1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Tan, Shaun. 2007. THE ARRIVAL. Singapore: Scholastic. ISBN 0439895293
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this wordless graphic novel, a man threatened by dark shadows, leaves his homeland to make a better life for himself and his family. He sails away on a vessel reminiscent of the old early twentieth century voyages to America from Europe. When he arrives at the harbor of his new country, however, the reader realizes that this is not America at all. The country to which the immigrant has come is a fanciful world created by Tan. Everything depicted seems just as foreign to the reader as it must to the immigrant, which helps the reader feel the loneliness and confusion of the immigrant experience. Everything looks strange, from the flying boats to the alien like animals and foods. Tan even creates a written language unlike any of this world. As the immigrant goes through the steps of finding a place to live, food to eat and a job to allow him to send home money to his family, the immigrant connects with other people who welcome him into their lives and share their own immigration stories. After some passage of time, the immigrant's family is finally able to join him. Upon arrival, his wife and daughter feel the same way he did, but they eventually feel right at home. The book ends with an image of the immigrant's daughter helping a new immigrant woman find her way.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The illustrations in this book are marvelous. They are beautiful to look at, but also carry emotion and interest. Everything depicted seems just as foreign to the reader as it must to the immigrant, which helps the reader feel the loneliness and confusion of the immigrant experience. Even without words, the reader falls for the main character right away and empathizes with him in every situation.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL "sense of warmth and caring for others, regardless of race, age, or background, is present on nearly every page"
BOOKLIST "a unique work that not only fulfills but also expands the potential of its form"
5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students illustrate their own experience of their first day at a new school. Give them full creative license to leave realistic depictions behind in favor of elements that will help the viewer feel the way they did.
*Read a regular novel about the immigrant experience and compare and contrast the effectiveness of the two styles.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Book Review: The Graveyard Book
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. Ill. Dave McKean. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060530928
2. PLOT SUMMARY
When Nobody Owens' family is murdered by a Man Named Jack, the still crawling baby escapes to the nearby graveyard. When he arrives there, the ghosts of the centuries dead Mr. and Mrs. Owens vow to the ghosts of Nobody's newly dead parents that they will raise him as their own. The child is given the lay of the graveyard and receives his education from his guardian, Silas and Silas's friend, Miss Lupescu, but all of the ghosts seem to have something to share. His only completely alive friend is a little girl named Scarlet who thinks that Nobody is just her imaginary friend. Sadly, Scarlet moves away after a brief friendship and Nobody is left to find friendship among the dead. Meanwhile, the Man Named Jack continues to look for the child that got away so that he may finish his mission of death. As Nobody grows up, his curiosity gets him into other worldly trouble with ghouls and a monster called the Sleer and there are a few close calls with the Man Name Jack. He becomes a brave young man and decides that he will avenge his family's deaths. When Nobody is a teenager, Scarlet comes back into Nobody's life. She meets Mr. Frost in the graveyard and a friendship develops. Nobody trusts Scarlet with his secret, and thinking that Mr. Frost could be of help, she encourages him to tell Mr. Frost as well. Unfortunately, Mr. Frost turns out to be the Man Named Jack! Nobody saves the day with an elaborate plan involving most of the graveyard that ends with the Man Named Jack being taken by the Sleer for eternity.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
With magic leagues of men, werewolves, ghosts and vampires, this book is pure fantasy. The pace is quick and the interwoven bits of action keep the reader more than interested. Even though most of Nobody's relationships are with the dead, they are very well developed and easily relatable for the average reader. Teens and adults alike will enjoy this suspenseful ghost story.
McKean's beautiful pen drawings do a wonderful job of echoing the eerie mood of the book. There are just enough illustrations sprinkled throughout the book to appeal to the young adult audience.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal Winner
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL "a rich, surprising, and sometimes disturbing tale of dreams, ghouls, murderers, trickery, and family"
BOOK LIST "plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming"
5. CONNECTIONS
* Gather books to share about old British graveyards and the role they played in the social lives of Victorians.
* Older readers might enjoy a chance to read Audrey Neffenger's HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY which is set in the same graveyard and written at the same time as this book. Highly recommended.
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. Ill. Dave McKean. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060530928
2. PLOT SUMMARY
When Nobody Owens' family is murdered by a Man Named Jack, the still crawling baby escapes to the nearby graveyard. When he arrives there, the ghosts of the centuries dead Mr. and Mrs. Owens vow to the ghosts of Nobody's newly dead parents that they will raise him as their own. The child is given the lay of the graveyard and receives his education from his guardian, Silas and Silas's friend, Miss Lupescu, but all of the ghosts seem to have something to share. His only completely alive friend is a little girl named Scarlet who thinks that Nobody is just her imaginary friend. Sadly, Scarlet moves away after a brief friendship and Nobody is left to find friendship among the dead. Meanwhile, the Man Named Jack continues to look for the child that got away so that he may finish his mission of death. As Nobody grows up, his curiosity gets him into other worldly trouble with ghouls and a monster called the Sleer and there are a few close calls with the Man Name Jack. He becomes a brave young man and decides that he will avenge his family's deaths. When Nobody is a teenager, Scarlet comes back into Nobody's life. She meets Mr. Frost in the graveyard and a friendship develops. Nobody trusts Scarlet with his secret, and thinking that Mr. Frost could be of help, she encourages him to tell Mr. Frost as well. Unfortunately, Mr. Frost turns out to be the Man Named Jack! Nobody saves the day with an elaborate plan involving most of the graveyard that ends with the Man Named Jack being taken by the Sleer for eternity.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
With magic leagues of men, werewolves, ghosts and vampires, this book is pure fantasy. The pace is quick and the interwoven bits of action keep the reader more than interested. Even though most of Nobody's relationships are with the dead, they are very well developed and easily relatable for the average reader. Teens and adults alike will enjoy this suspenseful ghost story.
McKean's beautiful pen drawings do a wonderful job of echoing the eerie mood of the book. There are just enough illustrations sprinkled throughout the book to appeal to the young adult audience.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal Winner
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL "a rich, surprising, and sometimes disturbing tale of dreams, ghouls, murderers, trickery, and family"
BOOK LIST "plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming"
5. CONNECTIONS
* Gather books to share about old British graveyards and the role they played in the social lives of Victorians.
* Older readers might enjoy a chance to read Audrey Neffenger's HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY which is set in the same graveyard and written at the same time as this book. Highly recommended.
Book Review: How I Live Now
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Rosoff, Meg. 2004. HOW I LIVE NOW. New York: Random House. ISBN 0385746776
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Fifteen year old Daisy is sent away from her home in New York City by her father and evil pregnant stepmother to live with her aunt and cousins in the English countryside. Everything seems fine until England is invaded by terrorists while Aunt Penn is out of the country for work. At first, the children enjoy their freedom in an adult free home, though even in this happy time, difficult subjects like eating disorders and forbidden sexual relationships are addressed. Inevitably, the children are discovered and the house is commandeered by soldiers. The girls are separated from the boys, and Daisy must take responsibility for keeping herself and her little cousin Piper alive. When they finally make it back home, Daisy regains contact with her father and is taken home to New York. Years later when she is able to return to England, she finds her cousin and lover disturbed and drastically changed by the horrific things he witnessed during the war.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is not for the faint of heart. The plot is intense and the sexual content and images of the destruction of war might make some readers uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the lives of many real teens are equally as intense and this book reflects subjects that they might actually be dealing with in their lives. Daisy must use her own moral compass to decide what is right and wrong for herself, acknowledging that many of her decisions would not be accepted by the outside world.
Rosoff is believable when she attempts to put her take on what would happen if we entered World War III. Readers will come out of this book feeling as if they have been through a war themselves.
4. BOOK REVIEWS
Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: "readers will emerge from the rubble much shaken, a little wiser and with perhaps a greater sense of humanity"
HORN BOOK: "a winning combination of acerbic commentary, innocence, and sober vision"
5.CONNECTIONS
*Allow students to write private journal entries about a situation where they made a decision that they thought was right for them, even though they knew that others might find it wrong. Sharing should be optional.
*Use this book to start an open conversation about war and their related feelings and worries.
Rosoff, Meg. 2004. HOW I LIVE NOW. New York: Random House. ISBN 0385746776
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Fifteen year old Daisy is sent away from her home in New York City by her father and evil pregnant stepmother to live with her aunt and cousins in the English countryside. Everything seems fine until England is invaded by terrorists while Aunt Penn is out of the country for work. At first, the children enjoy their freedom in an adult free home, though even in this happy time, difficult subjects like eating disorders and forbidden sexual relationships are addressed. Inevitably, the children are discovered and the house is commandeered by soldiers. The girls are separated from the boys, and Daisy must take responsibility for keeping herself and her little cousin Piper alive. When they finally make it back home, Daisy regains contact with her father and is taken home to New York. Years later when she is able to return to England, she finds her cousin and lover disturbed and drastically changed by the horrific things he witnessed during the war.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is not for the faint of heart. The plot is intense and the sexual content and images of the destruction of war might make some readers uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the lives of many real teens are equally as intense and this book reflects subjects that they might actually be dealing with in their lives. Daisy must use her own moral compass to decide what is right and wrong for herself, acknowledging that many of her decisions would not be accepted by the outside world.
Rosoff is believable when she attempts to put her take on what would happen if we entered World War III. Readers will come out of this book feeling as if they have been through a war themselves.
4. BOOK REVIEWS
Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: "readers will emerge from the rubble much shaken, a little wiser and with perhaps a greater sense of humanity"
HORN BOOK: "a winning combination of acerbic commentary, innocence, and sober vision"
5.CONNECTIONS
*Allow students to write private journal entries about a situation where they made a decision that they thought was right for them, even though they knew that others might find it wrong. Sharing should be optional.
*Use this book to start an open conversation about war and their related feelings and worries.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Book Review: The Storm in the Barn
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Phelan, Matt. 2009. THE STORM IN THE BARN. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this graphic novel set during the dust bowl of the Great Depression, young Jack wants nothing more than to be helpful to his family. Kansas hasn't seen rain in four years, and the children barely even remember what it was like. He is harassed by the local gang of bullies, and many adults, including his own father think that he is worthless--possibly because of a condition they call "dust dementia". Jack does find some support from his pneumonia stricken sister and a kindly general store owner who likes to tell him "jack stories" in the hopes of boosting the child's confidence. An abandoned barn seems to beckon Jack inside, even in the middle of the night. When Jack visits the barn, he knows that something is not right. There are puddles on the floor and an odd smell in the air. One day, Jack decides to figure out what is going on in the barn and discovers a monster made of rain, or the rain king. The monster taunts Jack and tells him that the more the rain refuses to fall, the more power it gains over people. Jack defeats the monster by stealing it's bag of thunder and causing the rain to fall. In the end, all seems to be well and Jack is received by his father with open arms.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
It is amazing how Phelan is able to tell such a moving and wonderfully detailed story with so few words. The only text here is dialog; the rest of the story is told entirely through brilliant pencil, ink, and watercolor illustrations. One would have to write a paragraph to match the depth of emotion in one character's facial expression as drawn by Phelan. Most of the color used in the drawing reflects the dull, depressing mood of the setting. He judiciously uses color just when most important. For example, the shame of the jackrabbit drive is reflected in the bright red blood stains on Jack's father's lead pipe.
As an eleven year old boy, Jack faces a world that hasn't seen rain since he was seven. Even so, young readers will be able to relate to Jack. Bullies have not changed in seventy years, nor has the urge to be respected by your parents.
The author includes a little bit at the end of the book about how he decided to write about the dust bowl, and how he did his research. Readers who enjoy this story will find this section particularly helpful because Phelan divulges what books and movies inspired him most, so that others may enjoy them too.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
starred review SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "complex but accessible and fascinating book"
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: "kids will identify with Jack and appreciate his success"
5. CONNECTIONS
*Give students a story that they must retell using pictures.
*Gather non-fiction books about the causes and experience of the dust bowl.
Phelan, Matt. 2009. THE STORM IN THE BARN. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this graphic novel set during the dust bowl of the Great Depression, young Jack wants nothing more than to be helpful to his family. Kansas hasn't seen rain in four years, and the children barely even remember what it was like. He is harassed by the local gang of bullies, and many adults, including his own father think that he is worthless--possibly because of a condition they call "dust dementia". Jack does find some support from his pneumonia stricken sister and a kindly general store owner who likes to tell him "jack stories" in the hopes of boosting the child's confidence. An abandoned barn seems to beckon Jack inside, even in the middle of the night. When Jack visits the barn, he knows that something is not right. There are puddles on the floor and an odd smell in the air. One day, Jack decides to figure out what is going on in the barn and discovers a monster made of rain, or the rain king. The monster taunts Jack and tells him that the more the rain refuses to fall, the more power it gains over people. Jack defeats the monster by stealing it's bag of thunder and causing the rain to fall. In the end, all seems to be well and Jack is received by his father with open arms.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
It is amazing how Phelan is able to tell such a moving and wonderfully detailed story with so few words. The only text here is dialog; the rest of the story is told entirely through brilliant pencil, ink, and watercolor illustrations. One would have to write a paragraph to match the depth of emotion in one character's facial expression as drawn by Phelan. Most of the color used in the drawing reflects the dull, depressing mood of the setting. He judiciously uses color just when most important. For example, the shame of the jackrabbit drive is reflected in the bright red blood stains on Jack's father's lead pipe.
As an eleven year old boy, Jack faces a world that hasn't seen rain since he was seven. Even so, young readers will be able to relate to Jack. Bullies have not changed in seventy years, nor has the urge to be respected by your parents.
The author includes a little bit at the end of the book about how he decided to write about the dust bowl, and how he did his research. Readers who enjoy this story will find this section particularly helpful because Phelan divulges what books and movies inspired him most, so that others may enjoy them too.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
starred review SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "complex but accessible and fascinating book"
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: "kids will identify with Jack and appreciate his success"
5. CONNECTIONS
*Give students a story that they must retell using pictures.
*Gather non-fiction books about the causes and experience of the dust bowl.
Book Review: The Witch of Blackbird Pond
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Speare, Elizabeth George. 1986. THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395071143.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this book, a sixteen year old girl named Kit Tyler journeys from her home of Barbados to Wethersfield, Connecticut to live with her aunt who is the only family she has left. During her voyage on The Dolphin, she meets Nat, the Captain's son, and Prudence, a malnourished and abused little girl. Kit's aunt did not know that she was coming, and the family is hesitant about taking her in. Her stylish clothes and privileged background do not sit well with their Puritan sensibilities. Throughout the book Kit struggles with trying to fit in and make her family happy while all she wants to do is rebel and do what she thinks is right. Because Kit is educated, she is given the opportunity to teach children how to read in the Summer, but her unorthodox ways get her into trouble. She finds peace with a sweet old Quaker woman, Hannah Tupper, whom she is forbade to visit due to rumors that she is a witch. A many member love triangle brews all throughout the story which includes Kit, her two cousins, and three different suitors. Kit does not listen to her family and visits Hannah Tupper regularly, bringing along poor Prudence so that she may also find escape in the meadow. After rescuing Hannah from a witch hunt, Kit finds herself on trial for witching due to her association with an alleged witch. Kit is acquitted, and the plot settles into a satisfying ending in which each young woman finally ends up with the young man that the reader's new they ought to all along.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This piece of historical fiction reads part adventure story, part romance novel, and all coming of age tale. The dialog is certainly circa 1687, but the language is simple enough that a young adult reader would not feel bogged down by it. The subject matter focuses on issues that would have been important to the characters during the time period: Puritanism vs. other faiths, the power struggle between colonists and the British Crown, and fears about witches. However, there are many other main subjects in the book that are completely relatable to contemporary teens like love, rebellion, and trying to find oneself and fit in at the same time.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT
Newbury Honor Medal
HORNBOOK: "a solidly written character study"
5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students to read THE CRUCIBLE and THE SCARLET LETTER and write a paper that compares and contrasts the three stories.
*Stage a mock witch trial, assigning roles to different students in the class.
Speare, Elizabeth George. 1986. THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395071143.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this book, a sixteen year old girl named Kit Tyler journeys from her home of Barbados to Wethersfield, Connecticut to live with her aunt who is the only family she has left. During her voyage on The Dolphin, she meets Nat, the Captain's son, and Prudence, a malnourished and abused little girl. Kit's aunt did not know that she was coming, and the family is hesitant about taking her in. Her stylish clothes and privileged background do not sit well with their Puritan sensibilities. Throughout the book Kit struggles with trying to fit in and make her family happy while all she wants to do is rebel and do what she thinks is right. Because Kit is educated, she is given the opportunity to teach children how to read in the Summer, but her unorthodox ways get her into trouble. She finds peace with a sweet old Quaker woman, Hannah Tupper, whom she is forbade to visit due to rumors that she is a witch. A many member love triangle brews all throughout the story which includes Kit, her two cousins, and three different suitors. Kit does not listen to her family and visits Hannah Tupper regularly, bringing along poor Prudence so that she may also find escape in the meadow. After rescuing Hannah from a witch hunt, Kit finds herself on trial for witching due to her association with an alleged witch. Kit is acquitted, and the plot settles into a satisfying ending in which each young woman finally ends up with the young man that the reader's new they ought to all along.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This piece of historical fiction reads part adventure story, part romance novel, and all coming of age tale. The dialog is certainly circa 1687, but the language is simple enough that a young adult reader would not feel bogged down by it. The subject matter focuses on issues that would have been important to the characters during the time period: Puritanism vs. other faiths, the power struggle between colonists and the British Crown, and fears about witches. However, there are many other main subjects in the book that are completely relatable to contemporary teens like love, rebellion, and trying to find oneself and fit in at the same time.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT
Newbury Honor Medal
HORNBOOK: "a solidly written character study"
5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students to read THE CRUCIBLE and THE SCARLET LETTER and write a paper that compares and contrasts the three stories.
*Stage a mock witch trial, assigning roles to different students in the class.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Book Review: When My Name Was Keoko
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Park, Linda Sue. 2002. WHEN MY NAME WAS KEOKO.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This is the story of a Korean family during the last years of the Japanese occupation of
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Linda Sue Park uses simple language to convey a very complex story. From the beginning, the reader gets a sense that this book exudes cultural authenticity. When the author thanks her parents, she uses both their Korean names, as well as their Japanese ones, which just happen to be Keoko and Nobuo. This little detail lends the reader to believe that Park may have gotten some inspiration from her parent’s life experiences in
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
PAPER TIGERS: “a beautifully crafted story that engages and delights as it informs”
starred review-PUBLISHERS WEEKLY “points up the differences between male and female roles in Korean society and telling details provide a clear picture of the siblings and their world.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*A reading class could choose Japanese names for a few days to experience some of what the characters in this book must have felt.
*Students could construct a timeline of historical events that occurred in
*More historical fiction about Korean history:
-A SINGLE SHARD by Linda Sue Park **Newbery Winner**
Book Review: Hitler Youth
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. HITLER YOUTH: GROWING UP IN HITLER'S SHADOW. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439353793
2. SUMMARY
In this informational book, Bartoletti weaves the stories of dozens of German youths within the context of the major historical moments of World War II and the years that led up to it. Using the stories of real German children, Bartoletti describes how the Hitler Youth formed in the mid 1920s, before Hitler had gained control of the German government. This organization was founded based on Hitler's belief that the best way to create the all powerful Germany that he desired, he must cultivate the next generation of Germans while they were still young, strong, and easily influenced. Although popular early on, the Hitler Youth was just one of many youth organizations. The Hitler Youth enticed children to join by having many of the same desirable elements as the other organizations: uniforms, sports and camping excursions in the countryside. However, the pull of the Hitler Youth came from the sense of purpose it instilled in members. According to the program's leaders, the children's participation was essential to securing a brighter future for their country. Many parents did not approve of the group, but as the Nazi's gained more and more power, the parents realized that their children's involvement with the Hitler Youth was unavoidable. Military training became the main focus of the groups and joining the Hitler Youth eventually became compulsory for all Aryan boys and girls. When the war begins, some of the youth find excitement and jump into their forced war assistance wholeheartedly, even meeting death with pride and a sense of accomplishment. Others, however, were not so disillusioned. Bartoletti discusses the heroic acts of Hitler Youths like Hans and Sophie Scholl and Helmuth Hubener who were all executed for trying to spread the truth to the German people.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is very well written. Bartoletti does not hold back when divulging gruesome details and seems to make no attempt to coddle her young audience. Best of all, the legitimacy of her claims are not only documented in the book with an extensive bibliography, she also takes the time to include a section which lists every direct quote in the book as well along with her source for each. She also describes her entire research project, explaining that she used a variety of research methods including library, museum and archival work, travel, and personal interviews. Bartoletti may include only facts in this book, but the stories she tells are so compelling that there is no need for her to embellish.
The photographs in this book do a lot to add interest and support the text. Being able to see the faces of the children in the story and see pictures of the activities described reinforces the sense of reality that the author wants the reader to feel as they read the book.
4. REVIEWS
Newbery Honor Book
Sibert Honor Book
starred review PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY "offers a unique and riveting perspective"
starred review HORNBOOK "the power of the account is matched by the many period candid and propaganda photographs"
5. CONNECTIONS
*Provide books about World War II from all perspectives, including books like JAPAN AT WAR: AN ORAL HISTORY by Haruko Taya Cook
*Facilitate small group discussions with young adults about the importance of thinking for oneself, and any situations in which someone may have tried to persuade them to behave in a certain negative way in response to someone that was different from them.
Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. HITLER YOUTH: GROWING UP IN HITLER'S SHADOW. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439353793
2. SUMMARY
In this informational book, Bartoletti weaves the stories of dozens of German youths within the context of the major historical moments of World War II and the years that led up to it. Using the stories of real German children, Bartoletti describes how the Hitler Youth formed in the mid 1920s, before Hitler had gained control of the German government. This organization was founded based on Hitler's belief that the best way to create the all powerful Germany that he desired, he must cultivate the next generation of Germans while they were still young, strong, and easily influenced. Although popular early on, the Hitler Youth was just one of many youth organizations. The Hitler Youth enticed children to join by having many of the same desirable elements as the other organizations: uniforms, sports and camping excursions in the countryside. However, the pull of the Hitler Youth came from the sense of purpose it instilled in members. According to the program's leaders, the children's participation was essential to securing a brighter future for their country. Many parents did not approve of the group, but as the Nazi's gained more and more power, the parents realized that their children's involvement with the Hitler Youth was unavoidable. Military training became the main focus of the groups and joining the Hitler Youth eventually became compulsory for all Aryan boys and girls. When the war begins, some of the youth find excitement and jump into their forced war assistance wholeheartedly, even meeting death with pride and a sense of accomplishment. Others, however, were not so disillusioned. Bartoletti discusses the heroic acts of Hitler Youths like Hans and Sophie Scholl and Helmuth Hubener who were all executed for trying to spread the truth to the German people.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is very well written. Bartoletti does not hold back when divulging gruesome details and seems to make no attempt to coddle her young audience. Best of all, the legitimacy of her claims are not only documented in the book with an extensive bibliography, she also takes the time to include a section which lists every direct quote in the book as well along with her source for each. She also describes her entire research project, explaining that she used a variety of research methods including library, museum and archival work, travel, and personal interviews. Bartoletti may include only facts in this book, but the stories she tells are so compelling that there is no need for her to embellish.
The photographs in this book do a lot to add interest and support the text. Being able to see the faces of the children in the story and see pictures of the activities described reinforces the sense of reality that the author wants the reader to feel as they read the book.
4. REVIEWS
Newbery Honor Book
Sibert Honor Book
starred review PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY "offers a unique and riveting perspective"
starred review HORNBOOK "the power of the account is matched by the many period candid and propaganda photographs"
5. CONNECTIONS
*Provide books about World War II from all perspectives, including books like JAPAN AT WAR: AN ORAL HISTORY by Haruko Taya Cook
*Facilitate small group discussions with young adults about the importance of thinking for oneself, and any situations in which someone may have tried to persuade them to behave in a certain negative way in response to someone that was different from them.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Book Review: A Woman For President
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. A WOMAN FOR PRESIDENT. Ill. by Jane Dyer. New York, NY: Walter and Company. ISBN 0802789080
2. SUMMARY
Born Victoria Claflin, Woodhull was raised in a very large and impoverished family led by an abusive father. When she was five years old, she came to a neighbor's house to do chores in exchange for food, but what she found was a kindly young woman who taught her how to read. The neighbor died shortly after that, but this experience helped Woodhull not only see her potential, but see that there were other ways of living than the way she shared with her family. A few years later, Woodhull's father discovered that she had a talent for preaching and conducting seances so he took her on the road with her sister to earn enough money to support the family. This lifestyle caused her to become exhausted and sickly, and at the age of fourteen she decided to escape by marrying her doctor. Dr. Woodhull turned out to be an alcoholic and an unreliable husband and doctor, causing permanent damage to both of her children during the delivery process. Woodhull ended up supporting him with her spiritual readings, even after she divorced him. She became a millionaire when Mr. Vanderbilt shared half of his profit with her from a stock trade made based upon Woodhull's "spiritual reading". With this money, she and her sister began the first female run stock brokerage firm. Woodhull began speaking about the right to vote for women, and eventually decided to run for president, even though she still could not vote. She lost of course, but people noticed, which was what Woodhull had hoped for. Unfortunately, many people, including famous women like Harriett Beecher Stowe did not approve of what she was doing with her life and defamed her in any way they could. Woodhull's defense cost her most of her fortune, so she and her sister divorced their husbands and moved to England where they both married rich Englishman and "lived out their days in great style".
3. ANALYSIS
This biography does a good job of keeping the story as authentic as possible for its young readers. The reader gets a sense that all of the dialogue shared in this book is dialogue that the characters have actually been documented in saying because they are written with quotation marks around them. Also, Krull includes a bibliography at the end of the book. Listing her sources legitimizes her claims. It is true that Krull only paints a pleasing picture of the life of Woodhull and skims over her less accepted views on free love and eugenics, but nowhere in the book does she claim to be writing an all inclusive portrait of the life of a perfect woman. The story is about how a woman who started from humble beginnings decided to run for president. Her other political and social views are not relevant here.
Jane Dyer's watercolor illustrations are each beautiful and intricate enough to be a stand alone work of art. However, in many of the pictures, Woodhull appears to have bright rouge on her cheeks, lipstick, and even blue eye shadow. This image is in direct contrast with Krull's text that states that Woodhull never wore makeup.
4. REVIEWS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "This book, though soft-pedaling the more scandalous aspects of her life, rectifies that omission"
BOOKLIST: "lively and astute writing"
5. CONNECTIONS
* Collect and share other materials about the suffragette movement.
*Have both girls and boys plan their own platforms for fictional presidential campaigns.
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. A WOMAN FOR PRESIDENT. Ill. by Jane Dyer. New York, NY: Walter and Company. ISBN 0802789080
2. SUMMARY
Born Victoria Claflin, Woodhull was raised in a very large and impoverished family led by an abusive father. When she was five years old, she came to a neighbor's house to do chores in exchange for food, but what she found was a kindly young woman who taught her how to read. The neighbor died shortly after that, but this experience helped Woodhull not only see her potential, but see that there were other ways of living than the way she shared with her family. A few years later, Woodhull's father discovered that she had a talent for preaching and conducting seances so he took her on the road with her sister to earn enough money to support the family. This lifestyle caused her to become exhausted and sickly, and at the age of fourteen she decided to escape by marrying her doctor. Dr. Woodhull turned out to be an alcoholic and an unreliable husband and doctor, causing permanent damage to both of her children during the delivery process. Woodhull ended up supporting him with her spiritual readings, even after she divorced him. She became a millionaire when Mr. Vanderbilt shared half of his profit with her from a stock trade made based upon Woodhull's "spiritual reading". With this money, she and her sister began the first female run stock brokerage firm. Woodhull began speaking about the right to vote for women, and eventually decided to run for president, even though she still could not vote. She lost of course, but people noticed, which was what Woodhull had hoped for. Unfortunately, many people, including famous women like Harriett Beecher Stowe did not approve of what she was doing with her life and defamed her in any way they could. Woodhull's defense cost her most of her fortune, so she and her sister divorced their husbands and moved to England where they both married rich Englishman and "lived out their days in great style".
3. ANALYSIS
This biography does a good job of keeping the story as authentic as possible for its young readers. The reader gets a sense that all of the dialogue shared in this book is dialogue that the characters have actually been documented in saying because they are written with quotation marks around them. Also, Krull includes a bibliography at the end of the book. Listing her sources legitimizes her claims. It is true that Krull only paints a pleasing picture of the life of Woodhull and skims over her less accepted views on free love and eugenics, but nowhere in the book does she claim to be writing an all inclusive portrait of the life of a perfect woman. The story is about how a woman who started from humble beginnings decided to run for president. Her other political and social views are not relevant here.
Jane Dyer's watercolor illustrations are each beautiful and intricate enough to be a stand alone work of art. However, in many of the pictures, Woodhull appears to have bright rouge on her cheeks, lipstick, and even blue eye shadow. This image is in direct contrast with Krull's text that states that Woodhull never wore makeup.
4. REVIEWS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "This book, though soft-pedaling the more scandalous aspects of her life, rectifies that omission"
BOOKLIST: "lively and astute writing"
5. CONNECTIONS
* Collect and share other materials about the suffragette movement.
*Have both girls and boys plan their own platforms for fictional presidential campaigns.
Book Review: Actual Size
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jenkins, Steve. 2004. ACTUAL SIZE. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618375945
2. SUMMARY
In this clever book, Steve Jenkins shows readers the actual size of some of the largest and smallest animals in the world. Under each picture, a caption tells the reader the name of the animal, as well as the average height and weight. Some of the creatures are too large to show the actual size of their entire bodies, so Jenkins chooses a particular part of the animal to show full size. For example, unable to fit a 59 ft giant squid on the page, Jenkins focuses on illustrating the actual size of the squid's eye. At the end of the book, more detailed information is given about each animal pictured, including information about where they can be found and what they like to eat.
3. ANALYSIS
This book is perfect for visual learners. It is one thing to tell a person how big an animal is, but measurements can be difficult to conceptualize. In order to fully comprehend what 12 inches or a half an inch means, it is helpful for many to be able to see what those measurements actually look like.
A wonderful thing about this book is that it is not simply illustrating items of common knowledge about animals. Even the child (or adult for that matter) that has done lots of reading about animals in the past will learn something new.
Jenkins' illustrations are essential in this book, as the text mostly serves to support the pictures. The illustrations are all carefully created to the correct measurements out of bits of torn paper.
4. REVIEWS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "a must-have for any collection"
BOOKLIST: "unusually effective tool for connecting children to nature's astonishing variety"
5.CONNECTIONS
*Have students graph the height and weight of each animal in the book to get the perspective of a side by side comparison.
*Plan an activity where students must choose an animal from the book and find other resources about that animal from the library.
Jenkins, Steve. 2004. ACTUAL SIZE. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618375945
2. SUMMARY
In this clever book, Steve Jenkins shows readers the actual size of some of the largest and smallest animals in the world. Under each picture, a caption tells the reader the name of the animal, as well as the average height and weight. Some of the creatures are too large to show the actual size of their entire bodies, so Jenkins chooses a particular part of the animal to show full size. For example, unable to fit a 59 ft giant squid on the page, Jenkins focuses on illustrating the actual size of the squid's eye. At the end of the book, more detailed information is given about each animal pictured, including information about where they can be found and what they like to eat.
3. ANALYSIS
This book is perfect for visual learners. It is one thing to tell a person how big an animal is, but measurements can be difficult to conceptualize. In order to fully comprehend what 12 inches or a half an inch means, it is helpful for many to be able to see what those measurements actually look like.
A wonderful thing about this book is that it is not simply illustrating items of common knowledge about animals. Even the child (or adult for that matter) that has done lots of reading about animals in the past will learn something new.
Jenkins' illustrations are essential in this book, as the text mostly serves to support the pictures. The illustrations are all carefully created to the correct measurements out of bits of torn paper.
4. REVIEWS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "a must-have for any collection"
BOOKLIST: "unusually effective tool for connecting children to nature's astonishing variety"
5.CONNECTIONS
*Have students graph the height and weight of each animal in the book to get the perspective of a side by side comparison.
*Plan an activity where students must choose an animal from the book and find other resources about that animal from the library.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Book Review: Summersaults
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Florian, Douglas. 2002. SUMMERSAULTS. Hong Kong: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0060292679
2. SUMMARY
In this topical book of poems, Florian Douglas uses a variety of poetic styles to write dozens of short, humorous poems about different aspects of summertime. All of the poems employ rhyme, but the rhythms vary widely. He talks about what he likes about summer on one page, and foils that with what he doesn't like on the next page. He talks about summer activities like swimming, double dutch, and baseball. He celebrates the good and bad of summer creatures like bees and fireflies and assigns the season the color green. At the end, he encourages the reader to pack an "ocean spray" and save the memories of summer to help get through the winter.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
One of the most successful things that Douglas does in this book is his use of concrete poetry. The way that the words on the page are arranged in a way that reflects part of their meaning is a great way to help kids understand and enjoy the fun of poetry. The way he arranged the poem "Double Dutch Girls" makes the readers eye go from side to side, mimicking the way it feels to watch two double dutch ropes fly in circles. The poem "Fireflies" causes the readers eye to dart all around the page in a way that feels very similar to the experience of spotting fireflies as they appear and then disappear in the dark. The humor in this book is very well done and makes the poetry all the more appealing to its target audience.
Douglas also does a nice job with the illustrations in this book. The fact that they look as if a talented child drew them lends itself to the overall feeling of the book being one of jovial innocence. He even uses media that are common for school children to use: water color paint and colored pencils. The bright colors add to the summery feel of the book.
4. BOOK REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY "overflows with inventive verses celebrating the delights and discontents of summer"
BOOKLIST "a few poems are forgettable"
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL "language is simple enough for bridge-book-ready children"
5. CONNECTIONS
* Gather other books about Summer
* Have children illustrate their own favorite as well as least favorite things about Summer. Older students can write short, accompanying poems
* Have children brainstorm together what they think the "Sum of Summer" is and post their answers where everyone can enjoy
Florian, Douglas. 2002. SUMMERSAULTS. Hong Kong: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0060292679
2. SUMMARY
In this topical book of poems, Florian Douglas uses a variety of poetic styles to write dozens of short, humorous poems about different aspects of summertime. All of the poems employ rhyme, but the rhythms vary widely. He talks about what he likes about summer on one page, and foils that with what he doesn't like on the next page. He talks about summer activities like swimming, double dutch, and baseball. He celebrates the good and bad of summer creatures like bees and fireflies and assigns the season the color green. At the end, he encourages the reader to pack an "ocean spray" and save the memories of summer to help get through the winter.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
One of the most successful things that Douglas does in this book is his use of concrete poetry. The way that the words on the page are arranged in a way that reflects part of their meaning is a great way to help kids understand and enjoy the fun of poetry. The way he arranged the poem "Double Dutch Girls" makes the readers eye go from side to side, mimicking the way it feels to watch two double dutch ropes fly in circles. The poem "Fireflies" causes the readers eye to dart all around the page in a way that feels very similar to the experience of spotting fireflies as they appear and then disappear in the dark. The humor in this book is very well done and makes the poetry all the more appealing to its target audience.
Douglas also does a nice job with the illustrations in this book. The fact that they look as if a talented child drew them lends itself to the overall feeling of the book being one of jovial innocence. He even uses media that are common for school children to use: water color paint and colored pencils. The bright colors add to the summery feel of the book.
4. BOOK REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY "overflows with inventive verses celebrating the delights and discontents of summer"
BOOKLIST "a few poems are forgettable"
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL "language is simple enough for bridge-book-ready children"
5. CONNECTIONS
* Gather other books about Summer
* Have children illustrate their own favorite as well as least favorite things about Summer. Older students can write short, accompanying poems
* Have children brainstorm together what they think the "Sum of Summer" is and post their answers where everyone can enjoy
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Book Review: What My Mother Doesn't Know
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sones, Sonya. 2001. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0689855532
2. SUMMARY
Sophie is a young teenage girl who reveals her deepest secrets through poetry in a style that feels like writing in a diary. She finds herself in between childhood and adulthood, most of the story deals with her search for love. She goes through a few attractive boys only to finally settle on a boy that makes her happy, but is embarrassingly "homely". She is not sure if this relationship can work because she is afraid of what her friends and other peers will have to say about it. Always in the background is Sophie's less than ideal family life. Her mother and father fight a lot and both are emotionally distant. The book ends on a positive if not definitive note however, as Sophie chooses the unattractive boy and seems to be pleased with her choice.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sones does an impeccable job of fooling the reader into believing that Sophie is real at that we are actually reading her words and not the words of Sones. Not only does Sophie sounds age appropriate, she also sounds contemporary "I'm going to e them back". This makes Sones' writing very comfortable for young readers to connect with. Breaking a novel down into hundreds of individual poems could easily make for a choppy story, but the flow is remarkably smooth and one poem seems to lead naturally into the next. Often times in fact, the rhythm of the verse seems to quicken the pace novel, which makes for a fast read.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
starred review: PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY "Sophie's honest and earthy story feels destined to captivate a young female audience, avid and reluctant readers alike"
AMAZON.COM "shamefully delicious collection of angst poems is a loving and amazingly accurate tribute to adolescent girlhood"
5. CONNECTIONS
*Collect Sonya Sones's other teen verse novels for young adults to explore
*Have teens choose one poem from the book that they identify with the most and discuss their reasons
Sones, Sonya. 2001. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0689855532
2. SUMMARY
Sophie is a young teenage girl who reveals her deepest secrets through poetry in a style that feels like writing in a diary. She finds herself in between childhood and adulthood, most of the story deals with her search for love. She goes through a few attractive boys only to finally settle on a boy that makes her happy, but is embarrassingly "homely". She is not sure if this relationship can work because she is afraid of what her friends and other peers will have to say about it. Always in the background is Sophie's less than ideal family life. Her mother and father fight a lot and both are emotionally distant. The book ends on a positive if not definitive note however, as Sophie chooses the unattractive boy and seems to be pleased with her choice.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sones does an impeccable job of fooling the reader into believing that Sophie is real at that we are actually reading her words and not the words of Sones. Not only does Sophie sounds age appropriate, she also sounds contemporary "I'm going to e them back". This makes Sones' writing very comfortable for young readers to connect with. Breaking a novel down into hundreds of individual poems could easily make for a choppy story, but the flow is remarkably smooth and one poem seems to lead naturally into the next. Often times in fact, the rhythm of the verse seems to quicken the pace novel, which makes for a fast read.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
starred review: PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY "Sophie's honest and earthy story feels destined to captivate a young female audience, avid and reluctant readers alike"
AMAZON.COM "shamefully delicious collection of angst poems is a loving and amazingly accurate tribute to adolescent girlhood"
5. CONNECTIONS
*Collect Sonya Sones's other teen verse novels for young adults to explore
*Have teens choose one poem from the book that they identify with the most and discuss their reasons
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Book Review: Stepping Out with Grandma Mac
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Grimes, Nikki. STEPPING OUT WITH GRANDMA MAC. Ill. Angelo. New York, NY: Orchard Books. ISBN 9780531303207
2. SUMMARY
In this book, a young girl tells the story of her relationship with her grandmother through a series of poems, each describing a memory or an emotion tied to Grandma Mac. Grandma Mac does not fit the typical grandmother archetype that the main character has in her mind. Grandma Mac does not bake cookies or spoil her granddaughter in any way and never says anything sweet like "come here sugar". Even so, the girl finds small ways to connect with her grandmother and ends up figuring out that her grandmother does love her but has her own ways of showing (or not showing) her love.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Through poetry, Nikki Grimes manages to discuss with grace a very important but difficult subject. Families are not all the same. Children need to know that families come in all shapes and sizes and that just because their family does not match the ones in their picture books, it doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with them. The girl in this book had a "grandma in [her] mind". She probably developed this image from a combination of sources including books. She spends quite a bit of time trying to reconcile this idea of what a grandma should be like with her own living, breathing grandmother that happened to be a real person. The rhythm of her poetry lends itself beautifully to oral expression and the language is simple enough for young readers to enjoy without having to try and interpret meaning.
Angelo's simple but realistic pen and ink drawings help the reader to imagine certain elements of the poems. They are not on every page and they really do not need to be. Although they are lovely drawings, Grimes' poems are strong enough to stand alone if need be.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Bank Street College Best Book of the Year
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "A rewarding poetry experience."
5. CONNECTIONS
* Ask children to compile a list of words that they associate with grandparents, then have them discuss any ways a grandparent of theirs is different from this collection of words.
* Have children brainstorm different ways of showing a person that you love and care about them
* Compile poetry books about family
Grimes, Nikki. STEPPING OUT WITH GRANDMA MAC. Ill. Angelo. New York, NY: Orchard Books. ISBN 9780531303207
2. SUMMARY
In this book, a young girl tells the story of her relationship with her grandmother through a series of poems, each describing a memory or an emotion tied to Grandma Mac. Grandma Mac does not fit the typical grandmother archetype that the main character has in her mind. Grandma Mac does not bake cookies or spoil her granddaughter in any way and never says anything sweet like "come here sugar". Even so, the girl finds small ways to connect with her grandmother and ends up figuring out that her grandmother does love her but has her own ways of showing (or not showing) her love.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Through poetry, Nikki Grimes manages to discuss with grace a very important but difficult subject. Families are not all the same. Children need to know that families come in all shapes and sizes and that just because their family does not match the ones in their picture books, it doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with them. The girl in this book had a "grandma in [her] mind". She probably developed this image from a combination of sources including books. She spends quite a bit of time trying to reconcile this idea of what a grandma should be like with her own living, breathing grandmother that happened to be a real person. The rhythm of her poetry lends itself beautifully to oral expression and the language is simple enough for young readers to enjoy without having to try and interpret meaning.
Angelo's simple but realistic pen and ink drawings help the reader to imagine certain elements of the poems. They are not on every page and they really do not need to be. Although they are lovely drawings, Grimes' poems are strong enough to stand alone if need be.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Bank Street College Best Book of the Year
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "A rewarding poetry experience."
5. CONNECTIONS
* Ask children to compile a list of words that they associate with grandparents, then have them discuss any ways a grandparent of theirs is different from this collection of words.
* Have children brainstorm different ways of showing a person that you love and care about them
* Compile poetry books about family
Friday, June 25, 2010
Book Review: Lon Po Po
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Young, Ed. LON PO PO: A RED-RIDING HOOD STORY FROM CHINA. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. ISBN 039921619
2. SUMMARY
In this Chinese folktale, a mother leaves her three children at home to go and visit their grandmother. Before she leaves, she instructs the children to bolt the door and not let anyone come inside. The mean old wolf that lives near by sees the mother leave and decides to take advantage of the situation. The wolf disguises himself as an old woman and pretends to be the children's grandmother in order to get himself let into the house. His plan works and the children lead him inside. The wolf blows out the children's candle, so they cannot get a good look at him, but while laying in bed with the wolf, they begin to ask questions. The oldest child is the one who discovers the truth and she comes up with a plan to kill the wolf by tricking him with a Ginkgo tree. The mother returns home the next day and the children share their story.
3. LITERARY CRITICISM
In this version of the classic Little Red-Riding Hood tale, the children are very easily fooled by the wolf, just like the European version. However, here they are wise enough to discover the truth before it is too late. Also, unlike the European version, the little girls do not have to depend on the big strong manhood of the lumberjack/hunter figure to defeat the wolf. The children themselves are brave enough in this story to devise and carry out a plan for destruction.
The Caldecott Medal winning illustrations are very beautiful. The pastel drawings give just enough detail, leaving the rest of the scene to be imagined by the reader.
4. LITERARY CRITICISM
-PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY "The juxtaposition of abstract and realistic representations, the complicated play of color and shadow, and the depth of the artist's vision all help transform this simple fairy tale into an extraordinary and powerful book"
-starred review SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL "is an outstanding achievement that will be pored over again and again"
5. CONNECTIONS
*Talk to students about the concept of "stranger danger" in the book and in their lives.
*Read and compare different variations of the Red-Riding Hood tale
Young, Ed. LON PO PO: A RED-RIDING HOOD STORY FROM CHINA. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. ISBN 039921619
2. SUMMARY
In this Chinese folktale, a mother leaves her three children at home to go and visit their grandmother. Before she leaves, she instructs the children to bolt the door and not let anyone come inside. The mean old wolf that lives near by sees the mother leave and decides to take advantage of the situation. The wolf disguises himself as an old woman and pretends to be the children's grandmother in order to get himself let into the house. His plan works and the children lead him inside. The wolf blows out the children's candle, so they cannot get a good look at him, but while laying in bed with the wolf, they begin to ask questions. The oldest child is the one who discovers the truth and she comes up with a plan to kill the wolf by tricking him with a Ginkgo tree. The mother returns home the next day and the children share their story.
3. LITERARY CRITICISM
In this version of the classic Little Red-Riding Hood tale, the children are very easily fooled by the wolf, just like the European version. However, here they are wise enough to discover the truth before it is too late. Also, unlike the European version, the little girls do not have to depend on the big strong manhood of the lumberjack/hunter figure to defeat the wolf. The children themselves are brave enough in this story to devise and carry out a plan for destruction.
The Caldecott Medal winning illustrations are very beautiful. The pastel drawings give just enough detail, leaving the rest of the scene to be imagined by the reader.
4. LITERARY CRITICISM
-PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY "The juxtaposition of abstract and realistic representations, the complicated play of color and shadow, and the depth of the artist's vision all help transform this simple fairy tale into an extraordinary and powerful book"
-starred review SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL "is an outstanding achievement that will be pored over again and again"
5. CONNECTIONS
*Talk to students about the concept of "stranger danger" in the book and in their lives.
*Read and compare different variations of the Red-Riding Hood tale
Monday, June 21, 2010
Book Review: Cinderella
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brown, Marcia, Trans. 1954. CINDERELLA. Ill. Marcia Brown. New York, NY: Aladdin. ISBN 0689814747
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this folk tale translated from Charles Perrault's CENDRILLION, Cinderella is the daughter of a man who marries a wicked woman with two wicked daughters. Cinderella on the other hand is one hundred percent good. So good, that when she is transformed into a beautiful princess and sent to the ball, she finds her wicked stepsisters and gives them "a thousand kindnesses" including the gifts of citrus fruits that the prince has given her. In the end, she even forgives her wicked stepsisters and invites them to live in the palace with her, marrying them to Lords of the court.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This syrupy sweet version of the classic Cinderella tale, has many of the normal elements of a fairytale: good vs. evil, a damsel in distress, and a lot of magic. The idea that the good get rewarded while the evil get the punishment that they deserve is, however, is completely missing here. This is either totally refreshing, or sadly disappointing, depending on the expectations and attitudes of the reader.
Marcia Brown's Caldecott Medal winning illustrations are lovely and do a nice job of carrying out the magical, ethereal feeling of the fairytale. The drawings appear to be pen and pastel. Unfortunately, all of the faces look nearly the same and echo the images you might see on a deck of cards.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT
I was unable to find any book reviews, likely because this book was published so long ago.
5. CONNECTIONS
* Collect many different versions of the Cinderella tale.
* Discuss why Cinderella treated her wicked stepsisters so nicely, and whether or not you think its a good thing.
Brown, Marcia, Trans. 1954. CINDERELLA. Ill. Marcia Brown. New York, NY: Aladdin. ISBN 0689814747
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this folk tale translated from Charles Perrault's CENDRILLION, Cinderella is the daughter of a man who marries a wicked woman with two wicked daughters. Cinderella on the other hand is one hundred percent good. So good, that when she is transformed into a beautiful princess and sent to the ball, she finds her wicked stepsisters and gives them "a thousand kindnesses" including the gifts of citrus fruits that the prince has given her. In the end, she even forgives her wicked stepsisters and invites them to live in the palace with her, marrying them to Lords of the court.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This syrupy sweet version of the classic Cinderella tale, has many of the normal elements of a fairytale: good vs. evil, a damsel in distress, and a lot of magic. The idea that the good get rewarded while the evil get the punishment that they deserve is, however, is completely missing here. This is either totally refreshing, or sadly disappointing, depending on the expectations and attitudes of the reader.
Marcia Brown's Caldecott Medal winning illustrations are lovely and do a nice job of carrying out the magical, ethereal feeling of the fairytale. The drawings appear to be pen and pastel. Unfortunately, all of the faces look nearly the same and echo the images you might see on a deck of cards.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT
I was unable to find any book reviews, likely because this book was published so long ago.
5. CONNECTIONS
* Collect many different versions of the Cinderella tale.
* Discuss why Cinderella treated her wicked stepsisters so nicely, and whether or not you think its a good thing.
Book Review: Moonbeams, Dumplings and Dragon Boats
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simonds, Nina and Leslie Swartz. 2002. MOONBEAMS, DUMPLINGS AND DRAGON BOATS. Ill. Meilo So. New York, NY: Harcourt. ISBN 0152019839
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this collection of folktales, recipes and crafts, the authors introduce readers to five Chinese holidays and festivals. First, the tradition of each holiday is explained, followed by a folktale that give readers insight into a bit of the reasoning behind some of the traditions. After that, recipes and craft ideas that correlate with the holiday and the folk tale are given, each ranked by difficulty level and time of preparation. The festivals discussed here are the Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, Qing Ming and the Cold Foods Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Simonds and Swartz have really done their homework here and they are very careful to explain that all Chinese traditions, be they recipes, stories, or ways of celebrating vary widely. They stress that the information presented paints a good picture of Chinese culture, but does not claim to be an expert on all of the many nuances present in different regions. The book is set up in such a way as to make it easy for adults to really help children fully experience the festivals. The way that the stories are matched up with supporting recipes and activities makes this book a no brainer educational tool.
Meilo So's illustrations are absolutely breathtaking. Her pen and watercolor paintings fill the book with intense color. She not only does a beautiful job illustrating the folktales, she also depicts the ingredients of the recipes as well as detailed steps in the craft projects. She even succeeds in making a picture of a lowly cardboard box look like art.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "elegantly designed volume"
LIBRARY SCHOOL JOURNAL: "Moonbeams is a useful, visually appealing addition to any holiday collection"
5. CONNECTIONS
* Have children use a lunar calendar to figure out what days the festivals in the book will fall on during the following year of the traditional Western calendar.
* Prepare a few recipes from the book and decorate the classroom with a few of the craft ideas for a party.
Simonds, Nina and Leslie Swartz. 2002. MOONBEAMS, DUMPLINGS AND DRAGON BOATS. Ill. Meilo So. New York, NY: Harcourt. ISBN 0152019839
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this collection of folktales, recipes and crafts, the authors introduce readers to five Chinese holidays and festivals. First, the tradition of each holiday is explained, followed by a folktale that give readers insight into a bit of the reasoning behind some of the traditions. After that, recipes and craft ideas that correlate with the holiday and the folk tale are given, each ranked by difficulty level and time of preparation. The festivals discussed here are the Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, Qing Ming and the Cold Foods Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Simonds and Swartz have really done their homework here and they are very careful to explain that all Chinese traditions, be they recipes, stories, or ways of celebrating vary widely. They stress that the information presented paints a good picture of Chinese culture, but does not claim to be an expert on all of the many nuances present in different regions. The book is set up in such a way as to make it easy for adults to really help children fully experience the festivals. The way that the stories are matched up with supporting recipes and activities makes this book a no brainer educational tool.
Meilo So's illustrations are absolutely breathtaking. Her pen and watercolor paintings fill the book with intense color. She not only does a beautiful job illustrating the folktales, she also depicts the ingredients of the recipes as well as detailed steps in the craft projects. She even succeeds in making a picture of a lowly cardboard box look like art.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "elegantly designed volume"
LIBRARY SCHOOL JOURNAL: "Moonbeams is a useful, visually appealing addition to any holiday collection"
5. CONNECTIONS
* Have children use a lunar calendar to figure out what days the festivals in the book will fall on during the following year of the traditional Western calendar.
* Prepare a few recipes from the book and decorate the classroom with a few of the craft ideas for a party.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Book Review: Artist to Artist
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gauch, Patricia Lee; David Briggs; Courtenay Palmer; Kiffin Stuerer Eds. ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART. New York, NY: Philomel. 2007. ISBN 0399246002
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this book, 23 important illustrators write personal letters to an audience of children that would like to grow up and illustrate books themselves. The artists talk about themselves as children, how the became illustrators, and also give a little insight into the way they work today. There are also some really neat fold out pages for each essay, hidden by a self portrait. The pictures are a mixture of photographs and illustrations drawn by the coordinating artist.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The most special part of this book is the tone of respect that each artist shows when speaking to the imagined children that read this book. They sound full of confidence that their audience possesses the talent and potential to reach their dreams, just as the artist themselves have. Most of the artists also do a great job of revealing so many parts of themselves that they are able to accomplish the difficult feat of becoming more human and real in the eye of the reader. The self portraits and the pictures of their work spaces, some neat and tidy and some that look tornado torn, offer such an intimate picture that the reader feels like they are enjoying a very special treat.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL "a gorgeous, browsable gallery of international treasures"
5. CONNECTIONS
*Gather books illustrated by the different artists in the book
*Have children practice illustrating a story and have them focus on embracing their own style
Gauch, Patricia Lee; David Briggs; Courtenay Palmer; Kiffin Stuerer Eds. ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART. New York, NY: Philomel. 2007. ISBN 0399246002
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this book, 23 important illustrators write personal letters to an audience of children that would like to grow up and illustrate books themselves. The artists talk about themselves as children, how the became illustrators, and also give a little insight into the way they work today. There are also some really neat fold out pages for each essay, hidden by a self portrait. The pictures are a mixture of photographs and illustrations drawn by the coordinating artist.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The most special part of this book is the tone of respect that each artist shows when speaking to the imagined children that read this book. They sound full of confidence that their audience possesses the talent and potential to reach their dreams, just as the artist themselves have. Most of the artists also do a great job of revealing so many parts of themselves that they are able to accomplish the difficult feat of becoming more human and real in the eye of the reader. The self portraits and the pictures of their work spaces, some neat and tidy and some that look tornado torn, offer such an intimate picture that the reader feels like they are enjoying a very special treat.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL "a gorgeous, browsable gallery of international treasures"
5. CONNECTIONS
*Gather books illustrated by the different artists in the book
*Have children practice illustrating a story and have them focus on embracing their own style
Book Review: The Hello, Goodbye Window
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. by Chris Raschka. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786809140
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this very simple story, a little girl describes a visit to her grandparents' house from her point of view, which is focused on the kitchen window. The little girl begins by talking about the way she likes to approach the home by stopping by the kitchen window to look in and make faces with her grandparents. During her stay, life for the trio revolves around the kitchen and they enjoy looking through the window out into the garden, and they enjoy the day doing ordinary things like eating breakfast and playing in the yard. At night, they look out of the kitchen to view the stars. The next day, the little girl's parents come to pick her up and the window becomes a place to share goodbyes.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
There is no suspense in this story, no problem, no resolution, no rising or falling action. The charm of this book is due entirely to the fact that we are being told a story from the point of view of a child. She has such a pure innocence that she is impressed by her grandfather's corny jokes and single song that he can play on the harmonica. She also really believes her grandparents when she is told that absolutely nothing will happen during her nap. Viewing this home through a child's perspective is very refreshing.
Chris Raschka's illustrations do a beautiful job of echoing the child-like point of view of Norton Juster's story. The water color and oil pastel pictures are playful and bright. They do a great job of conveying the emotion of the scenes.
4. REVIEW EXCEPTS
Caldecott Medal
Starred Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL "Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike"
Starred Review in BOOKLIST "speaks to the real lives of children and their experiences"
5. CONNECTION
* Norton Juster also wrote the beloved young adult book THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. by Chris Raschka. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786809140
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this very simple story, a little girl describes a visit to her grandparents' house from her point of view, which is focused on the kitchen window. The little girl begins by talking about the way she likes to approach the home by stopping by the kitchen window to look in and make faces with her grandparents. During her stay, life for the trio revolves around the kitchen and they enjoy looking through the window out into the garden, and they enjoy the day doing ordinary things like eating breakfast and playing in the yard. At night, they look out of the kitchen to view the stars. The next day, the little girl's parents come to pick her up and the window becomes a place to share goodbyes.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
There is no suspense in this story, no problem, no resolution, no rising or falling action. The charm of this book is due entirely to the fact that we are being told a story from the point of view of a child. She has such a pure innocence that she is impressed by her grandfather's corny jokes and single song that he can play on the harmonica. She also really believes her grandparents when she is told that absolutely nothing will happen during her nap. Viewing this home through a child's perspective is very refreshing.
Chris Raschka's illustrations do a beautiful job of echoing the child-like point of view of Norton Juster's story. The water color and oil pastel pictures are playful and bright. They do a great job of conveying the emotion of the scenes.
4. REVIEW EXCEPTS
Caldecott Medal
Starred Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL "Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike"
Starred Review in BOOKLIST "speaks to the real lives of children and their experiences"
5. CONNECTION
* Norton Juster also wrote the beloved young adult book THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH
Monday, June 14, 2010
Book Review: Knuffle Bunny
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE. Ill. by Mo Willems. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786818700
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this laugh out loud picture book, Mo Willems describes a seemingly ordinary day with his young daughter that goes terribly wrong. Father, daughter Trixie and Knuffle Bunny the stuffed animal venture to the laundromat together. All is well until they head home to wait out the wash cycle and Trixie discovers that she no longer has Knuffle Bunny in her possession. Unable to verbalize the situation, Trixie throws a tantrum for the record books until Mommy figures out what has happened. In the end, Knuffle Bunny is found and Trixie is so pleased, she lets out her first words "Knuffle Bunny".
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Mo Willems's humorous and direct style of writing has a real feeling of authenticity to it. His description of how Trixie goes boneless in her attempt to convince her Dad that something is terribly wrong, resonates with the reader as a real tactic that children actually use. Tantrums are not usually the main driver in the plot of a picture book, but its a situation that both parents and anyone that is or ever was a child can relate to.
The illustrations are wonderfully innovative. Willems takes sepia toned photographs of the New York neighborhood that this story takes place in, and draws in the characters as if they were a natural part of the scene. The drawings are rather simplistic with two dimensions and no shading. Even so, Willems succeeds in created faces that are much more expressive than his words, making them essential. When Trixie throws her fit, we are told that Dad is not happy, but when we see his face, we see a man that is also embarrassed, frustrated, and worn out.
My one issue with this book is the underlying message that seems to lurk here that Moms can instantly identify the needs of even a nonverbal child, while Dads are not smart enough to get it. This is a theme commonly played out for entertainment's sake.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
HORN BOOK: "This everyday drama will immediately register with even pre-verbal listeners"
starred review SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text"
5. CONNECTIONS
*As noted in the Horn Book review, the cautionary part of this story certainly seems directed at parents, although children can certainly appreciate the humor.
*Read Knuffle Bunny Too for updates on Trixie and her stuffed animal.
Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE. Ill. by Mo Willems. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786818700
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this laugh out loud picture book, Mo Willems describes a seemingly ordinary day with his young daughter that goes terribly wrong. Father, daughter Trixie and Knuffle Bunny the stuffed animal venture to the laundromat together. All is well until they head home to wait out the wash cycle and Trixie discovers that she no longer has Knuffle Bunny in her possession. Unable to verbalize the situation, Trixie throws a tantrum for the record books until Mommy figures out what has happened. In the end, Knuffle Bunny is found and Trixie is so pleased, she lets out her first words "Knuffle Bunny".
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Mo Willems's humorous and direct style of writing has a real feeling of authenticity to it. His description of how Trixie goes boneless in her attempt to convince her Dad that something is terribly wrong, resonates with the reader as a real tactic that children actually use. Tantrums are not usually the main driver in the plot of a picture book, but its a situation that both parents and anyone that is or ever was a child can relate to.
The illustrations are wonderfully innovative. Willems takes sepia toned photographs of the New York neighborhood that this story takes place in, and draws in the characters as if they were a natural part of the scene. The drawings are rather simplistic with two dimensions and no shading. Even so, Willems succeeds in created faces that are much more expressive than his words, making them essential. When Trixie throws her fit, we are told that Dad is not happy, but when we see his face, we see a man that is also embarrassed, frustrated, and worn out.
My one issue with this book is the underlying message that seems to lurk here that Moms can instantly identify the needs of even a nonverbal child, while Dads are not smart enough to get it. This is a theme commonly played out for entertainment's sake.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
HORN BOOK: "This everyday drama will immediately register with even pre-verbal listeners"
starred review SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text"
5. CONNECTIONS
*As noted in the Horn Book review, the cautionary part of this story certainly seems directed at parents, although children can certainly appreciate the humor.
*Read Knuffle Bunny Too for updates on Trixie and her stuffed animal.
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