Becker, Beverly C. and Susan M. Stan. 2002. Hit List for Children 2: Frequently Challenged Books. Chicago: American Library Association.
For as long as libraries have existed, there have been challenges to the material that this selected for the shelves. The American Library Association, ALA, Office of Intellectual Freedom is continuously receiving reports of censorship attempts. The Director of the Intellectual Freedom Office Judith Krug says, “…some challenges actually prove to be valuable learning experiences for most of the parties involved” (preface, ix). While these challenges may prove to be learning experiences, challenges from parents and the community can be overwhelming and intimidating. Librarians may not know what to do or where to turn. This books offers information and lifelines for a librarian in the midst of controversy.
Hit List for Children 2: Frequently Challenged Books presents case studies for over forty books that have been routinely challenged. Each case study is separated into an individual chapter. These chapters are organized alphabetically by the author’s last name. A table of contents outlines the authors and books included. A concluding appendix provides information, websites, and other helpful support for librarians who are faced with a censor.
Each case study is presented in the exact same manner. It opens with a brief summary of the book. If an author has more than one book included, a summary for each book is available. Excerpts from positive reviews accompany each summary. After each summary, a brief outline of challenges the book has faced are listed. Reasons and explanations for the challenges provide librarians with the viewpoint of the potential censors. Many of challenge explanations also include the outcome of the challenge; unfortunately this is not the rule. Outcomes for all challenges are not included.
If a book is challenged, librarians will be expected to produce reviews, references, and other citations that prove the worth of each text. This information is presented in each case study. Citations for published reviews and informational articles, references about the author, awards that the author has won for this or other works, and sources recommending the books are published in each case study. This bibliographic support could prove invaluable to an embattled librarian.
The case study for The Giver by Lois Lowry is an excellent example. The first paragraphs provide readers with a detailed summary of the text. A quote from a review from Horn Book is interjected here. After the summary, several challenges are outlined and outcomes are given. Following this, users are given seven different review sources to consult. Five articles about the specific book are cited as well as four articles about Lois Lowry. Librarians faced with a challenge would find this information helpful. They do not have to search to find the support that they may need. It is provided in a concise manner.
When faced with a challenge, librarians are often overwhelmed and unprepared. Hit List for Children 2: Frequently Challenged Books provides the necessary information and support for a librarian in desperate need. In addition to the information in each case study, the appendix outlines what the American Library Association can do for any librarian in the midst of such turmoil. Censorship is never ending. In order to effectively combat this, librarians must be prepared. Hit List for Children 2: Frequently Challenged Books can provide and support any preparation the librarian has prepared or could be the sole scaffold for a censorship battle.
Showing posts with label This review was completed for TWU 5613-20.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label This review was completed for TWU 5613-20.. Show all posts
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Module 8: National Geographic for Kids
National Geographic for Kids. May 2008. National Geographic Society: Washington DC. ISSN 1542-3042.
National Geographic magazine provides adults information about the natural world and locations. National Geographic for Kids provides this information for children ages 6 – 12. It is a collection of informational articles and entertaining graphics. There are articles about sports, world records, animals, books, and movies. Puzzles, jokes, and games are also included in the issue. One activity shows readers a picture that has been distorted and challenges the reader to decipher the picture. Another activity is designed to test observational skills by readers finding twins hidden in the full page illustration. Readers can learn about the new Indiana Jones movie or six tips for living a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. The variety of information is immense yet presented in bite size pieces for the average young reader. . This information is verified on each page with citations and references. The graphics are a combination of real life photographs and cartoon-like illustrations. The reputation that National Geographic has built within the adult community is strengthened by the quality of this extension of the magazine.
National Geographic magazine provides adults information about the natural world and locations. National Geographic for Kids provides this information for children ages 6 – 12. It is a collection of informational articles and entertaining graphics. There are articles about sports, world records, animals, books, and movies. Puzzles, jokes, and games are also included in the issue. One activity shows readers a picture that has been distorted and challenges the reader to decipher the picture. Another activity is designed to test observational skills by readers finding twins hidden in the full page illustration. Readers can learn about the new Indiana Jones movie or six tips for living a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. The variety of information is immense yet presented in bite size pieces for the average young reader. . This information is verified on each page with citations and references. The graphics are a combination of real life photographs and cartoon-like illustrations. The reputation that National Geographic has built within the adult community is strengthened by the quality of this extension of the magazine.
Module 8: Michaelangelo
Stanley, Diane. 2000. Michaelangelo. New York: Harper Collings Publisher. ISBN: 0-688-15086-1.
Michaelangelo loved sculpture from an early age. While apprenticing as a sculptor, a course of events lead Michaelangelo into the de’ Medici family. This is where he received this education and many of the contacts that carried him through the rest of his life. Michaelangelo was commissioned by many popes and leaders of the time. Some of his decisions proved to be wise, and others did not. His painting of the Sistine Chapel, first designed to be a form of punishment, proved to increase his fame and popularity. Despite the painting’s success, Michaelangelo was a sculptor at heart, and he continued to sculpt under varying circumstances until his death in 1564. Diane Stanley’s biography of this famed artist is complete and honest. The text details many aspects of his personal and professional life. Events are not glossed over. The reader sees this master’s faults and triumphs. Ms. Stanley included a detailed author’s note prior to the text. It serves as an excellent introduction. A comprehensive bibliography is included at the book’s conclusion. The illustrations profoundly compliment the text. The rich detail and color seem to come to breath and bring this amazing story to life.
Michaelangelo loved sculpture from an early age. While apprenticing as a sculptor, a course of events lead Michaelangelo into the de’ Medici family. This is where he received this education and many of the contacts that carried him through the rest of his life. Michaelangelo was commissioned by many popes and leaders of the time. Some of his decisions proved to be wise, and others did not. His painting of the Sistine Chapel, first designed to be a form of punishment, proved to increase his fame and popularity. Despite the painting’s success, Michaelangelo was a sculptor at heart, and he continued to sculpt under varying circumstances until his death in 1564. Diane Stanley’s biography of this famed artist is complete and honest. The text details many aspects of his personal and professional life. Events are not glossed over. The reader sees this master’s faults and triumphs. Ms. Stanley included a detailed author’s note prior to the text. It serves as an excellent introduction. A comprehensive bibliography is included at the book’s conclusion. The illustrations profoundly compliment the text. The rich detail and color seem to come to breath and bring this amazing story to life.
Module 8: Living Color
Jenkins, Steve. 2007. Living Color. Illus. by the author. Houghton Mifflin: Boston. ISBN: 0-618-70897-9.
Color is one of the first things learned as young children develop. Steve Jenkins uses this knowledge of color and explains the uses and value of colors in the animal world. Different animals use special colors for varying reasons. The first color profiled is red. Many animals’ usage of the color red for survival, hunting, or mating is explained. The word RED, the main heading for each explanation, and the parts of the animal are each a vibrant shade of red. The informational text is black. This contrast draws the reader’s eyes to each informational panel. In addition to red, blue, yellow, green, orange, purple, and pink are included. Readers have an opportunity to learn about the rainbow of color in the animal kingdom. Illustrations are detailed, vibrant, and masterfully done. They immerse the reader in each color as s/he proceeds through the book. At the conclusion of the book, a further examination of color is presented. Readers are enlightened as to why some animals are so dull and how colors are created. Following this section, specific physical details and descriptions about every animal in the book are included. This book will make the reader see color in a brand new way.
Color is one of the first things learned as young children develop. Steve Jenkins uses this knowledge of color and explains the uses and value of colors in the animal world. Different animals use special colors for varying reasons. The first color profiled is red. Many animals’ usage of the color red for survival, hunting, or mating is explained. The word RED, the main heading for each explanation, and the parts of the animal are each a vibrant shade of red. The informational text is black. This contrast draws the reader’s eyes to each informational panel. In addition to red, blue, yellow, green, orange, purple, and pink are included. Readers have an opportunity to learn about the rainbow of color in the animal kingdom. Illustrations are detailed, vibrant, and masterfully done. They immerse the reader in each color as s/he proceeds through the book. At the conclusion of the book, a further examination of color is presented. Readers are enlightened as to why some animals are so dull and how colors are created. Following this section, specific physical details and descriptions about every animal in the book are included. This book will make the reader see color in a brand new way.
Module 8: What do you do with a tail like this?
Jenkins, Steve and Robin Page. 2003. What do you do with a tail like this?
Houghton Mifflin: Boston. ISBN: 0-618-25628-8.
This informational book appeals to an interest in animal adaptations. Every other page asks a question of the reader, such as “What would you do with a nose like this?” Close up illustrations of the questioned body part are shown. The following page reveals the animal that each body part belongs to and also explains how each animal uses that body part. The mouth, feet, eyes, tail, ears, and nose of a variety of animals are investigated. The illustrations are cut paper collage. The jagged edges, wrinkles, and non-uniform color assist in creating realistic images. The text closes with further explanation and insight into each animal profiled in the text. This reference section is accompanied by the illustration of the animal. Readers will easily associate the traits with the visual cues from the book. Mr. Jenkins and Ms. Page create an innovative way to present factual information. Young readers may often ask the questions presented. This book does the asking and answering of these questions.
Houghton Mifflin: Boston. ISBN: 0-618-25628-8.
This informational book appeals to an interest in animal adaptations. Every other page asks a question of the reader, such as “What would you do with a nose like this?” Close up illustrations of the questioned body part are shown. The following page reveals the animal that each body part belongs to and also explains how each animal uses that body part. The mouth, feet, eyes, tail, ears, and nose of a variety of animals are investigated. The illustrations are cut paper collage. The jagged edges, wrinkles, and non-uniform color assist in creating realistic images. The text closes with further explanation and insight into each animal profiled in the text. This reference section is accompanied by the illustration of the animal. Readers will easily associate the traits with the visual cues from the book. Mr. Jenkins and Ms. Page create an innovative way to present factual information. Young readers may often ask the questions presented. This book does the asking and answering of these questions.
Module 8: The Picture Book of Harriet Beecher Stowe
Adler, David A. 2003. A Picture Book of Harriet Beecher Stowe. Illus. by Colin Bootman. Holiday House: New York. ISBN: 0-8234-1646-1
This picture book follows the life of an American author, Harriet Beecher Stowe. This text follows her life from its beginning in 1811 to her passing in 1896. It briefly details her early life and on her life’s events that had a significant impact on her future actions and decisions. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote, “I do not want to live in vain”. This biography reveals that she did not. Her experience with slavery and encouragement from her husband lead to the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. This book is credited with being one of the causes of the Civil War. The painted illustrations enrich the tale and embed the text within them. The text and the illustrations are blended and balanced. Author’s notes, a timeline of important dates, a bibliography, further reading, and websites are included encouraging further research and validating the authenticity of the information in the text. This picture book is an informative and entertaining biography for all ages.
This picture book follows the life of an American author, Harriet Beecher Stowe. This text follows her life from its beginning in 1811 to her passing in 1896. It briefly details her early life and on her life’s events that had a significant impact on her future actions and decisions. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote, “I do not want to live in vain”. This biography reveals that she did not. Her experience with slavery and encouragement from her husband lead to the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. This book is credited with being one of the causes of the Civil War. The painted illustrations enrich the tale and embed the text within them. The text and the illustrations are blended and balanced. Author’s notes, a timeline of important dates, a bibliography, further reading, and websites are included encouraging further research and validating the authenticity of the information in the text. This picture book is an informative and entertaining biography for all ages.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Module 7: The Field Guide (The Spiderwick Chronicles)
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Module 5: Clementine
Pennypacker, Sara. 2006. Clementine. Illus. by Marla Frazee. Scholastic: New York. ISBN: 978-0-545-03619-1.
Sara Pennypacker introduces readers to a new third grade heroine, Clementine. Clementine has a knack for getting herself into troublesome situations and making them worse. Her week long misadventures lead her to believe that her parents are having a party to celebrate finally getting rid of her. In a touching moment, she realizes how much she is loved by her family and friends. Clementine’s overall positive demeanor is not marred by her mistakes and choices. She is determined and inventive. In her own unique way, she is always trying to make situations better. Ms. Pennypacker’s straightforward writing and authentic dialogue creates pleasant and plausible characters. The story is enhanced by Ms. Frazee’s ink drawings that are embedded in the text. Clementine’s emotion is translated beautifully in these simple illustrations. Within her family, Clementine is not known as the “easy one”, but this book is an “easy one” to enjoy and read again.
Sara Pennypacker introduces readers to a new third grade heroine, Clementine. Clementine has a knack for getting herself into troublesome situations and making them worse. Her week long misadventures lead her to believe that her parents are having a party to celebrate finally getting rid of her. In a touching moment, she realizes how much she is loved by her family and friends. Clementine’s overall positive demeanor is not marred by her mistakes and choices. She is determined and inventive. In her own unique way, she is always trying to make situations better. Ms. Pennypacker’s straightforward writing and authentic dialogue creates pleasant and plausible characters. The story is enhanced by Ms. Frazee’s ink drawings that are embedded in the text. Clementine’s emotion is translated beautifully in these simple illustrations. Within her family, Clementine is not known as the “easy one”, but this book is an “easy one” to enjoy and read again.
Module 5: Judy Moody Predicts the Future
McDonald, Megan. 2003. Judy Moody predicts the future. Illus. by Peter H. Reynolds. Candlewick Press: Cambridge, MA. ISBN: 076362343-1.
It all started with a mood ring. Megan McDonald writes another entertaining and endearing tale for our third grade heroine Judy Moody. Judy eats enough cereal to find the mood ring in the box. Through a series of manipulated events, she convinces her brother, Stink, that she can predict the future. Using her ring, she works to convince her classmates that she can predict the future. Her classmates are skeptical but are won over when Judy predicts the romance of her teacher to a visiting artist. Judy Moody lives up to her name. Readers experience the Judy’s third grade happiness, anger, disappointment, and contentment through Ms. McDonald’s simplistic sentence structure, dialogue, and word choice. Ms. McDonald effectively writes as a third grader thinks without oversimplification and poor grammar. Mr. Reynold’s charming, black and white illustrations are inserted into the text. They give readers a deeper glimpse into the mind and soul of Judy. This book would be an excellent addition to any library.
It all started with a mood ring. Megan McDonald writes another entertaining and endearing tale for our third grade heroine Judy Moody. Judy eats enough cereal to find the mood ring in the box. Through a series of manipulated events, she convinces her brother, Stink, that she can predict the future. Using her ring, she works to convince her classmates that she can predict the future. Her classmates are skeptical but are won over when Judy predicts the romance of her teacher to a visiting artist. Judy Moody lives up to her name. Readers experience the Judy’s third grade happiness, anger, disappointment, and contentment through Ms. McDonald’s simplistic sentence structure, dialogue, and word choice. Ms. McDonald effectively writes as a third grader thinks without oversimplification and poor grammar. Mr. Reynold’s charming, black and white illustrations are inserted into the text. They give readers a deeper glimpse into the mind and soul of Judy. This book would be an excellent addition to any library.
Module 5: Replay
Creech, Sharon. 2005. Replay. HarperCollins: New York. ISBN 978-0-06-054020-3.
All the world’s a stage. And all men and women are merely players. These words from Shakespeare describe the manner Sharon Creech used to show scenes from the life of Leo and his immediate and extended family. Leo’s family is full of intriguing and complex characters. His sister is transforming from a caring older sister to a moody, adolescent girl. His father is not the same since his heart attack. Leo has an aunt that no one will talk about. Using stage cues and writing dialogue as a script, Sharon Creech cleverly relays the story’s events as if they are a sequence from the theatre. While Leo is learning his lines for a school play, he finds a box of his father’s childhood mementos, including his father’s autobiography. As Leo reads the autobiography, he begins to analyze how people change as they grow up and what events cause changes. The scenes of Leo’s daily life are interrupted by scenes from Leo’s imagination. These imaginative interludes reveal Leo’s desires and dreams. At the end of the story, Leo’s school play script is included. Ms. Creech has written an original story in an innovative manner about family.
All the world’s a stage. And all men and women are merely players. These words from Shakespeare describe the manner Sharon Creech used to show scenes from the life of Leo and his immediate and extended family. Leo’s family is full of intriguing and complex characters. His sister is transforming from a caring older sister to a moody, adolescent girl. His father is not the same since his heart attack. Leo has an aunt that no one will talk about. Using stage cues and writing dialogue as a script, Sharon Creech cleverly relays the story’s events as if they are a sequence from the theatre. While Leo is learning his lines for a school play, he finds a box of his father’s childhood mementos, including his father’s autobiography. As Leo reads the autobiography, he begins to analyze how people change as they grow up and what events cause changes. The scenes of Leo’s daily life are interrupted by scenes from Leo’s imagination. These imaginative interludes reveal Leo’s desires and dreams. At the end of the story, Leo’s school play script is included. Ms. Creech has written an original story in an innovative manner about family.
Module 5: So B. It
Weeks, Sarah. 2004. So B. It. Laura Geringer Books: New York. ISBN 0-06-623622-3.
Sarah Weeks creates a touching story of love, devotion and discovery. The first person that a child loves is his/her mother. Heidi It is no exception. However her mother, who calls herself So B. It, has a “bum brain” and is completely dependent on Heidi and a neighbor, Bernadette. So B. It has a limited vocabulary of 23 words. Sarah Weeks skillfully uses each of these simple words as a title for each chapter. The story is always seen through the uncomplicated eyes of So B. It and Heidi. Eventually, Heidi is haunted by the word soof, the only word her mother says that she can’t identify. Heidi’s stubbornness and determination drives her into a solo bus journey across the country with a roll of mysterious photographs in her hand, a notebook full of questions, and soof. As Heidi discovers the truth about her mother’s past, she realizes the true meaning of love, soof. Sarah Weeks created clever and fallible characters that remind readers of the meaning of unconditional love.
Sarah Weeks creates a touching story of love, devotion and discovery. The first person that a child loves is his/her mother. Heidi It is no exception. However her mother, who calls herself So B. It, has a “bum brain” and is completely dependent on Heidi and a neighbor, Bernadette. So B. It has a limited vocabulary of 23 words. Sarah Weeks skillfully uses each of these simple words as a title for each chapter. The story is always seen through the uncomplicated eyes of So B. It and Heidi. Eventually, Heidi is haunted by the word soof, the only word her mother says that she can’t identify. Heidi’s stubbornness and determination drives her into a solo bus journey across the country with a roll of mysterious photographs in her hand, a notebook full of questions, and soof. As Heidi discovers the truth about her mother’s past, she realizes the true meaning of love, soof. Sarah Weeks created clever and fallible characters that remind readers of the meaning of unconditional love.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Module 4: Here's a little poem: A very first book of poetry
Yolen, Jane and Andrew Fusek Peters. 2007. Here’s a Little Poem: A Very First Book of Poetry.. Illus by Polly Dunbar. Candlewick: Cambridge, MA. ISBN 978-0-7636-3141-3.
This charming anthology of poems for the youngest children radiates joy and simplicity. All of the poems are centered on topics that young children can relate. Time for Bed, something children avoid, and Who Lives in My House?, the first people a child learns to interact with, are two subcategories of poems within the collection. In Mum is Having a Baby, a young child tries to understand why his mother is having a baby: /What’s she want another one for: / WHAT’S THE MATTER WITH ME!? Although every poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme, each poem has a cadence and rhythm that will appeal to young children. Each poem is accompanied by a brilliant watercolor illustration. These illustrations will assist in the interpretation of these poems. The index of poems and poets will simplify the task of finding that perfect poem for a specific situation. Readers, young and old, will fall in love with poetry after reading the true to life rhythms.
This charming anthology of poems for the youngest children radiates joy and simplicity. All of the poems are centered on topics that young children can relate. Time for Bed, something children avoid, and Who Lives in My House?, the first people a child learns to interact with, are two subcategories of poems within the collection. In Mum is Having a Baby, a young child tries to understand why his mother is having a baby: /What’s she want another one for: / WHAT’S THE MATTER WITH ME!? Although every poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme, each poem has a cadence and rhythm that will appeal to young children. Each poem is accompanied by a brilliant watercolor illustration. These illustrations will assist in the interpretation of these poems. The index of poems and poets will simplify the task of finding that perfect poem for a specific situation. Readers, young and old, will fall in love with poetry after reading the true to life rhythms.
Module 4: The Neighborhood Mother Goose
Crews, Nina. 2004. The Neighborhood Mother Goose. Illus by Author. Greenwillow Books: New York. ISBN 0-06-051574-0.
The photographic choices this author made urbanize and rejuvenate the classic Mother Goose rhymes that have been enjoyed for decades. Readers are greeted with a title page photograph of a regal looking goose. This could be Mother Goose. The clever photographs illustrate the rhymes in a current setting. Jack be nimble is jumping over a candle that is sitting atop a cupcake. A real cat appears to be playing a fiddle. Mary, Mary quite contrary is watering flowers in her urban garden. The children in the photographs reveal the meaning of the rhyme and are current and authentic models. They could be from anyone’s neighborhood. The alphabetical table of contents allows readers to find that perfect rhyme. This book makes Mother Goose relevant to another generation.
The photographic choices this author made urbanize and rejuvenate the classic Mother Goose rhymes that have been enjoyed for decades. Readers are greeted with a title page photograph of a regal looking goose. This could be Mother Goose. The clever photographs illustrate the rhymes in a current setting. Jack be nimble is jumping over a candle that is sitting atop a cupcake. A real cat appears to be playing a fiddle. Mary, Mary quite contrary is watering flowers in her urban garden. The children in the photographs reveal the meaning of the rhyme and are current and authentic models. They could be from anyone’s neighborhood. The alphabetical table of contents allows readers to find that perfect rhyme. This book makes Mother Goose relevant to another generation.
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