My Words on Children's Literature

Genre6 FICTION, FANTASY, & YA

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Myers, Walter Dean. 2001. MONSTER. New York: Amistad. ISBN0064407314

Read by a full cast. 2000. New York: Listening Library. ISBN080728257X

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Steve Harmon, 16, is in jail awaiting his trial for murder. He is accused of being the lookout for a robbery of a Harlem drugstore in which the owner was killed. Steve is an amateur filmmaker and thinks about his situation in terms of a screen play of his life. Each person involved has a part to play. He stages each scene in his mind. Steve’s parents are heart-broken, but try to be supportive. His lawyer is great, but Steve thinks they don’t believe his side of the story. During the trial, the prosecutor presents him as a “monster.” Steve wrestles with this concept of himself, trying regain a sense of morality that he lost.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a heavy story for 7^th grade and up. Written from the unusual perspective of a screen play, the familiar elements in this story are fresh and new. Each scene builds on the last to tell how Steve's life has changed dramatically because of his foolish choices. Diary entries are interspersed throughout the script, which give the reader a window into the horrible conditions of incarceration and his feelings about himself. "It's growing. First I was scared of being hit or raped. That being scared was like a little ball in the pit of my stomach. Now that ball is growing. . ." The diary entry font looks like a young person's writing. This is another facet of this book which makes it unique. Myers expertly presents this boy in such a way that readers will feel both sympathetic as well as repulsed. Steve realizes that even if he is acquitted, his parents will never totally trust him again. " My father is no longer sure of who I am. He doesn't understand me even knowing people like King or Bobo or Osvaldo." His struggle with himself is one that readers will relate to in many ways. Monster is full of difficult questions with uncertain answers which make this book very challenging to readers. His final haunting question ends the book. "What did she see?"

The unabridged audio book is unusual because it is read by a cast of 16 different readers. One really gets a feel for the screen play because of this recording method. The variety of voices make this recording extra special. Using the audio book with the printed book would be helpful for some students.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

Hornbook: "A novel that in both form and subject guarantees a wide teen audience. . . . Myers adeptly allows each character to speak for him or herself. . . . Tailor-made for readers' theater, this book is a natural to get teens reading--and talking."

School Library Journal: "Monster lends itself well to classroom or group discussion. It's an emotionally charged story that readers will find compelling and disturbing."

5. CONNECTIONS

*This is the perfect book for readers’ theater.

*Lead a discussion about choices and consequences.

*Other related books:

Walter, Virginia. MAKING UP MEGABOY. ISBN 0385326866

Draper, Sharon. FORGED BY FIRE. ISBN 0689818513

// posted by catalogblog @ 7:04 AM 0 Comments

Genre 6 Fiction, Fantasy & YA

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Patron, Susan. 2006. THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY. Ill. by Matt Phelan. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN1416901949

Read by Cassandra Campbell. 2007. Listening Library. ISBN 9780739338797

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Ten year old Lucky lives in Hard Pan, California, population 43. Her small community on the edge of the desert is unique and sometimes harsh with people that she knows and loves. It’s been two years since Lucky’s mother died. She lives with her guardian, Brigitte, who misses her native France. Lucky is mostly happy hanging out with her friend, Lincoln, and her dog, H.M.S. Beagle. Her troubles begin with misunderstanding chance information. She is afraid that Brigitte will abandon her and return to France, so she begins to formulate a plan to run away.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The theme of wanting a home and belonging to someone is not new. The quirky characters such as Lucky's best friend, Lincoln Clinton Carter Kennedy, who is a member of the International Guild of Knot Tiers, and Miles who insists on being read to from Are You My Mother? add a bit of comedy to the sober thoughts of this young girl. With humor and realism, this novel addresses difficult topics such as absent parents, death, and addiction making the overall message one of hope and love. Lucky is intense yet vulnerable and tries to survive her circumstances by “staying alert and carrying a survival kit at all times because things happen when you least expect them.” Readers will identify with Lucky’s ambivalent feelings that "sometimes [she] wanted to change everything, all the bad things that had happened, and sometimes she wanted everything to stay the same forever."

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, January 2007 :“Fans of more traditional stories of youngsters finally finding the home they deserve will enjoy this offbeat treatment of the classic theme.”

Booklist: "Patron's plotting is as tight as her characters are endearing. Lucky is a true heroine, especially because she's not perfect: she does some cowardly things, but she takes pains to put them to rights."

5. CONNECTIONS

*Lead a discussion on the importance of belonging. Brainstorm things that make one feel like he belongs. Write a paragraph about why we want to belong.

Other related books:

*Spence, Eleanor. THE LEFT OVERS. ISBN 045400284X

*Livingston, Elizabeth J. THE HIDEOUT. ISBN 0802435327

// posted by catalogblog @ 9:07 AM 0 Comments

Genre 6 FICTION, FANTASY, & YA

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Duprau, Jeanne. 2004. THE CITY OF EMBER. New York: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN 0375822747

Read by Wendy Dillon. 2006. Listening Library (Audio). ISBN0739331671

2. PLOT SUMMARY

The city of Ember is a dark, decaying place with no natural light isolated by the vast Unknown. There are problems in Ember. Electric lighting sometimes fails, supplies are dwindling, and the citizens are uneasy and uncertain. Twelve year old Doon and his friend Lina are certain there is a way to save Ember. After Lina finds a scrap of paper with parts of a message on it, they figure out the missing letters and words. They discover the way out of Ember.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is fantasy, and while some may think it is disturbing and steer younger readers away from it, I found it to be a great adventure. The thoughtful study of human nature coupled with believable characters will pull readers into the story. Readers get a sense of Lina's courageous spirit when she explores the Gathering Hall and ends up on the roof. "I was just curious," said Lina..."Curiosity leads to trouble," said Redge Stabmark. This is such a clever story filled with mysteries that unravel as one listens or reads. One favorite is when Lina analyzes Lizzie's story about the canned fruit. "You simply did not find cans of peaches and applesauce and creamed corn on the back shelves of markets. Lizzie was lying." The elements of the story unfold gradually and the reader will be delighted at each new realization. The last chapter reveals mean answers, and then ends with the anticipation of the next book. What a great way to keep kids reading!

The audio book is filled with wonderful voices. The mayor of Ember is breathless and overweight and we hear this in his (her) voice. There are many characters in this story and Dillon is able to make each one unique. This book has a sequel and readers will be looking for it.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

VOYA: “While Ember is colorless and dark, the book itself is rich with description. . . . Part mystery, part adventure story, this novel provides science fiction for those who do not like science fiction.”

Kirkus: “The cliffhanger ending will leave readers clamoring for the next installment.”

Audiofile: “Wendy Dillon's rich, throaty tones describing Ember's domescape are gloomily impeccable. She slips in and out of preadolescent voices with ease and manages to create an atmosphere of hope in the midst of desolation.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Discuss courage and personal responsibility to make things right.

*Divide into small groups and develop a unique society.

Other related books:

Stemp, Jane. WATERBOUND. ISBN0803719949

Nix, Garth. SHADE’S CHILDREN. ISBN0064471969

// posted by catalogblog @ 10:37 AM 0 Comments

Genre 5 HISTORICAL FICTION

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.

ISBN 0395510600

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Denmark is occupied by the Nazis in 1943. Life becomes increasingly difficult and scary as 10 year old Annemarie becomes aware that her Jewish friend is in danger. Unknown to Annemarie, her family worked with the Danish resistance to smuggle Jewish Danes out of Denmark across the ocean into free Sweden. Her parents told her as little as possible for her own safety. In the end, Annemarie had a vital role in making the smuggle attempt a success.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Lowry fictionalizes a true story in history in a way that young readers can understand without all of the truly evil details. The story focuses on the relationship of two good friends and their families. The main character, Annemarie, wrestles with fear and bravery. She struggles to understand what's going on since her parents reveal only small parts of the situation. Through her eyes, readers come to understand the true meaning of bravery as Annemarie speaks to Nazi soldiers and delivers the all important packet. The plot comes right out of history. Annemarie's family and their actions comfortably fit right into the facts of the story. Lowry's style of writing demonstrates her ability to weave lighter story elements with the heavier ones. She captures the innocence of the children as they try to understand what's going on. "But why the button shop? What harm is a button shop? Mrs. Hirsch is such a nice lady." As the story progresses, and Annemarie realizes more and more of what is happening, the theme of bravery continues to develop. During the ultimate test of her bravery, she remembers the words of her mother and the example of her little sister. She plays a part and successfully delivers the basket. Her uncle sums it up, "All is well. . . because of you, Annemarie, everything is all right."

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

Booklist: "Lowry tells her story well. . . . While the novel has an absorbing plot, its real strength lies in its evocation of deep friendship between two girls and of a caring family who make a profoundly moral choice to protect others during wartime. Permeated with clear elements of popular appeal as well as rich substance, this novel will also be an ideal support for classroom units on World War II."

Hornbook: “The message is so closely woven into the carefully honed narrative that the whole work is seamless, compelling, and memorable--impossible to put down; difficult to forget."

5. CONNECTIONS

*This book would go well with a unit on courage, or WWII.

*Lead a discussion on doing what’s right when it is not easy.

Other related books:

*Levine, Ellen. DARKNESS OVER DENMARK: THE DANISH RESISTANCE AND THE RESCUE OF THE JEWS. ISBN 0823417557

*Tevskov, Peter H. CONQUERED NOT DEFEATED: GROWING UP IN DENMARK DURING THE GERMAN OCCUPATION OF WORLD WAR II. ISBN1555716385

// posted by catalogblog @ 10:32 AM 0 Comments

Genre 5 HISTORICAL FICTION

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

LaFaye, A. 2004. WORTH. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689857306

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Nebraska farmboy, Nate, is crippled by a freak haying accident. He is angry, helpless, and bitter when his pa brings home a city orphan to work as a farm hand and Nate is sent to school. Nate begins to soften toward John when he learns that his entire family was killed in a tenement fire. They end up helping and accepting each other, as well as chasing off some fence-cutters who are trying to stir up trouble between the ranchers and farmers.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Set in 19^th-century rural Nebraska, LaFaye’s spare and beautifully told novel is historically accurate. He paints a realistic picture of the hardships of the families, the range wars, and the orphans. The main characters are believable in their life together and the challenges that they face. The plot comes right out of history with the range wars. For example in this scene, children at school are fighting the fight of their parents: "Get your cowpoke feet out of my shooting area!" He shoved Gantry away from his marbles. "Won't have you tromping all over my things like your cattle in my daddy's fields." The details of the setting make the story seem real. The theme crosses the boundaries of time in that hard times come and problems have to be worked out. This is true socially as in Nate trying to make friends, communally as in the land wars, and relationally as with Nate's family and the orphan John. Readers will identify with the emotions of the boys as they come to terms with their relationship and become friends.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

Publisher’s weekly: “There's a world of pain in LaFaye's spare, lyrical novel set in 19th-century Nebraska. The author assumes an unusual perspective on the Orphan Train theme, focusing on the adoptive family.”

School Library Journal: “A compelling and historically accurate story beautifully rendered.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This is a great short read to go along with a unit that includes farm life, range wars or the Orphan trains.

Other related books:

Warren, Andrea. ORPHAN TRAIN RIDER: ONE BOY’S TRUE STORY. ISBN 0395913624

Riney-Kehrberg, Pamela. CHILDHOOD ON THE FARM: WORK, PLAY AND COMING OF AGE IN THE MIDWEST. ISBN 0700613889

// posted by catalogblog @ 7:14 AM 0 Comments

Genre 4 NONFICTION AND BIOGRAPHY

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Murphy, Jim. 2003. AN AMERICAN PLAGUE. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395776082.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Philadelphia, in 1793, was a seat of government and commerce. The Yellow Fever epidemic stealthily crept up on this great city as the people went about their daily business. Beginning with a young French sailor and then quietly progressing through a boarding house, the church bells began ringing more often and then the doctors began comparing notes. As soon as the fever was named, thousands fled the city. The epidemic was quickly out of control and few leaders remained to help. Doctors argued over treatment. Thousands died a horrible death, but heroes emerged, most notably the Free African Society.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Murphy re-creates the environment of Philadelphia with sights and sounds. He sets the tone by describing the busy-ness of this capitol city that does not notice what is beginning to happen. The reader feels the panic and fear building as specific details of real people are woven into the narrative: the often terrible ending of those who stayed and the relief of those who fled. The inclusion of diary entries emphasizes the reality of this story and also underscores accuracy. "Isaac Wharton and family are moved out of Town, P. Hartshorne's family, and Neighr Waln's also out; the inhabitants are leaving the City in great numbers." The organization of the book is chronological in that it begins at the beginning revealing events and unfolding knowledge in the order that it happened. While there is not a visual on every page, there is some visual on nearly every opening. Archival prints, photos, contemporary newspaper facsimiles that include lists of the dead illustrate this tragic story, reinforce accuracy, and bring this episode in history to life.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

School Library Journal:
"solid research and a flair for weaving facts into fascinating stories...extensive and interesting...you'll have students hooked on history."

Booklist: "History, science, politics and public health come together in this dramatic account...brings the 'unshakeable unease' chillingly close."

5. CONNECTIONS

*Gather books about great tragedies in the United States. Discuss the leaders who helped solve and then rebuild.

Other related books:

*Anderson, Laurie Halse. FEVER 1793. ISBN 0689848919.

*Murphy, Jim. THE GREAT FIRE. ISBN 0439203074.

// posted by catalogblog @ 1:21 PM 0 Comments

Genre 4 NONFICTION AND BIOGRAPHY

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Simon, Seymour. 1991. EARTHQUAKES. New York: Mulberry Paperback book. ISBN 068814022x

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Simon examines the many mysteries surrounding earthquakes: from dip slips to tsunamis, from seismographs to sandboils. Why do they happen? Why do they happen more often in certain areas? What can people do keep themselves and their property protected?

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Simon is a master at combining detailed, clear text with astounding photographs. He organizes this information by alternating between general and specific. Simon relates a few paragraphs of basic information, then he switches to a specific event. The photographs document the events as well as illustrate the concepts. Simon uses a style and vocabulary that children can easily understand. For example, "Seismographs are the instruments that scientists use to measure earthquake shocks." The target audience for this book is ages 5-9, however, this book would make a great overall introduction to older children who are ready for more information, as well. The stunning photography communicates the great power and devastation of earthquakes.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

Hornbook: “Earthquakes offers cogent examinations and compelling images.”

School Library Journal: “A visually outstanding book.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This book goes well with units covering natural disasters and more specifically earthquakes.

Other related books:

Chambers, Catherine. EARTHQUAKES. ISBN 1588103331

Lassieur, Allison. EARTHQUAKES. ISBN 0736834656

// posted by catalogblog @ 2:22 PM 0 Comments