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"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" by J.K. Rowling

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"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" by J.K. Rowling

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Plot: In the second book of the Harry Potter series, Harry returns to Hogwarts for his second year of schooling. His second year is characterized by looming threats appearing on the school walls, after victims have been seemingly petrified, about the Chamber of Secrets and the rise of the Heir of Slytherin. It is up to Harry and his friends to find the Chamber of Secrets and stop the evil force that threatens the students of the school.
Transformative Elements: The entire Harry Potter series contains transformative elements, but the second book specifically shows a stark contrast in social class between the Weasley family and the Malfoy family. Social standing is valued by the Malfoy family, causing them to look down on the Weasley's because of their children's hand me down clothing, as well as their acceptance of any person with magic, even if they are not strictly a 'pure blood'. The term 'mudblood' is also created in the dialogue of the second book, which is a fictitious, derogatory term used to described witches and wizards with non-magical parents.

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Plot: Carry On follows the story of Simon Snow who is described as "the worst chosen one who's ever been chosen". Simon attends the magical school of Watford and the story takes place in his final year at school. Simon not only has to deal with the weight of pressure that comes with being the 'Chosen One', but he also needs to prepare for the looming battle against the infamous Humdrum that will determine the fate of the magical world. Not to mention, his arch nemesis/roommate Baz is missing (!) and Simon is convinced that Baz is hiding away and plotting against him to ensure his downfall.
Transformative Elements: Carry On is a high fantasy novel that anyone can lose themselves in, but it also represents an incredibly diverse set of characters. The story is told in multiple voices, switching perspectives each chapter. The main character, Simon, deals with homelessness in his summers away from Watford. One of his defining characteristics is his love for Watford's cherry scones, as well as his constant conscientiousness of resisting urge to fill his plate for a third or fourth time in the cafeteria. Other main characters include Simon's best friend, Penny, and his roommate, Baz. Penny comes from a family with an undying need to prove themselves despite their mixed ethnicity (English father and Indian mother). Baz has known his entire life that he is gay, but his disapproving father and his image that needs upholding at school keep him from being honest about who he is and what he truly wants. While Carry On features a world filled with magic, it is set in the modern day world and beautifully melds these characters personal battles into the story line.

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"My Bloody Life: The Making of a Latin King" by Reymundo Sanchez

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"My Bloody Life: The Making of a Latin King" by Reymundo Sanchez

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Plot: My Bloody Life is an 'own voice' autobiography by a Mexican American author who grew up in Chicago. Reymundo (a pseudonym) writes about his upbringing, his life in school, and how he came to be part of the infamous gang the Latin Kings by the age of 14. My Bloody Life gives honest insight to a day in the life of an experienced gang member with an intense reputation to uphold.
Transformative Elements: This book is a slap in the face to anyone with limited knowledge on Spanish culture and the inner workings of gang life. Not for the faint of heart, I would only recommend this book to 11-12th graders (I read this book in 11th grade). While it is a story that would definitely be rated R if it were a film, I think it's an important novel for young students to read. The story follows Reymundo through his life at home, at school, and on the 'streets'. He grew up in a world of violence and drugs, joining a gang while still in middle school. While many of the events of Reymundo's life are difficult to read about, it gives insight to a difficult life that many students (like myself) can't even fathom.

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Plot: The Future is a poem that appears in Bo Burnham's poetry book, Egghead. It paints the picture of our world far into the future where two gay dads are discussing their son's poor choice in wanting to be in a relationship with his clone.
Transformative Elements: The poem The Future has representation of gay dads as well as a fictitious relationship between a boy and what a clone would be in the future. In the poem, the two dads say similar phrases to what modern day naysayers would exclaim about gay couples like "It's unnatural!" and "It's an abomination!". The poem paints the picture of a struggle similar to what individuals who are part of the LGBT have to deal with now.

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Plot: Six of Crows is another high fantasy novel with it's main characters forming a band of anti-heroes. This group puts their skills and wits together to perform a seemingly impossible heist in a world filled with magic.
Transformative Elements: The diversity in this novel is best represented by the six main characters that make of the group of anti-heroes as well as the fantasy world that the author created. The story takes place in a variety of culturally diverse, fictitious countries. Among the band of anti-heroes there are representations of people of color, people that belong to the LGBT community (even a character that is asexual), and two characters with disabilities. One of the main characters also deals with PTSD because of a dark past, representing psychology diversity among the characters as well. Bardugo uses the diversity she created in the story to not only represent a large audience, but to add depth to her characters as well.

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Plot: Heretics Anonymous is a story about a young boy named Michael who moves to a new town and is put into a Catholic school. The problem is that he is an atheist! Michael feels isolated until one day in his class when a girl challenges the preaching of one of the nuns, only to find out later that she is a devout Catholic with ambitions to become a priest. Despite their differences, they become friends and Michael is introduced to the Heretics Anonymous club.
Transformative Elements: This story represents a group of teenagers coming together, all with varying beliefs. Heretics Anonymous consists of a band of outcasts within their Catholic school. It has Michael who is an atheist, Lucy who is Catholic and a feminist, Avi who is Jewish and gay, Max who expresses himself vibrantly through his clothing, and Eden who practices paganism.

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Plot: Bo Burnham performs Straight White Male in his Netflix comedy special Make Happy. He highlights the kind of 'struggles' he faces in his day to day life with humor. He mentions difficulties as simple as being gifted the wrong size phone case for his iPhone, all the way to his privilege in never being the victim of a random police search for drugs.
Transformative Elements: Straight White Male is performed ironically by Bo Burnham. He represents himself in the song through his characteristics that contribute to the dominating ethnic and social group in America. He even explains further, after his performance of the song, about how easy it is to be a white male in America as well as controversial topics like American schools showing racial bias. In the song, Bo sings about women's struggles with earning basic rights, gay couples naturally wanting to build a family and have kids, and more.

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Plot: Perfect Chemistry is about two seniors in high school who become lab partners; Brittany Ellis and Alex Fuentes. Initially, they are less than thrilled to have been paired together, but everything changes when Alex's friends place a bet on whether or not Alex can sleep with Brittany before Thanksgiving break. The story focuses on their budding relationship that flourishes despite their major differences and the obstacles that come their way.
Transformative Elements: The parts of this text that are transformative are in Brittany and Alex's home lives. The author puts a large emphasis on Brittany's relationship with her older sister who has cerebral palsy, as well as a large focus on Alex's gang membership outside of his school life. Both characters are introduced to worlds they had never been part of before and the reader is able to learn about the diverse culture and relationships in the book along with the main characters. I found the gang portrayal particularly spot on in this novel because of how similar its representation was compared to the autobiography about gang life, The Making of a Latin King.

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"The King of the Screwups" by K.L. Going

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"The King of the Screwups" by K.L. Going

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Plot: King of the Screwups is about a privileged teenage boy named Liam who comes from a wealthy family and has allows attended well-off, private schools. Liam has a tendency to screw things up though and finally pulls off a stunt to get him sent away to live with his uncle and attend public school. Liam ends up in a completely new environment, complete with his new home in a trailer park, attending public school, and living alongside is gay, glam rocker "aunt" Pete.
Transformative Elements: While this story follows Liam, a young white male, he is suddenly faced with a new, diverse setting that he had never been exposed to in the past. He comes to understand a new social class, moving from a privileged and wealthy life, to living in a humble area in a trailer. He also struggles with understanding his new guardian who is an outgoing gay man and the reader gets to read about his growth in understanding how to connect with his uncle, despite their differences.

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"White Privilege II" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis feat. Jamila Woods

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"White Privilege II" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis feat. Jamila Woods

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Plot: White Privilege II gives voice to Macklemore's inner turmoil about his own white privilege as well as the way the hip hop genre has been warped because of white privilege. The song features various artists voices, as well as commentary from activists fighting for Black Lives Matter.
Transformative Elements: This song focuses specifically on the Black Lives Matter movement as well as the part that white Americans play in that movement. It poses difficult questions about whether white Americans can truly fight for the cause with the right intentions and if racism will ever be a resolved issue. A large conversation about white supremacy is also opened up within the song and how American culture is practically built on the ideals of white supremacy and how that upbringing affects modern day attempts at equality.