Lynn's Review of The Penderwicks at Point Mouette

The Penderwicks, including the four famous sisters - Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty - are growing up and on vacation again in the third book of the series. This time the family is going their separate ways - Mr. Penderwick, Iantha, and little Ben are off to England for a honeymoon, Rosalind is off to New Jersey with Anna, and the rest go with Aunt Claire to the Birches in Maine. The story focuses on Skye, Jane, Batty, and Aunt Claire along with Jeffrey on a new vacation and adventure. New friends are made, firegods are called, kisses are traded, noses are bloodied, love is surveyed, moose is stalked, and surprises are in store for all of the clan. It proves to be a thrilling vacation for them all!

What's not to love? Time and again, Birdsall proves that the Penderwick stories just don't get old. The characterization is so deep that the reader sees the girls talents as well as flaws. I loved the fact that Jane has writer's block and then uses the idea of the Love Survey to do background research for Sabrina Starr to fall in love. She is so over-the-top, I just can't wait to see what she will come up with next! Tough tomboy Skye surprised me the most with her overwhelming fear of being the OAP - Oldest Available Penderwick - while they are on vacation. I wasn't prepared for her insecurities as the OAP, since she has always been so confident. Finally, Batty has to break the stereotype of Penderwicks being musically challenged, a tall order for the youngest and smallest of the Penderwicks.

I wasn't surprised by the fact that The Penderwicks at Point Mouette was a leisurely read for me. I love the fact that it's a feel-good read that captures the innocence and exaggerated viewpoints of children growing up. The characters are real and relevant for generations young and old, and promotes the strength of family without being preachy. I can't wait for the final two stories!

Lynn's Review of The Penderwicks on Gardam Street

Who wouldn't want to be a part of the Penderwick family?

This sequel to The Penderwicks picks up right where the first one ended. We become more familiar with the Penderwick clan, as the Prologue explains the untimely death of their mom due to cancer. The sisters become wrapped up in a host of hilarious adventures, with the most important being their their father returning to the dating world. Adamantly against it at first, they finally realize what their mother wanted for them as a family, and in convenient fashion, their new next door neighbor, Iantha, turns out to be the ideal addition to the Penderwick family, along with her baby Ben. Of course, it's the happiest of endings that concludes the second book, and just like a fairytale, they all live happily ever after.

I thought this book was sweeter than the first, and I just love the way Penderwicks exemplify a strong sense of family despite the less than ideal circumstances. Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty form a strong bond and conduct their MOPS - Meeting of Penderwick Sisters - in order to protect the family and their father from dating in the Save-Daddy Plan. They strategically work together to make sure that the New Save-Daddy Plan goes off without a hitch, so that he goes on the date of their choice. They back each other up, like in the final soccer game when Jane passes off to Skye for the game winning goal. Things don't always go perfectly, but it seems to all work out in the end...with more than a few laughs along the way. Here's to the Penderwick Family Honor!

Lynn's Review of The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

In Jeanne Birdsall's introduction to the Penderwick family, the reader is introduced to four sisters, their father, and a dog as they embark on a summer family vacation. Rosalind is the oldest and most responsible, taking the role of caregiver since their mother passed away. Skye is the fiery tomboy, Jane is the dreamy wannabe author, and Batty is the youngest and most shy. After their normal vacation spot is sold, the family finds themselves in a cottage that belongs to part of an estate, complete with a snooty landowner, Mrs. Tifton, and her son, Jeffrey, the perfect playmate for the children's adventures.

I absolutely loved this carefree and happy-go-lucky story. It is complete with an idyllic and nostalgic setting on the estate of Arundel. Jeanne Birdsall definitely has a talent for developing characters that readers can relate to. Girls will identify with one or all of the girls and their very different personalities. My favorite character was Jane with her Sabrina Starr character stories. I love how Jane dreams and narrates out loud, and feverishly writes every chance she can. I couldn't help but smile at the obvious annoyances that come from her sisters as a result. I can see myself as a little bit of Jane, (though I don't like to write as Jane does) and a little bit of Batty, since I am the youngest in my family, a shy observer, and get caught up in my thoughts. I can see my sister in the characters of Skye with a little bit of Rosalind too. When Skye encouraged Jeffrey to stand up to Mrs. Tipton about sending him to military school, it reminded me of my sister. My sister is the one who will protect and support others and won't hesitate to tell you exactly what is on her mind. Readers will also relate to the funny antics of Hound, the Penderwick dog, as he seems to eat and regurgitate everything in sight at the most inconvenient times.

Elementary and tween readers will be ready for more adventures with the Penderwicks, as long as Hound doesn't eat them first... :)

Lynn's Review of Flora's Very Windy Day

Jeanne Birdsall's first picture book is a pleasant tale of the windy adventure of Flora and her little brother, Crispin. After Crispin gets into trouble inside the house, they are both sent outside to play. Because it is a very windy day, Flora puts on her "super-special heavy-duty red boots" to keep her from blowing away, and she pretends to not be worried about Crispin and his regular old purple boots. As the wind begins to carry him away, Flora must kick off her special boots and sail off after him. Riding on the wind, Flora is tempted to give in to the requests of the dragonfly, sparrow, rainbow, cloud, eagle, man in the moon, and the wind himself to take her little brother away. Does she really want to get rid of him? Though he does make a mess of her paints and gets into everything at home, Flora realizes that she loves her brother, and only wants to make sure they both get home safely. At Flora's insistence, the wind brings them back home, and the story happily ends as they enjoy some chocolate chip cookies together.

I thought that this was a lovely story that children would find enjoyable. The repetitive text is appropriate for younger audiences. Birdsall repeats, "If the wind lets you," in response to Flora wanting to take her little brother back home. A lot of children can also relate to an annoying younger sibling, and the nuisance that they can cause. Likewise, most children will appreciate the fantastic imaginative journey soaring on the wind and back to the safety of home again, just in time for some chocolate chip cookies. Parents will most likely appreciate how the story models the resolution of a sibling relationship.

Lynn's Review of 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East

Naomi Shihab Nye goes back to her cultural roots with this collection of poems in 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East. As an Arab American, her struggles with the political and emotional effects of war are prevalent throughout the collection. She gives her perspective from the Middle East through her experiences growing up and visiting with family there.

Honestly, a lot of the poetry in this collection was difficult for me to understand, but I appreciated what I learned about Middle Eastern beliefs and traditions. Still, there were references that were incomprehensible to me due to my lack of experience and knowledge of the Middle East.

After reading Nye's poetry, I do feel as if I've literally had a taste of the Middle East. As our pecans or peaches influence our life here in Texas, the presence of fig trees, olives, and almonds provide a taste of Nye's homeland to readers. In Olive Jar, we are invited to an Arab kitchen on the West Bank, in the village of almonds and olives. As a guest, we are at the family meal where olives are the center of every table. As with many families, it seems as though the time spent around the table is a peaceful time that is cherished. Nye also uses olive as irony in the poem, Passing the Refugee Camp. Olives are a symbol of peace and are native to the Middle East; however, olive is also used to describe the color of American soldiers' uniforms, suggesting war and unrest.

Something I admire about Naomi Shihab Nye's writing is that it is so accessible and honest. She writes simply about things that she knows and loves, and makes you think that it is possible for you to put your own thoughts and feelings into your own poetry as well. She writes about what she is passionate about. Her vision of peace is very clear, as well as admirable, and reminds us all that it is the true meaning of what we all seek. In How Long Peace Takes, Nye gives analogies as to how much time we must wait for peace. So how long does peace take? Nye answers, "As long as the question - what if I were you? - has two heads." Hmm, it really makes you think about considering others' perspectives.

Lynn's Review of The Inner City Mother Goose

I was wondering why this book, based on Mother Goose nursery rhymes, was in a high school library and not in libraries for younger patrons. I quickly realized that it was because it is a modern interpretation that shows the effects of inner city life. It includes current society issues such as drugs, stealing, crime, and temptation. It became a banned book due to its honesty in portraying inner-city situations of the low-socioeconomic. David Diaz's dark illustrations depict the hardness and reality of those that struggle daily in these types of situations.

The paintings are harsh, with thick black outlines and shadows detailing facial expressions as the characters smoke, sell their bodies, pollute, worry, kill, and turn a blind eye. The demise of society is characterized with dark blues and grays and spotlights the resulting ugliness.

I was very surprised by this book. Even though the title hinted at its contents, I wasn't prepared for the honesty and straightforwardness of the subject matter, especially presented in the Mother Goose format. I also found it interesting that in Eve Merriam's 1982 introduction, she writes of suspecting that a particular verse having "a line that contained an extremely vulgar, if commonly used, thirteen-letter word" was to blame for the book being banned. When I came to that particular verse, I found it odd that the entire page was missing from the book, and I could see the torn edges from the binding. I found this book in a high school library, but it seems that someone at some point had done some censoring...

Lynn's Review of Diego: Bigger Than Life

In Diego: Bigger Than Life by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, the real-life story of Diego Rivera is told through poetry and accented with David Diaz's paintings. This Pura Belpre Honor Book details the honesty, talent, and passion of this controversial Mexican artist. He was also a social revolutionary for the Mexican Communist Party.

I wasn't aware that Diego Rivera was so controversial and was not only passionate about his murals but also about the women in his life. I was also surprised that the love of his life was Frida Kahlo, who was very much younger than he was. David Diaz's paintings are soft and glowing with brightness. Absent is the dark black outline present in the previous two books that I had read. The illustrations bring light and depth to the highs and lows in Diego's life. From the happiest times in his life such as when he met Frida to the saddest when his son Dieguito died, the graduation of intensity of color matches the mood. This is my favorite book that Diaz has illustrated because of the brightness of color and the softness of line as color melts into the next. I also appreciate how he paints with the profile view, giving a nod to the Mexican culture.

Lynn's Review of December

David Diaz and Eve Bunting pair up again as illustrator and author in the picture book, December. This is the story of a boy and his mother who are homeless and living in a cardboard box. It is Christmas Eve, and they once again go to sleep under the old calendar picture of a Christmas angel hanging on their "wall." Little do they know that they have much more than the old woman with a faded rose who comes knocking on their box that night to find a warm place to sleep. After inviting her in to spend the night, their luck begins to change and the family is left wondering. Was the old woman their very own Christmas angel?

Diaz's rich illustrations once again pull in the reader with color and definition. The bold acrylic colors provide a feast for the eyes. His use of black defines each feather of December's wings on the cover of the book. Inside pages reflect text on colorful collage backgrounds in geometric patterns with Diaz's signature paintings on the facing pages. His paintings are almost completely full page with close ups of the characters highlighting the angles of their faces and strengthening the overall storyline for beginning readers. Young and old will appreciate the message of hope and the beauty found on every page.

Lynn's Review of Smoky Night

The illustrations could stand alone to tell the story of the L.A. riots in Smoky Night by Eve Bunting. In this story, a boy with his mom and cat, watch the devastation of the riots on their neighborhood and learn first-hand the importance of getting along with others. David Diaz's collage style highlights the acrylic paintings focused on each page. Diaz layers multiple elements that create a 3-dimensional effect, bringing the story to life for readers. The bold colors of the paintings capture young children's attention. A variety of materials are used to invite the reader in. The authentic items and collage texture support the storyline and conveys a sense of reality to the reader. Cardboard and bubblewrap are used to support the beginning of the story as looters steal boxed electronics.

The title reflects the presence of the fire with a progression of color in the background and the big black bold lettering that represents the intensity of the smoke. Diaz paints on top of his collage. I noticed the use of the color red when people are stealing. Diaz uses real elements such as caution labels, shoe soles, cereal, plastic bags, and wire coathangers. Red and yellow collage paper is cut like fire flames with matches interspersed on the page giving a sense of emergency to the story. The climax of the story is illustrated with contrasting colors: dark red, yellow, white, and black showing the power of the fire. I thought it very telling that Diaz chose the use of gray as the fire diminishes to ashes in the collage on the following page. Colors get lighter toward the end as the story resolves and the characters find peace.

I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation of this story and the thoughtful process as the illustrations pull in the reader and in the end, convey a real message of peace.

Lynn's Review of A Maze Me

This is a collection of poems by Naomi Shihab Nye that is especially relatable to middle school girls. As the title suggests, Nye's voice seems to challenge others to see what it's like to be a girl transitioning from childhood into adulthood. The journey is complex and confusing, much like a maze. It is also rewarding and simply, well....amazing. Nye recalls her own transitional years in Texas as she writes about "Visiting My Old Kindergarten Teacher" on the last day of school and recalling her own "self-portraits with hats" that these students are now taking home. Likewise, she writes about day to day concerns for a teenage girl like what it is like "In the School Cafeteria." As you search for your friends to sit and eat lunch with, "your face makes me feel like a lighthouse beaming across waves." Nye's advice to young girls permeates in poems such as "Feeling Wise." She says, "It is not so hard to feel wise. Just think of something dumb you could say, then don't say it." Nye's poetry is simple and accessible to readers. Middle school girls will gravitate to her perspective, as it is true and honest.

Nye's poetry is relatable even to a thirty-something like me. One thing I've found as I grow older is that I have more and more to reflect upon in my life. One of my favorite poems in this book was "Baby-sitting Should Not be Called...sitting." I could relate to her thoughts of irony of the word as she chases, bends, amuses, and everything else except for sitting. Having babysitting jobs growing up, I can attest to the fact that it is not as easy as perceived. I got quite the workout babysitting younger children, and it taught me to appreciate those who teach and care for young children. This challenge led me to the profession that I have today working with early childhood students and educators.

In "Abandoned Post Office, Big Bend," I am reminded of the changes that technology has brought and the effects that follow. Nye writes, "Forty years ago this postal window far far far from any city closed for good," just like the post office in my community did just last year. As a teenage girl, I remember writing letters to soldiers oversees in the Gulf War. For this generation of teenage girls, skype, email, and texting, are all available. The need for communication is still the same, but the method has definitely changed.

Lynn's Review of Honeybee

This collection of poetry is authored by Naomi Shihab Nye. It illustrates the relation of everyday life to that of a honeybee throughout the book. She introduces the book by explaining her extensive studying of honeybees and continues the analogy as her words parallel how the honeybee and human survive, work, dance, communicate, and cooperate in their own worlds. Her voice is very powerful throughout, as is evident in "The Cost." She illustrates our sad state of education as she speaks candidly of school librarians and counselors being fired (in San Antonio) for lack of funding.

Her opinion of war is also ever present in her poetry. She gives the perspective as an American and of Middle Eastern descent as well as the influences and consequences that there are for both. She criticizes our society as peacemakers preparing our students with "everything you need to know...then place a gun in your hands." As strong as her opinion is, I still believe that there are things that are worth fighting for. It seems so simple when she voices her opinion in her writing, and I wish it could be as simple as talking it over. However, it reminds me that it takes two sides to compromise.

I love that Naomi Shihab Nye writes about Texas. One of my favorite references was her description of subdivisions as "big mistakes slapped up outside towns" (from Driving to Abilene in the Pouring Rain). As a Texan, I feel lucky to live in the wide open spaces and enjoy nature and animals out in the country.

A favorite quote of mine this week comes directly from this poetry collection. Naomi says, "If someone gives you trouble, remember your best self" (from Our Best Selves). What great advice to pass on to others!

Lynn's Review of Salting the Ocean

My cat died -


And I cried.





That's about the extent of my talent for writing poetry. I could have definitely used the guidance of Naomi Shihab Nye, as she describes working with hundreds of students in the writers in schools project for the past 25 years. The result of her teachings and influence have produced the poetry illustrated in Salting the Ocean. The poems are thoughtfully selected and the inspiration of this award-winning writer is evident as she describes poetry as the "one true word" and "the spark that links us." In each individual poem, the reader has the sense that Naomi Shihab Nye has influenced students' poetry writing as "making a map of the days you live." This collection captures the perspectives of these young writers and allows for the reader to reflect into one's own life experiences. The simple language and pattern, along with Naomi Shihab Nye's motivational words in the introduction and afterword, make poetry writing accessible and is an encouragement for everyone to write poetry.


A couple of the poems really hit home for me, like Monday Mornings. I'm sure I'm not the only one that can relate to the line "On Monday mornings I feel like a miserable mouse, more miserable than a monkey on Monday mornings." One of my favorites, Cabbage, compares the unfolding of cabbage leaves to humans as they open up to the world. This poem seemed very appropriate to introduce the book as an example to open up the reader's mind to the perspectives of what younger generations have to say. But the one that evoked the most emotion in me was the poem, What Happened to my Cat? I asked the same question a week ago as my cat did not show up by the doorstep as usual. I feel the sadness in her words, "I miss his sweet face/ I miss stroking his soft fur/ he was like a cloud in the sky, and like a cloud in the sky, he has floated away." I miss my cat too.

Jan Paris BookFest 2011

I am assisting with the Jan Paris BookFest in San Antonio on November 5th for one of my final graduate courses at Sam Houston State University. Last year it was in Corpus Christi, and I absolutely loved it! I had the opportunity to meet authors, get author autographs and pictures, and attend some really interesting sessions. Not to mention it turned out to be a great excuse for a nice weekend getaway for my husband and I. It was time well-spent, and I am looking forward to this year's bookfest even more. The books I will be blogging about in the days to come will be those of the featured authors and illustrator at this year's bookfest. Here is more information, including the website, if you are interested... :)

Play ball!

Okay, so my sister and I had this blog idea since the beginning of summer, and set it up then. We naturally do things together, and bring our very different personalities into the mix, and we like to think that our personalities complement each other in whatever we do. We learn a lot from each other, and it's our hope that we can pass on something of value to others, or at least to get you thinking.
I am the dreamer (and list-maker), but she is much more on the ball, and I am just now beginning to post. Granted, I have often "dreamt" about what I would post...but now it's time to get to it. Perhaps a few assignment deadlines have helped to spur me on. Whatever the case, I hope you enjoy our perspectives in teaching and learning.
So here I am at the end of summer...and getting ready to play ball!

Reese's Review of What Can You Do With A Rebozo?

Pura Belparé Honor Book

                Bright colors, full of movement, and happy poetry….so what is not to love about this book?   Carmen Tafolla captures well the spirit and love of all generations in this family for the rebozo (scarf). From its utilitarian uses (blanket, carrying a baby, shawl, cleaning) to its entertainment value (peek a boo, blindfold, tunnel, sash, cape, slide), the rebozo is cherished by all.  Of course, the young Mexican, American girl’s favorite use is when it is used to dance! Being from San Antonio, as is the author, I have noticed these rebozos which are treasured and worn by friends, but I had never considered their cultural history.  This book gave me a brief look into the generational importance of them, and the next time I see one I know it will bring smile to my face as I remember this book and the vibrant illustrations which so captured the rebozo.

Tafolla, C. (2008). What can you do with a rebozo? Berkeley: Tricycle Press.

Reese’s Review of We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball

Coretta Scott King Award Winner

Robert F. Sibert Medal

                Baseball is my all-time favorite sport. I grew up hearing about famous baseball players, and even after I married family members would tell stories of watching Satchel Paige pitch.  I knew about the Negro Leagues, but I didn’t really know the whole story.  This book was the opportunity I had never had to understand the historical background of the time before the leagues integrated.  Kadir Nelson uses a first person point of view (though it isn’t his own) to narrate the story through all nine innings and into extra innings (innings are equated to chapters in the book).  Throughout the “game”, Nelson has interspersed oil paintings based on the game with as much historical detail as he could find.  Double page spreads throughout draw the reader onto the field and directly into the game (I now can imagine what it must have been like to have a field view of Satchel Paige pitching to the mighty Josh Gibson.) There is even one double page spread of a ticket from the First Colored World Series which folds out full on each page to reveal a picture of both teams and owners in the series. However, Nelson’s talent isn’t in the illustrations alone. His writing highlights the effects the Negro Leagues had on the game from the inception of safety equipment (both catching gear and batting helmets were invented here) to the increased game pace which drew in the crowds.  I can’t wait to share this book with my students; it is a book with I anticipate will stay checked out this upcoming year!

Nelson, K. (2008). We are the ship: the story of negro league baseball. New York: Hyperion.

Reese’s Review of Book Fiesta! Celebrate Children’s Day/Book day – Celebremos el día de los niῆos / El día de los libros

Pura Belpré Award

                I couldn’t resist the cover of this book.  After all, I love books and am from San Antonio (where Fiesta is a major holiday!) This book brought together two of my passions (even though the Fiesta is this book is just a different celebration).  Even the end sheets in this book are colorful and eye catching.  The front ones show children awakening to a sunny day after having fallen asleep with their books, while the back end sheets show children reading on cloud while the moon looks on with a smile. I loved the idea a day celebrating all that books bring us, and I especially loved that the book was bilingual which adds to its appeal.  The illustrations made me happy dressed in their bright colors and vibrant pictures.  Everyone reads here; everyone enjoys and cherishes the opportunity to grab another story.  I grew up in  family where stories were shared, and the love of reading was nurtured. This book celebrates that joy and shows it’s not simply a trait of one cultural background.

Mora, P. (2009). Book fiesta! Celebrate Children’s Day/book day – Celebremos el día de los niῆos / El día de los libros. New York: Harper Collins.

Reese's Review of Twilight

New York Time Bestseller’s List

                It seems that every female student who walked in my eighth grade classroom in the last few years has read or is reading Twilight.  Though it has been much acclaimed by both my students and my daughter, I have fought the need to read it until now because I quite simply had no desire to spend time reading about vampires. But now I understand.  Stephanie Meyer doesn’t just write about vampires, instead the story is the dark forbidden romance where Bella’s internal conflict between her heart’s desires reigns supreme. Though she suspects (and later confirms) Edward’s true identity, she is still drawn to him despite the warnings of others about possible danger to herself. Bella embodies the fears of every teenager when moved to a new community and tries desperately to fit in, but she also shows the strength of learning to judge people for herself without depending solely on the opinions of others. In my own life, this last idea of judging people without depending on the opinions of others is the ideal that I most relate to, especially since I work in a school where there is a very high mobility rate.  Often students and even adults have difficulty learning who and what to listen to as we try to blend into new communities.  To me, walking through Bella’s struggle with her in this way makes this a worthwhile read.

Meyer, S. (2005). Twilight. New York: Little, Brown, and Company.

Reese's Review of Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village

John Newbery Medal

                Written as a collection of monologues (with a few dialogues) from characters within a medieval village, this book offers unique perspectives and glimpses into the lives of those in that time period.  I loved the fact that I was able to see into the lives of those from differing lifestyles, and I enjoyed the brief, periodic background essays which added to my understanding.  Several key features of this book drew me in such as in the beginning where I could search the map to find each character within the overview of the village and the side notes on each monologue which footnoted information important for my understanding.  I found myself reminded of how the human condition (self-awareness, jealousy, love of parent, conflict, class systems) is more similar today to that of medieval times that one might at first assume. I look forward to sharing this unique collection of viewpoints with others in the future and to sitting back down with a cup of tea or two to enjoy it again.

Schlitz, L.A. (2007). Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village.

           Cambridge: Candlewick Press.

Reese's Review of Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave

Coretta Scott King Award Winner

Caldecott Honor Book

                Beauty of artistry, beauty of words, and beauty of theme all are traits which place this book in my favorites list.  From the moment I laid eyes on the cover and the intense look of concentration on the face of Dave the Potter as he worked the clay pot, I fell for this book.  Detail after artistic detail - pages which have a worn scrapbook-like edging, dark earth-toned paintings, images which glimpse the slave life – draws the reader into the poetic story and adds depth to the already moving story. I was surprised by the foldout in the idle of the book and almost missed it as it blended in so well.  I am glad I didn’t, or I would have missed the beauty of the change from lump of clay to full fledge pot.  The subtle symbolism of the story comes through in both words and illustrations.  The addition of the background history of Dave the Potter with the inclusion of some of his verses along with the story of how the book was conceived appealed to me.  I have always enjoyed art and particularly pottery.  The book reawakened an itch to spend time throwing a pot on a wheel soon.

Hill, L. C. (2010). Dave the potter: artist, poet, slave. New York: Little, Brown, and Company.

Reese's Review of Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery

Newbery Honor Book

ALA Notable Book

                Russell Freedman set out to write nonfiction books written in a way that he would want to read them.  He was successful in his juvenile biography about Eleanor Roosevelt. Peppered with with black and white photos throughout as well as a photo album in the back of book, Freedman brings to life the verve for life which characterized Mrs. Roosevelt.  While the pictures and their captions further the reader’s background knowledge and understanding of her life, her quotes which begin each chapter (except the first) help to characterize her in the reader’s mind.   The author has provided a section which lists books by and about Eleanor Roosevelt’s life and included an index which is thorough.  Eleanor’s strength and determination reminded me of how far women in our society have come, as well as the power women wielded quietly in the past masked behind the guise of male politicians and husbands.  Several of Eleanor’s quotes caught my attention and reminded me of my own life; one in particular spoke to me: “I imagine every mother felt as I did when I said good-bye to [my sons] during the war.  I had a feeling that I might be saying good-bye for the last time.” Perhaps it is my the fact that I am married to a soldier or that I am now the mother of a soldier, but that quote was enough to bring tears to my eyes and wish that she was someone that I had known personally.

Freedman, R. (1993). Eleanor Roosevelt: a life of discovery. New York: Clarion Books.

Reese's Review of An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793

Newbery Honor Book

Robert F. Sibert Medal

National Book Award Finalist

                Nonfiction books can be boring - not this one. From the subject of the yellow fever epidemic to the presentation of the subject matter, this book intrigues the reader.  The author has done extensive research and documented it with an easily usable source section. Additionally, the index is thorough and well done making this book a wonderful research source for students.  Illustrations which add to the reader’s background knowledge and understanding of the subject matter are scattered throughout: maps, letters, newspaper snippets, photographs, cartoons, pen and ink illustrations, black and white artwork.  I particularly liked the way in which the author divided the book into eleven chapters and began each with a catching title as well as a short quotation which summed up the effect of the fever in the chapter.   By utilizing a multitude of firsthand accounts mixed with medical and historical facts, the author managed to draw me into the book; my curiosity about yellow fever kept me reading.  The book itself reminded me that even in this day and age, our medical community and our society doesn’t have all of the answers. Dangers abound and seemingly innocent mistakes or lack of knowledge can threaten our society as it did in 1793.

Murphy, J. (2003) An American plague: the true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. New York: Scholastic .

Reese's Review for Frog and Toad Together

Newbery Honor Book

ALA Notable Books for Children

                Frog and Toad Together is a young reader classic, however, it isn’t one that stands as a favorite of mine.  Though the tales of the two best friends are nice, the book lacks the depth of natural language flow which I have liked from a young age.  Frankly, the stories included don’t appeal to my ear.   I do remember my own son and his love as a young reader for this book.  In fact, he tried desperately to convince me at one point that we needed to add a frog habitat to the house so that he could have his own set of friends.  I also recall his love for reading the book over and over because I remember being thankful when he decided his dog was an appropriate audience for his kazillionth reading of it.  So, while the book isn’t a personal choice, I recognize that it does appeal to a number of young readers in its story lines (especially the idea of devoted friendship), ease of language, and color illustrations.

Lobel, A. (1971). Frog and Toad together. New York: HarperFestival .

Reese's Review of When Marian Sang

Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

ALA Notable Book for Children

              I am not truly sure what is most memorable in this picture book, the motivating story of Marion’s determination to overcome the obstacles put in her way or the rich illustrations that beg the reader to spend time teasing out the fine details within them.  Pam Munoz Ryan has taken the historic facts of Marion Anderson’s life and written a biography which is entrancing in its rich mixture of story and spiritual music.  Brain Selznick has put equal effort into the illustrations layering historical details and support for the text into each page. He has managed to incorporate into the illustrations foreshadowing (in the scene where Marion’s mother is comforting her, the wallpaper behind them is a pattern from the Old Metropolitan Theater where Marion would later sing) as well as paying homage to his uncle, who inspired the story, in the scene of Marion singing to the crowds at the Lincoln Memorial. Personally, there was nothing that I didn’t like.  Marion Anderson’s quiet, unassuming bravado in meeting the challenges of racism head on with grace and tact is an amazing one.  Often, those that are loud and up front are heralded (rightly so), but yet those that face challenges in a different way are overlooked.  This book makes sure that Marion Anderson’s talent and effects on history won’t be forgotten.

Ryan, P.M. (2002). When Marion sang. New York: Scholastic .

Reese's Review of Rapunzel

Caldecott Medal

Notable Book for Children

                This book is an award winner for a reason. I have to admit, it is filled with so many beautifully detailed oil paintings that I am not quite sure if I should frame it or put it on a shelf!  Even the end pages set the scene for the story by giving the reader an overview of the setting along with the added beauty of the detailed peacock. The title page is illustrated again with the peacock sitting in a window with a view of birds flying freely among a few white clouds in the blue sky. As in other Paul Zelinsky books, the expressions of each of the characters in the illustrations especially reflect the character’s emotions adding clarity for the reader from the loving expressions exchanged in the opening between Rapunzel’s parents to the anger later of the sorceress when she realizes that Rapunzel is pregnant.  Later, I was fascinated with the two page painting which documented the reuniting of Rapunzel and her prince husband. Though the characters remained rather flat, as most fairy tale characters do, the illustrations still made it well worth my time.  Another particular feature of great interest to me was the inclusion of a note on the text that traced the fairy tale of Rapunzel from its French roots through its many published versions.  For that reason, this book is another which will be used in my classroom as we discuss the historical background and transformation of stories.  Alas, I also enjoy gardening and learning that rapunzel is an herb was a piece of new knowledge for me.  My next great quest will be to find it and add it to my story garden!

Zelinsky, P.O. (1997). Rapunzel. New York: Dutton Children’s Books .

Reese's Review of The Duck Files

 Notable Book for Children

                Nursery rhymes have long been (along with fairy tales) some of my favorite readings probably because I fondly remember having my parents read them aloud as a small child. The Web Files by Margie Palatini brings back those memories from my childhood.  Not a traditional nursery rhyme of old, The Web Files feature Ducktective Web and his sidekick as they try to solve the case of missing purple peppers.  The author’s use of alliteration (purple, almost-pickled peppers), word choice puns (“quack” the case), rhyme, and the allusion to classic nursery rhymes as well as to more modern detective dramas promise to keep young and old alike entertained at read aloud time.  In addition though focused towards ages 4-7, the book is an entertaining choice that I use to introduce the concepts of writing rhythms through sentence structure and of allusion (on a very basic level) in my middle school classroom mini-lessons.

Palatini, M. (2001). The Web Files. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

Reese's Review of Rumpelstiltskin

Caldecott Honor Book

As a young child, I remember my mother reading fairy tales to us including Rumpelstilskin.  Though it had illustrations, the oil paintings of Paul Zelinsky are far more beautiful and detailed.  Even the end pages set the scene for the story by giving the reader an overview of the towns and countryside as if one looked out from an overlook. The title page introduces the reader to Rumpelstiltskin lounging on a shelf and hinting at is diminutive stature. The expressions of each of the characters in the illustrations especially reflect the character’s emotions adding clarity for the reader.  I also enjoyed the increasing details of the miller daughter’s clothing as she took the role of queen. Though the characters remained rather flat, as most fairy tale characters do, the illustrations still made it well worth my time.  One particular feature of great interest to me was the inclusion of a note on the text that traced the fairy tale of Rumpelstiltskin from its German roots through its many published versions.  For that reason in particular, this book will be used in my classroom as we discuss the historical background and transformation of stories.

Zelinsky, P.O. (1986). Rumpelstiltskin. New York: Dutton’s Children’s Books.

Reese’s Review of Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic Sung in the Year 1888

Caldecott Honor Book

First, I love baseball.  Second, I am fascinated with books that can pique my curiosity beyond the text.  Casey at the Bat is just such a book. Though I long have been familiar with Ernest Lawrence Thayer’s Casey at the Bat ode, Christopher Bing’s use of pen and ink drawings along with the scrapbook type style of the book kept me thoroughly enthralled.  I spent as much time marveling at the hidden gems within each scrapbook style page as I did on the poem.  Bing doesn’t simply incorporate materials representative of the time period, he furthers the context of the poem through his careful layering of related texts and illustrations on each page.  Each and every time I open the book, I find something  missed previously. In my own middle school classroom, students are intrigued with the illustrator’s reasons for choosing to illustrate in this way; it allows us the opportunity to discuss the importance of presentation to effectively getting a message across to an audience as well as the vast choices available.

Thayer, E.L. & Bing, C. (2000). Ernest Lawrence Thayer’s Casey at the bat: a ballad of the republic sung in the year 1888. New York: Scholastic.

Reese's Review of Mirette on he High Wire

Caldecott Honor Book

Exposition:  A young girl named Mirette, whose mother runs a boarding house, listens to stories of performers who stay in the boarding house as she helps her mother run it.

Conflict: Mirette wants to learn to walk the high wire after she sees a legendary retired high wire walk, who is staying at the boarding house, walking on the laundry line.

Rising Action: At first he refuses to teach her, but she decides to learn on her own.  He sees her and finally relents. An agent arrives who talks about the legendary high wire artist’s feats, and Mirette is fascinated.  She soon learns he is fearful now of the wire, and battles fear herself.

Climax: Bellini, the high wire artist, faces his fear and decides to walk across from rooftop to rooftop on a high wire. He freezes in fear as he begins.

Falling Action:  Mirette runs up and meets him out on the high wire.  Bellini, with the encouragement of Mirette, walks across the high wire.

Resolution: Mirette sees a poster that features she and Bellini as wire walkers together.

Quality of Illustrations:  McCully uses the impressionistic style to emphasize the movement of walking over the high wire.  The colors in the scenes that show Bellini feats are bright suggesting the giddy mood of the people who had been witness to them. By contrast, McCully uses darker colorations in the scenes where the crowd is waiting with baited breath for Bellini to complete his walk across the wire after he freezes.

McCully, E.A. (1992). Mirette on the high wire. New York: Scholastic.

Reese's Review of Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest

Caldecott Honor Book

Exposition: The people don’t have light, so Raven goes off in search of light.  He realized it is held in the home of the Sky Chief.

Conflict: In order find the light in the Sky Chief’s home, Raven turns himself into a pine needle which floats into the daughter’s water where she drinks it. After being born as the daughter’s child, he must find the light.

Rising Action:  A baby, Raven crawls around and then cries until the Sky Chief say to give his grandchild the ball of light.

Climax: Rave returns to his raven form and lies off with the ball of light in his beak as the Sky Chief, his daughter, and the elders look on.

Falling Action:  Raven throws the Sun into the sky, and the people have light.

Resolution: The people feed Raven as thanks for bringing them light.

Quality of Illustrations: McDermott uses beautiful painterly media (gouache, colored pencil, and pastel).  The mood of the people is reflected in the beginning part of the story by the use dark muted colors that show the darkness in which the people live. McDermott also uses different media to further illustrate the differences between the Raven and the Sky Chief.

McDermott, G. (1993). Raven: A trickster tale from the Pacific Northwest. New York: Scholastic.

Reese’s Review of The Face on the Milk Carton

One of the 100 most challenged books list (bookspot.com)

Exposition: Fifteen year old Janie Johnson has a boyfriend named Reeve and parents who harp on her every move.

Conflict: Janie sees a picture of herself at three right on the back of her milk carton and begins to wonder if she is truly the child of the "parents" that she has grown up with.

Rising Action:

Janie explains the situation to her parents after finding a polka dot dress in the attic that is like the one on the milk carton. Her parents explain that their daughter Hannah ran away and joined a cult. When Joanie was around three, Hannah brought her to the door and dropped her off. Fearful that the cult and the man who fathered Janie would come after her, the Johnsons moved and even changed to their current last name.

Climax:

Janie continues researching the subject and even goes to see the Springs (though she doesn't go up to them and explain) where she notices the other kids have red hair like hers. She writes to the family, only to lose the letter at school.

Falling Action:

Again, Janie speaks with her parents (along with Reeve, her boyfriend). It is finally realized that Hannah could have kidnapped Janie and she might not be the Johnson's granddaughter though they love her.

Resolution:

Janie's mom calls the Springs; Janie takes the phone and introduces herself as their daughter.

Literary Elements:

At the time this book was written, milk cartons often pictured missing children (especially those milk cartons that schools served). The author's use of this common fact, along with the typical trials of teen life help to make this a very believable story. Dialogue among the characters reflects common teen conversation as well as topics as well.

Cooney, C. B. (1991). The face on the milk carton. New York: Bantam Books.

Reese’s Review of The Giver

One of the 100 most challenged books list (bookspot.com)

John Newbery Medal

ALA Notable Book

ALA Best Book for Young Adults

Exposition:

Eleven year old Jonas lives with his mother (employed by the Justice department), his father (a Nurturer of New Children), and his younger sister Lily in a society where children are born to Birthmothers (literally it is their job) and then dispersed to family units.

Conflict:

Jonas is chosen at the Ceremony of Twelve to become the Giver. He is unsure of what the job entails and as he grows into understanding through the dreams he is given by the Giver, he is disturbed by the knowledge he begins to possess.

Rising Action: His father brings home a child, Gabriel, to nurture as the child is not doing as well as the Nurturers would like. Jonas receives dreams, which are also the memories of the society, that explain "release" from society is actually death. He sees his father as he releases a child in the dream.

Climax:

Jonas and the Giver receive word that the child Gabriel is to be released. Jonas is unable to accept it and with the Giver's blessing, steals his dad's bike along with food and escapes the society for "elsewhere".

Falling Action:

 Jonas and Gabriel are able to avoid detection, but they are freezing in the meantime. While others in his society have not been able to see color, Jonas is seeing more and more as he gets farther from society.

Resolution:

Jonas and Gabriel find a sled (from one of the first dream memories the Giver gave Jonas) and sled down the hill towards music, lights, and what he thinks to be people waiting for them both.

Literary Elements:

The author uses dialogue among the characters to both keep it believable and to clarify the futuristic setting of the story. The precise word choices assist the reader in teasing out the differences between today's society in which we live and the society in which Jonas lives.

Lowry, Lois (1993). The Giver. New York: Laurel-Leaf Books.

Reese’s Review of Julie of the Wolves

One of the 100 most challenged books list (bookspot.com)

Exposition:

Lost in the Alaskan tundra, 13 year old Julie (Miyax in Inuit) is struggling to survive using lessons her father taught her and by trying to learn lessons from the wolves she watches.

Conflict:

Miyax is struggling with finding her place in the world and how her traditions fit into the world of her dreams.

Rising Action:

 Miyax flashes back to the events that have brought her to this place: her mother's death, being taken from her father by her aunt, her marriage to Daniel along with his attack on her, her decision to set out for San Francisco the place of her pen pals stories.

Climax:

While asleep, Jello steals her pack. Later she finds he has been killed by Amaroq for stealing it. She befriends Kapu, the black wolf pup and finds a plover bird that she names Tornait. Gussak hunters kill Amaroq and wound Kapu.

Falling Action:

She mourns the wolf's death and decides to treasure her Eskimo lifestyle. Miyax learns from a family who stops to share her fire of a hunter named Kapugen in a nearby village. There she finds her father has remarried and his life has changed. In her confusion, she heads back to the tundra.

Resolution:

After Tornait dies in the tundra, Miyax decides to head back to Kapugen's home.

Literary Elements:

The author uses tension to the story's advantage. The thread of tension, Miyax's internal struggle with her world and her place in it, weaves through the story from the beginning to even the very end. Additionally, the accuracy of the cultural details and the setting in the Arctic tundra add to the believability of the story.

George, J.C. (1972). Julie of the wolves. New York: Scholastic.

Reese’s Review of My Brother Sam is Dead

Newbery Honor Book
One of the 100 most challenged books list (bookspot.com)

Exposition:

At the beginning of the American Revolution, Sam Meeker walks in the door of the taproom wearing the uniform of the Patriots to greet his younger brother Tim and both his parents. His father is less than enthusiastic that Sam has joined the Minutemen and plans to fight against the "King".

Conflict:

 Though Sam has joined the Minutemen, his family believes he is foolish. Tim is somewhat torn between admiration for his brother and his upbringing. Sam steals his father's gun and runs away to fight. Tim doesn't know where his loyalty truly lies.

Rising Action:

Tim's parents are almost killed when Rebel forces demand the gun which Tim then attempts to steal back from his brother who is temporarily back. Meanwhile, Tim has been delivering letters which some think contain spy information. Tim's father is taken prisoner and later killed as he and Tim return from a trading journey. Sam serves three years of service, only to be accused of stealing cattle (partially because his parents are known Tory supporters).

Climax:

Tim begs General Putnam for clemency but is refused.

Falling Action:

Sam is executed at musket point by Continental soldiers as a lesson to all the soldiers. Tim watches, not screaming until they lift their muskets up to him.

Resolution:

Tim and his mother continue to own and work at the tavern in Redding after the war's end. The tavern is sold and they move. Tim builds a new tavern and branches out; eventually, Tim marries and has children.

Literary Elements:

The authors bring the characters to life through their use of rich dialogue. The reader' understanding of the historical time period is further expanded because of the believability of the plot and the style/language use throughout the novel.

Collier, J.L. & Collier, C. (1974). My brother Sam is Dead. New York: Scholastic.