BIBLIOGRAPHY
Anderson, Laurie Halse. 1999. SPEAK. New York, NY: Penguin Group. ISBN 9780142414736
PLOT SUMMARY
After calling 911 at an end-of-summer party, Melinda suffers the heartbreaking result of being hated and becoming an outcast. She refuses to speak about the devastating event that preceded the phone call and her grades, family relationships and friendships suffer throughout the school year. Forced to finally confront the person who was at the root of all her suffering she finds her voice again.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story is a touching look at a teenage girl's experience with sexual assualt and her unwillingness to speak to anyone about it. She called 911 at the drinking party where the assult occured and consequently suffered the wrath and outright hatred of classmates for her action, without knowing why the call was placed. Her parents are not speaking to each other and she is not speaking to them. All told, the poor girl suffers greatly and yet in the end, somehow, things begin to look up after she confronts her attacker. Throughout the book she has these interesting, witty conversations in her head with those individuals with whom she will not converse. Her first person narrative is captivating and pulls the reader into Melinda's world. Recommended for ages 12 and older.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Horn Book- "An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last."
KIRKUS- " The plot is gripping and the characters are powerfully drawn, but it is its raw and unvarnished look at the dynamics of the high school experience that makes this a novel that will be hard for readers to forget."
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Review of STITCHES
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Small, David. 2009. STITCHES, A MEMOIR. New York, NY: W.W. Norton and Company. ISBN 978039333896
PLOT SUMMARY
An unusual memoir, it is in the form of a graphic novel. It starts out in Detroit when the author is a small child, age 6. The book moves through his life, his dreams, his nightmares, and delves deeply into his mother and her behaviors. He ends up with cancer, though his family keeps that truth from him for many years. He lives in a family filled with silence and describes his silence after the surgery, when in the presence of his friends, feeling like "a shadow flickering around the edges of every event." Small offers some insight to his family dynamics at the end of the book. A fresh, bold take on a memoir.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Quite an interesting approach to what can usually be a boring, or rather less interesting type of publication. A graphic novel form that uses very bold artwork to tell a story with minimal text. Extraordinary emotion is evident throughout the book, particularly his frustration in silence.
His crush on Mrs. Dillon and his description of her is amusing. The revelation by his father about his cancer when he was younger was handled in an interesting fashion, that leaves you feeling a great deal of empathy for young David. This particular work is engaging and mature work, not recommended for younger children. His notes at the end of the book about his parents gives readers an insight into David Small's childhood and what ultimately shaped him as an adult.
Review Excerpt(s)
Publisher's Weekly
"Small tells his story with haunting subtlety and power."
KIRKUS Reviews
"Emotionally raw, artistically compelling and psychologically devastating graphic memoir of childhood trauma."
CONNECTIONS
Have students use only art to tell about a childhood memory. Have them share with each other and tell their stories.
Small, David. 2009. STITCHES, A MEMOIR. New York, NY: W.W. Norton and Company. ISBN 978039333896
PLOT SUMMARY
An unusual memoir, it is in the form of a graphic novel. It starts out in Detroit when the author is a small child, age 6. The book moves through his life, his dreams, his nightmares, and delves deeply into his mother and her behaviors. He ends up with cancer, though his family keeps that truth from him for many years. He lives in a family filled with silence and describes his silence after the surgery, when in the presence of his friends, feeling like "a shadow flickering around the edges of every event." Small offers some insight to his family dynamics at the end of the book. A fresh, bold take on a memoir.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Quite an interesting approach to what can usually be a boring, or rather less interesting type of publication. A graphic novel form that uses very bold artwork to tell a story with minimal text. Extraordinary emotion is evident throughout the book, particularly his frustration in silence.
His crush on Mrs. Dillon and his description of her is amusing. The revelation by his father about his cancer when he was younger was handled in an interesting fashion, that leaves you feeling a great deal of empathy for young David. This particular work is engaging and mature work, not recommended for younger children. His notes at the end of the book about his parents gives readers an insight into David Small's childhood and what ultimately shaped him as an adult.
Review Excerpt(s)
Publisher's Weekly
"Small tells his story with haunting subtlety and power."
KIRKUS Reviews
"Emotionally raw, artistically compelling and psychologically devastating graphic memoir of childhood trauma."
CONNECTIONS
Have students use only art to tell about a childhood memory. Have them share with each other and tell their stories.
Review of The Graveyard Book
Bibliography
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 9780060530938
PLOT SUMMARY
After a toddler's family is murdered, he wanders into a graveyard where its inhabitants agree to keep and raise him. He is given the name Nobody Owens, called Bod for short and is really a normal boy except for his unusual upbringing and place of residence. The real dangers to the child lie beyond the gates of the graveyard, not within it. And then there's The Man, Jack, who waits to find him...
CRITICAL ANALYISIS
This book begins with a murder and the first reaction the reader may experience is a sense of grisly action. Macabre is the best way to describe this book. Each chapter chronicling Bod's life reads more like a short story rather than a part of the whole. Bod encounters ghosts who raise him, ghouls, the Indigo Man, the Sleer, and other creatures, including humans, of course. Gaiman's writing is well crafted within each chapter, but the book as a whole feels to have 'holes'. Entertaining, but not a book that I would recommend for a younger child. Perhaps age 10 or older would be a good choice. This book would make a nice read aloud for a fourth grade class or older, during the Halloween season.
Newbery Award Winner.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
Booklist:
“This is an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters."
Horn Book: "...Gaiman has created a rich, surprising, and sometimes disturbing tale of dreams, ghouls, murderers, trickery, and family."
CONNECTIONS:
After reading this book to a class have the students create their own fantasy worlds in which they could live.
other books by Gaiman:
Gaiman, Neil. 2003. CORALINE. ISBN 9780380807345
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. STARDUST. ISBN 13: 9780061689246
Gaiman, Neil. 2009. BLUEBERRY GIRL. ISBN 13: 9780060838089
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 9780060530938
PLOT SUMMARY
After a toddler's family is murdered, he wanders into a graveyard where its inhabitants agree to keep and raise him. He is given the name Nobody Owens, called Bod for short and is really a normal boy except for his unusual upbringing and place of residence. The real dangers to the child lie beyond the gates of the graveyard, not within it. And then there's The Man, Jack, who waits to find him...
CRITICAL ANALYISIS
This book begins with a murder and the first reaction the reader may experience is a sense of grisly action. Macabre is the best way to describe this book. Each chapter chronicling Bod's life reads more like a short story rather than a part of the whole. Bod encounters ghosts who raise him, ghouls, the Indigo Man, the Sleer, and other creatures, including humans, of course. Gaiman's writing is well crafted within each chapter, but the book as a whole feels to have 'holes'. Entertaining, but not a book that I would recommend for a younger child. Perhaps age 10 or older would be a good choice. This book would make a nice read aloud for a fourth grade class or older, during the Halloween season.
Newbery Award Winner.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
Booklist:
“This is an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters."
Horn Book: "...Gaiman has created a rich, surprising, and sometimes disturbing tale of dreams, ghouls, murderers, trickery, and family."
CONNECTIONS:
After reading this book to a class have the students create their own fantasy worlds in which they could live.
other books by Gaiman:
Gaiman, Neil. 2003. CORALINE. ISBN 9780380807345
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. STARDUST. ISBN 13: 9780061689246
Gaiman, Neil. 2009. BLUEBERRY GIRL. ISBN 13: 9780060838089
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Review of Elijah of Buxton
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. ELIJAH OF BUXTON. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439023459
PLOT SUMMARY
In the community of Buxton, in Canada reside both freed and runaway slaves. 11 year old Elijah was the first free child born there and he is considered fragile by some. But he proves himself to be less than fragile when he takes it upon himself to help when a slick preacher steals money meant to purchase a slave family and bring them to freedom in Canada.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Written in first person, this lively, entertaining tale of a young boy is both comical and, at times, heart-wrenching. Elijah Freeman is known for being able to catch fish by chunking rocks at their heads. People considered him fragile for many reasons; he's afraid of riding horses, and snakes. Curtis' use of casual register is possibly accurate, but at times borders on the stereotypical. Elijah is tested and is able prove himself in this coming of age novel when a freed man in town sends another trusted man to buy his family's freedom and he turns out to be crooked. Things go wrong and Elijah attempts to right the wrong, taking him across the border and perhaps into great danger. A book that is sure to win the hearts of many a reader.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2008 Newbery Honor Book
Corretta Scott King Award Winner
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "This is Curtis' best novel yet, and no doubt many readers, young and old, will finish and say, "This is one of the best books I have ever read." "
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "...demonstrating how Elijah, the "fra-gile" child has become sturdy, capable of stealing across the border in pursuit of the crooked preacher, and strong enough to withstand a confrontation with the horrors of slavery. The powerful ending is violent and unsettling, yet also manages to be uplifting."
CONNECTIONS
Have students visit the web site for the Buxton Settlement and research more about the real place where the fictional characters lived.
http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/history/hist-SETTLEMENT.html
National Geographic's site for the Underground Railroad:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/99/railroad/j1.html
Visit the University of Virginia's site for American Slave Narratives and have students listen to and read what they had to say about their enslavement:
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/wpa/wpahome.html
Other books about the Underground Railroad:
Monjo, F.N.. THE DRINKING GOURD:A STORY OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. ISBN 0064440427
Pearsall, Shelley. TROUBLE DON'T LAST. ISBN 04440418119
Polacco, Patricia. JANUARY'S SPARROW. ISBN 0399250778
Porter, Connie Rose. MEET ADDY: AN AMERICAN GIRL (AMERICAN GIRLS COLLECTION SERIES: ADDY #1). ISBN 1562470752
Hopkinson, Deborah. UNDER THE QUILT OF NIGHT. ISBN 0689877005
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. ELIJAH OF BUXTON. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439023459
PLOT SUMMARY
In the community of Buxton, in Canada reside both freed and runaway slaves. 11 year old Elijah was the first free child born there and he is considered fragile by some. But he proves himself to be less than fragile when he takes it upon himself to help when a slick preacher steals money meant to purchase a slave family and bring them to freedom in Canada.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Written in first person, this lively, entertaining tale of a young boy is both comical and, at times, heart-wrenching. Elijah Freeman is known for being able to catch fish by chunking rocks at their heads. People considered him fragile for many reasons; he's afraid of riding horses, and snakes. Curtis' use of casual register is possibly accurate, but at times borders on the stereotypical. Elijah is tested and is able prove himself in this coming of age novel when a freed man in town sends another trusted man to buy his family's freedom and he turns out to be crooked. Things go wrong and Elijah attempts to right the wrong, taking him across the border and perhaps into great danger. A book that is sure to win the hearts of many a reader.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2008 Newbery Honor Book
Corretta Scott King Award Winner
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "This is Curtis' best novel yet, and no doubt many readers, young and old, will finish and say, "This is one of the best books I have ever read." "
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "...demonstrating how Elijah, the "fra-gile" child has become sturdy, capable of stealing across the border in pursuit of the crooked preacher, and strong enough to withstand a confrontation with the horrors of slavery. The powerful ending is violent and unsettling, yet also manages to be uplifting."
CONNECTIONS
Have students visit the web site for the Buxton Settlement and research more about the real place where the fictional characters lived.
http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/history/hist-SETTLEMENT.html
National Geographic's site for the Underground Railroad:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/99/railroad/j1.html
Visit the University of Virginia's site for American Slave Narratives and have students listen to and read what they had to say about their enslavement:
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/wpa/wpahome.html
Other books about the Underground Railroad:
Monjo, F.N.. THE DRINKING GOURD:A STORY OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. ISBN 0064440427
Pearsall, Shelley. TROUBLE DON'T LAST. ISBN 04440418119
Polacco, Patricia. JANUARY'S SPARROW. ISBN 0399250778
Porter, Connie Rose. MEET ADDY: AN AMERICAN GIRL (AMERICAN GIRLS COLLECTION SERIES: ADDY #1). ISBN 1562470752
Hopkinson, Deborah. UNDER THE QUILT OF NIGHT. ISBN 0689877005
Review of The Midwife's Apprentice
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 1995. THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 006440630x.
PLOT SUMMARY
Brat, Beetle, whatever her name, a girl who is orphaned, dirty, unloved and uncared for finds herself in the employ of the town's midwife. Suddenly with a roof over her head, food in her belly and a friend in the form of a cat, the 12 year old names herself Alyce and learns to deliver babies. She fails, runs away only to return and try again.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Cushman is a master storyteller and loses nothing in this 13th century tale of a young girl about 12 years old who is dirty, unloved, hungry and does not know her name. She has been called Brat, finds herself in the dung heap of a midwife, then renamed Beetle. The midwife, Jane Sharp, takes her in not so much as an apprentice, but more for the service she can get from the girl. Beetle renames herself Alyce and befriends the town cat as she can relate to his plight; they are both bullied and picked on. Alyce accompanies Jane on her duties and when called upon to deliver, she fails. She runs away, but then with pluck and fortitude decides to go back and try again to make her own place in the world. A lovely book that may help children find the courage to stand up for themselves and find their own independence as Alyce did. Introduces children to birth that is not often found in literature targeted for the young reader.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
1996 Newbery Medal Winner
Booklist: "Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone."
School Library Journal: "Characters are sketched briefly but with telling, witty detail,and the very scents and sounds of the land and people's occupations fill each page as Alyce comes of age and heart."
Connections:
Have students hold a mock trial of Alyce with this lesson plan:
http://eduref.org/cgi-bin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Language_Arts/Literature/Childrens_Literature/CHL0219.html
Another book by the same author:
Cushman, Karen. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. ISBN0064405842
Cushman, Karen. 1995. THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 006440630x.
PLOT SUMMARY
Brat, Beetle, whatever her name, a girl who is orphaned, dirty, unloved and uncared for finds herself in the employ of the town's midwife. Suddenly with a roof over her head, food in her belly and a friend in the form of a cat, the 12 year old names herself Alyce and learns to deliver babies. She fails, runs away only to return and try again.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Cushman is a master storyteller and loses nothing in this 13th century tale of a young girl about 12 years old who is dirty, unloved, hungry and does not know her name. She has been called Brat, finds herself in the dung heap of a midwife, then renamed Beetle. The midwife, Jane Sharp, takes her in not so much as an apprentice, but more for the service she can get from the girl. Beetle renames herself Alyce and befriends the town cat as she can relate to his plight; they are both bullied and picked on. Alyce accompanies Jane on her duties and when called upon to deliver, she fails. She runs away, but then with pluck and fortitude decides to go back and try again to make her own place in the world. A lovely book that may help children find the courage to stand up for themselves and find their own independence as Alyce did. Introduces children to birth that is not often found in literature targeted for the young reader.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
1996 Newbery Medal Winner
Booklist: "Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone."
School Library Journal: "Characters are sketched briefly but with telling, witty detail,and the very scents and sounds of the land and people's occupations fill each page as Alyce comes of age and heart."
Connections:
Have students hold a mock trial of Alyce with this lesson plan:
http://eduref.org/cgi-bin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Language_Arts/Literature/Childrens_Literature/CHL0219.html
Another book by the same author:
Cushman, Karen. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. ISBN0064405842
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Review of Hattie Big Sky
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Larson, Kirby. 2006. HATTIE BIG SKY. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 9780385735957
PLOT SUMMARY
Hattie Brooks inherits her uncle's Montana claim in 1917. As a sixteen-year-old orphan, the chance to have a place of her own proved to be the driving force behind her determination to prove the claim. Moving from Iowa to Montana, Hattie encounters plenty of obstacles during her first year in this World War I novel.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Written in first person, Hattie Inez Brooks has called herself "Hattie Here And There" since her parents died. Passed around from one relative to the next, she jumps at the chance to move to Montana and finish proving her uncle's claim. For the first time, she feels like she will have a place to call her very own. She exchanges letters quite often with a very close friend, Charlie, who is in Europe fighting during World War I. After her arrival in Montana she makes some very close friends, and also learns that the war in Europe is having a profound effect on the people of Montana as well, producing strong anti-German sentiment. She learns to battle the elements, run a fence line, work with animals, plant crops and how to deal with prejudice and loss.
Inspired by the author's Great-grandmother by the same name, the reader is given a look at what life was like for many late 19th century and early 20th century pioneers. The feelings of anti-German sentiment in the novel was accurate to the time period, and mirrors current anti-Muslim sentiment that has been stirred during war. It will challenge readers to see current issues and reminds of the destructiveness of hate. Well researched, the book is difficult to put down. Hattie is a character that is easy to like and you want the best for her. Includes recipes, author's note, bibliography for further reading.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2007 Newbery Honor book
2006 Montana Book Award
Kirkus: "Based on a bit of Larson's family history, this is not so much a happily-ever-after story as a next-year-will-be-better tale, with Hattie's new-found definition of home. This fine offering may well inspire readers to find out more about their own family histories."
KLIATT: "Hattie's strength and intelligence, her courage and loyal friendship make her a real hero."
CONNECTIONS
Another book about WWI:
Lowery, Lois. LIKE THE WILLOW TREE. ISBN 0545265568
Lesson plan unit http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/advancedacademics/gifted/gifted_downloads/learn_contract/Hattie_Big_Sky.pdf
Larson, Kirby. 2006. HATTIE BIG SKY. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 9780385735957
PLOT SUMMARY
Hattie Brooks inherits her uncle's Montana claim in 1917. As a sixteen-year-old orphan, the chance to have a place of her own proved to be the driving force behind her determination to prove the claim. Moving from Iowa to Montana, Hattie encounters plenty of obstacles during her first year in this World War I novel.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Written in first person, Hattie Inez Brooks has called herself "Hattie Here And There" since her parents died. Passed around from one relative to the next, she jumps at the chance to move to Montana and finish proving her uncle's claim. For the first time, she feels like she will have a place to call her very own. She exchanges letters quite often with a very close friend, Charlie, who is in Europe fighting during World War I. After her arrival in Montana she makes some very close friends, and also learns that the war in Europe is having a profound effect on the people of Montana as well, producing strong anti-German sentiment. She learns to battle the elements, run a fence line, work with animals, plant crops and how to deal with prejudice and loss.
Inspired by the author's Great-grandmother by the same name, the reader is given a look at what life was like for many late 19th century and early 20th century pioneers. The feelings of anti-German sentiment in the novel was accurate to the time period, and mirrors current anti-Muslim sentiment that has been stirred during war. It will challenge readers to see current issues and reminds of the destructiveness of hate. Well researched, the book is difficult to put down. Hattie is a character that is easy to like and you want the best for her. Includes recipes, author's note, bibliography for further reading.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2007 Newbery Honor book
2006 Montana Book Award
Kirkus: "Based on a bit of Larson's family history, this is not so much a happily-ever-after story as a next-year-will-be-better tale, with Hattie's new-found definition of home. This fine offering may well inspire readers to find out more about their own family histories."
KLIATT: "Hattie's strength and intelligence, her courage and loyal friendship make her a real hero."
CONNECTIONS
Another book about WWI:
Lowery, Lois. LIKE THE WILLOW TREE. ISBN 0545265568
Lesson plan unit http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/advancedacademics/gifted/gifted_downloads/learn_contract/Hattie_Big_Sky.pdf
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Review of THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION: MARION ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Freedman, Russell. 2004. THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION: MARION ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618159762
PLOT SUMMARY
Most of us find it inconceivable that prejudice and malice would or could keep a talented singer from performing in any venue, but that is precisely what happened to Marion Anderson. Born in 1897, Anderson was the oldest daughter in a family of three girls. Living in Philadelphia in a neighborhood of mixed races, Marion really didn't experience prejudice growing up. As a young adult, Marion finally did what she loved to do-sing. She sang all over the world, but was banned from performing here in Constitution Hall by the DAR. That began her battle to break down the barrier.
Critical Analysis
This book contains a lot of white space in eight chapters. There are plenty of photographs (all black and white) that document Anderson's struggle for the right to sing anywhere, but young readers may not be drawn to it visually. Freedman's handling of the subject is both matter-of-fact and empathetic. Using both personal accounts and those of her contemporaries, Freedman shows that Marion Anderson was willing to become a crusader for freedoms she had been previously denied along with many performers of color. She was not a natural crusader, but through her efforts, and with the help of then first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, Anderson was able to perform before a record crowd on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 signaling the beginning of the end of segregation in the arts. Contains bibliography, discography, acknowledgements, picture credits and index. Winner of the Robert F Sibert Medal, and a Newbery Honor Book.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Kirkus Reviews: "Well-chosen, well placed archival photographs, clear writing, abundant research seamlessly woven into the text, and careful documentation make an outstanding, handsome biography."
Publisher's Weekly: "An engrossing biography."
CONNECTIONS
Read some other books by Russell Freedman:
Freedman, Russell. THE WAR TO END ALL WARS: WORLD WAR I. ISBN 9780547026862
Freedman, Russell. CHILDREN OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION/ EDITION 1. ISBN 9780618446308
Freedman, Russell. LINCOLN: A PHOTOBIOGRAPHY. ISBN 9780395518489
Freedman, Russell. IMMIGRANT KIDS. ISBN 9780140375947
Learn to interview family members and maybe their friends and write someone's biography.
Freedman, Russell. 2004. THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION: MARION ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618159762
PLOT SUMMARY
Most of us find it inconceivable that prejudice and malice would or could keep a talented singer from performing in any venue, but that is precisely what happened to Marion Anderson. Born in 1897, Anderson was the oldest daughter in a family of three girls. Living in Philadelphia in a neighborhood of mixed races, Marion really didn't experience prejudice growing up. As a young adult, Marion finally did what she loved to do-sing. She sang all over the world, but was banned from performing here in Constitution Hall by the DAR. That began her battle to break down the barrier.
Critical Analysis
This book contains a lot of white space in eight chapters. There are plenty of photographs (all black and white) that document Anderson's struggle for the right to sing anywhere, but young readers may not be drawn to it visually. Freedman's handling of the subject is both matter-of-fact and empathetic. Using both personal accounts and those of her contemporaries, Freedman shows that Marion Anderson was willing to become a crusader for freedoms she had been previously denied along with many performers of color. She was not a natural crusader, but through her efforts, and with the help of then first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, Anderson was able to perform before a record crowd on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 signaling the beginning of the end of segregation in the arts. Contains bibliography, discography, acknowledgements, picture credits and index. Winner of the Robert F Sibert Medal, and a Newbery Honor Book.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Kirkus Reviews: "Well-chosen, well placed archival photographs, clear writing, abundant research seamlessly woven into the text, and careful documentation make an outstanding, handsome biography."
Publisher's Weekly: "An engrossing biography."
CONNECTIONS
Read some other books by Russell Freedman:
Freedman, Russell. THE WAR TO END ALL WARS: WORLD WAR I. ISBN 9780547026862
Freedman, Russell. CHILDREN OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION/ EDITION 1. ISBN 9780618446308
Freedman, Russell. LINCOLN: A PHOTOBIOGRAPHY. ISBN 9780395518489
Freedman, Russell. IMMIGRANT KIDS. ISBN 9780140375947
Learn to interview family members and maybe their friends and write someone's biography.
Review of WE ARE THE SHIP The Story of Negro League Baseball
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nelson, Kadir. 2008. WE ARE THE SHIP; THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 9780786808328
PLOT SUMMARY:
Kadir Nelson tells the story of the Negro League Baseball teams. Well researched, and inspired by both a project while a student at Pratt Institute and Ken Burns' series about baseball, Nelson has written a beautiful tribute to the members of the former Negro League teams. The narration is done as a collective voice, and is as entertaining as it is informative. His paintings were based on research, but he admits in his Author's Note that he used some creative license.
Critical Analysis:
This book can be summed up in a word: beautiful. The narration is used as a collective voice, speaking for the many players that played in the Negro Leagues from the beginning in the 1920's to the ending that began around 1947. Forced out of the majors, the players formed their own league and the many teams were both entertaining and very skilled. They loved the game and had plenty of fans. Kadir Nelson, until this offering has illustrated books, but this time illustrated and wrote the book that includes lists for those members who made it to the major leagues, as well as the Baseball Hall of Fame, a bibliography, filmography, end notes for each chapter, and an index. There is a four page spread for the painting of the First Colored World Series portrait of the players, managers and officials. A foreward is offered by Hank Aaron and the text of the book is so captivating it makes it difficult to put down. The most compelling eighty-eight pages about baseball a young reader can encounter. This book won the Robert F. Sibert medal, the Coretta Scott King Honor medal and the Coretta Scott King winner medal.
Review Excerpt(s):
School Library Journal: "Social studies teachers and baseball fans of all ages will covet this delightful winnerof the 2009 Coretta Scott King author award illustrator honor award."
The Washington Post: "Divided into chapters labeled "innings", Nelson's inspiring book is a riveting read that is sure to be a home run with both kids and adults."
CONNECTIONS:
Nelson, Kadir. 2008. WE ARE THE SHIP; THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 9780786808328
PLOT SUMMARY:
Kadir Nelson tells the story of the Negro League Baseball teams. Well researched, and inspired by both a project while a student at Pratt Institute and Ken Burns' series about baseball, Nelson has written a beautiful tribute to the members of the former Negro League teams. The narration is done as a collective voice, and is as entertaining as it is informative. His paintings were based on research, but he admits in his Author's Note that he used some creative license.
Critical Analysis:
This book can be summed up in a word: beautiful. The narration is used as a collective voice, speaking for the many players that played in the Negro Leagues from the beginning in the 1920's to the ending that began around 1947. Forced out of the majors, the players formed their own league and the many teams were both entertaining and very skilled. They loved the game and had plenty of fans. Kadir Nelson, until this offering has illustrated books, but this time illustrated and wrote the book that includes lists for those members who made it to the major leagues, as well as the Baseball Hall of Fame, a bibliography, filmography, end notes for each chapter, and an index. There is a four page spread for the painting of the First Colored World Series portrait of the players, managers and officials. A foreward is offered by Hank Aaron and the text of the book is so captivating it makes it difficult to put down. The most compelling eighty-eight pages about baseball a young reader can encounter. This book won the Robert F. Sibert medal, the Coretta Scott King Honor medal and the Coretta Scott King winner medal.
Review Excerpt(s):
School Library Journal: "Social studies teachers and baseball fans of all ages will covet this delightful winnerof the 2009 Coretta Scott King author award illustrator honor award."
The Washington Post: "Divided into chapters labeled "innings", Nelson's inspiring book is a riveting read that is sure to be a home run with both kids and adults."
CONNECTIONS:
- Baseball books:
Feinstein, John. CHANGE-UP: MYSTERY AT THE WORLD SERIES. ISBN 9780375847592
Corbett, Sue. FREE BASEBALL. ISBN 9780142410806
Ritter, John H. BOY WHO SAVED BASEBALL. ISBN 9780142402863
Mochizuki, Ken. BASEBALL SAVED US. ISBN 9780785764601
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Review of Wolves
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 1993. WOLVES. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060225319
PLOT SUMMARY
People throughout history have demonized the wolf for many reasons. Fear of the carnivore may stem from the characterization the wolf has received in fairy tales, or the fear of the unknown about a creature that avoids human interaction. Either way, Seymour Simon has attempted to dispell the myths surrounding wolves in this volume with information about wolves that may surprise some young readers. He tells about the hierarchy of the pack and family dynamics, territories, and habits, including howling. Photographs from wildlife photographers add visual impact.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this 32 page volume, Simon tells about the daily lives of wolves and asks the reader why wolves have been so maligned historically. Challenging the reader and then presenting the evidence is a nice, yet subtle way to get young readers interested in such a complex animal. His text reads more like a novel than an informational text. Using photographs from photographers Joe McDonald (wildlife photographer), Tom and Pat Leeson (wildlife and stock photograpers), Lynn M. Stone (stock photographer whose images appear on many informational books), Bob Winsett (stock photographer), Thomas Kitchin (stock photographer), Rolf Peterson (professor of Wildlife Ecology at Michigan Technological University, wildlife biologist, and photographer), and Art Wolfe (wildlife and world photographer) Simon weaves a story about loving, intelligent animals that are worthy of a deeper understanding.
The book does not offer an index, glossary or chapters separating information into categories, but is sure to be a treat for young readers as it encourages a respect for the wolf and further conservation. Published prior to the wolf reintroduction program in Yellowstone National Park, there is the expression of hope for such a conservation effort. It would be a treat to have Simon write a follow-up to this engaging text.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
Booklist: "The facts and the glorious photographs support Simon's plea for the animals' conservation. They debunk the big-bad-wolf horror stories without in any waydetracting from the fiercebeauty of the wolves' wild nature."
School Library Journal: " An introduction uses imagery to conjure up the spirit of the wolf; the conclusion touches on the animal's past and questionable future. An attractive and simple introduction, Candace Savage's Wolves (Sierra, 1989) has more to offer."
CONNECTIONS:
Paulsen, Gary. WOODSONG. ISBN 0689852509
Heinz, Brian J. THE WOLVES. ISBN 0803717369
Gibbons, Gail. WOLVES. ISBN 0823411273
Simon, Seymour. 1993. WOLVES. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060225319
PLOT SUMMARY
People throughout history have demonized the wolf for many reasons. Fear of the carnivore may stem from the characterization the wolf has received in fairy tales, or the fear of the unknown about a creature that avoids human interaction. Either way, Seymour Simon has attempted to dispell the myths surrounding wolves in this volume with information about wolves that may surprise some young readers. He tells about the hierarchy of the pack and family dynamics, territories, and habits, including howling. Photographs from wildlife photographers add visual impact.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this 32 page volume, Simon tells about the daily lives of wolves and asks the reader why wolves have been so maligned historically. Challenging the reader and then presenting the evidence is a nice, yet subtle way to get young readers interested in such a complex animal. His text reads more like a novel than an informational text. Using photographs from photographers Joe McDonald (wildlife photographer), Tom and Pat Leeson (wildlife and stock photograpers), Lynn M. Stone (stock photographer whose images appear on many informational books), Bob Winsett (stock photographer), Thomas Kitchin (stock photographer), Rolf Peterson (professor of Wildlife Ecology at Michigan Technological University, wildlife biologist, and photographer), and Art Wolfe (wildlife and world photographer) Simon weaves a story about loving, intelligent animals that are worthy of a deeper understanding.
The book does not offer an index, glossary or chapters separating information into categories, but is sure to be a treat for young readers as it encourages a respect for the wolf and further conservation. Published prior to the wolf reintroduction program in Yellowstone National Park, there is the expression of hope for such a conservation effort. It would be a treat to have Simon write a follow-up to this engaging text.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
Booklist: "The facts and the glorious photographs support Simon's plea for the animals' conservation. They debunk the big-bad-wolf horror stories without in any waydetracting from the fiercebeauty of the wolves' wild nature."
School Library Journal: " An introduction uses imagery to conjure up the spirit of the wolf; the conclusion touches on the animal's past and questionable future. An attractive and simple introduction, Candace Savage's Wolves (Sierra, 1989) has more to offer."
CONNECTIONS:
- Have students adopt a wolf and raise finds to support that animal through World Wildlife Fund.
- Hold a mock trial debating the wolf reintroduction program in Yellowstone National Park or a trial debating the issues of the Bush Administration's announcement that killing wolves in the states surrounding the park would be allowed even though it violates the Endangered Species Act.
- Other texts to consider for information:
Paulsen, Gary. WOODSONG. ISBN 0689852509
Heinz, Brian J. THE WOLVES. ISBN 0803717369
Gibbons, Gail. WOLVES. ISBN 0823411273
- Text to consider to illustrate fiction:
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Review of FIRST FOOD FIGHT THIS FALL AND OTHER SCHOOL POEMS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Singer, Marilyn. 2008. FIRST FOOD FIGHT THIS FALL AND OTHER SCHOOL POEMS. New York: Sterling. ISBN 9781402741456
PLOT SUMMARY
Told through short poems by different students, this picture book poetry selection is quite humorous and should be a great addition to the beginning of the school year in an elementary classroom. Each verse is told about everyday life in school from the goings-on in the cafeteria, to the class field trip, class picture, and even the first snow. Children talk about thier favorite , and least favorite subjects in school and children can laugh with this 'class' all the way through their year.
Artwork by Sachiko Yoshikawa is rich, vibrant, colorful and quite delightful. Done in collage form and with mixed media, the colorful pages and so much charm and appeal to the poems that young children should thoroughly enjoy this book.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal-"...these poems resonate with mischievous good cheer."
Kirkus Reviews-"The interesting combination of identifiable poetic forms and Yoshikawa's amusing illustrations should make this a popular choice for classroom reading, as students recognize at least some of their own school experiences (though, one hopes, not food fights) in the poetry."
CONNECTIONS
Dakos, Kalli. 1995. IF YOU'RE NOT HERE, PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND. ISBN 9780689801167
lansky, Bruce. 2004. IF KIDS RULED THE SCHOOL: MORE KIDS' FAVORITE FUNNY SCHOOL POEMS. ISBN 9780689032738
Shields, Carol Diggory. 1998. LUNCH MONEY AND OTHER POEMS ABOUT SCHOOL. ISBN 9780140558906
Singer, Marilyn. 2008. FIRST FOOD FIGHT THIS FALL AND OTHER SCHOOL POEMS. New York: Sterling. ISBN 9781402741456
PLOT SUMMARY
Told through short poems by different students, this picture book poetry selection is quite humorous and should be a great addition to the beginning of the school year in an elementary classroom. Each verse is told about everyday life in school from the goings-on in the cafeteria, to the class field trip, class picture, and even the first snow. Children talk about thier favorite , and least favorite subjects in school and children can laugh with this 'class' all the way through their year.
Artwork by Sachiko Yoshikawa is rich, vibrant, colorful and quite delightful. Done in collage form and with mixed media, the colorful pages and so much charm and appeal to the poems that young children should thoroughly enjoy this book.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal-"...these poems resonate with mischievous good cheer."
Kirkus Reviews-"The interesting combination of identifiable poetic forms and Yoshikawa's amusing illustrations should make this a popular choice for classroom reading, as students recognize at least some of their own school experiences (though, one hopes, not food fights) in the poetry."
CONNECTIONS
Dakos, Kalli. 1995. IF YOU'RE NOT HERE, PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND. ISBN 9780689801167
lansky, Bruce. 2004. IF KIDS RULED THE SCHOOL: MORE KIDS' FAVORITE FUNNY SCHOOL POEMS. ISBN 9780689032738
Shields, Carol Diggory. 1998. LUNCH MONEY AND OTHER POEMS ABOUT SCHOOL. ISBN 9780140558906
Review of WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sones, Sonya. 2001. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW. New York: Simon & Schuster.
ISBN 9780689841149
PLOT SUMMARY
Sophie is a typical teenage girl who has many ideas about love, life, friends, and family. She wanders through a series of loves, both lost and found, as she looks for the one that she calls "Mr. Right and a half". As an only child she is quite close to her two best friends, Grace and Rachel. She worries about acceptance by her boyfirend's parents when they are introduced. (She is Jewish and he is not). But when she finds the one boy that she considers "The One" she realizes that he, too, has experienced many rejections and that the heart is where you should look first.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Pre-teen and teenage girls should enjoy this book as they will likely be able to relate to many of the ups and downs that Sophie experiences. A book in verse, it reads fairly fast and the material is relevant to the issues that young girls experience today. Sophie's parents fight a lot and she is always concerned about her father leaving and her mother watching TV more than paying attention to her. She defies her mother and regrets it at a later date. She goes through a series of boyfriends, and wonders what she saw in each of the previous ones. Her firends go away for Christmas and she is left alone over the winter break from school when she not only discovers her city again, but a new love that she previously overlooked and even made fun of.
Boys will not likely enjoy this book, so librarians and book sellers may want to keep that in mind when recommending selections.
Sones, Sonya. 2001. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW. New York: Simon & Schuster.
ISBN 9780689841149
PLOT SUMMARY
Sophie is a typical teenage girl who has many ideas about love, life, friends, and family. She wanders through a series of loves, both lost and found, as she looks for the one that she calls "Mr. Right and a half". As an only child she is quite close to her two best friends, Grace and Rachel. She worries about acceptance by her boyfirend's parents when they are introduced. (She is Jewish and he is not). But when she finds the one boy that she considers "The One" she realizes that he, too, has experienced many rejections and that the heart is where you should look first.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Pre-teen and teenage girls should enjoy this book as they will likely be able to relate to many of the ups and downs that Sophie experiences. A book in verse, it reads fairly fast and the material is relevant to the issues that young girls experience today. Sophie's parents fight a lot and she is always concerned about her father leaving and her mother watching TV more than paying attention to her. She defies her mother and regrets it at a later date. She goes through a series of boyfriends, and wonders what she saw in each of the previous ones. Her firends go away for Christmas and she is left alone over the winter break from school when she not only discovers her city again, but a new love that she previously overlooked and even made fun of.
Boys will not likely enjoy this book, so librarians and book sellers may want to keep that in mind when recommending selections.
REVIEW EXCERPTS-
School Library Journal-"Sone's book makes these often-difficult years a little more livable by making them real, normal, and OK."
Kirkus Reviews-"...a verse experience that will leave teenage readers sighing with recognition and satisfaction."
CONNECTIONS
Sones, Sonya. 2008. WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN'T KNOW. ISBN 9780689876035
Sones, Sonya. 2005. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES.
ISBN 9781416907886
Review of Blue Lipstick; Concrete Poems
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Grandits, John. 2007. BLUE LIPSTICK: CONCRETE POEMS. New York: Clarion. ISBN 9780618568604
PLOT SUMMARY
This collection of poems by John Grandits centers around Jessie, a teenage girl and her family, friends, and life at school. She is irritated by her younger brother, Robert, jocks, cheerleaders, grownups talking and many things that irritate most teenagers. She loves her "rocker girl" image that she tries to maintain, music, volleyball, and her cat, Boo-boo Kitty. The poems are a humorous look into the life of a teenage girl, and the shape of the poems in text is extremely amusing.
Critical Analysis
Reading this book is a workout! The reader must turn the book in many directions to read the text, which is used to 'illustrate' the poem, making it quite delightful. Each page brings a new look at a usually mundane subject, like the poem titled "My Absolutely Bad Cranky Day". The poem spans a two-page spread requiring the reader to turn the book sideways and the timeline runs the length of her day. Each line has a letter of the alphabet highlighted (in order, of course), and the text runs through each letter as Jessie explains her day. The most unusual poem is "Go Look In The Mirror!" where her father tells her that she may not leave the house looking like that, then after she questions him, he tells her to go look at herself. The text is then placed in the 'mirror frame' and the reader must then choose to read the poem in a mirror or have the ability to read reverse print. She then describes her look and simply cannot understand what is wrong with how she looks!
This book is quite amusing, irreverent, and hilarious. The design of the book is unique. Children should enjoy the zany text twisting while reading it, and poetry may become a genre they enjoy more after reading this book. I wish it had been around when I was a child!
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal- "This irreverent, witty collection should resonate with a wide audience."
Horn Book-"A cover that'll grab adolescent girls' attention-and the poetry inside is equally appealing."
CONNECTIONS
Grandits, John. 2004. TECHNICALLY, IT'S NOT MY FAULT: CONCRETE POEMS. ISBN 061842833X
Janeczko, Paul B. A POKE IN THE I. ISBN 0763606618
Grandits, John. 2007. BLUE LIPSTICK: CONCRETE POEMS. New York: Clarion. ISBN 9780618568604
PLOT SUMMARY
This collection of poems by John Grandits centers around Jessie, a teenage girl and her family, friends, and life at school. She is irritated by her younger brother, Robert, jocks, cheerleaders, grownups talking and many things that irritate most teenagers. She loves her "rocker girl" image that she tries to maintain, music, volleyball, and her cat, Boo-boo Kitty. The poems are a humorous look into the life of a teenage girl, and the shape of the poems in text is extremely amusing.
Critical Analysis
Reading this book is a workout! The reader must turn the book in many directions to read the text, which is used to 'illustrate' the poem, making it quite delightful. Each page brings a new look at a usually mundane subject, like the poem titled "My Absolutely Bad Cranky Day". The poem spans a two-page spread requiring the reader to turn the book sideways and the timeline runs the length of her day. Each line has a letter of the alphabet highlighted (in order, of course), and the text runs through each letter as Jessie explains her day. The most unusual poem is "Go Look In The Mirror!" where her father tells her that she may not leave the house looking like that, then after she questions him, he tells her to go look at herself. The text is then placed in the 'mirror frame' and the reader must then choose to read the poem in a mirror or have the ability to read reverse print. She then describes her look and simply cannot understand what is wrong with how she looks!
This book is quite amusing, irreverent, and hilarious. The design of the book is unique. Children should enjoy the zany text twisting while reading it, and poetry may become a genre they enjoy more after reading this book. I wish it had been around when I was a child!
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal- "This irreverent, witty collection should resonate with a wide audience."
Horn Book-"A cover that'll grab adolescent girls' attention-and the poetry inside is equally appealing."
CONNECTIONS
Grandits, John. 2004. TECHNICALLY, IT'S NOT MY FAULT: CONCRETE POEMS. ISBN 061842833X
Janeczko, Paul B. A POKE IN THE I. ISBN 0763606618
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Review of RAPUNZEL
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Zelinsky, Paul O. 1997. RAPUNZEL. New York: Dutton. ISBN 0525456074
PLOT SUMMARY
RAPUNZEL is retold and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky in this variant of the old folktale. The story starts with a couple who, after many years, finally are expecting their first child. As the woman yearns foe some of the rapunzel herb she views in the garden below their home, her husband has to find a way into the garden. There is a problem: the garden is owned by a sorceress who has the garden sealed, with no window or door by which to gain entrance. So the husband climbs out of the window of his home and down to the garden to obtain the herb for his beloved wife. She demands more each day and as he complies with her wishes, he is caught by the sorceress. She is quite upset with him, but allows him to leave with both the herb and his life after he agrees to give her the child when it is born. The sorceress is true to her word and collects the female child upon her birth, naming her Rapunzel and whisking her away to a remote location. She cares for the child and keeps her in a luxurious tower. When she wants to visit Rapunzel, she calls for the girl to lower her long, beautiful hair and the sorceress climbs to the top of the tower. This tower, as the garden, has no entrance other than the window at the top. Soon a prince riding his horse through the same forest, hears Rapunzel singing from the tower and is instantly charmed and falls in love. He watches and soon discovers that the only way into the tower is to call for her to let down her hair. One evening when the sorceress is gone, he gets Rapunzel to let down her hair, climbs into the tower and proclaims his love for her. Rapunzel is at first frightened, but realizes that she loves him as well in in a ceremony that night in the tower, they marry. The prince visits every night and since the sorceress only visits in the day, the couple is happy until one day Rapunzel tells the sorceress that her dress is getting tight and she needs a new one. The sorceress is instantly angry as she realizes that Rapunzel has married and is expecting a baby. She banished Rapunzel to a far off land and waits for the prince to show up that evening when she scares him. He falls from the tower and the fall injures his sight. he wanders for a year, until he hears Rapunzel's singing and he reunites with her. She is so happy to find him that she cries and as tears fall into his eyes, his sight is restored. He realizes that they are in his kingdom and he and Rapunzel and the twin children, a boy and a girl, that she gave birth to during the year's separation, live happily ever after in the kingdom where they are gladly welcomed.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this version of the familiar tale, Zelinsky has given a more gentle perspective on the story, along with beautiful oil paintings. The art is strongly reminiscent of Italian art. It is very detailed and is loaded with beautifully muted, yet rich colors. Zelinsky's story is sure to be a favorite of both children and adults for not only the story, but the beauty of the book.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publishers Weekly review: " A breathtaking interpretation gives the fairy tale new art-historical roots, with illustrations that daringly and effectively mimic the masters of Italian Renaissance painting."
Common Sense Media review:" This classic tale retold brims with passion and grace, and the emotional intensity of Paul O. Zelinsky's work is bewitching."
CONNECTIONS
Check out the author's website: http://www.paulozelinsky.com/rapunzel.html There are lesson plans to go with the book.
Also check out the author's site for other traditional folktales that were first published by the Grimm brothers. Have students study those traditional European folktales and then do a study of folktales that are part of other cultures and continents.
Other Rapunzel variants:
Isadora, Rachel. 2008. RAPUNZEL. Putnam. ISBN 0399247726
Stanley, Diane. 1997. PETROSINELLA: A NEOPOLITAN RAPUNZEL. Puffin. ISBN 0140554912
Storace, patricia. 2007. SUGAR CANE: A CARIBBEAN RAPUNZEL. Hyperion ISBN 0786807911
Zelinsky, Paul O. 1997. RAPUNZEL. New York: Dutton. ISBN 0525456074
PLOT SUMMARY
RAPUNZEL is retold and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky in this variant of the old folktale. The story starts with a couple who, after many years, finally are expecting their first child. As the woman yearns foe some of the rapunzel herb she views in the garden below their home, her husband has to find a way into the garden. There is a problem: the garden is owned by a sorceress who has the garden sealed, with no window or door by which to gain entrance. So the husband climbs out of the window of his home and down to the garden to obtain the herb for his beloved wife. She demands more each day and as he complies with her wishes, he is caught by the sorceress. She is quite upset with him, but allows him to leave with both the herb and his life after he agrees to give her the child when it is born. The sorceress is true to her word and collects the female child upon her birth, naming her Rapunzel and whisking her away to a remote location. She cares for the child and keeps her in a luxurious tower. When she wants to visit Rapunzel, she calls for the girl to lower her long, beautiful hair and the sorceress climbs to the top of the tower. This tower, as the garden, has no entrance other than the window at the top. Soon a prince riding his horse through the same forest, hears Rapunzel singing from the tower and is instantly charmed and falls in love. He watches and soon discovers that the only way into the tower is to call for her to let down her hair. One evening when the sorceress is gone, he gets Rapunzel to let down her hair, climbs into the tower and proclaims his love for her. Rapunzel is at first frightened, but realizes that she loves him as well in in a ceremony that night in the tower, they marry. The prince visits every night and since the sorceress only visits in the day, the couple is happy until one day Rapunzel tells the sorceress that her dress is getting tight and she needs a new one. The sorceress is instantly angry as she realizes that Rapunzel has married and is expecting a baby. She banished Rapunzel to a far off land and waits for the prince to show up that evening when she scares him. He falls from the tower and the fall injures his sight. he wanders for a year, until he hears Rapunzel's singing and he reunites with her. She is so happy to find him that she cries and as tears fall into his eyes, his sight is restored. He realizes that they are in his kingdom and he and Rapunzel and the twin children, a boy and a girl, that she gave birth to during the year's separation, live happily ever after in the kingdom where they are gladly welcomed.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this version of the familiar tale, Zelinsky has given a more gentle perspective on the story, along with beautiful oil paintings. The art is strongly reminiscent of Italian art. It is very detailed and is loaded with beautifully muted, yet rich colors. Zelinsky's story is sure to be a favorite of both children and adults for not only the story, but the beauty of the book.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publishers Weekly review: " A breathtaking interpretation gives the fairy tale new art-historical roots, with illustrations that daringly and effectively mimic the masters of Italian Renaissance painting."
Common Sense Media review:" This classic tale retold brims with passion and grace, and the emotional intensity of Paul O. Zelinsky's work is bewitching."
CONNECTIONS
Check out the author's website: http://www.paulozelinsky.com/rapunzel.html There are lesson plans to go with the book.
Also check out the author's site for other traditional folktales that were first published by the Grimm brothers. Have students study those traditional European folktales and then do a study of folktales that are part of other cultures and continents.
Other Rapunzel variants:
Isadora, Rachel. 2008. RAPUNZEL. Putnam. ISBN 0399247726
Stanley, Diane. 1997. PETROSINELLA: A NEOPOLITAN RAPUNZEL. Puffin. ISBN 0140554912
Storace, patricia. 2007. SUGAR CANE: A CARIBBEAN RAPUNZEL. Hyperion ISBN 0786807911
Review of THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kellogg, Steven, re teller and ill.. 1997. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. New York, NY: William Morrow and Company. ISBN 0688087310
PLOT SUMMARY
In this retelling of THE THREE LITTLE PIGS Steven Kellogg takes a humorous and fresh approach to an old tale. The pigs in this story are waffle makers and the mother pig, Serafina Sow, makes a good living bringing waffles to the world. When her three piglets graduate from Hog Hollow Academy she passes her business on to the three piglets and retires to the Gulf of Pasta. The piglets build homes nearby: Percy makes his of straw, Pete builds a log cabin, and Prudence builds a cozy brick home. When the bully arrives in the form of Tempesto, the wolf, things begin to move quickly. Tempesto arrives at the wafflery and attempts to eat the three pigs, telling them that he hates waffles and overturning the wafflery. After the piglets run to their respective homes, Tempesto, now enraged, follows and attempts to gain entrance. he first visits Percy, demolishing his straw house and blowing Percy to brother Pete's cabin. Before Percy's hut is destroyed, he manages to send a paper airplane containing a plea for help to the sheriff. The wolf successfully blows down Pete's cabin, as well and both brothers run to the safety of their sister's brick home. Tempesto was not able to blow down prudence's home and was bombarded by melons and other vegetables by the piglets. he devised a plan to enter the home through the chimney, but while he was executing this move, the piglet's mother, Serafina, drove up in a taxi announcing that the paper airplane had landed in her salad while she was eating. She was here to help. They placed a waffle iron in the fireplace and as soon as the wolf landed they proceeded to make a Wolffle out of him. he finally surrenders and they send him to the Gulf of Pasta in Serafina's place.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story is a less violent version of the familiar tale. Most versions of the folktale have the first two pigs meet their demise and the wolf meet his in the end. For younger audiences, this is a friendly perspective, adding humor that most younger audiences will enjoy. The artwork is colorful, detailed and full of movement. The art also helps convey the humor with details like the the paper airplane landing in the ear of the sheriff, and an inmate in the jail laughing when Percy's bathtub lands on the sheriff. For children who enjoy irony and sarcasim, this will be a favorite.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "Kellogg's usual busy, highly defined illustrations complement the humorous, clever text." "A tempting choice to pair with Jon Scieszka's The True Story of The Three Little Pigs (Viking, 1989) and your favorite traditional version for porcine storytime fun."
BOOKLIST review: "Just as Serafina's customers flock to The Wheeled Wafflery, so children will greet Kellogg's latest picture book with eagerness based on memories of his many satisfying books. Pure pleasure for Kellogg fans."
CONNECTIONS
Other versions of The Three Little Pigs:
Artell, Mike. 2006. THREE LITTLE CAJUN PIGS. Ill. by Jim Harris. Dial Press. ISBN 0803728158
Laird, Donivee. 1990. THREE LITTLE HAWAIIAN PIGS AND THE MAGIC SHARK. Ill. by Carol Jossem. Barnaby Books. ISBN 0940350254
Lowell, Susan. 1996. THE THEEE LITTLE JAVELINAS. Luna Rising. ISBN 0873586611
Marshall, James. 1989. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803705913
Rubin, Vicky. 2007. THE THREE SWINGIN' PIGS. ill. by Rhode Montijo. Henry Holt & Co. ISBN 0805073353
Scieszka, Jon. 1996. THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Ill. by Lane Smith. Puffin. ISBN 0140544518
Trivizas, Eugene. 1997. THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG. Ill. by Helen Oxenbury. McElderry. ISBN 068981528X
Wiesner, David. 2001. THE THREE PIGS. Clarion Books. ISBN 0618007016
Other connections: have children research pigs in both fairy tale/folktale variants and informational texts. Decide how many similarities and or differences there are.
Kellogg, Steven, re teller and ill.. 1997. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. New York, NY: William Morrow and Company. ISBN 0688087310
PLOT SUMMARY
In this retelling of THE THREE LITTLE PIGS Steven Kellogg takes a humorous and fresh approach to an old tale. The pigs in this story are waffle makers and the mother pig, Serafina Sow, makes a good living bringing waffles to the world. When her three piglets graduate from Hog Hollow Academy she passes her business on to the three piglets and retires to the Gulf of Pasta. The piglets build homes nearby: Percy makes his of straw, Pete builds a log cabin, and Prudence builds a cozy brick home. When the bully arrives in the form of Tempesto, the wolf, things begin to move quickly. Tempesto arrives at the wafflery and attempts to eat the three pigs, telling them that he hates waffles and overturning the wafflery. After the piglets run to their respective homes, Tempesto, now enraged, follows and attempts to gain entrance. he first visits Percy, demolishing his straw house and blowing Percy to brother Pete's cabin. Before Percy's hut is destroyed, he manages to send a paper airplane containing a plea for help to the sheriff. The wolf successfully blows down Pete's cabin, as well and both brothers run to the safety of their sister's brick home. Tempesto was not able to blow down prudence's home and was bombarded by melons and other vegetables by the piglets. he devised a plan to enter the home through the chimney, but while he was executing this move, the piglet's mother, Serafina, drove up in a taxi announcing that the paper airplane had landed in her salad while she was eating. She was here to help. They placed a waffle iron in the fireplace and as soon as the wolf landed they proceeded to make a Wolffle out of him. he finally surrenders and they send him to the Gulf of Pasta in Serafina's place.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story is a less violent version of the familiar tale. Most versions of the folktale have the first two pigs meet their demise and the wolf meet his in the end. For younger audiences, this is a friendly perspective, adding humor that most younger audiences will enjoy. The artwork is colorful, detailed and full of movement. The art also helps convey the humor with details like the the paper airplane landing in the ear of the sheriff, and an inmate in the jail laughing when Percy's bathtub lands on the sheriff. For children who enjoy irony and sarcasim, this will be a favorite.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "Kellogg's usual busy, highly defined illustrations complement the humorous, clever text." "A tempting choice to pair with Jon Scieszka's The True Story of The Three Little Pigs (Viking, 1989) and your favorite traditional version for porcine storytime fun."
BOOKLIST review: "Just as Serafina's customers flock to The Wheeled Wafflery, so children will greet Kellogg's latest picture book with eagerness based on memories of his many satisfying books. Pure pleasure for Kellogg fans."
CONNECTIONS
Other versions of The Three Little Pigs:
Artell, Mike. 2006. THREE LITTLE CAJUN PIGS. Ill. by Jim Harris. Dial Press. ISBN 0803728158
Laird, Donivee. 1990. THREE LITTLE HAWAIIAN PIGS AND THE MAGIC SHARK. Ill. by Carol Jossem. Barnaby Books. ISBN 0940350254
Lowell, Susan. 1996. THE THEEE LITTLE JAVELINAS. Luna Rising. ISBN 0873586611
Marshall, James. 1989. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803705913
Rubin, Vicky. 2007. THE THREE SWINGIN' PIGS. ill. by Rhode Montijo. Henry Holt & Co. ISBN 0805073353
Scieszka, Jon. 1996. THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Ill. by Lane Smith. Puffin. ISBN 0140544518
Trivizas, Eugene. 1997. THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG. Ill. by Helen Oxenbury. McElderry. ISBN 068981528X
Wiesner, David. 2001. THE THREE PIGS. Clarion Books. ISBN 0618007016
Other connections: have children research pigs in both fairy tale/folktale variants and informational texts. Decide how many similarities and or differences there are.
Review of Turtle Knows Your Name
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bryan, Ashley, retold and ill.. 1989. TURTLE KNOWS YOUR NAME. New York, NY: Macmillan. ISBN 0689717288
PLOT SUMMARY
TURTLE KNOWS YOUR NAME is the retelling of a West Indies folktale. In this version a young boy is learning to say his name, UPSILIMANA TUMPALERADO, and his grandmother is trying to teach him. She does not give up and eventually takes him to the beach where her own grandmother had taken her to learn her own name. As grandmother and UPSILIMANA TUMPALERADO dance and sing, he learns to say his name. They did not notice that turtle was listening. he listened, swam to the bottom of the sea and spelled the name on the sand with shells. Later when UPSILIMANA TUMPALERADO is playing with friends in the village, they cannot say his name so they call him Long Name. His grandmother tells him that it is a long name, but not the longest. One day when he decides to play with all the animals, he finds that none of them can say his name, either. Until he runs into turtle and discoveres that he knows his name! He very excited and gets home in time to tell his grandmother over dinner about his discovery. She reminds him that if he wants dessert he will have to tell her what her name is. At this point, he runs around to the villagers asking if they know her name. none of them do. The animals also cannot help him and then he remembers that turtle knew his name so he goes to turtle and asks what his grandmother's name is. Indeed, turtle does know her name and he eventually tells UPSILIMANA TUMPALERADO who in turn goes home to shre the news with grandmother and have his dessert.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story has a sing-songy feel to it with certain phrases being repeated in a song quality. The repeated names, questions, and songs from the villagers add to the folktale. The art work is beautifully colorful and somewhat geometric. the bright colors and patterns reinforce the feel of the island culture this story is set in. Children should enjoy the lively pace of the text and bright art to make this a favorite book.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "The handsome and loving black grandmother and her grandson inhabit a radiant, and tropical world and should bring delight to young children and storytellers, who will recognize their proud and loving spirits, and will enjoy chanting the very long names over and over again."
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY review: "The festive paintings are a visual treat, complementing the text with jewel-like colors and fluid lines."
CONNECTIONS
Bryan, Ashley, retold and ill.. 1989. TURTLE KNOWS YOUR NAME. New York, NY: Macmillan. ISBN 0689717288
PLOT SUMMARY
TURTLE KNOWS YOUR NAME is the retelling of a West Indies folktale. In this version a young boy is learning to say his name, UPSILIMANA TUMPALERADO, and his grandmother is trying to teach him. She does not give up and eventually takes him to the beach where her own grandmother had taken her to learn her own name. As grandmother and UPSILIMANA TUMPALERADO dance and sing, he learns to say his name. They did not notice that turtle was listening. he listened, swam to the bottom of the sea and spelled the name on the sand with shells. Later when UPSILIMANA TUMPALERADO is playing with friends in the village, they cannot say his name so they call him Long Name. His grandmother tells him that it is a long name, but not the longest. One day when he decides to play with all the animals, he finds that none of them can say his name, either. Until he runs into turtle and discoveres that he knows his name! He very excited and gets home in time to tell his grandmother over dinner about his discovery. She reminds him that if he wants dessert he will have to tell her what her name is. At this point, he runs around to the villagers asking if they know her name. none of them do. The animals also cannot help him and then he remembers that turtle knew his name so he goes to turtle and asks what his grandmother's name is. Indeed, turtle does know her name and he eventually tells UPSILIMANA TUMPALERADO who in turn goes home to shre the news with grandmother and have his dessert.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story has a sing-songy feel to it with certain phrases being repeated in a song quality. The repeated names, questions, and songs from the villagers add to the folktale. The art work is beautifully colorful and somewhat geometric. the bright colors and patterns reinforce the feel of the island culture this story is set in. Children should enjoy the lively pace of the text and bright art to make this a favorite book.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "The handsome and loving black grandmother and her grandson inhabit a radiant, and tropical world and should bring delight to young children and storytellers, who will recognize their proud and loving spirits, and will enjoy chanting the very long names over and over again."
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY review: "The festive paintings are a visual treat, complementing the text with jewel-like colors and fluid lines."
CONNECTIONS
- An excellent candidate for reader's theater, puppetry, or storytelling . Focusing on the song qualities in this tale will engage children and puppets will also give children a place in the story.
- Look at other books where turtles are the main character, and find similarities.
- Find books with similar chanting, rhyming text.
- The following books with stories from the West Indies are another connection:
SanSouci, Robert D. THE FAITHFUL FRIEND ISBN 0027861317
Godard, Alex. MAMA, ACROSS THE SEA ISBN0805061614
San Souci, Robert D. THE HOUSE IN THE SKY: A BAHAMIAN FOLKTALE ISBN 0803712855
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Review of Long Night moon by Cynthia Rylant
- Bibliography
Rylant, Cynthia. 2004. Long Night Moon. Ill. by Mark Siegel. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689851269
- Plot Summary
According to Native American traditions, the moon of each month takes on a personality and name of its own. Rylant's beautifully eloquent text takes the reader through the year to the 'Long Night Moon'.
- Critical Analysis
With spare, soft wording, Rylant weaves an imaginative personality for the full moon each month. The text has the feel of poetry. It is lyrical. The Earth and inhabitants of the fields and forest are all affected by each moon leading up to the December moon; The Long Night Moon that is the "faithful" moon.
Mark Siegel's art is wispy and ethereal. there is a short description in the back of the book from Siegel about his difficulty in deciding how best to illustrate this book. He chose charcoal, pencil, and pastels. The book maintains that quality of the full moon night as nocturnal creatures are shown in relation to the personality each moon displays.
- Reviews
In School Library Journal-"books this good come along once in a blue moon."
In Kirkus Book Review-"...a quiet meditation on time and nature."
In Booklist-"The deceptively easy phrasings strike a chord; even when the words are joyful, there's still a poignant undertone."
- Connections
Collect books about phases of the moon and have children learn about them.
Use web sites like moonconnection.com and have children create their own calendar of moon phases.
Have children research native American mythology and legends. have them create a story of their own that might become a legend.
Revie of Tomas and the Library Lady
- Bibliography
Mora, Pat. 1997. TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY. Ill. by Raul Colon. New York, NY: Random House, Inc.. ISBN 0679804013
- Plot Summary
Young Tomas helps his migrant farm worker family in the fields of Iowa, but misses his home in Texas. he loves his grandfather's stories and cool water. After telling a story to Tomas and his younger brother, Grandfather suggests that it is time that Tomas visit the library and get some books so that they might have some new stories. Tomas entered the library in town and was instantly greeted by the Library Lady who offered him cool water and books. They developed a friendship as Tomas returned again and again to the library and the lady who gave him cool water and checked out books to him in her name. When Tomas and his family had to leave to return to Texas he and his grandfather took sweet bread to the Library Lady. He left for Texas with a brand new book and the memory of a very nice, new friend.
- Critical Analysis
A sweet story that was based on the childhood experience of Dr. Tomas Rivera (1935-1984) whose family were migrant workers in Texas and Iowa. Mora's focus on the friendship and generosity offered by the librarian to Tomas encourages readers to want to spend time in the library finding the next new story. A bit of heartbreak, deftly handled comes when the family must move back to Texas. Gifts and hugs were exchanged between the Library Lady and Tomas, leaving the book on a sweet, happier note.
Colon's illustrations are neutral in tone and are reminiscent of impressionist pointalism combined with patterned scratchings. The neutrality of the color palette helps maintain the focus on the story. The faces of the people and dinosaurs are all very friendly and inviting.
- Review Excerpts
Review in Horn Book-"A charming, true story about the encounter between the boy who become chancellor at the University of California at Riverside and a librarian in Iowa."
Review in GoodReads-"This tribute to Tomas and his mentor reminds us of the power of stories and those dedicated librarians who have changed the lives of so many people."
- Connections
Examine other books about libraries and librarians. Talk about how those libraries and librarians are similar and perhaps how very different they are.
Have children share their favorite story of their own experience with a librarian that made them feel good. give them the opportunity to illustrate a page for a class book about their experiences.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Review of Flotsam by David Wiesner
- Bibliography
- Plot Summary
In this highly imaginative wordless picture book, a little boy finds an underwater camera while at the beach. He has the film developed and finds that life under the sea is very interesting. He also discovers that he is certainly not the first to find the camera nor the first to use and return the camera to the ocean to be found again. This camera has been around for a while.
- Critical Analysis
This wordless picture book is another thought provoking offering from Wiesner. Executed entirely in watercolor, the book has stunning detail and color. The imaginative use of the creatures under the sea and the lives they lead when "nobody is looking" is humorous and leaves the reader excited with the thrill of discovery. The images of the photograph that shows one child after another taking a photograph, holding the previously taken photograph in his or her hand draws the reader in like the little boy in the book. When he uses the microscope to see all the images back to the very first photograph, the visual history is so very amusing. The last page of the book has the camera being found again, after another fascinating journey through the ocean.
- Review Excerpts
Review in HORN BOOK-"With its careful array of beach combed items, the title page spread of Wiesner's latest wordless picture book makes it look like one of those Eyewitness books, but the following wordless story is far stranger than fact."
Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL-"Filled with inventive details and delightful twists, each shot is a tale waiting to be told."
Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS-'In Wiesner's much-honored style, the paintings are cinematic, coolly retrained and deliberate, beguiling in their sibylline images and limned with symbolic allusions. An invitation not to be resisted."
- Connections
- Look at books about ocean life and compare the informational text to Wiesner's imagination about what really happens when the camera is taken on a journey.
- Gather books on fashion of the twentieth century and allow children the time to decide what year each photograph in the camera must have been made.
- Have children make up thier own painting or drawing of an environment adding thier own make-believe elements.
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