Friday, August 12, 2011
A Special Note About This Blog
Images have been taken from either worldcat.org or amazon.com for this blog. Also, demographic data and item details such as awards information, intended age of audience and page counts have been taken from amazon.com.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The Golden Compass by
Pullman, Philip. (2008). The Golden Compass. Paw Prints.
342 Pages
Ages 12-16
Plot:
Lyra Belaqua is a wild and defiant young girl growing up in the care of the scholars at Jordan College at Oxford, when her uncle returns for one of his rare visits and her life suddenly changes. She's witness to a murder attempts on her uncle and then becomes entangled in a world of political and philosophical drama. Dust has been discovered - an elementary particle which does not seem to affect young children like Lyra. It is believed by some that this dust is the remnant of original sin but opposing viewpoints quickly develop. Children begin to be kidnapped for experimentation, Lyra's uncle is imprisoned by armored bears in the north and it's up to Lyra and a band of Gypsies to rescue them all. Without knowing it, Lyra is destined to alter the course of the future for all.
My Impressions:
As a fantasy book, this book depicts a thoroughly developed world of wonder and masterfully tells an intriguing tale. As a challenged book, I can see why some might see it as challenging to the foundations of Catholicism. I however do not think this is the main motivation behind the book. The book seems merely to want the reader to reexamine that which we think we know based on internal questioning rather than taking everything that is said for granted. Also, the book is set in a world much like our own at the turn of the century. It is set at a time when the church was losing much of its control over general political and social affairs, and not in today's world. Despite any challenge or debate that might erupt from its political agenda, the book is a fantastically imagined story of courage, integrity and choice. I really enjoyed the read and think I'm going to have to read the two sequels next.
Reviews:
From School Library Journal
"A self-styled author of "pop culture books on unauthorized subjects" tackles Pullman's trilogy. Beahm's compendium, aimed at introducing the "casual reader" to the books and forthcoming film version of The Golden Compass (Knopf, 1996), includes a chronology of Pullman's life and works; a lengthy excerpt from his autobiographical sketch in Something about the Author (Gale); a description of his major literary influences, Milton and Blake; and a useful list of key characters, places, and things in each of the three books. To these Beahm adds excerpts from reviews, information on relevant Oxford sites, and the transcription of a discussion with Pullman, the film's producer, and its visual-effects supervisor at the March 2007 Oxford Literary Festival. Brief comments from the film's cast and crew, bibliographies describing various editions of each title in the trilogy, as well as selected books about Pullman and his works round out the information presented. Sometimes repetitive and occasionally inaccurate, this guidebook reads more like a scrapbook compiled by an enthusiastic fan than a serious reference volume. The patchwork quality extends to the book design. Black-and-white photographs of Oxford sites face each section, while black-and-white images of book jackets are interspersed throughout the text, along with line drawings of objects important in the trilogy. An inset featuring glossy color photographs of Pullman's Oxford is also included. For larger collections."
Chang, M. A. (2007). Discovering The Golden Compass: A Guide to Philip Pullman's Dark Materials. School Library Journal, 53(10), 170.
Excerpt from Library Journal
"It takes a remarkable book to cross over from the juvenile to the adult division of a major publisher. Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass, an ambitious fantasy inspired by John Milton's Paradise Lost, is such a book."
Boehning, J. C. (1996). Philip Pullman's paradise. Library Journal, 121(3), 175.
Library Suggestions:
This book represents a more recently and quite publicly challenged book and should definitely be represented by being including in such displays during banned book week. Such a display could be accompanied by forms that could be filled out based on reader's opinions either on the subject of banned books in general or their reactions to such books as The Golden Compass.
This book represents a more recently and quite publicly challenged book and should definitely be represented by being including in such displays during banned book week. Such a display could be accompanied by forms that could be filled out based on reader's opinions either on the subject of banned books in general or their reactions to such books as The Golden Compass.
Otto's Orange Day
Cammuso, F., & Lynch, J. (2008). Otto's orange day: A toon book. New York: Little Lit Library.
40 Pages
Ages 4-8
Plot:
Otto's favorite color is orange. All his favorite toys are orange. One day an orange package arrives for him from his aunt containing an orange lamp. Suddenly a giant genie appears and offers Otto, as the owner of the lamp, one wish. Of course Otto wishes that everything was orange. And so his wish is granted.
While at first Otto finds this wonderful, he soon realizes the danger of traffic lights being all orange and that orange spinach is not as fun as he had imagined. He has to change the world back- but how? Otto only had one wish. Otto calls his aunt who ingeniously buys the lamp back from Otto for a nickel and commands the genie to make the world not all orange. Unfortunately the tricky genie then makes the whole world blue. But after Otto buys him a pizza, since he hasn't eaten in 880 years, he decides he can't eat a blue pizza and restores the world to its multi-color form. Otto realizes he likes all the colors, even if does still like orange the best.
My Impressions:
The narrative of this story was very straightforward in terms of its development and delivery. The artwork was bold and captivating. I enjoyed the book's theme of valuing the differences around us and that these differences are only enhanced by the variety around us, not diminished. Appreciating these unique differences and individual preferences is an important lessen that is artfully told. I think this a great introductory book to the genre of graphicnovels and would be very much enjoyed by today's young readers.
Reviews:
From Booklist
"Written by ‘60s underground comic guru Lynch and Eisner-nominated Cammuso, who also did the artwork, this book in the new TOON imprint gives emerging readers a high-quality comic that is both loads of fun and easy to read. It’s a simple, archetypal story: Otto, a little orange-loving cat, wishes “everythingwas orange,” but when a genie grants his wish, he realizes that he should have been more careful what he wished for: orange lamb chops . . . “Blaach!!!” This is a textbook example of how to use page composition, expanding panel size, color, and stylized fi gures to make sequential art fresh, energetic, and lively. With the particular pedigree of the book’s creators, however, one can’t help but miss avantgarde subversiveness that made Little Lit books (e.g., Strange Stories for Strange Kids, 2001) for older children so thrilling and unique. Even without that element, though, this book is sure to engage a new generation in the art form; kids will want to read it once, then return to it again and again."
Karp, J. (2008). Otto's Orange Day. Booklist, 104(14), 66.
From School Library Journal
"Gr 1-3. Two veteran cartoonists collaborate to create a comic-strip-style book for beginning readers. Otto, an orange cat, receives a mysterious lamp from his aunt. While dusting it off, he releases the genie that resides within and is offered a wish as a reward. Otto declares that he would like everything in the world to be orange, his favorite color; however, after his wish is granted, the results-including a bad-tasting orange lamb chop and an orange-only traffic light that causes car accidents-soon cause him to have second thoughts. With the help of Aunt Sally Lee, Otto outsmarts the genie and sets things right. Each page features one to four panels, and the bulk of the story is told through dialogue balloons. The cartoons are lively and colorful. Clear chapter divisions, a clean graphic design, and large-size print make this title more appropriate for early readers than most comic-book offerings. Still, true beginners may have trouble with some of the vocabulary and struggle to follow the narrative flow. Offer this to book readers with a bit of experience under their belts and an interest in comics and cartoons. "
Fleishhacker, J. (2008). Otto's Orange Day. School Library Journal, 54(5), 153.
Library Suggestions:
This book would be good as part of a lesson on being careful what you wish for. Instructors could even incorporate an activity involving coloring a picture using only shades of orange and then one with all the colors.
This book would also be great as part of a collection of graphic novels for young readers as this is a good introductory book to the genre by two talented artists and writers.
12 Impossible Things Before Breakfast by Jane Yolen
Yolen, J. (1997). Twelve impossible things before breakfast: Stories. San Diego: Harcourt Brace.
192 Pages
Ages 9-12
Plot:
This book includes 12 fantastic tales of imagination and suspense. They range from a return of Alice to Wonderland where she slays the Jabberwockie with laughter, a world in which Central Park is turned into a transformative place for people to become either predatory or prey animals and explore their natural instincts, and a moby-dick link sea battle with a brutal man-eating monster of the deep.
My Impressions:
I found each of the stories in this collection to be very unique. No two were similar in plot, though each had at its center a teenager who faced with the impossible, finds the strength and courage to believe and overcome. Each story is told through rich language and imaginative characterization. My favorite was the re-envisioning of Alice's return to Wonderland in Tough Alice. I think Yolen does a great job in it of maintaining the feel of Carrol's well-known classic and yet giving it enough new life to make it a great story on its own.
Reviews:
From Booklist
"Gr. 6-9. Although 9 of the 12 fantasy stories in this collection have been published before, it is truly nice, as Yolen herself says, to have them together "under one roof." Yolen consistently writes fresh, off-the-wall stories that even children who don't normally read fantasy will enjoy. Some of the tales have elements of horror "Mama Gone" concerns a boy whose deceased mother is a vampire; "The Baby-Sitter" is about a girl who must follow a ritualistic pattern of movements to placate the mysterious "them" who lurk behind closed doors. Some are sweetly tragic, such as "Bolundeers," in which a father saves his son from monsters. Others are twists on old stories: in "Lost Girls," a Peter Pan takeoff, a new Wendy raises the consciousness of other lost girls and foments rebellion in Neverland. Yolen's introduction and her final comments on the origins of each story add to the fun and provide wonderful insights into the writing process."
Chris, S. (1997). Twelve Impossible Things Before Breakfast: Stories by Jane Yolen. Booklist, 94(5), 463.
From School Library Journal
"Gr 5-7--This solid collection of short stories is a good introduction to various types of fantasy. Three of the 12 pieces are new and the rest have been published in other compilations. There is something here for everyone tales that are scary, gross, or fanciful. Some of the selections are reworkings of parts of children's classics, such as Alice in Wonderland (Alice learns how to be tough with the Jabberwock) and Peter Pan (Captain Hook is singing a new tune now that he is married to a modern-day feminist). "The Bridge's Complaint" puts a different spin on "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" by relating events from the bridge's point of view. The tales are set in different times--some in the past, some in the present, and some in the near or distant future. "Wilding" is a chilling futuristic look at New York City's Central Park, based on the gang violence that occurred there in the late 1980s. There's a story of a frightening sea monster, one about a fairy, and another about aliens; all will chill and delight the imagination."
Golodetz, V. (1997). Grades 5 & up: Fiction. School Library Journal, 43(12), 132.
Library Suggestions:
I think this story would make a great display item for story a collection of short story books. As each story is linked by an imaginative thread and yet vastly different from the last, these stories are sure to be a hit with young adult readers. This is especially true for those more reluctant readers who struggle to make it through full novels.
I think this story would make a great display item for story a collection of short story books. As each story is linked by an imaginative thread and yet vastly different from the last, these stories are sure to be a hit with young adult readers. This is especially true for those more reluctant readers who struggle to make it through full novels.
The Wonder Book
Rosenthal, A. K. (2010). The wonder book. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
80 Pages
Ages 4-8
Plot:
This book provides a fun, silly and clever look at ordinary aspects of daily life, looked out at in a new and interesting way. The book includes fun lists, for example, of things you can and can't run with, includes interactive selections which ask the reader to create their own verse, and a look at some creative palindromes ("Was it Eliot's toilet I saw?").
My Impressions:
I found this book to be a witty and clever look at ordinary life events. I enjoyed the way it really explored not only the wonder of these events, but the English language in general. The plays on words, puns, and silly palindromes all explored the power words can have. The illustrations by Paul Schmid have the same fun and silly feel and really enhance the text. I think my favorite selection would be "Fruitful Love," which played on the words of fruits to tell a cute story: "Honeydew you love me?", "You know I do", "Then let's run off and get married", "Oh, darling, we've talked about this. We cantaloupe!" I think children will really like the variety of this book, as it offers not only various formats and subjects, but also selection lengths. There are no two selections alike.
Reviews:
From The Horn Book Guide
"K-3 Illustrated by Paul Schmid. Two things are certain about this uneven assemblage of silly and sometimes subversive poems, palindromes, puns, lists, and random observations. One, kids will like it. Two, ditties like "Tinkle / Tinkle / In the sea / Don't look under / While I pee ..." will draw comparisons to Shel Silverstein's work. Expressive black line drawings are a perfect, punchy counterpart to Rosenthal's verbal humor and horseplay."
Carolyn L., S. e. (n.d). Rosenthal, Amy Krouse: The Wonder Book. The Horn Book Guide, 21(2), 435.
From School Library Journal
"K-Gr 3--Here is a joyous, totally original potpourri of stories, poems, lists, palindromes, visual jokes, and random observations about the universal delights and conundrums of childhood. Set squarely in the world of the 21st-century child, with references to tae kwon do, 50 TV channels, and chocolate-chip pancakes, these varied musings nonetheless speak to everyone's inner child, young or old, mentioning table manners, dinosaurs, bratty children, whining, the tooth fairy, and moms and dads who can't relate. Simple, evocative, and childlike black-and-white line drawings, in concert with judicious and varied use of white space, perfectly capture the happy/sad/serious/silly moods of the selections. A book that can be opened on any page, it includes a handy, tongue-in-cheek index of key words and images to guide readers to subjects of interest. Make room on the poetry shelf between Prelutsky and Silverstein: fans of such well-loved titles as The New Kid on the Block (1984) and A Light in the Attic (1981,both HarperCollins) will flock to this winning volume of sheer fun."
Finn, K. (2010). The Wonder Book. School Library Journal, 56(3), 143.
Library Suggestions:
This book would be a good to do as an interactive read-aloud book to introduce children to verse and poetry. It shows the wide range of verse options within the genre and how fun the subject can be.
This book would be a good to do as an interactive read-aloud book to introduce children to verse and poetry. It shows the wide range of verse options within the genre and how fun the subject can be.
The Face on the Milk Carton
Cooney, C. B. (1990). The face on the milk carton. New York: Bantam Books.
192 Pages
Ages 12-16
Plot:
Janie Johnson is your typical high school girl. She thinks too typical even and begins to imagine herself as someone more exciting and exotic: Jayyne Jonstone. However, when she discovers her 3 three year old self upon a missing persons report on the side of her milk carton, she no longer knows who she is at all. Its reported that she was kidnapped from a New Jersey shopping center at the age of three, but with her perfect parents she has no other reason to suspect she is anyone other than good old Janie. However, she begins to find small and unnerving discrepancies such as a lack of a birth certificate, the distinctive polka-dot dress from the milk carton photograph in the attack, and flashbacks of another life. Soon she is sure her parents are not really her parents and is forced to confront them. They tell her that they are actually her grandparents and that their daughter was lost to a cult and that to protect Janie they had to change their names and create this new story and life. When some facts still dont add up, Janie realizes that she was still taken from her real family by her grandparent's daughter and makes the toughest decision of her life; she calls her real mother.
My Impressions:
I picked this book because I remembered it and its sister novels being popular when I was younger, but I'd never got around to reading any of them. I was surprised by this book. First of all, I remember it being popular when I was in about fourth grade and I found the content of the book a bit heavy and sexually charged for this demographic. However, for a slightly older reader, I found the book to be a very suitable mystery read. I enjoyed the fully fleshed characters and the story was nicely paced without lulls. It not only shares a very intriguing mystery, but it also raises some difficult questions for the reader about how they would handle such a life-changing situation. I found it to be a great read and would recommend it for young adults looking for a good mystery read.
Reviews:
From Publishers Weekly
"THE FACE ON THE MILK CARTON The picture of a missing child printed on a milk carton attracts the attention of 15-year old Jane Johnson. A glimpse of the girl's polka-dot dress causes memories to surface, and Jane begins to review her past and question her true identity. It is nearly impossible for Jane to perceive her loving parents as kidnappers; the task of gathering evidence and drawing conclusions proves less difficult than confronting the undeniable truth. As the novel ends, Jane has found the courage to contact her real parents, but Cooney cleverly leaves the events that follow to readers' imaginations. Although the book's plot is based largely on coincidences, Cooney's skilled writing makes even the most unlikely events seem plausible. The roller-coaster ride Jane experiences with her emotions is both absorbing and convincing. Strong characterizations and suspenseful, impeccably-paced action add to this novel's appeal. Ages 12-up."
Diane, R. k. (1990). The Face on the Milk Carton. Publishers Weekly, 237(2), 62.
Library Suggestions:
I would promote this item as part of a collection of young adult mysteries. There is a reason this book has remained a popular read and a part of library collections for many years, and that is because it is a good book for a wide category of readers, offering both an engaging mystery as well as an examination of personal identity.
Where's the Big Bad Wolf by Eileen Christelow
Christelow, E. (2002). Where's the big bad wolf?. New York: Clarion Books.
32 Pages
Ages 4-8
Plot:
In this re-imagination of the classic Three Little Pigs story, police detective Doggedly is out to catch the Big Bad Wolf in the act. Because despite the repeated arrests and warnings, the Big Bad Wolf just can't seem to give up his mischievous antics. But one night, things start to get weird. Doggedly arrives on the scene of a blown down straw house built by three little pigs. He's sure it's got Big Bad Wolf written all over it, but he's nowhere to be found. Instead there's a strange new sheep, Esmerelda, who's just moved into town and been helping the piggies build their house. Doggedly tracks down the wolf only to find him sick in bed, and has to dismiss him as a suspect. But again the next night a house of sticks is blown over and once again while Doggedly is sure the Big Bad Wolf is involved, he again only finds Esmerelda at the sight and the Big Bad Wolf is now so sick he's in the hospital. Finally, when the piggies build a house of brick to withstand the repeated attacks, the culprit finds themselves unable to blow the house down. Fleeing the scene though is Esmerelda. So following her, Doggedly arrives at the hospital to find Big Bad Wolf climbing through the window and throwing off his disguise. This time Doggedly really locks him up.
My Impressions:
I really think children will get a kick out of this book as they can spot the apparent deception that Detective Doggedly is missing. As children are usually already familiar with the story, this added twist allows for a new level of engagement with the story. I did think the story was unnecessarily wordy at times though and I would've liked the artwork to be a bit more engaging, making some of the action more obvious or perhaps even more subtle, where the reader really has to take a closer look.
Reviews:
From Book Links
K-Gr. 4. Detective Doggedly constantly catches the Big Bad Wolf in the act of committing crimes against the pigs in town. Now the Wolf is disguising himself as other animals, and Detective Doggedly must try to see through his guise. Readers can draw conclusions about the wolf in sheep's clothing from the text and illustrations and also compare this title with more traditional versions of the story of the three little pigs."
Where's the Big Bad Wolf? (2004). Book Links, 13(5), 41.
From Kirkus Reviews
"Three little pigs get some real bad advice from a wolf in a real goofy sheep disguise in this comical whodunit. The three little pigs are having their homes blown dowry--and escaping by the hair of their chinny-chin-chins--and Detective Doggedly believes it might be the work of the shiftless, no-account neighborhood wolf, the infamous BBW. But the only character found at the crime scenes is a newcomer to town: Esmeralda the sheep. Sure, kids will note, Esmeralda their foot, for her disguise is pretty transparent. She has also been giving the pigs construction ideas: straw is good, twigs are good, and cardboard's not bad. Two cows suggest a brick house, which foils the wolf and ends in his unveiling and incarceration. Short-term incarceration, that is, as he's soon back, this time tricked out as a horse, with more self-serving recommendations: "Pick peas after midnight, when everybody is asleep. They'll taste sweeter." So what if there are a few inexplicables here--How did the wolf con his way into that hospital bed?--this is good clownish fun, and the rough-and-tumble art keeps the farce bubbling. (Picture book. 4-7)"
WHERE'S THE BIG BAD WOLF? (2002). Kirkus Reviews, 70(14), 1028.
Library Suggestions:
This book would be great as a read-aloud story time book for a small group of kids so that the accompanying images could easily be seen by all. This way the children can spot the obvious deception that Doggedly is missing and be able to really interact with the story.
An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Aston
Aston, D. H., & Long, S. (2006). An egg is quiet. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.
36 Pages
Ages 9-12
Plot:
This informational book discusses the variety of egg characteristics and attributes, such as size, color, texture and shape. In doing so it explores the various adaptations of eggs for their particular species, such as soft fish eggs and hard ostrich eggs. It also discusses the components that make up on egg and the various gestational periods they can have. In doing so, the book gives the egg itself just as much life as the living being that emerges from it.
My Impressions:
What I enjoyed most about this book was the beautiful artwork. The illustrations capture the diversity of both the eggs themselves and the animals that care for them. Being an informative book by nature, it is surprisingly unwordy, relying on the images to convey much of the meaning and details. Also, the repeated pattern of "An Egg is... (insert characteristic) is a nice touch as it is intended for young readers. This phrase besides structure and organization to the book's contents. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it for young students doing some of their first investigative research.
Reviews:
From Publishers Weekly
"Like the subject matter it describes, this book packages with understated elegance the substantive matter found within it. "An egg is quiet. It sits there, under its mother's feathers… on top of its father's feet… buried beneath the sand," Aston (When You Were Born) begins, as spot illustrations zero in on a hummingbird, emperor penguin and sea turtle, respectively. The narrative then launches into a kind of survey about the characteristics of eggs, which follows a simple format. In most spreads, different adjectives (colorful, shapely, textured, etc.) complete the sentence, "An egg is.…" This repetitive rhythm contrasts with the visual variety of the illustrations. Long's (Sylvia Long's Mother Goose) skilled use of contrast and compositional balance prevent monotony. For example, a border that resembles a color test pattern runs down the outer edges of a spread of nearly 40 carefully placed "colorful" examples, set against a white background, which dazzle the eye. The main text appears in large, flowery cursive, while a smaller printed typeface serves as labels and brief factual captions. "An egg is clever," in fancy script, for instance, sits alongside examples of camouflage: "An egg might be speckled to resemble the rocks around it." The letters' dramatic curlicues mimic curvy grasses and vines dappled with tiny insect eggs. Long introduces breathtaking color into the final spreads, as a concluding scene "hatches from" this peacefulness, reminding readers of an egg's purpose. This attractive volume pleases on both an aesthetic and intellectual level. Ages 5-10. "
An Egg Is Quiet. (2006). Publishers Weekly, 253(10), 74-101.
From School Library Journal
K-Gr 2 -- An exceptionally handsome book on eggs, from the delicate ova of the green lacewing to the rosy roe of the Atlantic salmon to the mammoth bulk of an ostrich egg. Aston's simple, readable text celebrates their marvelous diversity, commenting on size, shape, coloration, and where they might be found. The author occasionally attributes sensibilities to eggs ("An egg is clever," for example). Still, her quiet descriptions of egg engineering and embryo development (no mention of mating) are on the mark, and are beautifully supported by Long's splendid watercolor depictions of a wide variety of eggs. (One teeny carp--Steller's jays are not spelled with an "ar," though they are stellar performers when wheedling for your lunch at a campsite!) A beautiful guide to the unexpected panoply of "the egg."
Manning, P. (2006). An Egg Is Quiet. School Library Journal, 52(6), 104.
Library Suggestions:
I think this book would be great as part of a display book for informative books. It's illustrations are captivating, so putting it in a highly visible spot will draw readers to it as its subject matter is less likely to be sought on its own.
Odd Boy Out by Don Brown
Brown, D. (2004). Odd boy out: Young Albert Einstein. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
32 Pages
Ages 4-8
Plot:
In this biography of Albert Einstein, author Don Brown diverges from the normal recounting of Einstein's scientific career and focuses instead on his childhood and temperamental development into one of the world's greatest thinkers. It begins by recounting his completely average birth and remarks that in his early years he was very quite and focused, preferring solitary forms of pleasure rather than group sports. He also is surprising noted as being a generally poor student in subjects other than science and math, though due to disinterest rather than lack of intelligence. It is soon apparent that young Einstein has an apptitude for math and science, but those around him are frustrated by his lack of "normalcy" and invovlement in routine affairs. Einstein prefers instead to keep to himself and ponder the wonders of physics.
My Impressions:
I really enjoyed this book for its unusual approach to the life of Einstein. It relies very little on his scientific acheivenemts, instead showing the reader that he was neither a perfect nor even average child. He was flawed in his own unique ways and quirky. The tone of the book is also very light for a subject that is usually dense with facts and jargon. Thus is lends itself as being a very good biography book for young students. Also, the accompanying illustrations do a wonderful job of enhancing the tone of the story: somber when describing his isolation and bold and colorful when discussing his scientific wonderings. The book is light and engaging and I highly recommend it.
Reviews:
From The Horn Book Magazine
"Brown maintains a delicate tension between his accessible presentation (a straightforward text and uncluttered illustrations) and his extraordinary subject (the legendary twentieth-century physicist whose complex ideas revolutionized science and daily life). For someone whose name is synonymous with genius, Albert Einstein's early years were far from auspicious. Brown carefully and effectively summarizes events, choosing telling details to paint a portrait of an introspective child who struggles in school and whose frustrated teachers wonder if Albert is "dull-witted." In the somber watercolor and ink illustrations, young Albert's physical separation from other figures emphasizes his psychological disconnection from the goings on around him (as do his almost-always-closed eyes). Brown introduces Einstein's famous theories with a light touch, keeping the focus on the boy/young man. The book's message about different ways of and approaches to learning is clear and will surely be appreciated by the intended audience. An author's note debunks a few myths surrounding the man and his work, and a short bibliography rounds out this inspired picture-book biography."
Kitty, F. n. (2011). Don Brown: Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein. The Horn Book Magazine, 80(5), 604.
From Booklist
"Gr. 3-5. Young readers won't come away from Brown's newest picture-book biography understanding the theory of relativity, but they will be heartened by the parallels between their own experiences and those of an iconic science guy. The author-illustrator of Mack Made Movies (2003) and other books presents the future Nobel Prize winner as a sallow, sunken-eyed little boy who lingers on the sidelines as other boys roughhouse, spends hours building a house of cards "fourteen stories high," and vexes his teachers (one tells him that "he would never get anywhere in life"). Brown's language dips into vagueness when it's time to describe the mature scientist's contributions, and the accompanying artwork is often disappointingly generic, awkwardly incorporating computer-generated elements that overwhelm the delicate ink-and-watercolor style used elsewhere. Still, this joins Frida Wishinsky's What's the Matter with Albert? (2002) as one of the very few picture-book biographies of Einstein available Try giving it to older elementary students, who will get the most out of the detailed author's note and bibliography featuring many books for adults."
Jennifer, M. n. (2004). Brown, Don. Odd Boy Out: the Story of the Young Albert Einstein. Booklist, 101(1), 116.
Library Suggestions:
Like many of Don Brown's biographies, this book would be good as part of a collection of early reader biographies. It's light content level and unique take on Einstein make it great for those just starting out with research or who even just those who are curious about notable people from history.
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
Woodson, J., & Lewis, E. B. (2001). The other side. New York: Putnam's.
32 Pages
Ages 4-8
Plot:
This story begins with an unnamed young black girl noting that she sees a young white girl her age across the fence from her everyday but has been told she is not to cross this fence and play with this girl. The other girl has likewise been told a similar thing by her mother. But neither girl understand why and only want to play with their neighbor. Soon the girls decided that they were never told that they could not sit on the fence and talk, only that they were not to climb over. So the girls soon become friends, sharing this fence as well as their childhood interests. Soon the white girl is embraced by all the friends of the black girl and they all finish the story by agreeing that when they're older and able to make adult decisions they'll tear down such fences.
My Impressions:
This book provided a very straightforward account of racial divisons in mid century southern america from the perspective of children. From this point of view especially, such distinctions and seperations based on racial differences are clearly seen as unnatural. The story of the friendship between these two girls shows that skin color does not affect who you are as a person and the fact that two young children understand this while their parents do not only enhances the power of the message. I really liked how the book concluded with all the children acknowledging the foolishness of such a fence and such less literal divisions.
Reviews:
From Scholastic Parent & Child
"For Ages 5-8. Told by their mamas to stay on their own sides of the fence that divides their racially segregated town, two little girls (one black and one white) find a way to straddle the barrier and become friends. Glorious watercolors capture the long summer days. It's a slice of recent American history made accessible to young children."
Rovenger, J. (2001). The Other Side (Book). Scholastic Parent & Child, 9(1), 18.
From Library Talk
"Written from the point of view of a black child, this book employs the powerful symbol of a fence to emphasize the racial division in a southern town. Clover is torn between her family's notion of the "way it has always been" and her own feelings about her new white friend Annie. Though she has been told not to climb over the fence that divides the properties, Clover approaches the fence where Annie sits. Annie invites her to come and sit with her. As the summer ends, Annie and the black children begin to play together and to sit side by side on the fence. They speak of "Someday," when someone will knock down the old fence. This book delivers a subtle but powerful message about friendship and racial divisions in an earlier time in America. The hopeful "Someday" at the end of the book leads the reader to consider whether that someday has yet come. Wonderfully expressive watercolor paintings executed in soft pastels and restful greens appeal to the reader; they also help to communicate the feelings of the characters and the simple lifestyle in the small rural town. This is a lovely picture book for all ages. Highly Recommended."
Feehrer, B. B. (2001). The Other Side (Book Review). Library Talk, 14(4), 48.
Library Suggestions:
I think this book would be a great read-aloud story time book, especially in a classroom setting where issues of racial differences are being discussed. This book would be a great storytime book both because of its narrative as well as its illustrations. The engaging story is greatly enhanced by the beautiful illustrations which were by far my favorite part of the book.
The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco
Polacco, P. (2000). The butterfly. New York: Philomel Books.
48 Pages
Ages 4-8
Plot:
During the Nazi occupation of France, young Monique witnesses the capture of the local Jewish candy-store owner her family has known for years. She is shaken by the event. Following this, she wakes up to find a strange young girl in her room. She discovers not only that this girl, Sevrine, and her parents are Jewish runaways hiding in a secret basement of her home, but also that her mother is aware of it and has been helping such families for years. She soon becomes very good friends with the young girl. But when they are spotted by a neighbor, it is imperative that Sevrine and her family move on as they are no longer safe. In a suspensful and dramatic conclusion, Sevrine and her family are smuggled out of the country to a new safer location and Monique shares an intense new bond with her mother.
My Impressions:
I found this story to be very serious, full of suspense and very real danger. It is not a light read for a young child, but is a great story for those explaining the very real corruption of man through war and the great compassion of man. This story would require either some preperation before hand and/or a discussion afterward. What I enjoyed most about the book was the symbolism used by the butterfly as well as the very authentic frienship of the two girls. For despite its brevity, it remains a foundational part of each girl and their families for the rest of their lives.
Reviews:
From Reading Teacher
"Inspired by events during the Nazi occupation of France, this book is based on the true story of a friendship between two young French girls, one Christian and the other Jewish. Readers will gain an understanding of the selfless acts of the people in the French Resistance and Underground during World War II. Throughout this book, the papillon butterflies are a symbol of freedom and hope--a symbol of things that, during the Nazi regime, were denied those of Jewish descent. CU: This is a thought-provoking read-aloud for use with all grades. After reading, a follow-up discussion would be a great way to reinforce the book's lessons. The Butterfly would be a wonderful addition to an author study and units on friendship or World War II."
The Butterfly (Book Review). (2001). Reading Teacher, 55(3), 246.
From Library Talk
"Polacco uses a picture book format to bring readers a story that addresses the serious subject of the Nazi occupation of France with a balance of drama, hope, and friendship--a story that will move readers. The story is based on true events from the life of the author's aunt. Young Monique discovers that her mother, Marcel, has been hiding a Jewish family from the Nazis in the basement of their home. Monique and Sevrine form a secret friendship that is torn apart when the girls are spotted by a neighbor while releasing a butterfly into the night. The family must flee. After time has passed with no word from Sevrine or her parents, many butterflies land in Monique and Marcel's garden. Monique takes this as a sign that Sevrine and her parents are safe. The illustrations are quite recognizable as Polacco's and work well to support the text. At moments of danger and oppression, the use of black, red, and shades of gray is particularly effective. The story may open the door to many discussions about religious and cultural differences, or may be used as a read-aloud in support of a unit of study on World War II or racism. Fans of Polacco's work will be pleased with her latest effort. Recommended."
Mench, L. (2001). The Butterfly (Book Review). Library Talk, 14(1), 45.
Library Suggestions:
I recommend this book be utilized as a read-aloud book to use when discussing issues of racial tension/acceptance, compassion and war. I would not recommend this book as being merely a display item or suggesting read type item, because I believe it requires background information and should be followed by discussion.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
BOOM! by Mark Haddon
Haddon, M., & Haddon, M. (2010). Boom!. Oxford: David Fickling Books.
194 pages
Ages 9-12
Plot:
After Jimbo and his best friend Charlie overhear two of their teachers talking in a strange alien language after school, they soon find they are being followed by strange suited men with powerful alien technology. Then when Charlie suddenly goes missing, it's up to Jimbo to save him. Enlisting the help of his sister, Jimbo sets off an a cross-country mission to a remote Scottish isle. After finding himself inside a teleportation device, Jimbo is transported to a strange alien planet light years away. There he finds Charlie and is confronted by his alien teachers and the leader of their race. They report that they are being attacked back on the Scottish island on Earth and Roy and Charlie are sent back to stop it or the Earth will be blown up. Upon returning to earth they use the alien technology to attack the teleportation device and closing the connection between the worlds. They return home with their secret and a greater appreciation for the mysterious world around them.
My Impressions:
This book was a fun read. It had a fluid energy from beginning to end, which would keep more reluctant readers interested. Also it does not take itself too seriously as it conveys its story in a sensational and foolhardy manner. The story is quite humorous as well as suspenseful, though it does contain some stronger language as well as London jargon, which may be either offensive or not readily understood. However, I think boys especially would enjoy this read. I know I did.
Reviews:
Review by Sarah Ellis - The Horn Book Guide
"Jim and Charlie discover that two of their teachers are evil aliens--then Charlie disappears. What follows is a madcap action romp that includes a motorcycle chase, rock climbing in Scotland, and a change of scene to outer space. Through derring-do, cliffhangers, and wisecracks, the narrative manages to be both a send-up and a celebration of classic sci-fi. Review 7/10."
Sarah, E. s. (2010). Haddon, Mark: Boom!. The Horn Book Guide, 21(2), 340.
Review by Donna Cardon - School Library Journal
When Jimbo hears that he might be expelled from school, his best friend has a plan to find out if the rumor is true. The two boys hide a walkie-talkie in the teacher's lounge, but end up hearing more than they planned on. Soon they are being pursued by people with amazing powers who lead them on a chase across England to places beyond their wildest dreams. The well-paced, rollicking story line vacillates between hair-raising and hilarious. The relationships between the three main characters, especially the love-hate relationship Jimbo has with his leather-clad, motorcycle-riding older sister, are realistic and charming. Even the secondary characters are unique and interesting. Julian Rhind-Tutt reads Mark Haddon's book (Random/David Fickling Books, 2010) with a pronounced blue-collar British accent. He reproduces the cadences and idioms of a London teen with delightful authenticity and makes each character sound unique. This book contains language that might be offensive to some, but the swearing is in keeping with the age of the characters and the setting. Some British slang might be unfamiliar, but the meaning is usually discernable in context. Jimbo's adventure is much lighter and less philosophical than Only You Can Save Mankind (HarperCollins, 2006), but has some Pratchett-like random spontaneity. A great choice for reluctant readers, especially boys, and anyone who is in the mood for a bit of fun.
Cardon, D. (2010). Boom!. School Library Journal, 56(10), 54.
Library Suggestions:
This book is a go to book for suggesting to more reluctant readers. The book's cover and title make it very attention grabbing, so simply by displaying it in highly visible areas of the library, browsers will be enticed to read it.
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Dahl, R., & Smith, L. (1996). James and the giant peach: A children's story. New York: Knopf.
Illustrations by Lane Smith
126 Pages
Ages 9-12
Plot:
Orphaned and living with his two mean and self-centered aunts, (insert name) and (insert name), James finds himself living a dull and lonely life. When suddenly, a (insert name) appears in his garden and gives him a bag of magical creatures. Running to the house to put his new found treasure to good use, he trips beneath a barren peach tree and loses the entire contents of the bag as they quickly burrow into the ground. The next thing James knows, his aunts are exclaiming about a peach finally growing on the tree- growing very quickly. Soon it's as big as a bowling ball, then a dog, then an entire house. The aunts realize they can make a fortune on this novelty and make it an attraction for which they charge the public money to view. Things have suddenly gone from bad to worse for James.
Then as he's locked outside for the night to clean up the day's mess, he finds a passageway into the heart of the giant peach. When he gets to the pit, he finds a door and within the door is a strange gathering of gigantic talking insects. While at first startled, he quickly embraces his new found friends and in the morning as the grasshopper chews through the stem of the peach, releasing it from the tree, they all head out together to find a better life free of James' aunts. After a rocky journey down the hill and through town, they end up floating in the sea. This brings them many new difficulties, such as seagulls, sharks, and stormy weather. James' ingenuity and their teamwork lands them all safely across the sea in New York. From atop the Empire State Building they are greeted by the city, labeled heroes and James quietly settles into a life that is no longer lonely in the heart of Central Park.
My Impressions:
The best part of reading this story was it's liveliness. There was never a dull moment throughout the reading of the novel. Characterization was rich and the situations and dialogue were imaginative and well-developed. I really enjoyed it for its ease of telling and could see a large group and children being read this story without a moment of lost interest as it is never clear ahead of time what magical creature is going to appear next or what crazy situation James is about to find himself in. No matter what obstacle placed before him, James is able to see the bright side of things and use his imagination to overcome.
Reviews:
Excerpt of a Review by Patty Inglish from About.com
"Roald Dahl has written entertaining children's stories that contain morals and life lessons that even adults can appreciate. In James and the Giant Peach, he handles the themes of abandonment, abuse, and redemptive reward--with justice meted out appropriately to all concerned."
Retrieved From: http://classiclit.about.com/od/jamesandthegiantpeach/fr/aa_jamesreview.htm
Excerpt of a Review by Emily on "A Few Good Books" on Blogspot
"James and the Giant Peach is a famous work by Roald Dahl. This book has been frequently challenged and banned for its content, including the abuse that James experiences. Others have claimed that the book promotes alcohol and drug use, that it contains inappropriate language, and that it encourages disobedience to parents....Despite the controversy, I still loved and enjoyed every bit of James and the Giant Peach. Dahl's writing was smooth and flawless and, as always, his characters were wonderful."
Retrieved From: http://afewgoodbooks1.blogspot.com/2010/09/banned-book-review-1-james-and-giant.html
Library Suggestions:
This book is a great example of fantasy for the young reader and it therefore lends itself to being a great introductory book to the genre. It would be good as a part of a collection of such books for elementary readers.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
HOOT by Carl Hiaasen
Hiaasen, C. (2002). Hoot. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
2003 Newberry Honor Award Book
292 pages
Ages 9-12
Plot:
Roy Eberhardt sees a strange wild looking, shoeless kid running alongside the school bus one morning and does not know what to make of it. Soon he begins to follow the kid down into the woods alongside a golfcourse only to suddenly find himself strung up in a booby trap. He his cut down and marched out of the boy's lair bound and blindfolded, but not before catching a glimpse of a bucket of poisonous snakes and learning the boy's name is Mullet Fingers. Rather than being detered, Roy is only more intrigued. Simultaneously, a local pancake diner construction site is being vandalized repeatedly. When snakes turn up at the construction site as part of the latest prank, Roy begins to put two and two together and seeks out Mullet Fingers for answers. He learns from fellow classmate and Mullet Finger's half-sister, Beatrice, that his mother has basically kicked him out, and he is now left to fend for himself. He has made it his mission to save a family of small burrowing owls that live at the construction site. Roy wants to help him, but feels weary about breaking the law, so he begins to persue more legal channels with the help of his father. In an escalating battle between Pancake Diner owners and the vandals, the story culminates in a large protest of children, led by Roy, Beatrice and Mullet Fingers at the ground breaking celebration. In the end, Roy's father comes through with a claim that the company has disregarded the environmental impact report stating construction on the land would result in habitat loss for the owls, construction is suspended and the owls are saved.
My Impressions:
I enjoyed the mystery and suspense of this story as well as its being told from multiple viewpoints, much like a court case drama. These elements enhanced the story greatly. However, I found much of it to be a bit trivial and at times tedious. The characters were diverse, but a bit too flat. That being said, the message of standing up for what's right even when it is not the easy choice to make, is always a good message to pass on to readers. Also, as it is at this age in life that the world suddenly begins to take on more shades of gray, and lose its black and white rules, it is good to demonstrate how to make such tough choices as a young adult.
Reviews:
Betty Cater - Horn Book Magazine
Hoot is quintessential Hiaasen — a mystery/adventure set in South Florida, peopled with original and wacky characters — with a G rating. Roy Eberhart the new kid in town, hooks up with teenage runaway Mullet Fingers (so named because he can catch fish with his bare hands) and his sister Beatrice, a "major soccer jock … with a major attitude." The three discover that the proposed site for a Mother Paula's All-American Pancake House is also a nesting ground for small burrowing owls, a protected species, and they attempt to halt construction. Initiating a cover-up that reaches all the way to the mayor's office, Mother Paula's executives ignore the owls and try to speed up ground-breaking ceremonies before the public learns their secret. But Mullet Fingers sabotages their efforts: he removes survey stakes; puts alligators in the portable toilets; and releases a mess of cottonmouth shakes to scare away the guard dogs, The narrative carries a lot of frenzied commotion that only becomes more preposterous with each new character's entrance. There's Garrett, "king of phony farts" at middle school; Officer Delinko, not "the sharpest knife in the drawer"; and Kalo, the amiable rottweiler trainer ("That vun dere is Max. That vun, Klaus. That vun, Karl. And that big vun is Pookie Face"). Each individual has a story to tell, sometimes advancing the plot (Officer Delinko's ambitious investigation provides believable access to all characters) and sometimes imposing an earnestness at odds with the humor (Beatrice and Mullet Fingers endure a dismal home situation). Not consistently a hoot, but worthy of a holler. Hiaasen's first YA book succeeds as a humorous diversion.
Carter, B. (2002). Hoot. Horn Book Magazine, 78(6), 759-760.
Bill Ott - Booklist
It seems unlikely that the master of noir-tinged, surrealistic black humor would write a novel for young readers. And, yet, there has always been something delightfully juvenile about Hiaasen's imagination; beneath the bent cynicism lurks a distinctly 12-year-old cackle. In this thoroughly engaging tale of how middleschooler Roy Eberhardt, new kid in Coconut Cove, learns to love South Florida, Hiaasen lets his inner kid run rampant, both the subversive side that loves to see grown-ups make fools of themselves and the righteously indignant side, appalled at the mess being made of our planet. When Roy teams up with some classic children's lit outsiders to save the home of some tiny burrowing owls, the stage is set for a confrontation between right-thinking kids and slow-witted, wrongheaded civic boosters. But Hiaasen never lets the formula get in his way; the story is full of offbeat humor, buffoonish yet charming supporting characters, and genuinely touching scenes of children enjoying the wildness of nature. He deserves a warm welcome into children's publishing.
Ott, B. (2002). Hoot. The Booklist, 99(4), 272.
This book would be good as part of a discussion or debate starter. Perhaps a children's book club group could read this book and discuss what they would do, both in terms of moral and legal aspects. What were the alternatives to the action taken? What would they do in Roy or even Mullet Finger's position?
SLOB by Ellen Potter
Potter, E. (2009). Slob. New York: Philomel Books.
199 pages
Ages 9-12
Plot:
Owen Birnbaum is a 13 year old boy who is of beyond average intelligence and also weight. This makes him misunderstood by his peers. This first person account follows him through a year of struggling as he attempts to build a machine, Nemesis, that will allow him to watch surveillance footage of an event from years prior. An event that forever changed his life: the murder of his parents in their deli shop while he and his sister listened helplessly below. With the help of his sister, "Jeremy" who too is struggling with the loss of her parents and establishing an identity, his hot-dog vendor friend, Nima, and his once-thought-to-be-enemy, he is able to regain control of his life by letting go of trying to control the past. He learns to accept the life he's been given, to stand up for himself and those he cares about, and to make the best of what he's been given, which is a new life full of wonderful people who care about him.
My Impressions:
I was surprised by the depth of this book. From the title and the cover, I had expected a tale of a kid who was struggling with bullying from not fitting in at school. And while this is the case, this is only a small part of it. Owen's story deals with the sudden and tragic loss of his parents, gender issues and issues of self-esteem as well, all in a very genuine, touching and at times even funny manner. I really appreciated how dimensional and fully-formed the story and especially the characters were. I think it discusses many issues that may not be the most common for the everyday teenager to relate to at a one to one level, but the broad context of the book deals with learning to be comfortable with oneself and accept that which is beyond their ability to control. And that I think is an important message for all young adults today.
Reviews:
Review by Elaine E. Knight - School Library Journal
Owen is the fattest-and smartest-seventh grader in his New York City school. When he's not ducking the school bully or trying to survive the world's most sadistic P.E. teacher, he invents things. Currently Owen has two projects-a TV that will show events in the past and a trap to catch the thief who keeps stealing the Oreos from his lunchbox. There's a lot of middle school banter and adolescent dialogue. However, what begins as a lighthearted adventure gradually takes on a darker tone. Owen calls his invention Nemesis and insists that it needs to reach exactly two years back. As the story evolves, readers learn that there are places in town where he feels distinctly uncomfortable, and that he treasures a note that says only "SLOB." Step by step, Owen reveals the tragedy behind his concerns. Two years earlier, he was hiding in the basement of the family store, listening as his parents were killed by an intruder. Adopted by the 911 operator who took his call after the murders, he dreams of identifying the perpetrator. Although Nemesis fails to solve the crime, Owen is finally able to find closure, with help from his sister, their friends, and, surprisingly, from the dreaded bully himself. A sensitive, touching, and sometimes heartbreakingly funny picture of middle school life.
Knight, E. E. (2009). Slob. School Library Journal, 55(7), 90.
A Kirkus Review of SLOB
An intriguingly offbeat mystery concerning the theft of cookies from a boy's lunch, at turns humorous, suspenseful and poignant. Intelligent Owen is the fattest kid in his middle school, having packed on the pounds after a major upheaval in his life caused him to begin turning to food as a source of comfort. His younger sister, who has joined up with a group at school called Girls Who Are Boys (GWAB) and taken to insisting that others call her Jeremy, coped by growing tougher. Owen, on the other hand, has become an object of ridicule due to his weight. While the Oreo heist provides the main premise for Owen to engage with other kids at school, there are a number of secondary mysteries crafted alongside it, each of them raising unexpected questions that are neatly wrapped up by the novel's end. While some readers may balk at some of its more convenient coincidences, fans of Jerry Spinelli and others of his ilk may especially enjoy it and will be held rapt.
SLOB. (2009). Kirkus Reviews, 77(8), 447.
Library Suggestions:
This book would be good among a display collection of books about contemporary issues for middle school aged children. It tackles some very deep and real issues that are representative of this age group today and might be a good resource for providing guidance to parental loss or sexual identity issues.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Module 3 - The Giver by Lois Lowry
Lowry, L. (1993). The giver. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Newbery Medal Book 1994
180 pages
Ages 10-14
Plot:
Reviews:
Excerpt from Melinda Franklin in Writers for Young Adults:
Lois Lowry inscribed her 1994 Newbery Medal winner, The Giver (1993), "For all the children to whom we entrust the future." The book serves as a warning and a hope for times to come. Although the setting of this novel is strikingly different from Lowry's other works, the themes are the same: the importance of memories, the interdependence of families and greater communities, and the cycle of life....
The type of interdependence that Lowry describes in The Giver is very different from the connections that are central to many of her works. The utopian world is structured with a series of rituals and rules for families and the community. In the family they have Telling of Feelings, Telling of Dreams, and set statements that are made by a person who has been rude or vain. The community takes part in such rituals as strict daily schedules, the Ceremony of Age, and Releases (sanctioned euthanasia for the elderly or undesirable members of the community). This community relies on rules and structure to hold it together, instead of connections among people. The relationships among the people of The Giver look especially shallow when contrasted with familial and communal relationships in Lowry's other works such as Rabble Starkey, Autumn Street, and the Anastasia books.
Finally, Lowry uses several examples of the cyclical aspect of life in The Giver. Jonas is being trained to replace the old Receiver of Memory, an elder in the community. Jonas is young and inexperienced. He is challenged emotionally, mentally, and physically by the memories he receives. The Giver, as Jonas comes to call the present Receiver of Memory, has been exhausted by his responsibilities. Jonas is his relief. The Elder must pass his burdensome task to Jonas, a progression that represents the natural patterns of life....
In the end, Jonas decides to leave the community and release the memories he has been given into the community. While The Giver stays to help the community handle the released memories, Jonas and Gabriel escape in the night for the unknown land beyond the community boundaries. In freedom, the two young characters are allowed possible rebirth. In this way the cycle continues.
Franklin, Melinda F. (1997). Lois Lowry. Writers for Young Adults. Ed. Ted Hipple, 3.
Excerpt from Elyse Lord for Novels for Students:
Lowry's novel is compelling, terrifying, and above all, hopeful. Through reading about Jonas, a boy who has the courage and vision to help his people to acknowledge their pain and differences, Lowry's readers can experience the joy of pushing “open the gate” [Lowry's metaphor] that separates them from Elsewhere. It would be hard to find a more appropriate message for youth, who are immersed in making important decisions about what kinds of people they will one day become.
Lord, Elyse. (n.d). The Giver. Novels for Students. Gale.
Library Suggestions:
As I feel this books lends itself so readily to discussion, I would recommend this book be used in a young adult book club setting guided by an adult. Upon concluding the book, readers should discuss the importance of family and memories in terms of society as well as individual responsibility to one's larger community.
Monday, June 20, 2011
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle
L'Engle, M. (1962). A wrinkle in time. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.
1963 Newberry Medal Winner
First Published in 1963
203 pages, with some illustrations
Ages 9-12
Plot:
Misunderstood by her classmates and written off as troubled by her teachers, high school student Margaret "Meg" Murry feels lost and only at home with her family. Her father, a brillant physicist, has been gone from the family on a top secret assignment for years, leaving behind Meg, her mother, her two teenage brothers, Dennys and Sandy and her youngest brother, a sort of savant genius, Charles Wallace. In his absence, they've continued on with life routinely, until suddenly some new people in town start to stir up some startling changes. In a "haunted house" in the woods, three mysterious and other-worldly women, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs.
Who, and Mrs. Which, show up and assign Meg, Charles Wallace, and local high school model student, Calvin O'Keefe the mission of saving her father and by doing so, saving Earth from a coming darkness.
The journey that follows, takes them to remote and fantastic locations around the galaxy, ultimately ending up on a mysterious planet, ruled by a single mind-controlling brain that has been keeping her father captive. Using their unique abilities and strengths, each must find a way to combat these dark forces, save their father and restore their home and family.
My Impressions:
I have mixed feelings about this book. Personally, I really enjoyed the story and found it very engaging. However, having found it in the junior section of my library, I had expected it to be a lighter read. The book relied heavily not only on scientific termonology and phenomena, but it also included a lot of literary as well as religious references that I feel would be lost on the average young adult reader. I felt the story was more complicated than it needed to be based on its plot because it was trying so hard to convey the personal opinions and agenda of L'Engle. Despite this though, the ideas within the story were very original and engaging and the characters were each well-defined, unique and dimensional.
Reviews:
Excerpt from Booklist
“This is is one of those books where you can tell if someone has read it by how their eyes light up when you mention the title,” Medlar says. “It’s such a great combination of so many things,
all of which appeal to different types of people and readers.” His library’s circulation figures back up these personal impressions: “It definitely is one of the most popular Newbery titles that we have in the collection.”
A Wrinkle in Time. (2007). Booklist, 103(18), 58-59.
From The Reading Teacher
"This book was awarded the 1963 Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children, so it is ironic that the manuscript was rejected 26 times before it was published. The honor of the medal marked the first time in history that juvenile science-fiction-- in the story of three children transported from Earth to another planet--was accepted into mainstream children's literature. Written during the Cold War era of nuclear threat and the space race. A Wrinkle in Time delves into the world of space and time travel in the mid-20th century, taking the reader on a journey of the unexplored. L'Engle realistically portrays adolescent anxieties related to physical appearance, family relationships, and one's search for identity. There will always be a Meg, a Charles, or a Calvin inside every reader asking the same questions: Do I matter? Does anyone care? In A Wrinkle in Time, they find out they are not alone in their pursuit of self-discovery."
Livingston, N., & Kurkjian, C. (2003). A Wrinkle in Time (Book). Reading Teacher, 57(1), 100.
Library Suggestions:
This book would be a nice display item for a collection of youth science fiction books, as it is considered the first book of its genre to gain such acclaim and therefore popularize the genre as a whole. It is a foundational book within such a collection and helps to illustrate the evolution of youth science-fiction over the last 50 years.
Crow Call by Lois Lowry
Lowry, L., & Ibatoulline, B. (2009). Crow call. New York: Scholastic Press.
Published 2009
32 pages, fully illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
Ages 4-8
Plot:
Taking place on a cold November morning following the return of her father from war, Liz recounts the day her father took her on her first crow call. Rising before dawn, she and her father set off, a little unsure of each other after their long estrangement, and head to a local diner for breakfast where they eat cherry pie (Liz's favorite). Once they arrive at their woodland destination, they begin to silently hike into the woods, Liz wrapped snuggly in her prized oversized plain hunting shirt. Soon it is time and Liz begins the call and suddenly hundreds of birds flock to her. She are her dad share some brief conversation and the unspoken bond of this memory and by doing so reestablish a personal connection to each other.
My Impressions:
I liked this story because it dove into the internal feelings of the character, rather than focusing on the external action as most children's books do. The story shows how a simple morning out that to some might seem relatively uneventful, can become a cherished memory rich with sentiment and life long after it passes. While it is unlikely many children will find themselves out on an early morning crow call with an estranged father, the story is nevertheless relatable. It is these moments which create the individual and it is clear that this moment is deeply rooted in who Lois Lowry is. Also, the artwork for the story is quite immersive and truly helps extend the emotional content of the story as well as the setting. I do however feel that while children will enjoy this book, but that adults will probablly appreciate its subtlety much more.
Reviews:
From Booklist by Ilene Cooper
Drawing on a childhood memory, Lowry offers a story where the specific becomes universal. Lizzie’s father is back from the war, and to her, he is almost a stranger. He doesn’t even know how much she loves cherry pie. But he does understand when she picks out an unconventional adult-size hunting shirt, which at least she won’t outgrow. One cold morning, Lizzie dons her shirt and goes out with Daddy to hunt crows. Crows eat crops; of that there’s no doubt. Daddy has his shotgun. He’s given Lizzie a crow call so she can gather the birds together in the trees. In a subtle dialogue, Lizzie says things without saying the big thing on her mind: “I wish the crows didn’t eat the crops. . . . They might have babies to take care of.” Not wanting to disappoint her father, Lizzie calls the birds until they fill the sky, and then, after a breathless moment, her father, not wanting to disappoint Lizzie, takes her home. Each frame of the story is captured like an old-time movie in Ibatoulline’s tender watercolor and acrylic gouache artwork. Particularly effective is the doublepage spread in which father and daughter walk among the leafless trees on that chilly autumn day, when their “words seemed etched and breakable on the brittle stillness.” In the end, words aren’t needed after all.
Cooper, I. (2009). Crow Call. Booklist, 106(4), 50.
From School Library Journal by Maryann H. Owen
Based on the reminiscence of a day in 1945, Lowry's nostalgic story has appeal that will resonate with 21st-century children. Lizzie's father has just returned from serving in World War II and she's a bit shy even though she's excited about spending the day with him. They are going to hunt crows that are eating the farmers' crops. The eight-year-old is warmly dressed in a man's plaid wool shirt that she had admired in a store window and her father bought for her even though it comes down to her knees. After an early diner breakfast of her favorite cherry pie, they head toward the woods. Being in charge of the crow call, a whistle intended to lure prey to the hunter, Lizzie is impressed with the number of birds she entices, yet feels uncomfortable because they are about to be killed. However, her father never raises his rifle; he simply enjoys watching his enthralled daughter and the multitude of birds that have heeded her call. Remarkable, atmospheric illustrations reveal the subdued, cool autumn colors of crunchy dried grass, softly hued sky, and dark leafless trees. The memory of a treasured day spent with a special person will resonate with readers everywhere.
Owen, M. H. (2009). Crow Call. School Library Journal, 55(10), 98.
Library Suggestions:
As this story was based on the personal recollection of a defining moment in Lowry's life, this book would work well as an introduction to a sharing a personal memory activity. After being read the story, children could be asked to either verbally go around and share a memory that was important to them or maybe illustrate it. This helps children explore their uniqueness among their peers as well as develop their expression of emotions creatively.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Tuesday by David Wiesner
Wiesner, D., Egolf, R. L., Clarion Books, & Dr. Robert L. Egolf Collection. (1991). Tuesday. New York: Clarion Books.
1992 Caldecot Medal Winner
32 fully illustrated pages
Ages 4-8
Plot:
One Tuesday evening, around eight, strange things begin to happen. An entire pond full of frog's begin to levitate on their lillypads, and hovering above the city, they take flight across the town startling all the animals and townspeople they pass. Then abruptly, as morning dawns they all drop back down to the ground and resume their normal pond life. The town wakes up, startled by the remains of the night's antics, they investigate. The following Tuesday night, again around eight, a mysterious occurrence again begins: a whole barn-full of pigs take flight!
My Impressions:
I didn't know what to expect from this book when I first picked it up, but I knew I was attracted to the cover art, which I found to be immersive and captivating. I also found the triptic on the title page of the book to be a great way to introduce the book, both artistically as well as to the contents of the story.I loved that the book relied so heavily on its artwork, using text only to introduce the date and time of the events, and even then very vaguely. This book captivates the power of imagination and the extraordinary events that take place in this sometimes monotinous world we live in. I expect children quite enjoy this book for its sense of wonder even in the telling of such a simple story. I know I did.
Reviews:
"If this wordless book has any kind of message besides "flying is fun," it may be "beware jadedness." Our last frog image is of one particularly grumpy frog, tapping his frog fingers on his lily pad and looking resentfully toward the sky. As in, "Yeah. But what have you done for me today?" But don't get me wrong; it's all in good fun...splendid fun, actually. Tuesday
offers the hope that magic may just be around the next corner."Partial excerpt from:
Barancik, Steve. (n.d). Tuesday by david wiesner. Best Children's Books Website. Retrieved at: http://www.best-childrens-books.com/tuesday-wiesner.html.
"David Wiesner’s Caldecott award- wining book Tuesday is a wordless picture book about the
mischievous adventures of a clan of frogs on a late Tuesday night. Their adventures take them
through a local human town as they interact with it on a human level. Through his skillful
artistic ability with action pictures and detail, Wiesner creates a realistic human setting
inhabited by frogs. Weisner’s evident ability stimulates the reader’s imagination.
The skillfully crafted pictures make it easy to imagine that the frogs could have human
characteristics. The frogs are not depicted in their normal setting, but the pictures help the
reader see how much the frogs are enjoying themselves in this strange new world....Tuesday is skillfully crafted to elicit different emotions in the reader, stimulate curiosity,
personify the frogs, and tell a fantastically imaginative story. Wiesner’s story captures the
reader’s complete attention without words by showing each animal’s human like characteristics."
Partial excerpt from:
Aragon, Stacie. (1999). When pigs fly. Children's Book and Play Review. Fall 1999 Issue. Retrieved at: http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/u?/CBPR,1828.
Library Suggestions:
As this book is highly detailed in its images, use it to teach close examinations. Ask children to find clues that suggest what time of day it is throughout the book or in the image where the town wakes up and begins to investigate the remains, have them find what types of clues or evidence the frogs left behind.
Friday, June 10, 2011
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
Module 1 - How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell Rockwell, T., & McCully, E. A. (1973). How to eat fried worms. New York: Dell Pub.
116 pages (many with illustrations by Emily McCully)
Published 1973
Film Adaptation 2006
Ages 9-12
Plot:
It all starts with a bet between four young boys, Billy, Tom, Alan and Joe: eat 15 worms in 15 days and win 50 dollars. Billy, prone to talking a big talk and getting himself into bets, is challenged by Alan to eat 15 worms, prepared anyway Billy wants, over the course of 15 days. The boys quickly divide into two teams: Billy and Tom against Alan and Joe. Right from the start, Alan and Joe find ways to stack the deck in their favor. It starts out with going out of their way to find the largest worms available: nightcrawlers. But Billy tackles each new challenge with determination and a lot of encouragement from Tom. Alan becomes increasingly worried that Billy will be able to do it and he'll have to tell his dad about the bet in order to fund the $50. He tries gluing two worms together, creating a fake worm out of beans, and stuffing Billy at a baseball game all in order to try to wiggle his way out of the bet. Soon the boys parents become involved as the situation escalates from gentlemanly bet to a test of honor. In the end though, Billy's determination to win the bet overcome all the cheating and trickery Alan and Joe could dish out. Billy ends up not only with a boosted sense of pride and a motorbike, but also an unshakable liking for worms.
I was surprised how much I really enjoyed reading this book. Though this book is often considered a "classic boy's book", and I myself am a girl, I found I could relate to the characters. I really liked how involved the parents became in the story as this seemed to add a more realistic dimension to the story. The story's escalation from a simple afternoon bet among friends to all out war is subtle and dynamic without being too over-the-top sensational. I also enjoyed the use of dialect in the story and in general the abundance of dialogue. It kept the story very lively and active. I recommend this book not only for its engaging story, but also for its exceptional writing.
Reviews:
Barnes and Noble Book Review by Elizabeth Fresse
Alan has bet Billy fifty dollars that he can't eat fifteen worms in fifteen days. Billy decides he is up to the challenge, so he begins a long process to get down fifteen worms. The first few were hard for Billy, but once he was sure that he would suffer no ill effects, the rest were easy to eat. The challenge came in actually eating them, since Alan was not ready to lose fifty dollars. As trick after trick is tried and Billy sees through each one, the drama increases. Even the boys' parents get involved, at times helping Billy eat his worms but at times almost ruining the whole thing. This was a very comical book that any boy or tomboy should enjoy. It would be a great tool in opening the door to discussing betting, even small bets, and the risks that it involves. It also deals with friends doing things that upset each other, and how to get past the issues that arise and continue being friends after the incident is over. The back of the book contains several worm recipes, though of course these are not your garden variety worm.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/How-to-Eat-Fried-Worms/Thomas-Rockwell/e/9780440445456?box=0440445450&pos=-1&ugrp=2
From Book Links by Edward T. Sullivan
"First published in 1953, this a classic "boy book"--it's gross, revolting, and utterly hilarious."
Edward T, S. (n.d). How to Eat Fried Worms. Book Links, 10(2), 57.
From International Press Publication Inc. Website
Because of a bet, Billy is in the uncomfortable position of having to eat 15 worms in 15 days. A hilarious story that will revolt and delight bumptious, unreachable intermediate-grade boys and any other less particular mortals that read or listen to it. . . . Colorful, original writing in a much-needed comic vein.--Booklist.
http://www.ippbooks.com/store/how-to-eat-fried-worms.html
Library Suggestions:
This book has inspired a great many learning activities over the years. Many to do with creating your own fried worm dishes. Have students come up with their own unique version of how they would prefer to eat a few fried worms.
Also, this book could easily be incorporated into lessons about peer pressure versus staying true to oneself. It is also a good example of following through with your promises, even when doing so is harder than giving up.
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