1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon. 2007. PRINCESS ACADEMY. Chargin Falls, OH: Playaway. ISBN 1602525382
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Miri has lived her whole life on Mount Eskel. Her dad and sister work in the quarries, where Miri has always longed to work, but was forbidden to by her father. Miri suspects it is because she is too small in her father’s and the village’s eyes.
Word comes that the prince will be taking a bride and that the priests have said that the bride will come from Mount Eskel. Before the prince makes his choice, the girls of Mount Eskel must attend the Princess Academy and learn what makes a true princess. The head tutor, Olana, is cruel to the girls and even disciplines by locking girls in a small closet. Competition to be the princess academy creates stresses between the girls, but when danger comes the girls need to work together to overcome it.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is not your ordinary fluffy fairy tale. There are elements of fantasy such as the quarry talk, but the themes in the story are ones that many young readers can relate to such as fitting in, competitive nature, young love, and finding a purpose in life. Readers may be unfamiliar with some of the terms used at first such as linder and quarry, but each is explained in detail later in the story. The story is told from a narrator’s perspective, but readers will easily connect with Miri and her internal struggles.
The voices used in the audio book add to the experience and allow listeners to get lost in the story. The voices of the girls are young sounding, the voice of the tutor is stern, and the voices of the bandits are somewhat scary. There is also music scattered which can help readers imagine how the dances and quarry songs sounded like. It will be easy for listeners to close there eyes and picture themselves at Mount Eskel or the academy itself.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Honor Book
An ALA Notable Children's Book
2007 Beehive Award winner
School Library Journal Starred Review: “Hale weaves an intricate, multilayered story about families, relationships, education, and the place we call home."
School Library Journal, starred review
Booklist: "Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action."
Audiofile: “The casting reveals special care and intelligence in that the voices give dimension to the characters that the story bears out, a remarkable vocal foreshadowing that is due, of course, to the actors skill.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* This book can be used to compare and contrast “traditional” fairy tales.
* Other books by Shannon Hale:
Hale, Shannon. RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE. ISBN 159990070X
Hale, Shannon. THE GOOSE GIRL. ISBN 1582349908
SIDE NOTE: This was my first audio book to listen to that wasn’t a picture book for my classroom. Honestly, I had a hard time getting into it at first, but I think that was because of the story itself. I found it a little slow in the beginning. Soon though I couldn’t wait to listen to the next chapter – to the point where I was listening to it as I did other things around the house. That is when I found the usefulness of audio books to me! I loved hearing the voices of the characters and the music that went along with it. I know that I will listen to audio books again and I’m glad I was exposed to this new form!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Holm, Jennifer. 2007. MIDDLE SCHOOL IS WORSE THAN MEATLOAF. by Elicia Castaldi. New York, NY: Ginee Seo Books. ISBN 0689852819
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Middle school can be some of the most awkward years in any teen’s life, and Ginny’s year is no different. Ginny makes a list of ten things she wants to accomplish for her seventh grade her including getting a dad, winning something (anything), and ignoring horoscopes. During the school year not everything goes as Ginny had planned, and Ginny has to regroup and adjust as any teen would.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The style of this book is really unique and is what makes it so special. Instead of having a story told in traditional narrative form, Holm has unfolded the story through notes, doodles, lists, instant messages and even receipts. Readers will feel as they are back in middle school as they relate to Ginny’s desperation of the things that occupy teens’ lives such as getting a part in the ballet or snagging that new must have sweater at the department store. The story touches on these very relatable light issues, but the story also tackles tougher issues such as new step-parents and a sibling going off to military school because of behavior. The pictures provided by Castaldi are digitally rendered collages and help readers get a glimpse of what Ginny’s life is like. Whether they are looking at calendars, letters, newspaper articles, or post-it notes, readers will truly enjoy this unique style of story telling.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Library School Journal: “The story combines honesty and humor to create a believable and appealing voice.”
Common Sense: “Scrapbooked year of humor, angst, and mischief.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* Other books about middle school:
Choldenko, Gennifer. IF A TREE FALLS AT LUNCH PERIOD. ISBN 0152066446
Korman, Gordon. SCHOOLED. ISBN 1423105168
* Parents of kids going into middle school or kids that are having middle school issues could recommend this book to them.
SIDE NOTE: This book really made me smile. I read it in one sitting and my thoughts kept taking me back to my middle school days. I remember writing notes to my friends and thinking how if one small thing didn’t happen the way I wanted it was the end of the world. I love how believable this book is and I hope that many, many middle schoolers read it!
Holm, Jennifer. 2007. MIDDLE SCHOOL IS WORSE THAN MEATLOAF. by Elicia Castaldi. New York, NY: Ginee Seo Books. ISBN 0689852819
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Middle school can be some of the most awkward years in any teen’s life, and Ginny’s year is no different. Ginny makes a list of ten things she wants to accomplish for her seventh grade her including getting a dad, winning something (anything), and ignoring horoscopes. During the school year not everything goes as Ginny had planned, and Ginny has to regroup and adjust as any teen would.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The style of this book is really unique and is what makes it so special. Instead of having a story told in traditional narrative form, Holm has unfolded the story through notes, doodles, lists, instant messages and even receipts. Readers will feel as they are back in middle school as they relate to Ginny’s desperation of the things that occupy teens’ lives such as getting a part in the ballet or snagging that new must have sweater at the department store. The story touches on these very relatable light issues, but the story also tackles tougher issues such as new step-parents and a sibling going off to military school because of behavior. The pictures provided by Castaldi are digitally rendered collages and help readers get a glimpse of what Ginny’s life is like. Whether they are looking at calendars, letters, newspaper articles, or post-it notes, readers will truly enjoy this unique style of story telling.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Library School Journal: “The story combines honesty and humor to create a believable and appealing voice.”
Common Sense: “Scrapbooked year of humor, angst, and mischief.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* Other books about middle school:
Choldenko, Gennifer. IF A TREE FALLS AT LUNCH PERIOD. ISBN 0152066446
Korman, Gordon. SCHOOLED. ISBN 1423105168
* Parents of kids going into middle school or kids that are having middle school issues could recommend this book to them.
SIDE NOTE: This book really made me smile. I read it in one sitting and my thoughts kept taking me back to my middle school days. I remember writing notes to my friends and thinking how if one small thing didn’t happen the way I wanted it was the end of the world. I love how believable this book is and I hope that many, many middle schoolers read it!
Looking for Alaska
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Green, John. 2005. LOOKING FOR ALASKA. New York, NY: Dutton. ISBN 0525475060
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Green writes a story about many common struggles among teens – fitting in, trust, guilt, love, and anger. He does all this from the viewpoint of the very relatable character, Miles Cavalry, who is later nicknamed Pudge. The book is divided into two parts – Before and After. Readers learn that a death is the event that the book is told around.
In the Before section Miles has decided to leave his high school in Florida where he has no friends but is liked by his teachers. He begins school at Culver Creek, a boarding school in Alabama. There he befriends his roommate, Chip, AKA the Colonel and the beautiful and intelligent girl down the hall, Alaska Young. Miles goes through a series of firsts – first real friends, first experience with alcohol and smoking, first girlfriend, and first love.
Then the death occurs and in the After section the characters are left with many questions. Was this death an accident or suicide? Could they have done something different to prevent it? Will life ever be normal again?
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Green’s coming of age novel has great dialogue, both between characters and internal. Teens can easily relate to the main character and find parts of themselves and their own struggles in this book. Green uses witty humor that is believable of any smarter group of teens. While there are big issues such as death and love in this story, Green also touches on teen’s everyday struggles such as fitting in, finding friends, and stresses of school.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
A 2005 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A 2005 Booklist Editor’s Choice
A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
Publisher’s Weekly: “Readers will only hope that this is not the last word from this promising new author.”
School Library Journal: “Miles's narration is alive with sweet, self-deprecating humor, and his obvious struggle to tell the story truthfully adds to his believability.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* Other coming of age books:
Chbosky, Stephen. THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER. ISBN 0671027344
Salinger, J.D. THE CATCHER IN THE RYE. ISBN 0316769177
Other books by John Green:
Green, John. PAPER TOWNS. ISBN 014241493X
Green, John. AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES. ISBN 0142410705
SIDE NOTE:
This is not a novel meant for a class discussion due to the sexual, drinking, and smoking parts. However, this is a book that should be included in high school and public libraries. Teens will relate to this book and librarians should make themselves familiar with it so they can recommend it or defend it.
Green, John. 2005. LOOKING FOR ALASKA. New York, NY: Dutton. ISBN 0525475060
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Green writes a story about many common struggles among teens – fitting in, trust, guilt, love, and anger. He does all this from the viewpoint of the very relatable character, Miles Cavalry, who is later nicknamed Pudge. The book is divided into two parts – Before and After. Readers learn that a death is the event that the book is told around.
In the Before section Miles has decided to leave his high school in Florida where he has no friends but is liked by his teachers. He begins school at Culver Creek, a boarding school in Alabama. There he befriends his roommate, Chip, AKA the Colonel and the beautiful and intelligent girl down the hall, Alaska Young. Miles goes through a series of firsts – first real friends, first experience with alcohol and smoking, first girlfriend, and first love.
Then the death occurs and in the After section the characters are left with many questions. Was this death an accident or suicide? Could they have done something different to prevent it? Will life ever be normal again?
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Green’s coming of age novel has great dialogue, both between characters and internal. Teens can easily relate to the main character and find parts of themselves and their own struggles in this book. Green uses witty humor that is believable of any smarter group of teens. While there are big issues such as death and love in this story, Green also touches on teen’s everyday struggles such as fitting in, finding friends, and stresses of school.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
A 2005 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A 2005 Booklist Editor’s Choice
A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
Publisher’s Weekly: “Readers will only hope that this is not the last word from this promising new author.”
School Library Journal: “Miles's narration is alive with sweet, self-deprecating humor, and his obvious struggle to tell the story truthfully adds to his believability.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* Other coming of age books:
Chbosky, Stephen. THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER. ISBN 0671027344
Salinger, J.D. THE CATCHER IN THE RYE. ISBN 0316769177
Other books by John Green:
Green, John. PAPER TOWNS. ISBN 014241493X
Green, John. AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES. ISBN 0142410705
SIDE NOTE:
This is not a novel meant for a class discussion due to the sexual, drinking, and smoking parts. However, this is a book that should be included in high school and public libraries. Teens will relate to this book and librarians should make themselves familiar with it so they can recommend it or defend it.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Catherine, Called Birdy
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 1994. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395681863
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Birdy is a young girl in medieval England that was asked to keep a diary by her brother so that she would be “less childish.” Her entries often tell of the many tasks she is expected to but hates such as sewing. She also tells of the many suitors that come to her parents home asking for her hand and the many ways she scares them off such as blackening her teeth and even setting a privy on fire. Eventually Birdy finds herself promised to a suitor that she names Shaggy Beard. She spends many days figuring out how she will get out of marrying him.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The diary form of the book allows readers to connect to Birdy in a way that narratives do not always provide. Cushman tells the story with humor and wit, but also includes many cultural details of the medieval time period in the process. She tells of the peoples’ dress, religion, (several entires have celebrated saints mentioned after the date) food, social status, and overall way of life. She also examines how women were treated as property. Birdy fights this and is really a feminist in the true sense as she refuses time after time to be married to whom her father wants her to marry. Young girls may not understand that struggle directly, but the battle of pleasing ones family is one that many readers can relate to. The overall quest for happiness is a theme that many readers can find relatable as well.
Cushman includes Author’s Notes at the end of the book to tell of her research and influence for the story. She tells of how very different medieval times were and how foreign those ideas seem to us today. “Can we really understand medieval people well enough to write or read books about them? I think we can identify with those qualities that we share…as for the rest, we’ll have to imagine and pretend and make room in our hearts for all sorts of different people.” Readers can learn a lot form Birdy, not only about medieval customs, but about the universal human struggle of finding one’s true self.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Honor Book
School Library Journal: “Superb historical fiction.”
Kirkus: “The period has rarely been presented for young people with such authenticity; the exotic details will intrigue readers while they relate more closely to Birdy's yen for independence and her sensibilities toward the downtrodden.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* Cushman herself includes connections at the end of the book:
For readers wanting to know more about medieval life she suggests:
Gies, Joseph. LIFE IN A MEDIEVAL CITY. ISBN 0060908807
Duggan, Alfred. GROWING UP IN THIRTEENTH CENTURY ENGLAND. ISBN 9998889480
For readers wanting to read first hand accounts of medieval England she suggests:
Mandeville, John. THE TRAVELS OF SIR JOHN MANDEVILLE. ISBN 0486443787
Furnivall, F.J. THE BABEES BOOK: EARLY ENGLISH MEALS AND MANNERS. ISBN 0859916502
For readers wanting more historical fiction set in the Middle Ages:
De Angeli, Marquerite, THE DOOR IN THE WALL. ISBN0440227798
Sutcliff, Rosemary. KNIGHT’S FEE. ISBN 1590786408
Cushman, Karen. 1994. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395681863
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Birdy is a young girl in medieval England that was asked to keep a diary by her brother so that she would be “less childish.” Her entries often tell of the many tasks she is expected to but hates such as sewing. She also tells of the many suitors that come to her parents home asking for her hand and the many ways she scares them off such as blackening her teeth and even setting a privy on fire. Eventually Birdy finds herself promised to a suitor that she names Shaggy Beard. She spends many days figuring out how she will get out of marrying him.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The diary form of the book allows readers to connect to Birdy in a way that narratives do not always provide. Cushman tells the story with humor and wit, but also includes many cultural details of the medieval time period in the process. She tells of the peoples’ dress, religion, (several entires have celebrated saints mentioned after the date) food, social status, and overall way of life. She also examines how women were treated as property. Birdy fights this and is really a feminist in the true sense as she refuses time after time to be married to whom her father wants her to marry. Young girls may not understand that struggle directly, but the battle of pleasing ones family is one that many readers can relate to. The overall quest for happiness is a theme that many readers can find relatable as well.
Cushman includes Author’s Notes at the end of the book to tell of her research and influence for the story. She tells of how very different medieval times were and how foreign those ideas seem to us today. “Can we really understand medieval people well enough to write or read books about them? I think we can identify with those qualities that we share…as for the rest, we’ll have to imagine and pretend and make room in our hearts for all sorts of different people.” Readers can learn a lot form Birdy, not only about medieval customs, but about the universal human struggle of finding one’s true self.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Honor Book
School Library Journal: “Superb historical fiction.”
Kirkus: “The period has rarely been presented for young people with such authenticity; the exotic details will intrigue readers while they relate more closely to Birdy's yen for independence and her sensibilities toward the downtrodden.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* Cushman herself includes connections at the end of the book:
For readers wanting to know more about medieval life she suggests:
Gies, Joseph. LIFE IN A MEDIEVAL CITY. ISBN 0060908807
Duggan, Alfred. GROWING UP IN THIRTEENTH CENTURY ENGLAND. ISBN 9998889480
For readers wanting to read first hand accounts of medieval England she suggests:
Mandeville, John. THE TRAVELS OF SIR JOHN MANDEVILLE. ISBN 0486443787
Furnivall, F.J. THE BABEES BOOK: EARLY ENGLISH MEALS AND MANNERS. ISBN 0859916502
For readers wanting more historical fiction set in the Middle Ages:
De Angeli, Marquerite, THE DOOR IN THE WALL. ISBN0440227798
Sutcliff, Rosemary. KNIGHT’S FEE. ISBN 1590786408
Number the Stars
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. New York, NY: Dell Publishing. ISBN 0440403278
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This story takes places in Denmark at the time of Nazi control during World War II. The main character is a ten-year old girl named Annemarie Johansen. Her best friend is Ellen Rosan who is also Jewish. Copenhagen gets word that the Nazi are going to “relocate” the Jewish families that live in town. Annemarie’s family decides to help smuggle some Jewish families, including Ellen’s, to Sweden. At first Annemarie is just an observer, but when a very important package is left behind by mistake Annemarie becomes a very important part of the entire mission.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This very well written and powerful book is sure to hook readers from the very first chapter. Lois Lowry gives readers a glimpse into what wartime was like for children – from food shortages to German soldiers on every street corner. The story is told in third person, but readers can easily connect with the fear, the questioning, and the bravery of the main character Annemarie.
Lowry includes author’s notes at the end of the book that tell exactly what is fiction and what is fact in the story. Readers might be surprised to learn how many aspects of the story really are true such as the handkerchief used to destroy the German soldiers’ dogs’ sense of smell. Although Annemarie herself if fictional, Lowry’s research gives the story true validity to readers wanting to know how life was during World War II, especially through the eyes of a child.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Award Medal Winner
Booklist: “While the novel has an absorbing plot, its real strength lies in its evocation of deep friendship between two girls and of a caring family who makes a profoundly moral choice..."
School Library Journal: “Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* The book can be shared before of after a study of World War II and or the Holocaust.
* Guest speakers and or trips to a Holocaust museum can be included with the study.
Related books:
Zullo, Allan. SURVIVORS: TRUE STORIES OF CHILDREN IN THE HOLOCAUST. ISBN 0439669960
Rogow, Sally. FACES OF COURAGE: YOUNG HEROES OF WORLD WAR II. ISBN 1894694201
Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. New York, NY: Dell Publishing. ISBN 0440403278
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This story takes places in Denmark at the time of Nazi control during World War II. The main character is a ten-year old girl named Annemarie Johansen. Her best friend is Ellen Rosan who is also Jewish. Copenhagen gets word that the Nazi are going to “relocate” the Jewish families that live in town. Annemarie’s family decides to help smuggle some Jewish families, including Ellen’s, to Sweden. At first Annemarie is just an observer, but when a very important package is left behind by mistake Annemarie becomes a very important part of the entire mission.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This very well written and powerful book is sure to hook readers from the very first chapter. Lois Lowry gives readers a glimpse into what wartime was like for children – from food shortages to German soldiers on every street corner. The story is told in third person, but readers can easily connect with the fear, the questioning, and the bravery of the main character Annemarie.
Lowry includes author’s notes at the end of the book that tell exactly what is fiction and what is fact in the story. Readers might be surprised to learn how many aspects of the story really are true such as the handkerchief used to destroy the German soldiers’ dogs’ sense of smell. Although Annemarie herself if fictional, Lowry’s research gives the story true validity to readers wanting to know how life was during World War II, especially through the eyes of a child.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Award Medal Winner
Booklist: “While the novel has an absorbing plot, its real strength lies in its evocation of deep friendship between two girls and of a caring family who makes a profoundly moral choice..."
School Library Journal: “Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* The book can be shared before of after a study of World War II and or the Holocaust.
* Guest speakers and or trips to a Holocaust museum can be included with the study.
Related books:
Zullo, Allan. SURVIVORS: TRUE STORIES OF CHILDREN IN THE HOLOCAUST. ISBN 0439669960
Rogow, Sally. FACES OF COURAGE: YOUNG HEROES OF WORLD WAR II. ISBN 1894694201
The River Between Us
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Peck, Richard. 2003. THE RIVER BETWEEN US. New York, NY: Penguin Group. ISBN 0803727356
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This framework story starts in 1916 as a grandson is on the way to visit his grandparents with his father and twin brothers. When he arrives in Grand Tower the other story begins to unfold to readers. This story is set in 1861 when the Civil War is about to come to Grand Tower. Tilly is the main character of the story now, who is the original narrator’s grandmother. Tilly’s story recounts of when a steamboat from New Orleans arrived in Grand Tower with the young and beautiful Delphine and her darker skinned companion Calinda. Tilly’s mother tells Delphine and Calinda they can stay with her. The town doesn’t know to think of the guests and some even accuse them of being spies for the Confederacy. Eventually Noah, Tilly’s brother, goes off to join the war leaving behind a broken-hearted mother. Tilly and Delphine venture out to find Noah and bring him home at the harsh request of Tilly’s mother. During that time Tilly and Delphine grow closer and Tilly learns of Delphine’s true heritage and exactly what a quadroon is. The story ends back in 1916 when even more secrets are revealed.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This framework story reels readers in from the beginning. The grandson’s connections with the main story can easily pull on the heartstring of readers and take them back to a place where they remember their own family stories being told. The main story of Tilly that is set in the Civil War time is told first person and the dialogue is true to the characters – phrases such as “ain’t” and “down yonder” are sprinkled throughout the story.
Readers can feel the internal debate that many people of that time period had when trying to decide which side of the war to support and why. Peck tells readers at the end of the book that he literally could research the Civil War for the rest of his life, but had to narrow his search for the book. He tells readers that he “borrowed” Grand Tower as a hometown from one of his friends. Because of the extensive research Peck did he is able to tell of the racism of the “free coloreds” that was somewhat swept under the rug of American history.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Scott O’Dell Award
Booklist: “It's a riveting story that shows racism everywhere and young people facing war, not sure what side to be on or why.”
The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books starred review: “Historical fiction fans should enter this at the top of the must-read list.”
The Horn Book starred review: “The harsh realities of war are brutally related in a complex, always surprising plot that resonates on multiple levels.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* This book can be shared before or after a study of the Civil War.
*Related books:
Furbee, Mary Rodd. OUTRAGEOUS WOMEN OF CIVIL WAR TIMES. ISBN 471229261
Marten, James. THE CHILDREN’S CIVIL WAR. ISBN 0807849049
SIDE NOTE: The Civil War time period has always been a favorite of mine and that is why I selected this book. I can honestly say that I have never heard of the type of racism discussed in this book. I knew that Louisiana had a French history, but never knew there was a whole group of interracial people who were harassed and looked down upon during that time. I am so very glad I chose this book because it has sparked my interest of something I didn’t learn in my history classes and something that I want to research more.
Peck, Richard. 2003. THE RIVER BETWEEN US. New York, NY: Penguin Group. ISBN 0803727356
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This framework story starts in 1916 as a grandson is on the way to visit his grandparents with his father and twin brothers. When he arrives in Grand Tower the other story begins to unfold to readers. This story is set in 1861 when the Civil War is about to come to Grand Tower. Tilly is the main character of the story now, who is the original narrator’s grandmother. Tilly’s story recounts of when a steamboat from New Orleans arrived in Grand Tower with the young and beautiful Delphine and her darker skinned companion Calinda. Tilly’s mother tells Delphine and Calinda they can stay with her. The town doesn’t know to think of the guests and some even accuse them of being spies for the Confederacy. Eventually Noah, Tilly’s brother, goes off to join the war leaving behind a broken-hearted mother. Tilly and Delphine venture out to find Noah and bring him home at the harsh request of Tilly’s mother. During that time Tilly and Delphine grow closer and Tilly learns of Delphine’s true heritage and exactly what a quadroon is. The story ends back in 1916 when even more secrets are revealed.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This framework story reels readers in from the beginning. The grandson’s connections with the main story can easily pull on the heartstring of readers and take them back to a place where they remember their own family stories being told. The main story of Tilly that is set in the Civil War time is told first person and the dialogue is true to the characters – phrases such as “ain’t” and “down yonder” are sprinkled throughout the story.
Readers can feel the internal debate that many people of that time period had when trying to decide which side of the war to support and why. Peck tells readers at the end of the book that he literally could research the Civil War for the rest of his life, but had to narrow his search for the book. He tells readers that he “borrowed” Grand Tower as a hometown from one of his friends. Because of the extensive research Peck did he is able to tell of the racism of the “free coloreds” that was somewhat swept under the rug of American history.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Scott O’Dell Award
Booklist: “It's a riveting story that shows racism everywhere and young people facing war, not sure what side to be on or why.”
The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books starred review: “Historical fiction fans should enter this at the top of the must-read list.”
The Horn Book starred review: “The harsh realities of war are brutally related in a complex, always surprising plot that resonates on multiple levels.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* This book can be shared before or after a study of the Civil War.
*Related books:
Furbee, Mary Rodd. OUTRAGEOUS WOMEN OF CIVIL WAR TIMES. ISBN 471229261
Marten, James. THE CHILDREN’S CIVIL WAR. ISBN 0807849049
SIDE NOTE: The Civil War time period has always been a favorite of mine and that is why I selected this book. I can honestly say that I have never heard of the type of racism discussed in this book. I knew that Louisiana had a French history, but never knew there was a whole group of interracial people who were harassed and looked down upon during that time. I am so very glad I chose this book because it has sparked my interest of something I didn’t learn in my history classes and something that I want to research more.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Dogs
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 2004. DOGS. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN 0060289422
2. PLOT SUMMARY
What has been a loyal friend to royalty and commoner for thousands of years and remains the most popular choice in its category? That category is pets and that pet would be a dog! Seymour Simon describes dogs’ behaviors, senses, and communication in his book, DOGS. Simon also touches on the different types of breeds and even includes mutts. Simon concludes the book with advice about getting a puppy.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Semour Simon has created a photo essay book that gives details about dogs in a way that both young and old dog lovers will appreciate. The text is inviting enough for young readers, but is factual enough to entice anyone wanting to know more about dogs. Each page discusses a different topic dealing with dogs, and the front and back inside covers have lists of the different types of dogs. The photographs are vivid and showcase the various types of dog discussed in the text and will be enjoyed by any dog lover.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: “Simon writes crisply for a young audience, who will eagerly turn the pages to see the next endearing color photograph.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* This book can be included in a study of domestic animals
* Parents can share this book with a child before deciding on getting a family pet
* Other books about domestic animals:
Simon, Seymour, CATS. ISBN 0060289414
Van Fleet, Matthew. DOG. ISBN 1416941371
* Fiction books that could pair with a dog study:
Grogan, John. BAD DOG MARLEY! ISBN 006117114X
Zion, Gene. HARRY THE DIRTY DOG. ISBN 006443009X
Simon, Seymour. 2004. DOGS. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN 0060289422
2. PLOT SUMMARY
What has been a loyal friend to royalty and commoner for thousands of years and remains the most popular choice in its category? That category is pets and that pet would be a dog! Seymour Simon describes dogs’ behaviors, senses, and communication in his book, DOGS. Simon also touches on the different types of breeds and even includes mutts. Simon concludes the book with advice about getting a puppy.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Semour Simon has created a photo essay book that gives details about dogs in a way that both young and old dog lovers will appreciate. The text is inviting enough for young readers, but is factual enough to entice anyone wanting to know more about dogs. Each page discusses a different topic dealing with dogs, and the front and back inside covers have lists of the different types of dogs. The photographs are vivid and showcase the various types of dog discussed in the text and will be enjoyed by any dog lover.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: “Simon writes crisply for a young audience, who will eagerly turn the pages to see the next endearing color photograph.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* This book can be included in a study of domestic animals
* Parents can share this book with a child before deciding on getting a family pet
* Other books about domestic animals:
Simon, Seymour, CATS. ISBN 0060289414
Van Fleet, Matthew. DOG. ISBN 1416941371
* Fiction books that could pair with a dog study:
Grogan, John. BAD DOG MARLEY! ISBN 006117114X
Zion, Gene. HARRY THE DIRTY DOG. ISBN 006443009X
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