Module12/SLIS 5420 Biographies and Autobiographies

Becoming Billie Holiday

Written by Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by Floyd Cooper

2009 Coretta Scott King Honor Author
2009 ALA Best Books for Young Adults


Summary

Weatherford and Cooper tell the story of Billie Holiday's early life through illustrations and poetry. Each poem carries the name of one of Billie's songs, and expresses her thoughts and feelings while describing each turn of event. The biography is told from Holiday's point of view, and discusses her relationships with people as well as justification for many of her actions. The book takes the reader through the beginning of Holiday's career and tells of the abuse, neglect, and discrimination she had to endure. The biography ends after Holiday tells of her landmark recording, Strange Fruit.

My Impressions

This biography successfully navigates through the savory and unsavory moments in her life, including jail time, prostitution, and drug use, by utilizing a dialect that remains sensitive to Holiday's character. The sepia illustrations add a vibrant dimension to the overall tone and structure of the book that assists in bringing Holiday's character alive.

Reviews

In this fictionalized memoir, Weatherford has composed nearly 100 first-person narrative poems that detail Holiday's life from birth until age 25, the age at which she debuted her signature song, "Strange Fruit." The poems borrow their titles from Holiday's songs, a brilliant device that provides readers with a haunting built-in sound track. Weatherford's language is straightforward and accessible—almost conversational. She captures the woman's jazzy, candid voice so adroitly that at times the poems seem like they could have been lifted wholesale from Holiday's autobiography, Lady Sings the Blues. Cooper's sepia-toned, nostalgic, mixed-media illustrations provide an emotional counterpoint to the text.... This captivating title places readers solidly into Holiday's world, and is suitable for independent reading as well as a variety of classroom uses.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD for School Library Journal.

In a series of free-verse poems and bluesy lyrics, headed by song titles, Weatherford retraces Holiday’s childhood and early career in the renowned jazz singer’s own voice... Closing with Holiday’s spectacular headline gig at the Café Society, where she sang “Strange Fruit”—“how could I not claim: / this is my song?”—Weatherford leaves the 25-year-old at a high spot in her career, before later troubles and drug addiction. After the whole story readers will find a generous assortment of recommended reading and listening at the end of this proud, clear-voiced testimonial. John Peters for Booklist.

Activities

Listen to some of Holiday's more notable recordings before reading the book. Note that the names of the book sections are the titles of her songs. Have the students choose their favorite titles and listen to those songs.

Bibliography

Weatherford, Carole Boston, Floyd Cooper, ill. Becoming Billie Holiday. Honesdale, PA: Wordsong, 2008. ISBN: 159078507X

Module 11/SLIS 5420: Informational Books

Now and Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin


Written and Illustrated by Gene Barretta


Summary

Barretta introduces the many inventions of Benjamin Franklin to younger readers through the use of clever illustrations and narrative. Each invention or innovation is represented by the pun, "Now and Ben,"while illustrations depict Franklin's inventions or innovations on one side of the spread, and their modern equivalants on the other side. The book ends with a futuristic montage that will delight readers as they imagine how Franklin's inventions will evolve in the future.

My Impressions

Now and Ben offers a unique view of many of Benjamin Franklin's inventions that will delight young readers. Although he repeatedly uses a bad pun to illustrate his point, Barretta links Franklin's to concepts and contraptions that modern children can relate to. The illustrations are fun and clever, and overall, the book is a fun addition to American history.

Reviews

A clever, concise introduction to the contributions of this colorful colonial figure... Engaging and humorous watercolor cartoons depict just how Franklins inventions were conceived and developed. The yellow mottled endpapers are filled with sketches of the inventions featured within.... this lively offering is sure to inspire readers to learn more about its fascinating subject.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools for School Library Journal.

An authorial debut for illustrator Barretta, Now & Ben aims at the youngest readers, limiting its purview to Franklin as a slightly tubby, jolly inventor and innovator. Each left-hand page describes and illustrates one of Franklin's contributions as we know it ("Now . . . our newspapers are filled with illustrations"); the opposite page goes back in time to reveal the Franklin connection ("Ben . . . was the first to print a political cartoon in America"). Most young children won't grasp the play on the phrase now and then but will zero in instead on the well-chosen examples, which include bifocals and lightning rods as well as lesser-known notions (a rocking chair that churned butter!), all appealingly rendered in Barretta's relaxed, cartoonlike watercolors. This will be a punchy read-aloud to lighten up American history units, though teachers wanting more details will need to look elsewhere as the book's biographical context is scattershot and no end matter is provided. Jennifer Mattson for Booklist.

Activities

Bring physical examples or representations of many of Franklin's inventions or innovations to show to the students. For example: bifocal lenses, "the grabber," political cartoons, swim flippers, a map of the gulf stream, etc.

Bibliography

Barretta, Gene. Now and Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin. New York: Henry Holt & Company, 2006. ISBN: 0805079173

Module 10/SLIS 5420: Historical Fiction

A Northern Light

by Jennifer Donnelly



2004 Printz Honor Book
2003 Carnegie Medal
2003 Los Angeles Times Book Prize
2004 ALA Best Books for Young Adults






Summary

Sixteen-year-old Mattie has just been accepted into Barnard College for her exceptional writing talent. However, she is doing all she can to make ends meet for her widowed father and struggling family; Mattie promised her dying mother that she would take care of her father and four siblings. The handsome but uneducated Royal Loomis has also convinced her that she must marry him and remain in her rural community. While working as a waitress at the Glenmore Hotel, a young woman instructs Mattie to burn a stack of letters. The young woman is murdered by her young lover, and Mattie reads the letters instead. Through a series of flashbacks and intertwining stories, Mattie realizes that she needs to live her own life and continue on to college.

My Impressions

A Northern Light is a beautifully written account of a young girls' coming of age. Mattie must make some serious decisions about the quality of life she must choose for herself. The letters of the murdered Grace Brown are intertwined throughout the story, and through reading them, Mattie is able to put her own life in focus. The narrative captures the dialect and personalities of the North Woods characters and weaves a beautiful tale about a girl who discovers that she possesses admirable talents that deserve to be fostered.

Reviews

Mattie Gokey, 16, a talented writer, promised her dying mother that she would always take care of her father and younger siblings.... In 1906, Grace Brown was killed by Chester Gillette because she was poor and pregnant, and he hoped to make his fortune by marrying a rich, society girl. Grace's story weaves its way through Mattie's, staying in the background but providing impetus. The protagonist tells her tale through flashback and time shifts from past to present.... Donnelly's characters ring true to life, and the meticulously described setting forms a vivid backdrop to this finely crafted story. An outstanding choice for historical-fiction fans, particularly those who have read Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy.
Lisa Prolman, Greenfield Public Library, MA for School Library Journal, 2003.

Donnelly's first YA novel begins with high drama drawn straight from history: Grace Brown's body is discovered, and her murder, which also inspired Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy, is the framework for this ambitious, beautifully written coming-of-age story set in upstate New York in 1906. Sixteen-year-old Mattie Gokey is a waitress at the Glenmore Hotel when Brown is murdered... In an intelligent, colloquial voice that speaks with a writer's love of language and an observant eye, Mattie details the physical particulars of people's lives as well as deeper issues of race, class, and gender as she strains against family and societal limitations. Donnelly adds a crowd of intriguing, well-drawn secondary characters whose stories help Mattie define her own desires and sense of self. Many teens will connect with Mattie's deep yearning for independence and for stories, like her own, that are frank, messy, complicated, and inspiring. Gillian Engberg for Booklist, 2003.

Activities

This would be a good candidate for a book talk. Include a short summary of the murder of Grace Brown and the subsequent trial and execution of her lover. Read a few passages of her letters; focus on some of the more poignant or sensational passages. Add an enticing introduction to Mattie's character and her interaction with Grace Brown.

Bibliography

Donnelly, Jennifer. A Northern Light. Orlando, Fla.: Harcourt Publishing, 2003. ISBN: 0152167056

Module 9/SLIS 5420 Mysteries

Nightmare

by Joan Lowery Nixon

2004 ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers






Summary

Emily Wood is a teen who witnesses a murder as a small child and represses the memory. She is raised in a family with two older, overachieving sisters, but Emily would prefer to be invisible. She has recurring nightmares of the murder scene, but is incapable of sharing the dreams with others. Her parents enroll her in Camp Excel, a summer camp for under-achievers, never dreaming that their daughter could be in danger. Emily realizes that she has seen something that somebody in the camp will do anything to keep covered up, because even if she has forgotten the past, the murderer has never forgotten her.

My Impressions

Nightmare moves quickly, and offers a suspenseful, although somewhat predictable plot. The characters are believable, and the constant attention given to Emily by the 'well-meaning' psychologists is actually quite frightening, considering they're status as murder suspects. The climax seems a little contrived; Emily and her friends are deathly afraid of leaving her alone, but she still descends (without her friends) into a dangerous cave with all of the murder suspects. Hmm... not very smart. However, Nightmare is still an entertaining thriller that will keep young readers engaged from the beginning to end.

Reviews

Since childhood, 10th-grade Emily has had nightmares about a shadowy, slimy place where she is entangled with vines and sees a body lying in water. She is so petrified by this dream about the open-mouthed and blankly staring corpse that she is unable to confide in anyone. Her parents are upset because she won't let them help her and are frustrated because she doesn't take after her two brilliant sisters. They send her to Camp Excel, an experimental program for underachievers, where Emily has a sense of deja vu, and her true nightmare begins when she realizes her life is in danger. Elements of suspense and mystery are cleverly integrated with the teen's problems resulting from what she witnessed as a child. Readers will once again fall under Nixon's spell as they enjoy this page-turner.
Susan Cooley, formerly at Tower Hill School, Wilmington, DE for School Library Journal

The nightmare has haunted teenage Emily Wood since she was a child: a crumpled body lying half in and half out of the water; dead eyes in a pale, bloody face; a mouth open in a scream that no one can hear. Did it really happen? Whose body is it? Who was the killer? And who is now stalking Emily at Camp Excel, the summer camp for underachievers that her parents have forced her to attend?.... Readers will rush with Emily to solve the puzzle, even as they shudder at the occasional terse statements by the killer, who is steadily getting closer to another victim. The climactic confrontation in a creepy cave in the Texan Hills is unforgettable. Hazel Rochman for Booklist

Activities

Have the students solve some murder mysteries. Here are some links to murder mysteries that can be solved by a classroom of students:

http://www.cambridge.org/us/ESL/letstalk/support/optional/l3u03oa.htm

http://www.onestopenglish.com/section.asp?catid=58148&docid=154249

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/LAMurderMysteryAgathaChristieGameLesson912.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_2108914_host-mystery-classroom.html

Bibliography

Nixon, Joan Lowery. Nightmare. New York: Delacorte Press, 2003. ISBN: 0440237734

Module 8/SLIS 5420 Fantasy and Science Fiction

Inkheart

by Cornelia Funke



2004 ALA Notable Children's Book
2006 Zilveren Griffel
2004 Book Sense Book of the Year
2005 Spellbinding Award


Summary

Meggie's father Mo is a talented bookbinder who possesses an unusual gift: he brings things to life out of books when he reads out loud. This curious talent puts his entire family in danger when he reads Capricorn, one of the most evil villains of all time out of a book called Inkheart. The situation is worsened when Mo realizes that he read Meggie's mother into the book. Now, with the help of Dustfinger the fire eater, her great Aunt Elinor, and Fenoglio the author, Meggie must discover her own talents to help her father escape the evil Capricorn and bring her mother back to the real world.

My Impressions

Inkheart is a wonderful tale that takes the reader on an imaginative and unusual adventure ride. The action moves quickly and is filled with suspense as Meggie unravels the mystery of Inkheart and the characters that dwell within its pages. As she tries to help her father, Meggie is aided by many noble characters that selflessly do their best to bring her and her family back to safety. Meggie learns much about herself, and gains the confidence she needs to save the day at the end.

Reviews

Despite the presence of several well-developed, sympathetic characters, the plot is often driven by the decidedly menacing, less-convincing villains...Like many other fantasies, this will appeal to a broad age range, though the writing is far less child-centered than it is, for example, in the Harry Potter series. Carolyn Phelan for Booklist

It is hard to avoid preciosity in books about books, but here Funke pulls off the feat with vigor....Master translator Bell takes the German text and spins out of it vivid images and heart-stopping language that impel the reader through this adventure about narratives-a true feast for anyone who has ever been lost in a book. Kirkus Reviews

Activities

Have the students perform a little research project: they need to find a collection of heroes and heroines from various books that they would most like to see come to life. Each student could choose their favorite book character, and you could host a "cocktail party" in which the students mingle and have to explain three things about their character.

Bibliography

Funke, Cornelia. Inkheart. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 2003. ISBN: 0439531640

Among the Hidden

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

1999 ALA Best Books for Young Adults
2001 Maud Hart Lovelace Award
2000 ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
2002 Nutmeg Book Award

Summary

Among the Hidden explores a post-famine futuristic America in which a totalitarian government rations food and regulates childbirth. Third-born children are illegal, and the Population Police roam the country searching for families that have defied the law. Luke, a third-born son, has been able to live somewhat comfortably that first twelve years of his life, but all that is changing. His relatively secluded farm near the forest is being transformed into a housing development, and now Luke must spend his days and nights hiding in the attic. Luke also learns that there are other "Shadow Children" living across the country. However, he also learns that finding a way to live free and help the other Shadow Children will be a dangerous, even deadly challenge.

My Impressions

I really enjoyed reading Among the Hidden, but I had a hard time comprehending why a mother who was so devoted to her child was unable to see how miserable and impossible life as a third child would be. Luke is essentially a non-entity in his family--they have to ignore him on every level because they are so paranoid about somebody finding out about his existence. The book reveals that Luke won't even ask for butter for his toast, because his family is too afraid to cross the kitchen in front of the window to hand it to him. They have to give the appearance that they are a happy family of four, so Luke grows up feeling guilty for even being alive.

Reviews

Born third at a time when having more than two children per family is illegal and subject to seizure and punishment by the Population Police, Luke has spent all of his 12 years in hiding... To what extent is he willing to defy the government in order to have a life worth living? ... the loss of free will is the fundamental theme of an exciting and compelling story of one young person defying authority and the odds to make a difference. Readers will be captivated by Luke's predicament and his reactions to it. Susan L. Rogers for School Library Journal

The plot development is sometimes implausible and the characterizations a bit brittle, but the unsettling, thought-provoking premise should suffice to keep readers hooked. Publishers Weekly, 1998

Activities

Have the students look at "dumb laws" from the state where they reside (go to dumblaws.com; careful, some of the laws might need to be edited for children)

http://www.dumblaws.com/laws/united-states

Lead a discussion on why inapplicable, obsolete, or bizarre laws are passed.

Bibliography

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Among the Hidden. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1998. ISBN: 0689817002

Module 7/SLIS 5420 Realistic Fiction (Young Adult)

The Penderwicks
A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

Written by Jeanne Birdsall

2005 Newbery Honor Book
2005 National Book Award



Summary

Meet the Penderwick Family; sensible Rosalind, energetic Skye, Jane, the author, batty the four-year old, Mr. Penderwick the pre-occupied botanist, and Hound the dog. Their summer vacation house has been sold, so they must embark on a new vacation plan by renting a cottage from the snooty Mrs. Tifton, who lives in the adjacent mansion. Her son, Jeffrey, captures the attention of the four Penderwick daughters, and the group of them have a host of adventures. The girls do what they can to "rescue" Jeffrey from being sent to military school by his mother, who dreams of her son following in her father's footsteps. Jeffrey, however, only dreams of playing the piano. Both the Penderwicks and the Tiftons learn valuable lessons about friendship, responsibility, and unselfish love.

My Impressions

The Penderwicks is a tale reminiscent of those written by Elizabeth Enright and Edward Eager. The girls are raised by a single parent who encourages free thought and intellectualism; references are made to classic literature, music, and art, and the father frequently speaks in Latin. The Penderwicks explores class distinction through exaggerated characters. The father is an educated college professor who is the epitome of kindness and wisdom, while the antagonist is the horrible rich woman and her boyfriend of lower than average intelligence who frequently say nasty things about the Penderwick's social status. The story is improbable, and the resolution questionable. However, it's a fun read that young readers (especially well-read ones) can really enjoy-- if only because of the loveable quality of the well-defined characters.

Reviews

This enjoyable tale of four sisters, a new friend, and his snooty mother is rollicking fun... Problems are solved and lessons learned in this wonderful, humorous book that features characters whom readers will immediately love, as well as a superb writing style. Bring on more of the Penderwicks!-Starred Review from School Library Journal; B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY

Adults who have been longing to find books for children that remind them of their own childhood favorites need look no further. Birdsall follows in the footsteps of Elizabeth Enright, Edward Eager, and Noel Streatfeild, updating the family story yet keeping all the old-fashioned charm... On one level, Birdsall might be criticized for one-dimensional characterizations... But what this comforting family story does offer are four marvelously appealing sisters, true childhood behavior (disobeying, running away, a first crush), and a writing style that will draw readers close. So satisfying, the story begs for a sequel: it would be nice to see more of the Penderwicks. Starred Review for Booklist; Ilene Cooper.

Activities

The Penderwicks could be included in a book talk centered on a variety of topics: Summer Vacation, "Orphan" literature, Siblings/Family, and Friendship.

Bibliography

Birdsall, Jeanne. The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. ISBN: 0375831436

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl

A Novel by Barry Lyga




Summary

"Fanboy" is the smartest kid in school, is writing his own comic book masterpiece, and only has one friend-- a jock who can't be seen with him at school in front of his athletic friends. His mother is pregnant with the step-facist's spawn, and to make matters worse, he has to deal with a multitude of bullies and teachers who are willing to look the other way. Fanboy develops The List, and carries a bullet around with him everywhere he goes. It takes an unlikely friendship with Kyra the "Goth Girl" for him to find his confidence and stand up for himself and his friends. He even learns to accept his family and help Kyra in the end.

My Impressions

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl is an interesting story about two kids who wouldn't normally befriend each other. The protagonist has to deal with a myriad of problems typically faced by male teens: hormones, bullies, and feeling inadequate. He also has to deal with his separated parents, his new stepfather, and his pregnant mother. "Fanboy" becomes friends with a "Goth" girls who helps him find his confidence and potential. The book is told from the first person point of view, so we can only guess at "Goth Girl's" problems (which are many), but are allowed intimate insight into the realm of the male teen-age mind.

Reviews

On good days, Fanboy is invisible to the students at his high school. On bad ones, he's a target for bullying and violence... Lyga looks at how teens are pushed to their limits by society. Though he toys with such concepts as teen suicide and Columbine-like violence, the novel never turns tragic. His love of comics carries over into all three teen characters, breathing animation into a potentially sad but often funny story. This is a great bridge book for teens who already like graphic novels. Starred Review for Library School Journal; Stephanie L. Petruso, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Odenton, MD

...The insider comics details will slow some readers, and the open-ended questions about Kyra's personal story will frustrate others. Yet Fanboy's whip-smart, often hilariously sarcastic voice skillfully captures a teenager's growing self-awareness, and adds a fresh, urgent perspective to age-old questions about how young people cope with bullying and their own feelings of helplessness, rage, and being misunderstood as they try to discover themselves. Starred Review for Booklist; Gillian Engberg.

Activities

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl could be used as part of a lesson on bullying and violence in schools. The Columbine Shootings could also be discussed, as well as ways for students to protect themselves and find non-violent solutions to probelms in schools.

Bibliography

Lyga, Barry. The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006. ISBN: 0618723927

Module 6/SLIS 5420: Realistic Fiction (Younger Readers)

Hatchet

Written by Gary Paulson

1988 Newbery Honor
1990 William Allen White Children's Book Award
1990 Young Hoosier Book Award







Bibliography

Paulson, Gary. Hatchet (reprint). Simon & Schuster Children's, 2007. ISBN: 1416936475

Summary

Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is the only passenger on a plane, when the pilot dies of a heart attack. Suddenly, Brian must somehow land the plane and find a way to survive in the Canadian wilderness until somebody can find him. The only things he has are the clothes on his back and a hatchet his mother gave him before he took off. As Brian struggles to survive, he learns to be patient, trust his instincts, and not give in to despair.

My impressions

The story of Brian's survival in the wilderness is gripping and intense. The problems Brian faces and overcomes in Hatchet are improbable, but realistic. Brian’s character is easy to relate to because he keeps thinking about his divorced parents, and stumbles around the wilderness before he finally figures out how to survive. I especially like how Brian comes to terms with his situation and allows himself to become part of his surroundings. To "understand and use it-- the woods, all of it." After he finds the survival pack and is rescued, he manifests a deep understanding of his place in nature, and a deep appreciation of what he has. Having been involved with Cub and Boy Scouts for many years, I love these books-- and I know my boys do, too.

Reviews

When the pilot of a small, two-person plane has a heart attack and dies, Brian has to crash land in the forest of a Canadian wilderness... This is a heart-stopping story: it seems that at every moment Brian is forced to face a life-and-death decision, and every page makes readers wonder at the density of descriptive detail Paulsen has expertly woven together. Poetic texture and realistic events are combined to create something beyond adventure, a book that plunges readers into the cleft of the protagonist's experience (Publishers Weekly).

Brian Robeson, 13, is the only passenger on a small plane flying him to visit his father in the Canadian wilderness when the pilot has a heart attack and dies. The plane drifts off course and finally crashes into a small lake. Miraculously Brian is able to swim free of the plane, arriving on a sandy tree-lined shore with only his clothing, a tattered windbreaker, and the hatchet his mother had given him as a present... An epilogue discussing the lasting effects of Brian's stay in the wilderness and his dim chance of survival had winter come upon him before rescue adds credibility to the story. Paulsen tells a fine adventure story, but the sub-plot concerning Brian's preoccupation with his parents' divorce seems a bit forced and detracts from the book. As he did in Dogsong (Bradbury, 1985), Paulsen emphasizes character growth through a careful balancing of specific details of survival with the protagonist's thoughts and emotions. (Barbara Chatton, College of Education, University of Wyoming, Laramie for Library School Journal).

Activities

Have the students build a diorama or model of Brian's camp and the lake.

Give the students lessons on basic wilderness survival, and have them make their own tools. Here are some great websites that have nice lessons on wilderness survival:

http://www.e-scoutcraft.com/activities/wilderness_survival.html

http://bcadventure.com/adventure/wilderness/survival/

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Falls/9200/wilderness_survival.html

http://www.usscouts.org/safety/safe-desert.asp

Module 5/SLIS 5420 Picture Books

The Wreck of the Zephyr

Written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg




1984 Horn Book Fanfare Best Book
1984 ALA Notable Book for Children

Bibliography

Van Allsburg, Chris. The Wreck of the Zephyr. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1983. ISBN: 0395330750

Summary

While sailing his boat in a storm, a boy is swept out to sea and lands on a mysterious island. The sailors there use special sails that lift their boats out of the water and into the air. The boy, who considers himself to be the best sailor in the world, tries to learn the craft, and manages to fly his boat back home. Unfortunately, he crash-lands his sailboat high on the top of the cliffs overlooking the sea.
The remarkable tale of the flying boat is told by an old man who is sitting next to the ancient wreckage at the beginning of the book. Van Allsburg's text leads the reader to believe that the old man could be the boy in the story, and that his final words, "got some sailing to do," infer that the man is still trying to find his way back to the mysterious land to get some new "flying" sails.

My impressions

The masterful storytelling and vibrant illustrations found in The Wreck of the Zephyr combine to produce an enchanting picture book. The illustrations that accompany this imaginative tale draw readers into a magical realm where they get to experience the boy's exhilaration. Van Allsburg's subtle paintings are visually stunning, but leave plenty of room for the reader to indulge in their own imagination. I particularly like how Van Allsburg paints hidden or ambiguous faces on his characters; it makes it easier for the reader to make the story his or her own. This is a book that can be enjoyed over and over again by multiple ages of children (and adults).

Reviews

Rich design and a subtle use of color conjure the changing aspects of light as they support a haunting story of a boy touched by magic who momentarily became the greatest sailor ever (School Library Journal, 1983).

The full-color pastel drawings are the work of a master: stunning, luminescent, and conveying a sense of the mystical and magical (Publishers Weekly, 1983).

Activities

Have a "Raingutter Regatta!" First, after studying the basic physics of sailboating, have the children make their own sailboats out of milk cartons, egg cartons, or paper cups. There are some fun, easy ideas here: http://www.create-kids-crafts.com/sailboat-crafts-for-kids.html
Then, take sections of raingutters (found at hardware stores), stop up the ends, fill them halfway with water, and have the children race against each other. Super fun!!

Here is a great site with teaching ideas for Van Allsburg's books:

http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/features/zathura/bookshelf.shtml

Module 4/SLIS 5420: Newbery and Printz Award Winners

A Year down Yonder

Written by Richard Peck

2001 Newbery Award
2001 ALA Best Books for Young Adults







Bibliography

Peck, Richard. A Year Down Yonder. Penguin Group, 2000. ISBN: 0803725183

Summary

Mary Alice has grown up in Chicago, and is not thrilled that she must spend an entire year in Grandma Dowdel's hick town while her parents weather out the Depression. Grandma Dowel's big-heartedness and crazy antics are enough entertainment to get her through the year, however, and in the end, the country girls decide that Mary Alice isn't a rich city girl after all. Mary Alice learns how to play pranks on Halloweeners, trap foxes, and find true love. She grows closer to her grandma, and finds that in many ways, they are very much alike.

My impressions

A Year Down Yonder is the sequal toPeck's Newbery Honor book, A Long Way from Chicago. The books are collections of stories about two kids’ adventures with their Grandma during the Depression. The writing is very clever and some of the stories are hilarious. Peck does a great job fleshing out his characters; especially in A Year down Yonder, which offers a more cohesive story line. A Year Down Yonder is poignant, funny, and manifests darn good storytelling.

Reviews

Grandma Dowdel's back! She's just as feisty and terrifying and goodhearted as she was in Richard Peck's A Long Way from Chicago, and every bit as funny...Peck is at his best with these hilarious stories that rest solidly within the American literary tradition of Mark Twain and Bret Harte. Teachers will cherish them as great read-alouds, and older teens will gain historical perspective from this lively picture of the depression years in small-town America. (Patty Campbell, Amazon.com Review)

A small masterpiece of storytelling... the novel reveals a strong sense of place, a depth of characterization, and a rich sense of humor. (The Horn Book)

Activities

Here is a great site with activities for A Year Down Yonder:
http://eduscapes.com/newbery/01a.htm



Monster

Written by Walter Dean Myers
Illustrated by Christopher Myers

2000 Michael Printz Award
2000 Coretta Scott King Award





Bibliography

Myers, Walter Dean. Monster. HarperCollins Publishers, 1999. ISBN: 0060280778

Summary

Monster is a gritty and realistic tale of sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon, who is going to trial for murder. Most of the book is told as though the protagonist was filming his life story, with occasional memories or conversations interrupting the trial proceedings. As the trial runs its course, it is clear that Steve may not get off, and will probably serve up to 25 years of jail time. His own lawyer doubts his innocence, and the book leads up to a harrowing climax as the jury decides the verdict.

My Impressions

The plot of Monster is very open-ended—is he really innocent? Steve has convinced himself that he is, but Myers leaves the truth out of the picture. Monster is also very unique in its journal/film script format. A likely comparison to this book would be to a gripping, prime time TV drama. It holds interest the same way a sensationalized, morbid news story would. Many of the “images” are graphic and disturbing. The characters’ conversations include a lot of street slang, which adds an edgy, realistic element. It is brilliantly presented, and displays how quickly one teen's life falls to shambles as he winds up with the wrong kind of friends.

Reviews

Filled with ambiguity, this fast-paced nail-biter will have you at the edge of your seat unable to put it down. Perfect for teens and adults alike, Monster raises interesting questions about the path to crime and our judicial and prison systems. (Tammy L. Currier, Teenreads.com)

Steve Harmon, 16, is accused of serving as a lookout for a robbery of a Harlem drugstore. The owner was shot and killed, and now Steve is in prison awaiting trial for murder. From there, he tells about his case and his incarceration. Many elements of this story are familiar, but Myers keeps it fresh and alive by telling it from an unusual perspective... Monster will challenge readers with difficult questions, to which there are no definitive answers... It's an emotionally charged story that readers will find compelling and disturbing. (Edward Sullivan, New York Public Library, for School Library Journal)

Activities

If reading this aloud in a classroom, have the students keep daily journals that record the court proceedings. Each day, have the students record whether they think Steve is guilty or innocent, and why.

Use the story as a vehicle to teach the students about the judicial system. Explain how long the process takes, and discuss jury selection, plea-bargaining, prosecuting and defending attorneys, conviction, and sentencing. Have the students hold a mock court trial.

Module 3/SLIS 5420: Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, and Pura Belpre Winners

Bud, Not Buddy

Written by Christopher Paul Curtis

2000 Newbery Award
2000 Coretta Scott King Award
1999 Golden Kite Honor
2000 ALA Best Books for Young Adults







Bibliography

Curtis, Christopher Paul. Bud, Not Buddy. Random House Children's Books, 1999. ISBN: 0385323069

Summary

Ten-year-old Bud Caldwell is an orphan growing up during the Great Depression who embarks on a rags-to-riches journey to find his family. His only clue is a collection of flyers advertising Herman E. Calloway and his band The Dusky Devastators of the Depression!!!!!! With the aid of Bud Caldwell's Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself, Bud overcomes monsters, vampires, and a grumpy old man to achieve his goal. During his adventures, Bud crosses paths with a few unsavory personalities, but is also helped along by a quirky sense of humor and several kind-hearted adults.

My Impressions

Bud, Not Buddy is an excellent example of award winning literature. The language and dialog are engaging, the story is gripping, and the characters are well fleshed-out. The story revolves around a lovable character who cannot be defeated by the cruelty and negligence of the people around him, but who is also assisted by kind and unselfish strangers. Bud, Not Buddy reveals characters who behave at their best and worst during one of the most difficult time periods in American history.

Reviews

Bud, 10, is on the run from the orphanage and from yet another mean foster family. His mother died when he was 6, and he wants to find his father... Told in the boy's naive, desperate voice, with lots of examples of his survival tactics ("Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar out of Yourself"), this will make a great read-aloud. Curtis says in an afterword that some of the characters are based on real people, including his own grandfathers, so it's not surprising that the rich blend of tall tale, slapstick, sorrow, and sweetness has the wry, teasing warmth of family folklore. Hazel Rochman (Booklist, 1999)

When 10-year-old Bud Caldwell runs away from his new foster home, he realizes he has nowhere to go but to search for the father he has never known: a legendary jazz musician advertised on some old posters his deceased mother had kept... Bud is a plucky, engaging protagonist. Other characters are exaggerations: the good ones (the librarian and Pullman car porter who help him on his journey and the band members who embrace him) are totally open and supportive, while the villainous foster family finds particularly imaginative ways to torture their charge. However, readers will be so caught up in the adventure that they won't mind. Curtis has given a fresh, new look to a traditional orphan-finds-a-home story that would be a crackerjack read-aloud. Kathleen Isaacs (School Library Journal, 1999)

Activities

Discuss Bud Caldwell's Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself with the group. Take a large sheet of paper (or use the black/whiteboard if in a classroom) and have the kids make their own list of Rules and Things. Let them be creative and encourage humorous (but appropriate) entries.

Have a presentation on Depression-era jazz. Listen to examples of the instruments, discuss the role of black musicians, how they wrote music, and the evolution of "scat." Play some music from that era by Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, etc. Have the kids come up with their own lyrics for "the blues."

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Written and Illustrated by Brian Selznik

2007 Caldecott Award
2007 Quill Award
2007 NY Times Best Children's Illustrated Book
2007 ALA Best Books for Young Adults
2007 Horn Book Fanfare Best Book
2007 National Book Award Finalist

Bibliography

Selznik, Brian. The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Scholastic, 2007. ISBN: 0439813786

Summary

Described as a "Novel in Words and Pictures," the Invention of Hugo Cabret is unique as a 533-page picture book, including hand-drawn and photograph illustrations. The story is about Hugo Cabret, whose father was obsessed with repairing an animatron that he discovered in a museum which consequently burned down and took his life. Now the orphaned Hugo must finish his father's work, and complete the mysterious mechanical man. He must survive on his own in the hidden passageways of a Parisian train station while trying to piece the puzzle of his father's obsession together. He makes friends with the helpful Isabelle and her godfather, the toymaker Papa Georges. When he finally completes the project, the mystery that is revealed by the animatronic man is more than Hugo or Isabelle could ever imagine, and Papa George's true identity is revealed at last.

My Impressions

The Invention of Hugo Cabret takes a look at the whimsical, magical artwork and cinematography of the Parisian movie maker Georges Méliès. Selznik's book is a masterful combination of illustrations, pictures, and well-written text that presents Méliès' story through the eyes of a desperate orphan boy. Hugo and Isabelle discover much about themselves as they search for the answers of Papa Georges' past, and the reader is treated to an eyeful of wonderful illustrations that propel the story forward to the dramatic climax.

Reviews

Here is a true masterpiece - an artful blending of narrative, illustration and cinematic technique, for a story as tantalizing as it is touching... Selznick hints at the toymaker’s hidden identity (inspired by an actual historical figure in the film industry, Georges Méliès) through impressive use of meticulous charcoal drawings that grow or shrink against black backdrops, in pages-long sequences. They display the same item in increasingly tight focus or pan across scenes the way a camera might. The plot ultimately has much to do with the history of the movies, and Selznick’s genius lies in his expert use of such a visual style to spotlight the role of this highly visual media. A standout achievement. (Publisher's Weekly)

With characteristic intelligence, exquisite images, and a breathtaking design, Selznick shatters conventions related to the art of bookmaking in this magical mystery set in 1930s Paris. He employs wordless sequential pictures and distinct pages of text to let the cinematic story unfold, and the artwork, rendered in pencil and bordered in black, contains elements of a flip book, a graphic novel, and film... This is a masterful narrative that readers can literally manipulate. (Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library for School Library Journal)

Activites

Have the students compose a story made entirely of pictures. Allow them to use fifty words or less, but the pictures must clearly show the action of the story.

Present a lesson on early cinematography, focusing on the artwork of Méliès and his contemporaries. Show prints of his work (if possible) or find clips from some of the original films, especially The Arrival of the Train at the Station. Explain how magical and even frightening the early movies were to the public since they had never experienced anything like it before.

Selznik has a wonderful website that offers resources and ideas: http://www.theinventionofhugocabret.com

Module 2/SLIS 5420: Classic Children's and Young Adult Literature

Misty of Chincoteague

Written by Marguerite Henry, Illustrated by Wesley Dennis

1948 Newbery Honor
1961 Lewis Carrol Shelf Award
1948 Horn Book Fanfare Best Book


Bibliography

Henry, Marguerite. Misty of Chincoteague. Aladdin Paperbacks, 2006. ISBN: 1416927832

Summary

Two siblings share the desire to own and tame the elusive Phantom, one of the wild ponies living on Assateague Island. The brother-sister team must work non-stop and save enough money to purchase her, if she is captured in the annual Pony Penning roundup. However, things are complicated when the Phantom appears with a new colt; will the children find a way to keep the mother and her baby? If so, will they truly be able to tame the wild and free Phantom? This classic tale is a coming-of-age story that reveals the best of human nature while capturing the local flavor of coastal Maryland. The children prove that they can win "a piece of wind and sky" through their determination.

My Impressions

Misty of Chincoteague captures the reader with an abundance of local language, exciting scenes, and deep characterization. Paul and Maureen Beebe are portrayed as normal children who are willing to work and sacrifice to achieve their goals. They are not described as being extraordinary in any way, but the reader will not be surprised when the children perform heroic feats (like leaping into a whirlpool to save a pony). It is expected that the children will do anything to have the Phantom as their own. The grandfather's simple lessons and gentle encouragement greatly add to the story, as well as the patience and wisdom of the townspeople.

Reviews

Originally written in 1947, the dialogue in Misty of Chincoteague may be a little dated. But don't let that deter you from a delightful story of a brother and sister who yearn for a horse of their own... Readers feel like they are part of the island round up. They see the wild horses struggling against the tide to get from island to the next. they feel Maureen's pain when she learns that someone had already purchased Misty. Misty of Chincoteague is a great read-aloud book as well as a great story book. Animal lovers will not be able to put the book down. Ed Goldberg (Librarything.com, aug 19, 2009)

Marguerite Henry's Newbery Honor book has captivated generations of boys and girls both with its thrilling descriptions of true incidents from the tiny island of Chincoteague, and its realistic yet wonderfully magical atmosphere. This story of an animal brought into captivity poignantly reveals the powerful opposing forces of humans and nature. Wesley Dennis's pen-and-ink ponies are masterfully depicted with rippling muscles, shaggy coats, and free spirits. Emilie Coulter (Amazon.com, accessed Sept. 12, 2009)

Suggested Activities

Supplement the reading with discussions about the Assateague Ponies. Include the the history of the island and the Park Service's current endeavors. Utilize discussions with maps, videos, books, and/or pamphlets provided by the Park Service.

Play a game that simulates the Pony Penning process (adjust according to room size, access to outdoors, etc.). Instead of playing "Red Rover," the children could play "Wild Ponies" and be split into ponies and cowboys. "Duck, Duck, Goose" could be changed to "Horse, Horse, Pony."

Younger children could do a craft where they make horse ears out of construction paper, or horse tails out of yarn.

Mouse Soup

Written and Illustrated by Arnold Lobel

Bibliography

Lobel, Arnold. Mouse Soup. HarperCollins Publishers, 2008. ISBN: 006179435X

Summary

A hungry weasel captures a mouse and throws him into a pot for dinner. The clever mouse convinces the weasel to "put stories in his soup." The mouse tells four tales: "The Bees and the Mud," "Two Large Stones," "The Crickets," and "The Thorn Bush." The mouse escapes while the weasel is preoccupied with finding "ingredients" from each of the stories to flavor his soup.

My Impressions

Mouse Soup is a classic children's book that presents four tales seamlessly within a larger story. The clever mouse tricks the weasel by entertaining him with four tales, then convincing him to go out into the woods to find physical elements that were present in the story to put into his soup. The language and dialog are very entertaining and keep the reader engaged. The illustrations are well-done and do much to add to the appeal of the stories. Mouse Soup is an excellent book to read out loud, and offers many opportunities for creative character voicing.

Reviews

Four amusing brief tales. Genial, artless nonsense, all contained in the snug, imaginary world of a Lobel I Can Read book. (The Horn Book)

Arnold Lobel weaves four tales-within-a-tale that demonstrate a classic theme of great children's stories-- the triumph of a small creature over a larger one by not just physical quickness but verbal wits. (Newsweek)

Suggested Activities

Give each of the students paper and crayons, and encourage them to draw an "ingredient" from their favorite story. For example, if Cinderella is their favorite story, have them draw a glass slipper or a pumpkin. After they are done drawing, have them each bring up their picture and put it into a pot. Mix the papers in the pot, and bring out three or four ingredients. Have the children make up their own story based on the chosen ingredients.

Module 1/SLIS 5420: Introduction to Children's Literature

Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude

Written and Illustrated by Kevin O’Malley; also illustrated by Carol Heyer and Scott Goto




Bibliography

O'Malley, Kevin. Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude. Walker & Company, 2005. ISBN: 0802789471

Summary

The story of Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude is told from two viewpoints; a girl and a boy must cooperatively write a story for a library assignment at school. The girl writes about a princess who loves to play with her eight horses, while the boy wants to write about a motorcycle ‘dude’ who fights the evil giant who has stolen the princess’s horses. The story takes humorous turns as the two children argue over elements of the plot, and the story is resolved as the princess and the dude fight so much that they scare the giant away.

My Impressions

Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude is a very enjoyable book that highlights gender differences and shows children how different a story can become within different points of view. It is cleverly illustrated by more than one artist. The author illustrated the two children while a female artist illustrated the girl’s story and a male artist illustrated the boy’s additions. The artists each present the same material (such as the giant and his lair) in different artistic mediums so it is clear to the reader that the two children have unique viewpoints of the same story.

Reviews

A girl and a boy create a fairy tale in this lively picture book…. The fun in this picture book comes in the contrasting styles of the illustrations, which include contributions from Carol Heyer and Scott Goto. The girl's story features bright colors, flowers, and long golden locks, while the boy's story is done in the dark, taut-muscled style of comic books. Throughout, O'Malley depicts the girl and the boy reacting to the twists of the plot. A funny take on the age-old battle of the sexes, with an ending suited for the new millennium Todd Morning (Booklist, Mar. 15, 2005).

Young readers who have ever been forcibly yoked to a rival for some class project will glory in this contentious oral report. Unable to agree on a folktale to tell their classmates, a lad and lass decide to make it up as they go…. The unusual collaboration among illustrators works seamlessly, with O'Malley supplying the storytellers, and Heyer and Goto the characters on separate pages or spreads. This disarming, funny and not agenda-driven dig at the hot-button issue of gender differences is likely to excite plenty of giggles-and perhaps some discussion, too (Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 2005).

Suggested Activities

The variety of styles of the illustrations found in Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude make it an excellent starting point for a discussion on artistic interpretation. The different styles and mediums can be explored and discussed. The children can illustrate their favorite scene from the story, and the activity can conclude with an art show.

After reading the book out loud, the children can play The Story Game, in which each person gets to tell a story for 15-20 seconds, then the next child gets to add another 15-20 seconds, and so on. The story is passed on to every member of the group until it reaches the last person, who gets to conclude the story and finish the tale. It will be interesting for the children as they watch the evolution of the tale as each child’s ideas are added to the story.