ON THE JELLICOE ROAD by Melina Marchetta

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Marchetta, Melina. 2006. ON THE JELLICOE ROAD. Narrated by Rebecca Macauley. Audiobook Download. Audible.com.Victoria, Australia: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd. ISBN 9781742011097.

PLOT SUMMARY

Seventeen-year-old Taylor Markham has lived on the Jellicoe Road since she was abandoned by her mother at a 7-Eleven. Mistrustful of all relationships, her faith in Hannah, the one adult Taylor feels closest to, is tested when Hannah unexpectedly leaves town. Taylor is not only leader of her boarding school house, but also the Jellicoe School faction in the annual territory wars against the Townies and the Cadets.

The book is not just Taylor’s story; it is also about five friends – Webb, Narnie, Tate, Fitz and Jude – whose story begins with a fatal car crash twenty-two years before Taylor is made head of Lachlan House. As Taylor tries to find out what happened to Hannah while managing the territory war negotiations, she pursues the trail of clues that will lead her to answers about who her mother is and why she left Taylor on the Jellicoe Road.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Taylor’s complicated story line is made even more difficult to follow by the tale of Webb, Narnie, Tate, Fitz and Jude that is periodically inserted as out of sequence pages from a manuscript written by Hannah. The story may be hard to follow, but readers who stick with it will learn all the secrets of Taylor’s past and why Hannah’s manuscript is important.

Although set in Australia, all young adult readers will be able to relate to Taylor’s insecure inner self that is masked by a tough, seemingly uncaring exterior. “It’s the power Raffaela has always had and maybe that’s why I’ve spent most of my life pushing her away. Because being so dependent on people scares me.” In fact, all the characters in the book, to some extent, seem to be looking for a sense of place and belonging.

Marchetta weaves a contemporary realistic tale of love, loss, grief, secrets, truth, friendship and acceptance. It is a story of finding home, “Where they would all belong or long to be. A place on the Jellicoe Road.” This 2009 Michael L. Printz Award winner for excellence in Young Adult literature is a recommended read.

The MP3 unabridged audiobook version of this story was difficult to follow in the beginning. For one thing, the heavy Australian accent of narrator, Rebecca Macauley took some time to get used to. Also, while Macauley did a fair job of giving an individual voice to the female characters, her male voices tended to speak in the same flat monotone that, while a minor annoyance, made it hard to tell who was speaking. Before realizing that the transition from Taylor’s story to Hannah’s manuscript was cued by music, the story was difficult to follow and initially several tracks had to be replayed. After becoming accustomed to the Australian accent and the musical cues, the story was much easier to follow and well worth getting past the initial inconveniences.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST: “…when Marchetta isn’t forcing epiphanies, she has a knack for nuanced characterizations and punchy dialogue. The complexity of the backstory will be offputting to younger readers, but those who stick it out will find rewards in the heartbreaking twists of Marchetta’s saga.”

HORN BOOK: “Suspenseful plotting, slowly unraveling mysteries, and generations of romance shape the absorbing novel.”

KIRKUS REVIEW: “Marchetta plows into a complicated story line head first, shifting between Hannah's narrative and Taylor's trials as Jellicoe School's war commander. Time flashes forward and back, histories bleed together and two generations of friends bear uncanny resemblances to one another. Readers may feel dizzied and disoriented, but as they puzzle out exactly how Hannah's narrative connects with Taylor's current reality, they will find themselves ensnared in the story's fascinating, intricate structure. A beautifully rendered mystery.”

CONNECTIONS

Other books by Melina Marchetta:
Marchetta, Melina. SAVING FRANCESCA. ISBN 0375929827.
Marchetta, Melina. LOOKING FOR ALIBRANDI. ISBN 0375836942.
Marchetta, Melina. FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK. ISBN 0670072818.

Other Michael L. Printz Award winners:
Green, John. LOOKING FOR ALASKA. ISBN 0525475060.
Yang, Gene Luen. AMERICAN BORN CHINESE. ISBN 1596433736.
McCaughrean, Geraldine. THE WHITE DARKNESS. ISBN 0060890363.

THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gaiman, Neil. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. Narrated by the author. Audiobook Download. Audible.com. New York: Harper Children’s. ISBN 0061707392

PLOT SUMMARY

While his family is being murdered by the man Jack, a young toddler escapes from his crib and makes his way outside through the open door. Finding his way to the graveyard up the hill, the boy is taken in by the ghosts of the graveyard inhabitants and protected from those who intend him harm. Adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Owens and given the name Nobody, Bod for short, the child is given the Freedom of the Graveyard.

The dark and mysterious Silas, another inhabitant with the Freedom of the Graveyard assumes the role of Bod’s protector and provider since he can leave the graveyard, while the other spirits cannot. As Bod grows up learning his ABC’s on the headstone inscriptions, he also learns more about the circumstances of his family’s death. The older he gets, the harder he is to protect until one day the Jacks who want him dead find him in the graveyard. With his protector away, Bod must use all the graveyard skills he has to outwit them.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

While at times this fantasy novel might be somewhat scary for younger children, all young readers will wish at some point that they could live in a graveyard too. Gaiman paints a vivid picture of the graveyard and its inhabitants – who are introduced by the inscription on their headstone. Middle school children and young adults can relate to Bod’s experiences of leaving the safety of home, attending school, encountering bullies, and learning the life-lessons that all adults are not worthy of trust and at some point you have to make your own way in the world. While explaining to Silas his desire to attend school outside of the graveyard Bod observes,

“I’ve learned a lot in this graveyard,” said Bod. “I can Fade and I can Haunt. I can open a ghoul-gate and I know the constellations. But there’s a world out there, with the sea in it, and islands, and shipwrecks and pigs. I mean, it’s filled with things I don’t know. And the teachers here have taught me lots of things, but I need more. If I’m going to survive out there, one day.

It is not hard to see why this book was named as the 2009 Newbery Medal winner. Gaiman has crafted a book that while dark with the themes of murder, ghosts, ghouls, and treachery also manages to be uplifting with the themes of love, friendship, family, and good triumphing over evil.

The unabridged MP3 format of this audiobook is 7 hours and 44 minutes long, and each minute spent listening to Neil Gaiman narrate his book is well spent. Considering Gaiman’s writing style and the heavy reliance on dialogue to carry the story, there is probably no one better than the author to perform the narration. Gaiman gives his characters the individual voice and character that he envisioned in his writing.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

HORN BOOK: “After fortuitously escaping the murder of his family, a toddler is taken in by the ghostly denizens of a local graveyard. Growing up in this strange setting entails many adventures, leading to a final showdown with the murderer. Occasional art enhances the otherworldly atmosphere with a flowing line and deep grays and blacks. This ghost-story-cum-coming-of-age novel is both bittersweet and action-filled.”

KIRKUS REVIEW: “Childhood fears take solid shape in the nursery-rhyme-inspired villains, while heroism is its own, often bitter, reward. Closer in tone to American Gods than to Coraline, but permeated with Bod's innocence, this needs to be read by anyone who is or has ever been a child.”

LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Why It Is a Best: An elegant combination of Gaiman's masterly storytelling and McKean's lovely drawings, this book also works as a series of independent but connected short stories set two years apart, following Bod from age two to 16. Why It Is for Us: In interviews, Gaiman has said that this book took him years to write, and it was worth the wait. Imagine Kipling's The Jungle Book set among a forest of graves.”

CONNECTIONS

Have students compare and contrast Gaiman’s THE GRAVEYARD BOOK to Rudyard Kipling’s THE JUNGLE BOOK.

Other books by Neil Gaiman:
Gaiman, Neil. CORALINE. ISBN 0060825448.
Gaiman, Neil. INTERWORLD. ISBN 0061238961.
Gaiman, Neil. M IS FOR MAGIC. ISBN 0061186422.

Other Newbery Award winners:
Avi. CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD. ISBN 0786816589.
Perkins, Lynne Rae. CRISS CROSS. ISBN 0060092734.
Schlitz, Laura Amy. GOOD MASTERS! SWEET LADIES! : VOICES FROM A MEDIEVAL VILLAGE. ISBN 0763643327.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID by Jeff Kinney

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kinney, Jeff. 2007. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID. New York: Amulet Books. ISBN 0810994550.

PLOT SUMMARY

Greg Heffley chronicles his first year of middle school in a journal, “not a diary,” where each entry is accompanied by a cartoon sketch. Wanting to be popular and a hit with the girls, Greg’s social ineptness holds him back from achieving his dream of popularity. Greg suffers many trials in his first year, such as getting kicked off the Safety Patrol or losing out as Class Clown, but he takes comfort in knowing that at least he is not the guy who “ate the _ _ _ _ _ _.”

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Middle school students will have no problem identifying with wimpy kid, Greg Heffley. Students will be able to relate to Greg’s wish to be popular, but feeling like it is something that can’t quite be achieved. As for Greg's take on popularity, “Nowadays, it’s a whole lot more complicated. Now it’s about the kind of clothes you wear or how rich you are or if you have a cute butt or whatever.”

Author Jeff Kinney’s childlike cartoons and writing style are consistent with a journal that might be kept by an adolescent boy. The language and thought processes are also typical for a middle school student, such as when Greg writes in his journal, “Let me tell you, it’s not easy writing thank-you notes for stuff you didn’t want in the first place.” Kinney’s illustrations also provide supplementary details and context for the story line.

This is a book that all tweens will enjoy and struggling readers especially can connect with. Short, large print sentences connected by graphic illustrations will keep tweens turning the pages to find out the next unfortunate event that befalls Greg as he tries to make it through each day.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S

KIRKUS REVIEW: “Presented in a mix of legible "hand-lettered" text and lots of simple cartoon illustrations with the punch lines often in dialogue balloons, Greg's escapades, unwavering self-interest and sardonic commentary are a hoot and a half--certain to elicit both gales of giggles and winces of sympathy (not to mention recognition) from young readers.”

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Kinney ably skewers familiar aspects of junior high life, from dealing with the mysteries of what makes someone popular to the trauma of a ‘wrestling unit’ in gym class. His print debut should keep readers in stitches, eagerly anticipating Greg's further adventures.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Kinney's background as a cartoonist is apparent in this hybrid book that falls somewhere between traditional prose and graphic novel. It offers some of the same adventures as the Web book, but there are enough new subplots to entertain Funbrain followers. This version is more pared down, and the pace moves quickly. The first of three installments, it is an excellent choice for reluctant readers, but more experienced readers will also find much to enjoy and relate to in one seventh grader's view of the everyday trials and tribulations of middle school.”

CONNECTIONS

Students could be encouraged to keep their own journal for a semester or the school year.

Other books in the DIARY OF A WIMPY KID series:
Kinney, Jeff. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES. ISBN 0810994739
Kinney, Jeff. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LAST STRAW. ISBN 0810970686

Other books about surviving middle school:
Holm, Jennifer L. MIDDLE SCHOOL IS WORSE THAN MEATLOAF : A YEAR TOLD THROUGH STUFF. ISBN 0689852819
O'Dell, Kathleen. AGNES PARKER-- KEEPING COOL IN MIDDLE SCHOOL. ISBN 0803730780.
Moss, Marissa. AMELIA’S MIDDLE SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE. ISBN 1416979875

NUMBER THE STARS by Lois Lowry

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395510600.

PLOT SUMMARY

Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen are growing up in Denmark during the Nazi occupation. Ellen and her family are in danger when the Nazis start relocating the Danish Jews. Annemarie’s family takes in Ellen while the rest of the Rosen family goes into hiding. When the Nazis search the Johansen apartment looking for Jews, Annemarie’s parents convince the soldiers that dark-haired Ellen is their daughter. The following day Annemarie’s mother takes her, Ellen and Annemarie’s younger sister Kirsti to a coastal town where Uncle Henrik, lives. There Annemarie discovers that even though she is only ten years old, she has the capacity for bravery as she helps her friend and other Jews escape by boat to Sweden.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The setting of the story is Copenhagen in the historical context of World War II and the plot focuses on the actions of one young girl, her best friend, and her family. Lowry’s characters are recognizable to her young adult audience as real children who run, play and worry about spelling tests. The reader can also get a sense of life in Nazi-occupied Denmark as Lowry includes historical details such as shortages of sugar, butter and leather. Children will be able to relate to the disappointment of no cupcakes as well as Kirsti’s objections to wearing green, scaly shoes made from fish.

This book may very well be a school-age child’s first introduction to the Holocaust and treatment of Jews during World War II. Lowry is able to give a sense of the danger to Ellen, her family, and all Danish Jews from the conversations that Annemarie either overhears or is part of. The closing of Jewish-owned shops is explained to Annemarie as the Germans’ way of “tormenting” Jews not only in Denmark, but other countries.

While the style of the story is simple, the plot is suspenseful. As the story builds to its conclusion the recurring themes of bravery and friendship are brought into focus as Annemarie becomes more aware of the undercurrents of tension and danger around her. Annemarie recognizes bravery in the adults around her, but questions if she could be brave when needed. Her Uncle Henrik tells her, “It is much easier to be brave if you do not know everything.” As Annemarie’s family rises to the challenge of protecting their Jewish friends and neighbors, Annemarie also learns that being brave is doing what needs to be done to help a friend even though it is dangerous and frightening.

In the “Afterword”, Lowry provides additional historical context for her book. The reader learns that a handkerchief treated with a mixture of cocaine and rabbit’s blood was really used to confuse search dogs. Lowry also elaborates on several of the historical references made in the book such as the destruction of the Danish naval fleet and the resistance fighters. This book is a good introduction for children to the Holocaust and treatment of Jews during World War II.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

KIRKUS: “A deftly told story that dramatizes how Danes appointed themselves bodyguards--not only for their king, who was in the habit of riding alone in Copenhagen, but for their Jews.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: The gripping story of a ten-year-old Danish girl and her family's courageous efforts to smuggle Jews out of their Nazi-occupied homeland to safety in Sweden. Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.

CONNECTIONS

This book is a good introduction to a history unit on World War II and the treatment of Jews.

Other books by Lois Lowry:
Lowry, Lois. THE GIVER. ISBN 0395645662
Lowry, Lois. GOSSAMER. ISBN 0385734166
Lowry, Lois. GATHERING BLUE. ISBN 0618055819

Other books about Jews in World War II:
Frank, Anne. THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL. ISBN 0553296981
Littlesugar, Amy. WILLIE AND MAX: A HOLOCAUST STORY. ISBN 0399234837Gross, Elly. ELLY: MY TRUE STORY OF THE HOLOCAUST. ISBN 0545074940

WEEDFLOWER by Cynthia Kadohata

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kadohata, Cynthia. 2006. WEEDFLOWER. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689865740.

PLOT SUMMARY

As the only Japanese girl in her class, twelve-year-old Sumiko, already feels different from her classmates because of her ethnic heritage, but after the bombing of Pearl Harbor she realizes the full impact of fear and prejudice as her Japanese-born grandfather and uncle are sent to a prison camp and the rest of the family is relocated to a detention camp in the Arizona desert. Sumiko learns to survive in the desert and resists the temptation to succumb to the “ultimate boredom” which is her grandfather’s term for losing hope and giving up. Like the weedflowers that are grown in the fields instead of in a greenhouse, Sumiko overcomes the hardships of camp life, making a place for herself and keeping her dream of owning a flower shop alive.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

While this book is fiction, the setting for the story is historically accurate. Thousands of Japanese-American citizens, including the author’s father, were relocated to internment camps during World War II. Kadohata notes in the “Acknowledgments” that in many ways the story of Sumiko is the story of Ruth Okimoto, a former Poston internee who provided personal experience and research information. Kadohata’s descriptive details of camp and desert life will give young readers a feeling for what Sumiko’s life was like.

There was no fence, but, Sumiko realized, there was nowhere to go, either. She'd seen a guard gate when they drove by the first camp, but she didn't see one here. She knew what would happen if someone tried to escape into the desert. They would die of thirst.

Kadohata’s style of writing presents the complex issues of racial discrimination, prejudice, civil rights, and war without overpowering the story line or the reader. Kadohata not only includes discrimination against Japanese-Americans in this story, but also incorporates details of discriminatory practices against Native Americans in the 1940’s.

“Indians were declared citizens by the U.S. government in 1924, but the states decide individually who can vote or not. Arizona doesn’t allow it.” Frank turned to his brother for approval; Joseph nodded.

“I don’t want to vote anyway,” Sumiko said.

There was a silence. Bull said gently, “Still, they should have
the right, Sumi-chan.” Sumiko lowered her head and felt her face heat up again.

The theme of being different and trying to find a place to belong will resonate with young readers. Sumiko’s hurt at being snubbed at a party or embarrassment when singled out because she looks different are experiences that all children feel at some time. Readers will also be encouraged by Sumiko’s unwillingness to give in to the “ultimate boredom” and continue working to improve camp life and not give up on her dreams. Young readers may also be led to consider how Sumiko’s situation might mirror the feelings or experiences of Muslim or Arab-American children in today’s society.

In addition to the “Acknowledgment” at the beginning of the book, Kadohata also includes an “End Note” that provides information about the Japanese-American and Native American soldiers who served in World War II. She notes that at the end of the war Japanese and Hopi lived together for a brief period at the Poston camp. She also includes a note that Arizona granted Native Americans the right to vote in 1948.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

HORN BOOK: “The writing is mostly, though not consistently, compelling, with numerous details of camp life seamlessly woven into the story. Kadohata also adds some depth with a friendship between Sumiko and a Mohave boy (the camp is on tribal lands). The low-key tone and subdued dramatic arc fit the story, in which camp life is mainly an uneventful struggle against boredom; the novel also reveals why people such as Sumiko's family quietly accepted arrest and internment. Kadohata again creates a sympathetic, believable young protagonist and a vividly realized setting.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Kadohata brings into play some complex issues, but they realistically dovetail with Sumiko's growth from child to young woman. She is a sympathetic heroine, surrounded by well-crafted, fascinating people. The concise yet lyrical prose conveys her story in a compelling narrative that will resonate with a wide audience.”

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION: “Sumiko's keen observations of life around her and her own personal growth are shared in a quiet, flowing narrative. Middle schoolers will instantly be hooked by the opening: "This is what it felt like to be lonely." Based on the real story of how Japanese-Americans and Native Americans were changed by their contact, this historical fiction title is excellent for discussions of family, friendships, and prejudice.”

CONNECTIONS

This book could be included in a social studies unit on civil rights or a history unit on World War II.

Other books by Cynthia Kadohata:
Kadohata, Cynthia. KIRA-KIRA. ISBN 0689856393.
Kadohata, Cynthia. OUTSIDE BEAUTY. ISBN 0689865759.
Kadohata, Cynthia. CRACKER! : THE BEST DOG IN VIETNAM. ISBN 1416906371.

Other books about the internment camps:
Kent, Deborah. THE TRAGIC HISTORY OF THE JAPANESE-AMERICAN INTERNMENT CAMPS. ISBN 076602797X.
Sakurai, Gail. JAPANESE AMERICAN INTERNMENT CAMPS. ISBN 0516222767.
Gruenewald, Mary Matsuda. LOOKING LIKE THE ENEMY: MY STORY OF IMPRISONMENT IN JAPANESE-AMERICAN INTERNMENT CAMPS. ISBN 0939165538.

ELIJAH OF BUXTON by Christopher Paul Curtis

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. ELIJAH OF BUXTON. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439023440

PLOT SUMMARY

Eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman is the first free born child in Buxton, a Canadian community developed by runaway American slaves. Elijah’s normally carefree life takes a serious turn when he gets caught up the turmoil of betrayal, theft, murder and slavery. Left on his own in Detroit, Michigan Elijah braves slave catchers as well as his own fears to do what he knows in his heart is the right thing.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Although populated with fictional characters, Christopher Paul Curtis recreates the historical community of Buxton, Canada. Curtis sprinkles historical facts such as the founding of Buxton by Reverend William King, visits by Frederick Douglass and John Brown, and the ringing of the Buxton Liberty Bell when runaway slaves made their way into the community. Curtis also provides a look into the practice of slavery in America, giving the reader a glimpse of not only the hardships endured while slaves, but also the ordeal of escaping and making the harrowing journey to freedom in Canada. Elijah admits that even as a child of former slaves he could not grasp the dreadfulness of a slave’s life. “I can see our playing didn’t have nothing to do with the truth. I could see how it was a whole lot harder when things were real and you had to worry ‘bout shotguns and chains and coughing little babies and crying folks without no clothes.”

Curtis takes time to develop his characters and gives the readers a chance to come to know their strengths and weaknesses. By the time Elijah has to face his fears, the reader knows how much courage it takes for him to continue searching for the Preacher alone after Mr. Leroy dies. The reader can relate to the characters in the story. For the most part Elijah and his friend Cooter are typical eleven-year-old boys who like to fish and play practical jokes. The young adult reader will also relate to Elijah’s confusion at getting conflicting advice from his parents, such as when his mother tells him to be respectful of adults, but then tells him not to believe everything they say. “One minute Ma, who’s got a good head for thinking, tells me I got to respect everything what growned folks say and the next minute she’s wanting me not to believe some of the things the same growned folks tell me!”

Elijah’s speech pattern and use of language is typical of the time, and while Curtis does use some dialect it does not overpower the text. Young readers will be able to get a feel for the language of the time and place without affecting their comprehension of the overall story. Curtis also manages an effective balance between dialogue and narration.

Overall Curtis portrays a free black community where people live, work, and love during a time when slavery was the norm. In this coming-of-age story, young readers will be able to relate to the theme of overcoming fear to help others while learning about oneself in the process. The reader will also gain an understanding of the historical importance of Buxton not only through the story, but also from the Author’s Note at the end of the book.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

BOOKLIST: “Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of the seats in suspense, and, at other moments, moved to tears. A fine, original novel from a gifted storyteller.”

KIRKUS: “This is not a zip-ahead-and-see-what-happens-next novel. It’s for settling into and savoring the rich, masterful storytelling, for getting to know Elijah, Cooter, and the Preacher, for laughing at stories of hoop snakes, toady-frogs and fish-head chunking and crying when Leroy finally get money to buy back his wife and children, but has the money stolen. Then Elijah journeys to America and risks his life to do what’s right. This is Curtis’s 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.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Elijah's decisions along the way are not easy ones, but ultimately lead to a satisfying conclusion. Curtis's talent for dealing with painful periods of history with grace and sensitivity is as strong as ever.”

CONNECTIONS

Students could conduct their own research on the community of Buxton as well as slavery in America.

Other books by Christopher Paul Curtis:
Curtis, Christopher Paul. BUD, NOT BUDDY. ISBN 0385323069
Curtis, Christopher Paul. THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM--1963: A NOVEL. ISBN 0385321759
Curtis, Christopher Paul. MR. CHICKEE'S MESSY MISSION. ISBN 0440229227

Other Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction winners:
MacLachlan, Patricia. SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL. ISBN 0060241020
Bat-Ami, Miriam. TWO SUNS IN THE SKY. ISBN 0812629000
Taylot, Mildred D. THE LAND. ISBN 0803719507

THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET: HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SEUSS by Kathleen Krull

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Krull, Kathleen. 2004. THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET: HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SEUSS. Ill. by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 0375822984

PLOT SUMMARY

Kathleen Krull takes a biographical look at the life of Ted Geisel, the man the world came to know as Dr. Seuss. From the boy growing up on Fairfield Street in Springfield, Massachusetts to Darmouth College and Oxford University in England, Ted Geisel never lost his love of doodling and after selling his first work he started signing subsequent work as Dr. Seuss. The picture book biography ends with Ted moving to New York with a bright future ahead of him. Additional pages complete Ted Geisel’s story “on beyond Fairfield Street.”

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Krull’s biography provides a look into the life of the real person who is known as Dr. Seuss. The book, while informative, is presented in an easy to read storybook format. The reader is able to get a sense of the boy growing up on Fairfield Street having birthday parties, playing outdoors with his friends, and going to the beach on summer vacations. Hearing stories about the animals in the zoo where his father worked and the nonsense verses invented by his mother helped feed his imagination while he was growing up.

The full page illustrations by Johnson and Fancher help create a visual image of the time period and are a realistic complement to Krull’s words. Illustrations from Seuss’ own work are also included on each page of text, and a reference list of each illustration and the order it appears is presented at the end of the book.

The supplementary section titled “On Beyond Fairfield Street” provides additional historical information about Geisel’s life and career. Krull also includes a bibliography of Dr. Seuss’ books as well as a reference list of books and websites for additional information.

The picture book presentation of biographical information will engage children as they learn about a favorite author. There will be many children who can identify with the boy who “didn’t always fit in” and be encouraged that he found a way to do “what he loved, not what others might want him to do.”

REVIEW EXCERPTS

KIRKUS REVIEW: “The magic of his name will make this a huge hit, but it’s the lively writing that puts the hat on the cat.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This picture-book biography is a winner...Krull’s work is a terrific look at the boyhood of one of the most beloved author/illustrators of the 20th century.”

BOOKLIST: “A delightful picture-book biography about Geisel that chronicles how he became an innovative writer and illustrator beloved by readers young and old.”

CONNECTIONS

Use this title in connection with Read Across America on March 2 to help students understand who Dr. Seuss is.

Books by Dr. Suess:
Suess, Dr. HORTON HEARS A WHO. ISBN 0394800788
Suess, Dr. Oh THE PLACES YOU’LL GO. ISBN 0679847367
Suess, Dr. HORTON HATCHES THE EGG. ISBN 039480077X

Other biographies by Kathleen Krull:
Krull, Kathleen. HARVESTING HOPE: THE STORY OF CESAR CHAVEZ. ISBN 0152014373
Krull, Kathleen. HOUDINI: WORLD’S GREATEST MYSTERY MAN AND ESCAPE KING. ISBN 0802789536
Krull, Kathleen. WILMA UNLIMITED: HOW WILMA RUDOLF BECAME THE WORLD’S FASTEST WOMAN. ISBN 9780152012670

SPIDERS by Seymour Simon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Simon, Seymour. 2003. SPIDERS. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0439810795

PLOT SUMMARY

According to Seymour Simon there are about 35,000 different kinds of spiders, with more possibly waiting to be discovered. In this book, Simon looks at some of the common characteristics of spiders including coloration, web spinning styles, hunting techniques, and habitats. Simon also takes the time to include some fascinating details about several different kinds of spiders, such as the water spider living underwater in an air bubble or a jumping spider that can jump about 40 times the length of its own body.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

After describing the general characteristics of spiders, the text is generally organized around web building spiders and hunting spiders. Every page of text is accompanied by a full page photograph on the facing page that illustrates the corresponding content. The text page that discusses a spider’s eight eyes, for example, has an immensely magnified picture of a very hairy spider whose eight eyes are the size of pencil erasers. Inset photographs on text pages also complement the text and provide additional graphic details.

Simon’s style results in a book that, while informative, will capture the interest of its intended audience, school-age children. The tone is almost conversational and the vocabulary is generally age appropriate with any scientific words, such as pedipalps or chitin, explained within the text. Simon also includes examples to help put some concepts into a more easily understood context. For example, the statement that a jumping spider can jump 40 times its body length is explained by Simon as, “That would be like you jumping the length of two basketball courts and making a slam dunk.”

Although this book is intended for upper elementary or middle school students, younger children who are fascinated by spiders will enjoy having the book read to them.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S):

KIRKUS: “The creepy-crawly close-up photo of a hairy spider on the cover will have kids (and adults) saying "Yuck!" while they grab the book to look for more inside. As with other Simon photographic nonfiction, this presents information on spiders in easy, understandable prose.”

HORN BOOK: “This book's numerous color photos, often close-ups of spider species, are stunning and beautifully reproduced. Simon takes full advantage of these images, with excellent interactivity between text and photographs maximizing the informational format. The text is written in Simon's signature approach--straightforward, with conceptually rich explanations pitched to a child's level of understanding, and never simplistic.”

BOOKLIST: “The stunning cover may repulse squeamish arachnophobes, but fearless types will be fascinated by Simon's foray into the world of spiders. In his now familiar picture-book format that pairs incredible photographs with graceful, clear prose, Simon provides a wealth of information about different types of spiders, their characteristics, habits, and life cycles.”

CONNECTIONS

This book would be a good addition to a science unit on spiders.

Other books by Seymour Simon:
Simon, Seymour. SHARKS. ISBN 006087721X.
Simon, Seymour. HURRICANES. ISBN 0061170720.
Simon, Seymour. PENGUINS. ISBN 0060283963.

Other books about spiders:
Bishop, Nic. NIC BISHOP SPIDERS. ISBN 0439877563.
Hughes, Monica. SPIDERS. ISBN 1410906221.
Hall, Margaret. SPIDERS. ISBN 0736825616.

WE ARE THE SHIP: THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL by Kadir Nelson

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Nelson, Kadir. 2008. WE ARE THE SHIP: THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL. New York: Jump At The Sun. ISBN 0786808322

PLOT SUMMARY

Kadir Nelson tells the story of the players, managers and owners of the Negro Baseball League. When segregation shut talented players and managers out of white-owned baseball teams, they started their own teams and the Negro Baseball League was formed. This book chronicles the events of the league from when it formed in the 1920’s through the 1940’s when white-owned teams started to recruit players from the Negro Baseball League. The early days of baseball legends such as Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, and Leroy “Satchel” Paige are part of this historical look at not only the sport of baseball, but also segregation and the racial prejudices of the time.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Written in first person, the words carry the authenticity of someone who has lived the experience, as if the narrator is one of the unnamed members of the Negro Baseball League. The book is organized into nine “innings” that provide a historical look at a twenty-year span in the Negro Baseball League’s history. The narrative style and anecdotes of the players’ experiences on and off the field are never tedious and will keep the reader engaged. The reader is taken on the bus, inside the backrooms, into the dugout, and out onto the field of baseball of the period.

Nelson’s eye-catching paintings richly complement the text with the life-like qualities of photographs. In the Foreword, Hank Aaron says that Nelson’s paintings “eloquently bring this era to life and speak volumes about the old Negro Leagues”. Nelson admits in the “Author’s Notes” that he did take some artistic license in the paintings whenever he was unable to locate factual information about a ballpark, uniform, jersey number or other bit of lost historical detail. Nelson does note that if the color scheme of a ballpark could not be located, he filled in with “generic ballpark green”, or used a uniform style from a previous or following year. The artist also confesses to painting Cool Papa Bell in front of the right field wall because of its visual interest instead of the center field wall where Bell normally played.

In “Extra Innings”, Nelson includes information about Negro Baseball League players who made it to the major leagues as well as the players who were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The author also provides an acknowledgment to people who made a contribution to the book either through support, resources or interviews. A bibliography, filmography, and end notes document references Nelson used in writing the book.

After spending time with this book it is easy to see why it is the winner of the 2009 Coretta Scott King author award and illustrator Honor award, 2009 Robert F. Sibert Medal, and 2009 Orbis Pictus honor award. While the book is more suitable for older students, it will be enjoyed by anyone who has not only a love for baseball, but also for well-written and beautifully illustrated books.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S):

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION: “Through text and artwork that pulses with life, Nelson has created a book that brings personality to the Negro Baseball League. Using the voice of ‘Everyman’ in the league, this book will attract readers because of the full and double-page vibrant, realistic oil paintings, and immerse the reader in the compelling story being told.”

BOOKLIST: “Award-winning illustrator and first-time author Nelson’s history of the Negro Leagues, told from the vantage point of an unnamed narrator, reads like an old-timer regaling his grandchildren with tales of baseball greats Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and others who forged the path toward breaking the race barrier before Jackie Robinson made his historic debut. The narrative showcases the pride and comradery of the Negro Leagues, celebrates triumphing on one’s own terms and embracing adversity, even as it clearly shows the “us” and “them” mentality bred by segregation.”

KIRKUS REVIEW: “Nelson continues to top himself with each new book. Here, working solo for the first time, he pays tribute to the hardy African-American players of baseball's first century with a reminiscence written in a collective voice--"But you know something? We had many Josh Gibsons in the Negro Leagues. We had many Satchel Paiges. But you never heard about them"--matched to a generous set of full-page painted portraits and stadium views. Generally viewed from low angles, the players seem to tower monumentally, all dark-skinned game faces glowering up from the page and big, gracefully expressive hands dangling from powerful arms. Arranging his narrative into historical "Innings," the author closes with lists of Negro Leaguers who played in the Majors, and who are in the Baseball Hall of Fame, plus a detailed working note. Along with being absolutely riveted by the art, readers will come away with a good picture of the Negro Leaguers' distinctive style of play, as well as an idea of how their excellence challenged the racial attitudes of both their sport and their times.”

CONNECTIONS

This book could be used during a unit on African-American history.

Other Coretta Scott King Award books:
Bryan, Ashley. BEAUTIFUL BLACKBIRD. ISBN 0689847319.
McKissack, Pat. GOIN’ SOMEPLACE SPECIAL. ISBN 0689818858.
Curtis, Christopher Paul. ELIJAH OF BUXTON. ISBN 0439023440.

Other books illustrated by Kadir Nelson:
Ntozake, Shange. ELLINGTON WAS NOT A STREET. ISBN 0689828845.
Jordan, Deloris. SALT IN HIS SHOES: MICHAEL JORDAN IN PURSUIT OF A DREAM. ISBN 0689833717.
Weatherford, Carole Boston. MOSES: WHEN HARRIET TUBMAN LED HER PEOPLE TO FREEDOM. ISBN 0786851759.

OUT OF THE DUST by Karen Hesse

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hesse, Karen. 1997. OUT OF THE DUST. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0590371258

PLOT SUMMARY

This is the story of a young girl growing up in Oklahoma during the dust bowl days of the Great Depression. She and her family struggle not only financially but also emotionally as the relentless dust takes its toll. After Billie Jo’s mother and unborn brother die in an accident that both Billie Jo and her father have a hand in, she tries unsuccessfully to connect with her distant father. The accident left Billie Jo’s hands badly burned and she can longer take comfort in the one thing that brought her joy, “playing fierce piano.” Billie Jo leaves home thinking she can escape the dust, but soon realizes that

Getting away
it wasn’t any better.
Just different.
And lonely.
Lonelier than the wind.
Emptier than the sky.
More silent than the
dust,
piled in drifts between me
And my
father.

After forgiving herself and rebuilding her relationship with her father, Bille Jo learns at last that

What I am,
I am because of the dust.
And what I am is good enough.
Even for me.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Written in verse, OUT OF THE DUST, chronicles the stark, bereft life of Billie Jo. The story takes place between January 1934 and December 1935 and each poem reads like an entry in a journal. Billie Jo’s innermost thoughts and feelings are on each page as Hesse uses free verse to tell her story.

Hesse’s language is as sparse as life in the 1930’s dust bowl of the Oklahoma panhandle. She captures the desolation and despair of the time in history but also the determination of the people to not give in and give up. In a format where every word counts, Hesse makes the most of her word choices. In the poem “Driving the Cows”, in just a few lines, Hesse paints a landscape sinking under the weight of the dust.

Dust
piles up like snow
across the prairie,
dunes leaning against
fences,
mountains of dust pushing over barns.

On every page, Hesse’s choice of words brings vivid images to mind. The reader experiences a dust storm through her vivid imagery: “winds came, / bringing a red dust / like prairie fire, / hot and peppery, searing the inside of my nose.”

In the “After Words”, Hesse notes that OUT OF THE DUST came out of research for a picture book, COME ON RAIN. According to Hesse, she was so fascinated by the period, that the picture book was put on hold, and she began writing OUT OF THE DUST. The “After Words” also includes a question and answer session with the author and describes historical efforts to visually record the depression and dust bowl era.

OUT OF THE DUST provides a fictional look at a time of hardship in America. This novel is more suitable for middle school students, but older students as well as adults will be drawn into Billie Jo’s world.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST starred review: “The story is bleak, but Hesse’s writing transcends the gloom and transforms it into a powerfully compelling tale of a girl with enormous strength, courage, and love.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A triumphant story, eloquently told through prose- poetry.

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY starred review: “This intimate novel, written in stanza form, poetically conveys the heat, dust, and wind of Oklahoma. With each meticulously arranged entry Hesse paints a vivid picture of her heroine’s emotions.”

CONNECTIONS

This book can be used to supplement history lessons about Oklahoma, the dust bowl and the Great Depression.

Other fiction books about the Great Depression include:

Craven, Tracy Leininger. KATHLEEN’S UNFORGETTABLE WINTER. ISBN 9781928749264

Dearan, Patrick. WHEN THE SKY RAINED DUST. ISBN 9781571688309

Harper, Jo. FINDING DADDY : A STORY OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION. ISBN 1890515310

Other Newbery Award winner books:

Blos, Joan W. A GATHERING OF DAYS : A NEW ENGLAND GIRL'S JOURNAL, 1830-32 : A NOVEL. ISBN 068971419X

Cleary, Beverly. DEAR MR. HENSHAW. ISBN 0380709589

Curtis, Christopher Paul. Bud, not Buddy. ISBN 0440413281

THIS IS JUST TO SAY: POEMS OF APOLOGY AND FORGIVENESS by Joyce Sidman

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sidman, Joyce. 2007. THIS IS JUST TO SAY: POEMS OF APOLOGY AND FORGIVENESS. Ill. by Pamela Zagarenski. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618616802

PLOT SUMMARY

As indicated by the title, this is a book of apologies and forgiveness. Mrs. Merz’s fictional sixth-grade class writes poems apologizing to people, animals, and even the statue of the school’s namesake, Florence P. Scribner. The second half of the book contains poems of forgiveness in response to the apologies. The book opens with an introduction by sixth grade student Anthony K. who explains that the book is the result of a poetry unit and was inspired by William Carlos Williams’ poem “This Is Just to Say”. Anthony notes that Bao Vang, “who is really good in art” made the illustrations with the help of Mr. Willow, the art teacher.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The words and emotions conveyed from a child’s perspective are what set this book apart. Some poems are light hearted apologies for small transgressions such as eating the donuts in the teachers lounge or throwing too hard in dodge ball. But others capture the anguish of a child who feels unforgivable for the crime of betraying a friend or for being the reason her father left.

Sidman captures the voice of each fictitious writer and manages to convey real emotions. In the poem “It Was Quiet”, Tenzin writes a poem of apology to his dog, Einstein, for having to make the decision to put him out of his pain.

I’m so sorry we had to do this.
We wanted to save you some pain.
I hope we did the right thing.

Is death ever right?
I don’t know, but I hated having to choose it,
And I hate the quiet in our house
without you.

Mr. Johnson, the custodian, writes a poem of forgiveness to Tenzin to help him be at peace with the loss of his pet. In the poem “Losing Einstein” Sidman writes in Mr. Johnson’s voice:

Einstein was right there with you, Tenzin.
Even if his eyes weren’t open,
He was smelling you, feeling your touch.
You were loving him, and he was loving you back.
That’s how he went.
And that’s how a dog should go.

The mixed media artwork of Pamela Zagarenski complements each poem and stays true to the idea that the book is the work of a sixth-grade class. From hearts and arrows to drawings cut from graph paper, the illustrations have a child-like quality but with a more mature artist’s eye for detail and design. The illustration for “The River of Forgiveness” shows the author, Bao Vang wading a through a river in which the word “forgiveness” flows with the water.

The book is organized in two parts, Apologies and Responses and a table of contents identifies the poem, author, and page number. In addition to the introduction by Anthony K., some poems have clarifying author or editor notes. The poem “Little Brother” to DaRon from his brother Lamar includes an editor’s note that DaRon changed a few words in his brother’s poem so it could be included in the book.

This is a good book for older readers who will be able to grasp the ideas and emotions expressed in this book. It could be used to spark a discussion with students on expressing feelings through poetry or writing their own poems of apology and forgiveness.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST: “Children will find much to identify with in the situations presented in the apology poems, and they'll appreciate the resolutions given in the responses.”

HORN BOOK: “This book is a collection of "sorry poems" and responses, ostensibly (but not always believably) written, illustrated, and collected by a sixth-grade class. Though the poems are not as varied in tone or style as could be desired, they provide intimate, often touching glimpses of relationships by which real classes might be inspired.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Sidman's ear is keen, capturing many voices. Her skill as a poet accessible to young people is unmatched. Zagarenski's delicately outlined collage drawings and paintings are created on mixed backgrounds-notebook paper, paper bags, newspaper, graph paper, school supplies. This is an important book both for its creativity and for its wisdom.”

CONNECTIONS

This book could provide an opportunity for students to write their own poems of apology and forgiveness, or discuss how poetry can be used to express feelings and emotions.

Other books written by Joyce Sidman include:

MEOW RUFF: A STORY IN CONCRETE POETRY. ISBN 0618448942

BUTTERFLY EYES AND OTHER SECRETS OF THE MEADOW. ISBN 061856313X

SONG OF THE WATER BOATMAN & OTHER POND POEMS. ISBN 0618135472

Other books illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski include:

HOW DO I FEEL? ¿CÓMO ME SIENTO? ISBN 0618169318

WHAT COLOR IS IT? ¿QUÉ COLOR ES ÉSTE? ISBN 0618169326

MY VERY OWN BIG DICTIONARY. ISBN 0395763207

TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS by Kristine O'Connell George

BIBLIOGRAPHY

George, Kristine O'Connell. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS. 2001. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York: Clarion. ISBN 061804597-X

PLOT SUMMARY

The collection of 30 poems by Kristine O’Connell George chronicles a family camping trip. The poems, written from the perspective of a young girl, describe different aspects of the trip including pitching the tent, toasting marshmallows, fishing, hiking, and returning home again. Kate Kiesler’s illustrations bring the poetic imagery to life.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a book anyone can enjoy, whether or not they have ever been camping. Children will be able to picture themselves pitching a “blooming, bright orange” tent or watching “/a chipmunk dash / past my feet, / a furry flash /” as it steals a bite of breakfast.

The words in several of the poems are shaped to convey the visual imagery of the verse. The poem “Tent” is presented in a conical shape that, even without Kiesler’s illustration, brings to mind the profile of a tent. In “Storm” the lines angle across the page in an image of windblown rain. The words in “Eavesdropping” are shaped like the crescent moon in the night sky of Kiesler’s illustration.

In addition to shaped poems, George’s use of language creates vivid images. In “Scooter, the reader gets a sense of the family dog’s personality change brought on by the camping trip.

At home, our dog snores
loose-boned easy,
sprawled between
fireplace and couch,
losing himself
in tennis-ball dreams.
Here, by the campfire,
he’s tightly coiled–
a thin, tense spring –
snarling into the night,
hackles lifting
his leather collar.
Tonight, Scooteris Timber Wolf.

This book would be perfect to read aloud to children. The conversational structure of the poem “Two Voices in a Tent at Night” also suggests a choral reading in a classroom or library setting. This book will bring fond memories for anyone who has been camping, as well as spark the imagination of anyone who has not had the experience.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

*HORN BOOK: “The pleasure and surprises of going camping are conveyed in eighteen brief poems. Familiar camping experiences--including pitching a tent, sleeping in a sleeping bag, and watching a chipmunk--are described, in addition to more unusual experiences like walking through a field of mustard, seeing a moose, and discovering a cave. Richly colored paintings enhance the verses.”

*BOOKLIST: “Infused with the wonder and thrill of living outdoors, these are direct, satisfying poems that will engage kids at school, across the curriculum, or at home.”

*PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: “This volume by George and Kiesler is as delicious as a roasted marshmallow treat. George's poems shine, the images clear and startling.”

CONNECTIONS

This book could be used in conjunction with units on poetry, nature or camping.

Other books associated with camping:

James, Helen Foster. S IS FOR S’MORES. ISBN 1585363022

Lakin, Patricia. CAMPING DAY. ISBN 0803733097

Ruurs, Margriet. WHEN WE GO CAMPING. ISBN 0887766855

Other poetry books by the same author:

George, Kristine O’Connell. HUMMINGBIRD NEST: A JOURNAL OF POEMS. ISBN 0152023259

George, Kristine O’Connell. OLD ELM SPEAKS: TREE POEMS. ISBN 0395876117

George, Kristine O’Connell. THE GREAT FROG RACE AND OTHER POEMS. ISBN 0395776074

PORCH LIES: TALES OF SLICKSTERS, TRICKSTERS, AND OTHER WILY CHARACTERS by Patricia McKissack

BIBLIOGRAPHY

McKissack, Patricia C. 2006. PORCH LIES: TALES OF SLICKSTERS, TRICKSTERS, AND OTHER WILY CHARACTERS. Ill. by Andre Carrilho. New York: Swartz & Wade Books. ISBN 0375836195

PLOT SUMMARY

In this anthology of literary tales, Patricia McKissack draws on the childhood stories heard on her grandparents’ porch as well as traditional African American folktales to create her own version of “porch lies.” McKissack populates her imaginary front porch with a cast of characters who are more than willing to share their favorite tale of a slickster or trickster.

The result is a colorful collection of ten stories each with their own memorable character including: Pete Bruce who tricks the Pie Lady into feeding him an entire coconut pie one taste at a time; Mingo Cass who pays all his debts without breaking his only one hundred dollar bill; Aunt Gran who tricks and slicks Jesse James into getting rid of the leader of “the worst gang of hate-filled Confederates ever there was”; and Montgomery Red who outsmarts the King of the Ghosts.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In the Author’s Note that precedes the ten tales, McKissack recalls that her favorite childhood memories include summer evenings sitting on the front porch of her grandparents’ home and listening to the “porch lies.” According to McKissack, she drew on those tales as well as other elements of the African American oral tradition for this book. She invites the reader to settle in “to the front porch of your mind” and enjoy her versions of African American folktales, myths and legends.

McKissack starts each tale with an introduction of the fictitious narrator that provides a mental picture of the storyteller as well as sets the stage for the tale to follow. McKissack has the ability to make each character seem so real that each tale carries a hint of truth throughout its pages. On occasion, McKissack even challenges the reader to “decide if it is a porch lie or not.”

Even though each tale is set in Tennessee or another southern location, each story has the folktale air of long ago and far away. The effect is heightened by the black and white artwork of illustrator Andre Carrilho. Each character that McKissack presents as real is drawn as an exaggerated caricature which lends an additional quality of fantasy to each story.

Present in each of McKissack’s tales is a trickster/slickster persona such as Pete Bruce who is “nothing but an ol’ confidencer.” Clovis Reed finds, to his surprise, that the good he has done outweighs the bad “by the weight of a single feather.” Bukka Black, after pretending to be a famous blues guitarist, almost succumbs to the devil’s charms when he comes to collect his dues. The underlying theme across all the stories is that there is some good to be found in even the most outrageous trickster. Even Link Murphy who is tagged as a “sneasel” (part snake and part weasel) proves his worth by saving Mis’ Crickett from being buried alive.

Younger readers may have trouble reading this book independently, but it will be a favorite when read aloud at story time or on a summer evening sitting on the front porch sipping lemonade.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST: “Great for sharing, on the porch and in the classroom.”

KIRKUS REVIEWS: “… these tales all lend themselves to telling or reading aloud, and carry the common theme that even the worst rascals have saving graces.”

HORN BOOK: “Grandly melodramatic black-and-white illustrations capture the stories' mood.”

CONNECTIONS

This book would be an excellent supplement to a unit on African American history.

Gather other collections of trickster tales such as:
San Souci, Robert D. SISTER TRICKSTERS : ROLLICKING TALES OF CLEVER FEMALES. ISBN 087483791X
DeSpain, Pleasant. TALES OF TRICKSTERS. ISBN 0874836441
Matthews, John and Caitlin. TRICK OF THE TALE : A COLLECTION OF TRICKSTER TALES. ISBN 0763636460

Read and discuss other books by Patricia McKissack:
McKissack, Patricia. THE DARK-THIRTY : SOUTHERN TALES OF THE SUPERNATURAL. ISBN 0679818634
McKissack, Patricia. MA DEAR'S APRONS. ISBN 0689810512
McKissack, Patricia. GOIN' SOMEPLACE SPECIAL. ISBN 0689818858

YEH SHEN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM CHINA by Ai-Ling Louie

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Louie, Ai-Ling. 1996. YEH-SHEN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM CHINA. Ill. by Ed Young. New York: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0698113888

PLOT SUMMARY

After her father’s death, Yeh-Shen is left to live with her stepmother who is jealous of Yeh-Shen’s beauty because her own daughter is not as pretty. Forced to perform the most unpleasant household chores, Yeh-Shen’s only friend is a golden-eyed fish that she feeds from the scraps of food left for her to eat. When the stepmother kills the fish, Yeh-Shen is overcome with grief but an old man appears and tells her that the bones are filled with magic and can grant her heart’s desire.

The bones give Yeh-Shen a beautiful gown and golden slippers so she can attend the festival, but she runs away when she is almost recognized by her stepsister. She loses one of the golden slippers while running home and is grief stricken when the bones no longer talk to her. The slipper is found and given to the king who determines to find the woman who could wear such a tiny and beautiful thing. The King finds Yeh-Shen, marries her and takes her away, but will not let her stepmother and stepsister come to the palace. They remain in their cave home and are eventually killed in a shower of stones.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this Chinese variant of the Cinderella story, a quote on the dedication page from Iona and Peter Opie’s THE CLASSIC FAIRY TALES dates the story of Yeh-Shen to the T’ang Dynasty of 618-907 AD. The earliest version the European Cinderella story dates to a 1634 Italian tale. This version, however, will be familiar to children as it includes all the elements of the Cinderella story: the beautiful orphan, the wicked stepmother, the festival and magic slippers. One key difference in this version is that the magical benefactor is a fish instead of a fairy godmother.

There are many elements of a traditional folktale present in this version of the Cinderella story. The customary theme of good being rewarded and bad punished is present in the story. The good and kindly Yeh-Shen is rewarded for her suffering by marrying the king and living in a palace, while the wicked stepmother and stepsister are “crushed to death in a shower of flying stones.”

The setting, as well as passing of time, in the story follows the folktale tradition. The tale takes place “in the dim past” of southern China, and the passing of time is indicated with phrases like “time went by” and “so the time passed.” Yeh-Shen growing “to girlhood in her stepmother’s home” and the fish “which grew to enormous size” are also phrases that signify time passing.

Common folktale motifs of magical objects and supernatural helpers are also present in the story. The old sage who told Yeh-Shen “of the wondrous powers” of her fish and then “rose to the sky”, and the magical bones that provided food as well as the clothing to wear to the festival are folktale devices used in this Cinderella story.

The tale incorporates themes such as elders, fish and tiny feet that are important in Chinese culture. The spirit that appears to Yeh-Shen after she discovers her fish had been killed is described as “a very old man” and as “the old sage”. Yeh-Shen also calls him “kind uncle” when speaking to him. The fish in Chinese culture is a symbol of prosperity and can also symbolize harmony, another valued quality. The story also makes repeated reference to Yeh-Shen’s tiny feet, a prized physical attribute in Chinese culture that was often accomplished through the practice of foot binding.

Illustrator, Ed Young, plays on the fish motif throughout the story by including either a whole fish or some part such as a tail, fin or scales in each drawing. Young even depicts the old sage as part man and part fish which plays on the magical qualities of the folktale. Throughout the book, Young’s watercolor illustrations are a subtle complement to this Chinese version of the Cinderella story.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Every library will be enriched by it.”

BOOKLIST: “Has a misty dreamlike air. A worthwhile addition to picture book collections.”

HORN BOOK: “The artist’s work… has been executed with chromatic splendor – a unique combination of brilliance and restraint.”

CONNECTIONS

This book could be used to supplement a lesson plan on different cultures.

Compare and contrast other versions of the Cinderella story such as:
Martin, Rafe. THE ROUGH-FACE GIRL. ISBN 0698116267
San Souci, Robert D. CENDRILLON: A CARIBBEAN CINDERELLA. ISBN 0689848889
Steptoe, John. MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS : AN AFRICAN TALE. ISBN 0688040454

Explore other Chinese folktales such as:
Hong, Lily Toy. TWO OF EVERYTHING : A CHINESE FOLKTALE. ISBN 0807581577
San Souci, Robert D. FA MULAN : THE STORY OF A WOMAN WARRIOR. ISBN 0786814217
Demi. LIANG AND THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH. ISBN 0030562899

THE HIRED HAND by Robert D. San Souci

BIBLIOGRAPHY

San Souci, Robert D. 1997. THE HIRED HAND. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803712960

PLOT SUMMARY

Old Sam works hard at running his Virginia sawmill, but his son, Young Sam, is lazy and always on the lookout ways to make his life easier. When New Hand is hired to help at the sawmill he proves that he can do much more than saw and stack logs. Young Sam spies on New Hand while he uses a magic spell to restore an aging customer’s youth. Young Sam’s plan to make a profit from duplicating the spell, however, ends in tragedy. On trial for murder, Young Sam learns his lesson about acting “high-handed” and “biggity” and is saved from prison by New Hand.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In the Author’s Note, San Souci wrote that he found the original version of THE HIRED HAND while reading GYPSY FOLK TALES by Francis Hindes Groome. Published in 1899, Groome’s book included a note that the Gypsy tale was similar to a folktale written down from a verbal retelling in 1871 Alabama by a servant who “had got it from his granny” in Virginia.

According to San Souci, Groome included the full text of the tale titled DE NEW HAN in an appendix. San Souci indicated that he tried to retain essence of the tale, but soften the heavy dialect that was typical of African American tales of the period. In THE HIRED HAND San Souci’s characters speak in more of a Southern dialect than the vernacular evidenced in Groome’s title. The occasional dropped consonant and colloquialisms such as “gonna” and “gotta” bring to mind the speech patterns of the American south.

According to the Artist’s Note, Jerry Pinkney modeled his illustrations on a 1700’s Quaker town in Virginia whose population included free African Americans. Pinkney achieves his “once upon a time” goal of depicting African Americans working and living in a place free from slavery.

Pinkney’s muted watercolor illustrations enhance the magical qualities of this retelling of an African American folktale. Even though the setting for the tale, as well as Pinkney’s inspiration, is in the very real state of Virginia, Pinkney’s illustrations add to the unreal aspect of “long ago and far away”.

San Souci’s treatment of the folktale is entertaining and the lessons of treating people fairly, not taking shortcuts and even forgiveness will not be lost on older readers. Before sentencing at his trial, Young Sam expresses his regret and cautions the onlookers to “Don’ be lazy an’ greedy and wood-headed.”

This story is suitable for both independent reading and sharing aloud during story time.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

THE HORN BOOK GUIDE: “Executed in pencil and watercolor, the illustrations set the plot in a particular time and place without sacrificing the sense of magic and wonder. Outstanding, noteworthy in style, content, and/or illustration.”

BOOKLIST: “An obvious choice for primary story hours, this will also make a welcome addition to African American folklore and history units.”

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW: “The story line is complicated and therefore recommended for older picturebook readers, but the unexpected twists and turns and appeal enhance an outstanding presentation.”

CONNECTIONS

This book could be included to supplement a social studies lesson.

Gather other African American folktales such as:

Virginia Hamilton. WHEN BIRDS COULD TALK & BATS COULD SING : THE ADVENTURES OF BRUH SPARROW, SIS WREN, AND THEIR FRIENDS. ISBN 059047372
Virginia Hamilton. THE PEOPLE COULD FLY: THE PICTURE BOOK. ISBN 037582405
Kim L. Siegelson. IN THE TIME OF THE DRUMS. ISBN 0786823860

Read other folktales adapted or retold by Robert D. San Souci:
Robert D. San Souci. SISTER TRICKSTERS: ROLLICKING TALES OF CLEVER FEMALES. ISBN 087483791X
Robert D. San Souci. SONG OF SEDNA. ISBN 0385158661Robert D. San Souci. THE LEGEND OF SCARFACE : A BLACKFEET INDIAN TALE. ISBN 0440413583

TALKING WITH ARTISTS (Volume One) by Pat Cummings

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cummings, Pat. 1992. TALKING WITH ARTISTS (Volume One). Compiled and edited by Pat Cummings. New York, NY: Bradbury Press. ISBN 0027242455

PLOT SUMMARY

Cummings compiles conversations with thirteen artists who talk about their childhood and the important events that led them to a career as an illustrator. Artists interviewed include Victoria Chess, Leo and Diane Dillon, Richard Egielski, Lois Ehlert, Lisa Campbell Ernst, Tom Feelings, Steven Kellogg, Jerry Pinkney, Amy Schwartz, Lane Smith, Chris Van Allsburg, and David Wiesner. Cummings also includes a chapter on how she got her start as an illustrator. In addition to providing background information on how they got started, each artist answers 8 questions that range from “do you have any children or pets” to “what do you use to make your pictures”. Samples of artwork from childhood as well as published works are included.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The target audience of this book is children who have aspirations of becoming artists. Reading about the different paths taken by each of the artists to their current level of success can help a child understand that with talent and determination they can also succeed.

The discussions regarding the question, “What do you use to make your pictures?” were especially interesting. Victoria Chess discussed the differences in technical pens and felt tip pens, with an interesting note that technical inks won’t run when they are painted over. David Wiesner noted that he keeps his watercolor paper from getting “lumpy” by soaking it in the bathtub and then letting it dry while taped to a flat board.

While the target audience for this book may be artistically inclined children, it will be enjoyed by anyone who wants a better understanding of how favorite illustrators approach their work.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Young artists will learn a lot; teachers and other children will also love it. Well designed and well conceived…”

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Unfortunately, the often poignant reminiscences and outstanding talent on display cannot overcome the book's unimaginative layout and distractingly pragmatic text.”

Starred HORN BOOK review: “An inspired concept, executed with class.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather volumes two and three of the TALKING WITH ARTISTS series:
Cummings, Pat. 1995. TALKING WITH ARTISTS (Volume Two). ISBN 978-0689803109
Cummings, Pat. 1999. TALKING WITH ARTISTS (Volume Three). ISBN 9780395891322

Review other compilations of discussions with artists about their work:
Carle, Eric. 2007. ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART. ISBN 9780399246005
Marcus, Leonard S. 2002. WAYS OF TELLING: CONVERSATIONS ON THE ART OF THE PICTURE BOOK. ISBN 9780525464907

PALE MALE: CITIZEN HAWK OF NEW YORK CITY by Janet Schulman

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Schulman, Janet. 2008. PALE MALE: CITIZEN HAWK OF NEW YORK CITY. Ill. by Meilo So. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 9780375845581

PLOT SUMMARY

This nonfiction picture book tells the story of a red-tailed hawk that took up residence on an upscale New York apartment building. Even though the hawk, nicknamed Pale Male, had an enthusiastic following among New Yorkers, the residents of the Fifth Avenue apartment building were not happy with the debris that resulted from the hawk and his mate nesting on their building. The residents were overwhelmed with criticism and protests after removing the nest, but finally a solution was found that allowed Pale Male and his mate to not only rebuild their nest but flourish in the metropolitan environment.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Even though the book is nonfiction, Schulman’s storytelling style will engage older elementary-age and up readers. The drama of Pale Male’s adventures coupled with Meilo So’s artistry also makes this a good selection for reading aloud to beginning readers. So’s light and airy watercolor illustrations capture the graceful elegance of the hawk as well as the scary darkness of an attack by crows.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW: “[Schulman's] language is sophisticated and wry . . . [and] the watercolor illustrations, by Meilo So, are luminous.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Beautiful contrasting views of the bird soaring above the wild park and the forest of the skyscrapers will ignite children's curiosity in both urban animals and the caring people who help protect them.”

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “From the eye-catching endpapers ... to the energetic city scenes, readers experience New Yorkers’ excitement about Pale Male ... and understand why his story has captured the interest of so many people.”

CONNECTIONS

This book provides an opportunity to discuss wildlife conservation with children and introduce other books about protecting animal habitats such as:
Hatkoff, Juliana. 2008. LOOKING FOR MIZA. ISBN 9780545085403
Cherry, Lynn. 1990. THE GREAT KAPOK TREE. ISBN 9780152005207

Gather other books illustrated by Meilo So and compare the style:
Flatharta, Antoine O. 2005. HURRY AND THE MONARCH. ISBN 9780385737197
Orgel, Doris. 2008. THE CAT’S TALE: WHY THE YEARS ARE NAMED FOR ANIMALS. ISBN 9781596432024

Explore other collaborative efforts by Schulman and So:
Schulman, Janet. 2003. A BUNNY FOR ALL SEASONS. ISBN 9780375822568
Schulman, Janet. 2002. COUNTDOWN TO SPRING. ISBN 9780375813641

THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW by Norton Juster

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. by Chris Raschka. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0439897505

PLOT SUMMARY

In this colorful picture book a young girl describes visits to her grandparents’ house. Each visit begins and ends with a peek in the kitchen window – the hello, goodbye window. The window provides opportunities for playing games, pretending, as well as observing the world outside the comfort of Nanna and Poppy’s kitchen.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book captures the love, warmth, and fun every child should experience while visiting grandparents. The comfortable kitchen as well as the rituals of breakfast, gardening, play time, and bedtime speaks to the reassurance a child finds in familiar places, people and routines.

The bright, colorful illustrations of Chris Raschka are detailed and engaging. The child-like quality of the illustrations suggests that the pictures could have been drawn by the child telling the story. Raschka was awarded the 2006 Caldecott Medal for the artwork in this book.

This book would be fun to share not only one on one between grandparent and grandchild, but also read aloud in a library or classroom setting.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Raschka's swirling lines, swaths, and dabs of fruity colors seem especially vibrant, particularly in the double-page spreads, which have ample room to capture both the tender moments between members of the interracial family and the exuberance of spending time in the pulsating outdoors, all flowers, grass, and sky.”

CONNECTIONS

This book could be used in a library or classroom setting to encourage sharing of experiences of visits to grandparents in celebration of Grandparents Day.

Gather other Caldecott Award winning books to compare Raschka’s style with other award winning illustrators.

Other books about grandparents and children in multiracial families:
Williams, Vera B. MORE, MORE, MORE SAID THE BABY. ISBN 9780688156343
Cheng, Andrea. GRANDFATHER COUNTS. ISBN 9781584301585

More than an assignment

I've started this blog as part of an assignment for a Children's and Young Adult Literature class as part of my Texas Woman's University Master of Library Science degree program. Although the initial purpose of the blog is to post reviews of books that are part of the assigned reading, I hope to maintain the blog long term and incorporate it into my school district's library program.