Nation

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pratchett, T. 2008. NATION. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0061433012.

PLOT SUMMARY
In the aftermath of a devastating tsunami, young Mau, not yet a man, is the only survivor. Left on his own and with seemingly no hope of ever seeing another human being again, imagine Mau’s surprise when he meets a British girl who calls herself Daphne, another sole survivor of a horrible shipwreck. Together, the two must transcend language barriers, rebuild and lead the Nation, and come to grips with a world completely different from anything they’ve ever experienced, all while taking in more and more unexpected refugees and fighting off aggressive intruders. However, their new Nation may not be what it seems, and an ancient secret awaits the two fledgling leaders…

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
NATION, at its heart, is about adolescents becoming adults. This is not an uncommon theme in the young adult genre, but Pratchett manages to find a new and fresh take on the familiar formula and, in the process, creates a fascinating and fully-formed new world in the fictional Nation. Mau and Daphne are both fully-formed characters with all the subtle nuance of humanity; their interaction and chemistry carry the story, and the bond formed between the two, by the book’s end, is truly heartfelt. Their attempts to communicate are not only among the book’s best moments, but encourage understanding between different cultures through mutual codependence and willingness to work together. Mau and Daphne’s struggle for survival seems absolutely realistic, and both are pushed to extremes they have never thought possible for the survival of their new Nation; Mau’s frantic attempts to milk a wild pig are especially memorable. The book as a whole hinges on a large-scale plot twist that occurs towards the end, but fortunately, the twist is handled well, and although it is pure fantasy, it seems downright plausible in the world that Pratchett has created, giving the entire story a deeper meaning. An excellent and original work that warrants repeat readings.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST starred review: “Quirky wit and broad vision make this a fascinating survival story on many levels.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The main characters are engaging and interesting, and are the perfect medium for the author's sly humor.”
HORN BOOK starred review: “It is hard to imagine a reader who won't feel welcomed into this nation.”

CONNECTIONS
*This is a story of survival, and encourages greater examination of human will. Invite the class to share their own survival stories. Consider expanding these stories into original fiction as a class.
*Other books about the human will to survive in extreme circumstances:
Editors of People Magazine. AMAZING STORIES OF SURVIVAL. ISBN 1933405244
Griffith, Cary. LOST IN THE WILD. ISBN 0873515897
Doeden, Matt. TRAPPED IN A CANYON!: AARON RALSTON’S STORY OF SURVIVAL. ISBN 0736867759

The Graveyard Book

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman, N. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060530944.

PLOT SUMMARY
When the notorious killer, Jack, claims his latest victims, he accidentally allows their infant son to escape… straight into the nearest graveyard. There, he is adopted by the ghostly Owens family, and raised by supernatural residents of the cemetery. Dubbed Nobody by his new parents, because “he looks like nobody but himself,” the boy is taught everything there is to know about being a specter by his new clan. But when life outside comes knocking in the form of a young girl named Scarlett, Nobody “Bod” Owens is drawn back into the world of the living, where he must confront his past and his family’s killer—a killer who, incidentally, is still looking for the boy who got away!

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
THE GRAVEYARD BOOK is Gaiman’s Newbery Award-winning follow-up to the critically-acclaimed CORALINE, and readers experienced with the latter can expect more of the same macabre sentimentality and strange-but-endearing characters here. The story of Nobody Owens is told through short stories, taking place at intervals of once every few years. This narrative style allows the reader to follow the complete growth of Bod from infant to adolescent, without ever dragging or seeming overlong. Gaiman’s unique voice manages to convey deeply mature themes such as death, murder, and the supernatural, in a way that is accessible to younger readers without being too much for their parents to stomach. While those familiar with Gaiman’s previous works, such as STARDUST and the aforementioned CORALINE may spot a recurring pattern in the book’s coming-of-age story and offbeat characters, it is a proven formula, and this may be its strongest iteration yet. Additionally, the book deals with themes such as finding personal identity, the search for self, and discovering one’s place in an adoptive family, all of which are positive messages for younger readers who may well be coping with the same issues in their daily lives.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Winner: Newbery Award
BOOKLIST starred review: “There is plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS starred review: “this needs to be read by anyone who is or has ever been a child.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Gaiman has created a rich, surprising, and sometimes disturbing tale of dreams, ghouls, murderers, trickery, and family.”

CONNECTIONS
*Bod has an incredibly unorthodox family; this book is an effective lead-in to discussions about diversity in the home.
*Other critically-acclaimed fantasy novels by Gaiman:
Gaiman, Neil. STARDUST. ISBN 0061689246
Gaiman, Neil. CORALINE. ISBN 0380977788
Gaiman, Neil. M IS FOR MAGIC. ISBN 0061186473

The Odyssey (graphic novel)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hinds, G. 2010. THE ODYSSEY. Somerville, MA: Candlewick. ISBN 0763642681.

PLOT SUMMARY
After the fall of Troy, Odysseus is left with the deceptively difficult task of simply making it home to his love, Penelope. When Poseidon takes notice of Odysseus after blinding his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus, he takes it upon himself to personally torment the poor hero, throwing him and his men into an epic adventure across the sea that is to last a full decade. As Odysseus determinedly attempts to make his way home, he must thwart the Poseidon’s various attempts to destroy him, escape the dreaded Sirens, and even journey through the underworld, in the ultimate test of will and the human spirit.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Homer’s Odyssey is painstakingly and accurately recreated in 250 pages of stunning, fully-painted art, in one of the most ambitious graphic novel adaptations of all time. Hinds is the master of the graphic novel epic, having played a large part in pioneering it as a form through his previous efforts, including BEOWULF and KING LEAR. That being said, his expertise is on full display, and THE ODYSSEY may be his strongest effort yet—at very least, it is his longest and most ambitious. Hinds prides himself on the accuracy of his works, declaring confidently that his ODYSSEY is “based on several different translations,” and “extremely faithful to the original text.” Despite his flair for accuracy, though, Hinds never allows the language in his graphic novels to speak over the heads of his target audience, and strikes the same balance of accessibility and faithfulness that made his Graphic Shakespeare series such a success—even for those who can’t read verse. Make no mistake, this is the most accessible the Odyssey has ever been, and is a perfect introduction for younger readers to one of the greatest stories ever told.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST starred review: “The mythic trials have seldom felt more grueling or genuine.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Hinds's work will be a welcome addition for fans of Homer's original work and for newcomers to this classic story.”
HORN BOOK starred review: “A timeless long-ago past comes alive in these images of gods and heroes, monsters and enchantresses.”

CONNECTIONS
*Hinds’ graphic novels can be used to introduce readers to many classic legends, as well as Shakespeare.
*Graphic novel adaptations of classic works by Hinds and others:
Hinds, Gareth. BEOWULF. ISBN 0763630233
Hinds, Gareth. KING LEAR. ISBN 0763643440
McDonald, John. MACBETH: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL. ISBN 1906332444
McDonald, John. ROMEO AND JULIET: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL. ISBN 1906332622

Review: Turtle in Paradise

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Holm, Jennifer. 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. New York: Random House. ISBN 0375836888

PLOT SUMMARY
It is 1935, and with the Great Depression in full swing, times are tough. It is here that we meet Turtle, a tough-as-nails eleven-year-old girl, who can’t stand other kids. When her mother’s new employer shares these sentiments and forces her to choose between her daughter and her job, Turtle is sent to Key West to stay with her Aunt Minerva and, much to her chagrin, her male cousins. Turtle’s new life turns out to be far more exciting than she expected, though, and soon, she is hunting smuggler’s treasure, dealing with the nefarious Diaper Gang (her cousins’ all-boys babysitting society), and trying to solve the mystery of a lifetime.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
As with many Depression-era stories, this one deals with the concept of escapism; from an old life, from the mundane, and from the Great Depression itself. What differentiates Holm’s work from others of its type, however, is character. Turtle herself is immensely likeable, if a little rough around the edges, and she almost immediately becomes an engaging protagonist for this type of fish out of water tale. Holm’s writing manages to straddle the fine line between authenticity and readability, which is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Turtle, although clearly a product of the 1930s, is relatable to readers of all ages, achieving a fine balance between sarcasm and sincerity. Tertiary details, particularly the prevalence of Shirley Temple, are a welcome addition to the story, adding greatly to the book’s strong sense of immersion. Holm manages to make the Great Depression seem real; not as a period of complete sadness, but as something that people persevere through together, finding good times where they can and coming together when they have to. In doing so, she has crafted one of the most sincere, believable, and most of all, human accounts of Depression-era life available in the historical fiction genre.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST starred review: “the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with a dollop of adventure.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Readers who enjoy melodic, humorous tales of the past won't want to miss it.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Infused with period pop culture references, a strong sense of place, and the unique traditions and culture of Key West natives…”

CONNECTIONS:
* This book would make an excellent lead-in to a unit on the Great Depression, as it humanizes the people of the time and demands further exploration as a class.
*Other books dealing with life in the Great Depression:
Lied, Kate. POTATO: A TALE FROM THE GREAT DEPRESSION. ISBN 0792269462
Moss, Marissa. ROSE’S JOURNAL: THE STORY OF A GIRL IN THE GREAT DEPRESSION. ISBN 0152046054
Sorenson, Margo. NOTHING IS FOR FREE. ISBN 0789102307

Review: Elijah of Buxton

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curtis, Christopher P. 2007. ELIJAH OF BUXTON. New York, Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439023440.

PLOT SUMMARY
Elijah is the first free child born of runaway slaves in Buxton, Canada. Labeled “fragile” for his tendency to cry, Elijah once made quite the impression on one Frederick Douglas, by vomiting on him—a fact that his friends and family are quick to remind him of. Elijah lives something of a charmed life in Canada, until the theft of his friend Mr. Leroy’s freedom fund, which is intended to buy passage for his family back in the United States, is stolen. This kicks off a journey to the States for Elijah, and into the former lives of his parents, as he pursues the thief. There, he is subject to the rigors of life as a second-class citizen, as he comes to know first-hand why he was born in Buxton, and how not to be “fragile.”

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Elijah narrates his own story, and in doing so, will immediately form a close bond with most readers. A charming, endearing, and deceptively brave lead character, he forms the perfect lens through which to observe a seldom talked-about period in history; the lives of free former slaves across the Canadian border. Curtis manages to find the inner voice of a character in Elijah who, despite his fictitious origins, seems real, and is entirely too easy to become attached to. The world of Buxton is fully-realized, and demands further inquiry, perhaps even its own series. Additionally, Elijah’s philosophy and Buxton-style witticisms are welcome, refreshing, and charming diversions from the main plotline, serving to lighten the mood and provide additional characterization. While the book may be criticized by some for its flighty narrative, one must keep in mind that the inner thoughts of a young boy are seldom linear.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Newbery Honor Book
BOOKLIST starred review: “Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense...”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “many readers, young and old, will finish and say, "This is one of the best books I have ever read."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “The powerful ending is violent and unsettling, yet also manages to be uplifting.”

CONNECTIONS:
* This title’s first-person narrative is an ideal lead-in to journal writing as a class. Make Elijah’s life observations teachable by asking students to record some of their own after each session.
*Other books dealing with slavery and the Civil War
Hopkinson, Deborah. FROM SLAVE TO SOLDIER: BASED ON A TRUE CIVIL WAR STORY. ISBN 0689839669
Allen, Thomas. HARRIET TUBMAN, SECRET AGENT: HOW DARING SLAVES AND FREE BLACKS SPIED FOR THE UNION DURING THE CIVIL WAR. ISBN 0792278895
Murphy, Jim. THE BOYS WAR: CONFEDERATE AND UNION SOLDIERS TALK ABOUT THE CIVIL WAR. ISBN 0395664128

Review: Catherine, Called Birdy

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 1995. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. New York, Harper Collins. ISBN 0064405842.

PLOT SUMMARY
Birdy, an unfortunate denizen of medieval England, finds herself doubly unfortunate when her father sets about to finding her a potential husband. While she does not rule out the possibility of marriage some day, each of her suitors is worse than the last. Using her fine acting skills and a little bit of trickery, Birdy manages to repulse each… that is, of course, until the arrival of the equally repulsive Shaggy Beard, her most unappealing, and also her richest, suitor to date. Can Birdy avoid a nightmare of a life as Shaggy Beard’s wife, or is her latest suitor too much for even her to handle? Find out in Karen Cushman’s Newberry Award-winning masterpiece.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Written as a journal, the first thing one will notice in Cushman’s work is the immense level of detail. Medieval life is documented with startling accuracy; furthermore, this factual information is presented not as a history lesson, but as a way of life, as interesting as it is intricate. Birdy herself is an immensely likeable protagonist, one whom the reader will support wholeheartedly from the start, triumphing along with her as she thwarts the advances of her father’s hand-picked suitors. She is a powerful female lead and an excellent role model, a brave girl who stands up for herself in an age when women were property. Of course, this would all be for naught if Cushman’s narrative fell short. However, as with virtually any book bearing the Newbery Award on its cover, one can approach this title with confidence, knowing that this is hardly the case. Cushman presents an engaging, exciting, dramatic read, with a strong female lead and historical accuracy to spare.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Newbery Honor Book
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “A feminist far ahead of her time, [Birdy] is both believable and lovable.”
BOOKLIST review: “Birdy's is the only real voice. Fortunately, it's a sprightly voice, complete with its own brand of cursing ("God's thumbs!"), that moves the action."
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “at once comic and thought-provoking, this first novel is a delight.”

CONNECTIONS:
* This title is a quintessential work of feminist literature, and a cornerstone of any unit involving women in books
*Other Karen Cushman books about the lives of women in difficult times
Cushman, Karen. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. ISBN 006440630X.
Cushman, Karen. MATILDA BONE. ISBN 0440418224

Book Review: Mr. Sam

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Blumenthal, Karen. 2011. MR. SAM: HOW SAM WALTON BUILT WALMART AND BECAME AMERICA’S RICHEST MAN. New York: Viking Juvenile. ISBN 0670011770

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Sam Walton was a remarkable man who pioneered a remarkable business model, creating the biggest and most successful retail chain the world has ever known. In Karen Blumenthal’s Mr. Sam, she takes us through his journey from rags to riches, and everywhere in between, in Mr. Walton’s pursuit of the American Dream. Supplemented by plenty of visuals, including black-and white photos, charts and graphs, and even a silly cartoon or two, Blumenthal sets out to make the world of business accessible and fun for children.

Blumenthal distills Walmart’s business philosophy into terms that are accessible to a young audience, making sense of the corporate world and those that operate it in a way that they can understand. Underneath the somewhat controversial superstore, there is a very human story of American triumph in the face of adversity, one which makes it seem attainable by anyone. Readers are invited to watch Mr. Sam’s Walmart grow from a single Ben Franklin variety store in Arkansas to an entire country of Walmart, reminded all along of the virtues of hard work, determination, and most importantly, a clever business model.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Blumenthal exercises her considerable strength as a writer to craft a narrative that younger readers will easily understand, even when dealing with such complex concepts as business growth and distribution of income. The ample charts provide useful visual aids for readers still learning charts and graphs, and help to make sense of some of the more advanced aspects of a book that, at its core, is about economics as much as it is about people.
Black-and-white shots, interspersed liberally throughout the text, give the history surrounding Walmart a sense of humanity and realism. However, while the book does thoroughly cover Sam Walton’s business pursuits, it is somewhat sparse in information about his life away from work.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
NEW YORK TIMES review: “Smart, funny, full of good stories and telling detail…”
BOOKLIST review: “… compelling reading—particularly for would-be entrepreneurs.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Invite children to work in groups designing their own businesses, complete with business plans.

*Other works of business-related literature by Blumenthal:
Blumenthal, Karen. THE WALL STREET JOURNAL GUIDE TO STARTING YOUR FINANCIAL LIFE. ISBN 030740708X
Blumenthal, Karen. STEVE JOBS: THE MAN WHO THOUGHT DIFFERENT. ISBN 125001445X.

Book Review: Bodies from the Ice:

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Deem, James. 2008. BODIES FROM THE ICE: MELTING GLACIERS AND THE RECOVERY OF THE PAST. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 061880045X

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Glaciers are equal parts majesty and mystery, enthralling observers not only through their sheer magnitude, but for the secrets they conceal. In Bodies from the Ice, author James Deem teaches children about the mysterious and powerful glaciers, and, through recent scientific discoveries, what life must have been like in this harsh terrain thousands of years ago. Supported by beautiful, full-color photographic imagery on each page, Deem takes readers on a breathtaking journey through Niederjoch Glacier, and the enigmatic peoples who once inhabited it.

The third in his series of Bodies books, Deem’s latest work on the frozen tundra of Neiderjoch chronicles the discovery of Otzi, a 5,300-year-old frozen mummy—the oldest of its kind—and how this discovery has shaped our understanding of a long-lost people. In doing so, Deem provides a lively and thoroughly informative look at living in extreme temperatures, and how this impacts the lives of the people living there. The Neiderjoch Glacier, both stunning and deadly, adorns many pages of Bodies from the Ice, and provides a visceral backdrop for the mystery within; a society that, even today, we still do not fully understand.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Deem is adept at using imagery to further a narrative, and Bodies from the Ice proves no exception. Footage of Neiderjoch, compelling in its clarity, guides the reader along and provides a sense of both realism and magnitude, offering an almost three-dimensional experience. While Deem does not shy away from speaking directly to his audience about death, he does so in a tone that is frank and accessible to a younger audience. Some of the photographs, especially one of mummified children, may, however, be a little graphic for children in the earlier grades. Nevertheless, Bodies from the Ice is clearly written from an informed perspective, conveying factual information concisely and with a solid sense of credibility. Deem’s third effort proves a worthy addition to the critically-acclaimed Bodies series.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
KIRKUS REVIEWS starred review: "An intriguing read, complementing the author’s highly commended Bodies from the Bog (1998) and Bodies from the Ash (2005), with a bonus environmental message..."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred review: “With its extensive bibliography, suggested Web sites, and a listing of glaciers to visit, Bodies is a fantastic resource.”
BOOKLIST review: "There are books about melting glaciers and books about frozen bodies, but this attractive offering combines the topics in a way that will intrigue readers.”


5. CONNECTIONS
*Other books in the Bodies series:
Deem, James. BODIES FROM THE ASH: LIFE AND DEATH IN ANCIENT POMPEII. ISBN 0618473084
Deem, James. BODIES FROM THE BOG. ISBN 0618354026
Other accessibly-written books on glaciers:
Brimner, Larry. GLACIERS. ISBN 0516271911.
Simon, Seymour. ICEBERGS AND GLACIERS. ISBN 0688167055.

Book Review: Charles Darwin (Giants of Science)

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen. 2010. CHARLES DARWIN. Ill. by Boris Kulikov. New York: Viking Children’s. ISBN 0670063355.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Charles Darwin has attained legendary status in scientific and nonscientific circles alike, but what about the man behind the theory? Charles Darwin himself was a fascinating person, who went public with the theory of evolution at great personal risk. Krull takes the reader on a journey through Darwin’s childhood, to his journey on the H.M.S. Beagle, and back home, where he lived for a further twenty years before he would publish the Origin of Species.

Charles Darwin, another entry in Krull’s critically acclaimed Giants of Science series, brings to light the real life of a real man who just happened to revolutionize science as we know it. Darwin grows, throughout the book, from an underachieving student whose headmaster once “humiliated him in front of the entire school for wasting his time,” to the revered (and reviled) Father of Evolution that we know today. Krull’s accessible writing and clever narrative once again bring a true Giant of Science to life for young readers.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Krull speaks frankly and concisely to her readers about mature topics such as controversy, risk, and intellectual censorship, helping to make these concepts accessible and engaging to young readers. Krull’s Giants of Science series is known for its ability to make historical figures relatable, and Darwin is no exception. Krull makes good use of credible resources in crafting an accurate narrative that also entertains. While Kulikov’s pen-and-ink artwork is never pivotal to the overall purpose of the book, it does serve to add a welcome and aesthetically-appealing visual aid that in no way detracts from the experience.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST starred review: “…this succinct offering will be an excellent resource for contemporary, classroom discussions..”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Krull does a fabulous job at making Darwin real, from boyhood to adulthood.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Invite children to work in groups designing their own ecosystems, and the animals that inhabit them.
*Other books in the Giants of Science series:
Krull, Kathleen. ISAAC NEWTON. ISBN 0142408204.
Krull, Kathleen. ALBERT EINSTEIN. ISBN 0670063320.
Krull, Kathleen. LEONARDO DA VINCI: GIANTS OF SCIENCE #1. ISBN 067005920X.

Book Review: Hallowilloween: Nefarious Silliness from Calef Brown

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brown, Calef. 2010. HALLOWILLOWEEN: NEFARIOUS SILLINESS FROM CALEF BROWN. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 0547215401

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In HALLOWILLOWEEN, author Calef Brown presents a collection of spooky-funny poems and paintings, featuring a wild and wacky cast of Halloween characters. Each of these characters, from Jack the Werewolf, to the infamous “Vumpire” (a vampire umpire), to the dreaded Oompachupa Loompacabra, gives a fun and humorous twist to the traditional monsters, and are sure to thrill and delight young readers. HALLOWILLOWEEN is seasonal poetry at its finest, giving children Calef Brown’s signature wacky laughs in the framework of everything that makes Halloween frightfully fun for gradeschoolers.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
At its heart, HALLOWILLOWEEN is trademark Calef Brown, and those who are already a fan of his work will know what to find here. Each two-page spread features one picture of the central character, and a poem describing who they are as individuals in a funny and amusing way. The poems are fast-paced and catchy, featuring such snappy lines as the mummy’s “I slipped up and tripped on the edge of my crypt,” which are perfect examples of the rapid-fire rhyming that has made Calef Brown such a staple. The poems read well, and the twisted perspective Brown takes with each of his characters removes them from the pool of Halloween clichés into the territory of true originality. Monsters such as the chocolate-wielding Oompachupa Loompacabra will elicit a chuckle from even the most jaded adult, and thrill younger audiences.

The paintings accompanying each poem are no less worthy of note than the poems themselves. Done in Calef Brown’s signature exaggerated, cartoony style, each illustration provides ample characterization for its source creature. For example, the aforementioned mummy is slipping and sliding in his painting, with a look of clumsy bewilderment on his face, simultaneously adding character while providing a humorous visual aid for the reader. Brown’s style of art truly draws the reader in to his fractured worlds, where wackiness abounds, and each character is a shocking reversal of the reader’s preconceived notions. One needs only to look at the cover, into the orange cat’s mischievous jack-o-lantern grin, to see what’s in store.

HALLOWILLOWEEN will ideally be used for grades 3-5, as younger children may not understand the poetry or the rhyme schemes, and may be frightened by a few of Brown’s more absurd or spooky creations. Those in the proper age range, however, will find a vibrant and colorful world, filled with charismatic spooks and hilarious scenarios. Calef Brown has a reputation and a gift for unlocking the absurdity of the world around him through his unique writing style and artistic vision; in HALLOWILLOWEEN, he does not disappoint.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
KIRKUS REVIEWS starred review: “Nefariously silly indeed.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred review: "Young readers will relish the wordplay and find themselves torn to choose a favorite among this wacky menagerie.."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: "Brown delivers satisfyingly off-kilter rhymes."

5. CONNECTIONS
*This book is well-suited to Halloween reading assignments, and Halloween-themed English lessons. Have your students compose their own spooky poems!
*Other books of Halloween-themed poetry:
Wing, Natasha. THE NIGHT BEFORE HALLOWEEN. ISBN 0448419653
Horton, Joan. HALLOWEEN HOOTS AND HOWLS. ISBN 031238016X
Sklansky, Amy. SKELETON BONES AND GOBLIN GROANS. ISBN 080507046X

Book Review: One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sones, Sonya. 2004. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689858205

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Ruby, a precocious and intellectually-gifted fifteen-year-old, has just lost her mother to cancer. Following her mother’s death, she is forced to move to Los Angeles to live with her absentee movie star father, Whip Logan. In doing so, she leaves behind her friends, her boyfriend, and all she’s ever known, embarking on a new and unexpected journey through life and the grieving process. Her life in L.A. is filled with new friends, like her father’s assistant, Max, and new adventures, like the earthquake in the grand finale. Through it all, Ruby presses on with wit and charm, getting past each day in a new and unfamiliar environment, ultimately discovering that the sweet embrace of home may be closer than she thinks.

3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sones’ novel deals primarily with the grief and healing process of losing a close family member, in this case the protagonist’s mother. Ruby’s journey of self-discovery in a world without her mother is poignant without being needlessly sorrowful—the character has a genuine desire to flourish in her new life, and it shows. Although the true horror of losing a parent is felt throughout the novel, Ruby’s perseverance, tenacity, and even humor make this anything but a depressing read. Sones shows young readers that there is more to the grieving process than simply how much a person cries, and this book could be valuable solace for anyone who’s ever been in Ruby’s shoes.

From a poetic perspective, Sones is incredibly talented, stringing together a complex and emotionally involving narrative almost entirely from blank verse. E-mail exchanges between Ruby and her friends serve as cutaways, and although these are considerably less poetically-charged, they serve as an important characterization device for Ruby where it pertains to the friends she left behind. The language throughout is accessible to the book’s target age range, and may even serve as a stepping stone for future experiences with Shakespeare and other noted authors of blank verse. Sones speaks to her audience without ever condescending, despite the high-mindedness of her form, and ultimately leaves behind a legacy of knowing, emotionally-welcoming literature.

For anyone, young or old, who has lost a parent or someone close, ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS can be a sympathetic companion, as it speaks from a perspective of knowing empathy. In situations like Ruby’s, it is normal to feel trapped and not know who to turn to. Sones takes great pains to let these readers know that they are not alone, providing a compelling read that centers around a truly memorable character. In the end, this book is anything but hideous, guiding the reader as it guides its lead character through an experience that, ultimately, no one is ready for.


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST starred review: “A satisfying, moving novel.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred review: "This is not just another one of those gimmicky novels written in poetry."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: "A winning portrayal of a teenage girl’s loves and losses."

5. CONNECTIONS
*This book serves as a fitting companion for units on the subject of coping with loss.
*Ruby’s life is narrated through poetry. After reading the book, have your students write poems of their own about day-to-day occurrences.
*Other books about coping with loss:
Peterson, Katherine. BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA. ISBN 0060734019
Portis, Charles. TRUE GRIT. ISBN 0848833104

Book Review: Button Up!: Wrinkled Rhymes

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schertle, Alice. 2009. BUTTON UP!: WRINKLED RHYMES. Ill. by Petra Mathers. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 0152050507

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In a zany collection of animals-with-clothing poetry, author Alice Schertle gives children an interesting read about how clothing and personality can work together. Each poem throughout the book centers on an animal who has been paired with a piece of clothing, such as Violet’s Hiking Hat, Bertie’s Shoelaces, and Clyde’s Costume, who, in a fun twist, double as the book’s narrators. Together, each animal/clothing pair has a story to tell, and they do so through a lively combination of simple-but-engaging poetry and beautiful illustrations.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
One of the first things to note about this title is that the poetry is very kid-friendly. Rhyme schemes typically follow the ABAB and AABB formats (i.e., “Good old Bertie,/ he lets us hang around./ It doesn’t bother Bertie,/ when we drag along the ground.”), and the vocabulary in each is quite accessible. The animals and clothing have a symbiotic relationship as far as characterization is concerned; Violet’s hat is interesting because she’s wearing it, and Violet herself is interesting because the hiking hat gives her something to do. Each of the poems is simple, but engaging, and although the book could be criticized for being a tad repetitive in its format, it rarely drags. Each animal/clothing pairing is carefully chosen, and for the most part, they work well for generating narrative-style poetry.

Artistically, illustrator Petra Mathers does a phenomenal job giving this book its own unique feel, using a style of art that, while firmly based in pencil and water-color, almost looks like a collage. Each of the animals exudes personality, and each piece of clothing has been drawn to practically be a character unto itself. Given the narrative style of BUTTON UP, the illustrations are tasked with telling a large part of the story. Fortunately, they do not disappoint; Mathers’ art is always vivacious, and there are often several pictures per page. The font, which resembles legible handwriting, is truly appropriate for the text, leading the reader’s eye through an engaging layout that hops freely around the page.

For its intended audience (K-2), a teacher could ask for little more than a volume of poetry this lively and well-written. The poems themselves are a pleasure to read, and the vocabulary is for the most part grade appropriate. Every character/clothing combination is simultaneously engaging and memorable, despite only being given one page each. Easy to recommend and difficult to dislike, BUTTON UP is a worthy part of any early elementary poetry library.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
HORN BOOK starred review: “The art perfectly reflects the contagiously rhythmic, playful verse.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred review: "Playful spreads and spot art suit the snappy verses beautifully."
BOOKLIST starred review: "The whole is a clever and original poetic treat."

5. CONNECTIONS
*This book is a perfect companion for theatre arts activities involving characterization through clothing, and other exercises involving the relationship between costume and character.
*Other books of fun and humorous animal poetry:
Hollander, John. POETRY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: ANIMAL POEMS.. ISBN 1402709269
Carle, Eric. ERIC CARLE’S ANIMALS ANIMALS. ISBN 0698118553
Prelutsky, Jack. THE CARNIVAL OF ANIMALS. ISBN 037586458X

Review: Swamp Angel

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Isaacs, Anne, 1994. SWAMP ANGEL. Ill. by Paul Zelinsky. New York: Dutton. ISBN 0525452710

2. PLOT SUMMARY
SWAMP ANGEL tells the story of Angelica Longrider, a young girl destined to become a folk hero in the vein of Paul Bunyan and Pecos Bill. A gargantuan bear by the name of Thundering Tarnation is marauding through Tennessee, instilling fear in the hearts of all who come across it. Enter Longrider, also known as Swamp Angel; the greatest (and hugest) woodswoman Tennessee has ever seen. Above the doubts of her fellow citizens, Swamp Angel is determined to take down Thundering Tarnation, and the ensuing battle between the two would shake both heaven and Earth. In the end, and with much collateral damage, Swamp Angel is victorious, throwing Thundering Tarnation up into the night sky, where he can still be seen to this day.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Anne Isaacs’ SWAMP ANGEL is an engaging and original tale in the vein of classic folk stories of old. In Longrider, the titular character, Isaacs creates a protagonist that is at once endearing and powerful; a positive role model for all female readers. Many recurring folktale themes are present in SWAMP ANGEL, including a larger-than-life hero facing down a larger-than-life adversary, and the inevitable clash of the elements in an epic final showdown. Isaacs’ narration style is full of the wonderful hyperbole one might expect from a folk tale, and Swamp Angel, despite being a relatively modern character, seems right at home with Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, and the rest of the greats. Zelinsky’s art, lovingly painted and full of warm colors, helps give the story the feeling of an age bygone, where magic and the surreal effortlessly intermingle with reality.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "Buy for a great guffaw in small groups or one-on-one.."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: "An impressive picture-book debut."

5. CONNECTIONS
*This book can be a valuable companion piece for a unit on telling and inventing tall tales, perhaps as a template for an assignment on writing tall tales as a class.
*Other tall tales:
Osborne, Mary. AMERICAN TALL TALES. ISBN 0679800891
Kellogg, Steven. PECOS BILL. ISBN 0688099246
Kellogg, Steven. PAUL BUNYAN: 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION. ISBN 0688058000

Review: Three Little Pigs (Picturebook Classics)

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Davidson, Susanna, 2008. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Ill. by Georgien Overwater. London: Usborne. 079452253X

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Davidson’s THREE LITTLE PIGS is a charming, modern adaptation of the classic tale. The three little pigs, brothers Pinky and Percy, along with their sister, Poppy, have decided that they are too large for their current home and will be needing a new one. They set about to building a new house for themselves, but, as usual, out to ruin their day is the Big Bad Wolf, who just so happens to have a penchant for blowing down new houses in search of dinner. After they lose their first attempts at a house, the third, and most clever pig, Poppy, is finally able to outwit the Big Bad Wolf, winning herself and her brothers a very happy ending in their new house.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Davidson’s THREE LITTLE PIGS is somewhat of a progressive adaptation, featuring a female pig in the central role, who just so happens to be the smartest and most resourceful of the three. This is a refreshing change of pace, and adds some much-needed character to one of the most well-known and predictable fairytales. In keeping with its modern style, Davidson’s writing is simultaneously lively and exuberant, conveying loud and clear that, although this is still the story of the three little pigs, it is ready to exist and be relevant in a contemporary classroom.

Overwater’s illustrations contain just the right amount of playful imagination, casting a familiar tale in a world full of bright colors and exuberant action. The pigs themselves are well-designed and charismatic, and the wolf appears tame enough so as not to scare younger readers. Overwater’s style is lively and robust, easily able to convey the story wordlessly if necessary, and a major positive mark for THREE LITTLE PIGS on the whole.

Make no mistake, however, this is certainly the three little pigs of 2008, and not a word-by-word recreation of the usual story. Those expecting a completely faithful re-creation may want to look elsewhere. However, Davidson’s attempts to add characterization to the stock pigs and wolf bring life to the story, and the character of Poppy is a positive role model for young girls.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
GOODREADS review: " This modernization of the classic tale is appropriate for independent beginning readers or one-on-one.."
CHILD EDUCATION PLUS review: "Irresistible for children learning to read."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Other modernized fairy/folktales:
Davidson, Susanna. GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS. ISBN 0794522513
Schwitters, Kurt. LUCKY HANS AND OTHER MERZ FAIRYTALES (ODDLY MODERN FAIRYTALES). ISBN 0691139679
Scieszka, John. THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. ISBN 0794522513

Review: Baba Yaga: A Russian Folktale

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kimmel, Eric, 1991. BABA YAGA: A RUSSIAN FOLKTALE. Ill. by Megan Lloyd. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 082340854x

2. PLOT SUMMARY
BABA YAGA is a Russian folktale cut from the same mold as classics such as Snow White and Hansel and Gretel. An honest tradesman, who happens to be a widower, lives alone with his beautiful daughter, Marina. Beautiful, that is, if it weren’t for the huge horn growing from the center of her forehead. When her father remarries, Marina’s new step mother and step sister turn out to be her worst nightmare. When her father leaves on business and does not return, Marina is sent by her evil stepmother into the clutches of the Auntie in the Forest, a witch by the name of Baba Yaga. On her way, Marina befriends a small frog, whose advice helps her not only to escape the witch, but to remove her horn as well. In the end, due to good fortune and kindness to small creatures, Marina is rewarded, while her evil step sister is left to reap the “rewards” of a wish gone awry—a horn of her own, to wear until the end of her days.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story possesses a style of writing that is simultaneously whimsical and dark. Some of the suspense is genuine, but by the end of the story, the plot is wrapped up squarely in the favor of the virtuous, while evil-doers are punished. Many thematic elements are shared between the tale of Baba Yaga, and more widely-known Western fairytales such as Snow White, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel. Lloyd’s illustrations are plain—done in watercolor—but expressive, and stylistically, they serve Kimmel’s adaptation well. The past-tense, fairytale-style narrative of Kimmel’s writing lends his version of the tale of Baba Yaga a sense of authenticity, allowing it a timeless quality.


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST review: "Folktale lovers will relish this lively version."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: "This engrossing story is both fanciful and suspenseful."

5. CONNECTIONS
*This story is excellent October reading that would lend itself well to any unit involving spooky, Halloween-appropriate literature.
*Other folktales/fairytales with similar themes:
Rylant, Cynthia. HANSEL AND GRETEL. ISBN 1423111869
Grimm, Jakob. Grimm, Wilhelm. SNOW WHITE: A TALE FROM THE BROTHER GRIMM. ISBN 1402771576
Brown, Marshall. CINDERELLA. ISBN 0689814747
Mayer, Marianna. BABA YAGA AND VASILISA THE BRAVE. ISBN 0688085008

A Sick Day for Amos McGee Review:

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stead, Philip C.. 2010. A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE. Ill. by Erin Stead. New York: Roaring Book Press. ISBN: 1596434023

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In A Sick Day for Amos McGee, the titular character always has time for his animal friends at the zoo. He helps them with their daily activities—running races with the tortoise, reading with the bookish owl, and more—and is the type of person who would never miss a day. That is, until he gets too sick to come to the zoo, in which case his animal friends decide to throw him the mother of all sick days, and bring their unique brand of lively activity straight to his house!

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
At its heart, A Sick Day for Amos McGee is about the strength of friendships, and the unspoken bond between people (and animals) who enjoy each other’s company. The Steads, Philip and Erin, seem to understand this better than anyone, and share a vision where both the illustrations and the text are filled with the warmth that only forms between two very close friends. It conveys its message, that friends are there for and care for one another, very well, and in a way that children will have no trouble understanding or enjoying.

The lightly-colored, soft visuals in A Sick Day for Amos McGee draw the viewer in without overpowering their senses. Each illustration is silky smooth, and loaded with expressive detail, which only aids the solid storytelling. The message is well-meaning without being heavy-handed, and a welcome one at that in an age where friendships are becoming increasingly digital, and most would feel they’ve done their part by simply expressing sympathy over Facebook as opposed to visiting a sick friend in person, bringing good cheer.

The book features loads of fun interaction between Amos and his animals, often in fun and humorous ways. The positive message of being loyal to one’s friends is handled with care, and a valuable lesson. A fun, engaging book that teaches consideration and kindness, while promoting strong friendships.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Winner—Caldecott Medal (2010)
LIBRARY VOICE review: " The effect is a sense of being enveloped, or better yet, being hugged."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "It doesn’t parrot anyone, and when you read it you feel like you’ve know the book your whole life."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Can be related to sharing activities about friendship and loyalty
*Is an excellent companion piece to lessons about empathy/understanding between humans and animals
*Other books about zoo life come to life:
Van Allsburg, Chris. JUMANJI. ISBN 0395304482
Aliki. MY VISIT TO THE ZOO. ISBN 006446217X

Where the Wild Things Are Review:

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sendak, Maurice. 1963.WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE. Ill. by Maurice Sendak. United States: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN: 0064431789

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Where the Wild Things Are, a beloved classic and one of the quintessential picture books of the last century, Maurice Sendak doubles as author and illustrator to deliver one of the all-time great stories of childlike imaginatoion. Max, the story’s rebellious protagonist, has just been sentenced to his room for being too much of a wild thing. Suddenly, Max’s imagination literally comes pouring into his bedroom like an ocean, transporting him to the mythical land of the Wild Things, where everyone can do whatever they want at all times. While there, he learns that there can certainly be too much of a good thing, learning that, sometimes, the best times are those spent with the ones you love.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Sendak manages to capture the sheer exuberance of the childhood imagination in both his words and his illustrations. Max’s journey is a thrill to the senses, transporting the reader right along with Max into the world of the Wild Things, which is every bit as detailed and surreal as any child’s dreamscape. There, the magic and atmosphere of this beloved classic have been delighting children for nearly half a century, and it is largely in part to Sendak’s fully realized vision.

The now-famous images of the Wild Things and their incredibly world have inspired generations of children to let their imaginations run wild, too. The surreal, sometimes fun and sometimes scary world of the Wild Things is visually enthralling, and it would be no wonder had the book has attained its classic status through visuals alone. However, the understated, exuberant, and ultimately heart-felt plot, is the unsung star of the story. Written in just the type of language that children know and understand, Wild Things communicates directly and poignantly to its audience, urging them to have fun, but also appreciate the gift that is family.

Where the Wild Things Are has become timeless for a reason. It is a book remembered and beloved for beautiful imagery, memorable characters, and a plot that relates directly to children without speaking below or above them.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Winner—Caldecott Medal (1964)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "Each word has been carefully chosen and the simplicity of the language is quite deceptive."
GOODREADS review: "Where the Wild Things Are is one of those truly rare books that can be enjoyed equally by a child and a grown-up."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Useful in units designed to stimulate imagination
*This book is excellent for theater and performing arts exercises, and can be done as a short play or pantomime exercise
*Other books about escaping into imagination:
Watterson, Bill. THE COMPLETE CALVIN & HOBBES. ISBN 0740748475
Bunting, Eve. PIRATE BOY. ISBN 9780823423217