by Christopher Paul Curtis
ISBN: 9780439023450
Bibliography:
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. New York: Scholastic Press.
Plot:
This story is told from the perspective of eleven-year-old Elijah, who was the first child born into freedom in a settlement for runaway slaves in Buxton, Canada. Throughout the story, Elijah experiences many adventures, some of which are silly and playful and others that are completely heart-wrenching. Elijah travels to the dangerous land of America in order to help a former slave, Leroy, find the man that stole the money that was meant to free his enslaved family. When everything goes wrong, Elijah is forced to make grown-up decisions that indeed change him forever.
Analysis:
Curtis masterfully develops vivid, rich characters that are multifaceted. Each character is portrayed with a layer of pain and sadness that is just below the surface. Curtis helps the reader to understand and relate to this pain even though the reader has never experienced slavery firsthand. Readers will also relate to the importance of family and the pain of being separated from loved ones.
Curtis uses the dialect of the characters to pull the reader into the time and place of the story. The following quote describes a heart-wrenching moment when Elijah meets Chloe, a recaptured slave who is chained up with her husband, her baby, and three other slaves. When Elijah explains that he was born free in Buxton, Chloe says, "You cain't know it, but you's the shiniest thing what we's seen in a long, long, long time. Seeing you's the next best thing to seeing Canada. Seeing you shows me that the whole thang ain't no dream."
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: “Readers learn about conditions in slavery at a distance, though the horrors become increasingly apparent. Among the more memorable scenes are those in which Elijah meets escaped slaves—first, those who have made it to Canada and, later, those who have been retaken by slave catchers. Central to the story, these scenes show an emotional range and a subtlety unusual in children’s fiction. Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at other moments, moved to tears.”
Kirkus Review: Eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman is known for two things: being the first child born free in Buxton, Canada, and throwing up on the great Frederick Douglass. It's 1859, in Buxton, a settlement for slaves making it to freedom in Canada, a setting so thoroughly evoked, with characters so real, that readers will live the story, not just read it. This is not a zip-ahead-and-see-what-happens-next novel. It's for settling into and savoring the rich, masterful storytelling, for getting to know Elijah, Cooter and the Preacher, for laughing at stories of hoop snakes, toady-frogs and fish-head chunking and crying when Leroy finally gets money to buy back his wife and children, but has the money stolen. Then Elijah journeys to America and risks his life to do what's right. This is Curtis's best novel yet, and no doubt many readers, young and old, will finish and say, "This is one of the best books I have ever read."
Connections:
* The following websites offers many resources for teaching elementary, middle school, and high school students about slavery:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/slavery/teachers/lesson4.html
http://www.history.org/History/teaching/attitude.cfm
http://www.middleweb.com/Amistad.html
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
NUMBER THE STARS
By Lois Lowry
ISBN: 9780395510605
Bibliography:
Lowry, Lois. 1989. Number the Stars. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.
Plot:
Number the Stars takes place during World War II in Nazi-occupied Denmark. Annemarie and her family help their Jewish friends to hide from the Nazis. They take in Ellen, Annemarie’s best friend, when Ellen’s parents are forced to flee from their home to avoid being captured. The situation becomes more dangerous as Annemarie, her mother, and sister take Ellen to Uncle Henrik’s house to reunite her with her parents and prepare to help them escape safely to Sweden.
Analysis:
Lowery tells this story from ten-year-old Annemarie’s perspective. It is set in a very uncomfortable, anxious time with Nazi soldiers on every corner watching every move of the citizens of Denmark. Young Annemarie struggles to make sense of the situation as she is told by her parents that the Nazis plan to arrest all of the Danish Jews, and that her family plans to help them. Readers will relate to themes of fear, courage, and respect. Lowery conveys this story in a very suspenseful way that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
In the Afterword Lowery explains which elements of the story are fact and fiction and ends with a note from a from a twenty-one-year old man to his mother the night before he was executed by the Nazis: "I want you all to remember -that you must not dream yourselves back to the times before the war, but the dream for you all must be to create an ideal of human decency, not a narrow-minded and prejudiced one. That is the gift our country hungers for, something every little peasant boy can look forward to, and with pleasure feel he is part of- something he can work and fight for."
Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: “The gripping story of a ten-year-old Danish girl and her family's courageous efforts to smuggle Jews out of their Nazi-occupied homeland to safety in Sweden. Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.”
Publishers Weekly: “Set in Nazi-occupied Denmark in 1943, this 1990 Newbery winner tells of a 10-year-old girl who undertakes a dangerous mission to save her best friend.”
Connections:
*This book would be a great introduction for a study of the Holocaust.
*Students could read this book prior to visiting a Holocaust museum.
ISBN: 9780395510605
Bibliography:
Lowry, Lois. 1989. Number the Stars. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.
Plot:
Number the Stars takes place during World War II in Nazi-occupied Denmark. Annemarie and her family help their Jewish friends to hide from the Nazis. They take in Ellen, Annemarie’s best friend, when Ellen’s parents are forced to flee from their home to avoid being captured. The situation becomes more dangerous as Annemarie, her mother, and sister take Ellen to Uncle Henrik’s house to reunite her with her parents and prepare to help them escape safely to Sweden.
Analysis:
Lowery tells this story from ten-year-old Annemarie’s perspective. It is set in a very uncomfortable, anxious time with Nazi soldiers on every corner watching every move of the citizens of Denmark. Young Annemarie struggles to make sense of the situation as she is told by her parents that the Nazis plan to arrest all of the Danish Jews, and that her family plans to help them. Readers will relate to themes of fear, courage, and respect. Lowery conveys this story in a very suspenseful way that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
In the Afterword Lowery explains which elements of the story are fact and fiction and ends with a note from a from a twenty-one-year old man to his mother the night before he was executed by the Nazis: "I want you all to remember -that you must not dream yourselves back to the times before the war, but the dream for you all must be to create an ideal of human decency, not a narrow-minded and prejudiced one. That is the gift our country hungers for, something every little peasant boy can look forward to, and with pleasure feel he is part of- something he can work and fight for."
Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: “The gripping story of a ten-year-old Danish girl and her family's courageous efforts to smuggle Jews out of their Nazi-occupied homeland to safety in Sweden. Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.”
Publishers Weekly: “Set in Nazi-occupied Denmark in 1943, this 1990 Newbery winner tells of a 10-year-old girl who undertakes a dangerous mission to save her best friend.”
Connections:
*This book would be a great introduction for a study of the Holocaust.
*Students could read this book prior to visiting a Holocaust museum.
WHEN MY NAME WAS KEOKO
By Linda Sue Park
ISBN: 9780618133352
Bibliography:
Park, Linda Sue. 2002. When My Name Was Keoko. New York: Clarion Books.
Plot:
When My Name Was Keoko takes place in Korea during World War II, and is told from the perspective of two young Korean siblings. Sun-hee and her brother, Tae-yul, describe what life is like living in Korea as they are forced by the inhabiting Japanese soldiers to abandon all ties to their Korean culture, which includes changing their Korean names to Japanese names.
Sun-hee’s parents quietly rebel against the occupation in their own ways while her uncle is much more vocal about resisting. Sun-hee’s uncle, who works for the resistance, is forced into hiding when Sun-hee misunderstands a tip given to her by a Japanese friend. The guilt of this mistake haunts her throughout the story and changes the family dynamic. The story intensifies as Tae-yul makes a brave and self-sacrificing decision to join the Japanese army in order to protect his family. When the war is finally over, the family strives to regain normalcy.
Analysis:
Park carefully tells this story from two perspectives addressing both male and female roles in the Korean culture during this time. These complex characters must make difficult, self-sacrificing decisions in order to keep their family safe. Sun-hee struggles to make sense of it all as family secrets are hidden from her, and she lives with the guilt of mistakenly sending her uncle away: "After Uncle left, I couldn't trust myself to speak. It seemed that my mouth and heart were all connected. When I opened my mouth, my eyes would fill with tears. To keep from crying, I had to close my mouth, so I didn't talk much."
Tae-yul struggles to find his place in a world that has been turned upside-down and deals with anger toward his father for not openly resisting the Japanese. Readers will relate to issues regarding feelings of guilt, duty, honor, respect, and loss. The setting is extremely tense as Japanese soldiers force families to abandon their Korean culture, punishing those that resist. As the characters deal with the new imposed rules, tensions mount as characters choose to conform or resist. Readers will relate to themes of patriotism versus conforming to imposed rules in order to keep the family intact.
Review Excerpts:
Horn Book: “In alternating chapters covering the years 1940 to 1945, two Korean siblings describe their lives during the Japanese military occupation. Tae-yul admires their uncle, who works for the resistance; younger sister Sun-hee is more like their father, subdued and introspective, rebelling in quiet but significant ways. The novel provides an accessible introduction to this painful history.”
"A brother and sister alternate as narrators in this well-constructed novel, which takes place from 1940-1945 in Japanese-occupied Korea," wrote PW in a starred review. "Through the use of the shifting narrators, Park subtly points up the differences between male and female roles in Korean society and telling details provide a clear picture of the siblings and their world."
Connections:
*Other books by Linda Sue Park:
The Kite Fighters ISBN: 9780395940419
A Single Shard ISBN: 9780395978276
Project Mulberry ISBN: 9780618477869
ISBN: 9780618133352
Bibliography:
Park, Linda Sue. 2002. When My Name Was Keoko. New York: Clarion Books.
Plot:
When My Name Was Keoko takes place in Korea during World War II, and is told from the perspective of two young Korean siblings. Sun-hee and her brother, Tae-yul, describe what life is like living in Korea as they are forced by the inhabiting Japanese soldiers to abandon all ties to their Korean culture, which includes changing their Korean names to Japanese names.
Sun-hee’s parents quietly rebel against the occupation in their own ways while her uncle is much more vocal about resisting. Sun-hee’s uncle, who works for the resistance, is forced into hiding when Sun-hee misunderstands a tip given to her by a Japanese friend. The guilt of this mistake haunts her throughout the story and changes the family dynamic. The story intensifies as Tae-yul makes a brave and self-sacrificing decision to join the Japanese army in order to protect his family. When the war is finally over, the family strives to regain normalcy.
Analysis:
Park carefully tells this story from two perspectives addressing both male and female roles in the Korean culture during this time. These complex characters must make difficult, self-sacrificing decisions in order to keep their family safe. Sun-hee struggles to make sense of it all as family secrets are hidden from her, and she lives with the guilt of mistakenly sending her uncle away: "After Uncle left, I couldn't trust myself to speak. It seemed that my mouth and heart were all connected. When I opened my mouth, my eyes would fill with tears. To keep from crying, I had to close my mouth, so I didn't talk much."
Tae-yul struggles to find his place in a world that has been turned upside-down and deals with anger toward his father for not openly resisting the Japanese. Readers will relate to issues regarding feelings of guilt, duty, honor, respect, and loss. The setting is extremely tense as Japanese soldiers force families to abandon their Korean culture, punishing those that resist. As the characters deal with the new imposed rules, tensions mount as characters choose to conform or resist. Readers will relate to themes of patriotism versus conforming to imposed rules in order to keep the family intact.
Review Excerpts:
Horn Book: “In alternating chapters covering the years 1940 to 1945, two Korean siblings describe their lives during the Japanese military occupation. Tae-yul admires their uncle, who works for the resistance; younger sister Sun-hee is more like their father, subdued and introspective, rebelling in quiet but significant ways. The novel provides an accessible introduction to this painful history.”
"A brother and sister alternate as narrators in this well-constructed novel, which takes place from 1940-1945 in Japanese-occupied Korea," wrote PW in a starred review. "Through the use of the shifting narrators, Park subtly points up the differences between male and female roles in Korean society and telling details provide a clear picture of the siblings and their world."
Connections:
*Other books by Linda Sue Park:
The Kite Fighters ISBN: 9780395940419
A Single Shard ISBN: 9780395978276
Project Mulberry ISBN: 9780618477869
Sunday, July 13, 2008
AN AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE TRUE AND TERRIFYING STORY OF THE YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC OF 1793
Written by Jim Murphy
ISBN: 9780395776087
Bibliography:
Murphy, Jim. 2003. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. New York: Clarion Books.
Plot:
This award winning book accurately details the historical events surrounding the yellow fever outbreak of 1793 in Philadelphia.
Analysis:
Much research was compiled into the creation of this terrifying story as Murphy cites over ninety different sources that include firsthand accounts, historical documents, and books on a variety of supporting topics. Murphy delivers a clear sequence of information that covers many aspects of the plague such as the first case of Yellow Fever in Philadelphia, the many ways doctors attempted to treat the ravaging disease, the volunteers that stayed behind to provide care for the sick, the link between mosquitoes and Yellow Fever, and advances in medicine.
Features such as a table of contents, a detailed reference list, and an index are included as well as historical pictures, maps, paintings, newspaper clippings, letters, and other public records which bring this historical tragedy to life. Murphy carefully considers a multitude of viewpoints from that of basic citizens, doctors, government officials, nurses, community leaders, and volunteers from the Free African Society. The descriptive account of the yellow fever epidemic ends with the following warning: “This disease will eventually emerge to challenge us again. And when it does, we will have to overcome our fears and be prepared to confront it.”
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: “History, science, politics, and public health come together in this dramatic account of the disastrous yellow fever epidemic that hit the nation's capital more than 200 years ago. Drawing on firsthand accounts, medical and non-medical, Murphy re-creates the fear and panic in the infected city, the social conditions that caused the disease to spread, and the arguments about causes and cures. With archival prints, photos, contemporary newspaper facsimiles that include lists of the dead, and full, chatty source notes, he tells of those who fled and those who stayed--among them, the heroic group of free blacks who nursed the ill and were later vilified for their work.”
Horn Book: “Murphy culls from a number of historical records the story of the yellow fever epidemic that swept Philadelphia, skillfully drawing out the fear and drama of the time and making them immediate to modern readers. Attentive to telling detail, Murphy offers representative images, from black-and-white portraits to plague scenes. Thoroughly documented, with an annotated source list, the work is both rigorous and inviting.”
Connections:
*Other books about yellow fever:
Cefrey, Holly. Yellow Fever. ISBN: 9780823934898
Pierce, John R. Yellow Jack : How Yellow Fever Ravaged America and Walter Reed Discovered Its Deadly Secrets. ISBN 9780471472612
*Compare the yellow fever epidemic with other epidemics.
ISBN: 9780395776087
Bibliography:
Murphy, Jim. 2003. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. New York: Clarion Books.
Plot:
This award winning book accurately details the historical events surrounding the yellow fever outbreak of 1793 in Philadelphia.
Analysis:
Much research was compiled into the creation of this terrifying story as Murphy cites over ninety different sources that include firsthand accounts, historical documents, and books on a variety of supporting topics. Murphy delivers a clear sequence of information that covers many aspects of the plague such as the first case of Yellow Fever in Philadelphia, the many ways doctors attempted to treat the ravaging disease, the volunteers that stayed behind to provide care for the sick, the link between mosquitoes and Yellow Fever, and advances in medicine.
Features such as a table of contents, a detailed reference list, and an index are included as well as historical pictures, maps, paintings, newspaper clippings, letters, and other public records which bring this historical tragedy to life. Murphy carefully considers a multitude of viewpoints from that of basic citizens, doctors, government officials, nurses, community leaders, and volunteers from the Free African Society. The descriptive account of the yellow fever epidemic ends with the following warning: “This disease will eventually emerge to challenge us again. And when it does, we will have to overcome our fears and be prepared to confront it.”
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: “History, science, politics, and public health come together in this dramatic account of the disastrous yellow fever epidemic that hit the nation's capital more than 200 years ago. Drawing on firsthand accounts, medical and non-medical, Murphy re-creates the fear and panic in the infected city, the social conditions that caused the disease to spread, and the arguments about causes and cures. With archival prints, photos, contemporary newspaper facsimiles that include lists of the dead, and full, chatty source notes, he tells of those who fled and those who stayed--among them, the heroic group of free blacks who nursed the ill and were later vilified for their work.”
Horn Book: “Murphy culls from a number of historical records the story of the yellow fever epidemic that swept Philadelphia, skillfully drawing out the fear and drama of the time and making them immediate to modern readers. Attentive to telling detail, Murphy offers representative images, from black-and-white portraits to plague scenes. Thoroughly documented, with an annotated source list, the work is both rigorous and inviting.”
Connections:
*Other books about yellow fever:
Cefrey, Holly. Yellow Fever. ISBN: 9780823934898
Pierce, John R. Yellow Jack : How Yellow Fever Ravaged America and Walter Reed Discovered Its Deadly Secrets. ISBN 9780471472612
*Compare the yellow fever epidemic with other epidemics.
WILMA UNLIMITED: HOW WILMA RUDOLPH BECAME THE WORLD'S FASTEST WOMAN
Written by Kathleen Krull
Illustrated by David Diaz
ISBN: 9780152012670
Bibliography:
Krull, Kathleen, and David Diaz. 1996. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman. San Diego: Harcourt Brace.
Plot:
Wilma Unlimited describes how Wilma Rudolph overcame all odds despite being stricken with polio as a child to earn three gold medals in the 1960 Olympics becoming the fastest woman in the world.
Analysis:
"No one expected such a tiny girl to have a first birthday. In Clarksville, Tennessee, in 1940, life for a baby who weighed just over four pounds at birth was sure to be limited. But most babies weren't Wilma Rudolph." This quote captures the essence of this amazing legend as she relentlessly exceeds expectations throughout her life. The straightforward sequence of this factual story follows Wilma Rudolph from birth to the day that she became the first American woman to earn three gold medals at a single Olympics in 1960. The rich illustrations communicate both Wilma’s hardships as well as her amazing accomplishments and echo her determination as she becomes “the fastest woman in the world”.
This motivational story written in simple text will inspire others to seek out their dreams even when setbacks occur. The power of faith and determination are echoed in this story repeatedly as Wilma overcomes illness, walks without her leg brace for the first time, becomes a high school basketball star, and later earns three gold medals at the Olympic Games. An author’s note describes other accomplishments as well including the founding of the Wilma Rudolph Foundation, which she established to help young athletes.
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: “Both Krull's words and Diaz's illustrations are celebrations of an inspiring life that deserves to be remembered. An appended author's note offers additional historical context.”
School Library Journal: “An athlete's determined efforts to succeed against all odds. The dynamic artwork is as fluid and vivacious as Rudolph herself.”
Connections:
*Students can create a timeline of Wilma Rudolph's life.
*Other books about Wilma Rudolph:
Sherrow, Victoria. Wilma Rudolph. ISBN: 9781575052465
Enger, Lee. Wilma Rudolph: Olympic Track Star. ISBN: 9780736854894
Flanagan, Alice K. Wilma Rudolph: Athlete and Educator. ISBN: 9780894343568
Illustrated by David Diaz
ISBN: 9780152012670
Bibliography:
Krull, Kathleen, and David Diaz. 1996. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman. San Diego: Harcourt Brace.
Plot:
Wilma Unlimited describes how Wilma Rudolph overcame all odds despite being stricken with polio as a child to earn three gold medals in the 1960 Olympics becoming the fastest woman in the world.
Analysis:
"No one expected such a tiny girl to have a first birthday. In Clarksville, Tennessee, in 1940, life for a baby who weighed just over four pounds at birth was sure to be limited. But most babies weren't Wilma Rudolph." This quote captures the essence of this amazing legend as she relentlessly exceeds expectations throughout her life. The straightforward sequence of this factual story follows Wilma Rudolph from birth to the day that she became the first American woman to earn three gold medals at a single Olympics in 1960. The rich illustrations communicate both Wilma’s hardships as well as her amazing accomplishments and echo her determination as she becomes “the fastest woman in the world”.
This motivational story written in simple text will inspire others to seek out their dreams even when setbacks occur. The power of faith and determination are echoed in this story repeatedly as Wilma overcomes illness, walks without her leg brace for the first time, becomes a high school basketball star, and later earns three gold medals at the Olympic Games. An author’s note describes other accomplishments as well including the founding of the Wilma Rudolph Foundation, which she established to help young athletes.
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: “Both Krull's words and Diaz's illustrations are celebrations of an inspiring life that deserves to be remembered. An appended author's note offers additional historical context.”
School Library Journal: “An athlete's determined efforts to succeed against all odds. The dynamic artwork is as fluid and vivacious as Rudolph herself.”
Connections:
*Students can create a timeline of Wilma Rudolph's life.
*Other books about Wilma Rudolph:
Sherrow, Victoria. Wilma Rudolph. ISBN: 9781575052465
Enger, Lee. Wilma Rudolph: Olympic Track Star. ISBN: 9780736854894
Flanagan, Alice K. Wilma Rudolph: Athlete and Educator. ISBN: 9780894343568
Saturday, July 12, 2008
THE SNAKE SCIENTIST
Written by Sy Montgomery
Pictures by Nic Bishop
ISBN: 9780395871690
Bibliography:
Montgomery, Sy, and Nic Bishop. 1999. The Snake Scientist. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Plot:
Montgomery takes us on a journey to the Narcisse snake dens in Manitoba, Canada where she follows the work of Bob Mason as he studies the red-sided garter snake.
Analysis:
Did you know that snakes communicate to each other using pheromones? Did you know that snakes can swallow prey bigger than their own heads? Did you also know that snakes don’t have ears, but pick up vibrations of sound with the bones of their jaws? These are just a few of the amazing facts one will discover when reading The Snake Scientist. Montgomery urges the reader to keep an open mind regarding the feared creatures by saying,“Many people are afraid of snakes. But don’t be afraid! You’ll miss out on some amazing and mysterious animals.” This enthralling book is one that will perhaps make a feared enemy into a friend and create an appreciation for these wondrous creatures.
Montgomery shows us that snakes are intriguing creatures from which we can all learn. The large, thought- provoking pictures alone will create a thirst for more knowledge. Children will be delighted to see pictures of other children holding these harmless snakes. Montgomery carefully explains difficult words such as pheromones in a simple way as she takes the reader from simple facts to more complex information. An index is provided as well as a list of books for further reading on the subject. Montgomery encourages curiosity and leaves the reader with even more questions that will motivate a continued study of the snakes of Narcisse which is truly science at work!
Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: “The lively text communicates both the meticulous measurements required in this kind of work and the thrill of new discoveries. Large, full-color photos of the zoologist and young students at work, and lots of wriggly snakes, pull readers into the presentation. A list of "unsolved mysteries" about the snakes and instructions on visiting the snake dens will keep interest high to the very last page.”
Horn Book: “Each spring, 18,000 red-sided garter snakes emerge from underground dens in Manitoba, Canada. Earthwatch volunteers and students gather them up, and the snakes then participate in a day's behavioral experiments directed by zoologist Bob Mason. With a research topic whose kid appeal is hard to beat, this is a solid introduction to the ethos of experimental science as seen by a genial scientist.”
Connections:
*This book would serve as a great introduction to the scientific method.
*This book has many examples of animal adaptations and would be a great resource in the science classroom.
*Other books by Sy Montgomery include:
The Tarantula Scientist ISBN: 9780618147991
The Man-Eating Tigers of Sundarbans ISBN: 9780618494903
Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea ISBN: 9780618496416
Pictures by Nic Bishop
ISBN: 9780395871690
Bibliography:
Montgomery, Sy, and Nic Bishop. 1999. The Snake Scientist. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Plot:
Montgomery takes us on a journey to the Narcisse snake dens in Manitoba, Canada where she follows the work of Bob Mason as he studies the red-sided garter snake.
Analysis:
Did you know that snakes communicate to each other using pheromones? Did you know that snakes can swallow prey bigger than their own heads? Did you also know that snakes don’t have ears, but pick up vibrations of sound with the bones of their jaws? These are just a few of the amazing facts one will discover when reading The Snake Scientist. Montgomery urges the reader to keep an open mind regarding the feared creatures by saying,“Many people are afraid of snakes. But don’t be afraid! You’ll miss out on some amazing and mysterious animals.” This enthralling book is one that will perhaps make a feared enemy into a friend and create an appreciation for these wondrous creatures.
Montgomery shows us that snakes are intriguing creatures from which we can all learn. The large, thought- provoking pictures alone will create a thirst for more knowledge. Children will be delighted to see pictures of other children holding these harmless snakes. Montgomery carefully explains difficult words such as pheromones in a simple way as she takes the reader from simple facts to more complex information. An index is provided as well as a list of books for further reading on the subject. Montgomery encourages curiosity and leaves the reader with even more questions that will motivate a continued study of the snakes of Narcisse which is truly science at work!
Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: “The lively text communicates both the meticulous measurements required in this kind of work and the thrill of new discoveries. Large, full-color photos of the zoologist and young students at work, and lots of wriggly snakes, pull readers into the presentation. A list of "unsolved mysteries" about the snakes and instructions on visiting the snake dens will keep interest high to the very last page.”
Horn Book: “Each spring, 18,000 red-sided garter snakes emerge from underground dens in Manitoba, Canada. Earthwatch volunteers and students gather them up, and the snakes then participate in a day's behavioral experiments directed by zoologist Bob Mason. With a research topic whose kid appeal is hard to beat, this is a solid introduction to the ethos of experimental science as seen by a genial scientist.”
Connections:
*This book would serve as a great introduction to the scientific method.
*This book has many examples of animal adaptations and would be a great resource in the science classroom.
*Other books by Sy Montgomery include:
The Tarantula Scientist ISBN: 9780618147991
The Man-Eating Tigers of Sundarbans ISBN: 9780618494903
Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea ISBN: 9780618496416
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
ALEUTIAN SPARROW
Written by Karen Hesse
ISBN: 9780689861895
Bibliography:
Hesse, Karen. 2003. Aleutian Sparrow. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books.
Plot:
Aleutian Sparrow is a fictional verse novel based on true events. It describes the near extinction of the Aleut people when they are forcibly moved into internment camps after the attack of the Japanese Army during World War II.
Analysis:
Hesse’s work tells a heart-wrenching story that serves as a voice for a culture that was nearly lost forever. The unrhymed verse evokes great emotion and establishes a connection through images of loss and heartache. One such poem, Escape II, describes when Vera loses her best friend to disease: “Grief turns me invisible as I walk out of camp, down the path./Water stretches between this shore and the wooded mountains across the channel./The air is fur thick, damp, and green./I sit on the sand in the rain, and I scream." Hesse explores several heavy themes such as racism, the importance of preserving culture, and the perseverance of a broken people in finding the strength to begin again.
Review Excerpts:
Kirkus Review: “With a whisper-soft touch, Hesse's clear, resonant verses and delicate imagery will break hearts. At the end, readers will be haunted by a hope-filled love that has grown between Vera and Alfred in the camp and by a government that says, We are moving you to save you."
Publisher’s Weekly: “"The poetic images will linger in the minds of readers."
Connections:
*Other works by Karen Hesse
Witness
Out of the Dust
The Music of the Dolphins
*Aleutian Sparrow could serve as an introduction for class discussions about racism.
ISBN: 9780689861895
Bibliography:
Hesse, Karen. 2003. Aleutian Sparrow. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books.
Plot:
Aleutian Sparrow is a fictional verse novel based on true events. It describes the near extinction of the Aleut people when they are forcibly moved into internment camps after the attack of the Japanese Army during World War II.
Analysis:
Hesse’s work tells a heart-wrenching story that serves as a voice for a culture that was nearly lost forever. The unrhymed verse evokes great emotion and establishes a connection through images of loss and heartache. One such poem, Escape II, describes when Vera loses her best friend to disease: “Grief turns me invisible as I walk out of camp, down the path./Water stretches between this shore and the wooded mountains across the channel./The air is fur thick, damp, and green./I sit on the sand in the rain, and I scream." Hesse explores several heavy themes such as racism, the importance of preserving culture, and the perseverance of a broken people in finding the strength to begin again.
Review Excerpts:
Kirkus Review: “With a whisper-soft touch, Hesse's clear, resonant verses and delicate imagery will break hearts. At the end, readers will be haunted by a hope-filled love that has grown between Vera and Alfred in the camp and by a government that says, We are moving you to save you."
Publisher’s Weekly: “"The poetic images will linger in the minds of readers."
Connections:
*Other works by Karen Hesse
Witness
Out of the Dust
The Music of the Dolphins
*Aleutian Sparrow could serve as an introduction for class discussions about racism.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
BUTTERFLY EYES AND OTHER SECRETS OF THE MEADOW
Written by Joyce Sidman
Illustrated by Beth Krommes
ISBN: 9780618563135
Bibliography:
Sidman, Joyce, and Beth Krommes. 2006. Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Plot:
This poetry book describes the interaction of living things in a meadow and is presented in a riddle format.
Analysis:
These delightful poems written in riddle format provide an interesting mixture of poetry and scientific facts that inspire inquiry and promote a love for science. Each set of poems is followed by an intriguing scientific explanation. The poem, Ultraviolet, describes a creature whose eyes are capable of seeing ultraviolet patterns in flowers that humans cannot see. A gorgeous illustration of a butterfly provides a hint for young readers, and the answer to the riddle along with the fascinating scientific explanation follows on the next page.
The colorful nature scenes in combination with the use of concrete and shape poems draw the reader into the meadow and create a sense of calm. The use of alliteration, assonance, and consonance allow the poetry to flow effortlessly which is evident in the poem, Always Together: We tumble/we twitter/we dip, float, and flitter/On thistle/we rustle/and whistle and bustle.
Review Excerpts:
Horn Book: “An elegantly conceived, beautifully integrated volume.”
School Library Journal: “This book is a handsome and versatile compendium, melding art, poetry, and natural history.”
Connections:
*This book would serve as a great introduction for questioning skills in science and an be paired with Stories with Holes,
*These poems would be wonderful for choral reading.
*This book would be perfect for an introduction to food chains or food webs in science.
Illustrated by Beth Krommes
ISBN: 9780618563135
Bibliography:
Sidman, Joyce, and Beth Krommes. 2006. Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Plot:
This poetry book describes the interaction of living things in a meadow and is presented in a riddle format.
Analysis:
These delightful poems written in riddle format provide an interesting mixture of poetry and scientific facts that inspire inquiry and promote a love for science. Each set of poems is followed by an intriguing scientific explanation. The poem, Ultraviolet, describes a creature whose eyes are capable of seeing ultraviolet patterns in flowers that humans cannot see. A gorgeous illustration of a butterfly provides a hint for young readers, and the answer to the riddle along with the fascinating scientific explanation follows on the next page.
The colorful nature scenes in combination with the use of concrete and shape poems draw the reader into the meadow and create a sense of calm. The use of alliteration, assonance, and consonance allow the poetry to flow effortlessly which is evident in the poem, Always Together: We tumble/we twitter/we dip, float, and flitter/On thistle/we rustle/and whistle and bustle.
Review Excerpts:
Horn Book: “An elegantly conceived, beautifully integrated volume.”
School Library Journal: “This book is a handsome and versatile compendium, melding art, poetry, and natural history.”
Connections:
*This book would serve as a great introduction for questioning skills in science and an be paired with Stories with Holes,
*These poems would be wonderful for choral reading.
*This book would be perfect for an introduction to food chains or food webs in science.
A PIZZA THE SIZE OF THE SUN
Written by Jack Prelutsky
Illustrated by James Stevenson
ISBN: 9780688132361
Bibliography:
Prelutsky, Jack, and James Stevenson. 1996. A Pizza the Size of the Sun: Poems. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Plot:
A Pizza the Size of the Sun is an anthology of silly poems by Jack Prelutsky.
Analysis:
This playful collection of laugh out loud poems will grab the interests of readers and hold them captive until they arrive at the end of the book. The use of a variety of formats and fonts, paired with fun illustrations creates a mood of silliness. Prelutsky’s creative use of rhyme along with the utilization of advanced language in the poems will broaden the vocabulary of young readers and motivate them to find meaning in the upper level language. Poems such as The Manatee display a variety of literary devices such as alliteration, assonance, rhyme and the clever use of anagrams: “I’m partial to the manatee/which emanates no vanity./It swims amidst the anemones/and hasn’t any enemies.”
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: “A delightful addition to poetry collections that will not stay on the shelf for long.”
School Library Journal: “This book should be required reading for those out there who claim they don't like poetry. If you can only afford one poetry collection this year, make it this one.”
Connections:
*Other books by Jack Prelutsky
My Dog May Be a Genius
My Parents Think I’m Sleeping
Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry: How to Write a Poem
The New Kid on the Block
Illustrated by James Stevenson
ISBN: 9780688132361
Bibliography:
Prelutsky, Jack, and James Stevenson. 1996. A Pizza the Size of the Sun: Poems. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Plot:
A Pizza the Size of the Sun is an anthology of silly poems by Jack Prelutsky.
Analysis:
This playful collection of laugh out loud poems will grab the interests of readers and hold them captive until they arrive at the end of the book. The use of a variety of formats and fonts, paired with fun illustrations creates a mood of silliness. Prelutsky’s creative use of rhyme along with the utilization of advanced language in the poems will broaden the vocabulary of young readers and motivate them to find meaning in the upper level language. Poems such as The Manatee display a variety of literary devices such as alliteration, assonance, rhyme and the clever use of anagrams: “I’m partial to the manatee/which emanates no vanity./It swims amidst the anemones/and hasn’t any enemies.”
Review Excerpts:
Booklist: “A delightful addition to poetry collections that will not stay on the shelf for long.”
School Library Journal: “This book should be required reading for those out there who claim they don't like poetry. If you can only afford one poetry collection this year, make it this one.”
Connections:
*Other books by Jack Prelutsky
My Dog May Be a Genius
My Parents Think I’m Sleeping
Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry: How to Write a Poem
The New Kid on the Block
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