Book Review Blog

Princess Academy

2009-08-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

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!

Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf

2009-08-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

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!

Looking for Alaska

2009-08-07T07:39:00.001-07:00

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.

Catherine, Called Birdy

2009-07-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

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

Number the Stars

2009-07-29T11:35:00.002-07:00

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

The River Between Us

2009-07-29T11:35:00.001-07:00

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.

Dogs

2009-07-18T12:36:00.001-07:00

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

The Road to Oz: Twists, Turns, Bumps, and Triumphs in the Life of L. Frank Baum

2009-07-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen. 2008. THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, and TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM. by Kevin Hawkes. New York, NY: KNOPF. ISBN 9780375932168

2. PLOT SUMMARY
What children’s classic originated from a man’s telling a bedtime story of a land that he made up by looking at a filing cabinet label? The Wizard of Oz of course! This book tells the life of The Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum. Krull tells the story starting with Baum’s privileged childhood. She goes on to tell of all of Baum’s failed business ventures, and concludes with the success of his most famous work, The Wizard of Oz.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Krull’s book reads as a story and gives the good and bad of L. Frank Baum’s life. She tells the story chronologically and even somewhat sympathetically as she describes all of Baum’s defeats of business. She includes many anecdotes that allow readers to gain a sense of who Baum was as an author and family man. Readers can also see the parts of Baum’s life that influenced his story from scarecrows in his childhood to making a man made of tin for a window display. Krull uses parentheses fairly often for added emphasis.

Hawkes’ illustrations add to the story like style of the book. The main illustrations are very bright and cheery. Some less detailed drawings that are completely green (or should I say emerald?) are sometimes featured around the text as well.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal: “Fans of The Wizard of Oz will find plenty of enchantment in this thoughtful, brightly illustrated narrative.”
Horn Book: “In all, an entertaining look at how a peripatetic man in a rapidly changing society produced a lasting fantasy tale.”

5. CONNECTIONS
* Teachers/librarians can have this book listed as a choice in a biography project
* This could be read before or after a class reading of:
Baum, L. Frank. THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ. ISBN 0451530292
(Other retold versions could be studied as well)
*Other books about authors by Kathleen Krull:
Krull, Kathleen. LIVES OF THE WRITERS: COMEDIES, TRAGEDIES (AND WHAT THE NEIGHBORS THOUGHT). ISBN 0152480099
Krull, Kathleen. THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET. ISBN 0375822984

SIDE NOTE: I have been a fan of The Wizard of Oz since I was little and that’s why I chose this book. I loved being able to read about the journey that resulted in the writing of it. I thought it was so very neat to learn that as Baum first started telling the story to neighborhood kids, a little girl asked him where the characters were living. He glanced over at his filing cabinet and saw the labels A-N and O-Z and blurted out, “Oz!” What a fun bit of trivia to know now!

We Are the Ship

2009-07-17T19:44:00.001-07:00

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nelson, Kadir. 2008. WE ARE THE SHIP. New York, NY: Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 9780786808328

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The book recounts the history of the Negro baseball league. The “everyman” player narrator tells of the struggles of segregation, poor traveling conditions, and low pay. The story tells how the league came about, when the league was popularized, and how the lines of colors were eventually broken with Jackie Robinson being allowed in the majors.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The book is organized by innings instead of chapters, which adds to the baseball style. Each inning is told from a first person voice that Nelson meant to represent the players as a whole. Readers can feel as if they are being directly spoken when the voice asks questions such as , “Did you know that the major league home-run champ Hank Aaron played with the Clowns before he went up to the majors?” Nelson shares the good and the bad of the league – from the abuse and segregation, to traveling to Cuba and being treated like kings, and eventually the end of the league with the crossover of Jackie Robinson.

Nelson’s painting illustrations are nothing short of brilliant. They fill either an entire page or two pages and are wonderfully detailed with signs of the time. Readers should pay close attention to uniforms and advertisements on the ballpark walls. Any of the illustrations look as if they belong in a baseball museum or any baseball lover’s home. Each also has a caption to tell who or what is the subject.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Coretta Scott King author award and illustrator Honor award
Booklist Starred Review: “If the story is the pitch, though, it’s the artwork that blasts the book into the stands.”
School Library Journal: “Social studies teachers and baseball fans of all ages will covet this delightful winner…”

5. CONNECTIONS
* This book can be shared before or after a study on the times of segregation
* Writing prompts such as “What would it have felt like to be spit on and called names as you were playing?” or “What would you have done?” can be used.
*Other books about segregation:
Walvoord, Linda. ROSETTA, ROSETTA, SIT BY ME! ISBN: 0761451714
Rappaport, Doreen. THE SCHOOL IS NOT WHITE! ISBN: 0786818387
Coleman, Evelyn. WHITE SOCKS ONLY. ISBN 080758956X

SIDE NOTE: I LOVED this book. I kept reading parts of the book to my husband who is a huge baseball fan. He actually got interested in reading it and he is not a big reader at all. It was so sad, yet amazing, to learn that things such as shin guards resulted from white players being cruel to black players. I think this book and ones like it are so important for our youth today – to learn from mistakes of the past and to be thankful things have changed. This was a truly amazing book and one I think every library should have!

Toasting Marshmallows Camping Poems

2009-07-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
George, Kristine O’Connell. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS CAMPING POEMS. 2001. by Kate Kiesler. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 061804597.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book is a collection of thirty short poems about camping. The narrator is a little girl and she tells of all her camping experiences such as getting in her sleeping bag, following a trail, mosquitoes, and of course toasting marshmallows. Each poem is also illustrated by Kate Kiesler.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
George has created a very smart book of poetry. The poems vary in style, but follow the sequence of a camping trip. George uses word elements such as onomatopeia in “Mosquito Song.” Yet careful planning was put into the presentation of the poems as well with “Tent” being in the shape of a tent or “Eavesdropping” being in the shape of a moon, and even the poem “Storm” appearing on the page as if the wind is blowing it sideways. The acrylic paint artwork provided by Kiesler make the outdoors come inside to readers. The stanzas of “Flashlight” being lit up on the page are especially worth noting.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts
Myra Cohn Livingston Poetry Award CLCSC
Children’s Literature Choice 2002
Booklist Starred Review: “satisfying poems that will engage kids at school, across the curriculum, or at home."
School Library Journal: “A terrific idyll for summertime sharing, even for confirmed couch potatoes.”

5. CONNECTIONS
* Teachers/librarians could set up a campfire scene and read poems or play clips of poems from George’s website.
* Students could recall their camping trips (or other vacations or outings) and write their own poems.
* Other books about camping:
Bauer, Marion. WHEN I GO CAMPING WITH GRANDMA. ISBN 0816734496
Paulsen, Gary. CANOE DAYS. ISBN 0440414415
Henkes, Kevin. BAILEY GOES CAMPING. ISBN 0688152880

Come Sunday

2009-07-08T09:08:00.001-07:00

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Grimes, Nikki. 1996. by Michael Bryant. Grand Rapids, MI: William B Eerdmans Publishing Company. ISBN 0802851088

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book is a collection of fourteen short poems from the viewpoint of a young African American girl. The poems are about getting ready for Paradise Baptist Church, what happens at church, and what happens after church. Each poem is also paired with an illustration provided by Michael Bryant.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The fourteen short poems of the book are from the viewpoint of a young child and include church activities such as singing, baptism, and Sunday School. Although the activities are ones that most church members do, the poems keep to a childlike mindset such as calling the older members the blue-haired ladies or peeking during a prayer. Some, but not all of the poems rhyme and most include a little bit of humor that many ages can relate to such as holding back some of the offering in order to purchase an ice cream cone later, but making sure to offer God a lick. Bryant uses wonderful watercolor pictures to make each poem come visually alive for readers. He uses smiles and bright colors to show the joy and celebration. Readers do not have to be church-goers to appreciate this book, but those that are will most certainly relate to it and smile!

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA Notable Book
Booklist: “Grimes and Bryant combine their talents in a book that's bursting with joy.”
Kirkus Review: “Whatever their religious background, readers will smile at the jubilation.”

5. CONNECTIONS
* Writing prompts can be initiated based on questions such as, “What dish would you take to the Church supper?” or “Do you think the narrator will take her own children to Paradise Baptist Church one day? Why or why not?” (Questions from teachers guide found on the Nikki Grimes website)
*Other books about religious traditions:
Livingston, Myra. POEMS FOR JEWISH HOLIDAYS. ISBN 0823406067
Hendricks, Mymona. MUSLIM POEMS FOR CHILDREN. ISBN 0860372189
*Other books by Nikki Grimes
Grimes, Nikki. OH, BROTHER! ISBN 978-0688172947
Grimes, Nikki. THANKS A MILLION. ISBN 978-0-688-17292-3

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies

2009-07-07T20:36:00.001-07:00

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sones, Sonya. 2004. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689858205

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Ruby is forced to move to California with her movie star dad that she has never met because of the death of her mother. She hates California at first and refuses to let her guard down to Whip, her father. Ruby befriends Whip’s “assistant” Max and continues to email her best friend and boyfriend that are back in Boston telling them how awful it is in California. She even emails her dead mother. Ruby is later heartbroken to learn that her best friend has started dating her boyfriend. The heartache from the breakup and losing her mother paired with an earthquake finally allow Ruby and her father to bond resulting in the truth about the past (and present) being revealed.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This verse novel is funny and heartbreaking together. Sones uses a prose like approach to tell the story in verse while also using vocabulary that any teenager would use. Emphasis is sometimes made in the length of a poem as in the one entitled “Things I Am Thankful For” in which no words follow. Scattered through the verses of the story are also emails to and from Ruby’s friend, boyfriend, and even her dead mother. Readers might forget they are actually reading a type of poetry because the story flows with ease.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal: “Ruby's story is gripping, enjoyable, and memorable.”
Booklist Starred Review: “A satisfying, moving novel that will be a winner for both eager and reluctant readers.”
Publishers Weekly: “A winning portrayal of a teenage girl's loves and losses."

5. CONNECTIONS
* Other books by Sonya Sones:
Sones, Sonya. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW. ISBN 0689855532
Sones, Sonya STOP PRETENDING: WHAT HAPPENED WHEN MY BIG SISTER WENT CRAZY. ISBN 0064462188

SIDE NOTE
This was my very first verse novel to read. At first I thought I was going to hate it. The idea of a verse novel sounded choppy to me, but I was very surprised at the flow of it. It was one of those books that was hard to put down, and even though I found it very predictable, I wanted to read on just to make sure I was right. The only problem was I had a hard time thinking of a classroom/library connection with this book. I’m not sure all of it would be appropriate for students to read as an assignment because of some of the adult context. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it and I actually want to read some other books by Sones.

Porch Lies

2009-06-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
McKissack, Patricia. 2006. PORCH LIES TALES OF SLICKSTERS, TRICKSTERS, AND OTHER WAY WILY CHARACTERS. by Andre Carrilho. New York, NY: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 0375836195

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Patricia McKissack has compiled nine stories (one that is in two parts) that are based on ones she heard while sitting on the front porch as a child. The witty stories tell of tricksters and other sneaky people that can outsmart the likes of historical characters such as Jesse James and Robert Johnson.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
McKissack brings the storytelling tradition of the African American culture to the pages of this book. The author’s note before each story sets the stage and can easily get readers thinking they are on a front porch with a glass of lemonade listening to these stories. The stories are mostly humorous, but can be downright scary in some parts. There is a historical tone that is present in that there are mentions of runaway slaves and even a reference to a KKK-like group. McKissack tells readers that even though the stories, “contain the essence of truth, they are fictional from beginning to end.”

Illustrations provided by Andre Carrilho are found one time within the each story. These black and white pictures are very portrait like and often show the changing point of the stories.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal: “They’re great fun to read aloud and the tricksters, sharpies, slicksters, and outlaws wink knowingly at the child narrators, and at us foolish humans.”
Booklist: “…draw on African American oral tradition and blend history and legend with sly humor, creepy horror, villainous characters, and wild farce.”

5. CONNECTIONS
* A study on African American folktales about tricksters could include this book as well as:
McGill, Alice. SURE AS SUNRISE. ISBN 9780618211968

SIDE NOTE: I read this book in bed a few nights in a row and my husband kept asking me to tell him what I was reading because I was always laughing out loud or I had a huge smile on my face. I really enjoyed this book and am very glad I chose it!

As Luck Would Have It

2009-06-27T14:50:00.001-07:00

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Souci, Robert D. San, 2008. AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT. by Daniel San Souci. Atlanta, GA: August House LittleFolk. ISBN 9780874838336

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Jonas and Juniper Bear are left to take care of the family’s home as their parents go to visit their grandmother who is sick. “As luck would have it” many mishaps occur while their parents are away including losing the family fortune to three thieves. In the end the twin bears work together to get the fortune back and things at home back in order, just in time for their parents to return.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The San Souci brothers took the Brother’s Grimm story of CLEVER ELISE and put their own spin on it by using two twin bears that just can’t do anything right, thus making an enjoyable noodlehead tale. The story itself is one that children can relate to, as they often do not want to do chores around the house. Readers can guess that bad things are happening next in the predictable noodlehead sense of the story, but the twins working together in the end is what really drives the story’s meaning home – “Somehow, when they put their heads together; things didn’t turn out silly or badly.”

Daniel San Souci used beautiful illustrations to help tell the story. Special attention should be paid to character’s faces as the expressions drawn tell what each is feeling or thinking such as the sneaky pig theif’s face or the dismayed faces of Juniper and Jonas as they are trying to figure out what to do.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
National Parenting Publication Award: Gold Winner
School Library Journal: “The waggish humor provides a good opportunity for a dramatic read-aloud”
Children’s Literature: “San Souci's watercolors with Prismacolor pencil highlights emphasize character and dramatic action.”
Up-Front with Storytelling: “The book is geared for children ages 4-8 years of age, but it certainly can be told to older children.”

5. CONNECTIONS
* Teachers could use this book to discuss the importance of working together.
*Parents could use this book to discuss responsibilities and character development at home. Parents could also have their kids listen to stories from:
Norfolk, Bobby. THE MORAL OF THE STORY: FOLKTALES FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. (Audiobook). ISBN 087483595X
*Author/Illustrator study could be done on the San Souci brothers using other books such as:
San Souci, Robert. FEATHERTOP. ISBN 1590783824
San Souci, Robert. TWO BEAR CUBS. ISBN 1597140929

Cendrillon

2009-06-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Souci, Robert D. San, 1998. CENDRILLON. by Brian Pinkney. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. ISBN: 068980668

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This Caribbean version of Cinderella is told from the viewpoint of a washerwoman whom is Cendrillon’s godmother. Cendrillon falls in love with a rich man’s son, Paul, and her godmother sees how heartbroken Cendrillon is when she wishes to go to a ball to see him. With the use of a magic wand that was left to the godmother by her own mother, Cendrillon’s godmother enables Cendrillon to go to a ball so that Paul can fall in love with her. The magic wears offs eventually, resulting in Cendrillon and her godmother returning home only to realize a slipper was left behind. The story ends with Paul finding Cendrillon again, the slipper fitting Cendrillon, and the couple and godmother living happily ever after complete with chocolate sherbet.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This Caribbean variant of the traditional Cinderella is special from the beginning as the godmother invites readers to listen to her story because readers have not yet heard the story “for true.” San Souci included lots of Caribbean vocabulary such as “blanchisseuse” and “agoutis” that adds to the authenticity of the island’s tale. Readers can easily figure out most words, but a glossary is included in the back if needed.

The illustrations provided by Brian Pinkney are very colorful and telling of the Caribbean culture. Readers can see Caribbean food, dress, animals, and plants. Pinkeny also used small white lines to detail his colorful illustrations, which makes them all the more distinctive.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist – “The story follows the traditional lines, but always includes its own piquant touches.”
School Library Journal: “…brought to life by Pinkney's distinctive scratchboard illustrations.”

5. CONNECTIONS
* This book could be included in the study of Cinderella variations. Students could compare and contrast each version.
* After a study of the Caribbean culture this book could be read. Prior to reading the book the teacher could ask what students expected to see based on their knowledge of the culture.
* Other books for a Cinderella study:
Climo, Shirley. THE EGYPTIAN CINDERELLA. ISBN 0064432793
Schroeder, Alan. SMOKY MOUNTAIN ROSE: AN APPALACHIAN CINDERELLA. ISBN 0140566732

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

2009-06-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2003. DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0439686172

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The story begins with a bus driver asking the reader to watch his bus while he has to be away, and requests the reader to not let the pigeon drive the bus. The story continues with the pigeons various pleas and reasoning of why the reader should let him drive the bus. This continues until the bus driver returns.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This books grabs readers from the title page. The use of speech bubbles and first person dialogue makes the book very inviting. Mo Willems enables readers to answer the pigeon’s continual begging and tantrums by using familiar justifications such as, “What’s the big deal?” or “How ‘bout I give you five bucks?” The illustrations are mostly the pigeon with a background of soft colors, however, Willems can change the pigeon’s expression with a simple eyeball placement, wing position, or a few lines strategically placed.

This is not a book to be read without expression and enthusiasm. Readers must channel their inner child that is begging for something they really want to do.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Caldecott Honor Book
Booklist: "Preschoolers will howl over the pigeon's dramatics, even as they recognize that he wheedles, blows up, and yearns to be powerful just like they do."
School Library Journal: "A brilliantly simple book that is absolutely true to life."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Children can write a response similar in structure based on the last page of the book when the pigeon is daydreaming about driving a truck.
*Children can write a persuasive story with speech bubbles about something they really want to do.
*Other books to study character:
Willems, Mo. DON’T LET THE PIGEON STAY UP LATE. ISBN 0786837462
Willems, Mo. THE PIGEON WANTS A PUPPY. ISBN 1423109600
*Other books to study simple dialogue with examining pictures:
Shannon, David. NO, DAVID! ISBN 0590930028
Shannon, David. DAVID GOES TO SCHOOL. ISBN 0590480871

SIDE NOTE:
I could go on and on about the things teachers can do with Mo Willems books. They are just marvelous! I have used them in my classroom for four years now and each year my children fall in love with them! Not only are they funny and very easy to relate to, but they have so many fantastic teaching points about them. Never have I come across an author that makes kindergartens so excited about books! I recommend each teacher and/or librarian to stock up on any and all of Mo Willems books!

Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children about Their Art

2009-06-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Eric Carle Museum of Art. 2007. ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN 97803992460005

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book is a collection of letters from 23 artists in children’s literature such as Eric Carle, Tomie dePaola, Chris Van Allsburg, and Paul O. Zelinsky. There are also fold out pages that include a self-portrait by the artists. The pages open up to pictures that include artists’ sketches, early work, and even photos of work studios.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This collection is full of inspiration, history, and of course art. Each artist talks to the reader as if in conversation about their life and their influences. The letters have a targeted audience of children, but can be enjoyed by any age. Each artist has a different style of letter, much like their different styles in art, but that makes the book charming and keeps readers interested.

The art included in the book consists of sketches, self-portraits, and illustrations shown in a progressive form. This adds to the friendliness feeling of the book and allows readers to relate more to the artists.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal: “A gorgeous, browsable gallery of international treasures.”
Starred review in Kirkus: “Fun to read and view, this anthology is a treasure trove of creative insight and inspiration.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Encourage students to write response letters to artists.
*Students can write letters to other illustrators asking them to describe their journey as an illustrator.
*Other books related to children’s books illustrators:
Evan, Dilys, SHOW AND TELL: EXPLORING THE FINE ART OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS ILLUSTRATION. ISBN 0811849716
Cummings, Pat. TALKING WITH ARTISTS, VOL. 1. ISBN 0027242455

SIDE NOTE
I was so excited to see Paul O. Zelinsky in this book! My absolute favorite picture book when I was growing up was his RUMPELSTILTSKIN. This is the type of connection I think kids and adults would make when reading this book. I literally was smiling the entire time I read his letter (or so my husband said) and I just know this book can do that for others if they see one of their favorite book's illustrator's letter.

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

2009-06-16T12:54:00.001-07:00

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Taback, Simms. 1999. JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT. New York, NY: Penguin Group. ISBN 0670878553

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this clever picture book, Joseph starts out with an overcoat. Then die cut page by die cut page, Joseph turns his coat into other smaller objects – all the way down to a small button that he loses, resulting in writing a book about the entire experience. Thus revealing the story’s moral of always being able to make something out of nothing.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The magic of this book is truly in the pages themselves. Simms cut pieces out of the pages to reveal the next article made from the overcoat. The darker colors and patches included in the illustrations make the material seem worn, but Joseph’s happy expression makes it known to readers that he is content with it all as he makes something out of nothing.

Close attention should be paid to the details in the illustrations as Simms has hidden some humorous aspects in them. Very smart and funny phrases are scattered throughout the book in newspapers, books, and even wall art. The collaboration of different media of drawn pictures and photographs is well worth noting.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Caldecott Medal Book
Publisher’s Weekly: “With its effective repetition and an abundance of visual humor, this is tailor-made for reading aloud.”
School Library Journal: “Pre-Grade 3-A book bursting at the seams with ingenuity and creative spirit.”

5. CONNECTIONS
* During the reading children could predict what item Joseph will make next.
* Pieces of cloth could be cut into different shapes for a retelling kit.
* Class discussion of other uses for common items.
*Related book: For author and/or illustrator study:
Taback, Simms. THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY. ISBN 0590632647
Taback, Simms. THIS IS THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT. ISBN 0142402001