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.