Miracle's Boys (10/26)

Title: Miracle's Boys

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Type: Novel

Ages: 7+

Rating: 5

Summary: The story of three boys struggling to cope with their mother and father's death. 

 This story is written from Lafayette's point of view, who is the youngest of the three boys. We see a lot of maturation in Lafayette has he struggles to understand why his mother had to die. At the beginning he blames himself for his mother's death and so does his older brother Charlie. By the end of the story Lafayette has learned enough to realize it was not his fault that his mother died. 

My favorite character though is Charlie. Charlie was  at a correctional facility when his mother died. When he gets back he is a "New" Charlie. He hangs out with the wrong crowd and seems disinterested in everything he used to be interested in. Throughout all whole book though you can see the good in Charlie. The way he will try to talk quietly about the correctional facility when Laf is around.Through  Charlie's interactions with other people you can see that he is a scared boy, trying to suppress his feelings. 

There were two parts of the book that really stood out to me. On page 70 Laf and Ty'ree (the oldest brother) are talking and Ty'ree says, "Brother to Brother, Lafayette?" Lafayette responds with, "B to B." Laf goes on explain that when they say this to each other, they are saying I love you. This reminds of all the little quirks families have and I thought it was touching that this is how they expressed loved for one another. It's like a secret language between the two of them. 

Another part I found interesting was on page 83, Laf says; 

"Ty'ree was alright after Mama died. But I was all wrong. The year before, I'd seen this show about snakes. They showed this one snake slipping out of its old skin and then leaving that old skin on the ground him. That's how I felt-like Mama'd been my skin. But I hadn't grown a new underneath, like that snake had. I was just blood and bones spreading all over the place."

I thought this metaphor was extremely powerful and depicted just how he felt after his mother died. I have never experienced a death in the family that was that close to me but I can imagine if I did I might feel the same way. Every thing about this book empowered me. I really connected to this book. 

The Giver (10/26)

Title: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Type: Novel
Ages: 7 years +
Rating: 4.5

Summary: Jonas lives in a structure community, where everything is hand picked for individuals. Jonas receives the role of being the carry of memories for his community. As he uncovers the truth behind his family and community will he be able to carry out his role as memory keeper?

Once you start reading this novel it is extremely hard to put down. This world you have never heard of becomes intriguing as you learn more and more about their odd behaviors. I think for younger readers it may be difficult to understand some parts so I think it would be best implemented as a novel that you read along with students in class. That way at the confusing parts you can stop and have discussion to clear up the confusing parts.

I think the most interesting chapters to discuss with students would be Chapter 12, 19, 20 and 23. I especially thinking discussing what the word "release" means would be interesting to discuss with students. I am sure there would be many different interpretations and you could compare the students definitions to Chapter 19 when Jonas first leans what release really means.

One activity I think I would do with this book would be to have the students each write an additional chapter for the book. The ending is very ambiguous and it is up to your interpretation of what happens to Jonas. I think having the students writing an additional chapter at the ending would let them explore their interpretation.

Why? (10/26)

Title: Why?
Author: Nikolai Popov
Ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
Rating: 4

Summary: A wordless picture book about a mouse family and frog family that are at war with one another.
 

I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. They were easy to follow and I could interpret what was happening in my own way since there were no words. It starts off very humorous, with the frog really confused as to why the mouse pushed him off the rock. The tone starts to get more serious when both families begin to be at war with one another. 

I am a little confused by the ending though. It ends with the frog and the mouse sitting there with everything around them destroyed. They are just looking at each other with apologetic looks on their face. I was confused if this means they regret what they did or that the war was simply pointless because they are right back where they started. I then read the author's note and Nikolai Popov says he wrote this book because he is anti-war and he says, 

"I have created this book because it seems to me that if Children can understand the senseless of war, if they can see how easily one can be sucked into a cycle of violence, they may become a force for peace in the future."

If it wasn't for the author's note I would have a difficult time understanding the end of the story. I am curious to see what children would think of the ending. I think that would be a fun activity to see what students think the ending means. Despite the ambiguous ending I still think this is a very good wordless picture book. 

Plink and Say (10/26)

Title: Pink and Say
Author: Patricia Polaccco
Type: Picture Book
Ages: Upper Elementary +
Rating: 4

Summary: Two fifteen year old boys, one African American and one White, become best friends when Pink saves Say’s life while fighting they are both fighting in the Civil War. When they become prisoners of a Confederate Camp they learn the harsh reality of racism.




In this picture book an unlikely friendship emerges from between Pink and Say. Pink is a fifteen year old African American soldier while Say is a fifteen year old White-American soldier. Pink is very brave for his age and is determined to fight for his people. Say on the other hand is very apprehensive and scared and misses his home and childhood. We see a big changed in Pink through out the course of the book. As soon as Say witnesses Pink's mothers get murdered, we see him start believing in himself and the Union. He changes for the better as a result of her death. 


Another part I really liked was when Pink and Say were held captive in the Confederate prison. They are taking Pink away, as the reader can assume because he is black and not white. Pink reaches out for Say's hand and says, "Let me touch the hand that touched Mr. Lincoln, Say, just one last time." The story of when Say touched Lincoln's hand was important to their friendship. The fact that these were the last words Pink said to Say show his love and devotion for his best friend. The picture that captures this moment is absolutely phenomenal too. 


I think this picture book is extremely good but it touches on a lot of sensitive topics so I think if anyone is going to use it in a classroom they need to have a well planned out lesson. It can be used to teach children about racism and the Civil War. When searching through things I came across a website that gives suggestions on how to teach some books. 


This link is a suggestion of a lesson plan after reading Pink and Say. It suggests you have the students write a letter to  a Confederate Soldier, Union Soldier,  a slave, etc. I really like this idea because it's asking the child to put their feelings about this book into a letter to send to someone who may have gone through this experience. 
http://www.ltl.appstate.edu/litcircleunits/litcirunits_Fall00/slavery_civwar/launchactivity.html








 

My Hiroshima (10/26)

Title: My Hiroshima
Author: Junko Morimoto
Type: Picture book
Ages: 7+
Rating: 5

Summary: A little girl retells her story of surviving the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima.
 

This is absolutely an excellent book! I love that it is told from the point of view of the youngest girl in the family. The words are simple and the sentences are short. It is very easy to understand even when talking about such a harsh topic. Many people may consider this a controversial book because it talks about war and dying. This book simply addresses the fact that people did die when the Atomic Bomb was dropped. The author was extremely lucky and her whole family survived the bombing, therefore, none of the characters you are connected to in the story die. It is an uplifting book in this sense. 

I also really liked the author's note in the back of the book. It tells us that the book was based off a true story. Junko Morimoto also expressed why she thinks it is important to teach children about the war. She states; 

"War, the atomic bomb...only human beings have produced them. They are the crimes of adults who forget the precious value of life. I believe it is the duty and the responsibility of adults to teach our children the importance of not repeating these mistakes and to give them the heart to care for and value all life on earth."

I think this is a very important point that Junko makes. We are currently in the middle of a war right now. The fighting may not be taking place in our country, but it is in other countries, and there are children who are experiencing what Junko went through. I think it is important to educate children about the dangers of war and killing other people. We cannot shelter our children forever. We may live in a country that does not allow children to enter war until 18 years old but not every country is like this so we need to educate our future generations. 

I Never Knew Your Name

Title: I Never Knew Your Name
Author: Sherry Garland
Illustrator: Sheldon Greenberg
Type: Picture Book
Age: Upper elementary and older
Rating: 5

Summary:A little boy recalls his memories of the teenager across the street who committed suicide.


After reading this book, I was speech less. I couldn't believe this little boy was so impacted by the death of the teenager. It then immediately make think of all the times I may have laughed at a joke at the extent of someone else or when I was the bunt of the jokes. Children and teenagers can be very cruel to one another without realizing it. The little boy describes all the times he saw the teenager alone, or being laughed at. He also expresses how there were many times he was going to try and hang out with the teen but it always seemed like a bad time. The book ends with the little boy saying, "I'm sorry I never knew your name. I wish we could have been friends."


I think a lot of children and teenagers can relate to this book. I think not only can it be used as a tool to teach about suicide but I think it can also be used as a suicide prevention book. I think it allows teens or children to learn that there is someone in the world, wether you know it or not, that will miss you if you take your own life. I rated this book for upper elementary and teenagers because I think suicide is tough topic to talk about and I am not sure younger children would be able to handle it. 
 

Smoky Night (10/26)

Title: Smoky Night

Author: Eve Bunting

Illustrator: David Diaz

Ages: 6 and up

Type: Picture Book

Rating: 5

Summary: During a night of rioting in Los Angeles,  friendships are made between neighbors who have never got along in the past. The illustrator David Diaz won a Caldecott Award for his collage illustrations in this book.

 

This book is very inspirational and teaches a very important lesson. Daniel, Daniel's mother and Mrs. Kim all mature from the beginning of the book to the end of the book, which is a key element in good literature.  Daniel explains to the audience that his mother, Mrs. Kim, his cat Jasmine and Mrs. Kim's cat have never gotten along in the past. The night the riots broke out both Daniel and Mrs. Kim lost their cats. At the end a fire-fighter brings the cats to the shelter and announces that he found the cats huddled together underneath stairs. At the end of the book Daniel's mother realizes that she never really know Mrs. Kim to make the judgement that she didn't like her, so she introduces herself. That is the beginning of their friendship. I think it is really creative and fun that two different families were brought together by their cats. It's a humorous way to teach the importance of getting to know people judging them.

I also really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. David Diaz's watercolors and collage illustrations paint a beautiful picture. ALl the pictures are all so bright and colorful. 

Fly Away Home (10/12)

Title: Fly Away Home
Author: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Ronald Himler
Ages: 5-10
Type: Controversial Picture book
Rating: 4

Summary: A boy and his father are homeless and spend their days and nights in an airport.

This book represents the harsh realities of life. I feel so many books, TV shows and movies display the perfection of life. The fairytale dipicition of "They lived happily every after." Real life isn't like this and I'm glad that Eve Bunting crosses the boundaries that Disney has set up for children. That is why I enjoyed this book so much because it wasn't a typical story where everything works out perfectly.

In the article, "Outrageous Viewpoints: Teachers' Criteria for Rejecting Works of Children's Literature" the author discusses many teacher's opinions on controversial books. In the article Fly Away Home is discussed One teacher commented, "This book will frighten children. They might be afraid that they will become homeless." Other general comments by teachers were "This book evokes grief and fear for children."

I would have to disagree with all of these reviews. I think children would appreciate the life that they do have after reading this book. For the most part, children reading this book do have a home so reading this book would make then appreciate what their family has instead what they don't have. I know that is how I felt after reading this book. It made me think of the all Christmases when I cried because I didn't get the giant Barbie Girl Doll house that I always put on my Christmas list. Instead of crying I should have been thankful that my parents were able to provide me with a warm bed, food and clothes.

Lastly, this book provides hope. It doesn't leave you thinking that he will be homeless for the rest of his life. The last line in the book states, "Then I remember the bird. It took a while, but a door opened. And when the bird left, when it flew free, I know it was singing." He is talking about how someday his life will turn around, an opportunity will be provided for him or his father and they will fly. Everybody needs a little bit of this hope and inspiration in their life.

And Tango Makes Three (10/12)

Title: And Tango Makes Three

Author: Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Illustrator: Henky Cole

Type: "Controversial" Picture book

Ages: 4-8 

Rating: 4

Summary: Two male penguins fall in love and raise their own baby penguin named Tango. 

The most obvious reason why this book is so controversial is because it is suggesting a homosexual relationship between the two male penguins. Although this may be considered a controversial book, I think it is a very good book. The authors do a very good job at being cautious with their word choice so they do not overexpose children to this sensitive subject of homosexuality. Actually, in the beginning of this book the way the two male penguins Ray and Silo interact I just thought they were best friends. 

This book does a good job at educating children on this sensitive topic. For example it explains in a very simple way Silo and Ray cannot have a penguin baby of their own. It states that they are both males, so therefore they are "fathers" and they need a mother penguin in order make a baby penguin. Overall, I was just really impressed at how the authors could make this  fun, educational, and provide just the right information on the topic of homosexuals without overeducating them on the subject. 

I think most adults would be uncomfortable with this book because they are uncomfortable with homosexuals or the subject of trying to teach their child about homosexuals. But honestly I don't think children would ask that many questions after reading this book. The point that is being made in this book is that Silo, Ray and Tango have the same life as any other family they just have two dads instead of one. 

I also loved at the end of the story their was an author's note stating that this book was based off a true story of two penguins. I never would have thought penguins have real relationships like humans!

The Three Little Pigs (10/12)

Title: The Three Little Pigs

Author: Gavin Bishop 

Ages: 5-8 years old

Type: Fairytale picture book

Rating: 3.5

Summary: The typical story of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf with a little bit of a twist.  

In this story the third little pig tricks the big bad wolf in many different ways and is eventually able to put an end to the big bad wolf. In the traditional book of the Three Little Pigs I remember the wolf climbing in the chimney and the third little pig starting a fire and roasting the wolf, which happens in this version eventually but I never remember the pig having to trick the wolf many times before. I thought this was an interesting twist and I really enjoyed it. 

One review states, 

“Clearly there is no great need for another version, but Bishop - an award-winning New Zealander - does have something new to add to this cornerstone of folklore. His adaptation follows the one by Joseph Jacobs with only minor changes; his pen and watercolour illustrations, however, bring the pigs right into the 90's - with Mrs Pig sending her sons forth from the backyard pool, where they're lounging while she mows the lawn; the wolf equipped with a walkman; the bricks arriving by truck; the third pig ornamenting his new property with a well-tended garden; and dozens of nifty, humorous details. Why not another version, if it's this good? After all, there's no better story.” - The Kirkus Reviews, January 1990

As far as literary elements goes, this book is lacking the characteristics that make a picture book. There is no change and maturation in any characters. The plot and setting are pretty typical and have been repeated many times in different versions of this picture book. Overall, I was mildly impressed with this book. 

Miss Nelson is Missing! (10/12)

Title: Miss Nelson is Missing!
Authors: James Marshall and Harry Allard
Type: Picture Book
Ages: 5-8
Rating: 3

Summary: A miss behaving class learns a lesson from an unruly teacher.

One of the things that makes this a good book is the fact that the students learn and grow throughout the book. Which is something we learned in class, when a character changes from the beginning to the end, it makes the literature better. The children in the beginning did not respect Miss Nelson. A substitute teacher Miss. Swamp, comes in and is extremely rude and strict and forces all the students to behave. When Miss. Nelson returns all the students are very well behaved. The students learned that they took Miss. Nelson for granted and started to respect her.

Another thing I liked about this book was the illustrations. Through out the whole book you assume that the substitute teacher is actually Miss. Nelson in disguise but they never actually say she was. Then  the very last page of the book you see Miss Nelson sitting in her room at home. In the closet is a long black dress, which is what Miss. Swamp wore everyday. Also, there is a box that says wig, which Miss. Swamp had black hair and Miss Nelson has blonde hair. Even though the text does not say it, it can be assumed by the illustrations that Miss. Nelson is indeed Miss. Swamp as well.

A Brother's Grimm Tale-The Lady and the Lion (10/12)

Title: A Brother's Grimm Tale- The Lady and The Lion
Author: Jauqueline K. Ogburn
Illustrator: Laurel Long
Ages: 5-8
Type: Fantasy-picture book
Rating: 3.5

Summary: In order, to save her own father's life, a lady is sent to live with a lion. By mistake, the lady and the lion fall in love. Their love, is put to the test though as an evil woman tries to separate the two lovers. The lady is faced with many obstacles as she fights to prove her love for the lion.


There were a few things I liked about this book and I few things that I did not like. I really liked the unexpected relationship between the lion and the lady. It reminded me of the beauty and the beast. Their love, is present throughout the whole book. I also really liked the illustrations. It was extremely detailed and full of color. I actually think I liked looking at the illustrations more then I liked reading the book.

I did not like how long the book was! I felt like I was reading a novel instead of a children's picture book. There was way too much going on at the same time during the book. The lion was a lion by day and a man by night. But then if he touched light at all while he was a man then he would turn into a dove. It was really confusing to try and keep up. Also it was confusing to me why he would have two spells cast on him. I thought being a lion during the day was a good enough spell. Also, once he turned into the dove then the lady had to follow him for seven years. I thought that was going to be the main problem in the story and then they would have lived "happily ever after." Wrong. Then the evil lady gets a hold of the dove and the lady is filled with a number of obstacles until she is finally reunited with her love. Overall, I just thought there was too much action. I kept expecting the end to come and then another problem would arise. That disengaged me from the book so I didn't enjoy it as much.

Sitting Ducks (10/12)

Title: Sitting Ducks
Author: Michael Bedard
Type: Picture book
Ages: 4-8
Rating: 4

Summary: An unusual friendship develops between a duck and an alligator. The duck tries to save his fellow duck friends in Ducktown from becoming the main course at a local restaurant.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the illustrations. The illustrations are very colorful, bright and detailed. The illustrations also contribute to the story. For example one page says, "As their friendship grew and grew, the alligator thought less and less about eating the duck. They even tried going out together but it proved to be very awkward." If you just read that sentence and did not look at the illustrations you don't understand what would be awkward about it. When you look at the illustrations, you see the duck and alligator are out to eat at a restaurant and the waiter(who is also an alligator) is holding up a sign that says "Today's Special: Duck Soup." Then it becomes clear to the reader why going out was such an awkward experience. That is what makes this a good picture book because the illustrations tell the part of the story that the words did not.



Also, after reading this book I started to do research on it and Michael Bedard. I had no idea that the book turned into a TV series all about the duck and the alligator! I thought that was pretty interesting that the book became so popular that it flourished into a TV show.

"Where's My Blankie?" (10/12)

Title: "Where's My Blankie?"

Author: Anna H. Dickson

Illustrator: Carol Nicklaus

Ages: 4-8

Rating: 5

Type: Picture Book

Summary: This picture book is about Malcolm Monster who is reluctant to go anywhere without his blankie until one day he leaves at his Grandma's house. Malcolm is faced with the struggle of learning how to live his life without his beloved blankie. 

My favorite thing about this book is that it shows how Malcolm matures. In the beginning of the book Malcolm would not go anywhere without his blankie. Even when his parents told him that he should leave the blanket at home because he is a "big monster" he would still bring it anyway. Then he leaves the blanket at his grandma's house and he is without the blanket for a couple of days until his grandma is able to mail it to him. The first day without the blankie Malcolm was waiting around for the mailman and the blankie didn't come. By the second day Malcolm forgets all about this blanket and doesn't even open the package right away when his mother gives him the package. It is nice to read about this little monster growing and maturing. We learned that part of being a good book is having a character that changes and grows from the beginning to the end. That is why I think this book is so good because we watch Malcolm struggle and then mature through the loss of his blankie. 

I also really like this book because I had a blanket when I was a child and I would not go anywhere without it. Mine looked a lot like Malcolm's too. It  was all torn and ripped but I didn't mind. I had a similar experience to Malcolm as well except my mom hid my blanket from me because she thought I was getting too old to have one. At first it was really hard but then gradually day after day I just sort of forgot about it. I think a lot of children and parents can learn and relate to this book. Which always makes it a good book, the fact that readers can make an emotional connection to Malcolm's experience. 

The illustrations also really stood out to me. There is one page where it says. "Malcolm Monster never played anything without his blanket. He played camping out. He played Supermonster." When reading those lines I would assumed that he is just holding the blanket while playing these things. Then you look at the illustrations and you see that the blanket is the prop in both of these games. In camping the blanket is hung from a rope and is used as a tent. In Supermonster  the blanket is hung around his neck and is being used at a cape. 

The Higher Power of Lucky (10/12)

Title: The Higher Power of Lucky

Author: Susan Patron

Illustrator: Matt Phelan

Ages: 6 and up

Type: Novel

Rating: 5

Summary: When Lucky's mother is suddenly killed in a freak accident, Brigitte hops on a plane to Hard Pan to take care of Lucky. Brigitte is from France and until the death of Lucky's mother, had never spoken to, or even met Lucky. Lucky is scared that Brigitte will just leave her and fly back to France. In order to avoid more heart ache, Lucky decides she is going to run away. As Lucky struggles to cope with her mother's death, she searches for it by trying to find her "Higher Power" and  along the way she discovers the importance of trust, friendship and family. 

The symbols and metaphors that are represented in this book is what kept me hooked as a reader. Brigitte had a parsley grinder that she absolutely loved because it reminded her of France and being at home. Every time Lucky sees that parsley grinder you can feel her heart break. She never says what the parsley grinder means to her but you know as a reader it is a constant reminder that Brigitte has no commitment to stay here. Another big symbol in this book is Lucky's mother's urn. The urn represents all the pain and struggle that Lucky has gone through. Since the ashes are still inside it represents Lucky's inability to move on from her mother's death. Finally, one of my favorite symbols is the colors that are represented in this book. At one point Lucky is learning about evolution and how species survived based on survival of the fittest and the traits humans needed were passed down, while the one's we didn't were lost. Lucky gets to thinking and decides that the reason she has blonde hair, fair skin, and fair colored eyes is because she lives in the desert so she was made to blend it. I just thought this was an amazing connection for someone her age to be making. Out of everything in this novel so for some reason that experience really stood out of me. 

Another thing that I really loved about this book was the relationship between Lucky and Lincoln. Lincoln is Lucky's best friend. They would do anything for each other. When reading about their friendship I am reminded of my friend in pre-school, Eric. We were also neighbors so I was at his house all the time and vice versa. When reading this novel you can sense the romantic relationship between them but since they are so young they will never admit it. At that age it is better to just have a best friend then get involved with all the adult mushy gushy romance.

It is also amazing to see the transformation of Lucky from an insecure little girl into a mature young adult. In the beginning of this novel she doesn't trust Brigitte. By the end of the novel she realizes how much Brigitte loves her and sacrificed her own life in order to make sure Lucky was cared for. One of the biggest transformations you discover while reading, is the ups and downs Lucky goes through to cope with her mother's death. In the beginning of the novel Lucky was constantly blaming her mother for not being careful and not thinking. Lucky blames the death of her mother on her mother's carelessness. By the end of the novel Lucky is ready to let go of her mother and even spreads her ashes out over the desert. Lucky is such a dynamite character that you can make a personal connection with. That is what makes this book so good. You can relate to Lucky, or any character in this book.