1. Bibliography
Lowry, Lois. 1993. The Giver. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0395645662
2. Plot Summary
The Giver is about a young 12-year-old boy, Jonas, who at the ceremony of twelves, is assigned to be the receiver. He soon discovers that he is living in a controlled community where everything is predictable and the people have no memories, feelings, or emotions.
3. Critical Analysis
The Giver has realistic and believable characters. Throughout the story the reader can relate to the characters feelings; especially to Jonas, the young boy chosen to receive the memories for the entire community. One example is when he discovers the community has no choices, "But I want them!" Jonas said angrily. "It isn’t fair that nothing has color!" (Lowry, 97). The reader can feel his frustration and anger. Along with Jonas the reader comes to realize the society is living without pain or suffering, and without happiness, family, and love. The Giver sates, " We gained many things. But we had to let others go (Lowry, 5). This helps you relate with The Giver and gain a sense of his emotions about sameness.
The plot of the story is very distinctive and interesting. It really gets the reader questioning a life without any choices or freedom. The plot is well constructed and tells a good story. Lowry ends it where Jonas and Gabriel see different colored lights shining from trees though windows and it states, " For the first time, he heard something that he knows to be music. He heard people singing (Lowry, 10). This leaves the reader with a hopeful ending that Jonas was free and had helped his community to also be free from sameness and able to experience memories.
The setting does not take place in a specific time or place, yet it’s in a society where the reader comes to find out it is run by the elders and based upon sameness. There is no choices or individuality.
The theme of the story is a world without choices or independence. A world where everyone is the same. This is a theme worth imparting to children to let them examine the positives and negatives about being individuals. The theme is woven well throughout and does not overpower the story.
The style of the book was very well done. The narration and dialogue is balances. Lowry uses symbols to help intensify the meaning. For example in the memory of family, " What did you perceive?" The Giver asked. "Warmth, "Jonas replied, " and happiness. And – let me thing. Family."
4. Review Excerpt(s)
Children's Literature
Lowry won the Newbery award for this book, her first science fiction story. Jonas is an adolescent living in a world that has a decidedly futuristic feel. When he turns twelve, he gets the job that will last him the rest of his life. He's the Receiver of Memory, the one who receives from the Giver all the memories of his society. Jonas is given great privileges, new privacy, and information that allow him (and readers) to see through the society's apparent Eden. At first his world seems great, but then, bit by bit, she tears away at the perfection she has built.
Publishers Weekly
Winner of the 1994 Newbery Medal, this thought-provoking novel centers on a 12-year-old boy's gradual disillusionment with an outwardly utopian futuristic society; in a starred review, PW said, ``Lowry is once again in top form... unwinding a tale fit for the most adventurous readers.'' Ages 10-up. (Sept.)
"Wrought with admir-able skill -- the emptiness and menace underlying this Utopia emerge step by inexorable step: a richly provocative novel."
5. Connections
· Encourage students to discuss the pro’s and cons of living in a society where everything is controlled and there is no individuality.
· Invite students to write an extension to the story and what they think happens to Jonas, Gabriel, and the rest of the community.
· Students can write about a memory they have.
Friday, November 30, 2007
The First Part Last
1. Bibliography
Johnson, Angela. 2003. The First Part Last. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689849222
2. Plot Summary
The First Part Last describes a teenage boy whose life changes, on his sixteenth birthday, when he finds out his girlfriend is pregnant. It shows all the feelings he goes through and how he becomes a father.
3. Critical Analysis
This book has strong believable characters. The teenage boy and his girlfriend behave consistently with their backgrounds and their ages. One example is in the beginning, "AND THIS IS how I turned sixteen…. Skipped school with my running buddies, K Boy and J.L., and went to Mineo’s for a couple of slices. Hit a matinee and threw as much popcorn at each other as we ate." (Johnson, 5) The main character, Bobby, develops and grows from the beginning of the story to the end, as he becomes a father. The story is told through his eyes and how he perceives things.
The plot is a very believable one, especially for today’s society and the number of teenage pregnancies. It tells a story that many teenagers will be able to relate to.
The setting takes place in Brooklyn, New York. It is an appropriate setting for this story. Johnson describes the surroundings to help the reader visualize the setting. The example above about how he spent his sixteenth birthday represents one example of her describing th kinds places they went to in the city.
The theme of becoming a teenage parent is worth introducing to young adults to help them see how difficult it is through the eyes of a male teenager. It emerges naturally and shows the challenges he faces.
The style is appropriate to the subject. It goes back and forth between what is happening now and what happened then. The book has strong language that gives insight to the characters feelings. For example, "It scared the hell out of me." (Johnson, 4) The point of view as told from Bobby is very appropriate to the purpose of letting other teenagers know just how it feels to become a teenage father to a baby girl.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
Publishers Weekly
A 16-year-old tells the story of how he became a single dad. In a starred review of this companion to Heaven, PW said, "The author skillfully relates the hope in the midst of pain." Ages 12-up. (Dec.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
"The rules: If she hollers, she is mine. If she needs to be changed, she is always mine. In the dictionary next to 'sitter,' there is not a picture of Grandma. It's time to grow up. Too late, you're out of time. Be a grown-up." Sixteen-year-old Bobby has met the love of his life: his daughter. Told in alternating chapters that take place "then" and "now," Bobby relates the hour-by-hour tribulations and joys of caring for a newborn, and the circumstances that got him there. Managing to cope with support, but little help, from his single mother (who wants to make sure he does this on his own), Bobby struggles to maintain friendships and a school career while giving his daughter the love and care she craves from him at every moment. By narrating from a realistic first-person voice, Johnson manages to convey a story that is always complex, never preachy. The somewhat pat ending doesn't diminish the impact of this short, involving story. It's the tale of one young man and his choices, which many young readers will appreciate and enjoy. (Fiction. YA)
5. Connections
· Encourage students to discuss what it would be like to have and raise a baby as a teenager.
· Invite students to discuss why they think the author chose the title.
· Students can have a discussion about the importance of family and relationships.
Johnson, Angela. 2003. The First Part Last. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689849222
2. Plot Summary
The First Part Last describes a teenage boy whose life changes, on his sixteenth birthday, when he finds out his girlfriend is pregnant. It shows all the feelings he goes through and how he becomes a father.
3. Critical Analysis
This book has strong believable characters. The teenage boy and his girlfriend behave consistently with their backgrounds and their ages. One example is in the beginning, "AND THIS IS how I turned sixteen…. Skipped school with my running buddies, K Boy and J.L., and went to Mineo’s for a couple of slices. Hit a matinee and threw as much popcorn at each other as we ate." (Johnson, 5) The main character, Bobby, develops and grows from the beginning of the story to the end, as he becomes a father. The story is told through his eyes and how he perceives things.
The plot is a very believable one, especially for today’s society and the number of teenage pregnancies. It tells a story that many teenagers will be able to relate to.
The setting takes place in Brooklyn, New York. It is an appropriate setting for this story. Johnson describes the surroundings to help the reader visualize the setting. The example above about how he spent his sixteenth birthday represents one example of her describing th kinds places they went to in the city.
The theme of becoming a teenage parent is worth introducing to young adults to help them see how difficult it is through the eyes of a male teenager. It emerges naturally and shows the challenges he faces.
The style is appropriate to the subject. It goes back and forth between what is happening now and what happened then. The book has strong language that gives insight to the characters feelings. For example, "It scared the hell out of me." (Johnson, 4) The point of view as told from Bobby is very appropriate to the purpose of letting other teenagers know just how it feels to become a teenage father to a baby girl.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
Publishers Weekly
A 16-year-old tells the story of how he became a single dad. In a starred review of this companion to Heaven, PW said, "The author skillfully relates the hope in the midst of pain." Ages 12-up. (Dec.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
"The rules: If she hollers, she is mine. If she needs to be changed, she is always mine. In the dictionary next to 'sitter,' there is not a picture of Grandma. It's time to grow up. Too late, you're out of time. Be a grown-up." Sixteen-year-old Bobby has met the love of his life: his daughter. Told in alternating chapters that take place "then" and "now," Bobby relates the hour-by-hour tribulations and joys of caring for a newborn, and the circumstances that got him there. Managing to cope with support, but little help, from his single mother (who wants to make sure he does this on his own), Bobby struggles to maintain friendships and a school career while giving his daughter the love and care she craves from him at every moment. By narrating from a realistic first-person voice, Johnson manages to convey a story that is always complex, never preachy. The somewhat pat ending doesn't diminish the impact of this short, involving story. It's the tale of one young man and his choices, which many young readers will appreciate and enjoy. (Fiction. YA)
5. Connections
· Encourage students to discuss what it would be like to have and raise a baby as a teenager.
· Invite students to discuss why they think the author chose the title.
· Students can have a discussion about the importance of family and relationships.
The Tale of Despereaux
1. Bibliography
DiCamillo, Kate. 2003. The Tale of Desperaux. Ill. by Timothy Basil Ering. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick. ISBN 0763617229
2. Plot Summary
This fantasy is about the adventures of an unusual mouse named Despereaux. He falls in love with a princess and goes to the dungeon to save her.
3. Critical Analysis
All of the characters in this story are described in many different ways. The narrator tells about them, they are described by their actions, and through the thoughts of other characters. For example in the beginning it explains when Despereaux was born and his mother states, "Disappointment". His sister, Merlot, comments, "His ears are too big." Also, his father says, " There’s something wrong with him. Leave him alone." In regards to his actions the narrator also later explains, "But reader, he was not smelling. He was listening, with his big ears, to the sweet sound that no other mouse seemed to hear." (DiCamillo, 19). Some of the other characters that are also described in detail by the narrator, their actions, and the thoughts of other characters include Miggery Sow, Botticeli, and Roscuro.
The plot tells a great make-believe story that children will really enjoy. It is full of action with Despereaux sneaking around the castle to read, falling in love, getting sent to the dungeon, meeting the rats below, and almost getting killed by the cook to name a few of the fast moving adventures. The way DiCamillo weaves all the characters together is amazing and extremely well constructed.
The story takes place in a castle that has a beautiful ballroom, and a dark dreadful dungeon. The setting was well described to give the reader a good visual of the surroundings.
The theme is good versus evil. In the end the good characters overcome the bad. The theme is subtle and doesn’t take over the story.
The style of writing draws the reader in by talking directly to the reader throughout the book. "READER, you did not forget about our small mouse, did you?" (DiCamillo, 175).
There is a balance of narration and dialogue. The dialogue is well suited for the characters. For example, Roscuro says that he believes the meaning of life is light, and the one-eared evil rat, Botticelli, says, "The meaning of life is suffering, specifically the suffering of others." (DiCamillo, 88).
4. Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal
Gr 3 Up-In this delightful novel, a tiny mouse risks all to save the princess he loves from the clutches of a devious rat and a slow-witted serving girl. With memorable characters, brief chapters, and inventive plot twists, this fast-paced romp is perfect for reading alone or sharing aloud. Winner of the 2004 Newbery Medal. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Dear reader, light your lamp and listen to the tale of Despereaux, the last mouse born of Antoinette. Born with his eyes open and ears much too large, Despereaux seems destined for early death. A true Renaissance mouse, he can hear honey, read words, and appreciate fine music. But he cannot conform to the strictures of the mouse world. Rodents and humans don't mix, yet he falls in love with the Princess Pea, earning the wrath of all the mice in the castle. The melodramatic voice of the narrator glides through DiCamillo's entirely pleasing tale, at times addressing the reader directly, at others, moving the reader back and forward in time. Never does she abandon the reader in the dungeon with Despereaux, the dark-hearted rats, or the guard and fellow inmate, Gregory. And so unwinds a tale with twists and turns, full of forbidden soup and ladles, rats lusting for mouse blood, a servant who wishes to be a princess, a knight in shining-or, at least, furry-armor, and all the ingredients of an old-fashioned drama. (Fiction. 7-12)
5. Connections
· Let students write an extension to the story from the point of view of one of the characters.
· Have students write a modern fantasy story.
DiCamillo, Kate. 2003. The Tale of Desperaux. Ill. by Timothy Basil Ering. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick. ISBN 0763617229
2. Plot Summary
This fantasy is about the adventures of an unusual mouse named Despereaux. He falls in love with a princess and goes to the dungeon to save her.
3. Critical Analysis
All of the characters in this story are described in many different ways. The narrator tells about them, they are described by their actions, and through the thoughts of other characters. For example in the beginning it explains when Despereaux was born and his mother states, "Disappointment". His sister, Merlot, comments, "His ears are too big." Also, his father says, " There’s something wrong with him. Leave him alone." In regards to his actions the narrator also later explains, "But reader, he was not smelling. He was listening, with his big ears, to the sweet sound that no other mouse seemed to hear." (DiCamillo, 19). Some of the other characters that are also described in detail by the narrator, their actions, and the thoughts of other characters include Miggery Sow, Botticeli, and Roscuro.
The plot tells a great make-believe story that children will really enjoy. It is full of action with Despereaux sneaking around the castle to read, falling in love, getting sent to the dungeon, meeting the rats below, and almost getting killed by the cook to name a few of the fast moving adventures. The way DiCamillo weaves all the characters together is amazing and extremely well constructed.
The story takes place in a castle that has a beautiful ballroom, and a dark dreadful dungeon. The setting was well described to give the reader a good visual of the surroundings.
The theme is good versus evil. In the end the good characters overcome the bad. The theme is subtle and doesn’t take over the story.
The style of writing draws the reader in by talking directly to the reader throughout the book. "READER, you did not forget about our small mouse, did you?" (DiCamillo, 175).
There is a balance of narration and dialogue. The dialogue is well suited for the characters. For example, Roscuro says that he believes the meaning of life is light, and the one-eared evil rat, Botticelli, says, "The meaning of life is suffering, specifically the suffering of others." (DiCamillo, 88).
4. Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal
Gr 3 Up-In this delightful novel, a tiny mouse risks all to save the princess he loves from the clutches of a devious rat and a slow-witted serving girl. With memorable characters, brief chapters, and inventive plot twists, this fast-paced romp is perfect for reading alone or sharing aloud. Winner of the 2004 Newbery Medal. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Dear reader, light your lamp and listen to the tale of Despereaux, the last mouse born of Antoinette. Born with his eyes open and ears much too large, Despereaux seems destined for early death. A true Renaissance mouse, he can hear honey, read words, and appreciate fine music. But he cannot conform to the strictures of the mouse world. Rodents and humans don't mix, yet he falls in love with the Princess Pea, earning the wrath of all the mice in the castle. The melodramatic voice of the narrator glides through DiCamillo's entirely pleasing tale, at times addressing the reader directly, at others, moving the reader back and forward in time. Never does she abandon the reader in the dungeon with Despereaux, the dark-hearted rats, or the guard and fellow inmate, Gregory. And so unwinds a tale with twists and turns, full of forbidden soup and ladles, rats lusting for mouse blood, a servant who wishes to be a princess, a knight in shining-or, at least, furry-armor, and all the ingredients of an old-fashioned drama. (Fiction. 7-12)
5. Connections
· Let students write an extension to the story from the point of view of one of the characters.
· Have students write a modern fantasy story.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
1. Bibliography
Avi. 1990. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 9780786272525
2. Plot Summary
This is a story of a thirteen year old girl in 1832. She travels alone from boarding school, on a ship, The Seahawk, across the Atlantic to her family as the only female passenger, among a crew of sailors. During this long voyage she witnesses a murder, is accused of a murder, and has an unfair trial. She has to learn to survive with very little luxuries, and figure out whom she can really trust. When she finally survives and discovers who to trust she returns home to realize she belongs working on a ship with the people she trusts. So it is there she returns.
3. Critical Analysis
This story based on all the research proves to be very authentic. The times, the people, and the values are represented correctly. The setting of the story is on a ship in the summer of 1832. Everything from the sailors, "Mostly rags and tatters," (Avi, 20) clothing to the details of the ship, "...the Seahawk was known as a brig, a two-mastedship (with a snow mast behing the main), perhaps some seven hundred tons in weight, 107 feet stern to bow, 130 feet deck to mainmast cap." (Avi, 12), and all of the physical environment is described explicitly.
The characters are intriquing and well developed. The young girl protagonist, Charlotte, is easy to relate to, especially for young females. She speaks and dresses appropriately for this time period. It says, "I was very much a girl, having not yet begun to take the shape, much less the heart, of a woman. Still, my family dressed me as a young woman, bonnet covering my beautiful hair, full skirts, high button shoes, and you may be sure, white gloves." (Avi, 1) Also, the actions of the sailors will keep the males engaged in this shocking story.
The plot is full of action, from gruesome murders, to herendous hurricanes. It makes the book hard to put down. It seems very realistic to the time period of the 1800’s.
The theme of the book being good overcomes evil. For Charlotte was always honest and truthful and in the end survived while, Mr. Jaggery, the evil and deceitful character goes overboard.
The style reflects the language and speech patterns of the time. The dialogue often represents how the different social classes spoke to one another.
" Charlotte, sit!," my father barked. He turned to the maid who was waiting near by. "Mary, butter." (Avi, 202)
Throughout the details of the book you can see that the author has truly done his research. In the appendix he includes a detailed diagram of the ship, and a list of ship's time, the sailors work shifts. He has done an excellent job of creating an engaging story set in a historical time period.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
Children's Literature
Charlotte's journal of her transatlantic voyage, June 1832, as the only passenger on the brig Seahawk, is breathtaking reading. Always the obedient daughter, Charlotte sees no reason to change when she sails with Captain Jaggery and his 12-man crew. Loyal to him, she is the cause of the death of 2 of the seamen and becomes an enemy of the crew. When she discovers Jaggery's evil nature, she realizes she is in danger. The only way to gain the crew's trust is to become one of them. Her fearlessness is awesome and in this process of change, she becomes a spirited and independent young woman. 1993 (orig.
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8On a long, grueling journey from England to Rhode Island in 1832, a 13 year old changes from a prim and proper girl to a swashbuckling mate of a mutinous crew and is accused of murder by the captain. Awash with shipboard activity, intense feelings, and a keen sense of time and place, the story is a throwback to good old-fashioned adventure yarns on the high seas. (Sept. 1990)
5. Connections
· Invite students to read other novels by Avi.
· Invite students to research the early 1800's.
· Encourage students to do a character comparison of Charlotte and Zachariah.
Avi. 1990. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 9780786272525
2. Plot Summary
This is a story of a thirteen year old girl in 1832. She travels alone from boarding school, on a ship, The Seahawk, across the Atlantic to her family as the only female passenger, among a crew of sailors. During this long voyage she witnesses a murder, is accused of a murder, and has an unfair trial. She has to learn to survive with very little luxuries, and figure out whom she can really trust. When she finally survives and discovers who to trust she returns home to realize she belongs working on a ship with the people she trusts. So it is there she returns.
3. Critical Analysis
This story based on all the research proves to be very authentic. The times, the people, and the values are represented correctly. The setting of the story is on a ship in the summer of 1832. Everything from the sailors, "Mostly rags and tatters," (Avi, 20) clothing to the details of the ship, "...the Seahawk was known as a brig, a two-mastedship (with a snow mast behing the main), perhaps some seven hundred tons in weight, 107 feet stern to bow, 130 feet deck to mainmast cap." (Avi, 12), and all of the physical environment is described explicitly.
The characters are intriquing and well developed. The young girl protagonist, Charlotte, is easy to relate to, especially for young females. She speaks and dresses appropriately for this time period. It says, "I was very much a girl, having not yet begun to take the shape, much less the heart, of a woman. Still, my family dressed me as a young woman, bonnet covering my beautiful hair, full skirts, high button shoes, and you may be sure, white gloves." (Avi, 1) Also, the actions of the sailors will keep the males engaged in this shocking story.
The plot is full of action, from gruesome murders, to herendous hurricanes. It makes the book hard to put down. It seems very realistic to the time period of the 1800’s.
The theme of the book being good overcomes evil. For Charlotte was always honest and truthful and in the end survived while, Mr. Jaggery, the evil and deceitful character goes overboard.
The style reflects the language and speech patterns of the time. The dialogue often represents how the different social classes spoke to one another.
" Charlotte, sit!," my father barked. He turned to the maid who was waiting near by. "Mary, butter." (Avi, 202)
Throughout the details of the book you can see that the author has truly done his research. In the appendix he includes a detailed diagram of the ship, and a list of ship's time, the sailors work shifts. He has done an excellent job of creating an engaging story set in a historical time period.
4. Review Excerpt(s)
Children's Literature
Charlotte's journal of her transatlantic voyage, June 1832, as the only passenger on the brig Seahawk, is breathtaking reading. Always the obedient daughter, Charlotte sees no reason to change when she sails with Captain Jaggery and his 12-man crew. Loyal to him, she is the cause of the death of 2 of the seamen and becomes an enemy of the crew. When she discovers Jaggery's evil nature, she realizes she is in danger. The only way to gain the crew's trust is to become one of them. Her fearlessness is awesome and in this process of change, she becomes a spirited and independent young woman. 1993 (orig.
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8On a long, grueling journey from England to Rhode Island in 1832, a 13 year old changes from a prim and proper girl to a swashbuckling mate of a mutinous crew and is accused of murder by the captain. Awash with shipboard activity, intense feelings, and a keen sense of time and place, the story is a throwback to good old-fashioned adventure yarns on the high seas. (Sept. 1990)
5. Connections
· Invite students to read other novels by Avi.
· Invite students to research the early 1800's.
· Encourage students to do a character comparison of Charlotte and Zachariah.
Worth
1. Bibliography
LaFaye, A. 2004. Worth. New York: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. ISBN 0689857306
2. Plot Summary
This story is about a young boy, Nathaniel, who helps his father in the fields until one day his leg gets crushed by the wagon and he can no longer work. Then his father gets an orphan boy, John Worth, to help with the chores in the field. Nate is jealous of Worth. Worth is grieving the loss of his family. This is set in Nebraska at the time when the farmers and ranchers were battling over the land. In the end the two boys bond and realize there is room for both of them in the family.
3. Critical Analysis
This story is authentic. It represents the time period when the farmers and ranchers were battling over land. LaFaye does a great job of drawing the reader into the storyline. She reveals the attitudes and values of the people in Nebraska during the nineteenth century when the farmers and ranchers were battling for land. The setting of the story is described throughout the book with good details that gives the reader a good idea of what life was like during that time. The descriptions used are very vivid, “We had a field of hay drying in the prairie sun, but just one wagon, two horses, a few pitches, and our own hands.”(LaFaye, 2)
The characters are very believable. Readers will be able to relate to the boy protagonist because many people have felt worthless and unwanted at one time or another, just as Nate did when he stated, “Just be glad you aren’t in my shoes, boy. He got to spend the day with Pa watching rabbits and I had to sit in a room of kids who hated me, looking like the dunce that I am.” (LaFaye, 29)
The story has a good plot that holds the readers attention. It doesn’t overwhelm you with historical facts; rather it leads you through the time period with a realistic and heartfelt story.
The theme of this book comes with the title. Both the boys in the story have to discover their self-worth in life even though they’ve had tragic things happen to them and their families. The ending paragraph says it all, “…I realized I’d never have my leg as good as new. Ma would never hold her Missy again. John couldn’t see his family until the Lord called him home, but we’d make do with what we had. And what we had was pretty darn good.” (LaFaye, 144)
The style helps give a vicarious experience to the reader. The slang dialect used throughout the story helps capture the way people spoke during that time period. For example the use of the word won’t, “He won’t be sleeping in this house.” (LaFaye, 22)
This was a well written historical fiction book that focused on a made this historical time period come to life through a protagonist and a good story line.
4. Review Excerpt
Kirkus Reviews
"A steer you'd have to pay for, but a boy you could adopt for free," says Nathaniel after he injures his leg and his father adopts John Worth to help work their Nebraska land. Nathaniel is jealous of John, but there's enough bad feeling to go around. Ma and Pa have lost their little girl; John lost his family in a New York City fire (the reason he's an orphan); and Nathaniel fears he'll never walk properly again. Yet John proves his worth, and the two boys become like brothers as Nathaniel realizes the need to make do with what they have and get on with life. It's a lively story of two boys set against a backdrop of the Orphan Trains, range wars, lynchings, drownings, and sheep killings. Something for everyone. (Historical fiction. 8-12)
5. Connections
· Invite student to discuss what it feels like to be jealous, or left out.
· Encourage students to compare life during this time period to life today.
LaFaye, A. 2004. Worth. New York: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. ISBN 0689857306
2. Plot Summary
This story is about a young boy, Nathaniel, who helps his father in the fields until one day his leg gets crushed by the wagon and he can no longer work. Then his father gets an orphan boy, John Worth, to help with the chores in the field. Nate is jealous of Worth. Worth is grieving the loss of his family. This is set in Nebraska at the time when the farmers and ranchers were battling over the land. In the end the two boys bond and realize there is room for both of them in the family.
3. Critical Analysis
This story is authentic. It represents the time period when the farmers and ranchers were battling over land. LaFaye does a great job of drawing the reader into the storyline. She reveals the attitudes and values of the people in Nebraska during the nineteenth century when the farmers and ranchers were battling for land. The setting of the story is described throughout the book with good details that gives the reader a good idea of what life was like during that time. The descriptions used are very vivid, “We had a field of hay drying in the prairie sun, but just one wagon, two horses, a few pitches, and our own hands.”(LaFaye, 2)
The characters are very believable. Readers will be able to relate to the boy protagonist because many people have felt worthless and unwanted at one time or another, just as Nate did when he stated, “Just be glad you aren’t in my shoes, boy. He got to spend the day with Pa watching rabbits and I had to sit in a room of kids who hated me, looking like the dunce that I am.” (LaFaye, 29)
The story has a good plot that holds the readers attention. It doesn’t overwhelm you with historical facts; rather it leads you through the time period with a realistic and heartfelt story.
The theme of this book comes with the title. Both the boys in the story have to discover their self-worth in life even though they’ve had tragic things happen to them and their families. The ending paragraph says it all, “…I realized I’d never have my leg as good as new. Ma would never hold her Missy again. John couldn’t see his family until the Lord called him home, but we’d make do with what we had. And what we had was pretty darn good.” (LaFaye, 144)
The style helps give a vicarious experience to the reader. The slang dialect used throughout the story helps capture the way people spoke during that time period. For example the use of the word won’t, “He won’t be sleeping in this house.” (LaFaye, 22)
This was a well written historical fiction book that focused on a made this historical time period come to life through a protagonist and a good story line.
4. Review Excerpt
Kirkus Reviews
"A steer you'd have to pay for, but a boy you could adopt for free," says Nathaniel after he injures his leg and his father adopts John Worth to help work their Nebraska land. Nathaniel is jealous of John, but there's enough bad feeling to go around. Ma and Pa have lost their little girl; John lost his family in a New York City fire (the reason he's an orphan); and Nathaniel fears he'll never walk properly again. Yet John proves his worth, and the two boys become like brothers as Nathaniel realizes the need to make do with what they have and get on with life. It's a lively story of two boys set against a backdrop of the Orphan Trains, range wars, lynchings, drownings, and sheep killings. Something for everyone. (Historical fiction. 8-12)
5. Connections
· Invite student to discuss what it feels like to be jealous, or left out.
· Encourage students to compare life during this time period to life today.
Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare
1. Bibliography
Stanley, Diane and Peter Vennema. 1992. Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare. Ill. by Diane Stanley. New York: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 0688091083
2. Plot Summary
This biography pieces together the known facts of William Shakespeare and tells about his life.
3. Critical Analysis
This book begins with an author’s note which is very honest and upfront that explains that Williams Shakespeare’s life is somewhat of a mystery because there is very little information about his life. Therefore this biography tells what it can about Shakespeare. It does describe many details about the time period he lived in. As for its authenticity, Stanley and Vennema did the best they could with the factual information they could find about his life and all the research on the sixteenth century. The setting is described in detail with paintings throughout the book. It gives the emotions and attitudes of the different classes of people for that time period. For example, “They were called the groundlings, and they were known to drink too much beer and be quite noisy and rude if they didn’t like the play.” Many ideas of Williams Shakespeare had to be assumed due to lack of evidence. The plot touches on the known facts from the time Shakespeare was five, until he died in 1616. The book is well organized. Along with the authors note at the beginning of the book, it also has a postscript, just before the bibliography, which describes the challenges of writing about William Shakespeare’s life. It also discusses the difficulty in spelling things correctly based on the various ways English was read and spoken during that time. It states that, “Shakespeare’s name has been spelled more than eighty different ways, including “Shagspeare,””Shakspere,” and even “Shakestaffe.” There are six documents signed by Shakespeare, and he spells his name differently in each one.” The book ends with a bibliography to show where the authors got their facts to piece together this book. The overall book is somewhat attractive and does make the reader curious to want to learn more about this unique man.
4. Review Excerpts (s)
Horn Book
"A remarkably rounded picture of Shakespeare's life and the period in which he lived is presented--together with a thoughtful attempt to relate circumstances in his personal life to the content of his plays. Especially interesting is the description of the actors of the time....The text is splendidly supported by the illustrations...and present a clear view of life in the late sixteenth century. A discerning, knowledgeable biography, rising far above the ordinary."
Publishers Weekly
"These seasoned raconteurs...neatly piece together the puzzle of Shakespeare's life," said PW in a starred review, praising the "stunning, intricate" paintings. Ages 6-up.
5. Connections
· Students can read and act out one of William Shakespeare’s plays.
· Encourage students to write a play.
Stanley, Diane and Peter Vennema. 1992. Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare. Ill. by Diane Stanley. New York: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 0688091083
2. Plot Summary
This biography pieces together the known facts of William Shakespeare and tells about his life.
3. Critical Analysis
This book begins with an author’s note which is very honest and upfront that explains that Williams Shakespeare’s life is somewhat of a mystery because there is very little information about his life. Therefore this biography tells what it can about Shakespeare. It does describe many details about the time period he lived in. As for its authenticity, Stanley and Vennema did the best they could with the factual information they could find about his life and all the research on the sixteenth century. The setting is described in detail with paintings throughout the book. It gives the emotions and attitudes of the different classes of people for that time period. For example, “They were called the groundlings, and they were known to drink too much beer and be quite noisy and rude if they didn’t like the play.” Many ideas of Williams Shakespeare had to be assumed due to lack of evidence. The plot touches on the known facts from the time Shakespeare was five, until he died in 1616. The book is well organized. Along with the authors note at the beginning of the book, it also has a postscript, just before the bibliography, which describes the challenges of writing about William Shakespeare’s life. It also discusses the difficulty in spelling things correctly based on the various ways English was read and spoken during that time. It states that, “Shakespeare’s name has been spelled more than eighty different ways, including “Shagspeare,””Shakspere,” and even “Shakestaffe.” There are six documents signed by Shakespeare, and he spells his name differently in each one.” The book ends with a bibliography to show where the authors got their facts to piece together this book. The overall book is somewhat attractive and does make the reader curious to want to learn more about this unique man.
4. Review Excerpts (s)
Horn Book
"A remarkably rounded picture of Shakespeare's life and the period in which he lived is presented--together with a thoughtful attempt to relate circumstances in his personal life to the content of his plays. Especially interesting is the description of the actors of the time....The text is splendidly supported by the illustrations...and present a clear view of life in the late sixteenth century. A discerning, knowledgeable biography, rising far above the ordinary."
Publishers Weekly
"These seasoned raconteurs...neatly piece together the puzzle of Shakespeare's life," said PW in a starred review, praising the "stunning, intricate" paintings. Ages 6-up.
5. Connections
· Students can read and act out one of William Shakespeare’s plays.
· Encourage students to write a play.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Amazing Bats
1. Bibliography
Simon, Seymour. 2005. Amazing Bats. San Francisco: Seastar Books. ISBN 1587172615
2. Plot Summary
Amazing Bats is an overview of bats. It mentions several kinds of bats and tells something about them. It tells facts like where some bats live, what some eat, and why people should not be afraid of them.
3. Critical Analysis
Simon Seymour’s book, Amazing Bats, is a well-written book for younger students. He tells accurate facts about bats and even explains some of the myths about them. He states, “Many stories about bats are untrue. For example, bats are not blind. Many bats can see very well.”
The book has a clear focus of introducing the reader to the world of bats by using simple vocabulary and definitions throughout, like when he defines hibernation.
“Other bats that live in cold places spend the winter in a deep sleep called hibernation.”
Seymour also has wonderful, intriguing details in his close up photographs of the bats. These glossy photos are part of the design of the book that is very eye-catching. The text is always written with colors that stand out from the background color.
This nonfiction book is short and is easily read cover to cover. Therefore, it does not have or need a table of content, index, and/ or glossary.
Seymour’s style in this book is a good work of nonfiction literature for a quick, broad look at bats. He explains things so that young readers can comprehend them. For example, “Most bats eat insects. A little brown bat can eat about 600 bugs an hour. That’s like you eating 20 pizza’s a night!” This comparison really helps the student grasp the amount the bats eat. He uses appropriate vocabulary and definitions for young readers.
This book is definitely a good introduction to bats and will spark kids curiosity to learn more about them.
4. Review Excerpts (s)
Review in School Library Journal
Gr 1-3-Gorgeous photographs distinguish these two books from similar titles. The first one begins with an introduction to the topic, followed by facts about where bats live, what they eat, and how they handle the cold weather.
5. Connections
* Invite students to write about bats.
* Allow students to search the internet for information on bats.
* Read other books about bats including fiction and poems.
Simon, Seymour. 2005. Amazing Bats. San Francisco: Seastar Books. ISBN 1587172615
2. Plot Summary
Amazing Bats is an overview of bats. It mentions several kinds of bats and tells something about them. It tells facts like where some bats live, what some eat, and why people should not be afraid of them.
3. Critical Analysis
Simon Seymour’s book, Amazing Bats, is a well-written book for younger students. He tells accurate facts about bats and even explains some of the myths about them. He states, “Many stories about bats are untrue. For example, bats are not blind. Many bats can see very well.”
The book has a clear focus of introducing the reader to the world of bats by using simple vocabulary and definitions throughout, like when he defines hibernation.
“Other bats that live in cold places spend the winter in a deep sleep called hibernation.”
Seymour also has wonderful, intriguing details in his close up photographs of the bats. These glossy photos are part of the design of the book that is very eye-catching. The text is always written with colors that stand out from the background color.
This nonfiction book is short and is easily read cover to cover. Therefore, it does not have or need a table of content, index, and/ or glossary.
Seymour’s style in this book is a good work of nonfiction literature for a quick, broad look at bats. He explains things so that young readers can comprehend them. For example, “Most bats eat insects. A little brown bat can eat about 600 bugs an hour. That’s like you eating 20 pizza’s a night!” This comparison really helps the student grasp the amount the bats eat. He uses appropriate vocabulary and definitions for young readers.
This book is definitely a good introduction to bats and will spark kids curiosity to learn more about them.
4. Review Excerpts (s)
Review in School Library Journal
Gr 1-3-Gorgeous photographs distinguish these two books from similar titles. The first one begins with an introduction to the topic, followed by facts about where bats live, what they eat, and how they handle the cold weather.
5. Connections
* Invite students to write about bats.
* Allow students to search the internet for information on bats.
* Read other books about bats including fiction and poems.
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