CAMP BABYMOUSE
by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Holm, Jennifer L. & Matthew Holm. 2007. Random House, Inc.: New York. ISBN: 9780375939884.
PLOT SUMMARY:
In this graphic novel, our main character is a clumsy young mouse with a tendency to get herself into tough predicaments. An excited Babymouse goes to camp and begins to think it is not all it was cracked up to be. One mishap after another prompts her to call her family to pick her up, but by the time they arrive she is having the time of her life (thanks to a late-night trip to the bathroom!).
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm know how to draw in young readers and keep their attention. Most of the humor was very elementary, but that's why young children love these books so much. Babymouse's catchphrase in the book, "Typical." when anything goes wrong will put a smile on even the most reluctant readers' faces. That, along with the many comic-like drawings on each page ensure constant entertainment throughout. Any child who has ever built up expectations only to be let down will be able to relate to this book.
EXCERPT REVIEWS:
"Sassy, smart, Babymouse is here to stay!" ~The Horn Book Magazine
"Graphic novels for the early elementary set are rare, and this humorous and adventurous series will be snapped up." ~The Bulletin
"Move over, Superman, here comes Babymouse!" ~The Chicago Sun-Times
CCBC 2008 Best of the Year
CONNECTIONS:
This would be a wonderful read aloud as the beginning of a lesson on the writing trait of Organization or Presentation.
Other books by Jennifer L. Holm include: Babymouse series, Penny From Heaven, and Our Only May Amelia.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Contemporary Realistic Fiction
A STEP FROM HEAVEN
by An Na
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Na, An. 2001. A STEP FROM HEAVEN. Penguin Group: New York. ISBN: 0142500275.
PLOT SUMMARY:
This contemporary fiction novel begins when our heroine, Young Ju, is just a small child, living in Korea with her parents and beloved grandmother. Her immediate family moves to the United States, and her father's abusive behavior begins to wear on the family over the years. She proves herself braver than anyone thought she could be at the end, when she proves that girls can be just as courageous as boys.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Author An Na pulls the reader into this novel with her descriptions of good and bad times with family members, something to which we can all relate. Her use of Korean vocabulary mixed in with the English language helps the reader to feel what it must be like as a foreigner in a new place. The book spans over the childhood of Young and her brother. It tells of her mistakes, her passions, and her relationships with friends and family. The climax of the book puts Young Ju in a position to make a choice that would change her family's life forever. She makes the choice that the reader wants, and the book has an ending that leaves one wishing these fictional characters the best of luck on their upcoming journey, which has a hopeful outlook.
EXCERPT REVIEWS:
"A beautifully written, affecting work." ~School Library Journal
"A contemporary and personal immigrant tale, this will make an affecting counterpoint to well-worn stories of Ellis Island." ~ The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
2002 MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD
2001 National Book Award Finalist
2002 Children's Book Award in YA Fiction – International Reading Association
2005 Asian American Booklist, Grades 9 and Up, Read Across America, National Education Association
2001 - 2003 Asian Pacific American Award for Literature, Text in Children and Young Adult Fiction – Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association
2003 - 2004 William Allen White Children's Book Award master list
2002 Notable Books for a Global Society – International Reading Association
2002 Notable Children's Book – American Library Association
2002 Best Book for Young Adults – American Library Association
2002 Children's Books of Distinction Award – Riverbank Review
2002 Fanfare Book – The Horn Book Honor List
2002 Children's Literature Choice List
2002 White Ravens – International Youth Library of Munich
2002 Notable Books for the Language Arts – NCTE
2002 Notable Books for a Global Society, Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest group of the IRA
2001 Editor's Choice – Booklist
2001 New York Times Book Review Notable Book
2001 Best Books – School Library Journal
2001 Kiriyama Prize Notable Book Shortlist
2001 Best Children's Books – Publishers Weekly
2001 Book LInks Lasting Connections
2001 Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children
2001 Top 10 Youth First Novels – Booklist
CONNECTIONS:
This novel could be read as part of a unit on immigration, whether centering around the Irish Potato Famine or Ellis Island's history. A discussion of why people leave their native countries, the pitfalls and courage involved in doing so, and endings to such stories would definitely ensure after reading this book.
by An Na
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Na, An. 2001. A STEP FROM HEAVEN. Penguin Group: New York. ISBN: 0142500275.
PLOT SUMMARY:
This contemporary fiction novel begins when our heroine, Young Ju, is just a small child, living in Korea with her parents and beloved grandmother. Her immediate family moves to the United States, and her father's abusive behavior begins to wear on the family over the years. She proves herself braver than anyone thought she could be at the end, when she proves that girls can be just as courageous as boys.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Author An Na pulls the reader into this novel with her descriptions of good and bad times with family members, something to which we can all relate. Her use of Korean vocabulary mixed in with the English language helps the reader to feel what it must be like as a foreigner in a new place. The book spans over the childhood of Young and her brother. It tells of her mistakes, her passions, and her relationships with friends and family. The climax of the book puts Young Ju in a position to make a choice that would change her family's life forever. She makes the choice that the reader wants, and the book has an ending that leaves one wishing these fictional characters the best of luck on their upcoming journey, which has a hopeful outlook.
EXCERPT REVIEWS:
"A beautifully written, affecting work." ~School Library Journal
"A contemporary and personal immigrant tale, this will make an affecting counterpoint to well-worn stories of Ellis Island." ~ The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
2002 MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD
2001 National Book Award Finalist
2002 Children's Book Award in YA Fiction – International Reading Association
2005 Asian American Booklist, Grades 9 and Up, Read Across America, National Education Association
2001 - 2003 Asian Pacific American Award for Literature, Text in Children and Young Adult Fiction – Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association
2003 - 2004 William Allen White Children's Book Award master list
2002 Notable Books for a Global Society – International Reading Association
2002 Notable Children's Book – American Library Association
2002 Best Book for Young Adults – American Library Association
2002 Children's Books of Distinction Award – Riverbank Review
2002 Fanfare Book – The Horn Book Honor List
2002 Children's Literature Choice List
2002 White Ravens – International Youth Library of Munich
2002 Notable Books for the Language Arts – NCTE
2002 Notable Books for a Global Society, Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest group of the IRA
2001 Editor's Choice – Booklist
2001 New York Times Book Review Notable Book
2001 Best Books – School Library Journal
2001 Kiriyama Prize Notable Book Shortlist
2001 Best Children's Books – Publishers Weekly
2001 Book LInks Lasting Connections
2001 Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children
2001 Top 10 Youth First Novels – Booklist
CONNECTIONS:
This novel could be read as part of a unit on immigration, whether centering around the Irish Potato Famine or Ellis Island's history. A discussion of why people leave their native countries, the pitfalls and courage involved in doing so, and endings to such stories would definitely ensure after reading this book.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Historical Fiction
Elijah of Buxton
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. ELIJAH OF BUXTON. Scholastic: New York. 9780439023443.
PLOT SUMMARY:
This story, set in the days of the Underground Railroad, tells the tale of a young boy named Elijah, born free in the Canadian settlement of Buxton. Elijah has a frail soul and a good heart, and this personality combination mixes with his mischevious tendencies to get him into some trouble, such as running away to America in order to help a friend get money to buy his family out of the slave trade. Elijah proves himself to be a loyal friend and a very brave being.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
This story takes the time to describe some of the hardships of being a person of color in this controversial era, which is an unfortunate part of our nation's history. Christopher Paul Curtis uses the voice of this boy (Elijah) to help young readers connect not only to the trials of being an 11-yr-old boy, but also the desire to help others in less fortunate situations. His bravery and willingness to put himself into dangerous situations for the sake of others is something from which everyone, both youg and old, can learn a lesson. An ending provoking both happy and sad tears will leave no one wondering why Christohper Paul curtis is a favorite writer of many, including myself.
EXCERPT REVIEW:
Newbery Honor Book
Coretta Scott King Award
Scott O'Dell Award
"Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at other moments, moved to tears." ~Booklist
CONNECTIONS:
This book may be used in conjunction with Bud, Not Buddy and The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963 as part of an author study on Christopher Paul Curtis. It would also be a meaningful read aloud to introduce or reiterate to students the perils of slavery in our nation's history. The 6 + 1 Writing Traits could also be taught in this book, concentrating mainly on the traits of VOICE and WORD CHOICE.
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