Book review - The Lunch Lady And the Cyborg Substitute

1. Bibliography
 Krosoczka, Jarrett J. 2009. Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute. New York: Random House. ISBN: 978-0-329-71453-6.

2. Plot Summary
 This graphic novel presents a school lunch lady who is a secret agent crime fighter.  She cleverly uncovers the evil plot of a substitute teacher to replace all the great teachers at the school with robots.

3. Critical Analysis
 Readers of every age can relate to the school cafeteria serving pizza for lunch.  Those days are always exciting because everyone loves pizza, even school pizza! This book is the first installment in a series of crime-fighting surprises that students are sure to love! Like most graphic novels, the characters are a bit underdeveloped, but the appeal is over the top. This unlikely hero, with the help of her assistant, Betty, fights crime when she isn't serving lunch.  The author provides clever touches at every turn.  The spy gadgets and crime-fighting tools are all lunchroom-related.  Lunch Lady's laptop computer is a lunch tray and her nun-chucks are disguised as fish sticks. Betty creates helicopter spatulas, exploding chicken nuggets, and other surprising tools that help Lunch Lady get the job done.  The lunchroom theme is carried out in every way.  Instead of exclaiming, "Oh no!", Lunch Lady shouts, "Good gravy!"  The students in the story, referred to as the "Breakfast Bunch", are characters the readers can relate to.  They face a bully and band together to stand up against him.  
The artwork, done by Krosoczka, are clean, uncluttered ink drawings which have been digitally colored add to the overall appeal of the book. The single color of ink (yellow) give the book a nice, unified look.

4. Review Excerpts
 2009 Booklist: "Little details invite and reward repeat readings with visual as well as verbal punning."
2009 Kirkus Review: "Filled with goofy puns and gray-scale are with cheery yellow accents, this is a delightfully fun escapist read.  Be sure to recommend this to fans of Captain Underpants."
2009 Publisher's Weekly: "With plenty of silliness and slapstick in the text and panel art alike, this comic should alleviate lunch-line boredom with visions of servers wielding fishstick-nunchucks"
5. Connections
*Read other Lunch Lady books, such as Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians. Discuss plot development, characters, discuss alternate endings.
*Web links:  http://www.lunchladycomics.com/index2.html
*Create a whole class take-off story.  Allow students to decide on another unlikely hero and create a similar story line.  Students good at art can create the illustrations, good writers can collaborate on the text, and others can come up with a way to present it to others such as creating a short movie or using another web based tool.

Book Review - A Step From Heaven

1. Bibliography
Na, An. 2001. A Step from Heaven. Asheville, N. C.: Front Street. ISBN 978188690584.

2. Plot Summary
The story begins with what seems to be a flashback into Young Ju's childhood in Korea. She is four years old and her family is preparing to move to "Mi Gook", America.  The family is very excited to be moving and they decide that America is not heave, but is just "A Step From Heaven." After arriving in America, her parents work hard but have many trial and difficulties.  Though the end of the story is sad because Young Ju's father returns to Korea, leaving the rest of the family to go on as best as they can.  However, there is hope as well as Young Ju pursues "the American dream" by heading off to college.
3. Critical Analysis
 An Na’s tale of poverty, acculturation and abuse is told in first-person present-tense narration. Na uses brief sections that are more like titled anecdotes than chapters. Her inclusion of Korean terms requires the reader to employ the use context clues and possibly some rereading at the beginning but then they become almost unnoticed as the story continues. She also allows the reader to experience what it is like to be in a new situation and not being able to understand what is being said, like when Young Ju first arrived at school.“Tees es Yung,” the witch teacher says. “Wah ko um, Yung,” they say. Through Young Ju’s narratives the reader discovers each character. Her father Apa grows increasingly violent and defensive as he drinks more. Her mother Uhmma tries to make the best of their situation and works hard to keep the family together. Her brother Joon is the long awaited boy who is allowed to do things that would be considered unacceptable for a girl to do. “Young Ju, Apa says, shaking his head. Joon Ho is a boy. It is natural for him to pee outside.” The ongoing coming-of-age theme is intertwined with Young Ju’s struggle of not becoming too American as her parents fear and being ashamed of her family’s situation. But Young Ju is portrayed as an intelligent girl who continues to thrive despite her situation. She receives moral support to succeed from her mother “I am proud of you, Young Ju, Uhmma says, looking down into my eyes. You are a smart girl and someday you will be a smart woman.” And as the story ends, the reader sees her connect with her mother and fully understand where they have come from.

4. Review Excerpts
2001 ALA Best Books For Young Adults  
2001 Booklist Starred: "As in the best writing , the particulars make the story universal."
2001 Horn Book Starred: “Each of these vignettes displays an astonishing and memorable force.”
2001 School Library Journal Starred: “A beautifully written, affecting work."

5. Connections
* Author Interview
* Read other Korean American fiction:
Czech, Jan M. An American Face. ISBN 9780878678183
Lee, Marie G. Finding My Voice. ISBN 9780395621349
Recorvits, Helen. My Name is Yoon. ISBN 9780374351144
Shin, Sun Yung. Cooper’s Lesson. ISBN 9780892391936
Son, John. Finding My Hat. ISBN 9780439435383
*Discussion and writing prompts: 
What, exactly is immigration? What would make a family leave their homeland to seek a new life in another country? What kinds of problems could an immigrant face while building a new life?  What are some of the problems faced by the family in the story? 
Prompt: If your family moved to a foreign country, what challenges would be hardest to face?



 

Book Review - The Underneath

1. Bibliography
Appelt, Kathi. 2008. The Underneath. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. 978-1-4169-5058-5.

2. Plot Summary
A calico cat about to have kittens, hears the lonely howl of a chained-up hound deep in the backwaters of the bayou. She dares to find him in the forest, and the hound dares to befriend this cat, the creature he is supposed to hate. They are an unlikely pair, about to become an unlikely family. Ranger urges the cat to hide underneath the porch, to raise her kittens there because Gar-Face, the man living inside the house, will surely use them as alligator bait should he find them. But they are safe in the Underneath, as long as they stay there.

However, kittens are notoriously curious creatures and one kitten's curiosity sets off a chain of events that is astonishing and enormous in its meaning.  Kathi Appelt spins a harrowing, yet sweet tale about the power of love, and its opposite - hate. The fragility of happiness and the importance of making good on your promises are constant themes in this rich story.  

3. Critical Analysis 

 The Underneath is about friendship, love, hate, sacrifice, revenge, death, and life in all its shades and colors. It is bittersweet, but beautiful. It's sorrows and joys are pure and heartfelt. "There is nothing lonelier than a cat who has been loved, at least for a while, and then abandoned on the side of the road. A small calico cat. Her family, the one she lived with, has left her in this old and forgotten forest, this forest where the rain is soaking into her soft fur."
It is appropriate that Louis Sachar is quoted on the cover – the twin story line format (one ancient, one current) of his outstanding “Holes” is also present in “The Underneath”.  For Appelt, it would seem that words aren’t just words, they’re physical matter. Words can be breathed in, coughed out, and they can roll you over. Words, and the emotions they embody, figure prominently in this story. It has a poetic beauty that is both realistic and mystical, and tells a gripping, suspenseful story that is full of heart. Appelt has written several poetry books, a short story collection, and more than a few picture books.  Her storytelling is powerful, effective, and magically spellbinding.
There is the possibility that this story might be a bit much for children or even young adults.  The subject matter and the manner in which it is presented can bring out raw emotions even in adult readers. The sophisticated style of its descriptions will require a sophisticated reader to appreciate them.  This is probably best for middle school readers, or a rare mature fifth grader.

4. Review Excerpts
2009 Newberry Medal Honor
2009 National Book Award Finalist
2008 Booklist starred: "most children will be pulled forward by the vulnerable pets’ survival adventure and by Small’s occasional, down-to-earth drawings, created with fluid lines that are a perfect match for the book’s saturated setting and Appelt’s ebbing, flowing lyricism."
2009 Horn Book: " this fine book is most of all distinguished by the originality of the story and the fresh beauty of its author's voice -- a natural for reading aloud."

5. Connections
*Read other books by Kathi Appelt: 
978-0-8050-7362-1 My Father's Summers - A Daughter's Memoir
978-0-8050-6978-5 Poems from Homeroom: A Writer's Place to Start
978-0-0602-9135-8 Down Cut Shin Creek
978-0-1520-5127-3 Kissing Tennessee

*Science connection:  study bayous and discuss the features of that biome.
*Writing connection: Allow students to write a passage based on a prompt such as: A great friendship is important because....

 

 

 

Book Review - The Green Glass Sea

1. Bibliography

Klages, Ellen. 2006. The Green Glass Sea. New York: Viking. ISBN: 9780142411490.
2. Plot Summary
The year is 1943 and eleven year old Dewey Kerrigan must travel from St. Louis to Los Alamos, New Mexico all alone.  Her grandmother is in poor health and cannot take care of her, her mother abandoned her as an infant, and her father is working for the government to help with the war effort.  His top-secret work forces Dewey and her father to live at a strange government compound along with other families who are in the same situation.  Dewey, somewhat of a misfit, becomes friends with someone who is almost her polar opposite.  
3. Critical Analysis
In this book, Klages unwraps a fresh, appropriate account of  actual events during World War II that inexplicably disrupted families and placed them in a unique situation.  This presentation brings to readers historical events and difficult situations that the audience might not encounter otherwise.  Descriptions of music and pastimes of Americans during that era, give readers a sense that this book relates real events from the past.  Readers will come away with a clearer understanding of what happened right here in America that impacted the war.  
Klages also presents themes that readers can relate to such as losing a parent, learning to accept those who are different from yourself, and the impact of war on people everywhere.  This text's fresh approach to a fascinating, though almost forgotten, subject, makes it unlike other books available for young adult readers. 
4. Review Excerpts 
Scott O'Dell Award
2007 Horn Book Starred: "History and story are drawn together with confidence in this intense by accessible page-turner."    
2006 Publishers Weekly: "Klages makes an impressive debut with an ambitious, meticulously researched novel set during WWII."
2006 School Library Journal: "Many readers will know as little about the true nature of the project as the girls do, so the gradual revelation of facts is especially effective, while those who already know about Los Alamos's historical significance will experience the story in a different, but equally powerful, way."

5. Connections

*Research WWII and American civilians' contributions.  Present a product and share findings with classmates.

*Read Ellen Klages' sequel, White Sands, Red Menace. Discuss how the author finishes the story and how she might have taken a different approach.

*Author's Website:  http://ellenklages.com/index.html

Book Review - Turtle in Paradise

1. Bibliography

Holm, Jennifer L. 2010. Turtle in Paradise. New York: Random House. ISBN:  978-0-375-83688-6.
2. Plot Summary
Eleven year old Turtle is sent to live with her aunt during the great depression.  During a time when people took any kind of work they could find, Turtle's mother got a job as a housekeeper working for a woman who did not like children.  Turtle's time with her cousins is challenging and adventurous. 
3. Critical Analysis
"Everyone thinks children are sweet as Necco Wafers, but I've lived long enough to know the truth: kids are rotten." From the beginning of this adventurous tale to the end, Jennifer L. Holm engages readers of every age. The characters are completely believable.  Turtle, an eleven year old girl, narrates the story and draws the reader in through the entire tale.  Her cousins, all boys, experience fun and adventure that even children living some eighty years later can think, "they seem like us!" The tone of the story is sometimes somber, portraying the hardships of the Great Depression, but it is frequently punctuated with humor and fun. 
Many children can relate to moving from one city to another so Turtle's move from Pennsylvania to Florida is an obviously huge adjustment for her.  The story's main setting, the Florida Keys, is so intriguing and is presented in such a way that even someone who has not lived near a beach can relate. Though some of the references are exclusive to the time, they are presented in such an authentic manner that the reader knows and understands what is being referred to. This authentic historic fiction is a very enjoyable work and captures the hearts of readers.

4. Review Excerpts
2010 Booklist starred: "Turtle is just the right mixture of knowingness and hope; the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with a dollop of adventure."
2010: Horn Book Starred:  "Though her narrative is peppered with references from the time, modern-day readers will have no trouble relating, and the fast-moving plot will keep them interested to the end."
2010 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
5. Connections
Research the 1930s to gain knowledge about something specific about the time such as entertainment, popular foods, or other areas of interest to students and compare them to current trends.
Read other books from the same time period such as The Gawgon and the Boy by Lloyd Alexander. Compare the stories and the writing styles of the two authors.
Write a poem or story about going to a beach.  Conduct research or read other texts in order to gain more information about a beach, if needed.  

Book Review - Pictures of Hollis Woods

 

1. Bibliography

Giff, Patricia Reilley. 2009. Pictures of Hollis Woods [Audiobook, unabridged]. Listening Library. Hope David, Reader. ASIN: B00271Q5NE.  

2. Plot Summary 

Abandoned as a baby and bounced around all her life, Hollis Woods (named after the place where she was found) is an intelligent, artistic girl.  Her insecurities prevent her from loving and allowing herself to be loved.  She learns from each of her situations and eventually finds what she "W" wants, wished for - a family.

3. Critical Analysis

The sound recording, performed by Hope Davis, a professional actress, is the perfect way to experience this touching story.  Davis is able to seamlessly weave in and out of each character so that the reader/listener is able to know the characters at a level that would not be achieved through reading it in a traditional, one voice manner.  The first few chapters give valuable background events that enlighten the reader about where Hollis has been in order to understand the importance of seeing her all the way to the blissful end. Giff artfully describes scenes that Hollis draws using such descriptive language as, sitting "under a lamp that tossed rainbows across the table." Getting to know Hollis, readers understand her fears and regrets, her longings and her hopes and they will undoubtedly root for her to fulfill her dream of belonging to a family.  This moving tale inspires young readers to take ownership of their own actions, to take a step back and view their situation from a new vantage point, and to help others in need.  The way Beatrice and Josie help Hollis gain confidence and to see her situation from a new perspective can help the reader relate this valuable life lesson to his or her own life.  The family that Hollis has always wished for is finally found, helping the reader enjoy the excitement and knowledge that good things can come from bad situations.  

4. Review Excerpts

2002 Kirkus Review Starred:  "This touching story will leave readers pleasantly drained, satisfied with the happy ending, and eager for more about Hollis's future."

2003 Horn Book Starred:  "this is a remarkably well-observed novel"

2003 Newbery Honor/Medal

5. Connections

Lead students at write a passage with a prompt such as: If you moved from family to family, what item would you treasure most?

Discuss how the pictures Hollis draws are described. Instruct students to imagine a special place or event and use words to "draw" it, then share their description with their classmates. 

Research New York to find out about Long Island - where it is exactly, what is there for tourists, etc.  Also, find out about the typical weather patterns for each year and compare their findings to our seasonal weather in Texas.

Book Review - Mr. Sam How Sam Walton Built Wal-Mart and Became America's Richest Man

 

1. Bibliography 

Blumenthal, Karen. 2011. Mr. Sam: How Sam Walton Built Wal-Mart and Became America's Richest Man. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN: 978-0-670-01177-3.

2. Plot Summary

Sam Walton came from practically nothing to become the founder of Wal-Mart.  He was a compulsive competitor with a drive to win football, become class president, and to sell more items than is competitors.  From his humble beginnings at a small, dingy general store, he ultimately succeeded at winning.  He blew away his competition when it came to stacking things deep and selling them cheap. This biography of an uncomplicated man who saw success through hard work, sacrifices, and learning from his mistakes is an inspiring story for juvenile readers in grades fifth through eighth.

3. Critical Analysis
Karen Blumenthal provides middle grade readers with an informative account of how Sam Walton built his business into the world's largest retail company. She effectively intertwines narratives with lessons in economics and entrepreneurship.  This well researched account gives readers a balanced view of Walton's strengths and weaknesses. Blumenthal's work is an interesting biography that is that unique selection that should be on library shelves everywhere.  Mr. Sam is especially good for those readers who crave individuality or read from selections off the beaten path. 
With plenty of fun facts about Wal-Mart and the American spending culture, this book is not a history of the store.  It is a biography of the store's founder, Sam Walton, who started with one small store before he found his own way and really began to create the model that was quite effective and profitable. 
Not only will this book fulfill that biography assignment, for some students, this is just the inspiration needed.
The black and white photos that accompany the text add a great sense of history. Sidebars to the story of Sam Walton's life are peppered with information about retail sales, stocks, and profit margins. Cultural references from the time are also included, which gives the reader a broader history. The final pages of the book contain the bibliography and acknowledgements which adds credibility and resources for further reading.

4. Review Excerpts
2011: Booklist: "this account of the man who created what is today the world's largest company makes compelling reading - particularly for would-be entrepreneurs. 
2011: Horn Book:  "Businessmen don't seem like natural biographical subjects for young readers, but Blumenthal has done a splendid job of not only introducing Sam Walton but making his story relevant and timely." 
2011: Kirkus Review: "Blumenthal succeeds in bringing Walton's driven personality and obsession with winning to life."   
5. Connections
Ask a local business owner/manager (or perhaps a Wal-Mart manager) to come speak to the class.  Have students prepare questions ahead of time to ask based on the ideas in the book.

Research other famous (and not so famous) American entrepreneurs.  Guide students to present their findings in a variety of ways including using Web2.0 resources. 

Group students into small teams which are given a certain budget and other restrictions to come up with their own business idea.   Students would need to research costs of initial start up, ideas for the location of their business, and determine projected sales in order to determine profits.

Book Review - Quest for the Tree Kangaroo

1. Bibliography

Montgomery, Sy. 2006. Quest for the Tree Kangaree an Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea. Ill. Nic Bishop. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN: 978-0618-49641-9.

2. Plot Summary

Montgomery presents a great introduction to a little-known creature: the tree kangaroo. The fascinating expedition to the cloud forest of Papua New Guinea with a scientific research team headed by Lisa Dabek and accompanied by photographer Nic Bishop draws readers in with both well written accounts of the adventure and vivid photographs. The amazing team that tracks this interesting animal inspires readers to conserve, to help, and to enjoy the world around us.

3. Critical Analysis
This beautiful book is well organized and provides a chronological account of the journey into Papua New Guinea.  Readers are introduced to the people and culture of New Guinea, which adds an element of human interest to this account of an expedition in search of a unique creature.  The attention to detail and accurate scientific representation provided is noteworthy.  The collaboration between Montgomery and Bishop on previous works leads to an expectant anticipation of another beautiful, interesting installment in the field of children's nonfiction work.  Nic Bishop's exquisite photographs provide insight and a perspective like none other. He truly  captures the surroundings encountered by the research team so perfectly that readers sense that they miss nothing. 
The addition at the end of the book of some high interest sections give readers further inspiration and connections.  One is entitled "Lisa's Advice for Kids" is a great way to encourage children to explore natural science. Another section called "Tree Kangaroos Near You" provides readers with online resources to locate tree kangaroos in zoos around the United States as well as other online resources of interest. The main body of the book discusses the language of the people of the region, so the section entitled "Let's Tok Pisin" really gives readers an opportunity to speak a different language.  This connection provides a way to understand how people around the world are similar to us even though they speak a different language. 
4. Review Excerpts 

2007: Notable/Best Books (A.L.A.)

2007: Horn Book Starred: "she enthusiastically engages with the people, plants, and animals she encounters on the trip"

2006: Booklist Starred: " another beautifully illustrated entry in the Scientists in the Field series"
5. Connections

Research other animals that are in danger of becoming extinct and write a plan demonstrating a way people can help to save them. 

Create a map illustrating where and how the team traveled to study the tree kangaroo. 

Locate other works by Montgomery and Bishop and compare the presentation of material. For example, The Tarantula Scientist.

Book Review - What To Do About Alice?

1. Bibliography
Kerley, Barbara. 2008. What To Do About Alice? Ill. Edwin Fotheringham. New York: NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN: 978-0-329-70157-4.
2. Plot Summary
Alice, President Theodore Roosevelt's daughter, was hungry to go places, meet people, and do things. But she caused problems for he father.  Girls and women were expected to be seen, but not heard during this time period. But Alice was different. She entertained important international dignitaries and traveled abroad, all while going against all convention. She really "ate up the world." This lively biography gives readers a view of life inside the White House in a fun, entertaining presentation. 
3. Critical Analysis
Barbara Kerley has provided us with an excellent example of a picture book biography. Both the text and the illustrations grab the reader's attention from the beginning of the story where they immediately see an example of Alice's father's impatience with her.  The idea that Alice is so eager to explore and experience everything she encounters is expressed with both words and pictures.  Alice is drawn with a giant spoon to depict how she is ready to "eat up the world." Both author and illustrator cleverly share Alice's life and her adventures in a way that readers are anxious to turn the page to see what Alice will find herself doing next.
The dual purpose of being educational and entertaining is uniquely achieved in this book designed for children ages 5 - 9. However, it would be appropriate for children as old as 12.  Because of the text's perspective of Alice's work and whimsy, this book can serve as an inspirational text for anyone who feels restricted by societal boundaries but desires to do so much with their lives. 
4. Review Excerpts 
2009 Notable/Best Books (A.L.A.) 
2008 Booklist Starred: Irrepressible Alice Roosevelt gets a treatment every bit as attractive and exuberant as she was.  
2008 Kirkus Review Starred:  Kerley's precise text presents readers with a devilishly smart, strong-willed girl.
5. Connections

Other stories/bibliographies by Barbara Kerley:
Kerley, Barbara. The Extraordinary Mark Twain. ISBN: 978-0545125086
Kerley, Barbara. One World, One Day. ISBN: 978-1426304606
Kerley, Barbara. A Cool Drink of Water. ISBN: 978-0792254898

 Provide opportunities for students to study the time period that Theodore Roosevelt was president.  Discuss social expectations for children, girls in particular, how people acted in formal situations, and other aspects of life during that time such as how children dressed, what school was like, etc.  Allow students to work in groups and present a product to demonstrate what they learned.  They could write a compare and contrast paper presenting how life was different then compared to now. Or use a web2.0 tool, such as glogster, to show life in the early 1900s. 

Guide students to research other presidents' children.  Find information about each of them and present their findings with the class.

After reading the story aloud, ask students to write an essay using this prompt: Write about what you would like most if your dad were president of the United States.

Book Review - Button Up!

1. Bibliography

 Schertle, Alice. 2009. Button Up! Ill. Petra Mathers. New York: NY: Harcourt Children's Books. ISBN: 978-0-15-205050-4.

2. Plot Summary

This collection of fifteen stand alone poems relates to articles of clothing.  Animals and their belongings joyfully illustrate each item presented.  A pig wears galoshes, a rabbit wears a swimsuit, and an ostrich wears a turtle neck sweater - what a sight! Young children will enjoy each of the relatable, funny rhymes.

3. Critical Analysis 

The topic of clothing items is something that children can relate to.  They all must learn to dress themselves, button shirts, put on socks, and tie shoes.  These short poems are presented from the perspective of the clothing, which is a fun concept for young audiences. The organization and design of this collection is a great balance of poetry and illustrations. There are no reference aids for use with this book,the poems are light and enjoyable, so this is not needed. Kids are sure to laugh at the poem entitled "Emily's Undies". The milestone of moving from diapers to underwear is something our kids are typically excited about.  "She doesn't wear diapers,/ not even to bed./ Now she wears undies/ with ruffles instead." Additionally, opportunities to expand children's  vocabulary are presented.  Some children are not familiar with galoshes, wool sweaters, or hand-me-downs.  

The irregular rhythms and unpredictable end rhymes make reading the poems aloud enjoyable. These "wrinkled" rhymes are written in couplets and quatrians with occasional internal rhyme.  Alliteration and repetition add to the appeal as well.  "We are the jammies that Joshua wears,/ not jammies for pengiuns,/ not jammies for bears."   The charming illustrations pair nicely with each poem, perfectly detailing each item.  When Bertie's shoelaces are shown trailing behind as he walks casually along a street, adults and kids both can relate to what they see in the picture. Harvey (the pig) has galoshes - four of course - that are two different pairs.  This whimsical illustration makes the picture colorful and fun.  This is a clever and original presentation of a fun poetic experience for all! Included on the book jacket are short background information pieces on the poet and the illustrator. 

4. Review Excerpts 

2009 Horn Book Starred: "from delicately comical to downright funny"

2009 School Library Journal: "Playful spreads and spot art suit the small, snappy verses beautifully."

5. Connections

Bring articles of clothing and write a class poem or two similar to those presented in this collection.

Locate other poetry by Alice Schertle, such as Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear or I Am The Cat, and discuss how these poem collections are similar or different from those presented in Button Up!

Book Review - Diamond Willow

1. Bibliography 
Frost, Helen. 2008. Diamond Willow. New York, NY: Frances Foster Books. ISBN: 978-0-374-31776-8.

2. Plot Summary
Willow, a 12 year old Alaskan girl, finds herself in quite a difficult situation.  Her bold decision results in causing her family to view her as much more grown up and ready to learn about a family secret.  The presentation of the text in diamond-shaped verse adds interest to a great story. 

3. Critical Analysis
Helen Frost really captures the interest of the pre-teen reader through both the presentation of the verse on the page and the interesting story. Willow is a character who most "tweens" can relate to.  "I'm skinny and ordinary like a stick." Though the story is written in verse, the author artfully tells it completely and in such an appealing presentation on each page, using a diamond shape for the text. The language is succinct, while painting vivid images.  The "hidden" message on each page adds to the theme of the plot, that there is more to this family than even Willow knows. The scars caused on a Willow branch by a limb breaking off result in beautiful diamond marks on the strong wood.  This imagery create a vivid image while showing the reader that just as this family has suffered from some crises, Diamond Willow (the main character's full name) comes through it all, strong and beautiful.  What an inspiring message for all who read this inspiring story.  

This realistic fiction story seems very real until the animals are credited for contributing their thoughts periodically throughout the story.  These pages are written in standard form, not typeset on the page in the shape of a diamond.  Additionally, there is one potential concern that some might have about this story.  The author presents the idea of reincarnation in a subtle way at first, and more overtly as the story continues.  This concept fits nicely into this story, set in the heart of Alaska, where traditional native people's ideas are often embraced.  However, there could possibly be some readers or parents who are opposed to exposing their children to this concept.

Except for the one drawing of willow branches on the Author's Note page, there are no illustrations.  However,  the words, through effective descriptions as well as the shape on the page, serve as effective "illustrations" for this story in verse. 

4. Review Excerpts
2008 Horn Book Starred: "the tale wears its knowledge gracefully" 
 
2008 Booklist: "diamond shape of the poems reflects how precious jewels of wisdom can grow around painful scars"

5. Connections
Locate other books by Helen Frost, such as Monarch and Milkweed, and complete a compare and contrast lesson. 

Research Willow trees (where they grow, how many species there are, how the diamond scars are created, etc) and relate this knowledge to how the author uses this phenomenon in nature to write an entire book.

Book Review - bees, snails, & peacock tails

1. Bibliography
Franco, Betsy. 2008. Bees, snails, & peacock tails. Ill. Steve Jenkins. New York, NY: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN 978-1-4169-0386-4. 

2. Plot Summary
The introduction of shapes and patterns that are found in nature is paired with simple poetry that tells the entire story.  From the hexagons found in a bee's hive to a spiral found on a snail shell this beautiful picture poetry book is well done. In a highly visual format of shape poems, this collection is appealing for young children.

3. Critical Analysis
 The rhyming verse is intricately and artfully placed on and around the illustrations which draw the reader into the subject presented.  The simple, readable format of this cross-curricular work perfectly combines poetry, math concepts, and natural science.  Varied rhythm, meter, and rhyme create an unpredictable text that is enjoyable for young children. The use of living creatures to provide examples of hexagons, symmetry, and diamond shaped patterns brings students in with a subject matter children are drawn to. The text also is used to illustrate the shapes. "The beautiful spirals on top shell snails are miniature castles with tiny details.  The spirals go round, getting wider and wider till you get to the snail - the shell's insider!" These sentences are printed in a spiral shape around a shell in the center of the page to give a concrete visual of the concept. Surprising vocabulary is used which will expand young elementary school children's language.  "When foraging ant leaves a scent on the ground..."

The beautiful, colorful cut paper collage style illustrations are a vivid foundation for the text.  The picture and print work together seamlessly and one would be lacking without the other.  The last two pages of text provide something similar to a picture glossary that gives facts about each creature included in the text. All in all, this book makes for a fun read for introducing basic concepts of color and shapes and how they exist in the world around us. 

4. Review Excerpts
2008 Booklist Starred: "winning introduction to the patterns and shapes found in the natural world"

2008 Kirkus Review: "Rhymes and stunning illustrations convey the patterns and shapes"  
 
5. Connections
Pair this book with a book about geometry and then provide geometric shapes for students to explore and identify.

Locate other Betsy Franco and Steve Jenkins books, such as Birdsongs, and read to compare and contrast the works.

Book Review - The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story

1. Bibliography
Bruchac, Joseph. 1993. The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story. Ill. Anna Vojtech. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-8037-1332-0.
2. Plot Summary
This traditional tale gives an explanation about why strawberries were created.  After a normally happy couple becomes angry with one another, the woman leaves the man.  When the man wants to offer an apology, there is seemingly no way for him to catch up with the woman.   The sun makes beautiful, delicious strawberries appear in her path, causing her to stop long enough for the man to catch up with her. 
3. Critical Analysis
Joseph Bruchac retells this traditional Cherokee tale with simple, yet touching, vocabulary.  The sequence of events is presented in such a way that the reader anxiously awaits the reconciliation of the main characters.  The warm sunshine is the hero who salvages the relationship.  "The Sun saw how sorry the man was and took pity on him." The personification of the Sun allows the author to help readers relate nature to humans - a common theme of the traditions taught in Native American culture. The sweet ending reminds readers about the importance of friendship and respect.
The illustrations, beautifully painted with bright watercolor, are a nice representation of the Cherokee culture.  The soft blending of nature and human figures fits nicely with the Native American idea that people and nature should coexist in harmony. 
4. Review Excerpts
1998 Publisher's Weekly: "an uncomplicated story line and gentle illustrations keep this quiet but resonant tale accessible to even the youngest child"
1995 Kirkus Review: "complete harmony of text and pictures: altogether lovely."
5. Connections
Real World connection: provide each of the berries named in the story and allow students to see them, smell them and taste them.  Then create a comparison chart for the different berry varieties. 

Read other traditional tales that attempt to explain the existence of something and compare/contrast the stories for their believability, use of personification, sequence of events, etc.  Try The Moon and the Great Snake, How the Ducks Got Their Fine Feathers, or Why Chipmunk's Back is Striped.

Book Review - The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig

 

1. Bibliography

Trivizas, Eugene. 1992. The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig. Ill. Helen Oxenbury. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. ISBN 0-689-50569-8. 

2. Plot Summary

The wolves in this story are the innocent creatures trying to survive threats of being eaten by a big, bad pig.  Though they build sturdy houses, which are huff and puff-proof, the pig is determined to get in and he uses drastic measures to do so.  In the end, it was the silly little house made of marigolds, daffodils, roses and cherry blossoms was the house that the pig did not destroy.

3. Critical Analysis

"Once upon a time, there were three cuddly little wolves with soft fur and fluffy tails..." Readers are sure to enjoy the irony in the presentation of this fractured tale. This story line is parallel in some ways to the traditional tale of The Three Little Pigs, however, there are some big differences. The satirical retelling involves complete role reversals. Another notable difference is that the wolves and the pig end up being friends. Ironically, the wolves' strong houses were destroyed by the big, bad pig, while the house made of flowers was the one the pig could not destroy.  In fact, it was the wonderful fragrance of these flowers that led the pig to befriend the wolves, rather than continuing to pursue them as a good meal.  Concepts including determination and creativity can be easily linked to the sharing of this book.  The surprise ending makes for an enjoyable shared reading experience for all.

The illustrations are colored pencil drawings that add so much charm to the story.  Readers can easily see how a sledgehammer, a pulley system, and a jackhammer are used, which expands their vocabulary through these excellent drawings.  

4. Review Excerpts

1993 Booklist Starred: "Both the art and the text are full of wit"
1994 Book Horn: "readers will appreciate the humor in the details and in the unexpected happy ending."

5. Connections

Use a lesson plan prepared by Scholastic: 

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=1032 

Art/literature connection: Allow students to create models of the wolves' houses and the pigs' houses (from the original tale) and compare them. 

Book Review - The Lion and The Mouse

1. Bibliography
Pinkney, Jerry. 2009. The Lion and the Mouse. New York, NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 978-0-329-77131-7.
2. Plot Summary 
 One night a mouse was being hunted by an owl.  He ran away quickly but was caught by a lion.  But the lion releases the mouse and the mouse is able to repay the lion in his time of need.  
3. Critical Analysis
This almost wordless book uses its remarkable illustrations to tell this traditional tale.  The only words used are onomatopoeia which simply enhance the magnificent paintings. Its presentation is ideal for young children, but is enjoyable for all ages. Being familiar with the story is helpful, but not necessary to understand and enjoy the remarkable events told.  The close-up illustrations humanize the animal characters which draw the reader in to a deep understanding of the event shared. Used to teach kindness, empathy, compassion, and repaying a good deed with another, this tale has great value in children's literature. 
Even the cover is titleless, covered simply with an intricate illustration of a lion's face. The illustrations are colorful watercolor paintings that have remarkable detail.  With such detail, words are not needed for the reader to have a complete understanding of the story. 
4. Review Excerpts
2010 Caldecott Medal of Honor
2010 Horn Book Starred "Pinkney encourages closer exploration of the pleasing detail with which he amplifies it"
5. Connections
Reading - use a different version of the same story and create a Venn Diagram comparing/contrasting the two.
Reading - sequencing - allow students to act out the events from the story.
Writing - have students write the story that could accompany each page.

Book Review - Where the Wild Things Are

1. Bibliography
Sendak, Maurice. 1963. Where the Wild Things Are. New York, NY: Harper Collins. 978-0-06-025493-3.   
2. Plot Summary 
This highly imaginative story represents a young boy's anger after being punished. Max escapes on an imaginary boat to a far away land where he becomes king of the angry, wild things.  But after a time he misses his home and he returns to find that, even though he has been punished, there is mercy and love from a caregiver who left his dinner for him to enjoy. 
3. Critical Analysis
The depiction of a young boy's frustration after being punished is a very common topic for families everywhere.  Children from across the world can relate to doing wrong, being punished, and feeling angry as a result.  The illustrations move the plot along which helps young readers feel actively engaged.  Max, a very imaginative character, turns lemons into lemonade - to a point.  He becomes king of an imaginary world where creatures are as wild as he. Some simple end rhyme and some patterns of repeated phrases make this read aloud more enjoyable for a broad audience. Winning the 1964 Caldecott Medal for the Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year, Where the Wild Things Are has been entertaining generations of children.
4. Review Excerpts 
1964 Caldecott Medal of Honor
2007 Booklist Starred: "exceptional crossed-hatched-watercolor artwork"
5. Connections
* Writing connection: Write/draw about a time you were angry or wild
* Reading sequence activity: reenact the events in order
* Viewing the DVD and comparing it to the original work could be done with the use of a Venn diagram. 

Book Review - Tomás and the Library Lady

1. Bibliography
Mora, Pat. 1997. Tomás and the Library Lady. Ill. by Raul Colón. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. 0-679-80401-3.
2. Plot Summary 
Being the son of parents who are migrant workers causes Tomás to have a very close relationship with his family, but he misses out on making lasting friendships.  He loves to listen to his grandfather tell stories, but he soon knows them all.  His grandfather introduces him to the library where Tomás finds an entire world of adventure - and a new friend.  The Library Lady helps Tomás take new stories and adventures to his family.  
3. Critical Analysis 
Mora tells a simple story in a way that children can relate to.  The sequential presentation explains how migrant workers move about, following the harvest in order make a living.  Including the extended family affords Mora the opportunity to tie in familial history that is often passed down from one generation to another.  When the grandfather realizes that Tomás can tell the stories he has been sharing for years, he provides Tomás with a resource for gathering new stories.  Pat Mora gives our profession a great forum for sharing with children how librarians can open up an entire universe of adventure.
The illustrations are intriguing and colorful.  They almost look like detailed scratch art - where a solid colored wax coating hides a colorful page that is revealed as the artist scratches off the wax coating.  Colón is able to capture Tomás' feelings and share them with the reader.
This book is also available as a Spanish language text and can be used in ELL or bilingual programs.
4. Review Excerpts 
1997 Booklist: Praises the story, "it's an elemental American experience: the uprooted child who finds a home in the library."
1997 Kirkus Review:  "A charming, true story"
5. Connections
*Writing connection: students write about a time they moved, or made a new friend after s/he moved. 
*Story bag: students give an oral book report using a bag filled with items that represent elements from the story such as plastic fruit (migrant work), ball (the boys played with a homemade ball), a bottle of water (Tomás was thirsty), etc.
*Link to a page highlighting the author: Pat Mora 
*Invite a storyteller to visit the library and tell children stories.

Book Review - The Invention of Hugo Cabret

1. Bibliography
Selznick, Brian, 2007. The Invention of Hugo Cabret. New 
York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN978-1-428-73314-5.
2. Plot Summary
A boy, living in Paris in 1931, named Hugo Cabret encounters   
one tragic event followed by another until it seems all hope is lost. Living without parents in a train station, Hugo must steal and lie in order to survive.  The discovery of a mysterious drawing, an amazing talent, and a will to survive are his only salvation.
3. Critical Analysis
This book is simply amazing. In the 530 pages, the author/illustrator crafts an engaging story that the reader will find compelling.  This unique work is part historical fiction, part novel, and part picture book where the nearly 300 pencil drawings tell as much as the text.  Readers are introduced to the life of an orphan living in a busy train station, an automaton (mechanical man), and the reassurance that friends are all around us, if we open up and allow them into our lives. 
Brian Selznick's style of storytelling along with graphic illustrations appeal to a wide audience, but boys are sure to be especially engaged by the intricate pencil drawings that each tell their own story.  Although the size of the book may be daunting to the reluctant reader, once involved, he will have no problem finishing the story.  
The one drawback to this book's format is that students younger than the target third through sixth graders would enjoy and understand the story as told through the illustrations, but the vocabulary would be challenging for most younger students.  This would seem, then, to lend itself to a great read-aloud, but sharing such detailed illustrations would be difficult in a typical classroom setting.  
4. Review Excerpts
2008 Caldecott Medal/Honor
2007 Horn Book starred: "Here's a delemma for the Newbery committee and the Caldecott: what do you do with an illustrated novel in which neither text nor pictures can tell the story alone? Not to mention the drama to be found in the page turns themselves." 
2007 Kirkus Review starred: "From Selznick's every-generative mind comes a uniquely inventive story" told in text, sequential art and period photographs and film."
5. Connections
*This book could springboard to a writing/art activity.  Students could be directed to work individually or collaboratively to think of a short story and write a page of text, followed by a detailed drawing, followed by a page of text, etc.  
*Coming in November 2011 to a theater near you - the movie version of this book.  Making connections (through compare and contrast) to the movie - once it is available on DVD - will be another real-world connection activity. Watch Trailer: movie trailer
*Gather other novels from the same period and other picture books with detailed drawings and guide students to contrast the author's styles in each book.  
*Brian Selznick illustrated other books: The Runaway Dolls, Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride, Riding Freedom, and The Meanest Doll in the World.  Books by Brian Selznick: The Houdini Box, The Boy of a Thousand Faces, and Wonderstruck.