BABYMOUSE: QUEEN OF THE WORLD by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

Babymouse: Queen of the World by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

BIBLIOGRAPHYHolm, J. and Holm, M., 2005, Babymouse: Queen of the World, Random House, New York, ISBN 0375832297

PLOT SUMMARYBabymouse, an imaginative young mouse, constantly dreams of being the queen of her world. On a constant quest for excitement and adventure, Babymouse longs for something other than her everyday drab life filled with the same old chores, same old food, same old activities and the same old friends.  Babymouse assumes new identities in a world of fantasy and make-believe which often creates challenging and sticky situations. When Babymouse decides she MUST be invited to popular Felicia Furrypaws’ upcoming slumber party, she agrees to give Felicia her book report in exchange for an invitation. Babymouse breaks her previous commitment to her long time friend Wilson to attend the party, which turns out to be a total letdown. Babymouse ultimately makes the right decision to join Wilson for their planned night of monster movies and realizes that she already lives in a pretty “royal” world.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Written by a sister/brother team, Jennifer and Matthew Holm, Babymouse: Queen of the World, is the first graphic novel in a running series of fifteen. The development of main character, Babymouse is fresh and clever using dialogue which is natural and believable such as Babymouse’s favorite catch phrase “typical.”   The illustrations are comical and will make you laugh out loud.  The drawings are simple with a heavy outline and the clever use of pink to emphasize Babymouse’s world of imagination and make-believe.  The theme of popularity and true friendships offers a great life lesson for young readers about peer pressure, hard choices and building character.
(Graphic Novel, Fiction; Recommended for girls ages 7 - 10)

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist-“The Holms spruce up some well-trod ground with breathless pacing and clever flights of Babymouse’s imagination, and their manic, pink-toned illustrations of Babymouse and her cohorts vigorously reflect the internal life of any million-ideas-a-minute middle-school student.”
Publishers Weekly-“Both tales share eye-grabbing black-and-pink graphics, and a perceptible Spiegelman influence simmers in the energetic ink illustrations of the dot-eyed heroine.”
Kirkus, starred review-“Young readers will happily fall in line to follow Babymouse through both ordinary pratfalls (“Typical!” is her watchword) and extraordinary flights of fancyboth.”

AWARDS: 
WINNER 2006 - Gryphon Award
WINNER 2006 - ALA Notable Children's Book
WINNER 2006 - New York Book Show Awards

CONNECTIONSBabymouse: Queen of the World is a great book for integrated curriculum.  Here are a few ideas for utilizing a graphic novel in the classroom:
Language ArtsIn language arts, analyze how the author develops a character.
Divide students into groups and assign each group a different character (Wilson, Felicia, Babymouse, etc.). Then have each group brainstorm different words and adjectives that can be used to describe each individual character.
Group Discussions
Even though the characters in the Babymouse books are animals, they do possess some very
human character traits. Ask students to brainstorm individually or in small groups those traits
that Babymouse and her fellow characters share with humans.
In a graphic novel, the format plays a significant role in the telling of the story; while there is text, some of the story is told through the illustrations. Ask students to discuss which elements of the story are told in traditional words and which elements are relayed more in the pictures. What information is conveyed only in text? Only in the illustrations? In both the text and the illustrations?
Art- Ask students to consider some of the following questions:
• What are the colors that predominate the illustrations?
• Why do you think the illustrator elected to use these colors?
• How do the illustrations convey the mood and emotions of the characters?
• How does the illustrator let readers know that Babymouse is daydreaming and that what is happening is not real?
Have students continue Babymouse’s adventures by creating their own Babymouse graphic chapter.

Other Recommended Books:Babymouse: Our Hero, Holms, Jennifer, Holm, Matthew, (2005) ISBN 0375832300
Babymouse: Beach Babe, Holm, Jennifer, Holm Matthew, (2006) ISBN 0375832319
Babymouse: Rock Star, Holm, Jennifer, Holm, Matthew, (2006) ISBN 0375832300
Babymouse: Heartbreaker, Holms, Jennifer, Holm, Matthew (2006; Children’s Choices 2008) ISBN 0375837981
Camp Babymouse, Holms, Jennifer, Holm, Matthew (2007; Children’s Choices 2008) ISBN 0375839887
Babymouse: Skater Girl, Holms, Jennifer, Holm, Matthew (2007) ISBN 037593989X
Babymouse: Puppy Love, Holms, Jennifer, Holm, Matthew (2007; Children’s Choices 2009) ISBN 0375839909
Babymouse: Monster Mash, Holms, Jennifer, Holm, Matthew (2008; Children’s Choice 2009) ISBN 0375843876
Babymouse: The Musical, Holms, Jennifer, Holm, Matthew (2009) ISBN 0375843884
Babymouse: Dragonslayer, Holms, Jennifer, Holm, Matthew (2009) ISBN 0375857125
Babymouse: Burns Rubber, Holms, Jennifer, Holm, Matthew (2010) ISBN 0375857133
Related Websites:
http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/babymouse/homepage.htm
http://www.jenniferholm.com/02_mybooks/11_babymouse.html

JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL by Jack Gantos

Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gantos, Jack, 2000, Joey Pigza Loses Control, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, New York, New York; ISBN 0374399891
PLOT SUMMARY
Main character Joey Pigza, is an eleven year old boy struggling with ADHD.  Joey’s parents are divorced and he lives with his mom but has decided to spend six weeks over the summer with his father, Carter, who he hasn’t seen in years. Now that Carter has cleaned up his act, he wants to make up for lost time and his wrong doings and to teach Joey how to take control of his own life.  While Carter’s intentions are good, his father is only a grown up version of Joey before he started taking his MEDS.   Unfortunately, Joey’s father chooses to self-medicate with cigarettes and alcohol.  Joey’s story depicts his life of uncontrollable impulses and the hurdles he faces in order to build some type of relationship with his father.
As the story unfolds, Joey is asked to become the pitcher on his dad’s baseball team and father and son soon begin to bond. Just as things are looking up, Carter has one too many drinks one evening and destroys the two’s medication patches, determined that they just don’t need them anymore.  It is at this point that Joey, though he would like to be a “normal” kid and not take medication, realizes his actions and life is slipping out of control and lies to his mother in order to protect his Dad. Being pressured to live permanently with his father, who refuses to give Joey his medication, Joey’s life spins out of control. Who will rescue him?                   
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In Joey Pigza Loses Control, the sequel to Joey Pigza Swallowed The Key,  Gantos once again cleverly intertwines contemporary complex family issues of divorce, disabilities, alcoholism and manipulation into a compelling first person narrative.  Though the story is heart-wrenching and dark at times, the plot is unfortunately plausible with settings and events aimed at today’s middle schoolers.  Ganto’s main character Joey resonates with of young readers and life’s challenges and leaves the reader cheering for Joey to find his way in the world as he struggles with his disability.  Ganto’s strong voice throughout the book not only captivates young readers but adults as well. (Contemporary Fiction, Ages 10+)
REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal- “Readers will be drawn in immediately to the boy's gripping first-person narrative and be pulled pell-mell through episodes that are at once hilarious, harrowing, and ultimately heartening as Joey grows to understand himself and the people around him. The ride home isn't smooth, but it is hopeful and loving. Does this mean that he is on the way to a happy, "normal" life?”
Publishers Weekly- “Like its predecessor (Joey Pigza Swallowed The Key), this high-voltage, honest novel mixes humor, pain, fear and courage with deceptive ease. Struggling to please everyone even as he sees himself hurtling toward disaster, Joey emerges as a sympathetic hero, and his heart of gold never loses its shine.”
Kirkus, starred review- “As if Joey didn't get into enough trouble in his unforgettable debut, Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (1998), Gantos has him wig out again in this sad, scary, blackly funny sequel.... A tragic tale in many ways, but a triumph too.”

AWARDS: 
Newbery Honor Book
ALA Notable Book
Publishers Weekly Best Book
School Library Journal Best Book
NY Times Book Review Notable Book
BCCB Blue Ribbon Book
Booklist Editors' Choice
Horn Book Fanfare Book
Booklinks Lasting Choice Selection

CONNECTIONS
Joey Pigza Loses Control is a great book for integrated Language Arts and Humanities curriculum.  Here are a few ideas for utilizing this story in the classroom:
Language Arts/HumanitiesVENN All About ADHD:
Joey Pigza has ADHD.  What does this abbreviation stand for? Have students research ADHD online or by interviewing a doctor and ask students to describe their feelings through a brief journal entry about its effects on people.
Next have students complete a Venn diagram showing the differences and similarities of a student who has ADHD and one who does not.
Finally, ask students to write in their journal about their feelings as to whether these students should be treated differently in their class(es).
Write a Personal Narrative
Discuss with students elements of personal narratives.  Read Joey Pigza Loses Control and then have students write their own personal narrative using their journal entries as chapters in their book.
Discussion Questions/Journal Entries
Once the class has read Joey Pigza Loses Control, you might use the following to provoke group discussion of journal topics.
• Have you ever felt different from other children your age? What is it about you that made you feel this way? Would you want to change this uniqueness? Explain your answer.
• Everyone tries to please those they love the most. Think of a special person in your life. What have you done to try and show that person how much you truly love them?
• Ask students if they have ever had to make decisions that were uncomfortable or undesirable due to an adult’s bribery or false promises. What were these decisions and how did they make them feel? If they could turn back the clock, would they do the same things?
• After writing their feelings in their journal, ask students to decide whether or not they want to share them with the other person involved. If they decide not to share, explain why. If they do share, ask them to tell the outcome of their experience.
Other Recommended Books:
Pigza Swallowed the Key, Gantos, Jack, 1998, ISBN 0064408337
What Would Joey Do? Gantos, Jack, 2002, ISBN 0060544031
I Am Not Joey Pigza, Gantos Jack, 2007, ISBN 0312661002
Related Websites:
http://www.multcolib.org/talk/guides-joeypigzaloses.html
http://www.kidsreads.com/reviews/0374399891.asp
http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?id=1125&type=book&cn=3
http://www.kidsource.com/books/JPigzalosescontrol.html

NATION by Terry Pratchett

Nation by Terry Pratchett

BIBLIOGRAPHYPratchett, Terry, 2008, Nation, Harper Collins Publishers, New York, New York; ISBN 0061433016

PLOT SUMMARY
Set on an island in the Pacific Ocean. Mau finds himself alone after a tsunami wave wipes out his entire family and village. Daphne, the only survivor of the Sweet Judy is shipwrecked on the island and the two soon discover they are not alone. Daphne and Mau are left behind to rebuild the Nation as survivors find their way back. Sorrowful and broken, Mau and Daphne question God and all things good yet work diligently to rebuild and help survivors.  The two learn a great deal about each other’s culture and language, as they struggle to keep the small village safe and fed, defy odds, defeat death and discover a hidden secret that turns their world upside down.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Terry Pratchett’s skillful writing and exquisite character development of both Mau and Daphne, immediately draw the reader in and then Pratchett never lets you out! Having never read a Terry Pratchett novel prior to Nation and not knowing what to expect, I became immediately immersed and read the book within 24 hours.  I fell in love with this book and have added Nation to my favorite’s book list?  I have ever come across a book so philosophical and action packed. The plot was quick paced with Mau and Daphne experiencing famine, birth, death, cannibals, pirates, ghosts, and other challenging situations. The setting is extremely vibrant and vivid taking the reader by the hand on Mau and Daphne’s quest to rebuild a better Nation.  The underlining themes of the book: life, death, grief, faith, community and humanity are subjects relevant to the meaning of “growing up” and obtaining knowledge pursued and through subjection.
Nation is a powerful book that I recommend to any young adult or adult alike.  It is a book that will forever have a home on my bookshelf.
(Fiction, Young Adults ages 13 and up)

REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST, STARRED REVIEW- “Quirky wit and broad vision make this a fascinating survival story on many levels."
"A searching exploration of good and evil, fate and free will, both as broad and as deep as anything this brilliant author has produced so far.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS- "A rich and thought-provoking read."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, STARRED REVIEW- "A classic survival tale that offers laughs and much to mull over, this is a wonderfully entertaining novel."
NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW -"A wonderful story, by turns harrowing and triumphant."
WASHINGTON POST BOOK WORLD- "Pratchett’s examination of questions about religious belief, the nature of culture and what it means to be human [...] is a terrific, thought-provoking book."
HORN BOOK, STARRED REVIEW- “It is hard to imagine a reader who won’t feel welcomed into this nation."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, STARRED REVIEW- "Neatly balancing the somber and the wildly humorous in a riveting tale of discovery, Pratchett shows himself at the height of his powers."

AWARDS: 
Michael L. Printz Honor Book
ALA Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice
ALA Notable Children’s Book
ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Book

CONNECTIONS
Language Arts/HumanitiesFantasy Novel- Have students write their own fantasy story based on being stranded on a deserted island. 
Discussion QuestionsNation covers many philosophical points that the author raises.  Use the following questions for group discussions or for journaling.
Why do bad things happen?
What is the place of God or gods in the universe and in our lives?
Is it okay for people to worship different Gods?
Are some cultures superior to others?
How is knowledge lost?
Why do people do the things they do?
Other Recommended Books:The Wee Free Men, Pratchett, Terry, 2003, ISBN 0552549053
Johnny and the Bomb Pratchett, Terry, 1996, ISBN 0385406703
Johnny and the Dead, Pratchett, Terry, 2006, ISBN 0552527408
The Bromeliad Trilogy, Pratchett, Terry, 2003, ISBN 0060094931
Related Websites:http://www.terrypratchett.co.uk/

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff

Lily’s Crossing By Patricia Reilly Giff

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Giff, P., 1997, LILY’S CROSSING, Delacorte Press, New York, ISBN 0385321422

PLOT SUMMARY
Lily’s Crossing takes place during the struggles of the summer of 1944. World War II has changed every one and everyone’s way of life including that of main character Lily. Lily, who is expecting her usual relaxed summer vacation in Rockaway, New York, finds herself alone and in despair as her father ships off to France to fight the war and whose best friend is forced to move out of town.  Lily befriends an unlikely boy named Albert who has moved from Hungary to Rockaway to live with his grandmother after losing his family during the war.  As the story unfolds, Lily’s perpetual lying catches up with her when a lie jeopardies her friend Albert’s life.  It is at this point, Lily’s Crossing that Lily learns a lot about family, honesty and accountability for one’s actions.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Patricia Reilly Giff tells a magnificent story that is relaxed, captivating and even humorous intertwined with the serious elements of war and loss.  Giff’s ability to capture the small town setting and historical elements of coastal New York, along with realistic characters that are both strong yet insecure, cultivate a novel which leaves the reader longing for more.  The details of the 1940’s are accurate and Giff’s “real life” stories and experiences create a tale that is more realistic and genuine.

Lily’s Crossing is a beautifully written story that touches on many human issues while exploring the struggles and heartaches of WW II in an age appropriate style. The historical events and coastal setting are authentic and well documented. Lily’s Crossing is engaging and upbeat with subject matter and life issues that kids in grades 4-6 should find both intriguing and enlightening.
(Historical fiction, grades 4-6)
 
REVIEW EXCERPTS--The Horn Book Magazine, starred review, "Details...are woven with great effect into a realistic story."
--Publishers Weekly, “Exceptional characterizations and a robust story line...this has all the ingredients that best reward readers."
--The New York Times Book Review, "Brilliantly told."
--Booklist,  "With wry comedy and intense feeling...Giff gets across a strong sense of what it was like on the home front during World War II...The friendship story is beautifully drawn."

AWARDS
American Library Association Notable Children’s Books
Boston Globe- Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature Honor Book
1998John Newbery Medal Honor Book
Jefferson Cup Award Honor Book

CONNECTIONS
Language Arts
Pre-Reading Activity:  What is D-Day?  Have students research D-Day.  Have them look up articles from Newspapers and Magazines that covered this historical event.
Creative Writing
Lily has a wonderful imagination.  Have student’s journal while reading the novel incorporating their own imaginative tell with them as the main character.
Thematic Units
Friendship
Why are Lily and Albert friends?  How is it that this unlikely couple becomes so close?  Write a letter to a distant relative or friend and describe your best friend that lives here in town.
Honesty
Have the students list each lie Lily tells throughout the book.  Have the students discuss the final lie that helps Lily understand the importance of honesty.
Family
Have students discuss what makes up a family.  Have students discuss the different types of families and how Lily and Albert’s families are different and similar.
Social Studies/Arts
Encourage students to use reference sources and a map of Europe to trace the invasion of France by the Allies.
Discuss how the US military rationed supplies.  Have students research what supplies were rationed and for how long.

OTHER RECOMMENDED BOOKS
WILLOW RUN, Giff, P., 2005, ISBN 0440238013
NUMBER THE STARS Lowry, L., 1998, ISBN 0440227533
DEAR MISS BREED Oppenheim, J., 2006, ISBN 0439569927
DON’T YOU KNOW THERE’S A WAR ON? AVI, 2003, ISBN 0380815449
MERCEDES AND THE CHOCOLATE PILOT Raven, M., 2002, ISBN 9781585360697
JOURNEY, McLachlan, P., 1993, ISBN, 0385304277
STARRING SALLY J. FREEDMAN AS HERSELF, Blume J., 2000, 0440482534

TURTLE IN PARADISE BY Jennifer L. Holm

TURTLE IN PARADISE

By Jennifer L. Holm
 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, J., 2010, Turtle in Paradise, Random House, New York, ISBN 978-0-375-83688-6

PLOT SUMMARY

After her mother takes a job as a housekeeper for a wealthy employer that doesn’t like children, Turtle an eleven year old girl finds herself headed to Key West, Florida to live with relatives she has never met Narrated by Turtle, this historical fiction takes place in 1935 and eloquently depicts life during the Great Depression.  Turtle, a tough, no nonsense girl who is somewhat reserved when she arrives in Key West, quickly joins her cousins’ Diaper Gang.  This unruly group allows Turtle to explore life outside her shell where the group fishes for sponges, searches for treasure and explores all that life has to offer.  Through her journey, Turtle learns a lot about herself, her father and what family really means.   Turtle in Paradise is filled with lots of laugh-out-loud, quirky moments and is rich in coastal flavor and Key West history.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Holm captures the true essence childhood innocence and mischief in this heartwarming historical fiction.  The combination of true family stories and authentic historical details during the 1930s in Key West Florida set the scene for an entertaining and charming story rich in coastal narration. Holm’s account of hardships during this era is precise and the local culture is well researched.  The characters and setting are so beautifully described that readers will lose themselves in the lush landscape and relaxed “beach town” setting.

Turtle in Paradise is a delightful story rich in characters, setting and historical accounts of the Great Depression; A historical novel which young adults will not put down with real “life lessons” about the meaning of family.

(Historical fiction ages 9 - 13)

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Kirkus, Starred Review-  “Sweet, funny and superb”
Booklist, Starred Review-  “Turtle is just the right mixture of knowingness and hope; the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with a dollop of adventure."
School Library Journal- "This richly detailed novel was inspired by Holm’s great-grandmother’s stories. Readers who enjoy melodic, humorous tales of the past won’t want to miss it."

AWARDS: 

2011 Newbery Honor Award from the American Library Association

2011 Golden Kite Award for Fiction from the SCBWI
Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book of 2010
New York Times Bestseller

CONNECTIONS:

History
Invite students to view brief video clips from PBS's The Great Depression: Stories of a Generation's Struggle for Democracy. Then students can work individually or in small groups to create time lines of the major social and economic events related to the Great Depression.
Language Arts/Creative Writing
Encourage students to explore headlines from Black Thursday (October 24, 1929 -- The Crash. (Alternate source: N.Y. Times Web Special: The Crash of 1929.) Then ask each student to write a news story that covers the events of the period. Students might find additional information at The Crash of 1929 or 1929 Stock Market Crash. Don't forget the headline!
Art
Point out to students that a country's culture often reflects its political, economic, and social conditions. Invite them to explore the music of the Great Depression through songs such as:

 •It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)

 •Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

 •Whistle While You Work

 •Happy Days Are Here Again
and the photographs and paintings at A New Deal for the Arts. Ask each student to choose a song and an artwork he or she thinks best depicts the era. Have students present their choices, along with a brief explanation for them, to the class.

OTHER READ-ALIKE RECOMMENDED BOOKS

Moon Over Manifest, Clare Vanderpool, ISBN 0385738838
One Crazy Summer, Rita Williams-Garcia, ISBN 0060760885
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan, ISBN 043912042X
Leah's Pony by Elizabeth Friedrich, ISBN 1563978288
Love from Your Friend Hannah by Mindy Skolsky, ISBN 0064407462
Rudy Rides the Rails, A Depression Era Story by Dandi Daley Mackall, ISBN 1585362867
The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan, ISBN  0763636185

ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams- Garcia

ONE CRAZY SUMMER

By Rita Williams-Garcia

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Williams-Garcia, R., 2010, One Crazy Summer, Amistad/HarperCollins Publishers, New York, ISBN 9780060760885

PLOT SUMMARY

One Crazy Summer is a historical fiction narrated by an eleven year old girl who is shipped off with her two sisters to spend the summer with their mother who abandoned them as infants.  Delphine, Vonetta and Fern find themselves in Oakland, California in 1968 with estranged mother, Cecile. Just as Delphine had feared, their mother wants nothing to do with them upon their arrival and the girls are quickly directed to The Black Panther’s People’s Center for food and supervision.  It is there that the story unfolds.  The sisters learn about the Black Panther’s movement, make unexpected friends and learn a great deal about themselves and each other through the bond and conflicts experienced by sisters and mothers and daughters.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Rita Williams-Garcia writes a wonderful story with extensive description and marvelous character development.  The three sister’s characters are brilliantly established and Garcia’s ability to parallel the conflicts of growing up, one’s longing for a mother’s love and the turbulence of civil rights in the late 1960’s is exquisite.  One Crazy Summer, written for ages 10 through 14, provides a story rich in family conflict and social and historical struggles which are age appropriate. While the timeline and historical references are authentic through proof of research and references details of the Black Panther movement could have been more comprehensive for this age group.  

One Crazy Summer explores the journey of one’s emotional and physical needs and rights and is a story that every young teenage girl should encounter.
(Historical fiction ages 10 -14)

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Kirkus, starred review- “Delphine is the pitch-perfect older sister, wise beyond her years, an expert at handling her siblings...while the girls are caught up in the difficulties of adults, their resilience is celebrated and energetically told with writing that snaps off the page”

Booklist, starred review- “Regimented, responsible, strong-willed Delphine narrates in an unforgettable voice, but each of the sisters emerges as a distinct, memorable character, whose hard-won, tenuous connections with their mother build to an aching, triumphant conclusion.”

Horn Book, starred review- “The setting and time period are as vividly realized as the characters, and readers will want to know more about Delphine and her sisters after they return to Brooklyn...”

School Library Journal, starred review- “Emotionally challenging and beautifully written, this book immerses readers in a time and place and raises difficult questions of cultural and ethnic identity and personal responsibility. With memorable characters (all three girls have engaging, strong voices) and a powerful story, this is a book well worth reading and rereading.”

The New York Times, “In One Crazy Summer Williams-Garcia presents a child’s-eye view of the Black Panther movement within a powerful and affecting story of sisterhood and motherhood.

AWARDS: 
2011 Coretta Scott King Award Winner
2011 Newbery Honor Book
2011 Scott O’Dell Prize for Historical Fiction
2010 National Book Award Finalist
Junior Library Guild Selection
Texas Library Association Best Book for 2010
New York Times Editor’s Choice

CONNECTIONS:

Language Arts
I Wish I Had a Camera: Choose one scene in the book that you think is especially descriptive. Be prepared to tell the class why the scene is important in the development of the characters, the plot, or the theme.
Writing Prompts:
Delphine researches her name. Explore the meaning or history of your name (first name or surname). What did you learn?
Read the poem ―We Real Cool‖ by Gwendolyn Brooks. Summarize the poem.
Respond to the following quote by Vonetta: ―We didn’t come for the revolution. We came for breakfast‖ (p88).
Social Studies/Arts
Asks students to research:
Research any of the following movements: Black Nationalism, Women’s Liberation, Native American Rights, Latino American Rights, Environmental Movement, and Vietnam Protests
Who were the major figures in music during the 1960s?
Research any of the following: Kent State University, Woodstock, Earth Day, Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, Students for a Democratic Society, Voting Rights Act 1965, LSD, Selective Service, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, National Organization for Women, Civil Rights Act 1968, Lieutenant William Calley Jr., Ho Chi Minh
Find out when African-Americans began to appear in significant ways on television shows (including advertisements).

OTHER RECOMMENDED BOOKS

Williams-Garcia, Rita, Jumped, 2009, ISBN 0060760915
Williams-Garcia, Rita, No Laughter Here, 2004, ISBN 0688162487
Williams-Garcia, Rita, Every Time a Rainbow Dies, 2001, ISBN 0064473031
Williams-Garcia, Rita, Catching the Wild Waiyuuzee. 2000, ISBN 068982601X
Williams-Garcia, Rita, Like Sisters on the Homefront. 1995, ISBN 0140385614

They Called Themselves The KKK: The Birth Of An American Terrorist Group by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

They Called Themselves The KKK: The Birth of an American Terrorist GroupBy Susan Campbell Bartoletti

BIBLIOGRAPHYBartoletti, Susan Campbell, 2010, They Called Themselves The KKK; The Birth Of An American Terrorist Group, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; Boston, New York, ISBN 9780618440337

PLOT SUMMARYBartoletti, Newbery honor author of Hitler Youth (2005) once again delivers a thorough account of history in this chronicle of the origin, development and attempted abolishment of America’s first terrorist group, the Ku Klux Klan.  Bartoletti brilliantly depicts the lives of African Americans during the Reconstruction era through countless documentation and research from historical newspapers, slave journals, congressional documentation and other sources when compiled, deliver an accurate historical account of Ku Klux Klan, its effect on African Americans and on the south.  The extensive collection of photos, illustrations and engravings provide shocking imagery and powerful testament to an era of turmoil and hatred.  While the subject matter is difficult, They Called Themselves The KKK: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group is informative, powerful and evocative.
 
CRITICAL ANALYSISBartoletti’s exploitation of the South as the backdrop for hatred during the Reconstruction era is exquisitely portrayed through account and explanation of how the Ku Klux Klan began, how the once social group, spread across the South and how the group terrorized Black and Whites as well who dared to support the advancement of the Black population.  This nonfiction book is well written and not only provides and in depth look at the development of the Ku Klux Klan but also provides an insight into the factors that contributed to the Klan such as religion, fear and power. Bartoletti also weaves in the book the consequences of those who opposed the Klan’s terrorism which provides readers with personal reflection of one’s own fears, judgment, choices and courage.  Bartoletti’s content, photos and illustrations are real and unedited for young adult audiences.  The book is well organized and well researched with extensive references.  The book is easy to read with a text format and vocabulary appropriate for middle school.  While the content is high school material, the vocabulary and text style seem too basic for the high school reader
.
They Called Themselves the KKK: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group is a must read for every middle school student.  This nonfiction provides an understanding of how terrorism develops and how terrorism exercises influence and power.
Young adult- Teen (grades 5+)

REVIEW EXCERPTS"Balancing the stories of the Klan and the former slaves' determination to remake their lives, Bartoletti makes extensive use of congressional testimony, interviews, journals, diaries and slave narratives to allow the players to speak in their own voices as much as possible...An exemplar of history writing and a must for libraries and classrooms."—Kirkus, starred review
"Bartoletti follows multi-award-winning titles such as Hitler Youth (2005) with another standout contribution to youth history shelves...It's the numerous first-person quotes, though, that give the book its beating heart, and her searing, expertly selected stories of people on all sides of the violent conflicts will give readers a larger understanding of the conditions that incubated the Klan's terrorism; how profoundly the freed people and their sympathizers suffered; and how the legacy of that fear, racism, and brutality runs through our own time."—Booklist, starred review
"Copious photos, engravings, and illustrations provide a hard-hitting graphic component to this illuminating book. And while Bartoletti notes that contemporary 'hate groups wield none of the power or prestige that the Ku Klux Klan held in earlier years,' her account of attending a Klan meeting while researching the book is chilling to the core." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"As in Hitler Youth (rev. 5/05), Bartoletti tackles a tough, grim subject with firmness and sensitivity...Period illustrations throughout make seeing believing, and the appended civil rights timeline, bibliography, and source notes are an education in themselves. Exemplary in scholarship, interpretation, and presentation."—The Horn Book, starred review
"Bartoletti effectively targets teens with her engaging and informative account that presents a well-structured inside look at the KKK, societal forces that spawn hate/terrorist groups, and the research process."—School Library Journal, starred review

AWARDS: 
2011 ALA Notable Children’s Books, Older Readers; Booklist2011 Top 10 Books for Youth, Black History; 2011 NCTE Orbis Pictus Recommended; IRA Notable Books for a Global Society 2011; Booklist 2010 Editor’s Choice, Books for Youth, Nonfiction, Older Readers; Booklist Lasting Connections of 2010, Social Studies; Horn Book Fanfare, Best Books of 2010, Nonfiction; Kirkus Reviews 2010 Best Books for Teens; Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Books 2010, Nonfiction; School Library Journal Best Books 2010: Nonfiction; YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist, 2011

CONNECTIONS:Social Studies/ Government:Have students imagine they are Republican officials in the South. Have each student write a short political platform describing Republican reforms in the region.
Pair students and tell them to imagine that it is 1878 and that they are southern African Americans. Have each pair develop a short dialogue describing the factors that ended the Reconstruction era. (Pairs’ dialogues should discuss general economic problems, the Panic of 1873, the reaction to rising immigration, the actions of the southern Redeemers, and the Compromise of 1877.)
Have students imagine they are modern-day historians. Have each student write a one-page summary describing the factors that ended the Reconstruction era.  Have volunteers read their summaries to the class. Then have students select what they consider to be the most significant factor.
Language Arts; Have students imagine life as an African American during the Reconstruction of the South.  Have each student write a short poem or narrative essay about the influences of the Ku Klux Klan and life under the influence of power of a terrorist group.
Art; Have students draw sketch or create mixed media collage that portrays life as African Americans during the 1930s.  Encourage students to create a visual piece of art that evokes emotion. (anger, courage, oppression, etc.).  Have the students present their artwork with their short poem or narrative essay
.
OTHER RECOMMENDED BOOKSThe Boy Who Dared: A Novel Based on the True Story of a Hitler Youth, ISBN: 9780439680134
Partridge, Elizabeth, Marching for Freedom: Walk Together, Children, and Don't You Grow Weary, ISBN: 9780670011896
Bowers, Rick, Spies of Mississippi: The True Story of the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement, ISBN: 9781426305962

Autumn Across America by Seymour Simon

Autumn Across America

By Seymour Simon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Simon, Seymour, 1993, Autumn Across America, Hyperion Books for Children; New York, ISBN 9781562824686

PLOT SUMMARY

Scientific writer, Seymour Simon explores another season autumn, guiding readers through the scientific journey of change.  Simon provides comprehensive facts on the changes that take place during this season and discusses the Earth’s rotation, harvests, migration and photosynthesis.  The colorful photographs reiterate the content and capture the true beauty and fascination autumn brings.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Seymour Simon once again delivers factual information to readers in a simplistic and meaningful way.  Simon delivers an introduction to the unique characteristics of fall through age appropriate content and colorful, bold photographs which integrate beautifully with the text.  The content is well organized and flows nicely from topic to topic.  The descriptive word selection combined with the often close-up photography captivates the reader and provokes the need to turn the page. Simon’s style is once again delivered through imagery and scientific vocabulary which encourages critical and exploratory thinking.

An accurate and delightful look at the splendor and scientific wonder autumn brings.

(Nonfiction, ages 6 – 10)

REVIEW EXCERPTS

School Library Journal: "Since there is no index and no table of contents, children looking for specific information will be frustrated. The book's main attraction is its design-beautiful photographs set in pages of glowing fall colors... Seasonal materials are always in demand; this one is a good choice for browsers."

Booklist: "Simon's first book in a series about the changing seasons introduces autumn as a 'season of memory and change.' By the book's end, readers will grasp the significance of that phrase. Throughout this tribute, each double-page spread contains at least one, sometimes two, four-color photographs of a typical fall scene opposite two or three paragraphs of Simon's information-packed text, all appearing on a brilliant background color. This makes each turn of the page a delightful shock, not unlike the astonishment of seeing the first orange tree of fall."

AWARDS: 

1994, Teacher’s Choice, International Reading Association.

CONNECTIONS:

Science; Have students continue their study of photosynthesis and study of fall foliage by having student’s collect, journal and identify different leaves found during autumn.

Art; Have students draw sketch or create a photographic collage of leaves they encounter during their research.  Have the students present their findings/collection to the class.

Language Arts; Have students write a short poem or descriptive essay about fall and the scientific changes that take place.

OTHER RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Johnson, Sylvia, How Leaves Change, ISBN 0822595133
Robbins, Ken, Autumn Leaves, ISBN 0590298798
Maestro, Betsy, Why Do Leaves Change Color? ISBN 0064451267
Hirschi, Ron, Fall, ISBN 0525650539
Simon, Seymour, Spring Across America, ISBN 97807868820566
Simon, Seymour, Winter Across America, ISBN 9780786800193

HOW TO CLEAN A HIPPOPOTAMUS

How To Clean A Hippopotamus: A Look At Unusual Animal Partnerships

By Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jenkins, Page, 2010, How to Clean A Hippopotamus: A Look At Unusual Animal Partnerships, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Boston, New York, ISBN 9780547245157

PLOT SUMMARY

“Why do African helmeted turtles ride on the backs of Hippopotamuses?  And why do boxer crabs pluck anemones from the bottom of the sea?”  Jenkins and Page brilliantly explore the world of animal partnerships and how unlikely pairs benefit one another, mutualism. This informational book explores animal habitats, diets, size and survival tactics taking a close look into the curious biological habits of animals.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Jenkins’s familiar torn paper and watercolor style collages are vivid and realistic.  Arranged in spread format vignettes, the material is well organized and is easy to read. Text is cleverly placed on top of illustrations which create movement from vignette to vignette and page to page.  This nonfiction picture book is packed with wonderful examples of symbiosis partnerships and captures the reader’s initial attention through thoughtful questions which are revealed throughout the book.

While the book design may appear messy or busy, the colorful illustrations and age appropriate content are intriguing for younger readers which grab and hold their attention.  The informational content is impressive. The use of highlighted key words presented throughout the book and then featured in glossary format with additional information, is a wonderful access feature for young readers.   
A wonderful book for introducing young readers to symbiotic relationships.
(Nonfiction, grades K through 3.)

REVIEW EXCERPTS

"These fascinating stories from the natural world will easily interest young people, many of whom will want to move on from the appended notes about each featured critter to more in-depth titles that further explain the mysteries of animal symbiosis."—Booklist, starred review

"Jenkins's trademark collage illustrations continue to impress with their vibrant and stunning manipulation of cut and torn paper. The book is formatted in a block, comic-book style and is written at a level that is accessible to young browsers yet suitable for older researchers. Supplementary information about the size, habitat, and diet of each animal is included in the back matter. This title is another outstanding offering from this extraordinarily talented, wonderfully symbiotic couple."—School Library Journal, starred review

"Who better than a husband and wife team to spotlight intriguing partnerships in nature...Close-ups, aerial views, and vignettes of animals realistically rendered in Jenkins's trademark collage have a cinematic quality. An author note about the different types of symbiotic relationships, as well as appended pages detailing each animal's size, habitat, and diet, reinforce the book's value as a scientific introduction to the topic."—Publishers Weekly

AWARDS: 

2011 ALA Notable Children’s Books, Middle Readers; Booklist Lasting Connections of 2010, Science; Booklist 2010, Top 10 Books for Youth, Sci-Tech; Outstanding Science Trade Books for Student’s K – 12, 2011.

CONNECTIONS:

Science; Have students continue their study of symbiotic relationships through investigating other animals which practice mutualism, parasitism and commensalism.  Pair or group students and have them research and investigate other unique animal relationships.

Art; Use Jenkins’s torn paper illustrations as an example for students to create their own masterpiece related to the animal partnership they research.
Language Arts; Have students write a short essay (paragraph) about their symbiotic animals.  Present the paragraph and illustration before the class.

OTHER BOOKS

Jenkins, Steve, What Do you Do When Something Wants To Eat You? ISBN 0618152431

Waring, Geoff, Oscar and the Snail: A Book About Things That We Use, ISBN 1406319732

Markle, Sandra, Hip-Pocket Papa, ISBN 1570917086

Sayre, April Pulley, Turtle, Turtle, Watch Out! ISBN 0531332853

Blue Lipstick by John Grandits

Blue Lipstick by John Grandits

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Grandits, John, 2007, Blue Lipstick, Clarion Books, New York, ISBN 0618568603

PLOT SUMMARY

Blue Lipstick is a collection of poems written by Jessie, a not so typical 15 year old high school girl. Jessie conveys high school life through poetic journal entries which address her accounts with her parents, a younger brother, classmates and teachers.  Jessie’s narratives are clever, surprising and totally entertaining.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

John Grandit’s collection of concrete poems assimilated and spoken through the eyes of high school student Jessie are witty, humorous and graphically fun. The rhythm in Blue Lipstick is unique and in free verse. As with most concrete poems, the graphic elements are critical to the flow or movement within each poem.  Grandit’s language and emotional impact serve as the backbone to the typographical arrangement and the intended message to be conveyed to the adolescent audience; a humorous and graphical appealing spin on the woes of high school life.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

School Library Journal, “This irreverent, witty collection should resonate with a wide audience.”

Horn Book, “A cover that’ll grab adolescent girls’ attention—and the poetry inside is equally appealing.”

Kirkus Reviews, "After suffering indignities at the pen of ... Robert (TECHNICALLY, IT'S NOT MY FAULT, 2004), big sister Jessie gets her chance."

Bulletin of the center for Children's Books, “Friendly and accessible… it will undoubtedly inspire a multitude or curricular uses.”

AWARDS: 

2008 Lee Bennett Hopkins Award Honor Book
ALA Notable Book for Children
ALA Quick Pick for Young Adults
National Parenting Publications Book Award
School Library Journal, Best Books of the Year

CONNECTIONS
Commercial Acting- Have students vote on which group they would most likely use the services of.
Group Theatre – Have the whole class read aloud the poem. Have a “Jessie” and an “Elton” to do the dialogue.
Group Activity- Put students in groups of three. One reading the part of the narrator, one being Jessie, and one being the brother.
Journal Activities-  Students will make an entry for their journals. It will be a concrete poem using their words to make pictures.
Self-Reflection-Students will write about a time they were frustrated about something to do with growing up.

Other recommended concrete poetry books:

Grandits, John. 2004. Technically, It’s Not My Fault: Concrete Poems. Sandpiper, ISBN 0618503617
Janeczko, Paul. 2005. A Poke in the I: A Collection of Concrete Poems. Candlewick, ISBN 0763623768
Fleishman, Paul. 2004. Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices. Harper Collins, ISBN 006021852

Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes

Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Grimes, Nikki, 2002, Bronx Masquerade, Hampton-Brown, Carmel, California, ISBN 0803725698

PLOT SUMMARY

When, Mr. Ward, a high-school English teacher in Bronx, New York assigns an essay as a follow up to a unit on Harlem Renaissance,  his student Wesley choses to write a series of poems instead.  Wesley’s poetry becomes the catalyst for Mr. Ward’s weekly Open Mike Fridays.  Mr. Ward’s English class begins using poetry as a forum for self-expression and as a vehicle for dealing with the struggles and pressures associated inner city adolescence.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Nikki Grimes brilliantly intertwines novel with poetic verse.  This heartfelt story is beautifully revealed through the use of 18 culturally diverse students’ voices to convey the hardships and tribulations of inner city teens. The emotion captured through powerful language selection, creates intense imagery to accompany the eloquent yet often gritty subject matter.  These formidable experiences, expressed through poetry leave the reader wanting more.  The brief glimpse into each students’ lives is simply too abrupt. Perhaps Ms. Grimes will write a second verse novel continuing the journey of these 18 teens as they transcend into adulthood.

Bronx Masquerade is sure to spark many great discussions nationwide and maybe even inspiring students to use poetry to express their feelings and opinions about assumptions, prejudices and revelations.  A must read for young adults 12 and up!   (Novel contains mature content which should be approved by parents and/or school.)        

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Kirkus, starred review, "This is almost like a play for 18 voices, as Grimes...moves her narration among a group of high school students in the Bronx. The English teacher, Mr. Ward, accepts a set of poems from Wesley, his response to a month of reading poetry from the Harlem Renaissance. Soon there's an open-mike poetry reading, sponsored by Mr. Ward, every month, and then later, every week. The chapters in the students' voices alternate with the poem read by that student, defiant, shy, and terrified. All of them, black, Latino, white, male, and female, talk about the unease and alienation endemic to their ages, and they do it in fresh and appealing voices...Beyond those capsules are rich and complex teens, and their tentative reaching out to each other increases as though the poems they also find more of themselves

Horn Book, "A poet herself, author Grimes creates a montage of voices whose commonality rests in their sense of isolation and yearning to belong. Whether their poems...are in rap, free verse, or conscious rhyme, these kids surprise one another in part with how much they are alike. In shared pain and need, they all become poets; as readers, we want to believe their individual poetic gifts, even as we hear Grimes's considerable talent behind theirs...the book...succeeds because it makes us want the best for these voices so clearly heard."

School Library Journal, "A flowing, rhythmic portrait of the diversity and individuality of teen characters in a classroom in Anywhere, U.S.A...Readers meet Tyrone, an aspiring songwriter who sees no use for school; Lupe, who thinks that becoming a mother would give her the love she lacks in her life; and Janelle, who is struggling with her body image...Competent and reluctant readers alike will recognize and empathize with these teens. As always, Grimes gives young people exactly what they're looking for—real characters who show them they are not alone."

AWARDS: 

2003 Coretta Scott King Author Award
Best Book for Young Adults
Children's Literature Choice
Quick Pick for Young Adult Reluctant Readers
Junior Library Guild Selection
New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
Tayshas High School Reading List (Texas)
Notable Books for a Global Society

 CONNECTIONS

Verbal / Linguistic: Write your own poem for Open Mike Friday.
Logical /Mathematical: Choose any two characters from the book and create a Venn diagram Visual /Spatial: Using any media (from crayons and oils, to charcoal and magazines ) create a self-portrait of one of the characters.
Body/ Kinesthetic:  Either memorize and perform a poem from Bronx Masquerade, a Harlem Renaissance artist, or perform your own poem.
Musical /Rhythmic:  Write a brief compare/contrast essay (even Mr. Ward's students had to write essays) about lyrics and poetry. What makes them similar? How are they different? Which one, do you think, has the most influence and why? Give examples.
Intrapersonal: Write a journal response after Open Mike Friday. Consider the following:
1. What did you learn about someone that you didn't expect?
2. Who surprised you the most? Why?
3. Whose poetry did you most admire? Why?
4. Would you want to do this again? Why or why not? 

Other recommended verse novels for young adult readers:

Hopkins, Ellen, Crank, ISBN 1416995137
Herrara, Juan Felipe, CrashBoomLove, ISBN 0826321143
Smith, Kristen, The Geography of Girlhood, ISNB B005IUW640
Frost, Helen, Keesha's House, ISNB 0374400121