Bibliography
Johnson, Angela. 2003. The First Part Last. New York: Simon & Schuster.
ISBN: 0-689-84922-2
Summary
Bobby, a teenager, becomes a father of a baby girl, Feather. His life changes completely after her birth.
Critical Analysis
Award winning author, Angela Johnson, has written a young adult novel that is easy to read with her then and now chapters and short, eloquent sentences in her story The First Part Last.
The story is set in contemporary New York City, where the characters are suggestive of today's people. The main character, Bobby is a sixteen year old boy who has just fathered a child with his teen girlfriend, Nia. Minor characters include Bobby's father and mother and his best friends, K-Boy and J.L. After eclampsia leaves Nia permanently disabled, Bobby decides to keep his baby, Feather, rather than giving her up for adoption. During the story, Bobby deals with such things as exhaustion for caring for Feather, skipping school, and getting arrested for spray painting a wall.
Johnson believable storyline creates a plot readers can understand. Throughout the story, Bobby struggles with life as a new father. At the end, Johnson finishes the story with a surprising twist, yet hopeful ending. The theme indicates Bobby's struggles with doing what is right, as many young adults would and provides an extraordinary example of a family, even if the family is different than most.
The First Part Last is a moving story of relationships and the birth of a child from a teenage boy's point of view. Angela Johnson has written a powerful, insightful story.
Review Excerpts
Kirkus Review states, "Told in alternating chapters that take place "then" and "now," Bobby relates the hour-by-hour tribulations and joys of caring for a newborn, and the circumstances that got him there. Managing to cope with support, but little help, from his single mother (who wants to make sure he does this on his own), Bobby struggles to maintain friendships and a school career while giving his daughter the love and care she craves from him at every moment. By narrating from a realistic first-person voice, Johnson manages to convey a story that is always complex, never preachy" (2003).
Booklist announces, "[F]rom the first page, readers feel the physical reality of Bobby's new world: what it's like to hold Feather on his stomach, smell her skin, touch her clenched fists, feel her shiver, and kiss the top of her curly head. Johnson makes poetry with the simplest words in short, spare sentences that teens will read again and again" (2003).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.titlewave.com/
Connections
Other young adult novels by Angela Johnson:
Heaven
Toning the Sweep
Gone From Home
Humming Whispers
On the Fringe
Other stories by Angela Johnson:
The Aunt in Our House
Do Like Kyla
Daddy Calls Me Man
A Cool Moonlight
The Other Side
Bird
Monday, November 19, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron
Bibliography
Patron, Susan. 2006. The Higher Power of Lucky. New York: Atheneum Books.
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
ISBN: 1-41690-194-9
Summary
Ten year old, Lucky Trimble, in her despair over the thought her guardian will return to France, decides to run away. In her run away event, she finds her higher power, giving herself peace and stability.
Critical Analysis
The Newbery Award winning book, The Higher Power of Lucky, is a heartfelt story about a girl afraid of the possible abandonment of her guardian, while dealing the the loss of her mother.
Patron does an excellent job at portraying the characters in a believable, likable way. For example, Lucky, the main character, is a typical ten-year old. She collects insects and dreams of opening an insect museum. She eavesdrops on twelve-step anonymous meetings. After finding her guardian's passport, she is afraid Brigette is going back to France, leaving her alone. Lucky has a "meanness gland" (34) that erupts a few times when Miles, a 5 year old comes around.
The story is set in Hard Pan, California, where the town is so small there are "no markets or restaurants or even a gas station" (44). While unusually small, and unique in its own way, it is still reminiscent of small town USA. The neighbors know each other, where they support and rely on each other. The residents cope with problems like alcoholism or gambling.
Patron's plot leaves the reader with a satisfied feeling, knowing a Higher Power has found Lucky and she is able to release her mothers remains into the wind. The reader finds Lucky dealing with her situations in a true-to-life manner. Lucky lives her life while dealing with the loss of her mother. Also, she devises a plan to run away. Additionally, the themes of abandonment, loss, fear, and courage in Lucky's story of Lucky are perfectly presented. This presentation helps readers relate to Lucky with ease.
Illustrator, Matt Phelan's simple line drawings help round out the story. His illustrations show the simplicity of Hard Pan life and the depth of Patron's characters. This story is a perfect blend of entertainment and excellent storytelling. The Higher Power of Lucky is a perfect story for all young adults.
Review Excerpts
Horn Book announces, "Author Patron's tale of a grieving, insecure little girl is never heavy-handed or maudlin, due in part to quiet bursts of humor. . . . The book's brief chapters reflect the cyclical, episodic nature of life in Hard Pan, while meandering yet meticulously crafted sentences illustrate Lucky's natural curiosity and the importance of storytelling in her life. Patron's sensory descriptions of Hard Pan and the surrounding desert, supported by Phelan's gentle spot art, animate this unique community" (2007).
Kirkus starred reports, "The plot is not what elevates Lucky's memorable story. Hard Pan may be lightly populated, but every soul is uniquely unforgettable, from 5-year-old Miles, shameless cookie hustler, to Lincoln, serious knot-tying addict. Readers will gladly give themselves over to Patron, a master of light but sure characterization and closely observed detail. A small gem" (2007).
Reviews excerpts from http://www.titlewave.com/.
Connections
Other stories by Susan Patron:
Dark Cloud Strong Breeze
Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe
Bobbin Dustbobbin
Five Bad Boys, Billy Que, and the Dustbobbin
Burgoo Stew
Patron, Susan. 2006. The Higher Power of Lucky. New York: Atheneum Books.
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
ISBN: 1-41690-194-9
Summary
Ten year old, Lucky Trimble, in her despair over the thought her guardian will return to France, decides to run away. In her run away event, she finds her higher power, giving herself peace and stability.
Critical Analysis
The Newbery Award winning book, The Higher Power of Lucky, is a heartfelt story about a girl afraid of the possible abandonment of her guardian, while dealing the the loss of her mother.
Patron does an excellent job at portraying the characters in a believable, likable way. For example, Lucky, the main character, is a typical ten-year old. She collects insects and dreams of opening an insect museum. She eavesdrops on twelve-step anonymous meetings. After finding her guardian's passport, she is afraid Brigette is going back to France, leaving her alone. Lucky has a "meanness gland" (34) that erupts a few times when Miles, a 5 year old comes around.
The story is set in Hard Pan, California, where the town is so small there are "no markets or restaurants or even a gas station" (44). While unusually small, and unique in its own way, it is still reminiscent of small town USA. The neighbors know each other, where they support and rely on each other. The residents cope with problems like alcoholism or gambling.
Patron's plot leaves the reader with a satisfied feeling, knowing a Higher Power has found Lucky and she is able to release her mothers remains into the wind. The reader finds Lucky dealing with her situations in a true-to-life manner. Lucky lives her life while dealing with the loss of her mother. Also, she devises a plan to run away. Additionally, the themes of abandonment, loss, fear, and courage in Lucky's story of Lucky are perfectly presented. This presentation helps readers relate to Lucky with ease.
Illustrator, Matt Phelan's simple line drawings help round out the story. His illustrations show the simplicity of Hard Pan life and the depth of Patron's characters. This story is a perfect blend of entertainment and excellent storytelling. The Higher Power of Lucky is a perfect story for all young adults.
Review Excerpts
Horn Book announces, "Author Patron's tale of a grieving, insecure little girl is never heavy-handed or maudlin, due in part to quiet bursts of humor. . . . The book's brief chapters reflect the cyclical, episodic nature of life in Hard Pan, while meandering yet meticulously crafted sentences illustrate Lucky's natural curiosity and the importance of storytelling in her life. Patron's sensory descriptions of Hard Pan and the surrounding desert, supported by Phelan's gentle spot art, animate this unique community" (2007).
Kirkus starred reports, "The plot is not what elevates Lucky's memorable story. Hard Pan may be lightly populated, but every soul is uniquely unforgettable, from 5-year-old Miles, shameless cookie hustler, to Lincoln, serious knot-tying addict. Readers will gladly give themselves over to Patron, a master of light but sure characterization and closely observed detail. A small gem" (2007).
Reviews excerpts from http://www.titlewave.com/.
Connections
Other stories by Susan Patron:
Dark Cloud Strong Breeze
Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe
Bobbin Dustbobbin
Five Bad Boys, Billy Que, and the Dustbobbin
Burgoo Stew
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Bibliography
Lowry, Lois. 1993. The Giver. Boston. Houghton Mifflin.
ISBN: 0-39564566-2
Summary
In a society of sameness, at the age of twelve, Jonas is selected for his life job, the receiver of memories. In his training for his assignment, Jonas realizes the terrible things about his society.
Critical Analysis
Two-time Newberry Award author has written an exceptional modern fantasy story in The Giver.
Lowry's human characters are believable. They differ from humans in that they live in a society of sameness, where they don't have feelings, emotions or memories. The main character, Jonas, is the only one with memories and feelings and has to deal with the idea that his society's ways are wrong. Jonas is well-developed, where we can understand his actions, root for him, and feel his emotions.
The story takes place in Jonas' community, a place where they live in houses, go to work and school, and function as families. The fantasy aspect is noticed when we learn about the way their community functions. For example, married couples are "assigned" two children. Also, at the age of 12, community members are assigned their role as an adult. There is also no inequality, no injustice, and no poverty.
Jonas struggles with the way his community lives and is shocked when Gabriel is going to be "released." His struggles are plausible and maintain the plot through out the story. Also, the plot is also internally consistent, where Jonas stays in his community of sameness until he escapes to elsewhere at the end of the story.
Jonas' love for Gabriel is powerful and an undercurrent theme, until the end of the story, where we learn Jonas has escaped with Gabriel to elsewhere to save Gabriel's life. Additionally, Lowry's writing style helps us believe in Jonas' world. For example, the dialogue among characters is very precise, almost seeming formal. Jonas' world is a world where preciseness is of utmost importance.
Exciting and entertaining, the audio book version narrated by Ron Rifkin makes the story even more enjoyable. Rifkin manipulates his voice to help the reader grasp the emotions and events in the story. The background music played intermittently throughout the story keeps the listener engaged.
The Giver, in book or audio book format, can be enjoyed by adults and young adults. In any format, it is a story well worth your time.
Review Excerpts
Horn Book reports, "The story is skillfully written; the air of disquiet is delicately insinuated; and the theme of balancing the values of freedom and security is beautifully presented" (1993).
Amy Kelleman with School Library Journal reports, "In a complete departure from her other novels, Lowry has written an intriguing story set in a society that is uniformly run by a Committee of Elders. . . . The author makes real abstract concepts, such as the meaning of a life in which there are virtually no choices to be made and no experiences with deep feelings. This tightly plotted story and its believable characters will stay with readers for a long time" (1993).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.titlewave.com/
Connections
The Giver is a perfect story as a springboard for a class discussion about the value of life. There are two sequels to The Giver by Lois Lowry:
Gathering Blue
The Messenger
Lowry, Lois. 1993. The Giver. Boston. Houghton Mifflin.
ISBN: 0-39564566-2
Summary
In a society of sameness, at the age of twelve, Jonas is selected for his life job, the receiver of memories. In his training for his assignment, Jonas realizes the terrible things about his society.
Critical Analysis
Two-time Newberry Award author has written an exceptional modern fantasy story in The Giver.
Lowry's human characters are believable. They differ from humans in that they live in a society of sameness, where they don't have feelings, emotions or memories. The main character, Jonas, is the only one with memories and feelings and has to deal with the idea that his society's ways are wrong. Jonas is well-developed, where we can understand his actions, root for him, and feel his emotions.
The story takes place in Jonas' community, a place where they live in houses, go to work and school, and function as families. The fantasy aspect is noticed when we learn about the way their community functions. For example, married couples are "assigned" two children. Also, at the age of 12, community members are assigned their role as an adult. There is also no inequality, no injustice, and no poverty.
Jonas struggles with the way his community lives and is shocked when Gabriel is going to be "released." His struggles are plausible and maintain the plot through out the story. Also, the plot is also internally consistent, where Jonas stays in his community of sameness until he escapes to elsewhere at the end of the story.
Jonas' love for Gabriel is powerful and an undercurrent theme, until the end of the story, where we learn Jonas has escaped with Gabriel to elsewhere to save Gabriel's life. Additionally, Lowry's writing style helps us believe in Jonas' world. For example, the dialogue among characters is very precise, almost seeming formal. Jonas' world is a world where preciseness is of utmost importance.
Exciting and entertaining, the audio book version narrated by Ron Rifkin makes the story even more enjoyable. Rifkin manipulates his voice to help the reader grasp the emotions and events in the story. The background music played intermittently throughout the story keeps the listener engaged.
The Giver, in book or audio book format, can be enjoyed by adults and young adults. In any format, it is a story well worth your time.
Review Excerpts
Horn Book reports, "The story is skillfully written; the air of disquiet is delicately insinuated; and the theme of balancing the values of freedom and security is beautifully presented" (1993).
Amy Kelleman with School Library Journal reports, "In a complete departure from her other novels, Lowry has written an intriguing story set in a society that is uniformly run by a Committee of Elders. . . . The author makes real abstract concepts, such as the meaning of a life in which there are virtually no choices to be made and no experiences with deep feelings. This tightly plotted story and its believable characters will stay with readers for a long time" (1993).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.titlewave.com/
Connections
The Giver is a perfect story as a springboard for a class discussion about the value of life. There are two sequels to The Giver by Lois Lowry:
Gathering Blue
The Messenger
Monday, November 5, 2007
When My Name was Keoko by Linda Sue Park
Bibliography
Park, Linda Sue. 2002. When My Name was Keoko. New York: Clarion Books.
ISBN: 0-618-13335-6
Summary
When My Name was Keoko, is a parallel story told through the viewpoints of a sister and a brother. They relate their difficult lives during the Japanese occupation of Korea.
Critical Analysis
Award-winning author Linda Sue Park, writes an eloquent historical fiction story about a Korean family's life in Korea from 1940-1945. Park's descriptive words help set the scene of the setting, whether taking place in the family's home or out in public.
Also, Park does an excellent job at making the plot believable and the theme universal. Readers can connect with the two narrators. For example, at the start of the story, Sun-Hee and Tae-yul find out the Japanese are forcing them to rename themselves with Japanese names. Tau-yul states, "A different name? I can't imagine it. I look at Sun-Hee and I can tell she's thinking the same thing" (5). The parallel stories of the siblings helps readers connect to the theme. Sun-hee and Tae-yul react differently to situations, displaying the different emotions, feelings, and actions we may all feel.
Park's writing style is indicative of the time period, mixing in a few Korean words to help the story flow. Additionally, Park does an amazing job at weaving true historical events into the story, making the story authentic and accurate. For example, kamikaze pilots, leaflets dropped from an airplane, rose of Sharon trees uprooted and burned, and the changing of Korean names are all part of Korean history during this time period (193-4). Linda Sue Park validates the historical events through Author's Notes and a Bibliography at the end of the book.
A poignant story set in a time period that is not well-known, When My Name was Keoko, is an outstanding story for fifth graders to adults.
Review Excerpts
Publishers' Weekly announces, "A brother and sister alternate as narrators in Newbery Medalist Park's (A Single Shard) well-constructed novel, which takes place from 1940-1945 in Japanese-occupied Korea . . . . Through the use of the shifting narrators, Park subtly points up the differences between male and female roles in Korean society; and the father's process of choosing the family's Japanese name speaks volumes about his strength and intelligence. . . . [T]elling details provide a clear picture of Sun-hee and Tae-yul and their world. Readers will come away with an appreciation of this period of history and likely a greater interest in learning more about it" (2002).
Barbara Scotto with School Library Journal reports, "What is outstanding is the insight Park gives into the complex minds of these young people. Each of them reacts to the events in different ways-Sun-hee takes refuge in writing while Tae-yul throws his energies into physical work. Yet in both cases they develop subtle plans to resist the enemy. Like the Rose of Sharon tree, symbol of Korea, which the family pots and hides in their shed until their country is free, Sun-hee and Tae-yul endure and grow. This beautifully crafted and moving novel joins a small but growing body of literature, such as Haemi Balgassi's Peacebound Trains (Clarion, 1996) and Sook Nyul Choi's The Year of Impossible Goodbyes (Houghton, 1991), that expands readers' understanding of this period" (2002).
Connections
Other stories by Linda Sue Park set in Korea:
Archer's Quest
A Single Shard
The Firekeeper's Son
The Kite Fighters
Seesaw Girl
Park, Linda Sue. 2002. When My Name was Keoko. New York: Clarion Books.
ISBN: 0-618-13335-6
Summary
When My Name was Keoko, is a parallel story told through the viewpoints of a sister and a brother. They relate their difficult lives during the Japanese occupation of Korea.
Critical Analysis
Award-winning author Linda Sue Park, writes an eloquent historical fiction story about a Korean family's life in Korea from 1940-1945. Park's descriptive words help set the scene of the setting, whether taking place in the family's home or out in public.
Also, Park does an excellent job at making the plot believable and the theme universal. Readers can connect with the two narrators. For example, at the start of the story, Sun-Hee and Tae-yul find out the Japanese are forcing them to rename themselves with Japanese names. Tau-yul states, "A different name? I can't imagine it. I look at Sun-Hee and I can tell she's thinking the same thing" (5). The parallel stories of the siblings helps readers connect to the theme. Sun-hee and Tae-yul react differently to situations, displaying the different emotions, feelings, and actions we may all feel.
Park's writing style is indicative of the time period, mixing in a few Korean words to help the story flow. Additionally, Park does an amazing job at weaving true historical events into the story, making the story authentic and accurate. For example, kamikaze pilots, leaflets dropped from an airplane, rose of Sharon trees uprooted and burned, and the changing of Korean names are all part of Korean history during this time period (193-4). Linda Sue Park validates the historical events through Author's Notes and a Bibliography at the end of the book.
A poignant story set in a time period that is not well-known, When My Name was Keoko, is an outstanding story for fifth graders to adults.
Review Excerpts
Publishers' Weekly announces, "A brother and sister alternate as narrators in Newbery Medalist Park's (A Single Shard) well-constructed novel, which takes place from 1940-1945 in Japanese-occupied Korea . . . . Through the use of the shifting narrators, Park subtly points up the differences between male and female roles in Korean society; and the father's process of choosing the family's Japanese name speaks volumes about his strength and intelligence. . . . [T]elling details provide a clear picture of Sun-hee and Tae-yul and their world. Readers will come away with an appreciation of this period of history and likely a greater interest in learning more about it" (2002).
Barbara Scotto with School Library Journal reports, "What is outstanding is the insight Park gives into the complex minds of these young people. Each of them reacts to the events in different ways-Sun-hee takes refuge in writing while Tae-yul throws his energies into physical work. Yet in both cases they develop subtle plans to resist the enemy. Like the Rose of Sharon tree, symbol of Korea, which the family pots and hides in their shed until their country is free, Sun-hee and Tae-yul endure and grow. This beautifully crafted and moving novel joins a small but growing body of literature, such as Haemi Balgassi's Peacebound Trains (Clarion, 1996) and Sook Nyul Choi's The Year of Impossible Goodbyes (Houghton, 1991), that expands readers' understanding of this period" (2002).
Connections
Other stories by Linda Sue Park set in Korea:
Archer's Quest
A Single Shard
The Firekeeper's Son
The Kite Fighters
Seesaw Girl
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Worth by A. LaFaye
Bibliography
LaFaye, A. 2004. Worth. New York: Simon & Schuster.
ISBN: 0-689-85730-6
Summary
Eleven year old, Nate helps father with all the farm work, but after an accident, Nate is no longer able to help. Nate's father brings home John Worth, an orphan, to take Nate's placed with the farm chores. Nate feels even worse about himself once John arrives, creating a wedge between the two boys. As time passes, Nate and John make a connection.
Critical Analysis
The Scott O'Dell Award winning book, Worth by A. LaFaye is a superb story of a boy's pioneer life and the difficult times his family endures. Nate, the main character, mangles his leg in an accident on the farm at the age of 12. Father feels responsible, Nate's heart is broken when he realizes his leg will prevent him from working the farm along with his father, and mother is bitter from the past. In an effort to get help with the work on the farm, father adopts an orphan boy, John Worth.
LaFaye's excellent use of words helps readers make connections to the characters while also develop the style of pioneer life. For example, when Nate thinks what it would be like losing his family like John Worth he was "crushed up inside" (31). Another example can be found when Nate and John "talked death all the way to the house" (99). A third example is found when John is "praying up a storm" when Widow Kerensky points a shotgun at the boys (135).
The story takes place on the plains of Nebraska, where Nate and his father work the land, and mother earns extra money by "tinkering." LaFaye has developed the setting accurately, bringing in the particulars of the time period: orphan train, a soddie school, fighting between ranchers and farmers, fence cutting, lynchings, and horse-drawn wagons.
Additionally, LaFaye designs the plot perfectly for a historical fiction of this time period. She also does an excellent job a maintaining a well balanced historical details.
Worth by A. LaFaye depicts pioneer life perfectly. It is a story that is interesting and heart-felt and could be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Review Excerpts
Publisher's Weekly reports, "LaFaye paints a realistic picture of the hardships for average families at the time the Orphan Train rode the rails. . . . The author weaves in a subtle message about the power of story, as Nate builds a bond with John by reading him Greek myths out of a borrowed book (2004).
Joel Shoemaker with School Library Journal states, "The author convincingly conveys the boys' gradual realization of the value of one another's friendship. Other themes include the importance of reading and education, meeting challenges head on, relying on and playing a responsible role in your community, and recovering from loss. A special strength of the book is the characterization of Nathaniel's mom, whose fierce anger is emotionally balanced by her dedication to her family's well-being. Although she works as a tinker, she lets her husband take credit in deference to the mores of the time. A satisfying piece of historical fiction (2004).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.titlewave.com/
Connections
Other stories by A. LaFaye:
The Year of the Sawdust Man
Strawberry Hill
Dad, In Spirit
The Strength of Saints
Other stories about frontier life:
Maude March on the Run!, or, Trouble is Her Middle Name by Audrey Couloumbis
The Misadventures of Maude March, or, Trouble Rides a Fast Horse by Audrey Couloumbis
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
Bringing Ezra Back by Cynthia C. DeFelice
Little House on the Prairie and other pioneer stories by Laura Ingalls Wilder
LaFaye, A. 2004. Worth. New York: Simon & Schuster.
ISBN: 0-689-85730-6
Summary
Eleven year old, Nate helps father with all the farm work, but after an accident, Nate is no longer able to help. Nate's father brings home John Worth, an orphan, to take Nate's placed with the farm chores. Nate feels even worse about himself once John arrives, creating a wedge between the two boys. As time passes, Nate and John make a connection.
Critical Analysis
The Scott O'Dell Award winning book, Worth by A. LaFaye is a superb story of a boy's pioneer life and the difficult times his family endures. Nate, the main character, mangles his leg in an accident on the farm at the age of 12. Father feels responsible, Nate's heart is broken when he realizes his leg will prevent him from working the farm along with his father, and mother is bitter from the past. In an effort to get help with the work on the farm, father adopts an orphan boy, John Worth.
LaFaye's excellent use of words helps readers make connections to the characters while also develop the style of pioneer life. For example, when Nate thinks what it would be like losing his family like John Worth he was "crushed up inside" (31). Another example can be found when Nate and John "talked death all the way to the house" (99). A third example is found when John is "praying up a storm" when Widow Kerensky points a shotgun at the boys (135).
The story takes place on the plains of Nebraska, where Nate and his father work the land, and mother earns extra money by "tinkering." LaFaye has developed the setting accurately, bringing in the particulars of the time period: orphan train, a soddie school, fighting between ranchers and farmers, fence cutting, lynchings, and horse-drawn wagons.
Additionally, LaFaye designs the plot perfectly for a historical fiction of this time period. She also does an excellent job a maintaining a well balanced historical details.
Worth by A. LaFaye depicts pioneer life perfectly. It is a story that is interesting and heart-felt and could be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Review Excerpts
Publisher's Weekly reports, "LaFaye paints a realistic picture of the hardships for average families at the time the Orphan Train rode the rails. . . . The author weaves in a subtle message about the power of story, as Nate builds a bond with John by reading him Greek myths out of a borrowed book (2004).
Joel Shoemaker with School Library Journal states, "The author convincingly conveys the boys' gradual realization of the value of one another's friendship. Other themes include the importance of reading and education, meeting challenges head on, relying on and playing a responsible role in your community, and recovering from loss. A special strength of the book is the characterization of Nathaniel's mom, whose fierce anger is emotionally balanced by her dedication to her family's well-being. Although she works as a tinker, she lets her husband take credit in deference to the mores of the time. A satisfying piece of historical fiction (2004).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.titlewave.com/
Connections
Other stories by A. LaFaye:
The Year of the Sawdust Man
Strawberry Hill
Dad, In Spirit
The Strength of Saints
Other stories about frontier life:
Maude March on the Run!, or, Trouble is Her Middle Name by Audrey Couloumbis
The Misadventures of Maude March, or, Trouble Rides a Fast Horse by Audrey Couloumbis
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
Bringing Ezra Back by Cynthia C. DeFelice
Little House on the Prairie and other pioneer stories by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Cleopatra by Diana Stanley
Bibliography
Stanley, Diane. 1994. Cleopatra. New York: Morrow Junior Books.
Illustrator: Peter Vennema
ISBN: 0-688-10413-4
Summary
This biography details the reign of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, from the age of 18 and concludes upon her death at the age of 39.
Critical Analysis
Outstanding author and illustrator, Diane Stanley, has written a remarkable biography about Cleopatra, an interesting person from an ancient time period.
Stanley provides a note on ancient sources before the story opens to support the authenticity and accuracy of the facts about Cleopatra. She explains that all writings about Cleopatra were written by her enemies, and the major episodes of her life were recorded by Plutarch. The written works of Plutarch have to be regarded carefully because he lived 100 years after Cleopatra and much of his writings were substantiated by her opponents (Note on Ancient Sources). Also, Stanley reports on her personal website that she travels to areas to do research on her subjects. She traveled to Egypt for research about Cleopatra (www.dianastanley.com).
The preface provided at the beginning of the book provides background information to make the story coherent. The story follows the chronological life of Cleopatra, starting at the age of eighteen and ending upon her death at the age of 39. The epilogue at the end of the book provides a nice closure to the history of the time period. Additionally, the pronunciation guide is a nice addition to make the reading more gratifying.
Stanley is teamed with an amazing illustrator to make the perfect design for this story. Gouache, a specific paint technique, is used to make the illustrations support the interesting text and are a nice complement to the story. The illustrations of the clothing, transportation, gatherings, and settings are authentic to the time period. Also, the maps are helpful resources for the reader.
Stanley's passion for history and accuracy of information keeps the story interesting and easy to read. This is an outstanding, enjoyable biography that should be part of any library's children's collection. Cleopatra by Diane Stanley is deserving of inclusion on numerous book lists, including the ALA Notable Books.
Review Excerpts
Carolyn Noah with School Library Journal reports, "In this lively, well-crafted biography, Stanley and Vennema brush the cobwebs from the popularly held portrait of Cleopatra to reveal a vital, warm, and politically adroit ruler. Lucid writing combines with carefully selected anecdotes, often attributed to the Greek historian Plutarch, to create an engaging narrative" (1994).
Publisher Weekly Review states, "The dazzling Egyptian queen proves a fertile subject for Stanley and Vennema . . . . Here they make a seemingly effortless leap into ancient times, masterfully relating Cleopatra's life story through words and pictures" (1994).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.fortworthgov.org/library/
Connections
Other biographies/historical fiction about Cleopatra:
The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George
Cleopatra by Susan Reid
Cleopatra by Rose Blue
Cleopatra: Egypt's Last Pharaoh by Don Nardo
Queen Cleopatra by Thomas Streissguth
Stanley, Diane. 1994. Cleopatra. New York: Morrow Junior Books.
Illustrator: Peter Vennema
ISBN: 0-688-10413-4
Summary
This biography details the reign of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, from the age of 18 and concludes upon her death at the age of 39.
Critical Analysis
Outstanding author and illustrator, Diane Stanley, has written a remarkable biography about Cleopatra, an interesting person from an ancient time period.
Stanley provides a note on ancient sources before the story opens to support the authenticity and accuracy of the facts about Cleopatra. She explains that all writings about Cleopatra were written by her enemies, and the major episodes of her life were recorded by Plutarch. The written works of Plutarch have to be regarded carefully because he lived 100 years after Cleopatra and much of his writings were substantiated by her opponents (Note on Ancient Sources). Also, Stanley reports on her personal website that she travels to areas to do research on her subjects. She traveled to Egypt for research about Cleopatra (www.dianastanley.com).
The preface provided at the beginning of the book provides background information to make the story coherent. The story follows the chronological life of Cleopatra, starting at the age of eighteen and ending upon her death at the age of 39. The epilogue at the end of the book provides a nice closure to the history of the time period. Additionally, the pronunciation guide is a nice addition to make the reading more gratifying.
Stanley is teamed with an amazing illustrator to make the perfect design for this story. Gouache, a specific paint technique, is used to make the illustrations support the interesting text and are a nice complement to the story. The illustrations of the clothing, transportation, gatherings, and settings are authentic to the time period. Also, the maps are helpful resources for the reader.
Stanley's passion for history and accuracy of information keeps the story interesting and easy to read. This is an outstanding, enjoyable biography that should be part of any library's children's collection. Cleopatra by Diane Stanley is deserving of inclusion on numerous book lists, including the ALA Notable Books.
Review Excerpts
Carolyn Noah with School Library Journal reports, "In this lively, well-crafted biography, Stanley and Vennema brush the cobwebs from the popularly held portrait of Cleopatra to reveal a vital, warm, and politically adroit ruler. Lucid writing combines with carefully selected anecdotes, often attributed to the Greek historian Plutarch, to create an engaging narrative" (1994).
Publisher Weekly Review states, "The dazzling Egyptian queen proves a fertile subject for Stanley and Vennema . . . . Here they make a seemingly effortless leap into ancient times, masterfully relating Cleopatra's life story through words and pictures" (1994).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.fortworthgov.org/library/
Connections
Other biographies/historical fiction about Cleopatra:
The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George
Cleopatra by Susan Reid
Cleopatra by Rose Blue
Cleopatra: Egypt's Last Pharaoh by Don Nardo
Queen Cleopatra by Thomas Streissguth
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Danger! Earthquakes by Seymour Simon
Bibliography
Simon, Seymour. 2002. Danger! Earthquakes. San Francisco: Sea Star Books.
ISBN: 0-329-27815-0
Summary
Danger! Earthquakes discusses the causes, destruction, and locations of earthquakes in an easy to read presentation.
Critical Analysis
Seymour Simon has written over 200 children's books and is an award recipient for numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Science Books.
Simon has a vast array of children's books. One of his endeavors is a series for the younger reader. This series is called SeeMore Readers. Danger! Earthquake is one book of this series.
Simon's information about earthquakes is accurate and informative. Readers learn how earthquakes are measured, where earthquakes are located, and what to do in an earthquake. Danger! Earthquakes is organized well. Simon introduces earthquakes, then explains how they are measured. Next, Simon discusses specific earthquakes: the 1811 earthquake in Mississippi, the 1964 earthquake in Anchorage, Alaska, and the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City. Simon concludes the book with information on what to do if you are in an earthquake.
The book is easy to read, and simple enough for the young reader or reluctant reader. Danger! Earthquakes is fashioned after a more advanced edition by Simon, Earthquakes (1991). The text is not as detailed as the earlier version, but Simon does maintain the integrity of the information presented. Simon makes it easier to understand for the younger reader by reducing the amount of text on each page and providing careful word selection. The text on each page is less than 10 sentences and written in an easy to read font.
The book is attractive and interesting with full page photographs and pictures. The pictures provide support to the text, making it easy to comprehend. Some of the pictures are found in both of Simon's earthquake books. Unfortunately, a few of the pictures in Danger! Earthquakes appear to be lesser quality than his first book. In comparison, they are slightly grainy.
It is exciting to have a prolific writer provide books for even the youngest of readers. These books are perfect for the young and inviting enough for the reluctant reader, encouraging a foundation for curiosity about the things around them. Danger! Earthquakes, along with the rest of the series is necessary for a library collection.
Review Excerpts
Horn Book reports, "In two books in this series for beginning readers, clear, color photos and maps show the range and effects of these natural phenomena. The easy-to-read, informative text extends the illustrations and exhibits a knowledge of not only the subject but also the audience" (2002).
Edith Ching with School Library Journal states, "These easy-readers are dominated by large, colorful photographs. Many of those in Danger! appeared in Simon's Earthquakes (Morrow, 1991) and some are poorly reproduced, often grainy. A few lines of generally clear and informative text accompany the illustrations on each page " (2002).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.titlewave.com/.
Connections
Danger! Earthquakes is part of the See More Readers series, level 2. Other books in the same series include:
Bridges
Cool Cars
Danger! Volcanoes
Giant Snakes
Skyscrapers
Super Storms
Simon, Seymour. 2002. Danger! Earthquakes. San Francisco: Sea Star Books.
ISBN: 0-329-27815-0
Summary
Danger! Earthquakes discusses the causes, destruction, and locations of earthquakes in an easy to read presentation.
Critical Analysis
Seymour Simon has written over 200 children's books and is an award recipient for numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Science Books.
Simon has a vast array of children's books. One of his endeavors is a series for the younger reader. This series is called SeeMore Readers. Danger! Earthquake is one book of this series.
Simon's information about earthquakes is accurate and informative. Readers learn how earthquakes are measured, where earthquakes are located, and what to do in an earthquake. Danger! Earthquakes is organized well. Simon introduces earthquakes, then explains how they are measured. Next, Simon discusses specific earthquakes: the 1811 earthquake in Mississippi, the 1964 earthquake in Anchorage, Alaska, and the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City. Simon concludes the book with information on what to do if you are in an earthquake.
The book is easy to read, and simple enough for the young reader or reluctant reader. Danger! Earthquakes is fashioned after a more advanced edition by Simon, Earthquakes (1991). The text is not as detailed as the earlier version, but Simon does maintain the integrity of the information presented. Simon makes it easier to understand for the younger reader by reducing the amount of text on each page and providing careful word selection. The text on each page is less than 10 sentences and written in an easy to read font.
The book is attractive and interesting with full page photographs and pictures. The pictures provide support to the text, making it easy to comprehend. Some of the pictures are found in both of Simon's earthquake books. Unfortunately, a few of the pictures in Danger! Earthquakes appear to be lesser quality than his first book. In comparison, they are slightly grainy.
It is exciting to have a prolific writer provide books for even the youngest of readers. These books are perfect for the young and inviting enough for the reluctant reader, encouraging a foundation for curiosity about the things around them. Danger! Earthquakes, along with the rest of the series is necessary for a library collection.
Review Excerpts
Horn Book reports, "In two books in this series for beginning readers, clear, color photos and maps show the range and effects of these natural phenomena. The easy-to-read, informative text extends the illustrations and exhibits a knowledge of not only the subject but also the audience" (2002).
Edith Ching with School Library Journal states, "These easy-readers are dominated by large, colorful photographs. Many of those in Danger! appeared in Simon's Earthquakes (Morrow, 1991) and some are poorly reproduced, often grainy. A few lines of generally clear and informative text accompany the illustrations on each page " (2002).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.titlewave.com/.
Connections
Danger! Earthquakes is part of the See More Readers series, level 2. Other books in the same series include:
Bridges
Cool Cars
Danger! Volcanoes
Giant Snakes
Skyscrapers
Super Storms
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