1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Green, John and David Levithan. 2010. Will Grayson, Will Grayson. New York: Dutton Books. ISBN 9780525421580.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Two teenaged boys, both named Will Grayson, happen to meet under most unusual circumstances one night in Chicago. One Will is the studious misfit whose only friend is Tiny Cooper who just happens to be not so tiny and very much gay. The other Will is another social misfit who is battling his inner struggles and finds solace only when he meets someone who helps him discover that being himself is not such a bad person to be after all.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
If taken solely at face value, this storyline would not only seem improbable but also a bit absurd. However, Green and Levithan have such a command of storytelling and a style of writing that make this book a moving yet hilarious depiction of teenage life. They certainly take on the subject of homosexuality headfirst with one Will Grayson falling in love with the other Will Grayson’s best friend, Tiny Cooper. Tiny Cooper adds humorous relief throughout the book without coming off as “stereotypically gay.” In fact, the book was referred to me by a gay friend who absolutely loved it. The characterization is authentic throughout. The alternating chapters are defined by a change in style making it easy for the reader to follow each Will Grayson throughout the story.
The authors have a way of portraying all of the characters in a realistic, honest teenage light. Every reader can find something with which to identify whether it be taking an unpopular stand, coming to terms with romantic issues, problems with parents, being betrayed by friends, or fears about the future. The best part is that the book is not preachy but gets the message of acceptance across in an entertaining and engaging way.
Because of the use of strong language and some sexual situations this book would be appropriate only at the high school level.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
VOYA review: “What results is a wonderfully campy, sweet, romantic gesture in the spectacular style that readers have come to expect from these two YA masters. Although not entirely unfamiliar—or precisely because of it—Will Grayson will find a fast and adoring audience.”
KLIATT review: “…complete with honest language, interesting characters, and a heartfelt, gritty edge, this quirky yet down-to-earth collaboration by two master YA storytellers will keep readers turning pages.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book brings up so many issues relevant to high school life that it leads perfectly into a discussion about the importance of acceptance and how to deal with everyday issues.
Other books about teenage homosexuality for young readers can be found on Alex Sanchez’s website. http://www.alexsanchez.com/gay_teen_books.htm
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Review: THANK YOU, MR. FALKER by Patricia Polacco
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Polacco, Patricia. 1998. Thank You, Mr. Falker. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 0399231668.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Patricia Polacco uses this story to pay tribute to her fifth grade teacher, Mr. Felker, who finally identified her dyslexia and helped her learn to read. The little girl in the book goes through many trying times as she experiences the death of her beloved grandparents and moving across the country, but nothing compares to the daily torture of not only failing at reading but also being ridiculed by her classmates.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Any child who has ever had to overcome difficulties at school will relate to Trisha’s feelings as she tries her best but cannot seem to master the skill of reading. Polacco brings attention to the very personal and lonely battle many children with dyslexia face. Throughout the years, none of her teachers were able to diagnose her disability which makes sense because the story is set in the early 1950s. One thing that is universal is the ridicule Trisha faces from the students in her class both in Michigan and in her new home in California. Fortunately for Trisha, Mr. Falker is able to change her life and open new doors for her through books.
The illustrations are drawn in true Patricia Polacco style. There is attention to detail in the faces of the characters which help the reader make a personal connection. We can share in her pain but also in the pride she feels as she triumphs over her disability.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “Young readers struggling with learning difficulties will identify with Trisha's situation and find reassurance in her success. Polacco's gouache-and-pencil compositions deftly capture the emotional stages frustration, pain, elation of Trisha's journey.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Without belaboring the point, the author clearly shows the ways that children internalize critical comments made by others and suffer for their differences. This touching story is accompanied by illustrations in Polacco's signature style. Youngsters, as well as adults, may find themselves choked up at the emotions so eloquently described in words and pictures.”
5. CONNECTIONS
As a daily journal entry, students should reflect on a time when they had to overcome a difficult situation including the feelings they experienced not only during the struggle but also how it felt to finally experience success.
For more information about the life of Patricia Polacco, visit her website at: http://www.patriciapolacco.com/ which is filled with pages of information about her life, her books, and other fun stuff.
Polacco, Patricia. 1998. Thank You, Mr. Falker. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 0399231668.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Patricia Polacco uses this story to pay tribute to her fifth grade teacher, Mr. Felker, who finally identified her dyslexia and helped her learn to read. The little girl in the book goes through many trying times as she experiences the death of her beloved grandparents and moving across the country, but nothing compares to the daily torture of not only failing at reading but also being ridiculed by her classmates.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Any child who has ever had to overcome difficulties at school will relate to Trisha’s feelings as she tries her best but cannot seem to master the skill of reading. Polacco brings attention to the very personal and lonely battle many children with dyslexia face. Throughout the years, none of her teachers were able to diagnose her disability which makes sense because the story is set in the early 1950s. One thing that is universal is the ridicule Trisha faces from the students in her class both in Michigan and in her new home in California. Fortunately for Trisha, Mr. Falker is able to change her life and open new doors for her through books.
The illustrations are drawn in true Patricia Polacco style. There is attention to detail in the faces of the characters which help the reader make a personal connection. We can share in her pain but also in the pride she feels as she triumphs over her disability.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “Young readers struggling with learning difficulties will identify with Trisha's situation and find reassurance in her success. Polacco's gouache-and-pencil compositions deftly capture the emotional stages frustration, pain, elation of Trisha's journey.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Without belaboring the point, the author clearly shows the ways that children internalize critical comments made by others and suffer for their differences. This touching story is accompanied by illustrations in Polacco's signature style. Youngsters, as well as adults, may find themselves choked up at the emotions so eloquently described in words and pictures.”
5. CONNECTIONS
As a daily journal entry, students should reflect on a time when they had to overcome a difficult situation including the feelings they experienced not only during the struggle but also how it felt to finally experience success.
For more information about the life of Patricia Polacco, visit her website at: http://www.patriciapolacco.com/ which is filled with pages of information about her life, her books, and other fun stuff.
Review: ASK ME NO QUESTIONS by Marina Budhos
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Budhos, Marina. 2006. Ask Me No Questions. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 1416903518.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Young Nadira and her family are fleeing to the Canadian border to start a new life. They had always thought of the United States as home but since the INS are tracking down and deporting illegal aliens with haste since the 9/11 attacks, her family who are from Bangladesh must seek asylum in Canada. Unfortunately, their world is turned upside down when they are sent away and Nadira’s father is taken into custody. Now it is up to Nadira and her older sister to figure out how to save their father and remain in the home they’ve come to love.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Through this story of a Bangladesh family’s struggle to stay in the United States, Budhos sheds light on the prejudices faced by immigrant families. She gives some insight into how the detainees are mistreated and the families are ignored. Many political issues are brought into question through these events and others such as the lawyers who prey on desperate immigrants promising them help then leaving them helpless. Intertwined with the social problems is the story of a loving family who encounter some of the same difficulties as other families such as the sibling rivalry between Nadira and Aisha.
Nadira and her sister learn from a young age that in order to maintain their family’s secret, they must keep a low profile. As her Abba told them “The most important thing… was not to stick out.” This is reflective of the lives of actual immigrant children who know they must not make trouble and disappear among the crowds. Even students who are not immigrants would benefit from reading this book because Budhos’s story captures the reader and her style of writing helps the reader connect to Nadira. The other characters in the book are not as well developed; however the connection to the main character is enough to create an interesting, heartfelt story.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
VOYA review: “Budhos's descriptive writing style helps the story seem more realistic. Nadira's conflicting emotions are portrayed in such a way that even though teens might not identify with her situation, they can easily relate to her feelings. The topics addressed in this book are very relevant in today's society, and teens will quickly be able to make real world connections.”
KLIATT review: “This is a powerful story, especially for those YAs who know something themselves about the immigration situation. Budhos doesn't make heroes of the illegal immigrants, but she illuminates the reasons why families stay here, and she focuses on the children who have grown up in America but who are threatened with deportation because of the mistakes of their parents.”
5. CONNECTIONS
A great nonfiction companion to Ask Me No Questions is Ann Bausum’s Denied, Detained, Deported: Stories From the Dark Side of American Immigration (ISBN 1426303327). It contains three profiles of immigrants who were treated unfairly followed by further discussions about current immigration issues.
The topic of immigration opens up a multitude of discussion questions. Students should be encouraged to openly talk about their opinions and research to find out more about the realities of immigration.
Budhos, Marina. 2006. Ask Me No Questions. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 1416903518.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Young Nadira and her family are fleeing to the Canadian border to start a new life. They had always thought of the United States as home but since the INS are tracking down and deporting illegal aliens with haste since the 9/11 attacks, her family who are from Bangladesh must seek asylum in Canada. Unfortunately, their world is turned upside down when they are sent away and Nadira’s father is taken into custody. Now it is up to Nadira and her older sister to figure out how to save their father and remain in the home they’ve come to love.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Through this story of a Bangladesh family’s struggle to stay in the United States, Budhos sheds light on the prejudices faced by immigrant families. She gives some insight into how the detainees are mistreated and the families are ignored. Many political issues are brought into question through these events and others such as the lawyers who prey on desperate immigrants promising them help then leaving them helpless. Intertwined with the social problems is the story of a loving family who encounter some of the same difficulties as other families such as the sibling rivalry between Nadira and Aisha.
Nadira and her sister learn from a young age that in order to maintain their family’s secret, they must keep a low profile. As her Abba told them “The most important thing… was not to stick out.” This is reflective of the lives of actual immigrant children who know they must not make trouble and disappear among the crowds. Even students who are not immigrants would benefit from reading this book because Budhos’s story captures the reader and her style of writing helps the reader connect to Nadira. The other characters in the book are not as well developed; however the connection to the main character is enough to create an interesting, heartfelt story.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
VOYA review: “Budhos's descriptive writing style helps the story seem more realistic. Nadira's conflicting emotions are portrayed in such a way that even though teens might not identify with her situation, they can easily relate to her feelings. The topics addressed in this book are very relevant in today's society, and teens will quickly be able to make real world connections.”
KLIATT review: “This is a powerful story, especially for those YAs who know something themselves about the immigration situation. Budhos doesn't make heroes of the illegal immigrants, but she illuminates the reasons why families stay here, and she focuses on the children who have grown up in America but who are threatened with deportation because of the mistakes of their parents.”
5. CONNECTIONS
A great nonfiction companion to Ask Me No Questions is Ann Bausum’s Denied, Detained, Deported: Stories From the Dark Side of American Immigration (ISBN 1426303327). It contains three profiles of immigrants who were treated unfairly followed by further discussions about current immigration issues.
The topic of immigration opens up a multitude of discussion questions. Students should be encouraged to openly talk about their opinions and research to find out more about the realities of immigration.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Review: THE YEAR OF THE DOG by Grace Lin
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lin, Grace. 2006. The Year of the Dog. New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 0316060003.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This story gives us a glimpse into a year in the life of Pacy, a Taiwanese-American young girl. The book follows Pacy through the Year of the Dog as she meets a new friend, deals with her feelings about boys, and tries to discover who she is and who she wants to be.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The main crux of the story is one that will interest and enlighten young readers. Pacy confronts the same difficulties as any young girl; however, she also faces the challenge of being the only Taiwanese American girl in her school, that is, until a new girl comes along. Lin masterfully introduces Melody through the confusion of the cafeteria worker who mistakenly thinks Pacy must have already been through the line. This incident illuminates how Pacy must feel being the only Asian American at her school and explains why she felt an instant bond with Melody.
Throughout the telling of Pacy’s year, Lin shares many authentic traditions with the reader. When they are part of the main storyline they usually come across genuinely and flow with the story. Even the added stories help to explain more about the Taiwanese customs such as when Pacy tells how her name changed from Pacy to Grace; however there were instances where these additional side stories take away from the flow and become more of a distraction which interrupted what is an otherwise engaging story. One such example is her story and Uncle Shin eating the cake which served no purpose since it did not add any cultural insight and failed to develop the story any further.
An added feature which does help maintain interest and also maintain true to this being a story written from the point of view of an elementary school girl is the drawings interspersed throughout the text. They give a subtle reminder to the reader about the age of the narrator with which young readers will connect. An especially charming one is the drawing of the row of Taiwanese grandmothers waiting on the bench outside the school.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST review: “Lin does a remarkable job capturing the soul and the spirit of books like those of Hayward or Maud Hart Lovelace, reimagining them through the lens of her own story, and transforming their special qualities into something new for today's young readers.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “A lighthearted coming-of-age novel with a cultural twist. Readers follow Grace, an American girl of Taiwanese heritage, through the course of one year–The Year of the Dog–as she struggles to integrate her two cultures.”
5. CONNECTIONS
In this book, Lin shares some of the beliefs related to the Year of the Dog. Students would be interested in finding out more about the Chinese years and what each one means.
Grace Lin has a wonderfully fun website that offers lesson suggestions, activities, and background information. It is a great resource for teachers and librarians and also offers fun things for kids to do. http://www.gracelin.com/index.php
Lin, Grace. 2006. The Year of the Dog. New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 0316060003.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This story gives us a glimpse into a year in the life of Pacy, a Taiwanese-American young girl. The book follows Pacy through the Year of the Dog as she meets a new friend, deals with her feelings about boys, and tries to discover who she is and who she wants to be.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The main crux of the story is one that will interest and enlighten young readers. Pacy confronts the same difficulties as any young girl; however, she also faces the challenge of being the only Taiwanese American girl in her school, that is, until a new girl comes along. Lin masterfully introduces Melody through the confusion of the cafeteria worker who mistakenly thinks Pacy must have already been through the line. This incident illuminates how Pacy must feel being the only Asian American at her school and explains why she felt an instant bond with Melody.
Throughout the telling of Pacy’s year, Lin shares many authentic traditions with the reader. When they are part of the main storyline they usually come across genuinely and flow with the story. Even the added stories help to explain more about the Taiwanese customs such as when Pacy tells how her name changed from Pacy to Grace; however there were instances where these additional side stories take away from the flow and become more of a distraction which interrupted what is an otherwise engaging story. One such example is her story and Uncle Shin eating the cake which served no purpose since it did not add any cultural insight and failed to develop the story any further.
An added feature which does help maintain interest and also maintain true to this being a story written from the point of view of an elementary school girl is the drawings interspersed throughout the text. They give a subtle reminder to the reader about the age of the narrator with which young readers will connect. An especially charming one is the drawing of the row of Taiwanese grandmothers waiting on the bench outside the school.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST review: “Lin does a remarkable job capturing the soul and the spirit of books like those of Hayward or Maud Hart Lovelace, reimagining them through the lens of her own story, and transforming their special qualities into something new for today's young readers.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “A lighthearted coming-of-age novel with a cultural twist. Readers follow Grace, an American girl of Taiwanese heritage, through the course of one year–The Year of the Dog–as she struggles to integrate her two cultures.”
5. CONNECTIONS
In this book, Lin shares some of the beliefs related to the Year of the Dog. Students would be interested in finding out more about the Chinese years and what each one means.
Grace Lin has a wonderfully fun website that offers lesson suggestions, activities, and background information. It is a great resource for teachers and librarians and also offers fun things for kids to do. http://www.gracelin.com/index.php
Review: TEA WITH MILK by Allen Say
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Say, Allen.1999. Tea with Milk. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395904951.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Allen Say recounts his mother’s story of being a young Japanese woman who was raised in the United States but then forced to move back to Japan just after graduating from high school. She is faced with new cultural challenges and the conflict between old world traditions and her own dreams of becoming an independent woman.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This sweet story is written in such soft language that it cannot help but touch the reader’s heart. May’s struggles with having to learn the traditional ways of a “proper” Japanese lady and her own desire to go to college and live in a city are similar to many coming of age issues except that May must battle against her parents’ wishes in order to make her dreams come true. It is through this struggle that the Japanese traditions are revealed to the reader. When May must not only learn to arrange flowers and make tea properly but also meet with a matchmaker to choose her husband, we learn about the expectations placed on young Japanese women.
Each page of text is accompanied by a full-page illustration showing May as she transitions from one event in her life to the next. The softness of each painting adds to the already touching narrative. The facial expressions help the reader connect to May’s story because they capture her personality perfectly, from the dismay and discouragement she feels early in the story to the determination and pride that accompany her accomplishments in the last half of the book.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “Whether the subject is food ("no more pancakes or omelets, fried chicken or spaghetti" in Japan) or the deeper issues of ostracism (her fellow students call Masako "gaijin" a foreigner) and gender expectations, Say provides gentle insights into human nature as well as East-West cultural differences... Through choice words and scrupulously choreographed paintings, Say's story communicates both the heart's yearning for individuality and freedom and how love and friendship can bridge cultural chasms.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The pages are filled with detailed drawings featuring Japanese architecture and clothing, and because of the artist's mastery at drawing figures, the people come to life as authentic and sympathetic characters. This is a thoughtful and poignant book that will appeal to a wide range of readers, particularly our nation's many immigrants who grapple with some of the same challenges as May and Joseph, including feeling at home in a place that is not their own.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book is filled with many customs related to the expectation of young Japanese women. Students should be encouraged to learn more about these traditions and compare them to what is expected of young American girls.
Pair the reading of this book with Grandfather’s Journey also a family story written by Allen Say.
Say, Allen.1999. Tea with Milk. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395904951.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Allen Say recounts his mother’s story of being a young Japanese woman who was raised in the United States but then forced to move back to Japan just after graduating from high school. She is faced with new cultural challenges and the conflict between old world traditions and her own dreams of becoming an independent woman.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This sweet story is written in such soft language that it cannot help but touch the reader’s heart. May’s struggles with having to learn the traditional ways of a “proper” Japanese lady and her own desire to go to college and live in a city are similar to many coming of age issues except that May must battle against her parents’ wishes in order to make her dreams come true. It is through this struggle that the Japanese traditions are revealed to the reader. When May must not only learn to arrange flowers and make tea properly but also meet with a matchmaker to choose her husband, we learn about the expectations placed on young Japanese women.
Each page of text is accompanied by a full-page illustration showing May as she transitions from one event in her life to the next. The softness of each painting adds to the already touching narrative. The facial expressions help the reader connect to May’s story because they capture her personality perfectly, from the dismay and discouragement she feels early in the story to the determination and pride that accompany her accomplishments in the last half of the book.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “Whether the subject is food ("no more pancakes or omelets, fried chicken or spaghetti" in Japan) or the deeper issues of ostracism (her fellow students call Masako "gaijin" a foreigner) and gender expectations, Say provides gentle insights into human nature as well as East-West cultural differences... Through choice words and scrupulously choreographed paintings, Say's story communicates both the heart's yearning for individuality and freedom and how love and friendship can bridge cultural chasms.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The pages are filled with detailed drawings featuring Japanese architecture and clothing, and because of the artist's mastery at drawing figures, the people come to life as authentic and sympathetic characters. This is a thoughtful and poignant book that will appeal to a wide range of readers, particularly our nation's many immigrants who grapple with some of the same challenges as May and Joseph, including feeling at home in a place that is not their own.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book is filled with many customs related to the expectation of young Japanese women. Students should be encouraged to learn more about these traditions and compare them to what is expected of young American girls.
Pair the reading of this book with Grandfather’s Journey also a family story written by Allen Say.
Review: TAP DANCING ON THE ROOF by Linda Sue Park
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Park, Linda Sue. 2007. Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems). Ill. by Istvan Banyai. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618234837.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Tap Dancing on the Roof is a concise collection of poems written in the Korean form of sijo. The topics range from school subjects to holidays to nature. Park also includes background information and tips for writing sijo poems.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This delightful collection of sijo poetry is sure to interest readers of any age. There are subjects which are associated with childhood such as dealing with peer criticisms in “Art Class” or reading under the covers in “Bedtime Snacks” but also those which are more universal in theme such as bird watching in “From the Window” or the changing seasons in “Overnight” and “Important Announcement.” The randomness of the subjects does not detract from the overall effect of the book, in fact, it adds to the universal appeal. Park creates an experience which can be shared by a varied audience.
The quirky illustrations by Banyai add to the overall appeal of the book. He has a talent for capturing the essence of each poem and illustrating it in such an intelligently creative way. Each picture has whimsical details that could be easily missed if one does not take the time to enjoy them.
Although the poems and illustrations themselves are not created to educate the reader on the traditions and culture of Korea, the poetic form itself is Korean. The beginning “About Sijo” and ending author’s note provide the reader with some insight into the Korean culture and how sijo fits into that culture.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE review: “Park meets the challenge of the traditional Korean poetic form of sijo in more than two dozen carefully and cleverly fashioned verses. For those tired of haiku, these are a real treat… The line drawings that accompany each sijo have touches of color but their charm is in the depicted action with no settings needed.”
SHEN’S BOOKS review: “… the poems are charming, and the twist at the end of each one makes them great fun to read. Of course, Istvan Banyai's illustrations are always wonderful in that quirky way, and their simplicity fits the style of the poems perfectly.”
5. CONNECTIONS
As with most poetry books, this is a great read aloud which appeals to a wide range of audiences. I was amazed when my sixteen year-old read it to my four year-old and they both really enjoyed it. It’s not very often I find a book that they both want to read over and over.
After being introduced to the sijo poems, students should use the tips at the end of the book to help them try their hand at writing them. Because it is short and structured, students will embrace the opportunity especially if they are encouraged to also illustrate their creation.
Park, Linda Sue. 2007. Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems). Ill. by Istvan Banyai. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618234837.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Tap Dancing on the Roof is a concise collection of poems written in the Korean form of sijo. The topics range from school subjects to holidays to nature. Park also includes background information and tips for writing sijo poems.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This delightful collection of sijo poetry is sure to interest readers of any age. There are subjects which are associated with childhood such as dealing with peer criticisms in “Art Class” or reading under the covers in “Bedtime Snacks” but also those which are more universal in theme such as bird watching in “From the Window” or the changing seasons in “Overnight” and “Important Announcement.” The randomness of the subjects does not detract from the overall effect of the book, in fact, it adds to the universal appeal. Park creates an experience which can be shared by a varied audience.
The quirky illustrations by Banyai add to the overall appeal of the book. He has a talent for capturing the essence of each poem and illustrating it in such an intelligently creative way. Each picture has whimsical details that could be easily missed if one does not take the time to enjoy them.
Although the poems and illustrations themselves are not created to educate the reader on the traditions and culture of Korea, the poetic form itself is Korean. The beginning “About Sijo” and ending author’s note provide the reader with some insight into the Korean culture and how sijo fits into that culture.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE review: “Park meets the challenge of the traditional Korean poetic form of sijo in more than two dozen carefully and cleverly fashioned verses. For those tired of haiku, these are a real treat… The line drawings that accompany each sijo have touches of color but their charm is in the depicted action with no settings needed.”
SHEN’S BOOKS review: “… the poems are charming, and the twist at the end of each one makes them great fun to read. Of course, Istvan Banyai's illustrations are always wonderful in that quirky way, and their simplicity fits the style of the poems perfectly.”
5. CONNECTIONS
As with most poetry books, this is a great read aloud which appeals to a wide range of audiences. I was amazed when my sixteen year-old read it to my four year-old and they both really enjoyed it. It’s not very often I find a book that they both want to read over and over.
After being introduced to the sijo poems, students should use the tips at the end of the book to help them try their hand at writing them. Because it is short and structured, students will embrace the opportunity especially if they are encouraged to also illustrate their creation.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Review: GRANDMOTHER'S PIGEON by Louise Erdrich
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Erdrich, Louise. 1996. Grandmother’s Pigeon. Ill. by Jim LaMarche. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 078682137X.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Narrated by a young girl, the story of a nest of eggs left behind by her grandmother which mysteriously hatch into long-extinct carrier pigeons centers on a respect for nature. The young girl and her family have to decide whether to allow further scientific research to be conducted on the birds or to let them free. When she and her brother make the decision and act upon it, not everyone is pleased with their actions. But when they receive a message from their long-absent grandmother, they know they’ve made the right decision.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This whimsical story of a strong, wise grandmother who leaves her family to take a trip to Greenland on the back of a porpoise is sure to delight young readers. Although it does start out fantastical, the story soon turns more meaningful when the family discovers the nest of eggs in Grandmother’s room. Even though the hatching of carrier pigeons is not realistic, Erdrich conveys the message of caring for and respecting nature through the way the family delicately nurtures the young birds and finally decides that their happiness outweighs scientific study. The surprise message from Grandmother at the end serves to solidify the link between the Grandmother and the animal world.
LaMarche’s beautifully soft depictions throughout the book add to the warmth of this enlightening story. The color and tones of the skin are recognizable as Native American; however there are no traces of stereotypical depictions in any of the drawings. The innocence in the children’s faces is made evident through their expressions. In fact, the detailed expressions on the faces of all the characters truly add personalization and connectedness to the story. The details on every page are amazing down to the bird feathers extending from the pocket of the ornithologist. The large illustrations and wonderful language make this a perfect read aloud.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST review: “Besides the sense of the unexpected that permeates every page is the freshness of the language. The sentence structure is elegant, and since one quality of elegance is simplicity, the writing is never over children's heads. That same spirit is found in the acrylic and colored-pencil artwork that always seems to find its focus in the faces of the children yet mixes everyday bits and pieces with the elusive air of enchantment. Like the pigeons, this is a rare bird--a book that evokes wonder, in both its meanings.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Full-page, large, realistic paintings define and complement the text. LaMarche's pictures of the woman's bedroom are chock-full of cherished clutter; and the children are drawn with a deftness that suggests that the illustrator knows them from the inside out. This book is a small gem, a bit of a puzzle, and a delight to pore over and ponder.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Children should research to find out more about the story of the carrier pigeon and their extinction. Relate it to current issues regarding endangered species.
Have students discuss the nationality of the characters in the book? It is not blatantly obvious from the story and pictures although some cues are given. After the discussion, tell the students that the family is of Native American heritage and have them look for clues that would support this. Discuss stereotypes and how modern Native Americans do not fit the stereotypes often associated with them.
Erdrich, Louise. 1996. Grandmother’s Pigeon. Ill. by Jim LaMarche. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 078682137X.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Narrated by a young girl, the story of a nest of eggs left behind by her grandmother which mysteriously hatch into long-extinct carrier pigeons centers on a respect for nature. The young girl and her family have to decide whether to allow further scientific research to be conducted on the birds or to let them free. When she and her brother make the decision and act upon it, not everyone is pleased with their actions. But when they receive a message from their long-absent grandmother, they know they’ve made the right decision.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This whimsical story of a strong, wise grandmother who leaves her family to take a trip to Greenland on the back of a porpoise is sure to delight young readers. Although it does start out fantastical, the story soon turns more meaningful when the family discovers the nest of eggs in Grandmother’s room. Even though the hatching of carrier pigeons is not realistic, Erdrich conveys the message of caring for and respecting nature through the way the family delicately nurtures the young birds and finally decides that their happiness outweighs scientific study. The surprise message from Grandmother at the end serves to solidify the link between the Grandmother and the animal world.
LaMarche’s beautifully soft depictions throughout the book add to the warmth of this enlightening story. The color and tones of the skin are recognizable as Native American; however there are no traces of stereotypical depictions in any of the drawings. The innocence in the children’s faces is made evident through their expressions. In fact, the detailed expressions on the faces of all the characters truly add personalization and connectedness to the story. The details on every page are amazing down to the bird feathers extending from the pocket of the ornithologist. The large illustrations and wonderful language make this a perfect read aloud.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST review: “Besides the sense of the unexpected that permeates every page is the freshness of the language. The sentence structure is elegant, and since one quality of elegance is simplicity, the writing is never over children's heads. That same spirit is found in the acrylic and colored-pencil artwork that always seems to find its focus in the faces of the children yet mixes everyday bits and pieces with the elusive air of enchantment. Like the pigeons, this is a rare bird--a book that evokes wonder, in both its meanings.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Full-page, large, realistic paintings define and complement the text. LaMarche's pictures of the woman's bedroom are chock-full of cherished clutter; and the children are drawn with a deftness that suggests that the illustrator knows them from the inside out. This book is a small gem, a bit of a puzzle, and a delight to pore over and ponder.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Children should research to find out more about the story of the carrier pigeon and their extinction. Relate it to current issues regarding endangered species.
Have students discuss the nationality of the characters in the book? It is not blatantly obvious from the story and pictures although some cues are given. After the discussion, tell the students that the family is of Native American heritage and have them look for clues that would support this. Discuss stereotypes and how modern Native Americans do not fit the stereotypes often associated with them.
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