Module 15-Censorship Issues

The Hunger Games

Collins, S. (2008). The hunger games. New York: Scholastic.



Summary

In Panem, what is left of the United States, every year a televised spectacle occurs.  Children, a boy and a girl from each of the twelve districts, are pitted against each other in a competition to the death.  They must be the last one standing in order to be declared the winner.  Katniss Everdeen takes on this role as District Twelve's tribute, and the embarks on a journey that will change her life and the future of Panem forever.

Impression

I absolutely loved this book, however the death and deception is not something I would recommend my elementary age students read.  The futuristic world that the author has created is believable, although as inhumane as one could imagine.  As a reader you have nothing but compassion for Katniss and Peeta, her fellow tribute, and contempt and loathing for the Capitol and those that put on the games each year.

Review

Grades 9-12. This is a grand-opening salvo in a new series by the author of the Underland Chronicles. Sixteen-year-old Katniss poaches food for her widowed mother and little sister from the forest outside the legal perimeter of District 12, the poorest of the dozen districts constituting Panem, the North American dystopic state that has replaced the U.S. in the not-too-distant future. Her hunting and tracking skills serve her well when she is then cast into the nation’s annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death where contestants must battle harsh terrain, artificially concocted weather conditions, and two teenaged contestants from each of Panem’s districts. District 12’s second “tribute” is Peeta, the baker’s son, who has been in love with Katniss since he was five. Each new plot twist ratchets up the tension, moving the story forward and keeping the reader on edge. Although Katniss may be skilled with a bow and arrow and adept at analyzing her opponents’ next moves, she has much to learn about personal sentiments, especially her own. Populated by three-dimensional characters, this is a superb tale of physical adventure, political suspense, and romance.

Booklist. (2008). 105(1)

Library Use

1. This is a book to recommend to interested readers who like this genre, or the author's other series Gregor the Overlander.
2. In appropriate grade levels this book can be used to compare styles of government or to promote discussion on how America ended up the way it is in the book.

Book Trailers

All images for these book trailers came from www.classroomclipart.com.  The videos were made using www.animoto.com, and the background music came from Animoto as well.

Gregor the Overlander
http://animoto.com/play/pluMr02jXi96c7uJp1RnQA

The Lightning Thief
http://animoto.com/play/cxD41KXabMszqHZd6kdQHg

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
http://animoto.com/play/H81dTJYkb6eo8AwolRPGbQ

Module 14-Poetry and Story Collections

Dirty Laundry Pile

Janeczko, P. (2001). Dirty laundry pile. New York: Harper Collins.

 

Summary

This book is a collection of poems that are all written through the point of view of anything besides humans.  Shells, wind, scarecrows, snowflakes, kites, laundry piles, mosquitoes and more all get an opportunity to voice their thoughts and feelings.

 

Impression

This is a fun collection of poems that truly show how writing from another's point of view is very different.  It also illustrates how inanimate objects can have a point of view as well, and can get students to think what an object, like a shell, might see, hear, feel, or think.

 

Review

Gr. 3-6. As Janeczko explains in his introduction, this collection of 27 poems is "something like wearing a Halloween costume or playing a part in a school play," because the poems have all been written in the voice of an object or an animal--a seashell, a cat, a tree. The imaginative language is simple yet rich in image and metaphor. Madeleine Comora's "Roots" speaks volumes: "Roots like ours, course and strong / as a grandmother's fingers." Sometimes the poetry sparkles, sweeps us along, or makes us laugh, as in the title poem about dirty clothes by Marcy Barack Black: "Ignore me now / on the floor / By the door. / But you'll notice / when I swell / By my smell." There's great variety in poetic mood and form--brisk couplets, thoughtful haiku, funny concrete poems. In Peggy B. Levitt's "Mosquito's Song" the word punctureis spelled out vertically, letter by letter, ending, appropriately, in an exclamation point. Melissa Sweet's watercolors are light and airy, but never too slight. Some are full-page, some thumbnail size; and all are hugely appealing, whether dancing comically across the page or bordering the text. They'll draw children into words that resonate with joy and, sometimes, deeper meaning, words that will remind them that there's more than one way to experience the world.

Booklist. (2001). 97(16).

Library Use
1.  Writing lesson on point of view.
2. Concrete poetry lesson.

 

Module 13-Graphic Novels and Series Books

Knights of the Lunch Table

Cammuso, F. (2008). Knights of the lunch table. New York: Scholastic.

 

 

 

 

Summary

Artie just wants to fit in, but when he opens a magic locker that even the biggest bully in the school hasn't been able to open, fitting in is the last thing that's going to happen.  Artie and his new lunch table friends are thrown in to a dogeball game (to the death) and face other evils (the principal) along the way in a very comedic and kid friendly story.

 

Impression

A super fun book that got one of my very reluctant readers hooked!  He's read it twice since I bought it a few months ago.  The story is very relatable, a kid just wanting to fit in and a bunch of bullies that are trying their best to make his life miserable.  Throw in a magic locker and a game of dogeball, it's all a student could hope for.

 

Review

Grades 2-4. Artie King’s first day at his new middle school is terrible: his nasty older sister ensures he misses the bus; a couple of geeky kids are friendly, but the school bullies smell a new victim; and the principal is a horror who hands out detentions and dire warnings as she peers out from behind her horn-rimmed glasses. Artie has muddied the waters a bit himself by boasting that he’s a dodgeball pro—when he’s really not. Kids familiar with King Arthur legends will like the idea of a mysterious locker, seemingly rusted shut, that opens for Artie and the helpful stranger named Merlyn (who turns out to be Artie’s science teacher and guidance counselor). But kids unfamiliar with Arthur will still like this tongue-in-cheek take on the school rules and games that can dominate a kid’s life. Although the characters seem purposefully multiethnic, Cammuso’s text is witty and his cartoons energetic; his pictures speak as clearly as his words. A good start for the Knights of the Lunch Tale series.

Booklist. (2008). 104(14).

Library Use
1.  Introducing graphic novels to students and teachers.
2.  A lesson on sequence of events.
3.  Promoting reading to reluctant readers.

Module 12-Biography and Autobiography

Just Being Audrey

Cardillo, M. (2011). Just being Audrey. New York: Balzer + Bray.

 

 

 

 

 Summary

This book tells the story of Audrey Hepburn's life starting with her childhood dreams of becoming a ballerina.  Her time in Nazi occupied Holland and her move to London that eventually began her acting career.  She became a Broadway star that opened doors to Hollywood and starring roles in several movies.  Not only was she talented and hard working, but she was kind, generous, and very humble.  She became a Goodwill Ambassador and did all she could to help children all over the world.

 

Impression

The tale of Audrey Hepburn's life is told through easy to read narration and beautiful illustrations.  She was a beautiful person inside and out, and her story is one of dedication, working hard, being kind to others, and caring for everyone.  This book is very kid friendly and is constantly being checked out (by girls) at our school library.

 

Review

Grades 1-3. It’s hard to believe life for Audrey Hepburn was ever anything but smart clothes, quirky expressions, and wistful gazes into the eyes of Cary Grant, but Cardillo makes a strong case to the contrary. Growing up in WWII–era Europe, Audrey wanted only to be a dancer, but the other girls made fun of her physical hurdles: “She was too tall, her feet were too big, and her neck was too long,” and “her eyes seemed too big for her head.” Young readers will get the message: these were precisely the traits that made Audrey an iconic beauty as an adult. In short order, she was spotted by entertainment heavyweights for her je ne sais quoi and quickly catapulted to fame. Denos’ soft pastel illustrations cut just the right Audrey outline (complete with flapping neck scarf), and fans will especially enjoy picking out the movie roles depicted in a two-page spread of costumes. Her later humanitarian deeds are given their due, but it is Audrey’s simple kindness that is emphasized throughout.

Booklist. (2010). 107(7).

Library Use
1.  Introducing biographies to younger readers.

Module 11-Informational Books

Blizzard!

Murphy, J. (2000). Blizzard! New York: Scholastic.



Summary

A storm that was expected to die out before it even turned bad hit New York and much of the northeastern United States on March 13, 1888.  Not once, but twice the vicious blizzard ripped through the area depositing twenty one inches of snow!  Communications and travel were down, there was no electricity and coal began to run out leaving those that lived to tell the tale with much to talk about.  Because of this momentous natural disaster, many public policies and laws and even the way weather was forecasted were changed, along with the creation of underground transit and cables.

Impression

The real-life photographs and era created illustrations in this book are a wonderful accompaniment to the facts and interwoven stories of this time in American history.  I had never heard of this event before I read this story, and it is amazing what it did to change the way many things are now done.  I happened to be starting a weather unit in my class, and there were several points brought up in the book that I was able to use to enrich our textbook's information.

Review

Grade 5 Up-In the style of The Great Fire (Scholastic, 1995), Murphy writes a fascinating account of the March, 1888, storm that paralyzed the Northeastern U.S. for four days. This terrifying natural disaster is described from the perspectives of several individuals of various ages and social positions, primarily in New York City, some of whom survived the storm and some of whom did not. The narrative is a readable and seamless blend of history and adventure adapted from extensive first-person accounts and primary news sources. Beginning with an ominous harbinger, the scene is set with descriptions of what life was like at that time, including popular culture and means of forecasting the weather, which completely failed in this instance. The text is exciting without being melodramatic: as the storm arrives, strengthens, and stays, readers come to see the horrible extent to which people had to cope with the loss of food, heat, communications, and loved ones. Concluding by explaining why this event is important, the author places it in the context of other weather and its effect on history. Authentic photographs, drawings, and maps that demonstrate the course of the storm, all done in the same sepia tone as the text, perfectly illustrate the book. Overall, a superb piece of writing and history.

Medlar, A. The book review. School Library Journal. 46(12)

Library Use

1.  This is a great resource to use when collaborating with a teacher on a weather lesson or unit.  There are many fourth grade Science TEKS addressed in the story, as well as fifth grade.

Module 10-Historical Fiction

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Choldenko, G. (2004). Al Capone does my shirts. New York: Putnam.

Summary
In 1935 Moose Flanagan and his family move to Alcatraz Island and live there, right next to the prison, with the rest of the guards' families.  His new surroundings are quite different and life so close to convicted criminals has its challenges.  Moose's younger sister is autistic, although that was not known in the time period of the story, so her many ups and downs add to the trials that Moose faces throughout the story.

Impression
This is my favorite genre and this book did not let me down.  I love that it takes place on Alcatraz and that so much attention to historical detail was put in to the story.  It is a work of fiction, so creative liberties are of course taken.  But this book and it's sequel; Al Capone Shines My Shoes, are great stories.

Review
Gr. 5-8. Twelve-year-old Moose moves to Alcatraz in 1935 so his father can work as a prison guard and his younger, autistic sister, Natalie, can attend a special school in San Francisco. It is a time when the federal prison is home to notorious criminals like gangster Al Capone. Depressed about having to leave his friends and winning baseball team behind, Moose finds little to be happy about on Alcatraz. He never sees his dad, who is always working; and Natalie's condition-- her tantrums and constant needs--demand all his mother's attention. Things look up for Moose when he befriends the irresistible Piper, the warden's daughter, who has a knack for getting Moose into embarrassing but harmless trouble. Helped by Piper, Moose eventually comes to terms with his new situation. With its unique setting and well-developed characters, this warm, engaging coming-of-age story has plenty of appeal, and Choldenko offers some fascinating historical background on Alcatraz Island in an afterword.

Booklist. (2004). 100(11).

Library Use
1. Novel study along with a research project about Alcatraz and/or some of its infamous inhabitants.

Module 9-Mystery

Dying to Meet You (43 Old Cemetery Road Series #1)

Klise, K. (2010). Dying to meet you. 43 old cemetery road. New York: Houghton Mifflin.

Summary

Children's author I.B. Grumply hasn't written anything in 20 years.  Trying to overcome his writer's block and get his new mystery book to his publisher, he rents an old Victorian mansion in Ghastly, Illinois for a summer.  When he moves in he finds that a young boy, Seymour Hope, lives there while his parents are in Europe for the summer.  Unhappy about this, Mr. Grumply writes complaints to his lawyer and to the realtor, but the contract was signed and Seymour stays.  However, the boy, his cat, and the author are not the only inhabitants of the Spence Mansion.  The house's long dead builder, Olive C. Spence, still remains.  With the help of Seymour and Olive, Grumply overcomes his writer's block and also his grumpiness.

Impression

This was a fantastic story!  I read it in about 45 minutes and could not put it down.  It is written in the form of letters between the characters and newspaper articles form the town of Ghastly.  All of the characters have names that are puns like the realtor Anita Sale and the publisher Paige Turner.  Humor is ever present and there's also a happy ending.  It is truly an easy and fun read and I can't wait to share it with my students as well as the rest of the series!

Review

Grades 3-6. This epistolary graphic mystery may take genre-bending into the realm of genre-pretzeling, but it still delivers an unlikely story with a great deal of likability. The famed children’s author (who despises kids, naturally) Ignatius B. Grumply moves into an old Victorian mansion to finish his latest book. Turns out a young boy abandoned by his parents lives upstairs, and a ghost named Olive lives in the cupola, making for an uncomfortably full house. The entire interaction between the three (and a handful of supporting cast members) takes place in their written communiqués, a conceit that falls apart under close scrutiny but if taken at face value allows for a surprisingly jaunty read. Given that a bulk of the physical space is taken up by letterheads, this thin book can be read in a flash, and even though it is the first in the 43 Old Cemetery Road series, it stands on its own and features a touching conclusion. Maps of the house, portraits of the characters, and the boy’s drawings add a nice layer to the mildly self-referential whole.

Booklist. (2009). 105(15).

Library Use

1. This is just a great book to recommend to students who want a fun and easy read!

Module 8-Fantasy and Science Fiction

Gregor the Overlander

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

Summary

Gregor is a 10 year old that lives in New York City.  With the disappearance of his dad almost two years ago, his family has been under some very hard times.  One day, when doing laundry with his baby sister they fall through a grate miles and miles below the surface of Earth and end up in the Underland.  Violet eyed humans, six foot tall cockroaches, giant rats and bats all dwell here and claim that Gregor is their long prophesied "warrior".  Gregor and his little sister embark on a quest that holds both the Underland and Gregor's family in its grip.

Impression

This book is magical and so much can be read between the lines.  A lost father figure, a young boy coming of age, family ties, making the right choices no matter how hard they are, relationship tension among different races...so much is covered in the pages of this amazing story.

Review

Grade 4-8-In this accessible, almost-cinematic fantasy, Gregor and his two-year-old sister fall into an amazing underground world. Taken in by people who have lived beneath the earth for centuries, the 11-year-old learns about the giant-sized talking creatures that also reside there, including bats, cockroaches, and vicious rats. Gregor just wants to get home, but a prophecy hints that he may be the "overlander" destined to save the humans from the warlike rodents. He is reluctant until he learns that his father, who disappeared from their New York City home a few years before, is a prisoner of the rats. Gregor is not an eager hero, but with common sense, quick thinking, and determination he grows into the role. His sister, who provides some comic relief, also plays a key part because of her ability to befriend creatures, especially the giant cockroaches. Plot threads unwind smoothly, and the pace of the book is just right. Exciting scenes and cliff-hanger chapters are balanced by decisions and interactions that drive the action. Gregor is not the most compelling figure at first, but as the story progresses he becomes more interesting, maturing through the challenges he faces. Supporting characters are generally engaging, particularly the enigmatic warrior rat that claims to support the protagonist's mission. This is an engrossing adventure for fantasy fans and for those new to the genre.

Engelfried, S. (2003). The book review. School Library Journal, 49(11).

Library Use

This is just a great book for a continuing read aloud to students!

March 7-Realistic Fiction

Frindle

Clements, A. (1996). Frindle. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Summary

A creative student takes a cue from his teacher about the origin of words, and decides to change the word pen to frindle.  His action sweeps through the school, town, and eventually the country (even some parts of the world) as the word becomes the common name for a writing instrument with ink.  A battle with his teacher ensues, although all the time she is only rooting for him to be successful and learn from this venture.

Impression

This was a great novel that shows that thinking outside the box can lead to great things.  That even one young boy can change the world!  I like how his teacher was on his side the whole time (we always are) and the end wrapped up the story in a very loving and positive way.

Review

Gr. 3-6. Ten-year-old Nick Allen has a reputation for devising clever, time-wasting schemes guaranteed to distract even the most conscientious teacher. His diversions backfire in Mrs. Granger's fifth-grade class, however, resulting in Nick being assigned an extra report on how new entries are added to the dictionary. Surprisingly, the research provides Nick with his best idea ever, and he decides to coin his own new word. Mrs. Granger has a passion for vocabulary, but Nick's (and soon the rest of the school's) insistence on referring to pens as "frindles" annoys her greatly. The war of words escalates--resulting in after-school punishments, a home visit from the principal, national publicity, economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and, eventually, inclusion of frindle in the dictionary. Slightly reminiscent of Avi's Nothing but the Truth (1991), this is a kinder, gentler story in which the two sides eventually come to a private meeting of the minds and the power of language triumphs over both. Sure to be popular with a wide range of readers, this will make a great read-aloud as well.

Booklist. (1996). 93(1).

Library Use
1. Read aloud that leads to a writing project where students invent a new word for a common object.
2.  Author study of Andrew Clements.

There's a Boy in the Girls Bathroom

Sachar, L. (1987). There's a boy in the girl's bathroom. New York: Dell Yearling.



Summary

Bradley Chalkers is mean, hateful, annoying, and dumb...and that's his own opinion.  Others feel the same way about the oldest kid in fifth grade, even the teachers.  A new counselor comes to the school and thinks just the opposite about Bradley and a new kid slowly becomes the friend Bradley never had. 

Impression

There's a part of this story for almost every student.  A bully, a child without friends, adults that don't care, along with one that does, being a new kid in school, finding the wrong friends and a best friend.  And a little bit of bathroom humor never fails to get a few laughs!

Review

Gr 4-7 An unlikely protagonist, Bradley Chalkers is a friendless, lying, insecure bully who is the oldest boy in his fifth-grade class. In this humorous novel that tells of Bradley's learning to like himself and to make friends, Sachar ably captures both middle-grade angst and joy. Bradley's triumph comes through the friendship of a new boy at school and the help of the new school counselor. Readers, like the astute counselor, can see the strengths that Bradley has, and will cheer at his minor victories and cringe at his setbacks along the way. The story is unusual, witty, and satisfying, if not always believable: a few incidents just do not work. For instance, even though Bradley has not been doing his homework, his complete ignorance of it is unlikely (``He hadn't realized. . .he would need to bring his book home''), and his total unfamiliarity with birthday parties is too extreme for a ten year old, even one who hadn't been to a party in three years. Yet Bradley's need for acceptance even as he holds back from classmates who might mock or hurt him is genuine, and his eventual success will gratify readers.

Gale, D. (1987). The book review. School Library Journal. 33(87).

Library Use

1. Louis Sachar novel unit or author study.

Module 6-Picture Books

A Bad Case of Stripes

Shannon, D. (1998). A bad case of stripes. New York: Scholastic.

Summary

A young girl is very dependent on the approval of others and will only do what is popular.  Her constant stress over what others think starts turning her appearance crazy.  Polka dots and stripes and stars all imprint her body as she discovers that it's okay to be yourself.

Impression

A fun story that advocates individuality and thinking for yourself, this book was entertaining and wonderfully illustrated. 

Review

Ages 6-8. Camilla, who loves lima beans but won't eat them because it's not cool, finds that deferring to others isn't all it's cracked up to be. In fact, her desire to please and be popular causes her some spectacular problems: she suddenly breaks out in stripes, then stars, then turns "purple polka-dotty" at the behest of a delighted classmate. Her weird mutations, which stymie doctors and send the media into a frenzy, become more and more extreme until she finally blends into the walls of her room--her lips the red-blanketed mattress on her bed, her eyes the paintings on the wall. Will she never be herself again? Shannon's over-the-top art is sensational, an ingenious combination of the concrete and the fantastic that delivers more than enough punch to make up for the somewhat heavy hand behind the story, and as usual, his wonderfully stereotypic characters are unforgettable. The pictures are probably enough to attract young browsers (Camilla in brilliant stripped glory graces the jacket), and the book's irony and wealth of detail may even interest readers in higher grades. Try this for leading into a discussion on being different.

Booklist. (1998). 94(9/10).

Library Use
1.  Author or illustrator study on David Shannon.
2.  Booktalk about being an individual.
3. Comparing illustrator styles.

Module 5-Other Award Winners

Remember: The Journey to School Integration

Morrison, T. (2004). Remember: The journey to school integration. New York: Houghton Mifflin.

Summary

The author uses evocative photographs to put the feelings of a turbulent point of history in to words that are hard to say.  As school were integrated the nation divided, leaving children in the middle of a grown up war. 

Impression

This book is simply written and included beautiful black and white photographs of the segregation time period.  I think it won the award because it was so poignant and visually powerful.  I read this book out loud to my fourth graders and they were captivated.  Although they've heard about segregation and the Jim Crow laws, seeing actual pictures of these events really stirred their thoughts and made them take this topic to heart.  Seeing the actual photographs in this book made quite an impact on me. The hate in some people's faces is horrible, and I can not imagine having lived in that time period.

Review

Gr. 5-12. The photos are electrifying. Beautifully reproduced in sepia prints, the archival images humanize the politics of the civil rights movement. The leaders are shown, but the focus is on ordinary young people and the role they played in school integration. In her eloquent introduction, Morrison talks about what the pictures show: the reality of separate but equal, the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education decision, the nationwide movement to eliminate racist laws. On the page opposite each photo, however, she imagines the thoughts and feelings of kids in the photos, and the intrusive fictionalized comments get in the way of the visual images ("I think she likes me, but . . .What will I do if she hates me?"). The fiction is not about the angry white mobs; there's no verbal racist confrontation. But there's hatred in the pictures, and children will constantly turn back to the photo notes at the end to find out more. Every library will want this not for the condescending made-up stuff but for the stirring history.

Booklist (2004, April 15). 100(16).  Retrieved from http://titlewave.com/search?SID=1d7d7fe742b418730fc51c5a95a6ea36

Library Use
This is a wonderful book to really expose students to segregation and integration and to give them as much of a first-hand experience as they can come close to having.  It would be very beneficial to use during Black History Month.

Goin' Someplace Special

McKissack, P. (2001). Goin' someplace special. New York: Atheneum.



Summary

This is a fiction story based on the author's life growing up in a segregated town.  She embarks one day to go someplace special, and the book describes her experiences on her way.  Ending up at the city's library, the author feels the relief of knowing that everyone is welcome inside, no matter what color they are.

Impression

I also read this story aloud to my students, and although they liked it, they enjoyed the previous book more.  As a future librarian, it is nice to think of a library as a place where the main character felt safe and welcome.  I think this story is an easier one to present the topic of segregation to maybe younger students or those that have not learned about the topic before, but I think it is lacking in the real struggle that was faced by everyone who endured the racism. 

Review

Ages 5-8. Tricia Ann excitedly gets her grandmother's permission to go out by herself to "Someplace Special"--a place far enough away to take the bus and to have to walk a bit. But this isn't just any trip. Tricia's trip takes place in the segregated South of the 1950s. That means Tricia faces sitting at the back of the bus, not being allowed to sit on a whites-only park bench, and being escorted out of a hotel lobby. She almost gives up, but a local woman who some say is "addled,"but whom Tricia Ann knows to be gentle and wise, shows her how to listen to the voice inside herself that allows her to go on. She arrives at her special destination--the public library, whose sign reads "All Are Welcome."Pinkney's watercolor paintings are lush and sprawling as they evoke southern city streets and sidewalks as well as Tricia Ann's inner glow. In an author's note, McKissack lays out the autobiographical roots of the story and what she faced as a child growing up in Nashville. This book carries a strong message of pride and self-confidence as well as a pointed history lesson. It is also a beautiful tribute to the libraries that were ahead of their time.

Booklist (2001). 97(22).

Library Use

This would be a good book to have on display during Black History Month, and also to do a story time with younger readers who may not know exactly what segregation was about.

Module 4-Newberry Winners

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Konigsburg, E. (1968). From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. New York: Atheneum.

Summary
Claudia decides to run away to New York City and decides to invite her brother Jamie along because, well, he has money to finance her trip.  They hide out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, doing everything from taking baths to sleeping there.  A statue is unveiled during their stay and they set out to solve the mystery of its origin, and find the answer from a eccentric woman named Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.  In the end they keep the answer to themselves and return home.  Claudia, who hoped to become "different" on her adventure, gets her wish because of the answer they find.

Impression
I really enjoyed this story and have recommended it to several students since I read it.  I know as a child I thought about running away when I felt especially mad at my parents, but always came to the conclusion that it would be a dangerous and irrational thing to do.  Claudia and Jamie however have a grand adventure when they run away and they end up solving a historical puzzle.  Claudia finds out more about herself on the trip, and her soul searching is relevant to the coming of age trials that many children her age go through.

Review
For 35 years, even readers who have never traveled to New York City have visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, courtesy of Claudia Kincaid, heroine of From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg. Winner of the 1968 Newbery Medal, this novel charts one girl's mission to run away from her straight-As life to somewhere beautiful-the Met. In the process, she becomes obsessed with uncovering the secrets of a breathtaking statue. A 35th-anniversary dust jacket and a new afterword by the author caps this adventure that has captivated readers for more than a quarter-century.

Publisher's Weekly (2002). 249(49).

Library Use
This is just a fun story to recommend to students.  There's adventure, a little bit of mystery, and sibling dynamic, which speaks to a vast majority of children.

Holes

Sachar, L. (1999). Holes. New York: Dell Yearling.

Summary
Stanley Yelnats is cursed, and comes from a line of cursed Yelnats men.  A misunderstanding lands him in a camp for juvenile delinquents, digging holes in the desert all day long.  During his stay he learn that there is more to digging all of those holes than just punishment, and ultimately ends up breaking the family curse.

Impression
I cannot believe it took me so long to read this book!  I absolutely loved it and the message it sends about overcoming the hand your dealt.  You can't always avoid the things that happen to you, but you can continually stand up for what's right, be kind to others, love your family, and always try to do your best.

Review
PW's starred review of the 1999 Newbery Medal winner described it as a "dazzling blend of social commentary, tall tale and magic realism." Ages 10-up.

Publisher's Weekly (2000). 246(20).

Library Use
This would be a great book to include in a book talk about life choices and making the most of what you have.  It is also a great read aloud book.



Module 3-Caldecott Winners

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Steig, W. (1971). Sylvester and the magic pebble. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Summary

Sylvester collects unusual rocks, and one day he finds one that makes wishes come true!  He heads back home to show his parents, and when trying to hide from a hungry lion, he wishes that he were a rock.  He spends the next year as a rock in the middle of a field.  His parents end up having a picnic on him and his dad finds the magic pebble.  He places it on the rock as he eats and without knowing it is there Sylvester wishes he were a real donkey again.  He turns back in to himself and the family is reunited!  They put the magic pebble in a safe to maybe use when they need it in the future.

Impression

I used this book in a storytime with kindergartners and they loved it.  They were studying rocks in science at the time, so they were able to really connect.  We had a great discussion about what their parents would feel like if they went missing.  This book has some rather large words in it for kindergartners, but it did not totally interrupt the flow of the book nor impede comprehension.  Overall it was great to use and every student loved it.

Review

It's hard to believe that 30 years have passed since Sylvester held his magic pebble and turned himself into a rock. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, published in 1969, won the Caldecott Medal in 1970 and remains a favorite of children and adults. Author/illustrator William Steig, who has been in children's book publishing for roughly 35 years, shows no signs of stopping. Steig has published over 30 children's books, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble selling 500,000 copies alone. In fact, just last year Steig and his wife Jeanne worked together on A Handful of Beans, which was recognized by the New York Times as Best Illustrated Book.

Sylvester's humorous illustrations of fully dressed farm animals conducting daily business upright are set against the simple and endearing text. Simon &and Schuster has issued special anniversary editions of Sylvester with a 30th Anniversary bellyband on the hardcover and 30th Anniversary burst on the paperback. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble was recognized by the California Teachers' Association as one of the 100 Best Books of the Century. The good news is that Sylvester will continue to delight young readers for centuries to come.

Annclaude, A. (1999, August). Sylvester and the magic pebble review. Bookpage. Retrieved from http://bookpage.com/review/sylvester-and-the-magic-pebble-hardcover/sylvester-and-the-magic-pebble-review

Library Use

This book is great for a kindergarten or first grade storytime to tie in to a science unit on rocks.  It could also be used to go with a "be careful what you wish for" theme, or to talk about thinking before you speak or act.

Lon Po Po:  A Red-Riding Hood Story from China

Young, E. (1990). Lon Po Po: A red-riding hood story from China. New York: Philomel.

 Summary

The traditional fairy tale of Red Riding Hood is presented in its form from China.  Some differences emerge, such as the presence of three sisters as the main characters, and that they hide in a tree to stay away from the wolf, but overall the moral and theme of the story remains the same.

Impression

I love knowing that versions of the same story date back to before the time where people continents apart could communicate.  This is a beautifully illustrated version of Red Riding Hood and students are able to make connections to the tale that they are familiar with.

Review

Gr 1-5-- A gripping variation on Red Riding Hood that involves three little sisters who outsmart the wolf ( lon or long in Cantonese) who has gained entry to their home under the false pretense of being their maternal grandmother ( Po Po ). The clever animal blows out the candle before the children can see him , and is actually in bed with them when they start asking the traditional ``Why, Grandma!'' questions. The eldest realizes the truth and tricks the wolf into letting them go outside to pick gingko nuts , and then lures him to his doom. The text possesses that matter-of-fact veracity that characterizes the best fairy tales. The watercolor and pastel pictures are remarkable: mystically beautiful in their depiction of the Chinese countryside, menacing in the exchanges with the wolf, and positively chilling in the scenes inside the house. Overall, this is an outstanding achievement that will be pored over again and again.--John Philbrook, San Francisco Pub . Lib .

Philbrook, J (1989). The book review. School Library Journal. 35(16).

Library Use
This book could be presented or displayed in a cultural unit to represent stories that come from China.  It could also be used to compare and contrast different versions of stories.

Module 2 - Classic Children's and Young Adult Literature

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Barrett, J. (1978). Cloudy with a chance of meatballs. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.

Summary

Grandpa tells a bedtime story about the town of Chewandswallow, where every day all of the people who lived there received their meals from the weather.  They ate whatever the weather sent, and never had to cook or shop for food.  One day the weather goes crazy and weird combinations of food start coming down and begin to pile up.  The town is overrun with too much food and everyone has to move away and start their lives over.

Impression

This story really stretches the imagination!  It is very, very different from the movie that came out a few years ago, and for once, I think I like the movie version better.  In it a young man invents a weather machine with the ability to bring whatever food is asked for.  Ultimately, the machine ends up going crazy and producing the same result as in the book.  I like that there are more characters to get to know in the movie, and that the plot is much more developed.  However, the book is an easy read and fun for children of all ages.

Review

Aside from The Giant Jam Sandwich there’s really only one other iconic gigantic food book that comes immediately to mind.  I rediscovered this book in my old age, and was delighted to find that it really does stand up to scrutiny.  Sadly, I found that it is not the best readaloud for large groups, but in spite of that it’s a fine tale of the best and worst aspects of sky-related foodstuffs.

Bird, E. (2012, May 21). Top 100 picture books #75: Cloudy with a chance of meatballs. [A review of the book Cloudy with a chance of meatballs].  School Library Journal. Retrieved from http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2012/05/21/top-100-picture-books-75-cloudy-with-a-chance-of-meatballs-by-judi-barrett-illustrated-by-ron-barrett/#_

Library Use
Using this book as a segway to an upcoming weather unit would be a great way to get students' thinking.  Topics from predicting weather (they couldn't predict in the story) and control over weather, what we have to do when bad weather comes, and how weather affects our lives could all be discussed.

How to Eat Fried Worms

Rockwell, T. (1953). How to eat fried worms. New York: Random House.

Summary

Billy makes a bet that he can eat fifteen friend worms!  He has to chew them up completely or it doesn't count.  The adventure begins and he soon discovers that he's going to have to get creative with the worms or he'll never win the bet.  His parents and friends all get on board and try to help him out as much as possible.

Impression

This story has a couple of different themes that will appeal to a wide variety of young readers.  Bullying, taking a bet you regret, awkward parents, and budding young love all make an appearance in this comedic story.  I think the gross factor in this book will really pull reluctant readers and boys in and lends itself to many discussion and writing topics.

Review

"Because of a bet, Billy is in the uncomfortable position of having to eat fifteen worms in fifteen days. A hilarious story that will revolt and delight bumptious, unreachable intermediate-grade boys and any other less particular mortals that read or listen to it.... Colorful, original writing in a much-needed comic vein."--Booklist.

Library Use

Including this book in a display or book talk about stories that students could really relate to would be a great way to introduce them to realistic fiction.  It could also be used to debunk the myth that "old" books can't be good to read today.

Module 1-Introduction to Children's Literature

Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude

O'Malley, K. (2005). Once upon a cool motorcycle dude.  New York: Walker Publishing.

Summary

A boy and a girl are given an assignment in which they have tell about their favorite fairy tale.  They can't agree on one, so they decide to write their own.  The two students have very different ideas about what makes for a good fairy tale, and their imaginations clash as the story unfolds.  A beautiful princess and an awesome motorcycle rider end up battling a giant together in their version of a perfect story.

Impression

This is a fun story that students can relate to.  Girls see fairy tales as happily ever after and boys see them as a waste of time!  By showing each character's point of view, the author draws both boys and girls in and everything works out for everyone (except the giant).

Review

Gr. 3-5. A girl and a boy create a fairy tale in this lively picture book. The girl starts first, with a story about a princess and her eight ponies, while the boy interjects comments: "Please . . . don't call [the pony] Buttercup." When the boy has had enough, he steps in with a sword-wielding, motorcycle-riding hero who battles a giant, while the princess is assigned the boring job of making thread. Fed up with these developments, the girl delivers the final plot twist, turning her princess into a warrior who sends the giant scurrying back to his cave. The fun in this picture book comes in the contrasting styles of the illustrations, which include contributions from Carol Heyer and Scott Goto. The girl's story features bright colors, flowers, and long golden locks, while the boy's story is done in the dark, taut-muscled style of comic books. Throughout, O'Malley depicts the girl and the boy^B

reacting to the twists of the plot. A funny take on the age-old battle of the sexes, with an ending suited for the new millennium.

Morning, T. (2005, March 15).  [Review of the book Once upon a cool motorcycle dude].  Booklist 1(14).

Library Use

This book would be a great with a lesson on teaching voice in writing.  The two students have very different qualities in the way they write and you can really "see" their characters come out.