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
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