1. Bibliography
Kinney, Jeff. 2007. Diary of a wimpy kid. New York: Amulet Books. ISBN 9780810993136
2. Plot Summary
Greg Heffley's mom has given him a "journal, not a diary" to record his "feelings...or whatever." At first he doesn't seem too keen on the idea, but the words and drawings throughout this graphic novel tell a different story. The diary entries follow Greg through a year of middle school from Fall to Spring. He writes about everything from the first day of school, to Halloween debacles, to Christmas woes, and trying to get into the yearbook at the end of the year.
3. Analysis
Kinney's knack for tuning in to the voice of a adolescent boy struggling to be popular is dead on. This fast paced book will keep the reader laughing out loud from beginning to end. Preteens everywhere can relate to Greg's feelings of inadequacy and his quest to become more popular despite the fact that his friend, Rowley, is much lower than Greg on the popularity chart. Greg's constant self-absorbed antics at the expense of everyone else show that Greg's character may not be exemplary. He does, however, attempt to redeem himself at the end of the book. Readers will find themselves trying to urge Greg to do the right thing and stop being so selfish. These shenanigans, however, are what make this book so irresistible.
The hysterical comic illustrations sprinkled between the text add another layer of hilarity to this book. The only thing I could think the whole time I read this book was, "No wonder the boys in my class love this book so much."
4. Review Excerpts
Publishers Weekly - "Kinney ably skewers familiar aspects of junior high life, from dealing with the mysteries of what makes someone popular to the trauma of a 'wrestling unit' in gym class. His print debut should keep readers in stitches, eagerly anticipating Greg's further adventures."
School Library Journal - "...it is an excellent choice for reluctant readers, but more experienced readers will also find much to enjoy and relate to in one seventh grader's view of the everyday trials and tribulations of middle school."
VOYA - "Readers can expect lots of middle school humor and exaggeration. Kinney manages to inject enough humor in the simple drawings to make them an integral element in the book."
5. Connections
*Students can make a cartoon about their own life. They can write one small comic strip every two weeks or so and compile them into a book at the end of the year - similar to Greg's diary.
*The teacher can pick a situation from the book and the students can tell how they would've behaved or acted differently than Greg did.
*Students could do a paper bag book report with funny items from the book such as Halloween items, wrestling gear, Christmas wrapping paper, a video game, a yearbook, a piece of cheese etc.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Genre 6 - Young Adult Fiction - Jellicoe Road
1. Bibliography
Marchetta, Melina. 2006. Jellicoe Road. New York: HarperTeen. ISBN 9780061431852
2. Plot Summary
Jellicoe Road is the setting for two interwoven stories - one in the past, one in the present. Both involve disturbing deaths, lifelong friendships, and tragically flawed characters. Taylor Markham is a senior at the Jellicoe boarding school in the Australian bush. She was abandoned by her mother at the age of eleven at a gas station near Jellicoe Road. Taylor was rescued by a woman named Hannah who lives on the school grounds. Taylor lives at the Jellicoe school and as a senior becomes the leader of her school's underground community that stages yearly territory wars with the visiting Cadets and the Townies from the nearby town. Everything in Taylor's world gets turned upside down when Hannah mysteriously vanishes and the leader of the Cadets turns out to be Jonah Griggs, whom she had attempted to run away with a few years before. Bits and pieces of a story of five kids who met tragically twenty-two years ago on the same Jellicoe Road are interwoven into the main story line. At first, it is unclear what these past characters have to do with Taylor's story, but as the book progresses, it becomes clear that these two sets of characters have everything in common.
3. Analysis
The epilogue of Jellicoe Road is one that grabs the reader and lets him/her know that this story is filled with tragedy and heartbreak but also of serendipitous accounts among its characters. At first, the narrative about Taylor's life seems a bit out of place and aimless after reading the epilogue. It takes a while for the true plot of this story to form. All of the bouncing back and forth between the five kids and a tragic car accident in the past and Taylor's life at school and the territory wars in the present is confusing, and may seem a bit unbalanced. About halfway through, it is clear that the two stories are in fact linked together in a way that Taylor herself is shocked to find. The flashbacks are Hannah's manuscript that Taylor says is always out of order, but turns out to be the key to her past.
While this book is slow moving, it is worth the while. The themes of finding one's true self and love and loss are beautifully written in this sometimes devastating novel. With out giving away too much, Taylor finds out who she really is and uncovers the mystery of her early childhood and her mother's addiction. She even remembers why her mother left her at the gas station so long ago. She also discovers the origin of the territory wars and how the original warriors weren't really feuding at all, but playing a sort of game for fun. All of these revelations forever change Taylor and the relationships among all of the people on the Jellicoe Road.
This book is definitely for mature readers, as it can be a bit heavy to get through. The motifs of drug abuse, child pornography, suicide, sex, and gory accidents could also be upsetting to younger readers. This book does have an audience, however. Young adult readers and adults alike will be pleasantly surprised by this complex but fulfilling cast of characters.
Audiobook Analysis
I also listened to the audiobook version of Jellicoe Road in addition to actually reading the book. It is narrated by Rebecca Macauley who is Australian. While her accent does help to make you feel like you are actually in Australia, her pace was extraordinarily slow. In addition to her long pauses after every piece of dialogue, the low, raspy tone she uses in her voice for the male characters is just distracting rather than appealing. Although her accent does bring your mind to Australia, sometimes I couldn't understand Macauley and never would've know what she was saying if I hadn't been reading along.
Another strange thing to note is that the audiobook version is only available in the original version of the book written and published in Australia called On the Jellicoe Road. The US version was changed somewhat, I assume, to be more relatable in US culture. It was very strange when I was reading and listening at the same time and the words were different. It wasn't anything major, just changing kilometers to miles and year elevens to seniors, but the changes were inconsistent as references to the metric system as well as Australian spellings and colloquialisms were sprinkled throughout the book. I would not recommend "reading" this book in audiobook version. Macauley narrates some other books by Marchetta which I have not heard, but this one is not worth 8 hours and 53 minutes of time.
4. Review Excerpts
Micheal L. Printz Award Winner
VOYA - "Marchetta...provides yet another great story. The interwoven lives of Taylor and the doomed teenagers from the past create a complex tale with some great twists that readers will not see coming. It is a great choice for more sophisticated readers and those teens who like multifaceted stories and characters."
KLIATT - "This reads like an adult novel in its complexity, asking much of the reader, who will be greatly rewarded and satisfied with the resolution that finally comes in Taylor's life."
Kirkus Reviews - "Readers may feel dizzied and disoriented, but as they puzzle out exactly how Hannah's narrative connects with Taylor's current reality, they will find themselves ensnared in the story's fascinating, intricate structure. A beautifully rendered mystery."
5. Connections
*Students may want to read other acclaimed books by Melina Marchetta:
Saving Francesca ISBN 9780375829833
Looking for Alibrandi ISBN 9780375836947
Finnikin of the Rock ISBN 9780763643614
*Students can find on a map the location of Syndey, Yass, and other Australian cities mentioned in the book. In addition, they can find out demographic information for each city.
*This book deals with some heavy topics. Students can be encouraged to keep a journal of feelings or secrets that relate to any of the subject matter explored in this novel.
Marchetta, Melina. 2006. Jellicoe Road. New York: HarperTeen. ISBN 9780061431852
2. Plot Summary
Jellicoe Road is the setting for two interwoven stories - one in the past, one in the present. Both involve disturbing deaths, lifelong friendships, and tragically flawed characters. Taylor Markham is a senior at the Jellicoe boarding school in the Australian bush. She was abandoned by her mother at the age of eleven at a gas station near Jellicoe Road. Taylor was rescued by a woman named Hannah who lives on the school grounds. Taylor lives at the Jellicoe school and as a senior becomes the leader of her school's underground community that stages yearly territory wars with the visiting Cadets and the Townies from the nearby town. Everything in Taylor's world gets turned upside down when Hannah mysteriously vanishes and the leader of the Cadets turns out to be Jonah Griggs, whom she had attempted to run away with a few years before. Bits and pieces of a story of five kids who met tragically twenty-two years ago on the same Jellicoe Road are interwoven into the main story line. At first, it is unclear what these past characters have to do with Taylor's story, but as the book progresses, it becomes clear that these two sets of characters have everything in common.
3. Analysis
The epilogue of Jellicoe Road is one that grabs the reader and lets him/her know that this story is filled with tragedy and heartbreak but also of serendipitous accounts among its characters. At first, the narrative about Taylor's life seems a bit out of place and aimless after reading the epilogue. It takes a while for the true plot of this story to form. All of the bouncing back and forth between the five kids and a tragic car accident in the past and Taylor's life at school and the territory wars in the present is confusing, and may seem a bit unbalanced. About halfway through, it is clear that the two stories are in fact linked together in a way that Taylor herself is shocked to find. The flashbacks are Hannah's manuscript that Taylor says is always out of order, but turns out to be the key to her past.
While this book is slow moving, it is worth the while. The themes of finding one's true self and love and loss are beautifully written in this sometimes devastating novel. With out giving away too much, Taylor finds out who she really is and uncovers the mystery of her early childhood and her mother's addiction. She even remembers why her mother left her at the gas station so long ago. She also discovers the origin of the territory wars and how the original warriors weren't really feuding at all, but playing a sort of game for fun. All of these revelations forever change Taylor and the relationships among all of the people on the Jellicoe Road.
This book is definitely for mature readers, as it can be a bit heavy to get through. The motifs of drug abuse, child pornography, suicide, sex, and gory accidents could also be upsetting to younger readers. This book does have an audience, however. Young adult readers and adults alike will be pleasantly surprised by this complex but fulfilling cast of characters.
Audiobook Analysis
I also listened to the audiobook version of Jellicoe Road in addition to actually reading the book. It is narrated by Rebecca Macauley who is Australian. While her accent does help to make you feel like you are actually in Australia, her pace was extraordinarily slow. In addition to her long pauses after every piece of dialogue, the low, raspy tone she uses in her voice for the male characters is just distracting rather than appealing. Although her accent does bring your mind to Australia, sometimes I couldn't understand Macauley and never would've know what she was saying if I hadn't been reading along.
Another strange thing to note is that the audiobook version is only available in the original version of the book written and published in Australia called On the Jellicoe Road. The US version was changed somewhat, I assume, to be more relatable in US culture. It was very strange when I was reading and listening at the same time and the words were different. It wasn't anything major, just changing kilometers to miles and year elevens to seniors, but the changes were inconsistent as references to the metric system as well as Australian spellings and colloquialisms were sprinkled throughout the book. I would not recommend "reading" this book in audiobook version. Macauley narrates some other books by Marchetta which I have not heard, but this one is not worth 8 hours and 53 minutes of time.
4. Review Excerpts
Micheal L. Printz Award Winner
VOYA - "Marchetta...provides yet another great story. The interwoven lives of Taylor and the doomed teenagers from the past create a complex tale with some great twists that readers will not see coming. It is a great choice for more sophisticated readers and those teens who like multifaceted stories and characters."
KLIATT - "This reads like an adult novel in its complexity, asking much of the reader, who will be greatly rewarded and satisfied with the resolution that finally comes in Taylor's life."
Kirkus Reviews - "Readers may feel dizzied and disoriented, but as they puzzle out exactly how Hannah's narrative connects with Taylor's current reality, they will find themselves ensnared in the story's fascinating, intricate structure. A beautifully rendered mystery."
5. Connections
*Students may want to read other acclaimed books by Melina Marchetta:
Saving Francesca ISBN 9780375829833
Looking for Alibrandi ISBN 9780375836947
Finnikin of the Rock ISBN 9780763643614
*Students can find on a map the location of Syndey, Yass, and other Australian cities mentioned in the book. In addition, they can find out demographic information for each city.
*This book deals with some heavy topics. Students can be encouraged to keep a journal of feelings or secrets that relate to any of the subject matter explored in this novel.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Genre 6 - Young Adult Fiction - Rules
1. Bibliography
Lord, Cynthia. 2006. Rules. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439443838
2. Plot Summary
Catherine is a twelve year old girl whose little brother David has autism. She makes a list of rules for David such as "No toys in the fish tank" and "A boy can take off his shirt to swim, but not his shorts." She desperately wants to have a normal life and normal friends. With her best friend Melissa out of town for the whole summer, she tries to form a friendship with the new girl Kristi who just moved in next door. Between all of the rules she has in place for David and her new found friendship with a boy named Jason whom she met at David's occupational therapy clinic, she begins to question what it is that she is really searching for.
3. Analysis
This honest story of friendship and wanting to be just "normal" will resonate with any "tween" or teenager who reads it. The longing to fit in is something everyone experiences at that age in life. Catherine is often pushed aside by her parents who tend to focus on David's needs more than hers. She feels neglected and ignored and is often put in charge of David. All of these struggles make this book very believable and relatable.
The friendship between Catherine and her new friend Jason is both unexpected and heartwarming. Jason is confined to a wheelchair and cannot speak. He uses a communication book that is filled with words that he can point to to convey what he wants to say. Catherine begins to make new illustrated cards with vibrant words for Jason's book and a friendship is born. The only problem is that Catherine won't tell Kristi the truth about Jason. Again, teenage insecurities abound and Catherine is forced to choose between losing Jason as a friend or impressing Kristi.
This book paints an authentic portrait of teenage struggles of fitting in and just being normal. The fact that two of the main characters are disabled on some way shows readers that all people are different and valuable no matter their differences. Lord doesn't sugar coat the disabilities, but presents them in a frank manner. David's sweet way of communicating with his sister using words from Frog and Toad and Jason's secret wishes to run and sometimes not to live will show readers and honest look at what people who have disabilities struggle with daily.
4. Review Excerpts
Newbery Honor Book
Schneider Family Book Award Winner
The Horn Book - "The emotions in this fast-paced novel ring true."
School Library Journal - "Set in coastal Maine, this sensitive story is about being different, feeling different, and finding acceptance. A lovely, warm read, and a great discussion starter."
Booklist - "The details of autistic behavior are handled well, as are depictions of relationships: Catherine experiences some of the same unease with Jason that others do in the presence of her brother. In the end, Jason helps Catherine see that her rules may really be excuses, opening the way for her to look at things differently. A heartwarming first novel."
5. Connections
*This book is a great way to start a conversation about people with disabilities and how to relate to them. Sometimes fear keeps people from getting to know someone with a disability. The teacher could suggest doing a class project with a severe and profound special education class at the school. The students can get to know the special education students and form relationships like those presented in Rules. See this website about the Spartan Sparkles cheerleaders and The Sparkle Effect for inspiration: http://www.spartansparkles.com/
*Students can be encouraged to write about or discuss their own insecurities openly in order to see that everyone is in the same boat.
*A book or list of class rules similar to Catherine's list can be compiled. Any and all suggestions should be accepted and it can be ongoing throughout the year.
Lord, Cynthia. 2006. Rules. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439443838
2. Plot Summary
Catherine is a twelve year old girl whose little brother David has autism. She makes a list of rules for David such as "No toys in the fish tank" and "A boy can take off his shirt to swim, but not his shorts." She desperately wants to have a normal life and normal friends. With her best friend Melissa out of town for the whole summer, she tries to form a friendship with the new girl Kristi who just moved in next door. Between all of the rules she has in place for David and her new found friendship with a boy named Jason whom she met at David's occupational therapy clinic, she begins to question what it is that she is really searching for.
3. Analysis
This honest story of friendship and wanting to be just "normal" will resonate with any "tween" or teenager who reads it. The longing to fit in is something everyone experiences at that age in life. Catherine is often pushed aside by her parents who tend to focus on David's needs more than hers. She feels neglected and ignored and is often put in charge of David. All of these struggles make this book very believable and relatable.
The friendship between Catherine and her new friend Jason is both unexpected and heartwarming. Jason is confined to a wheelchair and cannot speak. He uses a communication book that is filled with words that he can point to to convey what he wants to say. Catherine begins to make new illustrated cards with vibrant words for Jason's book and a friendship is born. The only problem is that Catherine won't tell Kristi the truth about Jason. Again, teenage insecurities abound and Catherine is forced to choose between losing Jason as a friend or impressing Kristi.
This book paints an authentic portrait of teenage struggles of fitting in and just being normal. The fact that two of the main characters are disabled on some way shows readers that all people are different and valuable no matter their differences. Lord doesn't sugar coat the disabilities, but presents them in a frank manner. David's sweet way of communicating with his sister using words from Frog and Toad and Jason's secret wishes to run and sometimes not to live will show readers and honest look at what people who have disabilities struggle with daily.
4. Review Excerpts
Newbery Honor Book
Schneider Family Book Award Winner
The Horn Book - "The emotions in this fast-paced novel ring true."
School Library Journal - "Set in coastal Maine, this sensitive story is about being different, feeling different, and finding acceptance. A lovely, warm read, and a great discussion starter."
Booklist - "The details of autistic behavior are handled well, as are depictions of relationships: Catherine experiences some of the same unease with Jason that others do in the presence of her brother. In the end, Jason helps Catherine see that her rules may really be excuses, opening the way for her to look at things differently. A heartwarming first novel."
5. Connections
*This book is a great way to start a conversation about people with disabilities and how to relate to them. Sometimes fear keeps people from getting to know someone with a disability. The teacher could suggest doing a class project with a severe and profound special education class at the school. The students can get to know the special education students and form relationships like those presented in Rules. See this website about the Spartan Sparkles cheerleaders and The Sparkle Effect for inspiration: http://www.spartansparkles.com/
*Students can be encouraged to write about or discuss their own insecurities openly in order to see that everyone is in the same boat.
*A book or list of class rules similar to Catherine's list can be compiled. Any and all suggestions should be accepted and it can be ongoing throughout the year.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Genre 5 - Historical Fiction: The Witch of Blackbird Pond
1. Bibliography
Speare, Elizabeth George. 1958. The witch of blackbird pond. New York: Yearling. ISBN 9780440495963
2. Plot Summary
Katherine "Kit" Tyler is a wealthy orphan who is forced to move from her childhood home in tropical Barbados to her aunt's house in Puritan Connecticut in 1687 following the death of her beloved grandfather. From the beginning, Kit feels like a fish out of water. Her clothes are far fancier than the plain, practical dresses of her cousins Judith and Mercy, she is forced to do household work although she is used to having slaves, and she is free-spirited while everyone else is strictly religious. She finds refuge in the meadows and meets the old woman, Hannah, who lives there and who is rumored to be a witch. Kit grows fond of Hannah and a friendship quickly develops. When an illness breaks out in the village of Wethersfield, Kit is accused of learning witchcraft from Hannah and is forced to endure a trial.
3. Analysis
Elizabeth George Speare's depiction of Colonial Connecticut and the descriptions of the bleak, gray landscape transport the reader to an unfamiliar time and place. The struggle of the settlers to gain freedom from the king of England roots the story to a recognizable period in history. An author's note explains that some of the characters in the book were actually real people including the royal governor, the magistrate, the schoolmaster, and the reverend who so often visited the Wood family's household. The inclusion of these real people in a fictional story help ground the story and make it feel like Kit and the Wood family were real people as well.
The Puritan hysterics of the time are also accurately portrayed. The fear that drove people to accuse women of being witches is explored as well. Kit being a bit of an odd ball in Wethersfield made her a prime target of the distress of the townspeople and their mob mentality.
The tumultuous relationship Kit has with Nat, the son of the captain of the ship that brought her to Connecticut concludes with the sweet and somewhat expected romance that blossoms at the end of the book. Kit finally finds the true happiness she had been longing for the entire year before in Wethersfield. Her character comes full circle from eccentric newcomer to a fulfilled, content woman.
4. Review Excerpts
Newbery Medal Winner
Children's Book Watch - "Her unconventional ways lead to conflict and trouble for the lonely girl in this moving story which combines a powerful plot and strong characterization with insights on social change. "
Booklist - "Strong plot, fully realized characters and convincing atmosphere distinguish this historical narrative of a girl whose rebellion against bigotry and her Puritan surroundings culminates in a witch hunt and trial."
5. Connections
* Both Puritan and Quaker religions are mentioned in the book. Students can research these two religions as they were practiced during colonial times and make a Venn diagram comparing the two.
*Students can research illnesses that spread throughout the colonies during the late 1600s to make a conclusion about what they think the illness could have been that swept through Wethersfield during the winter.
*The issue of religious freedom is explored in this book. Students can have a discussion about the freedoms Americans hold today in regards to religion and compare them to the strict religious ideals of the Puritans in the story.
Speare, Elizabeth George. 1958. The witch of blackbird pond. New York: Yearling. ISBN 9780440495963
2. Plot Summary
Katherine "Kit" Tyler is a wealthy orphan who is forced to move from her childhood home in tropical Barbados to her aunt's house in Puritan Connecticut in 1687 following the death of her beloved grandfather. From the beginning, Kit feels like a fish out of water. Her clothes are far fancier than the plain, practical dresses of her cousins Judith and Mercy, she is forced to do household work although she is used to having slaves, and she is free-spirited while everyone else is strictly religious. She finds refuge in the meadows and meets the old woman, Hannah, who lives there and who is rumored to be a witch. Kit grows fond of Hannah and a friendship quickly develops. When an illness breaks out in the village of Wethersfield, Kit is accused of learning witchcraft from Hannah and is forced to endure a trial.
3. Analysis
Elizabeth George Speare's depiction of Colonial Connecticut and the descriptions of the bleak, gray landscape transport the reader to an unfamiliar time and place. The struggle of the settlers to gain freedom from the king of England roots the story to a recognizable period in history. An author's note explains that some of the characters in the book were actually real people including the royal governor, the magistrate, the schoolmaster, and the reverend who so often visited the Wood family's household. The inclusion of these real people in a fictional story help ground the story and make it feel like Kit and the Wood family were real people as well.
The Puritan hysterics of the time are also accurately portrayed. The fear that drove people to accuse women of being witches is explored as well. Kit being a bit of an odd ball in Wethersfield made her a prime target of the distress of the townspeople and their mob mentality.
The tumultuous relationship Kit has with Nat, the son of the captain of the ship that brought her to Connecticut concludes with the sweet and somewhat expected romance that blossoms at the end of the book. Kit finally finds the true happiness she had been longing for the entire year before in Wethersfield. Her character comes full circle from eccentric newcomer to a fulfilled, content woman.
4. Review Excerpts
Newbery Medal Winner
Children's Book Watch - "Her unconventional ways lead to conflict and trouble for the lonely girl in this moving story which combines a powerful plot and strong characterization with insights on social change. "
Booklist - "Strong plot, fully realized characters and convincing atmosphere distinguish this historical narrative of a girl whose rebellion against bigotry and her Puritan surroundings culminates in a witch hunt and trial."
5. Connections
* Both Puritan and Quaker religions are mentioned in the book. Students can research these two religions as they were practiced during colonial times and make a Venn diagram comparing the two.
*Students can research illnesses that spread throughout the colonies during the late 1600s to make a conclusion about what they think the illness could have been that swept through Wethersfield during the winter.
*The issue of religious freedom is explored in this book. Students can have a discussion about the freedoms Americans hold today in regards to religion and compare them to the strict religious ideals of the Puritans in the story.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Genre 5 - Historical Fiction: A Single Shard
1. Bibliography
Park, Linda Sue. 2001. A Single Shard. New York: Yearling. ISBN 9780440418511
2. Plot Summary
Tree-ear is an orphan living in 12th century Korea in the potter's village of Ch'ulp'o. He lives with an old, handicapped man named Crane-man, to whom he was delivered by monks when a sickness broke out in the monastery. Tree-ear has a great admiration for potters and secretly watches Min, the most skilled potter in Ch'ulp'o. He accidentally breaks one of Min's pots while admiring it and has to work for Min in order to pay for the broken pot. When the royal emissary visits to commission a potter for the king, Tree-ear is certain Min will be chosen. When a small disaster with the pottery forces Tree-ear to make a long, dangerous journey to Songdo to show Min's pottery to the emissary, his life is forever changed.
3. Analysis
Park's attention to the detail of the time period is to be admired. The celadon pottery and potters' traditions are the backdrop for the characters' interactions throughout the book. Tree-ear's longing to learn the art of pottery making is palpable, and the little figure he gives to Crane-man is nice foreshadowing for Tree-ear's future. The tender relationships between Tree-ear and Crane-man as well as Tree-ear and Min's wife, Ajima, show that family doesn't have to be related by blood.
While I felt this book started off a bit dry and slow, it redeemed itself when Tree-ear begins his work with Min. The quest to get the king's commission is the high point of action in the book and the vivid descriptions of the Korean landscape allow the reader to envision the sights and sounds of Tree-ear's journey. A single shard of pottery is all Tree-ear has to show the emissary after robbers break the pots, but his determination and confidence are unwavering. Tree-ear's courage on his quest to Songdo is sure to inspire children to pursue difficult challenges in their own lives.
Also to be appreciated are the author's note and essay about celadon pottery that help the reader put the history and craftsmanship into perspective.
4. Review Excerpts
Newbery Medal Winner
Publishers Weekly - "Park (Seesaw Girl) molds a moving tribute to perseverance and creativity in this finely etched novel set in mid- to late 12th-century Korea. Readers will not soon forget these characters or their sacrifices."
School Library Journal - "This quiet story is rich in the details of life in Korea during this period. In addition it gives a full picture of the painstaking process needed to produce celadon pottery...this book not only gives readers insight into an unfamiliar time and place, but it is also a great story."
Booklist - "This quiet, but involving, story draws readers into a very different time and place. Though the society has its own conventions, the hearts and minds and stomachs of the characters are not so far removed from those of people today. Readers will feel the hunger and cold that Tree-ear experiences, as well as his shame, fear, gratitude, and love. A well-crafted novel with an unusual setting."
5. Connections
*Students can look at photos of celadon pottery and find more background information about the pottery on Linda Sue Park's website www.lindasuepark.com. Here is the link straight to the pottery page http://www.lindasuepark.com/books/singleshard/singleshardbs.html
*This book would be a great link between literature and the fine arts. The art teacher can have the students make pottery (not celadon) and fire it. This may require a field trip to a ceramic shop, or some schools may have a kiln.
*Students can research ancient Korean history.
Park, Linda Sue. 2001. A Single Shard. New York: Yearling. ISBN 9780440418511
2. Plot Summary
Tree-ear is an orphan living in 12th century Korea in the potter's village of Ch'ulp'o. He lives with an old, handicapped man named Crane-man, to whom he was delivered by monks when a sickness broke out in the monastery. Tree-ear has a great admiration for potters and secretly watches Min, the most skilled potter in Ch'ulp'o. He accidentally breaks one of Min's pots while admiring it and has to work for Min in order to pay for the broken pot. When the royal emissary visits to commission a potter for the king, Tree-ear is certain Min will be chosen. When a small disaster with the pottery forces Tree-ear to make a long, dangerous journey to Songdo to show Min's pottery to the emissary, his life is forever changed.
3. Analysis
Park's attention to the detail of the time period is to be admired. The celadon pottery and potters' traditions are the backdrop for the characters' interactions throughout the book. Tree-ear's longing to learn the art of pottery making is palpable, and the little figure he gives to Crane-man is nice foreshadowing for Tree-ear's future. The tender relationships between Tree-ear and Crane-man as well as Tree-ear and Min's wife, Ajima, show that family doesn't have to be related by blood.
While I felt this book started off a bit dry and slow, it redeemed itself when Tree-ear begins his work with Min. The quest to get the king's commission is the high point of action in the book and the vivid descriptions of the Korean landscape allow the reader to envision the sights and sounds of Tree-ear's journey. A single shard of pottery is all Tree-ear has to show the emissary after robbers break the pots, but his determination and confidence are unwavering. Tree-ear's courage on his quest to Songdo is sure to inspire children to pursue difficult challenges in their own lives.
Also to be appreciated are the author's note and essay about celadon pottery that help the reader put the history and craftsmanship into perspective.
4. Review Excerpts
Newbery Medal Winner
Publishers Weekly - "Park (Seesaw Girl) molds a moving tribute to perseverance and creativity in this finely etched novel set in mid- to late 12th-century Korea. Readers will not soon forget these characters or their sacrifices."
School Library Journal - "This quiet story is rich in the details of life in Korea during this period. In addition it gives a full picture of the painstaking process needed to produce celadon pottery...this book not only gives readers insight into an unfamiliar time and place, but it is also a great story."
Booklist - "This quiet, but involving, story draws readers into a very different time and place. Though the society has its own conventions, the hearts and minds and stomachs of the characters are not so far removed from those of people today. Readers will feel the hunger and cold that Tree-ear experiences, as well as his shame, fear, gratitude, and love. A well-crafted novel with an unusual setting."
5. Connections
*Students can look at photos of celadon pottery and find more background information about the pottery on Linda Sue Park's website www.lindasuepark.com. Here is the link straight to the pottery page http://www.lindasuepark.com/books/singleshard/singleshardbs.html
*This book would be a great link between literature and the fine arts. The art teacher can have the students make pottery (not celadon) and fire it. This may require a field trip to a ceramic shop, or some schools may have a kiln.
*Students can research ancient Korean history.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Genre 5 - Historical Fiction: The Land
1. Bibliography
Taylor, Mildred D., 2001. The Land. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN 0142501468
2. Plot Summary
In this prequel to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Taylor tells the story of Cassie's grandfather, Paul-Edward Logan. Born in Georgia just after slavery had been abolished, Paul-Edward is the son of a white plantation owner and his former slave mistress. His father claims him and his sister, Cassie, as his own, however they aren't granted the same freedoms as their three white half brothers. As a young boy, Paul-Edward is still naive to race relations of the time since his family openly accepts him. A traumatizing family incident in his early adolescence breaks his ignorance and changes the course of his life forever. A turbulent beginning to a life long friendship is found in Mitchell, the son of one of his father's workers. Paul-Edward and Mitchell travel together in Paul-Edward's pursuit of one day owning a piece of land as great as his father's land in Georgia. The many triumphs and heartbreaks that follow Paul-Edward throughout his life shape this touching historical fiction novel.
3. Analysis
Taylor's ability to transport the reader to the post Civil War-era American South is impressive. While the South was not a great place for African Americans during this time period, Taylor writes with an honesty and hope that will leave the reader feeling satisfied rather than depressed. Paul-Edward seems to be trapped in a world where the only thing that matters to people is the color of their skin. He is labeled as black even though he passes as white at one point in the book. While some of the scenes in the book can bring a tear to they eye, they are written with compassion and grace. The driving force of this novel is Paul-Edward's determination to one day be a land owner. Although he faces many hardships along his journey and the reader might think he will never see his dream realized, Paul-Edward's perseverance holds the reader's attention through to the end.
While I have not read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, it is definitely next on my list. Taylor's realistic and heartbreaking portrayal of Paul-Edward left me wanting to read more about the Logan family and their connection to the land.
An author's note and acknowledgments at the beginning of the book explain Taylor's inspiration from her own family stories to write about the Logan family and her choice to not edit the language in her books. While the language is harsh and hurtful, it was important to her to include it to make the book as authentic as possible.
4. Review Excerpts
Kirkus Reviews - "...this is an aspect of the legacy of slavery not often confronted in children's books; Paul-Edward makes the reader feel its grotesque injustices. They will root for him, as they have for his children and grandchildren, to overcome."
School Library Journal - "The Land by Mildred Taylor (Putnam, 2001) is a wonderful novel of close friendship, harsh prejudices, and deep yearning."
Publishers Weekly - "Taylor's gift for combining history and storytelling are as evident here as in her other stories about the Logan family. Taylor fans should hasten to read this latest contribution to the Logan family history, and newcomers will eagerly lap this up and plunge into the author's other titles."
5. Connections
*Students can play "What Would Cloepatra Do?" The teacher can pose the question: What would Paul-Edward think of Barack Obama becoming the first black (mixed race) president of the United States?
*This book could be followed up by reading any of the other books about the Logan family.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry ISBN 978-0142401125
Song of the Trees ISBN 978-0142500750
Let the Circle Be Unbroken ISBN 978-0140348927
The Road to Memphis ISBN 978-0140360776
*Students can research race relations in the American South post Civil War.
Taylor, Mildred D., 2001. The Land. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN 0142501468
2. Plot Summary
In this prequel to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Taylor tells the story of Cassie's grandfather, Paul-Edward Logan. Born in Georgia just after slavery had been abolished, Paul-Edward is the son of a white plantation owner and his former slave mistress. His father claims him and his sister, Cassie, as his own, however they aren't granted the same freedoms as their three white half brothers. As a young boy, Paul-Edward is still naive to race relations of the time since his family openly accepts him. A traumatizing family incident in his early adolescence breaks his ignorance and changes the course of his life forever. A turbulent beginning to a life long friendship is found in Mitchell, the son of one of his father's workers. Paul-Edward and Mitchell travel together in Paul-Edward's pursuit of one day owning a piece of land as great as his father's land in Georgia. The many triumphs and heartbreaks that follow Paul-Edward throughout his life shape this touching historical fiction novel.
3. Analysis
Taylor's ability to transport the reader to the post Civil War-era American South is impressive. While the South was not a great place for African Americans during this time period, Taylor writes with an honesty and hope that will leave the reader feeling satisfied rather than depressed. Paul-Edward seems to be trapped in a world where the only thing that matters to people is the color of their skin. He is labeled as black even though he passes as white at one point in the book. While some of the scenes in the book can bring a tear to they eye, they are written with compassion and grace. The driving force of this novel is Paul-Edward's determination to one day be a land owner. Although he faces many hardships along his journey and the reader might think he will never see his dream realized, Paul-Edward's perseverance holds the reader's attention through to the end.
While I have not read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, it is definitely next on my list. Taylor's realistic and heartbreaking portrayal of Paul-Edward left me wanting to read more about the Logan family and their connection to the land.
An author's note and acknowledgments at the beginning of the book explain Taylor's inspiration from her own family stories to write about the Logan family and her choice to not edit the language in her books. While the language is harsh and hurtful, it was important to her to include it to make the book as authentic as possible.
4. Review Excerpts
Kirkus Reviews - "...this is an aspect of the legacy of slavery not often confronted in children's books; Paul-Edward makes the reader feel its grotesque injustices. They will root for him, as they have for his children and grandchildren, to overcome."
School Library Journal - "The Land by Mildred Taylor (Putnam, 2001) is a wonderful novel of close friendship, harsh prejudices, and deep yearning."
Publishers Weekly - "Taylor's gift for combining history and storytelling are as evident here as in her other stories about the Logan family. Taylor fans should hasten to read this latest contribution to the Logan family history, and newcomers will eagerly lap this up and plunge into the author's other titles."
5. Connections
*Students can play "What Would Cloepatra Do?" The teacher can pose the question: What would Paul-Edward think of Barack Obama becoming the first black (mixed race) president of the United States?
*This book could be followed up by reading any of the other books about the Logan family.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry ISBN 978-0142401125
Song of the Trees ISBN 978-0142500750
Let the Circle Be Unbroken ISBN 978-0140348927
The Road to Memphis ISBN 978-0140360776
*Students can research race relations in the American South post Civil War.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Genre 4 - Nonfiction - Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez
1. Bibliography
Krull, Kathleen. 2003. Harvesting hope: the story of cesar chavez. Ill. by Yuyi Morales. San Diego: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 9780152014377
2. Plot Summary
In this narrative biography, Krull tells the life story of Cesar Chavez. Beginning with his childhood in Yuma, Arizona, the books details the harsh and unfair conditions forced upon Mexican migrant farm workers in California that led to Chavez forming the National Farm Workers Association. The main focus of the book is the National Farm Workers Association's grape picking strike and march from Delano to the capitol in Sacramento to bring attention to the cause of fair treatment and laws concerning farm workers. The march was successful, and officials from one grape company recognized the National Farm Workers Association and agreed to fair treatment and better pay. An author's note at the end of the book explains more about Chavez's long life of nonviolent protests, rallies, and hunger strikes in support of better conditions, treatment, and fair pay for farm workers.
3. Analysis
The beginning of the book paints a lovely picture of a pleasant childhood for Chavez with a huge family support system, which makes the scene when the family has to move to California and endure substandard housing and work conditions all the more heartbreaking to the reader. Krull writes with alluring, almost poetic imagery of Chavez's childhood in Arizona: "The eighty acres of their ranch were an island in the shimmering Arizona desert, and the starry skies were all their own." Chavez's misery can be felt by the reader in the scene where Chavez is punished at school for speaking Spanish and forced to wear a sign that says, "I am a clown. I speak Spanish." Morales does a magnificent job of illustrating the emotions and feeling of the characters in the story. Her mix of acrylic paint, handmade stamps, and computer-created cutouts are filled with vibrant colors and sprawling landscapes of farm land. The folk art appearance gives the illustrations a nice link to the subject matter.
While this book could be used as a relevant addition to any collection about Cesar Chavez's life, it really only focuses on his childhood and the march to Sacramento. This should not be used as the sole piece of information in exploring Chavez's life's work and accomplishments. Although, the author's note at the end does satisfactorily explain more about Chavez's work and legacy. In addition, the primary target audience for this book is, of course, children, and I think there is much that they can take from this book about Chavez.
One thing I noticed was the absence of a bibliography. While it is obvious Krull did much research on Chavez's life, I was curious about the dialogue included in the book. Are there really recorded accounts of what people actually said? It makes one wonder.
Overall, this book is beautifully written and could be useful in introducing Cesar Chavez as a historical figure to elementary students.
4. Review Excerpts
Kirkus Reviews - "Krull and Morales introduce a long-neglected figure from recent history to a new audience in an informative, eye-catching manner. A notable achievement."
School Library Journal - "...beautifully rendered earth-toned illustrations flow out from behind the words and onto the facing page. A fine addition to any collection."
Publishers Weekly - "Krull selects details that the target audience will readily understand."
"The visual statement is as powerful as the story."
5. Connections
*This book should definitely be included as a read aloud on Cesar Chavez Day for elementary school students. Cesar Chavez Day is celebrated on March 31 in honor of Chavez's birthday.
*Students can find out more about the holiday and the struggle to make it a national holiday on this site http://www.cesarchavezholiday.org/
*Students can learn more about the author at http://kathleenkrull.com/
and more about the illustrator at http://yuyimorales.com/ .
Krull, Kathleen. 2003. Harvesting hope: the story of cesar chavez. Ill. by Yuyi Morales. San Diego: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 9780152014377
2. Plot Summary
In this narrative biography, Krull tells the life story of Cesar Chavez. Beginning with his childhood in Yuma, Arizona, the books details the harsh and unfair conditions forced upon Mexican migrant farm workers in California that led to Chavez forming the National Farm Workers Association. The main focus of the book is the National Farm Workers Association's grape picking strike and march from Delano to the capitol in Sacramento to bring attention to the cause of fair treatment and laws concerning farm workers. The march was successful, and officials from one grape company recognized the National Farm Workers Association and agreed to fair treatment and better pay. An author's note at the end of the book explains more about Chavez's long life of nonviolent protests, rallies, and hunger strikes in support of better conditions, treatment, and fair pay for farm workers.
3. Analysis
The beginning of the book paints a lovely picture of a pleasant childhood for Chavez with a huge family support system, which makes the scene when the family has to move to California and endure substandard housing and work conditions all the more heartbreaking to the reader. Krull writes with alluring, almost poetic imagery of Chavez's childhood in Arizona: "The eighty acres of their ranch were an island in the shimmering Arizona desert, and the starry skies were all their own." Chavez's misery can be felt by the reader in the scene where Chavez is punished at school for speaking Spanish and forced to wear a sign that says, "I am a clown. I speak Spanish." Morales does a magnificent job of illustrating the emotions and feeling of the characters in the story. Her mix of acrylic paint, handmade stamps, and computer-created cutouts are filled with vibrant colors and sprawling landscapes of farm land. The folk art appearance gives the illustrations a nice link to the subject matter.
While this book could be used as a relevant addition to any collection about Cesar Chavez's life, it really only focuses on his childhood and the march to Sacramento. This should not be used as the sole piece of information in exploring Chavez's life's work and accomplishments. Although, the author's note at the end does satisfactorily explain more about Chavez's work and legacy. In addition, the primary target audience for this book is, of course, children, and I think there is much that they can take from this book about Chavez.
One thing I noticed was the absence of a bibliography. While it is obvious Krull did much research on Chavez's life, I was curious about the dialogue included in the book. Are there really recorded accounts of what people actually said? It makes one wonder.
Overall, this book is beautifully written and could be useful in introducing Cesar Chavez as a historical figure to elementary students.
4. Review Excerpts
Kirkus Reviews - "Krull and Morales introduce a long-neglected figure from recent history to a new audience in an informative, eye-catching manner. A notable achievement."
School Library Journal - "...beautifully rendered earth-toned illustrations flow out from behind the words and onto the facing page. A fine addition to any collection."
Publishers Weekly - "Krull selects details that the target audience will readily understand."
"The visual statement is as powerful as the story."
5. Connections
*This book should definitely be included as a read aloud on Cesar Chavez Day for elementary school students. Cesar Chavez Day is celebrated on March 31 in honor of Chavez's birthday.
*Students can find out more about the holiday and the struggle to make it a national holiday on this site http://www.cesarchavezholiday.org/
*Students can learn more about the author at http://kathleenkrull.com/
and more about the illustrator at http://yuyimorales.com/ .
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