BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon. 2005. PRINCESS ACADEMY. New York: Bloomsbury. ISBN 1582349932
PLOT SUMMARY
Miri is 14 years old and living with her family on Mount Eskel. She lives with her father and sister in a linder quarry. Her mother died a week after she was born. Miri spends her time tending the house and goats as she is not allowed to work in the quarry. Everything changes when the village learns that the Prince will choose his bride from their village. All girls ages 12-18 are sent to the Princess Academy a few hours walk away. Miri and the other girls have to face many challenges at the academy, a strict teacher, strict rules, and learning to read. As time goes on the girls become competitive for one girl will earn the title of Academy Princess. The competition becomes intense and Miri wants to win, yet her heart belongs to Peder.
The story discusses the isolation that the girls felt, kept away from their families and expected to learn a new way of life at the Academy. Miri teaches herself to quarry speak a silent language which allows the girls to communicate. This skill becomes useful when the girls are kidnapped as ransom. In the end Miri realizes that she wishes to be home with her family and true love. She is relieved to have won the Academy Princess title, and not chosen to be the princess. Miri is pleased to see her friend Britta be reunited with the love of her life Prince Steffan.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Shannon Hale writes a wonderful story about a girl on a journey to learn more about the world since she is forced to attend the Princess Academy. The author writes the story using a voice which enables the reader to feel that they are on Mount Eskel, having the same experiences as Miri. She is a young girl who is easy to relate to.
Miri is a small and determined girl who puts into action the things that she is learning at the academy. She learns about democracy and trading. The information that she learns will touch the lives of her classmates and the people in her village. Readers should realize that anyone can make a difference. Miri was able to living high up on top of Mount Eskel. This story was engaging and quick to read. Miri learns that it is great to learn about new places and things, yet there is no place like home on Mount Eskel with her family, community and Peder. Girls in 5th grade and up will enjoy reading this novel, along with others by Shannon Hale.
REVIEWS
Starred Review in School Library Journal: “Hale weaves an intricate, multilayered story about families, relationships, education, and the place we call home.”
Reviewed in Booklist: “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale.”
Newbery Honor Book
ALA Notable Children’s Book
CONNECTIONS
*Have students write a story of how they can make a difference in their community.
*Other stories written by Shannon Hale:
Hale, Shannon. BOOK OF A THOUSAND DAYS. ISBN 1599900513
Hale, Shannon. RIVER SECRETS: BOOKS OF BAYERN. ISBN 1599902931
Hale, Shannon. THE GOOSE GIRL: BOOKS OF BAYERN. ISBN 1582349908
Saturday, August 8, 2009
LOOKING FOR ALASKA
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Green, John. 2005. LOOKING FOR ALASKA. New York: Dutton. ISBN 0525475060
PLOT SUMMARY
This is the story of Miles Halter who is a teenager from Florida that decides to attend a boarding school in Alabama in search of his “great perhaps”. Miles adjusts to life without his parents monitoring his every move. He is searching for new friends and a more exciting life than his boring and uneventful life in Florida. Miles new found friends teach him about smoking and cigarettes. One friend is particular is very special, Alaska. She is beautiful, intellectual, and liked to live life on the edge. Alaska was traumatized as a child by her mom’s sudden death. The story takes a sudden turn when Alaska is killed in a car crash in the middle of the night rushing to take flower’s to her mother’s grave. She felt that she had let her mother down again. The shock of the death left Miles and their close friends reeling and attempting to find the answers as to why she died.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story depicts a teenagers need to find something better and different than what they already know. Miles made several friends, yet he had to learn how to be a friend. He found the social Labyrinth a challenge to navigate. It was a daily struggle at first, adjusting to boarding school. Miles fell in Love with Alaska and the idea of loving her. The chapters are labeled days before and after; this leads the reader to assume that something is going to go wrong for Alaska. It was through her death that Miles was able to recognize that she had touched the lives of many people at the school. Miles matures as he realizes that he should have been a better friend. The book illustrates the range of feelings that a teenager goes through when they lose a close friend to drunk driving. Miles and his friends set out to find answers as to why she died. The book also discusses drinking and the problems that it caused the students. Alaska was using drinking and smoking to ease her pain. In the end, it is what killed her.
REVIEWS
Reviewed in Publishers Weekly: “Readers will only hope that this is not the last word from this promising new author.”
Reviewed in School Library Journal: “Miles's narration is alive with sweet, self-deprecating humor, and his obvious struggle to tell the story truthfully adds to his believability.”
Michael L. Printz Award
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year 2005
CONNECTIONS
*Students can learn more about famous farewells:
Allen, Robert. FAMOUS LAST WORDS: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION OF FINALES AND FAREWELLS. ISBN 1856487083
*Other stories by John Green:
Green, John. AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES. ISBN 0142410705
Green, John. PAPER TOWNS. ISBN 0525478183
Green, John. 2005. LOOKING FOR ALASKA. New York: Dutton. ISBN 0525475060
PLOT SUMMARY
This is the story of Miles Halter who is a teenager from Florida that decides to attend a boarding school in Alabama in search of his “great perhaps”. Miles adjusts to life without his parents monitoring his every move. He is searching for new friends and a more exciting life than his boring and uneventful life in Florida. Miles new found friends teach him about smoking and cigarettes. One friend is particular is very special, Alaska. She is beautiful, intellectual, and liked to live life on the edge. Alaska was traumatized as a child by her mom’s sudden death. The story takes a sudden turn when Alaska is killed in a car crash in the middle of the night rushing to take flower’s to her mother’s grave. She felt that she had let her mother down again. The shock of the death left Miles and their close friends reeling and attempting to find the answers as to why she died.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story depicts a teenagers need to find something better and different than what they already know. Miles made several friends, yet he had to learn how to be a friend. He found the social Labyrinth a challenge to navigate. It was a daily struggle at first, adjusting to boarding school. Miles fell in Love with Alaska and the idea of loving her. The chapters are labeled days before and after; this leads the reader to assume that something is going to go wrong for Alaska. It was through her death that Miles was able to recognize that she had touched the lives of many people at the school. Miles matures as he realizes that he should have been a better friend. The book illustrates the range of feelings that a teenager goes through when they lose a close friend to drunk driving. Miles and his friends set out to find answers as to why she died. The book also discusses drinking and the problems that it caused the students. Alaska was using drinking and smoking to ease her pain. In the end, it is what killed her.
REVIEWS
Reviewed in Publishers Weekly: “Readers will only hope that this is not the last word from this promising new author.”
Reviewed in School Library Journal: “Miles's narration is alive with sweet, self-deprecating humor, and his obvious struggle to tell the story truthfully adds to his believability.”
Michael L. Printz Award
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year 2005
CONNECTIONS
*Students can learn more about famous farewells:
Allen, Robert. FAMOUS LAST WORDS: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION OF FINALES AND FAREWELLS. ISBN 1856487083
*Other stories by John Green:
Green, John. AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES. ISBN 0142410705
Green, John. PAPER TOWNS. ISBN 0525478183
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kinney, Jeff. 2007. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID. New York: Amulet. ISBN 0810993139
PLOT SUMMARY
Greg Heffley is a middle school student who tells the reader about a year of events in middle school through sketches and journal entries. Greg discusses what his life is like with an older brother, younger brother and a best friend named Rowley. He tries to fit in at school and finds that it is not easy. Rowley and Greg have several adventures together including, trick-or-treating and snowball making, somehow things do not turn out as he plans them to.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jeff Kinney has written this book with engaging characters and the preteen dialogue which allows the story to come to life. Readers of many ages will be able to connect with Greg’s mishaps in Middle School and with his family. Humor is found in the many situations in which he finds himself, such as dressed as a tree in the school play, having to go trick-or-treating with his father and little brother on Halloween, and having his mom as a substitute teacher. The cartoon sketches allow the pages to come to life and they give the reader a visual picture of the situation in which Greg has found himself. The pictures allow the story to be an easy and enjoyable read. This is an immediately engaging graphic novel that will motivate boys to keep on reading, to learn what happens next.
REVIEWS
School Library Journal Review: “Kinney does a masterful job of making the mundane life of boys on the brink of adolescence hilarious.”
Starred review in Publishers Weekly: “Kinney ably skewers familiar aspects of junior high life, from dealing with the mysteries of what makes someone popular to the trauma of a wrestling unit in gym class.”
Horn Book Review: “Kinney's writing and illustrations are filled with laugh-out-loud kid humor.”
CONNECTIONS
*Students may enjoy writing their own graphic novel.
*Read more about Greg’s middle school adventures in DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LAST STRAW.
*Look for these other graphic novels:
Holm, Jennifer. MIDDLE SCHOOL IS WORSE THAN MEATLOAF: A YEAR TOLD THROUGH STUFF. ISBN 0689852819
Kinney, Jeff. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES. ISBN 0810994739
Kinney, Jeff. 2007. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID. New York: Amulet. ISBN 0810993139
PLOT SUMMARY
Greg Heffley is a middle school student who tells the reader about a year of events in middle school through sketches and journal entries. Greg discusses what his life is like with an older brother, younger brother and a best friend named Rowley. He tries to fit in at school and finds that it is not easy. Rowley and Greg have several adventures together including, trick-or-treating and snowball making, somehow things do not turn out as he plans them to.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jeff Kinney has written this book with engaging characters and the preteen dialogue which allows the story to come to life. Readers of many ages will be able to connect with Greg’s mishaps in Middle School and with his family. Humor is found in the many situations in which he finds himself, such as dressed as a tree in the school play, having to go trick-or-treating with his father and little brother on Halloween, and having his mom as a substitute teacher. The cartoon sketches allow the pages to come to life and they give the reader a visual picture of the situation in which Greg has found himself. The pictures allow the story to be an easy and enjoyable read. This is an immediately engaging graphic novel that will motivate boys to keep on reading, to learn what happens next.
REVIEWS
School Library Journal Review: “Kinney does a masterful job of making the mundane life of boys on the brink of adolescence hilarious.”
Starred review in Publishers Weekly: “Kinney ably skewers familiar aspects of junior high life, from dealing with the mysteries of what makes someone popular to the trauma of a wrestling unit in gym class.”
Horn Book Review: “Kinney's writing and illustrations are filled with laugh-out-loud kid humor.”
CONNECTIONS
*Students may enjoy writing their own graphic novel.
*Read more about Greg’s middle school adventures in DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LAST STRAW.
*Look for these other graphic novels:
Holm, Jennifer. MIDDLE SCHOOL IS WORSE THAN MEATLOAF: A YEAR TOLD THROUGH STUFF. ISBN 0689852819
Kinney, Jeff. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES. ISBN 0810994739
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
WEEDFLOWER
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kadohata, Cynthia. 2006. WEEDFLOWER. New York: Atheneum Books. ISBN 1416975667
PLOT SUMMARY
Sumiko is a young girl, who was born in America to Japanese parents. When she was young her parents died in a car accident. Leaving her and her younger brother to live with their Aunt, Uncle, Cousins and Grandfather on their flower farm. Sumiko was the only Japanese American girl at her school and felt loneliness and isolation as a result of not having many friends. Life on the farm was happy until the day Pearl Harbor was bombed. Within a few days her Uncle and Grandfather were sent to Prison Camp in the North due to the fact that they were born in Japan. The family burned all of their belongings that would imply that they are loyal to Japan. A few months later the family was evacuated to Arizona.
When Sumiko arrived in Arizona, her life changed. It was hot, very hot. Not at all like the cool southern California weather that she was used to. The family was relocated to a camp that had been placed on an Indian reservation. The transition to the sand and harsh conditions took time to get used to. Sumiko made friends with other children, but had a hard time understanding how the children did whatever they wanted, often not listening to their parents. She also became friends with an Indian boy who was interested in learning about irrigation. Sumiko’s neighbor planted a garden complete with flowers thanks to Sumiko who had brought carnation seeds. When the time comes to leave Sumiko is sad to leave her friends and the place she called home in the middle of the desert.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is an incredible story of how a young girl finds happiness during a sad and uncertain time in her life. The character is developed to become a young girl finding her way during a time when her family has been placed in a prison camp because they are Japanese descendants. She is not bitter or angry, but she is lonely. Loneliness and boredom can be powerful and cause you to lose focus. The reader is taught that anything is possible, even in the harshest of conditions. Sumiko helped her neighbor build a beautiful garden by willingly helping to transport water to the site. What resulted was a garden that she was proud of and it kept her and her mind busy during a time in which there was little to do. She found peace in the structure of the camp, and was unhappy to leave and face a future of uncertainty that came with moving.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in School Library Journal: “Kadohata brings into play some complex issues, but they realistically dovetail with Sumiko’s growth from child to young woman”
Reviewed in Publishers Weekly: “Kadohata clearly and eloquently conveys her heroine’s mixture of shame, anger and courage. Readers will be inspired…”
CONNECTIONS
*Invite students to write a story about how life was different during World War II.
*Other books by Cynthia Kadohata:
Kadohata, Cynthia. KIRA-KIRA. ISBN 0689856407
Kadohata, Cynthia. CRACKER!: THE BEST DOG IN VIETNAM. ISBN 141690638X
Kadohata, Cynthia. 2006. WEEDFLOWER. New York: Atheneum Books. ISBN 1416975667
PLOT SUMMARY
Sumiko is a young girl, who was born in America to Japanese parents. When she was young her parents died in a car accident. Leaving her and her younger brother to live with their Aunt, Uncle, Cousins and Grandfather on their flower farm. Sumiko was the only Japanese American girl at her school and felt loneliness and isolation as a result of not having many friends. Life on the farm was happy until the day Pearl Harbor was bombed. Within a few days her Uncle and Grandfather were sent to Prison Camp in the North due to the fact that they were born in Japan. The family burned all of their belongings that would imply that they are loyal to Japan. A few months later the family was evacuated to Arizona.
When Sumiko arrived in Arizona, her life changed. It was hot, very hot. Not at all like the cool southern California weather that she was used to. The family was relocated to a camp that had been placed on an Indian reservation. The transition to the sand and harsh conditions took time to get used to. Sumiko made friends with other children, but had a hard time understanding how the children did whatever they wanted, often not listening to their parents. She also became friends with an Indian boy who was interested in learning about irrigation. Sumiko’s neighbor planted a garden complete with flowers thanks to Sumiko who had brought carnation seeds. When the time comes to leave Sumiko is sad to leave her friends and the place she called home in the middle of the desert.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is an incredible story of how a young girl finds happiness during a sad and uncertain time in her life. The character is developed to become a young girl finding her way during a time when her family has been placed in a prison camp because they are Japanese descendants. She is not bitter or angry, but she is lonely. Loneliness and boredom can be powerful and cause you to lose focus. The reader is taught that anything is possible, even in the harshest of conditions. Sumiko helped her neighbor build a beautiful garden by willingly helping to transport water to the site. What resulted was a garden that she was proud of and it kept her and her mind busy during a time in which there was little to do. She found peace in the structure of the camp, and was unhappy to leave and face a future of uncertainty that came with moving.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in School Library Journal: “Kadohata brings into play some complex issues, but they realistically dovetail with Sumiko’s growth from child to young woman”
Reviewed in Publishers Weekly: “Kadohata clearly and eloquently conveys her heroine’s mixture of shame, anger and courage. Readers will be inspired…”
CONNECTIONS
*Invite students to write a story about how life was different during World War II.
*Other books by Cynthia Kadohata:
Kadohata, Cynthia. KIRA-KIRA. ISBN 0689856407
Kadohata, Cynthia. CRACKER!: THE BEST DOG IN VIETNAM. ISBN 141690638X
ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
O’Dell, Scott.1960. ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395536804
PLOT SUMMARY
In the early 1800’s a young girl named Karana lived for 18 years on an Island all by herself, with a dog as a companion. This is the story of the young girl who watched her father be confronted by the foreign men who came to hunt otters on the island for their pelts. Her father and many of the other men died in the battle. Resulting in the new leader leaving in search of a new home for the remaining tribe. He sent a ship back for the tribe, in the confusion loading the boat the young girls brother does not board the ship. The brave young girl dives in the water to return to the island and wait with her brother for the ship to return. The young boy dies early the next morning when he is attacked by a pack of wild dogs. For eighteen years the girl lives on the Island learning to love it after experiencing so much sorrow. She befriends the lead dog of the wield pack after, she almost killed it. The dog becomes her constant companion. During her time on the Island she learns to do all of the skills which were only taught to the men. Through her resourcefulness she survived alone, until she was rescued many years later.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story is told in such a way that the reader is able to feel the young girls mourning and loss. The character is developed into a strong woman, who is fearful of strangers who come to her Island, and is able to learn what is necessary to survive on the island alone for so many years. The loneliness that she faced in her early days alone was challenging. Extreme Sorrow and agony. She learned to forgive the leader of the wild dog pack and befriend him. The dog developed into her constant companion. The story flows quickly keeping the reader engaged through Karana’s continual resourcefulness. She was able to keep herself busy in a quiet and lonely place. The reader will learn the history of the Indian girl from San Nicolas Island through this engaging story.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
John Newbery Medal. 1961Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. 1961
School Library Journal, Books That Shaped the Century. 2000
Reviewed in Library Journal: “a haunting and unusual story”
Reviewed in the Sunday Chicago Tribune: “This extraordinary book ... has the timeless, enduring quality of a classic."
CONNECTIONS
*Invite students to create their own story based on historical information.
*Other engaging books by Scott O’Dell:
O’Dell, Scott. THE BLACK PEARL. ISBN 0440411467 O’Dell, Scott. SING DOWN THE MOON. ISBN 0440979757
O’Dell, Scott.1960. ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395536804
PLOT SUMMARY
In the early 1800’s a young girl named Karana lived for 18 years on an Island all by herself, with a dog as a companion. This is the story of the young girl who watched her father be confronted by the foreign men who came to hunt otters on the island for their pelts. Her father and many of the other men died in the battle. Resulting in the new leader leaving in search of a new home for the remaining tribe. He sent a ship back for the tribe, in the confusion loading the boat the young girls brother does not board the ship. The brave young girl dives in the water to return to the island and wait with her brother for the ship to return. The young boy dies early the next morning when he is attacked by a pack of wild dogs. For eighteen years the girl lives on the Island learning to love it after experiencing so much sorrow. She befriends the lead dog of the wield pack after, she almost killed it. The dog becomes her constant companion. During her time on the Island she learns to do all of the skills which were only taught to the men. Through her resourcefulness she survived alone, until she was rescued many years later.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story is told in such a way that the reader is able to feel the young girls mourning and loss. The character is developed into a strong woman, who is fearful of strangers who come to her Island, and is able to learn what is necessary to survive on the island alone for so many years. The loneliness that she faced in her early days alone was challenging. Extreme Sorrow and agony. She learned to forgive the leader of the wild dog pack and befriend him. The dog developed into her constant companion. The story flows quickly keeping the reader engaged through Karana’s continual resourcefulness. She was able to keep herself busy in a quiet and lonely place. The reader will learn the history of the Indian girl from San Nicolas Island through this engaging story.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
John Newbery Medal. 1961Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. 1961
School Library Journal, Books That Shaped the Century. 2000
Reviewed in Library Journal: “a haunting and unusual story”
Reviewed in the Sunday Chicago Tribune: “This extraordinary book ... has the timeless, enduring quality of a classic."
CONNECTIONS
*Invite students to create their own story based on historical information.
*Other engaging books by Scott O’Dell:
O’Dell, Scott. THE BLACK PEARL. ISBN 0440411467 O’Dell, Scott. SING DOWN THE MOON. ISBN 0440979757
THE GREEN GRASS SEA
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Klages, Ellen. 2006. THE GREEN GRASS SEA. New York: Viking. ISBN 0670061344
PLOT SUMMARY
Dewey Carrigan is an 11 year old girl who has been raised by her grandmother, since her mother left when she was young and her father spends most of his time away at work. When her grandmother dies she is sent by train to join her father in New Mexico. She finds it lonely to live in a place that does not really exist, according to the government. Dewey finds comfort in her strong relationship with her dad and his support in her quest to build things out of gadgets. She has created her own radio. Dewey finds herself an outsider at school, with few friends. She does enjoy meeting the many scientists that lived at the hill, who were working on the top secret “gadget”. Dewey’s world is shattered when her father dies suddenly and she is left living with a fellow classmate’s family. Through the pain, Dewey finds a place in her classmate’s family. As the gadget is successfully tested and the family learns of its intended use and is distraught to learn of the government’s plans.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story is set in 1943 During World War II, when the American Military was developing a “gadget” to end the war. Dewey’s character felt much pain in her lifetime. She was developed as a girl who did not easily fit in with the other students. Los Alamos became a home to her; she was thrilled to be living with her father again after so many years. The book gives the reader a real impression of what life was like on the hill for the children. Life was not easy for the children, bored and often unsupervised. The children learned quickly that it was a sacrifice for their country, and that the gadget was important. The secrets of Los Alamos are slowly revealed in the book, educating the reader on what life was like for the families and scientists who lived there. Young readers will learn the historical significance of Los Alamos; it is a real place with a real purpose, and that the mystery gadget was the atomic bomb which was used to end World War II.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Scott O’Dell Award: Historical Fiction 2007
School Library Journal: “Clear prose brings readers right into the unusual atmosphere of the secretive scientific community, seen through the eyes of the kids and their families.”
Booklist: “the characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history classes.”
CONNECTIONS
*Other books about Los Alamos; invite students to learn more about life on “the hill”.
Broder, Bernice. TALES OF LOS ALAMOS; LIFE ON THE MESA 1943-1945. ISBN 0941232174.
Mason, Katrina. CHILDREN OF LOS ALAMOS: AN ORAL HISTORY OF THE TOWN WHERE THE ATOMIC AGE BEGAN. ISBN 0805791388
*Other books by Ellen Klages;
Klages, Ellen. WHITE SANDS, RED MENACE. ISBN 0670062359
Klages, Ellen. PORTABLE CHILDHOODS. ISBN 0670062359
Klages, Ellen. 2006. THE GREEN GRASS SEA. New York: Viking. ISBN 0670061344
PLOT SUMMARY
Dewey Carrigan is an 11 year old girl who has been raised by her grandmother, since her mother left when she was young and her father spends most of his time away at work. When her grandmother dies she is sent by train to join her father in New Mexico. She finds it lonely to live in a place that does not really exist, according to the government. Dewey finds comfort in her strong relationship with her dad and his support in her quest to build things out of gadgets. She has created her own radio. Dewey finds herself an outsider at school, with few friends. She does enjoy meeting the many scientists that lived at the hill, who were working on the top secret “gadget”. Dewey’s world is shattered when her father dies suddenly and she is left living with a fellow classmate’s family. Through the pain, Dewey finds a place in her classmate’s family. As the gadget is successfully tested and the family learns of its intended use and is distraught to learn of the government’s plans.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story is set in 1943 During World War II, when the American Military was developing a “gadget” to end the war. Dewey’s character felt much pain in her lifetime. She was developed as a girl who did not easily fit in with the other students. Los Alamos became a home to her; she was thrilled to be living with her father again after so many years. The book gives the reader a real impression of what life was like on the hill for the children. Life was not easy for the children, bored and often unsupervised. The children learned quickly that it was a sacrifice for their country, and that the gadget was important. The secrets of Los Alamos are slowly revealed in the book, educating the reader on what life was like for the families and scientists who lived there. Young readers will learn the historical significance of Los Alamos; it is a real place with a real purpose, and that the mystery gadget was the atomic bomb which was used to end World War II.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Scott O’Dell Award: Historical Fiction 2007
School Library Journal: “Clear prose brings readers right into the unusual atmosphere of the secretive scientific community, seen through the eyes of the kids and their families.”
Booklist: “the characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history classes.”
CONNECTIONS
*Other books about Los Alamos; invite students to learn more about life on “the hill”.
Broder, Bernice. TALES OF LOS ALAMOS; LIFE ON THE MESA 1943-1945. ISBN 0941232174.
Mason, Katrina. CHILDREN OF LOS ALAMOS: AN ORAL HISTORY OF THE TOWN WHERE THE ATOMIC AGE BEGAN. ISBN 0805791388
*Other books by Ellen Klages;
Klages, Ellen. WHITE SANDS, RED MENACE. ISBN 0670062359
Klages, Ellen. PORTABLE CHILDHOODS. ISBN 0670062359
Saturday, July 18, 2009
THE WALL: GROWING UP BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sis, Peter. 2007. THE WALL: GROWING UP BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN. New York: Frances Foster Books. ISBN 9780374347017
PLOT SUMMARY
Peter Sis grew up in Czechoslovakia during the time in which it was ruled by the Soviets. As a child he loved to draw and sketch. As he grew in age and ability, so did the strong hold of the communists. “Children are encouraged to report on their families and fellow students” at this stage he only draws what he is told to draw. The Berlin wall is built in 1961, dividing the city in half. As he grew older he began to question what he had been taught. Painting in secret and joining a rock band. Censorship is slowly lifted and he is able to experience the Beatles, Coca Cola and blue jeans it was the summer of 1968.
Over time the censorship returned and he realized that his dreams were safe, yet his drawings could be used against him. He discovered peace in painting the interior of his home, including his refrigerator. The Berlin wall fell in 1989. He now lives in America with his family, yet returns to Czechoslovakia to visit his extended family. Peter Sis finds it challenging to put into words what the beautiful country was like when he was growing up. Full of suspicion, fear, and lies, a world he preferred to see through his drawings, a comfort in uncertain times.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Peter Sis uses crosshatched black-and-white drawings of parades and what life was like growing up in Prague. The additions of color add another dimension to this representation of what life was like through his eyes. Even with the obvious color, the black ink allows the reader to feel and experience the oppression of the time. When oppression is lifted, colors and experiences abound. This story of Peter Sis’s experience of growing up gives us a rare glimpse into the world behind the iron curtain.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “terrific design dramatizes the conflict between conformity and creative freedom”
Starred Review in Publishers Weekly:”the author pairs his remarkable artistry with journal entries, historical context and period photography to create a powerful account of his childhood.”
Caldecott Honor Book: 2008
Sibert Award Winner: 2008
CONNECTIONS
*Have students read several books by Peter Sis, and have students write a story about their own childhood, and create their own black and white sketch drawing.
*Other books by Peter Sis:
Sis, Peter. MADELENKA. ISBN 0374399697
Sis, Peter. THE THREE GOLDEN KEYS. ISBN 0374375259
Sis, Peter. 2007. THE WALL: GROWING UP BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN. New York: Frances Foster Books. ISBN 9780374347017
PLOT SUMMARY
Peter Sis grew up in Czechoslovakia during the time in which it was ruled by the Soviets. As a child he loved to draw and sketch. As he grew in age and ability, so did the strong hold of the communists. “Children are encouraged to report on their families and fellow students” at this stage he only draws what he is told to draw. The Berlin wall is built in 1961, dividing the city in half. As he grew older he began to question what he had been taught. Painting in secret and joining a rock band. Censorship is slowly lifted and he is able to experience the Beatles, Coca Cola and blue jeans it was the summer of 1968.
Over time the censorship returned and he realized that his dreams were safe, yet his drawings could be used against him. He discovered peace in painting the interior of his home, including his refrigerator. The Berlin wall fell in 1989. He now lives in America with his family, yet returns to Czechoslovakia to visit his extended family. Peter Sis finds it challenging to put into words what the beautiful country was like when he was growing up. Full of suspicion, fear, and lies, a world he preferred to see through his drawings, a comfort in uncertain times.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Peter Sis uses crosshatched black-and-white drawings of parades and what life was like growing up in Prague. The additions of color add another dimension to this representation of what life was like through his eyes. Even with the obvious color, the black ink allows the reader to feel and experience the oppression of the time. When oppression is lifted, colors and experiences abound. This story of Peter Sis’s experience of growing up gives us a rare glimpse into the world behind the iron curtain.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “terrific design dramatizes the conflict between conformity and creative freedom”
Starred Review in Publishers Weekly:”the author pairs his remarkable artistry with journal entries, historical context and period photography to create a powerful account of his childhood.”
Caldecott Honor Book: 2008
Sibert Award Winner: 2008
CONNECTIONS
*Have students read several books by Peter Sis, and have students write a story about their own childhood, and create their own black and white sketch drawing.
*Other books by Peter Sis:
Sis, Peter. MADELENKA. ISBN 0374399697
Sis, Peter. THE THREE GOLDEN KEYS. ISBN 0374375259
ENCANTADO: PINK DOLPHIN OF THE AMAZON
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Montgomery, Sy. 2002. ENCANTADO: PINK DOLPHIN OF THE AMAZON. Photographs by Dianne Taylor-Snow. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618131035
PLOT SUMMARY
The Encantado, pink dolphin of the Amazon is an elusive animal. It is able to survive in the Amazon River by having a flexible body that is able to maneuver the often times dense and dark Amazon River. The dolphin is a rare sight since they swim low and never jump out of the water. The illusiveness of the dolphins makes them special and magical to the people who live along the river. The author takes readers on a trip down the river to understand the people, culture, and the importance of preserving the rainforest.
The author documents in second person what it would be like to study these animals based on her own observations. Some days there were many sightings, and on one particular day “They surfaced at the same moment within fifty yards of the canoe, a big pink mother and a little gray young one.” They also live among many other amazing animals. Piranhas, and electric eels will cause you think twice before swimming in the murky water to look for the Encantado. The water is also home to armored catfish which are descendants from the Devonian era 400 million years ago.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Photographs taken by Dianne Taylor-Snow are bright and colorful. The photographs bring reality to a rather elusive animal. They also allow the reader to connect to how people live in different parts of the world. The Encantado photographs in the book were taken of the Encantado that resides at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Readers are intrigued by the numerous topics and photographs that the author relates to the environment in which the Encantado lives.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “children with a taste for adventure will enjoy this enthusiastic field trip to the rainforest and chance meetings with everything from cute monkeys to stinging black ants.”
Reviewed in School Library Journal: “a magical environment as readers accompany the author and a guide on a voyage to investigate these little-known animals.”
CONNECTIONS
*Invite students to participate in a lesson that compares and contrasts Dolphins and Encantados.
*Other books by Sy Montgomery:
Montgomery, Sy. JOURNEY OF THE PINK DOLPHINS: AN AMAZON QUEST. ISBN 0743200268Montgomery, Sy. THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST: SCIENTIST IN THE FIELD. ISBN 061891577X
Montgomery, Sy. 2002. ENCANTADO: PINK DOLPHIN OF THE AMAZON. Photographs by Dianne Taylor-Snow. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618131035
PLOT SUMMARY
The Encantado, pink dolphin of the Amazon is an elusive animal. It is able to survive in the Amazon River by having a flexible body that is able to maneuver the often times dense and dark Amazon River. The dolphin is a rare sight since they swim low and never jump out of the water. The illusiveness of the dolphins makes them special and magical to the people who live along the river. The author takes readers on a trip down the river to understand the people, culture, and the importance of preserving the rainforest.
The author documents in second person what it would be like to study these animals based on her own observations. Some days there were many sightings, and on one particular day “They surfaced at the same moment within fifty yards of the canoe, a big pink mother and a little gray young one.” They also live among many other amazing animals. Piranhas, and electric eels will cause you think twice before swimming in the murky water to look for the Encantado. The water is also home to armored catfish which are descendants from the Devonian era 400 million years ago.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Photographs taken by Dianne Taylor-Snow are bright and colorful. The photographs bring reality to a rather elusive animal. They also allow the reader to connect to how people live in different parts of the world. The Encantado photographs in the book were taken of the Encantado that resides at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Readers are intrigued by the numerous topics and photographs that the author relates to the environment in which the Encantado lives.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “children with a taste for adventure will enjoy this enthusiastic field trip to the rainforest and chance meetings with everything from cute monkeys to stinging black ants.”
Reviewed in School Library Journal: “a magical environment as readers accompany the author and a guide on a voyage to investigate these little-known animals.”
CONNECTIONS
*Invite students to participate in a lesson that compares and contrasts Dolphins and Encantados.
*Other books by Sy Montgomery:
Montgomery, Sy. JOURNEY OF THE PINK DOLPHINS: AN AMAZON QUEST. ISBN 0743200268Montgomery, Sy. THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST: SCIENTIST IN THE FIELD. ISBN 061891577X
THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET: HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SEUSS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET: HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SEUSS. Ill. by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher. New York: Random Mills. ISBN 0375822984
PLOT SUMMARY
Dr. Seuss grew up on Fairfield Street. His family were German immigrants, which left him misunderstood by many in his school and community. He grew up hearing stories at dinner about animals at the zoo and his mother dreamed of him going to college, so she told him verse poetry stories at bedtime. Ted Geisel is his real name; he grew up frustrating teachers with his constant doodling in class, and was told by an art teacher that he had no talent, since he was changing all the rules of typical art. Dr. Seuss adopted his pen name after college, and moved to Greenwich Village to begin his career.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Kathleen Krull writes an engaging Biography about Ted Geisel also known as Dr. Seuss. She engages the reader quickly as you learn about Dr. Seuss’s childhood and the obstacles he overcame to refine his talents and become a well known children’s author. He became inspired to find a career that utilized his talents for doodling and writing verse. At the age of twenty two he decided “he could share his own love of reading, animals, and justice” with children around the world and on Fairfield Street.
The paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher cast a nostalgic light with old fashioned paintings. They enable you to believe that you are in 1915. The illustrations enable the reader to journey with Ted as he grows up to have life experiences that enable him to become the well known Dr. Seuss. Many of the experiences are shown through full page illustrations which emphasize the importance of the event to the reader. The look of disgust on his teachers face when he is doodling in class and the injustice which he experienced on the playground as a child. These experiences led him to create such unique stories and animals.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in BOOKLIST:”delightful picture-book biography about Giesel that chronicles how he became an innovative writer and illustrator beloved by readers young and old.”
Reviewed in HORN BOOK: “the real story here is of a boy who couldn't stop doodling.”
CONNECTIONS
*Invite children to share their favorite Dr. Seuss story.
*Other books by Dr. Seuss
Seuss Geisel, Theodor. THE CAT IN THE HAT. ISBN 039480001X
Seuss Geisel, Theodor. GREEN EGGS AND HAM. ISBN 0545002850
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET: HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SEUSS. Ill. by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher. New York: Random Mills. ISBN 0375822984
PLOT SUMMARY
Dr. Seuss grew up on Fairfield Street. His family were German immigrants, which left him misunderstood by many in his school and community. He grew up hearing stories at dinner about animals at the zoo and his mother dreamed of him going to college, so she told him verse poetry stories at bedtime. Ted Geisel is his real name; he grew up frustrating teachers with his constant doodling in class, and was told by an art teacher that he had no talent, since he was changing all the rules of typical art. Dr. Seuss adopted his pen name after college, and moved to Greenwich Village to begin his career.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Kathleen Krull writes an engaging Biography about Ted Geisel also known as Dr. Seuss. She engages the reader quickly as you learn about Dr. Seuss’s childhood and the obstacles he overcame to refine his talents and become a well known children’s author. He became inspired to find a career that utilized his talents for doodling and writing verse. At the age of twenty two he decided “he could share his own love of reading, animals, and justice” with children around the world and on Fairfield Street.
The paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher cast a nostalgic light with old fashioned paintings. They enable you to believe that you are in 1915. The illustrations enable the reader to journey with Ted as he grows up to have life experiences that enable him to become the well known Dr. Seuss. Many of the experiences are shown through full page illustrations which emphasize the importance of the event to the reader. The look of disgust on his teachers face when he is doodling in class and the injustice which he experienced on the playground as a child. These experiences led him to create such unique stories and animals.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in BOOKLIST:”delightful picture-book biography about Giesel that chronicles how he became an innovative writer and illustrator beloved by readers young and old.”
Reviewed in HORN BOOK: “the real story here is of a boy who couldn't stop doodling.”
CONNECTIONS
*Invite children to share their favorite Dr. Seuss story.
*Other books by Dr. Seuss
Seuss Geisel, Theodor. THE CAT IN THE HAT. ISBN 039480001X
Seuss Geisel, Theodor. GREEN EGGS AND HAM. ISBN 0545002850
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
OUT OF THE DUST
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hesse, Karen. 1997. OUT OF THE DUST. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0590376195
PLOT SUMMARY
Billie Jo is growing up in Oklahoma in the 1930 when the panhandle was having many struggles with dust storms. The verse novel discusses the hard life style that Billie Jo had growing up. Her father attempts to grow wheat off of the land, yet the dust and lack of rain destroy all hopes of a good crop. Billie Jo’s father leaves a pot of kerosene on the stove and her ma and baby brother dies from the burns that resulted from Billie Jo trying to get rid of the kerosene by throwing it out the front door. Left behind are Billie Jo with severely burnt hands and her father. The story follows them through their struggles and mourning their losses. When Billie Jo finally decides to run away, she realizes that there is no place like home and is quick to return and repair the relationship with her father and help him rebuild their farm.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Karen Hesse’s utilization of verse in the writing of this novel makes it very readable and enjoyable. She utilizes first person to enable the reader to feel connected to what she is writing. The content is bleak at times, yet the book is fast paced due to the free verse writing style. I found Billie Jo to be a strong character; she went through a lot in a short period of time. The pain she must have felt after she burnt her hands. She states “I keep my raw and stinging hands behind my back when he comes near, because he stares when he sees them.” At 14 she had suffered so much, yet she found strength in herself to push forward and find peace at home. This book will help students understand what life was like in 1930 and how different it is from today.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in Horn Book: “nearly every word informed by longing, provides an immediacy that expressively depicts both a grim historical era and one’s family healing.”
Reviewed in Booklist: “This is an excellent book for discussion, and many of the poems stand alone sufficiently to be used as powerful supplements to a history lesson.”
Newberry Medal Winner, 1998, Notable Children’s Books, 1998, Best Books for Young Adults, 1998, and Booklist Editors’ Choice: Books for Youth, 1997.
CONNECTIONS
*Incorporate writing verse poetry into an upcoming lesson plan, allow students to write about a topic important to them relating to family.
*Other engaging verse novels:
Frost, Helen. DIAMOND WILLOW. ISBN 9780374317768
Hesse, Karen. ALEUTIAN SPARROW. ISBN 0689861893
Hesse, Karen. Witness. ISBN 0439271991
Hesse, Karen. 1997. OUT OF THE DUST. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0590376195
PLOT SUMMARY
Billie Jo is growing up in Oklahoma in the 1930 when the panhandle was having many struggles with dust storms. The verse novel discusses the hard life style that Billie Jo had growing up. Her father attempts to grow wheat off of the land, yet the dust and lack of rain destroy all hopes of a good crop. Billie Jo’s father leaves a pot of kerosene on the stove and her ma and baby brother dies from the burns that resulted from Billie Jo trying to get rid of the kerosene by throwing it out the front door. Left behind are Billie Jo with severely burnt hands and her father. The story follows them through their struggles and mourning their losses. When Billie Jo finally decides to run away, she realizes that there is no place like home and is quick to return and repair the relationship with her father and help him rebuild their farm.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Karen Hesse’s utilization of verse in the writing of this novel makes it very readable and enjoyable. She utilizes first person to enable the reader to feel connected to what she is writing. The content is bleak at times, yet the book is fast paced due to the free verse writing style. I found Billie Jo to be a strong character; she went through a lot in a short period of time. The pain she must have felt after she burnt her hands. She states “I keep my raw and stinging hands behind my back when he comes near, because he stares when he sees them.” At 14 she had suffered so much, yet she found strength in herself to push forward and find peace at home. This book will help students understand what life was like in 1930 and how different it is from today.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in Horn Book: “nearly every word informed by longing, provides an immediacy that expressively depicts both a grim historical era and one’s family healing.”
Reviewed in Booklist: “This is an excellent book for discussion, and many of the poems stand alone sufficiently to be used as powerful supplements to a history lesson.”
Newberry Medal Winner, 1998, Notable Children’s Books, 1998, Best Books for Young Adults, 1998, and Booklist Editors’ Choice: Books for Youth, 1997.
CONNECTIONS
*Incorporate writing verse poetry into an upcoming lesson plan, allow students to write about a topic important to them relating to family.
*Other engaging verse novels:
Frost, Helen. DIAMOND WILLOW. ISBN 9780374317768
Hesse, Karen. ALEUTIAN SPARROW. ISBN 0689861893
Hesse, Karen. Witness. ISBN 0439271991
TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
George, Kristine O’Connell. 2001. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York: Clarion. ISBN 061804597X.
PLOT SUMMARY
A young girl travels to the mountains with her family. She describes what her adventures are like through the eyes of a child. You are given a sense of what it would be like to row a boat, see a moose, pitch a tent, and toast marshmallows. When it comes time to travel home, the young girl brings a rock home as a promise to return again soon, and she keeps her favorite flannel shirt in her bottom dresser drawer to always remind her of the smells of the mountains.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This 30 piece collection of poetry forms the perfect family story of a summer camping trip to the mountains. The young girl feels at home in the outdoors, and enjoys the various adventures she has with her family. In the poem The Best Paths, she writes that “the best paths hide themselves until the right someone comes along.” The poems express common things that a family would do or see while camping and exploring their surroundings. The poems allow students to envision themselves camping, even if they have never been before.
Kate Kiesler uses inviting oil paintings to visualize each of the poems. She creates a cast of characters in the perfect setting. The continually changing vistas offer a sense of surprise as the pages are turned. In Sleeping Outside, you get the feeling of camping high up the sierras among the trees and stars. The brightness and closeness of the stars enables the reader to feel as though the stars are in reach. The illustrations portray a realistic experience of a family adventure high in the mountains.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in School Library Journal: “The poems are varied and inventive, replete with marvelous images and universal truths.”
Starred Review in Booklist: “fine collection brings the outdoors up close…direct, satisfying poems that will engage kids at school, across the curriculum, or at home.”
Reviewed in Horn Book: “The pleasure and surprise of going camping are conveyed in thirty brief poems.”
CONNECTIONS
*Invite children to write a poem about camping.
*Other engaging books of poetry about the great outdoors:
Asch, Frank. CACTUS POEMS. ISBN 0152006761
Bates, Katharine Lee. AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL. ISBN 0399238859
George, Kristine O’Connell. 2001. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York: Clarion. ISBN 061804597X.
PLOT SUMMARY
A young girl travels to the mountains with her family. She describes what her adventures are like through the eyes of a child. You are given a sense of what it would be like to row a boat, see a moose, pitch a tent, and toast marshmallows. When it comes time to travel home, the young girl brings a rock home as a promise to return again soon, and she keeps her favorite flannel shirt in her bottom dresser drawer to always remind her of the smells of the mountains.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This 30 piece collection of poetry forms the perfect family story of a summer camping trip to the mountains. The young girl feels at home in the outdoors, and enjoys the various adventures she has with her family. In the poem The Best Paths, she writes that “the best paths hide themselves until the right someone comes along.” The poems express common things that a family would do or see while camping and exploring their surroundings. The poems allow students to envision themselves camping, even if they have never been before.
Kate Kiesler uses inviting oil paintings to visualize each of the poems. She creates a cast of characters in the perfect setting. The continually changing vistas offer a sense of surprise as the pages are turned. In Sleeping Outside, you get the feeling of camping high up the sierras among the trees and stars. The brightness and closeness of the stars enables the reader to feel as though the stars are in reach. The illustrations portray a realistic experience of a family adventure high in the mountains.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in School Library Journal: “The poems are varied and inventive, replete with marvelous images and universal truths.”
Starred Review in Booklist: “fine collection brings the outdoors up close…direct, satisfying poems that will engage kids at school, across the curriculum, or at home.”
Reviewed in Horn Book: “The pleasure and surprise of going camping are conveyed in thirty brief poems.”
CONNECTIONS
*Invite children to write a poem about camping.
*Other engaging books of poetry about the great outdoors:
Asch, Frank. CACTUS POEMS. ISBN 0152006761
Bates, Katharine Lee. AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL. ISBN 0399238859
Family Reunion
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Singer, Marilyn. 1994. FAMILY REUNION. Ill. by R. W. Alley. New York: Macmillan. ISBN 0027828832
PLOT SUMMARY:
On a summer afternoon in a small park, a family reunion takes place. The story is a collection of 14 poems that describe in humorous detail the goings on at the party. The poems create a wonderful story of a family that loves to spend time together. The poems cover the many silly antics and games. The narrator describes all the silly games the children play. Including searching for Beavers in the pond, and this year they found Uncle Bill’s hairpiece. In closing the narrator reflects on the fun the family had together and the special memories that he has, and on the anticipated arrival of a family photo.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
The book is full of poems which allow the reader to feel as though they are part of reunion themselves. In the poem Aunt Alicia, “I wish that someday she’d startle us in sneakers” the narrator talks about how different their Aunt is from everyone else, and how they love her just the way she is. The poems are full of life and fun including Slow-Motion Sprint, in which “it’s hard so hard inching along like worms in a wheat field…that in the end we no longer care who the winner is.” The family comes together and enjoys each other, including their differences.
The illustrations with their cartoon like feel, add to the whimsical feeling of this book. The watercolor and ink drawings allow children to feel connected to the different poems. Each page is illustrated in a way that allows a child’s imagination to think about how fun it would be if they were at the family reunion.
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
School Library Journal: “Family love and humor make this book a winner to share with children.”
Booklist: “Anyone who has been to a summertime family reunion will recognize the people, events, tastes, and smells captured in this lively collection of 14 poems.”
Horn Book: “Alley's whimsical pen and wash illustrations capture the humorous idiosyncrasies of the various characters.”
CONNECTIONS:
*Invite children to write a poem about their own family.
*Other engaging books of poetry for children:
Aber, Linda Williams. THE BIG GOLDEN BOOK OF LAUGHS: A TREASURY OF POEMS, JOKES, RIDDLES, AND RHYMES. ISBN 0-307-14902-1 Agard, John, Nichols, Grace & Jabar, Cynthia. NO HICKORY, NO DICKORY, NO DOCK: CARIBBEAN NURSERY RHYMES. ISBN 1567021564
Singer, Marilyn. 1994. FAMILY REUNION. Ill. by R. W. Alley. New York: Macmillan. ISBN 0027828832
PLOT SUMMARY:
On a summer afternoon in a small park, a family reunion takes place. The story is a collection of 14 poems that describe in humorous detail the goings on at the party. The poems create a wonderful story of a family that loves to spend time together. The poems cover the many silly antics and games. The narrator describes all the silly games the children play. Including searching for Beavers in the pond, and this year they found Uncle Bill’s hairpiece. In closing the narrator reflects on the fun the family had together and the special memories that he has, and on the anticipated arrival of a family photo.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
The book is full of poems which allow the reader to feel as though they are part of reunion themselves. In the poem Aunt Alicia, “I wish that someday she’d startle us in sneakers” the narrator talks about how different their Aunt is from everyone else, and how they love her just the way she is. The poems are full of life and fun including Slow-Motion Sprint, in which “it’s hard so hard inching along like worms in a wheat field…that in the end we no longer care who the winner is.” The family comes together and enjoys each other, including their differences.
The illustrations with their cartoon like feel, add to the whimsical feeling of this book. The watercolor and ink drawings allow children to feel connected to the different poems. Each page is illustrated in a way that allows a child’s imagination to think about how fun it would be if they were at the family reunion.
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
School Library Journal: “Family love and humor make this book a winner to share with children.”
Booklist: “Anyone who has been to a summertime family reunion will recognize the people, events, tastes, and smells captured in this lively collection of 14 poems.”
Horn Book: “Alley's whimsical pen and wash illustrations capture the humorous idiosyncrasies of the various characters.”
CONNECTIONS:
*Invite children to write a poem about their own family.
*Other engaging books of poetry for children:
Aber, Linda Williams. THE BIG GOLDEN BOOK OF LAUGHS: A TREASURY OF POEMS, JOKES, RIDDLES, AND RHYMES. ISBN 0-307-14902-1 Agard, John, Nichols, Grace & Jabar, Cynthia. NO HICKORY, NO DICKORY, NO DOCK: CARIBBEAN NURSERY RHYMES. ISBN 1567021564
Saturday, June 27, 2009
AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND: FOLK POETRY FROM EVERYONE
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schwartz, Alvin. 1992. AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND: FOLK POETRY FROM EVERYONE. Ill by. Sue Truesdell. Harper Collins. ISDN 0060227575
PLOT SUMMARY
AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND is a compilation of children’s folk poetry by the late author Alvin Schwartz. The poetry is organized in themed chapters covering People, Food, School, Teases and Taunts, Wishes and Warnings, Love and Marriage, Work, Stories, Nonsense, Riddles, Fun and Games, Rain and Shine, A Tree, Animals and Insects, and Other Things. A few child favorites are On top of Spaghetti, Miss Lucy had a baby and Cinderella dressed in yella. The folk poetry contains many silly solutions to everyday situations and problems.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
These stories and poems are favorites of many children. The origination of these many poems is unknown, yet can change as they are told from one person to another. Each storyteller can alter the poem to be representative of their own culture. This book compiles the many songs and poems which we hear as a child. It is a treasure to have them all in one place. Sue Truesdell illustrates multicultural drawings which are full of life and give each poem a connection to the reader. They are able to sense that they have become part of the story. The drawings also add a bit of energized whimsy to the stories and poems.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “The universal rhymes that kids all over the world seem to learn from each other”
Reviewed in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Once the kids discover it, it will always be checked out.”
Reviewed in KIRKUS: “It’s hard to imagine a child who wouldn’t greet this treasure trove with enthusiasm.”
Notable Children’s Book of 1993, 1993 Fanfare Honor List: HORN BOOK, Children’s Choices for 1993.
CONNECTIONS
*This story is an excellent source for presenting poetry to children. Children will quickly recognize one of the previous poems or stories that they have heard before.
*Other folklore books by Alvin Schwartz:
Schwartz, Alvin. BUSY BUZZING BUMBLEBEES AND OTHER TONGUE TWISTERS. ISBN: 0060252685Schwartz, Alvin. GHOSTS!: GHOSTLY TALES FROM FOLKLORE. ISBN: 0060217960
Schwartz, Alvin. 1992. AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND: FOLK POETRY FROM EVERYONE. Ill by. Sue Truesdell. Harper Collins. ISDN 0060227575
PLOT SUMMARY
AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND is a compilation of children’s folk poetry by the late author Alvin Schwartz. The poetry is organized in themed chapters covering People, Food, School, Teases and Taunts, Wishes and Warnings, Love and Marriage, Work, Stories, Nonsense, Riddles, Fun and Games, Rain and Shine, A Tree, Animals and Insects, and Other Things. A few child favorites are On top of Spaghetti, Miss Lucy had a baby and Cinderella dressed in yella. The folk poetry contains many silly solutions to everyday situations and problems.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
These stories and poems are favorites of many children. The origination of these many poems is unknown, yet can change as they are told from one person to another. Each storyteller can alter the poem to be representative of their own culture. This book compiles the many songs and poems which we hear as a child. It is a treasure to have them all in one place. Sue Truesdell illustrates multicultural drawings which are full of life and give each poem a connection to the reader. They are able to sense that they have become part of the story. The drawings also add a bit of energized whimsy to the stories and poems.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “The universal rhymes that kids all over the world seem to learn from each other”
Reviewed in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Once the kids discover it, it will always be checked out.”
Reviewed in KIRKUS: “It’s hard to imagine a child who wouldn’t greet this treasure trove with enthusiasm.”
Notable Children’s Book of 1993, 1993 Fanfare Honor List: HORN BOOK, Children’s Choices for 1993.
CONNECTIONS
*This story is an excellent source for presenting poetry to children. Children will quickly recognize one of the previous poems or stories that they have heard before.
*Other folklore books by Alvin Schwartz:
Schwartz, Alvin. BUSY BUZZING BUMBLEBEES AND OTHER TONGUE TWISTERS. ISBN: 0060252685Schwartz, Alvin. GHOSTS!: GHOSTLY TALES FROM FOLKLORE. ISBN: 0060217960
GLASS SLIPPER, GOLD SANDAL: A WORLDWIDE CINDERELLA
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fleischman, Paul. 2007. GLASS SLIPPER, GOLD SANDAL A WORLDWIDE CINDERELLA. Ill. by Julie Paschkis. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 080507953X
PLOT SUMMARY
GLASS SLIPPER, GOLD SANDAL A WORLDWIDE CINDERELLA is the combination of Cinderella stories from seventeen different countries. Thirty six separate details have been taken to create a new Cinderella story. In this version of Cinderella, the story begins in Mexico were Cinderella encourages her father to marry the widow who lived down the road. As the story continues to travel through different countries, Cinderella’s aunty changes a big round breadfruit into a carriage for her to ride in to the ball. When she rides away from the ball, the glass slipper or sandal of gold is left in the prince’s hand as he tries to stop her. In the end Cinderella and the Prince marry at a lavish ceremony.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story teaches its readers that there are many cultural differences in Cinderella stories from around the world. The story of Cinderella has many versions, and this will become a new favorite to all who read it. Cinderella travels with ease from country to country. The story flows easily allowing the reader to stop and reflect on the differences within each countries story.
The illustrations by Julie Paschkis allow the book to come to life as a color Kaleidoscope. Each country has its own color and artwork that is used as a folkloric backdrop. This enables the reader to quickly realize that Cinderella has traveled to another country. The illustrations are representative of the country whose story is being told on the page. This gives readers a further glimpse into the cultures from around the world.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred Review in BOOKLIST: “sophisticated piece of artistry”
Starred Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “As Newbery Medalist Fleischman’s strong storytelling voice incorporates sometimes small details from different traditions”
Review in HORN BOOK: “a Kaleidoscope of storytelling styles and ethnic and cultural details.”
CONNECTIONS
*This story is an excellent choice for teaching Children how similar stories are written in different countries. This book also teaches children how diversity can create a wonderful new story.
*Other stories about Cinderella from different cultures:
Climo, Shirley. THE IRISH CINDERLAD. ISBN 0064435776
Coburn, Jewell. DOMITILA: A CINDERELLA TALE FROM THE MEXICAN TRADITION. ISBN 1885008139
Dwyer, Mindy. THE SALMON PRINCESS: AN ALASKA CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 1570613559
Sierra, Judy. THE GIFT OF THE CROCODILE: A CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 0689821883
Takayama, Sandi. SUMORELLA: A HAWAII CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 1573060275
Fleischman, Paul. 2007. GLASS SLIPPER, GOLD SANDAL A WORLDWIDE CINDERELLA. Ill. by Julie Paschkis. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 080507953X
PLOT SUMMARY
GLASS SLIPPER, GOLD SANDAL A WORLDWIDE CINDERELLA is the combination of Cinderella stories from seventeen different countries. Thirty six separate details have been taken to create a new Cinderella story. In this version of Cinderella, the story begins in Mexico were Cinderella encourages her father to marry the widow who lived down the road. As the story continues to travel through different countries, Cinderella’s aunty changes a big round breadfruit into a carriage for her to ride in to the ball. When she rides away from the ball, the glass slipper or sandal of gold is left in the prince’s hand as he tries to stop her. In the end Cinderella and the Prince marry at a lavish ceremony.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story teaches its readers that there are many cultural differences in Cinderella stories from around the world. The story of Cinderella has many versions, and this will become a new favorite to all who read it. Cinderella travels with ease from country to country. The story flows easily allowing the reader to stop and reflect on the differences within each countries story.
The illustrations by Julie Paschkis allow the book to come to life as a color Kaleidoscope. Each country has its own color and artwork that is used as a folkloric backdrop. This enables the reader to quickly realize that Cinderella has traveled to another country. The illustrations are representative of the country whose story is being told on the page. This gives readers a further glimpse into the cultures from around the world.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred Review in BOOKLIST: “sophisticated piece of artistry”
Starred Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “As Newbery Medalist Fleischman’s strong storytelling voice incorporates sometimes small details from different traditions”
Review in HORN BOOK: “a Kaleidoscope of storytelling styles and ethnic and cultural details.”
CONNECTIONS
*This story is an excellent choice for teaching Children how similar stories are written in different countries. This book also teaches children how diversity can create a wonderful new story.
*Other stories about Cinderella from different cultures:
Climo, Shirley. THE IRISH CINDERLAD. ISBN 0064435776
Coburn, Jewell. DOMITILA: A CINDERELLA TALE FROM THE MEXICAN TRADITION. ISBN 1885008139
Dwyer, Mindy. THE SALMON PRINCESS: AN ALASKA CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 1570613559
Sierra, Judy. THE GIFT OF THE CROCODILE: A CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 0689821883
Takayama, Sandi. SUMORELLA: A HAWAII CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 1573060275
THE ADVENTURES OF HERSHEL OF OSTROPOL
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kimmel, Eric, Retold. 1995. THE ADVENTURES OF HERSHEL OF OSTROPOL. Ill. by Trina Schart Hyman. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823412105
PLOT SUMMARY
THE ADVENTURES OF HERSHEL OF OSTROPOL is a collection of Ten Yiddish folktales set in the 19th century Ukraine. In this version, Hershel is a wandering beggar who endears himself to the common folk by making pompous people look foolish. The ten different stories illustrate the elaborate stories Hershel told to trick people out of money in order to buy his family food. Hershel’s family was very poor, often times they only ate potatoes. He wanted to feed his family without working. Hershel’s uncle is tricked multiple times in to giving him money for his foolish plans which always ended up with a bountiful dinner for his family and his uncle’s pockets empty.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
These stories illustrate how a poor beggar was able to fool people out of their own money, during a time when many people were going hungry. The joy and wit of the story do not overshadow the references to daily poverty. This collection of short stories is easy to read and would be a valuable resource on a lesson about folktales. The illustrations at the beginning of each story show Hershel’s farcical interchanges with fellow characters. The black and white drawings have exquisite detail and help readers relate back to the original time and place of these stories.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “With their wry idiom, these are stories for telling across generations.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Ten superbly retold Hershel of Ostropol tales”
HORN BOOK: “Each story is illustrated with humorous black-and-white drawings.”
CONNECTIONS
*This book would be excellent for a lesson about Yiddish folktales. It will allow students to connect with the trickster in themselves.
*Other stories about timeless tricksters:
Johnson-Davies, Denys. GOHA THE WISE FOOL. ISBN 0399242228
Kimmel, Eric. HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS. ISBN 0823411311
Kimmel, Eric. ANANSI AND THE TALKING MELON. ISBN 0823411672
Kimmel, Eric, Retold. 1995. THE ADVENTURES OF HERSHEL OF OSTROPOL. Ill. by Trina Schart Hyman. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823412105
PLOT SUMMARY
THE ADVENTURES OF HERSHEL OF OSTROPOL is a collection of Ten Yiddish folktales set in the 19th century Ukraine. In this version, Hershel is a wandering beggar who endears himself to the common folk by making pompous people look foolish. The ten different stories illustrate the elaborate stories Hershel told to trick people out of money in order to buy his family food. Hershel’s family was very poor, often times they only ate potatoes. He wanted to feed his family without working. Hershel’s uncle is tricked multiple times in to giving him money for his foolish plans which always ended up with a bountiful dinner for his family and his uncle’s pockets empty.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
These stories illustrate how a poor beggar was able to fool people out of their own money, during a time when many people were going hungry. The joy and wit of the story do not overshadow the references to daily poverty. This collection of short stories is easy to read and would be a valuable resource on a lesson about folktales. The illustrations at the beginning of each story show Hershel’s farcical interchanges with fellow characters. The black and white drawings have exquisite detail and help readers relate back to the original time and place of these stories.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “With their wry idiom, these are stories for telling across generations.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Ten superbly retold Hershel of Ostropol tales”
HORN BOOK: “Each story is illustrated with humorous black-and-white drawings.”
CONNECTIONS
*This book would be excellent for a lesson about Yiddish folktales. It will allow students to connect with the trickster in themselves.
*Other stories about timeless tricksters:
Johnson-Davies, Denys. GOHA THE WISE FOOL. ISBN 0399242228
Kimmel, Eric. HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS. ISBN 0823411311
Kimmel, Eric. ANANSI AND THE TALKING MELON. ISBN 0823411672
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART
BIBIOGRAPHY
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 2007. ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART. Ill. by Mitsumasa Anno, Quentin Blake, Ashley Bryan, Nancy Ekholm Burkert, Eric Carle, Tomie dePaola, Jane Dyer, Mordicai Gerstein, Robert Ingpen, Steven Kellogg, Leo Lionni, Petra Mathers, Wendell Minor, Barry Moser, Jerry Pinkney, Alice Provensen, Robert Sabuda, Matthew Reinhart, Maurice Sendak, Gennady Spirin, Chris Van Allsburg, Rosemary Wells, & Paul Zelinsky. New York, NY: Philomel. ISBN 9780399246005
PLOT SUMMARY
Twenty three Artists came together to share their stories of how they became illustrators. Each Artist describes their early drawing experiences. Most loved to draw at an early age. Some of the Artists attended formal art training, while others taught themselves. Some of the artists were teachers while they perfected their craft. A message heard throughout the book is that becoming a successful artist takes time and lots of practice to create your own style. The Artists encouraged students interested in a career in illustration to stay focused and work hard.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This Book gives its reader a view into the life of an illustrator. The Artists started out learning to draw like all children do. The point is made that years of practice enabled the Artist to find success. The Artists share their feelings of success and gratitude in the ability to make a living doing what they love. Readers will learn the care and time it takes to create a single picture for a book.
Many Illustrators are mentioned in this book. Each has a very distinctive style. Each artist includes a self portrait, pictures of themselves as a child, pictures of their early work, and pictures of more recent work. Some artists also show the process they go through while illustrating a book. I have found this part of the book to be engaging. It is exciting to visualize and connect with your children’s favorite authors. I have a better appreciation now for the drawings in the books that I read. I realize the hard work and dedication that goes into illustrating children’s books.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred Review in Booklist: “A toast to the artists and to the lovely book they have made together.”
Starred Review in School Library Journal: “celebrates and elucidates contemporary picture-book art.”
CONNECTIONS
*Gather other books illustrated by Eric Carle, THE TINY SEED, THE HUNGARY CATEPILLAR, AND POLAR BEAR, POLAR BEAR, WHAT DO YOU HEAR? Children find the pictures whimsical and intriguing.
*Other books for children learning about Artists:
Bryan, Ashley. WORDS TO MY LIFE’S SONG. ISBN 1416905413
Cummings, Pat. TALKING WITH ARTIST. ISBN 0395891329
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 2007. ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART. Ill. by Mitsumasa Anno, Quentin Blake, Ashley Bryan, Nancy Ekholm Burkert, Eric Carle, Tomie dePaola, Jane Dyer, Mordicai Gerstein, Robert Ingpen, Steven Kellogg, Leo Lionni, Petra Mathers, Wendell Minor, Barry Moser, Jerry Pinkney, Alice Provensen, Robert Sabuda, Matthew Reinhart, Maurice Sendak, Gennady Spirin, Chris Van Allsburg, Rosemary Wells, & Paul Zelinsky. New York, NY: Philomel. ISBN 9780399246005
PLOT SUMMARY
Twenty three Artists came together to share their stories of how they became illustrators. Each Artist describes their early drawing experiences. Most loved to draw at an early age. Some of the Artists attended formal art training, while others taught themselves. Some of the artists were teachers while they perfected their craft. A message heard throughout the book is that becoming a successful artist takes time and lots of practice to create your own style. The Artists encouraged students interested in a career in illustration to stay focused and work hard.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This Book gives its reader a view into the life of an illustrator. The Artists started out learning to draw like all children do. The point is made that years of practice enabled the Artist to find success. The Artists share their feelings of success and gratitude in the ability to make a living doing what they love. Readers will learn the care and time it takes to create a single picture for a book.
Many Illustrators are mentioned in this book. Each has a very distinctive style. Each artist includes a self portrait, pictures of themselves as a child, pictures of their early work, and pictures of more recent work. Some artists also show the process they go through while illustrating a book. I have found this part of the book to be engaging. It is exciting to visualize and connect with your children’s favorite authors. I have a better appreciation now for the drawings in the books that I read. I realize the hard work and dedication that goes into illustrating children’s books.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred Review in Booklist: “A toast to the artists and to the lovely book they have made together.”
Starred Review in School Library Journal: “celebrates and elucidates contemporary picture-book art.”
CONNECTIONS
*Gather other books illustrated by Eric Carle, THE TINY SEED, THE HUNGARY CATEPILLAR, AND POLAR BEAR, POLAR BEAR, WHAT DO YOU HEAR? Children find the pictures whimsical and intriguing.
*Other books for children learning about Artists:
Bryan, Ashley. WORDS TO MY LIFE’S SONG. ISBN 1416905413
Cummings, Pat. TALKING WITH ARTIST. ISBN 0395891329
THUNDER ROSE
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nolen, Jerdine. 2003. THUNDER ROSE. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. Orlando, FL: Harcourt. ISBN 0152164723
PLOT SUMMARY
Thunder Rose is a tall tale set in the year’s following the civil war. A baby girl is named Thunder Rose after her parents realize that she has special abilities. Jerdine Nolen writes about how her family benefited from her ability to create things out of iron. Thunder Rose tames wild cattle by singing them a lullaby, and then she invents barbed wire while building a fence to contain the cattle. As a young girl, she takes the cattle up the Chisholm Trail to Abilene to sell at market. On this journey, she captures several outlaws and turns them into the local sheriff. When she arrives in Abilene, it is hot and dry. She witnesses two tornadoes. Thunder Rose was able to tame the tornadoes with a sweet song, and as a result the clouds began to cry a gentle soaking rain.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Nolen’s writing is engaging, and encourages you to continue reading. The beginning of the story is realistic with a twist. As the story progresses, it becomes obvious that this is a tall tale. Thunder Rose’s parent’s love her unconditionally, this is shown through their acceptance of her special talents. This story is an example of how a nurtured child can grow and prosper. Thunder Rose showed how critical thinking and brainstorming can allow you to find a solution to a problem. The solution was a tall tale and not realistic, yet students can learn from role modeling problem solving.
Kadir Nelson illustrations are realistic, yet they emphasize the special abilities of Thunder Rose. The pictures show Thunder Rose’s strength and the admiration of her parents. The perspective of the drawings allows the reader to feel her strength. The blue sky and fluffy clouds give the pictures a feeling of whimsy. The pictures with the twisted iron gently placed on her shoulder, will raise curiosity in students. Students will wonder how she carried the heavy iron so easily.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in Booklist: “An exuberant tall tale with an irresistible African American heroine.”
Reviewed in Horn Book: “This fast-paced tall tale depicts the feats of the heroine, Thunder Rose.”
School Library Journal: Best of the Best 2004.
CONNECTIONS
*Gather other books illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Winner of the King illustration Honor Books Award, 2004.
*Other books for children about Tall-Tales.
Root, Phyllis. PAULA BUNYAN. ISBN 0374357595
Wheeler, Lisa. AVALANCHE ANNIE: A NOT-SO-TALL TALE. ISBN 0152167358
Nolen, Jerdine. 2003. THUNDER ROSE. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. Orlando, FL: Harcourt. ISBN 0152164723
PLOT SUMMARY
Thunder Rose is a tall tale set in the year’s following the civil war. A baby girl is named Thunder Rose after her parents realize that she has special abilities. Jerdine Nolen writes about how her family benefited from her ability to create things out of iron. Thunder Rose tames wild cattle by singing them a lullaby, and then she invents barbed wire while building a fence to contain the cattle. As a young girl, she takes the cattle up the Chisholm Trail to Abilene to sell at market. On this journey, she captures several outlaws and turns them into the local sheriff. When she arrives in Abilene, it is hot and dry. She witnesses two tornadoes. Thunder Rose was able to tame the tornadoes with a sweet song, and as a result the clouds began to cry a gentle soaking rain.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Nolen’s writing is engaging, and encourages you to continue reading. The beginning of the story is realistic with a twist. As the story progresses, it becomes obvious that this is a tall tale. Thunder Rose’s parent’s love her unconditionally, this is shown through their acceptance of her special talents. This story is an example of how a nurtured child can grow and prosper. Thunder Rose showed how critical thinking and brainstorming can allow you to find a solution to a problem. The solution was a tall tale and not realistic, yet students can learn from role modeling problem solving.
Kadir Nelson illustrations are realistic, yet they emphasize the special abilities of Thunder Rose. The pictures show Thunder Rose’s strength and the admiration of her parents. The perspective of the drawings allows the reader to feel her strength. The blue sky and fluffy clouds give the pictures a feeling of whimsy. The pictures with the twisted iron gently placed on her shoulder, will raise curiosity in students. Students will wonder how she carried the heavy iron so easily.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Reviewed in Booklist: “An exuberant tall tale with an irresistible African American heroine.”
Reviewed in Horn Book: “This fast-paced tall tale depicts the feats of the heroine, Thunder Rose.”
School Library Journal: Best of the Best 2004.
CONNECTIONS
*Gather other books illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Winner of the King illustration Honor Books Award, 2004.
*Other books for children about Tall-Tales.
Root, Phyllis. PAULA BUNYAN. ISBN 0374357595
Wheeler, Lisa. AVALANCHE ANNIE: A NOT-SO-TALL TALE. ISBN 0152167358
THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. By Chris Raschka. Hyperion/di Capua. ISBN 0786809140
PLOT SUMMARY
The story is narrated by a young girl, and she talks about her connection to her grandparents using their special kitchen window. Norton Juster writes about the many activities that can be achieved around the window, inside and outside of the house. The young girl connects to the fact that her grandparents are most often in their kitchen or working in the yard. The window is always waiting for her to return. When the young girl’s parents come to pick her up, she thinks about the challenges of being happy and sad at the same time. She is happy to go home, yet she will miss her grandparents. One day she dreams of having her own goodbye window.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Norton’s writing illustrates the importance of Grandparents in a child’s life. The detailed excitement that the young girl feels when she arrives to spend the day with her grandparents, allows young readers to connect with the story. The young girl connects her grandparents love and attention to the kitchen window. This is the window in which she first sees them when she arrives, and they have a special hello tradition.
Chris Rackham illustrates utilizing bold colors and whimsical charm. The colors allow the reader to feel comfortable and at ease while reading the story. The young girl is illustrated doing many activities and the window is never far away. The illustrations add realism and depth to the story. Children will enjoy seeing all of the activities that the young girl accomplishes with her grandparents. The illustrations are both two page and small vignettes. This style complements the story; the two page illustrations show the presence of the window in the story.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in Booklist: “A book that speaks to the real lives of children and their experiences.”
Starred review in Horn Book: “Lush mixed-media illustrations set off perfectly by white space.”
Booklist-Caldecott Medal Winner: 2006, Notable Children’s Books: 2006, & Booklist Editor’s Choice: Books for Youth, 2005.
CONNECTIONS
*This book is excellent for discussing the positive impact of grandparents on a young child’s life.
*Other books for children about relationships with Grandparents:
Leijten, Aileen. HUGGING HOUR. ISBN 0399246800
Marla, Frazee. A COUPLE OF BOYS HAVE THE BEST WEEK EVER. ISBN 9780152060206
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. By Chris Raschka. Hyperion/di Capua. ISBN 0786809140
PLOT SUMMARY
The story is narrated by a young girl, and she talks about her connection to her grandparents using their special kitchen window. Norton Juster writes about the many activities that can be achieved around the window, inside and outside of the house. The young girl connects to the fact that her grandparents are most often in their kitchen or working in the yard. The window is always waiting for her to return. When the young girl’s parents come to pick her up, she thinks about the challenges of being happy and sad at the same time. She is happy to go home, yet she will miss her grandparents. One day she dreams of having her own goodbye window.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Norton’s writing illustrates the importance of Grandparents in a child’s life. The detailed excitement that the young girl feels when she arrives to spend the day with her grandparents, allows young readers to connect with the story. The young girl connects her grandparents love and attention to the kitchen window. This is the window in which she first sees them when she arrives, and they have a special hello tradition.
Chris Rackham illustrates utilizing bold colors and whimsical charm. The colors allow the reader to feel comfortable and at ease while reading the story. The young girl is illustrated doing many activities and the window is never far away. The illustrations add realism and depth to the story. Children will enjoy seeing all of the activities that the young girl accomplishes with her grandparents. The illustrations are both two page and small vignettes. This style complements the story; the two page illustrations show the presence of the window in the story.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in Booklist: “A book that speaks to the real lives of children and their experiences.”
Starred review in Horn Book: “Lush mixed-media illustrations set off perfectly by white space.”
Booklist-Caldecott Medal Winner: 2006, Notable Children’s Books: 2006, & Booklist Editor’s Choice: Books for Youth, 2005.
CONNECTIONS
*This book is excellent for discussing the positive impact of grandparents on a young child’s life.
*Other books for children about relationships with Grandparents:
Leijten, Aileen. HUGGING HOUR. ISBN 0399246800
Marla, Frazee. A COUPLE OF BOYS HAVE THE BEST WEEK EVER. ISBN 9780152060206
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