Graphic Novel: Ghosts

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Telgemeier, Raina. 2016. GHOSTS. New York: Graphix. ISBN 0545540629.

PLOT SUMMARY

Catrina, her little sister and her parents are trading their sunny southern California life for one in cool, humid northern California is hopes of making her little sister, Maya’s, life better. Maya has cystic fibrosis and her parents hope that moving to Bahia de la Luna’s ocean air will benefit her health. Catrina is not happy that they are having to uproot their life just for her little sister. After they are settled in their new home they begin to her rumors that their new town is haunted by the friendly ghosts of their neighbor’s loved ones. Catrina doesn’t buy it but her little sister is intrigued. It doesn’t help when they meet Carlos, a boy whose job it is to give people tours of haunted locations. Carlos drags the sisters around the town where they eventually come fact-to-face with a ghost. The ghosts seem friendly enough but Catrina is still suspicious. The girls finally come to terms with their ghostly neighbors when Carlos invites them to the community Day of the Dead festival and meet some new ghostly friends who make Catrina really think about the importance of life and family.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The story of Catrina and Maya will appeal to many young readers. In Ghosts, the character’s deal with themes such as sibling bonds, family, culture and death. Many students will be able to relate to Catrina’s struggle with Maya’s illness. Catrina resents the fact that her family’s life is limited by Maya illness. They must move, Catrina and Maya can’t stay out late, Maya takes expensive breathing treatments. The sisters also must navigate their family’s culture. Their mother is Mexican American while their father is white and each have their own culture and customs.

The setting helps the reader become immersed in the story. Raina Telgemeier does a great job illustrating all the details about the town. Each location has a dreamy quality about it and will keep the reader looking for ghostly faces. Readers are truly able to abandon their own life while reading this story and take up residence in Bahia de la Luna.

Ghosts explores the themes of life and death extensively. Catrina is constantly worried about Maya and has not yet come to terms with the fact that her sister will most likely live a very short life. On the other hand, Maya fully understands her disease and the visits she gets from the ghosts helps her to feel more comfortable about her illness. The end of the book provides you with a satisfying ending when Catrina begins to understand the hard truth about her sister’s illness. Raina Telgemeier writes tells this story with a very distinct style. Her writing allows the reader to connect with the characters, enjoy the scenery and step into the story themselves. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

ALA Notable Book for Children

KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Telgemeier's bold colors, superior visual storytelling, and unusual subject matter will keep readers emotionally engaged and unable to put down this compelling tale."

BOOKLIST: "Telgemeier has her finger on the pulse of middle-grade readers, and this might be her best yet."

PUBLISHER’S” WEEKLY: "The story is consistently engaging; the plot is tightly built."

CONNECTIONS

*Students may enjoy exploring the Mexican holiday, the Dia de los Muertos after reading this story.

*Students may want to further research how children like them handle living with a life-changing illness.

*Look for these other graphic novels written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier:

Telgemeier, Raina. DRAMA. ISBN 0545326990

Telgemeier, Raina. SISTERS. ISBN 0545540607

Telgemeier, Raina. SMILE. ISBN 0545132061

Graphic Novel: Babymouse

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer L. & Holm, Matthew. 2005. BABYMOUSE: QUEEN OF THE WORLD. New York: Random House. ISBN 0375832297.

PLOT SUMMARY

Babymouse is a sassy young lady with curly whiskers and big dreams. All Babymouse wants is to be queen of the world and best friends with Felicia Furrypaws, the most popular girl in school. Babymouse is not content with the humdrum of daily life and is constantly daydreaming to pass the time. In her dreams she becomes a princess, sheriff and an astronaut, the stars of their own show.  When Babymouse hears about Felicia’s sleepover party, Babymouse decides she will do anything to get invited. She patiently waits for her invitation but when it never comes, Babymouse is extremely disappointed. She gets her opportunity when Felicia forgets her book report. Babymouse offers to let Felicia turn her in for a grade and in return, Felicia invites Babymouse to her party. All of Babymouse’s dreams have come true. The only down side is that she had already planned to have a sleepover with her friend Wilson. She decides to go the Felicia’s instead and finds out the party is not what she thought. It was extremely boring. Babymouse finally realizes she is the Queen of her own show and doesn’t have to answer to anyone.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Readers will identify with the character of Babymouse. She is raucous, funny and a daydreamer. Students will easily identify with Babymouse attitude towards school and friendships. Many students will find that they have through the same efforts Babymouse must do to become friends with a popular student.

Most of the story takes places in two locations, school and Felicia’s sleepover. Readers will be very familiar with the setting of the story and will not need to suspend belief when reading the story. Scenes in which Babymouse is daydreaming are characterized with black or pink edged pictures. This helps readers understand when Babymouse is leaving behind reality to visit her imagination.

The theme of this book is extremely relatable to students. All Babymouse wants to do is be popular. Many students go through their own school career wanting the same thing. The idea that each person needs to accept themselves as the unique person they are will resonate with readers going through this situation. Friendship also plays a huge part in the theme of the story. Throughout the book, Babymouse ignores her best friend repeatedly to try and gain Felicia’s friendship. Towards the end of the book, Babymouse realizes that having true friends is better than trying to be friends with someone who doesn’t really like you. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST: "Cute, smart, sassy Babymouse is fun and funny, and this book, like its predecessors, will draw reluctant readers as well as Babymouse fans."

THE HORN BOOK: "Nobody puts Babymouse in the corner!"

KIRKUS REVIEW: Young readers will happily fall in line to follow Babymouse through both ordinary pratfalls (“Typical!” is her watchword) and extraordinary flights of fancy—both of which continue in Babymouse, Our Hero

CONNECTIONS

*WINNER 2006 - Gryphon Award

*WINNER 2006 - ALA Notable Children's Book

*WINNER 2006 - New York Book Show Awards

*Students may be interested in watching how Baby Mouse came to be: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UASwbHZVHrY

*Continue Babymouse’s story with these graphic novels:

Holm, Jennifer L. & Holm, Matthew. BABYMOUSE: OUR HERO. ISBN 0375832300

Holm, Jennifer L. & Holm, Matthew. BABYMOUSE: BEACH BABE. ISBN 0375832319

Holm, Jennifer L. & Holm, Matthew. BABYMOUSE: ROCK STAR. ISBN 0375832327

Fantasy: The Graveyard Book

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gaiman, Neil. 2010. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060530944.

PLOT SUMMARY

The Graveyard Book starts out with a grisly murder. A young boy’s family is killed in their home while he escapes to the nearby cemetery.  A kind, ghostly couple called the Owens decide to adopt him at the request of his dead parents and receives the name Nobody ‘Bod’ Owens because he looks like nobody but himself. He is given the gift of the Freedom of the Graveyard. This allows how to see and speak to ghosts and all manner on fantastical creatures. Silas is a man who is given the task of taking care of Bod. Silas is one of the only characters in the novel who can leave the graveyard. As Bod gets older he becomes more accustomed to all the creatures he meets and comes into contact with. He meets a young girl named Scarlett with whom he becomes friends but she eventually moves away. Bod eventually learns that the creatures and characters in the graveyard are his family and friends but he can’t stay amongst the dead forever. Several events cause Bod to come to terms with the fact that he is not meant for the Graveyard and that he will eventually have to leave and create a new life for himself among the living.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Fans of Tim Burton will love this novel. The setting of the Graveyard will excite many fantasy lovers. The setting really helps to immerse the reader in the creepy story of death, friendship and growing up. The tone of the books eerie as well. Many readers will love Neil Gaiman’s prose and how it is able to transform the reading experience. 

The fantastical elements of the story are also very prevalent. It is hinted throughout the book that Silas is a reformed vampire and Miss Lupescu is a werewolf. The ghoul gate is another aspect of the book that fantasy lovers will enjoy. The living are able to transport themselves to land of the dead.

Neil Gaiman has said multiple times that the Graveyard in the book is a metaphor for a library. Each headstone represents a different character and world that Bod explores. When Bod is learning how to read, the headstones are his books. With the Ghoul Gate, the headstones are literally able to take you on a voyage the same as many say books do.

The Audio book format of this book is a truly fantastical way to consume the story. The audiobook boasts a variety of cast members who perfectly transform you into the story and truly make you feel as if it is you who are living in the graveyard. Each character has their own voice and tone that master their character’s behaviors and motives. Each performer gives you a look into that character’s life and drags you into the magical story.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The child Bod's behavior is occasionally too precocious to be believed, and a series of puns on the name Jack render the villain a bit less frightening than he should be, though only momentarily. Aside from these small flaws, however, Gaiman has created a rich, surprising, and sometimes disturbing tale of dreams, ghouls, murderers, trickery, and family.”

BOOKMARKS MAGAZINE: “Critics praised each illustrated chapter as its own little gem, with moments both tender and terrifying—and each equally exciting. The Graveyard Book is sure to become a book to last the ages.”

KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Wistful, witty, wise—and creepy. This needs to be read by anyone who is or has ever been a child.”

HORN BOOK: “Lucid, evocative prose and dark fairy-tale motifs imbue the story with a dreamlike quality. …this ghost-story-cum-coming-of-age-novel as readable as it is accomplished.”

CONNECTIONS

*Newberry Medal Winner

*Carnegie Medal Winner

*New York Times Bestseller (over 1 million copies)

*Students may want to listen to this book as an audiobook. The audiobook is read by a full cast including: Neil Gaiman, Derek Jacobi, Robert Madge, Clare Corbett, Miriam Margolyes, Andrew Scott, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Emilia Fox, Reece Shearsmith, Lenny Henry.

*Read another creepy read by Neil Gaiman:

Gaiman, Neil. CORALINE. ISBN 0380807343

Fantasy: Savvy

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Law, Ingrid. 2005. SAVVY. New York: Puffin Books. ISBN 0142414336.

PLOT SUMMARY

Mississippi, Mibs for short, lives in a magical family. Very person in her family gets a magical power, or Savvy, on their thirteenth birthday. The only downside is that they must hide it from the world. In the days prior to Mibs’ birthday her father, Poppa Beaumont, gets injured in an accident that calls her mother and brother and hour away. On the morning of her birthday, Mibs believes she has received the savvy that will allow her to wake things up. In her excitement, she believes that she can wake up her father from his injuries. She sets off on the journey to help her father and unfortunately her brother, Fish, her younger brother, Samson and two friends tag along. The only problem is they make a mistake and end up travelling in the opposite direction from the hospital. On their way to the hospital, Mibs finds out that her savvy is not waking people up but hearing people’s thought when there is ink on their skin. Through a series of misadventures and new friendships, Mibs and her friends are finally able to make it to Poppa Beaumont.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The main theme of growing up is told through the lens of fantasy and magic. Students will enjoy reading what would be just a regular child becomes teen story that is punctuated by magic. Middle School readers will share a lot of feelings with Mibs as she starts on her teenage journey. Mibs must deal with family dynamics, friendships and loyalty all within the secret of her family’s magic.

The bus that the kids travel on serve as the vehicle that moves our story along. Each of the Beaumont kids learns more about their own savvy as they travel along with the bus. Each person and friend on the bus come away with a completely different lesson learned or friendship made. They grow up as the bus trudges along.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

KIRKUS REVIEW: “Law displays both a fertile imagination...and a dab hand for likable, colorful characters...[a] marvel-laden debut.”

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Law's savvy? She's a natural storyteller who's created a vibrant and cinematic novel that readers are going to love.”

BOOKLIST: “Law's storytelling is rollicking, her language imaginative, and her entire cast of whacky, yet believable characters delightful...wholly engaging and lots of fun.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “With its delightful premise and lively adventure, this book will please a wide variety of audiences, not just fantasy fans...Definitely an author to watch.”

CONNECTIONS

*Newberry Honor Winner

*New York Times Bestseller

*Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award

*Oprah’s Reading List Pick

*Al Roker's Book Club for Kids Pick

*An ALA Notable Book for Children

*Students may want to have conversations about the importance of family and the unique traditions each family has.

*Read the New York Times bestsellers and companions to Savvy!:

Law, Ingrid. SCUMBLE. ISBN 0142419621

Law, Ingrid. SWITCH. ISBN 0803738625

Historical Fiction: Catherine, Called Birdy

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushman, Karen 1995. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780064405843

PLOT SUMMARY

Catherine, Called Birdy is a wonderfully written novel about the life of a young girl in the Middle Ages through diary form. Catherine is a young girl living with her good natured-mother, brash father and siblings at the end of 1290. At the suggestion of her brother, Catherine, called Birdy, begins her own journal. Catherine starts out by documenting her everyday life. Catherine write about the tasks she must accomplish and skills she must learn to be a good wife. Catherine’s father’s main concern is finding her a husband. All Catherine wants to do is become a painter or go off to fight in the crusades. Catherine’s independent personality causes her to reject all the suitors her father sends her way. Eventually, he finds a suitor for her named Shaggy Beard whom Catherine absolutely despises. Due to this betrothal, Catherine attempts to run away and have her aunt help her to escape.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Catherine, Called Birdy is the story of a young girl in the Middle Ages living on a manor with her family. Readers will enjoy the journal entry format and Catherine’s conversational tone about the events in her daily life. The story is told from Catherine’s perspective from September 1290 to September 1291. The Middle Ages is thoroughly fleshed out through the eyes of Catherine. She explains, through her journal entries, the status of her position and what was expected of 14-year-old girls in the Middle Ages.  One of the main character traits that defines Catherine is her independence. Young girls at the time were required to be gentle and obedient while Catherine was almost the opposite. Catherine is very strong-willed and she is disdainful of anything that is considered girly. Catherine chooses not to follow her father’s orders and often fights with him. Young girls will appreciate Catherine’s own brand of feminism and independence especially when they begin to understand the pressure put on young girls in the Middle Ages. This novel also includes many important references to events happening during this period as well. Catherine’s uncle has recently returned from the crusades and finds a wife, Lady Ethelfritha. Catherine also discusses festivals and holidays like Easter and May Day. Young readers will feel like they have been immersed in the world of Catherine and will enjoy getting to know the time period better through a young person’s eyes.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST: “Fortunately, it's a sprightly voice, complete with its own brand of cursing ("God's thumbs!"), that moves the action. Kids can read this on their own or as a supplement to studies of the Middle Ages”

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Despite the too-convenient ending, this first novel introduces an admirable heroine and pungently evokes a largely unfamiliar setting.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A feminist far ahead of her time, she is both believable and lovable. A somewhat philosophical afterword discusses the mind set of medieval people and concludes with a list of books to consult for further information about the period. Superb historical fiction.”

CONNECTIONS

*This is a book that could be used as a supplement to any Middle Ages unit.

*Young readers may want to start their own journal after reading Birdy’s story.

*Encourage your young readers to search out other books that document the lives of young people in the Middle Ages and in other historical time periods.

*Look for these other works about young girls in the Middle Ages:

Cushman, Karen. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. ISBN 0547722176

Konigsberg, E. L. A PROUD TASTE FOR SCARLET AND MINIVER. ISBN 0689846243

Cushman, Karen. MATILDA BONE. ISBN 0440418221

Historical Fiction: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kelly, Jaqueline. 2011. THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE. New York, NY: Square Fish. ISBN 0312659301

PLOT SUMMARY

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, by Jaqueline Kelly, is a novel about 11-year-old Texas girl who yearns to be a scientist instead of settling down to learn domestic arts. Callie’s mother pushes her towards learning skills that she would need to be the best wife she can be. Callie’s grandfather, on the other hand, pushes her towards the science and innovation that is taking hold at the turn of the century. Throughout the summer, Callie and her Grandfather visit the San Marcos river and he teaches her the importance of the scientific method and recording her data and observations. One day, Callie and her grandfather find a new species of vetch and send it off the Smithsonian for identifying. While they wait, Callie is coerced by her mother to start learning domestic skills. She complies with her mother but dreams of a different future. When the Smithsonian sends back their findings and confirm that she and her Grandfather discovered a new species she finally confirms her goal of being a scientist and going to college.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is told through Calpurnia’s perspective which lets you really become part of Calpurnia’s “evolution”. Callie Vee or Callie spends much of the book battling against her mother who wants her to abandon her scientific research to learn how to become an obedient wife and mother.

Science and invention is the main focal point of the story. Calpurnia’s evolution mirrors the evolution that she and her grandfather study in nature. The use of Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species is tightly woven throughout the story. Calpurnia evolves throughout the story from a child to a budding scientist. Science continues to be a main theme in the story when Callie and her grandfather find a new species and send it to the Smithsonian to get it tested. History is also woven through the story as well. While Callie’s grandfather pushes her towards science, her mother pushes her to her “duty” of a mother and wife. Callie does not believe she is meant to do just that and continues to study science with her grandfather. This is what was expected of women in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The entire story comes full circle when the Smithsonian confirms their new species and Calpurnia gains admiration of her family. Students will be rooting for Callie when she finally confesses to her family and readers that she desires to go to college.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST: “By the end, she is equally aware of her growing desire to become a scientist and of societal expectations that make her dream seem nearly impossible. Interwoven with the scientific theme are threads of daily life in a large family—the bonds with siblings, the conversations overheard, the unspoken understandings and misunderstandings—all told with wry humor and a sharp eye for details that bring the characters and the setting to life. The eye-catching jacket art, which silhouettes Callie and images from nature against a yellow background, is true to the period and the story. Many readers will hope for a sequel to this engaging, satisfying first novel.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: ““A charming and inventive story of a child struggling to find her identity at the turn of the 20th century… there's no uncertainty over the achievement of Kelly's debut novel.”

KIRKUS: “Readers will finish this witty, deftly crafted debut novel rooting for "Callie Vee" and wishing they knew what kind of adult she would become.”

THE HORN BOOK: “Kelly, without anachronism, has created a memorable, warm, spirited young woman who's refreshingly ahead of her time.”

CONNECTIONS

*Newberry Honor Book

*Students may be interested in scientific discussion after reading this book, particularly science and innovation at the turn of the century.

*This book could be used in a science unit to teach the Scientific Method and foster a genuine interest in science.

*Look for the follow up to The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate:

Kelly, Jaqueline. THE CURIOUS WORLD OF CALPURNIA TATE. ISBN 0805097449

Historical Fiction: The Hired Girl

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Schlitz, Laura Amy. 2015. THE HIRED GIRL. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick. ISBN 0763678180

PLOT SUMMARY

Joan Skrag is a young girl living on her family’s hardscrabble farm in 1911. She hates the drudgery of her life on the farm and yearns for something more. Joan is interested in culture, literature and knowledge. Her only inspiration was her mother who tragically died when Joan was young. Joan’s father and brother often ignore and underappreciate her. Her only solace is found in her books. Tired of her disinterest in the family farm, Joan’s father burns her beloved books causing Joan to run away from home to Baltimore.  After being attacked by a man, Joan is taken in by the Rosenbachs, a well to do Jewish family in Baltimore. To gain the employment as the family’s hired girl, Joan must pretend to be 18. Her time with the Rosenbachs is characterized by religion life lessons. Joan tries to keep her Catholic faith alive while living with a Jewish family even encountering anti-Semitism. Joan comes to love the Rosenbachs and appreciates their kindness in including her in the family. Joan hilariously makes mistakes but ultimately learns a lot about life and herself.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Hired Girl is a well-crafted story about a young girl who desires more from life than working on a hardscrabble farm. Joan’s story is told through diary entries that are expressive and character defining. Joan’s world is one in which young girls have a very exact description of what their life contains. During the course of the story you see Joan gain life experiences that help her understand her greater place in the world. Young readers will enjoy seeing Joan make mistakes and will be able to connect with her earnest and independent personality. Young readers will also get a glimpse into prejudice and anti-Semitic sentiment. Sexism and prejudice are common themes throughout the story that students will latch onto as they still exist today. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST: “A memorable novel from a captivating storyteller. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The award-winning, best-selling Schlitz seems to have the Midas touch. Expect her latest to have a golden shine as well.”

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Joan is reminiscent of heroines like Anne Shirley, Jo March, Cassandra Mortmain, and her own favorite character, Jane Eyre (Joan even gives herself a fittingly literary alias, Janet Lovelace). Her overactive imagination, passions, and impulsive disregard for propriety often get Joan into trouble, but these same qualities will endear her to readers everywhere.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Coming-of-age drama and deeper questions of faith, belonging, and womanhood are balanced with just the right blend of humor. VERDICT A wonderful look into the life of strong girl who learns that she needs the love of others to truly grow up.”

CONNECTIONS

* Winner of the 2016 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

*A 2016 Association of Jewish Libraries Sydney Taylor Award Winner

*Winner of the 2016 National Jewish Book Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature

*Students may be interested in researching other examples of anti-Semitism in United States and World History.

*Look for these other works by Laura Amy Schlitz

Schlitz, Laura Amy. THE NIGHT FAIRY. ISBN 0763652951

Schlitz, Laura Amy. SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS. ISBN 0763669263

Schlitz, Laura Amy. FIRE SPELLS. ISBN 1408826216

Historical Fiction: Breaking Stalin's Nose

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Yelchin, Eugene. 2013. BREAKING STALIN’S NOSE. New York, NY: Square Fish. ISBN 1250034108

PLOT SUMMARY

Sasha is a 10-year-old boy who has been brainwashed by the government to believe that Communism is the best. Sasha lives in a 40-person commune with his father who is a member of the Soviet Secret Police. Sasha idolizes his father as a hero of the state and views him as the perfect communist. Sasha notices thought that most people are fearful of his father and treat his with respect. One night Sasha’s father is arrested because another man in the commune accused Sasha’s father of a crime. Sasha, now homeless, tries to turn to his Aunt Larisa but she turns him away as she has a family and it is too dangerous to take Sasha in. With nowhere to go, Sasha sleeps in the basement of his Aunt’s apartment building. Sasha’s goal is to become a member of a Communist Youth group. This is a group that helps to spread the idea of how lucky everyone is to live in a communist country. The next day Sasha goes to school and begins to see everything in a different light. The “trouble” kids at school are kids whose parents have been executed or imprisoned by the Soviet government. Sasha begins to “awaken” from his brainwashing. He begins to see communist Russia as what it is, a lie. Sasha goes to the prison where is father is being detained and meets a young woman who gives him hope for his future.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Breaking Stalin’s nose is a wonderful narrative of a boy whose eyes are opened to the horrors of Communism. The entire story is about how Sasha is awakened by the events around him. Each event waking him up just a little bit more.  All Sasha’s life he has been taught to believe that he is lucky to live in a society that focuses on the “we” instead of the Capitalist “I”. He even wants to join a Communist Youth group that helps spread the message of communism. Young readers will be included in all the events that begin to wake Sasha up ending with the breaking of Stalin’s nose (a plaster statue in Sasha’s school). This book is completely rooted in history. Although not based on a true story, Sasha’ journey is one in which many communist children of the Soviet Union had to go through as they slowly become aware of the lies being told to them.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

THE HORN BOOK: “This brief novel gets at the heart of a society that asks its citizens, even its children, to report on relatives and friends. Appropriately menacing illustrations by first-time novelist Yelchin add a sinister tone.”

KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Yelchin's graphite illustrations are an effective complement to his prose, which unfurls in Sasha's steady, first-person voice, and together they tell an important tale.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Yelchin skillfully combines narrative with dramatic black-and-white illustrations to tell the story of life in the Soviet Union under Stalin.”

CONNECTIONS

*Newberry Honor Book

*Horn Book Best Fiction List

*This would be great supplement to any Russia or Communist unit. Students can clearly see the down side of communism, the harsh restrictions and brainwashing used during the period.

*Look for another story about Russian history by Eugene Yelchin:

Yelchin, Eugene. THE HAUNTING OF FALCON HOUSE. ISBN 0805098453

Non-Fiction: Almost Astronauts

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stone, Tanya Lee. 2009.ALMOST ASTRONAUTS: 13 WOMEN WHO DARED TO DREAM. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763645028

PLOT SUMMARY
Before Amelia Earhart took her fateful final flight she said the following words, “Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others”. In Almost Astronauts, the Mercury 13 women proved just that. Almost Astronauts is the story of 13 women who dared to dream they could become astronauts in a time when everyone was against them. Jerrie Cobb, the unofficial leader of the Mercury 13, was the first to start the tests required to become an astronaut. Her story inspired others to join her in her “fight” to become astronauts. All of the women were pilots (some logging more flight time than their male counterparts) and all scored very high on the tests required.

Throughout their fight to get to space they encountered devastating obstacles, difficult politicians and even the vice-president of the United States of America. Jerrie Cobb even went head to head with congress during a congressional meeting. These women put up the fight of their life to earn women the recognition they so desperately deserved. Even though they were not allowed to pursue their dream of becoming astronauts, they paved the way for hundreds of other women to continue their legacy. This a truly inspirational story that will inspire girls and boys alike to give everything they have to reach their dreams.

CRITICAL ANALYSIs
Almost Astronauts tells the story of the Mercury 13, a group of women who tried to become NASA astronauts nearly 20 years before women were officially allowed. Their story is told in diction that sounds like you are being a told a story by a professional storyteller. As you read these women’s stories, you feel as if you are being told by one of the Mercury 13. The story is further expressed through the use of photographs, test data, official documents and interviews. The reader is immersed in these women’s stories and truly begin to feel as if they are a part of their struggle for equality.

Included at the beginning of the book is a foreword by Margaret A. Weitekamp, the curator of the National Air and Space Museum. She explains how she comes in to contact with many people who are interested in this story and want to pass it on to their children as inspiration for them to pursue their own dreams.

Almost Astronauts features several options for further study: a bibliography, a webliography, sources and source notes. There is also a section that features videos and documentaries. These resources allow the reader to further dive into the story of the Mercury 13 and complete some of their own research and discovery.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
KIRKUS REVIEW: "Fascinating, dramatic story...The author offers great insight into how deeply ingrained sexism was in American society and its institutions. Handsomely illustrated with photographs, this empowering, impassioned story will leave readers inspired."

BOOKLIST: ‘The chatty, immediate style (“Picture this”) and full-page photos make for a fast read, and the crucial civil-rights history will stay with readers. The long, spacious back matter is part of the story, with detailed chapter notes and a bibliography.”

NEW YOR PUBLIC LIBRARY: “Illustrated with sheaves of photos, and based on published sources, recently discovered documents, and original interviews with surviving members of the "Mercury 13," this passionately written account of a classic but little-known challenge to established gender prejudices also introduces readers to a select group of courageous, independent women.”

CONNECTIONS

*Have students visit http://info.uah.edu/colleges/liberal/womensstudies/astronauts.htm to read biographies on other great women astronauts.

*Other stories about trailblazers:

Freedman, Russell. THE WRIGHT BROTHER: HOW THEY INVENTED THE AIRPLANE. ISBN 0823410828

Fleming, Candace. AMELIA LOST: THE LIFE AND DISAPPREANCE OF AMELIA EARHART. ISBN 0375841989

Non-Fiction: An American Plague

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Murphy, Jim. 2003.AN AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE TRUE AND TERRIFYING STORY OF THE YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC OF 1793. New York City, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395776082

PLOT SUMMARY

In An American Plague, Jim Murphy expertly crafts the story of the Yellow Fever Outbreak in 1793 during the nation’s first years of infancy. Jim Murphy takes historical facts and combines them in a wonderfully researched narrative that allows students and adults to become mesmerized by the resulting events of the “plague”. The Yellow Fever outbreak was centered around the bustling city of Philadelphia, home to Benjamin Franklin. Jim Murphy tells this story though the use of first person narratives, documents, and maps that allow the reader to fully understand how this sickness took control of this city.

Jim Murphy starts his narrative by explaining how yellow fever caught a hold on the city with the infection of a young French soldier in a boarding house, further spreading through the crowded streets of Philadelphia infecting more and more people on its path of destruction.  Citizens are shown handling this sickness with varying degrees of confusion and fear as the plague tore through their city. Jim Murphy goes on to explain the level of panic that took hold of the city during this time. Refugees were often banned from other areas and police patrols prevented people from leaving the city. Treatments of the disease are also explored as doctor’s tried to find cures for the sick. One of the more interesting aspects of the story are the inclusion of the Free African Society in caring for the sick. It was believed that the freed Africans were partially immune to yellow fever and therefore were used as nurses and caretakers of the sick, although it was documented that Africans died at about the same rate as other members of the city. The Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 is documented extremely well in Jim Murphy’s books. Readers will walk away with a wealth of Knowledge about the epidemic and a newfound respect for modern medicine and technology.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jim Murphy tells the story of the yellow fever epidemic through first person narratives. Each person’s account of what happened during this time is an eye opening experience. How citizens had to manage the fear and panic gripping the city and how these individuals came to terms with their loss is explored. Pictures and drawing are also used to immerse the reader in the crowded, narrow streets of Philadelphia. These pictures assist the reader in understanding just how this plague was able to spread so quickly and to so many people. Murphy also uses newspaper articles from the time as well as reproductions of black and white paintings to further immerse the reader in the world.

Jim Murphy also provides a wealth of sources at the end of the books for students to use for further study. There is a list of firsthand accounts, both medical and nonmedical, that Murphy used in his research. A bibliography of books related to Yellow Fever are provided as well as short summaries about each offering. He also provided information about other plagues that have occurred as well.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

KIRKUS REVIEW: "A mesmerizing, macabre account...powerful evocative prose... compelling subject matter...fascinating discussion...valuable lesson in reading and writing history. Stellar."
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: "Leisurely, lyrical tone...Murphy injects the events with immediacy...archival photographs...bring the story to life...comprehensive history."

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "solid research and a flair for weaving facts into fascinating stories...extensive and interesting...you'll have students hooked on history."

BOOKLIST: "History, science, politics and public health come together in this dramatic account...brings the 'unshakeable unease' chillingly close."

THE HORN BOOK: "diverse voices...representative images...Everywhere, Murphy is attentive to telling detail...Thoroughly documented...the work is both rigorous and inviting."

CONNECTIONS
*invite students to check out other non-fiction listed in the sources section at the back of the book. *Students can also use this book to differentiate and study the differences between primary and secondary sources.

*Other non-fiction by Jim Murphy:
Murphy, Jim. BLIZZARD!: THE STORM THAT CHANGED AMERICA. ISBN 0590673106
Murphy, Jim. THE GREAT FIRE. ISBN 0439203074
Murphy, Jim. TRUCE. ISBN 0545130492

Non-Fiction: The Voice That Challenged A Nation

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Freedman, Russell. 2003.THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION: MARIAN ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS. New York City, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 2003019558

PLOT SUMMARY

The Voice That Challenged a Nation is the story of Marian Anderson and her pursuit of singing during a time when black Americans were not considered equals. Marian Anderson did not start as a woman who wanted to be a spokesperson but her talent led to the fight. Russell Freedman begins Marian’s story at her famous and groundbreaking Easter performance at the base of the Lincoln Memorial. Freedman allows you to be there for just a few seconds before he shifts to a biography of Marian’s life. Freedman starts with her singing during childhood, her celebrated European tours and then ending with her voice becoming a symbol of the civil rights movement. This book dives into the inequality that Marian faced as she tried to navigate the world of music during a time when black Americans were not given the same opportunities. The famous controversy with the DAR blocking Marian from singing at the Constitution Hall is explained as well as her friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt. This book expertly explores a woman who had no intention of becoming a voice for inequality, her rise through the music industry and the struggles she had to get through to sing at the Lincoln Memorial.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Russell Freedman tells the story of Marian Anderson through the use of interviews, documents, biographies and beautiful photographs. Freedman’s words and diction will be easily understood by students looking to learn more about Marian Anderson but the heft of the subject and cultural exploration by Freedman will appeal to adult readers as well.

The use of primary sources also helps immerse the reader in Marian’s story. In Chapter 5, Banned by the DAR, Freedman uses newspaper articles to lay the scene for Marian’s exclusion from Constitution Hall and Eleanor Roosevelt’s subsequent exit from all DAR related activities. This chapter perfectly captures Freedman’s message. Marian Anderson did not have to do anything to be a voice for the Civil Rights Movement, her actions and message spoke for her. Marian was able to inspire those around her to act by being who she was and not backing down to those who would segregate her.

Chapter Six, Singing to the Nation, allows readers to feel the emotional weight of Marian’s concert at the Lincoln Memorial by providing a double page spread photograph of the concert. The photograph is a sea of people who were likely inspired by Marian. With not end to the crown in sight, Freedman allows the reader to understand just how important this concert was to Marian and the nation as a whole.

Freedman also provides a discography for those interested in hearing the voice that began a cultural movement

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

KIRKUS REVIEW: "a fully realized portrait of a musical artist and her times...an outstanding, handsome biography. Freedman at his best."

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: "Freedman provides thrilling accounts...copious quotes...allow her resonant voice--and personal grace--to fill these pages...An engrossing biography."

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "This inspiring work once again demonstrates Freedman's talent for showing how a person's life is molded by its historical and cultural context."

BOOKLIST: "In his signature prose, plain yet eloquent. Freedman tells Anderson's triumphant story . . . Older readers and adults will want this too."

VOYA: "a masterful biography...The prose is sharp and clean with generous use of quotations...a superb choice."

CONNECTIONS

*Allow students to listen to some of the songs listed in selected discography the back of the book. Students may better connect to Marian Anderson’s life after hearing her voice and the songs she sings.

*Other books women fighting for equal rights:

Coles, Robert. THE STORY OF RUBY BRIDGES. ISBN 0439472265

Weatherford, Carole. VOICE OF FREEDOM: FANNIE LOU HAMER. ISBN 0763665312

Alko, Selina. THE CASE FOR LOVING: THE FIGHT FOR INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE. ISBN 0545478537

Non-Fiction: We Are The Ship

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Nelson, Kadir. 2008. WE ARE THE SHIP: THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL. New York City, NY: Hyperion. ISBN 0763645028

PLOT SUMMARY

The Negro League’s story comes to life in Kadir Nelson’s, We Are the Ship. The narrative of the story is divided into 9 innings with a bonus extra inning at the end. Kadir weaves a story of social and political division during the early 1900’s. Each inning tells of a different aspect of the history of the Negro League from beginnings with Rube Foster to its end as Jackie Robinson raced on the scene. The innings tell of the triumphs the players enjoyed as well as the hard ships and setbacks they endured. Players often had to deal with segregated cities and towns where they were taunted and made fun all while having to sleep in buses or ballparks because they could not sleep in the “whites only” hotels. Kadir perfectly explains the story of a group of men who often faded into the background while their white counterparts enjoyed immense success.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Kadir Nelson tells the story of the Negro Leagues through the use of beautiful paintings and words. The use of double page spreads and portraits of players are used to immerse the reader in the story. The reader is able to connect with these players because they can see them as people through the paintings. He also uses paintings of ticket stubs, ballparks and games to tell his story.

Kadir uses a conversational and storytelling tone as he weaves this story. The reader might feel as if they are sitting in a baseball field listening to these men tell their stories themselves. The reader is provided with many sources at the end of the book for further reading. The reader may also be able to obtain a CD with certain versions of the book that contain the author’s oil paintings, a blues guitar introduction and the foreword read by Dion Graham.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Nelson's stunning oil paintings are included on a CD—but make sure to have the book available as well. Social studies teachers and baseball fans of all ages will covet this delightful winner of the 2009 Coretta Scott King author award and illustrator Honor award.”

BOOKLIST: “The stories and artwork are a tribute to the spirit of the Negro Leaguers, who were much more than also-rans and deserve a more prominent place on baseball’s history shelves. For students and fans (and those even older than the suggested grade level), this is the book to accomplish just that.”

CONNECTIONS

*Have students watch There Was Always Sun Shining: life in the Negro Baseball Leagues by Refocus Films. It is available through PBS.

*Other non-fiction about the Negro Baseball League:
Hogan, Lawrence. SHADES OF GLORY: THE NEGRO LEAGUES AND THE STORY OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN BASEBALL. ISBN 0792253068

Peterson, Robert. ONLY THE BALL WAS WHITE: A HISTORY OF LEGENDARY BLACK PLAYERS AND ALL-BLACK PROFESSIONAL TEAMS. ISBN 0195076370

Poetry: Mirror Mirror

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Singer, Marilyn. 2010. MIRROR MIRROR: A BOOK OF REVERSO POEMS. NewYork: Dutton Book for Young Readers. ISBN 0525479015

PLOT SUMMARY

In Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reverso Poems, Marilyn Singer invites the reader to discover two sides of the same poem. In this collection of poems, we get to look at common fairytales in a different light. Each story has the same poem written twice, the catch is that the second poem is written in reverse, changing this story. Singer reintroduces the stories of Cinderella, Robin Hood, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty and many more. As you read through the book of poems you get to see different point of view to the traditional fairy tales that we know and love. The first poem of the collection entices you to continue and witness the magic of reverso poems.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Marilyn Singer expertly crafts a collection of reverso poems about fairy tales that encourages readers to see familiar stories in a different light. Each fairy tale is told through two side by side poems. The catch is that each poem is the exact same only written in reverse. It is almost magic how the two poems contain the same words but tell a completely different story. The diction and imagery used in the poems are sure to keep children interested and entertained even though they may have heard the fairy tale a hundred times. Each poem interjects the right amount of humor and mystery to make each story unique. 

The illustrations used throughout this collections of poetry are very traditional with a modern flair. They are beautiful, bright and detailed. Each illustration does a great job at enforcing the dual perspective of the poems. Each illustration contains a dividing line down the middle to remind readers that they are indeed seeing different sides of the same story. Sometimes, characters even breach the line, further enforcing that they are indeed of the same fairy tale world.

The title of the book, Mirror Mirror, clues the reader in on the poetry device that will be used in this collection. The reader definitely experiences a mirror-like perspective of poetry and illustrations when delving into this creative and unique world.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: "Masse’s clever compositions play with symmetry, bringing this smart concept to its fullest effect."

THE HORN BOOK: "Cleverly constructed and insightful."

KIRKUS REVIEWS: "A mesmerizing and seamless celebration of language, imagery and perspective."

CONNECTIONS

* Over 20 state award nominations

* This collection of poetry could also be used in conjunction with a fairy tale or traditional literature unit.

* Invite students to try and create their own reverso poems to tell a story in dual perspectives.

* Other collections of reverso poetry:

Singer, Marilyn. FOLLOW FOLLOW: A BOOK OF REVERSO POEMS. ISBN 0803737696

Singer, Marilyn. ECHO ECHO: REVERSO POEMS ABOUT GREEK MYTHS. ISBN 0803739923