Sunday, March 30, 2008

Day of Tears: A Novel in Dialogue



Module 6

Lester, Julius. 2005. Day of tears: A novel in dialogue. New York: Hyperion Books.

A pre-civil war plantation owner, Pierce Butler, has decided to sell all of his slaves to pay his gambling debts. In his mind, it's simply a business decision. To the slaves and even to some of his own family, it is is destroying their way of life. The story revolves around the emotional impact his decision has on these individuals, many of them who are ripped apart from their families. The story, told in dialogue, switches back and forth between several different characters. In the beginning, it's a little bit confusing to keep everyone straight, but eventually we begin to see how the characters relate to each other. It uses the literary technique of of jumping ahead and back in time. We see the characters as both young and old and we see their thought processes. Each uses their own speech patterns, which are authentic for the time period. Hearing about their struggles in their own words makes them seem real. In a sense, they are real because this book is based on true historical facts about a large group of slaves who were sold by the Butler family in 1859. The story is well researched using primary source documents from the time period. The setting is authentic and gives a cleaer picture of what life on a southern plantation was like. Author notes at the end provided more information about the actual events on which the story is based. The theme of the story is clearly about the wrongs committed when human beings can buy and sell other human beings. Yet, another theme comes through, a surprising one considering the first. In the last chapter of the book, Emma, a former slave who was now an old woman says this: "all white folks back in that time wasn't evil . . . If your heart hurts when you see somebody suffering, you have a good heart." Children who may feel the pain and perhaps anger at the way the slaves were treated, will also see that there were white people who cared about their plight. To remain authentic to the times, the author makes occasional use of the "n" word, so this book may not be appropriate for some younger children. It is recommended for grades 6-9.

The Midwife's Apprentice



Module 6

Cushman, Karen. 1995. The midwife's apprentice. New York: Clarion Books

In this hitorical novel, a young girl with no home, no family and no name other than Brat finds work with the local midwife. While her hunger drives her to work for the sometimes unkind midwife named Jane Sharp, she begins to discover more about herself and her own abilities. Renamed Beetle, they young girl begins to learn more about the midwife profession and eventually discovers that she has a gift. Even though she has suffered mostly neglect and abuse in her young life, she learns that it is possible to love and care for others. Set in fourteenth century medieval England, readers get a lesson in how much more difficult life was, especially for homeless children. Cushman has done her research to give an authentic picture of life in a medieval village. During this dark period, midwives relied on magic, spells, and old wive's tales to ply their trade. The dialogue used captures very well the speech patterns used during medieval times. While some children may find the speech humorous, they can still identify with Beetle, who later changes her name to Alyce. The main theme of the book is Alyce's survival and maturity. Cushman doesn't sugarcoat her struggles: life was hard for such children during those times. Alyce, while imperfect, is shown as a character who grows and begins to build her own identity. The story definitely reflects the morals and attitudes of the time, and for this reason may not be suited for younger children. Readers will learn interesting lessons about this period of time where superstition was equally, if not more important than science in midwifery. The Author's Note at the end of the book gives more facts about the profession. This Newbery Award winner is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Willow Run



Module 6

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 2005. Willow run. New York: Random House.

During World War II Meggie Dillon and her family move to Michigan so that her father can work in an airplane factory to help win the war. Her brother Eddie is fighting in Europe and her grandfather must stay behind in New York. As she adapts to her new surroundings, and misses her grandfather, she also must face fears about losing her brother in the war. When they receive the news that her brother is missing in action, she realizes that she must be strong. Her relationships with her friends and family are a source of that strength. The story is told from Meggie's point of view, yet through the dialogue we capture the feelings of the other characters. They are well developed, believable, and show the struggles many families had waiting for their young soldiers to return home from the war. When Meggie imagines that a young ice cream man is a spy, she is simply reflecting the common fears of that time. The World War II setting of the story is accurately portrayed. Descriptions of food rationing and of families living in hastily built apartment buildings near defense factories are authentic and well-researched. While the mood of the story is sometimes sad, the overriding theme seems to be hope. Meggie, like many during this difficult time in American history, had to hang on to hope to survive. This heartwarming novel is recommended for children in grades 4-7.

The Whipping Boy



Module 6

Fleischman, Sid. 1986. The whipping boy. Ill. by Peter Sis. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Jemmy, an orphan boy, was taken from his life on the streets and made to serve as the royal whipping boy. He must take the punishment for a young spoiled prince, appropriately nick-named Prince Brat by his subjects. The two boys leave the palace and wind up having the adventure of their young lives. The are chased by two villains named Cutwater and Hold-Your-Nose Billy and are saved by a bear named Petunia and a horde of sewer rats. The humorous style of Fleischman's writing comes across in the first few paragraphs. We immediately know that the book is going to make us laugh. The characters are almost too comical to be believed. Jemmy is the only one who seems to have any common sense. Peter Sis's black and white illustrations add more fun to the story. The fast paced exciting plot will keep readers interested until the end. While the idea of a whipping boy is based on historical fact, Fleischman's story is definately a flight of imagination. In spite of the humor, a heartwarming theme emerges as Prince Brat begins to mature and the two boys become friends. The story provides all the elements for a good children's book: adventure, humor and a satisfying ending. This Newbery Medal Winner is recommended for ages 9-12.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Replay



Module 5

Creech, Sharon. 2005. Replay. New York: HarperCollins Children's Books.

In this book, Creech uses a style of writing which switches back and forth between reality and imagination. The reality is that Leo, a 12 year old boy, is growing up in a large Italian family and sometimes feels very unimportant in the family scheme of things. Like many children in this age group, he is struggling to find something to make him feel significant. His love of acting is where the imagination of the story kicks in. He is constantly acting out scenes in his head. Leo spends a lot of time imagining scenes where he is a hero - a far cry from his reality. Some of the chapters are written like scripts, where family members have lines. The drama/play theme is carried out even further in Creech's use of scenes and a cast list at the beginning of the book instead of chapter titles. Leo's need to understand his quiet, moody father adds an interesting psychological element to the story. We watch as Leo begins to discover his strengths as he takes part in the school play. He continues to mature as he begins to figure out the mystery of his father's life and to understand him better. While Leo imagines his life like a play, the characters in his family are realistic and believable; large families often have many different personalities. Creech includes the full text of the play in which Leo has a part: Rumpopo's Porch. The book is recommended for grades 6-8.

Becoming Naomi Leon



Module 5

Ryan, Pam Munoz. 2004. Becoming Naomi Leon. New York: Scholastic.

This book speaks to the reality of many children today who are being raised by grandparents. It is written from the perspective of Naomi, who along with her brother Owen, is being raised by her "Gram" in a trailer park. We see the character of Naomi grow from a girl who likes to read, write, and make lists, to someone who has to help fight to keep the life that has become her stability. The emphasis of the strong protective love that a grandmother can have for her grandchildren is a main theme of the story. When a selfish mother with less than sterling intentions returns after several years, we see what lengths that love will travel. The story will hit home for many children who already know what it feels like to experience the fear of being caught in the middle of a custody battle. The characters in this book are well developed. Ryan captures the emotional and sometimes physical issues that scar children in these situation. The story, which is told in first person by Naomi, lets us see clearly how she feels about her dilemma. It also shows how she uses simple things like making lists of special words and things she wants to remember to help her cope. While the book qualifies as multicultural, we first see Naomi as a girl who has a real problem. The adventure of traveling to Mexico in an Airstream trailer is coupled with the joy of a young girls' discovery of her father and her cultural roots. Ryan has also interwoven some very interesting information about the art of soap carving and the Mexican festival of the Night of the Radishes. Recommended for grades 4-7,this book has won several awards including ALA Notable Books for Children (2005) and the Pura Belpre Honor (2006).

The Quigleys



Module 5

Mason, Simon. 2002. The Quigleys. New York: David Fickling Books.

This short chapter book introduces us to an obviously British family who are zany and unique -- like so many families everywhere. Most families will relate and see themselves in some of the Quigley family situations because as they say "truth is stranger than fiction." The hilarious, ridiculous adventures of this ordinary family will really tickle the funny bone. Focusing on one family member in each of the four chapters is a good way to thoroughly introduce the characters: Dad, Lucy, Mum an Will. The simple black and white drawings help to bring out the humor. A drawing of Lucy wearing a bee outfit at a wedding is a good example. This short book is a good transitional read for children not quite ready for longer chapter books. The characters are believable mainly because they are far from perfect. Will and Lucy get into trouble. Dad is distracted by football and likes to swear a lot. Mum likes to drink. Some conservative families may find the swearing, drinking and permissive child rearing style of the Quigley parents offensive; others will find it realistic and hilarious. In this sense, the book may be more British than American, but otherwise just about any family can relate to at least some of the Quigley adventures. This book is recommended for children in grades 2-4.

The Wright 3



Module 5

Balliett, Blue. 2006. The Wright 3. Ill. by Brett Helquist. New York: Scholastic Press.

Taking facts about the history of Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House in Chicago, Balliet has created a suspense filled mystery for children. This sequel to Chasing Vermeer is written with a mixture of history, art, math and somehow combines it into a detective story that is realistic fiction which sometimes borders on fantasy. It will appeal to children who like the unusual. Three above average kids, Tommy, Petra, and Calder, set out to save the Robie house from demolition. They must use all their skills involving research, observation and mathematics to unlock the mystery of the house. While encouraged by their unorthodox teacher, they discover for themselves that the house has a life of its own and dark mysteries that beg to be discovered. While the characters are realistic, they are slightly more advanced than many children in their age group (most 12 year olds won't see all the "coincidences" or even know what pentominoes are - but they will get a chance to learn!). What is more realistic is the portrayal of three friends who are not sure abut their relationships with each other. They must learn to deal with jealousy and personal conflict to be able to work together to save the house and solve its dark mysteries. The full page black and white illustrations help describe the characters. If you look closely (and you have to look at a lot of things closely in this book) you will see more - something that is very integral to the story. This is a book that will definitely make children think. Also, they will be exposed to more than just a mystery story. They will learn about an important part of American history, art and architecture. The book will appeal to older readers, but is recommended for ages 8-12.

Monday, March 3, 2008

!Pio Peep!: Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes



Module 4

Ada, Alma Flor and F. Isabel Campoy, Selec. 2003. !Pio Peep!: Traditional Spanish nursery rhymes. Adap. by Alice Schertle. Ill. by Vivi Escriva. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

This bilingual collection showcases traditiional Hispanic nursery rhymes. Stemming from oral folklore, these verses have been passed down for many generations. While similar to the types of mother goose rhymes children from North America learned, many retain their own special Hispanic flavor. An example is in the words to Tortillitas para Mama (Tortillas for Mommy) and Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding) which mention traditional Hispanic foods. La Pinata shows the delight of a traditional game enjoyed by Hispanic children. Other poems about animals and family life could be from any culture but reading them aloud in both English and Spanish adds a special element. The Spanish language has its' own rhythm which sounds very musical even to those who don't understand all the words. Watercolor illustrations beautifully grace each page. Scenes of children playing and enjoying life, animals and nature all create images to complement the poems. This is a beautiful collection to share with young children and is recommended for PreK to grade 2.

The Twentieth Century Children's Poetry Treasury





Module 4

Prelutsky, Jack. 1999. The twentieth century children's poetry treasury. Ill. by Meilo So. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

This highly enjoyable children's anthology pulls together works by 137 poets. Each decade of the 1900s are represented with poems which celebrate the wonder of childhood. The delightful watercolor illustrations by Meilo So add a visula treat which complements the poetry. Prelutsky has selected the best of of the best for this work and has even included some of his own work. One funny rhyming poem called Tutti Frutti Lovesong by will tickle any childs' funny bone with these lines:"Don't make me MELON-choly, Please by my HONEY DEW, 'Cause oh, my sweet PAPAYA, I'm BANANAS over you! The poem is wondrously illustrated with a face made up of the fruits mentioned in the poem, which makes it even more hilarious. Other poems celebrate nature and even make mundane topics like homework and sleeping seem special. Just for fun poems like Eletelephony will create delight with words like "Once there was an elephant, who tried to use the telephant -- No! No! I mean an elephone." This is a great collection to keep on hand for reading aloud in classrooms or at home. It is recommended for ages 4-8.

Footprints on the Roof: Poems about the Earth



Module 4

Singer, Marilyn. 2002. Footprints on the roof: Poems about the earth. Ill. by Meilo So. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

This individual poet compilation from Marilyn Singer presents poems about the world we live in. Most of the poetry is written in free verse but has a rhythm of its' own that flows when read aloud. She makes great use of alliteration, similies and other literary techniques as her words paint their own pictures. Even so, the black and white India ink drawings on rice paper, created by Meilo So add a great deal. A drawing of a dragon inside of a volcano which illustrates Dormant Dragons is a good example. It's easy to vizualize the fury of the volcano this way. Poems about caves, islands, dunes, mud and deserts show an appreciation for the natural world we live in. While this book is recommended for ages 8 and up, it will be enjoyed by adults as well.

Honey I Love




Module 4

Greenfield, Eloise. 1978. Honey, I love and other love poems. Ill. by Diane and Leo Dillon. New York:HarperCollinsPublishers

This classic compilation by Eloise Greenfield contains 16 poems written from the perspective of an African American child. Greenfield uses some free verse, some rhyming couplets and a lot of internal rhyme in these poems about what a child loves about life. They speak about ordinary things: music, jumping rope and riding on a train. They also touch the emotions of joy, feeling pretty and friendship. The black and white drawings completely capture the feelings of the child. The brown drawings, done in a childish style, are a contrast to the the black and white drawings and give an image of what the child is thinking. A poem about Harriette Tubman uses a childs' language to convey a lesson about this great woman: "Harriette Tubman didn't take no stuff, Wasn't scared of nothing neither, Didn't come in this world to be no slave, And wasn't going to stay one either." The book was published in 1978 and some of the hairstyles are outdated (as well as some references to the Jackson Five and Earth, Wind and Fire); even so it speaks to the feelings of children today about what's really important: love and life. It is recommended for children ages 9-12.

The Neighborhood Mother Goose



Module 4

Crews, Nina. 2004. The neighborhood mother goose. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Crews has put together a collection of some of the most well known traditional nursery rhymes. Children have enjoyed the rhythm, rhyme and humor of these verses for hundreds of years, but she puts them in a new light with delightful, full color photographs. Children in modern day, urban and multicultural settings illustrate the age old verses. One beautiful photograph of a father counting his daughter's toes, illustrates "This little pig went to market" and shows the real joy of parent-child interaction. A small boy looking sadly out of a window shows the emotion of "Rain, rain go away, come again another day". Other photos are digitally manipulated to create humorous pictures such as the one illustrating "There was an old woman who lived in a shoe." This collection puts a different spin on favorite nursery rhymes and is recommended for preschoolers and early elementary children.