tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85846205111437491672023-11-15T09:59:20.313-08:00mamiread2memamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-44999949059203107552009-11-24T19:46:00.000-08:002009-11-24T20:01:03.444-08:00Genre #6 Book Review #3 : Jeff Kinney - DIARY OF A WIMPY KID<strong>1.Bibliography –</strong><br /><br />Kinney, J. (2007). DIARY OF A WIMPY KID. New York, NY: Amulet Books ISBN-10: 0-8109-9455-0 / ISBN-13: 978-0-8109-9455-3<br /> <br /><br /><strong>2. Plot Summary –</strong><br /><br />“The first book begins with an introduction to Greg Heffley and his middle school life. It takes place during his (presumably) sixth grade year. The book also explains the cheese touch early on. It is similar to the game of tag in which the person who touched the cheese had to get rid of it by touching someone else.<br /> <br />In the first half of the book, events such as Halloween, learning to know how to wrestle, and acting in the play of The Wizard of Oz occur. During trick or treating, Greg and Rowley are ambushed by a group of teenagers. Then they take refuge at Greg's grandmother's house and taunt the teenagers from there by making sounds and faces at them. <br /><br />On Christmas day, it shows Greg getting very few presents that he would like. Rowley bought Greg a Big Wheel. Greg then throws a football at Rowley while he is riding the Big Wheel and Rowley breaks his arm. At school, Rowley is surrounded by girls that encourage him to get well which makes Greg mad.<br /> <br />Later, he and Rowley join the Safety Patrol whose responsibility is to walk home morning kindergartners. However, Greg gets kicked off the Patrol for chasing Kindergartners with a worm. When Greg gets kicked off, Rowley starts to ignore Greg. Slowly, they begin drifting apart and Rowley starts hanging out with Collin Lee and when he went to Rowley's house, Greg retaliates by spending his night at Fregley's. That turns into a disaster as Fregley goes crazy and Greg runs away in the middle of the night. <br /><br />Nearing the end of the school year, Rowley's comic strip is entered into the school's newspaper. Greg tells Rowley to list him as the co-creator because it was his idea and joke punchline. Rowley then denies that Greg had anything to do with it. They get ready to fight but are then interrupted by the teenagers they taunted on Halloween. They showed up to pay them back and they force Rowley to eat the cheese, but Greg gets away by saying he's allergic to dairy products. <br /><br />The next day, Greg explains that he removed the cheese, but the way he worded it, it sounded like Greg touched the cheese. For the rest of the year, Greg was in seclusion from everyone else and he and Rowley became friends again” (Wikipedia, 2009).<br /><br /> <br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis -</strong><br /><br /><strong>a. Characters –</strong> <br />The main character is Greg Heffley who lives with his mother, father, big bully brother Rodrick, and little baby brother Manny. His friends are Rowley, who is his best friend, and another kid named Fregley who lives in between Greg and Rowley’s house.<br /><br />Greg’s character is a middle school aged boy who is on an internal journey to do what is right; his emotional growth is reflected in the plot and action and his dialogue is very important to follow. Not only is his language believable for a middle school aged boy, but really reveals the way children think and talk at that age and stage of life.<br /><br />“Greg records his experiences in a middle school where he and his best friend, Rowley, undersized weaklings amid boys who need to shave twice daily, hope just to survive, but when Rowley grows more popular Greg must take drastic measures to save their friendship” (Kinney, J., 2007).<br /><br /><br /><strong>b. Plot –</strong><br />The story is about a middle schooler named Greg who keeps a journal, not a diary, about his year in middle school. He writes about his friends, girls, bullies, his classes, the school play, safety patrol, Halloween, the first snowfall, Christmas and all of the fun adventures a boy would have during a year of school! The events seem plausible and true to life and are fresh, original and creative to keep the reader’s interest!<br /> <br />“Kinney's popular Web comic, which began in 2004, makes its way to print as a laugh-out-loud "novel in cartoons," adapted from the series. Middle school student Greg Heffley takes readers through an academic year's worth of drama. Greg's mother forces him to keep a diary ("I know what it says on the cover, but when Mom went out to buy this thing I specifically told her to get one that didn't say 'diary' on it"), and in it he loosely recounts each day's events, interspersed with his comic illustrations. Kinney has a gift for believable preteen dialogue and narration (e.g., "Don't expect me to be all 'Dear Diary' this and 'Dear Diary' that"), and the illustrations serve as a hilarious counterpoint to Greg's often deadpan voice. The hero's utter obliviousness to his friends and family becomes a running joke. For instance, on Halloween, Greg and his best friend, Rowley, take refuge from some high school boys at Greg's grandmother's house; they taunt the bullies, who then T.P. her house. Greg's journal entry reads, "I do feel a little bad, because it looked like it was gonna take a long time to clean up. But on the bright side, Gramma is retired, so she probably didn't have anything planned for today anyway." Kinney ably skewers familiar aspects of junior high life, from dealing with the mysteries of what makes someone popular to the trauma of a "wrestling unit" in gym class. His print debut should keep readers in stitches, eagerly anticipating Greg's further adventures” (Publisher’s Weekly, 2007).<br /><br /> <br /><strong>c. Setting – </strong><br />The setting for the story is Greg’s house, school, friends’ houses, neighbourhood and community in which he lives. Not only is the setting described in the story when needed, but the author has also made drawings and illustrations to show vivid details whenever necessary. Many readers can visualize the settings of schools, playgrounds, and neighbourhoods with the mention of the different surroundings in the story.<br /><br />“Even though Greg Heffley would rather play video games with his friend Rowley than write in the journal that his mother gives him, he uses it to record, in pictures and in text, the harrowing and clever ways in which he navigates the middle school social scene. Undersized and skinny, Greg has adventures that center on how he manages to separate himself from the geeks and how he evades bigger bullies by employing quick wit and harebrained ideas. Unfortunately Greg's schemes usually backfire, providing readers with the opportunity to delight in his distress. Picked on by an older brother, embarrassed by his baby brother, and closely monitored by his clever parents, Greg reacts in typical middle school fashion, making him a character with which many readers will be able to identify. Kinney provides readers with a realistic view of middle school life as seen through the eyes of the entertaining but not very bright class clown. Readers can expect lots of middle school humor and exaggeration. Kinney manages to inject enough humor in the simple drawings to make them an integral element in the book. Because Kinney began his Wimpy Kid adventures on a Web site, many middle schoolers already familiar with the character will ensure a ready audience for this print version” (VOYA, 2009). <br /> <br /> <br /><strong>d. Theme –</strong><br />The themes of growing up, doing the right thing, finding your place in the world and learning who you are during your middle school years are all reflected in this book. These themes generally reflect univeral truth that transcend time and place, as does the landmark of growing up into adulthood (or at least getting a year older). With the DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, the themes and topics have personal resonance for the child reader and emerge naturally. Also in this story there is no moralizing or didacticism even though one can learn some important life lessons through Greg’s experiences.<br /><br />“Greg Heffley has actually been on the scene for more than two years. Created by an online game developer, he has starred in a Web book of the same name on www.funbrain.com since May 2004. This print version is just as engaging. Kinney does a masterful job of making the mundane life of boys on the brink of adolescence hilarious. Greg is a conflicted soul: he wants to do the right thing, but the constant quest for status and girls seems to undermine his every effort. His attempts to prove his worthiness in the popularity race (he estimates he's currently ranked 52nd or 53rd) are constantly foiled by well-meaning parents, a younger and older brother, and nerdy friends. While Greg is not the most principled protagonist, it is his very obliviousness to his faults that makes him such an appealing hero” (Dare, K., 2009). <br /><br /><br /><strong>e. Style –</strong><br />The style of this book is very unique and extremely appealing for young readers; especially reluctant readers! It is written as if in a lined notebook (or journal) and looks like it is handwritten by a middle schooler. There are a lot of crude, yet hilarious drawings that break up the text on a page. Not only do the language, humour, and illustrations appeal to this elementary-middles school age group, but so does the format. <br /><br />“The first year in the middle-school life of Greg Heffley is chronicled in this laugh-out-loud novel that first appeared on the Internet. Greg tells his story in a series of short, episodic chapters. Most revolve around the adolescent male curse: the need to do incredibly dumb things because they seem to be a good idea at the time. Yet, unlike some other books about kids of this age, there's no sense of a slightly condescending adult writer behind the main character. At every moment, Greg seems real, and the engrossed reader will even occasionally see the logic in some of his choices. Greatly adding to the humor are Kinney's cartoons, which appear on every page. The simple line drawings perfectly capture archetypes of growing up, such as a preschool-age little brother, out-of-touch teachers, and an assortment of class nerds. Lots of fun throughout” (Morning, T., 2009). <br /><br />“Kinney's background as a cartoonist is apparent in this hybrid book that falls somewhere between traditional prose and graphic novel. It offers some of the same adventures as the Web book, but there are enough new subplots to entertain Funbrain followers. This version is more pared down, and the pace moves quickly” (Dare, K., 2008).<br /><br />“The format and humour is very appealing to boys in the middle school years, especially reluctant readers. Boys really respond to this format as most boys look at a page of text and respond more to a mix of text and illustrations; but girls love it too even though they are more avid readers” (Kinney, J., 2008).<br /><br /><br /><strong>f. Gender and Culture –</strong> <br />Even though the protagonist in this story is a boy, and this book naturally appeals to boys around the elementary-middle school aged bracket, this story is also just as appealing to girls. The culture represented in the story is your typical American school-aged group with the different clicks of boys, girls, bullies, nerds, morons, etc. There is only one cultural reference (and only in regards to his name) which is to his peer Chirag Gupta; who must be small for his age as he would be in first grade if school’s grade levels were based on height.<br /><br />“Boys don’t keep diaries—or do they?<br /><br />The launch of an exciting and innovatively illustrated new series narrated by an unforgettable kid every family can relate to<br /><br />It’s a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you’re ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary. <br /><br />In book one of this debut series, Greg is happy to have Rowley, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when Rowley’s star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend’s newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion. <br /><br />Author/illustrator Jeff Kinney recalls the growing pains of school life and introduces a new kind of hero who epitomizes the challenges of being a kid. As Greg says in his diary, “Just don’t expect me to be all ‘Dear Diary’ this and ‘Dear Diary’ that.” Luckily for us, what Greg Heffley says he won’t do and what he actually does are two very different things” (Amazon, 2009).<br /><br /><br /><strong>g. Awards & recognitions –</strong> <br /><br />• #1 New York Times Best Seller thrice <br />• Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards: Favorite Book <br />• ALA Notable Book <br />• Winners of the 2008 Buckeye Children’s Book Award and the Teen Buckeye Book Award - For Grades 3-5: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney (Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2007)<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>4. Review Excerpts –</strong><br /><br />** “For any child thoughtful about growing up and who may be looking for a champion, Jeff Kinney has delivered it. In this hilarious diary told through the eyes of a "wimpy kid," the author tells the story of middle-schooler Greg Heffley, whose friend Rowley begins to move up in the social sphere. Greg decides to take advantage of the situation, and while his and Rowley's friendship is put to the test as a result, readers are laughing all the way. The first book in a series based on the author's online comic, this is a knee-slapping read that keeps fans anxious for more” –- <em>Barnes and Noble</em><br /><br />**"Kinney manages to inject enough humor in the simple drawings to make them an integral element in the book." -- <em>VOYA</em><br /><br />** "The first of three installments, it is an excellent choice for reluctant readers, but more experienced readers will also find much to enjoy and relate to in one seventh grader's view of the everyday trials and tribulations of middle school." -- <em>School Library Journal</em><br /><br />** “Laugh-out-loud funny school stories with lessons.” –- <em>Common Sense Media</em><br /><br />** “Author/illustrator Jeff Kinney perfectly nails the voice of a fifth-grade boy. Greg's (mis)adventures move along rapidly, with one hilarious scene after another, augmented with the equally hysterical comic illustrations. Since its release in April 2007, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID has proven itself to be a winner. This New York Times bestseller has appealed, and will continue to appeal, to middle-grade boys, including reluctant readers --- and is irresistible to adults as well.” -– <em>Terry Miller Shannon - Kidreads</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>5. Connections –</strong><br /><br />“Since its launch in May 2004 on Funbrain.com, the Web version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid has been viewed by 20 million unique online readers. This year, it is averaging 70,000 readers a day” (Amazon, 2009). <br /><br />“The first of three installments, it is an excellent choice for reluctant readers, but more experienced readers will also find much to enjoy and relate to in one seventh grader's view of the everyday trials and tribulations of middle school” (Dare, K., 2008)<br /><br /><strong>Other titles by Jeff Kinney are:</strong><br /><br />DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES<br />DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LAST STRAW<br />DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DO-IT-YOURSELF BOOK<br />DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS<br /><br /><br /><strong>Book Trailers:</strong><br /> <br />Another thing that is fun to do with books is to make a book trailer to get others interested in reading the story. Here is an example of a book trailer for DIARY OF A WIMPY KID made by a school boy:<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWGfLux0E9A <br /> <br /><br /><strong>Audio Book on CD:</strong><br /><br />Another great idea for children, young adults and students of all ages is to listen to books in audio form. Here is a review for DIARY OF A WIMPY KID from AudioFile:<br /><br />“The main character wants to make one thing clear: this is NOT a diary--it's a journal. And it's his mother's idea for him to chronicle his life as a tortured sixth-grader, not his. One day Greg will be famous, but "for now I'm stuck in middle school with a bunch of morons." In a voice that brings to mind Holden Caulfield and David Sedaris rolled into one, Greg discusses the fleeting nature of popularity, the logic of bullying, and the fickleness of the fairer sex. Narrator Ramon de Ocampo is completely tuned in to Greg's angst-filled point of view. Though Greg is not always what you'd call a sympathetic character, de Ocampo's well-dramatized, insightful presentations of his various plights evoke our empathy--and laughter. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition” (Amazon, 2009). <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><strong>References</strong><br /><br />Amazon, (1996-2009). <em>Diary of a wimpy kid</em>, retrieved on November 24, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0810993139/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books <br /><br />Dare, K., (2008). <em>School library journal – Diary of a wimpy kid</em>, retrieved on November 24, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/Diary-Wimpy-Kid-Jeff-Kinney/dp/0810993139/ref=dp_return_2?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books#noop <br /><br />Kinney, J. (2007). <em>DIARY OF A WIMPY KID</em>. New York, NY: Amulet Books ISBN-10: 0-8109-9455-0 / ISBN-13: 978-0-8109-9455-3<br /><br />Kinney, J., (2008). <em>YouTube: Jeff Kinney talks about diary of a wimpy kid</em>, retrieved on November 24, 2009, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BB-JBU9Bv28&feature=related <br /><br /><br />Morning, T., (2009). <em>Booklist – Diary of a wimpy kid</em>, retrieved on November 24, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0810993139/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books<br /><br />Publisher’s Weekly, (2007). <em>Amazon – Diary of a wimpy kid</em>, retrieved on November 24, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/Diary-Wimpy-Kid-Jeff-Kinney/dp/0810993139 <br /><br />VOYA, (2009). <em>Barnes and noble – Diary of a wimpy kid</em>, retrieved on November 24, 2009, from http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Diary-of-a-Wimpy-Kid/Jeff-Kinney/e/9780810993136#TABS <br /><br />Wikipedia, (2009). <em>Diary of a wimpy kid</em>, retrieved on November 24, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diary_of_a_Wimpy_Kidmamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-2752774342580063252009-11-22T20:56:00.000-08:002009-11-24T19:59:29.975-08:00Genre #6 Book Review #2 : Meg Rosoff - HOW I LIVE NOW<strong>1.Bibliography –</strong><br /><br />Rosoff, M. (2004). HOW I LIVE NOW. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books ISBN-10: 0-385-74677-6 / ISBN-13: 978-0385746779<br /><br /> <br /><strong>2. Plot Summary –</strong><br /><br />“Rosoff's story begins in modern day London, slightly in the future, and as its heroine has a 15-year-old Manhattanite called Daisy. She's picked up at the airport by Edmond, her English cousin, a boy in whose life she is destined to become intricately entwined. Daisy stays at her Aunt Penn's country farmhouse for the summer with Edmond and her other cousins. They spend some idyllic weeks together--often alone with Aunt Penn away travelling in Norway. Daisy's cousins seem to have an almost telepathic bond, and Daisy is mesmerized by Edmond and soon falls in love with him. <br /><br />But their world changes forever when an unnamed aggressor invades England and begins a years-long occupation. Daisy and Edmond are separated when soldiers take over their home, and Daisy and Piper, her younger cousin, must travel to another place to work. Their experiences of occupation are never kind and Daisy's pain, living without Edmond, is tangible” (McLay, J., 2004). <br /><br /> <br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis -</strong><br /><br /><strong>a. Characters –</strong><br />The main characters are Elizabeth (Daisy), her Aunt Penn and her British cousins Piper, Edmond, Isaac, and Osbert. In evaluating this book – the main character Daisy undergoes an internal (as well as an external) journey and emotional growth that is more significant than the plot or action. The language Daisy and her cousins use is believeable and reflects the way a teenager thinks and talks at that age and stage of life.<br /><br />“This riveting first novel paints a frighteningly realistic picture of a world war breaking out in the 21st century. Told from the point of view of 15-year-old Manhattan native Daisy, the novel follows her arrival and her stay with cousins on a remote farm in England. Soon after Daisy settles into their farmhouse, her Aunt Penn becomes stranded in Oslo and terrorists invade and occupy England. Daisy's candid, intelligent narrative draws readers into her very private world, which appears almost utopian at first with no adult supervision (especially by contrast with her home life with her widowed father and his new wife). The heroine finds herself falling in love with cousin Edmond, and the author credibly creates a world in which social taboos are temporarily erased. When soldiers usurp the farm, they send the girls off separately from the boys, and Daisy becomes determined to keep herself and her youngest cousin, Piper, alive. Like the ripple effects of paranoia and panic in society, the changes within Daisy do not occur all at once, but they have dramatic effects. In the span of a few months, she goes from a self-centered, disgruntled teen to a courageous survivor motivated by love and compassion. How she comes to understand the effects the war has had on others provides the greatest evidence of her growth, as well as her motivation to get through to those who seem lost to war's consequences. Teens may feel that they have experienced a war themselves as they vicariously witness Daisy's worst nightmares. Like the heroine, readers will emerge from the rubble much shaken, a little wiser and with perhaps a greater sense of humanity” (Publisher’s Weekly, 2004).<br /><br /><br /><strong>b. Plot –</strong><br />Elizabeth, who likes to be known as Daisy, can’t stand that her father has taken a new wife who is pregnant. She flees New York to go and stay with her Aunt Penn (her deceased mother’s sister) and her cousins Osbert, Edmond, Isaac and Piper in England, whom she has never met. Her feelings for her cousin Edmond is just one of the growing up aspects that Daisy learns to deal with – love. Then war breaks out while she is staying there and separates Daisy and Piper from the boys, and her visit ends up being a “growing” up and learning adventure of a lifetime.<br /><br />With this story there is no obvious moralizing, however Daisy and her cousin, Edmond, get closer than cousins are supposed to, and she does make mention to that fact. The climax and conclusion of the story were inevitable but they were not obvious and I was a little surprised at the ending, as it occurred quicker than I had anticipated; however it was true to the author’s story especially as there were definite twists and turns throughout that were unexpected. <br /> <br />"EVERY WAR HAS turning points and every person too.<br /><br />Fifteen-year-old Daisy is sent from Manhattan to England to visit her aunt and cousins she’s never met: three boys near her age, and their little sister. Her aunt goes away on business soon after Daisy arrives. The next day bombs go off as London is attacked and occupied by an unnamed enemy. <br /><br />As power fails, and systems fail, the farm becomes more isolated. Despite the war, it’s a kind of Eden, with no adults in charge and no rules, a place where Daisy’s uncanny bond with her cousins grows into something rare and extraordinary. But the war is everywhere, and Daisy and her cousins must lead each other into a world that is unknown in the scariest, most elemental way” (Amazon, 2009). <br /><br /><br /><strong>c. Setting –</strong> <br />The story is set in rural England, on different farmlands and country-sides. War has broken out and much of life as everyone knew it has turned upside down.<br />The time it is set in is present day and it is believable, as not only are there cell phones, but the Internet and email are referred to in the book. Daisy does a wonderful job of describing the surrounding and her discriptions seem accurate. This story has many universal implications for readers as war can happen anywhere and at anytime – leaving no one completely safe from harm.<br /><br />“Daisy, 15, a troubled New York City teen with a distant father, a wicked (and pregnant) stepmother, and an eating disorder, is sent to England to stay on a rambling farm with her deceased mother's sister's family. It is made up of Aunt Penn "who always has Important Work To Do Related to the Peace Process" and her brood of children: Osbert, 16; 14-year-old twins Isaac and Edmond; and 9-year-old Piper. As the kids spend more and more time together, Daisy warms to them, beginning to tune in to a seemingly psychic bond that the siblings share. When Aunt Penn travels to Oslo, Daisy begins a sexual relationship with Edmond. At the same time, hostile forces invade England. Originally enjoying the freedom of a world that seems to have forgotten them, the cousins are inevitably separated, leaving Piper and Daisy to struggle across the countryside and rejoin the others. Daisy's voice is uneven, being at times teenage vapid, while elsewhere sporting a vocabulary rich with 50-cent words, phrases, and references. In addition, Rosoff barely scratches the surface of the material at hand. At times, this is both intentional and effective (the enemy is never named) but for the most part the dearth of explanation creates insurmountable questions around the basic mechanisms of the plot. There is no explanation of how a small force could take out all communications (including cell phones) and proceed to overrun and to control an entire country. Perhaps even stranger, the ramifications of psychic abilities and underage sexual relationships between first cousins is never addressed” (Davey, D., 2004). <br /><br /> <br /><strong>d. Theme –</strong><br />The themes of journey, survival, trials and tribulations, family and love are all present in this story. A major theme dealing with growing up into adulthood emerges naturally from the story as we see our character Daisy age from 15 years old to 21, and live a lifetime of happiness, fear, love, loneliness, survival and family in that short amount of time.<br /><br />“It would be much easier to tell this story if it were all about a chaste and perfect love between Two Children Against the World at an Extreme Time in History….<br />This is a story about love.<br />It’s also a story about hate, which is why I left New York in the first place. You don’t fly halfway across the world to live with a bund of people you never met, just for a laugh.<br />I guess if I’d known where it was all going to lead, I might have thought twice about stepping onto that plane. I might have worried a little more about Edmond being my cousin.<br />And me being fifteen.<br />But I didn’t. And in the end, those things didn’t matter as much as you think they would.<br />In the end, the world had bigger things to worry about than us” (Rosoff, M., 2004).<br /> <br /><br /><strong>e. Style –</strong><br />The author writes in very informal manner, through the character Daisy’s viewpoint. It was a little difficult for me at times to read, as the author did not ever use quotation marks to signify conversations. Also there were many capital letters used that are not normally used in different places in the story. I understood that the author capitalilized some words to help them stick out and bring more attention to their importance, but it was just not a usage I was familiar or comfortable with. I have not read any other of Meg Rosloff’s books yet, and I wonder if that is her distinctive stamp of her writing.<br /><br />The dialog is natural and some-what believable, has a balance of narration and dialog and the tone, mood, and point of view is appropriate for a teenager running away from a stressful situation at home but learning to deal with a more stressful situation of love and war.<br /><br />“Rosoff's writing style is both brilliant and frustrating. Her descriptions are wonderful, as is her ability to portray the emotions of her characters. However, her long sentences and total lack of punctuation for dialogue can be exhausting. Her narrative is deeply engaging and yet a bit unbelievable. The end of the book is dramatic, but too sudden. The book has a raw, unfinished feel about it, yet that somehow adds to the experience of reading it” (McLay, J., 2004). <br /><br /><br /><strong>f. Gender and Culture –</strong> <br />There is not the usual gender quotient of male vs. female protagonist; instead we see the female protagonist working along side and with the other male protagonist. The author doesn’t overload the story with cultural details but does present accurate cultural markers (like British tea) and presents real people and real problems. The characters are not typecasted nor stereotyped either positively nor negatively.<br /><br />“A 15-year-old, contemporary urbanite named Daisy, sent to England to summer with relatives, falls in love with her aunt's "oldy worldy" farm and her soulful cousins--especially Edmond, with whom she forms "the world's most inappropriate case of sexual obsession." Matters veer in a startling direction when terrorists strike while Daisy's aunt is out of the country, war erupts, and soldiers divide the cousins by gender between two guardians. Determined to rejoin Edmond, Daisy and her youngest cousin embark upon a dangerous journey that brings them face to face with horrific violence and undreamt-of deprivation. Just prior to the hopeful conclusion, Rosoff introduces a jolting leap forward in time accompanied by an evocative graphic device that will undoubtedly spark lively discussions. As for the incestuous romance, Daisy and Edmond's separation for most of the novel and the obvious emotional sustenance Daisy draws from their bond sensitively shift the focus away from the relationship's implicit (and potentially discomfiting) physical dimension. More central to the potency of Rosoff's debut, though, is the ominous prognostication of what a third world war might look like, and the opportunity it provides for teens to imagine themselves, like Daisy, exhibiting courage and resilience in roles traditionally occupied by earlier generations” (Mattson, J., 2004)<br /><br /><br /><strong>g. Awards & recognitions –</strong><br /> <br />** Possibly one of the most talked about books of the year, Meg Rosoff's novel for young adults is the winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2004.<br /><br />** “HOW I LIVE NOW is a young adult novel by Meg Rosoff, first published in 2004. The book won three notable awards including the Michael L. Printz Award and received generally positive reviews.<br /> <br /><strong>Awards and nominations</strong><br /><br />• 2004 Won the Guardian Award[1] <br />• 2004 Shortlisted for the Whitbread Children's Book of the Year[2] <br />• 2004 Longlisted for the Carnegie Medal[3] <br />• 2005 Won the Michael L. Printz Award[4] <br />• 2005 Won the Branford Boase Award[5] <br />• 2005 Shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize[6]” (Wikipedia, 2009).<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><strong>4. Review Excerpts –</strong><br /><br />** "A daring, wise, and sensitive look at the complexities of being young in a world teetering on chaos, Rosoff's poignant exploration of perseverance in the face of the unknown is a timely lesson for us all." -- <em>People Magazine</em><br /><br />** "This riveting first novel paints a frighteningly realistic picture of a world war breaking out in the 21st century . . . Readers will emerge from the rubble much shaken, a little wiser, and with perhaps a greater sense of humanity." -- <em>Publishers Weekly, Starred</em><br /><br />** “That rare, rare thing, a first novel with a sustained, magical and utterly faultless voice. After five pages, I knew she could persuade me to believe anything. This author's debut is undoubtedly stylish, readable and fascinating.” -- <em>Mark Haddon, author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time</em><br /><br />** “A fantastic treat . . . Daisy is an unforgettable heroine.” -- <em>Kliatt, Starred</em><br /><br />** “A winning combination of acerbic commentary, innocence, and sober vision. . . . Hilarious, lyrical, and compassionate.” -- <em>The Horn Book, Starred</em><br /><br />** “Readers will remain absorbed to the very end by this unforgettable and original story.” -- <em>The Bulletin, Starred</em><br /><br />** “Powerful and engaging . . . a likely future classic.” --<em>The Observer (U.K.)</em><br /><br />** “A crunchily perfect knock-out of a debut novel.”-- <em>The Guardian (U.K.) </em><br /><br /><br /> <br /><strong>5. Connections –</strong><br /><br />The following are more titles by Meg Rosoff:<br /><br />** JUST IN CASE<br />** WHAT I WAS: A NOVEL<br />** THE BRIDE’S FAREWELL<br />** MEET WILD BOARS<br />** WILD BOARS COOK<br />** JUMPY JACK & GOOGILY<br /><br /><br /><strong>Book Trailers: </strong><br /><br />Another thing that is fun to do with books is to make a book trailer to get others interested in reading the story. Here is an example of a book trailer for HOW I LIVE NOW:<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt_aDmkEPTQ <br /><br /><br /><strong>Audio Book on CD:</strong><br /><br />Another great idea for children, young adults and students of all ages is to listen to books in audio form. Here is a review for HOW I LIVE NOW on Audio CD:<br /><br />“This is a mesmerizing production of a much-discussed young adult novel. Set in the very near future, the story involves unhappy, anorexic 15-year-old Daisy as she arrives in England to visit her cousins. As soon as she arrives, her aunt must depart for a short trip, leaving Daisy and her three cousins alone in their rural farmhouse. Very soon thereafter, an unnamed aggressor invades England. Kim Mai Guest seems to channel teenaged Daisy while making her actually listenable. She also excels with very young cousin Piper without resorting to a high-pitched little kid voice. For that matter, her rural British men are quite believable. Her pacing is particularly lovely, and while the book has received some criticism for its unique punctuation, it's never a problem in Guest's reading. A.C.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition” (Amazon, 2009). <br /><br /> <br /><strong>References</strong><br /><br />McLay, J., (2004). <em>Amazon.com review – How I live now</em>, retrieved on November 21, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Now-Meg-Rosoff/dp/0385746776<br /><br />Publisher’s Weekly, (2004). <em>Amazon – How I live now</em>, retrieved on November 21, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Now-Meg-Rosoff/dp/0385746776<br /><br />Davey, D., (2004). <em>Library School Journal – How I live now</em>, retrieved on November 22, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0385746776/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books <br /><br />Mattson, J., (2004). <em>Booklist – How I live now</em>, retrieved on November 22, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0385746776/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books <br /><br />Rosoff, M. (2004). <em>HOW I LIVE NOW</em>. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books ISBN-10: 0-385-74677-6 / ISBN-13: 978-0385746779<br /><br />Amazon, (1996-2009). <em>Product discription – How I live now</em>, retrieved on November 22, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0385746776/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books <br /><br />Wikipedia, (2009). How I live now, retrieved on November 22, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_I_Live_Nowmamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-7777018432812292872009-11-18T15:56:00.000-08:002009-11-22T21:22:33.606-08:00Genre #6 Book Review #1 : Neil Gaiman - THE GRAVEYARD BOOK<strong>1.Bibliography –</strong><br /><br />Gaiman, N. (2008). THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. Ill. by Dave McKean. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN: 978-0-06-053093-8<br /> <br /><strong>2. Plot Summary –</strong><br /><br />“In <em>The Graveyard Book</em>, Neil Gaiman has created a charming allegory of childhood. Although the book opens with a scary scene--a family is stabbed to death by ‘a man named Jack’ --the story quickly moves into more child-friendly storytelling. The sole survivor of the attack--an 18-month-old baby--escapes his crib and his house, and toddles to a nearby graveyard. Quickly recognizing that the baby is orphaned, the graveyard's ghostly residents adopt him, name him Nobody ("Bod"), and allow him to live in their tomb. Taking inspiration from Kipling’s <em>The Jungle Book</em>, Gaiman describes how the toddler navigates among the headstones, asking a lot of questions and picking up the tricks of the living and the dead. In serial-like episodes, the story follows Bod's progress as he grows from baby to teen, learning life’s lessons amid a cadre of the long-dead, ghouls, witches, intermittent human interlopers. A pallid, nocturnal guardian named Silas ensures that Bod receives food, books, and anything else he might need from the human world. Whenever the boy strays from his usual play among the headstones, he finds new dangers, learns his limitations and strengths, and acquires the skills he needs to survive within the confines of the graveyard and in wider world beyond” (Broadhead, H., 2009).<br /><br /><br />“A delicious mix of murder, fantasy, humor and human longing, the tale of Nobody Owens is told in magical, haunting prose. A child marked for death by an ancient league of assassins escapes into an abandoned graveyard, where he is reared and protected by its spirit denizens” (ALSC, 2009).<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis </strong>-<br /><br /><strong>a. Characters –</strong><br />The main characters in this story are “Bod” which is short for Nobody Owens, his adoptive parents (Master and Mistress Owens), his guardian Silas, one of his teachers, the wolf - Miss Lupescu, his “alive” childhood friend - Scarlett Amber Perkins, his witch friend - Elizabeth “Liza” Hempstock, Jack – his family’s killer and a few other inhabitants of the graveyard. Other characters from the town include Maureen “Mo” Quilling and Nick Farthing – the school bullies and Bod’s classmates, Mrs. Perkins (Scarlett’s mother), Abanazer Bolger - the pawn shop owner, and Mr. Frost – who’s first name turns out to be Jack!<br /><br /><br />“The chattering dead make a pact. A decision is made, and shelter is granted to the tiny fellow, who has no inkling of his peril. He has no parents, no place, and no name. But the kind-hearted spirits will not let him freeze, or starve, or meet his end by a murderer’s blade. They wrap the breathing boy in a shroud. They call him Nobody, for he looks like nobody but himself” (Geer, T., 2009). <br /><br /><br />“<strong>Nobody Owens</strong>, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn’t live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead” (Gaiman, N., 2008).<br /><br /><br />“<strong>Mr. and Mrs. Owens</strong>, a Partnership. Married for 250 years yet childless all this time, they adopt the yellow-haired boy as their own and love him accordingly. They bring him into their lovely little tomb by the daffodil patch, and there they raise him to be clever and careful. They raise him to be wary of the living. <br /><br /><strong>Silas, a Caretaker</strong>. The graveyard’s caretaker serves as Nobody’s guardian until he might guard himself, for the insubstantial dead must stay with their bones — and they have no means to nourish a living child. Teacher, counselor, and vigilant champion, Silas is not alive, but he is not dead. And unlike the ghosts, he may move among the living in order to acquire food, medicine, and other necessities. <br /><br /><strong>Miss Lupescu, a Teacher</strong>. Foreign and strange, and a terrible cook, Miss Lupescu serves as substitute guardian and general tutor when Silas is called away. She may seem cold and somewhat uncaring, but she is a formidable woman and she has vowed to watch over Nobody, whether he wants her to or not. <br /><br /><strong>Liza Hempstock, a Witch.</strong> She might be dead, but she still has her magic. Buried in the potter’s field outside the confines of the blessed graveyard property, she wishes for a headstone to mark her resting place and she wishes for a friend. One part trickster and one part helping hand, Liza is fickle but mostly fair … and honestly fond of the living boy from the next patch over. <br /><br /><strong>Scarlett Amber Perkins, a Girl</strong>. The cemetery’s dead children make good playmates, but sometimes a living boy might wish for a bit of living company. Scarlett Amber Perkins roams the park beside the cemetery; her mother thinks that her daughter has found an imaginary friend. But as the little girl grows up, Nobody becomes harder and harder to explain away.<br /><br /><strong>The Ghouls</strong>. With their silly titles and preposterous claims to fame, the ghouls are violent, strong, and perfectly daft. Their gate is a dangerous, tempting place; and Nobody knows how to find it. He even knows how to open it. <br /><br /><strong>The Sleer.</strong> At the bottom of a very dark barrow, beneath a hill, in a pit lost to history and myth, an ancient creature called the Sleer waits for its master to return. It hunkers deep below the earth with three objects of uncertain value and power—which it guards with threats and malice. <br /><br /><strong>Every Man Jack</strong>. The less that is said of Jack, the better. His nature is an elaborate puzzle — a series of painful questions with answers that slit throats and breaks bones. What fiend would murder a family while it slept? What monstrous brute would seek to slaughter a toddling child in its crib? This Jack has his reasons, and those reasons reek of evil and rot. He’ll spare no trouble and show no mercy in his quest to end the boy called Nobody Owens” (Geer, T., 2009). <br /><br /><br /><strong>b. Plot –</strong><br />“Hear this tragic tale: a sleeping family, a talented murderer, and an adventurous toddler — orphaned, but not assassinated. Small and alone, by accident and luck he escapes the scene of the crime and climbs a grassy hill to safety. At the top of the hill the boy finds a fence, and on the other side, a dark, quiet place. <br />And what is to become of him? <br /><br />The boy is welcomed on the hill where the dead do not sleep, and the graveyard residents rally to protect him. For outside the fence that separates a city from its ghosts, a dastardly killer is patient and persistent. The danger is real, and it is alive. It is hunting, and wise, and evil. A little child must not be left to the merciless knife of a professional fiend. <br />But who will watch over him?” (Geer, T., 2009).<br /><br /><br />The story is about Bod (Nobody Owens) a toddler that escapes a killer’s knife and winds up in a graveyard. The ghosts (Mr. and Mrs. Owens) are put in charge of raising Bod as their own, by the baby’s deceased mother. The story shows Bod growing up in the safe haven of the graveyard with the help of his guardian Silas and the other residents (ghost, ghouls, etc.). Learning a lot of things about the living world and the world of the dead, Bod grows up knowing that the killer is still out there, in the real world of the living, looking for him.<br /><br /><br />“When a baby escapes a murderer intent on killing the entire family, who would have thought it would find safety and security in the local graveyard?<br /><br />Brought up by the resident ghosts, ghouls and spectres, Bod has an eccentric childhood learning about life from the dead. But for Bod there is also the danger of the murderer still looking for him — after all, he is the last remaining member of the family.<br /><br />A stunningly original novel deftly constructed over eight chapters, featuring every second year of Bod’s life, from babyhood to adolescence. Will Bod survive to be a man?” (Bloomsbury, 2009).<br /><br /><br />The plot is very creative and original and keeps the reader’s interest! It involved a few quests such as when Bod wants to get a headstone for Liza, or go to school and learn, and to dance the “Danse Macabre” – all of which had tasks to accomplish or obstacles to overcome. Not only were the situations believable, but so was the villian that Bod had to try to vanquish!<br /><br /><br />“Somewhere in contemporary Britain, ‘the man Jack’ uses his razor-sharp knife to murder a family, but the youngest, a toddler, slips away. The boy ends up in a graveyard, where the ghostly inhabitants adopt him to keep him safe. Nobody Owens, so named because he ‘looks like nobody but himself,’ grows up among a multigenerational cast of characters from different historical periods that includes matronly Mistress Owens; ancient Roman Caius Pompeius; an opinionated young witch; a melodramatic hack poet; and Bod's beloved mentor and guardian, Silas, who is neither living nor dead and has secrets of his own. As he grows up, Bod has a series of adventures, both in and out of the graveyard, and the threat of the man Jack who continues to hunt for him is ever present. Bod's love for his graveyard family and vice versa provides the emotional center, amid suspense, spot-on humor, and delightful scene-setting. The child Bod's behavior is occasionally too precocious to be believed, and a series of puns on the name Jack render the villain a bit less frightening than he should be, though only momentarily. Aside from these small flaws, however, Gaiman has created a rich, surprising, and sometimes disturbing tale of dreams, ghouls, murderers, trickery, and family” (Honig, M., 2009). <br /><br /><br /><strong>c. Setting – </strong><br />The setting of the story is mostly in the “graveyard”, with the old, ancient tombs and caves in the hills, crypts and some old ruins; with a few exceptions with trips outside of its gates to more present day England. Even though Bod grows up in the graveyard, and it is hard to determine what era he is living in, there is reference to computers and the Internet that leads us to believe that it is more or less present time. <br /><br /><br />“The graveyard is a sacred place and well tended by its various attendants. It is quiet and homey, and there are worse places by far where a boy might grow up. But that is not to say that Nobody’s life is altogether simple or secure. Here and there lurk dangers unexpected and perils uncharted by the living. Though Nobody’s teachers instruct him in the ways of magic and caution, there are some threats a boy must face alone — and some lessons he must learn for himself” (Geer, T., 2009). <br /><br /><br />Neil Gaiman describes the Graveyard with such wonderful detail – you can almost imagine and visualize the surroundings in which Bod is growing up! Most of the details are integral parts of the story that play a part in Bod overcoming the villians in the end.<br /><br /><br />“There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy – an ancient Indigo Man beneath the hill, a gateway to a desert leading to an abandoned dity of ghouls, the strange and terrible manace of the Sleer. <br /><br />But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack – who has already killed Bod’s family….” (Gaiman, N., 2008).<br /><br /> <br /><strong>d. Theme –</strong><br />The main theme of THE GRAVEYARD BOOK reflects the universal truth that transcends time and place and is that of good versus evil; where good is more powerful than evil! The other themes present are friendship, love, hope and life!<br /><br /> <br />“While a highly motivated killer murders his family, a baby, ignorant of the horrific goings-on but bent on independence, pulls himself out of his crib and toddles out of the house and into the night. This is most unfortunate for the killer, since the baby was his prime target. Finding his way through the barred fence of an ancient graveyard, the baby is discovered by Mr. and Mrs. Owens, a stable and caring couple with no children of their own—and who just happen to be dead. After much debate with the graveyard’s rather opinionated denizens, it is decided that the Owenses will take in the child. Under their care and the sponsorship of the mysterious Silas, the baby is named ‘Nobody’ and raised among the dead to protect him from the killer, who relentlessly pursues him. This is an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters. There is plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming” (Koelling, H., 2009). <br /> <br /><br /><strong>e. Style </strong>–<br />Neil Gaiman’s style in this book creates a clear and consistent point of view that not only encourages the reader to believe in the fantasy world but also creates a distinctive framework for the story. He uses distinct language for each of the characters in the story from the ancient beings to the characters of royalty, to the rich and the poor and the group of ghouls and beasts of the underworld. <br /><br /><br />“Although marketed to the younger YA set, this is a rich story with broad appeal and is highly recommended for teens of all ages” (Koelling, H., 2009).<br /><br /><br />“Neil Gaiman's fantasies have entranced both younger readers and adults; this gothic fantasy, a coming-of-age story modeled after The Jungle Book and with slight nods to Harry Potter, will appeal to all ages. By juxtaposing the world of the dead with the world of the living, Gaiman creates a fantastical world where the thoughtful protagonist comes to understand the power of family as he experiences the fear, pains, confusions, and joys of growing up. Critics praised each illustrated chapter as its own little gem, with moments both tender and terrifying—and each equally exciting. <em>The Graveyard Book</em> is sure to become a book to last the ages” (Bookmarks, 2008).<br /><br /><br /><strong>f. Awards & recognitions –</strong> <br /><br />** The Graveyard Book won the The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature. (January 27, 2009)<br /><br />** The Graveyard Book was on the New York Times children’s bestseller list for 53 consecutive weeks<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><strong>4. Review Excerpts –</strong><br /><br />** "A child named Nobody, an assassin, a graveyard and the dead are the perfect combination in this deliciously creepy tale, which is sometimes humorous, sometimes haunting and sometimes surprising." -- <em>Newbery Committee Chair Rose V. Treviño</em><br /><br /><br />** THE GRAVEYARD BOOK is endlessly inventive, masterfully told, and, like Bod himself, too clever to fit into only one place. This is a book for everyone. You will love it to death. -– <em>Holly Black, co-creator of The Spiderwick Chronicles</em><br /><br /><br />** THE GRAVEYARD BOOK is everything everyone loves about Neil Gaiman, only multiplied many times over, a novel that showcases his effortless feel for narrative, his flawless instincts for suspense, and above all, his dark, almost silky sense of humor. -– <em>Joe Hill, author of HEART-SHAPED BOX</em><br /><br /><br />** It takes a graveyard to raise a child. My favorite thing about this book was watching Bod grow up in his fine crumbly graveyard with his dead and living friends. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK is another surprising and terrific book from Neil Gaiman. -– <em>Audrey Niffenegger, author of THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE</em><br /><br /><br />** THE GRAVEYARD BOOK manages the remarkable feat of playing delightful jazz riffs on Kipling’s classic Jungle Book. One might call this book a small jewel, but in fact it’s much bigger within than it looks from the outside. -– <em>Peter S. Beagle, author of THE LAST UNICORN</em><br /><br /><br />** “After finishing THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, I had only one thought – I hope there’s more. I want to see more of the adventures of Nobody Owens, and there is no hight praise for this book.” -– <em>Laurell K. Hamilton, author of the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series</em><br /><br /><br />** "This is, quite frankly, the best book Neil Gaiman has ever written. How he has managed to combine fascinating, friendly, frightening and fearsome in one fantasy I shall never know, but he has pulled it off magnificently - perfect for Halloween and any other time of the year." -- <em>Diana Wynne Jones, author of The Chronicles of Chrestomanci </em><br /><br /><br />** "I wish my younger self could have had the opportunity to read and re-read this wonderful book, and my older self wishes that I had written it." -- <em>Garth Nix, author of The Abhorsen Trilogy</em><br /><br /><br />** "This is an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters. There is plenty of darkness, but the novel's ultimate message is strong and life affirming…this is a rich story with broad appeal." -- <em>Booklist (starred review)</em> <br /><br /><br />** "Wistful, witty, wise-and creepy. This needs to be read by anyone who is or has ever been a child." -- <em>Kirkus Reviews (starred review)</em><br /> <br /><br />** "Like a bite of dark Halloween chocolate, this novel proves rich, bittersweet and very satisfying." -- <em>Washington Post</em> <br /><br /><br />** "THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by turns exciting and witty, sinister and tender, shows Gaiman at the top of his form. In this novel of wonder, Neil Gaiman follows in the footsteps of long-ago storytellers, weaving a tale of unforgettable enchantment." -- <em>New York Times Book Review</em><br /><br /><br />** "Lucid, evocative prose and dark fairy-tale motifs imbue the story with a dreamlike quality... this ghost-story-cum-coming-of-age-novel is as readable as it is accomplished." -- <em>Horn Book (starred review)</em> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><strong>5. Connections –</strong><br /><br />“Neil Gaiman is the author of many highly acclaimed and award-winning books for children and adults, including the New York Times bestseller Coraline. He is also the author of the picture books The Wolves in the Walls and The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, both illustrated by Dave McKean, Blueberry Girl, illustrated by Charles Vess, and The Dangerous Alphabet, illustrated by Gris Grimly. Among his many awards are the World Fantasy Award, the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award, and the Bram Stoker Award. Originally from England, Gaiman now lives in the United States” (Jacketcover, 2008). <br /><br /><strong>Some of Neil Gaiman’s books include:</strong><br /><br />** CORALINE<br />** M IS FOR MAGIC<br />** STARDUST<br /><br /><strong>Other illustrated picture books by Neil Gaiman include:</strong><br /><br />** THE DANGEROUS ALPHABET<br />**MIRROR MASK<br />**THE WOLVES IN THE WALLS<br />**THE DAY I SWAPPED MY DAD FOR TWO GOLDFISH<br /><br /><br /><strong>Book Trailers:</strong> <br /><br />Another thing that is fun to do with books is to make a book trailer to get others interested in reading the story. Here is an example of a book trailer for THE GRAVEYARD BOOK narrated by Neil Gaiman:<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_UUVwTaemk <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><strong>Audio Book on CD:</strong><br /><br />THE GRAVEYARD BOOK is also available in audio form on CD. I listened to a few chapters as the story was narrated by Neil Gaiman himself, and I was curious to hear how the writer narrated his own book. It was very well read, but I found that I was not paying as much attention to the story as I should have been; so I decided that I better read it myself. <br /><br /> <br /><strong>References</strong><br /><br />ALSC, (2009). <em>ALA Newbery medal homepage – 2009 winner – the graveyard book</em>, retrieved on November 18, 2009, from http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal.cfm <br /><br /><br />Gaiman, N. (2008). <em>THE GRAVEYARD BOOK</em>. Ill. by Dave McKean. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN: 978-0-06-053093-8<br /><br /><br />Geer, T., (2009) <em>The graveyard book - website</em>, retrieved on November 18, 2009, from http://www.thegraveyardbook.com/story/<br /> <br /><br />Bloomsbury, (2009). <em>U.K. Bloomsbury editions: the graveyard book</em>, retrieved on November 18, 2009, from http://www.thegraveyardbook.com/bloomsbury-editions/ <br /><br /><br />Amazon, (1996 – 2009). <em>THE GRAVEYARD BOOK</em>, retrieved on November 16, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0060530928/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books <br /><br /><br />Broadhead, H., (2009). <em>Amazon.com review: The graveyard book</em>, retrieved on November 16, 2009, from<br />http://www.amazon.com/Graveyard-Book-Neil-Gaiman/dp/0060530928/ref=dp_return_2?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books <br /><br /><br />Honig, M., (2009) <em>School library journal: The graveyard book</em>, retrieved on November 17, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/Graveyard-Book-Neil-Gaiman/dp/0060530928/ref=dp_return_2?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books <br /><br /><br />Koelling, H., (2009). <em>Booklist - The graveyard book</em>, retrieved on November 17, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0060530928/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books <br /><br /><br />Bookmarks Magazine, (2008). <em>Bookmarks publishing: The graveyard book</em>, retrieved on November 18, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0060530928/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=booksmamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-4847483353310677682009-11-08T12:05:00.000-08:002009-11-09T12:39:24.713-08:00Genre #5 Book Review #2 : Richard Peck - THE RIVER BETWEEN US<strong>1.Bibliography –</strong><br /><br />Peck, Richard. 2003. THE RIVER BETWEEN US. New York, NY: Dial Books. ISBN-10: 0-8037-2d735-6 / ISBN-13: 978-0803727359 <br /><br /><strong>2. Plot Summary –</strong><br /><br />“This historical novel set at the beginning of the Civil War actually opens in 1916, as 15-year-old Howard Leland Hutchings recounts his trip in a Model T to visit his father's childhood home in Grand Tower, IL. When he and his younger brothers meet the four elderly people who raised their father, the novel shifts to 1861, and the narrator shifts to 15-year-old Tilly Pruitt, the boys' grandmother. When a steamboat from New Orleans brings two mysterious young ladies, Mama offers them room and board, and the Pruitts' lives are forever changed. Fair and beautiful Delphine Duval, with her fancy dresses and high-society ways, fascinates the family. And what of Calinda, the darker-skinned young woman? Could she be Delphine's slave? On the eve of his 16th birthday, Tilly's twin brother, Noah, leaves to join the Union troops at Camp Defiance and Mama, distraught, sends Tilly and Delphine to bring him home. It is here that Tilly learns of Delphine's heritage. She is a quadroon, part of the colored family of a rich white man. Her mother sent her daughters away from New Orleans, hoping Delphine can pass for white. The novel ends with a return to 1916 and Howard's finding out his father's true parentage. In this thoroughly researched novel, Peck masterfully describes the female Civil War experience, the subtle and not-too-subtle ways the country was changing, and the split in loyalty that separated towns and even families. Although the book deals with some weighty themes, it is not without humor. A scene involving strapping on a corset is worthy of Grandma Dowdel herself” (Burns, C., 2003).<br /><br /><br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis -</strong><br /><br /><strong>a. Characters –</strong> <br />The main characters in THE RIVER BETWEEN US are the Pruitt family that consists of Mama, the twins Tilly and Noah, little sister Cass, the mysterious New Orlean’s visitors Delphine Duval and Calinda, Dr. William Hutchings Sr.; and in the beginning and ending of the story we are introduced to Dr. William Hutchings Jr., and his sons Howard Leland Hutchings, and little twin brothers Raymond and Earl. <br /><br />“The actions of the characters are very realistic. Customs from New Orleans are described through Delphine’s and Calinda’s characters. For example, the issue of race and laws preventing interracial marriages are discussed. Cass’ visions and Calinda’s card reading add to the mystery of the novel. The characters come from a variety of backgrounds and family structures” (Library Thing).<br /><br /><br /><strong>b. Plot –</strong><br />“The plot is strong, interesting, and believable” (Library Thing, 2009).<br /><br />The plot of the story actually sees the fusing of two stories in one – two plots coming together in a unique and wonderful way! The first story finds Dr. William Hutchings Jr. and his three sons traveling in their Model Ford T Touring Car in 1916 to their homeplace in Grand Tower where Dr. Hutchings’s family still lived. Then we are transported to 1861 and are given the history of his family through Tilly Pruitt’s eyes and the Civil War era that they lived through; and how the visitors from New Orleans came to live there too. The end of the story brings us back to 1916 and concludes with Dr. Hutchings Jr. talking to his eldest son on their return trip back to St. Louis, in which time we find out the twist in his family’s story!<br /><br />“The Southerners need lodging and Mrs. Pruitt needs money, so a business deal is struck. But, while the duo brings excitement to the Pruitt family, their guests also bring mystery and controversy. Is Delphine a spy? Is Calinda her slave? Why aren’t they moving on to St. Louis as originally planned? When an attraction develops between Noah Pruitt and Delphine, everyone in town seems to know. The intrigue of the guests’ identities merges with the outbreak of war to affect the future in ways none of them expect” (Albion, M., 2005). <br /><br /><strong>c. Setting – </strong><br />The setting for THE RIVER BETWEEN US is the small town of Grand Tower, IL., at the beginning of the Civil War. The banks of the Mississippi River that runs from New Orleans to St. Louis as well as the city of Cairo are also key to the story:<br /><br />“The story takes place in 1916 when Tilly begins telling her family history from 1861. The setting and time periods are described through the actions of the characters. The steamboats and the trains as well as the descriptions of the characters’ clothes and activities allow the reader to understand life in 1861. The story is built around life during the Civil War. The harsh realities of war and its effect on families in this novel are convincing to the reader” (Library Thing, 2009).<br /><br />“Richard Peck is a master of stories about people in transition, but perhaps never before has he told a tale of such dramatic change as this one, set during the first year of the Civil War. The whole country is changing in 1861-even the folks from a muddy little Illinois settlement on the banks of the Mississippi” (Amazon). <br /><br /><strong>d. Theme –</strong><br />In this story, “fifteen-year-old Tilly Pruitt frets over the fact that her brother is dreaming of being a soldier and that her sister is prone to supernatural visions. A boy named Curry could possibly become a distraction. Then a steamboat whistle splits the air. The Rob Roy from New Orleans docks at the landing, and off the boat step two remarkable figures: a vibrant, commanding young lady in a rustling hoop skirt and a darker, silent woman in a plain cloak, with a bandanna wrapped around her head. Who are these two fascinating strangers? And is the darker woman a slave, standing now on the free soil of Illinois? When Tilly's mother invites the women to board at her house, the whole world shifts for the Pruitts and for their visitors as well” (Amazon, 2009). <br /><br /><strong>e. Style –</strong> <br />“Within a page-turning tale of mystery, adventure, and the civilian Civil War experience, Richard Peck has spun a breathtaking portrait of the lifelong impact that one person can have on another. This is a novel of countless riches” (Amazon, 2009). <br /><br />“Peck's spare writing has never been more eloquent than in this powerful mystery in which personal secrets drive the plot and reveal the history. True to Tilly's first-person narrative, each sentence is a scrappy, melancholy, wry evocation of character, time, and place, and only the character of Delphine's companion, Calinda, comes close to stereotype. A final historical note and a framing device--a grandson writing 50 years after the story takes place--make the reading even better, the revelations more astonishing. It's a riveting story that shows racism everywhere and young people facing war, not sure what side to be on or why” (Rochman, H., 2003).<br /><br />“As The River Between Us demonstrates, you can’t go wrong with a Richard Peck book. It’s no accident that the author of thirty novels has achieved the Newbery Medal, a Newbery Honor, a National Humanities Medal and scores of other accolades. His books for young people always challenge, never condescend. Masterfully crafted plots grab the reader and plant them firmly in a place and time. His characters are complex, interesting and always human, struggling with history, personal relationships and themselves. The plot lines may twist and turn, but they always bring the reader to a surprising and ultimately extraordinary conclusion. The River Between Us further enhances Peck’s reputation and leaves us all asking when his next book will hit the shelves” (Albion, M., 2005). <br /><br /><strong>f. Additional criteria –</strong> <br />“Conversation is also used to understand the characters. In describing Delphine, Grandma Tilly’s mother told Tilly, “She put some starch in my spine.” In addition changes were seen in Tilly and Cass after the arrival of the mysterious ladies. The reader also noticed a change in Noah and Dr. Hutchings after the Civil War. The dialogue was suited to the time period. Words like et and seegars were used. Delphine, who was from New Orleans, used French terms. The mystery was not solved until the end of the novel. Townspeople thought that Delphine and Calinda were spies. The ghost story was presented at the beginning of the book. However, it was not until the end of the novel before everything came together. The point of view allowed a young person to understand family, customs, and the effects and harsh conditions of the Civil War. The split between the North and the South and the turmoil that families faced are evident in this novel. A surprise ending of Howard finding information about his real grandparents helped the reader understand the serious laws of the time. A River Between Us is a great story woven around the events of the Civil War” (Library Thing, 2009).<br /><br />At the end of the book, there is a note on the story where Mr. Peck talks about the history that he researched that went into making this book more true to life, adding real historical details to make it more authentic. He is quoted by saying:<br /><br />“Researching the Civil War is enough to swamp any novelist’s boat. That war remains the pivot on which all American history turns. It ground on for four endless years, raging on a thousand fronts. I could have spent the rest of my life researching that time. People do. But I had to carve out a place for my young characters to stand.<br /><br />Because it’s a story of two mysterious young women who come north from New Orleans, the focus of the story is upon the war on the Mississippi River. Since they needed a northern destination, I borrowed the hometown of my friend Richard Hughes, because all of my stories are set in real places” (Peck, R., P. 159, 2003).<br /><br /><strong>g. Awards & recognitions –</strong> <br />Richard Peck has won almost every children's fiction award, including the Newbery Medal, and he has recently received a National Humanities Medal from the White House. <br /><br />THE RIVER BETWEEN US has been recognized with the following awards:<br /><br />• National Book Award: Finalist <br />• Scott O'Dell Award<br />• ALA Notable Book <br />• ALA Best Book for Young Adults <br />• Riverbank Review Children's Books of Distinction <br />• Booklist Editor's Choice <br />• NYPL's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing <br />• IRA Book Award <br />• Book Sense 76 Top Ten Selection <br />• Parents' Choice Award<br /><br /><br /><br />“Richard Peck is the first children’s writer to have been awarded a National Humanities Medal. The author of 30 novels, he has also won the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in young-adult literature, the Newbery Medal (for A Year Down Yonder), a Newbery Honor (for A Long Way from Chicago), and numerous other awards and honors. His most recent book, Fair Weather, was included on more than a dozen best-of-the-year lists” (Teacher Scholastic, 2009).<br /><br /><br /><strong>4. Review Excerpts –</strong><br /><br />** A rich tale full of magic, mystery, and surprise. -- <em>Kirkus Reviews, starred review</em><br /><br />** Historical fiction fans should enter this at the top of the must-read list. -- <em>The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review</em><br /><br />** Peck reaches new depth with this Civil War-era novel. . . -- <em>Publishers Weekly, starred review</em><br /><br />** The harsh realities of war are brutally related in a complex, always surprising plot that resonates on multiple levels. -- <em>The Horn Book, starred review</em><br /><br />** This unusual Civil War novel really boosts Peck's credentials as America's best living author for young adults. -- <em>The Washington Post</em><br /><br />** Unforgettable characters and handsome prose make this book one you won't want to miss. -- <em>Children's Literature --This text refers to the Paperback edition.</em> <br /><br />** It's a riveting story that shows racism everywhere and young people facing war, not sure what side to be on or why. -- <em>Booklist, starred review</em><br /><br />** Historical fiction fans should enter this at the top of the must-read list. --<em>The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review</em><br /><br /><br /><strong>5. Connections –</strong><br /><br />Richard Peck is a brilliant award winning author and has many books credited to his name. Some of his other literary works are the following:<br /><br />• DON’T LOOK AND IT WON’T HURT<br />• DREAMLAND LAKE<br />• THROUGH A BRIEF DARKNESS<br />• REPRESENTING SUPER DOLL<br />• THE GHOST BELONGED TO ME<br />• ARE YOU IN THE HOUSE ALONE?<br />• GHOSTS I HAVE BEEN<br />• FATHER FIGURE<br />• SECRETS OF THE SHOPPING MALL<br />• CLOSE ENOUGH TO TOUCH<br />• THE DREADFUL FUTURE OF BLOSSOM CULP<br />• REMEMBERING THE GOOD TIMES<br />• BLOSSOMS CULP AND THE SLEEP OF DEATH<br />• PRINCESS ASHLEY<br />• THOSE SUMMER GIRLS I NEVER MET<br />• VOICES AFTER MIDNIGHT<br />• UNFINISHED PORTRAIT OF JESSICA<br />• BEL-AIR BAMBI AND THE MALL RATS<br />• THE LAST SAFE PLACE ON EARTH<br />• LOST IN CYBERSPACE<br />• THE GREAT INTERACTIVE DREAM MACHINE<br />• STRAYS LIKE US<br />• A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO<br />• AMANDA / MIRANDA<br />• A YEAR DOWN YONDER<br />• FAIR WEATHER<br />• INVITATIONS TO THE WORLD<br /><br /><br />“In the classroom a teacher could use the book to support information on the history of the different people during the Civil War time. The children could discuss the difference in how they fix their meals, how their houses have indoor plumbing, and how they are entertained at theatres in contrast to the life style during the time period of the book. The teacher could use the book to support a lesson on the origin of many of the old folk songs. The children could be taught a song from the time period of the book and then asked to tell what they think the song meant during the Civil War period” (Library Thing, 2009).<br /><br />** “For companion books, see ‘Civil War--An Update’ in the September 2003 issue of Book Links” (Rochman, H.).<br /><br /><strong>Audio Book </strong>- <br />I also listened to this book in CD format. I found it very enjoyable to listen to. My daughter even enjoyed listening to it in the car to and from school. I still however prefer to read a story by myself; but in this case, I did like hearing the different accents of the characters - for example, Delphine's French accent and Tilly's poor English. I also enjoyed hearing the many French words that Delphine spoke, as well as listening to the different songs that the book presented.<br /><br /><br /><strong>References</strong><br /><br />Amazon. (1996-2009). <em>THE RIVER BETWEEN US</em>, retrieved on November 6, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0803727356/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books <br /><br />Burns, C. (2003). <em>Amazon - school library journal</em>, retrieved on November 7, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/River-Between-Us-Richard-Peck/dp/0803727356/ref=dp_return_2?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books <br /><br />Rochman, H. (2003). <em>Amazon – booklist</em>, retrieved on November 8, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/River-Between-Us-Richard-Peck/dp/0803727356/ref=dp_return_2?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books <br /><br />Teacher Scholastic. (2009). <em>Book circle: The river between us</em>, retrieved on November 8, 2009, from http://teacher.scholastic.com/clubs/pdfs/riverbetweenus_t.pdf <br /><br />Peck, Richard. 2003. <em>THE RIVER BETWEEN US</em>. New York, NY: Dial Books. ISBN-10: 0-8037-2d735-6 / ISBN-13: 978-0803727359 <br /> <br />Albion, M. (2005). <em>The five owls review: The river between us</em>, retrieved on November 8, 2009, from http://www.fiveowls.com/reviews/river.htm <br /><br />Library Thing. (2009). <em>The river between us</em>, retrieved on November 8, 2009, from http://www.librarything.com/work/113890mamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-79053151372240755422009-11-09T12:13:00.001-08:002009-11-09T12:30:16.655-08:00Genre #5 Book Review #3 : Karen Cushman - THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE<strong>1.Bibliography –</strong><br /><br />Cushman, K. (1995). THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN-10: 0-395-69229-6 / ISBN-13: 978-0395-69229-5 <br /><br /><strong>2. Plot Summary –</strong><br /><br />“In Medieval England, a nameless, homeless girl is taken in by a sharp-tempered midwife and, in spite of obstacles and hardship, eventually gains the three things she most wants: a full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world” (Cushman, K., 1995).<br /><br />“With simplicity, wit, and humor, Cushman presents another tale of medieval England. Here readers follow the satisfying, literal and figurative journey of a homeless, nameless child called Brat, who might be 12 or 13? No one really knows. She wandered about in her early years, seeking food and any kind of refuge and, like many outsiders, gained a certain kind of wisdom about people and their ways. Still, life held little purpose beyond survival?until she meets the sharp-nosed, irritable local midwife, which is where this story begins. Jane takes her in, re-names her Beetle, and thinks of her as free labor and no competition. Always practical but initially timid, the girl expands in courage and self-awareness, acquiring a cat as a companion, naming herself Alyce, and gaining experience in the ways of midwifery. From the breathless delight of helping a boy to deliver twin calves, to the despair of failure during a difficult birth, to the triumph of a successful delivery, Alyce struggles to understand how she can allow herself to fail and yet have the determination to reach for her own place in the world. Alyce wins. Characters are sketched briefly but with telling, witty detail, and the very scents and sounds of the land and people's occupations fill each page as Alyce comes of age and heart. Earthy humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children's literature” (Miller, S., 1995).<br /><br />“The Midwife's Apprentice is a deft historical novel of medieval England in which an impoverished girl hopelessly circumstanced becomes a worthy young adult learning the skills, craft, and lore of midwifery—for centuries a profession of critical importance for women about to give birth before medical doctors began to deliver babies. She achieves her position through courage, hard work, a feeling heart, and the ability to transform chance encounters into self-knowledge” (Bookrags, 2009).<br /><br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis -</strong><br /><br /><strong>a. Characters –</strong><br />The main characters in the story are: Our female protagonist Alyce (also known as Beetle, Brainless Brat, Dung Beetle, Clodpod, Good-for-Nothing, Idiot, Lackwit, Nitwit, Clodpole and Nincompoop), Jane Sharp (the stern Midwife), Edward (her sort-of-brother), Purr the Cat (Alyce’s companion), Magister Reese (the renowned scholar), Jennet (the innkeeper’s and John Dark’s wife), Will Russet (the red-haired boy she helps deliver calves with).<br /><br />About our protagonist Alyce: “A girl of twelve or thirteen years begins The Midwife's Apprentice without mother, name, or home. She is a stranger to soft words who has known only curses, kicks, and blows. One would need to read widely to find a heroine on the verge of womanhood with a less promising future, yet by the end of the novel she has moved far beyond the desperate struggle just to survive and become a person who knows 'how to try and risk and fail and try again and not give up.’ She has put herself in position to learn everything about being a midwife— physical techniques, herbs, potions, superstitions, spells and charms— and, even more importantly, has unlocked her capacity for compassionate intelligence which will add the grace of tenderness to her future ministrations” (Bookrags, 2009). <br /><br /><br />Karen Cushman takes great strides in making her characters believable with their physical discriptions and personalities. She uses language appropriate to the times as well as the superstitions and activities that people would partake in back in Medieval times. <br /><br />“The story takes place in medieval England. This time our protagonist is Alyce, who rises from the dung heap (literally) of homelessness and namelessness to find a station in life--apprentice to the crotchety, snaggletoothed midwife Jane Sharp. On Alyce's first solo outing as a midwife, she fails to deliver. Instead of facing her ignorance, Alyce chooses to run from failure--never a good choice” (Amazon, 2009).<br /><br /><br /><strong>b. Plot –</strong><br />“Like Cushman's 1994 Newbery Honor Book, Catherine, Called Birdy, this novel is about a strong, young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home. Of course, it's a feminist story for the 1990s, but there's no anachronism. This is a world, like Chaucer's, that's neither sweet nor fair; it's rough, dangerous, primitive, and raucous. Cushman writes with a sharp simplicity and a pulsing beat. From the first page you're caught by the spirit of the homeless, nameless waif, somewhere around 12 years old, "unwashed, unnourished, unloved, and unlovely," trying to keep warm in a dung heap. She gets the village midwife, Jane Sharp, to take her in, befriends a cat, names herself Alyce, and learns something about delivering babies. When she fails, she runs away, but she picks herself up again and returns to work and independence. Only the episode about her caring for a homeless child seems contrived. The characters are drawn with zest and affection but no false reverence. The midwife is tough and greedy ("she did her job with energy and some skill, but without care, compassion, or joy"), her method somewhere between superstition, herbal lore, common sense, and bumbling; yet she's the one who finally helps Alyce to be brave. Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone” (Rochman, H., 2009) <br /><br /><strong>c. Setting –</strong> <br />The story takes place in Medieval England - in the village of the Midwife, in the dung heap, in the meadows, in the fields, on the bank near the river, the Manor where Edward stayed, and in the town where the inn known simply as John Dark’s place (which then became known as “The Cat and Cheese” Inn) was located.<br /><br />“The Midwife's Apprentice takes place in the last years of the thirteenth or the first years of the fourteenth century. <br /><br />This is not stated explicitly but is easily established by internal evidence. <br /><br />References are made to ‘Summer Is Acoming In,’ a Middle English lyric written down in manuscript after 1240 and before 1310, and Edward Longshanks, the first of eight English Kings to bear that name, who reigned from 1272 to 1307” (Bookrags, 2009).<br /> <br />“From the first sentences the world of medieval England bursts to life not just as a physical landscape against which people struggle to survive but almost as a character in its own right: ‘When animal droppings and garbage and spoiled straw are piled up in a great heap, the rotting and moiling give forth heat. Usually no one gets close enough to notice because of the stench. But the girl noticed and, on that frosty night, burrowed deep into the warm, rotting muck, heedless of the smell….’.” (Bookrags, 2009).<br /><br /><br /><strong>d. Theme –</strong><br />The human themes of self-respect, self-reflection and growth, as well as self-worth are all part of this story’s theme. Other themes that are apparent in this book are superstitions and consequences for breaking God’s rules (even if the Devil made you do it). These are all relevant themes today – however, they were brought about in this story to reflect the morals of the times and how the consequences were dealt with back then.<br /> <br />“THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE tells of a dirty, homeless girl in Medieval England who learns self-respect as well as midwifery in this short, excellent read aloud” (Vardell, S., p.180, 2008)<br /><br />“Cushman treats an often perilous and brutal historical period with delicacy, touching on enough of the harshness of the age to bring it to vivid life but muting its cruelest aspects. It is always painful to contemplate filth, poverty, desperate lives of grinding labor, and the truly helpless—orphans, the homeless, and animals—but Cushman presents only what must be shown to be realistic, with all the rendered details put into the service of a moral story. This tale is also presented with adroit finesse. Thus the Midwife's Apprentice has very few social sensitivities that might cause offense; it could be produced as G rated movie without alteration. The few themes or situations that might be potentially objectionable are handled with calming discretion such as the illicit romance between the midwife and the married baker” (Bookrags, 2009).<br /><br /><strong>e. Style –</strong><br />The style of this book reflects the author’s voice and manner and captures the flavour of the times. Cushman captures the speech patterns of the era and creates a “human” story that just happens to be set in a previous historical time but whose message of self-growth, reflection and self-worth transcends time! <br /><br />“The novel vividly depicts its historical period while engaging readers with a heartfelt story, one which should movingly appeal to a wide range of sensitive young adults. This emotional engagement is deeper than just the response to a colorful tale well-told; it is enriched because the novel illuminates universal truths of a kind young readers yearn to embrace” (Bookrags, 2009). <br /><br />“Karen Cushman likes to write with her tongue firmly planted in her cheek, and her feisty female characters firmly planted in history. In The Midwife's Apprentice, which earned the 1996 Newbery Medal, this makes a winning combination for children and adult readers alike” (Amazon, 2009).<br /><br />“Disappointingly, Cushman does not offer any hardships or internal wrestling to warrant Alyce's final epiphanies, and one of the book's climactic insights is when Alyce discovers that lo and behold she is actually pretty! Still, Cushman redeems her writing, as always, with historical accuracy, saucy dialogue, fast-paced action, and plucky, original characters that older readers will eagerly devour” (Amazon, 2009).<br /><br />“In reviewing this 1996 Newbery winner, Publisher’s Weekly said that Cushman ‘has an almost unrivaled ability to build atmosphere, and her evocation of a medieval village, if not scholarly in its authenticity, is supremely colorful and pungent’.(Reed Business Information, Inc., 1996)” (Amazon, 2009).<br /><br />“The Midwife's Apprentice is a fine book for young adults produced by many small artful strokes. There are no flourished displays of literary devices and techniques here, only the traditional storyteller's voice wellmodulated and perfectly pitched for its intended audience. Cushman's supple prose is excellent for brief descriptions of states of mind, individual people, and the natural world. An example of each will illustrate her descriptive dexterity. On Brat's pitiful longings when she is a homeless wretch at the beginning of the book: ‘.. . but dearly would she have loved to eat a turnip without the mud of the field still on it or sleep in a barn fragrant with new hay and not the rank smell of pigs who fart when they eat too much.’ On Magister Reese: ‘He was long and skinny as a heron, with black eyes in a face that looked sad, kindly, hungry, and cold’.” (Bookrags, 2009).<br /><br /><strong>f. Additional criteria –</strong><br />“Karen Cushman has a long-standing interest in history. She says, "I grew tired of hearing about kings, princes, generals and presidents. I wanted to know what life was like for ordinary young people in other times." Research into medieval English history and culture led to the writing of Catherine Called Birdy,winner of the 1995 Newbery Honor Award, and The Midwife's Apprentice, winner of the 1996 Newbery Medal. Her research moved in a new direction as she learned about nineteenth century women and children for The Ballad of Lucy Whipple”. (Amazon, 2009). <br /><br />In the back of her book, Cushman writes her “Author’s Note” section where she discusses midwives as well as midwifery. “Medieval midwifery which was less than an honorable profession, mostly because it was practiced by and on women; was a combination of common sense, herbal knowledge, and superstition, passed from woman to woman through oral tradition and apprenticeship. Things were done the way they had long been done, with little innovation or progress, however this ‘women’s knowledge’ was considered reliable and valuable” (Cushman, p.119, 1995). With all of the details that Cushman adds to her story; one feels that it is a true depiction and accurate account of the medieval times.<br /><br /><br /><strong>g. Awards & recognitions – </strong><br /><br />• Winner, 1996 Newbery Medal<br />• New York Public Library 1995 List of Recommended Books<br />• Booklist for Youth Editor’s Choice 1995<br />• School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, 1995<br />• An American Bookseller Association Pick of the Lists, 1995<br />• A 1996 Notable Children’s Book (ALA)<br />• A 1996 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA) <br /><br /><br /><strong>4. Review Excerpts –</strong><br /><br />"This novel is about a strong, young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home. . . . Kids will be caught up in this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she’s not ugly or stupid or alone." -- <em>School Library Journal, Starred</em><br /><br />"A fascinating view of a far distant time." -- <em>The Horn Book (starred review)</em> <br /><br />“This appeared some time ago but deserves ongoing mention as an excellent story for kids ages 12 and up. An abandoned young girl barely surviving in 14th century England finds a new home with a midwife and studies to be an apprentice - but lack of confidence one day causes her to flee her newfound home and ambitions. Her struggle to return to a meaningful life and world makes for a realistic, absorbing story.” -- <em>Midwest Book Review</em><br /><br /> <br /><strong>5. Connections –</strong><br /><br />Other books available by Karen Cushman are:<br /><br />** CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY<br />** THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE<br />** MATILDA BONE<br />** RODZINA<br /><br /><br /><strong>“Related Titles:</strong><br /><br />Catherine, Called Birdy shares a host of attributes with The Midwife's Apprentice, so many that the second novel stands almost in the same relation to the first as do the two halves of a diptych: together they make up an entire world. Catherine, Called Birdy is the first-person diary account of a highborn thirteen-year-old girl of diminished means struggling to impose her will on the world around her of England in 1290-1291. The Midwife's Apprentice is the third-person story of a lowborn and impoverished thirteenyear-old girl who is trying to survive in the England of about 1300. The two novels touch on the high, the low, and almost all that lies between in this portion of the Middle Ages” (Bookrags, 2009). <br /><br /><br /><strong>“Ideas for Reports and Papers:</strong><br /><br />1. Research herbal medicines used in the Middle Ages and then write a study of which ones are still in use and for what purposes. Are some still used but for different illnesses? How accurate were medieval herbalists in the efficacy of their preparations? <br /><br />2. Research animal husbandry in rural life. Pick several cultures in different time periods and compare their respective animal husbandry practices. <br /><br />3. Rebecs, gitterns, and sackbuts are mentioned in the story. Research these and other medieval musical instruments. How were they built? Out of what materials? Which ones have modern descendants? Which ones have disappeared? Describe how a group of medieval instruments might have sounded and the effects this sound might have had on audiences. <br /><br />4. Research medieval Saint's Days. Which ones were the most important and why?” (Bookrags, 2009).<br /> <br /><br /><strong>“Topics for Discussion:</strong><br /><br />1. Does Alyce have a moral right to take revenge on those who have humiliated her? If so, to what degree? Is it ever right to take personal vengeance in the modern world? If so, in what circumstances and under what conditions? <br /><br />2. Should Alyce protest the sharp practices, if not outright cheating, of the innkeeper's wife? Should Alyce try to deal honestly with the customers despite the example set by Jennet? Is Jennet's justification of her adulterated trade a good one? Would we today accept this explanation for goods or services purchased that was intentionally shorted by the seller?” (Bookrags, 2009).<br /><br /><br /><strong>Audio Book on CD:</strong><br /><br />I also listened to this book in audio format and found this review of it:<br />“From the first sentence, strains of music and the British accent of actress Charlotte Coleman transport the listener to the medieval world of Beetle, the midwife's newly adopted apprentice. Coleman's slightly nasal voice has an air of immaturity, which emphasizes the child's point of view in the third-person narration of this Newbery winner. The text is read at a lively pace with careful attention to the disdainful attitude of Jane Sharp, the midwife, and the innocent wonder of Beetle. Listeners will acquire knowledge about medieval life, birthing practices and herbs, both from the story and from the author interview, which is conducted by a young reader at the end” (Amazon, 2009).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>References</strong><br /><br />Vardell, Sylvia. (2008). <em>Children's literature in action: A librarian's guide. </em>Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.<br /><br />Amazon, (1996 – 2009). <em>The midwife’s apprentice</em>, retrieved on November 9, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/Midwifes-Apprentice-Newbery-Medal-Book/dp/0395692296/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0 <br /><br />Miller, S., (1995). <em>School library journal: The midwife’s apprentice</em>, retrieved on November 9, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/006440630X/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books <br /><br />Rochman, H., (2009). <em>Booklist: The midwife’s apprentice</em>, retrieved on November 9, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/006440630X/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books <br /><br />Bookrags, (1999-2009). <em>The midwife’s apprentice - overview</em>, retrieved November 9, 2009, from http://www.bookrags.com/shortguide-midwifes-apprentice/ <br /><br />Cushman, K. (1995). <em>THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE</em>. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0-395-69229-6 / ISBN-13: 978-0395-69229-5mamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-50487424403500356502009-11-02T16:07:00.000-08:002009-11-02T16:25:44.110-08:00Genre #5 Book Review #1: Elizabeth George Speare - THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND<strong>1.Bibliography – </strong><br /><br />Speare, Elizabeth George. 1958. THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND. New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 0-440-99577-9<br /><br /><strong>2. Plot Summary –</strong><br /><br /> “Orphaned Kit Tyler knows, as she gazes for the first time at the cold, bleak shores of Connecticut Colony, that her new home will never be like the shimmering Carribean islands she left behind. In her relatives’ stern Puritan community, she feels like a tropical bird that that has flown to the wrong part of the world, a bird that is now caged and lonely. The only place where Kit feels completely free is in the meadows, where she enjoys the company of the old Quaker woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond, and on occasion, her young sailor friend Nat. But when Kit’s friendship with the ‘witch’ is discovered, Kit is faced with suspicion, fear, and anger. She herself is accused of witchcraft!” (Speare, E., 1958).<br /><br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis -</strong><br /><br /><strong>a.Characters – </strong><br /> The main characters of the story are Katherine “Kit” Tyler, Hannah Tupper - the old Quaker woman, Nat Eaton - the sailor from the ship the Dolphin, her cousins Mercy and Judith Wood, her Aunt Rachel Wood and Uncle Matthew Wood – who let Kit stay with them in Wethersfield, William Ashyby – the rich lad who courts Kit, John Holbrook – the clergyman who courts Judith but really wanted to court Mercy, Goodwife Cruff – who accuses Kit of being a witch, and the little girl, Goodwife’s daughter, Prudence Cruff - whom Kit teaches to read and write. <br /><br /> As the books main character, “Kit is an impetuous, young girl. Orphaned as a baby, she is brought up in wealth and freedom by her grandfather. One can even say she has been a bit spoiled. Kit has never done a day's work in her life. Her grandfather has been a plantation owner and has many slaves. Slavery is something Kit takes for granted. She has grown up with it and never even gives it a second thought. Kit is used to wealth, color and pretty clothes.<br /><br /> Arriving in a Puritan society, so different to what she knows, is a great shock to her. She has a difficult time adapting to the drab life and hard work. Kit finds all the prayer sessions long and boring. She has never had much of a religious education. The young girl loves reading” (bookrags, 2009), teaching others to read, and spending time in the meadow and with Hannah. Her ways are seen as unpure by the Puritan community as she doesn’t do well to keep herself in line; she speaks her mind, is a Royalist where the King is concerned, consorts with witches (Hannah the Quaker) and can even swim (another witch-like quality). <br /><br /><strong>b. Plot –</strong><br /> “Forced to leave her sunny Caribbean home for the bleak Connecticut Colony, Kit Tyler is filled with trepidation. What this spirited teenager doesn't count on, however, is how her aunt and uncle's stern Puritan community will view her. In the colonies of 1687, a girl who swims, wears silk and satin gowns, and talks back to her elders is not only headstrong, she is in grave danger of being regarded as a witch. When Kit befriends an old Quaker woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond, it is more than the ascetics can take: soon Kit is defending her life. Who can she count on as she confronts these angry and suspicious townspeople?” (Amazon, 2009).<br /><br /><strong>c. Setting –</strong><br /> The story begins with Kit on the ship the Dolphin that is sailing from Barbados to Connecticut. The author vividly describes the integral settings to the reader: the ship, the house that Kit stays in with her family in Connecticut, the river, the great meadow, Hannah’s cabin, the meeting house, as well as Blackbird Pond. Through these descriptions, Speares helps recreate the time and place of the story which not only contributes to the story’s authenticity but aids the reader in visualizing Kit’s tale.<br /><br /> “The novel is set in Wethersfield, Connecticut in 1687. The author gives a very good description of what the living conditions and habits are in colonial New England. Mrs. Speare also provides the reader with the political and religious scenarios of the time. The book's setting is a very essential part of the story.<br /> <br /> This is essentially a historical novel. The story and the main characters are fictional, but based on the behavioral, religious and political reality of the time. The story has a background of true historical facts and characters” (Bookrags, 2009). <br /><br /> “One of Speare's outstanding achievements as a writer is her ability to create a strong sense of place. In The Witch of Blackbird Pond, the contrast between Barbados and New England highlights the distinct characteristics of the Connecticut setting. Speare sets up this contrast in the novel's opening chapter : ‘The bleak line of shore surrounding the gray harbor was a disheartening contrast to the shimmering green and white that fringed the turquoise bay of Barbados...’. Throughout the novel, Speare associates drab colors, particularly gray and black, with Kit's new home, while she describes Barbados with colorful imagery” (Bookrags, 2009).<br /><br /><strong>d. Theme –</strong><br />Two of the themes in this book are intolerance and bigotry:<br /><br /> “In this novel, Elizabeth George Speare shows the dangers of intolerance and bigotry. In general, it is very necessary for people to feel that they fit in. In this way, they feel secure. They feel in control. Those who are different might disrupt their ordered world. This disruption is frightening. All that is unknown is frightening. Therefore, whoever is different is seen a threat. That is what causes the intolerance.<br /><br /> Bigotry and intolerance are very dangerous within a community or society. When people feel that they are the only ones who are right, they give themselves illegitimate power. They justify the most hideous acts under the ruse of righteousness. Some of the most tragic events have occurred under the name of righteousness.<br /><br /> For example, in this book, one sees how the Quakers are persecuted and treated terribly, through the character Hannah’s also known by the townsfolk as the Witch of Blackbird Pond” (Bookrags, 2009).<br /><br /><strong>e. Style –</strong><br /> The author writes this story to reflect the times back in the mid-1600’s as well as way of speech that the God-fearing Puritans would use to talk to one another. It is written so well that all of the above literary elements are woven together to help create this story from a previous historical time. Also, “the story is written in a very straightforward, narrative style. It is written in third person. It concentrates on the main character, Kit. She is present in all the scenes, so the reader's knowledge is restricted to Kit's experiences and point of view” (Bookrags, 2009).<br /><br /><strong>f. Additional criteria –</strong><br /> “Even though the story of Kit Tyler is fictitious, a few real people walk through the imaginary story. Sir Edmond Andros, the royal governor, Captain Samuel Talcott, the magistrate, Eleazer Kimberley, the schoolmaster, and Reverend Gersholm Bulkeley, the ardent royalist, were important men of their time” (Speare, E., 1958).<br /><br /><strong>g. Awards & recognitions –</strong> <br /> ** Winner of the 1959 Newbery Medal<br /> ** ALA Notable Children's Book<br /><br /><strong>4. Review Excerpts –</strong><br /><br /> ** “Irresistible!” –- <em>The Washington Post</em><br /><br /> ** “Compelling.” <em>-– Booklist</em><br /><br /> ** "Strong plot, fully realized characters and convincing atmosphere distinguish this historical narrative of a girl whose rebellion against bigotry and her Puritan surroundings culminates in a witch hunt and trial."--<em>Booklist.</em><br /><br /> ** A high-spirited teenage girl rebels against the narrow-minded ways of Puritan Connecticut and befriends a lonely old woman who is subsequently accused of being a witch. "Strong plot, fully realized characters, and convincing atmosphere distinguish this historical narrative."--<em>Booklist</em>. <br /><br /> ** “Outstanding.” -– <em>San Francisco Chronicle</em><br /><br /><strong>5. Connections –</strong><br /><br /><strong>Books by Elizabeth George Speare include:</strong><br />• Calico Captive (1957) <br />• The Witch of Blackbird Pond (1958) Winner of the 1959 Newbery Medal <br />• The Bronze Bow (1961) Winner of the 1962 Newbery Medal. <br />• The Sign of the Beaver (1983) <br /><br /> This book lends itself to so many educational connections for students, not only from a historical point of view but also from a humanistic stand point. <br />Some essay questions that you can think about and research with students in connection with this story are: <br /><br />• “What influence do different climatic conditions have on cultural habits?<br />• Does bigotry and religious intolerance still exist today? How does it affect our lives?<br />• Who are the Quakers, and why are they considered troublemakers?<br />• Would modern day people be able to survive without all the conveniences of ready-made products, machines and communication systems the way the early settlers did?” (Bookrags, 2009).<br /><br /><strong>Other topics for discussion could include:</strong><br /><br />1. “Why does Speare load the first chapter with so many important characters? <br />Are all the principal characters well drawn? <br />2. Does Kit react to situations the same way that a sixteen-year-old today would? <br />3. What might readers conclude about outcasts in this Puritan society? About the Quakers?” (Bookrags, 2009).<br /><br /><strong>Cool Classroom Connections:</strong><br /><br />“<strong>Puritans</strong><br />What's a Puritan? Why did they come to America? What's the difference between a Puritan and a Pilgrim? What would it be like to live in a family of Puritans? What is a Quaker? <br /><br /><strong>Witches</strong><br />Explore the history of the Salem Witch trials. Compare Kit's experience at her trial. <br /><br /><strong>Early American Life</strong><br />Learn about Connecticut yesterday and today. Explore the life of the women and children in colonial New England. Contrast Kit's life with her grandfather and life with her Puritan aunt and Uncle. Discuss the government of early Connecticut. What was the charter? What was the relationship of England with the colonies? <br /><br /><strong>Barbados Island</strong><br />Where is Barbados? What does it look like? Draw a picture.that will remind Kit of home. What does the land look like? What about the plants and animals? <br /><br /><strong>Prejudices</strong><br />Have you ever been unfair to someone or had something said to you based on your physical appearance? How do we form our prejudices?” (Literature Learning Ladders, 2002).<br /><br /><br /><strong>Note: </strong><br /> I also listened to the CD of the book and thought it was great! The narrator, Mary Beth Hurt was wonderful! She used different voices and intonations to reflect the different characters in the story and was very interesting to listen to! I found this review of the audio story and I agreed with the reviewer:<br /><br /> “Into the somber, hard, emotionally deadened world of the American Puritans drops Kit--a charming, vibrant young woman from the Caribbean. Narrator Mary Beth Hurt sets the tone from the beginning, emphasizing Kit's enthusiasm, intelligence, and independent nature. Her clipped speech and sometimes breathy delivery draw a vivid picture of this lively young woman, forced to tamp down her spirit to fit into this negative, overbearing society. Hurt creates individual and clearly recognizable voices for all the characters, from Hannah's gentle, kind spirit to Matthew's solid but intimidating presence; and she skillfully develops Prudence from an obedient, fearful child without hope to a bright, caring, and courageous young girl. Speare's classic adapts well to audio, and Hurt gives it life, and hope.” (Amazon, 2009).<br /><br /><br /><br />References<br /><br />Speare, Elizabeth George. 1958. <em>THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND</em>. New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 0-440-99577-9<br /><br />Bookrags, (2005-2009). <em>The witch of blackbird pond study guide</em>, retrieved October 31, 2009, from http://www.bookrags.com/The_Witch_of_Blackbird_Pond <br /><br />Amazon, (1996-2009). <em>The witch of blackbird pond</em>, retrieved November 1, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Blackbird-Elizabeth-George-Speare/dp/0440995779/ref=dp_return_2?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books<br /><br />Literature Learning Ladders, (2002). <em>The witch of blackbird pond</em>, retrieved November 1, 2009, from<br />http://eduscapes.com/newbery/59a.htmlmamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-17273439593662957682009-10-24T19:38:00.000-07:002009-10-27T16:22:38.851-07:00Genre #4 Book Review #1 : Jim Murphy - AN AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE TRUE AND TERRIFYING STORY OF THE YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC OF 1793<strong>1. Bibliography -</strong> <br /><br />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 <br /><br /><strong>2. Plot Summary – </strong><br /><br />“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.<br />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. <br /><br />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).<br /><br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis – </strong><br /><br /><strong>a. Accuracy:</strong><br />“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).<br /> <br /><strong>b. Organization:</strong><br />“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). <br /><br />“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).<br /><br /><strong>c. Design:</strong><br /> “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).<br /><br /><strong>d. Style:</strong><br />“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).<br /><br />“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).<br /> <br /><strong>e. Awards & Recognitions: </strong><br />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:<br /><br />• 2004 ALA. Newbery Honor Book Award<br />• 2004 ALA. Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award<br />• National Book Award Finalist Medal<br />• NCTE Orbis Pictus Award<br />• An ALA Notable Children’s Book<br />• A YALSA Best Book for Young Adults<br />• A SLJ Best Book of the Year<br />• Blue Ribbon, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books<br />• An Editor’s Choice, Kirkus Reviews<br /><br /><br /><strong>4. Review Excerpt(s) –</strong><br /><br /> "Nobody does juvenile nonfiction better than Murphy." -- <em>The Washington Post</em><br /><br />“A mesmerizing, macabre account that will make readers happy they live in the 21st century. Powerful, evocative prose carries the compelling subject matter. Stellar." -- <em>Kirkus Reviews</em><br /><br />"Superbly written...extremely accessible and readable. Represents nonfiction at its best." -- <em>Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)</em><br /><br />"Murphy chronicles this frightening time with solid research and a flair for weaving facts into fascinating stories." -- <em>School Library Journal (starred)</em><br /><br /><br /><strong>5. Connections –</strong><br /><br />With Jim Murphy, you can make connections to one of his more than 30 books. I have listed a few of them below:<br /><br /><strong>Non-fiction:</strong><br />• ACROSS AMERICA ON AN EMIGRANT TRAIN<br />• THE REAL BENEDICT ARNOLD<br />• TRUCE: THE DAY THE SOLDIERS STOPPED FIGHTING<br />• A SAVAGE THUNDER: ANTIETAM AND THE BLOODY ROAD TO FREEDOM<br />• THE GREAT FIRE<br />• BLIZZARD!: THE STORM THAT CHANGED AMERICA<br />• THE YOUNG PATRIOT: THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AS EXPERIENCED BY ONE BOY<br />• THE BOYS WAR: CONFEDERATE AND UNION SOLDIERS TALK ABOUT THE CIVIL WAR<br />• THE LONG ROAD TO GETTYSBURY<br />• PICK AND SHOVEL POET: THE JOURNEYS OF PASCAL D’ANGELO<br />• INSIDE THE ALAMO<br />• GONE A-WHALING – THE LURE OF THE SEA AND THE HUNT FOR THE GREAT WHALE<br /><br /><strong>Fiction:</strong><br />• MY NAME IS AMERICA: THE JOURNEY OF JAMES EDMUND PEASE – A CIVIL WAR UNION SOLDIER, VIRGINIA, 1863<br />• DESPERATE JOURNEY<br />• DEAR AMERICA: WEST TO THE LAND OF PLENTY – THE DIARY OF TERESA ANGELINO VISCARDI, NEW YORK TO IDAHO TERRITORY, 1883<br />• DEAR AMERICA: MY FACE TO THE WIND – THE DIARY OF SARAH JANE PRICE, A PRAIRIE TEACHER, BROKEN BOW, NEBRASKA, 1881<br />• MY NAME IS AMERICA: THE JOURNAL OF BRIAN DOYLE – A GREENHORN ON AN ALASKAN WHALING SHIP, THE FLORENCE, 1874<br /><br /><strong>Picture books:</strong><br />• FERGUS AND THE NIGHT-DEMON – AN IRISH GHOST STORY<br /><br />Readers may also enjoy some of the other books that are also about the plague - the Yellow Fever epidemic including:<br /><br />FEVER 1793:<br />Anderson, L., 2002. FEVER 1793. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN-10: 0698984919 / ISBN-13: 978-0689848919<br /><br />and<br /><br />THE AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF YELLOW FEVER, THE EPIDEMIC THAT SHAPED OUR HISTORY:<br />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<br /><br /><br /><strong>Note -</strong> <br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />References<br /><br />Jansen-Gruber, M., (1998-2009). Kidsreads Reviews, retrieved on October 21, 2009, from http://www.kidsreads.com/reviews/0395776082.asp <br /><br />Murphy, J. (2009). Jim Murphy: Making History Come Alive, retrieved on October 21, 2009, from http://jimmurphybooks.com/americanplague.htm <br /><br />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_223804165764mamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-74404835460512995022009-10-25T13:47:00.000-07:002009-10-25T14:01:39.834-07:00Genre #4 Book Review #3 : Seymour Simon - DESTINATION: SPACE<strong>1. Bibliography - </strong><br /><br />Simon, Seymour. 2002. DESTINATION: SPACE. Ill. by NASA’s Hubble Telescope. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 0-688-16290-8<br /><br /><strong>2. Plot Summary – </strong><br /><br />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!<br /><br />“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!<br />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).<br /> <br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis – </strong><br /><br /><strong>a. accuracy:</strong><br />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)<br /><br />“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:<br /><br />“JONES: What makes a good science book for children?<br /><br />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).<br /><br />“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).<br /><br />“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).<br /><br /><strong>b. organization:</strong><br />“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).<br /><br /><strong>c. design:</strong><br />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.<br /><br />“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).<br /> <br /><strong>d. style:</strong><br />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!<br /><br />“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).<br /><br />“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).<br /><br />“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). <br /><br /> <br /><strong>e. Awards & Recognitions:</strong> <br />“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:<br /><br />** 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.<br /><br />** 2003 Empire State Award for Excellence in Literature for Young People<br /><br />** 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. <br /><br />** “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).<br /><br /><br /><strong>4. Review Excerpt(s) –</strong><br /><br />"It would be hard to imagine a better introduction to our little corner of the universe." -- <em>Starred Kirkus Reviews</em>.<br /><br /> “…[W]ill leave … readers …[with] an enhanced sense of wonder at the starscape’s vast, turbulent beauty.” -- <em>Kirkus Reviews</em><br /><br />“An attractive, informative addition to a fine series.” –- <em>Booklist</em><br /><br />“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.” -– <em>Horn Book Magazine</em><br /><br />"The Dean of Science Books for Children." – <em>The New York Times</em><br /><br />"Simon may have done more than any other living author to help us understand and appreciate the beauty of our planet and our universe." – <em>Kirkus Reviews</em><br /><br /><br /><strong>5. Connections –</strong><br /><br />“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).<br /><br />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:<br /><br />• STARS<br />• THE SUN<br />• OUR SOLAR SYSTEM<br />• DESTINATION: MARS<br />• DESTINATION: JUPITER<br />• GALAXIES<br />• COMETS, METERORS AND ASTEROIDS<br />• THE MOON<br />• EARTH: OUR PLANET IN SPACE<br /><br /><br /><br />References<br /><br />Simon, Seymour. 2002. <em>DESTINATION: SPACE</em>. Ill. by NASA’s Hubble Telescope. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 0-688-16290-8<br /><br />Amazon, (1996-2009). <em>DESTINATION: SPACE</em>, retrieved on October 24, 2009, from<br />http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0688162908/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books <br /><br />Wadleigh, L., (2002) <em>Library School Journal</em>, 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<br /><br />Phelan, C., (2009). <em>American Library Association: Booklist</em>, 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<br /><br />Simon, S., (2002-2008). <em>Seymour Simon Website</em>, retrieved on October 25, 2009, from http://www.seymoursimon.com/meet.htm <br /><br />Jones, E., (2002). <em>Ruminator Review – TRAVELING THE UNIVERSE ON A PAPER PLANE: AN INTERVIEW WITH SEYMOUR SIMON,</em> retrieved on October 25, 2009, from http://www.seymoursimon.com/interview1.htm <br /><br />HarperCollinsCanada, (2009). <em>Authors – Seymour Simon</em>, retrieved on October 25, 2009, from http://www.harpercollins.ca/authors/12733/Seymour_Simon/index.aspx <br /><br />SeymourScience, (2009). <em>Seymour Simon’s Blog</em>, retrieved on October 25, 2009, from http://www.seymourscience.com/mamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-51169266874274421152009-10-24T22:37:00.000-07:002009-10-24T22:46:10.454-07:00Genre #4 Book Review #2 : Kathleen Krull - THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM<strong>1. Bibliography - </strong><br /><br />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 <br /><br /><strong>2. Plot Summary – </strong><br /><br />“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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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).<br /> <br /><br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis – </strong><br /><br /><strong>a. accuracy:</strong><br />“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).<br /><br />“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).<br /><br />“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).<br /> <br /><strong>b. organization:</strong><br />“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).<br /><br /><strong>c. design:</strong><br />“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).<br /><br />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)<br /><br /><strong>d. style:</strong><br />“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).<br /><br />“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).<br /><br />“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)<br /> <br /><strong>e. Awards & Recognitions:</strong> <br />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:<br /><br />For her book entitled LEONARDO DA VINCI she received the -<br />• CBC/NSTA Outstanding Science Book of the Year<br />• A Booklinks “Lasting Connection”<br />• A Publishers Weekly Best Book<br />• A Kirkus Best Book of the Year<br /><br />And for her book ISAAC NEWTON she received the following awards:<br />• BCCB Blue Ribbon <br />• School Library Journal Best Book<br />• A Booklist “Top 10 Youth Biography”<br />• ALA Notable Book for Children<br />• Finalist for the Cybils, the Children's and Young Adult Bloggers Literary Award<br />• A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year<br /><br /><br /><strong>4. Review Excerpt(s) –</strong><br /><br />“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.” – <em>The Washington Post</em><br /><br />“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.” --<em>Kirkus Reviews (starred review)</em><br /><br />“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.” --<em>Horn Book</em><br /><br />“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.” -- <em>Booklist</em><br /><br />“A cheeky yet informative biography.” –- <em>Publisher’s Weekly</em><br /><br /><br /><strong>5. Connections –</strong><br /><br /><br />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:<br /><br />• HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: DREAMS TAKING FLIGHT, Illustrated by Amy June Bates<br />• FARTISTE: AN EXPLOSIVELY FUNNY, MOSTLY TRUE STORY<br />• POCAHONTAS: PRINCESS OF THE NEW WORLD, Illustrated by David Diaz<br />• HOUDINI: THE WORLD’S GREATEST MYSTERY MAN AND ESCAPE KING, illustrated by Eric Velasquez (Walker)<br />• A WOMAN FOR PRESIDENT - illustrated by Jane Dyer<br />• BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET<br />• HARVESTING HOPE<br />• WILMA UNLIMITED: HOW WILMA RUDOLPH BECAME THE WORLD’S FASTEST WOMAN<br />• GIANTS OF SCIENCE (series) – MARIE CURIE, SIGMUND FREUD, LEONARDO DA VINCI, ISAAC NEWTON<br /><br /><br /><br />References<br /><br />Krull, Kathleen. 2008. <em>THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM. </em>Ill. by Kevin Hawkes. New York, NY: Knopf/Borzoi - Random House. ISBN: 978-0-375-83216-1 <br /><br />Hungry Tiger Press, (2000-2009). <em>THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM</em>, retrieved on October 23, 2009, from http://www.hungrytigerpress.com/books/roadtooz_krull.shtml <br /><br />Booklist, (2009). <em>Amazon - THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM,</em> retrieved on October 23, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/Road-Oz-Twists-Turns-Triumphs/dp/0375832165 <br /><br />SLJ - School Library Journal, (2009). <em>Amazon - THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM,</em> retrieved on October 23, 2009, from http://www.amazon.com/Road-Oz-Twists-Turns-Triumphs/dp/0375832165 <br /><br />Danielson, J., (2008). <em>Random Illustrator Feature: Kevin Hawkes and the Road to Oz</em>, retrieved October 23, 2009, from http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=1464mamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-75688181873813125052009-10-13T10:35:00.000-07:002009-10-13T10:52:23.140-07:00Genre #3 Book Review #3 : Kristine O'Connell George - TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS<strong>1. Bibliography -</strong> <br /><br />George, Kristine O’Connell. 2001. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0-618-04597-X <br /><br /><strong>2. Plot Summary – </strong><br /><br />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).<br /> <br /><br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis – </strong><br /><br /><strong>a. Rhythm:</strong><br />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!<br /> <br /><strong>b. Rhyme:</strong><br />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!<br /><br /><strong>c. Sound:</strong><br />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!<br /><br /><strong>d. Language:</strong><br />Kristine O’Connell George writes her poem “Sleeping Outside” in a cinquain form – for example:<br /><br />Line 1: 2 syllables<br />Line 2: 4 syllables<br />Line 3: 6 syllables<br />Line 4: 8 syllables<br />Line 5: 2 syllables<br /><br />“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). <br /><br />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).<br /> <br /><strong>e. Imagery:</strong><br />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!<br /><br /><strong>f. Emotions:</strong><br />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.<br /> <br /><strong>g. Poetry Books: </strong><br />“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).<br /><br />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).<br /> <br /><strong>h. Awards & Recognitions:</strong> <br />The book TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS received the following awards and recognitions:<br /><br />• NCTE Notable Children's Book in Language Arts<br />• Book Links: A Lasting Connections<br />• School Library Journal Best Book of the Year<br />• Myra Cohn Livingston Poetry Award CLCSC<br />• Starred reviews: Booklist, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal <br />• Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children<br />• Children’s Literature Choice 2002<br />• Nominated for the Texas Bluebonnet Master List, the Kentucky Blue Grass Award and Indiana's Young Hoosier's award.<br />• Los Angeles 100 Best Books: A balanced library acquisition program<br /><br /><br /><strong>4. Review Excerpt(s) –</strong><br /><br />Below are some of the review excerpts for Kristine O’Connell George’s book, TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS:<br /><br />** “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."-- <em>School Library Journal</em> Best Books 2001<br /><br /><br />** "...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 <em>School Library Journal </em><br /><br />** ”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." -- <em>Booklist</em><br /><br />** "...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." -- <em>Publisher's Weekly </em><br /><br />** "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, <em>Children's Literature</em><br /><br />** "Poems convey a wonderful sense of place as a family enjoys the vastness and immediacy of nature while camping." -- Stephanie Loer, <em>Boston Globe</em><br /><br />** "Altogether, an engaging trip." -- <em>Kirkus</em><br /><br /><br /><strong>5. Connections –</strong><br /><br />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!<br /><br /><strong>** Other books by Kristine O’Connell George are:</strong><br /><br />• FOLD ME A POEM <br /><br />• UP! <br /><br />• ONE MITTEN <br /><br />• HUMMINGBIRD NEST: A Journal of Poems<br /><br />• SWIMMING UPSTREAM: Middle School Poems<br /><br />• LITTLE DOG AND DUNCAN<br /><br />• LITTLE DOG POEMS<br /><br />• BOOK!<br /><br />• OLD ELM SPEAKS: Tree Poems<br /><br />• THE GREAT FROG RACE <br /><br /><br /><br />References<br /><br />George, Kristine O’Connell. 2001. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0-618-04597-X <br /><br />KG- Kristine O’Connell George, (2009). <em>Toasting marshmallows: Camping poems</em>, retrieved on October 13, 2009, from <br />http://www.kristinegeorge.com/index.htmlmamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-24936186947107461622009-10-12T13:07:00.000-07:002009-10-12T13:30:21.395-07:00Genre #3 Book Review #2 : Nikki Grimes - HOPSCOTCH LOVE: A FAMILY TREASURY OF LOVE POEMS<strong>1. Bibliography - </strong><br /><br />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 <br /><br /><strong>2. Plot Summary – </strong><br /><br /> 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!” <br /><br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis – </strong><br /><br /><strong>a. Rhythm:</strong><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>b. Rhyme:</strong><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>c. Sound:</strong><br />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”.<br /> <br /><strong>d. Language:</strong><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>e. Imagery:</strong><br />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!<br /><br /><strong>f. Emotions:</strong><br />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!<br /><br /><strong>g. Poetry Books: </strong><br />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!<br /><br /><strong>h. Awards & Recognitions:</strong> <br />Hopscotch Love is an ALA Notable and Coretta Scott King honor book.<br /><br /> <br /><strong>4. Review Excerpt(s) –</strong><br /><br /><strong>**</strong> “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”. -- <em>Amazon</em><br /><br /><strong>**</strong> “This small treasury will lift readers' spirits and touch their hearts”. -- <em>School Library Journal</em><br /><br /><strong>**</strong> “The lines are short; the words are very simple. The red cover and creamy pages fit with the valentine cuddly style”. -- <em>Booklist</em><br /><br /><br /><strong>5. Connections –</strong><br /><br />Other poetry books by Nikki Grimes include:<br /><br /><strong>**</strong> 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<br /><br /><strong>**</strong> 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<br /><br />A list of Nikki Grimes’ books includes:<br /><br />• Bronx Masquerade <br />• The Road to Paris <br />• Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope <br />• Talkin' About Bessie <br />• Oh, Bother! Someone's Fighting <br />• Meet Danitra Brown <br />• Dark Sons <br />• My Man Blue <br />• Thanks a Million: Poems <br />• Jazmin's Notebook <br />• Oh, Bother! Someone's Baby-Sitting s <br />• Wild, Wild Hair <br />• A Pocketful of Poems <br />• When Daddy Prays <br />• Welcome, Precious <br />• Come Sunday <br />• What is Goodbye? <br />• Oh, Brother! <br />• When Gorilla Goes Walking <br />• Danitra Brown Leaves Town <br />• Walt Disney's Cinderella <br />• Is It Far to Zanzibar?: Poems About Tanzania <br />• Danitra Brown, Class Clown <br />• Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel <br />• It's Raining Laughter: Poems <br />• A Dime a Dozen <br />• From a Child's Heart <br />• Shoe Magic <br />• At Jerusalem's Gate <br />• At Break of Day <br /><br /><br />References<br /><br />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 <br /><br />LibraryThing. (2009). Nikki Grimes. Retrieved October 10, 2009, from http://www.librarything.com/http://www.librarything.com/author/grimesnikki&norefer=1 <br /><br /><strong></strong>mamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-19915492877573739812009-10-10T19:16:00.001-07:002009-10-10T19:34:32.707-07:00Genre #3 - Book Review #1: Sonya Sones - WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW<strong>1. Bibliography -</strong> <br /><br />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 <br /><br /><br /><strong>2. Plot Summary – </strong><br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /><br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis – </strong><br /><br /><strong>a. Rhythm:</strong><br /> 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!<br /><br /><strong>b. Rhyme:</strong><br /> 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!<br /><br /><strong>c. Sound:</strong><br /> 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!<br /><br /><strong>d. Language:</strong><br /> 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!<br /><br /><strong>e. Imagery:</strong><br /> 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! <br /><br /><strong>f. Emotions:</strong><br /> 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!<br /><br /><strong>g. Poetry Books:</strong> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /><strong>h. Awards & Recognitions: </strong><br /><br />• Winner of the Iowa Teen Book Award (2005 -2006)<br /><br />• named by the American Library Association as one of the Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2004 and of 2005<br /><br />• Michigan Thumbs Up Award Honor Book (2002)<br /><br />• unanimously chosen an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults (2002)<br /><br />• unanimously chosen an American Library Association Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2002) <br /><br />• named an International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice (2003) <br /><br />• named a Booklist Editor's Choice (2001) <br /><br />• voted a VOYA Top Shelf for Middle School Readers (2003) <br /><br />• Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award: YA Recommended Title (2003 -2004)<br /><br />• named a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age (2002, 2003, and 2004) <br /><br />• named a Texas Lone Star State Reading List Choice (2003 – 2004) <br /><br />• named a Top Ten Editor's Choice by Teenreads.com (2001) <br /><br />• named a Bookreporter.com Best of 2001 for Teens <br /><br />• chosen a Junior Library Guild selection<br /><br />• chosen a Scholastic Teen Age Book Club selection <br /><br />• chosen a Scholastic Trumpet Book Club selection<br /><br />• chosen a Scholastic Book Fair selection <br /><br />• nominated for the following state awards: <br /><br />• Volunteer State Book Award (TN) (2004 – 2005) <br /><br />• Utah Children's Choice Beehive Award (2003 – 2004) <br /><br />• Garden State Teen Book Award (NJ) (2003 - 2004) <br /><br />• Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (2004)<br /><br />• Rhode Island Teen Book Award (2004)<br /><br />• South Carolina Young Adult Book Award (2003 – 2004)<br /><br />• Missouri Gateway Reader's Choice Award for Teens (2003 – 2004)<br /><br />• Wyoming Library Association Soaring Eagle Book Award (2003 -2004)<br /><br /><br /><strong>4. Review Excerpt(s) –</strong><br /><br />** “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." -- <em>Booklist</em><br /><br />** "...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." -– <em>Kirkus Reviews</em><br /><br />** "...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." -- <em>School Library Journal</em><br /><br />** “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." -- <em>Entertainment Weekly</em><br /><br />** “Brilliant.” -- <em>KLIATT</em><br /><br />** "...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." -- <em>Pages Magazine</em><br /><br />** "...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." -- <em>Starred Review in VOYA</em><br /><br />** “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." -- <em>Publisher’s Weekly </em><br /><br /> <br /><strong>5. Connections –</strong><br /><br />Other books by Sonya Sones would include:<br /><br />** WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T KNOW<br />** ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES<br />** STOP PRETENDING: WHAT HAPPENED WHEN MY BIG SISTER WENT CRAZY<br />** SIXTEEN: STORIES ABOUT THAT SWEET AND BITTER BIRTHDAY<br />** NECESSARY NOISE<br />** LOVE & SEX: TEN STORIES OF TRUTH<br />** VIOLET AND WINSTON<br /><br />Other Connections:<br /><br />** 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:<br /><br />“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. <br />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).<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br />References<br />Sonya Sones. 2009. <em>What my mother doesn’t know</em>. Retrieved October 7, 2009, from http://www.sonyasones.com/index.htmmamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-53233678274670266172009-09-29T21:33:00.000-07:002009-09-29T21:52:05.157-07:00Genre #2 - Book Review #3: Simonds & Swartz & Museum - MOONBEAMS, DUMPLINGS & DRAGON BOATS: A TREASURY OF CHINESE HOLIDAY TALES, ACTIVITIES & RECIPES<strong>1. Bibliography -</strong><br /><br />Simonds, Nina & Swartz, Leslie & The Children’s Museum, Boston. 2002. MOONBEAMS, DUMPLINGS & DRAGON BOATS: A TREASURY OF CHINESE HOLIDAY TALES, ACTIVITIES & RECIPE. Ill. by Meilo So. San Diego, CA: Gulliver Books, Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0-15-201983-9<br /><br /><strong>2. Plot Summary – </strong><br /><br />The book - MOONBEAMS, DUMPLINGS & DRAGON BOATS: A TREASURY OF CHINESE HOLIDAY TALES, ACTIVITIES & RECIPE is a wonderful compilation of traditional stories and folklore, recipes, crafts and activities that are centered on China’s most important holidays and festivals. The holidays that are highlighted in this book are: Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival, Qing Ming and the Cold Food Festival, The Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.<br /> <br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis – </strong><br /><br /><strong>a. Characters</strong>: <br />Since this book is really a collection of many smaller traditional stories and folklore, each traditional story has its own characters. For example, in the first story, The Story of the Kitchen God - the characters were the Jade Emperor, the Kitchen God, the Star God and the people on Earth. In the next story, Dongfang and the Festival of Lanterns - the characters are Dongfang Shuo, the people of the city of Chang’an, the Fire Goddess, the Emperor of the city of Chang’an, the court maiden Yuan Xiao, and the Jade Emperor. And (so on and so forth) this is the case for the following stories. <br /><br /><strong> b. Plot: </strong><br />Each story has its own plot – most of them deal with the traditions and tales that surround the holidays. Some even help explain why people celebrate these holidays and in what ways, including why they eat certain traditional foods on that day. “This sumptuous family treasury offers stories, recipes, and activities in celebration of the major Chinese holidays” (BarnesandNoble, 2009). <br /><br /><strong>c. Setting:</strong><br />Each story in the book has its own setting – usually a city or town, but all of the stories are set in the country of China. Most of the stories also take place many years ago – as they are old tales passed down from generation to generation and concern the traditions and rituals that they observe.<br /><br /><strong>d. Theme:</strong><br />Some of the themes for the stories in this book deal with strong moral and ethical lessons (i.e. how the Jade Emperor rewards or punishes), but most of the stories’ themes are just explanations and fun stories to help clarify why these holidays are celebrated each year. This book “presents background information, related tales, and activities for celebrating the Chinese festivals--Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival, Qing Ming and the Cold Foods Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Moon Festival” (BarnesandNoble, 2009).<br /><br /><strong>e. Style: </strong><br />The stories in this book each capture the “Chinese” traditions and culture. The motifs of magic, usually from the Gods (ie. The Star God, River God, Jade Emperor, etc.) resonates throughout the book. In one of the stories, The Story of Chang E and Hou Yi, they begin with a “once upon a time” with “Many moons ago…”, and establish the main character’s challenge and background. The story ends with the “happily ever after” in the words – “And on this one evening every month, some say, the moon shines brighter because of the force of their love”.<br /><br /><strong>f. Illustrations: </strong><br />The watercolour illustrations are beautiful and illustrate foods, lanterns, dragons, and people with such wonderment. “This brightly illustrated, large-format book introduces Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival, Qing Ming and the Cold Foods Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Each section explains the holiday, tells stories related to it, and offers at least one activity and one recipe” (Apples4Teachers, 2009). The calligraphy in the book also shows the prominent Chinese symbols and writings that add flavour to the stories and the entire book.<br /><br />“Each section begins with a one-page description of the history and customs of the festival and is followed by a four- to six-page story, from one to three recipes, and two or three crafts or games. The headings on each page appear in both English typeface and Chinese calligraphy; a guide to Chinese pronunciation is included. The ample white space surrounding the text is filled with small, whimsical watercolor illustrations” (Apples4Teacher, 2009).<br /><br />“Each of the four sections is introduced by a dynamic, detailed watercolor painting on a double-page spread. They include a dragon parade complete with fireworks, kites flying above a family honoring ancestors at a grave, a dragon boat race, and preparations for a moon ceremony” (Apples4Teachers, 2009).<br /><br /><strong>g. Cultural Markers:</strong> <br />The cultural markers in this book reflect the Chinese culture – and explain in detail, in the beginning, the difference between the lunar calendar (which follows the moon’s cycle around the earth) and the calendar that we normally use which is the solar calendar (which marks dates by the earth’s movement around the sun). The Chinese New Year falls on the second new moon after the winder equinox, and their year is shorter than the 365¼ days in the year we follow” (Simonds, N., 2002).<br /><br />This book is “filled with delectable recipes, hands-on family activities, and traditional tales to read aloud, this extraordinary collection will inspire families everywhere to re-create the magic of Chinese holidays in their own homes. They can feast on golden New Year's dumplings and tasty moon cakes, build a miniature boat for the Dragon Boat Festival and a kite at Qing Ming, or share the story of the greedy Kitchen God or the valiant warrior Hou Yi” (Apples4Teachers, 2009).<br /><br />“This stunning compilation from bestselling cookbook author Nina Simonds and Leslie Swartz of the Children's Museum, Boston, is the perfect gift for families that have embraced Chinese holidays for generations--and for those just beginning new traditions (Apples4Teachers, 2009)”.<br /><br /><strong>h. Anthologies:</strong> <br />This book is great for families to read together, and provides activities and recipes, that even those who have never celebrated these traditions will have fun with together and maybe even embrace these holidays. Some children who already celebrate in the Chinese Holidays and Festivals may be familiar with the stories in this book; but also may really enjoy learning why they eat certain foods at this special time - these stories may provide the background information and answers to their actions.<br /><br />“A two-page resource section is divided into three parts: of interest to adults, of interest to young readers, and Internet sources. Most books for young readers about Chinese holidays stress Chinese New Year; only two others feature the full range of annual festivals” (Apples4Teachers, 2009).<br /><strong><br />i. Awards & Recognitions: </strong><br />This book, MOONBEAMS, DUMPLINGS & DRAGON BOATS: A TREASURY OF CHINESE HOLIDAY TALES, ACTIVITIES & RECIPE has been recognized by the following awards:<br /><br />** NCTE Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Language Arts<br />** Parents’ Choice Silver Honor<br />** Smithsonian Magazine Notable Book for Children<br />** Storytelling World Award Honor<br /><br /><strong>4. Review Excerpt(s) –</strong><br /><br />** “Gr. 4-6. Attractively designed, the pages include plenty of white space, creating a fine background for So's brilliantly colored, stylized paintings. The recipes, some of which require the use of food processors and hot woks, are often beyond the culinary skills of the average child, though interested adults can use them to broaden their children's experience of Chinese culture.” - <em>Booklist</em><br /><br />** “The authors--Simonds, who has studied and written about Chinese culture and cooking for 30 years, and Swartz, the vice-president of The Children's Museum, Boston--have collaborated to present a rich and eclectic collection of Chinese traditions…No library should be without this well-designed, beautiful, and informative resource.” - <em>Kirkus Reviews</em><br /><br />** “Moonbeams is a useful, visually appealing addition to any holiday collection.” - <em>School Library Journal</em><br /><br /> ** “Written with special care by best-selling cookbook author Nina Simonds along with a vice president of The Children's Museum, Boston, the elegant book sparkles with authenticity and grace. The myths offer intrigue, festival explanations provide riveting detail, and the how-to projects encourage hands-on participation to make the core material come alive.” - <em>Gulliver Books</em><br /><br /><strong>5. Connections –</strong><br /><br />Teachers, parents, and students can make many connections with this book. For teachers, not just the introduction of Chinese cultural holidays, but a whole slew of activities, crafts and food is provided to make one super fun unit of study!<br /> <br />Some of the curriculum themes that would connect with this book could be:<br /><br />“Crafts and hobbies, cultural diversity, family relationships, fantasy (creatures of myth and legend – dragons), food and cooking, holidays and festivals, people and places” (Gulliver Books, 2009).<br /><br />Other connections through other books would include:<br /><br />“Carol Stepanchuk's RED EGGS & DRAGON BOATS (Pacific View, 1994) is a shorter book with a similar scope, but fewer recipes and crafts/activities. Judith Karen Gee's A Book of Chinese Festivals (Steam RR, 1989; o.p.) offers a brief description of each holiday but no recipes or other activities” (Apples4Teachers, 2009).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />References<br />Gulliver Books, (2000-2007). <em>Book catalogs</em>, retrieved on September 29, 2009, from http://www.harcourtbooks.com/bookcatalogs/bookpages/9780152019839.asp <br /><br />Barnes and Noble, (1997-2009). <em>Children’s fairy, tales myths & fables</em>, retrieved on September 29, 2009, from http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Moonbeams-Dumplings-Dragon-Boats/Nina-Simonds/e/9780152019839 <br /><br />Apples4Teachers, (1999-2009). <em>Chinese new year</em>, retrieved on September 29, 2009, from http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/chinese-new-year/kids-books/moonbeams-dumplings-and-dragon-boats.html <br /><br />Simonds, Nina & Swartz, Leslie & The Children’s Museum, Boston. 2002. MOONBEAMS, DUMPLINGS & DRAGON BOATS: A TREASURY OF CHINESE HOLIDAY TALES, ACTIVITIES & RECIPE. Ill. by Meilo So. San Diego, CA: Gulliver Books, Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0-15-201983-9mamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-79218947278074387842009-09-28T15:50:00.000-07:002009-09-28T16:07:02.444-07:00Genre #2 - Book Review #2 : Robert D. San Souci - SOOTFACE: AN OJIBWA CINDERELLA STORY<strong>1.</strong> <strong>Bibliography -</strong><br /><br />San Souci, Robert D., Reteller. 1994. SOOTFACE: AN OJIBWA CINDERELLA STORY. Ill. by Daniel San Souci. New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc. ISBN: 0-385-31202-4<br /><br /><strong>2. Plot Summary – </strong><br /><br />“A spellbinding Native American version of the well-loved Cinderella story” (Infibeam, 2009), this retold folktale introduces us to Sootface, whose mother has died and whose father doesn’t know that her two older sisters treat her badly and make her do all the work and chores. Sootface is named that after she singes her hair and burns her skin in the fire while cooking and cleaning. Sootface longs for a husband and when a chance to marry the mighty warrior hunter presents itself, Sootface tries to accomplish the task of describing the invisible warrior hunter and his bow.<br /><br />Many women from her village try their luck and fail at this task; and even though her sisters and the entire village make fun of her for wanting to try (as she looks ugly in her tattered clothing, singed hair and sooty facial appearance), she does not falter but keeps going and gives it her all. Not only does Sootface pass the test, which is to see the invisible mighty warrior hunter (since only the true of heart will be able to see him); but he happily changes her name to Dawn-Light, has his sister help her clean the soot off of her face, change her into new beautiful clothes, fix and braid her singed hair, then marries her - living happily ever after.<br /><br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis –</strong><br /><br /><strong>a. Characters:</strong><br />The characters in this story are Sootface, her two older, lazy and mean sisters, the villagers, the mighty invisible hunter or warrior, and the hunter’s sister.<br /><br /><strong>b. Plot</strong>:<br />“Although she is mocked and mistreated by her two older sisters, an Ojibwa Indian maiden wins a mighty, invisible warrior for her husband with her kind and honest heart” (Infibeam, 2009).<br /><a name="specsAnchor"></a><br /><strong>c. Setting:<br /></strong>This story takes place in the village of the Indian tribe called the Ojibwa (beside a lake, deep in a forest of birch), as well as across the lake in the wigwam lodge, where the mighty invisible warrior hunter lives with his sister.<br /><br /><strong>d. Theme:</strong><br />The basic “Cinderella” theme is present – the triumph of good versus evil - selfish versus selfless; one where lazy, egotistical and mean lose out to the hard-working, kind, innocent and pure of heart. Also the theme of living “happily ever after” is present in this story.<br /><br /><strong>e. Style:</strong><br />This story begins (formalized opening) with a version of “Once upon a time” in the words, “Once, an Ojibwa man whose wife had died raised three daughters alone” and ends with a “they all lived happily ever after” in the words, “Everyone was pleased, except Dawn-Light’s two older sisters, who had to do all the cooking and cleaning themselves now”. It also introduces us to the family and establishes the conflict right away.<br /><br />There was also a sense of repetition or repeated elements when Sootface chanted near the beginning of the story:<br /><br />“Oh, I am thinking,<br />Oh, I am dreaming,<br />That even ugly as I am,<br />I will someday find a husband.”<br /><br />Then, in the middle of the story, her chant became:<br /><br />“Soon, I am thinking,<br />Soon, I am dreaming,<br />That I will find a husband.<br />I am sure it will be so.”<br /><br />Until near the end of the story, her chant became:<br /><br />“Now, I am happy,<br />Now, I am certain,<br />That I have found my husband,<br />My new sister and hew home.”<br /><br />The motif of the role of magic plays out in this story through the mighty warrior hunter who can make himself invisible and can only be seen by one who has a kind and honest heart. This is the test he sets up to see who he will choose for his wife. The event and token he uses to make sure that his future wife is really able to see him, is one of a magical invisible bow and bowstring – the maiden that can describe his magical invisible bow and bowstring will be his wife.<br /><br /><strong>f. Illustrations:<br /></strong>The illustrations are very well done! They show the facial features of Sootface and her sisters and other characters which help convey emotion and body language. The landscape is also beautiful, but what I really thought was amazing was the attention to the small details in the clothing that was worn by the characters, the houses, and the environment.<br /><br />“The full-page watercolors are dramatic and convey the natural woodland setting surrounding the Great Lakes and Northeast tribes, the jeers of Sootface's sisters, and the serenity and kindness of the warrior and his sister. Sootface's dazed expression remains rather similar throughout-until the end, when she is transformed by love into a beautiful girl” (JustforKids, 2009).<br /><br /><strong>g. Cultural Markers:<br /></strong>This book is full of cultural markers – from the words and names used for the different characters (Sootface, Dawn-Light) and everyday items (skins, bows, wigwam) to the way in which the characters dress (braided hair, moccasins) and activities they do (fetching water, cooking deer meat on the fire). “The illustrations are based on extensive research at the Anthropology Library of the University of California at Berkeley. Details of clothing, traditional design, and setting reflect mid-eighteenth-century Ojibwa village life” (Souci, R., 1994).<br /><br /><strong>h. Anthologies:<br /></strong>There are so many “Cinderella” books available from all over the world. Teachers can build their own collections – at the Just for Kids Bookstore -<a href="http://www.justforkidsbookstore.com/bookcase/cinderellastories/index.html">http://www.justforkidsbookstore.com/bookcase/cinderellastories/index.html</a> one can order the “Cinderella Starter Library - which features eleven culturally unique adaptations from cultures all over the world, bundled together to help you begin or expand your own Cinderella collection”.<br /><br /><strong>i. Awards & Recognitions:</strong><br />This story, SOOTFACE: AN OJIBWA CINDERELLA STORY has been awarded the following honors:<br /><br />**An NCSS-CBC Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies<br /><br />**Awarded “Children’s Book of the Year” by Bank Street Child Study Children’s Book Committee<br /><br /><br /><strong>4. Review Excerpt(s) –</strong><br /><br /><br />** “This Cinderella variant should be in your library as it shows how self-reliance, honesty and goodness eventually prevail. Definitely recommended. – <em>Confetti Books</em><br /><br /><br />** “A satisfying picture book for reading aloud or alone, and a good choice for classes studying Native Americans.” -<em> Booklist</em><br /><br /><br />** “Altogether a refreshing and rewarding "Cinderella" variant.” – <em>School Library Journal<br /></em><strong><br />5. Connections –</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong>Teachers can use this book as part of a multicultural theme dealing with “Cinderella Stories from Around the World Unit”, or on a “Unit of Native American folklore”, or even on a Unit that concentrates on the author and illustrator. “This title is by the award-winning author and illustrator team of many popular books for young readers, including THE LEGEND OF SCARFACE and SONG OF SEDNA, also based on Native American folklore. Robert D. San Souci has contributed to SOOTFACE: AN OJIBWA CINDERELLA STORY as an author, and is the author of many award-winning retellings of legends and folktales for children. He also wrote the screen story for the Walt Disney animated feature "Mulan." Daniel San Souci has contributed to SOOTFACE: AN OJIBWA CINDERELLA STORY as an illustrator. San Souci has illustrated nearly 50 books for young readers” (Infibeam, 2009).<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Land-Morning-Calm-Korean-Culture/dp/1885008228/ref=pd_cp_b_3"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Soris-Harvest-Moon-Day-Story/dp/156899687X/ref=pd_cp_b_1"></a>References<br /><br />Infibeam, (2007-2009). Infibeam.com and Affiliates, retrieved on September 27, 2009, from <a href="http://www.infibeam.com/Books/info/Robert-D-San-Souci/Sootface-An-Ojibwa-Cinderella-Story/061302186X.html">http://www.infibeam.com/Books/info/Robert-D-San-Souci/Sootface-An-Ojibwa-Cinderella-Story/061302186X.html</a><br /><br />JustForKids, (2009). Confetti Enterprises, retrieved on September 27, 2009, from <a href="http://www.justforkidsbookstore.com/bookcase/cinderellastories/index.html">http://www.justforkidsbookstore.com/bookcase/cinderellastories/index.html</a><br /><br />San Souci, Robert D., Reteller. 1994. SOOTFACE: AN OJIBWA CINDERELLA STORY. Ill. by Daniel San Souci. New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc. ISBN: 0-385-31202-4mamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-78657269468731580032009-09-27T15:11:00.000-07:002009-09-27T16:21:43.565-07:00Traditional Literature - Book Review #1: Daniel San Souci - IN THE MOONLIGHT MIST<strong>1. Bibliography -<br /></strong><br />San Souci, Daniel, Reteller. 1999. IN THE MOONLIGHT MIST: A KOREAN TALE. Ill. by Eujin Kim Neilan. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mill Press. ISBN-10: 1-56397-754-0 / ISBN-13: 978-1-56397-754-1<br /><br /><strong>2. Plot Summary –<br /></strong><br />This retold folktale story of an ancient Korean tale is about a woodcutter, who lives with his mother, and longs for a family (wife and children) of his own. One day while in the woods, he spares the life of a deer who grants him a wish of a celestial bride. The woodcutter consults with his mother about this. Unfortunately, the woodcutter forgets to follow the deer’s instructions, as he was to hide her celestial robe until the birth of their second child. He feels sorry that his wife is missing her home after the birth of their first child, and gives her back her robe too early. Both his wife and first-born child float upwards and return to heaven, much to the woodcutter’s dismay.<br />After the deer re-appeared in the woods before him, he is given another chance for happiness. Unfortunately, events unfold and the woodcutter sacrifices his chances to go to heaven and allows his mother, who has lived a full life, to go in his place. The heavenly king, hearing about the woodcutter’s sacrifice, sends the woodcutter a magical dragon-horse that will bring him to heaven to be reunited with his whole family (wife, child and elderly mother).<br /><br /><strong>3. Critical Analysis –</strong><br /><br /><strong>a. Characters:</strong><br />The characters in this story are the woodcutter, his mother, the enchanted deer, the woodcutter’s celestial wife and child, the hunters, the beautiful maidens, a talking hare, and the magical flying dragon-horse.<br /><br /><strong>b. Plot:<br /></strong>The woodcutter saves an enchanted deer from some hunters and is rewarded with a wish of a wife and child of his own. But he has a few decisions to make, which he talks about with his elderly mother. One of his toughest decisions, that has to make, is to go up to heaven to be with his wife and child, or to sacrifice his chance to be reunited with his family and let his elderly mother go in his place; as she has lived a full life.<br /><br /><strong>c. Setting:</strong><br />This story takes place in the forest, around the magical lake, in the moonlight mist, in the woodcutter’s home and garden, and up in the heavenly kingdom above.<br /><br /><strong>d. Theme:<br /></strong>The themes of family importance (respect for one’s elders), character, value, and self-sacrifice are all stressed in this book through the woodcutter’s dilemma, choices and life.<br /><br /><strong>e. Style:<br /></strong>This story begins (formalized opening) with a version of “Once upon a time” in the words, “One spring afternoon” and ends with a “they all lived happily ever after” in the words, “Their joy gave the moon and stars a luster that caused no end to the wonder on the earth below”. The motif of magic and wishes are also evident in the story.<br /><br /><strong>f. Illustrations:<br /></strong>The illustrations were very amazing! The colours and details were rich and reflective of the magical celestial settings. Eujin Kim Neilan tried to capture the essence of the Chosun Dynasty with her illustrations. With the brush strokes in the illustrations, your eyes are drawn to the important images - whether it is highlighting the woodcutter’s celestial’ wife’s heart on one page or the heaven’s above on another.<br /><br />Others commented on the illustrations: “With a texture reminiscent of scratchboard, the acrylic paintings are beautiful” (Parents’ Choice, 1999). “The path of the brush stroke is fully visible in Neilan’s gray tones, and her models are taken from Korea’s Chosun dynasty” (Booklist, 2009).<br /><br /><strong>g. Cultural Markers:</strong><br />The cultural markers in this story can be seen both in the illustrations and in the story itself. The characters are dressed in clothing reminiscent of the Chosun Dynasty era and the lifestyle and personal decisions regarding family and choices echo the Korean culture. “Folktales like this one often illustrate culturally-related family dilemmas – in this case, the woodcutter is faced with what he feels he must do for his wife and what he must also do for his aged mother” (Papertigers, 2009).<br /><br /><strong>h. Anthologies:</strong><br />One anthology for Korean stories is:<br />** So-un, Kim. 2004. KOREAN CHILDREN’S FAVORITE STORIES. Ill. by Jeong Kyoung-Sim. Boston, MA: Turtle Publishing. ISBN: 0-8048-3591-8<br /><br /><strong>i. Awards & Recognitions:<br /></strong>This story, IN THE MOONLIGHT MIST won the Parents' Choice Award for 1999 - Picture Books.<br /><br /><strong>4. Review Excerpt(s) –</strong><br /><br />"An evocative tale with a dulcet message." – <em>Booklist<br /></em><br />A tender and inspirational retelling of a magical Korean tale of goodness and sacrifice. When a young woodcutter saves a deer from a hunter, the deer offers to grant him a wish. The woodcutter wants a loving wife and family more than anything, but believes he is too poor to marry. The enchanted deer grants him a heavenly maiden of a wife and before long the happy couple is blessed with a child. But soon, homesick and seduced by the heavens, the wife and child return to life among the stars, leaving the poor woodcutter earthbound and alone. The deer takes sympathy on the woodcutter and offers him a passage to the heavens, which he gives instead to his ailing, elderly mother. The gods finally step in, reuniting the selfless man with his entire family in paradise. San Souci's retelling is captivating, but Neilan's vibrant use of line and emotional expressions furnish the enchantment. —<em>Kirkus Reviews</em><br /><br />“The acrylic paintings extend the well-told text and add cultural details." - <em>The Horn Book</em><br /><br />Daniel San Souci retells one of Korea's most beloved stories in shimmering prose that conjures new magic from this ancient tale. Eujin Kim Neilan, who researched the tale in Korea, sets the story at the time of the Chosun Dynasty. She captures that long-ago world in breathtaking illustrations. Together they have created a storybook treasure. Winner of the Parents Choice Award. – <em>Asia Bookroom</em><br /><br />“Neilan’s paintings are wonderfully expressive and amplify the deep emotion of the situation. Her palette of yellows and browns shows people who are swathed in moonlight yet avoids the dimness that night scenes sometimes have.” – <em>School Library Journal</em><br /><br /><strong>5. Connections –</strong><br /><br />Teachers can use this book as part of a multicultural theme when learning about different countries (like Korea) or even different customs from different cultures. If you are looking for other books that reflect Korean culture, consider looking at the following books:<br /><br />** Park, Linda Sue. 2004. THE FIREKEEPER’S SON. Ill. by Julie Downing. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0-618-13337-2<br /><br />** Uk-Bae, Lee & Yi, Ok-Pae. 1999. SORI’S HARVEST MOON DAY: A STORY OF KOREA. Ill. by Lee Uk-Bae. Norwalk, CT: Soundprints. ISBN-10: 1-568-99687-X / ISBN-13: 978-1568996875<br /><br />** Stickler, John. 2003. LAND OF MORNING CALM: KOREAN CULTURE THEN AND NOW. Ill. by Soma Han. Walnut Creek, CA: Shen’s Books. ISBN-10: 1-885-00822-8 / ISBN-13: 978-1885008220<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Land-Morning-Calm-Korean-Culture/dp/1885008228/ref=pd_cp_b_3"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Soris-Harvest-Moon-Day-Story/dp/156899687X/ref=pd_cp_b_1"></a>References<br /><br />Papertigers, (2009). Papertigers blog, retrieved on September 25, 2009, from <a href="http://www.papertigers.org/wordpress/books-at-bedtime-in-the-moonlight-mist/">http://www.papertigers.org/wordpress/books-at-bedtime-in-the-moonlight-mist/</a><br /><br />Parents’ Choice Foundation, (1999). Children’s media and toy reviews, retrieved on September 23, 2009, from <a href="http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=185&award=xx&from=Boyds%20Mills%20Press">http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=185&award=xx&from=Boyds%20Mills%20Press</a>mamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-20625430440576937542009-09-16T20:41:00.000-07:002009-09-16T20:44:51.374-07:00Picture Books Review #3 : Pat Cummings - TALKING WITH ARTISTS: VOLUME THREEGenre # 1 Picture Books:<br />Review #3<br /><br />1. BIBLIOGRAPHY<br />Cummings, Pat. 1999. TALKING WITH ARTISTS: VOLUME THREE/CONVERSATIONS WITH PETER CATALANOTTO, RAUL COLON, LISA DESIMINI, JANE DYER, KEVIN HAWKES, G. BRIAN KARAS, BETSY LEWIN, TED LEWIN, KEIKO NARAHASHI, ELISE PRIMAVERA, ANNA RICH, PETER SIS, and PAUL O. ZELINSKY. Compiled and Edited by Pat Cummings. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0-395-89132-9<br /><br />2. PLOT SUMMARY<br />This book is a wonderful compilation of 13 popular artist’s and illustrator’s personal stories of their lives and glimpses of their childhood; specifically in regards to how they got their start in the business of illustrating children’s books, what inspired them, what medium or materials they use to make their pictures and illustrations, and what a typical day is like for them.<br /><br />3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS<br />This book was not exactly what I envisioned in the picture book genre – only because you could not tell what the story was about by looking at the pictures. Also, when I looked at the worksheet for evaluating picture books, there is not a real plot – “a real conflict that grows from a believable situation that is relevant to young children”. The only plot I could analyze was the artist’s own stories of their childhood and what journeys they took to become illustrators. I felt it was a bit of a stretch.<br />What is great about this book, however, is that it would be a wonderful extention to any lessons in class that included a book that the author or illustrator was known for. The students would be able to learn more about who wrote or illustrated their favourite story and possibly supply them with more of a “real” connection to literature.<br />Another aspect that I liked about this book was the diverse group of illustrators that were represented. It was very interesting to hear about their different childhoods and unique beginnings; and yet ultimately, they all shared the common thread of wanting to tell stories to children though pictures!<br /><br />a. Characters:<br />The characters in the book were the 13 artists that were interviewed; and occasionally you saw the characters they illustrated and were known for. According to Pat Cumming’s book TALKING WITH ARTISTS: VOL. 3 - The 13 artists’ information includes the following (the information was taken from the book itself):<br /><br />Peter Catalanotto – (born March 21, 1959) Peter works at home in a New York studio above the garage, and has a wife, Jo-Ann, who also works at home as a photographer; he has a 2nd grade daughter, Chelsea, and a German shepherd named ChaCha. He paints his illustrations of animals, people, clouds and trees using light and shadows in watercolours. Some of his works are titled: DYLAN’S DAY OUT, ALL I SEE, AN ANGEL FOR SOLOMON SINGER, and THE PAINTER.<br /><br />Raul Colon – (born December 17, 1952) He has a wife, Edie, and two boys, Brian and Brandon, and likes drawing people. Raul uses a special kind of paper called Fabriano watercolor paper. He uses yellowish watercolours to start, and then sketches in figures, after that, he builds up wash after wash to get the colours darker. Then he etches into the paper with a “scratcher” and finishes with coloured pencils. He works in his studio in the basement of his New York condominium. One of his pieces of work is ALWAYS MY DAD.<br /><br />Lisa Desimini – (March 21, 1964) Lisa loves to draw houses and uses oil paint, collages and Sculpey material. She does not have any children or pets, but would like to have a few children someday, and a dog too! Lisa is known for the following works: THE GREAT PEACE MAKER, MY HOUSE, LOVE LETTERS, DOODLE DANDIES, and HERON STREET.<br /><br />Jane Dyer – (March 7, 1949) Jane has three cats, a dog, two lovebirds, and a lily pond full of goldfish. She likes drawing children and animals and has even drawn her daughters, Brooke and Cecily, into her books. She works in a sun-filled studio and sketches her illustrations and then uses watercolours. She is known for her CHILD OF FAERIE, GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS.<br /><br />Kevin Hawkes – (August 25, 1959) Kevin likes to use acrylic paint and he likes to draw light and shadows (dramatic shadows) and large enormous objects flying through the air. His works include: THEN THE TROLL HEARD THE SQUEEK, MY LITTLE SISTER ATE ONE HARE, THE TURNIP. He has a wife, Karen, and three children – Spencer, Jessie and Ian.<br /><br />G.Brian Karas – (September 27, 1957) Brian likes to draw funny looking dogs and ridiculous looking people. He has a wife and two boys, Bennett and Zachary, and a dog named Buddy. He uses “Gouache” (gwash) and acrylic paint and pencils for his illustrations. He works at home in a room that used to be half the garage and one of his works is: SLEEPLESS BEAUTY.<br /><br />Betsy Lewin – (May 12, 1937) Betsy and her husband, Ted, (who is also an artist) have two cats and no children. She likes to draw animals and her books CAT COUNT, BOOBY HATCH, WHAT’S THE MATTER, HABIBI?, and CHUBBO’S POOL reflect that.<br /><br />Ted Lewin – (May 6, 1935) Ted is from New York and has a wife, Betsy, and two cats. He had a lot of interesting animals growing up – a lion, chimp, and many kinds of monkeys. He uses Strathmore Bristol paper and watercolours for his illustrations and loves to draw animals and birds. His works include: TIGER TREK, SACRED RIVER, MARKET, FAIR and FAITHFUL ELEPHANT.<br /><br />Keiko Narahashi – (January 20, 1959) Keiko was born in Tokyo, Japan but moved to the United States when she started first grade. She did not speak any English at that time. She loved to draw as it “helped her figure out who she was and to communicate with the world.” She has a husband, two children, two snakes and a guinea pig. Keiko loves to draw children and animals in her studio, in an old factory building in New York, as well as in her office at home. She uses watercolours and gouache paint on D’Arches paper for her illustrations. Her books include: I HAVE A FRIEND, and IS THAT JOSIE?<br /><br />Elise Primavera – (May 19, 1955) Elise has always worked in a studio out of her home and likes to draw animals and people even though, she does not have any children or animals of her own. She also likes to draw mountains, snow and night scenes too with “scary and creepy stuff”. She likes to use a little bit of everything in her illustrations – pen, pencil, watercolours, pastels, acylic, charcoal and gesso mixed with pumice stone. Her books include: GRANDMA’S HOUSE, GRANDMA’S PROMISE, and RAISING DRAGONS.<br /><br />Anna Rich – (July 2, 1956) Anna is a native New Yorker who lives on Long Island and works in her studio in her house. She used to use watercolours on Manila paper, but now sketches her illustrations in pencil and uses oil paint. Anna likes to draw people, but also landscapes and environments. She has a husband named Harry and a cat named Dinah. JOSHUA’S MASAI MASK and ANNIE’S GIFTS are two of her books.<br /><br />Peter Sis – (May 11, 1949) Peter was born in Brno and grew up in Prague, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) and now lives in New York with his American wife, and two children, Madeleine and Matej. He used to work at home, but was worried that his children would get into the paints, so now he works in a studio about five blocks away. Peter likes to draw water and water scenes using paper, ink, pen, watercolours, and also acrylic paint with gold pigment in it. Some of Peter’s books are: HANSEL AND GRETEL, and A SMALL, TALL TALE FROM THE FAR, FAR NORTH.<br /><br />Paul O. Zelinsky – (February 14, 1953) Paul was born in Chicago but lived in Kyoto, Japan for a year, when he was little – that is where he learned to draw geishas. He lives with his wife and two daughters in New York, and has a studio in a small apartment close to his home apartment. Paul likes to doodle, and to draw trees and monsters! He has books called: THE WHEELS ON THE BUS, SWAMP ANGEL, RUMPELSTILTSKIN, RAPUNZEL, and EMILY UPHAM’S REVENGE, OR HOW DEADWOOD DICK SAVED THE BANKER’S NIECE, A MASSACHUSETTS ADVENTURE; and has used watercolours, pastels, oil paints, gouache or opaque watercolours in his illustrations.<br /><br />b. Plot:<br />The plot for this book involved how each diverse artist had a different route that they took to get to where they are now. Some knew right away that they wanted to draw illustrations for children’s books, and some stumbled into it unknowingly. One thing that all of the illustrators seemed to have in common was the need to tell children to follow their dreams and do not let anyone tell you that you cannot do something – if you want to do something, believe in yourself and do it!<br /><br />C. Setting:<br />Each illustrator talked about their own personal histories and childhoods. The settings for all of these illustrators took place in their own individual story and those 13 artists’ stories were varied; however, they all did talk about their art studios, whether they were in their houses or they had to commute to them. Some of the artists live in New York, or New Jersey, others in Massachusetts, or Pennsylvania, etc.<br /><br />d. Theme:<br />Even though this book compiles many different stories about the different illustrator’s styles, they all share the same passion about what they do and why. According to Pat Cummings, “the word illustrate comes from a Latin word that means to throw light on something. So an illustration has to communicate something.”<br />It was enjoyable to read the artists’ journey to becoming an illustrator and to know a little bit more about them as unique individuals. They all stressed the importance of being yourself, true to yourself, following your dreams, and always trying to give it your best. This book would be very encouraging to young children who are aspiring to be book writers or illustrators themselves.<br /><br />e. Style:<br />Pat Cummings was very smart when she interviewed the 13 artists in this book. She was more concerned with what they had to say about their lives and their everyday happenings, than what she herself had to say. She even incorporated a quote from each of the artists and illustrators in this book, which you can see below:<br /><br />“Don’t let anyone make you feel that you can’t draw. Remember, everyone draws differently!”<br />- Peter Catalanotto<br /><br />“You don’t do art for the money. That’s the number one thing. And number two is, you do it because you love it.”<br />- Raul Colon<br /><br />“Keep looking for what makes you happy. Draw what feels right. Eat what feels right.”<br />- Lisa Desimini<br /><br />“Spend some time each day dreaming.”<br />- Jane Dyer<br /><br />“Be patient with yourself. If your painting doesn’t look quite right, keep trying. And try different things.”<br />– Kevin Hawkes<br /><br />“No work is so dismal that you have to throw it out and start over again. Try to fix it, or paint over it, or cut it in shreds and glue those together to make a great collage.”<br />- G. Brian Karas<br /><br />“Draw in your own way, from your own heart.”<br />- Betsy Lewin<br /><br />“Carry a sketchbook and draw.”<br />- Ted Lewin<br /><br />“If you love to draw, draw a lot of what you love to draw. Look hard at the things that fascinate you and don’t pay too much attention to advice about drawing, especially from grownups, like me.”<br />- Keiko Narahashi<br /><br />“Draw a lot and never worry about staying inside the lines.”<br />- Elise Primavera<br /><br />“If you like to do this kind of thing, do it, because it can’t hurt you and it probably helps your brain develop.”<br />- Anna Rich<br /><br />“Everyone starts somewhere. Even if the work is not perfect, everyone has something to say, some story to tell. Just keep on trying.”<br />- Peter Sis<br /><br />“The more you draw, the more you learn about the visible world around you.”<br />-Paul o. Zelinsky<br /><br />f. Illustrations:<br />There were a few examples of pictures from each of the illustrators known works and apparent style. Children would probably connect the illustrations with the artist more because of the visual examples. It was great to see how different the drawing styles were and how the artists used different kinds of paint, watercolour, pencils, etc. to achieve their goals. I also liked the photos of the artists as children and as they appear today! That is always great for children to see that the artists were children once too!<br /><br />g. Cultural Markers:<br />Not only did Pat Cummings include a diverse group of artists in this book to interview; but the illustrations also represented different ages, races, and sexes in their examples from each artist.<br /><br />h. Awards & Recognitions:<br />Pat Cummings book TALKING WITH ARTISTS - VOLUME ONE was a Boston Globe - Horn Book Award Winner in 1992 for Non-fiction.<br />Her third book TALKING WITH ARTISTS –VOLUME THREE is full of award winning illustrators (and authors)!<br /><br />4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)<br />BookList -<br />Cummings once again addresses kids' curiosity about the people behind the picture books they love. The look of this book is slightly different from her 1992 volume: typefaces have been changed, photos of the artists are now in color, and the jacket colors have been softened. The "My Story" section that introduced each profile in the first book remains a wonderful feature here, giving artists an opportunity to tell about themselves in a vivid, personal way; the general questions posed are the same as those in volume one; and there's still a fascinating glimpse of the artists' work as children. There are also some great, new features. Instead of a glossary of art terms, this book includes a simple, technical tip from each artist and a photo of the artist's workspace. Cummings' selection of artists is especially good this time, demonstrating a great diversity in artistic style and choice of media. Kevin Henkes, Floyd Cooper, Denise Fleming, and Vera B. Williams are among the 13 included. A special treat for budding artists and wonderful for teachers.<br /><br />School Library Journal-<br />Gr. 3-8-Thirteen children's book illustrators discuss their lives and how they communicate their ideas. All of the profiles open with personal essays titled "My Story" revealing some biographical details but focusing on childhood dreams and ambitions, training, sources of inspiration, and feelings about their career choices. Following this section, a number of questions are posed-the same as those presented in the first two volumes-that explore the subject's personal and professional life. Then-and-now photos of the illustrators and reproductions of childhood and recent work accompany the narrative. The artists include Ra l Col n, Lisa Desimini, G. Brian Karas, Betsy Lewin, Keiko Narahashi, Peter S s, Paul O. Zelinsky, and others, and they represent a variety of styles and mediums. While many readers will find the artists' tips that conclude the volume useful, all will appreciate these insightful conversations.<br />-Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal<br /><br />Publishers Weekly -<br />Children's book illustrators discuss their craft in Talking with Artists: Volume Two, compiled and edited by Pat Cummings-as in the first book, interviews are accompanied by childhood and present-day photos of the subjects and examples of their work. Artists include Denise Fleming, Kevin Henkes, Maira Kalman, Floyd Cooper and nine others (Simon & Schuster, $19.95, ages 9-up ISBN 0-689-80310-9 Sept.).<br /><br /><br />5. CONNECTIONS<br />*If you would like to talk to children more about writing or illustrating books; the following books would be an additional read:<br /><br />Carle, Eric. 2007. ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART. By Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN-10: 0399246002 / ISBN-13: 978-0399-24600-5<br /><br />Aliki. 1988. HOW A BOOK IS MADE. Ill. by Aliki. New York, NY: HarperCollins Pub. ISBN 0-06-446085-1<br /><br />Christelow, Eileen. 1999. WHAT DO ILLUSTRATORS DO? Ill. by Eileen Christelow. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0-395-90230-4<br /><br />*Gather other books compiled and edited by Pat Cummings:<br /><br />Cummings, Pat. 1992. TALKING WITH ARTISTS: VOLUME ONE / CONVERSATIONS WITH VICTORIA CHESS, PAT CUMMINGS, LEO AND DIANE DILLION, RICHARD EGIELSKI, LOIS EHLERT, LISA CAMPBELL ERNST, TOM FEELINGs, STEVEN KELLOGG, JERRY PINKNEY, AMY SCHWARTZ, LANE SMITH, CHRIS VAN ALLSBURG, AND DAVID WIESNER. Compiled and edited by Pat Cummings. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN 0-02-724245-5<br /><br />Cummings, Pat. 1995. TALKING WITH ARTISTS: VOLUME TWO / CONVERSATIONS WITH THOMAS B. ALLEN, MARY JANE BEGIN, FLOYD COOPER, JULIE DOWNING, DENISE FLEMING, SHEILS HAMANAKA, KEVIN HENKES, WILLIAM JOYCE, MAIRA KALMAN, DEBORAH NOURSE LATTIMORE, BRIAN PINKNEY, VERA B. WILLIAMS, AND DAVID WISNIEWSKI. Compiled and Edited by Pat Cummings. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN-10: 0689803109 / ISBN-13: 978-0689803109mamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-28697660218558592072009-09-15T09:19:00.000-07:002009-09-15T09:29:45.942-07:00Picture Books Review #2 : Susan Marie Swanson - THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT<strong>Genre # 1 Picture Books:<br />Book Review #2</strong><br /><strong><br />1. BIBLIOGRAPHY</strong><br />Swanson, Susan Marie. 2008. THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT. Ill. by Beth Krommes. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN-13: 978-0-618-86244-3 / ISBN-10: 0-618-86244-7<br /><br /><strong>2. PLOT SUMMARY<br /></strong>This book is about how a child sees the order of his or her world in regards to their bedtime routine – including the beloved storytime. This book highlights one’s nighttime ritual that is both comforting and exciting at the same time; as the story brings one out into the world beyond, using imagination to explore the order of the universe, and then arrive back home safely again.<br /><br /><strong>3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS</strong><br /><br /><strong>a. Characters:<br /></strong>The main characters in this book are the little girl, her teddy bear and the bird from the book. The other characters are her companions - the dog and the cat with her two kittens; and her mother and father.<br /><br /><strong>b. Plot<br /></strong>The plot for this story is a little girl’s bedtime ritual or routine that she follows before going to bed. Through her good night story book she is transported to the depths of her imagination – and out to the universe beyond! It is quite the fantasy, but one that children will find fascinating as everyone at one time or another wish they could fly out of their windows and up to the stars above!<br /><br /><strong>c. Settings:</strong><br />The setting is the little girl’s home – her safe bedroom and then the land, the world and the universe beyond her window!<br /><br /><strong>d. Theme:</strong><br />The theme for this story is about how books (especially nighttime story books) can transport you to far away places (with the help of your imagination) and return you safely home (or bed) - and that not only is there a circle of life but there is cyclical order in the universe around us with each passing day in our routine which is reassuring and familiar.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>e. Style:<br /></strong>“Swanson’s reassuring story (inspired by a nursery rhyme that begins, ‘This is the key of the kingdom’) to create a world as cozy inside the house as it is majestic outside” (Booklist, 2009).<br /><br />“A spare, patterned text and glowing pictures explore the origins of light that make a house a home in this bedtime book for young children. Naming nighttime things that are both comforting and intriguing to preschoolers—a key, a bed, the moon—this timeless book illuminates a reassuring order to the universe” (Amazon product review).<br /><br /><strong>f. Illustrations:<br /></strong>The illustrations are of basic objects but with highly detailed etchings done in black and white and highlighted hints of gold.<br /><br /><strong>g. Cultural Markers:<br /></strong>With this story and illustrations - you cannot really identify a certain race or cultural background; which in this case can actually help any child identify with the story. They could be the main character and it could be their mother and father, in the story with them, for all they know.<br /><br /><strong>h. Awards & Recognitions:</strong><br />2009 Caldecott Medal Winner<br /><br /><br />THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT is an easy-to-read story book with simple sentences for the beginning reader or English Language Learner. Actually, one can understand the story by looking at the fascinating illustrations which is also great for those children that are pre-verbal.<br /><br />The illustrations looked like they were etched – and are done in black and white. It is interesting how some of the objects are high-lighted in gold to stand out and draw your attention to them specifically. As far as picture books go, I feel that THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT is a visual masterpiece. The illustrations are so beautiful that you get lost taking in all of the rich details!<br /><br />Research shows that infants and young children are drawn to the black and white contrasts – hence children will be drawn to these illustrations! And then, Beth Krommes highlights some of the key objects or points by adding the precious hints of gold to her pictures. Her illustrations remind me of another favourite book of mine and my children called MILLIONS OF CATS by Wanda Ga’g, only Krommes’s illustrations have more detail in my opinion.<br /><br /><br /><strong>4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)<br /></strong>Here are some other review highlights:<br /><br />"Krommes’s widening perspective manages to exude both comfort and daring." -- New York Times Book Review<br /><br />"Here the art is spectacular. Executed in scratchboard decorated in droplets of gold, Krommes’ illustrations expand on Swanson’s reassuring story (inspired by a nursury rhyme that begins, “This is the key of the kingdom”) to create a world as cozy inside a house as it is majestic outside."--Booklist, starred review<br /><br />"Inspired by traditional cumulative poetry, Swanson weaves a soothing song that is as luminescent and soulful as the gorgeous illustrations that accompany her words. . . . It is a masterpiece that has all the hallmarks of a classic that will be loved for generations to come."--School Library Journal, starred review<br /><br />"Krommes’s breathtaking scratchboard illustrations, in black and white with accents of yellow and gold, embody and enhance the text’s message that light and dark, like comfort and mystery, are not mutually exclusive, but integral parts of each other."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review<br /><br />"This volume's artful simplicity, homely wisdom and quiet tone demonstrate the interconnected beauty and order of the world in a way that both children and adults will treasure."--Publishers Weekly, starred review<br /><br />"...in another standout performance by an illustrator, Beth Krommes makes a case for The House in the Night with scratchboard images that are themselves a throwback, but with a welcome kind of familiarity... I can see a night-skittish child taking comfort in this story at bedtime."-- The Washington Post (online)<br /><br />"[A] book of stunning visual simplicity . . . The pictures themselves seem to reach out from domesticity toward infinity."--Liz Rosenberg, Boston Sunday Globe<br /><br />"It's Wanda Gag meets Virginia Lee Burton. And gorgeous. Did I mention gorgeous? Gorgeous."-- Fuse 8 Production (online), by Elizabeth “Betsy” Bird<br /><br />"[Swanson] has a lyrical style all her own, complemented by Krommes' starkly stunning scratchpaper drawings."-- StarTribune<br /><br /><br /><strong>5. CONNECTIONS</strong><br />*According to the jacket cover of the book, THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT, another title by Susan Marie Swanson is:<br /><br />THE FIRST THING MY MAMA TOLD ME – a Charlotte Zolotov Honor Book and New York<br />Times Best Illustrated Book.<br /><br />*According to the jacket cover of the book, THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT, other titles illustrated by Beth Krommes are:<br /><br />THE LAMP, THE ICE AND A BOAT CALLED FISH – winner of the Golden Kite Award for<br />illustration and a Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book.<br /><br />BUTTERFLY EYES AND OTHER SECRETS OF THE MEADOW – winner of the APSCA<br />Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award in both the Poetry and Illustration categories.<br /><br />*If you are looking for other great bedtime stories like this one, THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT, or that have similar illustrations to those of Beth Krommes - then you should check the following books out:<br /><br />Brown, Margaret Wise. 1947. GOODNIGHT MOON. Ill. by Clement Hurd. New York, NY:<br />HarperFestival. ISBN-10: 0-694-00361-1 or ISBN-13: 978-0-694-00361-7<br /><br />Boynton, Sandra. 1982. THE GOING-TO-BED BOOK. Ill. by Sandra Boynton. New York, NY:<br />Little Simon. ISBN-10: 0671449028 or ISBN-13: 978-0671449025<br /><br />Ga’g, Wanda. 1956. MILLIONS OF CATS. Ill. by Wanda Ga’g. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.<br />ISBN 0-590-40612-4mamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-7825926382853368412009-09-09T20:07:00.000-07:002009-09-14T09:34:02.701-07:00Picture Books Review #1 : Mo Willems - KNUFFLE BUNNYGenre # 1 :<br />Picture Books<br /><br />1. BIBLIOGRAPHY<br /><br />Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE. Ill. by Mo Willems. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 078681870-0<br /><br />2. PLOT SUMMARY<br /><br />In this very comical picture book, the plot deals with one young girl’s frustration with losing her favourite bunny at the local laundromat. She is too young and cannot use words yet, but tries to convey to her father through babbling and ultimately her full fledged tantrum, the very real message of worry, loss and anxiety over leaving her favourite toy bunny behind.<br /><br />3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS<br /><br />Willems captures the essence of different feelings and emotions with his illustrations through his unique style; he uses real life backgrounds and mixes in his illustrations ingeniously. The words are easily read and understood, but one can understand the heart of the story through his wonderful drawings. He understands children and the importance they place on a favourite stuffed friend - and what would happen if they ever misplaced or LOST that friend!<br /><br />The plot is a simple one, however it is one that every child has probably experienced at one time or another. Through his characters’ facial expressions and posture, he covers a wide range of emotions: happy, joyful, cheerful, sad, scared, annoyed, irritated, frustrated, anxious, nervous, uneasy, fretful, apprehensive, and then relieved and comforted.<br /><br />Mo Willems’s style of illustration, as I have mentioned before, is unique. He uses black and white photos, (almost sepia coloured) for his backgrounds, which are taken from around his New York neighbourhood. He then places his colourful illustrations on top of them. According to Mo Willems’ book, Knuffle Bunny, it states, “The images in this book are a melding of hand-drawn ink sketches and digital photography in a computer (where the sketches were colored and shaded, the photographs given their sepia tones, and sundry air conditioners, garbage cans, and industrial debris expunged!)”<br /><br />The characters in the book interact with the backgrounds and props wonderfully! But the way that Mo Willems captures the emotions through his characters’ facial expresions - eyes, mouths, movements and postures are truly amazing! He also incorporates diversity into his stories by adding background characters that reflect different ages as well as different races.<br /><br />This is a wonderful book to share with a child of any age! Even my middle-school-aged and high-school-aged daughters enjoyed it! It is great for a read aloud or even a silent sustained reading activity time. I can see this book being a favourite of many for years to come! I know it is one of mine!<br /><br />4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)<br /><br />KNUFFLE BUNNY is a Caldecott Honor Book.<br /><p>Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Top 10 of the Top 100 Picture Books Poll Results (#10) - A brilliant and distinguished collaboration" On its Website, the School Library Journal states the following:</p><ul><li>The starred Booklist review (which is more than a little excellent) by Jennifer Mattson said, "This comic gem proves that Caldecott Medal-winner Willems, the Dr. Spock and Robin Williams of the lap-sit crowd, has just as clear a bead on pre-verbal children as on silver-tongued preschoolers . . . Even children who can already talk a blue streak will come away satisfied that their own strong emotions have been mirrored and legitimized, and readers of all ages will recognize the agonizing frustration of a little girl who knows far more than she can articulate." </li></ul><p></p><ul><li>Said Horn Book, “There’s plenty here for kids to embrace. There are playful illustrations and a simple, satisfying story. This everyday drama will immediately register with even pre-verbal listeners.”</li></ul><p></p><ul><li>The starred review from SLJ said of it, “Personalities are artfully created so that both parents and children will recognize themselves within these pages. A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.”</li></ul><p>5. CONNECTIONS</p><p>* Mo Willems has many other children’s books; from his PIDGEON series to his early reader series ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE books to many others. According to Wikipedia, his ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE won the Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal in 2008 and 2009.</p><p><br />* His illustrations alone can tell the story in most of his books; and are great for beginning readers, English-language learners and children who are just beginning to talk.</p><p><br />* Listed below is another fun book - after KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE is the follow up book for children from Mo Willems:</p><p><br />Willems, Mo. 2007. KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO: A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY. Ill. by Mo Willems. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN-10: 142310299-1 / ISBN-13: 978-142310299-1</p>mamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8584620511143749167.post-76753561061261655672009-09-08T09:25:00.000-07:002009-09-08T09:37:13.453-07:00Welcome!Welcome to my first blog!<br /><br />Here you will find my book reviews for children's and young adult books that I will be reading for my Graduate level course at TWU. The class is LS5603 and we will be covering 6 different genres of books:<br /><ul><li>Picture Books</li><li>Traditional Literature</li><li>Poetry</li><li>Nonfiction and Biography</li><li>Historical Fiction</li><li>Fiction, Fantasy & YA</li></ul><p>I hope you enjoy my blog and that you find it helpful and amusing when thinking about books for you, your children or your students! :)</p>mamiread2mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475537695002068247noreply@blogger.com0