Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. (1996). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN: 0-395-77847-6
PLOT SUMMARY
At the turn of the century, coal mining was a way of life that included young boys working in the mines. Their lives revolved around the mines, determined their future, and often meant that they had to work just as hard as the men did. This book provides lots of information on the daily activities that were part of this life.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Written so that tweens can understand, this book includes much to interest the tween who is curious about the lives of coal miners during the late 1800's and early 1900's. It includes sections on the dangers that the boys faced, the mules and rats that were both hard to work with and also considered pets, the superstitions and working conditions, playtime, and so on. Black and white pictures add to the tone of the book, evoking an often bleak outlook during this time period. Still, the facts are interesting and will keep a reader engaged by wanting to learn more about ways of life that are so different from his/her own.
READER'S ANNOTATION
The dangers of coal mining are obvious, but at the turn of the century, it was common for young boys to begin the mining lifestyle in order to help support the family. Learn about their daily activities and how they coped during these rough times.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan C. Bartoletti began college as an art major, but reconsidered after much introspection on whether or not she was good enough to be an artist. She then started taking literature classes and upon graduating, taught eight grade English for many years before finally deciding to become a writer. Her first short story was published in 1989 and her first picture book in 1992. Since then she has written several books, both fiction and nonfiction, for kids.
GENRE
Nonfiction
CURRICULUM TIES
History
Have students discuss the ways in which life is different for kids then and now.
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
How would you like to work from before the sun came up until after it went down? What if you had to work underground where dangers from cave-ins and toxic fumes were a daily threat? When would you get a chance to play and be a kid?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
12 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
none
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policy.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
Tweens will learn about a way of life that many of them do not or will never know. It will expand their knowledge, broaden their perspectives of the world, and hopefully will help create a more sympathetic person through understanding the hardships that others had to go through on a daily basis just to survive.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
The Tale of Despereaux
Matthew Broderick, Emma Watson (Actors). Robert Stevenhagen, Sam Fell (Directors). (2008). Universal. Rated G. B0018ATR2S
PLOT SUMMARY
A young mouse, small of stature, yet big of ears and heart, befriends a rat and goes through a series of (mis)adventures all in the name of honor, valor, and chivalry.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Tweens will enjoy this film for its animated format and the antics of the characters. It has a darkness that might worry younger viewers, but the story is fun with a message that shows kids the meaning of being a good person (mouse.)
Several changes that are different from the book. They don't quite detract from the story, but readers of the book may be disappointed.
READER'S ANNOTATION
Despereaux has a romantic and restless spirit. Follow along with him as he takes his friend the rat on a series of adventures that go from mouseworld to the rat world to the human world.
GENRE
Fantasy/adventure
CURRICULUM TIES
English
How does the movie compare to the book? What was the significance of the changes? How does it change the story?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
6 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Some intense moments for younger viewers
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies. Understand the reasons for acquiring this dvd.
WHY INCLUDE THIS MOVIE?
Tweens who have read the book will be interested in seeing it.
PLOT SUMMARY
A young mouse, small of stature, yet big of ears and heart, befriends a rat and goes through a series of (mis)adventures all in the name of honor, valor, and chivalry.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Tweens will enjoy this film for its animated format and the antics of the characters. It has a darkness that might worry younger viewers, but the story is fun with a message that shows kids the meaning of being a good person (mouse.)
Several changes that are different from the book. They don't quite detract from the story, but readers of the book may be disappointed.
READER'S ANNOTATION
Despereaux has a romantic and restless spirit. Follow along with him as he takes his friend the rat on a series of adventures that go from mouseworld to the rat world to the human world.
GENRE
Fantasy/adventure
CURRICULUM TIES
English
How does the movie compare to the book? What was the significance of the changes? How does it change the story?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
6 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Some intense moments for younger viewers
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies. Understand the reasons for acquiring this dvd.
WHY INCLUDE THIS MOVIE?
Tweens who have read the book will be interested in seeing it.
Wolf Brother
Paver, Michelle. (2004). New York: HarperTrophy. ISBN: 978-0-06-072827-4
PLOT SUMMARY
Six thousand years ago, a young boy is orphaned when is father is killed by a bear. His father's last request was that he find the Mountain of the World Spirit. The fate of the world depends upon his success/failure of this mission, but luckily he has the companionship of a wolf cub to help him on his dangerous journey.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The author does a good job of creating characters with whom the readers can sympathize. The writing goes back and forth from the point of view of Torak the boy to the wolf. It is done seamlessly so that the reader is not confused when the perspectives shift. Coming of age story shows growth in the boy who discovers who he is through his father's teachings. He is strong of heart and will, and is someone that readers will enjoy rooting for.
The author also does a great job conjuring up this fantastic world where evil is in the form of a possessed bear and their only hope for a future lies in a prophecy.
READER'S ANNOTATION
Torak is a boy of legend. During a time when people lived in fear of an evil that killed and devastated anything in its way, Torak was given a mission by his dying father--killed by the same evil that lurked in the forests. He must find the Mountain of the World Spirit, or die trying. What he was supposed to do once he got there, he does not know, but he understands the urgency and that it has something to do with the evil that is around them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle Paver was born in Malawi and moved with her family to England in 1963. She started her career as a lawyer, thinking it would give her a chance to make some money while struggling with her writing. She discovered that it just wasn't what she wanted so after a year-long sabbatical, she sent a copy of her first book to a publisher, resigned her job, and was offered a publishing contract a couple months later. She has written several novels for adults and Wolf Brother is her first one for kids.
GENRE
Fantasy/adventure
CURRICULUM TIES
Social studies/Science
Discuss the ways of life of people before written history. How do we know of their existence? What did they do to survive without modern conveniences? What evidence is their of structure in their societies?
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
Have you ever wanted to know how to talk to a wolf? What if you discovered you could? How would you feel if the fate of the world rested on your young shoulders?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
10 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Violence, graphic depictions of fighting and animal killing.
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Understand library policies on acquisition. Know the book and why it was acquired.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
Great story that appeals to boy and girl tweens. Friendship and bonding between boy and wolf if touching. Great main character that exhibits traits--kindness, strength, discipline--that we should all admire.
PLOT SUMMARY
Six thousand years ago, a young boy is orphaned when is father is killed by a bear. His father's last request was that he find the Mountain of the World Spirit. The fate of the world depends upon his success/failure of this mission, but luckily he has the companionship of a wolf cub to help him on his dangerous journey.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The author does a good job of creating characters with whom the readers can sympathize. The writing goes back and forth from the point of view of Torak the boy to the wolf. It is done seamlessly so that the reader is not confused when the perspectives shift. Coming of age story shows growth in the boy who discovers who he is through his father's teachings. He is strong of heart and will, and is someone that readers will enjoy rooting for.
The author also does a great job conjuring up this fantastic world where evil is in the form of a possessed bear and their only hope for a future lies in a prophecy.
READER'S ANNOTATION
Torak is a boy of legend. During a time when people lived in fear of an evil that killed and devastated anything in its way, Torak was given a mission by his dying father--killed by the same evil that lurked in the forests. He must find the Mountain of the World Spirit, or die trying. What he was supposed to do once he got there, he does not know, but he understands the urgency and that it has something to do with the evil that is around them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle Paver was born in Malawi and moved with her family to England in 1963. She started her career as a lawyer, thinking it would give her a chance to make some money while struggling with her writing. She discovered that it just wasn't what she wanted so after a year-long sabbatical, she sent a copy of her first book to a publisher, resigned her job, and was offered a publishing contract a couple months later. She has written several novels for adults and Wolf Brother is her first one for kids.
GENRE
Fantasy/adventure
CURRICULUM TIES
Social studies/Science
Discuss the ways of life of people before written history. How do we know of their existence? What did they do to survive without modern conveniences? What evidence is their of structure in their societies?
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
Have you ever wanted to know how to talk to a wolf? What if you discovered you could? How would you feel if the fate of the world rested on your young shoulders?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
10 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Violence, graphic depictions of fighting and animal killing.
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Understand library policies on acquisition. Know the book and why it was acquired.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
Great story that appeals to boy and girl tweens. Friendship and bonding between boy and wolf if touching. Great main character that exhibits traits--kindness, strength, discipline--that we should all admire.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Home of the Brave
Applegate, Katherine. (2007). New York: Feiwel and Friends. 978-0-312-36765-7
PLOT SUMMARY
Kek moved to Minnesota in the middle of winter after living in a refugee camp when his family was killed in Sudan. Now he must learn a new language, a new way of life, and do it without his father, brother, and his missing mother.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Written entirely in verse, this story is stunning, filled with striking imagery that is original and really allows the reader to empathize with the plight of this young boy. He is homesick and struggling to deal with life in a new land, and he does it graciously and with courage. The misunderstandings are humorous, such as when he wants to help by washing the dishes in the washing machine, and it shows the reader how looking at the world through someone else's eyes can really show you how different, yet the same we all are.
READER'S ANNOTATION
When Kek's family is killed during civil unrest in Sudan, he is sent to live on a refugee camp. We meet him when he moves to Minnesota in the middle of winter to stay with an aunt and a cousin who have already been relocated from the camp. They are somewhat jaded by the idea of America being a place of miracles, but Kek is still hopeful, and even though there are many differences and many hardships, there are also things to celebrate.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Katherine Applegate writes mostly science fiction, fantasy and adventure novels. She is a credited author of the Animorphs series, and in 1997 she won Publisher's Weekly Best New Children's Book Series award.
GENRE
Realistic fiction
CURRICULUM TIES
Social Studies/English
Examine the use of simile and metaphor in the verses. What are some of the other literary conventions utilized in this work.
Discuss how life on a refugee camp can affect a young child. Compare the character's old life to his new life. Discuss the civil unrest in other parts of the world.
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
How would you cope if you were take from your home and your family and placed in a whole new environment where you did not speak the language or understand the ways of life? How would you be able to discern who meant you well and who meant you harm?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
12 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Issues of violence from main character's past.
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies. Know the book and the reasons behind acquiring it.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
Wonderful literary work. Imagery and language is striking. Also a good example of the disconnect that a person feels when placed in a new situation.
PLOT SUMMARY
Kek moved to Minnesota in the middle of winter after living in a refugee camp when his family was killed in Sudan. Now he must learn a new language, a new way of life, and do it without his father, brother, and his missing mother.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Written entirely in verse, this story is stunning, filled with striking imagery that is original and really allows the reader to empathize with the plight of this young boy. He is homesick and struggling to deal with life in a new land, and he does it graciously and with courage. The misunderstandings are humorous, such as when he wants to help by washing the dishes in the washing machine, and it shows the reader how looking at the world through someone else's eyes can really show you how different, yet the same we all are.
READER'S ANNOTATION
When Kek's family is killed during civil unrest in Sudan, he is sent to live on a refugee camp. We meet him when he moves to Minnesota in the middle of winter to stay with an aunt and a cousin who have already been relocated from the camp. They are somewhat jaded by the idea of America being a place of miracles, but Kek is still hopeful, and even though there are many differences and many hardships, there are also things to celebrate.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Katherine Applegate writes mostly science fiction, fantasy and adventure novels. She is a credited author of the Animorphs series, and in 1997 she won Publisher's Weekly Best New Children's Book Series award.
GENRE
Realistic fiction
CURRICULUM TIES
Social Studies/English
Examine the use of simile and metaphor in the verses. What are some of the other literary conventions utilized in this work.
Discuss how life on a refugee camp can affect a young child. Compare the character's old life to his new life. Discuss the civil unrest in other parts of the world.
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
How would you cope if you were take from your home and your family and placed in a whole new environment where you did not speak the language or understand the ways of life? How would you be able to discern who meant you well and who meant you harm?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
12 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Issues of violence from main character's past.
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies. Know the book and the reasons behind acquiring it.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
Wonderful literary work. Imagery and language is striking. Also a good example of the disconnect that a person feels when placed in a new situation.
Coraline
Gaiman, Neil. (2002). New York: Harper Entertainment. 978-0-06-164970-7
PLOT SUMMARY
Coraline is bored too often in her new home. It is summer and she is looking for adventure. When she explores a doorway to another side of the house, she finds herself in an alternate world where her mother is not quite her mother, her father is not quite her father, and there is something very dark and dangerous festering underneath the whole thing.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story has a spookiness that is attractive to many tweens who might not be quite ready for Twilight. Pacing is quick and characters are quirky, each one with their own idiosyncracies. Coraline is bored at home and dissatisfied with her parents, but she recognizes that they are there for her, and that the gifts she receives from the other parents are not because they want what's best for her. She is also extremely cunning and fearless--qualities that will make readers admire her all the more.
The faux ending is a nice twist that will make readers root even harder for the success of the heroine. She's already been through too much, and once on the other side, in her real home, she must do something to get rid of the disembodied hand of her other mother that keeps coming after her to retrieve the key that will once again open the door to the other side.
READER'S ANNOTATION
When Coraline discovers her alter-family on the other side of a secret doorway, she opens up a world that can potentially end her real family's life, including her own. She must use her brain to outwit the other mother and get back the souls of her parents and the ghost children she meets along the way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neil Gaiman has written books for all ages. He has won numerous awards for his comics and novels. In addition to books, he has also written screenplays, poetry, and short fiction.
GENRE
Fantasy
CURRICULUM TIES
English
Compare the book to the movie. What does it take to translate it from print to the big screen?
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
What would you do if boredom drove you to take refuge in another world--one that was like your own, only slightly scarier? What if you had to rescue your parents from this other world, and take with you the souls of the ghost children you just met?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
8 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Slightly scary for younger readers.
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Understand library policies, know the book and the reasons behind the decision to acquire it.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
Great fantasy story that appeals to a wide range in the tween category
PLOT SUMMARY
Coraline is bored too often in her new home. It is summer and she is looking for adventure. When she explores a doorway to another side of the house, she finds herself in an alternate world where her mother is not quite her mother, her father is not quite her father, and there is something very dark and dangerous festering underneath the whole thing.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story has a spookiness that is attractive to many tweens who might not be quite ready for Twilight. Pacing is quick and characters are quirky, each one with their own idiosyncracies. Coraline is bored at home and dissatisfied with her parents, but she recognizes that they are there for her, and that the gifts she receives from the other parents are not because they want what's best for her. She is also extremely cunning and fearless--qualities that will make readers admire her all the more.
The faux ending is a nice twist that will make readers root even harder for the success of the heroine. She's already been through too much, and once on the other side, in her real home, she must do something to get rid of the disembodied hand of her other mother that keeps coming after her to retrieve the key that will once again open the door to the other side.
READER'S ANNOTATION
When Coraline discovers her alter-family on the other side of a secret doorway, she opens up a world that can potentially end her real family's life, including her own. She must use her brain to outwit the other mother and get back the souls of her parents and the ghost children she meets along the way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neil Gaiman has written books for all ages. He has won numerous awards for his comics and novels. In addition to books, he has also written screenplays, poetry, and short fiction.
GENRE
Fantasy
CURRICULUM TIES
English
Compare the book to the movie. What does it take to translate it from print to the big screen?
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
What would you do if boredom drove you to take refuge in another world--one that was like your own, only slightly scarier? What if you had to rescue your parents from this other world, and take with you the souls of the ghost children you just met?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
8 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Slightly scary for younger readers.
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Understand library policies, know the book and the reasons behind the decision to acquire it.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
Great fantasy story that appeals to a wide range in the tween category
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Conch Bearer
Divakaruni, Chitra Banerjee. (2003). Brookfield, Connecticut: Roaring Brook Press.0-7613-2793-2.
PLOT SUMMARY
Anand lives in India and must work support his mother and sister after his father leaves and is not heard from again. He meets an old man who is part of a secret brotherhood that has sworn to protect a magical conch from an evil man who was kicked out of the brotherhood. The old man recruits him to help him during his journey.
READER'S ANNOTATION
When a mysterious old man tells Anand of his mission to protect a magical conch from an evil man, Anand is spellbound. But when he learns that the old man needs him to assist him during his journey, he must decide whether to accompany him despite the dangers, or to stay with his mother and sister who need his help and support.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an Indian writer who grew up in India and moved to the United States when she was 19. She has a PhD in English from UC Berkeley and decided to write fiction rather than teach because academic writing had "no heart." She has published many books of fiction and poems, as well as essays.
GENRE
Fantasy/folklore
CURRICULUM TIES
Social Studies
Discuss the class differences in Indian society. Discuss the differences in Indian and American society
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
How would you react if a strange old man offered to take you on a journey that could be potentially dangerous? How would you feel if you knowingly left your mother and sister behind even though they needed you?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
12 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Some scary moments. Real life issues of trust and betrayal.
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies. Know the book. Understand the interests involved--children learning about a different place and ideas.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
Good example of writing from an ethnic author.
PLOT SUMMARY
Anand lives in India and must work support his mother and sister after his father leaves and is not heard from again. He meets an old man who is part of a secret brotherhood that has sworn to protect a magical conch from an evil man who was kicked out of the brotherhood. The old man recruits him to help him during his journey.
READER'S ANNOTATION
When a mysterious old man tells Anand of his mission to protect a magical conch from an evil man, Anand is spellbound. But when he learns that the old man needs him to assist him during his journey, he must decide whether to accompany him despite the dangers, or to stay with his mother and sister who need his help and support.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an Indian writer who grew up in India and moved to the United States when she was 19. She has a PhD in English from UC Berkeley and decided to write fiction rather than teach because academic writing had "no heart." She has published many books of fiction and poems, as well as essays.
GENRE
Fantasy/folklore
CURRICULUM TIES
Social Studies
Discuss the class differences in Indian society. Discuss the differences in Indian and American society
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
How would you react if a strange old man offered to take you on a journey that could be potentially dangerous? How would you feel if you knowingly left your mother and sister behind even though they needed you?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
12 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Some scary moments. Real life issues of trust and betrayal.
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies. Know the book. Understand the interests involved--children learning about a different place and ideas.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
Good example of writing from an ethnic author.
Rules
Lord, Cynthia. (2006). New York: Scholastic Press. 0-439-44382-2.
PLOT SUMMARY
Twelve year old Catherine is without her best friend this summer. She befriends the new girl next door and also makes a friend at the occupational therapy office where her autistic brother makes weekly visits. Her friend Jason at the OT office is severely disabled and is only able to communicate through vocabulary cards. The girl next door doesn't understand about Jason or her brother. Catherine, in an effort to make life as normal as possible, sets rules for her brother to learn and abide, but it is often too much to bear and she learns that sometimes rules just can't be followed.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Great writing and great characters with whom the reader can sympathize. We can understand Catherine's desire for normalcy in her life, and the stresses that her brother's disability puts on all of them. The situations that occur are very realistic and sometimes humorous and at the same time, tragic.
READER'S ANNOTATION
With an autistic brother, Catherine feels it necessary to give him rules to live by so that he knows what to do in the "normal" world. Yet, even though he knows the rules and has them memorized, he still disobeys them. Even Catherine has rules that she has to live by based on the idiosyncracies of her brother. There is so much that turns their lives topsy turvy that she longs to have a normal life with a normal brother and parents who pay more attention to her rather than ignore her because of her brother who needs their attention. When a disabled boy befriends her, she learns to relinquish control of some of the rules and understands that being different does not mean you are not "normal."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cynthia Lord is a former teacher in New England. She has written short fiction and Rules is her first book that has won many awards including the Newberry Honor Book designation.
GENRE
Realistic fiction
CURRICULUM TIES
English
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
How would you feel if your parents devoted most of their time to your brother. If he was mentally disabled would that make a difference to you? How would you feel when you were out in public with him and he caused a scene?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
10 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
NONE
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies and know the book.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
It shows the importance of family relationships and tolerance with those who are different.
PLOT SUMMARY
Twelve year old Catherine is without her best friend this summer. She befriends the new girl next door and also makes a friend at the occupational therapy office where her autistic brother makes weekly visits. Her friend Jason at the OT office is severely disabled and is only able to communicate through vocabulary cards. The girl next door doesn't understand about Jason or her brother. Catherine, in an effort to make life as normal as possible, sets rules for her brother to learn and abide, but it is often too much to bear and she learns that sometimes rules just can't be followed.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Great writing and great characters with whom the reader can sympathize. We can understand Catherine's desire for normalcy in her life, and the stresses that her brother's disability puts on all of them. The situations that occur are very realistic and sometimes humorous and at the same time, tragic.
READER'S ANNOTATION
With an autistic brother, Catherine feels it necessary to give him rules to live by so that he knows what to do in the "normal" world. Yet, even though he knows the rules and has them memorized, he still disobeys them. Even Catherine has rules that she has to live by based on the idiosyncracies of her brother. There is so much that turns their lives topsy turvy that she longs to have a normal life with a normal brother and parents who pay more attention to her rather than ignore her because of her brother who needs their attention. When a disabled boy befriends her, she learns to relinquish control of some of the rules and understands that being different does not mean you are not "normal."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cynthia Lord is a former teacher in New England. She has written short fiction and Rules is her first book that has won many awards including the Newberry Honor Book designation.
GENRE
Realistic fiction
CURRICULUM TIES
English
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
How would you feel if your parents devoted most of their time to your brother. If he was mentally disabled would that make a difference to you? How would you feel when you were out in public with him and he caused a scene?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
10 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
NONE
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies and know the book.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
It shows the importance of family relationships and tolerance with those who are different.
Eager
Fox, Helen. (2004). New York: Yearling. 0-553-48795-7
PLOT SUMMARY
In the future, technology rules. Robots do our mundane tasks and our houses are automated. Unfortunately, there is a disparity in society between those who "have" and those who "have not." To add to the mix, the robots are becoming too smart and have begun to turn on the humans even though the robot creed is to never harm a human.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The book was a quick read with realistic characters and action that kept the pages turning. The premise of technology going wrong in a world where humans rely on it too much is not an original one, but has relevance since we often move forward and embrace the newest and fastest gadgets out there.
READER'S ANNOTATION
Technology is often good, but not when it wants to take over. EAGR3 is a new type of robot, one isn't just programmed with information, but rather, knows how to think for itself and learns from it's mistakes. Sometimes he gets into trouble because of his learning mistakes, but he is ultimately working for the good of his family and will do what he can to protect them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Helen Fox is a British writer who was previously a primary school teacher and trained as an actress. Eager is her first novel for young adults.
GENRE
Science Fiction
CURRICULUM TIES
Science/Social Studies
Discuss how technology affects our society and whether or not science will be able to keep up with what we want and desire.
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
How would you feel if taking a trip to a nearby state was prohibited because of the restrictions on fuel? And what if you found out that others who were more privileged that you were allowed to go whereever they wished just because they were a certain class of people?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
10 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
none
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies and be familiar with the book.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK
It is an interesting read for both boy and girl tweens.
PLOT SUMMARY
In the future, technology rules. Robots do our mundane tasks and our houses are automated. Unfortunately, there is a disparity in society between those who "have" and those who "have not." To add to the mix, the robots are becoming too smart and have begun to turn on the humans even though the robot creed is to never harm a human.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The book was a quick read with realistic characters and action that kept the pages turning. The premise of technology going wrong in a world where humans rely on it too much is not an original one, but has relevance since we often move forward and embrace the newest and fastest gadgets out there.
READER'S ANNOTATION
Technology is often good, but not when it wants to take over. EAGR3 is a new type of robot, one isn't just programmed with information, but rather, knows how to think for itself and learns from it's mistakes. Sometimes he gets into trouble because of his learning mistakes, but he is ultimately working for the good of his family and will do what he can to protect them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Helen Fox is a British writer who was previously a primary school teacher and trained as an actress. Eager is her first novel for young adults.
GENRE
Science Fiction
CURRICULUM TIES
Science/Social Studies
Discuss how technology affects our society and whether or not science will be able to keep up with what we want and desire.
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
How would you feel if taking a trip to a nearby state was prohibited because of the restrictions on fuel? And what if you found out that others who were more privileged that you were allowed to go whereever they wished just because they were a certain class of people?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
10 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
none
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies and be familiar with the book.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK
It is an interesting read for both boy and girl tweens.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Breadwinner
Ellis, Deborah. (2000). Toronto: A Groundwood Book. 0-88899-419-2
PLOT SUMMARY
In Afghanistan, during the Taliban rule, life for girls was hard. When eleven year old Parvana's father is taken away, she disguises herself as a boy to support her family.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Parvana is a strong character and one that kids can relate to and sympathize with. Her predicament is unfortunate, and the book is great for kids to read as an introduction to another culture, it's differences and how it compares to their own. Kids will understand the hardships that sometimes make life so unfair, and will learn that even though we are so different, we are also the same in the way we feel, how we hurt and how we will do what we can to survive.
READER'S ANNOTATION
Parvana is an eleven year old girl living in Afghanistan during the Taliban rule. When her father is taken away, the family is without a man, and without a man, the girls must stay home and starve, or do something that could possibly get them all killed. Parvana's decision to disguise herself as a boy is one that helps ensure their survival, but at great risk.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Deborah Ellis won the Governor's Award for her first book Looking for X. She is a women's rights activist and has spent years in Afghanistan documenting the lives of women.
GENRE
Realistic Fiction
CURRICULUM TIES
Social Studies
Have students discuss society in Afghanistan, comparing and contrasting with their own. Discuss the issues of women in society, here and there.
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
If you were forced to disguise yourself so that you could make a living, in fear for your life all the time, wondering if you would be discovered, how long do you think you could last?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
10 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Shows unsavory issues in another culture
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policy and the book. Be aware of the ways that we can help kids understand the differences in cultures.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
Exposes kids to new ideas and issues in another culture.
PLOT SUMMARY
In Afghanistan, during the Taliban rule, life for girls was hard. When eleven year old Parvana's father is taken away, she disguises herself as a boy to support her family.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Parvana is a strong character and one that kids can relate to and sympathize with. Her predicament is unfortunate, and the book is great for kids to read as an introduction to another culture, it's differences and how it compares to their own. Kids will understand the hardships that sometimes make life so unfair, and will learn that even though we are so different, we are also the same in the way we feel, how we hurt and how we will do what we can to survive.
READER'S ANNOTATION
Parvana is an eleven year old girl living in Afghanistan during the Taliban rule. When her father is taken away, the family is without a man, and without a man, the girls must stay home and starve, or do something that could possibly get them all killed. Parvana's decision to disguise herself as a boy is one that helps ensure their survival, but at great risk.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Deborah Ellis won the Governor's Award for her first book Looking for X. She is a women's rights activist and has spent years in Afghanistan documenting the lives of women.
GENRE
Realistic Fiction
CURRICULUM TIES
Social Studies
Have students discuss society in Afghanistan, comparing and contrasting with their own. Discuss the issues of women in society, here and there.
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
If you were forced to disguise yourself so that you could make a living, in fear for your life all the time, wondering if you would be discovered, how long do you think you could last?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
10 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Shows unsavory issues in another culture
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policy and the book. Be aware of the ways that we can help kids understand the differences in cultures.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
Exposes kids to new ideas and issues in another culture.
My Rotten Life: Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie
Lubar, David. (2009). New York: Starscape. 0-7653-2508-x
PLOT SUMMARY
Nathan Abercrombie is having a bad day, so when Abigail asks is he wants to stop feeling so bad, she takes him to his uncle who has developed a formula to make things stop hurting. Naturally, things go from bad to worse when the formula spills on him and he slowly turns into a zombie. Abigail, girl genius, must try to make formula to keep him from turning completely into a zombie before it's too late.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
A story for purely entertainment value. I did not like the writing and thought it was trying to be too clever and cute at times. There were moments where I wondered if a ten year old boy would really think that way.
READER'S ANNOTATION
When you're having a bad day, things generally can only get worse. When Nathan gets an overdose of a formula that is supposed to keep him from feeling bad, he ends up not feeling anything at all--in fact he finds that he has already died and that the death will be nearly complete if his friend does not create an cure for it. Otherwise he will remain a living zombie.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Lubar was a game designer before he broke out in the world of children's fiction. He has lived all over the country, has been married 32 years and has a 23 year old daughter and 3 cats.
GENRE
Science fiction/fantasy
CURRICULUM TIES
Science
Have students discuss the process and dangers for testing on humans or animals.
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
How would you like to never feel pain? Be super strong and never get tired? Never have to eat or sleep? Would it make a difference if you wanted these things and your were dead?
READING LEVEL INTEREST AGE
10 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
none
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
This is one that boys and girls might enjoy.
PLOT SUMMARY
Nathan Abercrombie is having a bad day, so when Abigail asks is he wants to stop feeling so bad, she takes him to his uncle who has developed a formula to make things stop hurting. Naturally, things go from bad to worse when the formula spills on him and he slowly turns into a zombie. Abigail, girl genius, must try to make formula to keep him from turning completely into a zombie before it's too late.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
A story for purely entertainment value. I did not like the writing and thought it was trying to be too clever and cute at times. There were moments where I wondered if a ten year old boy would really think that way.
READER'S ANNOTATION
When you're having a bad day, things generally can only get worse. When Nathan gets an overdose of a formula that is supposed to keep him from feeling bad, he ends up not feeling anything at all--in fact he finds that he has already died and that the death will be nearly complete if his friend does not create an cure for it. Otherwise he will remain a living zombie.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Lubar was a game designer before he broke out in the world of children's fiction. He has lived all over the country, has been married 32 years and has a 23 year old daughter and 3 cats.
GENRE
Science fiction/fantasy
CURRICULUM TIES
Science
Have students discuss the process and dangers for testing on humans or animals.
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
How would you like to never feel pain? Be super strong and never get tired? Never have to eat or sleep? Would it make a difference if you wanted these things and your were dead?
READING LEVEL INTEREST AGE
10 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
none
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
This is one that boys and girls might enjoy.
Homeless Bird
Whelan, Gloria. (2000). New York: Harpertrophy. 0-06-440819-1
PLOT SUMMARY
Koly is only thirteen and lives happily with her family in India. When her parents decide to arrange her marriage, they unknowingly match her with a husband who is sickly and much younger than they expected. When he dies, she is now forced to live in her in-laws home because returning to her parents home would bring them shame. She tries to take it in stride, but years later when her father-in-law dies, her mother-in-law takes her to a holy under the ruse that they are going to move to Delhi. Koly is then left behind in a city where many other widows have also been left to fend for themselves since they are of no value to their families, and she must find a way to take care of herself.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
While the story itself is interesting, it was very predictable and the happy ending seemed too contrived. I don't necessarily mean that I wanted it to end poorly for the main character, but rather, it all seemed like she was just too lucky to end up in the situations that she did. Yes, she did have hardship, but I just didn't feel like I cared enough about the character to feel for her because it already was obvious that things were going to end well for her.
READER'S ANNOTATION
When thirteen year old Koly is married off to a man she does not know, she accepts her fate because it is the tradition in India. Unfortunately, her husband is sickly and she discovers that the only reason why her in-laws wanted a wife for his was to get the dowry to try and cure his illness. When he dies she can not return home to bring shame on her family, so she must make her way as best she can with a mother in law who despises her, and in a city she does not know.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gloria Whelan is a children's author who has won many awards for her work.
GENRE
Realistic fiction
CURRICULUM TIES
Social studies
Have students discuss the traditions of India and the different value system they have on various issues that come up in the book: marriage, women, widows
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
If you were forced into a marriage to someone you did not know, how would you choose to react? What if tradition dictated that you could not go home to your family for fear of disgracing them? How would you deal with being left alone in a large city with no family and no friends?
READING LEVEL INTEREST AGE
10 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Paints an unsavory picture of a different culture
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policy and know the book. Be able to discuss that not everything about a culture is pleasant and be able to cite things about our own that illustrates this point
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
It introduces students to other cultures and the vastly different ways of life.
PLOT SUMMARY
Koly is only thirteen and lives happily with her family in India. When her parents decide to arrange her marriage, they unknowingly match her with a husband who is sickly and much younger than they expected. When he dies, she is now forced to live in her in-laws home because returning to her parents home would bring them shame. She tries to take it in stride, but years later when her father-in-law dies, her mother-in-law takes her to a holy under the ruse that they are going to move to Delhi. Koly is then left behind in a city where many other widows have also been left to fend for themselves since they are of no value to their families, and she must find a way to take care of herself.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
While the story itself is interesting, it was very predictable and the happy ending seemed too contrived. I don't necessarily mean that I wanted it to end poorly for the main character, but rather, it all seemed like she was just too lucky to end up in the situations that she did. Yes, she did have hardship, but I just didn't feel like I cared enough about the character to feel for her because it already was obvious that things were going to end well for her.
READER'S ANNOTATION
When thirteen year old Koly is married off to a man she does not know, she accepts her fate because it is the tradition in India. Unfortunately, her husband is sickly and she discovers that the only reason why her in-laws wanted a wife for his was to get the dowry to try and cure his illness. When he dies she can not return home to bring shame on her family, so she must make her way as best she can with a mother in law who despises her, and in a city she does not know.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gloria Whelan is a children's author who has won many awards for her work.
GENRE
Realistic fiction
CURRICULUM TIES
Social studies
Have students discuss the traditions of India and the different value system they have on various issues that come up in the book: marriage, women, widows
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
If you were forced into a marriage to someone you did not know, how would you choose to react? What if tradition dictated that you could not go home to your family for fear of disgracing them? How would you deal with being left alone in a large city with no family and no friends?
READING LEVEL INTEREST AGE
10 and over
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Paints an unsavory picture of a different culture
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policy and know the book. Be able to discuss that not everything about a culture is pleasant and be able to cite things about our own that illustrates this point
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
It introduces students to other cultures and the vastly different ways of life.
Friday, November 6, 2009
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly (Actors). Scott Derrickson (Director). (2008). 20th Century Fox. Rated PG-13. B001SGEUYW
PLOT SUMMARY
Earth is invaded by an alien being conveyed in a sphere that landed in Central Park. All across the world similar spheres have landed and are taking the different animals away. Scientists discover the being inside the sphere is an alien that has taken human form. He is there as a friend to the earth, but because the human race is suspicious of him, they take an aggressive stance with potentially fatal consequences.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a remake of the original movie from 1951 which I did not see so I have no comparison to make with it. Therefore, seeing this movie with fresh eyes, I was very impressed at how drawn in I was to the story and the characters. The special effects were great to look at. I was at times annoyed by the relationship between Helen and her stepson not because the conflict was not believable, but likely because I was more interested in the main plot of the alien invasion and humankind on the brink of extinction.
Keanu Reeves' delivery was deadpan which did not detract from the character at all simply because we understood him to be an alien getting used to being in the body of a human. I was worried that there would be extreme violence or language that would make this unsuitable for tweens, but other than a few scary moments, it was really an enjoyable movie for tweens and older.
READER'S ANNOTATION
The history of humankind is rife with struggle and war. The alien beings that invade the earth are convinced that humans must be destroyed for the earth to survive. When top scientists are recruited to inspect the captured alien, one of them finds that the key to earth's survival is to show him that humankind is worthy of another chance to make amends for their destructive ways.
GENRE
Science fiction
CURRICULUM TIES
Science-conservation
History
Have students discuss the ways in which the earth has supported our presence and what they can do to preserve it.
Have students discuss the ways of mankind over the years concerning war and new civilizations
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
10 and older
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Some violence, scary situations
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library polices. Know the movie and that it does have some scenes that might be scary to younger kids with the idea of the end of the world. Understand some of the main issues in the movie that are relevant today--conservation, war and aggression, and be able to discuss it if need be.
WHY INCLUDE THIS MOVIE
I think this movie will appeal to both boy and girl tweens. It has issues that are relevant today and is also an entertaining movie.
PLOT SUMMARY
Earth is invaded by an alien being conveyed in a sphere that landed in Central Park. All across the world similar spheres have landed and are taking the different animals away. Scientists discover the being inside the sphere is an alien that has taken human form. He is there as a friend to the earth, but because the human race is suspicious of him, they take an aggressive stance with potentially fatal consequences.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a remake of the original movie from 1951 which I did not see so I have no comparison to make with it. Therefore, seeing this movie with fresh eyes, I was very impressed at how drawn in I was to the story and the characters. The special effects were great to look at. I was at times annoyed by the relationship between Helen and her stepson not because the conflict was not believable, but likely because I was more interested in the main plot of the alien invasion and humankind on the brink of extinction.
Keanu Reeves' delivery was deadpan which did not detract from the character at all simply because we understood him to be an alien getting used to being in the body of a human. I was worried that there would be extreme violence or language that would make this unsuitable for tweens, but other than a few scary moments, it was really an enjoyable movie for tweens and older.
READER'S ANNOTATION
The history of humankind is rife with struggle and war. The alien beings that invade the earth are convinced that humans must be destroyed for the earth to survive. When top scientists are recruited to inspect the captured alien, one of them finds that the key to earth's survival is to show him that humankind is worthy of another chance to make amends for their destructive ways.
GENRE
Science fiction
CURRICULUM TIES
Science-conservation
History
Have students discuss the ways in which the earth has supported our presence and what they can do to preserve it.
Have students discuss the ways of mankind over the years concerning war and new civilizations
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
10 and older
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Some violence, scary situations
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library polices. Know the movie and that it does have some scenes that might be scary to younger kids with the idea of the end of the world. Understand some of the main issues in the movie that are relevant today--conservation, war and aggression, and be able to discuss it if need be.
WHY INCLUDE THIS MOVIE
I think this movie will appeal to both boy and girl tweens. It has issues that are relevant today and is also an entertaining movie.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Perfect
Friend, Natasha. (2004). Minneapolis, MN: Milkweed Editions. 1-57131-652-3
PLOT SUMMARY
Isabelle Lee seems like a typical middle school girl, but when her family finds out she is bulemic, she is forced to go to "group" to learn how to cope and change her ways. In group she meets Ashley, the most popular and prettiest girl in school. They quickly become friends, binging and purging together, sitting at the popular table during lunch, and telling each other the secrets of their lives. Isabelle discovers that her eating disorder has something to do with the way she and the rest of her family have been coping with her father's death. With help and through facing the fears that they all have of dealing with the sadness, they will become closer and hopefully learn to understand themselves.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is the first novel by this author and I am thoroughly impressed. The characters are very well presented so that we can connect with them. The story flows well without any jarring moments that take the reader out of the action. I believed the underlying sadness that the two girls had that led to their struggles with their eating disorders, and the fact that Isabelle is also confused by her wanting to hang out with the popular kids, shunning her old friends speaks to the complexity of the character and is an idea that most tweens can understand.
READER'S ANNOTATION
Middle school is difficult enough being just a typical girl, but even the popular kids have their problems. Isabelle is a normal girl who meets the popular Ashley in group therapy for kids with eating disorders. Ashley teaches her the secrets of binging and purging, but Isabelle learns that this is not the way she wants to be. She is doing it as a way to cope with her father's death, and she wants to learn to do that another way. She also wants her mother and sister to learn to deal with it, too, but they can only do it if they do it together.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natasha Friend did not start writing books until her late twenties when she decided that teaching was not for her. She was born in 1972 to academic and creative parents: English professor dad, poet/actress mom. Her first book Perfect won the Milkweed Prize for Children's Lit.
GENRE
Realistic fiction
CURRICULUM TIES
Health/Social Studies
Connect the issues of eating disorders to what society presents us with the pattern of beauty
What are the health issues involved with eating disorders?
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
Is beauty really in the eye of the beholder, or is it what we're told by the media? What would you consider the epitome of beauty? How would you react if you knew one of your best friend's had an eating disorder?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
13 and up
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Eating disorder
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies and know the book. Understand the issues involved and be able to articulate their importance in society, that kids need to have access to literature that will broaden their scope of how people think and the different experiences that people have.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
Other than the fact that the book is very well written and interesting, it brings up issues that are important and that kids should be acquainted with.
PLOT SUMMARY
Isabelle Lee seems like a typical middle school girl, but when her family finds out she is bulemic, she is forced to go to "group" to learn how to cope and change her ways. In group she meets Ashley, the most popular and prettiest girl in school. They quickly become friends, binging and purging together, sitting at the popular table during lunch, and telling each other the secrets of their lives. Isabelle discovers that her eating disorder has something to do with the way she and the rest of her family have been coping with her father's death. With help and through facing the fears that they all have of dealing with the sadness, they will become closer and hopefully learn to understand themselves.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is the first novel by this author and I am thoroughly impressed. The characters are very well presented so that we can connect with them. The story flows well without any jarring moments that take the reader out of the action. I believed the underlying sadness that the two girls had that led to their struggles with their eating disorders, and the fact that Isabelle is also confused by her wanting to hang out with the popular kids, shunning her old friends speaks to the complexity of the character and is an idea that most tweens can understand.
READER'S ANNOTATION
Middle school is difficult enough being just a typical girl, but even the popular kids have their problems. Isabelle is a normal girl who meets the popular Ashley in group therapy for kids with eating disorders. Ashley teaches her the secrets of binging and purging, but Isabelle learns that this is not the way she wants to be. She is doing it as a way to cope with her father's death, and she wants to learn to do that another way. She also wants her mother and sister to learn to deal with it, too, but they can only do it if they do it together.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natasha Friend did not start writing books until her late twenties when she decided that teaching was not for her. She was born in 1972 to academic and creative parents: English professor dad, poet/actress mom. Her first book Perfect won the Milkweed Prize for Children's Lit.
GENRE
Realistic fiction
CURRICULUM TIES
Health/Social Studies
Connect the issues of eating disorders to what society presents us with the pattern of beauty
What are the health issues involved with eating disorders?
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
Is beauty really in the eye of the beholder, or is it what we're told by the media? What would you consider the epitome of beauty? How would you react if you knew one of your best friend's had an eating disorder?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
13 and up
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Eating disorder
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies and know the book. Understand the issues involved and be able to articulate their importance in society, that kids need to have access to literature that will broaden their scope of how people think and the different experiences that people have.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
Other than the fact that the book is very well written and interesting, it brings up issues that are important and that kids should be acquainted with.
Jellaby: Monster in the City
Soo, Kean. (2009). New York: Disney Hyperion Books. 978-142310565-7
PLOT SUMMARY
Jellaby is trying to find his way home with the help of his two human friends. They take him into the city on Halloween, hoping that a purple monster can go unnoticed at an amusement park. When they find a funhouse that leads to a mystery location, they also encounter a monster who is looking for a new friend. Jellaby is the bait that has taken them both there and they need to use their wits to find their way out without getting hurt.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is the 2nd volume in the series, and there was much more action involved in this installment mostly due to the introduction of the monster who wants a new friend. The two friends go through a lot of conflict, and there are some unresolved issues with the disappearance of the girl's dad that left me a little confused. Drawings are once again predominantly purple, but well done in terms of depiction of motion and the tone of the story from use of black instead of white space.
READER'S ANNOTATION
Two friends work together to get their cute purple monster friend home, but when they find the secret doorway that should lead them there, they find instead another monster who is also looking for a friend. Using their wits they are able to get safely away, but there is still their monster friend to consider. Now that the doorway is closed, what will they do?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kean Soo originally trained as an engineer, but pursued comics instead. He posted his comics on the internet and soon became assistant editor to the comic anthology Flight. He received an Eisner award for Jellaby.
GENRE
Graphic novel/fantasy
CURRICULUM TIES
none
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
A cute purple monster is one thing, but how would you react if a very large water monster was just itching to have you as its friend? What could you to do to get safely away? And what if your friendly purple monster was just bait for you? Would you still be his friend?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
8-14
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Kids doing what they want without permission from parents
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies. Know the book and the challenge issues so that you know what to expect and how to approach it if necessary.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK
This one seems like a good one for reluctant readers because of the comic book format and it is less intimidating than a regular chapter book.
PLOT SUMMARY
Jellaby is trying to find his way home with the help of his two human friends. They take him into the city on Halloween, hoping that a purple monster can go unnoticed at an amusement park. When they find a funhouse that leads to a mystery location, they also encounter a monster who is looking for a new friend. Jellaby is the bait that has taken them both there and they need to use their wits to find their way out without getting hurt.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is the 2nd volume in the series, and there was much more action involved in this installment mostly due to the introduction of the monster who wants a new friend. The two friends go through a lot of conflict, and there are some unresolved issues with the disappearance of the girl's dad that left me a little confused. Drawings are once again predominantly purple, but well done in terms of depiction of motion and the tone of the story from use of black instead of white space.
READER'S ANNOTATION
Two friends work together to get their cute purple monster friend home, but when they find the secret doorway that should lead them there, they find instead another monster who is also looking for a friend. Using their wits they are able to get safely away, but there is still their monster friend to consider. Now that the doorway is closed, what will they do?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kean Soo originally trained as an engineer, but pursued comics instead. He posted his comics on the internet and soon became assistant editor to the comic anthology Flight. He received an Eisner award for Jellaby.
GENRE
Graphic novel/fantasy
CURRICULUM TIES
none
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
A cute purple monster is one thing, but how would you react if a very large water monster was just itching to have you as its friend? What could you to do to get safely away? And what if your friendly purple monster was just bait for you? Would you still be his friend?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
8-14
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Kids doing what they want without permission from parents
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies. Know the book and the challenge issues so that you know what to expect and how to approach it if necessary.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK
This one seems like a good one for reluctant readers because of the comic book format and it is less intimidating than a regular chapter book.
The Skin I'm In
Flake, Sharon G. (1998). New York: Jump at the Sun Hyperion Paperbacks for Children.142310385-8
PLOT SUMMARY
Thirteen year old Maleeka is black as night, lives in an urban neighborhood, and is too smart for her own good. She is picked on, but doesn't do anything about it. When a new teacher comes in to try and bring something new to the middle school, Maleeka is singled out as teacher's pet even though she does what she can to discourage the new teacher. When her friend Charlese coerces her into vandalizing the new teacher's room, Maleeka must take a stand.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story is written very well in the voice of an urban thirteen year old narrator, but there seemed to be points in the story that were disjointed and did not flow well. I thoroughly enjoyed the story as a whole and the conflicts that the main character has to deal with, but I did not feel connected with her. I found myself feeling sympathetic towards her situation, but there were too many moments where I just got annoyed with what she was doing by not taking a stand and letting people run all over her. I could understand that there is a certain fear involved when you're dealing with certain types of people, and that in the ghetto things are different (i.e. you don't snitch) and that she did not want to get into trouble, but because I did not feel like she and some of the other characters were very well developed, I lacked that connection to them.
READER'S ANNOTATION
Loving yourself is something the some people find difficult to do. Thirteen year old Maleeka knows that she is very dark, but she certainly does not think she is ugly. Unfortunately there are others who think othewise, and torment her because of it. When a new teacher begins teaching at her school, Maleeka is curious, but standoffish because this teacher is confident with her expensive jewelry and suits, but she is also disfigured because of a birthmark on her face. Still she finds a way to connect with the kids until she gets on the bad side of one of Maleeka's friends. Then Maleeka must choose between doing what's right and standing up for herself, and doing what's wrong.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sharon G. Flake is an author of young adult books. She graduated with a degree in English from the University of Pittsburgh and worked for the university for 18 years, during which time she wrote The Skin I'm In. She was awarded the Coretta Scott King award for this novel and has since finished 5 more.
GENRE
African American Lit
CURRICULUM TIES
English/History/Social Studies
Analyze the use of voice and how the author has created a narrator through this distinct feature.
Discuss the fictitious diary entries that Maleeka uses in her writing project. What would she have to have known about the slave trade to create a character that is believable?
Discuss the prejudices of society found within groups who are the same race, but based on distincti attributes such as the lightness/darkenss of their skin.
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
What would you do if you were being picked on for the color of your skin? How would you feel if the person picking on you was the same race and only picking on you because your skin was darker than his? And what if your friends insist on being hooligans while all you want to do is just get by?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
13 and up
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Racism within a particular racial group
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies. Know the book. Understand that the issues presented in the book are those that are still relevant today and that kids should have access to literature that exposes them to ideas that otherwise would be unknown to them.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
The issues are important and I would want kids to read this and think about their own actions and how it affects other people.
PLOT SUMMARY
Thirteen year old Maleeka is black as night, lives in an urban neighborhood, and is too smart for her own good. She is picked on, but doesn't do anything about it. When a new teacher comes in to try and bring something new to the middle school, Maleeka is singled out as teacher's pet even though she does what she can to discourage the new teacher. When her friend Charlese coerces her into vandalizing the new teacher's room, Maleeka must take a stand.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story is written very well in the voice of an urban thirteen year old narrator, but there seemed to be points in the story that were disjointed and did not flow well. I thoroughly enjoyed the story as a whole and the conflicts that the main character has to deal with, but I did not feel connected with her. I found myself feeling sympathetic towards her situation, but there were too many moments where I just got annoyed with what she was doing by not taking a stand and letting people run all over her. I could understand that there is a certain fear involved when you're dealing with certain types of people, and that in the ghetto things are different (i.e. you don't snitch) and that she did not want to get into trouble, but because I did not feel like she and some of the other characters were very well developed, I lacked that connection to them.
READER'S ANNOTATION
Loving yourself is something the some people find difficult to do. Thirteen year old Maleeka knows that she is very dark, but she certainly does not think she is ugly. Unfortunately there are others who think othewise, and torment her because of it. When a new teacher begins teaching at her school, Maleeka is curious, but standoffish because this teacher is confident with her expensive jewelry and suits, but she is also disfigured because of a birthmark on her face. Still she finds a way to connect with the kids until she gets on the bad side of one of Maleeka's friends. Then Maleeka must choose between doing what's right and standing up for herself, and doing what's wrong.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sharon G. Flake is an author of young adult books. She graduated with a degree in English from the University of Pittsburgh and worked for the university for 18 years, during which time she wrote The Skin I'm In. She was awarded the Coretta Scott King award for this novel and has since finished 5 more.
GENRE
African American Lit
CURRICULUM TIES
English/History/Social Studies
Analyze the use of voice and how the author has created a narrator through this distinct feature.
Discuss the fictitious diary entries that Maleeka uses in her writing project. What would she have to have known about the slave trade to create a character that is believable?
Discuss the prejudices of society found within groups who are the same race, but based on distincti attributes such as the lightness/darkenss of their skin.
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
What would you do if you were being picked on for the color of your skin? How would you feel if the person picking on you was the same race and only picking on you because your skin was darker than his? And what if your friends insist on being hooligans while all you want to do is just get by?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
13 and up
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Racism within a particular racial group
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Know library policies. Know the book. Understand that the issues presented in the book are those that are still relevant today and that kids should have access to literature that exposes them to ideas that otherwise would be unknown to them.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
The issues are important and I would want kids to read this and think about their own actions and how it affects other people.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Killer Pizza
Taylor, Greg. (2009). New York: Feiwel and Friends. 978-0-312-37379-5
PLOT SUMMARY
Three 14 year old kids get a job at Killer Pizza for the summer. Little do they know that they were hand picked by the leader of an organization dedicated to eradicating the various monsters of the world. Their current enemy is the guttata, a large frightening creature that infects humans through their bites. They must kill the alpha male in order to restore safety and order to their town, but first they have to learn about the creature, fighting skills, and how to work together for them to be successful.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The book is long, over 300 pages, so is definitely an investment in time. Fortunately, the subject of monster killing makes it an interesting read. The characters are the typical type of crew, smart Asian girl, tough guy, and the one who doesn't quite fit in, but is dedicated and loyal. The friendship they develop is formulaic and predictable, but predictability does not detract from the action of the story. Rather, it makes it less scary for the tweens than something like Twilight would be.
Characters are well developed, albeit stereotypical as was already mentioned. The story goes very little into their home lives because all of the action revolves around their jobs at Killer Pizza.
READER'S ANNOTATION
A summer job making pizzas might be fun for some kids, but at Killer Pizza, 3 teenagers are in for more than just slinging pepperoni. They have just been recruited into an elite squad dedicated to fighting monsters around the world, protecting citizens, and all in the name of pizza--Killer Pizza that is. These are 3 unlikely friends, but they learn to trust and work together, even risking their lives to save on of their own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Greg Taylor is a screenwriter and producer of many movies, most notable is Jumanji. Killer Pizza is his first book.
GENRE
Action/adventure
CURRICULUM TIES
none
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
How would you like to be drafted into an elite team that vows to protect society by killing monsters? If they trained you in defensive measures and martial arts, would you feel ready to tackle 8 foot tall monsters with super strength? And how could you possibly keep all this activity a secret from your parents?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
14 and up
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Violence. Killing.
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Be familiar with library policy. Encourage parents to be aware of their children's activities/reading materials. Be familiar with the story and able to discuss the issues dealing with it.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
This book has appeal to both boy and girl tweens. It includes the universal theme of friendship and has characters that readers can admire.
PLOT SUMMARY
Three 14 year old kids get a job at Killer Pizza for the summer. Little do they know that they were hand picked by the leader of an organization dedicated to eradicating the various monsters of the world. Their current enemy is the guttata, a large frightening creature that infects humans through their bites. They must kill the alpha male in order to restore safety and order to their town, but first they have to learn about the creature, fighting skills, and how to work together for them to be successful.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The book is long, over 300 pages, so is definitely an investment in time. Fortunately, the subject of monster killing makes it an interesting read. The characters are the typical type of crew, smart Asian girl, tough guy, and the one who doesn't quite fit in, but is dedicated and loyal. The friendship they develop is formulaic and predictable, but predictability does not detract from the action of the story. Rather, it makes it less scary for the tweens than something like Twilight would be.
Characters are well developed, albeit stereotypical as was already mentioned. The story goes very little into their home lives because all of the action revolves around their jobs at Killer Pizza.
READER'S ANNOTATION
A summer job making pizzas might be fun for some kids, but at Killer Pizza, 3 teenagers are in for more than just slinging pepperoni. They have just been recruited into an elite squad dedicated to fighting monsters around the world, protecting citizens, and all in the name of pizza--Killer Pizza that is. These are 3 unlikely friends, but they learn to trust and work together, even risking their lives to save on of their own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Greg Taylor is a screenwriter and producer of many movies, most notable is Jumanji. Killer Pizza is his first book.
GENRE
Action/adventure
CURRICULUM TIES
none
BOOKTALKING IDEAS
How would you like to be drafted into an elite team that vows to protect society by killing monsters? If they trained you in defensive measures and martial arts, would you feel ready to tackle 8 foot tall monsters with super strength? And how could you possibly keep all this activity a secret from your parents?
READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE
14 and up
CHALLENGE ISSUES
Violence. Killing.
CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS
Be familiar with library policy. Encourage parents to be aware of their children's activities/reading materials. Be familiar with the story and able to discuss the issues dealing with it.
WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?
This book has appeal to both boy and girl tweens. It includes the universal theme of friendship and has characters that readers can admire.
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