1. Bibliography -
Simon, Seymour. 2002. DESTINATION: SPACE. Ill. by NASA’s Hubble Telescope. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 0-688-16290-8
2. Plot Summary –
This book entitled DESTINATION: SPACE is about the discoveries that the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has made possible to explore about our Universe; showing many different galaxies, stars being born and in the case of proving the existence of black holes!
“For over a century the idea of a black hole was merely a theory, one that was fiercely debated. Then, while using the Hubble Space Telescope to observe a distant galaxy, scientists were able to take the first pictures of a black hole. A mystery that existed for over a hundred years was solved!
Launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope is still sending us images of the cosmos never before seen by the human eye. There are more pictures and new discoveries every day. Orbiting above the atmosphere, the Hubble Space Telescope can see into space ten times more clearly than the most powerful telescope on Earth” (Amazon, 2009).
3. Critical Analysis –
a. accuracy:
Seymour Simon’s book DESTINATION: SPACE is full of information and pictures from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, that show images from space that are “ten times more clear than the best telescopes on Earth” can provide. “The award-winning author of 250 science books for children” (SeymourScience, 2009) shows us in his book “DESTINATION: SPACE, the stunning visuals that illustrate major discoveries as Seymour Simon explains what each carefully chosen image has shown us about the universe” (Simon, S., 2002)
“He does research for his books all over the world ("but NOT on Mars," he says). He writes and photographs from a house high atop a hill in the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York state” (Simon, S., 2009). While being interviewed by Eleise Jones from Ruminator Review, Seymour Simon had this to say:
“JONES: What makes a good science book for children?
SIMON: Well, a lot of it is indefinable. A lot of it has to do with the writing, whether it’s interesting, whether it’s clear, whether it leads to further interest in the subject. It’s almost like asking what makes a good fiction book. The difference is that in a science book the information also has to be true and as accurate as we know it at the time, since obviously some of these things are further investigated, and down the road something will be found which will change what you’re saying. I think, however, that’s less important than making sure what you write is stimulating and opens up the world instead of just answering questions and closing down any further investigation, or any further interest” (Jones, E., 2002).
“In this handsome and fascinating oversized book, Simon discusses the many new discoveries scientists have made because of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), which has been orbiting Earth since April, 1990” (Wadleigh, L., 2002).
“In the 12 years since it began orbiting Earth, the Hubble Space Telescope has provided us not only clearer pictures than ever before, but also images of space objects more distant in space and in time than previously observed” (Phelan, C., 2009).
b. organization:
“Using the handsome format familiar to fans of his Destination astronomy series, Simon presents a succession of pictures from the space telescope; on pages facing the images, paragraphs of text clearly explain what is shown. Among the images are views of Mars and Saturn, a star cluster 15,000 light-years away, a cluster of new stars in the Eagle Nebula, the collision of two galaxies, and a black hole. An attractive, informative addition to a fine series” (Phelan, C., 2009).
c. design:
In the book DESTINATION: SPACE, the photos are magnificent and complement the text well. Simon uses clear graphics, and places them appropriately to communicate the subject matter effectively and comprehensively.
“In Destination: Space, stunning visuals illustrate major discoveries as Seymour Simon explains what each carefully chosen image has shown us about the universe. Capturing fascinating and complex scientific discoveries in dramatic photographs and an easy-to-understand text, Seymour Simon once again shows why he is widely regarded as one of America's most exciting and informative authors” (Amazon, 2009).
d. style:
Seymour Simon shows his enthusiasm and passion as an author in this book. His attention to details is what makes this book so fascinating; his use of appropriate vocabulary - that does not talk down to the reader, encourages curiousity, interest and wonder as well as the desire to read more!
“What is amazing about Simon’s books is his ability to retain the child’s perspective; he devises wonderful comparisons that a child can easily follow” (Jones, E., 2002).
“On each spread, the large-print, easy-to-understand text is supported by a stunning, full-page color photograph. The author explains what discovery each image produced and how the information fits into our existing knowledge. His enthusiastic descriptions create vivid pictures in and of themselves” (Wadleigh, L., 2002).
“All of his books capture the imagination and enthusiasm and interest of children and encourage them to enjoy the world around them, to learn--and to discover” (Simon, S. 2009).
e. Awards & Recognitions:
“Today the name Seymour Simon is synonymous with science writing for children. This association has been a long time in the making--through three decades of scientific discovery, Simon has penned more than two hundred children’s books, and he shows no signs of slowing down” (Jones, E., 2002). Some of his awards and recognitions include the following:
** 2005 Seymour Simon has been chosen for The Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Science Books from the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Science Books and Films/Subaru Key Award.
** 2003 Empire State Award for Excellence in Literature for Young People
** Seymour Simon has been honored by many awards for his work including the New York State Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature; the Hope S. Dean Memorial Award from the Boston Public Library; the Eva L. Gordon Award, presented by the American Nature Society, for his contribution to children's science literature; and the Washington Post/Children's Book Guild Award for Non-fiction for the body of his work.
** “Seymour Simon is the recipient of the Science Books & Films Key Award for Excellence in Science Books, the Empire State Award for excellence in literature for young people, and the Educational Paperback Association Jeremiah Ludington Award” (HarperCollinsCanada, 2009).
4. Review Excerpt(s) –
"It would be hard to imagine a better introduction to our little corner of the universe." -- Starred Kirkus Reviews.
“…[W]ill leave … readers …[with] an enhanced sense of wonder at the starscape’s vast, turbulent beauty.” -- Kirkus Reviews
“An attractive, informative addition to a fine series.” –- Booklist
“Over the past ten years, the Hubble Telescope has brought into our view some truly incredible space sights. Simon uses these remarkable images in a slide show-like tour of stars, galaxies, and nebulae (as well as a few images from our own solar system). While the full-page images are consistently spectacular, it is Simon’s detail-rich text that rounds out their significance. He explains the recent scientific findings supported by the images and guides readers to the important details that illustrate such phenomena as energy outbursts from aging stars, clusters of newly formed stars and the interactions among bodies that lead to gas cloud distortions. Included in the book are several images that at first glance don’t look as impressive but turn out to be the most exciting—one of the first images of a black hole, and another of a galaxy formed fourteen billion years ago whose light is only now reaching us. Simon’s skilled use of analogies helps readers to make sense of the space phenomena, though the vast distances and lengthy time spans involved can be challenging to comprehend. D.J.F.” -– Horn Book Magazine
"The Dean of Science Books for Children." – The New York Times
"Simon may have done more than any other living author to help us understand and appreciate the beauty of our planet and our universe." – Kirkus Reviews
5. Connections –
“Seymour Simon is the author of 200 highly acclaimed science books (over half of which have been named Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children by the National Science Teachers Association). He has introduced millions of children to a staggering array of subjects, including the human body, animals and animal behavior, climate and weather, earthquakes, volcanoes, mirrors, optical illusions, rocks and minerals, star gazing and space, oceanography, and the list goes on and on” (Simon, S., 2009).
Anyone could teach a whole lesson on any of those topics and Simon’s books would provide information and wonderful pictures to help students visualize the content. If one was interested in teaching about space and the solar system, Seymour Simon has many other books about this subject; a few of his books are listed below:
• STARS
• THE SUN
• OUR SOLAR SYSTEM
• DESTINATION: MARS
• DESTINATION: JUPITER
• GALAXIES
• COMETS, METERORS AND ASTEROIDS
• THE MOON
• EARTH: OUR PLANET IN SPACE
References
Simon, Seymour. 2002. DESTINATION: SPACE. Ill. by NASA’s Hubble Telescope. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 0-688-16290-8
Amazon, (1996-2009). DESTINATION: SPACE, retrieved on October 24, 2009, from
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0688162908/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
Wadleigh, L., (2002) Library School Journal, retrieved on October 25, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0688162908/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
Phelan, C., (2009). American Library Association: Booklist, retrieved on October 25, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0688162908/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
Simon, S., (2002-2008). Seymour Simon Website, retrieved on October 25, 2009, from http://www.seymoursimon.com/meet.htm
Jones, E., (2002). Ruminator Review – TRAVELING THE UNIVERSE ON A PAPER PLANE: AN INTERVIEW WITH SEYMOUR SIMON, retrieved on October 25, 2009, from http://www.seymoursimon.com/interview1.htm
HarperCollinsCanada, (2009). Authors – Seymour Simon, retrieved on October 25, 2009, from http://www.harpercollins.ca/authors/12733/Seymour_Simon/index.aspx
SeymourScience, (2009). Seymour Simon’s Blog, retrieved on October 25, 2009, from http://www.seymourscience.com/
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Genre #4 Book Review #2 : Kathleen Krull - THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM
1. Bibliography -
Krull, Kathleen. 2008. THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM. Ill. by Kevin Hawkes. New York, NY: Knoph/Borzoi - Random House. ISBN: 978-0-375-83216-1
2. Plot Summary –
“Dorothy followed the yellow brick road to Oz. Her creator, L. Frank Baum, took a much more roundabout route, with detours and dead ends galore. THE ROAD TO OZ tells the fascinating and little-known story of his life.
L. (for Lyman, a name he loathed) Frank Baum was born in 1856 in rural New York and led a priveleged life as a child. He spent vast amounts of time reading, daydreaming, and making up stories. But at age eighteen it was time to get serious about choosing a career. That is when his detours to Oz began.
After many fizzled enthusiasms, failed vocations, and just plain dreary jobs, Baum, at age forty-four, found his way to Oz by doing what he always loved best: storytelling. THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ was published in 1900 and became a runaway success. It remains to this day among the most popular books - and movies - of all time” (Krull, K., 2008).
3. Critical Analysis –
a. accuracy:
“Despite the enduring popularity of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, there are few titles about L. Frank Baum published for youth. Krull’s new picture-book biography, then, is particularly welcome, and it displays Krull’s usual stylistic strengths: a conversational tone, well-integrated facts, vivid anecdotes, and sly asides that encourage children to find the human qualities in a historical figure” (Booklist, 2009).
“Hawkes’ ink-and-acrylic illustrations are uneven, with some figures appearing blurred and hurriedly rendered, but the brightly colored compositions do support the sense of Baum as a multifaceted, fascinating individual. An author’s note, sources, and a list of Baum’s works conclude this entertaining, lively portrait” (Booklist).
“Krull magically interweaves the origins of Baum's characters and themes that would appear in his ‘modern American fairy tales.’ The ‘Oz’ books were his only true success, but they did not result in a fairy-tale ending for the Baum family. With sympathy for her subject, Krull tactfully notes Baum's lack of aptitude for business affairs and his eventual declaration of bankruptcy” (SLJ).
b. organization:
“Beginning with Baum’s pampered youth, Krull moves forward through his early adult years, when he flailed in a variety of jobs before finally writing his famous first book about Oz, which he based on bedtime stories he created for his children. Krull gives a balanced account, emphasizing Baum’s creative gifts and his talents for nurturing his family while frankly referencing his less-admirable traits, such as his prejudice against Native Americans” (Booklist).
c. design:
“With the same verve she brought to her biography of Dr. Seuss, Kathleen Krull’s wry prose couples with Kevin Hawke’s exuberant paintings and drawings to create a book not to be missed by Oz fans of all ages” (Hungry Tiger Press, 2009).
On the inside of the jacket of THE ROAD TO OZ book, it states that “Kathleen Krull’s genial wit highlights events in Baum’s life that inspired the beloved characters of Oz, and Kevin Hawkes’s exuberant paintings are as sparkling as the Emeral City itself. Oz fans of all ages will relish this illuminating and beautifully illustrated biography” (Krull, K., 2008)
d. style:
“Kathleen Krull’s lively text traces the life of L. Frank Baum from his dreamy privileged childhood in mid-19th-century upstate New York through the many detours on his road to Oz. A failure as an actor, a breeder of prize chickens, a merchant in a wild west town, among other occupations, he finally made a success doing exactly what he had always loved to do: tell stories for children. Along the way, we see the antecedents of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, green glasses, and other characters and attributes of the famous fantasy land. This is the first biography of L. Frank Baum that children can enjoy” (Hungry Tiger Press, 2009).
“Hawkes's merry paintings of the author and his characters invoke the magic of Oz within the great author's real-world setting. The Road to Oz will provide students with an inspiring introduction to Baum's life” (SLJ).
“Hawkes not only brings Baum to life with his vivid colors, expert composition, and great animation and emotion, but he also occasionally incorporates sketches in emerald of Oz characters into the text, finding connections from Baum’s life to some of the Oz characters – such as, the Scarecrow on the book’s second spread, which includes mention of ‘those scarecrows out in the farms and fields around Rose Lawn (the Baum family estate) – at night he dreamed they were chasing him” (Danielson, J., 2008)
e. Awards & Recognitions:
I could not find any awards or recognitions for Kathleen Krull’s book THE ROAD TO OZ, however she did win many awards and recognition for her other biographies and books. For example for two of her books in the series GIANTS OF SCIENCE she was recognized with the following awards and recognitions:
For her book entitled LEONARDO DA VINCI she received the -
• CBC/NSTA Outstanding Science Book of the Year
• A Booklinks “Lasting Connection”
• A Publishers Weekly Best Book
• A Kirkus Best Book of the Year
And for her book ISAAC NEWTON she received the following awards:
• BCCB Blue Ribbon
• School Library Journal Best Book
• A Booklist “Top 10 Youth Biography”
• ALA Notable Book for Children
• Finalist for the Cybils, the Children's and Young Adult Bloggers Literary Award
• A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
4. Review Excerpt(s) –
“Krull keeps the story upbeat (Baum's bankruptcy and death are saved for an afterword), and Kevin Hawkes's appealing artwork captures the man's gentle nature and exuberant creativity.” – The Washington Post
“With customary vivacity and a fine sense of irony, Krull portrays her subject as a genial family man who suffered reverse after reverse….An admirable companion to Krull’s Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up To Become Dr. Seuss (2004), this profile not only provides a similarly illuminating peek beneath the authorial curtain, but leaves readers understanding just how groundbreaking The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was, as an adventure story with both a female protagonist and no overwhelming Moral Lesson.” --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“The first picture-book biography of L. Frank Baum….In all, an entertaining look at how a peripatetic man in a rapidly changing society produced a lasting fantasy tale.” --Horn Book
“Particularly welcome…it display’s Krull’s usual stylistic strengths: a conversational tone, well-integrated facts, vivid anecdotes, and sly asides that encourage children to find the human qualities in a historical figure.” -- Booklist
“A cheeky yet informative biography.” –- Publisher’s Weekly
5. Connections –
Kathleen Krull is an amazing author and has published many books in more than one kind of genre. She has a great collection of books of music, anthologies of limericks and folk riddles, biographies and non-fiction. Some of the other biographies by Kathleen Krull include the following:
• HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: DREAMS TAKING FLIGHT, Illustrated by Amy June Bates
• FARTISTE: AN EXPLOSIVELY FUNNY, MOSTLY TRUE STORY
• POCAHONTAS: PRINCESS OF THE NEW WORLD, Illustrated by David Diaz
• HOUDINI: THE WORLD’S GREATEST MYSTERY MAN AND ESCAPE KING, illustrated by Eric Velasquez (Walker)
• A WOMAN FOR PRESIDENT - illustrated by Jane Dyer
• BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET
• HARVESTING HOPE
• WILMA UNLIMITED: HOW WILMA RUDOLPH BECAME THE WORLD’S FASTEST WOMAN
• GIANTS OF SCIENCE (series) – MARIE CURIE, SIGMUND FREUD, LEONARDO DA VINCI, ISAAC NEWTON
References
Krull, Kathleen. 2008. THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM. Ill. by Kevin Hawkes. New York, NY: Knopf/Borzoi - Random House. ISBN: 978-0-375-83216-1
Hungry Tiger Press, (2000-2009). THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM, retrieved on October 23, 2009, from http://www.hungrytigerpress.com/books/roadtooz_krull.shtml
Booklist, (2009). Amazon - THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM, retrieved on October 23, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/Road-Oz-Twists-Turns-Triumphs/dp/0375832165
SLJ - School Library Journal, (2009). Amazon - THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM, retrieved on October 23, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/Road-Oz-Twists-Turns-Triumphs/dp/0375832165
Danielson, J., (2008). Random Illustrator Feature: Kevin Hawkes and the Road to Oz, retrieved October 23, 2009, from http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=1464
Krull, Kathleen. 2008. THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM. Ill. by Kevin Hawkes. New York, NY: Knoph/Borzoi - Random House. ISBN: 978-0-375-83216-1
2. Plot Summary –
“Dorothy followed the yellow brick road to Oz. Her creator, L. Frank Baum, took a much more roundabout route, with detours and dead ends galore. THE ROAD TO OZ tells the fascinating and little-known story of his life.
L. (for Lyman, a name he loathed) Frank Baum was born in 1856 in rural New York and led a priveleged life as a child. He spent vast amounts of time reading, daydreaming, and making up stories. But at age eighteen it was time to get serious about choosing a career. That is when his detours to Oz began.
After many fizzled enthusiasms, failed vocations, and just plain dreary jobs, Baum, at age forty-four, found his way to Oz by doing what he always loved best: storytelling. THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ was published in 1900 and became a runaway success. It remains to this day among the most popular books - and movies - of all time” (Krull, K., 2008).
3. Critical Analysis –
a. accuracy:
“Despite the enduring popularity of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, there are few titles about L. Frank Baum published for youth. Krull’s new picture-book biography, then, is particularly welcome, and it displays Krull’s usual stylistic strengths: a conversational tone, well-integrated facts, vivid anecdotes, and sly asides that encourage children to find the human qualities in a historical figure” (Booklist, 2009).
“Hawkes’ ink-and-acrylic illustrations are uneven, with some figures appearing blurred and hurriedly rendered, but the brightly colored compositions do support the sense of Baum as a multifaceted, fascinating individual. An author’s note, sources, and a list of Baum’s works conclude this entertaining, lively portrait” (Booklist).
“Krull magically interweaves the origins of Baum's characters and themes that would appear in his ‘modern American fairy tales.’ The ‘Oz’ books were his only true success, but they did not result in a fairy-tale ending for the Baum family. With sympathy for her subject, Krull tactfully notes Baum's lack of aptitude for business affairs and his eventual declaration of bankruptcy” (SLJ).
b. organization:
“Beginning with Baum’s pampered youth, Krull moves forward through his early adult years, when he flailed in a variety of jobs before finally writing his famous first book about Oz, which he based on bedtime stories he created for his children. Krull gives a balanced account, emphasizing Baum’s creative gifts and his talents for nurturing his family while frankly referencing his less-admirable traits, such as his prejudice against Native Americans” (Booklist).
c. design:
“With the same verve she brought to her biography of Dr. Seuss, Kathleen Krull’s wry prose couples with Kevin Hawke’s exuberant paintings and drawings to create a book not to be missed by Oz fans of all ages” (Hungry Tiger Press, 2009).
On the inside of the jacket of THE ROAD TO OZ book, it states that “Kathleen Krull’s genial wit highlights events in Baum’s life that inspired the beloved characters of Oz, and Kevin Hawkes’s exuberant paintings are as sparkling as the Emeral City itself. Oz fans of all ages will relish this illuminating and beautifully illustrated biography” (Krull, K., 2008)
d. style:
“Kathleen Krull’s lively text traces the life of L. Frank Baum from his dreamy privileged childhood in mid-19th-century upstate New York through the many detours on his road to Oz. A failure as an actor, a breeder of prize chickens, a merchant in a wild west town, among other occupations, he finally made a success doing exactly what he had always loved to do: tell stories for children. Along the way, we see the antecedents of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, green glasses, and other characters and attributes of the famous fantasy land. This is the first biography of L. Frank Baum that children can enjoy” (Hungry Tiger Press, 2009).
“Hawkes's merry paintings of the author and his characters invoke the magic of Oz within the great author's real-world setting. The Road to Oz will provide students with an inspiring introduction to Baum's life” (SLJ).
“Hawkes not only brings Baum to life with his vivid colors, expert composition, and great animation and emotion, but he also occasionally incorporates sketches in emerald of Oz characters into the text, finding connections from Baum’s life to some of the Oz characters – such as, the Scarecrow on the book’s second spread, which includes mention of ‘those scarecrows out in the farms and fields around Rose Lawn (the Baum family estate) – at night he dreamed they were chasing him” (Danielson, J., 2008)
e. Awards & Recognitions:
I could not find any awards or recognitions for Kathleen Krull’s book THE ROAD TO OZ, however she did win many awards and recognition for her other biographies and books. For example for two of her books in the series GIANTS OF SCIENCE she was recognized with the following awards and recognitions:
For her book entitled LEONARDO DA VINCI she received the -
• CBC/NSTA Outstanding Science Book of the Year
• A Booklinks “Lasting Connection”
• A Publishers Weekly Best Book
• A Kirkus Best Book of the Year
And for her book ISAAC NEWTON she received the following awards:
• BCCB Blue Ribbon
• School Library Journal Best Book
• A Booklist “Top 10 Youth Biography”
• ALA Notable Book for Children
• Finalist for the Cybils, the Children's and Young Adult Bloggers Literary Award
• A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
4. Review Excerpt(s) –
“Krull keeps the story upbeat (Baum's bankruptcy and death are saved for an afterword), and Kevin Hawkes's appealing artwork captures the man's gentle nature and exuberant creativity.” – The Washington Post
“With customary vivacity and a fine sense of irony, Krull portrays her subject as a genial family man who suffered reverse after reverse….An admirable companion to Krull’s Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up To Become Dr. Seuss (2004), this profile not only provides a similarly illuminating peek beneath the authorial curtain, but leaves readers understanding just how groundbreaking The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was, as an adventure story with both a female protagonist and no overwhelming Moral Lesson.” --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“The first picture-book biography of L. Frank Baum….In all, an entertaining look at how a peripatetic man in a rapidly changing society produced a lasting fantasy tale.” --Horn Book
“Particularly welcome…it display’s Krull’s usual stylistic strengths: a conversational tone, well-integrated facts, vivid anecdotes, and sly asides that encourage children to find the human qualities in a historical figure.” -- Booklist
“A cheeky yet informative biography.” –- Publisher’s Weekly
5. Connections –
Kathleen Krull is an amazing author and has published many books in more than one kind of genre. She has a great collection of books of music, anthologies of limericks and folk riddles, biographies and non-fiction. Some of the other biographies by Kathleen Krull include the following:
• HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: DREAMS TAKING FLIGHT, Illustrated by Amy June Bates
• FARTISTE: AN EXPLOSIVELY FUNNY, MOSTLY TRUE STORY
• POCAHONTAS: PRINCESS OF THE NEW WORLD, Illustrated by David Diaz
• HOUDINI: THE WORLD’S GREATEST MYSTERY MAN AND ESCAPE KING, illustrated by Eric Velasquez (Walker)
• A WOMAN FOR PRESIDENT - illustrated by Jane Dyer
• BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET
• HARVESTING HOPE
• WILMA UNLIMITED: HOW WILMA RUDOLPH BECAME THE WORLD’S FASTEST WOMAN
• GIANTS OF SCIENCE (series) – MARIE CURIE, SIGMUND FREUD, LEONARDO DA VINCI, ISAAC NEWTON
References
Krull, Kathleen. 2008. THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM. Ill. by Kevin Hawkes. New York, NY: Knopf/Borzoi - Random House. ISBN: 978-0-375-83216-1
Hungry Tiger Press, (2000-2009). THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM, retrieved on October 23, 2009, from http://www.hungrytigerpress.com/books/roadtooz_krull.shtml
Booklist, (2009). Amazon - THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM, retrieved on October 23, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/Road-Oz-Twists-Turns-Triumphs/dp/0375832165
SLJ - School Library Journal, (2009). Amazon - THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM, retrieved on October 23, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/Road-Oz-Twists-Turns-Triumphs/dp/0375832165
Danielson, J., (2008). Random Illustrator Feature: Kevin Hawkes and the Road to Oz, retrieved October 23, 2009, from http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=1464
Genre #4 Book Review #1 : Jim Murphy - AN AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE TRUE AND TERRIFYING STORY OF THE YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC OF 1793
1. Bibliography -
Murphy, Jim. 2003. AN AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE TRUE AND TERIFYING STORY OF THE YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC OF 1793. Ill. by Jim Murphy. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0-395-77608-2
2. Plot Summary –
“The summer of 1793 was so hot and humid that the swamps around Philadelphia turned to muddy puddles and swarms of mosquitoes filled the air. As the church bells tolled, it was becoming clear -- the city was being ravaged by an unknown killer.
Long before SARS and West Nile virus, Yellow Fever was a medical mystery that forced thousands in the nation’s temporary capital to flee and brought the workings of the federal government to a virtual halt. This is a riveting account of this country’s first large-scale medical epidemic.
This is the story of how half the city’s residents fled and half of those who remained died; neighboring towns, cities and states barricaded themselves; Washington himself fled, setting off a constitutional crisis; and bloodletting caused blood to run through the streets. It is also the story of a little known chapter in Black History in which free blacks nursed the sick only to be later condemned for their heroic efforts” (Murphy, J., 2004).
3. Critical Analysis –
a. Accuracy:
“Meticulously researched, first-hand accounts, newspaper clippings, death lists, and period engravings recreate the fear and panic while exploring the political, social, cultural, medical and scientific history of the times. A final chapter explores the causes of the epidemic and provides a wake-up call about the potential for epidemics today” (Murphy, J., 2004).
b. Organization:
“One of the most interesting parts of the book is towards the end, and describes how Yellow Fever shaped our history. Legal and government policies, Dolley Madison (and thus Presidents Jefferson and Madison), and the Lousiana Purchase were all impacted by the disease in ways I hadn't considered before. It's not just another malady” (JediKermit, 2006).
“The horrors of a city losing more than ten percent of its population are explored by the book, but it reads more as a mystery than a horror novel. Only in the final chapter does Murphy explain the true cause of the epidemic, and discuss the ramifications of future outbreaks. The United States hasn't manufactured the Yellow Fever vaccine in several years, and a resurgence of the disease could kill up to 10% of an urban population before we could create enough vaccine to combat it” (JediKermit, 2006).
c. Design:
“Included in the book are illustrations, portraits of key players in the events described, and pages out of newspapers that were printed during the months when the plague held Philadelphia at its mercy. They provide us with a wonderful opportunity to read the very words of those who experienced the plague firsthand. The reader will find tips on how to avoid getting the plague and suggestions on what to do if you are unfortunate enough to have it. All in all, this is a wonderful book for anyone interested in history and in the ways of people” (Jansen-Gruber, 2009).
d. Style:
“One of the truly wonderful things about this book, as well as Murphy's other books, is that he strives to tell the whole story. We read about the selflessness of members of the black community who courageously tended the sick and buried the dead when no one else would. Their story is told in its entirety, as is that of the remarkable mayor of Philadelphia, Matthew Clarkson, who would not allow his city to die. The people who were present in Philadelphia and its environs at that awful time are brought to life once more through Murphy's skill as a writer” (Jansen-Gruber, 2009).
“The book is readable, informative, and manages to have a sense of humor despite the depressing topic. This book was the perfect balance of history, mystery, and personal stories. If you're interested in colonial history or epidemics in general, check out "An American Plague” (JediKermit, 2006).
e. Awards & Recognitions:
Jim Murphy’s book, AN AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE TRUE AND TERRIFYING STORY OF THE YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC OF 1793 received the following awards and recognitions:
• 2004 ALA. Newbery Honor Book Award
• 2004 ALA. Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award
• National Book Award Finalist Medal
• NCTE Orbis Pictus Award
• An ALA Notable Children’s Book
• A YALSA Best Book for Young Adults
• A SLJ Best Book of the Year
• Blue Ribbon, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
• An Editor’s Choice, Kirkus Reviews
4. Review Excerpt(s) –
"Nobody does juvenile nonfiction better than Murphy." -- The Washington Post
“A mesmerizing, macabre account that will make readers happy they live in the 21st century. Powerful, evocative prose carries the compelling subject matter. Stellar." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Superbly written...extremely accessible and readable. Represents nonfiction at its best." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"Murphy chronicles this frightening time with solid research and a flair for weaving facts into fascinating stories." -- School Library Journal (starred)
5. Connections –
With Jim Murphy, you can make connections to one of his more than 30 books. I have listed a few of them below:
Non-fiction:
• ACROSS AMERICA ON AN EMIGRANT TRAIN
• THE REAL BENEDICT ARNOLD
• TRUCE: THE DAY THE SOLDIERS STOPPED FIGHTING
• A SAVAGE THUNDER: ANTIETAM AND THE BLOODY ROAD TO FREEDOM
• THE GREAT FIRE
• BLIZZARD!: THE STORM THAT CHANGED AMERICA
• THE YOUNG PATRIOT: THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AS EXPERIENCED BY ONE BOY
• THE BOYS WAR: CONFEDERATE AND UNION SOLDIERS TALK ABOUT THE CIVIL WAR
• THE LONG ROAD TO GETTYSBURY
• PICK AND SHOVEL POET: THE JOURNEYS OF PASCAL D’ANGELO
• INSIDE THE ALAMO
• GONE A-WHALING – THE LURE OF THE SEA AND THE HUNT FOR THE GREAT WHALE
Fiction:
• MY NAME IS AMERICA: THE JOURNEY OF JAMES EDMUND PEASE – A CIVIL WAR UNION SOLDIER, VIRGINIA, 1863
• DESPERATE JOURNEY
• DEAR AMERICA: WEST TO THE LAND OF PLENTY – THE DIARY OF TERESA ANGELINO VISCARDI, NEW YORK TO IDAHO TERRITORY, 1883
• DEAR AMERICA: MY FACE TO THE WIND – THE DIARY OF SARAH JANE PRICE, A PRAIRIE TEACHER, BROKEN BOW, NEBRASKA, 1881
• MY NAME IS AMERICA: THE JOURNAL OF BRIAN DOYLE – A GREENHORN ON AN ALASKAN WHALING SHIP, THE FLORENCE, 1874
Picture books:
• FERGUS AND THE NIGHT-DEMON – AN IRISH GHOST STORY
Readers may also enjoy some of the other books that are also about the plague - the Yellow Fever epidemic including:
FEVER 1793:
Anderson, L., 2002. FEVER 1793. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN-10: 0698984919 / ISBN-13: 978-0689848919
and
THE AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF YELLOW FEVER, THE EPIDEMIC THAT SHAPED OUR HISTORY:
Crosby, M., 2006. THE AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF YELLOW FEVER, THE EPIDEMIC THAT SHAPED OUR HISTORY. New York, NY: Berkley Publishing. ISBN-10: 0425212025
Note -
AN AMERICAN PLAGUE is also available on CD and is performed by Pat Bottino. I listened to this book on CD as I drove around town, running errands and picking up my girls from school in the afternoons. Pat Bottino's reading performance was a little monotonous and slow for my liking; with this book - I really preferred to read it myself. But I was curious to hear this story's oral rendition and thought it was interesting that Pat Bottino did not read the old English words 'ye when they were written in the book, but said "the" instead. In this case, I think the book was more exciting and gripping to read it silently, then to hear Pat Bottino read it to you. This is just my opinion.
References
Jansen-Gruber, M., (1998-2009). Kidsreads Reviews, retrieved on October 21, 2009, from http://www.kidsreads.com/reviews/0395776082.asp
Murphy, J. (2009). Jim Murphy: Making History Come Alive, retrieved on October 21, 2009, from http://jimmurphybooks.com/americanplague.htm
JediKermit, (2006). Epinions: Yellow Fever, Big City, retrieved on October 21, 2009, from http://www0.epinions.com/review/An_American_Plague_The_True_and_Terrifying_Story_of_the_Yellow_Fever_Epidemic_of_1793_by_Jim_Murphy/content_223804165764
Murphy, Jim. 2003. AN AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE TRUE AND TERIFYING STORY OF THE YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC OF 1793. Ill. by Jim Murphy. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0-395-77608-2
2. Plot Summary –
“The summer of 1793 was so hot and humid that the swamps around Philadelphia turned to muddy puddles and swarms of mosquitoes filled the air. As the church bells tolled, it was becoming clear -- the city was being ravaged by an unknown killer.
Long before SARS and West Nile virus, Yellow Fever was a medical mystery that forced thousands in the nation’s temporary capital to flee and brought the workings of the federal government to a virtual halt. This is a riveting account of this country’s first large-scale medical epidemic.
This is the story of how half the city’s residents fled and half of those who remained died; neighboring towns, cities and states barricaded themselves; Washington himself fled, setting off a constitutional crisis; and bloodletting caused blood to run through the streets. It is also the story of a little known chapter in Black History in which free blacks nursed the sick only to be later condemned for their heroic efforts” (Murphy, J., 2004).
3. Critical Analysis –
a. Accuracy:
“Meticulously researched, first-hand accounts, newspaper clippings, death lists, and period engravings recreate the fear and panic while exploring the political, social, cultural, medical and scientific history of the times. A final chapter explores the causes of the epidemic and provides a wake-up call about the potential for epidemics today” (Murphy, J., 2004).
b. Organization:
“One of the most interesting parts of the book is towards the end, and describes how Yellow Fever shaped our history. Legal and government policies, Dolley Madison (and thus Presidents Jefferson and Madison), and the Lousiana Purchase were all impacted by the disease in ways I hadn't considered before. It's not just another malady” (JediKermit, 2006).
“The horrors of a city losing more than ten percent of its population are explored by the book, but it reads more as a mystery than a horror novel. Only in the final chapter does Murphy explain the true cause of the epidemic, and discuss the ramifications of future outbreaks. The United States hasn't manufactured the Yellow Fever vaccine in several years, and a resurgence of the disease could kill up to 10% of an urban population before we could create enough vaccine to combat it” (JediKermit, 2006).
c. Design:
“Included in the book are illustrations, portraits of key players in the events described, and pages out of newspapers that were printed during the months when the plague held Philadelphia at its mercy. They provide us with a wonderful opportunity to read the very words of those who experienced the plague firsthand. The reader will find tips on how to avoid getting the plague and suggestions on what to do if you are unfortunate enough to have it. All in all, this is a wonderful book for anyone interested in history and in the ways of people” (Jansen-Gruber, 2009).
d. Style:
“One of the truly wonderful things about this book, as well as Murphy's other books, is that he strives to tell the whole story. We read about the selflessness of members of the black community who courageously tended the sick and buried the dead when no one else would. Their story is told in its entirety, as is that of the remarkable mayor of Philadelphia, Matthew Clarkson, who would not allow his city to die. The people who were present in Philadelphia and its environs at that awful time are brought to life once more through Murphy's skill as a writer” (Jansen-Gruber, 2009).
“The book is readable, informative, and manages to have a sense of humor despite the depressing topic. This book was the perfect balance of history, mystery, and personal stories. If you're interested in colonial history or epidemics in general, check out "An American Plague” (JediKermit, 2006).
e. Awards & Recognitions:
Jim Murphy’s book, AN AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE TRUE AND TERRIFYING STORY OF THE YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC OF 1793 received the following awards and recognitions:
• 2004 ALA. Newbery Honor Book Award
• 2004 ALA. Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award
• National Book Award Finalist Medal
• NCTE Orbis Pictus Award
• An ALA Notable Children’s Book
• A YALSA Best Book for Young Adults
• A SLJ Best Book of the Year
• Blue Ribbon, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
• An Editor’s Choice, Kirkus Reviews
4. Review Excerpt(s) –
"Nobody does juvenile nonfiction better than Murphy." -- The Washington Post
“A mesmerizing, macabre account that will make readers happy they live in the 21st century. Powerful, evocative prose carries the compelling subject matter. Stellar." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Superbly written...extremely accessible and readable. Represents nonfiction at its best." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"Murphy chronicles this frightening time with solid research and a flair for weaving facts into fascinating stories." -- School Library Journal (starred)
5. Connections –
With Jim Murphy, you can make connections to one of his more than 30 books. I have listed a few of them below:
Non-fiction:
• ACROSS AMERICA ON AN EMIGRANT TRAIN
• THE REAL BENEDICT ARNOLD
• TRUCE: THE DAY THE SOLDIERS STOPPED FIGHTING
• A SAVAGE THUNDER: ANTIETAM AND THE BLOODY ROAD TO FREEDOM
• THE GREAT FIRE
• BLIZZARD!: THE STORM THAT CHANGED AMERICA
• THE YOUNG PATRIOT: THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AS EXPERIENCED BY ONE BOY
• THE BOYS WAR: CONFEDERATE AND UNION SOLDIERS TALK ABOUT THE CIVIL WAR
• THE LONG ROAD TO GETTYSBURY
• PICK AND SHOVEL POET: THE JOURNEYS OF PASCAL D’ANGELO
• INSIDE THE ALAMO
• GONE A-WHALING – THE LURE OF THE SEA AND THE HUNT FOR THE GREAT WHALE
Fiction:
• MY NAME IS AMERICA: THE JOURNEY OF JAMES EDMUND PEASE – A CIVIL WAR UNION SOLDIER, VIRGINIA, 1863
• DESPERATE JOURNEY
• DEAR AMERICA: WEST TO THE LAND OF PLENTY – THE DIARY OF TERESA ANGELINO VISCARDI, NEW YORK TO IDAHO TERRITORY, 1883
• DEAR AMERICA: MY FACE TO THE WIND – THE DIARY OF SARAH JANE PRICE, A PRAIRIE TEACHER, BROKEN BOW, NEBRASKA, 1881
• MY NAME IS AMERICA: THE JOURNAL OF BRIAN DOYLE – A GREENHORN ON AN ALASKAN WHALING SHIP, THE FLORENCE, 1874
Picture books:
• FERGUS AND THE NIGHT-DEMON – AN IRISH GHOST STORY
Readers may also enjoy some of the other books that are also about the plague - the Yellow Fever epidemic including:
FEVER 1793:
Anderson, L., 2002. FEVER 1793. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN-10: 0698984919 / ISBN-13: 978-0689848919
and
THE AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF YELLOW FEVER, THE EPIDEMIC THAT SHAPED OUR HISTORY:
Crosby, M., 2006. THE AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF YELLOW FEVER, THE EPIDEMIC THAT SHAPED OUR HISTORY. New York, NY: Berkley Publishing. ISBN-10: 0425212025
Note -
AN AMERICAN PLAGUE is also available on CD and is performed by Pat Bottino. I listened to this book on CD as I drove around town, running errands and picking up my girls from school in the afternoons. Pat Bottino's reading performance was a little monotonous and slow for my liking; with this book - I really preferred to read it myself. But I was curious to hear this story's oral rendition and thought it was interesting that Pat Bottino did not read the old English words 'ye when they were written in the book, but said "the" instead. In this case, I think the book was more exciting and gripping to read it silently, then to hear Pat Bottino read it to you. This is just my opinion.
References
Jansen-Gruber, M., (1998-2009). Kidsreads Reviews, retrieved on October 21, 2009, from http://www.kidsreads.com/reviews/0395776082.asp
Murphy, J. (2009). Jim Murphy: Making History Come Alive, retrieved on October 21, 2009, from http://jimmurphybooks.com/americanplague.htm
JediKermit, (2006). Epinions: Yellow Fever, Big City, retrieved on October 21, 2009, from http://www0.epinions.com/review/An_American_Plague_The_True_and_Terrifying_Story_of_the_Yellow_Fever_Epidemic_of_1793_by_Jim_Murphy/content_223804165764
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Genre #3 Book Review #3 : Kristine O'Connell George - TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS
1. Bibliography -
George, Kristine O’Connell. 2001. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0-618-04597-X
2. Plot Summary –
This is a wonderful book full of camping poems! Camping is such a wonderful adventure for a child or really for anyone of any age. This great poem book captures the fun escapade in the wilderness – from sleeping in a tent, or in a sleeping bag under the stars, to cooking over a campfire and roasting marshmallows, to the wildlife and earth’s natural beauty that surrrounds you. “Everything that happens on a camping trip can be an adventure: for example – pitching a tent, getting dressed inside your sleeping bag on a chilly morning, rowing across the lake with Mom, exploring a dark cave with Dad, discovering an abandoned cabin … meeting a moose … or simply sitting still under a tree, watching and listening”(George,K., 2001).
3. Critical Analysis –
a. Rhythm:
Kristine O’Connell George likes and “enjoys using a variety of different forms of poetry in her book –from structured to free verse” (KG, 2009). She “plays with different forms until she finds the ‘right fit’ for the poem” (KG, 2009). Depending on the subject matter in the poem, George’s arrangement of lines and verses helps the rhythm fit the words and meanings of her poems!
b. Rhyme:
Kristine O’Connell George’s poems are very easy to read, and do not feel forced in any way. Through the arrangement of the words, she can convey what she is hoping to – which is for her audience to feel as if they were actually camping themselves! She uses cinquains and haikus – just two examples of her poetry form to keep thing fresh and appealing!
c. Sound:
George is carefull when she writes her poems to make sure they sound right and convey the feelings and meaning in a simple way. She uses various forms of poetry in her book to help each one sound differently! Her poem entitled “Mosquito Song” actually sounds like a mosquito! The words resonnate like the buzz that the insect makes flying around for its next meal!
d. Language:
Kristine O’Connell George writes her poem “Sleeping Outside” in a cinquain form – for example:
Line 1: 2 syllables
Line 2: 4 syllables
Line 3: 6 syllables
Line 4: 8 syllables
Line 5: 2 syllables
“Cinquains can be a single poem of five lines or contain several stanzas. Students enjoy this form because cinquains provide a definite structure but do not lock them into rhyming. Cinquains also force a writer to be succinct: Every word counts!” (KG, 2009).
For Kristine O’Connell George’s poem “Flashlight”, not only is this poem creatively written in the beam of light, but it is written in haiku form. Kristine George herself mentioned on her website that “This is one of four haiku on the topic of flashlights in Toasting Marshmallows. When I was writing these haiku, I was surprised by how many associations and memories an ordinary flashlight evoked!” (KG, 2009).
e. Imagery:
Kristine O’Connell George’s poems create some surprising and unexpected images – one is transported back to being a child and feeling the excitement of the adventure of camping! Other images are not so surprising, as George writes some poems to actually reflect the subject matter. For example in her poem entitled “Tent” her words actually look like a tent on the page! And in the poem “Storm” the words are falling and hitting us like the rain she mentions in the poem! Her poem “Eavesdropping” is shaped like a crescent moon that is trying to listen to their conversation!
f. Emotions:
Each poem captures a different emotion! These emotions are stirred about naturally as one reads each poem. Some feelings are excitement of the camping adventure, others are timidness to being exposed to nature, and others are a sense of awe for the beauty of our planet! In her poem “Two Voices in a Tent at Night”, you can actually feel the nervous caution and excitement of the children as they try to sleep in their tent, but think they hear something outside making scratching noises.
g. Poetry Books:
“Award-winning poet Kristine O’Connell George turns a flashlight beam on the moments that make up a family camping trip and records them in humorous, evocative, vividly imagined verse redolent of the scent of pine needles and the sound of bees” (George,K., 2001).
The illustrations for TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS, “executed in acrylic paint” are a wonderful accompaniment to the poems themselves. “Kate Kiesler’s vibrant paintings add visual magic to the collaboration, which will leave you with lively memories of a camping trip – even if you’ve never been on one” (George, K., 2001).
h. Awards & Recognitions:
The book TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS received the following awards and recognitions:
• NCTE Notable Children's Book in Language Arts
• Book Links: A Lasting Connections
• School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
• Myra Cohn Livingston Poetry Award CLCSC
• Starred reviews: Booklist, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal
• Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children
• Children’s Literature Choice 2002
• Nominated for the Texas Bluebonnet Master List, the Kentucky Blue Grass Award and Indiana's Young Hoosier's award.
• Los Angeles 100 Best Books: A balanced library acquisition program
4. Review Excerpt(s) –
Below are some of the review excerpts for Kristine O’Connell George’s book, TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS:
** “A young girl savors the sights, sounds, and smells of a family outing. Whether playful or profound, the exquisitely crafted poems reverberate with eloquent yet effortless language, while the radiant acrylic artwork hints at the awe-inspiring mysteries of nature."-- School Library Journal Best Books 2001
** "...a child-focused sense of wonder...the poems are varied and inventive, replete with marvelous images and universal truths...A terrific idyll for summertime sharing, even for confirmed couch potatoes.” -- Luann Toth School Library Journal
** ”Infused with the wonder and thrill of living outdoors, these are direct, satisfying poems that will engage kids at school, across the curriculum, or at home." -- Booklist
** "...This volume by George and Kiesler is as delicious as a roasted marshmallow treat. George's poems shine, the images clear and startling. A "panther cloud crosses the sky"; after a storm, a "confetti of birds"...dance another rain shower." A concrete poem in the shape of a waning moon is exquisite: "Tipping/ a slender/ silver ear,/ Moon tries/ to pretend/ she isn't listening/ to our/ secrets." Readers will definitely want S-mores." -- Publisher's Weekly
** "One can almost see the starlit night, taste the marshmallows, and hear the buzzing insects as words and illustrations combine in this unique collaboration." -- Christopher Moning, Children's Literature
** "Poems convey a wonderful sense of place as a family enjoys the vastness and immediacy of nature while camping." -- Stephanie Loer, Boston Globe
** "Altogether, an engaging trip." -- Kirkus
5. Connections –
Teachers can introduce the poems of Kristine O’Connell George and use them in collaboration with other themes in their classroom. Also the poem book, FOLD ME A POEM has also been translated into Korean, which can springboard learning to multicultural diversity and world geography, culture and events!
** Other books by Kristine O’Connell George are:
• FOLD ME A POEM
• UP!
• ONE MITTEN
• HUMMINGBIRD NEST: A Journal of Poems
• SWIMMING UPSTREAM: Middle School Poems
• LITTLE DOG AND DUNCAN
• LITTLE DOG POEMS
• BOOK!
• OLD ELM SPEAKS: Tree Poems
• THE GREAT FROG RACE
References
George, Kristine O’Connell. 2001. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0-618-04597-X
KG- Kristine O’Connell George, (2009). Toasting marshmallows: Camping poems, retrieved on October 13, 2009, from
http://www.kristinegeorge.com/index.html
George, Kristine O’Connell. 2001. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0-618-04597-X
2. Plot Summary –
This is a wonderful book full of camping poems! Camping is such a wonderful adventure for a child or really for anyone of any age. This great poem book captures the fun escapade in the wilderness – from sleeping in a tent, or in a sleeping bag under the stars, to cooking over a campfire and roasting marshmallows, to the wildlife and earth’s natural beauty that surrrounds you. “Everything that happens on a camping trip can be an adventure: for example – pitching a tent, getting dressed inside your sleeping bag on a chilly morning, rowing across the lake with Mom, exploring a dark cave with Dad, discovering an abandoned cabin … meeting a moose … or simply sitting still under a tree, watching and listening”(George,K., 2001).
3. Critical Analysis –
a. Rhythm:
Kristine O’Connell George likes and “enjoys using a variety of different forms of poetry in her book –from structured to free verse” (KG, 2009). She “plays with different forms until she finds the ‘right fit’ for the poem” (KG, 2009). Depending on the subject matter in the poem, George’s arrangement of lines and verses helps the rhythm fit the words and meanings of her poems!
b. Rhyme:
Kristine O’Connell George’s poems are very easy to read, and do not feel forced in any way. Through the arrangement of the words, she can convey what she is hoping to – which is for her audience to feel as if they were actually camping themselves! She uses cinquains and haikus – just two examples of her poetry form to keep thing fresh and appealing!
c. Sound:
George is carefull when she writes her poems to make sure they sound right and convey the feelings and meaning in a simple way. She uses various forms of poetry in her book to help each one sound differently! Her poem entitled “Mosquito Song” actually sounds like a mosquito! The words resonnate like the buzz that the insect makes flying around for its next meal!
d. Language:
Kristine O’Connell George writes her poem “Sleeping Outside” in a cinquain form – for example:
Line 1: 2 syllables
Line 2: 4 syllables
Line 3: 6 syllables
Line 4: 8 syllables
Line 5: 2 syllables
“Cinquains can be a single poem of five lines or contain several stanzas. Students enjoy this form because cinquains provide a definite structure but do not lock them into rhyming. Cinquains also force a writer to be succinct: Every word counts!” (KG, 2009).
For Kristine O’Connell George’s poem “Flashlight”, not only is this poem creatively written in the beam of light, but it is written in haiku form. Kristine George herself mentioned on her website that “This is one of four haiku on the topic of flashlights in Toasting Marshmallows. When I was writing these haiku, I was surprised by how many associations and memories an ordinary flashlight evoked!” (KG, 2009).
e. Imagery:
Kristine O’Connell George’s poems create some surprising and unexpected images – one is transported back to being a child and feeling the excitement of the adventure of camping! Other images are not so surprising, as George writes some poems to actually reflect the subject matter. For example in her poem entitled “Tent” her words actually look like a tent on the page! And in the poem “Storm” the words are falling and hitting us like the rain she mentions in the poem! Her poem “Eavesdropping” is shaped like a crescent moon that is trying to listen to their conversation!
f. Emotions:
Each poem captures a different emotion! These emotions are stirred about naturally as one reads each poem. Some feelings are excitement of the camping adventure, others are timidness to being exposed to nature, and others are a sense of awe for the beauty of our planet! In her poem “Two Voices in a Tent at Night”, you can actually feel the nervous caution and excitement of the children as they try to sleep in their tent, but think they hear something outside making scratching noises.
g. Poetry Books:
“Award-winning poet Kristine O’Connell George turns a flashlight beam on the moments that make up a family camping trip and records them in humorous, evocative, vividly imagined verse redolent of the scent of pine needles and the sound of bees” (George,K., 2001).
The illustrations for TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS, “executed in acrylic paint” are a wonderful accompaniment to the poems themselves. “Kate Kiesler’s vibrant paintings add visual magic to the collaboration, which will leave you with lively memories of a camping trip – even if you’ve never been on one” (George, K., 2001).
h. Awards & Recognitions:
The book TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS received the following awards and recognitions:
• NCTE Notable Children's Book in Language Arts
• Book Links: A Lasting Connections
• School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
• Myra Cohn Livingston Poetry Award CLCSC
• Starred reviews: Booklist, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal
• Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children
• Children’s Literature Choice 2002
• Nominated for the Texas Bluebonnet Master List, the Kentucky Blue Grass Award and Indiana's Young Hoosier's award.
• Los Angeles 100 Best Books: A balanced library acquisition program
4. Review Excerpt(s) –
Below are some of the review excerpts for Kristine O’Connell George’s book, TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS:
** “A young girl savors the sights, sounds, and smells of a family outing. Whether playful or profound, the exquisitely crafted poems reverberate with eloquent yet effortless language, while the radiant acrylic artwork hints at the awe-inspiring mysteries of nature."-- School Library Journal Best Books 2001
** "...a child-focused sense of wonder...the poems are varied and inventive, replete with marvelous images and universal truths...A terrific idyll for summertime sharing, even for confirmed couch potatoes.” -- Luann Toth School Library Journal
** ”Infused with the wonder and thrill of living outdoors, these are direct, satisfying poems that will engage kids at school, across the curriculum, or at home." -- Booklist
** "...This volume by George and Kiesler is as delicious as a roasted marshmallow treat. George's poems shine, the images clear and startling. A "panther cloud crosses the sky"; after a storm, a "confetti of birds"...dance another rain shower." A concrete poem in the shape of a waning moon is exquisite: "Tipping/ a slender/ silver ear,/ Moon tries/ to pretend/ she isn't listening/ to our/ secrets." Readers will definitely want S-mores." -- Publisher's Weekly
** "One can almost see the starlit night, taste the marshmallows, and hear the buzzing insects as words and illustrations combine in this unique collaboration." -- Christopher Moning, Children's Literature
** "Poems convey a wonderful sense of place as a family enjoys the vastness and immediacy of nature while camping." -- Stephanie Loer, Boston Globe
** "Altogether, an engaging trip." -- Kirkus
5. Connections –
Teachers can introduce the poems of Kristine O’Connell George and use them in collaboration with other themes in their classroom. Also the poem book, FOLD ME A POEM has also been translated into Korean, which can springboard learning to multicultural diversity and world geography, culture and events!
** Other books by Kristine O’Connell George are:
• FOLD ME A POEM
• UP!
• ONE MITTEN
• HUMMINGBIRD NEST: A Journal of Poems
• SWIMMING UPSTREAM: Middle School Poems
• LITTLE DOG AND DUNCAN
• LITTLE DOG POEMS
• BOOK!
• OLD ELM SPEAKS: Tree Poems
• THE GREAT FROG RACE
References
George, Kristine O’Connell. 2001. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0-618-04597-X
KG- Kristine O’Connell George, (2009). Toasting marshmallows: Camping poems, retrieved on October 13, 2009, from
http://www.kristinegeorge.com/index.html
Monday, October 12, 2009
Genre #3 Book Review #2 : Nikki Grimes - HOPSCOTCH LOVE: A FAMILY TREASURY OF LOVE POEMS
1. Bibliography -
Grimes, Nikki. 1999. HOPSCOTCH LOVE: A FAMILY TREASURY OF LOVE POEMS. Ill. by Melodye Benson Rosales. New York, NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books. ISBN: 0-688-15667-3
2. Plot Summary –
It is a collection of 22 different kinds of poems - all speaking about all different kinds of love; motherly love, brotherly love, friendly love, sweetheart love, and love for any age! The back cover jacket of the book mentions that “Twenty-two poems celebrate the different faces of love within the African-American community. This valentine delight from award-winning author Nikki Grimes and inspired painter Melodye Benson Rosales has something for every taste, from sweet to sassy to sentimental. Jump in and feel the love!”
3. Critical Analysis –
a. Rhythm:
Nikki Grimes uses all different rhythms in her collection of poems. Some do rhyme, others are written like a verse novel set of poems, and yet others seem to flow like a song. Depending on the kind of love they convey – the rhythm fits the words and meaning of the poems.
b. Rhyme:
The use of matching sounds appears in the poems entitled “Marcus Toussaint”, “Sister Love”, “The Gift”, and the “Sweethearts Dance”. They are all poems in four lines per stanza rhyming fashion.
c. Sound:
Some of Nikki Grimes’ poems almost seem to sing to us! The words she chooses helps add to the drama or music of the poem like in the poem entitled “Hopscotch Love”.
d. Language:
Her choice of words for each poem is a fresh choice and really reflects the mood she is trying to capture. Whether it is love for a boy, a family member, or a life-long lover, her choice of words helps convey the feelings and emotions for that kind of LOVE.
e. Imagery:
In the poem entitled “Words”, Nikki Grimes uses one word sentences to relay her message of sweet love. She creates a visually vivid mental picture with her unique sense of language. Each word brings such an image to mind! Then she surprises us at the end after growing on each previous word that this love may lead to cavities! Brilliant!
f. Emotions:
The illustrations by Melodye Benson Rosales are a wonderful addition to this book! They help convey the emotions of the love that Nikki Grimes is emulating! Whether it is the love of the two old timers dancing on the dance floor or the young girl hopscotching her way through her love poem – toghter they capture the essence of the forever love and the excitement of the young playful love! “Pineapple Surprise” is a favorite for remembering and stirring up emotions for one’s elder – such as a grandmother!
g. Poetry Books:
This book, HOPSCOTCH LOVE, is a great example of a balance of poems! The theme is definitely LOVE and the topics covered are all very varied! Basically, there is a poem for everyone in this book – one that would appeal to any age, gender or circumstance! It is a wonderful treasury of LOVE!
h. Awards & Recognitions:
Hopscotch Love is an ALA Notable and Coretta Scott King honor book.
4. Review Excerpt(s) –
** “Twenty-two poems celebrate the different faces of love within the African-American community. There's something here for every age and every taste, from sweet to sassy to sentimental. A perfect gift of love for anyone, anytime, on any occasion”. -- Amazon
** “This small treasury will lift readers' spirits and touch their hearts”. -- School Library Journal
** “The lines are short; the words are very simple. The red cover and creamy pages fit with the valentine cuddly style”. -- Booklist
5. Connections –
Other poetry books by Nikki Grimes include:
** Grimes, Nikki. (1998). A DIME A DOZEN. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN-10: 0-8037-2227-3 / ISBN-13: 978-08037-2227-9
** Grimes, Nikki. (2001). A POCKETFUL OF POEMS. Ill. by Javaka Steptoe. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN-10: 0-3959-3868-6 / ISBN-13: 978-0395-93868-3
A list of Nikki Grimes’ books includes:
• Bronx Masquerade
• The Road to Paris
• Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope
• Talkin' About Bessie
• Oh, Bother! Someone's Fighting
• Meet Danitra Brown
• Dark Sons
• My Man Blue
• Thanks a Million: Poems
• Jazmin's Notebook
• Oh, Bother! Someone's Baby-Sitting s
• Wild, Wild Hair
• A Pocketful of Poems
• When Daddy Prays
• Welcome, Precious
• Come Sunday
• What is Goodbye?
• Oh, Brother!
• When Gorilla Goes Walking
• Danitra Brown Leaves Town
• Walt Disney's Cinderella
• Is It Far to Zanzibar?: Poems About Tanzania
• Danitra Brown, Class Clown
• Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel
• It's Raining Laughter: Poems
• A Dime a Dozen
• From a Child's Heart
• Shoe Magic
• At Jerusalem's Gate
• At Break of Day
References
Grimes, Nikki. 1999. HOPSCOTCH LOVE: A FAMILY TREASURY OF LOVE POEMS. Ill. by Melodye Benson Rosales. New York, NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books. ISBN: 0-688-15667-3
LibraryThing. (2009). Nikki Grimes. Retrieved October 10, 2009, from http://www.librarything.com/http://www.librarything.com/author/grimesnikki&norefer=1
Grimes, Nikki. 1999. HOPSCOTCH LOVE: A FAMILY TREASURY OF LOVE POEMS. Ill. by Melodye Benson Rosales. New York, NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books. ISBN: 0-688-15667-3
2. Plot Summary –
It is a collection of 22 different kinds of poems - all speaking about all different kinds of love; motherly love, brotherly love, friendly love, sweetheart love, and love for any age! The back cover jacket of the book mentions that “Twenty-two poems celebrate the different faces of love within the African-American community. This valentine delight from award-winning author Nikki Grimes and inspired painter Melodye Benson Rosales has something for every taste, from sweet to sassy to sentimental. Jump in and feel the love!”
3. Critical Analysis –
a. Rhythm:
Nikki Grimes uses all different rhythms in her collection of poems. Some do rhyme, others are written like a verse novel set of poems, and yet others seem to flow like a song. Depending on the kind of love they convey – the rhythm fits the words and meaning of the poems.
b. Rhyme:
The use of matching sounds appears in the poems entitled “Marcus Toussaint”, “Sister Love”, “The Gift”, and the “Sweethearts Dance”. They are all poems in four lines per stanza rhyming fashion.
c. Sound:
Some of Nikki Grimes’ poems almost seem to sing to us! The words she chooses helps add to the drama or music of the poem like in the poem entitled “Hopscotch Love”.
d. Language:
Her choice of words for each poem is a fresh choice and really reflects the mood she is trying to capture. Whether it is love for a boy, a family member, or a life-long lover, her choice of words helps convey the feelings and emotions for that kind of LOVE.
e. Imagery:
In the poem entitled “Words”, Nikki Grimes uses one word sentences to relay her message of sweet love. She creates a visually vivid mental picture with her unique sense of language. Each word brings such an image to mind! Then she surprises us at the end after growing on each previous word that this love may lead to cavities! Brilliant!
f. Emotions:
The illustrations by Melodye Benson Rosales are a wonderful addition to this book! They help convey the emotions of the love that Nikki Grimes is emulating! Whether it is the love of the two old timers dancing on the dance floor or the young girl hopscotching her way through her love poem – toghter they capture the essence of the forever love and the excitement of the young playful love! “Pineapple Surprise” is a favorite for remembering and stirring up emotions for one’s elder – such as a grandmother!
g. Poetry Books:
This book, HOPSCOTCH LOVE, is a great example of a balance of poems! The theme is definitely LOVE and the topics covered are all very varied! Basically, there is a poem for everyone in this book – one that would appeal to any age, gender or circumstance! It is a wonderful treasury of LOVE!
h. Awards & Recognitions:
Hopscotch Love is an ALA Notable and Coretta Scott King honor book.
4. Review Excerpt(s) –
** “Twenty-two poems celebrate the different faces of love within the African-American community. There's something here for every age and every taste, from sweet to sassy to sentimental. A perfect gift of love for anyone, anytime, on any occasion”. -- Amazon
** “This small treasury will lift readers' spirits and touch their hearts”. -- School Library Journal
** “The lines are short; the words are very simple. The red cover and creamy pages fit with the valentine cuddly style”. -- Booklist
5. Connections –
Other poetry books by Nikki Grimes include:
** Grimes, Nikki. (1998). A DIME A DOZEN. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN-10: 0-8037-2227-3 / ISBN-13: 978-08037-2227-9
** Grimes, Nikki. (2001). A POCKETFUL OF POEMS. Ill. by Javaka Steptoe. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN-10: 0-3959-3868-6 / ISBN-13: 978-0395-93868-3
A list of Nikki Grimes’ books includes:
• Bronx Masquerade
• The Road to Paris
• Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope
• Talkin' About Bessie
• Oh, Bother! Someone's Fighting
• Meet Danitra Brown
• Dark Sons
• My Man Blue
• Thanks a Million: Poems
• Jazmin's Notebook
• Oh, Bother! Someone's Baby-Sitting s
• Wild, Wild Hair
• A Pocketful of Poems
• When Daddy Prays
• Welcome, Precious
• Come Sunday
• What is Goodbye?
• Oh, Brother!
• When Gorilla Goes Walking
• Danitra Brown Leaves Town
• Walt Disney's Cinderella
• Is It Far to Zanzibar?: Poems About Tanzania
• Danitra Brown, Class Clown
• Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel
• It's Raining Laughter: Poems
• A Dime a Dozen
• From a Child's Heart
• Shoe Magic
• At Jerusalem's Gate
• At Break of Day
References
Grimes, Nikki. 1999. HOPSCOTCH LOVE: A FAMILY TREASURY OF LOVE POEMS. Ill. by Melodye Benson Rosales. New York, NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books. ISBN: 0-688-15667-3
LibraryThing. (2009). Nikki Grimes. Retrieved October 10, 2009, from http://www.librarything.com/http://www.librarything.com/author/grimesnikki&norefer=1
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Genre #3 - Book Review #1: Sonya Sones - WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW
1. Bibliography -
Sones, Sonya. 2001. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW. Ill. by Sonya Sones. New York, NY: Simon Pulse pbk. ISBN-10: 0-689-85553-2 / ISBN-13: 978-0-689-85553-5
2. Plot Summary –
Sophie, a teenage girl uses many poems to describe her life – her relationships with her family, her best friends and with a few boys, as well as the trials and tribulations of her home and school life; while she searches for her true love - her Mr. Right.
3. Critical Analysis –
a. Rhythm:
Sonja Sones arranges her poems in many different ways – her lines and verses flow to a great beat depending on the subject and story that they are explaining to the reader at that moment. They are easy to read, and brilliant!
b. Rhyme:
One or two of her poems do actually rhyme, and use matching sounds, but not many. When she does use rhyme it is not forced and flows magically and easily. She can convey so much meaning in such a few amount of words!
c. Sound:
This book is full of drama! Teen-age hormonal girl drama! Sonya Sones captures this effect with carefully chosen words and letters for its individual and collective effect. It does not feel over-done; on the contrary – it is very satisfying!
d. Language:
Sonja Sones is an amazing author! She uses words and phrases, arranged in such meaningful ways that the reader is actually transported into that age and time in their lives! Some of her poems are fresh and surprising and even though we can relate to the character, we may never have thought of actually talking about the circumstances of that age and time to anyone before. Basically, Sonya Sones puts into words things that many of us would have liked to have said or done but never did when we were teenagers! Of course, this makes it an automatic hit with children of this age group!
e. Imagery:
Sonja Sones creates wonderful imagery with the words that she chooses in this book! Two examples are the poems entitled “deleted” or “cyber soul mate” – just reflecting on those words creates great mental pictures and visual images. Through her creative and unique use of language – once you have started reading her poems - you cannot put the book down until you have reached the end!
f. Emotions:
The emotions in this book were written in such a great natural way – they never seemed forced or fake; and they actually made one feel like they were a teenager again! The emotional impact in this book is great for teens (and older) and really captures the essence of that difficult confusing hormonal time in everyone’s life!
g. Poetry Books:
There was a great balance of poems – some rhymed, others were only a few lines; but they all carried on the same theme of teenage dilemmas and love.
h. Awards & Recognitions:
• Winner of the Iowa Teen Book Award (2005 -2006)
• named by the American Library Association as one of the Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2004 and of 2005
• Michigan Thumbs Up Award Honor Book (2002)
• unanimously chosen an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults (2002)
• unanimously chosen an American Library Association Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2002)
• named an International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice (2003)
• named a Booklist Editor's Choice (2001)
• voted a VOYA Top Shelf for Middle School Readers (2003)
• Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award: YA Recommended Title (2003 -2004)
• named a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age (2002, 2003, and 2004)
• named a Texas Lone Star State Reading List Choice (2003 – 2004)
• named a Top Ten Editor's Choice by Teenreads.com (2001)
• named a Bookreporter.com Best of 2001 for Teens
• chosen a Junior Library Guild selection
• chosen a Scholastic Teen Age Book Club selection
• chosen a Scholastic Trumpet Book Club selection
• chosen a Scholastic Book Fair selection
• nominated for the following state awards:
• Volunteer State Book Award (TN) (2004 – 2005)
• Utah Children's Choice Beehive Award (2003 – 2004)
• Garden State Teen Book Award (NJ) (2003 - 2004)
• Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (2004)
• Rhode Island Teen Book Award (2004)
• South Carolina Young Adult Book Award (2003 – 2004)
• Missouri Gateway Reader's Choice Award for Teens (2003 – 2004)
• Wyoming Library Association Soaring Eagle Book Award (2003 -2004)
4. Review Excerpt(s) –
** “Fast, funny, touching. ...hilarious and irreverent in the style of Naylor's Alice books. The poetry is never pretentious or difficult; on the contrary, the very short, sometimes rhythmic lines make each page fly. Sophie's voice is colloquial and intimate, and the discoveries she makes are beyond formula, even while they are as sweetly romantic as popular song. A natural for reluctant readers, this will also attract young people who love to read." -- Booklist
** "...romantic and sexy, with a happy ending that leaves Sophie together with Mr. Right, Sones ( Stop Pretending: What Happened when My Big Sister Went Crazy, 1999 ) has crafted a verse experience that will leave teenage readers sighing with recognition and satisfaction." -– Kirkus Reviews
** "...Sones is a bright, perceptive writer who digs deeply into her protagonist's soul... Sones's poems are glimpses through a peephole many teens may be peering through for the first time, unaware that others are seeing virtually the same new, scary, unfamiliar things... Sones's book makes these often-difficult years a little more livable by making them real, normal, and OK." -- School Library Journal
** “Winning. What makes this young adult novel so winning is that Sophie's story is told entirely in freewheeling verse -- a 14-year-old's discomfort with her ''fifty-foot'' self set to the tender rhythms of a teenage poet." -- Entertainment Weekly
** “Brilliant.” -- KLIATT
** "...From the opening poem "Nicknames," to the closing "I Slink Into the Cafeteria," What my Mother Doesn't Know captures the sweet confusion of being a teen girl in love for the first time. And the second. And the third." -- Pages Magazine
** "...The poems are snappy, and each one strikes a chord that fluidly moves the reader on to the next episode. Whether she is socking a boy who molests her on the street, purchasing a half dozen sperm-shaped-print panties off the discount rack, or watching her parents finally split apart, Sophie is a strong, likeable, and memorable character." -- Starred Review in VOYA
** “Honest…destined to captivate. – ...Sones (Stop Pretending) poignantly captures the tingle and heartache of being young and boy-crazy...With its separate free verse poems woven into a fluid and coherent narrative with a satisfying ending, Sophie's honest and earthy story feels destined to captivate a young female audience, avid and reluctant readers alike." -- Publisher’s Weekly
5. Connections –
Other books by Sonya Sones would include:
** WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T KNOW
** ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES
** STOP PRETENDING: WHAT HAPPENED WHEN MY BIG SISTER WENT CRAZY
** SIXTEEN: STORIES ABOUT THAT SWEET AND BITTER BIRTHDAY
** NECESSARY NOISE
** LOVE & SEX: TEN STORIES OF TRUTH
** VIOLET AND WINSTON
Other Connections:
** Sonya Sones used to be an animator – the teacher can point out the fun fact that the author puts a little flip book in her book at the end and can have students make their own flip books. See the following information that Sonya Sones provides:
“By the way, if you look in the lower right hand corner of page 231 you will see a line drawing of a couple dancing. I drew this picture based on the painting called "Le Bal a Bougival" by Jean Renoir, the one I mentioned in my book.
Very few of my readers seem to have noticed this, but if you look at that same spot on the rest of the pages of the book, and run them quickly past your fingers, you can see the couple kiss. It's a little tiny flip book, inspired by the years I spent as an animator. Check it out!” (Sonya Sones, 2009).
Also teachers can extend this activity by looking up the famous painting and artist - “Le Bal a Bougival” by Jean Renoir that Sonya Sones mentions in the book.
References
Sonya Sones. 2009. What my mother doesn’t know. Retrieved October 7, 2009, from http://www.sonyasones.com/index.htm
Sones, Sonya. 2001. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW. Ill. by Sonya Sones. New York, NY: Simon Pulse pbk. ISBN-10: 0-689-85553-2 / ISBN-13: 978-0-689-85553-5
2. Plot Summary –
Sophie, a teenage girl uses many poems to describe her life – her relationships with her family, her best friends and with a few boys, as well as the trials and tribulations of her home and school life; while she searches for her true love - her Mr. Right.
3. Critical Analysis –
a. Rhythm:
Sonja Sones arranges her poems in many different ways – her lines and verses flow to a great beat depending on the subject and story that they are explaining to the reader at that moment. They are easy to read, and brilliant!
b. Rhyme:
One or two of her poems do actually rhyme, and use matching sounds, but not many. When she does use rhyme it is not forced and flows magically and easily. She can convey so much meaning in such a few amount of words!
c. Sound:
This book is full of drama! Teen-age hormonal girl drama! Sonya Sones captures this effect with carefully chosen words and letters for its individual and collective effect. It does not feel over-done; on the contrary – it is very satisfying!
d. Language:
Sonja Sones is an amazing author! She uses words and phrases, arranged in such meaningful ways that the reader is actually transported into that age and time in their lives! Some of her poems are fresh and surprising and even though we can relate to the character, we may never have thought of actually talking about the circumstances of that age and time to anyone before. Basically, Sonya Sones puts into words things that many of us would have liked to have said or done but never did when we were teenagers! Of course, this makes it an automatic hit with children of this age group!
e. Imagery:
Sonja Sones creates wonderful imagery with the words that she chooses in this book! Two examples are the poems entitled “deleted” or “cyber soul mate” – just reflecting on those words creates great mental pictures and visual images. Through her creative and unique use of language – once you have started reading her poems - you cannot put the book down until you have reached the end!
f. Emotions:
The emotions in this book were written in such a great natural way – they never seemed forced or fake; and they actually made one feel like they were a teenager again! The emotional impact in this book is great for teens (and older) and really captures the essence of that difficult confusing hormonal time in everyone’s life!
g. Poetry Books:
There was a great balance of poems – some rhymed, others were only a few lines; but they all carried on the same theme of teenage dilemmas and love.
h. Awards & Recognitions:
• Winner of the Iowa Teen Book Award (2005 -2006)
• named by the American Library Association as one of the Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2004 and of 2005
• Michigan Thumbs Up Award Honor Book (2002)
• unanimously chosen an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults (2002)
• unanimously chosen an American Library Association Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2002)
• named an International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice (2003)
• named a Booklist Editor's Choice (2001)
• voted a VOYA Top Shelf for Middle School Readers (2003)
• Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award: YA Recommended Title (2003 -2004)
• named a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age (2002, 2003, and 2004)
• named a Texas Lone Star State Reading List Choice (2003 – 2004)
• named a Top Ten Editor's Choice by Teenreads.com (2001)
• named a Bookreporter.com Best of 2001 for Teens
• chosen a Junior Library Guild selection
• chosen a Scholastic Teen Age Book Club selection
• chosen a Scholastic Trumpet Book Club selection
• chosen a Scholastic Book Fair selection
• nominated for the following state awards:
• Volunteer State Book Award (TN) (2004 – 2005)
• Utah Children's Choice Beehive Award (2003 – 2004)
• Garden State Teen Book Award (NJ) (2003 - 2004)
• Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (2004)
• Rhode Island Teen Book Award (2004)
• South Carolina Young Adult Book Award (2003 – 2004)
• Missouri Gateway Reader's Choice Award for Teens (2003 – 2004)
• Wyoming Library Association Soaring Eagle Book Award (2003 -2004)
4. Review Excerpt(s) –
** “Fast, funny, touching. ...hilarious and irreverent in the style of Naylor's Alice books. The poetry is never pretentious or difficult; on the contrary, the very short, sometimes rhythmic lines make each page fly. Sophie's voice is colloquial and intimate, and the discoveries she makes are beyond formula, even while they are as sweetly romantic as popular song. A natural for reluctant readers, this will also attract young people who love to read." -- Booklist
** "...romantic and sexy, with a happy ending that leaves Sophie together with Mr. Right, Sones ( Stop Pretending: What Happened when My Big Sister Went Crazy, 1999 ) has crafted a verse experience that will leave teenage readers sighing with recognition and satisfaction." -– Kirkus Reviews
** "...Sones is a bright, perceptive writer who digs deeply into her protagonist's soul... Sones's poems are glimpses through a peephole many teens may be peering through for the first time, unaware that others are seeing virtually the same new, scary, unfamiliar things... Sones's book makes these often-difficult years a little more livable by making them real, normal, and OK." -- School Library Journal
** “Winning. What makes this young adult novel so winning is that Sophie's story is told entirely in freewheeling verse -- a 14-year-old's discomfort with her ''fifty-foot'' self set to the tender rhythms of a teenage poet." -- Entertainment Weekly
** “Brilliant.” -- KLIATT
** "...From the opening poem "Nicknames," to the closing "I Slink Into the Cafeteria," What my Mother Doesn't Know captures the sweet confusion of being a teen girl in love for the first time. And the second. And the third." -- Pages Magazine
** "...The poems are snappy, and each one strikes a chord that fluidly moves the reader on to the next episode. Whether she is socking a boy who molests her on the street, purchasing a half dozen sperm-shaped-print panties off the discount rack, or watching her parents finally split apart, Sophie is a strong, likeable, and memorable character." -- Starred Review in VOYA
** “Honest…destined to captivate. – ...Sones (Stop Pretending) poignantly captures the tingle and heartache of being young and boy-crazy...With its separate free verse poems woven into a fluid and coherent narrative with a satisfying ending, Sophie's honest and earthy story feels destined to captivate a young female audience, avid and reluctant readers alike." -- Publisher’s Weekly
5. Connections –
Other books by Sonya Sones would include:
** WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T KNOW
** ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES
** STOP PRETENDING: WHAT HAPPENED WHEN MY BIG SISTER WENT CRAZY
** SIXTEEN: STORIES ABOUT THAT SWEET AND BITTER BIRTHDAY
** NECESSARY NOISE
** LOVE & SEX: TEN STORIES OF TRUTH
** VIOLET AND WINSTON
Other Connections:
** Sonya Sones used to be an animator – the teacher can point out the fun fact that the author puts a little flip book in her book at the end and can have students make their own flip books. See the following information that Sonya Sones provides:
“By the way, if you look in the lower right hand corner of page 231 you will see a line drawing of a couple dancing. I drew this picture based on the painting called "Le Bal a Bougival" by Jean Renoir, the one I mentioned in my book.
Very few of my readers seem to have noticed this, but if you look at that same spot on the rest of the pages of the book, and run them quickly past your fingers, you can see the couple kiss. It's a little tiny flip book, inspired by the years I spent as an animator. Check it out!” (Sonya Sones, 2009).
Also teachers can extend this activity by looking up the famous painting and artist - “Le Bal a Bougival” by Jean Renoir that Sonya Sones mentions in the book.
References
Sonya Sones. 2009. What my mother doesn’t know. Retrieved October 7, 2009, from http://www.sonyasones.com/index.htm
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