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.