LS 5623 Module 6: RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale; illustrated by Nathan Hale

Hale, Shannon and Hale, Dean. RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE. Ill. by Nathan Hale. New York: Bloomsbury USA Children’s. ISBN 9781599900704.

What do you get when you mix the traditional fairy tale Rapunzel with the wild, wild west? If you ask authors Shannon and Dean Hale or illustrator Nathan Hale the answer is simple- the action packed, hilarious graphic novel called RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE. In this variation on the traditional story, the Hale trio has combined the key elements of Rapunzel (long hair, locked away in a tower) with a new western flare. Once young Rapunzel learns that Mother Gothel has deceived her into believing she is her mother, she is locked away in a magical tree and hidden from the world. After four years, Rapunzel manages to escape and seeks revenge on Mother Gothel for imprisoning both her and her real mother. Along the way, she joins forces with Jack (as in Jack and the Beanstalk) and together they make their way through the badlands, getting into trouble and wreaking havoc on any outlaw they encounter.

RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE is a welcome departure from the original fairy tale. “This graphic novel retelling of the fairy-tale classic, set in a swashbuckling Wild West, puts action first and features some serious girl power in its spunky and strong heroine” (Coleman, 2008). Not needing a hero to rescue her, Rapunzel embodies the strength and determination to solve her own problems, making her an ideal role model for young readers. “Rapunzel is no damsel in distress-she wields her long braids as both rope and weapon” (Von Wrangel Kinsey, 2008). Also present is the theme of good conquering evil, an important characteristic of both fairy tales and graphic novels.

Although it may take new readers a few pages to adjust to the graphic format, “readers familiar with graphic novels will feel at home with the conventions of image cropping, text placement, and facial emotional cues” (Burkam, 2008). No matter how experienced a graphic novel reader, anyone will be rewarded with a refreshing spin on Rapunzel’s story through both text and graphics. While the authors create edgy characters with attitude and witty banter, illustrator Nathan Hale does an exceptional job of updating the traditional look and feel with a trendy, western twist. “Hale’s art matches the story well, yielding expressive characters and lending a wonderful sense of place to the fantasy landscape” (Coleman, 2008). Readers will be equally amused with both the artwork and dialogue present in RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE.

Awards/Recognition:
• Young Reader’s Choice Award in 2011
• ALA Notable Children’s Book Award in 2009
• YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens Award in 2009
• Cybils Award Winner in Graphic Novels in 2008

References:
Coleman, Tina. 2008. "Rapunzel's Revenge." Booklist 105, no. 1: 100. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 3, 2011).

Von Wrangel Kinsey, Cara. 2008. "Rapunzel's Revenge." School Library Journal 54, no. 9: 215. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 3, 2011).

BURKAM, ANITA L. 2008. "Rapunzel's Revenge." Horn Book Magazine 84, no. 6: 705-706. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 3, 2011).

LS 5623 Module 6: WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW by Sonya Sones

Sones, Sonya. 2003. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689855532

Presented as a novel in verse, WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW is the story of Sophie, a teenage artist who battles the typical teenage dilemmas: falling in love, dealing with parents who don’t understand you, and the bonds of friendship. At the beginning of the book, Sophie has fallen madly in love with Dylan only to find out the flames of her new romance don’t burn for very long. Yearning for romance she attempts to find her soul mate in cyberspace but quickly realizes that online dating isn’t for her. With all her friends out of town and her parents constantly fighting (her mom never gets off the couch and her dad if always at work), Sophie takes herself on vacation around town and crosses paths with the butt of the school joke, Murphy. Reluctant at first, Sophie spends the day with Murphy and slowly finds herself enjoying his company and wanting to date him but is worried about what kids will say at school.

“Told in Sophie's own free verse poems, the story moves and evolves quickly in a satisfying and tantalizing manner” (Miller, 2008). The pages fly by as the reader is absorbed into the world of a teenage girl. Author Sonya Sones’s trademark verse novel makes it possible for even the most reluctant of readers to have no trouble comprehending and connecting with the teenage experiences presented within WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW. “Sones’s poems are glimpses through a peephole many teens may be peering through for the first time, unaware that others are seeing virtually the same new, scary, unfamiliar things” (Korbeck, 2001).

While story is edgy and spiked with humor, the underlying tone of WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW is maturation. “Sonya Sones's novel draws listeners into the private thoughts and longings of a ninth grade girl on the verge of finding love and learning what it means to mature” (Miller, 2008). Throughout Sophie’s spunky tale, the reader watches as she matures from the awe of first relationship to the realization that true love can be found where you least expect it; from the fear of her friends’ rejection to the knowledge of that everything will be alright in the end; and from a mother-daughter relationship laced with secrets and lies to a place of honesty and acceptance.“Female readers of any age will love and identify with Sophie as she weathers the storms of growing up and the scary, unfamiliar emotions that accompany first love” (Childs, 2002).

Those who enjoy this well written book will be quick to locate Sones companion novel, WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T KNOW, and read all about Murphy’s point of view through his budding romance with Sophie!

References:
Korbeck, Sharon. 2001. "What My Mother Doesn't Know (Book Review)." School Library Journal 47, no. 10: 171. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 5, 2011).
Childs, Kathryn A. 2002. "What My Mother Doesn't Know (Book)." Book Report 20, no. 5: 51. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 5, 2011).
Miller, Jessica. 2008. "What My Mother Doesn't Know." School Library Journal 54, no. 10: 76. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 5, 2011).

LS 5623 Module 6: BRONX MASQUERADE by Nikki Grimes

Grimes, Nikki. 2003. BRONX MASQUERADE. New York: Speak. ISBN 0142501891

“I woke up this morning
exhausted from hiding
the me of me
so I stand here confiding
there's more to Devon
than jump shot and rim...
I dare you to peep
behind these eyes,
discover the poet
in tough-guy disguise....”

While studying the Harlem Renaissance, a New York high school student writes a poem in place of an assigned essay and begins a new trend at his inner city school. Surprised at the positive reception of poetry, the English teacher, Mr. Ward, starts Open Mike Fridays where students are free to express their feelings through verse. Students of all backgrounds and races learn to communicate their fears, dreams and secrets during Open Mike Fridays and slowly come to realize that their perceived differences may not be all that different.

Author Nikki Grimes does a masterful job and creating a set of characters that jump off the page with real problems and emotions. Whether white, black, Hispanic or Italian, these students all try to overcome two of the biggest teenage obstacles- self-discovery and acceptance. “A poet herself, author Grimes creates a montage of voices whose commonality rests in their sense of isolation and yearning to belong” (Bloom, 2002). Among the different voices, different styles of poetry are used to create a smooth, easy read that will not intimidate reluctant readers yet educates the audience on diversity and individuality. Each poem is preceded by a short narrative from its “writer” to provide background into his/her thoughts and feelings. “These unique characters also have a universal voice that will be recognizable to listeners” (Wysocki, 2006). Any reader who picks up a copy of BRONX MASQUERADE can relate to his/her days in high school when kids judged each other based on weight, social status, or even race or his/her own feelings of insecurity.

Although set in an inner city New York high school the story transcends geographical locations. Students across the world will connect to characters like Devon who wants to be seen for more than a jock or Raynard who is afraid to tell his friends that he is dyslexic. The overarching theme of acceptance – whether from themselves or others- is prevalent with every student who shares a poem. Even the toughest kid at school finds release through poetry and shares his dreams for the future through verse and lyrics.

“This Coretta Scott King award-winning novel offers numerous avenues to encourage young poets and may even promote more honest communication among teens” (Wysocki, 2006). A must read for high school students as much discussion, and maybe even a little poetry, are likely to be shared.

Awards/Recognition:
2003 Coretta Scott King Author Award
Best Book for Young Adults
Quick Pick for Young Adult Reluctant Readers
Junior Library Guild Selection
New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
Tayshas High School Reading List (Texas)


References:
Bloom, Susan P. 2002. "Bronx Masquerade." Horn Book Magazine 78, no. 2: 213. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 5, 2011).

Wysocki, Barbara. 2006. "Bronx Masquerade." School Library Journal 52, no. 11: 66-67. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 5, 2011).

LS 5623 Module 5: A HOLE IN MY LIFE by Jack Gantos

Gantos, Jack. 2004. A HOLE IN MY LIFE. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 0374430896

“[I] began to write more stories about my childhood, like the ones I has started writing down in prison-stories which at one time I did not think were important, but suddenly had become to me the most important stories of all. They contained the hidden days of my innocence and happiness.” (p. 199).

Bored with life and not wanting to accompany the rest of his family to the Virgin Islands, teenage Jack Gantos stays behind in the United States where he works a few odd jobs and lives in a few even odder places. Determined to become a writer, Jack decides to take a road trip; but when a friend takes off with all his savings, he is forced to finally cross the Caribbean and work with his father packing crates for white families fleeing the racial tension running rampant through the Virgin Islands. Desperate to get back home to the States, Jack accepts a job from a drug smuggler and knowingly helps a sail a boat full of drugs into New York. Upon arriving in New York, Gantos is arrested and sentenced to several years in a minimum security prison.

In A HOLE IN MY LIFE author Jack Gantos relays the personal triumphs and failures of his youth in this autobiography. His “character”, a younger version of himself, is a very realistic portrayal of a teenager trying to find himself in the world; a feeling that young and old alike can relate to. “Knowing that the narrator is destined to land in jail keeps the suspense at a high pitch, but this book’s remarkable achievement is the multiple points of view that emerge, as experiences force a fledgling writer to continually revise his perspective of himself and the world around him.” Heppermann, 2002). Anyone who reads this book will walk away reminiscing about the little things in life that make it worthwhile.

Young adult readers will easily understand that laid-back tone and ordinary vocabulary used throughout A HOLE IN MY LIFE. The theme of the story, self-discovery, is one that resonates with the teenage audience, as most young adults are in the midst of the same quest. Gantos takes on life in a no-holds-barred style of writing, while leaving the quality of the work intact, and readers will relate to his style. “He uses the same bold honesty found in his fiction to offer a riveting autobiographical account of his teen years- and the events may well penetrate the comfrt zone of even the most complacent young adults.” (Heppermann, 2002). The wild adventures and immature antics leading up to his arrest will entertain readers and draw them in so that they are ready when hit with the brutal facts of prison life.

While the material in A HOLE IN MY LIFE is well organized, Gantos does have a tendency to ramble in places. There are times when the reader must hang in through many pages of personal reflection before gettingback to the heart of the story. The use of minimal visuals also plays a key role in the book. The cover uses Gantos’ own mug shot from his arrest and the photograph is shown on the introductory pages. This addition to the story does not go unnoticed by readers, as they try to connect the now mature and sensitive writer to his criminal past.

References:
Heppermann, Christine M. 2002. "Hole in My Life." Horn Book Magazine 78, no. 3: 345. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed November 21, 2011).

LS 5623 Module 5: IT'S NOT ABOUT THE BIKE : MY JOURNEY BACK TO LIFE by Lance Armstrong and Sally Jenkins

Armstrong, Lance.2001. IT’S NOT ABOUT THE BIKE. New York: Berkley Trade. ISBN 0425179613

“Things take place, there is a confluence of events and circumstances, and we can’t always know their purpose, or even if there is one. But we can take responsibility for ourselves and be brave.” ( p. 265)

Tour de France winner and celebrity cyclist Lance Armstrong recounts the days of his youth and describes, in great detail, his uphill battle with testicular cancer. Starting with a brief history of his childhood, Armstrong outlines how he found an interest in sports, became a prize winning tri-athlete before he graduated high school and finally fell in love with cycling. More importantly, the majority of the book focuses on Armstrong’s diagnosis, treatments and eventual survival against heartbreaking odds; a survival that leads him into a love-hate relationship with cycling, a family and a Tour de France win.

With the help of veteran author Sally Jenkins, Armstrong has organized his biography into simple-to-understand chunks of his life. IT’S NOT ABOUT THE BIKE is told simply, although the cycling terms and medical vocabulary may require some studying. Because the subject of the book, Lance Armstrong, is so well known by students across the United States, the book may not be too hard of a sell. The reading level is right on target with high school students and the quality of storytelling is good- interesting and well written, but realistic and full of personality.

One warning to readers is that IT’S NOT ABOUT THE BIKE “isn’t a book for the squeamish as it spares few medical details but it isn’t just about cancer. It’s a story of the athlete as a young boy, his relationship with his single mother, his success as a world-class cyclist and his financial backers who supported him emotionally as well as monetarily.” (Fitch, 2001). Anyone who picks up this book learns more than just cycling and sickness. They learn about bravery, overcoming obstacles and the wonders of the human spirit.

Because IT’S NOT ABOUT THE BIKE is autobiographical, the reader can be certain that events and information are accurate (at least to the best of Armstrong’s memory). While Armstrong has become quite the expert in both cycling and cancer, he understands that the audience may not, and does his best to provide details and definitions to help make medical and sports jargon more user friendly. “His clear, detailed look at his disease and its cure will educate and inspire any reader.” (Pearl, 2003). Additionally, a sixteen-page photograph leaflet is included in the middle of the book, helping the reader to visually see the differences in physical demeanor before and after Armstrong’s cancer diagnosis and provide background into his childhood and home life.

References:
Fitch, Katherine. 2001. "It's Not about the Bike (Book review)." School Library Journal 47, no. 1: 161. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed November 21, 2011).

Pearl, Nancy. 2003. "IT'S NOT ABOUT THE BIKE (Book)." Library Journal 128, no. 7: 156. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed November 21, 2011).

LS 5623 Module 5: THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak

Zusak, Markus. 2007. THE BOOK THIEF. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375842209

Told from the perspective of Death, THE BOOK THIEF examines the life of nine year-old Liesel Meminger. Death first meets Liesel as he carries away the soul of her dead brother and lingers to watch her steal her first book. Intrigued by the book thief, Death looks in on Liesel as she grows up in her foster parents’ house in Molching, Germany during Hitler’s reign. As Liesel learns the power of the words in the books she steals, Death draws nearer, collecting the souls of the Jews in concentration camps and the Germans who became casualties of war.

Themed around the power of words and the evil of prejudice, THE BOOK THIEF tells a story of life in a small town outside of Munich, Germany. The characters in the story are fictional, with the exception of German leader, Adolf Hitler. Although the characters are a work of fiction, the events and circumstances are very much a page out of history. “With its interwoven storylines, the novel clearly depicts the tragic effects of war and the salvation of words, and this makes it timeless.” (Beach, 2007).Author Markus Zusak seems to have done his homework in regards to the era of Hitler and the Nazi party. While the reader is not hit over the head with history, enough of it is laced throughout the pages of Liesel’s life to create a deep understanding the destruction and unfairness of war and persecution. Factual details are carefully researched and intricately woven into the lives of fictional characters.

A strong difference in this story, as compared to most others, is the lack of mystery in regards to the ending. The desire to keep reading isn’t found in the need to get to the last page, but to learn the importance of what happens on the pages in along the way. “It is a testament to Zusak’s skill at humanizing his characters that even though we know they are doomed, we are still devastated when Death finally reaches them.” (Beach, 2007).

Although the book uses a smattering of German, the terms are almost always explained to the reader. The quality of writing is extremely high- a very sophisticated and well written book. “Zusak’s sweeping, ultimately heartbreaking novel is told (appropriately, by Death itself) in gorgeous language that contrasts markedly with the stark events—just as main character Liesel’s rich life contrasts with the bleakness of her circumstances.” (Parravano, 2007). The one drawback is that the reading level seems a little high but would work nicely some high school students, especially those in Advanced Placement courses. Students learning about the Nazi party and the persecution of the Jewish people could not do better than THE BOOK THIEF.

References:
Parravano, Martha V. 2007. "The Book Thief." Horn Book Magazine 83, no. 1: 91. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed November 21, 2011).

Beach, Cynthia, Beverly Chearno, and John Waller. 2007. "The Book Thief." Ohio Journal Of English Language Arts 47, no. 2: 91. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed November 21, 2011)

LS 5623 Module 4: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Collins, Suzanne. 2010. MOCKINGJAY. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439023513

The third and final installment of the Hunger Games trilogy finds our heroine, Katniss Everdeen, recovering from her Quarter Quell rescue in the District 13. Katniss learns that she has long since been a pawn in a greater game, a revolution against the Capitol, forged by the thought-to-be- destroyed District 13 and its supporters throughout the other districts. Disheartened by the destruction of district twelve and the capture of her fiancé and fellow victor Peeta, Katniss agrees to become the Mockingjay- the face of the rebellion.

Armed with a state-of-the-art costume, her trademark bow and arrows, and a deep desire to thwart President Snow’s plans for Peeta and the rest of Panem, Katniss morphs into her role as the catalyst for a revolution. With help from her family, Gale and the other rebels, she works to overthrow the current government and secure a future for all of Panem; but freedom comes at a dangerous price.

In this thrilling finale to the trilogy, author Suzanne Collins does it again, managing to evoke both the most pure and the most sinister emotions through the thoughts and actions of our heroine, Katniss Everdeen. Mockingjay finds her at the end of her journey- scarred physically, mentally and emotionally by the chain of events set in motion by the Capitol. Out of her desperation to find Peeta and her hatred for President Snow, Katniss’s metamorphosis is inevitable from the first pages of this third and final novel in the series. Finally understanding her role in a world torn apart by war and a struggle for power, she embraces who she has become while shedding the worries of her past. By the end of Mockingjay, Katniss has finally finished her quest for freedom and finds peace in the small comforts of her past.

The backdrop for this story is war and as such the themes of destruction, propaganda, strategy, and loss come into play for the reading audience. The setting and theme described in Mockingjay may warrant a rich and controversial discussion amongst students and offers up many opportunities to compare and contrast wars of the past and present and the toll they take on human life and physical space. Readers will also come to terms with Katniss’s final decision of the heart- will it be Gale or Peeta and will the ends justify the means when it comes to love…

Reviews:
From School Library Journal-
“Following her subversive second victory in the Games, this one composed of winners from past years, Katniss has been adopted by rebel factions as their symbol for freedom and becomes the rallying point for the districts in a desperate bid to take down the Capitol and remove President Snow from power. But being the Mockingjay comes with a price as Katniss must come to terms with how much of her own humanity and sanity she can willingly sacrifice for the cause, her friends, and her family. Collins is absolutely ruthless in her depictions of war in all its cruelty, violence, and loss, leaving readers, in turn, repulsed, shocked, grieving and, finally, hopeful for the characters they've grown to empathize with and love.”

From Booklist-
“Collins does several things brilliantly, not the least of which is to provide heart-stopping chapter endings that turn events on their heads and then twist them once more. But more ambitious is the way she brings readers to questions and conclusions about war throughout the story. There’s nothing didactic here, and the rush of the narrative sometimes obscures what message there is. Yet readers will instinctively understand what Katniss knows in her soul, that war mixes all the slogans and justifications, the deceptions and plans, the causes and ideals into an unsavory stew whose taste brings madness. That there is still a human spirit yearning for good is the book’s primrose of hope.”

Praise for Mockingjay:
#1 New York Times Bestseller
#1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A New York Times Notable Children's Book of 2010
A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice
A 2010 Booklist Editors' Choice
A 2010 Kirkus Best Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2010
#1 USA Today Bestseller
#1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller

LS 5623 Module 4: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Collins, Suzanne. 2009. CATCHING FIRE. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439023491

In the much anticipated sequel to The Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta are the newest victors in the Hunger Games and have received homes in the Victors Village in District Twelve. Before leaving on their victory tour of Panem, Katniss is approached by the evil President Snow who threatens the lives of her family as a result of the romantic antics between Katniss and her fellow tribute. As the two “lovebirds” travel from district to district, Katniss tries her best to prove to the television audience and to President Snow himself, that her love for Peeta is indeed real. But as the duo tour each district there is more in the air than a budding romance. There are subtle hints and the beginning of a rebellion; a rebellion President Snow believes is a direct result of Katniss defiance in the Hunger Games.

To exercise control over Katniss and indirectly the rest of the districts, the Capitol announces the theme for the 75th annual Hunger Games- the Quarter Quell- and Katniss is horrified to learn that she will once again compete in the games as Battle of the Victors is planned to remind the districts of Panem that “ even the strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the capitol”. Being the only female tribute from District Twelve means that Katniss will once again play in the Hunger Games with Peeta, this time playing against other victors and knowing there will only be one winner. With her mind made up to save Peeta at all costs, Katniss is determined to see to it that he is named victor but is surprised to find unlikely alliances with tributes from other districts. Together the form a plan to save their entire group from a gruesome fate as once again Katniss sets out to defy the Capitol.

Catching Fire does a fantastic job of picking up where The Hunger Games left off. The reader is introduced to life after the games, a life much different than what Katniss left behind. Author Suzanne Collins expertly depicts the emotional turmoil of a young girl whose heart belongs to two people. As a character, Katniss evolves into more intelligent, outspoken and caring person than in the previous novel; however, her darker side has more depth as well. As she begins to understand the rules of the Capitol, the struggle for power and the importance of freedom, Katniss slowly transforms from a simple victor of the Hunger Games to a symbol of hope for the people of Panem.

This second book also serves as a great resource to begin discussions on the themes carried over from The Hunger Games: power, freedom, defiance and morality. From the design of the Quarter Quell arena that brings out a new fear with each hour to the moral implications of lying to protect those you love, students will be hard pressed to not offer up opinions on any matter discussed within these chapters.

Reviews:
From Booklist-
“In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, the tributes from impoverished District Twelve, thwarted the Gamemakers, forcing them to let both teens survive. In this rabidly anticipated sequel, Katniss, again the narrator, returns home to find herself more the center of attention than ever. The sinister President Snow surprises her with a visit, and Katniss’s fear when Snow meets with her alone is both palpable and justified. Catching Fire is divided into three parts: Katniss and Peeta’s mandatory Victory Tour through the districts, preparations for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, and a truncated version of the Games themselves. Slower paced than its predecessor, this sequel explores the nation of Panem: its power structure, rumors of a secret district, and a spreading rebellion, ignited by Katniss and Peeta’s subversive victory. Katniss also deepens as a character. Though initially bewildered by the attention paid to her, she comes almost to embrace her status as the rebels’ symbolic leader.”

Praise for Catching Fire

#1 New York Times Bestseller
#1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A Time Magazine Top 10 Fiction Book of 2009
A People Magazine (Top 10) Best Book of 2009
A New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice
A Los Angeles Times Best Children's Book of 2009
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2009
A Booklist Editors' Choice 2009
A Kirkus Best Book of 2009
#1 USA Today Bestseller
#1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller

LS 5623 Module 4: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Collins, Suzanne. 2010. THE HUNGER GAMES. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439023521

In a society where reality television is viewed in almost every home, author Suzanne Collins has found a way to draw readers in to what must be considered the most dramatic televised experience ever. In The Hunger Games, the United States has ceased to exist and in its place it Panem- a country made up of 12 districts (13 if you count the one destroyed by the Capitol during the uprising). To prove the Capitol’s power, each district must send two tributes, one boy and one girl, to fight to the death in the annual Hunger Games.

Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen becomes District Twelve’s female tribute after bravely offering to take her younger sister’s place. Katniss is paired with Peeta the baker’s son, and together the two travel to the Capitol where they are primped, polished and paraded around as competitors before being sent into the Arena where they will have to fight to the death in order to make it back home. Katniss is the perfect mixture of defiance and humanity as she attempts to help Peeta and another tribute escape death. Knowing that every move she makes is televised, she is able to win over the hearts of Panem and her fellow tribute. When Katniss and Peeta use their fledgling romance to defy the game’s rules in order to both make it home, their elation is soon curbed by the Capitol’s disapproval of their antics.

Collins has created the perfectly imperfect heroine in Katniss Everdeen; this character is dynamic and charismatic, always teetering on the line between good and evil. Readers can empathsize as she bravely takes her sisters place a District Twelve tribute, can sense her need for survival and raw nerves as she embraces the rules of the Hunger Games, and can watch as she cements herself into a relationship with Peeta, knowing he is the key to her survival but risking her life to save him. The characterization of Peeta as a mild mannered baker’s son, and of Haymitch as the drunken former victor and disagreeable mentor don’t go unnoticed either.

While the setting for The Hunger Games is set sometime in the future, a timeframe is not provided, nor is it necessary to understand the overarching themes present in this first installment of the trilogy. The use of a deteriorated United States serves to warn young readers of the perils of war, as much of the country was destroyed by nuclear missiles. In fact, readers will have many topics to dissect and discuss throughout the pages of this novel: war, power, defiance, love, the value of entertainment, and poverty are all laced throughout Katniss’s journey from District Twelve to the Arena and back.

Reviews:

From Publishers Weekly-
Starred Review. Reviewed by Megan Whalen Turner
“hers is a gripping story set in a postapocalyptic world where a replacement for the United States demands a tribute from each of its territories: two children to be used as gladiators in a televised fight to the death. Katniss, from what was once Appalachia, offers to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, but after this ultimate sacrifice, she is entirely focused on survival at any cost. It is her teammate, Peeta, who recognizes the importance of holding on to one's humanity in such inhuman circumstances. It's a credit to Collins's skill at characterization that Katniss, like a new Theseus, is cold, calculating and still likable. She has the attributes to be a winner, where Peeta has the grace to be a good loser. It's no accident that these games are presented as pop culture. Every generation projects its fear: runaway science, communism, overpopulation, nuclear wars and, now, reality TV…... It isn't just the contestants who risk the loss of their humanity. It is all who watch. Katniss struggles to win not only the Games but the inherent contest for audience approval. Because this is the first book in a series, not everything is resolved, and what is left unanswered is the central question. Has she sacrificed too much? We know what she has given up to survive, but not whether the price was too high. Readers will wait eagerly to learn more.”

Praise for The Hunger Games

#1 New York Times Bestseller
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A Horn Book Fanfare
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2008
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2008
A Booklist Editors' Choice
A New York Times Notable Book of 2008
A Kirkus Best Book of 2008
A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice
USA Today Bestseller

LS 5623 Module 3: HURRICANE by Terry Trueman

Trueman, Terry. 2008. HURRICANE. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 006000018X

“I think about all of us digging for the dead, digging for food, sharing our water, helping each other in every way we could. I think about finding my courage…I’ll admit it: I am proud of what I’ve done” (p. 133-134)

Printz Honor book author Terry Trueman shares the fictional story of Jose Cruz, a young boy living in La Rupa, Honduras with his parents and five siblings. When Hurricane Mitch hits Honduras while his father and older brother are out of town, Jose must stand in as head of the family to help what is left of his town recover from the storm and subsequent mudslide that took the lives of half of his neighbors.

Trueman has written a simple character in Jose Cruz and, told through his young point of view, Hurricane Mitch and its effects are also told simply, making the horrors of the storm easy to understand for grade school students. Young readers will also find it interesting to read about the very American staples Jose references throughout the story (his brother plays with Star Wars action figures and he talks about Happy Meals from McDonald’s). While these references may help readers connect to the main character, they may also create confusion when identifying the location of the story. Luckily Trueman spends time describing the countryside of La Rupa, as well as the people and housing in Jose’s small pueblo.

HURRICANE is a quick and somber read. The story of Hurricane Mitch is devastating; the storm killed over 5,000 citizens of Honduras. While “Trueman doesn't flinch from the grislier facts (in one scene, José leads a dig for groceries and finds the corpse of the grocer)” (Publisher’s Weekly), he does so through the eyes of a teenage boy who is not sure how to deal with the loss and grief he experiences in such a short time. This novel “offers a glimpse into the horrors and challenges of surviving such an overwhelming natural disaster, leaving students with much to think about” (Romirell).

References:
2008. "Hurricane." Publishers Weekly 255, no. 10: 82. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed October 22, 2011).
Romriell, Deanna. 2008. "Hurricane." School Library Journal 54, no. 12: 70. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed October 22, 2011).

LS 5623 Module 3: SUNRISE OVER FALLUJAH by Walter Dean Myers

Myers, Walter Dean. 2008. SUNRISE OVER FALLUJAH. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 043991625

“Here it is at last--the novel that will allow American teens to grapple intelligently and thoughtfully with the war in Iraq”- Publisher’s Weekly, starred review

“Uncle Richie, I used to be mad at you when you wouldn’t talk about Vietnam. I thought you were being selfish, in a way. Now I understand how light the words seem…are there really enough words to make them understand?” (p. 282)

Feeling helpless after the events of 9-11, Robin Perry enlists in the United States Army and is deployed to Iraq as part of the Civil Affairs Unit. Robin, who is nicknamed “Birdy” by a fellow unit member, is assigned to the First Squad with the mission to “win over the hearts and minds” of the Iraqi people. Throughout his tour of duty within “Operation Iraqi Freedom” Birdy learns the importance of camaraderie and faith but also discovers the hardships and violence that seem to be a necessity of war.

Birdy and his squad reflect very diverse, and at times stereotypical, attitudes and characteristics often used to describe soldiers. Each of the characters offer different views on war and combat and often present the reader with ideas to reflect upon. Birdy himself “serves more as a lens on the war than as a narrator whose voice surprises or compels the reader” (Publisher’s Weekly). Through Birdy’s story, the audience learns firsthand the gamut of emotions a soldier could face on any given day; that missions could be both terrifying and exhilarating, both heart-warming and sad, both so real yet so unreal.

Author Walter Dean Myers accurately describes the trials and tribulations of the war in Iraq while narrowly escaping the gruesome and violent details of combat that may not be suitable for young adult readers. “Readers will get a sense of the complexities of the war, and of the ways the rank-and-file, as represented by Robin, are slowly drawn into covert or morally dubious engagement” (Publisher’s Weekly). SUNRISE OVER FALLUJAH would make an excellent literature circle or required reading selection that will both expose students to the realities of war without glossing over the ugliness and sadness and elicit thought provoking discussions amongst classmates.

References:
2008. "Sunrise over Fallujah." Publishers Weekly 255, no. 16: 59. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed October 22, 2011).
Miller, Jessica. 2008. "Sunrise Over Fallujah." School Library Journal 54, no. 9: 76. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed October 22, 2011).

LS 5623 Module 3: STAYING FAT FOR SARAH BYRNES by Chris Crutcher

Crutcher, Chris. 2003. STAYING FAT FOR SARAH BYRNES. New York: HaperCollins. ISBN 0060094893

Told from the point of view of Eric “Moby” Calhoune, an eighteen year old, overweight swimmer, STAYING FAT FOR SARAH BYRNES focuses on a few dark issues that many readers be curious about. Eric, nicknamed Moby because of his larger than average swimmer’s body, becomes worried when his best friend, Sarah Byrnes, unexpectedly stops talking and is admitted into the mental ward in the local hospital. Eric and Sarah Byrnes became friends because they both were “terminal uglies”- Eric because of his weight and Sarah because she was badly burned by her father as a child. Now that Sarah Byrnes has stopped communicating with the world, Eric believes there may be more to her childhood pain that she lets on. With the help of his friends, some expected and some not so likely, Eric tries his best to show Sarah that the world is made up of decent people.

Author Chris Crutcher creates a cast of characters that exude human qualities, both good and bad who add depth to the story through their interactions with Eric. “Crutcher possesses a novelist's greatest asset: an ability to create people who are real and believable and about whom the reader can care deeply” (Vasilakis). These “people” showcase the evil that exists in society, as well as the well-intentioned and caring that can come from where you least expect it. Through the Eric Calhoune’s narration, readers are offered a realistic glimpse at life through the eyes of an imperfect teenage boy and the effects bullying and abuse can have on many different people.

Readers who are looking for a light-hearted read will not find it in STAYING FAT FOR SARAH BYRNES. This novel is dark and packed with controversial topics. “Although the central issue of the novel is the insidious and far-reaching effects of child abuse, minor characters introduce several other topics of current interest, such as abortion and religious fundamentalism” (Vasilakis). This is not to say that STAYING FAT FOR SARAH BYRNES is not worth reading, on the contrary it would make an excellent novel to start discussions on topics that may seem hard to approach.

References:
N.V. 1993. "Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes." Horn Book Magazine 69, no. 3: 336. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed October 22, 2011).

LS 5623 MODULE 2: LOCK AND KEY by Sarah Dessen

Dessen, Sarah. 2008. LOCK AND KEY. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN 0142414727

“That’s just the thing, right? Family isn’t something that’s supposed to be static or set. People marry in, divorce out. They’re born, they die. It’s always evolving, turning into something else.”

Seventeen year old Ruby Cooper is used to taking care of herself. So when her mother disappears for the umpteenth time, she tries her best to pay the bills and go unnoticed by her landlords. But two months and a broken dryer later, Ruby finds herself picked up by Child Protective Services and delivered to her older sister, Cora, who she hasn’t seen in over ten years. Now Ruby is stuck living in a huge house with her sister and brother-in-law and going to a private school where she doesn’t think she fits in. Determined to make it on her own, Ruby plans to escape one night by jumping the fence in the middle of the night. When her plan is thwarted by the family dog Nate, the cute neighbor boy, takes a break from swimming laps in his pool to come to her rescue. Little by little, Ruby learns more about her family’s past and discovers she just may want the future that’s in store for her.

LOCK AND KEY is a story about acceptance, love and family; topics that are explored as Ruby develops her thesis for English class. Required to interview others about the meaning of FAMILY, Ruby, as well as the readers come to find that family means something drastically different to every individual. Readers will connect to the feelings of obligation, trust and loyalty as they journey through the pages and gain understanding of each character.

Along the way, author Sarah Dessen tackles some serious issues, such as abuse and neglect, but does so in a way that seems realistic and hopeful. The relationship between the characters and their internal struggles are complicated, but their voices carry listeners through the story's arc to a hopeful and satisfying conclusion (Gallagher 2010). Through these issues, and the ideas of family and love, young adult readers will have much to think about and discuss.

References:
Gallagher, Genevieve. 2010. "Lock and Key." School Library Journal 56, no. 7: 46. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 30, 2011).

LS 5623 Module Two: THE EARTH, MY BUTT AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS by Carolyn Mackler

Mackler, Carolyn. 2005. THE EARTH, MY BUTT AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS. New York: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763620912

Virginia Shreves is SURE she was switched at birth. What else could explain the fact that she is a blonde, plump teenager in a house full of tall, then brunettes? Not only is every other member of her family thin, but they are also very put together and confident- something Virginia struggles with on a daily basis. But when her perfect specimen of a brother, Byron, gets kicked out of school for date rape, she begins to realize that no one is as perfect as they seem.

In this novel by Carolyn Mackler, readers will develop a connection to Virginia, whether they battle the same issues or not. While a person may look perfect physically, deep down each character is less than perfect. More importantly, in the end Virginia, as well as the audience, discover that it’s okay to have imperfections.

The main issue in this story is weight; an issue that many people, especially teenage girls, deal with at home and at school. “Readers will empathize with very real affronts to Virginia’s sense of self and her own internal battle with her weight versus using food to cope with stress and disappointment” (Perdue, 2011). Mackler does an excellent job of letting the audience into the head of a fifteen year old girl who feels lost, alone and unworthy- emotions that most young readers go through on a daily basis. Readers are also exposed to the not-so-perfect popular girl, to the surprisingly caring boy who sees past weight, and to the beauty of friend who knows just what to say once you look past her stutter.

THE EARTH, MY BUTT AND OTHER BIG, ROUND THINGS is “not your average, “fat girl finds faith in herself” story” (Perdue 2011). Instead, Mackler takes a fresh approach in creating an edgy, spunky character that accepts and embraces who she is rather than taking drastic measures to change, both inside and out. The smart mouthed, charismatic Virginia not only makes the story a fun, easy read but provides the voice of a generation that will no doubt leave readers talking.

References:
Perdue, Julie. 2004. "The Earth,My Butt,and Other Big Round Things (Book)." Library Media Connection 22, no. 5: 72. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 30, 2011).

LS 5623 Module Two: BEFORE I DIE by Jenny Downham

Downham, Jenny. 2007. BEFORE I DIE. New York: David Fickling Books. ISBN 0385751834

“Dad says, do you want blackberries?”
“No.”
“What shall I tell him?”
“Tell him I want a baby elephant.”
He laughs. “I’m gonna miss you,” he says.

BEFORE I DIE centers around Tessa, a sixteen year old girl who diagnosed with terminal cancer. Instead of giving up on life, Tessa embraces it with the help of her friend Zoey, her family and Adam, the boy next door. Knowing her days are numbered Tessa composes a “to do” list full of various things she feels she will miss out on. Armed with a fierce attitude Tessa checks activities off her list one by one: stealing her dad’s car, shoplifting, experimenting with drugs, having sex and falling in love.

Each character is deep, flawed and very realistic- a connection that any reader can make to BEFORE I DIE. Whether outraged at cancer on Tessa’s behalf, irritated with the friendship between Tessa and her reckless, pregnant friend Zoey or comforted by the growing love between Tessa and Adam, readers will run through a gamut of emotions before reaching the last page.

Downham’s writing style often becomes erratic, mirroring the feelings of the main character as she experiences the ups and downs of her terminal illness. There is very little subtlety to the harsh reality of cancer and how it affects Tessa and the people in her life but young readers will find it refreshing to read this down-to-earth account of living with a terminal disease.

While the tone of BEFORE I DIE is dark and somber, there are moments where Tessa experiences bursts of happiness that accurately portray what it would be like to live with cancer. A strong plot provides the reader with pages of well written text, however, “With its uncompromising reflections on the harsh realities of terminal illness and straightforward descriptions of sex and drugs, this title is most appropriate for a mature teen audience”(Wysocki, 2011).
Although not for everyone, this story is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and think. Readers will be left with much to discuss and reflect upon.

Awards:
A Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Booklist Editors’ Choice
A Book Sense Children’s Pick
A Kirkus Reviews Editors’ Choice
A Publishers Weekly Flying Start Author
An ALA-YALSA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults

References:
Wysocki, Barbara. 2008. "Before I Die." School Library Journal 54, no. 1: 68. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 30, 2011).

LS 5623 Module 1: WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS by Wilson Rawls

Rawls, Wilson. 1961. WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS. New York: Yearling. ISBN 0440412676

Billy has never wanted anything more in his life than a hound dog. No, make that two hound dogs. Living out in the Ozark mountains, he lays in bed at night listening to the bawling of an old coon hound and dreams of the day when he too can traipse through the woods with a dog by his side. Secretly, Billy begins to save money he earns from trapping animals and selling items to the campers nearby. After two years, he finally has enough money to buy not one, but two hound pups from a magazine advertisement.

Although he never asked permission, his parents aren’t upset and everyone in the family takes a shine to Old Dan and Little Ann. The pups soon learn to hunt and track a river coon and come hunting season, the three are out each night catching raccoons. Little Ann and Old Dan have a special bond with Billy, but even more they have a special bond with each other. Together, they are an unstoppable force who trap and kill more raccoons than any hunter in town.

Proud of his grandson and his two hounds, Billy’s grandfather enters the trio in a big time hunting competition. Billy, along with his father and grandfather, travels to the competition and advance night after night until the final hunt. Even a snowstorm on the final night can’t keep the hounds from bawling treed and catching coon after coon. Arriving back home with a winning gold cup, Billy is even more sure that his dogs were heaven sent. Then one day, tragedy strikes while the three friends are out hunting and come across the devil cat of the Ozarks, the mountain lion.

Although WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS was written over fifty years ago, the bond between boy and dog still holds a special place in a young reader’s heart. “While the lifestyle might not be familiar to today’s youth, the ups and downs of growing up and the love of a pet will ring true to all [listeners]” (Braun, 1995). Billy’s character is well written and realistically describes a boy’s desire to own his own dog. Every young child who has dreamed of owning a dog, cat, hamster or fish will relate.

The book does drag on at times and a reader who isn’t 100% invested may lose patience with the slow paced story, but anyone who endures the duller moments will be thankful once they’ve finished the book. WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS is most definitely a classic that withstands the shifts in space and time and will pull at the heartstrings of any animal lover who reads it.


Reference List:
Braun, Linda W. 1995. "Audiovisual review: Recordings." School Library Journal 41, no. 6: 71. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 19, 2011).

LS 5623 Module 1: WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED by Judy Blundell

Blundell, Judy. 2008. WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0439903483

“Truth, justice… I always thought they were absolutes, like God. And Mom. And apple pie. But you could make apple pie from Ritz crackers. You could make cakes without sugar. We learned how to fake things, during the war.”

Evie Spooner is a fifteen year old girl who is living up the last days of summer in Brooklyn, New York before starting back to school. One night, Evie’s stepdad Joe announces that he is taking the family on a trip to Palm Beach. Evie’s mother Bev hesitates but Evie knows this is what her family needs to get back on track now that Joe is home from the war.

Upon arriving in Palm Beach, Evie notices right away that something is off; the hotels and houses are boarded up for hurricane season and the city is a ghost town. The hotel, Le Mirage, has only a handful of guests and Evie busies herself with touring the hotel and roaming poolside in the evenings. One night she meets Peter, a man a few years older than Evie’s fifteen. They strike up a friendship that turns into something more as the days progress and she and her mother spend more and more time with Peter.

When Joe finds out that Evie and Bev are spending so much time together he commands it to stop and when it doesn’t Joe and Peter become hostile towards one another. One stormy morning, Peter heads out to sea with Joe and Bev at Joe’s urging. While their out, a hurricane moves closer to Palm Beach and Peter is lost a sea. But when his body washes up on shore, the police are doubtful that his death is an accident and Evie’s parents are named the prime suspects in his murder. The mix of truth and deception that follows is a lot to grasp for a fifteen year old but Evie is ready to hold her own.

WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED by Judy Blundell is a story of love and loss, of secrets and lies, and how the line between each is blurred when family is involved. Fifteen Evie experiences her first taste of love- a universal feeling that any teenager can relate to. Each character is excellently written, from charming Peter to Evie’s war torn step-dad, Joe Spooner. Set in post war 1947, WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED contains a plot that is realistic even today. “The suspenseful story tackles issues of racism, sexism and class distinctions” (Austin, 2010). Although the era is different, the same issues still run rampant throughout our modern society. This beautifully written, dramatic story is a must read for anyone who enjoys quality literature.


Reference List:
Austin, Patricia. 2010. "What I Saw and How I Lied." Booklist 106, no. 16: 66. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 19, 2011).

LS 5623 Module 1: ANGUS, THONGS, AND FULL FRONTAL SNOGGING: CONFESSIONS OF GEORGIA NICOLSON by Louise Rennison

Rennison, Louise. 2001. ANGUS, THONGS, AND FULL FRONTAL SNOGGING: CONFESSIONS OF GEORGIA NICOLSON. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0064472272

REVIEW

ANGUS, THONGS, AND FULL FRONTAL SNOGGING: CONFESSIONS OF GEORGIA NICOLSON is the hilarious and realistic diary of a British teen who is quite sure her life is not worth living. Her cat is on a mission to eat the neighbor’s poodle, her parents think she’s too young for privacy and her best friend is in love with a boy from the grocery store. Her whole life is just too tragic to bear, especially now that she’s met Robbie AKA Sex God (S.G. for short) who is dating the most wet (idiotic) girl in school.

With the help of her friends, Georgia suffers through accidentally shaving off her eyebrows, stalking S.G.’s girlfriend and keeping Angus from attacking the poor dog next door. Her home life is somewhat of a disaster as well; her dad has lost his job and has moved to New Zealand to find work. While he’s away, Georgia is sure that her mother is flirting with a contractor and that her little sister has put another dirty diaper in her bed.

ANGUS, THONGS, AND FULL FRONTAL SNOGGING is sure to be a hit with any teenage girl, regardless of her city of origin. This book has it all: a mysterious older boy, a quirky best friend, some mischievous antics and a set of parents that just don’t get what it’s like to be fourteen. “Georgia is a wonderful character whose misadventures are not only hysterically funny but universally recognizable” (Cart, 2000). American teens will love learning the British slang that Georgia’s character provides in the book’s glossary and will laugh at many of the realistic adventures (and misadventures) of Georgia and her friends.

This well written first book by author Louise Rennison will reassure any teenage girl that she is normal and that we all go through life’s ups and downs. Rennison is able to discuss topics such as snogging (kissing) and sexual exploration through Georgia’s humorously told tale.

Reference List:
Cart, Michael. 2000. "Starred Reviews: Books for Youth." Booklist 96, no. 21: 2033. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 19, 2011).

The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon

a. Bibliographic data
Lyon, George Ella. 2011. THE PIRATE OF KINDERGARTEN. Ill. by Lynne Avril. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 1416950249

b. Brief plot summary
Ginny is super excited about kindergarten but doesn’t like the fact that she sees two of everything! She has a hard time reading and even runs into things because of her double vision. After being screened for a vision test, Ginny learns that she must wear an eye patch to help correct her double vision. With her new patch, she becomes the pirate of kindergarten and is once again excited to be at school.

c. Critical analysis
The Pirate of Kindergarten is a great picture book to share with students of all ages and opens the door for discussion about learning, physical and mental disabilities. Young students can benefit greatly from developing an understanding and respect for people and their differences.

Ginny is a typical kindergartner, who embodies the self centered world of a five year old in thinking everyone saw the way she did. Anyone who has met a kindergartner knows that they rarely see the world outside of what they know personally. It also shows the innocence of a child in not understanding what is wrong or not knowing how to solve a problem. The school setting provides a great opportunity for the author to explore the activities Ginny could find difficult and social interactions that may arise from it.

While some of the kids make fun of Ginny, it is not the focus of the story. More attention is paid to the difficulties Ginny has in completing tasks like reading, coming to circle and cutting with scissors. The reading audience in able to feel how frustrating and embarrassing things can be when you see two of everything. The teacher also gives the adult reader something to think about because of the way in which she responds to Ginny. “We read with our eyes, not our noses” and “don’t squint” show that the teacher has no understanding of Ginny’s problem but had she paid more attention, she may have seen the signs and been able to help her.

The illustrations in The Pirate of Kindergarten provide the reader with a visual understanding of how Ginny saw the world. While her vision problem goes undiagnosed, the images are blurred or doubled, just as Ginny sees them. Once she gets her eye patch, the illustrations become clearer and more focused. The illustrations also convey Ginny’s emotions and confidence as she overcomes her vision disability.

d. Reviews/Awards
• From Booklist: “Created with pastels, acrylics, and colored pencils, Avril’s bold and wonderfully vivid mixed-media illustrations sometimes portray the classroom through Ginny’s eyes, with overlapping images of chairs, books, and people, though they usually present an outside perspective. Based on Lyon’s own experience, the sensitively written story radiates empathy and good humor. Even children who have not experienced Ginny’s problem will understand her occasional frustration and find it intriguing that one person can literally see the world differently from another.”
• From SLJ: “Lyon's short, descriptive sentences set up the situation deftly, and Avril's astute chalk, pencil, and acrylic drawings of "two of everything" provide a vivid window into Ginny's pre-treatment world.”

e. Connections
• Teachers can use this story to create a tolerant environment in the classroom, especially with younger students (K-1)
• Here are some other picture books for children that address special needs/ learning issues
o Julia Chen Headley's The Patch is another story about a pirate who has trouble with his vision.
o The Higgledy-Piggledy Pigeon by local Austin author, Don Winn is about a dyslexic pigeon who has trouble in flight school
o Lily and the Mixed Up Letters by Deborah Hodge is a story about dyslexia
o Some Kids Just Can’t Sit Still! by Sam Goldstein teaches students about ADHD
• Try reading the non-fiction series for children, Pebble Books: Understanding Differences

Habibi by Naomi Shihab-Nye

a. Bibliographic data
Shihab-Nye, Naomi. 1997. HABIBI. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689825234

b. Brief plot summary
At her parents’ request, fourteen year old Liyana moves from her home in St. Louis to her father’s homeland, Jerusalem. As her family sells off their belongings and moves across the ocean, Liyana is worried that she will not fit in and that people will forget her. Upon arriving in Jerusalem she meets her father’s family for the first time, including her grandmother Sitti, and starts school in the Armenian quarter of the city. Slowly, Liyana adjusts to life in a new country and begins to make friends of all races and religions.

c. Critical analysis
Habibi does an excellent job of explaining life within Jerusalem without negatively portraying the varying cultures. Political situations involving the different cultures are presented, but done so through Liyana’s point of view which makes them a tad lighter in tone. Because the main character is Arab-American, the Palestinian traditions and values are dominant. Through Liyana’s encounters in the Armenian quarter and with her Jewish friend, Omer, Shihab-Nye provides glimpses of the other cultures present within the setting of the novel. Overall, the author’s attention to detail provide both well rounded views of each group of people, as well as descriptions of some of the beautiful landmarks and scenery to be found in Israel.

The cultural markers in this story are abundant. Liyana’s family speaks Arabic and many phrases are included in the text, most importantly the use of habibi and habibti (meaning my darling) are used to explain how loved and safe Liyana and her brother feel. Many native foods are referenced throughout the text, such as Jordan almonds, Jericho oranges and olive oil. Traditional dishes, like baba ghanouj, falafel, and katayef, are also introduced through Liyana’s journey.

Upon meeting her relatives, Liyana is struck by the beauty of the women’s clothing. “The women’s long dresses were made of thick fabrics, purple, gold and navy blue and stitched brightly with fabulous, complicated embroidery” (p. 40). She also mentioned the kaffiyeh (a headdress, symbolizing Palestinian nationalism) worn by some of the men that make them look “more interesting”.

Celebrations and religion also come into play while reading Habibi. Holidays that the Abboud family participated in while living in America, have more significance, especially to Liyana’s mother, now that they were “standing in a place where important things really happened”(p.165). There are also rules Liyana must learn to abide by as a woman now that she is living in conservative Jerusalem, such as not brushing her hair in public or wearing shorts and no public displays of affection.

The characters in Habibi are well defined, especially Liyana, Rafik, Poppy and Sitti. As a reader, one could use more background and insight into the character Sitti, as she seems multifaceted and interesting. Author Shihab-Nye could have an interesting sequel in the making with Liyana’s Palestinian grandmother.

d. Reviews/Awards
• From Kirkus Review: “The sights, sounds, and smells of Jerusalem drift through the pages and readers glean a sense of current Palestinian-Israeli relations and the region's troubled history.”
• From SLJ: “Poetically imaged and leavened with humor, the story renders layered and complex history understandable through character and incident. Habibi succeeds in making the hope for peace compellingly personal and concrete...as long as individual citizens like Liyana's grandmother Sitti can say, "I never lost my peace inside.”

e. Connections
• Readers who enjoy the work of Naomi Shihab-Nye can read one of these other titles:
o Sitti’s Secrets
o 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East
o Baby Radar
o Different Ways to Pray: Poems

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet by Anna Kemp

a. Bibliographic data
Kemp, Anna. 2010. DOGS DON’T DO BALLET. Ill. by Sarah Oligvie. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 141699839X

b. Brief plot summary
Biff has one dream: to become a star ballerina. His young owner understands his desire but her father and ballet instructor repeatedly tell her, “Dogs don’t do ballet!” But when the prima ballerina unexpectedly falls during a performance, Biff saves the days by donning a tutu and proving to the audience that even dogs can be ballerinas.

c. Critical analysis
Dogs Don’t Do Ballet is a beautifully written picture book for young children. The text offers interesting vocabulary words (ex: “looks longingly”, “calamity” “orchestra”) to promote discussion among readers. The setting is unknown, although the illustrations hint at a metropolitan city with parks and city buses. The lack of a specific city name makes the story more universal, as if the story could take place in New York, London, Tokyo or Paris.

The main character in this story, Biff, is a male dog who dreams of becoming a ballerina. Although, the story is fictional and the character is an animal, the idea of a boy being a tutu wearing ballerina may cause some readers to wonder about the author’s intentions of writing this story. More importantly, the underlying message seems to be that one shouldn’t let other people’s opinions or beliefs stand in the way of one’s dreams. This message should be shared and celebrated with children as a way to foster courage and confidence.

The illustrations in Dogs Don’t Do Ballet offer a whimsical feel to the story. Biff’s emotions are captured through the images on the pages and the reader is drawn in and can’t help but root for the ballet loving pooch. Oligvie does a good job of portraying a variety of characters so that the audience sees an array of ethnicities present, as in scenes such as the dance class and the ballet performance.

d. Reviews/Awards
• ALA Rainbow List selection
• I could not find any reviews from reputable sources such as Booklist, SLJ or Kirkus Review

e. Connections
• Students (and dogs) who love ballet can read one of these fabulous picture books starring ballerinas:
o Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird
o Gwendolyn the Graceful Pig by David Ira Rottenberg
o Tallulah’s Tutu by Marilyn Singer
o Sugar Plum Ballerinas series by Whoopi Goldberg
o Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen and Kadir Nelson

The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin

a. Bibliographic data
Lin, Grace. 2006. YEAR OF THE DOG. New York: Hachette Book Group. ISBN 031606002X

b. Brief plot summary
Year of the Dog is a story about a young Taiwanese-American girl named Grace who struggles with her identity as she grows up in upstate New York. When at home, Grace goes by her Taiwanese name Pacy, and enjoys festivities and traditions that celebrate her Japanese heritage. At school Grace tries her best to fit it and enjoy being a kid. Since this year is the Year of the Dog, Grace is supposed to discover herself, but different opportunities lead her to failure. When a story writing project is assigned in school, Grace is stumped as to what to write about, but ends up deciding to share her life as a Taiwanese American with her teacher and discovers that she has a gift for writing.

c. Critical analysis
Author Grace Lin weaves pieces of her personal life with bits of fiction to create a charming story about a girl who is growing up under the influence of two cultures. The setting, which takes place mainly in school and at Grace’s home in New York, provide the reader with characteristics of both the Taiwanese and American celebrations and traditions that this young girl experiences in her daily life. During the Christmas holiday, Grace and her sisters struggle to convince their parents to do “American” things like put lights on the house and buy actual gifts to open on Christmas morning. The girls also plead with their mother to cook a turkey on Thanksgiving in an effort to celebrate like the other kids at school. While their mother gives in to their requests, their “traditional” Thanksgiving dinner also includes many Asian influences.

Many Japanese-Taiwanese cultural holidays and traditions are shared in this story as well. Grace and her sister dye eggs red when a new baby cousin is born. Lin also explains to the reader that traditionally red envelopes containing money are given in lieu of gifts. Most importantly, Lin examines the big way that the family celebrates Chinese New Year. The tedious cleaning, the hours of cooking and the New Year’s candy are all interesting traditions that Grace’s family participates in each year.

The differences between the two cultures are also noted in less obvious ways. Grace recounts her sister explaining why she and her sister have two names, one for at home and one for school and Lissy comments “it’s easier for the Americans to say”. In contrast, when Grace attends a Taiwanese camp the other girls make fun of her because she doesn’t speak Taiwanese. There is a connection to be made with any child who has ever felt that they didn’t fit in with a particular crowd.

d. Reviews/Awards
• From SLJ: “A lighthearted coming-of-age novel with a cultural twist. Readers follow Grace, an American girl of Taiwanese heritage, through the course of one year–The Year of the Dog–as she struggles to integrate her two cultures. Throughout the story, her parents share their own experiences that parallel events in her life. These stories serve a dual purpose; they draw attention to Graces cultural background and allow her to make informed decisions. She and her two sisters are the only Taiwanese-American children at school until Melody arrives. The girls become friends and their common backgrounds illuminate further differences between the American and Taiwanese cultures. At the end of the year, the protagonist has grown substantially. Small, captioned, childlike black-and-white drawings are dotted throughout.”
• From Booklist: “Lin, who is known for her picture books, dots the text with charming ink drawings, some priceless, such as one picturing Grace dressed as a munchkin. Most of the chapters are bolstered by anecdotes from Grace's parents, which connect Grace (and the reader) to her Taiwanese heritage. Lin does a remarkable job capturing the soul and the spirit of books like those of Hayward or Maud Hart Lovelace, reimagining them through the lens of her own story, and transforming their special qualities into something new for today's young readers.”

e. Connections
• Follow up with another of Lin’s work:
o Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
o Year of the Rat
o Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!

Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet Wong

a. Bibliographic data
Wong, Janet. 2002. APPLE PIE FOURTH OF JULY. Ill. by Margaret Chodos-Irvine. Orlando: Harcourt. ISBN 0152057080

b. Brief plot summary
A young Chinese-American girl spends the Fourth of July inside her parents’ store wondering why they are cooking traditional Chinese food on an American holiday. As the day wears on, customers start to trickle in for chow mein and sweet and sour pork and the girl comes to realize that both cultures have mixed together to create her own Fourth of July tradition.

c. Critical analysis
Apple Pie 4th of July tells the story of a Chinese-American girl who helps her parents in their grocery store while others in the community attend Fourth of July celebrations. This story is light-hearted and will entertain audiences of all ages. Children will identify with the girl as she goes through many emotions throughout the day. Adults can appreciate the child-like innocence and naivety of a young girl who is learning about what is means to be part of family traditions.

Wong is able to blend characteristics of both the Chinese and American cultures into this simple, yet entertaining story. While the Fourth of July celebration is viewed as American- parades, fireworks and apple pie, the Chinese culture is represented through food- chow mein, sweet and sour pork and eggrolls. Because the family is part of the two cultures, they blend pieces of each into their own holiday tradition.

While the little girl is adamant that “no one wants Chinese food on the Fourth of July” she is respectful and continues to help her parents. The level of respect for family and elders shows a cultural connection to the traditions of the Chinese.

Many of the cultural markers are created through the illustrations of Margaret Chodos-Irvine. The physical depictions of the girl and her family, illustrated using printmaking techniques on colored paper, are the only strong indication that the family is Chinese-American. The illustrations also bring life to the setting, the family grocery store, where traces of both the Chinese (take out box designs, foods, fortune cookies) and American (clothing, store goods, apple pie) cultures are present.

d. Reviews/Awards
• From Publisher’s Weekly: “The well-paced text heavily freighted at the beginning and swift by the end reflects the girl's changing emotions and moods. The art resembles cut-paper collage. Chodos-Irvine deploys sharply defined objects in a range of colors and patterns to construct harmonious, forthright compositions that will likely prove inviting to readers of many backgrounds.”
• From SLJ: “This simply told story explores a child's fears about cultural differences and fitting in with understanding and affection. A Chinese-American girl helps her parents open their small neighborhood grocery store every day of the year. However, today is the Fourth of July and her parents just don't understand that customers won't be ordering chow mein and sweet-and-sour pork on this very American holiday. Done in a "variety of printmaking techniques," Chodos-Irvine's illustrations are cheerfully bright and crisp, capturing the spirit of the day as well as the changing emotions of the main character.”

e. Connections
• Teachers can use this book to discuss differences in holiday traditions and celebrations
• Young readers may enjoy one of the other works by Janet Wong, including:
o Dumpster Diver
o Buzz
o Alex and the Wednesday Chess Club
o Minn and Jake

Tea with Milk by Allen Say

a. Bibliographic data
Say, Allen. 1999. TEA WITH MILK. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0547237472

b. Brief plot summary
After spending the first part of her life living in San Francisco, Masako (or May as she is called in America), must follow her parents when they move back to Japan. Although she has graduated high school in America, May must now return to school to be educated in Japanese. Irritated with her new life, May buys a ticket to Osaka, a large city in Japan, and gets a job in a department store. While working, she meets a young man and begins a friendship that will last a lifetime.

c. Critical analysis
Author Allen Say does an excellent job in retelling his mother’s life story in Tea with Milk. The somber tone of the book reflects the thoughts and feelings of young May as she struggles with adjusting to her new life in Japan. Underneath the loneliness and “a heavy heart”, May is a girl with dreams of being independent and living life on her terms. There is a sense of bravery in May that shines through even her saddest moments.

Say confronts the differences in the Japanese and Japanese-American cultures head on. From the first page, readers understand that May is known by two different names and speaks two different languages. She has even grown accustomed to two types of food: “At home she had rice and miso soup and plain green tea for breakfast. At her friends’ houses she ate pancakes and muffins and drank tea with milk and sugar.”

Readers are able to share May’s experience as she is introduced to Japanese traditions such as sitting on the floor (instead of chairs), wearing a kimono in place of her American clothing, and bowing in the traditional Japanese greeting. Likewise, readers are also able to share her sense of adventure in making it on her own and accomplishment in discovering herself.

The watercolor illustrations in Tea with Milk provide support for the text when needed (such as May’s isolation at school on page 9) but also enhance the emotions of the main character (the devastated facial expression on page 7 or the bright, American outfit worn in defiance on page 15). Each character drawn on the pages of this beautiful book are detailed and realistic. As an illustrator, Say has paid careful attention to his images so even the backgrounds of buildings and rooms have depth.

d. Reviews/Awards
• From SLJ: “Continuing the story he started in Grandfather's Journey (Houghton, 1993), Say explores familiar themes of cultural connection and disconnection. He focuses on his mother Masako, or May, as she prefers to be called, who, after graduating from high school in California, unwillingly moves with her parents to their native Japan… The pages are filled with detailed drawings featuring Japanese architecture and clothing, and because of the artist's mastery at drawing figures, the people come to life as authentic and sympathetic characters. This is a thoughtful and poignant book that will appeal to a wide range of readers, particularly our nation's many immigrants who grapple with some of the same challenges as May and Joseph, including feeling at home in a place that is not their own.”
• From Booklist: “Say's masterfully executed watercolors tell as much of this story about a young woman's challenging transition from America to Japan as his eloquent, economical prose. Raised near San Francisco, Masako (her American friends called her May) is uprooted after high school when her parents return to their Japanese homeland… Through choice words and scrupulously choreographed paintings, Say's story communicates both the heart's yearning for individuality and freedom and how love and friendship can bridge cultural chasms.”

e. Connections
• Readers should read Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say to understand the characters of Tea with Milk.
• This story can be coupled with other tales of immigration such as the wordless picture book, The Arrival by Shaun Tan.
• An author study can be completed by reading Say’s biography at http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/authors/allensay/author.shtml or reading any of the other works listed below:
o Tree of Cranes
o Emma’s Rug
o The Boy in the Garden
o Under the Cherry Blossom Tree
o Allsion

Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom by Tim Tingle

a. Bibliographic data
Tingle, Tim. 2008. CROSSING BOK CHITTO: A CHOCTAW TALE OF FRIENDSHIP AND FREEDOM. Ill. by Jeanne Rorex Bridges. El Paso: Cinco Puntos Press. ISBN 1933693207

b. Brief plot summary
Martha Tom, a Choctaw Indian girl, disobeys her mother’s warnings to not cross the Bok Chitto river and wanders into a meeting of a forbidden slave church. There she meets a boy named Little Mo who helps her find her way back to the Bok Chitto. Over the years Martha and Little Mo become friends, using the secret stepping stones under the river’s murky water as a path to friendship. When Little Mo’s mother is to be sold to another plantation, Martha and the rest of the Choctaws help the family cross the Bok Chitto to safety.

c. Critical analysis
Many cultural celebrations and events take place during the pages of this picture book. Crossing Bok Chitto begins with Martha’s mother preparing for a traditional Choctaw wedding and ends with a crossing ceremony to allow Little Mo and his family to pass safely across the river and away from the slave owners. When Martha first stumbles across the secret church meeting, she listens in to the sermon and song of the slaves who have come to gather. These moments in the story help the reader understand each child’s way of living.

Without reading the author’s notes at the end of the book, the audience (unless familiar with the Choctaw culture) is unaware of the accuracy in the details of the wedding ceremony and dress described in the story. If the reader had been armed with the knowledge that exists in the author’s notes, the story would hold even more power in its words.

Tingle does an excellent job in setting the stage of the story. His opening words echo the power that the Bok Chitto river held for these two groups of people. The conclusion of the book is equally well written and has a storyteller’s flair in the final page (The descendants of those people still talk about that night). Rorex’s illustrations on both the opening and ending spreads reflect both the tone and setting described in the text perfectly.

The illustrations in Crossing Bok Chitto showcase the cultural differences between the Choctaw Indians and African American slaves. Each group of people is depicted accurately in both physical attributes and time period clothing. Throughout the story, one character is drawn up close in great detail, while the others are in the background with blurred faces. This aspect of the illustrations helps to illuminate the emotions happening in the text, while offering more detail through the background images.

The underlying tone of this simple, yet beautiful book is acceptance. The two children become friends and are able to truly appreciate each other and where they come from. Both Little Mo and Martha have moments in the story when they are “deeply touched” by the others' way of life.

d. Reviews/Awards
• 2008-2009 Bluebonnet nominee
• 2007 ALA Notable Children’s Book
• Jane Adams Peace Award Honor Book
• From SLJ: “Dramatic, quiet, and warming, this is a story of friendship across cultures in 1800s Mississippi. While searching for blackberries, Martha Tom, a young Choctaw, breaks her village's rules against crossing the Bok Chitto. She meets and becomes friends with the slaves on the plantation on the other side of the river, and later helps a family escape across it to freedom when they hear that the mother is to be sold. Tingle is a performing storyteller, and his text has the rhythm and grace of that oral tradition…The paintings are dark and solemn, and the artist has done a wonderful job of depicting all of the characters as individuals, with many of them looking out of the page right at readers.”
• From Booklist: “In a picture book that highlights rarely discussed intersections between Native Americans in the South and African Americans in bondage, a noted Choctaw storyteller and Cherokee artist join forces with stirring results.”

e. Connections
• Readers can further examine the Choctaw culture by checking out any of Tingle’s other literary works below:
o Saltypie: A Choctaw Journey from Darkness to Light
o Walking the Choctaw Road: Stories from Red People Memory
o When Turtle Grew Feathers: A Tale from the Choctaw Nation