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
Monday, May 7, 2012
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
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/
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/
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