Saturday, November 29, 2014

The Watsons Go to Birmingham-- 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis


Curtis, C.P. (1995). The Watsons go to Birmingham–1963. New York: Delacorte Press.

The Watsons Go To Birmingham, like many other historical fiction novels, is a Coretta Scott King award and Newberry Honor book and fits the genre so thoroughly through its characters, plot, theme, setting, and style. As the Watsons take their family to Alabama in an effort to curb their oldest child's errant ways, the characters are revealed and in doing so, so are multiple themes.  Bullying, family conflict, and racism lead the way in the plot and make this novel applicable in many ways to today's times.

Evaluation criteria:  Historical fiction

Random House lesson ideas

We Are the Ship The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson


Nelson, K. (2008). We are the ship: the story of Negro league baseball. New York: Hyperion.

We Are The Ship is beautifully illustrated and designed book about the hardships experienced by the first African-American professional baseball players and managers in America.  While the words are powerful on their own, the illustrations and page layouts richly enhance the readers understanding and experience of what is very factual and historical information.

Evaluation criteria: Design

Timmy Failure Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis



Pastis, S. (2013). Timmy Failure: mistakes were made. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Timmy is a young boy growing up with a struggling single mother, no mention of a father, a teacher who doesn't understand him, terrible grades, and very few friends. As a coping mechanism that he uses to deal with his every day life, Timmy uses his very vivid imagination to invent a detective agency with "cases" and a partner that's a polar bear. As we see his mother begin to give up, Timmy gets a new teacher who sees the potential he has and uses Timmy's imagination to drive his education. Things begin to turn around for Timmy in this children's book written from Timmy's perspective with Timmy's "case" notes and drawings sprinkled liberally throughout the story.

Evaluation criteria: Plot and Style

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen


Klassen, J. (2012). This is not my hat. Boston, MA: Candlewick.

This Is Not My Hat is cute story about a small, sneaky fish who steals a hat from a large fish and arrogantly swims away with it positive that he won't get caught.  Along the way, the small fish has a witness in a crab who rats him out to the big fish.  In a short, simple tale where an innocent take on good vs. evil is applied in effective, yet simple words and illustrations, children can grasp the meaning and experience out-of-the-ordinary pictures as well.

Evaluation criteria: Shape

Spiders by Nic Bishop


Bishop, Nic. (2007)Spiders. NY: Scholastic.
 
Spiders, written and illustrated by Nic Bishop, is a reliable, informative book containing a plethora of facts about spiders along with excellent photographs of the various spiders included in the book.  While there is no formal bibliographic information in the book, Bishop is a well-respected author and photographer, and holds a Ph.D. in biology and devotes his time to researching and studying small animals and insects and the facts presented in Spiders is easily verified through multiple sources.

Evaluation criteria: Accuracy

Rules by Cynthia Lord


Lord, C. (2006). Rules. New York: Scholastic.

Rules, a children's novel of self-searching and discovery, involves the main character, Catherine's, struggles to figure out who she is independent of her brother David, who has autism and who she is often asked to care for as her parents work, all while she is coming of age socially as we see her meeting new people and navigating the waters of friendship. All of this progresses easily out of both her inner-conflicts and guilt as well as her actual conflicts with her parents and friends. As is often the case in both children's and adult's contemporary fiction, the main character is a female who is experiencing these conflicts with multiple male supporting characters who are also cast in atypical roles due to emotion and disabilities, like her new friend Jason. 

Evaluation criteria: Theme and Gender/culture

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni


Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. New York: Henry Holt and Co.

 Combined with the details of Rosa's life, the turmoil of race relations at that point in our country's history, and Nikki Giovanni's original presentation of the story of Rosa Parks, the design of the book successfully makes this portrayal of those historical events understandable and believable for young children and make it interesting for older children and even adults.

Evaluation criteria: Design

Primates by Jim Ottaviani


Ottaviani, J. (2013). Primates. New York: FirstSecond.

Primates is a book that presents the lives of three different women who spent their lives researching primates.  The reader can learn about Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galikas through the now-popular graphic novel design of the book.  Text is appropriately used throughout to indicate both human speech and animal sounds and together with the illustrations, provide the reader with a thorough representation of each woman and her work.

Evaluation criteria: Design

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch


Munsch, R. (2012). The paperbag princess. New York: Annick Press.

The Paper Bag Princess is based on the classic idea of a girl in search of her prince, but this story takes on a humorous twist in its telling.  Elizabeth battles- and defeats- a fire-breathing dragon for her prince only to discover that her prince is an obnoxious oaf.  This "stand on your own two feet" take on a classic theme is refreshing and should be in the hands of every little girl...and woman.

Evaluation criteria: Shape

Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper


Draper, S. (2010). Out of my mind. New York: Atheneum.

Out of My Mind takes place in the home and school of the main character, Melody, a pre-teen girl living with cerebral palsy and unable to communicate verbally. Through the "voice" of Melody, we are able to gain a first-person perspective of her surroundings in a realistic, effective way. The reader is also able to identify a universal theme of self-discovery since Melody is a strong main character who is trying to establish a place in her world, however small it is, while also battling her inability to express herself and be understood by others. The angst she sometimes feels is almost palpable to the reader, making her an extremely believable character and adding to the theme.

Evaluation criteria: Setting and theme

Olivia by Ian Falconer


Falconer, I. (2000). Olivia. New York: Atheneum.

Olivia is the well-known book about a typical little girl in the shape of a pig.  She is precocious and often bothered by her little brother but is also sweet and endearing at the end of the day.  Olivia is a simply written and illustrated book, making it really ALL ABOUT OLIVIA!

Evaluation criteria: Color

My Teacher Is a Monster! by Peter Brown


Brown, P. (2014). My teacher is a monster! (No, I am not!). New York: Little Brown and Co.

My Teacher Is a Monster! is a great book about a little boy and his teacher at odds with one another until a chance meeting in the park reveals to the boy that his teacher really is likeable and is in fact, not a MONSTER.

Evaluation criteria: Texture

Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer


Singer, M. (2010). Mirror, mirror. New York: Dutton.

Mirror Mirror is a fascinatingly written book of poems based on classic fairy tales.  But these poems aren't just your typical poems-- they are written one way, and then using the same words and the same order, but different punctuation, they are written in reverse to produce a different take on, yet again, the same story. 

Evaluation criteria: Color

Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell


McDonnell, P. (2011). Me…Jane. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Me...Jane is great book to use with very young readers as a way to introduce Jane Goodall's lifelong study of chimpanzees through her much-loved toy chimpanzee.  McDonnell presents the life and work of Goodall in a very sweet, childlike way that speaks to children.

Evaluation criteria: Style

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach A Cuban Foktale retold by Carmen Agra Deedy


Deedy, C.A. (2007). Martina the beautiful cockroach. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach is a beautifully entertaining folktale that endears the main character, Martina to the reader through her grandmother's advice about testing her suitors for marriage material.  Through gorgeous illustrations, the tale comes to life and pokes fun at the various "men" who have come to woo Martina.  True to Cuban heritage and traditions, this proves worthy of cultural studies and is a heartwarming version of an old tale.

Evaluation criteria: Texture

The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie DePaola


DePaola, T. (1983). The legend of the bluebonnet. New York: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers.

In this tale about a young Comanche girl who sacrifices her most-loved possession out of sacrifice for her people, DePaola formulates an explanation for the state flower of Texas, the bluebonnet.  DePaola is intentionally true to the Comanche people in a story that is timeless and appropriate for a wide range of readers.

Evaluation criteria: Composition

It's So Amazing! by Robie Harris


Harris, R. (1999). It’s so amazing. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

It's So Amazing! is a great book to use as a sounding board when explaining the sexual functions of the human body.  With it's age-appropriate illustrations, its up-to-date use of language, and the child-friendly presentation, this book makes itself an excellent tool to use for what can be a sometimes challenging, uncomfortable subject with children.

Evaluation criteria: Organization

It's a Book by Lane Smith


Smith, L. (2010). It’s a book. New York: Roaring Brook Press

It's a Book is a clever little book that uses very few words, a donkey, and a gorilla to effectively explain in an ever-expanding technological age what a book is.  The illustrations are even simple, but very effective and are done in such a way as to draw the reader's attention to the written word.  The simplicity and humor of the book is, in my opinion, what makes It's a Book's impact so strong.

Evaluation criteria: Compostition

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz


Schlitz, Laura. (2007). Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Cambridge: Candlewick Press.

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!, a Newberry Award winning book is written mostly in verse with descriptive, informative paragraphs throughout each of the 21 tales in which the author depicts 23 different characters, in a very Canterbury Tales style.  Schlitz originally wrote the book in a way that students could present a play where everyone had the opportunity to have a key role.

Evaluation criteria: Historical fiction

How They Croaked by Georgia Bragg


Bragg, G. (2011). How they croaked: the awful ends of the awfully famous. New York: Walker and Co.

How They Croaked is presented in a style that is interest-grabbing and thought provoking.  Georgia Bragg (I was surprised to realize that it was a woman who wrote in this voice/style, however sexist that may sound) delivers information in a way that oozes sarcasm and humor, while providing factual information about the unusual ends of historical figures.  Bragg also presents information in a way that suggests she is having a conversation with a peer or friend even, which draws the reader in even more.  Her no-holds-barred delivery give this informational text a flavor all its own and leave just enough to the imagination to make the reader dig a little deeper on many of the subjects.

Evaluation criteria: Style  

Hitler Youth by Susan Campbell Bartoletti


Bartoletti, S. (2005). Hitler youth: growing up in Hitler’s shadow.  New York: Scholastic.

Hitler Youth is a terrifically enlightening book about the young lives, both the followers of Hitler and Jewish youth, which were impacted by the times in which Hitler reigned in Europe.  The words of the children are so moving that this book would be a great source for educators to use in their study of the Holocaust and the writing and photographs make it appropriate for readers of any age. 

Evaluation criteria:  Organization

Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet


Sweet, M. (2011). Balloons over Broadway: the true story of the puppeteer of Macy’s Parade. New York: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.

Balloons Over Broadway, The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade is a masterfully written and illustrated book about Tony Sarg, the artist behind the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.  This beautiful book uses collage to enhance the written word about a time-honored tradition that was the ever-evolving brain-child of Mr. Sarg.

Evaluation criteria: Design

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson


Paterson, K. (1972). Bridge to Terabithia. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co.

Jess Aarons is not the typical leading male character in Bridge to Terabithia in that he does not care to conform to the stereotypical role of a small town boy but because of his dirt-poor upbringing and lack of encouragement, sees no other option and so he runs to escape. Then Leslie moves to this very believable small town with its small town ideas and limitations, and gives Jess a vision of hope and encouragement to pursue his artistic talents. As the two transcend the daily life that holds Jess back by creating an imaginary world, Jess begins to grow in strength so that even in the face of loss, Jess has become strong enough to have hope of one day overcoming his upbringing. 

Evaluation criteria: Character and setting

A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban


Urban, L.(2007).  A crooked kind of perfect. New York: Scholastic.

Because Zoe Elias' father stays home due to social anxiety and her mother is seen as the sole source of financial support, added to the fact the main character, Zoe, is a female, leads to the reader down a path of gender and culture that is emerging as one that is more and more common in contemporary fiction and easier and easier for readers today to identify with. Zoe's struggle with feeling inadequate as a pianist is resolved when she realizes that life doesn't have to be picture-perfect to be wonderful. As Zoe grows as a character, so does her father in overcoming some of his anxiety issues.

Evaluation criteria:  Gender/culture and character

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick


Selznick, B. (2011).  Wonderstruck. New York: Scholastic.

Wonderstruck is a wonderfully written/illustrated book about a boy named Ben whose mother died in a tragic accident leaving him to wonder about the father he never knew with no one to understand him, while at the same time,  Rose, a young girl who lived 50 years before, is on a similar quest.  While Ben's story is written, Rose's is beautifully illustrated in a way that reader's practice comprehension without words and understanding is way that leaves them with a very unique reading experience.


Comics Squad Recess!


Holm, J. (2014) Comics squad: Recess! New York: Random House.

Comics Squad Recess! is a collection of comic strips centered around recess that use humor and slight sarcasm to entertain readers of all ages.  Through simple, three-color illustrations and dialogue between the characters, the authors provide stories of conflict and challenge common to adolescents in school, yet with humor and light-heartedness, the comics become a fun ode to the coming-of-age we all experience.

Evaluation criteria: Theme and style

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech


Creech, S. (2001). Love that dog. New York: Harper Collins.

Love That Dog is a book set in poetry and prose from the point of view of a young boy, Jack, whose assignments are apparently poetry in nature based on various poems read in class by the teacher. Jack is a somewhat reluctant, insecure writer, but as the story progresses through the words of the boy, the reader is informed of details from the poems read in class.   Also, as the story unfolds, Walter Dean Myers becomes a key figure through his inspiration to Jack and eventually visits the school. Love That Dog is written in a unique way that rather quickly and with a relatively few words, reveals multiple themes and details of the story.

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

Collins, S. (2003). Gregor the Overlander. New York: Scholastic.

Gregor the Overlander is a fantasy novel about an 11 year old boy living with his mother, his grandmother and his two sisters in an apartment in the city after the mysterious disappearance of his father.  Gregor and his 2 year old sister "fall" into a vent in the laundry room basement into another world inhabited by life-sized roaches, spiders, rats, and bats, in addition to the Underlanders.  After learning that his father may well be held captive by the rats and that he, Gregor, is the person fated to free the Underlanders from the oppression of the rats, Gregor sets out on his predestined quest to do just that.  Met with resistance from both sides and unlikely allies, Gregor finds that there is more to him than he ever imagined.

Evaluation criteria: Plot and setting



Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale

Hale, S. (2008). Rapunzel’s Revenge. New York: Bloomsbury.

Rapunzel's Revenge is a tale based on the traditional fairy tale of Rapunzel, but that's where the similarities end.  In this epic twist on a timeless tale, written in graphic novel style, the reader follows Rapunzel (who is certainly no damsel in distress awaiting her prince-rescuer) throughout her wild West adventure with Jack-- of the beanstalk-- as they set out to triumph over evil and Rapunzel's evil captor, Mother Goethel.

Book trailers from Shannon Hale's book trailer contest
 

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy


 

Landry, D. (2007). Skulduggery Pleasant. NY: HarperCollins.

When Uncle Gordon dies, Stephanie, the 12-year-old protagonist, inherits his fortune but along with that fortune also comes the world that Gordon had kept secret and what had made him such an enigma to his family.  In that world, Stephanie and her new-found, sharp-tongued, skeleton protector team up to battle against the evil Faceless Ones.  Stephanie, who has always been a bit awkward comes into her own in Skulduggery Pleasant making this a great coming of age novel for young readers.

Evaluation criteria:  Character and theme

Official audio cliphttps://soundcloud.com/harperaudio/skulduggery-pleasant-by-derek-landy

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman, N. (2008). The Graveyard Book. NY: HarperCollins.

The Graveyard Book is an intriguing tale about a boy who, as a toddler, inadvertently, as a result of his family's murders, ends up as a permanent resident of a graveyard where the paranormal residents take him in as one of their own.  Over the course of the novel, "Bod" is raised in a sort of limbo as one of the dead and learns his life-lessons in the night.  While growing up, Bod has many encounters, night and day with both the living and the dead, the good and the evil, and as a result, he learns about things that frighten even him and challenge him in ways he's never been challenged before. 

Evaluation criteria: Setting and character

Book trailer:  The Graveyard Book