Fiction, Fantasy, & YA Book Reviews

Fiction, Fantasy, & YA Book Review: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lin, Grace. 2009. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. New York: Little Brown and Company. ISBN 9780316114271

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Minli is the happy daughter of poor, rice field workers.  She loves to hear ancient stories from her father.  Her mother on the other hand thinks the stories only put unrealistic ideas into Minli’s head.  Minli’s mother sighs and complains so much, Minli decides to seek her own family fortune in an attempt to make her mother happy. 

From promptings of her talking goldfish, Minli sets off on an epic adventure some liken to The Wizard of Oz. On her journey, she makes many friends and overcomes many obstacles with her creativity and thoughtfulness.  Minli is on a quest to reach the Never Ending Mountain to get an answer from the Old Man in the Moon. She learns that friends are more important than money and true treasure is found right at home.

While on her quest her parents are wrought with worry and guilt.  They experience their own inner search for truth.  With the help of another talking fish, they too find comfort and solace while they wait for Minli’s return.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Grace Lin wrote the book based on Chinese folk tales given to her by her mother and inspired by travels her own travels to China.  Lin’s book is roughly based on the folktale Olive Lake and is set in the Valley of the Fruitless Mountain which represents the broken heart of the Jade Dragon.  The book is written with short chapters telling either a folk tale or of the adventures of Minli.

The moral of the story is to be thankful for what you have and the time you are given to spend with loved ones.  Grace Lin’s own personal experience of the death of her late husband is channeled into this message of hope and love.  Grace Lin uses the goldfish in the story as a symbol of gold and jade in your house.  This is based on the Chinese culture where it is believed the gold fish brings luck into the home.

The illustrations throughout the book are beautifully drawn and colored in red, blue, yellow and purple hues.  These drawings create visually stimulating images of the rich settings and memorable characters in the story. 

The turning point of the book is evident in Chapter 22 and 23 where Minli, on a mission to find the Guardian of the City, follows a pauper into a secret garden where he reveals himself, unexpectedly, to be the king of the Inner City.  He signals Minli to hide from his subjects and orders two dinners for them.  Minli is hopeful he will have the borrowed line which he tears out of the Book of Fortune and gives to her. With the borrowed line in hand she and her dragon friend are linked to their own string of destiny in their quest to seek out the Old Man of the Moon. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

 Newbery Honor Book 2010

School Library Journal:  "The author’s writing is elegant, and her full-color illustrations are stunning." 

Library Media Connection: “Readers will love this extraordinary tale with its fanciful characters, colorful illustrations, and the hopes and dreams of a determined and courageous young girl. Highly Recommended.”

Booklist:  “Children will embrace this accessible, timeless story about the evil of greed and the joy of gratitude.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Consider listening to this book as an audio book or read it in eBook format
*This would make a great book study for Chinese cultural awareness
*Use this book to introduce Chinese stories for the Chinese New Year
*Plan an event around this book or have students do some of the activities from Grace Lin’s Website at: http://www.wherethemountainmeetsthemoon.com
*Other books by Grace Lin:

            The Year of the Dog  ISBN  978031660003
            The Year of the Rat  ISBN 9870316114264
            Dumpling Days  ISBN 9780316125901

Fiction, Fantasy, & YA Book Review: Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Whaley, John. 2011. Where Things Come Back. New York: Atheneum. ISBN 9781442413337

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Where Things Come Back is set in the small Arkansas town of Lily, exactly half way between Little Rock and Memphis. The main character, seventeen year old Cullen Witter, tells the story in first person point-of-view.  Beginning at the morgue where he is identifying the body of his dead cousin Oslo, who apparently died of a drug overdose.  This is the first of many misfortunes which befall his family.  The most devastating of all trials is when his good natured and talented younger brother Gabriel mysteriously disappears.

Strangely coinciding with the disappearance of his brother, the small town is overrun by the media and bird watching enthusiasts in search of the “Elusive Lazarus Woodpecker”.  This bird, which was supposedly spotted by Oregon resident and protagonist John Barling, has been missing for the past 60 years and has suddenly reappeared. 

The news of the Lazarus Woodpecker brings new life and a second chance for the small town.  It also serves as a distraction from the emotional spiral Cullen’s family faces as his father quits working and his mother creates the Lazarus hair cut for the town’s young people.  Cullen finds love, loses it and finds it again.  He also fosters a closer bond with his friend Lucas Cadar, which is mainly because of the disappearance of his brother Gabriel.

The other protagonist in the story is Benton Sage.  Benton has failed as a Christian missionary in Africa.  It is there he learns of an ancient scroll of the angel Gabriel saving the world from the devil and other fallen angels. This secondary story becomes intertwined with Cullen’s own situation.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

John Corey Whaley weaves together a complicated yet engaging story about coming of age and making the best of bad situations.  Young people can identify with the everyday, family issues brought forth in this book.  Things such as bantering with friends and family, job loss, depression, death and faith are all issues adolescents deal with.  The main character is believable in his attitudes and overly imaginative daydreams of zombies and such yet, his eventual promiscuity leaves on wondering why? 

The story’s dark beginning and cutting-edge language gets the attention of readers very effectively.  Male characters are well established and are interesting.  Yet the female characters are depicted as coy, silly, and lacking intelligence.  This is made evident in the characteristics of Cullen’s Aunt Julia, and the many “girlfriends” Cullen suddenly runs through. 

The theme of second changes is at the heart of many of the situations throughout the story.  Even the ending leaves the reader wondering if Benton Sage gets a second chance.  The book is a good read, likened to the literary work Catcher in the Rye. 

The character, Dr. Webb, Cullen’s psychiatrist, gives Cullen a very good insight on what life is all about when he states:

“…life is full of complications and confusion that humans oftentimes find it hard to cope.  This leads to people throwing themselves in front of trains and spending all their money and not speaking to their relatives and never going home for Christmas and never eating anything with chocolate in it.  Life, he says, doesn’t have to be so bad all the time.  We don’t have to be so anxious about everything.  We can just be.”

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

ALA Michael L. Printz Award
Publisher’s Weekly Best Books
William C. Morris Award

School Library Journal:  "The characters' reactions are palpable as their grief deepens and yet they continue to hope for Gabriel's return. Cullen is an eloquent, thoughtful narrator…the ending is worth the wait."

Publisher’s Weekly: "[A] smart, darkly funny, and multilayered debut…. Whaley weaves numerous story lines and themes together with the confidence of a seasoned writer, resulting in a thought-provoking story about media, faith, and family."

Kirkus Reviews:  “…this poignant and hilarious story of loos and redemption explores the process of grief, and second changes, and even the meaning of life.”

5. CONNECTIONS

* Have students develop messages as book characters might have communicated in 140 character tweets - "Book Tweets"

* Create a student Blog and have students keep a journal or respond to events they have read in the book

*Create podcasts of book character interviews

*Create book trailer videos as an alternative to traditional book reports

*Have a mass school book drop by purchasing paper back copies of the book, leave them around the school and offer book talks in the library 

Fiction, Fantasy, & YA Book Review: Babymouse Rock Star by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer L. & Matthew. 2006. Babymouse Rock Star. New York: Random House. ISBN 9780375932328

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Babymouse dreams of being a rock star and loves music class.  The only problem is, she is not a very good musician. The book opens in Mousehattan, just before one of her big concerts as the crowd beckons “Babymouse! Babymouse!”  However, she is snapped back to reality when her mom beckons her to take out the trash before she catches the bus.  “Typical”, as Babymouse describes the situation. Babymouse is your typical school girl mouse wanting to beat out the school bully, Felicia Furrypaws, from being last chair flute in the band concert. 

Follow the everyday school antics of Babymouse as she maneuvers the maze of the school halls and daydreams of pink and black.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Jennifer and Matthew Holm create a great graphic novel filled with cleverly drawn vignettes of what it is like in upper grade school life.  The comic strip style in black, pink and white captures the emotions of Babymouse and her school friends and enemies.  Babymouse Rockstar, number four in the Babymouse series, is loaded with surprise situations captured in Babymouse’s daydreams.  Our heroine’s daydreams include parodies of Elvis, the Wizard of OZ, The Pied Piper as well as musical genre such as heavy metal rock, jazz, folk, and country. 

The illustrations of the school scenes are masterful, rendering lockers in the hallways, the auditorium, lunchroom, and even the school bus.  Cartoon bubbles express the thoughts and voices of the characters.  There are even pictures where Babymouse actually speaks to the reader through the captioned text.  Young readers will love pouring over this book again and again.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

School Library Journal:  "The illustrations, both pink-toned and black and white, are clever and uncluttered, making them easy to follow for a young audience. They do a fine job of showing the emotions of the endearing young mouse and her friends." 

Horn Book Magazine: “A fast-moving plot, hilarious situations, and clever connections add up to a tale almost as perfect as Babymouse thinks she can be. Encore!”

Publisher’s Weekly:  "this personable, self-conscious mouse, with her penchant for pink hearts, resembles Kevin Henkes's Lilly, with some extra years of grade-school experience."

5. CONNECTIONS

*A great series for reluctant and English language learners
*Other books in the series include:

            Babymouse: Queen of the World!
            Babymouse: Our Hero
            Babymouse: Beach Babe
            Babymouse: Heartbreaker
            Babymouse: Camp Babymouse
            Babymouse: Skater Girl
            Babymouse: Puppy Love
            Babymouse: Monster Mash
            Babymouse: The Musical
            Babymouse: Dragonslayer
            Babymouse: Burns Rubber
            Babymouse: Cupcake Tycoon
            Babymouse: Mad Scientist
            Babymouse: A Very Babymouse Christmas
            Babymouse: Babymouse for President
            Babymouse: Extreme Babymouse

*Books written by Jennifer Holm:

            Penny from Heaven ISBN 978037583689
            Turtle in Paradise ISBN 9780375836909

*Other series by Jennifer Holm:

            Squish
            Boston Jane 

Historical Fiction Book Reviews

Historical Fiction Book Review: Lilies Crossing by Patricia Reilly

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Giff, Patricia R. 1997. Lily’s Crossing. New York: Delacorte. ISBN 9780385321426

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

From the omniscient point of view, Lilies Crossing is set beginning in the summer of 1944 in St. Albans.  Our main character, Lily Mollahan, is preparing to go to the summer home in Rockaway Beach with her Grandmother “Gram” and her father “Poppy”.   Her mother passed away a few years before and Lily counts the time her mother has been away by removing paper stars from the wall in her room at home and taking them to Rockaway. 

When Lily arrives at Rockaway there are two unwelcome surprises. The first, her best friend Margaret Dillon’s family has to move to a factory town so the father can work.  Margaret leaves Lily the key to their house so she can look after their hideaway.  The second surprise occurs when Lilies father is called off to the war leaving Lily with her Gram, the situation potentially ruining her summer.

With her father and best friend gone boredom sets in. Lilly is preoccupied with candy rations, victory red lipstick and locating spies.  She finds friendship with a Hungarian boy named Albert and a stray cat named Paprika she cares for.  They find adventure in the attempt to have Albert catch a convoy ship headed for England in order to reunite with his sister there. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This lovely coming of age and friendship story is full of historical content pertaining to the home front during World War II.  The rations, blackouts, victory gardens, separation of family are all themes addressed in the book.  It is also a story of secrets and forgiveness.  Lilies’ father sends messages in the titles of books such as Madeline, A Tale of Two Cities, The Three Musketeers and The Promise which relay his whereabouts in Europe.  Lily also conveys her secrets to her friend Albert.

Lily’s quote while speaking to Albert about her mother:

“I want to tell you something,” she said after a while. “I have stars on my bedroom ceiling.  My mother passed them all up for me when I was a baby.  She said she wanted to give me the whole world…I never told anyone, not even Poppy.  I make them presents to me from my mother, every year on my birthday.”

Patricia Giff brings to life what it must have been like to be without a mother, father and friend as an adolescent.  Yet, through the character of Lily, hope and persistence are themes consistently brought forth.  Lily unexpectedly finds inspiration and hope with the help of her new friends and mends the tension between her and her grandmother.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

 Newbery Honor Book 1998

School Library Journal:  "Giff's well-drawn, believable characters and vivid prose style make this an excellent choice." 

Publisher’s Weekly:  "has all the ingredients that best reward readers." 

Booklist:  “With wry comedy and intense feeling, and without intrusive historical detail, Giff gets across a strong sense of what it was like on the home front during World War II.”

5. CONNECTIONS

* Have students develop messages as historic characters might have communicated in 140 character tweets - "Historical Tweets"
*Establish the home front setting by reading excerpts from this book
*Compare and contrast this book to Anne Frank by Wil Mara ISBN 0516298410
*Other books by Patricia Giff:
            Willow Run ISBN 9780440238010
            All the Way Home ISBN 038590021
            Maggie’s Door ISBN 0440415810

Historical Fiction Unabridged Audio (6 CD) Book Review: Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gantos, Jack. 2011. Dead End in Norvelt. Audio CD. New York: Macmillan Young Listeners. ISBN 9781427213563

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The story is set during the 1960’s in the Pennsylvania town known as Norvelt.  Named after Eleanor Roosevelt, this town was established during the depression as a “model community” for poor coal miners.  The town is almost dead as most people want to leave. The main character, Jack Gantos, is constantly in some kind of conflict mostly, because his parents are at odds with each other. Jack’s mother wants to stay in town and his father wants to move to Florida.  Jack also has a problem with nose bleeds whenever his is scared, nervous or upset.  This becomes embarrassing and a source of much hilarity throughout the story.

Jack is ultimately grounded where he is required to help his dad build a bunker and help Mrs. Volker, the town nurse and historian, write obituaries.  His mother insists that he do so for no pay.  Surprisingly, Jack and Mrs. Volker become friends because they share a mutual passion for history.  Mrs. Volker’s obituaries always contain a phenomenal and emotional history lesson making the story more interesting with their episodic plot.  Jack is kept very busy this particular summer as most of the town’s elderly population is dying fast. 

Jack sets out to solve the mystery.  The prime suspects are a group of Hell’s Angels which Jack’s encounter with them provides the climax of the story.  The book ends with Jack coming of age and finding many truths about him in the process. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book has it all, mystery, history, humor, gore, and a love story. Listening to the CD audio book was a treat as it is narrated in first-person point of view by the author, Jack Gantos.  The end of the book contains an interview with the author where he admits that some parts of the story are based on his life.  Jack’s voice is perfect for the part of pre-teen Jack as it is high pitched and whiney.  He adds particular nuances to the voices of his mother and Mrs. Volker.  The historical obituaries are wrought with passion and expression as Jack relates these commentaries so eloquently.

Though the book was slow at first surprisingly, the turning point in the book becomes apparent after the satirical hilarity of his first encounter with Mrs. Volker.  She suffers from arthritis and Jack walks into her kitchen while she is relieving the pain in her hands with a paraffin bath.  Jack thinks she is melting her hands off and his nose starts to bleed.  I laughed out loud.

Here is an excerpt from the point of view of Jack, where he meets with Mrs. Volker for the first time:

“She lifted her hands out of the pot and they were melting. Lumps of glowing yellow flesh oozes down her forearms and spattered onto the floor.

“Oh mercy!” I cried, and fidgeted up and down like a terrified squirrel. “Miss Volker, what have you done to yourself?”

… she held her arms up. “Now peel it off,” she ordered.

“Peel what off?” I asked.

“The sticky stuff on my arms,” she said impatiently, and then she held a rounded stump up to her mouth, bit off a cooked chunk, and spit it into the trash.

I felt faint. I staggered back a few steps and by then my nose was spewing like an elephant bathing himself. “Please…Miss Volker,” I said with my voice quavering. “Please don’t eat your own flesh.” Oh cheeze-us-crust. Mom didn’t know Miss Volker had gone insane, and I knew I would go insane too if I had to watch her cannibalize her own body down to the white boiled bones.

“You’re bleeding all over the floor,” she said, turning her attention toward me as if she wanted to wash her flesh meal down with my blood. “Let me have a look at you.” Then she reached toward me with her deformed stumps and touched my face and at that moment I yelped out loud and dropped over dead.”

The major theme throughout the book is perseverance and hope for better things to come.  This book brought back so many historical memories of the 1960’s.  Like driving a car as a pre-teen, walking through town at night and finding entertainment outdoors instead of on television.  I recommend this book or audio CD to anyone young or old.  The audio CD would be an excellent way to inspire young boys to read this book.   

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Newbery Medal Award 2012
Scott O'Dell Award

School Library Journal: “The author's trademark quirky characters are in abundance here and while the plot rises to only a gentle crest, middle school listeners will thoroughly enjoy the ride.”

Publisher’s Weekly:  “A bit of autobiography works its way into all of Gantos's work, but he one-ups himself in this wildly entertaining meld of truth and fiction by naming the main character... Jackie Gantos.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Mrs. Volker uses a map to locate all of the deceased citizens of their town.  Use a local map to study historical points of interest in your locality.
*Use historical vignettes in the book to introduce lessons on life during the depression, Eleanor Roosevelt, or other historical content mentioned in the book.
*Use this book as an example of text using first person narrative.
*Use a newspaper obituary and read examples to students.  Compare and contrast the differences and similarities of the obituaries used in the book.  Have students write an obituary.
*Have students perform a reader’s theater using a humorous portion in the book; such as when Jack meets Mrs. Volker or when Mrs. Volker cures Jack’s nose bleeds.

Historical Fiction Book Review: Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Schmidt, Gary D. 2011. Okay for Now. New York: Clarion. ISBN 9780547152608

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The book is told from the perspective of eighth grader Doug Sweiteck, who moves with his family to Marysville, New York in the summer of 1968.

Doug is a huge fan of baseball player, Joe Pepitone, who gave Doug his prized baseball cap. Doug’s bullying big brother, Christopher, steals the cap of his idol and trades it for some cigarettes.  It eventually is lost to Doug’s dismay.

When Doug arrives in Marysville, he eventually finds friendship with Lil Spicer and the local librarian Mr. Powel.  Lil’s father runs the neighborhood deli where Doug obtains a job delivering groceries to the area customers.  One of the most cantankerous clients is Mrs. Windermere, a Broadway playwright, who Doug befriends as well. 

As his friendships grow, so does his newly acquired passion for drawing.  Inspired by John James Audubon’s artwork in a rare book housed on display at the library, and the prodding of Mr. Powel, Doug practices his new talent.  His passion eventually leads him on a private mission to help his friend Mr. Powel reclaim something that belongs in the library. Audubon’s book proves to be the uniting theme throughout the book.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The nemesis in the story is Doug’s abusive alcoholic father who moves the family to Marysville in order to find work with is no good friend Ernie Eco.  Doug must overcome more obstacles including the return of his oldest brother Lucas, who was injured in Vietnam, and the dislike from his Physical Education Coach Reed.  Our main character learns to deal with the negative situations in his life with hopeful and positive insights.  His persistence and influence becomes an inspiration to others to do what is right.  Doug learns to roll with the punches, discovering much about himself while helping others in the process. 

Schmidt delivers emotional expression in his character Doug by delving into the psyche of a middle school young man and what it is like to live under stressful conditions at home and school.  The book is right on target when it comes to what it is like to live with an alcoholic and abusive parent.  You never know what you are going to get when you come in contact with this kind of person.  Doug exhibits many of the coping skills of dealing with this kind of stress.  He takes on a job, even though his father thinks it is a worthless endeavor.  He has interests outside the home and takes pride in his accomplishments.  Examples of this are his ability to do well in his literature class and learning to draw the birds in the prints.  Doug continues even though his brother destroys many of his drawings.

This book serves as a great example of courageously overcoming issues related to bullying and abuse and serves as a sequel to Schmidt’s previous novel The Wednesday Wars.   Though the plot tends to weaken with the unbelievable occurrence of Lil and Doug getting parts in a Broadway play, the book carries the theme of hope and makes a great guy read.  

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

School Library Journal:  “Schmidt manages a hard balance of relatable youth-is-hard humor and nuanced family trauma, though the mix of antics and realism is a bit Shakespearean.”

Publisher’s Weekly:  “This companion to The Wednesday Wars follows the formula of Schmidt's Newbery Honor winner with less success.”

Library Media Connection:  “There are laugh-out-loud moments here, and passages that will move a reader to tears; it’s brilliant, and beautiful, and very nearly a perfect book.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Use this book as a springboard for serious discussion on bullying and positive options for overcoming stress
*Compare and contrast the characters in Okay for Now with the ones in Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos
*Introduce the works of John James Audubon using this book
*Conduct a writing lesson on people who have influenced students through tough times
*Other books by Gary Schmidt:

            Martin de Porres: The Rose in the Desert  ISBN 978054761218
            The Wednesday Wars ISBN 9780547237602
            Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy ISBN 9780618439294
            Trouble ISBN 978057331331
            Straw Into Gold ISBN 978054737763
            Anson’s Way ISBN 978057237619

Nonfiction Book Review: Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea by Steve Jenkins

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jenkins, Steve. 2009. Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and. ISBN 9780618966363

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This book provides a perspective of earth’s relation to the vast oceans of our planet.  It takes readers from the ocean surface into the deep abyss of the ocean floor in the Marianas Trench.  The book is a compilation of informative insights, studying an array of wildlife in their watery habitat.  This stunning informational text provides details such as depths in feet and meters, temperatures in Celsius and Fahrenheit, and the names of various creatures that inhabit the sea.  From the albatross to giant tube worms, the colorful and dynamic artwork of Steve Jenkins is captivating.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The artwork in the book makes for an intriguing design as it appears to be fashioned from differing textures and colorations of cut and torn paper. Many of the shapes are repeated such as the flying fish, krill, mackerel and compass jellyfish.  Especially captivating are the illustrations of deep sea creatures.  Jenkins creates a stunning contrast using light and dark colors capturing the true essence of the creatures from the deep, little explored world beneath the sea. 

Each page contains interesting captions to pique the interest of readers such as; Battle of the Giants, Ooze and Glowing in the Dark.  All plants and animals are clearly labeled with a common name and side texts introduce interesting facts and characteristics of marine life.

The book also is well organized containing additional diagrams in the back of the book.  These detailed diagrams depict comparisons to the human body and relationships to other animal and plant sea life making it ideal for researching marine life. This area of the book is very similar to Jenkins’s Actual Size book.  It is a book that will interest young readers of all ages.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee 2010

School Library Journal: “… the repeated message that humans have much to explore and learn in the deeper ocean is intriguing and inviting.”

Booklist: “…a most welcome introduction to the sometimes-surprising world of marine biology.”

5. CONNECTIONS

* This would make a good complement to Sneed B. Collard's The Deep-Sea Floor (Charlesbridge, 2003) ISBN 9781570914034
*Use this parts of this book as an expository reading example
*Read this book to introduce animal paper art creations
*Introduce students to marine life studies by reading this book
*Have students make their own paper animal creations using cut or torn paper

Nonfiction and Biography Book Review: Drawing From Memory by Allen Say

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Say, Allen. 2011. Drawing from Memory. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 9780545176866

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The autobiography of Allen Say begins in his home of Yokohama, Japan where he was born in 1937.  His love for comic books began at a young age as he read these to the other neighborhood children.  Allen’s father was displeased with his love of art.  So Allen kept his drawings a secret.

The story takes the boy from his home during the war.  Allen continues to exhibit talent as an artist to his teachers who enter his works in contests.  He also has a wonderful memory which helps him to get into school. It is at school that Allen’s life changes when he reads a story about a boy a few years older than himself, who loves to draw and follows his dream to become a cartoonist by finding a “sensei” or “teacher”.

Next, Allen finds the cartoonist, Noro Shinpei, to work under and thus begins a journey where he becomes a great cartoonist himself in “the great land of freedom.”

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Allen Say captures the essence of having a passion for something, like drawing, can inspire in children.  The illustrations are expressive even though they are drawn as cartoons which make this book an excellent choice for children who are reluctant to read.  The photos in the book add a realistic quality.  The cover art is a depiction of how Allen felt when he got his very own room at school.   He describes his joyous experience when he writes: “I floated around the room all afternoon.”  He illustrates his happiness so vividly you can see that he is overcome with elation.

The most impressive aspect of the book is the progression the reader sees in Allen’s style of drawing.  The artist goes from pencil sketches, to using various brush strokes for cartooning, to elaborate realistic sketches of famous sculptures of Brutus and David. The drawing progression even compares Allen’s paint set to being much better than that of Van Gogh.  Next to the statement is a miniature picture in the colorful style of a Van Gogh painting. 

The organization of the book adds to the visual effect of the story.  For example, the story Allen reads in the newspaper about Tokida stands out by having the artwork in black and white cartoons instead of color.  This is in contrast to the other drawings of Allan’s life which have color added.

Students with a love of art will appreciate this book with its varied collection of art mediums and the compelling true story of a boy in search of living out his dreams.  I wanted to continue to investigate the life of Allen in the United States as the book seems to end abruptly.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book Guide: “ Throughout the volume, content is reinforced through canny artistic choices and harmonious design.”

School Library Journal: “The somewhat abrupt ending…may leave readers wishing for a more extended epilogue or sequel, but that is simply because his story is so engaging. Readers of all ages will be inspired.”

Publisher’s Weekly:  “Say's account is complex, poignant, and unfailingly honest. Say's fans—and those who also feel the pull of the artist's life—will be captivated.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*The graphic novel format of this book makes it a great choice for ELL students and reluctant readers.
*A great resource for cartoon art form studies
*Use this book for an autobiography example
*This book will make a wonderful addition to studies about famous artists
*The book can be used as an avenue for cultural studies about Japan
*Have students create their own autobiography scrapbook for a writing lesson

Nonfiction Book Review: Balloons Over Broadway: A True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Mellissa Sweet

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sweet, Mellissa. 2011. Balloons Over Broadway: A True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 9780547199450

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The book begins with Tony Sarg a small boy interested in all things that moved.  His love for puppets started at the age of six when he often would take marionettes apart to see how they worked.  Tony even came up with a clever idea to feed the chickens by pulling on a string from his bedroom which was connected to the chicken coop door.  His father was so amazed, Tony was never asked to do a chore again.

As Tony grows up, his love for puppets grows too.  He moves to London where his marionettes make him famous. Later, Tony immigrates to New York where he finds work at Macy’s.  He is asked to design a “puppet parade” for the store and becomes an immediate sensation with his “Wondertown” window creations.

The store decides to put on a larger parade in honor of their many immigrant employees.  He plans the first ever Thanksgiving Day parade in 1927 which consisted of horse-drawn floats, costumes and animals from the Central Park Zoo.

Since the parade was such a success, it became a Thanksgiving Day tradition.  The animals scared children with their roars, so Macy’s had Tony develop animal balloons instead.  The first puppets were held up with sticks.  These were cumbersome and did not move much. So, Tony decided to add helium and strong rope to the air puppets much like the ones we see today.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Melissa Sweet’s imaginative design, creative exhibits her creativity. She includes homemade toys and artwork making a wonderful biographical picture book.  The book’s style takes on a scrapbook nuance as there are fabric clipping, buttons, newspaper clippings and small sketches dispersed throughout the book.  Children of all ages will love the colorful and joyful renditions of the puppets and balloons Sarg creates. What child would not love this wonderful story about puppets, balloons, parades, and toys! 

The book is organized with author’s notes, quotes, photos and annotations about the life of Tony Sarg.  Actual details such as Jim Henson serving as Sarg’s apprentice, creating marionettes for the movie The Sound of Music and his collaboration with Walt Disney add interest and clarity for anyone who reads this outstanding true life story.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2012 Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner

Horn Book Guide:” Sweet's whimsical mixed-media collages, embellished with little dolls she made herself out of odds and ends, reinforce the theme that, for Sarg, work was play.”

School Library Journal: “Sweet tells this slice of American history well, conveying both Sarg's enthusiasm and joy.... This one should float off the shelves.”

Publisher’s Weekly: “Sweet captures it all in what is truly a story for all ages.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Read this book in conjunction with books about Jim Henson for a lesson in puppeteers.
*Conduct a puppet show based on the life of Tony Sarg.
*Integrate this story into lessons about puppet making, puppet shows, Pinocchio
*Books about other famous puppeteers and puppets:

Krull, Kathleen. Jim Henson: The Guy Who Played with Puppets ISBN 9780375857218
Small, Charlie. The Amazing Adventures of Charlie Small ISBN 9780385751391
Love, D Anne. Puppeteer’s Apprentice ISBN 9780689844256
Cooper, Susan. Magician’s Boy ISBN 978089876226
Colldi, Carlo. The Adventures of Pinocchio ISBN 9781568461908

Poetry Book Review: Doodle Dandies: Poems That Take Shape by J. Patrick Lewis, Ill by Lisa Desimini 


1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY


Lewis, Patrick J. 2002. Doodle Dandies: Poems That Take Shape. Ill. by Lisa Desimini. New York: Aladdin. ISBN 9780689810756

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Patrick Lewis and Lisa Desimini have created a wonderful collection of fun and witty poetry which is sure to engage children of all ages.  Each poem is different and enhances the picture to text pre reading development of young readers.  Realistic and digitally created images are meshed together creating an eclectic gallery for this colorful picture book.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book contains playful myriad of poetry and pictures where the texts become the shapes and the graphics have words imbedded in them.  Young children will love the creative collection of free verse and rhyming poetry.  The most striking element of the book is the illustrations.  The designs are varied and interesting as they capture the meaning and importance of connection to the words.  A ball may become the letter ‘O”. Whole phrases are mirrored as if they are a reflection.  I especially like the Big Cat poem and spread as there are so many visually stimulating ideas that can be drawn from the light and dark opposing pages. The Big Cat poem starts out with, “day delights in jungle cries”.  Another interesting work is titled Synchronized Swim Team.  Here Lewis uses similes in “waves is like a quilt of blue” as well as a figurative pun about the “precision needles poking through” relating to the swimmers legs.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Publisher’s Weekly:  "The interplay between words and pictures effectively conjures images from seasons, to sports, to the jungle. From endpaper to doodled endpaper, this mix of clever language and visual delights makes a dandy treat for all ages."

School Library Journal: “Doodle Dandies captures the joy that wordplay can bring. It deserves a place on every library shelf.”

Booklist: “A dandy way indeed to begin a journey to poetry”

Kirkus Review: “Lewis’s book of poems is a pleasure and also a challenge, for readers must decipher the oddly skewed type”
5. CONNECTIONS

*Use poems in the book to introduce lessons for science or new vocabulary.
*Conduct a fun art lesson using the book as a model for creative word poetry pictures.

Poetry Book Review: We Are America a Tribute from the Heart by Walter Dean Myer


1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY
Myers, Walter Dean. 2011. We Are America: A Tribute From the Heart. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 978006053091

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The Myers father and son duo create a captivating collection of art, free verse poetry and quotes from America’s past, present and future.  Cleverly chronicled, the pieces flow together a timeline of the historical challenges, triumphs, and evaporated dreams of a diverse and patriotic America.  From the Native American Indians, Amelia Earhart, the Boston Tea Party, the Vietnam War, Mark Twain, and other famous people and events that shaped the America of yesterday and tomorrow.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSISThe rhythmic poetry, emotion filled quotations and exquisite artwork in this book capture the true essence of what it is to be an American.  Christopher Myers’ illustrations stand out in their almost impressionistic style as they beautifully depict the characters and events which capture the true meaning of what is America.  Each page contains a panoramic display of American landscapes or portraits of American Icons.  One page shows the Statue of Liberty adjacent to several scenes depicting American flags.  The scenes containing the flags represent events such as the Civil War, Civil rights protesters, Jimmy Hendricks at Woodstock, The Moon Landing, and a homeless person draped in the flag.  The brilliant colors and shapes vividly create a gallery of works which inspire and teach. The text and illustrations are well balanced throughout this intriguing book, making it one which will undoubtedly set the imaginations of young people on fire. 
The texts are varied and arranged so the reader is not overwhelmed with words and can concentrate on the content of the graphics.  Each layout is composed of a collage of scenery with famous individuals embedded into the artwork.  The poem and quotation pieces are well blended containing either one poetry piece or a variation of poetry coupled with quotations. The book contains an index of artwork and quotation notes aiding in cross curriculum connections. This book would be a better selection for older aged elementary students because of the social, historical and political themes related to upper grade studies.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book Guide “Father and son team up for this reflection on United States history. The promise and potential of America are explored with a quotation, poem, and mural-like painting on each spread.”

Library Media Connection “This title could be used to teach free verse poetry, history, art, or all three. It is a patriotic look at our religion, our history, our athletes, our military, our literary contributions, our cultural traditions, and the geographic areas that comprise our great nation. It will be a valuable addition to school and public libraries.”

School Library Journal “A thought-provoking and largely accomplished work for students of American history”

Publisher’s Weekly “It's best appreciated by readers with some knowledge of American history, but few will be unmoved by this stirring and provocative collaboration”
5. CONNECTIONS

*This book can be used to teach lessons on Patriotism, Art, Geography, American History or free verse poetry.
*Use this book as an introduction to American Biographies.
*Combine with other poetry books by Walter Dean Myers as an author study.

            Looking Like Me ISBN 9781606840412
            Jazz ISBN 9780823415458
            Wings ISBN 9780590033770

Poetry Book Review: The Surrender Tree by Margarita Engle

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Engle, Margarita. 2008. The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom. New York: Henry Hold and Company. ISBN 9780805086744

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The story is based on the lives of Margarita Engle’s grandparents who cared for people of Cuba during the Wars for independence.  The book is set in 1868 where Cuban plantation owners freed their slaves.  These slaves were later ordered in 1896 to be exiled to “reconcentration camps”.  If anyone attempted an escape, they would be killed.  Rosa (Engle’s Grandmother),  begins the first part of story with “The Names of the Flowers”, a poem about how she became known to her people as “La Bruja” The Witch as well as “La Madre” The Mother who remains uncaptured for thirty-seven years.

Parts two, three and four, consist of varying narratives by Rosa’s husband Jose, Silvia (Rosa’s healing helper) and the protagonist Lieutenant Death (the slave hunter who seeks to kill Rosa).  These are set in three wars.  “The Ten Year’s War, The Little War, and The War of Independence”

The final part “The Surrender Tree” tells the events of the 1898 U.S Battleship Maine which explodes in the Havana Harbor.  Later the U.S. military intervenes and the Spanish troops surrender.  Guantanamo becomes a U.S. Navy base at this time.  As the series of events transpire, the story is told from the perspective of our three main protagonist characters.  Jose speaks of the tree revered by Cubans and the inspiration for the title of the book:

“They choose a majestic tree,
a ceiba, the kapok tree
revered by Cubans,
a sturdy tree with powerful roots…
as the Spanish flag is lowered
and the American flag glides upward.
Our Cuban flag
is still forbidden.”

Rosa speaks of the hope for her Cuban people:
“Peace will not be paradise,
but at least we can hope
that children like Silvia
and the other orphans
will have their chance
to dream
of new ways
to feel free…”

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Margarita Engle’s words speak out for the people of Cuba as a voice of their struggles and sufferings during their fight for independence.  The novel in verse is based on actual events and people.  I am amazed how vividly Margarita captures the feelings and characterizations in the book.  The characters include: Rosa, Jose, Silvia and Lieutenant Death.

Rosa speaks of her emotions as she is pursued by the Lieutenant of Death:

Rosa:

“The horse I ride sings to me by twitching his ears, telling me how much he hates the flames of war. I stroke his mane to let him know that I will keep him safe, I hope it is true…”

The book also contains historical notes and a chronology of the early independence movements. These are especially helpful in sharing the history of Cuba with students

 If you have every known anyone who has lived in a country where independence is only a dream, you would understand this book.  Americans take their freedom for granted and this book serves to shed a little ray of light on how it might have felt to be enslaved. I would recommend this book for middle school students for language arts, history, or biographical studies.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

School Library Journal: “An absolutely lovely book.. .that should be read by young and old, black and white, Anglo and Latino.”

Booklist: “Readers will hear the stories-and never forget them.”

Horn Book: “A work of literary imagination.  Engle’s skillful portrait will spark readers’ interest in Manzano’s own poetry.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This book would make a great book comparison study about people overcoming sufferings and captive circumstances such as:
Number the Stars ISBN 9780606234320
The Diary of Anne Frank ISBN 0395473788

*Other novels in verse by Margarita Engle:
Engle, Margarita. The Poet Slave of Cuba. ISBN 0312659288
Engle, Margarita. Tropical Secrets. ISBN 0805089365
Engle, Margarita. The Firefly Letters. ISBN 0805090827