BABYMOUSE: ROCK STAR

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer L., and Matthew Holm. 2006. Babymouse: Rock Star. New York: Random House. ISBN 0375832327

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In Babymouse: Rock Star, our hero Babymouse is a total rock star, having concerts, signing autographs, and wowing audiences!   Unfortunately for her, all of these wonderful things are just a part of her vivid imagination.  In her real life, she is last chair in the flute section of her band at school. Auditions for the next band concert are coming up soon, but she is sure to make horrible screeching sounds with her lovely, shiny flute, just as she always does. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Babymouse is a fun, imaginative character, and the appeal of her character to kids is apparent.  She is not perfect, she does not always get her way, and even though she is just a mouse, she understands how hard life in public school can be!  In this volume of the series, she is ridiculed by band bully who reaffirms her fears that she will never be any good at playing her musical instrument.  Children will feel validated in their struggles to succeed in their favorite extracurricular activity, and they will likely relate to her feelings of insecurity. 

The plot has an intriguing rhythm between Babymouse’s fantasy and her reality, and it keeps the book engaging.  Written as a comic book, the story is told both through the written words and the pictures, all pink, black and white.  I loved the frequent changes in the book’s setting via Babymouse’s keen imagination, and especially the references to the Wizard of Oz.  Just when Babymouse is feeling like the day will be just as boring as all the rest, she imagines herself far away from the confines of school.  She enters her locker, gets whisked away by a tornado, and ends up in her own version of Oz, crushing the Wicked Witch as she lands.  Who wouldn’t be more motivated to go to first period when a giraffe scarecrow is chanting, “Follow the green linoleum hallway!”

With themes of friendship, perseverance, and self-confidence, Babymouse: Rock Star is not just a silly comic book.  This series will capture the interest of even the most reluctant readers and will give them a connection with beloved characters with wonderful stories.  My nine year old daughter has loved this series for the last few years, and she was very eager to let me borrow one of her favorites!  She began reading these books when she was just starting to read for enjoyment.  Now, thanks in part to her love of Babymouse, she is an avid reader of large novels and non-fiction, too.  I am so thankful for these books that helped her launch her love for reading.  I am confident this series will do the same for countless other children, and I look forward to promoting it in my library.   

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred Review, The Horn Book:
"Nobody puts Babymouse in the corner!"

Booklist:
"Cute, smart, sassy Babymouse is fun and funny, and this book, like its predecessors, will draw reluctant readers as well as Babymouse fans."

The Bulletin:
"An almost absurdly likeable heroine."

5. CONNECTIONS

Introduce kids to the Squish series by Jennifer L. Holms.

WHEN YOU REACH ME

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stead, Rebecca. When You Reach Me. 2009. New York: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 0375850864

2. PLOT SUMMARY

When You Reach Me is a story about a girl in the 6^th grade named Miranda, growing up in New York in 1978 when some mysterious things begin to happen.  First, her best friend Sal gets punched in the stomach by a boy who does not even know Sal.  Sal starts ignoring Miranda for no good reason, so she has to find new friends, including the boy who punched Sal.  Miranda starts finding anonymously written notes with strange messages about the future hidden in places only she would find them, and her house key mysteriously disappears from its secret hiding place.  The notes indicate that unless Miranda takes action and figures out how to solve the riddle, a life may be lost, the future forever changed.   

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Miranda is a very likable character, who narrates the story in her own unique voice, creating a distinct structure for the style of the book. Her language is consistent with that of an 11 year old girl who does not have everything figured out in life, yet who has a unique perspective to which the reader can relate.  The 1978 New York setting seems accurately described and plays an important role in the plot.  The “crazy” homeless man who lives by the mailbox of Miranda’s apartment complex is accepted in the beginning, simply based on the setting of the story.  Later, he becomes of greater importance to the plot, and some stereotypes fall away with the knowledge of his back story.  When the strange things begin to happen to Miranda, the skepticism she feels about them is mirrored in the reader’s mind and serves as a tie to the real world, where things like time travel seem impossible.  For those who have read A Wrinkle in Time, clues to what may be happening will be scattered throughout the story as Miranda describes pieces of her favorite book.  This foreshadowing in the plot is creative, engaging, and full of intrigue.  Though it is clearly fantasy, it is grounded in reality, too, so that the impossible events seem plausible.

The themes of the book include time travel, of course, but also relationships, redemption, and independence.  The book is clearly targeted for younger audiences, but there will be great satisfaction for older audiences reading it, too.  Miranda learns some valuable lessons about who she is and how she views the world and left me thinking about who I am and how I view the world.

 “Mom says each of us has a veil between ourselves and the rest of the world, like a bride wears on her wedding day, except this kind of veil is invisible. We walk around happily with these invisible veils hanging down over our faces. The world is kind of blurry, and we like it that way. But sometimes our veils are pushed away for a few moments, like there's a wind blowing it from our faces. And when the veil lifts, we can see the world as it really is, just for those few seconds before it settles down again. We see all the beauty, and cruelty, and sadness, and love. But mostly we are happy not to. Some people learn to lift the veil themselves. Then they don't have to depend on the wind anymore.” 

When You Reach Me is a terrific read for people of all ages. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"An exhilarating experience."
--Kirkus Reviews

"This imaginative book will be read for a long time into the future."
--Children's Literature

5. CONNECTIONS

If students have not yet read A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, now would be the perfect time! 

THE SCORPIO RACES

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stiefvater, Maggie. 2011. The Scorpio Races. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 054522490X

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Each year on Thisby Island, the water horses come from the sea.  They are brutal, flesh eating beasts that the bravest people of Thisby like to capture, ride, and race in the Scorpio Races.  At nineteen years of age, Sean Kendrick is the reigning champion who has a special way with the creatures, one that no one else seems to understand.  Puck Connelly is a young woman who has lost her parents and will soon lose everything else if she does not compete in and win the races.  This book is about the island, the people, the horses, and the unlikely partnership of two people who, for their own reasons, desperately need to win The Scorpio Races.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Sean Kendrick and Puck Connelly take turns narrating this riveting, mystical story about faerie type horses that live in the sea most of the year and the people of Thisby Island whose culture is shaped by them.  Both characters quietly stir the hearts of the readers with their melancholy stories and their hope for the future, but each has an individual voice that offers unique insight into the plot.  The descriptions of the island and the mysterious capill usice, or water horses, are vivid and integral to the creation of the beautiful, yet intense, mental images of this fantasy place.  Amazingly, even the frightening sea horses draw compassion from the reader through the masterful telling of this story.  The book reads like realistic fiction with the exception of the horses, so it feels very believable, like Thisby could almost be real.

Puck’s quest to race and win is at the center of the story, but doing so will not be good for Sean.  And as their relationship begins to form and grow, this becomes a conflict for both the characters and the reader. “I say, 'I will not be your weakness, Sean Kendrick.' Now he looks at me. He says, very softly, 'It's late for that, Puck.”  A resolution is not apparent and the tension magnifies as the plot moves toward its end.  One asset of the book is the realistic, subdued relationship between the main characters.  Themes of love, identity, trust, and sacrifice emerge and resonate with the reader and add to the relevance of the story. 

The Scorpio Races was a delight to read and unlike any other book I have had read.  I highly recommend this book for fantasy lovers, but I believe even non-fans will enjoy this unique spin on the genre.   

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

 “[A] taut, chilling, romantic adventure....Masterful. Like nothing else out there now.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Stiefvater masterfully combines an intimate voice (think I Capture the Castle) with a fully evoked island setting with sensory-rich language (think Margo Lanagan) with a wealth of horse detail with a plot full of danger, intrigue, and romance. ... Stiefvater sets not one foot wrong as she takes readers on an intoxicating ride of their own. ... Stiefvater’s novel begins rivetingly and gets better and better…all the way, in fact, to best.” – The Horn Book, starred review

5. CONNECTIONS

For older readers, grades 8 and up, and also by Maggie Stiefvater is the book The Raven Boys.  I have not read it yet, but look forward to doing so! Here are some exciting reviews:

“Simultaneously complex and simple, compulsively readable, marvelously wrought. The only flaw is that this is Book 1; it may be months yet before Book 2 comes out.” - Kirkus, starred review

“. . . the book is marvelous, for not only is it filled with marvels, it is also a marvel of imagination and, more prosaically, structure. Rich, too, in characterization, this fantasy/mystery rises to the level of serious literature” - Booklist, starred review

“It’s a tour de force of characterization, and while there is no lack of event or mystery, it is the way Stiefvater’s people live in the reader’s imagination that makes this such a memorable read.” - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"The Raven Boys is an incredibly rich and unique tale, a supernatural thriller of a different flavor . . . The Raven Boys delivers." - School Library Journal, starred review

ONE CRAZY SUMMER

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Garcia, Rita. 2010. One Crazy Summer. New York: Amistsad. ISBN 0060760907

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

 It is the 1960s and summertime when eleven year-old Delphine and her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, are taking a trip from their Brooklyn home with their “Pa” and “Big Ma” (grandmother) to Oakland, California to see their mother, Cecile, who left them when they were very young.  This is their first encounter with Cecile since she left, and she is nothing like what the girls feel a “real” mother should be like.  She is crazy, negligent, bothered by their presence: “No one told y’all to come out here,” Cecile says. “No one wants you out here making a mess, stopping my work.” She calls herself Nzilla and writes poetry and prints all day long, which is why the girls are not allowed in her kitchen.  During the girls’ month long stay in Oakland, they encounter the Black Panthers group, and experience something much different than the Disneyland memories they were hoping for. It is the summer after Huey Newton was jailed and young Bobby Hutton was killed at the hands of the Oakland police.  Even though Delphine and her sisters are sent to the group just to get free breakfast in the morning and “summer camp” all day so that their mother will not have to deal with them, they ultimately learn a lot about “the revolution” and a little about their mother, too.    

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The characters in the book are real and honest, and are represented well.  Delphine and her sisters respond to the unusual, stressful situation of meeting a mother who does not seem to care a bit for them with grace, strength, and dignity.  These qualities draw a likeability and respect and enable the reader to relate to the girls even though their attitudes and experiences are from a different time.  Cecile is not a good mother, but by the end of the book, when Delphine gets a peek into her past, there is a greater understanding of why she is who she is.  The history is well told, without any unnecessary gloss, through Delphine’s eyes as she narrates her experiences with the events of the past from her young, yet “plain” perspective. The 1960s-Oakland-Black Panther-Revolution setting is not merely a backdrop to the story; it shares the stage with the characters in perfect harmony.  The themes of love, family, and race relations take a primary role while the more subtle themes of responsibility, loyalty, and forgiveness can be found as well.  The morals of the time are well reflected in both the primary and secondary characters, but there are countless parallels relevant to today’s generation.  One Crazy Summer is authentically written through Delphine’s voice and exposes more of the truth of the times than the media of the past revealed.  This book is a perfect blend of history and story, and one that will engage, educate, and entertain all at once. 

Awards:

ALA-ALSC Childrens Notable Book

Coretta Scott King Author AwardNewbery HonorKirkus Reviews - Best Children or Starred ReviewHorn Book FanfareParents Choice Award

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Kirkus Starred Review: “Delphine is the pitch-perfect older sister, wise beyond her years, an expert at handling her siblings...while the girls are caught up in the difficulties of adults, their resilience is celebrated and energetically told with writing that snaps off the page.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Read No Laughter Here, another book by Rita Williams-Garcia. I have not read this book, but in researching it, I feel I must. 

OKAY FOR NOW

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Schmidt, Gary D. 2011. Okay for Now. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0547534175

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Okay for Now is a coming of age story set in 1960s Maryville about a young teenage boy, Doug Swieteck, who has an abusive father, an all-too-quiet mother, and two difficult brothers during the historical time of the Vietnam War and Apollo 11.  Lil Spicer, Doug’s first friend in “stupid Marysville,” sticks by his side even when the whole town believes the worst about the “skinny thug.”  His relationships within the community rise and fall based on their suspicions about his brother Christopher, but Lil is a constant for him.  Doug must cope with his dysfunctional family life, his position as an outcast at school and in the community, as well as his brother’s painful return from the war.  But as Doug discovers himself through art, he also finds love, hope, and purpose. 

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Doug’s life in Marysville is described in vivid detail, from “The Dump” that Doug and his family live in and the school in which our hero is often degraded, to the library where Doug begins to find himself in recreating John James Audubon’s Birds of America.  These drawings are used by Doug (and the author) to illustrate the lessons about people, relationships, and life that he discovers throughout the book.  Glimpses of the art can be seen at the beginning of the chapters, which helps the reader visualize what Doug is experiencing through the pictures.  The book is narrated in Doug’s voice using language and attitudes common to a young man, or should I say “chump,” as he often refers to himself, coming of age in the 1960s. 

The relationship between Lil and Doug is believable and age-appropriate.  Without this relationship, it is unlikely that Doug would have been able to grow and change.  From this relationship, he is introduced to the library, where he becomes friends with the librarian who teaches him about art, and ultimately about life. 

The characters’ attitudes are common for the time period, especially as noted in the mother’s attitude toward her abusive husband and the school teachers’ slowness to see the trouble Doug is in at home.  The history in the book is presented accurately, especially as it relates to the attitudes about the Vietnam War.  As a daughter of a Vietnam vet who lost his arm in the war, I was especially moved by the attitudes of disgust and even hatred toward Lucas: “And you know what they said when they saw my brother in his uniform sitting in a wheelchair with bandages around his eyes, his legs gone?  You know what they said?  They said he got what he deserved.”  What a troubling, yet authentic segment from the book!  Another historical event, the Apollo 11 missions, were referenced throughout the book and provide a backdrop for the theme of hope, most notably seen in the book’s ending.

The universal themes of hope, family, overcoming adversity, and self-discovery are universal with timeless parallels to life, and are directly related to the main characters of the book.  The only component of the book that seemed just too good to be true was the reformation of Doug’s father.  It seemed to come out of nowhere, and so unlikely that such a radical change of heart would have taken place with someone who was capable of forcing a tattoo of “Mama’s Baby” on his son on his 12^th birthday.  But otherwise, I found this book to be authentic, and at times even raw, but that just adds to its beauty. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Voya Review: "The book is exceptionally well written. Schmidt creates characters that will remain with the reader long after the book is done. Doug’s voice is unforgettable as he tries to help and protect his mom. . . .While there is much stacked against him, he is a character filled with hope that the reader cannot help but root for. Push this one on readers; they will not be sorry. . . .Schmidt writes a journal-type story with a sharp attention to detail, patterns in the story line, and an unexpected twist at the end."

5. CONNECTIONS

*Read The Wednesday Wars, the companion book to Okay for Now.  

LILY'S CROSSING

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 1997. Lily's crossing. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0440414539

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Lily Mollahan lives in St. Albans with her grandmother and her father, Poppy, but every summer is spent on the lovely beach of Rockaway, a second home for the young girl.  Lily lives without a mother, who died of a heart condition when Lily was young. The time is 1944, when the Second World War rages in what seems like a very faraway place, that is, until Poppy joins the war effort in France.  Lily is so upset she doesn't even say goodbye to her father. But soon, Lily finds comfort in her friendship with Albert, the nephew of her grandmother’s neighbor in Rockaway, and the orphaned Hungarian refugee with a dark past of his own.  Both Albert and Lily tell lies to cover up the pain of the past, but ultimately find healing in the power of the truth. 

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Lily’s Crossing is beautifully written with just enough historical detail to paint the picture of the home front during World War II, without the weight of too much historical baggage.  The story deals with pain and loss and the coping mechanisms that Lily employs.  The loss of Lily’s mother affects her deeply, and she becomes quite skilled at weaving lies, both big and small.  Lily knows it is a problem.  “She thought of her list of problems: Number 1: Lies, and the second list, the list of solutions. Right up there on top was the promise not to tell a lie ever again, not even a tiny little one, much less one of those gigantic ones about her aunt being an important U.S. spy against the Nazis.” Unfortunately, Lily has a hard time with her resolution when she lies to Albert about her plan to swim to the ship that will ultimately take her to her father, not realizing that Albert would take her lie quite so seriously.  When the time for truth comes for Lily, she discovers that Albert has a lie of his own about his ill sister, Ruth, whom he left behind in France when he was coming to America.  Lily and Albert learn the tough lesson of honesty, but gain the rewards of friendship and a reunited family for their efforts.  Tender and heartfelt, Lily’s Crossing is a very satisfying read, with a happily emotional ending.   

Lily is a character to whom one can easily relate, flawed, yet sincere in her attempts at redemption. Because of the time period in which the book is set, she has much more freedom to come and go, which will surely be the envy of most children who read about her character.  The war history is accurate, given in a small enough dose to feel unforced, including just the details pertinent to Lily.  The setting is an integral part of the story, with Lily placed in just the right time and place for the plot to unfold.  The book is authentic and real, yet interesting and relevant to today with the timeless themes of honesty, family, and friendship. It is a great blend of fact and fiction and is sure to capture the hearts of its readers, as it did mine.     

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist Review: With wry comedy and intense feeling, and without intrusive historical detail, Giff gets across a strong sense of what it was like on the home front during World War II. Lily makes up stories about her involvement with spies, submarines, and anti-Nazi plots in her small seaside town in 1944, but underlying her melodrama and lies is grief for her dead mother. When Lily's father has to leave to fight in France, she is so hurt and furious that she refuses even to say good-bye to him. As she gets to know Albert, an orphaned Hungarian refugee, she learns about his secret anguish: he is guilt-stricken about the younger sister he left behind (he, also, didn't say good-bye), and he is determined, somehow, to cross the ocean and find her. The happy ending, when Lily's father finds Albert's sister in France, is too contrived, but the reunion scenes at home are heartbreaking. The friendship story is beautifully drawn: both Lily and Albert are wary, reluctant, and needy; they quarrel as much as they bond, and in the end, they help each other to be brave.

5. CONNECTIONS

*Read a The Kids of the Polk Street School book, also by Patricia Reilly Giff, and see how the book compares to Lily’s Crossing. 

ALMOST ASTRONAUTS: 13 WOMEN WHO DARED TO DREAM

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stone, Tanya Lee. 2009. Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763636111

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Imagine living during a time when being a woman meant staying at home, taking care of the kids, and playing cards in your free time.  Imagine being one of thirteen women who dared to want more from life, who dared to live for a different kind of dream.  Imagine the ridicule you would endure from people who simply could not understand the kind of woman who would dare to become an astronaut.  Just think about what it would be like to endure strenuous physical and psychological tests to prove that you were just as capable as a man to train to be an astronaut.  Imagine the disappointment when after passing all of the tests with flying colors, the momentum comes to a standstill and the entire operation ceases.  Imagine being just a stepping stone in the journey for women to one day train in the NASA program.  For Jerrie Cobb and the other members of the “Mercury 13,” this was reality.  But their story is not about failure; it is about what almost was as well as what happened next.  It is about “Eileen Collins, the first woman to command a space shuttle.”  It is about proving that women are every bit as capable as men, and it is about breaking down gender barriers that women still face today. 

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Stone writes passionately about the women whose dreams never fully became a reality.  She begins by describing the intensity of the mood of Jerrie Cobb as she prepares to watch the space shuttle with Eileen Collins, the first woman commander, lift off.  The book continues with the back story of Cobb and the other women who were almost astronauts, and describes in detail how worthy these women were of achieving their dreams.  Pictures are strategically placed and help to bring an understanding of the procedures and tests described in the text.  The book is categorized by chapters, and it is best read straight through, in order to receive the full impact of the story.  The story is highly readable, and well documented in the appendix and source list at the end of the book.  There is also a small section for suggested reading as well as a webliography.  The index contains many important terms and concepts addressed in the book, and would provide a useful resource for student research. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

School Library Journal Starred Review: “Illustrated with sheaves of photos, and based on published sources, recently discovered documents, and original interviews with surviving members of the "Mercury 13," this passionately written account of a classic but little-known challenge to established gender prejudices also introduces readers to a select group of courageous, independent women.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Read Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming.  

DRAWING FROM MEMORY

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Say, Allen. 2011. Drawing From Memory. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0545176866

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Allen Say was born in a fishing village “by the seashore of Yokohama, Japan” just a few years before World War II began.  From early childhood throughout his life, his passion has been drawing, and that passion is on vivid display in Drawing from Memory, a story of Say’s own journey to becoming the beloved artist he is today. Though his pursuit of art was a disgrace to his father, Say found a mentor in his favorite cartoonist, Noro Shinpei.  Shinpei became a mentor to Say, and considered his disciple "the treasure of [his] life."  Allen Say walked the road less traveled as his dream of being an artist became a reality in his life.  

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Drawing from Memory is an autobiography that is like a good storybook, a graphic novel, and an informational text, all at the same time.  It is full of photos from Say’s journey, cartoons that help tell his story, and of course, his drawings from memory. The details of Say’s story are rich and inspiring, as his life has been one of courage and adventure.  The black and white photos provide a nice contrast to the color drawings and cartoons, and remind the reader that this is not just a good story, but the history of someone’s life.   The book is as artistic as its author, with so many visual details to catch the eye of the reader.  The double spread layout is attractive and inviting, with multiple images on every page, and the text is beautifully woven in. Highly readable, the style is like a graphic novel, and children are unlikely to think of this book as traditional “non-fiction.” It is not organized in a typical format for an informational book, and this provides a fresh experience for the non-fiction reader.  The author’s note pays a special tribute to Noro Shinpei and the “master/disciple relationship” shared between Shinpei and Say.  There are photos of “the master” at work as well as a priceless photo of the master with his disciple the last time they were together.  A very special “drawing from memory” is of Sensei’s first wife, Masako, drawn by Say for her two daughters who did not have recollection of their mother.  His writing honest and transparent, Allen Say has inspired countless children to pursue their dreams, artistic or otherwise, with his poignant memoir. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Kirkus Review:  “Exquisite drawings, paintings, comics and photographs balance each other perfectly as they illustrate Say’s childhood path to becoming an artist.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Also from Allen Say is the Caldecott Medal book Grandfather’s Journey.

*Read A to Zen: A Book of Japanese Culture by Ruth Wells and Yoshi as a follow up book to Drawing from Memory.    

FROZEN SECRETS

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Walker, Sally M. 2010. Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed. Minneapolis, MN: Learner Publishing Group, Inc. ISBN 1580136075

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

“Mysterious and majestic” are the words used to describe Antarctica in Sally Walker’s Prologue of Frozen Secrets, and she could not have chosen two more appropriate words.  The book is bursting with fascinating information and photographs about Antarctica’s explorers, wildlife, and the science behind the discovery of its secrets.  In the pages of this book one learns about the great lengths that must be taken by scientific researchers who wish to explore the South Pole, as well as the frightening and potentially fatal errors that occur during an exploration.  Unfortunately, lives have been lost to its “bleak, forbidding” cold, and researchers and tourists alike must follow strict rules and procedures to ensure their safety and to ensure the preservation of the Antarctic environment. 

One of the most intriguing portions of the book details information about the ice of Antarctica. Scientists study the different types of ice, the way the ice is formed, the way the ice moves, floating ice, the size and depth of the ice, and even the chemical makeup of the ice.  Research is also conducted in the water beneath the ice through sophisticated equipment that gathers information and gives more insight into Antarctica’s story.  One surprising detail of note is the discovery of dinosaur fossils from a time when Antarctica was joined with another part of the world.  There are still many more questions scientists have about Antarctica, but the research to date has provided a wealth of knowledge about Antarctica’s past, present, and future.     

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The book is loaded with information, but the story and photos of Antarctica keep the reader eagerly turning each page, with never a dull moment.  Organized by chapters with subtitles throughout each chapter, Frozen Secrets can be read from start to finish or out of order in smaller segments.  There is a handy glossary of terms as well as “Further Reading and Websites” that can be explored for more information.  Though she has never personally visited Antarctica, the author has done her homework, as evidenced through the long list of articles, books, emails, and expert interviews detailed in her Source Notes at the end of the book.  Frozen Secrets is like a portal to a beautiful yet forbidding world few of us will ever have the chance to otherwise experience. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

School Library Journal Review: “With its superb design and Walker's gripping prose, this book will draw readers in and keep them involved.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Poetry Connection:  Read Antarctic Antics: A Book of Penguin Poems by Judy Sierra for a poetry connection with Antarctica.  Children will enjoy these poems more after finding out so much about the real penguins of Antarctica in Frozen Secrets. 

*Also by Sally M. Walker:  Their Skeletons Speak: Kennewick Man and the Paleoamerican World. 

THE SCORPIO RACES book trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUd71a-qN7w

A POCKETFUL OF POEMS

1.  Bibliography

Grimes, Nikki. 2001. A Pocketful of Poems.  Ill. by Javaka Steptoe. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 9780395938683

2.  Plot Summary

A Pocketful of Poems is a collection of poems by Nikki Grimes which tells the story of a young girl who loves to have fun with words.  Tiana has a “pocketful of words” with which she plays and creates haiku poetry, a poem of just seventeen syllables.  She ponders words like “spring,” “caterpillar,” “pumpkin,” and “snow,” with clever thoughts and whimsical wonderings.  “Harlem” is a special word to Tiana, as is the word “Africa,” and these words are tucked together in her pocket with her daddy’s advice to hold them close. She views each season, holiday, and everyday happening as a poetic opportunity that will inspire children all year long.

 

3. Critical Analysis

Nikki Grimes has created interest and intrigue in Haiku poetry through her playful collection of poems.  Tiana is a loveable character bursting with positivity, curiosity, and energy.  Children will identify with her childlike whimsy and her creative view of the world.  Each time the page is turned a new pairing of free verse and haiku poetry is waiting to be discovered, inspiring countless children to create poetry of their own.  The poetry of simple, ordinary words woven into a “sort of painting in miniature” is mimicked in the collage style illustrations crafted from paper cutouts and ordinary objects like straws, paperclips, and aluminum pie plates.  Masterfully, Javaca Steptoe captures the essence of the poetry in picture form, drawing the reader into the page for a near tangible experience with the poetry.  Especially noteworthy are the gilded letters that are scattered throughout the book, giving the impression that poetry is always at one's fingertips. The Author's Note at the end of the book provides beautiful insight into Haiku poetry, describing it as "a poetry of brushstrokes."  Combining haiku poetry with contemporary images that [she] could relate to" makes A Pocketful of Poems a delightful book where poetry is fun and alive with possibility. 

4.  Review Excerpts

 "There's so much vibrant energy and freshness in this collaboration, the book will dance into the hearts of children right away. “ Booklist, starred review

 “Tiana's bubbling personality shines forth from each verse, and Steptoe...in an extraordinary feat, sculpts each of his character portraits from construction paper in a single, uninterrupted linear outline. ...Readers can only hope that this dynamic duo has many more pockets full of poems."  Publishers Weekly, starred review

5.  Connections

*Play some of the clips of Nikki Grimes’ reading of her books to intrigue children about the other books in her collection.  These audio clips are available on her website http://www.nikkigrimes.com/readings/readings.html.

*Teach children to play Nikki Grimes’ word game “The Golden Shovel,” in which she takes a line from a favorite poem and writes a new poem with each line ending with a word from the starter phrase.  

THE WILD BOOK

1.  Bibliography

Engle, Margarita. 2012. The Wild Book. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. ISBN 9780547581316

2.  Plot Summary

The Wild Book is the story of a young girl Fefa who has been diagnosed with “word blindness” and whose struggle to read becomes a journey of triumph both personally and for her family.  Fefa’s mother rejects the doctor’s conclusion that her daughter will never read and begins to encourage Fefa with kind words about patience, saying that “seeds of learning grow slowly.”  She also gives her daughter a book of blank pages on which Fefa is to write, a wild diary of her growing words.  The daughter follows her mama’s instruction and proceeds to slowly but surely fill the clean, white pages of her wild book with words and details of her life.  Fefa’s reading and writing skills grow and ultimately save her and her family from harm’s way. 

3. Critical Analysis

The setting is the Cuban countryside, 1912, a time of chaos, lawlessness, and terror.  Margarita Engle has taken pages from her maternal grandmother’s story and from its inspiration created a rich fictional story written in poetic verse of a girl whose reading challenges were overcome through patience, practice, and a mother’s love.  Though words came slowly for Fefa, Engle masterfully uses them to invite the reader to experience the struggle, ridicule, and shame felt by children who have dyslexia.  “Never Give Up” is the anthem of one verse, but throughout the book a variety of emotion that connects deeply with the reader is expressed as Fefa experiences fear, heartbreak, hope, loss, and ultimately victory over a feared enemy.  The imagery of  the "Word Hunger" verse is beautiful and enticing, as Fefa says, "When I consider the happy possibility that maybe someday I will feel smart, I grow a little bit hungry for small, tasty bites of easy words."   The courage displayed in the young heroine’s story is a character trait that all children, regardless of their reading ability, will wish to attain.  The Wild Book is a beautiful opportunity to open up conversations about the different struggles children face and how simple, daily acts of courage can bring about great triumphs.  Not to be missed, Fefa’s mother’s role in her triumph over her learning disability is a quiet reminder of the role that adults can play in the success of the children they influence.  Her gentle encouragement and the tool she used to help her daughter begin her journey is a voice of wisdom for adults. 

4.  Review Excerpts

 "The author gives readers a portrait of a tumultuous period in Cuban history and skillfully integrates island flora, fauna and mythology into Fefa’s first-person tale. This canvas heightens Fefa’s determination to rise above the expectations of her siblings, peers and society.  A beautiful tale of perseverance.." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Whatever the motivation of the reader, after completing The Wild Book, they will be enchanted by the beautiful words, words with which Fefa struggled, but ultimately, with whom she became dearest friends.” –Voya Review

5.  Connections

*Read other books that offer a glimpse into Central or South America:  Martin de Porres: The Rose in the Desert by Gary D. Schmidt.

*Also by Margarita Engle, The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano, would be a good companion book to read.   

BIRMINGHAM, 1963

1.  Bibliography

Weatherford, Carole Boston. 2007. Birmingham, 1963. Honesdale, PA. ISBN 9781590784402

2.  Plot Summary

In this moving book, Weatherford gives the tragic account of the hate crimes committed against 1960’s Birmingham from the point of view of the fictional narrator, a young girl whose 10^th birthday was the day of the bombing of 16^th Street Baptist Church.  In August of 1963, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King moved an audience with his speech, “I Have a Dream,” and the very next month the church was bombed, injuring twenty and killing 4 young girls.  The narrator takes us through her experience of the time leading up to the fateful day, from marching in protest and going to jail, to rehearsing for her church’s Youth Day solo which was to occur the day of the bombing.  The book ends with in memoriam with beautiful words spoken about each girl whose life was lost that day. 

3. Critical Analysis

It takes great skill to write a children’s poetry book about 1960’s Birmingham and all of the tragic events that unfolded during that time.  Weatherford expertly uses the free verse from a child-narrator’s voice to tell the story in a way that is sad and moving, yet still appropriate for children.  The rhythm of the poetry is felt in the simple, yet powerful short sentences that comprise the verse.  There is a subtle anticipation in having few words on each page, a sort of tension that builds as the tragedy unfolds.  Rhyme is not utilized, but it is an appropriate choice by the author due to the serious nature of the content.  Through the repeated phrase, "The day I turned ten," children and adults alike are reminded of the number of young children who were terrorized, injured, or killed in the events of Birmingham, 1963.  Though the narrator is fictional, the reality is all too real.  The emotion conveyed is deep and complex, and will surely provoke many thoughts and conversations long after the book has been read.  Children may not fully relate to the tragic happenings described, but the reality is brought home when the narrator speaks of having no birthday cake, of witnessing her daddy cry for the first time, or when she wonders if she "could ever play outside again" because of the fear the terror has brought.  The photos which illustrate the book were taken from the pages of history itself and further concrete the reality of the racism and hate crimes that abounded during that regrettable time.  Photos of the civil rights demonstrators, photos of marchers being hosed down, photos of the church, photos of the devastation left in the wake of the bombing create a clear picture for the reader of times that can never be forgotten, no matter how painful the reality was.  The tribute written in memoriam for each child who lost her life in the bombing is especially moving.  Each tribute is covered in a 2 page spread with a photo of the child and special details about her personality and contributions to the world, and the reader feels as if the victim would have been a friend. The black background behind each picture is a somber reminder of the pain of loss.  This book will create awareness, the desire to learn more, and the resolve to remove injustice from the world. 

4.  Review Excerpts

 "Exquisitely understated design lends visual potency to a searing poetic evocation of the Birmingham church bombing of 1963. The unnamed fictional narrator relates the events of ''[t]he year I turned ten,'' this refrain introducing such domestic commonplaces as her first sip of coffee and ''doz[ing] on Mama's shoulder'' at church...It's a gorgeous memorial to the four killed on that horrible day, and to the thousands of children who braved violence to help change the world." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“An emotional read, made even more accessible and powerful by the viewpoint of the child narrator." --School Library Journal, Starred Review

5.  Connections

*Read Christopher Paul Curtis' novel The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 (1995) as well as the histories of the role of children in the civil rights movement of that time. 

*Read Larry Dane Brimner’s Birmingham Sunday (Orbis Pictus Honor for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children (Awards)).  

BEAUTIFUL BLACKBIRD

1.  Bibliography

Bryan, Ashley. 2003. Beautiful Blackbird. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689847319

2.  Plot Summary

Ashley Bryan retells the story from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia about a blackbird that is praised by all the pretty African birds of color as “the most beautiful one” of all.  Ringdove, the other prominent bird in the group, admires Blackbird so much that he asks Blackbird to paint him black too.  Blackbird is happy to oblige, but only with the understanding that “color on the outside is not what’s on the inside.”  The other birds quickly follow suit and asked to be painted too, singing all along, “Black is beautiful.” 

3.  Critical Analysis

Beautiful Blackbird is retold with wonderful language and phrasing in a sing-song sort of style.  Blackbird is a beautiful bird to all the other birds, and they greatly admire him.  His gentle message to the other birds is that beauty is all about being yourself.  However, he is willing to share his outward beauty with the others by decorating them with his “blackening brew,” as long as they understand that it is not color on the outside that will make them truly beautiful.  It seems that Blackbird is admired not just for being beautiful, but for his leadership, individuality, and perhaps even his dance moves. Blackbird seems to know this better than his flock of admirers. They are very excited about their new black embellishments, and it is unclear whether or not they have truly learned Blackbird's lesson. This is a great story to reinforce the concept of self-esteem in children as it celebrates diversity and the beauty of being different. Winner of the 2004 Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration, the book features Bryan's art made of paper cutouts created with his mother’s old sewing scissors, and they are a colorful representation of this artful folktale. The touch of sentimentality seen in the author's choice to include his mother's scissors on the endpapers is a wonderful detail in which observant readers will delight. Beautiful Blackbird is an exuberant reading experience that is sure to please readers young and old.   

4.  Review Excerpt(s)

School Library Journal review:  “This unusual and little-known pourquoi tale may supplement larger collections and serves as a thoughtful and entertaining addition to units on self-esteem.”

Kirkus review:  “[T]he rolling language and appealing illustrations make this a must." 

5. Connections

*Read The Colors of Us by Karen Katz as a part of a lesson on “What is beautiful?”  Discuss the differences and similarities that connect all people. 

*Have students create cut paper pictures like Ashley Bryan did for Beautiful Blackbird.  Encourage students to create a story with their cutouts.  

DUST DEVIL

1.  Bibilography

Isaacs, Anne. 2010. Dust Devil. Ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 0375867224

2.  Plot Summary

Dust Devil is a companion book of the Caldecott Honor Book Swamp Angel.  It is the folktale of how Angelica Longrider (Swamp Angel) had grown so big she needed to move to Montana, and how she met her horse Dust Devil and was the champion over the outlaw Backward Bart.  Throughout the story, the legend is told of how Angel moved mountains to suit her fancy, tamed her giant dust storm horse, and carved the Grand Canyon with her feet as she rode him. When Backward Bart and his Flying Desperados fly into town on giant Montana-sized mosquitoes, Angel is willing and ready to hunt them down and save the day. 

3.  Critical Analysis

Swamp Angel is a strong, larger-than-life female protagonist in Dust Devil, but boys and girls alike will enjoy this folktale by Anne Isaacs.  The writing is clever and witty, and children are sure to be fascinated by the legends of Swamp Angel and “her” Montana.  Backward Bart with his backward talking, backward boot-wearing, and backward mosquito flying makes for a hilarious villain.  The paintings by Paul O. Zelinsky which illustrate Dust Devil have a primitive wooden backdrop and add to the humor and depth of Isaac’s storytelling.  The close-up view of Backward Bart and his Desperados “splashing happily in wormy oatmeal and rotten eggs” in the pigs’ trough is especially (albeit disgustingly) clever.  Even the nose hairs of Backward Bart can be seen as he face plants into the filth.  The story has a lot of words and may be difficult for younger readers to sit through, but older readers will appreciate this traditional tale.

4.  Review Excerpt(s)

School Library Journal review: “A stunning tour de force and a satisfying continuation of Angel's saga.”

Booklist review: “Once again, Isaacs’ story and Zelinsky’s oil-paint-on-wood artwork create a laugh-out-loud tall tale with folksy phrasing and slapstick exaggeration. There are really two adventures in one here, which makes for a lengthy read-aloud, but children will delight in the deadpan, Old West narration and every gleefully silly, expertly rendered visual detail, from Bart’s steed (a saloon-sized mosquito) to Angel’s full-branched pine-tree knitting needles.”

5.  Connections

*Since this book is a sequel, Swamp Angel would be a great book to read if children want to know Angel’s back story.  Reading Dust Devil first would be a great way to stir interest in more of Isaac’s books.

*Talk to teachers about using Dust Devil as a launch pad for a math lesson.  Students could practice making estimates on Angel’s height, shoe size, etc.  

THE THREE HORRID LITTLE PIGS

1.  Bibliography

Pichon, Lisa. 2008.  The Three Horrid Little Pigs. Wilton, CT: Little Tiger Press.  ISBN 158925077

2.  Plot Summary

The Three Horrid Little Pigs is a retelling of the traditional tale.  Many common elements are present in this version: the wolf, the three types of houses and of course, the three little pigs.  However, in this story, the three pigs are very poorly behaved, so much so, that their mother tells them they must move out of her house to live on their own.  They meet the wolf, but he does not want to blow their house down; he only wants to help them.  In the end, the wolf reforms the pigs through his kindness, which is indeed a twist on the classic tale. 

3.  Critical Analysis

This version of the story of the three pigs is a charming read in which the wolf gets to be the “good guy.”  The lazy pigs are indeed horrid in their behavior, and as the wolf tries to help them, he also notices their poor actions and mutters things like “Oh dear” and “Goodness me!” under his breath.  These soft spoken rebukes are a part of the illustrations, so the reader is able to discover what the wolf is “really” thinking as he is trying to be helpful.  It is a subtle rebuff and does not seem overly critical. The twists and turns of the plot are very enjoyable, because they include known elements of the original folktale incorporated in a new and interesting way. 

The illustrations are done by the author herself, and they play a strong, supporting role in the book.  The pictures are colorful and vibrant, and at times the words themselves, as they wind across the page, are part of the illustration.  Every character in the book seems to have a personality, even the baby chicks as they clamor quickly away from the horrid third pig that is overtaking their coop.   The moral of the story is gently portrayed in the wolf’s kindness which ultimately leads to the pigs' behavior being a lot less horrid. 

4.  Review Excerpt (s)

School Library Journal Review:  “If you think you can't jam another twist on a classic tale into your collection, think again…The full-color cartoon illustrations capture the pigs' bad behavior and comeuppance with a goofy exuberance. The font size shrinks and enlarges to mirror the action and the text works as a fun read-aloud as well as a read-alone.”

Booklist review:  “This fractured take on the Three Little Pigs is infused with humor and lessons about community and compassion.”

5.  Connections

*This story would be an excellent version of the three pigs’ folktale to compare to the original.  Students could make a diagram of similarities and differences and discuss which story they prefer.

*Another version of the folktale is The Three Pigs by David Wiesner, a Caldecott Medal Book.

ABUELOS

1.  Bibliography

Mora, Pat. 2008. Abuelos. Ill. By Amelia Lau Carling. Toronto Berkeley, CA: Groundwood Books. ISBN 9780888997166

2.  Plot Summary

Pat Mora is a charming storyteller in the book Abuelos about a young girl and her brother who learn about the tradition of the Abuelos, or mountain men, who come down from the high top on a winter night to see if all of the children are being good.  Young Amelia is frightened about the idea of the men coming to check on her, but her father tells her there will be a party with lots of food the day the Abuelos come.  Amelia’s brother Ray has a good time making light of the whole situation, but Amelia is on her best behavior so as not to displease the old men from the mountains.  On the night the Abuelos come, Amelia is in for a big surprise. 

3.  Critical Analysis

Abuelos is a fascinating picture book by Pat Mora that weaves mystery and suspense with a story of family and community tradition.  The plot is intriguing and draws in young readers as well as those who are more mature.  Children are sure to be on the edge of their seats as they await the arrival of the Abuelos, and it is possible that very young children may experience a little anxiety at the spooky mystery behind the mountain men before they finally come down to check on the children.  In the end, the mystery is revealed and all possible misgivings about the Abuelos are resolved.

The detailed watercolor illustrations in the book provide a wonderful backdrop for the story and infuse the story with a lot of emotion.  There are pages of warm tones where themes of family togetherness, harmony, and community prevail.  Cool blue tones pervade the illustrations about the Abuelos, and in the mountains, hints of creepy looking faces peer from the cliff sides.  Before Amelia recognizes one of the Abuelos as someone familiar, the artistry is dark in blues and blacks; but on the next page when she realizes the mountain man’s identity, warm yellows and oranges are mixed into the picture providing a sharp sense of relief. 

I love the family and community traditions that are present in this book.  The sense of unity and security in the family unit are a refreshing element alongside the suspense, and children will surely enjoy learning about this old New Mexico tradition. 

4.  Review Excerpt

“Perfect for those who want a gently scary story embedded in a fascinating and little-known “bogeyman” tradition from Hispanic New Mexico.”– Kirkus Review 

5.  Connections (Ideas from http://www.patmora.com/ideas.htm#abuelos)

• "Create scary abuelos masks using white paper bags, crayons or paints or paper mache.
• Read the Author's Note in the back of the book. Pat Mora mentions a cultural tradition similar to los abuelos which is practiced in Japan. Find out if there are similar traditions in other countries."