Book Trailer For Ship Breaker
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Poetry,
Humor and New Media Module 9
Gandhi:
A Manga Biography: by Ebine, Kazuki
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ebine, Kazuki. Gandhi: A Manga Biography.
New Delhi: Penguin, 2011. Kindle Edition.
ISBN 9781101552629
PLOT
SUMMARY
This book is the first of a manga series of
biographies geared to teenagers. The setting in the beginning takes place in
India, where a shy young Mohandas realizes the harsh treatment of the class of “untouchables”
and the injustice present in his own society.
As our young adventurer grows up, he journeys to England to study Law
and leaves behind a young wife and son. In London he assimilates to the western style
yet, remains true to his Hindu beliefs. He returns to India only to leave for Africa
to work as an attorney. The story
continues to depict his work as an activist, leading his country to their
independence from British rule through protest using nonviolent means of civil disobedience.
CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Teens will appreciate the manga style illustrations
and the varied panel sizes throughout the book.
Ebine does a wonderful job of strategically placing the text and
dialogue, giving the reader a sense of balance.
The artist also uses varied hues of lights and darks to give the
drawings dimension and depth. This is so
much more than just a graphic novel. The
reader gets a sense of the emotional tension and human struggle Hahatma Gandhi
faced during his long life. One weakness
in the book is the absence of color which makes some of the panels appear flat
and the text more difficult to read.
This book is a great introduction to the life of one of the most
celebrated spiritual and influential leaders of our time. Themes include social injustice, political
movements, and spiritual enlightenment.
REVIEWS
Ø YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens: 2012
Ø Publisher’s Weekly: “Ebine’s treatment of this story respects
Gandhi’s consistent, stubborn belief that people could learn to live together
peacefully.” 11/10/2011
CONNECTIONS
Interest Level: 4-12
Reading Level: 4.0
Pages: 191
Genre: Biographies, Graphic Novels (Nonfiction), Manga
Includes bibliographical references
Ø Read
alikes:
o
The
Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake
o
Life
in the Fast Lane by Cherie Bennett
o
Somebody
by Nancy Springer
Ø Other
Books from the Manga Series:
o
Che
Guevara by Kiyoshi Konno
o
The
14th Dalai Lama by Tetsu Saiwai
Nonfiction
Module 8
We
Are Ship: by Kadir Nelson
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nelson, Kadir. We Are the Ship: The Story of
Negro League Baseball. New York: Jump at the Sun/Hyperion for Children,
2008. Print.
ISBN 9780786808328
PLOT
SUMMARY
This wonderfully illustrated book highlights the
history of the Negro Baseball Leagues from the 1920 through the 1940s. True added authenticity is attributed in the
foreword written by Hank Aaron former Milwaukee Braves Hall of Famer. The unique format of picture book and
narrative is set up in “Innings” rather than “Chapters”. Each “Inning” offers a glimpse of the
hardships, successes and heroes of this incredible era in baseball
history. The stories range from the
beginning to the end of the Negro leagues, contributions of Latin Americans, as
well as biographical accounts of several players.
CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Kadir Nelson captures the essence of the Negro
Baseball Leagues beautifully in his first attempt as both author and
illustrator of a book. Written using the
collective voice of a player from years past, Nelson vividly renders the true
spirit of what the game of baseball meant to these brave and talented African
Americans. A great example of this
spirit is evident in a passage taken from the 2nd Inning:
“We took pride in our baseball. Brought our own
style to the game, and named our teams to match…And we could play like we
invented the game. Kept the fans on the
edge of their seats. Turned singles into doubles and doubles into triples, just
by running hard.”
Nalson’s paintings used to illustrate the book are a
glorious manifestation of the ardor inspired by the life of these baseball
pioneers. The cover picture depicts a
strong, concentrated, muscular player with light illuminations accentuating the
arms and face features. The author’s
note demonstrates the hard work and dedication to research Nelson put forth in
order to complete this 8 yearlong project.
At first glance the book looks like a picture book
or coffee table ornament. The physical
appearance may thwart teen reader’s interest.
REVIEWS
Ø Kirkus Review: “Along with being absolutely
riveted by the art, readers will come away with a good picture of the Negro Leaguers'
distinctive style of play, as well as an idea of how their excellence
challenged the racial attitudes of both their sport and their times.” 12/1/2007
Ø Publisher’s Weekly: “In his first outing as author as well as
illustrator, Nelson (Ellington Was Not a Street) delivers a history of the
Negro Leagues in a sumptuous volume that no baseball fan should be without.”
1/7/2008
Ø School Library Journal: “It is an engaging tribute that should
resonate with a wide audience and delight baseball fans of all ages.” 1/1/2008
Ø ALA Notable Children’s
Books – Older Readers Category 2009
Ø Coretta Scott King Award
2009
Ø Robert F. Sibert
Informational Book Medal 2009
CONNECTIONS
Interest Level: 4-7
Reading Level: 5.9
Pages: 88
Genre: Narrative Nonfiction
Ø Read
alikes:
o
Stealing
Home by Barry Denenberg
o
Jackie
Robinson by Christopher Matt
o
A
Negro League Scrapbook by Carole Boston Weatherford
Ø Other
books by Kadir Nelson:
Nelson Mandela ISBN: 9780061783760
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and
African Americans
ISBN: 9780061730740
Historical
Fiction Module 7
Out
of the Dust: by Karen Hesse
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hesse, Karen. Out of the Dust. New York:
Scholastic, 1997. Print.
ISBN 9780590360807
PLOT
SUMMARY
The story begins in Joyce City, Oklahoma and opens
with how Billie Jo (the heroine) came to be and explains that her mother is now
pregnant with a baby. Set in the midst of
the Dust Bowl era during the mid-1930’s the story continues to weave a tragic
and hear wrenching tale. Billie Jo is a
gifted musician sought out by local bands to play the piano. Billie’s wheat farming father’s crop fails
because of the worst drought the plains have ever seen. What crop is left ends up eaten by rabbits
and locust invasions. To make matters
worse, Billie Jo mistakenly throws kerosene on her mother after a fire breaks
out, causing her mother and the unborn baby to die. In an attempt to put out the fire, Billie Jo
suffers from badly burned hands.
CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Told from the first person point-of-view of 14
year-old Billie Jo Kelby, author Karen Kesse unfolds a yearlong saga of
desolation though this stoic character. Written
in lyrical free verse form, Kesse takes the reader into the vivid realities
many people faced during the Depression and the fearsome dust storms which plagued
the area. As Billie Jo’s father ekes out
a living, she describes how her friends leave and dreams of greener pastures in
her journal like entries. She also recounts
the painful distance wedged between her and father since the accident which killed
her mother. Billie struggles with being ostracized
from the community and eventually leaves town. While away from her Oklahoma roots, she
discovers that she feels connected to the desolate land and seeks to reconcile
with herself, the land, and her father.
Themes of the book include leaving, death,
suffering, social injustice, strength and hope.
The tone of the book is very grim and bleak yet, renders heartwarming
candid moments of optimism through the voice of a teenage girl.
REVIEWS
Ø Kirkus Review:
“Hesse (The Music of Dolphins, 1996, etc.) presents a hale and
determined heroine who confronts unrelenting misery and begins to transcend
it. .” 9/15/1997
Ø Booklist: “The story is bleak, but Hesse's
writing transcends the gloom and transforms it into a powerfully compelling
tale of a girl with enormous strength, courage, and love.” 9/1/1997
Ø Publisher’s Weekly: “This intimate novel, written in stanza form,
poetically conveys the heat, dust and wind of Oklahoma. With each meticulously
arranged entry Hesse paints a vivid picture of her heroine's emotions.”
1/11/1999
Ø School Library Journal: “Hesse's ever-growing skill as a writer
willing to take chances with her form shines through superbly in her ability to
take historical facts and weave them into the fictional story of a character
young people will readily embrace.” 9/1/1997
Ø Newbery Medal
1998
Ø Scott O’Dell
Historical Fiction Award 1998
Ø ALA Notable
Children’s Books 1998
Ø YALSA Best Books
for Young Adults 1998
CONNECTIONS
Interest Level: 5-9
Reading Level: 5.3
Pages: 227
Genre: Historical Fiction, Novel in Verse
Ø Read
alikes:
o
Esperanza
Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
o
Mary
B.
by Caroline Starr Rose
o
Inside
Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Ø Other
books by Karen Hesse:
SafeKeeping ISBN: 9781250011343
Brooklyn Bridge ISBN: 9780312378868
Aleutian Sparrow ISBN: 9780689861895
Just Juice ISBN: 9780590033824
Adventure,
Sports, Mysteries, and Westerns Module 6
A
Time of Miracles: by Anne-Laure Bondoux
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bondoux, Anne-Laure, Y. Maudet, and Kenny
Holcomb. A Time of Miracles. New York: Delacorte, 2010. Print.
ISBN 9780385739221
PLOT
SUMMARY
Seven-year-old Blaise Fortune is a refugee from the
Republic of Georgia who is in the care of Gloria. Blaise goes by the name Kaumaïl which was given to him
by his caretaker when she rescued him from a train derailment after Blaise’s
real French mother was killed. So the
story goes as Blaise loves to hear Gloria tell it. A nine year plight filled
journey commences when the pair must flee their refugee complex in order to
avoid the political conflict caused by the fall of the Soviet Union. They make their way towards France where
Blaise hopes to be re-united with his real family.
Bondoux creates loveable characters in Kaumaïl and Gloria as she
weaves a tale mixed with tragedy and hope.
The story Gloria tells again and again with growing embellishments keeps
Kaumaïl’s dreams alive and his
spirits high by telling him “There’s nothing wrong with making up stories to
make life more bearable.” The pair are
eventually separated and Kaumaïl must
continue his journey to France alone.
After several years Kaumaïl gains French citizenship and sets back on another journey to be
reunited with Gloria.
CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
This is a heart wrenching story told in first person
narrative from Kaumaïl’s innocent
child point of view. Gloria is the ever
optimistic caretaker in this vivid portrayal of the obstacles families face as
refugees in war torn Caucasus. They make
their way from their home in the Complex, to a Gypsy camp and onward hitching
rides on the back of trucks where friends are continually made and lost. Bondoux keeps the reader intrigued about what
is the truth and what is fabricated through the stories told by Gloria.
The events may seem confusing
for young readers who are not familiar with European and Caucasus history. The book contains helpful maps at the
beginning which are renderings of the atlas used by Kaumaïl to chart his progress. These maps help in keeping track of the
geographical locations in the story. Bondoux also describes terrifying accounts
of threats associated with war as in the thoughts of Kaumaïl in the excerpt from the book:
“The night bombings
intensify. Everyone says that the harbor is destroyed, and Mr. Ha sighs loudly
when he hands us our passports. They
look good, but he tells us that it’s impossible to board any boat now. Too dangerous! We have to wait!”
The mystery surrounding Kaumaïl’s real background is eventually revealed in
this beautifully written, warm hearted novel.
REVIEWS
Ø Kirkus Review: “A beautifully cadenced
tribute to maternal love and the power of stories amid contemporary political
chaos.” 10/15/2010
Ø Publisher’s Weekly: “"There's nothing wrong with making up
stories to make life more bearable," says Gloria, the wise woman who is
the soul of Bondoux's (The Killer's Tears) beautifully nuanced novel.” 11/8/2010
Ø School Library Journal:
“The story is written in beautiful, quiet prose and offers a touch of hope,
along with tragedy.” 1/1/2011
Ø ALA Notable Children’s
Books – Oder Readers Category: 2011
Ø Mildred L. Batchelder
Award
Ø YALSA Best Fiction for
Young Adults: 2012
CONNECTIONS
Interest Level: 6-12
Reading Level: 6.0
Pages: 192
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Ø Read
alikes:
o
Angry
Management by Chris Crutcher
o
The
Good Braider by Terry Farish
o
Becoming
Chloe by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Ø Other
books by Anne-Laure Bondoux:
Vasco, Leader of the Tribe ISBN:
9780385733632
Life as it Comes ISBN: 9780385903905
The Killer’s Tears ISBN: 9780385732932
Fantasy,
Science Fiction and Supernatural Module 5
Son:
by Lois Lowry
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lowry, Lois. Son. Boston: Houghton
Mifflin, 2012. Print.
ISBN 9780547887203
PLOT
SUMMARY
This is the fourth and final book in the Giver
quartet series and is a continuation of the story set in a regulated community
system. Our heroine, 14-year-old Claire,
is chosen to be a Birthmother. However,
something goes wrong during her initial birthing which result in a caesarian
section. Her baby is deemed inadequate,
and taken from her. Claire is then reassigned
to the fish hatchery. Claire notices she
is the only one who is not taking pills which suppress emotions and
feelings. She is driven to find her lost
child and discovers her baby in a nearby Nurturing Center. The baby turns out to be Gabe from The Giver
and is destine to be destroyed by the community for his differences. One of the
caregivers in the Nurturing Center manages to flee by boat with Gabe. Meanwhile, Claire also escapes but, loses her
memory and ends up in a seaside community where she nicknamed “Water Claire”
after washing up on the beach after a storm.
Claire never loses her sense of motherhood and,
under the decade long direction a healer Alys, strengthens her mind and body,
conditioning for the strenuous journey to find Gabe. Claire must sacrifice her most coveted
characteristic in exchange for reuniting with Gabe, by making a pact with the
villainous Trademaster.
CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Lowry completes the series with a powerful and
compelling yet simplistic style, tying together all of the stories in a
haunting and memorable fashion. Readers
will reunite with the characters and themes drawn from previous books in the
series. Jonas and Gabe exhibit
supernatural powers stemming from goodness, while the Trademaster represents
evil and destruction. The utopic,
world-building, and thought provoking themes are supplemented by Lowry’s
descriptive writing as illustrated in the following excerpt:
“The base of the cliff was large boulders, some of
them slippery with damp moss on their shadowed sides. They were easy for her to climb; she had
practiced here occasionally, after dark. So, her feet (bare, through her
sandals were in her pack for later) knew the feel and shape of them. But it would be too easy to dismiss the
dangers even of this familiar beginning place. A slip on the moss, a misplaced
step, a turned ankle, and her mission would end before it began.”
Son
is by far the most compelling and adventuresome in the series since The Giver. However, Claire’s loss of
memory and banishment from the seaside villagers as an unwed mother seemed
overplayed and predictable.
REVIEWS
Ø Kirkus Review: “Written with powerful, moving
simplicity, Claire's story stands on its own… and offers a transcending message
of tolerance and hope. Bravo!” 9/15/2012
Ø Publisher’s Weekly: “If the latter sections don’t quite keep up
with the thrilling revelations of the first, Lowry still ties together these
stories in a wholly satisfying way.” 9/10/2012
Ø School Library Journal:
“Son is a tender conclusion to this memorable story, and definitely the best of
the books in this sequence since The Giver itself.” 9/1/2012
Ø Booklist: “Lowry is one
of those rare writers who can craft stories as meaningful as they are enticing.
Once again she provides plenty of weighty matters for readers to think about…”
6/1/2012
Ø ALA Notable Children’s
Books – Older Readers Category: 2013
Ø School Library Journal
Best Books: 2012
CONNECTIONS
Interest Level: 6-12
Reading Level: 6.0
Pages: 288
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Reading Level: 6.0
Pages: 288
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Ø Series
Read alikes:
o
Angora
Trilogy by
David Whitley
o
Lotus
War Trilogy
by Jay Kristoff
o
Newsoul
Trilogy by Jodi
Meadows
Ø Other books in the
Giver Quartet:
The Giver ISBN: 9780395645666
Gathering Blue ISBN: 9780618055814
Messenger ISBN: 9780618404414
Gathering Blue ISBN: 9780618055814
Messenger ISBN: 9780618404414
Contemporary
Realistic Fiction Module 4
Skinny: by Donna Cooner
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cooner, Donna D. Skinny. New York:
Point, 2012. Print.
ISBN 9780545427630
PLOT
SUMMARY
This contemporary realistic fiction novel for teens
is about fifteen year old Ever Davies who struggles with obesity. Still reeling from the death of her mother
some years ago, Ever finds comfort in food.
With the help and support from her best and only friend Theodore Wilson
“Rat”, Ever decides to have Gastric-bypass surgery after an embarrassing
episode during an awards ceremony. Ever
sets a goal to loose enough weight before auditioning for next year’s school
musical. This is truly a Cinderella
story as Ever lives with a beautiful step mother and two step sisters, and
seeks out her own Prince Charming. Her
biggest obstacle is overcoming the ever present negative voice inside her head
“Skinny”.
CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
This is the first novel Donna Cooner has authored
and is based on her own experiences with lifelong weight problems and
gastric-bypass surgery. Cooner includes the health risk associated
with the surgery as well as the permanent diet restrictions the patient faces.
Told from first person point of view, the reader gets
a glimpse of the emotional intense mindset and obstacles obese individuals
face. The physical aspects of the
inability to fit standard desks or drive a car and the mental repercussions of
low self-esteem, body image and depression are addressed in this book.
The most loveable character in the book is Ever’s
best friend and caregiver “Rat”. Ever
describes him as;
“…brilliant
in a ‘build your own optical resonator laser in your backyard, start a small
grass fire, and get community service’ kind of way.”
(Skinny p. 14)
(Skinny p. 14)
Rat is most endearing in the support he gives Ever,
taking copious notes during her examinations, performing mini demonstrations of
how her new digestive system works, and creating weight loss and physical
activity progress charts.
Common themes throughout the book include body
image, popularity, social acceptance, boys, and music. Girls will especially relate to the social
struggles Ever faces and will be inspired by the outcome of Ever’s makeover.
This book kept me thinking of my own experiences
with weight issues as a teenager. Like
being put on weight probation in drill team and dismissed from performing at
games because I could not lose 2 pounds a week.
The book spoke to me as far as body image implications.
REVIEWS
Ø Kirkus Review: “Lip service is paid to
"inner beauty," but Cinderella, that quintessential consumer fairy
tale and the plot's template, tells another story: It's what's outside that
counts.” 8/15/2012
Ø Publisher’s Weekly: “Readers will be fascinated by the details of
Ever’s surgery, and the permanent sacrifices she makes to accommodate her
altered digestive system.”8/24/2012
Ø School Library Journal:
“This story will appeal to girls who struggle with doubts and fears, whether
dealing with weight issues, loneliness, or lack of popularity.” 9/1/2012
CONNECTIONS
Interest Level: 6-12
Reading Level: 6.0
Pages: 272
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: 6.0
Pages: 272
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Ø Read
alikes:
o
The
Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake
o
Life
in the Fast Lane by Cherie Bennett
o
Somebody
by Nancy Springer
Ø Other
books by Donna Cooner:
The World God Made ISBN: 9780849911620
Award
Winner Literature Module 3
Ship Breaker: by Paolo Bacigalupi
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bacigalupi, Paolo. Ship Breaker. New
York: Little, Brown and Company, 2010. Print.
ISBN 9780316056212
PLOT
SUMMARY
This dystopian futuristic tale is an adventure packed
story set in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. Nailer, nicknamed “Lucky Boy”, is on a
scavenging light crew. Their group is
made up of lightweight teens, chosen for their small size, to fit into small
duct systems of abandoned tankers in order to salvage copper wire. Nailer gets his nickname from his lucky
ejection from the innermost part of a tanker’s oil reserves, where he almost
drowns in the oil. He is seriously
injured in the accident.
During Nailer’s recovery, he survives a devastating
storm and later finds the wreckage of an affluent clipper ship. He must choose between financial gains or
loyalty when he rescues Nita “Lucky Girl”.
Nita is the only survivor left on the “swank” ship. They are forced to
escape from the community, fleeing from Nailer’s abusive father, and embarking
on an adventure which takes them to storm ravaged Orleans. Their journey and
friendship helps them both mature in unexpected ways.
CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
This is the first book in a series written by Paolo Bacigalupi
about the consequences of human misuse of natural and human resources. The protagonist, Nailer is in constant inner
struggle of loyalty, and morality. As
the archetypal seeker, who must choose between blood bonds and possible
financial gains. Bacigalupi carefully develops likeable characters in Nailer
and Nita. There is also the very
unlikeable villain character in Nailer’s father, who is abusive and the
antagonist in the novel.
Told from both an omniscient and first person point
of view, the reader is privy to Nailer’s thoughts throughout the book, pulling
the reader into his horrifying and violent world. One of the most poignant quotes from the
books is when Nailer realizes the importance of caring for others.
“The blood bond was nothing. It was the people that mattered. If they covered your back, and you covered theirs, then maybe that was worth calling family. Everything else was just so much smoke and lies.”
Common themes throughout the book are recycling,
human cloning, climate change and socio-economic disparity. The book contains profanities, violent action
and multiple murders. The fast pace
adventure style makes it a definite must read award winning book.
REVIEWS
Ø 2011 Michael L. Printz Award
Ø 2011 Locus Young Adult Book Award
Ø ALA Notable Children’s Books – Older Readers:
2011
Ø 2010 National Book Award Finalist – Young
People’s Literature
Ø Kirkus Review: “Told in the third person, this
stark, surreal story sends an alarm to heed the warning signs of climate change
or suffer a similar fate.” 41/2010
Ø Publisher’s Weekly: “Bacigalupi's cast is ethnically and morally
diverse, and the book's message never overshadows the storytelling,
action-packed pacing, or intricate world-building.” 4/19/2010
Ø Booklist: “Bacigalupi
skillfully integrates his world building into the compelling narrative,
threading the backstory into the pulsing action.” 5/15/2010
CONNECTIONS
Interest Level: 6-12
Reading Level: 5.3
Pages: 326
Genre: Science Fiction
Reading Level: 5.3
Pages: 326
Genre: Science Fiction
Ø Controversial
subject matter: profanity, violence, serial killing, references to black magic, bullying and toxic
parents
Ø Read
alikes:
o
Ashfall
by
Mike Mullin
o
The
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
o
Uglies
by Scott Westerfeld
Ø Other
books by Paolo Bacigalupi:
The Drowned Cities ISBN: 9780316056229
The Windup Girl ISBN: 9781597801584
The Alchemist ISBN: 9781596063532
The Windup Girl ISBN: 9781597801584
The Alchemist ISBN: 9781596063532
Challenged Literature Module 2
Bridge to Terabithia: by Katherine Paterson
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Paterson, Katherine. 1977. Bridge to Terabithia. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Company. Print.
ISBN 0690013590
PLOT SUMMARY
Eleven year old Jess Aarons befriends a new girl in town (Leslie Burke), who quickly becomes an inspiration to him and helps him discover a new imagined world the pair calls “Terabithia”. They appoint themselves king and queen of their wonderland where they escape the childhood realities of being seen as social outcasts, and dealing with annoying siblings, inattentive parents, and school bullies. Leslie and her well educated family help Jess realize he has much potential in his intelligence and artistic talent than his farming community has to offer. Although Jess suffers a great loss in the end, he gains the ability to continue the legacy of “Terabithia” by sharing the secret of its wonders with others.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Bridge to Terabithia contains the central theme of friendship, represented in the close relationship between Leslie Burke and Jess Aarons. Although the two did not hit it off in the beginning, their friendship blossoms and grows deeper as they support each other in overcoming obstacles and accept each other for their individuality. Katherine Paterson gets to the heart of issues young people face within the nuclear family and social norms of school. Secondary themes of bullying, abuse, and family dysfunctions are brought to the surface throughout the book. Leslie and Jess find refuge from their unwelcoming world through their make believe kingdom where their imagination can run wild. Paterson brings to light the importance of human dignity, intelligence, and love in relationships rather than superficial and materialistic motives prevalent in modern society.
REVIEWS
Ø 1978 Newbery Medal
Ø Oprah’s Kid’s Reading Lists – Classics: 10-12
years
Ø Booklist: “A story about loving, being a friend,
and supporting
one another.” 2/1/1989
CONNECTIONS
Interest Level: 5-9
Reading Level: 4.6
Pages: 128
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: 4.6
Pages: 128
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Ø Challenged for: profanity, references to witchcraft and negative views of life
Ø Banned Books: Celebrating the Freedom to Read
Ø Books to Movies
Other books by Katherine Paterson:
Jip:His Story ISBN: 9780140386745
Parzival:The Quest of the Grail Knight ISBN: 9781435244047
Preacher’s Boy ISBN: 9780544104907
Bread and Roses, Too ISBN: 9780547076515
Flip-Flop Girl ISBN: 9780140376791
Jacob Have I Loved ISBN: 9780690040784
The Great Gilly Hopkins ISBN: 9780064402019
The Master Puppeteer ISBN: 9780064402811Preacher’s Boy ISBN: 9780544104907
Bread and Roses, Too ISBN: 9780547076515
Flip-Flop Girl ISBN: 9780140376791
Jacob Have I Loved ISBN: 9780690040784
The Great Gilly Hopkins ISBN: 9780064402019
Book Review for Hatchet Classic Literature Module 1
Hatchet: by Gary Paulsen
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. 1987. Reprint. New
York: Scholastic, 1999. Print.
ISBN: 0439192862
ISBN: 0439192862
SUMMARY
Hatchet is Gary Paulsen’s classic novel about the coming of
age adventures of thirteen year old Brian Robeson. Brian must learn to provide for himself in
the Canadian wilderness armed with only his hatchet after the aircraft he was
traveling in crashes. He miraculously
attempts to land the plane after the pilot suffers a heart attack only to
plunge the plane in a lake and barely escaping drowning. Brain’s outward struggles with the forces of
nature are also intertwined with his inner turmoil caused by his parent’s
recent divorce. Despite Brian’s
predicament, he finds strength through perseverance and by the striking beauty
of nature surrounding him.
CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Paulsen artfully describes the situations protagonist, Brian, is thrust
into through poetically robust writing style; deftly oscillating the peaks and
valleys of Brian’s emotions as he moves from failures to successes in his quest
for survival. The distress Brian experiences about his parent’s recent divorce
render a secondary theme of turmoil during his 54 day venture.
Paulsen also captures the picturesque surroundings of the forest vividly
especially evident after Brian recuperates from his injuries sustained in the
crash.
“Here at first, it was silent, or he thought it was
silent, but when he started to listen, really listen, he heard thousands of
things. Hisses and blurks, small sounds,
birds, singing, hum of insects, splashes from the fish jumping-there was great
noise here, but a noise he did not know, and the colors were new to him, and
the colors and noise mixed in his mind to make a green-blue blur that he could
hear, hear as a hissing pulse-sound and he was still tired.
So tired.”
So tired.”
REVIEWS
Ø 1988
Newbery Honor
Ø Booklist:
“Hatchet Challenges readers to place themselves in this predicament and ask;
could I survive?” 9/1/1989
Ø School
Library Journal: “Paulsen tells a fine
adventure story, but the sub-plot of Brain’s preoccupation with his parent’s
divorce…distracts from the book.” 12/1/1987
Ø Publisher’s
Weekly: “…a book that plunges readers into the cleft of the protagonist’s
experience.” 8/14/1987
CONNECTIONS
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5.7
Pages: 195
Genre: Fiction
Reading Level: 5.7
Pages: 195
Genre: Fiction
Ø Read-alikes
Death Mountain by Sherry Shahan
The Baboon King by Anton Quintana
Survivor Kid by Denise Long
Death Mountain by Sherry Shahan
The Baboon King by Anton Quintana
Survivor Kid by Denise Long
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