DiTerlizzi, Tony and Holly Black. 2003. The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: New York. ISBN: 0-689-85936-8.
Jared Grace’s life is far from ordinary. His father has recently left the family. His mother has moved him, his twin brother Simon and sister Mallory to the run down house of a relative. Jared’s troubles at school follow him home as he begins to hear noises in the new house. The noises are followed by strange and troublesome events. Mallory and Jared’s mother blame Jared for the devious events. At first, only Simon believes Jared’s theory about the origin of the noises and the mysterious activities. However, when the three visit the strange library nestled inside of their shack, disbelief is suspended. A new collection of creatures is discovered. The book ends abruptly with Jared, Simon and Mallory meeting one of their house’s unusually small residents, a Boggart named Thimbletack. Readers will have to read the remaining four books in the series for the continued adventures. The length of the book and the inclusion of simple black and white drawings will appeal to younger readers. Readers who enjoy fantasy but are overwhelmed by the length of some novels will find this series enjoyable.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Module 7: Among the Impostors
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. 2001. Among the Impostors. Aladdin Paperbacks: New York. ISBN: 0-329-29588-8.
This second book in the Shadow Children series picks up where the first book leaves off. After leaving over a decade of hiding and isolation, Luke, the forbidden third child, finds himself with fake identification documents enrolling in the Hendricks School for Boys. Luke has difficulty finding friends in his new school. In his isolation, he discovers a door that leads to the outside world he once loved and a secret society of other Shadow Children. A series of unexpected events leaves Luke wondering who he can trust and what is really occurring at the school. As Luke is maturing and becoming comfortable at the school, he realizes some startling facts and begins to fulfill the purpose he believes he has which is to help all the other Shadow Children. Ms. Haddix creates a society that is complete in its order and its treachery. This action packed second novel leaves the reader wanting more. Fortunately, the remainder of the series is awaiting the reader.
This second book in the Shadow Children series picks up where the first book leaves off. After leaving over a decade of hiding and isolation, Luke, the forbidden third child, finds himself with fake identification documents enrolling in the Hendricks School for Boys. Luke has difficulty finding friends in his new school. In his isolation, he discovers a door that leads to the outside world he once loved and a secret society of other Shadow Children. A series of unexpected events leaves Luke wondering who he can trust and what is really occurring at the school. As Luke is maturing and becoming comfortable at the school, he realizes some startling facts and begins to fulfill the purpose he believes he has which is to help all the other Shadow Children. Ms. Haddix creates a society that is complete in its order and its treachery. This action packed second novel leaves the reader wanting more. Fortunately, the remainder of the series is awaiting the reader.
Module 7: The Magician's Nephew
Lewis, C. S. 1955. The Magician’s Nephew. Illus. by Pauline Baynes. Harper Trophy: New York. ISBN: 0-06-447110-1.
This beginning tale of the classic Chronicles of Narnia series relays the adventure of Digory and his friend Polly and the creation of Narnia. Digory’s Uncle Andrew, a self-proclaimed magician, has created rings that he believes will allow travel between different worlds and dimensions. During their first traveling trip, Digory and Polly meet a Queen who follows them back in their own world. The Queen’s intent is to conquer and enslave. Digory and Polly embark on a plan to rid their world of the Queen and her treacherous ways. This plan leads them on an uncharted course into a newly created land, Narnia. Once in Narnia, Digory and Polly successfully prevent the Queen from overtaking their land or Narnia. But the Queen is still alive and lurking in the shadow. The story closes with a bridge into the next tale, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The creation of a magical land, Narnia, where anything is possible is thorough and thoughtful. Details are not omitted. For example, it is explained to readers why certain individuals can hear the talking animals and why others cannot. Readers of all ages will enjoy this adventure tale and will delve into this fantastical series.
This beginning tale of the classic Chronicles of Narnia series relays the adventure of Digory and his friend Polly and the creation of Narnia. Digory’s Uncle Andrew, a self-proclaimed magician, has created rings that he believes will allow travel between different worlds and dimensions. During their first traveling trip, Digory and Polly meet a Queen who follows them back in their own world. The Queen’s intent is to conquer and enslave. Digory and Polly embark on a plan to rid their world of the Queen and her treacherous ways. This plan leads them on an uncharted course into a newly created land, Narnia. Once in Narnia, Digory and Polly successfully prevent the Queen from overtaking their land or Narnia. But the Queen is still alive and lurking in the shadow. The story closes with a bridge into the next tale, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The creation of a magical land, Narnia, where anything is possible is thorough and thoughtful. Details are not omitted. For example, it is explained to readers why certain individuals can hear the talking animals and why others cannot. Readers of all ages will enjoy this adventure tale and will delve into this fantastical series.
Module 7: Baby Mouse: Queen of the World
Holm, Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm. 2005. BabyMouse: Queen of the World. Random House: New York. ISBN: 0-375-93229-1.
BabyMouse is a young mouse with a very active imagination. She is a typical girl with friends, feelings, and conflict. In this adventure, BabyMouse wants an invitation to the most popular girl in school’s slumber party. She waits patiently to be included only to face rejection. She sees an opportunity to get an invitation and schemes for this invitation for the party. Once she is at the party, BabyMouse realizes it is not what she expected. Facing a difficult choice, BabyMouse realizes the meaning of friendship. This graphic novel is an entertaining and pleasurable read. Girls of all ages will relate to the struggles of BabyMouse. The black and pink illustrations are simple, sweet, and inviting. They are not overwhelming to the reader or to the text. They compliment this simple story. BabyMouse is an excellent and wholesome graphic novel. It would be an excellent addition to any library.
BabyMouse is a young mouse with a very active imagination. She is a typical girl with friends, feelings, and conflict. In this adventure, BabyMouse wants an invitation to the most popular girl in school’s slumber party. She waits patiently to be included only to face rejection. She sees an opportunity to get an invitation and schemes for this invitation for the party. Once she is at the party, BabyMouse realizes it is not what she expected. Facing a difficult choice, BabyMouse realizes the meaning of friendship. This graphic novel is an entertaining and pleasurable read. Girls of all ages will relate to the struggles of BabyMouse. The black and pink illustrations are simple, sweet, and inviting. They are not overwhelming to the reader or to the text. They compliment this simple story. BabyMouse is an excellent and wholesome graphic novel. It would be an excellent addition to any library.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Module 6: The Slave Dancer
Fox, Paula. 1973. The Slave Dancer. Illus. by Eros Keith. Bradbury Press: Scarsdale, NY. ISBN 0-87888-062-3.
As Jessie walked home to his mother and sister, his casualness was abruptly destroyed by the sailors of a ship called The Moonlight. This ship sails across the Atlantic dodging the Spanish, the British, and the Americans, in the quest to bring slaves from Africa to the southern United States. Jessie is kidnapped and thrust into a harsh world of hate, anger, and desperation. All men on the ship have a role. Jessie’s role is to play the fife while the slaves are forced to dance. Dancing helps maintain the Africans’ physical health. As Jessie rides the waves of the Atlantic, he rides emotional waves as he struggles with understanding all that he experiences. As the ship returns to America, disease and disaster strike leaving Jessie and one slave, Ras, as the lone survivors. The remainder of Jessie’s life is influenced by his horrific experience. Ms. Fox successfully created authentic and multidimensional characters. Even the sailors’ actions and motives, which are perceived as simply evil or good, surprise Jessie and the reader. As Jessie’s adventure unfolds, readers are “kidnapped” into the story and are pulled into the tale of The Moonlight’s ill-fated journey.
As Jessie walked home to his mother and sister, his casualness was abruptly destroyed by the sailors of a ship called The Moonlight. This ship sails across the Atlantic dodging the Spanish, the British, and the Americans, in the quest to bring slaves from Africa to the southern United States. Jessie is kidnapped and thrust into a harsh world of hate, anger, and desperation. All men on the ship have a role. Jessie’s role is to play the fife while the slaves are forced to dance. Dancing helps maintain the Africans’ physical health. As Jessie rides the waves of the Atlantic, he rides emotional waves as he struggles with understanding all that he experiences. As the ship returns to America, disease and disaster strike leaving Jessie and one slave, Ras, as the lone survivors. The remainder of Jessie’s life is influenced by his horrific experience. Ms. Fox successfully created authentic and multidimensional characters. Even the sailors’ actions and motives, which are perceived as simply evil or good, surprise Jessie and the reader. As Jessie’s adventure unfolds, readers are “kidnapped” into the story and are pulled into the tale of The Moonlight’s ill-fated journey.
Module 6: Bull Run
Fleischman, Paul. 1993. Bull Run. HarperCollins Publishers: New York. ISBN 0-06-021447-3.
Bull Run was the first great battle of the Civil War. Paul Fleischman chose to tell the story of Bull Run from the perspective of 16 characters. Eight are Northern characters, and eight are Southern. They come from many arenas. A doctor, an artist, a slave woman, several black men anxious to fight, a German immigrant, and several military leaders lend their voices and viewpoints to this unique tale. Each chapter represents a different character’s opinion of an event. Each character is associated with a woodcut that marks the beginning of his/her thoughts. Following these characters, readers see the same Civil War event from many different angles. The reader is not presented a romanticized view and is spared the pain or heartache associated with such destruction. The interior front cover and the back cover are maps. Readers can refer to these tools as characters mention locations and individuals so that the sequence remains focused. This novel’s unique and candid view avoids overly graphic language and imagery. It would be an excellent tool to introduce students to Civil War events as well as the importance of one’s perspective.
Bull Run was the first great battle of the Civil War. Paul Fleischman chose to tell the story of Bull Run from the perspective of 16 characters. Eight are Northern characters, and eight are Southern. They come from many arenas. A doctor, an artist, a slave woman, several black men anxious to fight, a German immigrant, and several military leaders lend their voices and viewpoints to this unique tale. Each chapter represents a different character’s opinion of an event. Each character is associated with a woodcut that marks the beginning of his/her thoughts. Following these characters, readers see the same Civil War event from many different angles. The reader is not presented a romanticized view and is spared the pain or heartache associated with such destruction. The interior front cover and the back cover are maps. Readers can refer to these tools as characters mention locations and individuals so that the sequence remains focused. This novel’s unique and candid view avoids overly graphic language and imagery. It would be an excellent tool to introduce students to Civil War events as well as the importance of one’s perspective.
Module 6: Day of Tears
Lester, Julius. 2005. Day of Tears. Hyperion Books for Children: New York. ISBN: 0786804904.
Pierce Butler is a Southern plantation owner. After his wife leaves, his gambling debts become insurmountable. This led to the largest slave auction in American history. Julius Lester uses this event as a historical foundation for the story of Emma. She was the beloved slave who cared for Mr. Butler’s daughters and who was supposed to be protected from the auction block. Despite this protection, she is sold at auction. In spite of this separation from her family, she finds hope, love and freedom. Day of Tears is written as a play being acted out on front of the readers’ eyes, complete with a cast of characters, dialogue and stage cues. This unique choice breathes life into a little known event in American history. Mr. Lester includes an author’s note providing additional historical information and the story’s fictionalized elements. This hopeful story of a slave girl reveals the pain and optimism contained within one soul. This tale does so in such a manner that would not overwhelm or upset the younger readers. The story is told without the graphic description of the physical mistreatment of slaves.
Pierce Butler is a Southern plantation owner. After his wife leaves, his gambling debts become insurmountable. This led to the largest slave auction in American history. Julius Lester uses this event as a historical foundation for the story of Emma. She was the beloved slave who cared for Mr. Butler’s daughters and who was supposed to be protected from the auction block. Despite this protection, she is sold at auction. In spite of this separation from her family, she finds hope, love and freedom. Day of Tears is written as a play being acted out on front of the readers’ eyes, complete with a cast of characters, dialogue and stage cues. This unique choice breathes life into a little known event in American history. Mr. Lester includes an author’s note providing additional historical information and the story’s fictionalized elements. This hopeful story of a slave girl reveals the pain and optimism contained within one soul. This tale does so in such a manner that would not overwhelm or upset the younger readers. The story is told without the graphic description of the physical mistreatment of slaves.
Module 6: Mara's Stories: Glimmers in the Darkness
Schmidt, Gary. 2001. Mara’s Stories: Glimmers in the Darkness. Henry Holt and Company: New York. ISBN: 0-8050-6794-9
The Holocaust is considered one of the sinister periods in world history. Instead of investigating the horror of this event, Gary Schmidt chooses to write of this tale using an unconventional but effective angle. Mara is a young woman trapped in a concentration camp. Every night the other women in her barrack gather around her bed for tales of hope, pain, desperation, and miracles. Each chapter is a separate tale told by Mara. Mr. Schmidt chose for Mara to relay a wide variety of types of tales. Shards and Unexpected Treasure are stories of betrayal and treachery. The “Good Morning” tells of a miraculous escape from death. A Calf is a Calf and The Pretzel Bakers are tongue in cheek tales about the foolishness of the Nazis. While these stories are not true, they are based on other tales or collections of tales. Mr. Schmidt provides extensive notes outlining his sources and methods for acquiring each account. This book would make an excellent Holocaust introductory novel for younger students. It exposes the hardship and despair of the events without the overwhelming graphic description often included in Holocaust literature.
The Holocaust is considered one of the sinister periods in world history. Instead of investigating the horror of this event, Gary Schmidt chooses to write of this tale using an unconventional but effective angle. Mara is a young woman trapped in a concentration camp. Every night the other women in her barrack gather around her bed for tales of hope, pain, desperation, and miracles. Each chapter is a separate tale told by Mara. Mr. Schmidt chose for Mara to relay a wide variety of types of tales. Shards and Unexpected Treasure are stories of betrayal and treachery. The “Good Morning” tells of a miraculous escape from death. A Calf is a Calf and The Pretzel Bakers are tongue in cheek tales about the foolishness of the Nazis. While these stories are not true, they are based on other tales or collections of tales. Mr. Schmidt provides extensive notes outlining his sources and methods for acquiring each account. This book would make an excellent Holocaust introductory novel for younger students. It exposes the hardship and despair of the events without the overwhelming graphic description often included in Holocaust literature.
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