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.
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