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.