tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25036132920532229662024-03-06T01:33:09.340-05:00Tweens ReadContent on this page created by Iris Eichenlaub, for LIBR 264-10 Materials for Tweens, taught by Beth Wrenn-Estes, San Jose State University, Fall semester 2009.Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-37318983380728080162009-12-01T14:39:00.012-05:002009-12-02T11:38:38.453-05:00My Most Excellent Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ4t7E9g2nlEPIsaCgMvfjbmoLGXn5y_yvJgfyl3IiAFEXb3NmXV9KkkqgVditdUOhp7mfjzXqyd8qS_uPXdrip6XjqOIU6KuohwzFaiKLX1FyYpWSQVOiV4YfF7r6_pdt5kQphAxQnI/s1600/my+most+exc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ4t7E9g2nlEPIsaCgMvfjbmoLGXn5y_yvJgfyl3IiAFEXb3NmXV9KkkqgVditdUOhp7mfjzXqyd8qS_uPXdrip6XjqOIU6KuohwzFaiKLX1FyYpWSQVOiV4YfF7r6_pdt5kQphAxQnI/s320/my+most+exc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410355239426646482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Biblio Bits </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">My Most Excellent Year</span> by Steve Kluger, Dial Books, 2008 (ISBN 9780803732278)</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span style="font-weight: normal;">1030 lexile/Ages 13+</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span style="font-weight: normal;">Realistic Fiction, Humor, Romance</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ninth grade holds some surprises for T.C., Augie, and Alejandra. T.C. doesn't expect to fall head-over-heels for the new girl, Alejandra, the smart, politically-minded, daughter of an ambassador, who has zero interest in his attention. Augie, T.C's Chinese-American "brother," doesn't expect to direct the school talent show or to have his first crush on a boy (and he really doesn't expect that <span style="font-style: italic;">everyone </span>already knows he's gay!). Alejandra (or Ale) has no idea what to expect from a public school, she doesn't expect to get on stage and perform in front of an audience, and she does not expect that she can ever live up to the plan that her parents have for her. She certainly doesn't expect that she'll ever give the time of day to T.C.! None of them expect that a deaf six year-old boy will change their lives. This romantic comedy is a roaring good time and is told in IMs, emails, and letters between the characters.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">What a crazy cast of characters, but somehow Kluger makes it all work so well together in this book. I was skeptical about the IM, email, and letter-written format when I started it, figuring it would be distracting and just a cute gimmick. But it really worked here and actually enhanced the flow and pace of the story. Each of the three main characters, T.C., Ale, and Augie, alternate "narration" in each chapter, yet the narration comes from their own content (letters), as well as content by others (parents, friends, and even some people who are mostly on the periphery). This is a classic romantic comedy, so we know the ending will be positive. But it's not just fluff, there's some real depth. Themes about identity and self-discovery, friendship, grief, and dreams. This is a book about engaged youth who care about each other, good causes, their families, and they are teens who ultimately do good things for the world.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div><div> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Dancing, theatrical productions, romance...Wait! Wait! There's also baseball, die-hard Red Sox fans, and baseball trivia. There's an ace lip-reader who steals pitching signs to tip off the batter. It's all tied up in this story about a few kids and the stuff they care about.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Author Information</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Steve Kluger was born in 1952 and grew up in Maryland. He has worked as an actor and playwrite. He's a gay activist and an ardent baseball fan. Kluger has written plays and books for adults and youth, many of which feature baseball. He lives in Boston, "the only city in the world." (Information for this author biography are from his official </span><a style="font-weight: normal;" href="http://www.stevekluger.com/BIO.html">website </a><span style="font-weight: normal;">and the Gale's <span style="font-style: italic;">Contemporary Authors Online</span>, 2002.)</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Some swearing, a pretty liberal worldview, and a gay protagonist might be the areas that would draw negative attention.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">It's a tough sell to get this book into the hands of boys because of the darn girly cover (softcover has a slightly less girly look). So I would choose NOT to show the cover at all. I would introduce listeners to the three main characters who share the fact that during their ninth grade year, each of them faces some unexpected challenges...but I would stress the fact that I laughed my way through the whole book! It definitely falls in the category of </span><a style="font-weight: normal;" href="http://www.fivetowns.net/subsites/CRMS/METlib/love">Love with a Laugh</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">, and I might pair it with </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;">An Abundance of Katherines</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> (Green, 2006), </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;">What My Mother Doesn't Know</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> (Sones, 2001), and </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;">Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> (Rennison, 2000).</span><br /><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">I love how the English teacher has the students writing letters. T.C. writes to his mom, Augie writes to movie stars, and Ale writes to Jackie Kennedy. (And of course Hucky writes to Mary Poppins.) With the exception of Hukcy, these letters won't be sent (many recipients are dead anyway). What does it mean to write a letter that you know won't reach it's addressee? Each of our three main characters has chosen their letter recipient to be someone who they feel </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;">knows </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">them and their experience somehow. Have students pick someone to write to---alive or dead---who they share something with: share a problem or issue and ask for their advice. Students will need to refer to things in the recipient's life that show that they "know" them, like Augie, Tick, and Ale do.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Funny, funny, and funny. And then I cried at the end. But what I really love is how the friendship between Augie and T.C. is portrayed: totally supportive (including when they razz each other!) and completely believable.</span><br /><br />Awards<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">None.</span><br /><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES71/?searchtype=t&searcharg=my+most+excellent+year&searchscope=31&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=tmy+most+excellent+year"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes. </span></a><br /></div></span></b><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial,fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-15654285392806214662009-12-01T11:41:00.007-05:002009-12-01T14:28:25.851-05:00Parrotfish<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygNMnIukMGDk1t_j8qcP9pKPpbd5LOA_Qndqbfk_B7HvFJgupIgtdo8Z2LHF7lMhSzL5W3qEcoKTh8ABBVMLwutU-hfiQXzkc083Xd6L-5T5b1UVK4-9W28614C4tBZsi_SjVOAzApO8/s1600/parrotfish_cover_200.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygNMnIukMGDk1t_j8qcP9pKPpbd5LOA_Qndqbfk_B7HvFJgupIgtdo8Z2LHF7lMhSzL5W3qEcoKTh8ABBVMLwutU-hfiQXzkc083Xd6L-5T5b1UVK4-9W28614C4tBZsi_SjVOAzApO8/s320/parrotfish_cover_200.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410309184303737922" border="0" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Parrotfish </span>by Ellen Wittlinger, Simon and Schuster, 2007 (ISBN 9780416916222)</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span style="font-weight: normal;">790 lexile/Ages 14+</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span style="font-weight: normal;">Realistic Fiction</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Grady used to be a girl called Angela. Angela grew up knowing she was really a boy inside and fully aware that she had to pretend to be a girl. But that only worked for so long. Now, as a sophomore, Angela makes the decision to change her name to Grady and begin to live and dress as a boy. This isn't easy, but neither was living a lie. Some people think this is just some ploy to get attention on Grady's part (like the school principal); others just can't understand Grady's decision and are confused, embarrassed, frustrated, and even angry with his new identity as a boy (like Grady's mom, sister, former best friend, and most of the kids at school). A few people stand out because they support Grady during this difficult transition, including Grady's dad, brother, the gym teacher, and a new friend, Sebastian. Grady must navigate some tricky waters here, from telling his teachers to call him by his new name to figuring out where to change for gym class. </span><br /><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Wittlinger has created an astonishing book about a tough subject. </span><b><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Wittlinger makes Grady just a regular guy: his first crush, the importance of friends, dorky family traditions, and family tension. </span></span></b></span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;">It's refreshing that this book avoids the cliche of violence, but there is a believable amount of bullying, teasing, and cruelty from Grady's peers. The best part of this book, besides for normalizing the issue of transgendered teens, is that it shows the importance of having even a few advocates and supporters during a transition time like this one. </span><b><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Grady is a character readers can empathize with, who makes a courageous choice to be true to himself. This is a theme that has merit for any young adult, whether or not they are transgendered. </span></span></b></span></b><br /><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">What if you never felt right in the body you were born into? That's how it is for Grady, who was born a girl but has always felt like a boy inside. Grady is ready to stop pretending. Is the world ready for Grady?</span><br /><br /></div><div>Author Information</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ellen Wittlinger was born in 1948 and grew up in Belleville, Illinois. She attended Milliken University (IL) where she majored in art and sociology. Wittlinger attended the University of Iowa's Writers' Workshop for her graduate studies. She worked as a children's librarian in Swapscott, Massachusetts, which was how she became interested in writing for youth. Wittlinger has two grown children and lives with her husband in Swamscott. (Information for this author biography is from Gale's <span style="font-style: italic;">Contemporary Authors Online</span>, 2008).</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">There is some swearing in this book, but the main challenge for some will be the idea of a transgendered teen coming out.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">The theme of how to be yourself and be O.K. with it is one that deserves repeating with tweens (see also </span><a style="font-weight: normal; font-style: italic;" href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/11/totally-joe.html">Totally Joe</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">)...over and over and over again. We could call the booktalk "I'm Different and I'm O.K.!" I would probably pair this title with </span><a style="font-weight: normal; font-style: italic;" href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/11/buddha-boy.html">Buddha Boy</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">, <span style="font-style: italic;">Another Kind of Cowboy </span>(Juby, 2007), <span style="font-style: italic;">Looks </span>(George, 2008), and <span style="font-style: italic;">Stargirl </span>(Spinelli, 2000), however, since they are more mature and serious. If a little levity was needed, I would also include <span style="font-style: italic;">My Most Excellent Year</span>, since it adds a bit of humor to the theme of self-discovery. </span><br /><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">This would be a good book to tie into a health unit on sexuality for older middle schoolers. Students could read this book and discuss some of the issues it raises: gender vs. sexual identity, as well as the practical concerns (choosing a new name, family and friends, which bathroom to use, etc.). This discussion could precede a visit from a transgendered person, perhaps on a panel with gay, lesbian, and bisexual people who might be willing to share their stories with students. </span><br /><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is an important book in the cannon of queer literature for youth. Placing it in the hands of the right reader could, quite literally, save a life.</span><br /><br />Awards<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">New York Public Library, Books for the Teen Age.</span><br /><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31/?searchtype=t&searcharg=parrotfish&searchscope=31&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=tparrotfish"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes. </span></a><br /></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-77620683134519714432009-11-30T11:36:00.007-05:002009-11-30T16:22:20.838-05:00Book of Totally Irresponsible Science<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwKCcf8WuNJ6VkU3QR2xryspwQn7duhyphenhyphen1GGu9NqVgHvDblAPtIbkdCOQEnhmHHIjLky2YkA_AD6IOAG5VZB2e8zDHCPSdO6t9P3PbK84oR5Fvay0zC-IF9RFhpMJIDQAhswTz7Rc9U6M/s1600/book+of+totally+irresponsible+science.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 106px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwKCcf8WuNJ6VkU3QR2xryspwQn7duhyphenhyphen1GGu9NqVgHvDblAPtIbkdCOQEnhmHHIjLky2YkA_AD6IOAG5VZB2e8zDHCPSdO6t9P3PbK84oR5Fvay0zC-IF9RFhpMJIDQAhswTz7Rc9U6M/s320/book+of+totally+irresponsible+science.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409936931775181842" border="0" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science: 64 Daring Experiments for Young Scientists</span> by Sean Connolly, Workman Publishing, 2008 (ISBN 9780761150206)</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span style="font-weight: normal;">Ages 9+</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span style="font-weight: normal;">Nonfiction, Science</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">The title of this book pretty much says it all: it's a book of science experiments for young scientists (and their responsible adults). The book is organized into chapters: "Core Concerns," "Harnessing the Elements," "Food for Thought," "How Moving!", "A Lot of Hot Air," "100% Natural," and "Mad Science." The titles of each experiment are clever and eye-catching, like "The Rubber Chicken Bone" which is all about acids and bases and the importance of calcium. Each experiment gives a brief introduction, a detailed list of necessary supplies, a section called "Take Care" with any safety precautions, step-by-step instructions for the experiment, and the scientific principle the experiment demonstrates. The book has a vintage look and fun photos and illustrations.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Overall, this is a fun book that is great for browsing. Most of the ingredients are readily available, and might already be lurking in your pantry. There were many that were suitable for younger children, though the forward admonishes readers that all experiments should be attended by a responsible adult. The Viking Funeral (p.116) was the only experiment that seemed confusing in the instructions, otherwise the instructions were clear and we had good results on the few that we tried. There is a list of the experiments that is organized by the amount of time each one requires. But it would be helpful to have an index, particularly one that organized the experiments by scientific principle or even just into different branches of science (physics, botany, chemistry, etc.).</span><br /><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">It's weird and gross, it's an egg without its shell, it's slimey and gooey, it'll make your hair stand on end... it's science! (And if you make a mess in the house, it will make your parents crazy!)</span><br /><br /></div><div>Author Information</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sean Connolly has written over 50 books for children and adults on many nonfiction topics. He is the father of three children. (Information from this author biography is from the back of the book. Not much else was online about him!)</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Experiments may result in messes and some of them could be dangerous, though there are ample warnings about what to be cautious about in the text.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">The best way to booktalk this book would be to have a nifty, quick experiment to show and tell, probably something that's not too messy! I might recommend The Bold Little Ball (p.120), where you have a funnel and a ping pong ball and you blow air out. It turns out you can show why an airplane can stay in the air using this experiment. I would feature other books that of science experiments, maybe feature a few books on inventions, kid inventors, and biographies of famous scientists. The theme could be "Crazy Ideas That Stuck!"</span><br /><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Obviously there are many links to science units in this volume (duh, it's a book about science experiments!), such as Boyle's Law (Potato Gun, p.45), Volume (Air Cannon, p.35), the Bernoulli Effect (The Bold Little Ball, p.121), and Photosynthesis (Sunny Exposure p.155).</span><br /><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is a great book to have in your home or library for those long summer vacations or rainy November days (like today!). It's easy to find something in these pages that you have the ingredients for already!</span><br /><br />Awards<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">None.</span><br /><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31/?searchtype=t&searcharg=Book+of+Totally+Irresponsible+Science&searchscope=31&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=tBook+of+Totally+Irresponsible+Science"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes.</span></a><br /></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-7582189293336231392009-11-30T10:44:00.007-05:002009-11-30T11:36:07.781-05:00So Yesterday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U-1R66934JK-NIybpvGR7kNJpmGoLnBla7Kc79BA4vz6rgcgEWGX7pb9HVF-_TY1cMJt3mCyYRRzaHS_SduL5vU9MLzttZ2m4YRlYryAfqVq65ec6xYH90fJ9mXBWs8B1Y48sbzyH_g/s1600/so+yesterday.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U-1R66934JK-NIybpvGR7kNJpmGoLnBla7Kc79BA4vz6rgcgEWGX7pb9HVF-_TY1cMJt3mCyYRRzaHS_SduL5vU9MLzttZ2m4YRlYryAfqVq65ec6xYH90fJ9mXBWs8B1Y48sbzyH_g/s320/so+yesterday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409923348923218514" border="0" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic;">So Yesterday</span> by Scott Westerfeld, Penguin Group, 2004 (ISBN 159514000X)</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span style="font-weight: normal;">770 lexile/Ages13+</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span style="font-weight: normal;">Realistic Fiction</span>,<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Mystery</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">At the top of the Cool Pyramid are the Innovators, like the first person who made fingerless gloves awesome instead of something that a hobo would wear. Then the innovation trickles down to the Trendsetters, the Early Adopters, the Consumers (by which time the innovation is no longer cool), and finally to the Laggards (still sporting their mullets and feathered hair). Hunter is definitely a Trendsetter and he is also a cool-hunter for new innovations; he works for a big, name-brand company and attends cool tastings (focus groups) to give his opinion on what will and won't fly. He meets Jen, an Innovator, and together they begin to pursue the coolest shoes they've ever seen, possibly a bootleg. The shoes are tied up with some other mysterious events occurring among Manhattan's elite and Jen and Hunter go undercover to see what they can find out. Someone is out to challenge the status quo and the Cool Pyramid may be about to tumble down.</span></span><b><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></b></span></b></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">So, so cool. And clever. Westerfeld has written a book that raises questions about our consumer culture, aimed at the very audience who is one of the most prime (and fastest growing) targets. This is a book that packs a big message in a cleverly-plotted and fast-paced story. Westerfeld inserts many pop-culture references, yet without naming names; teens will appreciate the currency and the puzzle of figuring out what's being referred to. There is some romance that develops between Jen and Hunter, but Jen remains an enigma that Hunter has trouble fully understanding. But that's what happens when you're an Innovator, people don't always "get" you.</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Overall, this was a quick and fun read that left me with a lot to think about.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">You know where you are on the Cool Pyramid. But the bastion of Cool is about to be radically challenged by a group with an unusual agenda; Hunter and Jen are on the trail to discover who's behind the mystery of the coolest shoes they've ever seen.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Author Information</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Scott Westerfeld was born in 1963 in Dallas (TX) and grew up there, Connecticut, and California. He obtained his B.A. in Philosophy at Vassar College and attended NYU for one year to work on graduate study in Performance Studies. He has written science fiction books for adults and youth, and has ghost-written several books. Westerfeld's latest book for young adults is called <span style="font-style: italic;">Leviathan</span> (2009). He and his wife split their time between Sydney, Australia and New York City (summers only). (Information for this author biography is from his official </span><a style="font-weight: normal;" href="http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/?page_id=109">site</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">.)</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Some swearing, and examination/critique of consumer culture in America (which could offend consumers and/or big corporations).</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">I would love to put this in a booktalk called "No More Status Quo" (or maybe something more catchy) with other books that feature teens who challenge prevailing ideas and work for change. Other books to include in the booktalk would be<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/11/little-brother.html">Little Brother</a> (Doctorow, 2008), <span style="font-style: italic;">Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment </span>(Patterson, 2005), <span style="font-style: italic;">The Gospel According to Larry</span> (Tashjian, 2001), <span style="font-style: italic;">Hunger Games</span> (Collins, 2008), and <span style="font-style: italic;">Uglies </span>(also Westerfeld, 2005). </span><br /><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Oh so many options for this book. This book should be required reading for 7th and 8th graders! The assignment could be to look at prevailing trends in pop culture (fashion, music, technology, etc.) by examining ads in print, online, and on TV. Students could research the origins of current trends (ugh, pencil-leg jeans are back from the 80s), or identify references to other trends or media (such as sampling, in music). We'd all like to think we're Innovators, but most of us are not. Where do we each fit into the Cool Pyramid?</span><br /><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Because it's clever and takes a big whack at the consumer life-style we all live in. It's always good to have your ideas questioned!</span><br /><br />Awards<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Victorian Premier's Literary Awards, Prize for Young Adult Fiction.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span>Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31/?searchtype=t&searcharg=so+yesterday&searchscope=31&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=tso+yesterday"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes. </span></a><br /></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-15946912155963403842009-11-29T13:52:00.010-05:002009-11-29T14:52:56.798-05:00Homework Machine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgPonKEhKv4tqxkkJ_3D4bjYy7mFXKTueggpM8ZgYa9CI4ajJ057ZmFChnykw33b_-RyFz_OY2aeLnWZTunpY2qE5iXht2cQ_voIi4CQEEbwf-McmVCUiOurOwr-ci18pYpEGQEx6y44/s1600/homeworkmachine.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgPonKEhKv4tqxkkJ_3D4bjYy7mFXKTueggpM8ZgYa9CI4ajJ057ZmFChnykw33b_-RyFz_OY2aeLnWZTunpY2qE5iXht2cQ_voIi4CQEEbwf-McmVCUiOurOwr-ci18pYpEGQEx6y44/s320/homeworkmachine.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409601111601056882" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>The Homework Machine</i> by Dan Gutman, Simon and Schuster, 2006 (ISBN <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica; font-size: medium; color: rgb(0, 0, 51); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; ">0689876785)</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">690 lexile/Ages 10+</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Realistic Fiction, Humor</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">A homework machine seems too good to be true, but the other members of the D Squad believe it when they see it. The D Squad is a small group of four fifth graders, who all have last names beginning in "D," put together by their teacher, Miss Rasmussen: lackluster Kelsey, smart-aleck Snikwad, goody-goody Judy, and Brenton, the class brain who invented the Homework Machine. Brenton agrees to let his group-mates use his invention but, oddly enough, he doesn't want anything in return for the favor. That just proves how eccentric Brenton is; he invented the Homework Machine because he didn't like the busy-work that his teacher was giving out, he'd much prefer to pursue his own interests and studies. The four students start going to Brenton's house after school to use the Machine and begin to get to know each other a little better. And they quickly get hooked by the ease of using the Machine and don't want to "go back." But someone is trying to find out more about what they're doing each day after school. Is it the CIA? The FBI? The secret has leaked: what is the D Squad going to do?</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This book might appeal to reluctant readers, since the narration is in short segments, by the various players in this drama. It's a fantasy that many of us have dreamed of: the ease of life without the time-drain of homework. Gutman's writing style is straight-forward and conversational, as though the narrators are speaking directly to the reader. The plot moves quickly with a bit of mystery thrown in, as the D Squad tries to discover who has leaked the story of the Homework Machine. Each character responds differently to this new development and pretty soon the conclusion winds up, with a couple of plot twists that are quite unexpected. The primary characters slowly develop a friendship through this drama, even though they have some prejudices about each other (slacker, goody-goody, trouble-maker, geek). </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">A machine to do your homework for you? Sounds like every kid's dream, right? More free time to do the things you want, great grades, and it's all so easy. Except you're living a lie.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Author Information</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Dan Gutman was born in 1955 in New York City and grew up in New Jersey. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers University, in psychology. He turned his attention to writing after a couple of years in graduate school, and began writing humorous essays in 1980. Gutman has 86 published works to date including fiction and nonfiction, for adults and children. HE currently lives in New Jersey with his wife and two children. (Information for this author biography is from his official <a href="http://www.dangutman.com/pages/about.html">site</a>.)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Some people don't like the word "sucks" and that's in here. There are devious kids here, bucking the time-cherished tradition of homework, and that's pretty scary too.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Someone mentioned that this book might be a good one to recommend to fans of the <i>Diary of a Wimpy Kid</i> series (Kinney, 2007). Though this one is lacking the copious illustrations, I think that it's a good read-alike for the school setting, friends/enemies, and the humorous aspects. I think a booktalk called "If you like the Wimpy Kid books, try these next..." could be a good one. Other books might include <i>Sideways Stories from Wayside School</i> (Sachar, 1985), <i>Julia Gillian (and the Quest for Joy)</i> (McGhee, 2009), <i>The Boys Start the War</i> (Naylor, 1993), and <i>Frindle</i> (Clements, 1996).</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Certainly an obvious curricular connection would be related to instruction and guidelines on academic honesty. When did Miss Rasmussen begin to suspect that there was something up? How do people get caught cheating? Can teachers "tell" if you've plagiarized? Why do people cheat? Are these the same reasons (or are there different ones) that the D Squad started using the Homework Machine? Also, students might draft their own Ten Commandments of Homework, like Miss Rasmussen's.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Aren't you just a little intrigued by the title? I tried listening to it on audio but found the full-cast narration to be confusing since there are so many (and frequent) switches in point of view. It seemed like a pretty great selection for this list, so I went back to it in book form.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Series/Sequel</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>The Return of the Homework Machine</i> (2009), which I see from Gutman's <a href="http://www.dangutman.com/pages/books.html">site</a> addresses the one remaining loose end of the first book: What the heck was that red blinking light on Brenton's computer, that never went off even when the power was killed?</span></div><div><br />Awards<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Maine Student Book Award, Second Place, 2007-2008; Booklist Editors' Choice, Books for Youth, Middle Readers Category, 2006.</span></div><div><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search~S71/?searchtype=t&searcharg=homework+machine&searchscope=31&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=thomework+machine">Yes.</a></span></span></span></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-14502262467384260212009-11-29T12:41:00.008-05:002009-11-29T13:51:15.494-05:00Year of the Dog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXAdOV-SB6l1_3O5o-3Lg9vJRWFGP6QglXMfVHGpMfUE2ZRGDS8l34B5thuWe690Eoc6DtxttEhC4kXjp1oJyQZTqcH_0dIgMelOaK9k5yPDt5jwQs_txyO6OrUbm6FLt5Tq8mRkYeNI/s1600/Year+of+the+Dog.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 108px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXAdOV-SB6l1_3O5o-3Lg9vJRWFGP6QglXMfVHGpMfUE2ZRGDS8l34B5thuWe690Eoc6DtxttEhC4kXjp1oJyQZTqcH_0dIgMelOaK9k5yPDt5jwQs_txyO6OrUbm6FLt5Tq8mRkYeNI/s320/Year+of+the+Dog.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409582341598202738" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>The Year of the Dog</i> by Grace Lin, Little, Brown, and Co., 2006 (ISBN 9780316060004)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> 690 lexile/Ages 9-12</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Realistic Fiction, Humor</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">It's the Year of the Dog, by the Lunar Calendar, and Grace's Taiwanese-American family is ringing in the new year! Grace has two sisters and the family lives in upstate New York; Grace's family is the only Chinese-American family in her community and at Grace's school. But wait, is she Chinese-American or Taiwanese American? Or both? This is a question that Grace herself puzzles over. Though Grace knows she's different, her classmates and teacher are supportive and inclusive of her ethnic and cultural heritage. One day, a new girl comes to school and she's also Taiwanese-American. Melody and Grace become fast friends who share many interests, like music, writing, and art. They team up for the class science fair and try an experiment with plants: they plant four pea seeds and water each one with a different liquid to see how the plants grow. Unfortunately their scientific method is not quite perfect and their results are skewed. When the girls get an assignment that combines art and language arts, to write and illustrate their own book for a national competition, Grace is stumped for an idea that is original. Will Grace discover her own inner talent this year, which is one of the possibilities in the Year of the Dog?</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Lin has created an engaging narrative in this semi-autobiographical work. This was the type of book that she wanted to read as a young girl, since none of the books she had access to were about people like her. Lin has peppered the text with lovely black and white illustrations. The story is occasionally interspersed with other stories, such as How Grandpa Got Rich, and Mom Sleeps in School. These stories-within-a-story help to provide round out the story of Grace's family and their experiences while living in Taiwan. There is a lot of cultural information here, but it's wrapped in an appealing story of a "regular" American girl who wants the lead role in the school play, who wants to fit in with her peers, and who wants to be able to be herself. Grace's narrative shows that she is beginning to understand who she is, both within and outside of the bounds of her ethnic and cultural heritage. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The Year of the Dog is supposed to be about finding yourself and learning what your special talents are. But Grace doesn't win the science competition and she doesn't get the part she wants in the school play, so what's left for her?</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Author Information</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Grace Lin grew up in upstate New York with her two sisters and parents. Though she wanted to be a professional ice skater, she was much better at drawing herself as a professional ice skater. She attended the Rhode Island School of Design and began illustrating children's books. This book was Lin's debut as an author/illustrator for older children. She currently lives in Somerville, MA, with her husband. (Information in this author biography is from <a href="http://www.charlesbridge.com/contributorinfo.cfm?ContribID=46">this</a> site)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Pretty innocent story here and not much to object to. Unless you might have someone who thinks that the library should only have books about WHITE Americans. (A troubling thought!)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This would be another great book to include in a booktalk on diversity and families. What makes our familieis different? What makes our families the same? Other titles might include <a href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/11/drita-my-homegirl.html"><i>Drita My Homegirl</i></a> (Lombard, 2006), <i>Granny Torrelli Makes Soup</i> (Creech, 2003), <i>Sahara Special</i> (Codell, 2003), and <i>How Tia Lola Came to (Visit) Stay</i> (Alvarez, 2001). </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">What are those stories that we hear over and over again in our families? The Time Sylvan Sleepwalked and Peed on the Floor, or When Jonas Almost Rolled Off the Doctor's Examining Table, or The Time the Thanksgiving Table Collapsed, or Things That Poppie Has Left Behind and Driven Away From By Mistake. Students could identify, collect, and write down some of these stories that exist in their own families. It could be a great writing project to give just before the winter break, that way students could review those stories with relatives and jot down a rough draft or notes.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Like <i><a href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/11/drita-my-homegirl.html">Drita My Homegirl</a></i> (Lombard, 2006) this book packs a big message about diversity. Though we may have different cultural heritages, our strengths are in the qualities we share in our relationships with friends and family.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Series/Sequel</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This book is followed by <i>The Year of the Rat</i> (2008).</span></div><div><br />Awards<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">ALA Notable Children's Books, Middle Readers Category, 2007; BookList Editors' Choice, Books for Youth, Middle Readers, 2006.</span></div><div><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search~S31/?searchtype=t&searcharg=year+of+the+dog&searchscope=31&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=tyear+of+the+dog">Yes.</a></span></span></span></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-29843511437740509622009-11-28T16:52:00.006-05:002009-11-29T13:52:08.220-05:00Horrid Henry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfIA7BFPPMX8H7wVuNurLiL3e_GEQHsbpLbzHD0U3rgMRR2ygp6fTzBOhcvzfYP-IsiqftUeg2mHWQkZTleAauOLHKTZRB0xCxQ-X5h_CwR44iR-kq1mNEb2xmgziogMIsvHKc1jJJfs/s1600/horrid_henry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfIA7BFPPMX8H7wVuNurLiL3e_GEQHsbpLbzHD0U3rgMRR2ygp6fTzBOhcvzfYP-IsiqftUeg2mHWQkZTleAauOLHKTZRB0xCxQ-X5h_CwR44iR-kq1mNEb2xmgziogMIsvHKc1jJJfs/s320/horrid_henry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409275825561359698" border="0" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Horrid Henry</span> by Francesca Simon, illustrated by Tony Ross, SourceBooks Jabberwocky, 2009 (ISBN 9781402217753)</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span style="font-weight: normal;">Ages 9-11</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span style="font-weight: normal;">Humor, Realistic Fiction</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">In this, the first book in this series, we meet Henry and his family, including his brother, Perfect Peter; we also encounter Moody Margaret, Henry's arch-nemesis. In every Horrid Henry book there are four stories or installments; they are not chapters in a continuing story, but always follow Henry and his latest naughty capers. This book opens with Horrid Henry's Perfect Day, in which he spends the whole day being perfect, like Peter always is. Consequently, the family is late for Cub Scouts because the parents slept in (no sounds of fighting to wake them up!). This new and unexpected turn of events infuriates Perfect Peter, who doesn't quite know what his role is now and even tries out being Horrid himself! This story is followed by Horrid Henry's Dance Class, Horrid Henry and Moody Margaret, and Horrid Henry's Holiday. Horrid Henry is rude, disagreeable, disgusting, conniving, difficult, and manipulative, but somehow totally hilarious at the same time.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">This series is as perfect as Henry is horrid, particularly for reluctant readers, fans of humor, anyone who has a sibling, or as a classroom or family read-aloud (if you don't mind being interrupted by hysterics). It's Henry against the world, which is a feeling that we can all relate to: a perfect brother (Peter loves veggies, going to bed early, dance lessons, and he gets perfect grades); parents who make us do terrible things (dance lessons instead of karate, wilderness camping instead of cushy camping); and his rival, Moody Margaret, who is always out to thwart Henry at every turn. It's a little bit like the picture book <span style="font-style: italic;">Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day</span> (Viorst, 1972). The illustrations reminded me of Roald Dahl's books and sure enough, Ross illustrated my own copy of <i>Fantastic Mr. Fox</i>. There is always at least one anecdote per Horrid Henry episode that has my own family rolling off the couch with laughter (ages 7-35). </span><br /><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">He's awful, he's rude, he's disagreeable----He's Horrid Henry! What happens when Henry decides to try being perfect for a day? Can he do it? If Henry's being Perfect, where does that leave Perfect Peter?</span><br /><br /></div><div>Author Information</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Francesca Simon was born in St. Louis (MO) and was raised in California. She majored in Medieval Studies at Yale and Oxford Universities, and then "threw away a lucrative career as a medievalist" to pursue a career in journalism. She worked free-lance for the <span style="font-style: italic;">Sunday Times</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Guardian</span>, and T<span style="font-style: italic;">he Mail </span>(all British publications), and <span style="font-style: italic;">Vogue </span>(US). Simon is a best-selling children's book author in the UK; over 12 million Horrid Henry books have been sold, in 24 countries around the world. Simon now lives in London with her husband, son, and dog. (Information in this author biography is from her official </span><a style="font-weight: normal;" href="http://www.francescasimon.com/about.asp">site</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">.)</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Any responsible adult might worry about Henry's thoroughly reprehensible behavior and would surely hate to think that the children in their care adopting Henry's antic<span style="font-weight: bold;">s</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">he Trouble With Siblings would be the theme of this booktalk and I would try to focus on books that are also funny. I would include <i>The Penderwicks</i> (Birdsall, 2005), <i>Superfudge</i> (Blume, 1980), <i>Beezus and Ramona</i> (Clearly, 1955), and <i>Ten Ways to Make My Sister Disappear</i> (Mazer, 2007).</span><br /><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">It would be a great writing prompt to ask students to develop their own Horrid Henry story, inspired by an autobiographical anecdote. Have they ever had one of those days when EVERYTHING goes wrong? At every turn, you are thwarted by your parents who want you to wash your hair or change your shirt, or siblings who insist on having that one LEGO piece that you can't live without?? I could create a character called Irritating Iris whose husband, Jesting Jacob, is constantly making jokes that are just not that funny if she's in a grumpy mood. Irritating Iris bothers Jesting Jacob by telling him that sometimes his jokes really stink! Anyway, it would be a good group activity to "brainstorm" the type of story that makes a "good" Horrid Henry installment: the element of cringing horror that the stories elicit in readers, the interaction between characters, the roles of each character and how that advances the plot, etc.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Isn't it thrilling to read about characters who are horrible and get in trouble? Who do things that we do (or wish we could)? It's satisfying to read about one who is so predictably devious as Henry. Since, chances are, we are not as bad as he is, we delight in his antics.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Series/Sequel</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Yes, indeedy, there are plenty more Horrid Henry books. Check the website, <a href="http://www.horridhenry.co.uk/the-books.asp">here</a>, for the full list.</span></div><div><br />Awards<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">None.</span></div><div><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search~S71?/thorrid+henry/thorrid+henry/1%2C19%2C23%2CB/exact&FF=thorrid+henry&1%2C3%2C">No</a>. (But we own others in the series!)</span></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-5345129645025235422009-11-28T12:23:00.010-05:002009-11-28T16:45:11.595-05:00Trouble<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6R2_nlPF3fpfNk3nr4bKtaeUvnbUcN39RRNwvrnpTviTVEX3XCjvuFAuFDr_KL7stjxCyWQrC8I-6KPZBKFPmGCvJtdb8Q73gND54-cm09L3QgytmQHh0ZMyq8_pxX9FyCrdrU1tV88U/s1600/Trouble.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6R2_nlPF3fpfNk3nr4bKtaeUvnbUcN39RRNwvrnpTviTVEX3XCjvuFAuFDr_KL7stjxCyWQrC8I-6KPZBKFPmGCvJtdb8Q73gND54-cm09L3QgytmQHh0ZMyq8_pxX9FyCrdrU1tV88U/s320/Trouble.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409208751977536738" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">Biblio Bits </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Trouble </span>by Gary D. Schmidt, Clarion Books, 2008 (ISBN 9780618927661)</span><br /><pre><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Reading Level/Interest Age </span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">930 lexile/Ages 13+</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" >Genr<span style="font-family:arial;">e </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Realistic Fiction</span></span><br /></pre><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">Plot Summary<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">At fourteen years old, Henry Smith has led a relatively trouble-free life. His father always liked to say that "If you build your house far enough away, Trouble won't be able to find you." In the classic homestead that his family has owned for 300 years, and in the elite community on Cape Ann, MA, it seems like Henry's dad is right. Until Henry's perfect, athletic, older brother is struck by an inattentive driver while running, loses an arm and is placed in a medically-induced coma. The family falls into a deep grief and scatter to their respective corners of the family home. The driver of the vehicle, Chay, is also a student at Franklin's private school; Chay and his family are Cambodian and came to America as refugees. Chay's family lives in a nearby town that was settled by many Cambodian families and racial tensions begin to heat up between the two communities. Henry and Franklin had talked about a climbing trip to Mt. Katahdin, in Maine, and now Henry is determined to follow through with that goal. The story is a tightly-woven narrative that is laced with psychological intrigue and suspense, a story of families who find themselves in all kinds of trouble.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><br /><br />Critical Evaluation<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Schmidt has crafted a literary coming-of-age story that touches on many emotional nerves: racism, classicism, grief, loss, and families under stress. Though the themes are serious, the book is compelling and does not feel morose or "heavy." Henry rescues a dog from near-drowning who is malnourished and has been abused. Though his parents initially resist, the dog provides an anchor for him in his grief; this relationship is sweet and funny and helps Henry from being totally alone, since his family members are so isolated in their grief. Though the book is very character-driven, it is cleverly crafted so as not to feel slow or brooding, and in fact, sometimes is very suspenseful. There are no easy answers here, and older tweens who are ready for more of a challenge will not be disappointed in Schmidt's storytelling.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><br /><br />Reader's Annotation<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Is it possible to hide from Trouble? Henry's family has, in their elite community north of Boston, for over 300 years. But suddenly, Trouble is everywhere in Henry's life and he thinks he knows how to get his life in balance again: Climb Mt. Katahdin alone.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><br /><br />Author Information<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Gary D. Schmidt was born in 1957 in Hicksville, NY. He attended Gordon College for his Bachelor's Degree and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for his Master's Degree, where he also received his Ph.D. He is married, with six children, and currently lives in Grand Rapids, MI. Schmidt has received numerous awards and recognition for his other works of children's literature, including two Newbery Honor Awards. (Information in this author biography is from Gale's <span style="font-style: italic;">Contemporary Authors Online</span>, 2009). </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><br /><br />Challenge issues<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">A rape is mentioned, but not described in detail. There is some violence though not overly graphic or gruesome.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><br /><br />Booktalking Ideas<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">This book definitely falls into the category of the teen problem novel, and more specifically, into the subject of death and grief. In a booktalk, I would emphasize the ways that Henry's family has avoided trouble so far: being white, being privileged, being lucky, and being sheltered in their family homestead. I would also emphasize Henry's goal of climbing Mt. Katahdin as his own way of coping with his grief. Henry finds out that trouble is everywhere. A Summer to Die (Lowry, 1977), Autobiography of My Dead Brother (Myers, 2005), and <a href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/11/one-of-those-hideous-books-where-mother.html">One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies</a> (Sones, 2004) might be other titles to include for this theme and age group.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><br /><br />Curriculum Ties<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">This would be an ideal book to read while studying the Civil Rights Movement or immigration because it is clearly shows that institutional racism and segregation are alive and well and living in the United States, during many periods in our history and currently. I could imagine this book as a starting point for a discussion about immigrant or refugee communities in the students' own communities and the issues that might have arisen from their arrival. A formal or informal debate might be initiated, perhaps with the following questions: How can communities respond appropriately to an immigrant influx? What kinds of social services might they need? What about American taxpayers who resent the loss of jobs and higher taxes? What are the next steps for the fictional communities of Blythbury-by-the-Sea and Merton and how will they reconcile their differences?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><br /><br />Why this book?<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">This book had been recommended to me months ago, but I kept avoiding it because it sounded like the subject matter was so dreary. But I am glad I returned to it.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><br /><br />Awards<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">MSBA Reading List 2009-2010; Oprah's Reading List New Releases, ages 12 and up.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;"><br /><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></span><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31?/ttrouble/ttrouble/1%2C24%2C27%2CB/frameset&FF=ttrouble&2%2C%2C3"><span style="font-family:arial;">Yes.</span></a>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-17541074809124469342009-11-25T16:50:00.008-05:002009-11-25T21:58:02.179-05:00Arrival<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCa0rlulJv7o9dFX7xS_6AofTHmsSOkshYYfAoCjWnvWf6kLtVeoC0MUE0Ie7zI-pPaJcfCwWoRfB7Yup-MWjKGOLrS3i7a2zN0tTaxI-fMjEvsK1eup8IkgsUtB0wPa-JGK5F_7lVKs/s1600/the-arrival.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCa0rlulJv7o9dFX7xS_6AofTHmsSOkshYYfAoCjWnvWf6kLtVeoC0MUE0Ie7zI-pPaJcfCwWoRfB7Yup-MWjKGOLrS3i7a2zN0tTaxI-fMjEvsK1eup8IkgsUtB0wPa-JGK5F_7lVKs/s320/the-arrival.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408162153642131810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Biblio Bits </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Arrival</span> by Shaun Tan, Arthur A. Levine Books, 2006 (ISBN 9780439895293)</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span style="font-weight: normal;">Ages 9+</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span style="font-weight: normal;">Science fiction, Graphic Novel</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is the story of a refugee, told in pictures only. Our protagonist leaves his home, his daughter and wife, to seek a safer alternative in a new country. The illustrations indicate that there is something menacing the city he leaves behind: something big, dark, and with a spiny, tendril-like tail has taken over. We follow our protagonist on his journey across a large body of water, aboard a steam ship, and then into the grand harbor of the new world. Once there, he must be processed and made official; there are lots of lines and waiting, which is reminiscent of pictures from Ellis Island. The new world is as unfamiliar to readers as it is to the protagonist, with strange symbols that must be writing, bizarre and fantastic architecture, unusual animals, implements, and foods. Even shopping for food is different, almost like an old-fashioned automat. Our protagonist finds a place to live and works several jobs in order to save money to bring his family over. Throughout the story we meet other refugees and learn of their stories also, as our protagonist makes friends. This is a singular work that is both evocative and beautifully rendered.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">I have read and re-read this book several times and each time I find myself just as astonished and moved by the narrative as the first time I read it. Tan's book is completely unique in many ways. The book design is made to look old or worn, with interior pages that have stains or cracks, and a cover that looks like a weathered, leather album. The illustrations are rendered impeccably in a variety of black, gray, and sepia tones. Some page layouts are comprised of lots of little boxes (like the cloud spread), while others are full-page spreads. There is a soft luminosity in Tan's drawings that makes me think of Old Master etchings. And yet this is only the technical aspect of the work. The sequencing and pacing feels very cinematic: our attention is sometimes focused in on a detail through several frames, or alternatively, we start out close in and then zoom out through several frames, like the movement of a film camera. Tan also manages to convey deep emotions and stir a reader's empathy so that we are no longer reading <span style="font-style: italic;">about </span>a refugee in a strange, new land, we <span style="font-style: italic;">are </span>the refugee.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">I really can't tell you about this book, you just have to experience it for yourself. It's the story of a stranger in a strange land, who has come seeking safety. It sounds like a million other books, but I promise this one is different.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Author Information</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Shaun Tan was born in 1974 in Australia. His father is a Chinese Malaysian and his mother is Australian, of English and Irish descent. Tan studied fine arts, English literature, and history at the University of Western Australia and graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. Tan has received many awards for his works and, </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">in 2010,</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> will be the Guest of Honor at the World Science Fiction Convention in Melbourne, Australia, where he currently lives. (Information in this author biography is from Gale's World Literature Today, 2008, and </span><a style="font-weight: normal;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaun_Tan">Wikipedia</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">.)</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">There are some scary parts of this story and strong emotions that are expressed.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">I think the best way to begin a booktalk on this title would be to talk in some kind of gibberish for the first minute or so, perhaps holding the book and "asking" listeners whether they are familiar with the story (using facial expressions and gestures). Making the switch into English, it would be easy to hook readers in by showing them a few illustrations and asking some pointed questions. Have you ever had to leave your home? Moved to a new country without your family? What if you got there and no one understood you? How would you find food and shelter? It would be an interesting book to include in a themed booktalk on immigrants, mixing fiction and nonfiction, such as <span style="font-style: italic;">Maggie's Door</span> (Giff, 2003), <span style="font-style: italic;">A Step From Heaven</span> (Na, 2000), <span style="font-style: italic;">Letters from Rivka </span>(Hesse, 1992), and others. </span><br /><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">This would be a fabulous book to tie into a unit about immigration, in fact I might recommend beginning the unit with this book, perhaps in small groups. For students who have not been an immigrant or refugee, this exercise would offer them a chance to be one. Have students become the protagonist: leaving behind his family in unsafe conditions, his quest for food and shelter, his utter bewilderment in his new surroundings. Perhaps they could also draw an identification page, like the protagonists, with a self-portrait and Tan-inspired symbols/language to represent his status and information (as in, no words in any recognizable alphabet!).</span><br /><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Because it's unlike anything I had ever seen before and I loved the old look of the cover and intriguing cover illustration.</span><br /><br />Awards<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">ALA Notable Children's Books, Older Readers, 2007; </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Parents' Choice Awards, Fiction, 2007; </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Booklist Editors' Choice, Books for Older Readers, 2007; Oprah's Kids' Reading Lists, New Releases, Age 12 and up; New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books, 2007; New York Times Notable Books, Children's Books, 2007; School Library Journal Best Books, 2007; USBBY Outstanding International Books, Grades 6-8, 2008; Australian Book Industry Awards, Book of the Year for Older Readers. </span><br /><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31?/tthe+arrival/tarrival/1%2C1%2C2%2CB/frameset&FF=tarrival&1%2C%2C2/indexsort=-"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes. </span></a><br /></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-11294305432274195782009-11-25T14:31:00.006-05:002009-12-01T13:39:15.700-05:00Totally Joe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsBs_ghKdmUEg5uR4UxqGdk1NmNCmKkmEUbUJ3u03I2omBIV2gBBfk4Cz-qsl_SfT96NxGrzfuoJ3fZRLqIx5Jiu4hXBSm9XiiujhsW0i48WCCC3UMIxRJ271N5QtEFru1eAJtlyOOp4/s1600/totally+joe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsBs_ghKdmUEg5uR4UxqGdk1NmNCmKkmEUbUJ3u03I2omBIV2gBBfk4Cz-qsl_SfT96NxGrzfuoJ3fZRLqIx5Jiu4hXBSm9XiiujhsW0i48WCCC3UMIxRJ271N5QtEFru1eAJtlyOOp4/s320/totally+joe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408126519152069266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Biblio Bits </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Totally Joe</span> by James Howe, Ginee Seo Books, 2005 (ISBN9780689839573)</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span style="font-weight: normal;">910 lexile/Ages 12-14</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span style="font-weight: normal;">Realistic Fiction</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Thirteen year-old Joe has a writing assignment: an "alphabiography," meaning that it's supposed to be the story of his life from A to Z. But when he finishes it, he realizes there's a lot of pretty personal stuff in there, and though he doesn't censor himself, he begs his teacher to handle it with care (and NOT make him read any of it out-loud!). Joe is gay. He's always known that he was different from other boys: he doesn't make armpit farts, he is not an expert on cars or acting tough, and he doesn't use the word faggot all day long. Joe wore dresses when he was little and he liked to play with Barbies, but now that he's in middle school, he's thinking about his friends (straight and supportive), avoiding the name-calling bully, and his first boyfriend. But his boyfriend Colin is not so comfortable with being gay, so their relationship is "in the closet." When some rumors start circulating in school that Joe and Colin were caught kissing, Colin gets cold feet. This is a story about first crushes, friendship, and family. It's about being different and being O.K. with that. Joe is <span style="font-style: italic;">totally </span>himself. </span><br /><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is an excellent contribution to the genre of queer coming-of-age stories. What is most notable about it is that Joe's family and friends have known his "secret" forever and they love and support him for who he is. He's just Joe, who loves cooking and movie stars and his friends, and who approaches his life with enthusiasm and humor. I also like this book because it is geared to a lower age-group than some other titles in this category, so it would be perfect for a tween who might be exploring or questioning his/her sexual identity in late childhood, or maybe, like Joe, has always known. There is the theme of name-calling and bullying in this book also, but it is resolved for the positive (almost too neatly) when the bully's conservative parents pull him out to attend private school. Ultimately I do wonder if this book isn't a tad wishful: accepting friends and family, supportive school officials---it seems too good to be true for a gay tween. But there is much to recommend here and maybe a hopeful wish for gay tweens everywhere. </span><br /><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Joe is totally himself: funny, fun, a great cook, a good friend, a clever narrator, and---oh! he's also gay. Joe has had a crush on Colin since 5th grade and now it seems like Colin might like him back! What will having a boyfriend be like? Is Joe ready?</span><br /><br /></div><div>Author Information</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">James Howe was born in 1946 and grew up in upstate New York. He has been married twice: his first wife died, and he divorced his second wife. Howe is a very prolific children's author for books including the <span style="font-style: italic;">Pinky and Rex</span> early reader series and the <span style="font-style: italic;">Bunnicula </span>series. He has received many awards for his books and body of work, recognizing his contributions to the field of children's literature. Howe currently lives in New York with his partner, Mark Davis. He has one daughter from his second marriage. (The information in this author biography is from Gale's Contemporary Authors Online, 2007). </span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Joe, our frank and homosexual (or frankly homosexual?) narrator, might be cause for objection in some circles. </span><br /><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">I would focus this booktalk around the supportive network Joe has in his life. His friend Addie starts a campaign to end name-calling at their school because of how Joe is being treated. In 5th grade, at Joe's request, his friend Skeezie tries to teach him how to act like a guy-guy (but gives up, because it's pretty hopeless). His Aunt Pam encourages him to officially "come out" to his family. These are all people who show Joe that he is accepted with their actions and words. We all need a network like Joe's.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is another great one for the tolerance files: how to be yourself and be O.K. about it. I would want to link this book to a unit on getting to know yourself better, and I think I would borrow shamelessly from Mr. Daly's assignment and have students create an "alphabiography" of their own. The story of your life so far, from A to Z.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Great cover! And a perfect book for tweens about being gay and about being a tween, period.</span><br /><br />Awards<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">ALA Notable Children's Book, Older Readers, 2006; Rainbow Lists, Middle/Early YA Fiction, 2008; MSBA Reading List, 2006-2007. </span><br /><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31/?searchtype=t&searcharg=totally+joe&searchscope=31&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=ttotally+joe"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes.</span></a><br /></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-12162204034514164022009-11-24T13:22:00.014-05:002009-12-01T14:32:36.755-05:00Buddha Boy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaxJ-T8x-JhchmexOMGhONqeSxl7Cf46fZ-_QTzlWCIKY6w4cwagre-522iJpbzH5xFGUWP_vA7MrJJrNsyJthwpFOJo27zySITwrUmdF1AKAKp32ySAASPv3NaMW3CSStbqVvx3WQJk/s1600/buddhaboy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaxJ-T8x-JhchmexOMGhONqeSxl7Cf46fZ-_QTzlWCIKY6w4cwagre-522iJpbzH5xFGUWP_vA7MrJJrNsyJthwpFOJo27zySITwrUmdF1AKAKp32ySAASPv3NaMW3CSStbqVvx3WQJk/s320/buddhaboy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407737396775890258" border="0" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Buddha Boy</i> by Kathe Koja, Frances Foster Books, 2003 (ISBN 9780374309985) </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">1090 lexile/Ages 14+</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Realistic fiction</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">There's a new boy at Rucher High and he's already earned a nickname for himself because of his unorthodox behavior: Buddha Boy. He looks like a small version of a monk, with his shaved head and hippie tee-shirts, and even begs for food at lunch; though he is called Michael on the official school paperwork, he asks to be called Jinsen, which he identifies as his spiritual name. When Justin, our narrator, and Jinsen are placed in a group for a collaborative project, Justin is hesitant because he doesn't want to be associated with this new weirdo. But there's a lot more to Jinsen than meets the eye: he is a practicing Buddhist and an amazing artist. Gradually, Justin starts caring less about what people will think, and more about the ideas that Jinsen has shared with him. But the teasing that Jinsen has experienced is getting worse, as he is physically bullied and and threatened. Justin wants to be a good friend, but he's not sure how to handle this, especially since Jinsen doesn't want the school administration involved.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is a slim book that delivers a lot of emotional impact. The portrayal of high school cruelty is realistic; in this case, the bullies are considered the "golden" boys of the school who can do no wrong. Justin's gradual acceptance of something new, his confusion about how to help Jinsen deal with the bullying, and the mix of strong emotions that surrounds their friendship, all work together to create a convincing narrative and sympathetic main character. It was sometimes hard to find the flow in Koje's writing, since she uses some unconventional stylistic techniques to express conversation and narration. I also was not fully convinced that Justin's friends, particularly Megan, would have so quickly changed their minds about Jinsen, right after he is given a special award for art and his commissioned banner is displayed for the school to see.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Who's that nutty new kid in the dorky hippie tee-shirt? What's with his shaved head? He looks like some kind of, I don't know, like a monk or something. Is he <span style="font-style: italic;">begging</span>? Oh. My. God. He is coming. To. Our. Table.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Author Information</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kathe Koja was born in 1960 and has made a name for herself as a writer of the horror genre for adults. She has been recognized for her work as a writer in numerous sources and awards. Koja attended Clarion Workshop for writers. She cites J.D. Salinger, Louise Fitzhugh, and Francesca Lia Block as inspirations. Koja lives in Detroit (MI) with her husband and son. (Information in this author biography is from her official </span><a style="font-weight: normal;" href="http://www.kathekoja.com/bio.html">site </a><span style="font-weight: normal;">and the Gale's Contemporary Author's Online database, 2008.)</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Language, language, language! Wow. This book was somehow in the Juvenile section of our library and I will be making a recommendation that its designation be switched to YA. There is some swearing, and also references to drinking, smoking, and drugs.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">I would probably design a booktalk about the theme of bullies and bullying and all of the ways this can happen, from excluding/ignoring someone to name-calling and teasing to destruction of property and physical violence. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Mostly this has to do with somehow being different from the norm (which most of us are!). Though not as light-hearted, this book reminded me in many ways of <span style="font-style: italic;">Stargirl </span>(Spinelli, 2000). </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">There are lots of books that deal with this topic: <a href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/12/parrotfish.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Parrotfish </span></a>(Wittlinger, 2007), <a href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/11/ten-things-i-hate-about-me.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ten Things I Hate About Me</span></a> (Abdel-Fattah, 2009), and <span style="font-style: italic;">Looks </span>(George, 2008) to name a few.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">This book would make a great selection for a class on social health issues or life skills. The topic of bullying is the primary one, and is taken to several levels which could be discussed in large or small groups. The reason why Justin befriends Jinsen is because of a school project, but what else helped Justin to "see" Jinsen in a new way? What does this say about the dehumanization that occurs when we bully or reject or ignore other people?</span><br /><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">I was looking for a book to add to my collection that dealt with bullying, and this one was one I had seen on the shelves. I thought it was going to be geared to a younger audience!</span><br /><br />Awards<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">International Reading Association Children's Book Award for fiction.</span></div><div><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial,fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31/?searchtype=t&searcharg=buddha+boy&searchscope=31&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=tbuddha+boy">Yes. </a></span></span></span></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-25667386065795256852009-11-24T11:03:00.012-05:002009-12-02T10:07:15.683-05:00Mysterious Benedict Society<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZaw_I_KsvOrnoaC8oGLUKfvnlvJD8wekTpC6Ut11nbvVxKx2bKXysl9r5Fs8QpsJey1vEgoH5FrnpIB00ch3JpK_b39JsOlcF6ZYqHZVHHHwgdiBxbh8qhCVhQq8Dr5A-kM6Jx-64t8/s1600/Mysterious+Benedict.aspx.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 66px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZaw_I_KsvOrnoaC8oGLUKfvnlvJD8wekTpC6Ut11nbvVxKx2bKXysl9r5Fs8QpsJey1vEgoH5FrnpIB00ch3JpK_b39JsOlcF6ZYqHZVHHHwgdiBxbh8qhCVhQq8Dr5A-kM6Jx-64t8/s320/Mysterious+Benedict.aspx.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407706554940815074" border="0" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, Little Brown, 2007 (ISBN 9780316057776)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> 840 lexile/Ages 10+</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Adventure, Science Fiction, Mystery</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Reynie Muldoon is an eleven year-old orphan who sees the following advertisement in the newspaper: "Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" He pursues the unusual testing sessions which turn out to be designed to evaluate more than just book smarts. It turns out that only four children have been selected, though they each approached the tests in very different ways, and are met at their concluding test site by Mr. Benedict. A genius with an uncanny talent for mind-reading, Mr. Benedict has made a startling discovery: subliminal messages of puzzling nonsense and contradictions are being broadcast through the televisions of the masses. The villain behind this is none other than Ledopthra Curtain, entrepreneur and founder of the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened (L.I.V.E. or backwards, EVIL!). The children soon infiltrate the institute as students and must work together, drawing on each other's talents, to solve the mystery and stop this dastardly megalomaniac. Will they be able to thwart his plans without being discovered as spies?</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I'll tell you how much I liked this book: at a time in the semester when time is of the essence, I didn't just abandon this book after gathering the necessary information to write an informed post about it! I had to finish it, and plan to read the two sequels over the break between semesters. Stewart has created a clever, engaging, and tightly plotted story here, filled with the types of unlikely heroes that readers love rooting for, and some great vocabulary words along the way. Constance seems the least likely heroine: grumpy, prickly, rude, and often dull. Readers will enjoy puzzling about why Constance is even a part of this group; they may suspect that she has a big part to play. In fact, the book is filled with puzzles, large and small, that will engage readers along the way. There is just the right amount of emotional engagement with and empathy for the characters, mixed with humor, suspense, and adventure. The adults at L.I.V.E., including Mr. Curtain, may remind readers of <a href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/11/matilda.html">Roald Dahl's</a> adults: those most odious ones who think they know everything and condescend to children. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Are four kids really capable of foiling a global plot to brainwash its citizens by thought-control messages in their TVs? (Wait a minute, is this realistic fiction?) They make an unlikely team of heroes but quickly infiltrate the headquarters of the mastermind and use their combined talents to puzzle out the solution.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Author Information</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Trenton Lee Stewart was born in 1970 and graduated from the Iowa Writer's Workshop. He lives in Little Rock (AR) with his wife and two sons. He conceived of this, his debut novel, out of a chess riddle that randomly came to mind on his way to a restaurant. (Information from this author biography was found <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trenton_Lee_Stewart">here</a> and from the book jacket.)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Oh come on. It's good, clean fun. Evil masterminds, genius orphans, friendship, cleverness. OK, I guess if you have a nose like a cucumber you might be offended by the description of Mr. Curtain's nose.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Stylistically, this book reminds me of the <i>Series of Unfortunate Events</i> (Snicket) books or <a href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/10/willoughbys.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Willoughbys</span></a> (Lowry, 2008). But I think I would approach a booktalk by emphasizing The Kids Saving The World (or at least making some necessary changes) theme of this book. It's pretty creepy to consider subliminal messages being piped out of our TVs (and not so far from the truth). Other titles that might fit in could be <i>Holes</i> (Sachar, 1998), <i>Hoot</i> (Hiasson, 2002), <i>Chasing Vermeer</i> (Balliett, 2004), and <span style="font-style: italic;">That Girl Lucy Moon </span>(Timberlake, 2006). </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">There are some ideas about problem-solving and teamwork in these pages. It would be interesting to have small groups of students consider how the team (Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance) work together, perhaps even through some role-playing. How does each one fulfill a role that benefits the group? Why did Mr. Benedict choose them as individuals, and why does he consider them the perfect team? And there is a lot to say about Constance---she is so enigmatic, disagreeable, awkward, and difficult. Why is she part of the team?</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">My almost-eleven year-old and some of his good friends really loved these books and just read the latest installment, so I thought I would give their recommendation a try.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Series/Sequel</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Yes. This book is followed by: <i>The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey</i> (2008), and <i>The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma</i> (2009). </span><br /><br />Awards<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">MSBA Reading list 2008-2009; Booklist Editors' Choice Books for Youth, 2007; School Library Journal Best Books, 2007; ALA Notable Children's Books, 2008. </span></div><div><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial,fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31?/tmysterious+benedict+society/tmysterious+benedict+society/1%2C3%2C3%2CB/frameset&FF=tmysterious+benedict+society&1%2C1%2C/indexsort=-">Yes. </a></span></span></span></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-47159796193580077282009-11-24T09:40:00.010-05:002009-12-01T14:32:17.553-05:00Ten Things I Hate About Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-bHzql9MkbRd1ucv1hhDbgC_gdmn6Web9ktNo5whRtuI3luYpCAtDzMhEvG5vJfhCSUewsOop2c5WzMWwrCngWKBReJYfr_bijGf-AikYVwLpIM28yuFnhB3C6C6sHRVqLD_JICiF8E/s1600/2tenthings.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-bHzql9MkbRd1ucv1hhDbgC_gdmn6Web9ktNo5whRtuI3luYpCAtDzMhEvG5vJfhCSUewsOop2c5WzMWwrCngWKBReJYfr_bijGf-AikYVwLpIM28yuFnhB3C6C6sHRVqLD_JICiF8E/s320/2tenthings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407680331216190354" border="0" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> <i>Ten Things I Hate About Me</i> by Randa Abdel-Fattah, Orchard Books, 2009 (ISBN 9780545050555). Originally published in Australia in 2006. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">720 lexile/Ages 13+</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Realistic Fiction</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Sixteen year-old Jamie is just your typical Aussie teenager: bleach-blonde hair, blue eyes, and now she's attracting the attention of Peter, one of the most popular boys in her school. She should be psyched about this social upgrade, right? Sure, except for Jamie is really Jamilah, an Australian of Lebanese descent who is a practicing Muslim (and sometimes wears colored contact lenses). Her dad forbids her to go out at night, her sister is a political activist who wears the hijab, and she has to attend Arabic school on the weekends. Since her mother died suddenly, Jamie's dad has become even more protective of her. Jamie has made the choice to hide her cultural identity in favor of blending in: she doesn't want the negative attention that she would get if she "came out" as who she really is. Jamie has never even told her closest friends about her secret. When racial tensions are running high at school, after the anti-Arab riots (based on true events of 2005), Jamie is as uncomfortable as ever in her assumed identity as racist comments fly among her peers. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This title follows Abdel-Fattah's debut young adult novel, <i>Does My Head Look Fat in This?</i> (2007). As with her previous work, the multi-cultural lessons feel a bit overstated sometimes. While the author does a good job raising the issues, somehow the delivery falls a little flat: characters are either stereotypes or deliberately NOT stereotypes, they are pretty one-dimensional, and the plot development is predictable. The book feels needlessly over-long and creates a weaker impact since the essence of the story is distilled over more pages. That being said, this could be a powerful book for any tween who is contemplating their own identity, religious, cultural, or otherwise; what came off to me as rehashing of the same angst, could be just the right tone for a tween in a similar situation. We have all been in social situations in which we have obscured parts of ourselves, or in situations when another person's beliefs have been offensive; these are the universal themes of the book that will ring true for all readers. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Jamie or Jamilah? Caucasian Australian or Lebanese-Australian? Jamie finds it easier to "pass" as a white in her racist high school. But when she continuously hears racist comments from her friends, will she dare to stand up to them?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Author Information</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Randa Abdel-Fattah is an Australian of Egyptian and Palestinian heritage. She is a twenty-seven year-old lawyer who is married, with a young daughter. Abdel-Fattah grew up in Melbourne and now lives in Sydney. She is active in her local interfaith council and serves as a member of the Australian Arabic Council. Abdel-Fattah received Autralia's Kathleen Mitchell Award for Young Writers for this, her second, book. (Information for this author biography is from the book jacket, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randa_Abdel-Fattah">Wikipedia</a>, and <a href="http://www.trust.com.au/philanthropy/awards/kathleen_mitchell/">here</a>.)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Violent race riots and gang-rape are referenced. While nothing is explicit about this latter issue, it might raise further questions in readers. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This title would be a natural book to include in a booktalk about differences and how characters choose to deal with their own differences from the dominant culture. This could easily branch into questions of sexual identity, as in <a href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/12/parrotfish.html"><i>Parrotfish</i> </a>(Wittlinger, 2007) or <i>My Most Excellent Year</i> (Kluger, 2008). The theme of living with your own differences could even cross into various genres, including the supernatural books that are so popular (How do you blend in as a teen <a href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/11/shiver.html">werewolf</a>?), or into fantasy/sci-fi books like <i>The Angel Experiment</i> (Patterson, 2005). I would focus on the hidden identity part of this book of living a double life, and what that means in day-to-day life for Jamie/Jamilah.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">For older middle-school students this would be an interesting book to bring up in a social studies discussion about the historical context of "passing." Particularly in the post-Civil War era and the early 20th century, this phenomenon was common in the U.S. Discuss what this really means. Why would someone choose to do this? What is gained/lost? What does it mean for a person's family and extended family? Imagine a family in which a lighter-skinned sister chose to pass, while her darker-skinned sister doesn't have that option. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I was curious about where this author would go next, having read her first YA novel last year. </span></div><div><br />Awards<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Oprah's Kids' Reading List, ages 10-12; Kathleen Mitchell Award for Young Writers, 2008.</span></div><div><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial,fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31/?searchtype=t&searcharg=ten+things+I+hate+about+me&searchscope=31&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=tten+things+I+hate+about+me">Yes.</a></span></span></span></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-52856505100500809822009-11-24T08:23:00.013-05:002009-11-29T13:51:50.748-05:00Drita My Homegirl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgmbtXtGZO9TCFrgOwc_vg6rOw4niXSFpLvpXrv05CSr8CjkEncEEGBfqmD_Y4J0DaqV-BIbt8voQ2lObKKI3SJGTjBu6gqtdLhEv0G1ekszzK0GfmR2hmkeDqZOIJ6xfM5RfHKh4WLE/s1600/DritaFront_4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgmbtXtGZO9TCFrgOwc_vg6rOw4niXSFpLvpXrv05CSr8CjkEncEEGBfqmD_Y4J0DaqV-BIbt8voQ2lObKKI3SJGTjBu6gqtdLhEv0G1ekszzK0GfmR2hmkeDqZOIJ6xfM5RfHKh4WLE/s320/DritaFront_4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407660582152190594" border="0" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Drita My Homegirl</i> by Jenny Lombard, G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2006 (ISBN 9780399243806)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> 690 lexile/Ages 9-12</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Realistic fiction</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Drita is a ten year-old refugee from Kosovo who arrives in Brooklyn with her family. Her father, an engineer, escaped over a year ago and has been driving a taxi so he could bring his family to the safety of the U.S. Drita just wants to fit in and be liked by her peers, but things start out pretty lonely for her, with her limited English skills, strange-smelling lunches, and unfashionable clothes. To top it off, Drita's mother is in a deep depression about leaving home and the safety of her extended family .Maxie is an African-American girl who is in Drita's new class. Maxie is one of the homegirls of the fourth grade: she's funny and athletic and has a lot of friends, but she's often impulsive and gets into trouble. Maxie is being raised by her dad and grandmother; her mom died when she was just seven years old and Maxie really wants her back. Maxie is definitely <i>not</i> ready for her dad to have a new girlfriend. Maxie's teacher suggests an unusual social studies project: to study Kosovo, the homeland of the newest class member, and introduce Drita's story to the whole class. This sensitive story includes a lot more than just a book about two friends: it's about the things that we all have in common and about how our differences make the world a smaller place.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This story includes a lot of "food for thought" without being too preachy about it, mainly because the characters and plot development are so well-constructed. The chapters are very accessible, alternating between chapters by Maxie and Drita. Chapters are short and the pace of the story is steady, which may make it a good pick for reluctant readers. Both characters have very distinct narrative voices and, just to underscore the shift in perspective, two different fonts are used in the text. The story of Drita's immigrant experience included many details that readers will find familiar (like any student at a new school) and also surprising. Lombard writes English as Drita hears it, when she is beginning to learn: "<i>Ov curs, Drita. Tek va pass</i>" ("Of course, Drita. Take the pass." p.37). While Maxie at first comes off as a smart-aleck, we quickly see that her antics are to cover the pain that she is hiding about her mother's death. Overall, this book was engaging and readable, a moving story of friendship and family.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We all have things that are hard for us. Some things are obvious, like being a refugee from Kosovo and starting a new school with hardly any English skills. Some things are hidden, like when your mom dies and you don't tell anyone because that would make it real. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Author Information</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This is Jenny Lombard's first novel, though she has written a nonfiction book for adults and several plays and TV treatments. She is a public school teacher in New York City and says that she got the idea for Drita's and Maxie's story when she realized that there were nine languages other than English spoken in her classroom. Since the war in Kosovo was constantly in the news at the time, Lombard began to wonder what it would be like for a refugee family. Lombard lives in New York City with her husband, son, and two cats. (Information in this author biography is from the book's official <a href="http://www.dritamyhomegirl.com/p/reviewbio.html">site</a>.)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Pretty wholesome story here, though some might be turned off by Maxie's behavior at times.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">There are several books about friendship and its benefits and challenges, geared to this audience: <i>Ruby Lu Brave and True</i> (Look, 2004), <i><a href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/11/julia-gillian-and-art-of-knowing.html">Julia Gillian and the Quest for Joy</a></i> (McGhee, 2009), <i>Moving Day</i> (Cabot, 2008) and <i>Ivy and Bean</i> (Barrows, 2006), and <i><a href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/11/year-of-dog.html">The Year of the Dog</a></i> (Lin, 2006) to name a few. I would focus on Drita's point of view: <i>Imagine being woken up in the middle of the night and leaving your home with only the clothes on your back...Going to a new school and not being able to talk to anyone or understand them...</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This book wants to be read aloud and discussed as a class. It would be great to read in a community where there is a large refugee population, or just to raise awareness about refugees and immigrant issues in general. How are Drita and Maxie alike? How are they different? How are their families alike/different? These questions could spark some good conversation. Perhaps this class conversation could lead to a classroom code of conduct for social behavior for all new students (making them feel welcome but not overwhelmed, introducing them to classroom culture, school culture, etc.). Or the class could come up with ideas about how to approach a non-English speaker, which may not sound like an issue for most people, but in Maine this is something we need to teach (and not just to kids!).</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The cover of this book caught my eye and was recommended to me by a former youth services librarian.</span></div><div><br />Awards<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">MSBA Reading List 2007-2008.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial,fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31/?searchtype=t&searcharg=Drita+my+homegirl&searchscope=31&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=tDrita+my+homegirl">Yes. </a></span></span></span></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-21676981420217457122009-11-22T11:34:00.007-05:002009-11-24T09:58:25.775-05:00Matilda<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKZ77EJj8FFMACDUkhOVTlykRSTrLIx9Ij1F4ujISg4k-Op1iikNZSyT9H-wy4rPMmJm_JIgCPkuv13H2ukPCU9p1DxQZkVu-JmARkditDkaTUGUEz00WJWEQyz8Ly1iLoMFqR1Sn2O0/s1600/175px-MatildaCover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKZ77EJj8FFMACDUkhOVTlykRSTrLIx9Ij1F4ujISg4k-Op1iikNZSyT9H-wy4rPMmJm_JIgCPkuv13H2ukPCU9p1DxQZkVu-JmARkditDkaTUGUEz00WJWEQyz8Ly1iLoMFqR1Sn2O0/s320/175px-MatildaCover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406967526097300658" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Matilda</i> by Roald Dahl, narrated by Ron Keith, Recorded Books, 1994 (ISBN <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-size:medium;">0788701398)</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> 840 lexile/Ages 9-11</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Magical Realism</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Format <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Audio Book</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Matilda is a child genius of two very dull parents who have no idea about her mental capacity. At an early age, she discovers the library and the kind librarian, as an alternative to sitting at home, alone in front of the television (while her mother plays Bingo). Matilda spends her afternoons, at age four, reading classic works of literature. When she enters school, she already knows how to read, do complex math, and spell. Her teacher, Miss Honey, would like to promote her to the top form but Miss Trunchbull has been warned by Matilda's father about this new trouble-maker. Miss Trunchbull is the headmistress, a true Dahl villain, who hates children and reserves a special closet for punishment in her office. So Matilda stays with Miss Honey, who offers her extra work and lessons to augment what she is teaching. Matilda is not conceited about her abilities and has several friends at school. She develops the ability to move things with her mind and these moments, like the clever tricks she plays on her parents, are triumphant. A classic tale of a misunderstood child who finds support outside of her family and ultimately triumphs. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Roald Dahl is a terrific tween author because his protagonists have those qualities of the psychological moment of tweendom---taken to Dahl levels of extremism! Feeling misunderstood? So are Matilda, Sophie (<i>BFG</i>) and James (of <i>Giant Peach</i> fame). Feeling like everyone is out to get you? (Ditto the previous examples!) Are your parents dull and stupid? (Matilda's are!) Dahl's stories have the quality of a fable, since the characters are extremes: so lovely (Miss Honey) or so horrible (Miss Trunchbull). In <i>Matilda</i>, readers will empathize with the awful, embarrassing scene of the boy who is forced by Miss Trunchbull to consume an entire, enormous cake as punishment for sneaking a piece (we are not ever sure that he really did), in front of the whole school. While it is unlikely that readers will have experienced this particular cruelty, we have probably all experienced moments of unjust accusation and public humiliation by adults. The reader, Ron Keith, does an amazing job of giving unique voices to so many characters, with excellent emphasis and sense of drama.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Classic Dahl! Matilda is ignored and maligned by her parents but saved by the lovely Miss Honey, who recognizes her as the child genius she is. The true villain is the nefarious Miss Trunchbull, headmistress of the school. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Author Information</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Roald Dahl was born in Wales to Norwegian parents, in 1916. He attended private schools in England and was not considered a student with promise, as this statement from one of his report cards at Repton indicates:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> "Vocabulary negligible, sentences mal-constructed. He reminds me of a camel." (Gale Cengage, <i>Literature Resource Center</i>). He was a pilot for the Royal Air Force during WWII, also serving as an intelligence agent. Dahl was married to Patricia Neal for 30 years and they had five children; he subsequently remarried Felicity D'Abreau Crosland. Dahl died in Oxford in 1990. (Information in this author biography are from the Gale Cengage, online database <i>Literature Resource Center, </i>and from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roald_Dahl">Wikipedia</a>.) </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Matilda</i>, and other works by Roald Dahl, appear on ALA's list of most frequently challenged books/authors. This book portrays neglect and outright cruelty, as well as telekinesis. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">I would love to have this in a book/movie talk, as I think the film adaptation was excellent. Others might include <i>Because of Winn-Dixie</i>, <i>Mary Poppins</i>, <i>Holes</i>, and <i>Hoot</i>. Or perhaps this could be part of a booktalk of award-winning audio books, with others from the ALSC Notable Recordings list.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Roald Dahl deserves his own author study in a language arts unit. Activities might include a project in which students develop a wiki about this author, his narrative themes, characterization, and style. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Because everyone loves a book where the villains are justly rewarded! A favorite scene from this book is when Matilda puts super-glue on her father's hatband so that the hat gets absolutely stuck on his head. And when it is finally cut off, the hair is pulled off also!</span></div><div><br />Awards<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">ALSC Notable Recording, 1995. <i>Matilda</i> also appears on many statewide reading lists, according to NoveList K-8 Plus.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://minerva.maine.edu:443/search~S31?/tmatilda/tmatilda/1%2C3%2C6%2CB/frameset&FF=tmatilda&1%2C%2C3/indexsort=-">Yes.</a></span></span></span></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-52301299021310186202009-11-22T10:10:00.009-05:002009-11-24T09:58:51.936-05:00Days Are Just Packed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBWIXFurRoMKse8bkK0JJ6lbOyyJxX0Z7l4aFFVhxzf8a66mcHDxYj1M94AhF6noCPjisVq6a5OhTkip3lOmAtAynr9eLgiLq6wPnI67x_S9I0wWV18rjQ_MMuKErzd-meFAKdwixFuk/s1600/The-Days-Are-Just-Packed.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBWIXFurRoMKse8bkK0JJ6lbOyyJxX0Z7l4aFFVhxzf8a66mcHDxYj1M94AhF6noCPjisVq6a5OhTkip3lOmAtAynr9eLgiLq6wPnI67x_S9I0wWV18rjQ_MMuKErzd-meFAKdwixFuk/s320/The-Days-Are-Just-Packed.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406946430543693570" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>T</i><i>he Days Are Just Packed</i> by Bill Watterson, Andrews and McMeel 1993 (ISBN 0836217357)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Ages 9+, All ages</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Comics, Humor</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">How to summarize the plot of a collection of comic strips? (Is there anyone left on this planet that would actually need a summary of Calvin and Hobbes?) Calvin is a boy of six (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_and_Hobbes">Wikipedia</a>), who has a stuffed animal tiger, called Hobbes. When Calvin and Hobbes are alone, Hobbes is a fully animate "real" tiger who talks, but when anyone else is present, Hobbes reverts to his stuffed animal form. Calvin wages war against reality: his parents, the food they serve, bathing, his teacher, homework, normalcy, his babysitter, and most of all, Susie (his neighbor, classmate, and arch-nemesis). In this collection, frequently individual strips will build upon each other for 4-8 strips, and then be followed by a one-page, full color strip (that would have appeared in the Sunday paper). </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Watterson has masterfully captured what is universal about childhood, through Calvin's eyes, while also peppering his strips with clever cultural references built into the narrative. Quotes from Paul Gauguin, Calvin's diatribes against the marketing machine, destiny versus free will, and the homogeneity of TV culture are just a few of the gems that made it into the pages of this collection. But then there are just the straight-up funny ones. Like when Calvin sticks his nose in a jar of mustard and gets shot right out of his shoes (p.113). Or this family favorite, in which the phone rings and Calvin answers: "Hello, we are unable to come to the phone right now...So please leave a message at the sound of the click." Followed by a frame that depicts Calvin, slamming the phone down (p.76). Truly, there is something here for everyone.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The best snow sculptures ever (more <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/wa/zzaran/calvin.html">here</a>) and the best fantasy/humor/sci-fi/adventure/philosophy/realistic fiction in one volume. Can any other volume boast the same?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Author Information</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Bill Watterson was born in 1958 in Washington D.C. He spent time drawing and cartooning as a child, and cites Charles Schulz as an inspiration. Watterson graduated from Kenyon College (OH) with a degree in political science and continued to hone his artistic talents as a cartoonist for the college newspaper. He began the Calvin and Hobbes strip in 1985 and retired the strip in 1995. Within the first year, the strip was syndicated in over 250 newspapers. Watterson is a very private person and has not published any other strips. He is credited with changing the format of the Sunday strip, to allow for the merging of frames, diagonal reading, and frames-within-frames. He currently lives in Cleveland with his wife. (Information in this author biography is from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Watterson">Wikipedia</a>.)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Calvin is an equal opportunity offender. You could say that he's sexist, since he hates Susie, his mom, and babysitter, but he also attacks Moe and his Dad with equal aplomb. There are ideas in these strips that are decidedly complex for kids and that perhaps adults would be uncomfortable explaining to them. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Oh, do we have to? Again, my guess is no need to booktalk this one. Kids love Calvin. And they know about Calvin. But it would be an obvious selection for a booktalk on graphic novels and comics, and since there is lots of genre cross-over here, you could promote it in a humor or science fiction or fantasy or realistic fiction booktalk. But how about in a booktalk on winter sports? It would be excellent to show some of the more creative snow sculptures and snowball fight sequences. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Older students could be asked to "read" Calvin and Hobbes for cultural references and then research their origins and context for more information. Younger and older students could be asked to create a simple strip with themselves as the protagonist, in the style/spirit of Watterson. Have they experienced a "Calvin moment" with a teacher, parent, or arch-nemesis? Their would not even need to include text at all, as there are many examples of strips that include no or few words. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">As with <a href="http://tweensreading.blogspot.com/2009/11/cigars-of-pharaoh.html">Tintin</a>, any collection without a representative the Calvin and Hobbes would be remiss. Calvin and Hobbes books, also like Tintin, are read and loved to death in the library. These comic strips appeal to all ages, at a variety of levels from burp humor to deep philosophy. </span></div><div><br />Awards<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Watterson has received many awards, including multiple Harvey Awards, Eisner Awards, and Reuben Awards, and an Adamson Award.</span></div><div><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://minerva.maine.edu:443/search~S71?/tthe+days+are+just+packed/tdays+are+just+packed/1%2C2%2C2%2CB/frameset&FF=tdays+are+just+packed+a+calvin+and+hobbes+collection&1%2C1%2C">No.</a> (But there are others!)</span></span></span></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-64954221594110379032009-11-22T08:48:00.012-05:002009-11-24T09:59:14.862-05:00Cigars of the Pharaoh<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJL12DggmPzKxgGKR-uTgUn5wK5snkTrvrNSKtv1EIPTGrlQ8_S9h0q6VTZEm2qklh3G-E3R_YiB25YS_3RgklVEQSRtuxvpFtWTYQVW9UE5PVK45bjbVLz4V3Ea1WrJAsMVdvx9Dnds/s1600/cigars.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJL12DggmPzKxgGKR-uTgUn5wK5snkTrvrNSKtv1EIPTGrlQ8_S9h0q6VTZEm2qklh3G-E3R_YiB25YS_3RgklVEQSRtuxvpFtWTYQVW9UE5PVK45bjbVLz4V3Ea1WrJAsMVdvx9Dnds/s320/cigars.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406925011511278146" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Cigars of the Pharaoh</i> by Herge; Little, Brown, 1975 (ISBN 0316358363) [First published in Belgium as a comic serial between 1932-1934, then as a black-and-white album in 1934, then redrawn in color and published in 1955.]</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Ages 9+ (really, All Ages)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Graphic Novel</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, Adventure</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Tintin and Snowy are relaxing aboard a cruise through Asia, "for a change." Pretty soon, as per usual, the two are embroiled in a new adventure. They meet Professor Sarcophagus on board, who is absent-minded and eccentric, as well as the hot-tempered film tycoon, Rastapopoulos. When unseen evil forces identify the "young journalist" as a nuisance and demand his disposal, the detectives Thomson and Thompson are brought in to arrest him. (This is the first time in the series that we meet this bumbling pair.) Tintin escapes, of course, and follows Sarcophagus into the Port town to the tomb of Kih-Oskh where they are all drugged and disposed of in coffins and set to sea. The adventure unfolds with almost non-stop action from here, including Tintin and Snowy's rescue by a gun-running captain, capture by a vengeful sheik (who is a Tintin fan, we find out), thwarted firing-squad death and burial of Tintin, escape by plane into the Indian jungle, learning elephant language, an evil fakir who is a hypnotist, poison blow darts, etc. Until, finally, Tintin solves the mystery in an intense conclusion, uncovering an international crime ring in the process.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Herge's art is masterful, and in this installment those moments of beauty and clean composition come during the desert and ocean scenes. <i>Cigars of the Pharaoh</i> is one of the earlier stories, so Herge is still pretty tied to the narrative boxes. Sure, as referenced above, the plot is pretty predictable: capture, escape, capture, escape, repeat until Tintin thwarts the evil forces in a stunning conclusion. There are many readers who, especially as they are building their fluency and skills, find Tintin stories accessible and engaging. This is also true for reluctant readers, for the fast pace and simple text. Unlike some comics, Herge's are easy to navigate in terms of the flow of the boxes and text.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Great snakes, it's Tintin! He's on another global adventure with Snowy, on the trail of an international crime ring, that begins in the Middle East and ends up in the jungle of India. (For the Tintinologists out there: What other Tintin adventure is visually referenced in this installment?)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Author Information</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The Belgian author/illustrator known as Herge was born Georges Prosper Remi in 1907 and died in 1983. He is best known for his Tintin adventures, but began his career as a journalist and illustrator for the Catholic newspaper <i>Le XXe Siecle</i>. This position soon began to include more illustrative work and then a comic strip called <i>Totor</i>. Herge was the recipient of many awards, both within his lifetime and posthumously, and in 2009 the <a href="http://www.museeherge.com/">Herge Museum</a> opened. (Information in this author biography is from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herg%C3%A9">Wikipedia</a> and <a href="http://www.tintin.com/index.html#aventures/herge/herge.swf&lang=uk/&mc=_root.ban7">Tintin.com</a>)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Oh, Tintin, how tweens (and others) still love you, though you are dated in your sexist and racist ideas. Somehow Tintin adventures continue to captivate readers of <i>all</i> ages, though we know these things, and that is what makes this book a classic. Racist: nonwhite people are usually portrayed stereotypically in their features. They are also likely to be "bad guys" or servants and to speak in a simplistic manner. Sexist: Bianca Castafiore is the only female character in the whole series who has any significance. There are also frequent references to drugs and smuggling and some violence.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Again, another book that won't need a booktalk. But I think any booktalk on graphic novels would be incomplete without some sort of Tintin presence, since Herge is considered the godfather of the graphic novel. Since these are books that are pretty much entirely in the genre of adventure (a little humor!), any Tintin book would also work in an adventure booktalk. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This would be a great series to use to identify stereotypes and bias and to discuss the historical context that created them. Is it still OK to read them today, when we know differently? How might these books be offensive and to whom?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">What kind of tween list would this be without Tintin on it? Tintin books are read to <i>death</i> in the library, until their pages are falling out, and they've been repaired until they can't be repaired any more. My twenty-three year-old brother still returns to his collection of Tintins, particularly when he's sick, re-visting stories that he has known since before he could read them himself.</span></div><div><br />Awards<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Herge's awards include Adamson Awards for notable cartoonists, Sweden,1971; Grand Prix Saint-Michel comic award, Belgium, 1973; Hall of Fame, Harvey Awards for notable cartoonists, 1999; Eisner Award, Judge's Choice, 2003; 2007 commemorative coin motif, 20 Euro value, to celebrate the anniversary of Herge's birth.</span></div><div><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search~S31/?searchtype=t&searcharg=cigars+of+the+pharaoh&searchscope=31&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=tcigars+of+the+pharaoh">Yes.</a> (Volume 1, which includes three adventures.)</span></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-16976923342048989022009-11-20T14:20:00.006-05:002009-11-20T16:17:33.315-05:00Shiver<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDATQ6Cpwt7AEozVyU38pHS772rIqnq9-du91iuLASoUhusM-6yDwXevmxXYNVFU6GF17_Y-Eq41vw4ChxOpZfzq5XHxK7-iIY0f85rmJz_r1B-SyjiZcjSBMLLzuIEzI-p1fvlwG2uoc/s1600/shiver-175.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDATQ6Cpwt7AEozVyU38pHS772rIqnq9-du91iuLASoUhusM-6yDwXevmxXYNVFU6GF17_Y-Eq41vw4ChxOpZfzq5XHxK7-iIY0f85rmJz_r1B-SyjiZcjSBMLLzuIEzI-p1fvlwG2uoc/s320/shiver-175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406268425965886706" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> <i>Shiver</i> by Maggie Stiefvater, Scholastic, 2009 (ISBN 9780545123266)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age 740 lexile/Ages 13+</div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Supernatural, Horror, Romance</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Grace, age 17, is sort of raising herself: her mom is a self-absorbed artist and her dad is usually absent with his own work. Grace has two close friends and has a strong connection with the woods behind her house and the wolf pack who inhabits it. She was attacked by wolves the winter she was nine, pulled right out of her back yard, but a wolf with curious yellow eyes intervened and Grace survived. Since then, that special wolf has become a bit of an obsession for Grace: she watches for him and frequently catches glimpses of him, watching her from the edge of the woods. When a youth at her high school is viciously attacked by, what appears to be, the wolf pack, the townspeople stage a hunt to exterminate the wolves. Grace discovers her own wolf, in human form, badly hurt from a shot to his neck and takes him in. There is strong tension in the story, both romantic (Romeo and Juliet go paranormal!), and when a new werewolf is running wild in the community, without the rules or protection of the pack. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This book received starred reviews from both <i>School Library Journal</i> and <i>Publishers Weekly</i>, so I was prepared to be wowed by a book that is being touted as the "next <i>Twilight</i>." This one has more elements of horror, more actual gore as well as some pretty scary situations that involve suspense. The narrative alternates between Sam and Grace, which works to give the story some perspective. Clearly, Stiefvater has worked hard to create a seamless world in which lycanthropes have a place, and some of the details seemed perfect (explaining the mental differences that Sam experiences in his two forms) while others seemed a bit forced (the elaborate emphasis on the permanent change to wolf form). Somehow I just couldn't get emotionally engaged with Grace's character. Sam's character seemed much more accessible and fully-formed; I got a clear sense of the emotional angst and the haunting troubles of his past, as well as the challenges of pack life. For fans of the emotionally-charged, doomed, paranormal romance story, this will be a sure bet.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">In the mood for a tense story of first love gone terribly wrong? Grace and Sam know their moments together are numbered; Sam will be changing into wolf form for good this year, and Grace is just a regular girl. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Author Information</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Maggie Stiefvater was born in 1981 and has worked as a waitress, calligraphy instructor, and technical editor. She describes her current life as "eccentric" and lives in Virginia with her husband and two children. She has a pretty snippy tone on her bio page regarding questions that she won't answer (if it's something she has already posted on her FAQ page) and adds that she likes "plain English" instead of text-speak when fans write emails to her. I certainly wouldn't write her a fan email after reading that sort of condescension, and I don't even know text-speak! (Information obtained from her bio page on her official <a href="http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/me.php">website</a>.)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Lots of romantic tension here (Sam's sleeping in Grace's bed!), some very passionate scenes, but nothing too explicit. What was more disturbing is the image of Sam's parents who attempted to slit his wrists and kill him when they found out what he was. And there are some explicit moments of graphic violence.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Paranormal romance for teens is pretty much the order of the day, since Twilight, so there are plenty of booktalking bedfellows for this title. I might also include it in an Adrenaline Books booktalk, since that covers both horror and suspense.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I would love to do a comparison of various representations of werewolves in teen literature, from Professor Lupin of <i>Harry Potter</i> fame to the "shifters" of Cynthia Leitich-Smith's books to Jacob from <i>Twilight. </i>Each author has a unique take on the parameters, powers, and limitations of lycanthropes.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Another book that falls into the "If you like <i>Twilight</i>..." category. I saw the cover as a full-page advertisement on the back cover of <i>Horn Book</i>, so I decided to see where the Meyer-inspired literary explosion is going.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>Awards<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Publishers Weekly</i> Best Books of 2009; Amazon's Top Ten Books for Teens.</span></div><div><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://minerva.maine.edu:443/search~S71?/tshiver/tshiver/1%2C33%2C49%2CB/frameset&FF=tshiver&9%2C%2C9/indexsort=-">No. </a></span></span></span></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-35730606656253987962009-11-20T13:22:00.008-05:002009-11-24T11:22:33.523-05:00One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitugG8qFr0O3bsXeiYnBHBSKgdFPNPSfpV0Wdeb4uxOIW68c3tcFKK0j-0-Tb9dWnJBrbz1fiu6QKV7Dv3IkWzX17sQkxeUa6nwvH_6SOOYDRggZamiDq-JogQULHwDYwuynoSJUtR-zM/s1600/hideous+books+where+the+mother_190.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitugG8qFr0O3bsXeiYnBHBSKgdFPNPSfpV0Wdeb4uxOIW68c3tcFKK0j-0-Tb9dWnJBrbz1fiu6QKV7Dv3IkWzX17sQkxeUa6nwvH_6SOOYDRggZamiDq-JogQULHwDYwuynoSJUtR-zM/s320/hideous+books+where+the+mother_190.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406254665673925554" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies</i> by Sonya Sones, Simon and Schuster, 2004 (ISBN 9780689858208)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">820 lexile/Ages 14+</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Realistic Fiction, Poetic Narrative</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">When Ruby's mom dies, she has to go live with her father in Hollywood. She leaves her best friend and boyfriend behind to go live with the man who never took the time out of his very busy life as a famous movie star to know her. Ruby's life is over! Now she's a celebrity daughter whose dad is trying annoyingly hard to make up for lost time. She attends an alternative private school with lots of other celebrity-offspring and weird classes like: Dream Interpretation, Organic Gardening, and The History and Uses of Aromatherapy. Ruby is trying to hold the pieces of her old life together, while figuring out how to trust this new life with a dad she's never known.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Sones has created an engaging story with a realistic protagonist. Ruby's concerns about leaving her friends behind, her surliness with her dad, her concerns about her new school all ring very true. Sones' poetry is comprised of very visual, cinematic vignettes, or chapters, that strongly evoke emotions, details, and nuances that move the plot along. Although the plot was predictable, it was an enjoyable read. The amount of white space on the page will entice reluctant readers or readers with challenges. Because the content is suitably mature for upper-middle and high school, older readers with low skills might find both the content and presentation accessible.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">It's not just that her mom died, but Ruby's being shipped off to Hollywood to live with the dad that never took the time to know her. Oh, and to make matters worse? He's a totally famous movie star!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Author Information</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Sonja Sones grew up in Newton (MA) and earned her B.A. at Hampshire College in film-making and photography. She moved to Hollywood to work as a personal assistant, but when she realized she was awful at making coffee she found work as a film editor, animator, production assistant, and photographer. Sones is married with two children, and lives near Hollywood. (Information in this author bio is from her official <a href="http://www.sonyasones.com/bio.htm">site</a>.)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Oh yeah. Lots of material here, like some swearing, mature themes, sexual themes (wanting/thinking about having sex, not doing it), homosexuality, references to drugs (not doing them), etc.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">If the middle school girls that I know are any indication, this is another title that probably won't need booktalking because the students will be promoting it among themselves. I think it would liven up a poetry booktalk to include this title (or some of Sones' other books), showing that poetry can be narrative. I would want to read a short selection to students so they can hear the authenticity of Ruby's voice. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Poetic narrative is such an intriguing notion that I think an 8th grade language arts class might try it as part of a creative writing unit. I would envision an assignment that asks students to sketch the outline for a short story and then translate it into a short story told in poetic narrative. The "chapters" have a way of capturing a moment, providing evocative imagery, yet still giving information about relationships and plot. It is a very visual way of telling a story, almost like a story told in pictures.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Well, Sonya Sones. The 8th grade girls all love her and the books are hardly ever on the shelves, but I had resisted reading one of her books until now. I was surprised to actually <i>like</i> it!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>Awards<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">MSBA Reading List 2005-2006. </span></div><div><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search~S31/?searchtype=t&searcharg=one+of+those+hideous+books&searchscope=31&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=tone+of+those+hideous+books">Yes.</a> </span></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-53797609008693315562009-11-18T15:23:00.009-05:002009-11-18T16:35:47.225-05:00Out of the Dust<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yHjQ9FBuFSffhXHfNQh2jClx1v8-BjhRwfuU1FaLlyQr3YdHN2IisBn7CmDUnNAv6NOvpUCvlhXdDqjR4_i1TDzm85nEjC-nB1SRoACY8s31NegRnpdWrylewjEm7s7oDuEkPfbBSXc/s1600/outofthedust.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 92px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yHjQ9FBuFSffhXHfNQh2jClx1v8-BjhRwfuU1FaLlyQr3YdHN2IisBn7CmDUnNAv6NOvpUCvlhXdDqjR4_i1TDzm85nEjC-nB1SRoACY8s31NegRnpdWrylewjEm7s7oDuEkPfbBSXc/s320/outofthedust.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405542576708070082" border="0" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Out of the Dust</span> by Karen Hesse, Scholastic Press, 1997 (ISBN 0590360809)</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span style="font-weight: normal;">Ages 11-14</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span style="font-weight: normal;">Poetic narrative, Historical fiction</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div><div> <span style="font-weight: normal;">This 1998 Newbery Award winner introduces fourteen year-old Billie Jo Kelby, a girl living in the Oklahoma dustbowl in the 1930s. Billie Jo narrates the story through spare, poetic free verse, and conveys a story of struggle and devastation, small victories and hope. The Kelby’s own a piano, which is unusual for a family of their position, and both Billie Jo and her mother play, though in differing styles. When Billie Jo loses her mother and newborn brother after a fire, she and her father must recover from their grief and forge a new relationship. Billie Jo’s hands have also been badly burned, which means she cannot play the piano without pain. This is an engaging portrait of personal triumph, set in a unique time and place.<br /><br /></span></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Critical Evaluation</div><div><b><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hesse succeeds in drawing a vivid portrait of this period of hardship from American history; the land itself and the weather play important supporting roles in this story. Each entry includes a title with a month and year; sections are marked by the seasons, which underscores the importance of the land and growing periods at this time and in this place. There is a lot of white space on the pages, and though it "looks" like a book of poetry the narrative element and character development makes a strong, and sometimes suspenseful, plot that will carry readers along. This could also be a good historical fiction selection for a reluctant reader.<br /><br /></span></span></b></span></b></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sometimes just the act of living is courageous. When Billie Jo is responsible for a terrible accident, she loses her mother, her baby brother, and her music. What will her new life be like, with just her dad, surviving the Great Depression?</span><br /><br /></div><div>Author Information</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karen Hesse was born in 1952 and grew up in Baltimore (MD). She credits her fifth-grade teacher with encouraging her love of language and writing, and though she worked at a variety of jobs, she "never gave up dreaming about publication" (Scholastic, n.d.). Hesse currently lives in Vermont with her husband and two daughters. (Information in this author biography is from her official site at </span><a style="font-weight: normal;" href="http://content.scholastic.com/browse/contributor.jsp?id=3214&FullBreadCrumb=%3Ca+href%3D%22%2Fbrowse%2Fsearch.jsp%3Fquery%3Dkaren+hesse%26c1%3DCONTENT30%26c2%3Dfalse%22%3EAll+Results+%3C%2Fa%3E">Scholastic</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">.)</span><br /><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Bleak and devastating, in keeping with the historical time period, and some references to the dancehalls. Nothing explicit, however. </span><br /><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">I would want to give listeners a feeling for the vastness and importance of the landscape and land in this book. The land is sometimes fickle, untrustworthy, difficult, and punishing. I would choose to put this in a booktalk with other engaging, historical books from various time periods. But it could also fit as an obvious choice with books on the Great Depression, both fiction and nonfiction. Showing some of Dorothea Lange's or Walker Evans' photographs could round out a presentation.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Well, it's an obvious choice for a historical fiction unit in a language arts class, as well as for a social studies class on the Great Depression; it's a deeply atmospheric book that offers insight into the life of a real girl living during this time. But it could also be a great book for small literature circles or book groups since there is so much that is said and unsaid on the pages, giving readers a lot to discuss.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">This book was the first that brought poetic narrative for young adults to my attention. There's something about the spareness of the page and the words that makes for a powerful impact on a reader. Since then, others have experimented with the genre including Sharon Creech and Sonja Sones. </span><br /><br />Awards<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Newbery Award, 1998; Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award; Booklist Editor's Choice, Books for Older Readers; ALA Notable Children's Books, 1998; School Library Journal Best Books, 1997.</span><br /><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31?/tout+of+the+dust/tout+of+the+dust/1%2C1%2C2%2CB/frameset&FF=tout+of+the+dust&2%2C%2C2"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes. </span></a><br /></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-81397325289674529672009-11-18T11:48:00.011-05:002009-11-18T15:21:41.160-05:00Julia Gillian (and the Art of Knowing)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKeIn2ygF2tXqxhtry66FMwQ03ueiEgIDq__Irgm4f9gYdgjyVrvyHDwWNCdhA6Dsykq7EvweUCeIL5nLqbbHbSheoUQAyK7je07hgOIJBe2Yxti7rQEUNjtmQuOm0vXM06RWAcbq8YI/s1600/juliagilllians.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKeIn2ygF2tXqxhtry66FMwQ03ueiEgIDq__Irgm4f9gYdgjyVrvyHDwWNCdhA6Dsykq7EvweUCeIL5nLqbbHbSheoUQAyK7je07hgOIJBe2Yxti7rQEUNjtmQuOm0vXM06RWAcbq8YI/s320/juliagilllians.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405486606594027138" border="0" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Biblio Bits <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Julia Gillian (and the Art of Knowing)</span> by Alison McGhee, pictures by Drazen Kozjan, Scholastic Press, 2008 (ISBN 9780545033480)</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span style="font-weight: normal;">Ages 9-11</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span style="font-weight: normal;">Realistic fiction</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Julia Gillian is the only child of two academic parents and, this summer, they are busy with their studies. They are attentive and loving, just a bit unavailable at the moment. Julia Gillian's Saint Bernard dog, Bigfoot, and her older, downstairs neighbors, Enzo and Zap, form members of her close network of friends. Julia Gillian is artistic and creative: she makes papier mache animal masks that she sometimes wears when she needs to feel brave. She's afraid of how the book she's reading is going to end; it's about a dog who is old, and she worries that the dog may die. Julia Gillian must navigate the small hardships of her life (and growing up), but has a good group of supporters to carry her through.</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">The humorous and evocative illustrations by Kozjan, as well as the layout of the book, make this an appealing choice for younger or reluctant readers.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">This may be one of the best younger tween books that I have yet to come across. McGhee conveys the delicate moment when a child begins to know more about the world, sees flaws in him/herself and the people around him/her, and begins to grow into a new understanding. Julia Gillian is a likeable character whose emotions and feelings are familiar to us. It is notable that Julia Gillian is an only child who is cherished not just by her parents, but by her 20-something downstairs neighbors; it is clear that this is a child who is connected to her community in a refreshing way. It is a gentle book that is character-focused, mainly on Julia Gillian, and her small triumphs and challenges. Though not a lot "happens" the story is compelling and readers will want to know if Julia Gillian ever masters the claw machine or finishes "the green book."</span><br /><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Julia Gillian has a mission: to master the Claw Machine at her local hardware store. She wants that meerkat! But can she do it? Will she become the Claw Machine Master?</span><br /><br /></div><div>Author Information</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Alison McGhee was born in 1960 and writes for all ages. She has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. She teaches on the creative writing faculty at Metropolitan State University (MN). (Information for this author biography was found <a href="http://www.alisonmcghee.com/biography.html">here</a>.)</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">I suppose the downstairs neighbors, Enzo and Zap (a brother/sister team), could be perceived as unconventional, since they don't live with their parents. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">I would definitely play up the things Julia Gillian is focused on: the claw machine, her dog, the uncertain book ending, and bubble tea. She is such an engaging and central part of this story that I might even read a small portion of the narration so listeners could get a "feel" for the narrative voice. This title could fit in a booktalk about kids and their pets or about the books with <span style="font-style: italic;">real </span>main characters that readers can relate to.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">This could be a good book to discuss as part of a life skills class, particularly focusing on the support network that Julia Gillian has in place. The character of Enzo is interesting because she doesn't always take Julia Gillian at face value or even agree with her. How does she still manage to show Julia Gillian that she is there for her? Can students identify adults in their lives who support them in a similar way?</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">I came across this title last year and loved it and have since read the sequel. It was too perfect for this project <span style="font-style: italic;">not </span>to include.</span><br /><br />Series/Sequel<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">A trilogy is planned for this series. This one is followed by <span style="font-style: italic;">Julia Gillian (and the Quest for Joy)</span> (2009).</span><br /><br />Awards<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">None.</span><br /><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31?/tjulia+gillian/tjulia+gillian/1%2C2%2C2%2CB/frameset&FF=tjulia+gillian+and+the+art+of+knowing&1%2C1%2C"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes.</span></a><br /></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-70222355262979858332009-11-17T14:51:00.011-05:002009-11-24T10:04:04.679-05:00Little Brother<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTe-Cwp0sWniGgpYAHr-1Zc9KpdlfSLpoFOI3Nqwv8VRi6cQwEd1S770eyxXVh47wcl9wPujxP01xb59gbV38FvZukhxhZzul9j0oJwR3O2mgjHUqsns-WRguTy99YgNB0Bpu-lZLOB0A/s1600/little+brother.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 172px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTe-Cwp0sWniGgpYAHr-1Zc9KpdlfSLpoFOI3Nqwv8VRi6cQwEd1S770eyxXVh47wcl9wPujxP01xb59gbV38FvZukhxhZzul9j0oJwR3O2mgjHUqsns-WRguTy99YgNB0Bpu-lZLOB0A/s320/little+brother.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405561842173696642" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><b><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Biblio Bits </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Little Brother</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> by Cory Doctorow, Tor Teen, 2008 (ISBN 9780765319852)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Reading Level/Interest Age </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">900 lexile/Ages 14+</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Genre </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Fantasy, Urban Fantasy</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Plot Summary</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Marcus (screen name w1n5t0n) is just your typical, technologically savvy seventeen year-old. He lives in the San Francisco's Mission District, likes hanging out with his friends, and playing Harajuku Fun Madness (an ARG---Alternative Reality Game). He's figured out some quick hacks to get around the school's security firewalls and subvert the motion-recognition software on the CCTV monitors. Marcus convinces his buddies to ditch school and pursue the next clue for HFN, but while they're out there is a terrorist attack and a big explosion. In the mayhem that ensues, the teens are picked up and whisked away in large, black SUVs, as suspects; they are interrogated and held and they are not sure by whom. When they are finally released, with orders not to say anything to anyone about their interrogation, they return to a new San Francisco. In order to protect its citizens, there are now strict security measures in place all over the city, and Marcus and their friends know they are being watched. Marcus is determined not to give up and to subvert the system that is threatening democracy, in whatever way he can.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Critical Evaluation</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Doctorow packs a lot of civics into this one volume: everything from activism to democracy to privacy to a police state to the Department of Homeland Security...and more. Sometimes the narrative takes a distinctly lesson-like turn that slows the pace of the action and plot, but these sections never last too long and the content is really interesting/scary. Doctorow has created a novel of empowerment: these are engaged teens who realize what they are losing in favor of being "safe." This is a refreshing change from books in which teens are powerless and disaffected. There are two stellar Afterwords and a Bibliography that are not to be missed.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Reader's Annotation</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Big Brother is Watching; Little Brother is Fighting Back!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Author Information</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Cory Doctorow was born in Toronto and now lives in London with his family. He is the co-editor of </span><a href="http://boingboing.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Boing Boing</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">, a blogger, science fiction author, journalist, and activist. Doctorow used to work for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">a non-profit civil liberties group that defends freedom in technology law, policy, standards and treaties" (Doctorow, </span><a href="http://craphound.com/bio.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">here</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">). He has delivered some great speeches about privacy and rights, like </span><a href="http://www.channels.com/episodes/show/3494208/Cory-Doctorow-Privacy-Is-it-Time-for-A-Revolution-"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">this</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> one. (Information in this brief bio was found at the author's official </span><a href="http://craphound.com/bio.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">site</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">.)</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Challenge issues</span></div></b><b><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I wrote a </span></span><a style="font-weight: normal;" href="http://craftingmamalibrarian.blogspot.com/2008/09/two-books-wildly-different.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">blog </span></span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">post about this title when I first read it and bemoaned the fact that there is this one sex scene which definitely limits the audience to whom I would recommend this title. Yes, it's protected sex, and yes, it's between two people who care about each other. But it would still probably make some younger teens/tweens uncomfortable who otherwise might have really loved this book</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><b><span><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I usually feel this out with a question like "there's some boy/girl stuff in here..." and the reader either cringes visibly or shakes it off as no sweat.</span></span></b></span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> (And as an aside, the author emailed me a response!) Also, there is a very graphic description of water-boarding that is totally, and appropriately, disturbing.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Booktalking Ideas</span></div></b><b><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This title would be at home with other books that portray a clever twist on an idea, similar to </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The Last Book in the Universe</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> (Philbrick) or </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">So Yesterday</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> (Westerfeld).</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Curriculum Ties</span></div></b><b><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Oooh, oooh---this book screams to be in a middle/high school civics class! The power of this book lies in the "it could be now," post-9/11 setting. It could provide some good fodder for debate: what liberties are we sacrificing in favor of protecting ourselves? What current or recent events fall into this tricky catch 22?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Why </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">this </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">book?<br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Because Cory Doctorow is this librarian's idea of a modern hero: so smart, so savvy, so forward-thinking that I might even admit to having a small crush on his ideas.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Awards<br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">School Library Journal, Best Books, 2008; New York Times Notable Children's Books, 2008; Booklist Editors' Choice Award, 2008.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></span></div></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31?/tlittle+brother/tlittle+brother/1%2C1%2C2%2CB/frameset&FF=tlittle+brother&1%2C%2C2"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Yes. </span></span></a><br /></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-39715133251862962862009-11-17T12:39:00.008-05:002009-11-24T10:04:27.036-05:00Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWmapsU7g4w8LI2FUjA4sYv9IzW23kou4OmeTJ4jTvuc4_sGEEG7gu_s8B7-TDAuPQXqkdXMgJtFvzthpybyrIzj2-r1dg8-7Rk9s4G00x3PEq5g26Q_enTkUB8dSESBZSfiRyjKjacI/s1600/alcatraz.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWmapsU7g4w8LI2FUjA4sYv9IzW23kou4OmeTJ4jTvuc4_sGEEG7gu_s8B7-TDAuPQXqkdXMgJtFvzthpybyrIzj2-r1dg8-7Rk9s4G00x3PEq5g26Q_enTkUB8dSESBZSfiRyjKjacI/s320/alcatraz.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405128949947326546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Biblio Bits</span> </span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians </span>by Brandon Sanderson, Scholastic Press, 2007 (ISBN 9780439925501)</span><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age<span style="font-weight: normal;"> 730 lexile/ages 10-12</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span style="font-weight: normal;">Fantasy</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">, Humor</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Alcatraz has been bouncing through foster families for as long as he can remember. The trouble is, he has a knack for breaking things in a big way, and after a while, his foster parents can't keep up with the replacement costs. On his thirteenth birthday, Alcatraz receives an unusual package from his parents: a bag of sand. He's still scratching his head about this (Aren't his parents dead? How did the package come to the right address when he moves so often? Who sends their son a bag of sand for his birthday?!) when a strange man shows up who claims to be his Grandfather.</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">This alleged grandfather is a stranger to Alcatraz, though he seems to be quite familiar with Alcatraz's situation, and he says some pretty bizarre things. When the bag of sands is discovered missing, his Grandfather convinces Alcatraz that time is of the essence and they must go after the Evil Librarians to recover these priceless sands before it is too late. This adventure story will keep readers guessing and entertained as they follow the twisting tale and meet the outrageous characters.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Though Sanderson's plot is brisk and there is plenty of action, his storycrafting and wordplay makes this a book that can be enjoyed by a diverse audience. It would make an excellent classroom or family read-aloud. The situations are often absurd and silly, but Sanderson's world is seamless fantasy (meaning that there are not a lot of distracting gaps in the story, so readers can fully immerse themselves). The humor and conventions are tongue-in-cheek and directed at bibliophiles, like Alcatraz's assumption that no librarians will recommend this title because it exposes them for the villains they really are. This is a fun and funny read, a clever and lighthearted take on the fantasy genre.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>Reader's Annotation<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Oh, inhabitants of the Hushlands, you are ignorant that your world is controlled by dastardly librarians! In Alcatraz, you have an unlikely hero whose talent of breaking things helps him on his quest to foil their latest plot.</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Author Information</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brandon Sanderson was born in 1975 and is a noted writer of fantasy books for adults. The Alcatraz books are his only series for children. He graduated from Brigham Young University in their Master's program in creative writing. Sanderson was selected to complete Robert Jordan's final installment of The Wheel of Time series, after Jordan's death. Sanderson currently resides in Utah with his wife. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">(Information in this author biography is from the author's official <a href="http://www.brandonsanderson.com/book/Alcatraz/">website </a>as well as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Sanderson">Wikipedia</a>.)</span><br /><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Librarian stereotyping alert! Horn-rimmed glasses and buns! But the librarians do get to rule the world...Anyway, besides for this stereotype, there are not many other objectionable sections of this book. Just plain, good, fun, fantasy.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">I would have to read the first sentence aloud in a booktalk for this title, it's just too good to resist (see below "Why this book?"). Terry Pratchett comes to mind as a booktalking bedfellow and readalike, for this genre of clever, humorous, fantasy.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sanderson does a lot of circuitous storytelling here (which some critics seem to hate), where the narrator tells us in advance that we won't believe what we are about to read or gives us a cliff-hanger sentence and then tells us that we'll have to wait for a minute while he digresses. A language arts class in a unit on creative writing or storytelling might discuss what this literary convention is contributes to the story, plot, and Alcatraz's narrative? What is the experience of the reader when they encounter this?</span><br /><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">I couldn't resist this first line: "So, there I was, tied to an altar made from out-dated encyclopedias, about to get sacrificed to the dark powers by a cult of evil librarians."</span><br /><br />Series/Sequel<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">This title is followed by two more installments (as of November 2009): <span style="font-style: italic;">Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones</span> (2008) and <span style="font-style: italic;">Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia</span> (2009). There are five titles planned for the series.</span><br /><br />Awards<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">None. </span><br /><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES89/?searchtype=t&searcharg=alcatraz+versus+the+evil&searchscope=89&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=talcatraz+versus+the+evil"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes.</span></a><br /></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-80984859773260977342009-11-17T09:47:00.009-05:002009-11-17T12:35:30.616-05:00Ripley's Believe It or Not Special Edition 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzxPRERwFuotKLkSxQpDBNLJx0Ntd13DTOK50VHedUCCom_zPiwzu8FY_UJk29nNz0TeWV8Kk1RkGPlwjNirjB0_gw7KA-3dbSvuHf05Uvs3KrKlcnfgW2wQvlHBf3UfSUAAiti66FTs/s1600/ripley's.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzxPRERwFuotKLkSxQpDBNLJx0Ntd13DTOK50VHedUCCom_zPiwzu8FY_UJk29nNz0TeWV8Kk1RkGPlwjNirjB0_gw7KA-3dbSvuHf05Uvs3KrKlcnfgW2wQvlHBf3UfSUAAiti66FTs/s320/ripley's.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405123205663076162" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Biblio Bits</span> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Ripley's Believe It or Not! Special Edition 2010</span>, Ripley Entertainment Inc. , 2009 (ISBN 9780545143455</span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:arial;" >)</span><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><br /></div><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span style="font-weight: normal;">Ages 9-12</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span style="font-weight: normal;">Nonfiction</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Everything you ever wanted to know about what's wacky, weird, and wonderful in the world. Chapter headings include "On the Road," "Take Off," "Way to Live," "Art and Minds," "All Shapes and Sizes," and "Call of the Wild." Ever wonder about great triumphs of toothpick-sculpting? A LEGO tower that is almost 100 feet tall? How about a ten-mile-long gum-wrapper chain that took 40 years to make? Glow-in-the-dark tattoos? The Human Jigsaw Puzzle who is covered with tattoos, has horn implants, body piercings, and reshaped ears? All of this plus many more weird facts, people, and strange things---believe it or not!</span><br /><br /></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">This title, like <span style="font-style: italic;">The Guinness Book of World Records</span>, has great appeal for tweens. There is lots of potential for gross-out and wonderment within these pages. It is a great choice for magazine-lovers, as the pages and format read like a magazine: brief "articles" and lots of sidebars and photographs. The reading level is not high, so it may also be a good selection for reluctant readers.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">The most miniature knitted gloves, the tallest LEGO tower, mosaic art made with fruit stickers, a Cooper Mini with a toupee, and a man who cured his cancer by eating sand---all this and more within these pages! A great book for browsing and flipping through.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Author Information</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Ripley lived from 1890-1949 and worked as an illustrator for <span>The New York Globe</span>. He collected and published the quirky real-life wonders in a cartoon for <span>The Globe</span>. The cartoon was so popular that Ripley began traveling the world in search of new stories. According to the preface in the book, he traveled to over 200 countries and covered over 464,000 miles. There are 30 Ripley's Believe It or Not! museums worldwide, it was a TV show, and it is an annual publication.</span> (Information in this biography is from the book itself.)<br /><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">There are plenty of things one might object to in this book, both aesthetically and morally (see above for examples). The larger issue of spectatorship with regards to other human beings and their choices or anomalies, could raise some lively debate.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">A perfect book to include in a booktalk that features the theme of gross, weird and wacky. Coupling this title with <span style="font-style: italic;">The Guinness Book of World Records</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science </span>(Connolly), and maybe featuring the magazine National Geographic Kids could make an appealing booktalk for reluctant (boy?) readers.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">A fun creative writing prompt for this title might be to choose a page at random and to create some sort of backstory for one of the entries listed. What's it like for the Chinese waitress whose feet are turned the wrong way? How did she learn to walk? How did the man who created the longest gum-wrapper chain get his idea? What was he like as a kid, when he started it? What would it have been like to be involved with making the world's largest donut sculpture, sculpted out of real donuts?<br />The options are endless. It could also be an opportunity for a social studies research project or teaching research skills, to examine some of the places and details of the events and locations that are mentioned.<br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">I had to have <span style="font-style: italic;">some </span>representation of the gross-out genre in this project!</span><br /><br />Awards<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">None.</span><br /><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31?/tripley%27s+believe+it+or+not/tripleys+believe+it+or+not/1%2C3%2C5%2CB/frameset&FF=tripleys+believe+it+or+not+special+edition+2010&1%2C1%2C"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes. </span></a><br /></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2503613292053222966.post-78937326225889983092009-11-15T15:27:00.009-05:002009-11-24T11:01:35.905-05:00Dragon Rider<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4JnAd7kFqc84mBkPksSQbBKosj0E7oj2CRhqilmQNVtoEwC8SKLuzoiHs58CnDka_Qc7IoZYqN1VCIup4_F7B0yNpIV35wxJVLm-HZbZXv9nRECvlQr7z2EPXDDkE21DGn2HoCS6Pfg/s1600-h/200px-Dragon_Rider.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4JnAd7kFqc84mBkPksSQbBKosj0E7oj2CRhqilmQNVtoEwC8SKLuzoiHs58CnDka_Qc7IoZYqN1VCIup4_F7B0yNpIV35wxJVLm-HZbZXv9nRECvlQr7z2EPXDDkE21DGn2HoCS6Pfg/s320/200px-Dragon_Rider.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404430480321783698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">Biblio Bits </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dragon Rider</span> by Cornelia Funke, translated by Anthea Bell, read by Brendan Fraser, Random House/Listening Library, 2004 (ISBN </span><a name="ISBN">9781400090907)<br /><br /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div>Reading Level/Interest Age <span style="font-weight: normal;">Ages 10-12</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Genre <span style="font-weight: normal;">Fantasy</span><br /></div><div><br />Format <span style="font-weight: normal;">Audio book</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Plot Summary</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">When humans threaten to expand into the desolate north and into dragon country, the dragon Firedrake decides to search for the Rim of Heaven, a place of safety that only the oldest of dragons even remembers hearing about. Sorrel, Firedrake’s brownie companion, goes along for the adventure, though she’s not always happy about the lack of tasty provisions. Ben, a homeless human orphan, joins the mission, and frequently serves as a mediator between the human and non-human worlds. The party of travelers quickly learns that they are not the only ones seeking the Rim of Heaven, and sinister elements are aware of their progress towards that goal. The pace of the story builds toward an action-filled conclusion and the cast of supernatural characters (dwarves, djinns, humunculi, and mapmaking rats, for example) will delight fans of fantasy. Listeners of all ages will appreciate this wild adventure, full of humor, plot twists and unlikely heroes.</span> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p></div><div>Critical Evaluation</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> This book comes alive through Fraser’s reading: he uses unique and memorable voices that augment the characterizations from the text. This story is a bit lighter than Funke's other works (like <span style="font-style: italic;">The Thief Lord</span> and the <span style="font-style: italic;">Inkworld </span>series), and has engaging chapters that alternate between various angles of the story. This technique creates suspense for the reader, as the action in the different story threads may be deferred for a chapter or so, while we hear about other elements and characters. Funke gives readers/listeners a solid, classic fantasy story, by using elements of humor and excellent character development and relationships to balance the suspenseful plot twists and action.<br /><br /></span></span></b></div><div>Reader's Annotation</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Looking for a great audio book to take on your next family car trip? Fan of fantasy? Do you like a solid adventure story full of great plot twists and humor? Try this one!<br /><br /></span></div><div>Author Information</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Cornelia Funke was born in Germany in 1958. She worked as a social workerand then decided to work as a children's book illustrator. When she became bored with the stories she was illustrating, she decided to start writing stories that would be more interesting to illustrate. In 1996, Dragon Rider was Funke's international debut and was on the New York Times' bestseller list for 78 weeks. Her books have been very popular in the US, and include the books in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Inkworld </span>series and <span style="font-style: italic;">The Thief Lord</span>, both of which are appropriate for tweens. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">She now resides in Los Angeles, CA with her two children.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Challenge issues</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">I guess that there are people that might object to anything, but seriously, with this one it's pretty much just a good story----nothing overly mature, rude, no swear words, sex, etc.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></div><div>Booktalking Ideas</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">Stressing the relationships part of this book would be the angle I would recommend, something that identifies the interesting cast of characters: from the terrifying djinn, to the tetchy Gilbert Graytail, to the moody but loveable Sorrell. It is a book with a quest and a cast of unlikely heroes, and will have plenty of booktalking bedfellows in the fantasy genre.</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">What is unique here is that Funke includes so much humor in the story, without making it overdone.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Curriculum Ties</div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span style="font-weight: normal;">This would make a fabulous read-aloud, if you can't get the Fraser reading of it. One fun way to link this to curriculum is with map-making.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Gilbert Graytail's map for the travelers includes many colorful areas to indicate regions of danger, safety, cultures, friends and foes. However, he delivers this information to Sorrel and Ben orally; there is no key on the map to remind them of what the various colors mean. Students could draw maps to scale of their school playground, their route to school, or some place like a park or recreation area. With shading, students could indicate social groupings (for example on the playground), geographic features, and farming/industry/business. They could create keys for themselves but have other students guess at what the colors might indicate.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Why <i>this </i>book?<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Truly, it is not often that I would recommend the audio version of a story over the book format, but in this case, Brendan Fraser's reading is exemplary.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">This may be the audio book that we have listened to, as a family, more than any other and each time, it delights us again</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">.<br /><br /></span></span>Awards<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">None. </span><br /><br />Rockport Public Library owns?<br /></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><a href="http://minerva.maine.edu/search%7ES31?/tdragon+rider/tdragon+rider/1%2C1%2C2%2CB/frameset&FF=tdragon+rider&1%2C%2C2"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes. </span></a><br /></div></span></b>Iris E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997095122571368440noreply@blogger.com0