the majority had title names. I decided to, and found it appropriate to use this same technique for my piece.

Comment [N2]: STYLE: I used this idea from Crash. The main character immediately introduces themselves in that book, and I liked the concept of doing that. It immediately makes the reader connect with the character by knowing a little bit about them. As opposed to the other texts, I wanted to focus on a strong female lead character. This would allow the book to be more than just a football book.

Comment [N3]: CONTENT: A hard riding coach was an important aspect in QB1, where there was a competition to be the first string quarterback. It was important for me to include this in here, to show that Kristin has to practice just as hard as the boys on the team. This creates equality throughout the text, and showing much more that is unfair that the district would kick her out of the football program.

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“Ready to run these drills? Coach said we need to practice a bunch because you are

gonna start this week.”

“Yeah I am ready.”

“Who is that with Coach?”

“I don’t know, Scott? Someone from the league trying to see how we look this

year.”

“Damn. They walking this way. Maybe it’s a recruiter for me. Make me look good

here Kristin.”

“You hand me the ball and I run. They might be recruiting you for back up.”

“Oh shut up. You can’t carry the team; we need a quarterback to do that.”

“Really? Because we never need to gain yards on the ground.”

“Whatever Kristin... Hi sir, I am Scott!”

Comment [N4]: ORGANIZATION: These inserts are to act as Kristin directly talking to the audience. This is done in Jerry Spinelli’s Crash. For my book it allows the audience to feel connected and become her friend. The connection helps the audience get behind Kristin when things go awry.

Comment [N5]: CONTENT: Stereotype many people carry about girls who play sports. Using this stereotype helps set the tone that where the story takes place is a small, conservative town. This helps the reader understand why it would be a big deal for a girl to be playing on the football team.

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“Kristin, this guy is here for you.”

“What? But I’m a freshman. Its too early for anyone to be looking at me.”

“No, he isn’t a recruiter.”

“Hi Miss Whitten. How are you this evening?”

“I am doing good. Just practicing drills with Scott, it’s a big game Friday.”

“Yes, yes it is. That is actually what I can to talk to you and Coach Stewart about.”

“I’m sorry Kristin, I really can’t do anything.”

“What are you talking about Coach? What is going on?”

“Well Kristin, you can’t play on Friday. You can’t play football period.”

“What????!!! My grades are good, why the heck can’t I play.”

“You are a girl. The other teams voted and find that it is not safe to let you play.

You do understand that everyone else is a lot bigger then you, and well, a man. Girls

don’t play football. They are the cheerleaders. I arranged the cheerleading coach

to let you on the team without trying out. That is more... where girls belong.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

“You will not talk to me like that! With that attitude I am surprised you were even

let on this team. This is a district decision. There isn’t anything your coach can

really do. We voted, and you can’t play. We all find it unsafe for you to play.”

“Now it is an issue? Where were you guys in middle school? This wasn’t a problem

then.”

“Kristin, we need to hold the integrity and reputation of District III football. And

you just don’t fit that. You are a girl; we can’t let a girl play a man’s game. Give it

Comment [N6]: ORGANIZATION: Using dialog to tell a story was taking from Quarterback Sneak. A lot of the book is told through direct conversation between the characters. I wanted to include this in my book to help the reader feel they are in the story. I want to connect to something personal for the reader that will facilitate them making a choice on whether they think it is okay to let a girl play football.

Comment [N7]: CONTENT: The same reaction young adults would have in real life. While I am not using swear words throughout the book, I find it appropriate here based on the situation.

Comment [N8]: CONTENT: Conservative view on the world. Emphasizing the story takes place in a rural community. This was added to help build my story. It was not taken from my genre, and may even skew away a bit to tackle a big topic like this.

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sometime and think. It makes sense, and it is for your best. You don’t want to

embarrass yourself.”

“Kristin you okay.”

“No. I,... I can’t play.”

“Yeah you can! You are the best person on the team.”

“No I’m not. I am not on the team. That guy said I can’t play.”

“WHAT! Why not?”

“It will ruin the integrity and reputation of District 3 football.”

“Let me take you out, I will ask coach if I can leave practice early.”

“I don’t know Scott. I’m not in the mood.”

“It will be fun. You deserve it. It was a long day.”

“Alright. But can we just get a pizza from Nick’s?”

“Hell yeah! They got the best pizza around! Way better than anything up in

Billsport!”

Comment [N9]: CONTENT: Through each of the books, and others of this genre, the main character appears self-conscious of what others think about them. I wanted to include this here to show that Kristin felt the same way, even though she had feelings for Scott. Later it will come out that Scott doesn’t feel this way.

Comment [N10]: CONTENT: Capitalizing on the sad moment that just occurred, Scott now is trying to take Kristin on a date. This will give him the opportunity to support her and work towards asking her out on a real date. This love story will progress throughout the story to balance out the harshness that Kristin is facing after not being allowed to play football. I used my own style on this one, as I think it creates a nice balance for both boys and girls to read the book.

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“Awesome! Are you doing okay?”

“Yeah just upset. Let’s go. I want to get out of here.”

“So….. How about that weather?”

“Weather? Hahahaha. That’s what you want to talk about?”

“Well... no, but I just wanted to make some conversation. It was really quiet.”

“It’s okay. I thought maybe you wanted some time to think about everything. I

know it isn’t easy to hear what that dude said.”

“I’m so many emotions I don’t know what to feel. You don’t need to listen to this. I

will be okay.”

“I’m here for you Kristin, don’t say that. I know you are upset. That’s why I wanted

to take you out.”

“I appreciate it. Nothing makes me feel better like Nick’s Pizza.”

“What do you think your parents are going to say?”

“I can only imagine. I will not be surprised if my dad tracks the guy down and beats

him up. He is very protective of his little girl. My mom, she always told me I can do

whatever I set my mind to. She is not going to let this slide either. I guess I am

lucky in that way.”

“Yeah. I wish my folks were still together.”

Comment [N11]: CONTENT: That awesome adolescence confusion about relationships. I wanted to capture this to connect personally to the reader, whom may feel the exact same way about someone in their life.

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“Oh they got a divorce?”

“Yeah a few years back... For a while I thought it was my fault... But I guess it isn’t.

My mom was cheating on my dad. It’s not right.”

“I’m sorry Scott. How is your dad?”

“He is okay. I know he still gets upset about it. He loved my mom with everything

he had.”

“Do you think he will find someone else?”

“I hope so. He seems lonely. Honestly, I sometimes get worried. But enough about

me. How are you doing Kristin?”

“I think I’m going to try to get back on the team. I don’t see a reason why they

can’t let me play. The stuff they said like reputation, imagine if the news hears

about this! It will be all over the place. I don’t really want that. Hopefully we can

end it quick so it doesn’t get there.”

“You think they will change their mind? You how our district is. They are insane

about football and being the best.”

“I don’t know. It’s not like I am bad. I’m just a girl.”

“You play better than most of our team. You got legs of steel and sex appeal.”

“You seriously just said that?”

“Ummmmm... yeah... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

“Hahahaha. It’s okay. I needed a laugh.”

“Yeah. Definitely a joke. Hahaha.”

Comment [N12]: STYLE: This sentiment is something many students may feel. It’s important for young adult literature to work towards helping students understand life better. This wasn’t included in the books I studied, but I wanted to place this in my attempt. It allows the reader to feel connections to the characters.

Comment [N13]: ORGANIZATION: This back and forth dialogue is a features of the books I studied. Without having a “he said ….” Or “Kristin said ….” Allows the reader to feel as though they are there listening in on the conversation.

Comment [N14]: CONTENT: Awkward young adult comment. Adds some humor into a tough conversation about not being allowed to play football and divorce. This also builds on the romance that is being set forth for Kristin and Scott. It works to build on connecting to the reader.

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“Thanks Scott.”

“You’re welcome. I figured you need some pizza.”

“Well, and for taking me out here. It is very sweet of you. It takes my mind off

getting thrown off the team.”

“You are still on the team. Don’t worry; we will get you back on. I promise.”

“How can you promise that? You don’t know what the district is going to do. Plus you

heard him; I won’t be allowed to play no matter what.”

“Just wait and see. Wait until the paper gets this. They will blow this up. It is

2014, not the 1950’s. Remember that equality stuff they did the assembly the

first day of school?”

“Yeah, I am just worried. I don’t want to be all over the news.”

“You won’t be. The district is the ones that will get hated on. Everyone will rally

behind you.”

“I don’t want this to be a big deal. I just want to play football.”

“I know Kristin, but don’t worry. I will be by your side through this.”

“Hey Kiddo! What’s cookin’?”

Comment [N15]: STYLE: Quirky teenage girl, getting side tracked by a conversation. This continues to build on the perspective that Kristin is talking directly to us. I used this idea from the books I had studied that show the characters as still being kids.

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“I’m okay.”

“What’s wrong? You look upset. Practice go okay today?”

“Practice was good. For a little. But then a man from the district came to talk to

Coach.”

“About?”

“He said I am not allowed to play because I am a girl. That it would ruin the

reputation of the district if they let me play a game on Varsity. Dad, what do I

do?”

“Kristin, what do you think about that?”

“Dad, I am just upset. I want to play football, and now it is this big thing. I don’t

think it’s fair.”

“It isn’t fair. We need to do something Kristin. It is not fair to do that. They have

no right to kick you off the team!”

“So what do you want to do?”

“I know a guy down at Lakeside Gazette. I can call him and have this in the paper in

the morning. That will get people talk about this. The district won’t stand a chance

once the public get a hold of this.”

“But Dad, I don’t want this big.”

“Do you want other girls to go through this same thing? If we can change it here,

we can change it for a lot of other schools.”

Comment [N16]: CONTENT: The tough exterior girl still cries. Something I used from the texts I studied to show the emotional side of all the big, bad football players. The romantic relationship also builds this emotional side.

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“Okay. Are you sure this is the best idea?”

“I wouldn’t steer you wrong. I know it will be hard, but we can do it honey. Don’t

worry. I will always do the best for you.”

“Alright. If you think its best dad. Let’s do it.”

Ciambrone RIFF Finalized

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