Bibliography
Myers, Walter Dean. 2000. MONSTER. Recorded Books. New York, New York. ISBN 0788752197
Plot Summary
This is a story about a teenage boy, Steve Harmon, and his part in a crime that ended in murder. This book is written from his point of view and contains information about his life before the crime, in jail, and during the trial.. There are many flashbacks as this story is told like a script for a movie.
Critical Analysis
I found the plot of this story intriguing. I wasn’t sure throughout the entire book whether Steve Harmon was really guilty or if he was just trying to convince himself that he was innocent. Myers makes him seem like a good kid with his many references to his brother and parents and how they must feel about him in jail. The weakness of this audio book is that because of the playwright style I had a hard time following the action in the first half. The lawyers names to me even sounded similar which made it hard for me to distinguish who was asking the questions. I had to relisten to several different parts to be sure I really understood the action. I did enjoy the audiobook and felt that the narrator was an excellent choice as I felt he provoked emotion and could sound like a young African American kid who is in trouble frequently.
Review Excerpt(s)
From School Library Journal “Many elements of this story are familiar, but Myers keeps it fresh and alive by telling it from an unusual perspective. Steve, an amateur filmmaker, recounts his experiences in the form of a movie screenplay. His striking scene-by-scene narrative of how his life has dramatically changed is riveting. Interspersed within the script are diary entries in which the teen vividly describes the nightmarish conditions of his confinement. Myers expertly presents the many facets of his protagonist's character and readers will find themselves feeling both sympathy and repugnance for him.”From Kirkus Reviews
“Myers leaves it up to readers to decide for themselves on his protagonist's guilt or innocence. The format of this taut and moving drama forcefully regulates the pacing; breathless, edge-of-the-seat courtroom scenes written entirely in dialogue alternate with thoughtful, introspective journal entries that offer a sense of Steve's terror and confusion, and that deftly demonstrate Myers's point: the road from innocence to trouble is comprised of small, almost invisible steps, each involving an experience in which a ``positive moral decision'' was not made.”
From AudioFile
“The youth and innocence of Jeron Alston's voice, as Steve, summons the listener into his limited reality and serves as a counterpoint to the authenticity of the courtroom drama, presented through the voices of the prosecutor, the D.A., the defendants, and the witnesses. Flashbacks deliver the backstory and raise essential doubts in the mind of the listener. A superb recording of an intriguing work.”
Connections
*This book could be used to help teens that are struggling with obeying the law the vivid description of the jail cell caused me to hope I never have to see the inside of a jail cell.
*This book could be used for a study in politic and the way the judicial system works.
*This book would be great to assess what it would be like to be on a jury and before the verdict is read let the students talk like a jury and create their own verdict.
DeGezelle, Terri. SERVING ON A JURY. ISBN 0736836861
Hjelmeland, Andy. PRISONS: INSIDE THE BIG HOUSE. ISBN 0822526077
Stewart, Gail B. TEENS IN PRISON. ISBN 1560063386
Friday, November 2, 2007
Fiction, Fantasy, and YA - CRISS CROSS
Bibliography
Perkins, Lynne Ray. 2005. CRISS CROSS. Greenwillow Books. New York, New York. ISBN 0060092734
Plot Summary
This is the story of a small town girl as she grows up. She wants something to happen to her as all girls do as the age from just a girl to a teenager. She is interested in boys and independence. Throughout the book the reader sees her begin to become a young lady. She helps out an older woman and even manages to save her life. She has her first love and he moves back to his family. This story is a tale not only of her but several of her friends at this age and their paths cross many times as they grow and mature.
Critical Analysis
CRISS CROSS is a book full of descriptions and emotion. Most readers will be able to identify with at least one of the characters that Perkins creates. This book is geared at middle to high school students and is a bit too mature for most elementary students. The book contains some profanity and teenage situations. Older children will enjoy this easy read because they can easily identify with characters in the book and the situations they encounter.
Review Excerpt(s)
From School Library Journal”Starred Review. The author of the popular All Alone in the Universe (HarperCollins, 1999) returns with another character study involving those moments that occur in everyone's life–moments when a decision is made that sends a person along one path instead of another.” From Booklist
“*Starred Review* Best of all are the understated moments, often private and piercing in their authenticity, that capture intelligent, likable teens searching for signs of who they are, and who they'll become.”
Connections
*This book could be used to help teems that are struggling with self-esteem and the ever changing teenage years.
*This book could be used for a character study. Students could just study Debbie or they could compare the various characters.
Danzinger, Paula. EARTH TO MATTHEW. ISBN 0385304536
Byars, Betsy. BINGO BROWN AND THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE. ISBN 0670827916
Perkins, Lynne Ray. 2005. CRISS CROSS. Greenwillow Books. New York, New York. ISBN 0060092734
Plot Summary
This is the story of a small town girl as she grows up. She wants something to happen to her as all girls do as the age from just a girl to a teenager. She is interested in boys and independence. Throughout the book the reader sees her begin to become a young lady. She helps out an older woman and even manages to save her life. She has her first love and he moves back to his family. This story is a tale not only of her but several of her friends at this age and their paths cross many times as they grow and mature.
Critical Analysis
CRISS CROSS is a book full of descriptions and emotion. Most readers will be able to identify with at least one of the characters that Perkins creates. This book is geared at middle to high school students and is a bit too mature for most elementary students. The book contains some profanity and teenage situations. Older children will enjoy this easy read because they can easily identify with characters in the book and the situations they encounter.
Review Excerpt(s)
From School Library Journal”Starred Review. The author of the popular All Alone in the Universe (HarperCollins, 1999) returns with another character study involving those moments that occur in everyone's life–moments when a decision is made that sends a person along one path instead of another.” From Booklist
“*Starred Review* Best of all are the understated moments, often private and piercing in their authenticity, that capture intelligent, likable teens searching for signs of who they are, and who they'll become.”
Connections
*This book could be used to help teems that are struggling with self-esteem and the ever changing teenage years.
*This book could be used for a character study. Students could just study Debbie or they could compare the various characters.
Danzinger, Paula. EARTH TO MATTHEW. ISBN 0385304536
Byars, Betsy. BINGO BROWN AND THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE. ISBN 0670827916
Fiction, Fantasy, and YA - THE GIVER
Bibliography
Lowry, Lois. 1993. THE GIVER. Houghton Mifflin. New York, New York. ISBN 0395645662
Plot Summary
THE GIVER is the story of a community that wants sameness among the people. Children are all given certain privileges by the age they are. Occupations, spouses, and even children are assigned to people. Finally, after Jonas is selected to be “The Giver” or the memory for the people he begins to doubt that the decision for sameness is what is best. He also learns of babies and elderly who are being killed because they are not the same. He decides to fight the injustice by leaving the community and even taking a baby that will soon be killed with him. His leaving will cause the people to have feelings and emotions again.
Critical Analysis
This is my favorite book from this whole semester of reading. The ideas posted by Lowry through the community will sound good to readers at first but the more the community is exposed the more the reader sees the injustices. As a Christian I was amazed at some of the things Jonas said after meeting the Giver. I have always told my children at church that God loves us enough to let us choose Him. In this community they don’t give the people the opportunity to do right or wrong. When Jonas starts talking about a baby named Gabriel he says, “what if we could hold up things that were bright red, or bright yellow and he could choose? Instead of the Sameness?” The Giver responds, “He might make wrong choices.” Then Jonas responds “Oh I see what you mean it doesn’t matter for a newchild’s toy. But later it does matter, doesn’t it? We don’t dare let people make choices of their own.” The quote captivated me because we are given the right to choose and He (God) could control that and yet He chooses not to.
Review Excerpt(s)
From School Library Journal “The tension leading up to the Ceremony, in which children are promoted not to another grade but to another stage in their life, and the drama and responsibility of the sessions with The Giver are gripping. The final flight for survival is as riveting as it is inevitable. The author makes real abstract concepts, such as the meaning of a life in which there are virtually no choices to be made and no experiences with deep feelings. This tightly plotted story and its believable characters will stay with readers for a long time.”From Kirkus Reviews
“Jonas may be a Christ figure, but the contrasts here with Christian symbols are also intriguing. Wrought with admirable skill--the emptiness and menace underlying this Utopia emerge step by inexorable step: a richly provocative novel.”
From Publishers Weekly
“With a storyline that hints at Christian allegory and an eerie futuristic setting, this intriguing novel calls to mind John Christopher's Tripods trilogy and Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Match Girl. Lowry is once again in top form--raising many questions while answering few, and unwinding a tale fit for the most adventurous readers.”
Connections
*Have students create their own “perfect” world using idea from THE GIVER.
*Have students write what they think should come next.
*Have students think about what job the “Elders” might choose for them and what the pros and cons of that job would be.
Lowry, Lois. GATHERING BLUE. ISBN 0385732562
Lowry, Lois. MESSENGER. ISBN 0385732538
Lowry, Lois. 1993. THE GIVER. Houghton Mifflin. New York, New York. ISBN 0395645662
Plot Summary
THE GIVER is the story of a community that wants sameness among the people. Children are all given certain privileges by the age they are. Occupations, spouses, and even children are assigned to people. Finally, after Jonas is selected to be “The Giver” or the memory for the people he begins to doubt that the decision for sameness is what is best. He also learns of babies and elderly who are being killed because they are not the same. He decides to fight the injustice by leaving the community and even taking a baby that will soon be killed with him. His leaving will cause the people to have feelings and emotions again.
Critical Analysis
This is my favorite book from this whole semester of reading. The ideas posted by Lowry through the community will sound good to readers at first but the more the community is exposed the more the reader sees the injustices. As a Christian I was amazed at some of the things Jonas said after meeting the Giver. I have always told my children at church that God loves us enough to let us choose Him. In this community they don’t give the people the opportunity to do right or wrong. When Jonas starts talking about a baby named Gabriel he says, “what if we could hold up things that were bright red, or bright yellow and he could choose? Instead of the Sameness?” The Giver responds, “He might make wrong choices.” Then Jonas responds “Oh I see what you mean it doesn’t matter for a newchild’s toy. But later it does matter, doesn’t it? We don’t dare let people make choices of their own.” The quote captivated me because we are given the right to choose and He (God) could control that and yet He chooses not to.
Review Excerpt(s)
From School Library Journal “The tension leading up to the Ceremony, in which children are promoted not to another grade but to another stage in their life, and the drama and responsibility of the sessions with The Giver are gripping. The final flight for survival is as riveting as it is inevitable. The author makes real abstract concepts, such as the meaning of a life in which there are virtually no choices to be made and no experiences with deep feelings. This tightly plotted story and its believable characters will stay with readers for a long time.”From Kirkus Reviews
“Jonas may be a Christ figure, but the contrasts here with Christian symbols are also intriguing. Wrought with admirable skill--the emptiness and menace underlying this Utopia emerge step by inexorable step: a richly provocative novel.”
From Publishers Weekly
“With a storyline that hints at Christian allegory and an eerie futuristic setting, this intriguing novel calls to mind John Christopher's Tripods trilogy and Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Match Girl. Lowry is once again in top form--raising many questions while answering few, and unwinding a tale fit for the most adventurous readers.”
Connections
*Have students create their own “perfect” world using idea from THE GIVER.
*Have students write what they think should come next.
*Have students think about what job the “Elders” might choose for them and what the pros and cons of that job would be.
Lowry, Lois. GATHERING BLUE. ISBN 0385732562
Lowry, Lois. MESSENGER. ISBN 0385732538
Monday, October 29, 2007
Biography: THE WRIGHT BROTHERS - HOW THEY INVENTED THE AIRPLANE
Bibliography
Freedman, Russell. 1991. THE WRIGHT BROTHERS: HOW THEY INVENTED THE AIRPLANE. Holiday House. New York, New York. ISBN 0823408752
Plot Summary
THE WRIGHT BROTHERS is an account of the life that brothers, Orville and Wilber, lived together. From childhood and early curiosities to the invention and perfection of the airplane this book is filled with photographs and artifacts such as journal entries. The relationship that these two brothers shared together is evident from their pictures, writings, and even the way they work together. These two young men are different ages but their relationship is as close as twins.
Critical Analysis
The photographs that Freedman has used in this book tell the story of the Wright Brothers all on their own. It was interesting to see what they were really thinking and feeling by getting to see a glimpse at their writings, drawings, and diagrams. Freedman weaves the actual writings and journals beautifully with his own words making a seamless account of the lives of the Wright Brothers. The accuracy in this book is evident by the artifacts that Freedman uses that back up his statements. Freedman portrays the Wright Brothers as good honest men that children, especially those interested in airplanes, could easily idolize. The only question I have is if these truly were two outstanding individuals or if there is aspect of these men that would be less than glorified. CHILDREN’S LITERATURE BRIEFLY suggests that this is a stereotyping that readers should be wary of so I would like to do more research to see if there are elements of their life that are left out to portray them in a specific way.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: “Freedman takes readers back to that exciting time, using not only the Wrights' written descriptions and the accounts of awed observers, but also a large selection of the careful photographs that Wilbur and Orville took to document their experiments. After an opening chapter to set the stage, the author creates a detailed family portrait.”
Publishers Weekly: “In understated, involving prose--skillfully laced with pertinent excerpts from journals, letters and contemporary accounts--Freedman lays out a clear and compelling history of the early aviation experiments that culminated in the legendary flight at Kitty Hawk. As with Lincoln , photographs are integral to Freedman's exposition and he makes ample, effective use of the many astonishing photos taken by the brothers in order to better document their experiments.”
Connections
*This book could be used to teach inventors and inventions.
*This book could be used to teach about airplane mechanics.
*This book could be used to teach perseverance and believing in yourself.
*This book could e used to start a timeline on the invention of airplanes.
Berger, Melvin and Gilda. HOW DO AIRPLANES FLY? A BOOK ABOUT AIRPLANES. ISBN 1571020586
Otfinoski, Steven. TAKING OFF: AIRPLANES THEN AND NOW. ISBN 0761404074
Freedman, Russell. 1991. THE WRIGHT BROTHERS: HOW THEY INVENTED THE AIRPLANE. Holiday House. New York, New York. ISBN 0823408752
Plot Summary
THE WRIGHT BROTHERS is an account of the life that brothers, Orville and Wilber, lived together. From childhood and early curiosities to the invention and perfection of the airplane this book is filled with photographs and artifacts such as journal entries. The relationship that these two brothers shared together is evident from their pictures, writings, and even the way they work together. These two young men are different ages but their relationship is as close as twins.
Critical Analysis
The photographs that Freedman has used in this book tell the story of the Wright Brothers all on their own. It was interesting to see what they were really thinking and feeling by getting to see a glimpse at their writings, drawings, and diagrams. Freedman weaves the actual writings and journals beautifully with his own words making a seamless account of the lives of the Wright Brothers. The accuracy in this book is evident by the artifacts that Freedman uses that back up his statements. Freedman portrays the Wright Brothers as good honest men that children, especially those interested in airplanes, could easily idolize. The only question I have is if these truly were two outstanding individuals or if there is aspect of these men that would be less than glorified. CHILDREN’S LITERATURE BRIEFLY suggests that this is a stereotyping that readers should be wary of so I would like to do more research to see if there are elements of their life that are left out to portray them in a specific way.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: “Freedman takes readers back to that exciting time, using not only the Wrights' written descriptions and the accounts of awed observers, but also a large selection of the careful photographs that Wilbur and Orville took to document their experiments. After an opening chapter to set the stage, the author creates a detailed family portrait.”
Publishers Weekly: “In understated, involving prose--skillfully laced with pertinent excerpts from journals, letters and contemporary accounts--Freedman lays out a clear and compelling history of the early aviation experiments that culminated in the legendary flight at Kitty Hawk. As with Lincoln , photographs are integral to Freedman's exposition and he makes ample, effective use of the many astonishing photos taken by the brothers in order to better document their experiments.”
Connections
*This book could be used to teach inventors and inventions.
*This book could be used to teach about airplane mechanics.
*This book could be used to teach perseverance and believing in yourself.
*This book could e used to start a timeline on the invention of airplanes.
Berger, Melvin and Gilda. HOW DO AIRPLANES FLY? A BOOK ABOUT AIRPLANES. ISBN 1571020586
Otfinoski, Steven. TAKING OFF: AIRPLANES THEN AND NOW. ISBN 0761404074
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Hostorical Fiction - THE GREEN GLASS SEA
Bibliography
Klages, Ellen. 2006. THE GREEN GLASS SEA. Recorded Books. New York,
New York. ISBN 978428146396
Plot Summary
This story, set in World War II in the non-existent place of Los Alamos, is an eye opener about the war and the way scientists helped in the war. This story, from the point of view of two ten year old girls allows young readers to engage in a war that happened along time ago and that seemingly didn’t affect children. This book will open children’s minds to what wars really cost.
Critical Analysis
This book is a great historical fiction. The accounts of life in Los Alamos are authentic and bring these experiences to an appropriate level for upper elementary students. The characters are well though out and developed. The characters emotions are portrayed so clearly that many times I found myself feeling like they must have felt. The plotline is easy follow and an engaging read for students who are and are not familiar with the story of Los Alamos. I love the way Ellen Klages describes the setting so that it is clear what Los Alamos must have looked. The audiobook version is read by Julie Dretzin. She does a great job of changing voices so that conversations between people are easily understood.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: “Many readers will know as little about the true nature of the project as the girls do, so the gradual revelation of facts is especially effective, while those who already know about Los Alamos's historical significance will experience the story in a different, but equally powerful, way.”
Publishers Weekly: “…the characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history classes.”
I was unable to find a review of the audiobook.
Connections
*This book could be used to teach about World War II and the life of secrecy in Los Alamos.
*This book could be used for a student who is curious about how the atomic bomb came about and how the scientists who created it felt.
*This story could be used to reveal the good and bad of science.
Taylor, Mike. WEAPONS OF WORLD WAR II. ISBN 1562398083
Maruki, Toshi. HIROSHIMA NO PIKA. ISBN 0688012973
Klages, Ellen. 2006. THE GREEN GLASS SEA. Recorded Books. New York,
New York. ISBN 978428146396
Plot Summary
This story, set in World War II in the non-existent place of Los Alamos, is an eye opener about the war and the way scientists helped in the war. This story, from the point of view of two ten year old girls allows young readers to engage in a war that happened along time ago and that seemingly didn’t affect children. This book will open children’s minds to what wars really cost.
Critical Analysis
This book is a great historical fiction. The accounts of life in Los Alamos are authentic and bring these experiences to an appropriate level for upper elementary students. The characters are well though out and developed. The characters emotions are portrayed so clearly that many times I found myself feeling like they must have felt. The plotline is easy follow and an engaging read for students who are and are not familiar with the story of Los Alamos. I love the way Ellen Klages describes the setting so that it is clear what Los Alamos must have looked. The audiobook version is read by Julie Dretzin. She does a great job of changing voices so that conversations between people are easily understood.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: “Many readers will know as little about the true nature of the project as the girls do, so the gradual revelation of facts is especially effective, while those who already know about Los Alamos's historical significance will experience the story in a different, but equally powerful, way.”
Publishers Weekly: “…the characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history classes.”
I was unable to find a review of the audiobook.
Connections
*This book could be used to teach about World War II and the life of secrecy in Los Alamos.
*This book could be used for a student who is curious about how the atomic bomb came about and how the scientists who created it felt.
*This story could be used to reveal the good and bad of science.
Taylor, Mike. WEAPONS OF WORLD WAR II. ISBN 1562398083
Maruki, Toshi. HIROSHIMA NO PIKA. ISBN 0688012973
Historical Fiction-A SINGLE SHARD
Bibliography
Park, Linda Sue. 2001. A SINGLE SHARD. Clarion Books. New York, New York. ISBN 0395978270
Plot Summary
An orphan named Tree Ear is fascinated by a local potter, Min. After an unfortunate accident with Min’s pottery Tree Ear gets the opportunity to work for Min. Once his debt is repaid he continues to work for Min with the hope that as Tree Ear states to Min “you would one day be teaching me to make a pot.” Tree ear is able to help Min get a royal commission by taking a piece of pottery to an Emissary.
Critical Analysis
The characterization in this book is outstanding. Linda Sue Park has done a marvelous job of bringing her characters to life. Tree Ear’s determination, Crane-Man’s unconditional friendship and servanthood, Min’s grumpiness and perfectionism, and Min’s tenderhearted wife are so clear that the reader will feel like they know the characters and can see them. At the conclusion of the book Min’s character is still grumpy, but my heart leapt with joy at Min’s words, “How are you to help me if you do not have a wheel of your own? And how is the wheel to be made if do not fetch logs of considerable size? Go!” The end of the book evokes such emotion - among the sadness is such great joy and excitement for Tree Ear and the reward he gets for his humble servanthood.
Review Excerpt(s)
From School Library Journal “This quiet story is rich in the details of life in Korea during this period. In addition it gives a full picture of the painstaking process needed to produce celadon pottery. However, what truly stands out are the characters: the grumpy perfectionist, Min; his kind wife; wise Crane-man; and most of all, Tree-ear, whose determination and lively intelligence result in good fortune.”
From Publishers Weekly
“She charts Tree Ear's transformation from apprentice to artist and portrays his selflessness during a pilgrimage to Songdo to show Min's work to the royal court he faithfully continues even after robbers shatter the work and he has only a single shard to show. Readers will not soon forget these characters or their sacrifices.”
Connections
*This book could be used to help teach about the art of pottery.
*This book is great to show a character overcoming obstacles and making the best of unfortunate circumstances.
*This book would relate well to readers that have lost parents and have to live with someone different whether it is a family member or foster care.
*This book would also be good to use to talk about homelessness.
Gibbons, Gail. THE POTTERY PLACE. ISBN 0152632654
Potter, Tony. POTTERY. ISBN 08811023195
Park, Linda Sue. 2001. A SINGLE SHARD. Clarion Books. New York, New York. ISBN 0395978270
Plot Summary
An orphan named Tree Ear is fascinated by a local potter, Min. After an unfortunate accident with Min’s pottery Tree Ear gets the opportunity to work for Min. Once his debt is repaid he continues to work for Min with the hope that as Tree Ear states to Min “you would one day be teaching me to make a pot.” Tree ear is able to help Min get a royal commission by taking a piece of pottery to an Emissary.
Critical Analysis
The characterization in this book is outstanding. Linda Sue Park has done a marvelous job of bringing her characters to life. Tree Ear’s determination, Crane-Man’s unconditional friendship and servanthood, Min’s grumpiness and perfectionism, and Min’s tenderhearted wife are so clear that the reader will feel like they know the characters and can see them. At the conclusion of the book Min’s character is still grumpy, but my heart leapt with joy at Min’s words, “How are you to help me if you do not have a wheel of your own? And how is the wheel to be made if do not fetch logs of considerable size? Go!” The end of the book evokes such emotion - among the sadness is such great joy and excitement for Tree Ear and the reward he gets for his humble servanthood.
Review Excerpt(s)
From School Library Journal “This quiet story is rich in the details of life in Korea during this period. In addition it gives a full picture of the painstaking process needed to produce celadon pottery. However, what truly stands out are the characters: the grumpy perfectionist, Min; his kind wife; wise Crane-man; and most of all, Tree-ear, whose determination and lively intelligence result in good fortune.”
From Publishers Weekly
“She charts Tree Ear's transformation from apprentice to artist and portrays his selflessness during a pilgrimage to Songdo to show Min's work to the royal court he faithfully continues even after robbers shatter the work and he has only a single shard to show. Readers will not soon forget these characters or their sacrifices.”
Connections
*This book could be used to help teach about the art of pottery.
*This book is great to show a character overcoming obstacles and making the best of unfortunate circumstances.
*This book would relate well to readers that have lost parents and have to live with someone different whether it is a family member or foster care.
*This book would also be good to use to talk about homelessness.
Gibbons, Gail. THE POTTERY PLACE. ISBN 0152632654
Potter, Tony. POTTERY. ISBN 08811023195
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Nonfiction - SPACE TRAVELERS
Bibliography
Simon, Seymour. 2003. SPACE TRAVELERS. Chronicle Books. San Francisco, California. ISBN 0329347489
Plot Summary
This book gives basic history and information about space travels. The book starts with raves in 1951 in which animals were sent to space and goes all the way through 1997. Space shuttle parts and satellites are also discussed briefly.
Critical Analysis
This book teaches basic information but is a good starter book for children who are interested in space and ready for a little more text. The photography in the book is gorgeous! Photos are clear and show great details. I do wish that there was some picture information throughout the book. The text discusses the picture a little bit as it deals with main points but it would be great to know more information about the photos themselves. For example one photo is on a two page spread of a female astronaut floating with a video camera. The text discusses that their days are carefully planned but never tells us who the astronaut pictured is or what she is doing.
Review Excerpt(s)
From School Library Journal “Space has a mix of black-and-white and color photographs that capture the action and excitement of space travel as well as the beauty of the moon and Earth. Unfortunately, the pictures are uncaptioned.”
Connections
*This book could be used to make a timeline of space travel.
*This book could be used to introduce space travel followed up by research on satellites, astronauts, space shuttles, and the Pathfinder.
Baird, Anne. THE U.S. SPACE CAMP BOOK OF ASTRONAUTS. ISBN 0688122264
Kallen, Stuart A. SPACE SHUTTLES. ISBN 1562395696
Stott, Carole. SPACE EXPLORATION. ISBN 0679985638
Kallen, Stuart A. THE RACE TO SPACE. ISBN 1562395645
Hamilton, John. THE PATHFINDER MISSION TO MARS. ISBN 1562398318
Simon, Seymour. 2003. SPACE TRAVELERS. Chronicle Books. San Francisco, California. ISBN 0329347489
Plot Summary
This book gives basic history and information about space travels. The book starts with raves in 1951 in which animals were sent to space and goes all the way through 1997. Space shuttle parts and satellites are also discussed briefly.
Critical Analysis
This book teaches basic information but is a good starter book for children who are interested in space and ready for a little more text. The photography in the book is gorgeous! Photos are clear and show great details. I do wish that there was some picture information throughout the book. The text discusses the picture a little bit as it deals with main points but it would be great to know more information about the photos themselves. For example one photo is on a two page spread of a female astronaut floating with a video camera. The text discusses that their days are carefully planned but never tells us who the astronaut pictured is or what she is doing.
Review Excerpt(s)
From School Library Journal “Space has a mix of black-and-white and color photographs that capture the action and excitement of space travel as well as the beauty of the moon and Earth. Unfortunately, the pictures are uncaptioned.”
Connections
*This book could be used to make a timeline of space travel.
*This book could be used to introduce space travel followed up by research on satellites, astronauts, space shuttles, and the Pathfinder.
Baird, Anne. THE U.S. SPACE CAMP BOOK OF ASTRONAUTS. ISBN 0688122264
Kallen, Stuart A. SPACE SHUTTLES. ISBN 1562395696
Stott, Carole. SPACE EXPLORATION. ISBN 0679985638
Kallen, Stuart A. THE RACE TO SPACE. ISBN 1562395645
Hamilton, John. THE PATHFINDER MISSION TO MARS. ISBN 1562398318
Nonfiction - WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU?
Bibliography
Jenkins, Steve. 1997. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU? Houghton Mifflin Company. New York, New York. ISBN 0395825148.
Plot Summary
This nonfiction book explains how animals try to avoid dangerous predators. Illustrations are done with cut paper collage.
Critical Analysis
Steve Jenkins creatively put together a great book to discuss animal predators and how animals are able to defend themselves. The layout is wonderful because readers read about the potential predator and prey before they see how prey manages to escape being eaten. I like that readers can make predictions before turning the page. For example on one page Jenkins wrote, “When an octopus is threatened…” then the reader must urn the page to see “it squirts a think cloud of black ink into the water confusing its attacker.” I also like that Jenkins refers to the animals by proper names not just a beetle but “The bombardier beetle”. The illustrations are filled with color from the paper collage. Animals look realistic and are textured through the use of the various papers. This is a beautiful book for introducing animals and their predators.
Review Excerpt(s)
From School Library Journal “The artist's trademark cut-paper collages on textured backgrounds show both attacker and potential prey on one page, and then a close-up of the animal escaping on the next.”From Horn Book
“Young children will delight in first guessing, then seeing, how each of fourteen unusual animals avoids becoming someone else’s dinner”
From Kirkus Reviews
“Layered cut-paper collage animals are positioned in dramatic stances against textured handmade-paper backgrounds. In a few instances, the black typeface is difficult to discern when it is superimposed on the dark green of leaf or grass.”
Connections
*This book could be used to help readers understand how animals defend themselves.
*This book could be a great supplement to a lesson on the food chain and how animals might try to defend themselves.
Mullin, Rita Thievon. WHO’S FOR DINNER PREDATORS AND PREY. ISBN 0517800055
Kalman, Bobbie. HOW DO ANIMALS ADAPT? ISBN 0865059802
Kalman, Boobie and MacAulay, Kelley. PRAIRIE FOOD CHAINS. ISBN 0778719472
Jenkins, Steve. 1997. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU? Houghton Mifflin Company. New York, New York. ISBN 0395825148.
Plot Summary
This nonfiction book explains how animals try to avoid dangerous predators. Illustrations are done with cut paper collage.
Critical Analysis
Steve Jenkins creatively put together a great book to discuss animal predators and how animals are able to defend themselves. The layout is wonderful because readers read about the potential predator and prey before they see how prey manages to escape being eaten. I like that readers can make predictions before turning the page. For example on one page Jenkins wrote, “When an octopus is threatened…” then the reader must urn the page to see “it squirts a think cloud of black ink into the water confusing its attacker.” I also like that Jenkins refers to the animals by proper names not just a beetle but “The bombardier beetle”. The illustrations are filled with color from the paper collage. Animals look realistic and are textured through the use of the various papers. This is a beautiful book for introducing animals and their predators.
Review Excerpt(s)
From School Library Journal “The artist's trademark cut-paper collages on textured backgrounds show both attacker and potential prey on one page, and then a close-up of the animal escaping on the next.”From Horn Book
“Young children will delight in first guessing, then seeing, how each of fourteen unusual animals avoids becoming someone else’s dinner”
From Kirkus Reviews
“Layered cut-paper collage animals are positioned in dramatic stances against textured handmade-paper backgrounds. In a few instances, the black typeface is difficult to discern when it is superimposed on the dark green of leaf or grass.”
Connections
*This book could be used to help readers understand how animals defend themselves.
*This book could be a great supplement to a lesson on the food chain and how animals might try to defend themselves.
Mullin, Rita Thievon. WHO’S FOR DINNER PREDATORS AND PREY. ISBN 0517800055
Kalman, Bobbie. HOW DO ANIMALS ADAPT? ISBN 0865059802
Kalman, Boobie and MacAulay, Kelley. PRAIRIE FOOD CHAINS. ISBN 0778719472
Non Fiction - AMERICAN PLAGUE
Bibliography
Murphy, Jim. 2003. AN AMERICAN PLAGUE. Recorded Books. New York,
New York. ISBN 1402587449
Plot Summary
AN AMERICAN PLAGUE is the account of the yellow fever that spread throughout Philadelphia. The year was 1793 and the cause of the yellow fever was unknown. This is a horrific account of the life that the people of Philadelphia encountered as the plague swept through their town and changed the city forever.
Critical Analysis
This audiobook was hard for me. The reader almost had a frantic tone to his reading even at points when frantic is not the emotion the author was trying to portray. The story itself was full of images that were hard to take in. Historically, form what I have found out through research they are accurate portrayals of the yellow fever. This is so foreign to readers now that the images in the book are critical. I think most readers are only going to know how to compare this to West Nile Virus which truly pales in comparison to the panic of the yellow fever. This story truly is frightening and leaves the reader hoping that this part of history never repeats itself.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: “Murphy chronicles this frightening time with solid research and a flair for weaving facts into fascinating stories, beginning with the fever's emergence on August 3…”
Booklist: “Murphy re-creates the fear and panic in the infected city, the social conditions that caused the disease to spread, and the arguments about causes and cures.”
I was unable to find a review of the audiobook.
Connections
*This book could be coupled with FEVER 1793 to study the yellow fever.
*This book could be used to compare/contrast Yellow Fever with the current West Nile Virus.
Anderson, Laurie Halse. FEVER 1793. ISBN 0689848919
Margulies, Phillip. WEST NILE VIRUS. ISBN 0823942031
Abramovitz, Melissa. WEST NILE VIRUS. ISBN: 1590183436
Murphy, Jim. 2003. AN AMERICAN PLAGUE. Recorded Books. New York,
New York. ISBN 1402587449
Plot Summary
AN AMERICAN PLAGUE is the account of the yellow fever that spread throughout Philadelphia. The year was 1793 and the cause of the yellow fever was unknown. This is a horrific account of the life that the people of Philadelphia encountered as the plague swept through their town and changed the city forever.
Critical Analysis
This audiobook was hard for me. The reader almost had a frantic tone to his reading even at points when frantic is not the emotion the author was trying to portray. The story itself was full of images that were hard to take in. Historically, form what I have found out through research they are accurate portrayals of the yellow fever. This is so foreign to readers now that the images in the book are critical. I think most readers are only going to know how to compare this to West Nile Virus which truly pales in comparison to the panic of the yellow fever. This story truly is frightening and leaves the reader hoping that this part of history never repeats itself.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: “Murphy chronicles this frightening time with solid research and a flair for weaving facts into fascinating stories, beginning with the fever's emergence on August 3…”
Booklist: “Murphy re-creates the fear and panic in the infected city, the social conditions that caused the disease to spread, and the arguments about causes and cures.”
I was unable to find a review of the audiobook.
Connections
*This book could be coupled with FEVER 1793 to study the yellow fever.
*This book could be used to compare/contrast Yellow Fever with the current West Nile Virus.
Anderson, Laurie Halse. FEVER 1793. ISBN 0689848919
Margulies, Phillip. WEST NILE VIRUS. ISBN 0823942031
Abramovitz, Melissa. WEST NILE VIRUS. ISBN: 1590183436
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Poetry - Please Bury Me In The Library
Bibliography
Lewis, J Patrick. 2005. PLEASE BURY ME IN THE LIBRARY. Gulliver Books Harcourt, Inc. Orlando, Florida. ISBN 0152163875
Plot Summary
This poetry book is filled with poems about library, reading, and poetry. Various types of poetry are included to fit the preferences of most readers. The poetry contains some intellectual jokes that may help to include older readers.
Critical Analysis
My favorite poem in this book is “What If Books Had Different Names?” I found it humorous, as most readers will. This could be used for various activities involving changing tiles of books. “Oh, what extraordinary, merry HUCKLEBERRY FUNN!” The books illustrations are dark and cartoon like. The illustrations themselves help evoke a mood on readers.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: “The brief selections encompass various forms, from an eight-word acrostic to haiku to rhyming quatrains and couplets. The tone is generally light, with the last few entries turning more to wonder and metaphor.”
Booklist: “Despite the picture-book format, it will take children older than the preschool crowd to appreciate the wordplay, which on occasion is quite sophisticated”
Connections
*This book could be used to introduce poetry to students, especially in the library.
*This book could be used to introduce various types of poems.
*This book could be used to get creative juices moving. Students could use the first poem, “What If Books Had Different Names” to create their own silly titles to books. This poem could even be paired with a lesson on locating books in the online catalog.
Terry, Sonya. L IS FOR LIBRARY. ISBN 9781932146448
Prelutsky, Jack. READ A RHYME WRITE A RHYME. ISBN 0375822860
Lewis, J Patrick. 2005. PLEASE BURY ME IN THE LIBRARY. Gulliver Books Harcourt, Inc. Orlando, Florida. ISBN 0152163875
Plot Summary
This poetry book is filled with poems about library, reading, and poetry. Various types of poetry are included to fit the preferences of most readers. The poetry contains some intellectual jokes that may help to include older readers.
Critical Analysis
My favorite poem in this book is “What If Books Had Different Names?” I found it humorous, as most readers will. This could be used for various activities involving changing tiles of books. “Oh, what extraordinary, merry HUCKLEBERRY FUNN!” The books illustrations are dark and cartoon like. The illustrations themselves help evoke a mood on readers.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: “The brief selections encompass various forms, from an eight-word acrostic to haiku to rhyming quatrains and couplets. The tone is generally light, with the last few entries turning more to wonder and metaphor.”
Booklist: “Despite the picture-book format, it will take children older than the preschool crowd to appreciate the wordplay, which on occasion is quite sophisticated”
Connections
*This book could be used to introduce poetry to students, especially in the library.
*This book could be used to introduce various types of poems.
*This book could be used to get creative juices moving. Students could use the first poem, “What If Books Had Different Names” to create their own silly titles to books. This poem could even be paired with a lesson on locating books in the online catalog.
Terry, Sonya. L IS FOR LIBRARY. ISBN 9781932146448
Prelutsky, Jack. READ A RHYME WRITE A RHYME. ISBN 0375822860
Poetry - C IS FOR CITY
Bibliography
Grimes, Nikki. 1995. C IS FOR CITY. Lothrop, Lee and Shepard Books. New York, New York. ISBN 0688118089
Plot Summary
C IS FOR CITY depicts life in New York City through an alphabet poetry book. The book uses good vocabulary for the city life. Many of New York’s most noted features are depicted in this picture book.
Critical Analysis
In C IS FOR CITY the illustrations are bright and colorful. They are full of activity just as the streets of New York City are. One of my favorite verses of poetry is “T is for turnstile and trains full of tourists, for tough-talking boys with steel taps on their shoes. T is for taxi and two-story town houses next door to temples with hard, wooden pews.” This page is illustrated with a subway scene including crowds, a subway, turnstiles, and a musician playing. Each illustration is chalked full of items that start with the letter featured on the page just as the free verses of poetry are written with many words starting with the featured letter.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: “Illustrations in vivid, neon colors suggest the electricity and brashness of a loud city with its hard edges as well as the teeming population.”
Booklist: “The rhymes themselves are quite clever and packed with vocabulary-expanding images. Each illustration is a hearty slice of urban life, with all its intersecting dramas and scenes within scenes.”
Connections
*This book could be used to teach the difference between city, rural, and urban communities. This is a skill that second and third grade teachers have to teach in Texas.
*This book could be used to start a class writing assignment of making an alphabet book about their own community.
*This book could be used to introduce students to poetry found in alphabet books.
Winters Productions. HOW COMMUNITIES ARE ALIKE AND DIFFERENT (DVD). ISBN 1585412732
School Videos. CITY, SUBURB, AND RURAL COMMUNITIES (VIDEORECORDING). ISBN 1585412007
Roop, Peter and Connie. A FARMING TOWN. ISBN: 1575721279
Roop, Peter and Connie. A SUBURB. ISBN: 1575721309
Grimes, Nikki. 1995. C IS FOR CITY. Lothrop, Lee and Shepard Books. New York, New York. ISBN 0688118089
Plot Summary
C IS FOR CITY depicts life in New York City through an alphabet poetry book. The book uses good vocabulary for the city life. Many of New York’s most noted features are depicted in this picture book.
Critical Analysis
In C IS FOR CITY the illustrations are bright and colorful. They are full of activity just as the streets of New York City are. One of my favorite verses of poetry is “T is for turnstile and trains full of tourists, for tough-talking boys with steel taps on their shoes. T is for taxi and two-story town houses next door to temples with hard, wooden pews.” This page is illustrated with a subway scene including crowds, a subway, turnstiles, and a musician playing. Each illustration is chalked full of items that start with the letter featured on the page just as the free verses of poetry are written with many words starting with the featured letter.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: “Illustrations in vivid, neon colors suggest the electricity and brashness of a loud city with its hard edges as well as the teeming population.”
Booklist: “The rhymes themselves are quite clever and packed with vocabulary-expanding images. Each illustration is a hearty slice of urban life, with all its intersecting dramas and scenes within scenes.”
Connections
*This book could be used to teach the difference between city, rural, and urban communities. This is a skill that second and third grade teachers have to teach in Texas.
*This book could be used to start a class writing assignment of making an alphabet book about their own community.
*This book could be used to introduce students to poetry found in alphabet books.
Winters Productions. HOW COMMUNITIES ARE ALIKE AND DIFFERENT (DVD). ISBN 1585412732
School Videos. CITY, SUBURB, AND RURAL COMMUNITIES (VIDEORECORDING). ISBN 1585412007
Roop, Peter and Connie. A FARMING TOWN. ISBN: 1575721279
Roop, Peter and Connie. A SUBURB. ISBN: 1575721309
Poetry - OUT OF THE DUST
Bibliography
Hesse, Karen. 1997. OUT OF THE DUST. Scholastic Press. New York,
New York. ISBN 0590360809
Plot Summary
This novel, written in poetry, is a story about a fourteen year old girl living in Oklahoma during the dust bowl. The reader encounters the struggles of the family, the young girl, and the terrible feeling of everything covered in dust.
Critical Analysis
OUT OF THE DUST is written in free verse form. It does have some visual imagery such as, “Ma starts to quaking but she won’t let Daddy see./ Instead, she goes out to the chickens/ And/ Her anger,/ Simmering over like a pot in an empty kitchen,/ Boils itself down doing chores.” (p.41). Visual imagery is minimal and used carefully to help the reader understand what life in the Oklahoma Dust Bowl was really like. This free verse poetry is an easy read as it reads like a child’s diary. I thought that Hesse portrayed Billie Joe’s life and mood swings beautifully. Readers will be forced to feel the feelings that go through this young girl’s mind.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: “A triumphant story, eloquently told through prose-poetry.”
Kirkus Reviews: “Told in free-verse poetry of dated entries that span the winter of 1934 to the winter of 1935, this is an unremittingly bleak portrait of one corner of Depression-era life.”
Connections
*This book could be used to teach about World War II and the life of secrecy in Los Alamos.
*This book could be used to compare a boy’s perspective to a girl’s perspective of the dust bowl.
*This book could be used to compare with other events in the depression.
*This book could be used to compare fiction and nonfiction stories of the dust bowl.
*this book could be compared with other dust bowl books to show the difference between a book written in dialogue and a book written in poetry.
Turner, Ann. DUST FOR DINNER. ISBN 0060233761
Durbin, William. THE JOURNAL OF C.J. JACKSON. ISBN 0439153069
Medearis, Angela Shelf. PICKING PEAS FOR A PENNY. ISBN: 0938349546
Stanley, Jerry. CHILDREN OF THE DUST BOWL: THE TRUE STORY OF THE SCHOOL AT WEEDPATCH CAMP. ISBN: 0517880946
Hesse, Karen. 1997. OUT OF THE DUST. Scholastic Press. New York,
New York. ISBN 0590360809
Plot Summary
This novel, written in poetry, is a story about a fourteen year old girl living in Oklahoma during the dust bowl. The reader encounters the struggles of the family, the young girl, and the terrible feeling of everything covered in dust.
Critical Analysis
OUT OF THE DUST is written in free verse form. It does have some visual imagery such as, “Ma starts to quaking but she won’t let Daddy see./ Instead, she goes out to the chickens/ And/ Her anger,/ Simmering over like a pot in an empty kitchen,/ Boils itself down doing chores.” (p.41). Visual imagery is minimal and used carefully to help the reader understand what life in the Oklahoma Dust Bowl was really like. This free verse poetry is an easy read as it reads like a child’s diary. I thought that Hesse portrayed Billie Joe’s life and mood swings beautifully. Readers will be forced to feel the feelings that go through this young girl’s mind.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: “A triumphant story, eloquently told through prose-poetry.”
Kirkus Reviews: “Told in free-verse poetry of dated entries that span the winter of 1934 to the winter of 1935, this is an unremittingly bleak portrait of one corner of Depression-era life.”
Connections
*This book could be used to teach about World War II and the life of secrecy in Los Alamos.
*This book could be used to compare a boy’s perspective to a girl’s perspective of the dust bowl.
*This book could be used to compare with other events in the depression.
*This book could be used to compare fiction and nonfiction stories of the dust bowl.
*this book could be compared with other dust bowl books to show the difference between a book written in dialogue and a book written in poetry.
Turner, Ann. DUST FOR DINNER. ISBN 0060233761
Durbin, William. THE JOURNAL OF C.J. JACKSON. ISBN 0439153069
Medearis, Angela Shelf. PICKING PEAS FOR A PENNY. ISBN: 0938349546
Stanley, Jerry. CHILDREN OF THE DUST BOWL: THE TRUE STORY OF THE SCHOOL AT WEEDPATCH CAMP. ISBN: 0517880946
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
PIO PEEP Book Review
Bibliography
Ada, Alma Flor; Campoy, F Isabel. Adapted by: Schertle, Alice. 2003. PIO PEEP!. By Vivi Escriva. Harper Collins Publishers. New York, New York. ISBN 0688160204
Plot Summary
This book of traditional Spanish nursery rhymes is a collection of 29 nursery rhymes that are known in the Spanish culture. The rhymes are written in Spanish and then translated and adapted into English.
Critical Analysis
This book is impressive. Readers get a authentic look into Spanish culture through these nursery rhymes and illustrations. The adaptations by Alice Schertle are similar to the actual nursery rhymes and they rhyme and flow like they were meant to be nursery rhymes in English. The illustrations depict true Mexican clothing, environment or surroundings, and celebrations. The illustrations, made up of watercolors, have vivid colors that jump off of the page.
Review Excerpt(s)
Booklist: “They are presented both in Spanish and in English, although ‘to preserve the charm of the original rhymes,’ the English versions are not translations but "poetic recreations."
School Library Journal: “…this stellar collection of nursery rhymes. Selected from the rich oral tradition of Latin America and the American Southwest, most of the verses are known throughout the Spanish-speaking world.”
Publishers Weekly: “This gentle lesson in patience and loyalty, balanced on the back of a hilarious set of illustrations, will leave young readers clamoring for repeat readings.”
Connections
*This book is could be used to compare nursery rhymes. Examples would be Almonds and Chestnuts “Almendras y turron” to Pat-A-Cake or Sea Serpent “A la vibora de la mar” to London Bridge
*This book of nursery rhymes is a great way to incorporate Hispanic culture into the classroom.
Opie, Iona. MY VERY FIRST MOTHER GOOSE. ISBN 1564026205
Calmenson, Stephanie; Cole, Joanna. PAT-A-CAKE AND OTHER PLAY RHYMES. ISBN 068811038X
Garza, Carmen Lomas. FAMILY PICTURES / CUADROS DE FAMILIA. ISBN 0892390506
Garza, Carmen Lomas. IN MY FAMILY /EN MI FAMILIA. ISBN 0892391383
Ada, Alma Flor; Campoy, F Isabel. Adapted by: Schertle, Alice. 2003. PIO PEEP!. By Vivi Escriva. Harper Collins Publishers. New York, New York. ISBN 0688160204
Plot Summary
This book of traditional Spanish nursery rhymes is a collection of 29 nursery rhymes that are known in the Spanish culture. The rhymes are written in Spanish and then translated and adapted into English.
Critical Analysis
This book is impressive. Readers get a authentic look into Spanish culture through these nursery rhymes and illustrations. The adaptations by Alice Schertle are similar to the actual nursery rhymes and they rhyme and flow like they were meant to be nursery rhymes in English. The illustrations depict true Mexican clothing, environment or surroundings, and celebrations. The illustrations, made up of watercolors, have vivid colors that jump off of the page.
Review Excerpt(s)
Booklist: “They are presented both in Spanish and in English, although ‘to preserve the charm of the original rhymes,’ the English versions are not translations but "poetic recreations."
School Library Journal: “…this stellar collection of nursery rhymes. Selected from the rich oral tradition of Latin America and the American Southwest, most of the verses are known throughout the Spanish-speaking world.”
Publishers Weekly: “This gentle lesson in patience and loyalty, balanced on the back of a hilarious set of illustrations, will leave young readers clamoring for repeat readings.”
Connections
*This book is could be used to compare nursery rhymes. Examples would be Almonds and Chestnuts “Almendras y turron” to Pat-A-Cake or Sea Serpent “A la vibora de la mar” to London Bridge
*This book of nursery rhymes is a great way to incorporate Hispanic culture into the classroom.
Opie, Iona. MY VERY FIRST MOTHER GOOSE. ISBN 1564026205
Calmenson, Stephanie; Cole, Joanna. PAT-A-CAKE AND OTHER PLAY RHYMES. ISBN 068811038X
Garza, Carmen Lomas. FAMILY PICTURES / CUADROS DE FAMILIA. ISBN 0892390506
Garza, Carmen Lomas. IN MY FAMILY /EN MI FAMILIA. ISBN 0892391383
The Lost Horse Book Review
Bibliography
Young, Ed. 1998. THE LOST HORSE. Silver Whistle: Harcourt Brace & Company. Orlando, Florida. ISBN 0152010165
Plot Summary
This Chinese folktale is about a man, Sai, that always believed that things were not quite as good or as bad as they seemed. Sai teaches his son to trust in the “changing fortunes of life”.
Critical Analysis
The plot of this story is well thought out and gives the reader a chance to see how a person can respond to good and bad circumstances. The illustrations in this book are done with watercolors and collage. The watercolors allow the pictures to have lifelike coloring For example, the dark lightning filled sky has many colors of black and gray. This edition of THE LOST HORSE includes puppets that can be manipulated while telling the story orally. The puppets are jointed so they can be moved to match pictures in the story.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: “Pastel and watercolor collages appear on two-page spreads and depict characters wearing attire authentic to their time and place. The tents and the predominantly brown scenery provide realistic glimpses into the stark landscape of the northern frontier. Striking close-up views show the son tumbling from his horse and families mourning their dead after battle.”
Publishers Weekly: “Both text and art are elegantly spare in Young's (Lon Po Po) newest retelling of a Chinese folktale, which may be among the Caldecott Medalist's finest works.”
Connections
*This book could be used to teach about life’s ups and downs.
*This book could be used to talk about Chinese culture and oral tradition.
*This story has a great sequence of events and could be used to make a story map.
Carlson, Nancy. SMILE A LOT. ISBN 0876148690
So, Sungwan. A CHILD’S DAY IN A CHINESE CITY. ISBN 0761412247
Young, Ed. 1998. THE LOST HORSE. Silver Whistle: Harcourt Brace & Company. Orlando, Florida. ISBN 0152010165
Plot Summary
This Chinese folktale is about a man, Sai, that always believed that things were not quite as good or as bad as they seemed. Sai teaches his son to trust in the “changing fortunes of life”.
Critical Analysis
The plot of this story is well thought out and gives the reader a chance to see how a person can respond to good and bad circumstances. The illustrations in this book are done with watercolors and collage. The watercolors allow the pictures to have lifelike coloring For example, the dark lightning filled sky has many colors of black and gray. This edition of THE LOST HORSE includes puppets that can be manipulated while telling the story orally. The puppets are jointed so they can be moved to match pictures in the story.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal: “Pastel and watercolor collages appear on two-page spreads and depict characters wearing attire authentic to their time and place. The tents and the predominantly brown scenery provide realistic glimpses into the stark landscape of the northern frontier. Striking close-up views show the son tumbling from his horse and families mourning their dead after battle.”
Publishers Weekly: “Both text and art are elegantly spare in Young's (Lon Po Po) newest retelling of a Chinese folktale, which may be among the Caldecott Medalist's finest works.”
Connections
*This book could be used to teach about life’s ups and downs.
*This book could be used to talk about Chinese culture and oral tradition.
*This story has a great sequence of events and could be used to make a story map.
Carlson, Nancy. SMILE A LOT. ISBN 0876148690
So, Sungwan. A CHILD’S DAY IN A CHINESE CITY. ISBN 0761412247
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Traditional Literature: CINDY ELLEN
Bibliography
Lowell, Susan. 2000. CINDY ELLEN: A WILD WESTERN CINDERELLA. By: Jane Manning. Joanna Cotler Books. New York, New York. ISBN 0060274476
Plot Summary
This book is a remake of the classic fairy tale CINDERELLA. In this story Cindy Ellen is a cowgirl that is trying to impress a rich rancher’s son by riding in a rodeo. Cindy Ellen loses one of her diamond spurs at the square dance and Joe Prince comes looking for her.
Critical Analysis
CINDY ELLEN is a catchy story with its western twang. Susan Lowell captures the cowgirl spirit in this classic story. Most will feel as though they have read this story before but will laugh out loud at the twists and turns in this story. The watercolor illustrations are realistic and vivid. I love that Jane Manning illustrated Cindy Ellen to blend in with the desert background in the beginning and then makes her jump off the page every time the fairy godmother pays her a visit.
Review Excerpt(s)
Publishers Weekly: “Savory slang adds punch to this tale…”
Publisher’s Weekly: “Illustrations lush with cactus-flower colors and pale maize gold enhance this rawhide-and-lace fantasy”
Booklist: “The smooth, hard-edged illustrations lack personality, despite Cindy Ellen's many freckles; the fairy godmother has the most spirit, in her huge sombrero and red-fringed gloves.”
Connections
*This book could easily be compared and contrasted with the original Cinderella story.
*This book could be used in a thematic unit of Cinderella stories. A great activity would be to map the different versions of Cinderella.
*CINDY ELLEN is good for sequencing events in a story.
Sanderson, Ruth. CINDERELLA. ISBN 0316779652
Daly, Jude. FAIR, BROWN AND TREMBLING: AN IRISH CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 0374322473
Louie, Ai-Ling. YEH-SHEN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM CHINA. (illustrated by Ed Young) ISBN 039920900X
Rebecca, Hickox. THE GOLDEN SANDAL:A MIDDLE EASTERN CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 0823413314
Han, Oki S. Plunkett, Stephanie Haboush. KONGI AND POTGI: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM KOREA. ISBN 0803715722
San Souci, Robert D. CENDRILLON: A CARRIBEAN CINDERELLA. ISBN 068980668X
Lowell, Susan. 2000. CINDY ELLEN: A WILD WESTERN CINDERELLA. By: Jane Manning. Joanna Cotler Books. New York, New York. ISBN 0060274476
Plot Summary
This book is a remake of the classic fairy tale CINDERELLA. In this story Cindy Ellen is a cowgirl that is trying to impress a rich rancher’s son by riding in a rodeo. Cindy Ellen loses one of her diamond spurs at the square dance and Joe Prince comes looking for her.
Critical Analysis
CINDY ELLEN is a catchy story with its western twang. Susan Lowell captures the cowgirl spirit in this classic story. Most will feel as though they have read this story before but will laugh out loud at the twists and turns in this story. The watercolor illustrations are realistic and vivid. I love that Jane Manning illustrated Cindy Ellen to blend in with the desert background in the beginning and then makes her jump off the page every time the fairy godmother pays her a visit.
Review Excerpt(s)
Publishers Weekly: “Savory slang adds punch to this tale…”
Publisher’s Weekly: “Illustrations lush with cactus-flower colors and pale maize gold enhance this rawhide-and-lace fantasy”
Booklist: “The smooth, hard-edged illustrations lack personality, despite Cindy Ellen's many freckles; the fairy godmother has the most spirit, in her huge sombrero and red-fringed gloves.”
Connections
*This book could easily be compared and contrasted with the original Cinderella story.
*This book could be used in a thematic unit of Cinderella stories. A great activity would be to map the different versions of Cinderella.
*CINDY ELLEN is good for sequencing events in a story.
Sanderson, Ruth. CINDERELLA. ISBN 0316779652
Daly, Jude. FAIR, BROWN AND TREMBLING: AN IRISH CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 0374322473
Louie, Ai-Ling. YEH-SHEN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM CHINA. (illustrated by Ed Young) ISBN 039920900X
Rebecca, Hickox. THE GOLDEN SANDAL:A MIDDLE EASTERN CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 0823413314
Han, Oki S. Plunkett, Stephanie Haboush. KONGI AND POTGI: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM KOREA. ISBN 0803715722
San Souci, Robert D. CENDRILLON: A CARRIBEAN CINDERELLA. ISBN 068980668X
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Talking with Artists
Bibliography
Cummings, Pat.1992. TALKING WITH ARTISTS. Bradbury Press. New York, New York. ISBN 0027242455
Plot Summary
This book is a nonfiction picture book. It is an informational book on illustrators. Each illustrator is asked the same questions about their life and how they began illustrating.
Critical Analysis
This book is a hard read for younger readers. I think most elementary students are only going to use pieces of this book and will have a hard time getting through the text. I think readers will be drawn to the various illustrations throughout the book. This book is great to gain information on a particular illustrator. As a teacher/librarian I really enjoy this book but I can see why it gets little circulation in an elementary school library. I like that this book has the same interview format through out with the same illustrators. It would be easy to compare and contrast different illustrators.
Review Excerpt(s)
Publishers Weekly: “Brief autobiographical statements precede interviews that touch on both personal and professional concerns--working conditions, pets, and business associates. Each subject is represented by one or two samples of his or her current work and one childhood piece, usually a real charmer.”
School Library Journal: “Young artists will learn a lot; teachers and other children will also love it. Well designed and well conceived, this book will be welcomed in all those classrooms in which children's literature has become central to the curriculum.”
Connections
*This book is great for teaching about artists and how they got started.
*This book could be paired with an author/illustrator study. Readers could learn important facts about the author or illustrator while reading books that they worked on.
Van Allsburg, Chris. THE POLAR EXPRESS. ISBN 0395389496
Ehlert, Lois. FEATHERS FOR LUNCH. ISBN 0152305513
Wiesner, David. FLOTSAM. ISBN 0618194576
Cummings, Pat.1992. TALKING WITH ARTISTS. Bradbury Press. New York, New York. ISBN 0027242455
Plot Summary
This book is a nonfiction picture book. It is an informational book on illustrators. Each illustrator is asked the same questions about their life and how they began illustrating.
Critical Analysis
This book is a hard read for younger readers. I think most elementary students are only going to use pieces of this book and will have a hard time getting through the text. I think readers will be drawn to the various illustrations throughout the book. This book is great to gain information on a particular illustrator. As a teacher/librarian I really enjoy this book but I can see why it gets little circulation in an elementary school library. I like that this book has the same interview format through out with the same illustrators. It would be easy to compare and contrast different illustrators.
Review Excerpt(s)
Publishers Weekly: “Brief autobiographical statements precede interviews that touch on both personal and professional concerns--working conditions, pets, and business associates. Each subject is represented by one or two samples of his or her current work and one childhood piece, usually a real charmer.”
School Library Journal: “Young artists will learn a lot; teachers and other children will also love it. Well designed and well conceived, this book will be welcomed in all those classrooms in which children's literature has become central to the curriculum.”
Connections
*This book is great for teaching about artists and how they got started.
*This book could be paired with an author/illustrator study. Readers could learn important facts about the author or illustrator while reading books that they worked on.
Van Allsburg, Chris. THE POLAR EXPRESS. ISBN 0395389496
Ehlert, Lois. FEATHERS FOR LUNCH. ISBN 0152305513
Wiesner, David. FLOTSAM. ISBN 0618194576
MC TURTLE AND THE HIP HOP HARE
Bibliography
Vozar, David .1995. M.C. TURTLE AND THE HIP HOP HARE. by Betsy Lewin Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers. New York, New York. ISBN 0329054104
Plot Summary
In this rap version of the traditional story the THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE readers get sucked into the rhyming rap that David Vozar created. The illustrations are hilarious! Betsy Lewin captured the stereotype of rappers and the “gangsta” look. Backward hats, triple earrings, and even break hip hop dancing can be found throughout the pictures in this book. I think that older children will probably enjoy this story more because of the more grown up illustrations and humor. The illustrations are very cartoon style with lots of details on every page.
Critical Analysis
This contemporary version of THE HARE AND THE TORTOSIE still has the same lesson as the original story. The story is energetic even in the text . A reader cannot read the story line without rapping.
The illustrations are detailed and full of vibrant colors. They seem to be made with paint of some sort, maybe watercolors. The illustrator then went back and added detailed black lines. The illustrations [paired with the rap make this book a very funny read aloud for older children.
Review Excerpt(s)
Booklist: “Vozar’s story is bouncy fun that plays with both words and rhymes”
School Library Journal: “The cartoon-style illustrations combine close-ups, multiple images, and crowd scenes. This makes the visual presentation as energetic as the text”
Connections
*This book is great for teaching for comparing versions of THE TORTISE AND THE HARE.
*This book could be used to talk about not thinking you are good enough to do something you really want to do.
Sykes, Julie. THAT’S NOT FAIR, HARE! ISBN 0764153471
Aesop. THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE. ISBN 0893754684
Vozar, David .1995. M.C. TURTLE AND THE HIP HOP HARE. by Betsy Lewin Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers. New York, New York. ISBN 0329054104
Plot Summary
In this rap version of the traditional story the THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE readers get sucked into the rhyming rap that David Vozar created. The illustrations are hilarious! Betsy Lewin captured the stereotype of rappers and the “gangsta” look. Backward hats, triple earrings, and even break hip hop dancing can be found throughout the pictures in this book. I think that older children will probably enjoy this story more because of the more grown up illustrations and humor. The illustrations are very cartoon style with lots of details on every page.
Critical Analysis
This contemporary version of THE HARE AND THE TORTOSIE still has the same lesson as the original story. The story is energetic even in the text . A reader cannot read the story line without rapping.
The illustrations are detailed and full of vibrant colors. They seem to be made with paint of some sort, maybe watercolors. The illustrator then went back and added detailed black lines. The illustrations [paired with the rap make this book a very funny read aloud for older children.
Review Excerpt(s)
Booklist: “Vozar’s story is bouncy fun that plays with both words and rhymes”
School Library Journal: “The cartoon-style illustrations combine close-ups, multiple images, and crowd scenes. This makes the visual presentation as energetic as the text”
Connections
*This book is great for teaching for comparing versions of THE TORTISE AND THE HARE.
*This book could be used to talk about not thinking you are good enough to do something you really want to do.
Sykes, Julie. THAT’S NOT FAIR, HARE! ISBN 0764153471
Aesop. THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE. ISBN 0893754684
Friday, August 31, 2007
Picture book review on MY FRIEND RABBIT
Bibliography
Rohmann, Eric.2002. MY FRIEND RABBIT. Scholastic, Inc. New York, New York. ISBN 0439579309
Plot Summary
In this Caldecott Award Winning Picture Book a story of true friendship emerges. As rabbit gets in to trouble and even makes other animals unhappy with him Mouse stands by his side. Mouse even sees the good in Rabbit and continues to join in on adventures.
Critical Analysis
I think this book is probably classified as a wordless picture book even thought there are a few sentences in it. The pictures alone tell the story. There is not a whole lot of story line in this book. If it weren’t for the pictures this book would not be nearly as cute as it is with the illustrations. Realism is used with the illustrations. The think lines that Eric Rohmann used add some abstract qualities to the pictures. The illustrations in this book are bright and colorful. Shading is used throughout the book to give dimension to the illustrations.
Pre-k and kindergarten students will love the story, humorous pictures, and bright pictures in this book.
Review Excerpt(s)
Booklist: “Tremendous physical humor delivers a gentle lesson about accepting friends as they are.”
School Library Journal: “The text is minimal; it's the illustrations that are the draw here.”
Publishers Weekly: “This gentle lesson in patience and loyalty, balanced on the back of a hilarious set of illustrations, will leave young readers clamoring for repeat readings.”
Connections
*This book is great for teaching young children about being a good friend.
*This book could be used to talk about having friends but not always doing things that are going to get you into trouble.
*This book has a unique set of illustrations. Gather other Caldecott winners and have readers compare the different illustrations in award winners.
Lobel, Arnold. DAYS WITH FROG AND TOAD. ISBN 0064440583
Marshall, James. GEORGE AND MARTHA. ISBN 0590098446
Rohmann, Eric.2002. MY FRIEND RABBIT. Scholastic, Inc. New York, New York. ISBN 0439579309
Plot Summary
In this Caldecott Award Winning Picture Book a story of true friendship emerges. As rabbit gets in to trouble and even makes other animals unhappy with him Mouse stands by his side. Mouse even sees the good in Rabbit and continues to join in on adventures.
Critical Analysis
I think this book is probably classified as a wordless picture book even thought there are a few sentences in it. The pictures alone tell the story. There is not a whole lot of story line in this book. If it weren’t for the pictures this book would not be nearly as cute as it is with the illustrations. Realism is used with the illustrations. The think lines that Eric Rohmann used add some abstract qualities to the pictures. The illustrations in this book are bright and colorful. Shading is used throughout the book to give dimension to the illustrations.
Pre-k and kindergarten students will love the story, humorous pictures, and bright pictures in this book.
Review Excerpt(s)
Booklist: “Tremendous physical humor delivers a gentle lesson about accepting friends as they are.”
School Library Journal: “The text is minimal; it's the illustrations that are the draw here.”
Publishers Weekly: “This gentle lesson in patience and loyalty, balanced on the back of a hilarious set of illustrations, will leave young readers clamoring for repeat readings.”
Connections
*This book is great for teaching young children about being a good friend.
*This book could be used to talk about having friends but not always doing things that are going to get you into trouble.
*This book has a unique set of illustrations. Gather other Caldecott winners and have readers compare the different illustrations in award winners.
Lobel, Arnold. DAYS WITH FROG AND TOAD. ISBN 0064440583
Marshall, James. GEORGE AND MARTHA. ISBN 0590098446
Monday, August 27, 2007
Newbie
So I am a newbie what can I say? I am new at this whole blogging thing. I have never really been interested in sharing my thoughts with the whole world but I LOVE to read other people's blogs.
I am also a newbie in my career. I just took a job as an elementary school librarian and I am only in my second semester of coursework. This coursework leads me back to the blog. I have been asked to keep a blog for my children's literature class. I will be posting book reviews and other imporatnt information about children's literature. I am really excited about this class because I enjoy childrens books and I really need to branch out from my favorites since I am now in charge of 750 students and their love for literature. So I am up for a little blogging and a lot of reading!
I am also a newbie in my career. I just took a job as an elementary school librarian and I am only in my second semester of coursework. This coursework leads me back to the blog. I have been asked to keep a blog for my children's literature class. I will be posting book reviews and other imporatnt information about children's literature. I am really excited about this class because I enjoy childrens books and I really need to branch out from my favorites since I am now in charge of 750 students and their love for literature. So I am up for a little blogging and a lot of reading!
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