Genre 5 Book 3 – Historical Fiction
1. Bibliography
O’Dell, Scott. 1960. ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
ISBN 0440439884
2. Plot Summary
The setting is an island that looks like a big fish lying out in the sun. Around the island, blue dolphins swim while other sea creatures happily go about their day.
Many Indians live on this island until Russians arrived in a boat to hunt for otter. A fight broke out between the two and many Indians lost their lives. The ones that were left sailed off on a ship for another island. All went except one girl and her brother. These two were left all alone on a deserted island to fend for themselves.
Karana is left on this island for 18 years waiting for the ship to come rescue her, fighting off wild dogs, and learning how to do man’s work in order to survive. She does more than survive though, she finds true happiness in what life has dealt her.
3. Critical Analysis
O’Dell does an incredible job of authoring a book on the true meaning of survival. Written in first person, this novel feels more like a realistic account of what truly happened instead of a work of fiction. The action comes in the beginning of the story grabbing the reader’s attention almost immediately. “…as I jumped to my feet and Ulape screamed and other cries sounded along the cliff, I saw a figure lying on the rocks. It was my father and blood was on his face.”(22) The vision of Karana’s father, the tribe’s leader, lying dead and pool of blood was an emotional point in this novel.
The character’s feelings are so real. Karana loved her brother enough to jump overboard so as not to leave him alone. However, when she has to bury him, she is strong enough keep on surviving on her own.
The island setting is conveyed through Karana’s eyes and excursions. From hiding the canoes along the water to discovering the cave the wild dogs inhabited, Karana takes us through and around this beautiful mysterious island. Although this novel was written many years ago, O’Dell’s vivid descriptions and ingenious survival tips has created a novel to be shared by many generations.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
AMAZON.COM REVIEW: “A gripping story of battling wild dogs and sea elephants, this simply told, suspenseful tale of survival is also an uplifting adventure of the spirit.”
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW: "This book is a tour de force, but convincing and beautifully written."
5. Connections
ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS is a great addition to any unit dealing with survival. Read KIA the story of Karana’s niece. Compare the two novels.
Have students pick a sea animal and conduct research on that animal to present to the class.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Genre 5 Book 2 – Historical Fiction
1. Bibliography
Park, Linda Sue. 1999. SEASAW GIRL. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Illustrated by: Jean and Mou-sien Tseng
ISBN 0440416728
2. Plot Summary
Jade Blossom lives in her family’s inner court and is never allowed to venture past its boundaries. During this time period, seventeenth-century, Korean traditions did not allow a girl to leave home until she was going to wed into her new family. Jade is twelve and her cousin Willow is fifteen. These two girls go about their days learning to sew, embroider and laundry while still finding time to play.
Jade accepts her role, but not without being curious about what is on the outside. She continuously asks her brother Tiger Heart about what he sees when he accompanies their father to market.
Soon, Willow gets married and moves away. Jade misses her desperately and dares to venture beyond the boundaries to visit her cousin and get a glimpse of the outside world. However, what she encounters only peaks her curiosity even more. When she returns home, she can’t get the visions of the mountains out of her mind. She finally discovers a way to see the outside world while remaining inside the inner court…a seesaw.
3. Critical Analysis
Park combines action, descriptions, and beautiful black and white paintings to make this book a sure hit. The expressions on the characters in the paintings illustrate their feelings without even reading the page. One really gets a feel for the setting as well. The story flows chronologically is a really easy read for those struggling readers who get overwhelmed when faced with longer drawn out novels.
The characters are created in such a way that children can relate to them even though this story takes place in the seventeenth century. Jade’s relationship with her brother is quite intriguing. It is obvious how much she looks up to him. “Elder Brother, what is it like there”, she ask him of his journeys. Park does an excellent job of portraying the brother and sister’s comradery. Finally at the end of the story, the reader is treated to the reason behind the title of this book: SEESAW GIRL.
Humor is utilized occasionally to add to the appeal of young readers. The novel begins with Jade and Willow playing a prank on their brothers. However; while some of the actual history is hard to decipher from the text, Park adds an Author’s Note at the end to clarify this part. Overall this novel will appeal to both young children and young adults.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Even the minor characters have substance.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Fortunately, Jean and Mou-sien Tseng's animated black-and-white drawings fill in many details missing in the text concerning dress and setting.”
5. Connections
There are not a lot of books on Korean history that would appeal to young children. SEESAW GIRL is a great novel to share with students. Teachers could discuss the importance of following one’s dreams. Jade is a very interesting character. Students could create other stories involving her. Students could even extend this story. What happened to Jade? Did she get married? Did she ever get to visit the outside world again? Did she ever see Willow again? It is a great novel for classroom discussions.
Other books by Linda Sue Park include A SINGLE SHARD, PROJECT MULBERRY, and KITE FIGHTERS.
1. Bibliography
Park, Linda Sue. 1999. SEASAW GIRL. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Illustrated by: Jean and Mou-sien Tseng
ISBN 0440416728
2. Plot Summary
Jade Blossom lives in her family’s inner court and is never allowed to venture past its boundaries. During this time period, seventeenth-century, Korean traditions did not allow a girl to leave home until she was going to wed into her new family. Jade is twelve and her cousin Willow is fifteen. These two girls go about their days learning to sew, embroider and laundry while still finding time to play.
Jade accepts her role, but not without being curious about what is on the outside. She continuously asks her brother Tiger Heart about what he sees when he accompanies their father to market.
Soon, Willow gets married and moves away. Jade misses her desperately and dares to venture beyond the boundaries to visit her cousin and get a glimpse of the outside world. However, what she encounters only peaks her curiosity even more. When she returns home, she can’t get the visions of the mountains out of her mind. She finally discovers a way to see the outside world while remaining inside the inner court…a seesaw.
3. Critical Analysis
Park combines action, descriptions, and beautiful black and white paintings to make this book a sure hit. The expressions on the characters in the paintings illustrate their feelings without even reading the page. One really gets a feel for the setting as well. The story flows chronologically is a really easy read for those struggling readers who get overwhelmed when faced with longer drawn out novels.
The characters are created in such a way that children can relate to them even though this story takes place in the seventeenth century. Jade’s relationship with her brother is quite intriguing. It is obvious how much she looks up to him. “Elder Brother, what is it like there”, she ask him of his journeys. Park does an excellent job of portraying the brother and sister’s comradery. Finally at the end of the story, the reader is treated to the reason behind the title of this book: SEESAW GIRL.
Humor is utilized occasionally to add to the appeal of young readers. The novel begins with Jade and Willow playing a prank on their brothers. However; while some of the actual history is hard to decipher from the text, Park adds an Author’s Note at the end to clarify this part. Overall this novel will appeal to both young children and young adults.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Even the minor characters have substance.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Fortunately, Jean and Mou-sien Tseng's animated black-and-white drawings fill in many details missing in the text concerning dress and setting.”
5. Connections
There are not a lot of books on Korean history that would appeal to young children. SEESAW GIRL is a great novel to share with students. Teachers could discuss the importance of following one’s dreams. Jade is a very interesting character. Students could create other stories involving her. Students could even extend this story. What happened to Jade? Did she get married? Did she ever get to visit the outside world again? Did she ever see Willow again? It is a great novel for classroom discussions.
Other books by Linda Sue Park include A SINGLE SHARD, PROJECT MULBERRY, and KITE FIGHTERS.
Genre 5 Book 1 – Historical Fiction
1. Bibliography
Peck, Richard. 2003. THE RIVER BETWEEN US. New York: Dial Books.
ISBN 0142403105
2. Plot Summary
Peck writes an intriguing novel set during the Civil War. The story begins in 1916 where Dr. William Hutchings is loading up his three sons into his Model T for a trip to see his parents. As they reach their destination, the story switches from the present to being told from Grandma Tilly’s recount of their lives during the Civil War.
In a small town located in somewhere in between the north and the south, fifteen year old Tilly Pruitt and her family lead a quiet life. Tilly is fearful about the impending war because she knows that her twin brother Noah is planning to join the forces.
One day a steamboat arrives and two unfamiliar women walk off with nowhere to stay. Tilly’s mother offers them both room and board at her house. As the whole town whispers behind their back, Tilly and her family learn a lot from these two women that come from New Orleans. Noah finally goes off to war, and his family is desperate for his return.
Tilly worries constantly about her brother and also of her sister who see visions of the past and future. As the story unfolds, one learns of Noah’s fate and the true identity of the two mysterious women who stepped off of the steamboat.
3. Critical Analysis
Written in first person narrative first by fifteen year old Howard Hutchings and then switching to Tilly (his grandmother), Peck does an excellent job of transitioning the story from present time to the past. Without even realizing it, the reader is cast right into Civil War times and what people where going through.
The characters are appealing to the reader while being unusual. Tilly’s mama wanted desperately for her son to avoid the war, and her heart was broken when he left: “Her eyes lost their faint glint of hope and went dead”. (95) Then there was Cass and Calinda who both held special powers to see visions of what was to come. Delphine was a confident young lady with an interesting past. One has to read through the book to fully understand this interesting character.
Peck used figurative language to emphasize the gravity of the war. “It was an army that didn’t know how to be an army, and it treated its soldiers like beasts of the field”.(97) Vivid descriptions of the soldiers and battlefields drew pictures with words to help the reader get a true picture of the setting. Although this is a serious novel for the most part, Peck does insert some humor such as the description of Calinda helping Delphine into her corset: “Delphine wore not a stitch but white cotton stockings, her drawers, and corsets”.(43)
THE RIVER BETWEEN US is a well written novel that truly illustrates the struggles of family members living through the Civil War. Adding to the tragedy was the setting of a small town in the middle of the north and south where brothers fought against brothers and fathers against sons.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “In this thoroughly researched novel, Peck masterfully describes the female Civil War experience, the subtle and not-too-subtle ways the country was changing, and the split in loyalty that separated towns and even families.”
BOOKLIST: “A final historical note and a framing device--a grandson writing 50 years after the story takes place--make the reading even better, the revelations more astonishing.”
5. Connections
Any classes studying the Civil War would find this book interesting. Comparing and contrasting the characters would also be a great lesson.
Have students use the Internet to locate resources related to the Civil War. You could assign relevant topics to assigned pairs or small groups. Provide rubrics to be used to evaluate the web pages.
Related Titles (Civil War)
ACROSS FIVE APRILS by Irene Hunt
THE BLUE AND THE GRAY by Eve Bunting
BRADY by Jean Fritz
BULL RUN by Paul Fleischman
LINCOLN: A PHOTOBIOGRAPHY by Russell Freedman
PINK AND SAY by Patricia Polacco
SOLDIER’S HEART by Gary Paulsen
1. Bibliography
Peck, Richard. 2003. THE RIVER BETWEEN US. New York: Dial Books.
ISBN 0142403105
2. Plot Summary
Peck writes an intriguing novel set during the Civil War. The story begins in 1916 where Dr. William Hutchings is loading up his three sons into his Model T for a trip to see his parents. As they reach their destination, the story switches from the present to being told from Grandma Tilly’s recount of their lives during the Civil War.
In a small town located in somewhere in between the north and the south, fifteen year old Tilly Pruitt and her family lead a quiet life. Tilly is fearful about the impending war because she knows that her twin brother Noah is planning to join the forces.
One day a steamboat arrives and two unfamiliar women walk off with nowhere to stay. Tilly’s mother offers them both room and board at her house. As the whole town whispers behind their back, Tilly and her family learn a lot from these two women that come from New Orleans. Noah finally goes off to war, and his family is desperate for his return.
Tilly worries constantly about her brother and also of her sister who see visions of the past and future. As the story unfolds, one learns of Noah’s fate and the true identity of the two mysterious women who stepped off of the steamboat.
3. Critical Analysis
Written in first person narrative first by fifteen year old Howard Hutchings and then switching to Tilly (his grandmother), Peck does an excellent job of transitioning the story from present time to the past. Without even realizing it, the reader is cast right into Civil War times and what people where going through.
The characters are appealing to the reader while being unusual. Tilly’s mama wanted desperately for her son to avoid the war, and her heart was broken when he left: “Her eyes lost their faint glint of hope and went dead”. (95) Then there was Cass and Calinda who both held special powers to see visions of what was to come. Delphine was a confident young lady with an interesting past. One has to read through the book to fully understand this interesting character.
Peck used figurative language to emphasize the gravity of the war. “It was an army that didn’t know how to be an army, and it treated its soldiers like beasts of the field”.(97) Vivid descriptions of the soldiers and battlefields drew pictures with words to help the reader get a true picture of the setting. Although this is a serious novel for the most part, Peck does insert some humor such as the description of Calinda helping Delphine into her corset: “Delphine wore not a stitch but white cotton stockings, her drawers, and corsets”.(43)
THE RIVER BETWEEN US is a well written novel that truly illustrates the struggles of family members living through the Civil War. Adding to the tragedy was the setting of a small town in the middle of the north and south where brothers fought against brothers and fathers against sons.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “In this thoroughly researched novel, Peck masterfully describes the female Civil War experience, the subtle and not-too-subtle ways the country was changing, and the split in loyalty that separated towns and even families.”
BOOKLIST: “A final historical note and a framing device--a grandson writing 50 years after the story takes place--make the reading even better, the revelations more astonishing.”
5. Connections
Any classes studying the Civil War would find this book interesting. Comparing and contrasting the characters would also be a great lesson.
Have students use the Internet to locate resources related to the Civil War. You could assign relevant topics to assigned pairs or small groups. Provide rubrics to be used to evaluate the web pages.
Related Titles (Civil War)
ACROSS FIVE APRILS by Irene Hunt
THE BLUE AND THE GRAY by Eve Bunting
BRADY by Jean Fritz
BULL RUN by Paul Fleischman
LINCOLN: A PHOTOBIOGRAPHY by Russell Freedman
PINK AND SAY by Patricia Polacco
SOLDIER’S HEART by Gary Paulsen
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Genre 4 Book 3 - Nonfiction
1. Bibliography
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET; HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SEUSS. New York: Random House Children’s Books.
ISBN 9780375822988
2. Plot Summary
Many children read and love Dr. Seuss, but don’t really know where he came from and what his life was like. Krull walks readers through the first 22 years of his life.
Born Ted Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss grew up in Massachusetts. He loved to read and go to the zoo. As a young boy, he would play on the streets with his friends, always being the “funny” guy. As he grew a little older, he began to realize he didn’t fit in around Springfield. He spoke German, and he was ridiculed for this. In addition, he didn’t excel in athletics. He found his escape in drawing.
At the age of 12, he won a newspaper contest for one of his drawings. He decided to take an art class in high school, but his art teacher continuously scolded his for breaking the rules. She even went so far as to tell him he would never be successful at art…he quit the class.
Finally, a teacher encouraged him to apply to Dartmouth College, and his life took off. He began writing for newspapers and magazines. At the age of 22, he ventured to New York to begin making his mark on the world.
3. Critical Analysis
Told in a narrative format, Krull creates a tale of Dr. Seuss’ life that is interesting to adult and children alike. She begins the book with “Once upon a time”, as though his life were a fairy tale. Told in chronological order, it is an easy book to follow along and read. Before you realize it, you have reached the end.
The paintings are done by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. The cover reveals a picture of a young boy strolling down the street carrying a book and surrounded by dogs. Throughout the book, paintings that reinforce the text are on one page while on of Dr. Seuss’ fictional characters on the other page.
The actual story ends when Dr. Seuss is 22, but Krull provides information on the rest of Dr. Seuss’ life at the end of the book. Titled “On Beyond Fairfield Street, we learn how Dr. Seuss begins writing books all the way up to his death on September 24, 1991. In addition, a list of his great works is listed chronological in the back.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
BOOKLIST: “This introductory sentence begins a delightful picture-book biography about Geisel that chronicles how he became an innovative writer and illustrator beloved by readers young and old.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Featured in spot art, familiar Seuss characters frolic through these pages, thematically complementing the illustrations while reminding readers why Geisel’s life is worth celebrating.
5. Connections
THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET is a great biography to share with youngsters. They will truly get an understanding of how interesting and fun nonfiction literature can be. Also, this book is a great example of how one can overcome struggles and still reach their dreams. Share with students when celebrating Dr. Seuss on his birthday. Read another biography and compare and contrast the two.
1. Bibliography
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET; HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SEUSS. New York: Random House Children’s Books.
ISBN 9780375822988
2. Plot Summary
Many children read and love Dr. Seuss, but don’t really know where he came from and what his life was like. Krull walks readers through the first 22 years of his life.
Born Ted Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss grew up in Massachusetts. He loved to read and go to the zoo. As a young boy, he would play on the streets with his friends, always being the “funny” guy. As he grew a little older, he began to realize he didn’t fit in around Springfield. He spoke German, and he was ridiculed for this. In addition, he didn’t excel in athletics. He found his escape in drawing.
At the age of 12, he won a newspaper contest for one of his drawings. He decided to take an art class in high school, but his art teacher continuously scolded his for breaking the rules. She even went so far as to tell him he would never be successful at art…he quit the class.
Finally, a teacher encouraged him to apply to Dartmouth College, and his life took off. He began writing for newspapers and magazines. At the age of 22, he ventured to New York to begin making his mark on the world.
3. Critical Analysis
Told in a narrative format, Krull creates a tale of Dr. Seuss’ life that is interesting to adult and children alike. She begins the book with “Once upon a time”, as though his life were a fairy tale. Told in chronological order, it is an easy book to follow along and read. Before you realize it, you have reached the end.
The paintings are done by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. The cover reveals a picture of a young boy strolling down the street carrying a book and surrounded by dogs. Throughout the book, paintings that reinforce the text are on one page while on of Dr. Seuss’ fictional characters on the other page.
The actual story ends when Dr. Seuss is 22, but Krull provides information on the rest of Dr. Seuss’ life at the end of the book. Titled “On Beyond Fairfield Street, we learn how Dr. Seuss begins writing books all the way up to his death on September 24, 1991. In addition, a list of his great works is listed chronological in the back.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
BOOKLIST: “This introductory sentence begins a delightful picture-book biography about Geisel that chronicles how he became an innovative writer and illustrator beloved by readers young and old.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Featured in spot art, familiar Seuss characters frolic through these pages, thematically complementing the illustrations while reminding readers why Geisel’s life is worth celebrating.
5. Connections
THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET is a great biography to share with youngsters. They will truly get an understanding of how interesting and fun nonfiction literature can be. Also, this book is a great example of how one can overcome struggles and still reach their dreams. Share with students when celebrating Dr. Seuss on his birthday. Read another biography and compare and contrast the two.
Genre 4 Book 2 - Nonfiction
1. Bibliography
Simon, Seymour. 2006. SHARKS. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
ISBN 006087718
2. Plot Summary
Many myths and legends are made up surrounding sharks. The greatest of all is that sharks are always looking for a human to attack. Simon sheds a new light on these creatures by highlighting the facts so one can truly understand how fascinating sharks are.
First, the reader gets a detailed description of the physical characteristics of sharks. We learn they belong to the Chondrichthyes class and breathe through gills. In addition, we learn bout their teeth, jaws, and swim bladder. Did you know that a shark has six senses?
An interesting aspect of this book is how Simon illustrates the traits and habits of each individual breed of shark. The whale shark is the largest fish in the world while the hammerhead shark is one of the most unusual-looking fish in the sea. What do you think is the best know shark….the great white shark which was featured in the movie JAWS. After reading this book, one will view sharks in an entirely different way.
3. Critical Analysis
The organization and flow of details is a definite strong point. From beginning to end, one feels the connection from one page to the next. Simon immediately states facts to discredit the belief that sharks really don’t kill as many people as is portrayed in movies and books.
The vivid descriptions are reinforced by the illustrations. Sharks have five to seven gills and an illustration of a Caribbean reef shark supports that fact. The jaws and teeth of a shark are quite different that what is perceived by the general population. Simon’s descriptions and photos do an incredible job of explaining how they really look and why.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “…a closeup of a sand tiger shark's open mouth and row upon row of teeth invites readers into the facing text…”
BOOKLIST: “With a good balance of text and illustrations, Simon introduces the world of sharks
5. Connections
SHARKS is a great resource for any elementary science classroom. Students conducting research will find a wealth of information. Read other books from Seymour Simon and have students compare and contrast different animals.
1. Bibliography
Simon, Seymour. 2006. SHARKS. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
ISBN 006087718
2. Plot Summary
Many myths and legends are made up surrounding sharks. The greatest of all is that sharks are always looking for a human to attack. Simon sheds a new light on these creatures by highlighting the facts so one can truly understand how fascinating sharks are.
First, the reader gets a detailed description of the physical characteristics of sharks. We learn they belong to the Chondrichthyes class and breathe through gills. In addition, we learn bout their teeth, jaws, and swim bladder. Did you know that a shark has six senses?
An interesting aspect of this book is how Simon illustrates the traits and habits of each individual breed of shark. The whale shark is the largest fish in the world while the hammerhead shark is one of the most unusual-looking fish in the sea. What do you think is the best know shark….the great white shark which was featured in the movie JAWS. After reading this book, one will view sharks in an entirely different way.
3. Critical Analysis
The organization and flow of details is a definite strong point. From beginning to end, one feels the connection from one page to the next. Simon immediately states facts to discredit the belief that sharks really don’t kill as many people as is portrayed in movies and books.
The vivid descriptions are reinforced by the illustrations. Sharks have five to seven gills and an illustration of a Caribbean reef shark supports that fact. The jaws and teeth of a shark are quite different that what is perceived by the general population. Simon’s descriptions and photos do an incredible job of explaining how they really look and why.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “…a closeup of a sand tiger shark's open mouth and row upon row of teeth invites readers into the facing text…”
BOOKLIST: “With a good balance of text and illustrations, Simon introduces the world of sharks
5. Connections
SHARKS is a great resource for any elementary science classroom. Students conducting research will find a wealth of information. Read other books from Seymour Simon and have students compare and contrast different animals.
Genre 4 Book 1 - Nonfiction
1. Bibliography
Nelson, Kadir.2008. WE ARE THE SHIP: THE SWTORY OF THE NEGRO BASEBALL LEAGUE. New York: Jump at the Sun Hyperion.
ISBN 0786808322
2. Plot Summary
Segregation affected many aspects of life in our history. Colored and whites did not eat in the same restaurants, sit together in theatres or even drink from the same water fountains. How did it affect baseball? In this intriguing book, Nelson takes the readers through an inspirational journey through the lives of the Negro baseball league and its players. We learn of players who did not make it to the Hall of Fame but probably deserved to be there.
Hank Aaron sets the stage for honoring those people of the past that help black players make it to the major leagues. The struggles that Negro players had to overcome just to play baseball are huge. In the beginning, even when they were allowed to play, they were given the wrong directions and became targets for the other team. Keep in mind that in those days protective gear was not worn; therefore, this type of mistreatment was dangerous. They slept cramped 8 to a car and played games the next day for little or no money. These Negro baseball players truly played for the love of the game.
3. Critical Analysis
Written from the point of view of a player remembering the past and telling the story, Nelson draws the reader’s attention immediately. Keeping in the theme of baseball, chapters are titled by innings, and a caption written by an important person to the Negro baseball league is featured.
By far what stands out the most in this novel are the extremely beautiful and authentic oil paintings. Nelson in addition to writing the book also illustrated it. The paintings depict the players’ emotions vividly. The determination that Raleigh “Biz” Mackey is feeling as he is squatted behind home plate waiting the pitch is etched in his face. Satchel Paige was such an incredible ball player and his larger than life attitude is evident in each portrait he is featured in. In addition, illustrations of stadiums, managers, and tickets are included to give a full rounded view of the Negro baseball league.
At the end, an author’s note gives the reader’s an insight into how important this topic is to Nelson. The endnotes are a great informational resource of information found in the book.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The history of the Leagues echoes the social and political struggles of black America during the first half of the 20th century.”
BOOKLIST: “The narrative showcases the pride and comradery of the Negro Leagues…”
Kadir Nelson is the winner of the 2009 Coretta Scott King Award
5. Connections
This is a great book to share with students during African American history month. The illustrations alone tell a story. Have the students look at a picture and write about what they “see”, and then share.
1. Bibliography
Nelson, Kadir.2008. WE ARE THE SHIP: THE SWTORY OF THE NEGRO BASEBALL LEAGUE. New York: Jump at the Sun Hyperion.
ISBN 0786808322
2. Plot Summary
Segregation affected many aspects of life in our history. Colored and whites did not eat in the same restaurants, sit together in theatres or even drink from the same water fountains. How did it affect baseball? In this intriguing book, Nelson takes the readers through an inspirational journey through the lives of the Negro baseball league and its players. We learn of players who did not make it to the Hall of Fame but probably deserved to be there.
Hank Aaron sets the stage for honoring those people of the past that help black players make it to the major leagues. The struggles that Negro players had to overcome just to play baseball are huge. In the beginning, even when they were allowed to play, they were given the wrong directions and became targets for the other team. Keep in mind that in those days protective gear was not worn; therefore, this type of mistreatment was dangerous. They slept cramped 8 to a car and played games the next day for little or no money. These Negro baseball players truly played for the love of the game.
3. Critical Analysis
Written from the point of view of a player remembering the past and telling the story, Nelson draws the reader’s attention immediately. Keeping in the theme of baseball, chapters are titled by innings, and a caption written by an important person to the Negro baseball league is featured.
By far what stands out the most in this novel are the extremely beautiful and authentic oil paintings. Nelson in addition to writing the book also illustrated it. The paintings depict the players’ emotions vividly. The determination that Raleigh “Biz” Mackey is feeling as he is squatted behind home plate waiting the pitch is etched in his face. Satchel Paige was such an incredible ball player and his larger than life attitude is evident in each portrait he is featured in. In addition, illustrations of stadiums, managers, and tickets are included to give a full rounded view of the Negro baseball league.
At the end, an author’s note gives the reader’s an insight into how important this topic is to Nelson. The endnotes are a great informational resource of information found in the book.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The history of the Leagues echoes the social and political struggles of black America during the first half of the 20th century.”
BOOKLIST: “The narrative showcases the pride and comradery of the Negro Leagues…”
Kadir Nelson is the winner of the 2009 Coretta Scott King Award
5. Connections
This is a great book to share with students during African American history month. The illustrations alone tell a story. Have the students look at a picture and write about what they “see”, and then share.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Genre 3 Book 3 - Poetry
1. Bibliography
Sones, Sonya. 2007. WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T KNOW. New York: Simon Pulse.
ISBN 0689876033
2. Plot Summary
A novel written in verse, Sones does a remarkable job representing a young male’s perspective. This novel is centered on a character, Robin Murphy, who all his life has been an outcast. Other students ridiculed him, even using his last name to diss other people as in “You are a real Murphy.” Then it all changes when the girl of his dreams, a popular girl name Sophie Stein, falls for him. Sones allow the readers to feel the range of emotions Robin experiences throughout the journey of this relationship. From the disbelieve, “Is this really happening” to extreme happiness, “I chase after her, feeling like the luckiest desperado alive,” Murphy experiences the challenges of loving and being loved by someone unconditionally. True to adolescence, Sones faces other issues as well such as how to handle the awareness of being sexually attracted to someone. This fast flowing offers an interesting approach to a variety of adolescence dilemmas.
3. Critical Analysis
Written in first-person free verse, WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T KNOW, is a fast paced novel that keeps the reader grasping for more. Though there are no illustrations, Sones uses vocabulary to pull at the reader’s emotions. “If only everyone else could see what Sophie sees when she looks at me” depicts the need for acceptance by Robin. Teens will see some of themselves in the diversified characters. There is Robin (the main character, an outcast male), (Sophie, the popular girl who falls for the unpopular guy), Rachel, (Sophie’s friend who abandons her because popularity is important), the jock and then Robin’s college friends.
On each page, the first line is centered in bold at the type to appear as a title of the page. Sones inserts shape poetry in combination with the vocabulary to further emphasize the emotions: on page 203, the poem is written in the shape of a downward arrow and the font gets smaller as it descends. Robin is feeling “down” about his relationship as he says “…all the way down to American, then down to Massachusetts and all the way to Cambridge, zooming pas the ribbon of Charles, and all the way down to Shepard Street, down and down and down…” She does quite the opposite on page 144 as the writing starts out small and gets larger descending down the page in order to illustrate Robin’ growing frustrations.
The design of the pages combined with the immediate attention given to teen issues is a strong point. Sones addresses issues that many find taboo, but that young adults can’t seem to get enough of.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: The arty outsider's last name becomes the pejorative slang of the school—as in, "Don't be such a Murphy."
BOOKLIST: “…Robin picks up the narrative in rapid-fire, first-person free verse as he describes their school's reaction to the relationship…”
5. Connections
WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T KNOW is a sure prize for young adults. This book along with its prequel WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW is a great suggestion for reluctant readers. Other books by Sonya Sones are STOP PRETENDING: WHAT HAPPENED WHEN MY BIG SISTER WENT CRAZY, and ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES.
1. Bibliography
Sones, Sonya. 2007. WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T KNOW. New York: Simon Pulse.
ISBN 0689876033
2. Plot Summary
A novel written in verse, Sones does a remarkable job representing a young male’s perspective. This novel is centered on a character, Robin Murphy, who all his life has been an outcast. Other students ridiculed him, even using his last name to diss other people as in “You are a real Murphy.” Then it all changes when the girl of his dreams, a popular girl name Sophie Stein, falls for him. Sones allow the readers to feel the range of emotions Robin experiences throughout the journey of this relationship. From the disbelieve, “Is this really happening” to extreme happiness, “I chase after her, feeling like the luckiest desperado alive,” Murphy experiences the challenges of loving and being loved by someone unconditionally. True to adolescence, Sones faces other issues as well such as how to handle the awareness of being sexually attracted to someone. This fast flowing offers an interesting approach to a variety of adolescence dilemmas.
3. Critical Analysis
Written in first-person free verse, WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T KNOW, is a fast paced novel that keeps the reader grasping for more. Though there are no illustrations, Sones uses vocabulary to pull at the reader’s emotions. “If only everyone else could see what Sophie sees when she looks at me” depicts the need for acceptance by Robin. Teens will see some of themselves in the diversified characters. There is Robin (the main character, an outcast male), (Sophie, the popular girl who falls for the unpopular guy), Rachel, (Sophie’s friend who abandons her because popularity is important), the jock and then Robin’s college friends.
On each page, the first line is centered in bold at the type to appear as a title of the page. Sones inserts shape poetry in combination with the vocabulary to further emphasize the emotions: on page 203, the poem is written in the shape of a downward arrow and the font gets smaller as it descends. Robin is feeling “down” about his relationship as he says “…all the way down to American, then down to Massachusetts and all the way to Cambridge, zooming pas the ribbon of Charles, and all the way down to Shepard Street, down and down and down…” She does quite the opposite on page 144 as the writing starts out small and gets larger descending down the page in order to illustrate Robin’ growing frustrations.
The design of the pages combined with the immediate attention given to teen issues is a strong point. Sones addresses issues that many find taboo, but that young adults can’t seem to get enough of.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: The arty outsider's last name becomes the pejorative slang of the school—as in, "Don't be such a Murphy."
BOOKLIST: “…Robin picks up the narrative in rapid-fire, first-person free verse as he describes their school's reaction to the relationship…”
5. Connections
WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T KNOW is a sure prize for young adults. This book along with its prequel WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW is a great suggestion for reluctant readers. Other books by Sonya Sones are STOP PRETENDING: WHAT HAPPENED WHEN MY BIG SISTER WENT CRAZY, and ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES.
Genre 3 Book 2 - Poetry
1. Bibliography
Grimes, Nikki. 1995. C IS FOR CITY. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books.
Illustrated by : Pat Cummings
ISBN 0688118089
2. Plot Summary
Nikki Grimes captures the wonders of New York City life through this irresistible alphabet rhyming book. The illustrations are so vibrant, and allow the reader to better understand urban life. Readers experience art shows, winter ice skating rinks, the opera and on to the zoo. Included also in the illustrations are alphabetical items to search for with the key in the back of the book to check your answers.
3. Critical Analysis
The hidden picture element combined with the exuberant illustrations and catchy rhymes makes this book a hit with young children. Grimes provides diversity within the poems and pictures with “block party bands, delis and donuts, Times Square, and taxis. The edginess that the city offers is quite clear.
The rhythms of the versus varies from poem to poem, and help keep the reader wanting more. Each picture is jammed back with color and drama. With pages flowing together, many scenarios play out. For example on pages 3-4, there is a butcher cooking bagels, and a band playing off to the side while two African American characters are dancing in the street. Also, there is a cab driver cruising through the streets, a cool cat, and couple who are talking underneath the city lights. The skyscrapers, balloons and stars portray the true essence of a night on a city street. Children will enjoy the rhymes, but the busy illustrations are what will keep wanting to read this book over and over.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The rhythm of the verses is also varied, but it is always interesting and right on target for the audience.”
BOOKLIST: “The rhymes themselves are quite clever and packed with vocabulary-expanding images.”
5. Connections
C IS FOR CITY is a wonderful way to reinforce the alphabet. Young children will enjoy looking for other items that begin with the letter. Read this book together and look for the items. Then have the students come up with other words that begin with the same letter. In addition, Grimes creates an excellent example of urban life. When discussing communities and discussing city and rural, C IS FOR CITY would be a great addition to this discussion.
Other books that can be used would be Nina Crew’s, "THE NEIGHBORHOOD MOTHER GOOSE" and ALPHABET CITY by Stephen T. Johnson.
1. Bibliography
Grimes, Nikki. 1995. C IS FOR CITY. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books.
Illustrated by : Pat Cummings
ISBN 0688118089
2. Plot Summary
Nikki Grimes captures the wonders of New York City life through this irresistible alphabet rhyming book. The illustrations are so vibrant, and allow the reader to better understand urban life. Readers experience art shows, winter ice skating rinks, the opera and on to the zoo. Included also in the illustrations are alphabetical items to search for with the key in the back of the book to check your answers.
3. Critical Analysis
The hidden picture element combined with the exuberant illustrations and catchy rhymes makes this book a hit with young children. Grimes provides diversity within the poems and pictures with “block party bands, delis and donuts, Times Square, and taxis. The edginess that the city offers is quite clear.
The rhythms of the versus varies from poem to poem, and help keep the reader wanting more. Each picture is jammed back with color and drama. With pages flowing together, many scenarios play out. For example on pages 3-4, there is a butcher cooking bagels, and a band playing off to the side while two African American characters are dancing in the street. Also, there is a cab driver cruising through the streets, a cool cat, and couple who are talking underneath the city lights. The skyscrapers, balloons and stars portray the true essence of a night on a city street. Children will enjoy the rhymes, but the busy illustrations are what will keep wanting to read this book over and over.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The rhythm of the verses is also varied, but it is always interesting and right on target for the audience.”
BOOKLIST: “The rhymes themselves are quite clever and packed with vocabulary-expanding images.”
5. Connections
C IS FOR CITY is a wonderful way to reinforce the alphabet. Young children will enjoy looking for other items that begin with the letter. Read this book together and look for the items. Then have the students come up with other words that begin with the same letter. In addition, Grimes creates an excellent example of urban life. When discussing communities and discussing city and rural, C IS FOR CITY would be a great addition to this discussion.
Other books that can be used would be Nina Crew’s, "THE NEIGHBORHOOD MOTHER GOOSE" and ALPHABET CITY by Stephen T. Johnson.
Genre 3 Book 1 - Poetry
1. Bibliography
Lewis, J. Patrick. 2004. SCIENTRICKERY - RIDDLES IN SCIENCE. New York: Silver Whistle.
Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
ISBN 78015216686
2. Plot Summary
In this book, J. Patrick Lewis composes a collection of poems that in essence are riddles for readers to guess. The humor used adds an undeniable attraction to readers who are not necessarily interested in science as well as those that are intrigued by the subject. In “The Old Switcheroo”, Lewis playfully describes how we need electricity for lights. Other subjects covered are stars in “Revealing Ceiling” and dinosaurs in “T-Bones”. The catchy titles, colorful pictures, and riddles create a wonderful book of poetry for young readers.
3. Critical Analysis
The catchy titles and illustrations that Lewis uses heighten the excitement of this book. Each poem is written on a “sheet” of notebook paper surrounded by colorful illustrations that incorporate people and animals with exaggerated expressions. In “I’m Lost Without You” the page expose depicts a young girl with a lost look on her face. The background looks like a map without any actual directions, and the point Lewis is making is that she would not be lost had she brought a map with her.
The use of humor and integration of riddles is a definite attribute of this book. The clues to the riddles are in the illustrations and in the poem. Though the answers are listed upside down at the bottom of each poem, one really wants to guess the right answer before looking. It is almost a game. Lewis’ poem versus do rhyme which is what many young readers look for in poetry. However, he does an excellent job of varying the length of the poems as well as which versus rhyme. While “It’s the Pits!” is only a six line poem with every two lines rhyming, “Go, Moon, Glow!” is a poem with 3 versus containing four lines each with the second and fourth lines rhyming. Reading Lewis’ poems with children is a fun and interesting way to learn some science facts.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The jokes are lively, entertaining, and moderately challenging, with answers provided on the bottoms of the pages.”
BOOKLIST: “Remkiewicz adds energetic art with zippy colors and accessible wit.”
5. Connections
While SCIENTRICKERY does not introduce new topics, it does add the element of humor to concepts that need to be reinforced. It would be a great warm-up each morning. Using a smart board or something similar and display a page up on a large screen (have the answer covered), and have the students read the poem and try to guess the answer. As an extension, give students a science term and have them create their own poem.
Other books of poems for students:
ARITHME-TICKLE- AN EVEN NUMBER OF ODD RIDDLGE RHYMES by J. Patrick Lewis. For this book, Lewis was called a “wordplay master” by School Library Journal.
1. Bibliography
Lewis, J. Patrick. 2004. SCIENTRICKERY - RIDDLES IN SCIENCE. New York: Silver Whistle.
Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
ISBN 78015216686
2. Plot Summary
In this book, J. Patrick Lewis composes a collection of poems that in essence are riddles for readers to guess. The humor used adds an undeniable attraction to readers who are not necessarily interested in science as well as those that are intrigued by the subject. In “The Old Switcheroo”, Lewis playfully describes how we need electricity for lights. Other subjects covered are stars in “Revealing Ceiling” and dinosaurs in “T-Bones”. The catchy titles, colorful pictures, and riddles create a wonderful book of poetry for young readers.
3. Critical Analysis
The catchy titles and illustrations that Lewis uses heighten the excitement of this book. Each poem is written on a “sheet” of notebook paper surrounded by colorful illustrations that incorporate people and animals with exaggerated expressions. In “I’m Lost Without You” the page expose depicts a young girl with a lost look on her face. The background looks like a map without any actual directions, and the point Lewis is making is that she would not be lost had she brought a map with her.
The use of humor and integration of riddles is a definite attribute of this book. The clues to the riddles are in the illustrations and in the poem. Though the answers are listed upside down at the bottom of each poem, one really wants to guess the right answer before looking. It is almost a game. Lewis’ poem versus do rhyme which is what many young readers look for in poetry. However, he does an excellent job of varying the length of the poems as well as which versus rhyme. While “It’s the Pits!” is only a six line poem with every two lines rhyming, “Go, Moon, Glow!” is a poem with 3 versus containing four lines each with the second and fourth lines rhyming. Reading Lewis’ poems with children is a fun and interesting way to learn some science facts.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The jokes are lively, entertaining, and moderately challenging, with answers provided on the bottoms of the pages.”
BOOKLIST: “Remkiewicz adds energetic art with zippy colors and accessible wit.”
5. Connections
While SCIENTRICKERY does not introduce new topics, it does add the element of humor to concepts that need to be reinforced. It would be a great warm-up each morning. Using a smart board or something similar and display a page up on a large screen (have the answer covered), and have the students read the poem and try to guess the answer. As an extension, give students a science term and have them create their own poem.
Other books of poems for students:
ARITHME-TICKLE- AN EVEN NUMBER OF ODD RIDDLGE RHYMES by J. Patrick Lewis. For this book, Lewis was called a “wordplay master” by School Library Journal.
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