Dona Flor

By Pat Mora
Illustrated by Raul Colon
ISBN: 9780375923371

Bibliography:

Mora, Pat. 2005. Doña Flor: A Tall Tale About a Giant Woman With a Great Big Heart. Ill. by Raúl Colón. New York: Knopf.

Plot:

This story is about Dona Flor, a beautiful and giving gentle giant who shares her loving nature with all people, animals, and plants. She lovingly takes care of and provides for the people in her village. One day when the people feel threatened by the sound of a giant, roaring puma, Dona Flor makes it her mission to find this dangerous puma. When she eventually finds it, she discovers that it is a harmless, little puma simply creating a loud echo through a hollow log. She befriends and tames the cat, and alerts the people that they are safe.

Analysis:

This tall tale takes place in a village of the American Southwest surrounded by beautiful swirling mountains and lush green trees. Mora describes how Dona Flor became a giant in the following quote: “When Flor was a baby, her mother sang to her in a voice sweet as river music. When Flor’s mother sang to her corn plants, they grew tall as trees, and when she sang to her baby, her sweet flower, Flor grew and grew, too. Dona Flor possesses the gift of being able to speak the languages of all of the animals. As the heroine of this story, she sets a beautiful example of kindness and helpfulness and loves even the smallest and most insignificant of creatures.

Mora intersperses Spanish throughout the text to connect with Spanish culture as in the following quote: “Flor wanted everyone to feel at home in her house. Mi casa es su casa, she said to people, animals, and plants, so they knew they were welcome.”Colon’s beautiful, swirling scratchboard images create magical sceneries of adobe homes and landscapes. The artwork is brilliantly colorful and authentically represents Spanish cultures.

Review Excerpts:

School Library Journal: "There is great texture and movement on each page in the sun-baked tones of the landscape. With Spanish words peppered throughout, this is a welcome entry to the canon that includes other heroines like Sally Ann Thunder and Thunder Rose."

Booklist: "A winning read-aloud, particularly for children who can recognize the intermittent Spanish phrases."

Connections:

*Other works by Pat Mora:

Yum! Mmmm! Que Rico!: Ameria's Sproutings ISBN: 9781584302711

Abuelos ISBN: 9780888997166

Tomas and the Library Lady ISBN: 9780375803499

* Check out Pat Mora's Website

http://www.patmora.com

Locomotion

By: Jacqueline Woodson

ISBN: 978039923155

Bibliography:

Woodson, Jacqueline. 2003. Locomotion. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Plot:

Eleven-year old, Lonnie, continues to struggle to make sense of his life four years after his parents die in a house fire. Separated from his younger sister, Lili, who was adopted by another family, Lonnie struggles to keep what is left of his family together. Finally in a stable foster home, he begins to cope with his grief when he is encouraged by his teacher to write about his feelings.

Analysis:

Woodson masterfully captures our attention by evoking visceral emotions as we experience this journey of loss, grief, survival, and healing along with Lonnie in this beautiful story, which is written entirely in poetic verse. The following touching quote from the book exemplifies the healing power of writing in Lonnie’s life: “Writing makes me remember. It’s like my whole family comes back again when I write. All of them right here like somebody pushed the Rewind button.” This story reflects the theme that Lonnie’s memories are much more powerful than death. Nothing can take the memories that Lonnie has of his mother and father, and he can summon these images at any time. This sends a message of hope to readers. Though we suffer tragedies in our lives, we can still find the strength and will to go on.

Cultural markers evident in this story include: language, names of characters, forms of address, and music. Woodson uses rich language such as cornrows to describe hair and kicks to name shoes. Many of the characters have African-American names such as LaTenya and Lamont, and the young characters use forms of address such as, “Dog”. This language helps create imagery, which immerses us in the culture. An example of another cultural marker is the discussion in Lonnie’s classroom about how hip-hop music is a form of poetry.

The setting of this story encompasses life in the inner city with boys playing "hoops", pigeons nesting on buildings, and bus rides across town. We also become observers in Lonnie's classroom, where his teacher encourages him to "write it down before it leaves your brain". The setting also consists of Lonnie's memories of a happy life with his mother, father, and Lili. These images and memories are described throughout Lonnie's poetry book which is indeed a healing process for him.

Review Excerpts:

Horn Book: “Fifth-grader Lonnie has a teacher who introduces him to poetry and makes him believe in his writing. Woodson, however, more ably convinces us that her protagonist really does have a gift. The sixty poems are skillfully and artfully composed--but still manage to sound fresh and spontaneous. The accessible form will attract readers; Woodson's finely crafted story won't let them go.”

School Library Journal: “The author places the characters in nearly unbearable circumstances, then lets incredible human resiliency shine through. "I sneak a pen from my back pocket/bend down low like I dropped something /The chorus marches up behind the preacher/clapping and humming and getting ready to sing. /I write the word HOPE on my hand.”

Connections:

*Other works by Jacqueline Woodson:

Peace, Locomotion ISBN: 9780142415122

Feathers ISBN: 9780142415504

Hush ISBN: 9780142415511

Miracle Boys ISBN: 9780142415535

After Tupac and D Foster ISBN: 9780142413999

Behind You ISBN: 9780142415542

Between Madison and Palmetto ISBN: 9780698119581

The Dear One ISBN: 9780142501900

*This book could be used to introduce different forms of poetry to students.

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall

By: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Illustrated By: R. Gregory Christie

ISBN: 9780822567646

Bibliography:

Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux. 2009. Bad News for Outlaws: the Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal. Ill. by Gregory Christie. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books.

Plot:

This book chronicles the life of Bass Reeves, a larger than life lawman who was born into slavery and eventually became one of the most widely known and respected lawmen of his time.

Analysis:

Readers will be immediately drawn into this story, which begins with a shoot-out in Indian Territory in 1884 in which Bass is forced to kill or be killed by a ruthless outlaw. Bass is described as being big and strong yet "having nothing but right in his heart". A major theme in the story is how Bass overcame slavery to become a phenomenal lawman despite not knowing how to read.

The only multicultural markers detected in this story include the illustrations and the topic of slavery. The amazing, impressionistic images by Gregory Christie depict Bass as a handsome, strong, and courageous, African-American man. Slavery is also an important marker in this story. Even as a slave, Bass seemed happy and often sang while he worked. Things change when Bass had a disagreement with his owner. Nelson and Christie reveal the darkness and fear that Bass felt as he ran for his life through the woods to escape certain death. The use of dark colors helps to set the tone for this terrifying event in Bass's life. The fact that Bass overcame slavery to become something great can bring great hope to the reader.

In the author's note Nelson says, "Bass's story is so remarkable, it comes close to sounding like a tall tale. But it isn't. It's true. And I've done my best to tell it true." Through this work, Nelson and Christie can educate the world about the amazing person that Bass Reeves was and keep his story alive.

Review Excerpts:

Horn Book Starred: “Bass Reeves, born a slave, captured over three thousand outlaws as a deputy U.S. marshal. This captivating biography is told in language as colorful as Reeves's career. Accentuated with a palette knife, Christie's sharply textured paintings create an impressionist background of an unformed land as well as detailed portraits of Reeves, his bold black hat conveying unmistakable authority.”

Library Media Connection: “This is a well-written and beautifully-illustrated picture book biography of Bass Reeves, U.S. Marshal of the Wild West. His childhood background as a slave is discussed. The majority of the book is devoted to his conquests of law-breakers in the Indian Territory, as he brought criminals to justice throughout the West. His ability to communicate with Native Americans, cowboys, and pioneers is described, along with his triumph in overcoming prejudice directed toward him as an African American. Richly illustrated with watercolors, and appended with a glossary, timeline, and a bibliography/webliography, this is a very worthwhile purchase for biography collections.”

Connections:
*This book paired with the following book for a compare/contrast activity:

Gary Paulsen. The Legend of Bass Reeves : Being the True and Fictional Account of the Most Valiant Marshal in the West. ISBN 9780385746618

*Other books by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson:

Almost to Freedom ISBN: 9781575053424

Juneteenth ISBN: 9780822559740

Ready, Set. Raymond! ISBN: 9780375813634

Who Will I Be, Lord? ISBN: 9780375843426

Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa

By: Andrea Davis Pinkney

Illustrated By: Brian Pinkney

ISBN: 9780786814169

Bibliography:

Pinkney, Andrea Davis. 2002. Ella Fitzgerald: the Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa. Ill. By Brian Pinkney. New York: Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children.

Plot:

This beautifully illustrated book narrated by Scat Cat Monroe, describes the life of Ella Fitzgerald and the events that led her to stardom.

Analysis:

This story is cleverly divided up into four tracks with pages that resemble records. The setting of this book revolves around the places where Ella performed in the 1930s and 1940s. Pinkney has beautifully illustrated singing, dancing, and the playing of orchestras which really bring this story to life. Scat Cat Monroe adds a first person account, which makes the story more fun as in the following example: "Let me tell you Ella's story. 'Cause you see, I was there. From the get-go. I saw it all. Me. Scat Cat Monroe. I watched Ella go from a small-town girl to the First Lady of Song. To a Vocal Virtuosa, bar none."

Cultural markers in this story include the illustrations, music, and dance. Beautiful scratch board paintings illustrate the larger than life career of Ella Fitzgerald as well as the setting of the story. Brian Pinkney describes in a note from the illustrator that he studied many Harlem Renaissance artists in order to beautifully depict African-American people and the Art Deco movement. His illustrations bring the book to life as the music and dance are depicted brilliantly in this story.

Racism is another cultural marker in this story. Pinkney transports us to the past to a time when African-Americans were not treated equally. Overcoming racism to become a superstar is a major theme in this story. Pinkney describes how many clubs had never had black singers, but that Ella's popularity helped them to realize that, "A true star has no color - It just shines."

Review Excerpts:

School Library Journal: “Brian Pinkney's distinctive scratchboard-and-acrylic paintings evoke the rhythm of the text and invite readers along on the ride. They will enjoy finding Scat Cat himself on most of the spreads. Bright colors, jazzy words, and energetic artwork bring the music of scat and Fitzgerald to life. A page of biographical information is included. This beautifully rendered tribute to the "Vocal Virtuosa" will be a welcome addition in all libraries.”

Publisher’s Weekly: The talented husband-and-wife team behind Duke Ellington turns to jazz biography once again, this time showcasing the First Lady of Song. Narrated by Scat Cat Monroe, a feline in a zoot suit, the book spins four "tracks" on Fitzgerald's life, from her childhood in Yonkers performing on street corners, to her discovery at a 1934 talent contest at the legendary Apollo Theatre to her move into the "ping-pong rhythms" of bebop. Whether swinging at the Savoy "to a house packed tighter than the A train" or breaking the racial barrier at many clubs ("Ella's popularity showed them that a true star has no color it just shines"), the singer's career is expertly framed to fit a picture book format.

Connections:

*The following sound recording would be wonderful to pair with this book:

Fitzgerald, Ella. 2008. Miss Ella's Playhouse. New York: Verve.

*Other Books About Ella Fitzgerald:

Krohn, Katherine E. Ella Fitzgerald : First Lady of Song. ISBN: 9780822549338.

Schoeneberger, Megan. Ella Fitzgerald : first lady of jazz. ISBN: 9780736851855.

The Book Thief

By Markus Zusak

ISBN: 9780375842207

Bibliography:

Zusak, Markus. 2006. The Book Thief. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Plot:

This unique and remarkable story takes place in Nazi Germany in the 1940s and is told from the perspective of Death, who becomes intrigued with a nine-year old German girl, Liesel Meminger, as she repeatedly survives heartbreaking loss after loss. An infatuation with words originates when she steals her first book from the graveside at her brother’s funeral. After Liesel’s mother gives her up for adoption, she suffers from nightmares about her brother’s death and separation from her mother. Each night as she awakens from one of her nightmares, late-night readings with her loving adoptive-father, Hans Hubermann, help her to cope with her pain. This is how Liesel learns to read and gains an appreciation for words, which ultimately saves her life.

Analysis:

Many cultural markers are used throughout this story, which help the reader to make sense of the culture in Nazi Germany during World War II. Zusack paints a disturbing yet accurate account of Nazi Germany in which the reader repeatedly witnesses the brutality of war and the social and political pressures on the German people to join the Nazi Party as well as the consequences of not joining the party. Zusack successfully explores many opposing themes such as tolerance and intolerance, love and hate, and selfishness and sacrifice, which help readers to understand the intensity and chaos of these unfortunate events in history.

German language is interspersed throughout the story with English translations immediately following the German words. The derogatory terms, saumensch and saukerl, which respectively mean "girl pig" and "boy pig", become endearing terms mostly used by Liesel’s stepmother, Rosa Hubermann, when she refers to Liesel. Liesel and her best friend, Rudy, often jokingly use these terms when referring to each other.

The majority of the story takes place in Molching, Germany, where things become increasingly tense as the Hubermann's take in Max Vandenburg, the German-Jewish son of the man that had saved Hans Hubermann's life. Hans Hubermann understands the grave consequences the family will face if Max is discovered. As Liesel forms a strong bond with Max, they discuss the power of words and the way that Hitler's words motivate people out of fear. These experiences help Liesel to find her own words.

Review Excerpts:

The Washington Post: “Death, like Liesel, has a way with words. And he recognizes them not only for the good they can do, but for the evil as well. What would Hitler have been, after all, without words? As this book reminds us, what would any of us be?”

New York Times: “It’s the kind of book that can be life-changing, because without ever denying the essential amorality and randomness of the natural order, The Book Thief offers us a believable hard-won hope…The hope we see in Liesel is unassailable, the kind you can hang on to in the midst of poverty and war and violence. Young readers need such alternatives to ideological rigidity, and such explorations of how stories matter. And so, come to think of it, do adults.”

Connections:

*Other books about the Holocaust:

Wolf, Joan M. Someone Named Eva. ISBN: 9780547237664

Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. ISBN: 9780440227533

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler's Shadow. ISBN: 978-0439353793

*For other teaching ideas, please visit the United States Memorial Museum Holocaust Website:

http://www.ushmm.org/education/foreducators/

*Other books by Markus Zusack:

I Am the Messenger ISBN: 9780375836671

Getting the Girl ISBN: 9780439389501

Fighting Ruben Wolf ISBN: 9780439241878

Underdog ISBN: 9783473352340

When Dogs Cry ISBN: 9780330363099

The Shadows of Ghadames

By Joëlle Stolz

ISBN: 9780440419495

Bibliography:

Stolz, Joëlle, and Catherine Temerson. 2004. The Shadows of Ghadames. New York: Delacorte Press.

Plot: Malika, an eleven-year old Muslim girl, struggles to find her place in society as she approaches woman-hood. She is torn between a strict traditional life and a more modern way of viewing the world. Malika yearns to go places and do things in her life that are prohibited by her culture. Life becomes interesting when a stranger arrives and begins teaching Malika how to read, which is out of the norm for her society because women are not usually taught to read in this particular culture at this time in history.

Analysis:

A central theme of this story, which takes place in nineteenth century Libya, is tradition versus modern ideas in nineteenth century Libya. The text is infused with cultural markers that give the reader a glimpse into a different time and place. The author makes mention of various events and customs representative of the Muslim culture such as Ramadan. The author also creates colorful images by describing the garments specific to the culture such as the burnoose and djellaba worn by her father and brother.

A seemingly oppressive culture is described as the author illustrates a life in which women are only allowed to travel on the rooftops and are not allowed to speak to men. Malika doesn't always understand the customs of her people. Malika's persistence to learn to read is a very encouraging theme in this story. She is a "forward-thinker" in this story who wants to learn and accomplish things in her life. The following quote illustrates how Malika feels about learning to read,"I remember Bilkisu going over my brother's lessons with him, and my despair at not being able to understand a thing. I also remember feeling that a door was forever closed within me. Perhaps now it is finally opening..."

Review Excerpts:

Booklist: “Stolz invigorates her tale with elegant prose and a deft portrayal of a girl verging on adolescence. The vivid backdrop is intoxicating, but the story’s universal concerns will touch readers most.”

Kirkus Review: “Stolz not only weaves the sights, sounds, and daily rhythms of life in Ghadames into a vivid tapestry, she creates a cast of distinct characters, each of which displays a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, as well as sometimes unexpected intelligence and compassion.”

Connections:

*Batchelder Award (2005)

*ALA Notable Children's Book (2005)

Koala Lou

By Mex Fox

Illustrated by Pamela Lofts
ISBN: 9780152005023

Bibliography:

Fox, Mem. 1989. Koala Lou. Ill. by Pamela Lofts. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Plot:
Koala Lou fondly remembers when she was the only child and her mother would constantly say, “Koala Lou, I DO love you.” Now that her mother has many other babies, Koala Lou misses the days when she was the center of attention. She thinks that she must earn her mother’s love again and decides to earn it by winning the gum tree climbing contest at the Bush Olympics. When she doesn’t win first place, she is upset. Her mother comes to comfort her and reminds her, “Koala Lou, I DO love you. I always have, and I always will.”

Analysis:

In this heartwarming story, readers will relate to the main character, Koala Lou, because the fear of not being loved is universal. The only cultural markers evident in this story include the Australian illustrations and Fox's use of language. For example, Mother asks Koala Lou, "How're ya goin?", which is a common Australian phrase. Fox also sets a tone of acceptance and tolerance by showing that all of the different species of animals loved Koala Lou though her mother loved her the most. The vibrant illustrations of Australian animals and plants will transport the reader to the land down under.

Review Excerpts:

Kirkus Review: “This satisfying reworking of a familiar and ever-important theme is appealingly illustrated--bright colors, soft-edged sculptural forms, precise detail, dozens of expressive animals. This is another winning import from one of Australia's favorite authors.”

Publisher’s Weekly: “Koala Lou celebrates the eternal love of a mother for her child.”

Connections:

*Other books by Mem Fox:

Possum Magic ISBN: 9780152632243

Tough Boris ISBN: 9780152018917

Wombat Divine ISBN: 9780152020965

Hello Baby! ISBN: 9781416985136

Whoever You Are ISBN: 9780152060305

The Magic Hat ISBN: 9780152057152

Hattie and the Fox ISBN: 9780689716119

*Check out Mem Fox's Website:

http://www.memfox.com/welcome.html