JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL
by Jack Gantos
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Gantos, Jack. 2000. JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN: 9780064410229.
PLOT SUMMARY:
This book is the fictional story of a boy named Joey Pigza, who is sent by his mother to live with his father for six weeks of the summer. His father, who is ADD just like Joey, talks constantly and has different ideas of what it means to be a parent. Joey battles his desire to do what is right with his desire to please his well-meaning father.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
This book's genre is described as "contemporary realistic fiction", and that categorization could not be more meaningful. Many children today deal with the reality of ADD, divorced parents, and the struggle between family members. The voice in the story is that of the young boy that Joey is, and it really puts the thoughts and fears of kid struggling with attention disorders into perspective. The book also touches on dealing with alcoholism and on maintaining control, even after his father takes him off of his medication. This is a book that many children will be able to relate to, and all will enjoy reading.
EXCERPT REVIEWS:
New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year
ALA Notable Children’s Book
ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice
Newbery Honor Book
Bulletin Blue Ribbon (The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books)
Horn Book Fanfare
“Jack Gantos’ readers will finish this book and wonder how long they’ll have to wait for another about a great kid who is funny and thoughtful and yes, wired.” ~ The New York Times Book Review
CONNECTIONS:
This fictional story would make a wonderful read aloud in any upper elementary classroom. It could be used to increase awareness of different learning styles in the classroom setting.
Other books by Jack Gantos include: JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY, WHAT WOULD JOEY DO?, and I AM NOT JOEY PIGZA.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Fantasy
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Historical Fiction
Nory Ryan's Song
BIBLIOGRAPHY: Giff, Patricia Reilly. 2000. NORY RYAN'S SONG. Scholastic: New York. ISBN: 0439329493.
PLOT SUMMARY: Irish preteen Nory Ryan, whose family struggles to pay rent to their English landlord, finds one day that the potato crop in her home country is vanishing at the beginning of the Irish Potato Famine. She and her brother, sisters, and grandfather await her father's return, but when it becomes apparent that matters will need to be taken into her own hands, friends are made and adventures are had.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS: You cannot help but feel sorry for the sufferers of the Irish Potato Famine as you read this book. The characters that Giff created make the devastation all the more real, and the realization of how brave these people were begins to hit home. Nory is like any other preteen, quarreling with her sister and trying to help take care of her brother in the absence of her father. Her courage leads her to do many things, such as scale cliffs for food and speak to a strange woman who is thought to be a witch. In the course of reading this book, one cannot help but ask herself if she would be as brave as these characters are. The evolution of Nory from a carefree youth to a caretaker of many is gripping, and the happy ending leaves the reader satisfied, yet tearful. As she leaves a neighbor who has become family, Nory says. "I will never forget you." That's how the audience feels about Nory and this book as well.
EXCERPT REVIEWS: "Newbery Honor Winner Giff weaves wisps of history into this wrenching tale of an Irish family sundered by the Great Potato Famine... Riveting." -- Kirkus Reviews "A beautiful heart-warming novel that makes a devastating event understandable." --Booklist
CONNECTIONS: The Irish Potato Famine is a subject that is required to be taught in many grade levels. This book may be read in conjunction with the lessons on the famine or along with a unit on immigration to the United States. Other books by Patricia Reilly Griff include: All the Way Home, Lily's Crossing, Maggie's Door, and A House of Trailers.
Historical Fiction
Penny From Heaven
BIBLIOGRAPHY: Holm, Jennifer L. 2006. PENNY FROM HEAVEN. Random House: New York. ISBN: 0375836874. PLOT SUMMARY: This book takes the heroine, Penny, through the trials and tribulations that any young girl in 1953 faced: her mother's fear of getting polio via swimming in public pools and sitting in moview theater seats, the hazards of washing machine wringers, and even a blossoming romance. Penny also has to deal with situations that are not common, though, such as having a dead father that she knows little about and a lifetime's worth of secrets.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS: This enjoyable read is one that is hard to put down. From the first chapter, in which the character introduces herself and gives hints of the mystery of her father, you can hear the voice on a young woman with a love for baseball and a humorous personality. You begin to feel like one of the family (of which there are two) as Penny's adventures take her down some rough trails. From her mischevious cousin Frankie to her secretive mother and her car-dwelling uncle, these are all characters that we can relate to, and the reader begins to feel truly connected to these people. When the secrets are reveald at the end of the book, the audience will definitely get goose bumps. This one is worth reading!
EXCERPT REVIEW:
2007 Newbery Winner
New York Times Best Seller
ALA Notable Children's Book
New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing Books
"Penny's present-tense narration is both earthy and observant, and her commentary on her families' eccentricities sparkle." --Kirkus Reviews
"Penny and her world are clearly drawn and eminently believable, made up of seamlessly interwoven details of everyday life." -- School Library Journal
CONNECTIONS: As someone who was unaware of the injustices the Italian people faced during this era, I think this book would make a wonderful introduction into that subject. As a read aloud, I believe this would capture the attention of all who heard it. I also think that it would make a good addition to a unit on civil rights in order to show that inequality happens all over the world to everyone.
Other books by Jennifer L. Holm include: Our Only May Amelia, the Babymouse Series, Turtle in Paradise, and Boston Jane.
Informational Text
WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Kerley, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE. Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. Scholastic: New York. ISBN: 9780545123259.
PLOT SUMMARY:
This biography tells the story of Alice Roosevelt, Teddy Roosevelt's oldest daughter. Alice's escapades would not be given a second glance in today's society, but in her own time she was considered rambunctious and unruly. This book highlights her most flamboyant acts and tells of her adventurous life.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Barbara Kerley uses the extraordinary life of an extraordinary woman to make this book relatable to not only children, but anyone who loves to have fun. The reader will smile continuously as each page relates another interesting moment in Alice's life, including details on how her father was unable to handle her unruliness and some of his own thoughts on her behavior. Each page is covered with Edwin Fotheringham's bright vintage-inspired illustrations, which help to convey to the reader what a vibrant young woman Alice truly was. The anecdotes are humorous, and the quotes bring these people, who we only know in a political sense, to life. The book is personable and will keep the reader engaged, from the beginning of Alice's life to the Author's Note, which states that 84-year-old Alice would often host dinner parties and sat people with differing opinions next to each other in order to spark an argument. Alice's life can be summed up with her famous father's quote, "I can be president of the United States, or I can control Alice. I cannot possibly do both."
EXCERPT REVIEW:
Sibert Honor Book
Boston Globe-Horn Honor Book
Parents Choice
Irma Black Honor Award Book
Washington State Scandiuzzi Children's Book Award
California Collections
Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
ALA Notable Book
Capital Choices
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
Nominated for young reader awards in Texas, Utah, Tennessee, and Illinois
"Superb." -- Kirkus Review
"It's hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume serves young Alice Roosevelt." --Publishers Weekly
CONNECTIONS:
This book is a great way to get students interested in biographies. It may be used as an example of how a biography can be an interesting piece of literature as opposed to a dry, fact-only piece of text. Read and compare to other biographies (text-to-text connections). Obviously, this could also serve as an introduction to a unit on the Roosevelts.
Other books by Barbara Kerley include: The Extraordinary Mark Twain (according to Susy), Greetings from Planet Earth, A Little Peace, and Songs of Papa's Island.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Kerley, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE. Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. Scholastic: New York. ISBN: 9780545123259.
PLOT SUMMARY:
This biography tells the story of Alice Roosevelt, Teddy Roosevelt's oldest daughter. Alice's escapades would not be given a second glance in today's society, but in her own time she was considered rambunctious and unruly. This book highlights her most flamboyant acts and tells of her adventurous life.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Barbara Kerley uses the extraordinary life of an extraordinary woman to make this book relatable to not only children, but anyone who loves to have fun. The reader will smile continuously as each page relates another interesting moment in Alice's life, including details on how her father was unable to handle her unruliness and some of his own thoughts on her behavior. Each page is covered with Edwin Fotheringham's bright vintage-inspired illustrations, which help to convey to the reader what a vibrant young woman Alice truly was. The anecdotes are humorous, and the quotes bring these people, who we only know in a political sense, to life. The book is personable and will keep the reader engaged, from the beginning of Alice's life to the Author's Note, which states that 84-year-old Alice would often host dinner parties and sat people with differing opinions next to each other in order to spark an argument. Alice's life can be summed up with her famous father's quote, "I can be president of the United States, or I can control Alice. I cannot possibly do both."
EXCERPT REVIEW:
Sibert Honor Book
Boston Globe-Horn Honor Book
Parents Choice
Irma Black Honor Award Book
Washington State Scandiuzzi Children's Book Award
California Collections
Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
ALA Notable Book
Capital Choices
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
Nominated for young reader awards in Texas, Utah, Tennessee, and Illinois
"Superb." -- Kirkus Review
"It's hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume serves young Alice Roosevelt." --Publishers Weekly
CONNECTIONS:
This book is a great way to get students interested in biographies. It may be used as an example of how a biography can be an interesting piece of literature as opposed to a dry, fact-only piece of text. Read and compare to other biographies (text-to-text connections). Obviously, this could also serve as an introduction to a unit on the Roosevelts.
Other books by Barbara Kerley include: The Extraordinary Mark Twain (according to Susy), Greetings from Planet Earth, A Little Peace, and Songs of Papa's Island.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Informational Text
Down, Down, Down
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Jenkins, Steve. 2008. DOWN, DOWN, DOWN. Harcourt Mifflin Harcourt: Massachusetts. ISBN: 9780618966363.
PLOT SUMMARY:
This book takes the reader on a journey to the deepest depths of the ocean, from the water's edge to the middle of the earth. The underwater creatures grow more and more curious as the drawings and explanations become more and more bizarre.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Steve Jenkins knows how to capture an audience, and proves it once again with DOWN, DOWN, DOWN. This book about the ocean gives detailed descriptions of the world's most insane-looking ocean-dwellers. It begins in the waters just off the coast with animals with which most readers will be somewhat familiar. With each page a deeper look into the sea is revealed (literally!), and by the third page one cannot wait to turn the page to discover the next outrageous living thing that abides in an area that is not likely to be visited by most. The illustrations, which are composed of paper that is cut and torn to create artful impressions of sea creatures, are full of vivid colors, sure to draw even the most cynical eye. The text is small and made to accompany the pictures as opposed to most books, in which the pictures are drawn to go with the text. On the side of each illustration is a scale that alerts the reader to which depth of the sea the page is demonstrating. The journey is as amazing and unbelievable as the introduction promises, delivering the "jellyfish that flash like a neon sign, creatures with teeth so big, they can't close their mouths, and even a squid as long as a bus, which battles to the death with a sperm whale, the largest predator on earth!"
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
ALA Notable Book, 2010
2009 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book
One of Eight Most Notable Children's Books of 2009 List, New York Times
2011 Beehive Book Award Nominee
"Once again, Jenkins provides an almost irresistible entry into our natural world for the youngest readers." --Kirkus Reviews
"Depicted in Jenkins's signature handsome collages, the denizens of each level swim against ever-darkening backgrounds ranging from sunny blue to deepest black." --School Library Journal
CONNECTIONS:
Text-to-world connections can be made be easily made by using this book as a read aloud prior to an aquarium visit or a unit on the ocean. Students may find text-to-self connections if they have ever been to the coast and seen or heard of any of the animals described in this book. Text-to-text connections may be discovered by reading other books on the oceans or any of Steve Jenkins' other works, such as BONES, WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A TAIL LIKE THIS?, or HOW TO CLEAN A HIPPOPOTAMUS, among others.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Jenkins, Steve. 2008. DOWN, DOWN, DOWN. Harcourt Mifflin Harcourt: Massachusetts. ISBN: 9780618966363.
PLOT SUMMARY:
This book takes the reader on a journey to the deepest depths of the ocean, from the water's edge to the middle of the earth. The underwater creatures grow more and more curious as the drawings and explanations become more and more bizarre.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Steve Jenkins knows how to capture an audience, and proves it once again with DOWN, DOWN, DOWN. This book about the ocean gives detailed descriptions of the world's most insane-looking ocean-dwellers. It begins in the waters just off the coast with animals with which most readers will be somewhat familiar. With each page a deeper look into the sea is revealed (literally!), and by the third page one cannot wait to turn the page to discover the next outrageous living thing that abides in an area that is not likely to be visited by most. The illustrations, which are composed of paper that is cut and torn to create artful impressions of sea creatures, are full of vivid colors, sure to draw even the most cynical eye. The text is small and made to accompany the pictures as opposed to most books, in which the pictures are drawn to go with the text. On the side of each illustration is a scale that alerts the reader to which depth of the sea the page is demonstrating. The journey is as amazing and unbelievable as the introduction promises, delivering the "jellyfish that flash like a neon sign, creatures with teeth so big, they can't close their mouths, and even a squid as long as a bus, which battles to the death with a sperm whale, the largest predator on earth!"
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
ALA Notable Book, 2010
2009 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book
One of Eight Most Notable Children's Books of 2009 List, New York Times
2011 Beehive Book Award Nominee
"Once again, Jenkins provides an almost irresistible entry into our natural world for the youngest readers." --Kirkus Reviews
"Depicted in Jenkins's signature handsome collages, the denizens of each level swim against ever-darkening backgrounds ranging from sunny blue to deepest black." --School Library Journal
CONNECTIONS:
Text-to-world connections can be made be easily made by using this book as a read aloud prior to an aquarium visit or a unit on the ocean. Students may find text-to-self connections if they have ever been to the coast and seen or heard of any of the animals described in this book. Text-to-text connections may be discovered by reading other books on the oceans or any of Steve Jenkins' other works, such as BONES, WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A TAIL LIKE THIS?, or HOW TO CLEAN A HIPPOPOTAMUS, among others.
Informational Text
We Are the Ship
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Nelson, Kadir. 2008. WE ARE THE SHIP. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. Hyperian Books for Children: New York. ISBN: 9780786808328.
PLOT SUMMARY:
"We are the ship, all else are the sea." This quote by Rube Foster, creator of the Negro National League, epitomizes this book. From the original teams before the league was created to the organization of some of the sport's greatest players, this book tells the story of the struggle for equality in America's favorite pastime.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Written with the title quote in mind, Kadir Nelson tells the story of the Negro League Baseball as if he was in the dugouts, meetings, and on the busses with the players. Not only are several of the players described in short but meaningful paragraphs, the reader is also given the visual treat of Kadir Nelson's amazing artwork. The drawings truly look like photographs taken of these key players of the game and of the struggle for equality. The most striking aspect of the drawings is perhaps the ability of the illustrator to capture the look of sunlight glinting off of a player's dark skin and the look of determination captured in the eyes of these brave men. The story itself is one that even a rookie to the pastime can appreciate. Thrown into the mix are funny quotations and stories that make the characters and situations relatable to the reader. One such story tells of Satchel Paige's visit to a judge after speeding through a small town. The judge fined the player $25 for his violation, but Satchel paid him $50 because he would be "coming back through tomorrow." Upon envisioning this, the reader cannot help but smile and wish Mr. Paige was still around.
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Coretta Scott King Award
The Robert Siebert Medal
CASEY Award
"Nelson's soulful work about this long-neglected brand of our national pastime deserves- nay, demands - an all-ages audience." --David Davis, LA Times Book Review
CONNECTIONS:
This story is an excellent read aloud on its own, but would make a very interesting addition to a unit on the struggle for equality (possibly during Black History Month). It may be read in conjunction with "The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963", "Birmingham, 1963", "My Brother Martin", or any other book that relates stories of people fighting for freedom (text-to-text connections). Many students will find text-to-self connections (if they are players of baseball) and text-to-world connections (if they are watchers of the sport).
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Nelson, Kadir. 2008. WE ARE THE SHIP. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. Hyperian Books for Children: New York. ISBN: 9780786808328.
PLOT SUMMARY:
"We are the ship, all else are the sea." This quote by Rube Foster, creator of the Negro National League, epitomizes this book. From the original teams before the league was created to the organization of some of the sport's greatest players, this book tells the story of the struggle for equality in America's favorite pastime.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Written with the title quote in mind, Kadir Nelson tells the story of the Negro League Baseball as if he was in the dugouts, meetings, and on the busses with the players. Not only are several of the players described in short but meaningful paragraphs, the reader is also given the visual treat of Kadir Nelson's amazing artwork. The drawings truly look like photographs taken of these key players of the game and of the struggle for equality. The most striking aspect of the drawings is perhaps the ability of the illustrator to capture the look of sunlight glinting off of a player's dark skin and the look of determination captured in the eyes of these brave men. The story itself is one that even a rookie to the pastime can appreciate. Thrown into the mix are funny quotations and stories that make the characters and situations relatable to the reader. One such story tells of Satchel Paige's visit to a judge after speeding through a small town. The judge fined the player $25 for his violation, but Satchel paid him $50 because he would be "coming back through tomorrow." Upon envisioning this, the reader cannot help but smile and wish Mr. Paige was still around.
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Coretta Scott King Award
The Robert Siebert Medal
CASEY Award
"Nelson's soulful work about this long-neglected brand of our national pastime deserves- nay, demands - an all-ages audience." --David Davis, LA Times Book Review
CONNECTIONS:
This story is an excellent read aloud on its own, but would make a very interesting addition to a unit on the struggle for equality (possibly during Black History Month). It may be read in conjunction with "The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963", "Birmingham, 1963", "My Brother Martin", or any other book that relates stories of people fighting for freedom (text-to-text connections). Many students will find text-to-self connections (if they are players of baseball) and text-to-world connections (if they are watchers of the sport).
Monday, March 7, 2011
Poetry
Come Sunday
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Grimes, Nikki. 1997. COME SUNDAY. Ill. by Michael Bryant. Wm. B. Eerdmans: Michigan. ISBN: 0802851088.
PLOT SUMMARY:
The poetic free verse in this book begins on Sunday morning, where the main character's mother is waking her up to get ready for church that day. The story is told through the eyes of this character, a young girl, who loves everything about Sundays (with the exception of the blue-haired women at church pinching her cheeks). She loves the balcony and looking down onto the various hats being worn by women in the congregation, the way her mother's gloves look on her hands, and the music. This book takes the reader through LaTasha's baptism, her inner conflict with how much she should give in the offering, Sunday School, and the lunch at church after the service. It ends with her tummy growling (for the second time at church that day) and her father leading her out the door to start another week.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Anyone who attended church regularly as a child can relate to this book. The excitement of seeing what everyone was wearing, the jubilation of getting baptized, and the growling stomach at lunch time are all great connections to which many people will be able to relate. The illustrations are water color, and the development of shadows and lighting is very indicative of the fluorescent church lighting that the reader can envision overhead. The choir robes and clothes worn by parishioners reminds one of a childhood spent in the sanctuary of her own church. LaTasha's anticipation of the meal and her attitude about every event that takes place that day can only be described as sweet and delicate. Her attitude and this book can be summed up by her description of why she keeps an eye open while praying at the altar (which can invoke goose bumps in some readers!). She says she keeps her eyes open in order to "catch a miracle". She describes these miracles as, "the exact second God's Spirit touches" the person to whom the miracle is happening. She doesn't realize that the blessing may just be the fact that she is so dedicated to God's miracles in life.
REVIEW:
ALA Notable Book
California ReadersCalifornia Collection - elementary reading list
"Whatever their religious backgrounds, readers will smile at the jubilation." - Kirkus Reviews
"This is a wonderful book for introducing children to church life." - Publisher's Weekly
CONNECTIONS:
This book would really touch the young readers that have attended church at any point in their lives as text-to-self connections.
Text-to-text Connections:
"Because of Winn Dixie" (the church aspect of the book, the main characters)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Grimes, Nikki. 1997. COME SUNDAY. Ill. by Michael Bryant. Wm. B. Eerdmans: Michigan. ISBN: 0802851088.
PLOT SUMMARY:
The poetic free verse in this book begins on Sunday morning, where the main character's mother is waking her up to get ready for church that day. The story is told through the eyes of this character, a young girl, who loves everything about Sundays (with the exception of the blue-haired women at church pinching her cheeks). She loves the balcony and looking down onto the various hats being worn by women in the congregation, the way her mother's gloves look on her hands, and the music. This book takes the reader through LaTasha's baptism, her inner conflict with how much she should give in the offering, Sunday School, and the lunch at church after the service. It ends with her tummy growling (for the second time at church that day) and her father leading her out the door to start another week.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Anyone who attended church regularly as a child can relate to this book. The excitement of seeing what everyone was wearing, the jubilation of getting baptized, and the growling stomach at lunch time are all great connections to which many people will be able to relate. The illustrations are water color, and the development of shadows and lighting is very indicative of the fluorescent church lighting that the reader can envision overhead. The choir robes and clothes worn by parishioners reminds one of a childhood spent in the sanctuary of her own church. LaTasha's anticipation of the meal and her attitude about every event that takes place that day can only be described as sweet and delicate. Her attitude and this book can be summed up by her description of why she keeps an eye open while praying at the altar (which can invoke goose bumps in some readers!). She says she keeps her eyes open in order to "catch a miracle". She describes these miracles as, "the exact second God's Spirit touches" the person to whom the miracle is happening. She doesn't realize that the blessing may just be the fact that she is so dedicated to God's miracles in life.
REVIEW:
ALA Notable Book
California ReadersCalifornia Collection - elementary reading list
"Whatever their religious backgrounds, readers will smile at the jubilation." - Kirkus Reviews
"This is a wonderful book for introducing children to church life." - Publisher's Weekly
CONNECTIONS:
This book would really touch the young readers that have attended church at any point in their lives as text-to-self connections.
Text-to-text Connections:
"Because of Winn Dixie" (the church aspect of the book, the main characters)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Poetry
One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies
by Sonya Sones
PLOT SUMMARY:
This poetic novel uses free verse to tell the story of Ruby, daughter of the famous actor Whip Logan and his ex-wife. While most kids would be much more interested in the famous parent, Ruby is more concerned with her mother, who recently died. The 15-year-old is now forced to move to L.A. to live with her father, who she has not seen in 13 years. This book takes the reader on a ride that many teens would love to be on, but not in the same situation as Ruby Milliken, who just misses her mother, her friends, and her home. Ruby eventually finds her way in this strange new place, but not without a few more heart-wrenching events take place in her life.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
She is not the classic bitter teenager, though. Ruby has deep thoughts about her mother (who she still emails though the messages keep getting sent back to her with "fatal errors"). She befriends her father's assistant, Max (who she lovingly refers to as Aunt Max given his sexual orientation). She has trouble fitting in at her new school, and she misses her best friend and boyfriend back east. Then Ruby stumbles into some even more troubling times, times filled with the death of a classmate who she has never met and the knowledge that her best friend and boyfriend share an ugly secret. Her world comes crashing down, almost literally, and she finds the father she didn't realize she had always had, along with the comfort of new friends and the prospect of a new love. It ends just the way every girl reading it will want her own life to end. The poetry in this novel is beautiful, and even heartbreaking at times. At one low point in the book, the main character describes her pain as "as if my heart's been Novocained." The reader cannot help but tear up as the word choice and even the spacing reflects pain as she tells of the moment her mother died with
"I was holding her hand
when it finally happened."
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Arizona Young Reader's Award
Garden State Teen Book Award
Iowa Teen Award
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award
SCASL Book Award
Volunteer State Book Award
"A winning portrayal of a teenage girl's loves and losses." - Publisher's Weekly
CONNECTIONS:
WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW by Sonya Sones
STOP PRETENDING- WHAT HAPPENED WHEN MY BIG SISTER WENT CRAZY by Sonya Sones
by Sonya Sones
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Sones, Sonya. 2004. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 1416907882.
PLOT SUMMARY:
This poetic novel uses free verse to tell the story of Ruby, daughter of the famous actor Whip Logan and his ex-wife. While most kids would be much more interested in the famous parent, Ruby is more concerned with her mother, who recently died. The 15-year-old is now forced to move to L.A. to live with her father, who she has not seen in 13 years. This book takes the reader on a ride that many teens would love to be on, but not in the same situation as Ruby Milliken, who just misses her mother, her friends, and her home. Ruby eventually finds her way in this strange new place, but not without a few more heart-wrenching events take place in her life.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
She is not the classic bitter teenager, though. Ruby has deep thoughts about her mother (who she still emails though the messages keep getting sent back to her with "fatal errors"). She befriends her father's assistant, Max (who she lovingly refers to as Aunt Max given his sexual orientation). She has trouble fitting in at her new school, and she misses her best friend and boyfriend back east. Then Ruby stumbles into some even more troubling times, times filled with the death of a classmate who she has never met and the knowledge that her best friend and boyfriend share an ugly secret. Her world comes crashing down, almost literally, and she finds the father she didn't realize she had always had, along with the comfort of new friends and the prospect of a new love. It ends just the way every girl reading it will want her own life to end. The poetry in this novel is beautiful, and even heartbreaking at times. At one low point in the book, the main character describes her pain as "as if my heart's been Novocained." The reader cannot help but tear up as the word choice and even the spacing reflects pain as she tells of the moment her mother died with
"I was holding her hand
when it finally happened."
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Arizona Young Reader's Award
Garden State Teen Book Award
Iowa Teen Award
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award
SCASL Book Award
Volunteer State Book Award
"A winning portrayal of a teenage girl's loves and losses." - Publisher's Weekly
CONNECTIONS:
Excerpts from this book would be beneficial in teaching the trait of Sentence Fluency in students' own writing.
WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN'T KNOW by Sonya SonesWHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW by Sonya Sones
STOP PRETENDING- WHAT HAPPENED WHEN MY BIG SISTER WENT CRAZY by Sonya Sones
Poetry
Birmingham, 1963
by Carole Boston Weatherford
The word choice allows the reader to step into the shoes of this young girl and be a member of this church. One can almost hear the screams of the other parishioners as a short description of the event unfolds. The author spends quite a bit of the short book building up to the event. She describes not only the events that led to the bombing, such as water hoses and dogs being turned lose on pedestrians, but also what the narrator has for breakfast and how excited she is to be performing a solo in church that day. It really sets the tone of the unrest that had become so commonplace at this moment in history. The horrifying occurrence itself is mentioned without great detail, as if the child doesn't want to get too far into what she saw. The rest of the day is described, and there is a sadness beyond her years as she speaks not of the birthday party that she will no longer have that day, but of the four girls who will have no more birthdays and of the mayhem in the streets of her town on the heels of this tragedy. The point of view in this book makes it all the more evident how terrible this day really was, and that very young children were witnesses to the atrocities that took place on that infamous day. The book's pictures are real photos taken that day. They show families crying out in the streets and utter confusion on the faces of the residents of Birmingham that awful day, a day that will stand out in the history of that city and of our nation forever.
by Carole Boston Weatherford
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Weatherford, Carole Boston. 2007. BIRMINGHAM, 1963. Pennsylvania: Wordsong. ISBN 9781590784402.
PLOT SUMMARY:
This historical fiction free verse tells the touching story of a fictional narrator who turns ten the day that the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church was bombed in Birmingham, Alabama. The story is told from the narration of a young girl who turns ten on the day this tragic event takes place. The book starts off talking about the year the girl turned ten as a year of major events in the Civil Rights Movement. It then transitions into an account of how these events are seen through the eyes of an innocent young girl. After discussing the tragedy itself, a description of the aftermath is told. It paints a picture of chaos and fear in this girl's world. This was a day of devastation, and it is evident in the way this story is told.
The word choice allows the reader to step into the shoes of this young girl and be a member of this church. One can almost hear the screams of the other parishioners as a short description of the event unfolds. The author spends quite a bit of the short book building up to the event. She describes not only the events that led to the bombing, such as water hoses and dogs being turned lose on pedestrians, but also what the narrator has for breakfast and how excited she is to be performing a solo in church that day. It really sets the tone of the unrest that had become so commonplace at this moment in history. The horrifying occurrence itself is mentioned without great detail, as if the child doesn't want to get too far into what she saw. The rest of the day is described, and there is a sadness beyond her years as she speaks not of the birthday party that she will no longer have that day, but of the four girls who will have no more birthdays and of the mayhem in the streets of her town on the heels of this tragedy. The point of view in this book makes it all the more evident how terrible this day really was, and that very young children were witnesses to the atrocities that took place on that infamous day. The book's pictures are real photos taken that day. They show families crying out in the streets and utter confusion on the faces of the residents of Birmingham that awful day, a day that will stand out in the history of that city and of our nation forever.
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award
Jane Addams Children's Literature Honor
Jefferson Cup
Best Book, Librarian's Choices
"Exquisitely understated design lends visual potency to a searing poetic evocation of the Birmingham church bombing of 1963." Kirkus Reviews
CONNECTIONS:
This book would be excellent to read as an introduction to THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM, 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis. It would also be an beneficial addition to a unit on Civil Rights (maybe during Black History Month or on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day).
BECOMING BILLIE HOLIDAY by Carole Boston Weatherford
MOSES by Carole Boston Weatherford
I, MATTHEW HENSON by Carole Boston Weatherford
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Traditional Literature
Sky Dogs
by Jane Yolen
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Yolen, Jane. 1990. SKY DOGS. Ill. by Barry Moser. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. ISBN 0-15-275480-6.
PLOT SUMMARY
This story takes the reader back in time, via the memory of a Native American elder, to a time when horses were first introduced to his tribe. He was a motherless Piegan boy who was as astounded as everyone else when three Kutani people and three horses ride up to his village. This was the first time his people had seen horses, and they named them "sky dogs". The boy timidly was the first to approach one of the horses and touch it. The father of the boy married the Kutani woman, who taught the boy all about horses. He comes to be called He-who-loves-horses and earned a place in the council of warriors.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this adaptation of several Native American legends, Jane Yolen captures the voice of the Native American people. This book is difficult to read aloud without using a Native American accent, which tells you how strongly the characters come through. The word choice is truly beautiful, and the story is one that warms the heart. At the same time, a feeling of sorror is almost overwhelming as the reader contemplates how much this man has seen in his life. He went from a time of his people respecting the land, through learning how to ride like the wind, then to a point where he no longer rides and the land now belongs to the white man. The pictures are all set in browns, oranges, and tans, which makes the reader feel the heat of a peaceful sunset and possibly a warm fire glowing nearby, where all of the elders are sitting and telling legends much like the story itself.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA Notable Book, 1990
Walden Books Best Children's Book of the Year Honor, 1990
Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List, 1990
Young Hoosier Picture Book Award nominee, 1990
"Writer and artist together have produced a fine evocation of a place and a people." - Patricia Dooley, University of Washington, Seattle
CONNECTIONS
This book is an excellent to read during a unit on legends and folk tales. Though this is an adaptation, its voice and word choice really convey the importance of respect for land and nature and the life of our Native American predecesors.
"Night Tree" by Eve Bunting
"The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush" by Tomie DePaola
by Jane Yolen
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Yolen, Jane. 1990. SKY DOGS. Ill. by Barry Moser. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. ISBN 0-15-275480-6.
PLOT SUMMARY
This story takes the reader back in time, via the memory of a Native American elder, to a time when horses were first introduced to his tribe. He was a motherless Piegan boy who was as astounded as everyone else when three Kutani people and three horses ride up to his village. This was the first time his people had seen horses, and they named them "sky dogs". The boy timidly was the first to approach one of the horses and touch it. The father of the boy married the Kutani woman, who taught the boy all about horses. He comes to be called He-who-loves-horses and earned a place in the council of warriors.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this adaptation of several Native American legends, Jane Yolen captures the voice of the Native American people. This book is difficult to read aloud without using a Native American accent, which tells you how strongly the characters come through. The word choice is truly beautiful, and the story is one that warms the heart. At the same time, a feeling of sorror is almost overwhelming as the reader contemplates how much this man has seen in his life. He went from a time of his people respecting the land, through learning how to ride like the wind, then to a point where he no longer rides and the land now belongs to the white man. The pictures are all set in browns, oranges, and tans, which makes the reader feel the heat of a peaceful sunset and possibly a warm fire glowing nearby, where all of the elders are sitting and telling legends much like the story itself.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA Notable Book, 1990
Walden Books Best Children's Book of the Year Honor, 1990
Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List, 1990
Young Hoosier Picture Book Award nominee, 1990
"Writer and artist together have produced a fine evocation of a place and a people." - Patricia Dooley, University of Washington, Seattle
CONNECTIONS
This book is an excellent to read during a unit on legends and folk tales. Though this is an adaptation, its voice and word choice really convey the importance of respect for land and nature and the life of our Native American predecesors.
"Night Tree" by Eve Bunting
"The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush" by Tomie DePaola
Traditional Literature
Rapunzel
by Paul O. Zelinsky
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Zelinsky, Paul O. 1997. RAPUNZEL. Ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky. New York: Penguin Books. ISBN 0-525-45607-4.
PLOT SUMMARY
This classic tale begins with a married couple deeply in love that had finally conceived after many years of trying. The wife had cravings for the rapunzel that grew in a sorceress' garden. This sorceress found the husband stealing the herb, and insisted that he give her the infant when she was born. The sorceress took the baby, named Rapunzel, to live with her and put her in a tower in her teen years. The only entrance into the tower was gained by Rapunzel letting down her hair and allowing someone to climb up the hair into the tower. A prince wandering by learned of this secret entrance one day, and he and Rapunzel secretly married. Soon she became pregnant. When the sorceress found out, she chopped off her hair and cast the pregnant Rapunzel into the wilderness. The prince was pushed out of the tower window by the evil sorceress and became blind. He wandered into the wilderness where he found Rapunzel, whose tears healed his blindness, and his twin children. The family made its way back to the prince's kingdom and lived happily ever after.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
I will admit that I do not remember much about the Rapunzel tale I was told as a child, but this tale surprised me in many ways. It does not seem appropriate for elementary-aged children, though it was found in my school library. Pregnancy was introduced in the book by the women's clothes growing tighter. Rapunzel's parents did not seem very upset about giving up their only child, and they were not mentioned again. The prince was pushed out of the window of the tall tower, but was not killed. In true fairy tale fashion, his blindness was cured by the tears of his true love. The ending was also a fairy tale ending, complete with the marriage to royalty and a perfect family. Zelinsky chose elements from Grimm's version as well as older version of the tale in order to compose this adaptation. The pictures in the book are beautiful paintings with vivid color and exceptional detail. The characters' clothing alone captures the detail of billowing robes and silks. It is truly beautiful to look at.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Kirkus Reviews: "Grandly evocative, composed and executed with superb technical and emotional command."
Horn Book: "Simply put, this is a gorgeous book; it demonstrates respect for the traditions of painting and the fairy tale while at the same time adhering to a singular, wholly original, artistic vision."
Winner - Caldecott Medal, 1998
CONNECTIONS
This book can be read along with other versions of "Rapunzel" and used as a tool for comparing/ contrasting characters and events throughout the variants of the tales.
"Rapunzel" Grimm's Fairy Tales
Disney's Tangled (Book and movie)
"Rapunzel and Other Maiden in the Tower Tales from Around the World (SurLaLune Fairy Tale Series)" by Heidi Anne Heiner
by Paul O. Zelinsky
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Zelinsky, Paul O. 1997. RAPUNZEL. Ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky. New York: Penguin Books. ISBN 0-525-45607-4.
PLOT SUMMARY
This classic tale begins with a married couple deeply in love that had finally conceived after many years of trying. The wife had cravings for the rapunzel that grew in a sorceress' garden. This sorceress found the husband stealing the herb, and insisted that he give her the infant when she was born. The sorceress took the baby, named Rapunzel, to live with her and put her in a tower in her teen years. The only entrance into the tower was gained by Rapunzel letting down her hair and allowing someone to climb up the hair into the tower. A prince wandering by learned of this secret entrance one day, and he and Rapunzel secretly married. Soon she became pregnant. When the sorceress found out, she chopped off her hair and cast the pregnant Rapunzel into the wilderness. The prince was pushed out of the tower window by the evil sorceress and became blind. He wandered into the wilderness where he found Rapunzel, whose tears healed his blindness, and his twin children. The family made its way back to the prince's kingdom and lived happily ever after.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
I will admit that I do not remember much about the Rapunzel tale I was told as a child, but this tale surprised me in many ways. It does not seem appropriate for elementary-aged children, though it was found in my school library. Pregnancy was introduced in the book by the women's clothes growing tighter. Rapunzel's parents did not seem very upset about giving up their only child, and they were not mentioned again. The prince was pushed out of the window of the tall tower, but was not killed. In true fairy tale fashion, his blindness was cured by the tears of his true love. The ending was also a fairy tale ending, complete with the marriage to royalty and a perfect family. Zelinsky chose elements from Grimm's version as well as older version of the tale in order to compose this adaptation. The pictures in the book are beautiful paintings with vivid color and exceptional detail. The characters' clothing alone captures the detail of billowing robes and silks. It is truly beautiful to look at.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Kirkus Reviews: "Grandly evocative, composed and executed with superb technical and emotional command."
Horn Book: "Simply put, this is a gorgeous book; it demonstrates respect for the traditions of painting and the fairy tale while at the same time adhering to a singular, wholly original, artistic vision."
Winner - Caldecott Medal, 1998
CONNECTIONS
This book can be read along with other versions of "Rapunzel" and used as a tool for comparing/ contrasting characters and events throughout the variants of the tales.
"Rapunzel" Grimm's Fairy Tales
Disney's Tangled (Book and movie)
"Rapunzel and Other Maiden in the Tower Tales from Around the World (SurLaLune Fairy Tale Series)" by Heidi Anne Heiner
Traditional Literature
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
By Al. Wolf
As told by John Scieszka
Scieszka, John. 1991. THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS! BY A. WOLF. Ill. by Lane Smith. New York: Penguin Books. ISBN 0-590-44357-7.
PLOT SUMMARY
This entertaining version of "The Three Little Pigs" is told from an unlikely perspective - the wolf's! Alexander T. Wolf, or A. Wolf, beings this book with a short introduction that lets the reader in on the purpose of the book, which is to tell his side of the story. He begins by claiming that he merely wanted a cup of sugar to bake a birthday cake for his granny. It was an unfortunate coincidence that he also had a terrible cold at the time. He insists that the pigs were rude and refused to share sugar with him, and that mere sneezes caused the first 2 houses to fall down. The first two pigs were "dead as door nails" when he found them in the rubble. Not being wasteful, he ate them. He was arrested throwing a fit at the third pig's house because the pig had insulted his granny.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is always a hit with grade school students. The wolf's antics make them laugh while showing that, like all tales (whether from a book or the playground), there are always two sides to every story. Of course, the wolf is not fooling anyone with this humorous take on the classic tale. The colors of the illustrations are indicative of the wolf's dark side, and even his voice in the book gives hints that he may not be a trustworthy source. The end of the story leaves a great opening for many writing assignments. It simply shows the wolf leaning out of his jail cell with a cup in his hand, after stating he was framed, with the words, "But maybe you could loan me a cup of sugar."
REVIEW EXCERPTS
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas
The Three Little Pigs by James Marshall
Winner - Maryland Black-eyed Susan Book Award for Picture Books, 1991
CONNECTIONS
This book is a wonderful resource for teaching the writing trait of VOICE. It also can be very handy in teaching character traits and analyzing characters.
A comparison of other versions of Three Little Pigs can also be made with this book. This can be done through discussion, Venn Diagrams, or any other age-appropriate form of analysis.
By Al. Wolf
As told by John Scieszka
Scieszka, John. 1991. THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS! BY A. WOLF. Ill. by Lane Smith. New York: Penguin Books. ISBN 0-590-44357-7.
PLOT SUMMARY
This entertaining version of "The Three Little Pigs" is told from an unlikely perspective - the wolf's! Alexander T. Wolf, or A. Wolf, beings this book with a short introduction that lets the reader in on the purpose of the book, which is to tell his side of the story. He begins by claiming that he merely wanted a cup of sugar to bake a birthday cake for his granny. It was an unfortunate coincidence that he also had a terrible cold at the time. He insists that the pigs were rude and refused to share sugar with him, and that mere sneezes caused the first 2 houses to fall down. The first two pigs were "dead as door nails" when he found them in the rubble. Not being wasteful, he ate them. He was arrested throwing a fit at the third pig's house because the pig had insulted his granny.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is always a hit with grade school students. The wolf's antics make them laugh while showing that, like all tales (whether from a book or the playground), there are always two sides to every story. Of course, the wolf is not fooling anyone with this humorous take on the classic tale. The colors of the illustrations are indicative of the wolf's dark side, and even his voice in the book gives hints that he may not be a trustworthy source. The end of the story leaves a great opening for many writing assignments. It simply shows the wolf leaning out of his jail cell with a cup in his hand, after stating he was framed, with the words, "But maybe you could loan me a cup of sugar."
REVIEW EXCERPTS
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas
The Three Little Pigs by James Marshall
Winner - Maryland Black-eyed Susan Book Award for Picture Books, 1991
CONNECTIONS
This book is a wonderful resource for teaching the writing trait of VOICE. It also can be very handy in teaching character traits and analyzing characters.
A comparison of other versions of Three Little Pigs can also be made with this book. This can be done through discussion, Venn Diagrams, or any other age-appropriate form of analysis.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Bibliography:
Potter, Beatrix. 1902. THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT. Ill. by Beatrix Potter. London, England: Frederick Warne & Co. ISBN 0-916410-24-2.
Plot Summary:
In this classic tale, Beatrix Potter uses a family of rabbits to illustrate the perils of young children not listening to the warnings of parents. The mischievous Peter is warned (along with his 3 sisters) not to go into Mr. McGregor's garden, where his father met an untimely fate. Peter, being quite the daredevil, decides to make his way into the garden and feast on some of Mr. McGregor's vegetables. He gets caught and spends most of the book trying to avoid the fate of the farmer's rake. In the process, a valuable lesson is learned.
Critical Analysis:
Beatrix Potter lived and wrote in an age of simplicity, yet she had the gift to take that simplicity and turn it into stories with invaluable morals and the ability to hold the interest of many reading levels. The fact that Peter's father's fate did not play a role in his decisions was a display of the childlike innocence of the character. We find at the end of the story that Peter's clothing (which were left in the garden) was the second set of clothing that had been lost by the little rabbit within a two-week time period. This leads the reader to believe that, though he was very scared and almost had his short life ended in the course of his adventures that day, these were not the first dangerous adventures that had taken place in the furry creatures life. This leads the adult reader to wonder if Peter will ever truly learn his lesson.
The illustrations in this book were also done by Beatrix Potter. The drawing accompany her classic word choice and writing style very well. At first glance, the illustrations seem to reflect the simplicity of the era. However, upon further examination one can see that these drawings were not quick or simple to complete. On the first few pages, upon which the rabbit family is introduced, no one color stands out any more prominently than the others. Peter's blue clothing matches his mother's. As the story is being told, both through words and pictures, Peter's clothing is the only place in which the color blue is seen. This leaves the reader with a clue that the clothing will play a role (though small) in the story. The use of the same color palate on each page can be deceivingly unassuming, but the placement of the colors seem to aid in the telling of this story.
Children of all ages can relate to this story, as can adults. Through the eyes of an adult, one wonders what would even tempt this rabbit to sneak into a garden in which he may be killed as his father was. When seen through the eyes of a child, it is evident that the temptation of delicious snacks (vegetables to rabbits, candy to kids) are worth whatever trouble may lie ahead. Children do not see themselves as mortal, and this story is a great example of that well-known fact.
Excerpt Review:
School Library Journal - #29 on Top 100 Picture Books Poll
- #2 Best-selling Book of All Time
Book List - "A timeless book. Your child will be fretful of poor Peter as he struggles to get away from Mr. McGregor and might even learn a lesson about listening to grown-ups."
Connections:
Every adult can remember a time when he/ she felt immortal, like Peter seems to feel in this story. This is a classic tale with a timeless moral for children - do what your parents tell you to or suffer the consequences. Thankfully for Peter, his consequence was merely missing a supper of delicious blackberries. This can be related to almost any situation in which a child may find himself. Other books written by Beatrix Potter include THE TALE OF SQUIRREL NUTKIN, THE TALE OF LITTLE PIG ROBINSON, and THE TALE OF BENJAMIN BUNNY, in which Peter Rabbit returns to Mr. McGregor's garden.
Potter, Beatrix. 1902. THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT. Ill. by Beatrix Potter. London, England: Frederick Warne & Co. ISBN 0-916410-24-2.
Plot Summary:
In this classic tale, Beatrix Potter uses a family of rabbits to illustrate the perils of young children not listening to the warnings of parents. The mischievous Peter is warned (along with his 3 sisters) not to go into Mr. McGregor's garden, where his father met an untimely fate. Peter, being quite the daredevil, decides to make his way into the garden and feast on some of Mr. McGregor's vegetables. He gets caught and spends most of the book trying to avoid the fate of the farmer's rake. In the process, a valuable lesson is learned.
Critical Analysis:
Beatrix Potter lived and wrote in an age of simplicity, yet she had the gift to take that simplicity and turn it into stories with invaluable morals and the ability to hold the interest of many reading levels. The fact that Peter's father's fate did not play a role in his decisions was a display of the childlike innocence of the character. We find at the end of the story that Peter's clothing (which were left in the garden) was the second set of clothing that had been lost by the little rabbit within a two-week time period. This leads the reader to believe that, though he was very scared and almost had his short life ended in the course of his adventures that day, these were not the first dangerous adventures that had taken place in the furry creatures life. This leads the adult reader to wonder if Peter will ever truly learn his lesson.
The illustrations in this book were also done by Beatrix Potter. The drawing accompany her classic word choice and writing style very well. At first glance, the illustrations seem to reflect the simplicity of the era. However, upon further examination one can see that these drawings were not quick or simple to complete. On the first few pages, upon which the rabbit family is introduced, no one color stands out any more prominently than the others. Peter's blue clothing matches his mother's. As the story is being told, both through words and pictures, Peter's clothing is the only place in which the color blue is seen. This leaves the reader with a clue that the clothing will play a role (though small) in the story. The use of the same color palate on each page can be deceivingly unassuming, but the placement of the colors seem to aid in the telling of this story.
Children of all ages can relate to this story, as can adults. Through the eyes of an adult, one wonders what would even tempt this rabbit to sneak into a garden in which he may be killed as his father was. When seen through the eyes of a child, it is evident that the temptation of delicious snacks (vegetables to rabbits, candy to kids) are worth whatever trouble may lie ahead. Children do not see themselves as mortal, and this story is a great example of that well-known fact.
Excerpt Review:
School Library Journal - #29 on Top 100 Picture Books Poll
- #2 Best-selling Book of All Time
Book List - "A timeless book. Your child will be fretful of poor Peter as he struggles to get away from Mr. McGregor and might even learn a lesson about listening to grown-ups."
Connections:
Every adult can remember a time when he/ she felt immortal, like Peter seems to feel in this story. This is a classic tale with a timeless moral for children - do what your parents tell you to or suffer the consequences. Thankfully for Peter, his consequence was merely missing a supper of delicious blackberries. This can be related to almost any situation in which a child may find himself. Other books written by Beatrix Potter include THE TALE OF SQUIRREL NUTKIN, THE TALE OF LITTLE PIG ROBINSON, and THE TALE OF BENJAMIN BUNNY, in which Peter Rabbit returns to Mr. McGregor's garden.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
Bibliography:
Gerstein, Mordecai. 2003. The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. Ill. by Mordecai Gerstein. Brookfield, CT: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 0761317910.
Plot Summary:
In this non-fiction picture book, Mordecai Gerstein describes how a French acrobat made his way across a wire between the Twin Towers in 1974 New York City. Philippe Petit knew that, in order to accomplish this feat, it would have to be in the process of erecting the two skyscrapers. The reader is taken on Petit's journey as he accomplishes this task, then is arrested and taken into a New York court of law to await the consequences. The last two pages give a very emotional yet simple tribute to the World Trade Center of the past and explain how the Twin Towers are imprinted on the future.
Critical Analysis:
The story is elegantly-written, using child-centered language and concepts in order to pull in the reader. It begins with the concoction of the idea - an idea that many may consider as one of a lunatic. Philippe Petit wants to walk a wire between the World Trade Centers as they are being constructed in New York City in 1974. The reader is taken through Petit's thought processes as he determines how to get around the laws (which would obviously not deem this trick appropriate). It describes the scheme, in which others are involved, and the trials and eventual success of this attempt. It doesn't end with the completion of the goal, though. The consequences following the action are described, but not in a moralistic manner. The story wraps up with a touching, undetailed account of the buildings' fate. This ending will give goosebumps.
New York City circa 1974 looks much like the New York of today to the uneducated eye, though some of the clothing illustrations give away the time warp that is so evident in some forms of media. The pictures demonstrate Petit's view of the entire ordeal, with a few of them giving insight as to what the audience was seeing as the show was taking place. The lights of the city shine more apparently than the light of the stars on the night illustrations, which keeps the story centered around the city itself. The waking of the city is shown, though not through the actions of its inhabitants. It is shown through the eyes of the man who was walking through the air a quarter of a mile above the ground. The pages showing the act from the viewers' perspectives fold out, which helps the reader to feel as if he or she is actually standing below the performance. It really gives the impression of seeing something so tiny, so impossible, that a double-take is necessity. The birds look down upon Petit as the illustrations show their view as well. Next the reader is taken back down to Earth, where he or she is looking up at the judge's desk with Petit, wondering what fate awaits him. The last two pictures reveal two New York skylines: one as it stands today, tower-less, and the other bearing the faint images of what used to be such a recognizable landmark in the Big Apple.
This book takes the tragic events of a day that is now ingrained in our nation's history and transforms come of the characters into an uplifting and meaningful story appropriate for all ages.
Awards:
Caldecott Medal Winner, 2004
Connections:
This book is appropriate for all age levels. It would make a great read-aloud for elementary-age students on the anniversary of September 11 as it does not focus on the tragic deaths of that day, but instead tells the story of the birth of two buildings and the accomplishment of a dream. This is one story centering around the Twin Towers that the youth of America will view as uplifting and inspiring, as opposed to most other information relating to the World Trade Center. It can also serve as a motivational story for children and adults alike as it focuses on the dedication of one man and the completion of his vision. This book was written in memoriam of September 11, but the tragedy is not named specifically. Instead, the last pages of the book refer to the event with the simple words, "Now the towers are gone. But in memory, as if imprinted on the sky, the towers are still there."
Gerstein, Mordecai. 2003. The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. Ill. by Mordecai Gerstein. Brookfield, CT: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 0761317910.
Plot Summary:
In this non-fiction picture book, Mordecai Gerstein describes how a French acrobat made his way across a wire between the Twin Towers in 1974 New York City. Philippe Petit knew that, in order to accomplish this feat, it would have to be in the process of erecting the two skyscrapers. The reader is taken on Petit's journey as he accomplishes this task, then is arrested and taken into a New York court of law to await the consequences. The last two pages give a very emotional yet simple tribute to the World Trade Center of the past and explain how the Twin Towers are imprinted on the future.
Critical Analysis:
The story is elegantly-written, using child-centered language and concepts in order to pull in the reader. It begins with the concoction of the idea - an idea that many may consider as one of a lunatic. Philippe Petit wants to walk a wire between the World Trade Centers as they are being constructed in New York City in 1974. The reader is taken through Petit's thought processes as he determines how to get around the laws (which would obviously not deem this trick appropriate). It describes the scheme, in which others are involved, and the trials and eventual success of this attempt. It doesn't end with the completion of the goal, though. The consequences following the action are described, but not in a moralistic manner. The story wraps up with a touching, undetailed account of the buildings' fate. This ending will give goosebumps.
New York City circa 1974 looks much like the New York of today to the uneducated eye, though some of the clothing illustrations give away the time warp that is so evident in some forms of media. The pictures demonstrate Petit's view of the entire ordeal, with a few of them giving insight as to what the audience was seeing as the show was taking place. The lights of the city shine more apparently than the light of the stars on the night illustrations, which keeps the story centered around the city itself. The waking of the city is shown, though not through the actions of its inhabitants. It is shown through the eyes of the man who was walking through the air a quarter of a mile above the ground. The pages showing the act from the viewers' perspectives fold out, which helps the reader to feel as if he or she is actually standing below the performance. It really gives the impression of seeing something so tiny, so impossible, that a double-take is necessity. The birds look down upon Petit as the illustrations show their view as well. Next the reader is taken back down to Earth, where he or she is looking up at the judge's desk with Petit, wondering what fate awaits him. The last two pictures reveal two New York skylines: one as it stands today, tower-less, and the other bearing the faint images of what used to be such a recognizable landmark in the Big Apple.
This book takes the tragic events of a day that is now ingrained in our nation's history and transforms come of the characters into an uplifting and meaningful story appropriate for all ages.
Awards:
Caldecott Medal Winner, 2004
Connections:
This book is appropriate for all age levels. It would make a great read-aloud for elementary-age students on the anniversary of September 11 as it does not focus on the tragic deaths of that day, but instead tells the story of the birth of two buildings and the accomplishment of a dream. This is one story centering around the Twin Towers that the youth of America will view as uplifting and inspiring, as opposed to most other information relating to the World Trade Center. It can also serve as a motivational story for children and adults alike as it focuses on the dedication of one man and the completion of his vision. This book was written in memoriam of September 11, but the tragedy is not named specifically. Instead, the last pages of the book refer to the event with the simple words, "Now the towers are gone. But in memory, as if imprinted on the sky, the towers are still there."
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
New Class, Same Old Blog
I created this blog for a previous MLA course, so I thought I would use it again as the name is able to carry over into all aspects of librarianship. I am confident that this semester's class will be very helpful in my new career, and I can't wait to get started!
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