1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lester, Julius. 1994. John Henry. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 0590539361.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
As detailed in the introduction, Lester retells the story of the folk hero, John Henry, using various versions of the song as well as his own recollections of the story. Lester takes us from the birth of this extraordinary man through his adventures and leads all the way to his burial at the White House lawn.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lester’s use of figurative language make this version of the John Henry folk tale a perfect read aloud especially since it is told in a storytelling format. His use of metaphors and similes are evident throughout the story, such as his description of Ferret-Faced Freddy’s voice as sounding “like bat wings on tombstones.” He also uses many other literary devices to help make the story flow and capture the reader/listener.
The watercolor illustrations by Jerry Pinkney add depth to an already superior telling of a classic folktale. The style in which they are painted almost make them jump off the page. The strength of John Henry is made evident through the details Pinkney includes in his illustrations of the hero; his cheekbones are pronounced, the muscles in his arms are prominent in many of the pictures, and his enormous size is portrayed by the way in which he is drawn on each page. He pays special attention to ensuring the physical details of the African American characters are consistent and authentic. Overall, a wonderfully illustrated book!
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The paintings' muted earth tones add a realistic touch to the text, bringing this John Henry alive. When viewed from a distance, however, figures and details sometimes blend together, making the book better suited to independent reading that group sharing. It will appeal to an older audience than Ezra Jack Keats's John Henry (Knopf, 1987) and is a fine addition to any folklore collection.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “This carefully crafted updating begs to be read aloud for its rich, rhythmic storytelling flow, and the suitably oversize illustrations amplify the text. As only one example, the animal witnesses of his birth reappear throughout, most notably to watch John Henry's funeral train pass by. This may not supplant more traditional retellings, such as Terry Small's The Legend of John Henry, but it is a triumph of collaboration from the creators of the noted Uncle Remus retellings.”
5. CONNECTIONS
John Henry is just one of many African American folktales. It would definitely fit into any tall tale/folktale unit.
This book would work right into a lesson about figurative language. It is filled with examples of literacy devices such as metaphors, similes, alliteration, personification, exaggeration and many others.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Review: UPTOWN by Bryan Collier
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Collier, Bryan. 2000. Uptown. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 080507399X.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Collier shares the experiences of Harlem through the eyes of a young boy. He takes the reader on a journey through the neighborhoods detailing the everyday sights and sounds from the Apollo theater to playing basketball at the Ruckers.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Through his playful use of words and his very engaging pictures, Collier grabs the reader and pulls him/her into life in Harlem. The colorful illustrations in a cut and paste style offer the reader much to look at on each page. The illustrations, though quite busy with the mixtures of textures and shading, offer a glimpse into the life of the young boy who takes us through the story. Even the type and color of the font help catch the eye of the reader.
By way of Collier’s descriptions of the places and people in Harlem, the reader experiences what makes it a special place and gains an understanding of why the boy is so proud to call it home. By including such regional details as the “weekend shopping on 125th Street,” listening to jazz and the Boys Choir of Harlem, eating chicken and waffles, and visiting the Van Der Zee studio, Collier takes the reader to the streets and introduces us to the sights and sounds of this energy-filled community.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
KIRKUS review: “Collier debuts with a set of dazzling paint-and-photo collages paired to a child's tribute to his Harlem neighborhood... This complex, many-layered vibe is made almost tangible by the kaleidoscopic illustrations.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “The artwork creates an inviting visual riff with a pastiche of watercolor portraits, fabric scraps, photographs, wallpaper snippets and newsprint; and both text and art capture a child's sense of perspective and imagination (Collier represents brownstones that the boy thinks "look like they're made of chocolate" with photos of Cadbury bars that double as architectural detail). "Uptown is home," says the narrator, concluding on a note of affection and pride for his neighborhood that informs every page.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book will introduce young readers to life in an urban African American neighborhood. An awesome extension to this book would be a book share using a webcam in which students share what their impressions of life in Harlem are after reading the book with a class in Harlem. Students could then ask further questions about what it is like to grow up in Harlem. It would be great if the students in Harlem read a book about Texas and asked the students in Texas about life here. The students could share back and forth about their cultures and even address common stereotypes.
Other books with African American characters or themes that have won the Ezra Jack Keats award:
Harrington, Janice. Going North. Ill. by Jerome Lagarrigue. ISBN: 0374326819.
Wiles, Deborah. Freedom Summer. Ill. by Jerome Lagarrigue. ISBN: 068987829X.
Rodman, Mary Ann. My Best Friend. Ill. E. B. Lewis. ISBN: 0142408069.
Collier, Bryan. 2000. Uptown. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 080507399X.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Collier shares the experiences of Harlem through the eyes of a young boy. He takes the reader on a journey through the neighborhoods detailing the everyday sights and sounds from the Apollo theater to playing basketball at the Ruckers.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Through his playful use of words and his very engaging pictures, Collier grabs the reader and pulls him/her into life in Harlem. The colorful illustrations in a cut and paste style offer the reader much to look at on each page. The illustrations, though quite busy with the mixtures of textures and shading, offer a glimpse into the life of the young boy who takes us through the story. Even the type and color of the font help catch the eye of the reader.
By way of Collier’s descriptions of the places and people in Harlem, the reader experiences what makes it a special place and gains an understanding of why the boy is so proud to call it home. By including such regional details as the “weekend shopping on 125th Street,” listening to jazz and the Boys Choir of Harlem, eating chicken and waffles, and visiting the Van Der Zee studio, Collier takes the reader to the streets and introduces us to the sights and sounds of this energy-filled community.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
KIRKUS review: “Collier debuts with a set of dazzling paint-and-photo collages paired to a child's tribute to his Harlem neighborhood... This complex, many-layered vibe is made almost tangible by the kaleidoscopic illustrations.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “The artwork creates an inviting visual riff with a pastiche of watercolor portraits, fabric scraps, photographs, wallpaper snippets and newsprint; and both text and art capture a child's sense of perspective and imagination (Collier represents brownstones that the boy thinks "look like they're made of chocolate" with photos of Cadbury bars that double as architectural detail). "Uptown is home," says the narrator, concluding on a note of affection and pride for his neighborhood that informs every page.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book will introduce young readers to life in an urban African American neighborhood. An awesome extension to this book would be a book share using a webcam in which students share what their impressions of life in Harlem are after reading the book with a class in Harlem. Students could then ask further questions about what it is like to grow up in Harlem. It would be great if the students in Harlem read a book about Texas and asked the students in Texas about life here. The students could share back and forth about their cultures and even address common stereotypes.
Other books with African American characters or themes that have won the Ezra Jack Keats award:
Harrington, Janice. Going North. Ill. by Jerome Lagarrigue. ISBN: 0374326819.
Wiles, Deborah. Freedom Summer. Ill. by Jerome Lagarrigue. ISBN: 068987829X.
Rodman, Mary Ann. My Best Friend. Ill. E. B. Lewis. ISBN: 0142408069.
Review: HEAVEN by Angela Johnson
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Johnson, Angela. 1998. Heaven. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689822294.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Marley, a fourteen year old African American girl who has always been surrounded by the love and comfort of her family faces a dilemma when she finds out her life is not what it seems. Marley has to face the fact that her life will never be the same and has to decide how she will deal with this new revelation
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In Heaven, Angela Johnson recounts a story of family love and a teenager’s need to belong. She illustrates the loving bonds of family which are often evident in African American families. Marley’s struggle between the loyalty she feels for the parents who raised her and the betrayal she experiences when she finds out the truth about their identities is indicative of many of the emotional struggles with which many teens have to cope. The foreshadowing of the significance of the church fires adds a certain depth to the storyline. Furthermore, Johnson’s ability to meld together the stories of three diverse characters; Marley, Shoogy, and Bobby allow the reader to experience various types of relationships which are apparent in the African American culture. They are authentic to the setting which is a small Ohio town in the mid-1990s.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “In spare, often poetic prose reminiscent of Patricia MacLachlan's work, Johnson relates Marley's insightful quest into what makes a family... The various examples of ‘family’ Marley encounters make her question what's real, what's true, what makes sense, and if any of that really matters as much as the love she continues to feel for her parents in spite of their seeming betrayal. Johnson exhibits admirable stylistic control over Marley's struggle to understand a concept that is often impossible to understand or even to define.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “The author's poetic metaphors describe a child grasping desperately for a hold on her reality ("It was one of those nights that started to go down before the sun did," she says of the evening the fateful letter arrives). The melding of flashbacks and present-day story line may be confusing initially, but readers who follow Marley's winding path toward revelation will be well rewarded.”
5. CONNECTIONS
The main theme of Heaven makes a great discussion starter for young adults about how to deal with family secrets. Students could place themselves in Marley’s position and write/talk about how they would react to hearing such news.
Other books in the Heaven trilogy:
Johnson, Angela. The First Part Last. ISBN 1442403438.
Johnson, Angela. Sweet, Hereafter. ISBN 0689873859.
Johnson, Angela. 1998. Heaven. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689822294.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Marley, a fourteen year old African American girl who has always been surrounded by the love and comfort of her family faces a dilemma when she finds out her life is not what it seems. Marley has to face the fact that her life will never be the same and has to decide how she will deal with this new revelation
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In Heaven, Angela Johnson recounts a story of family love and a teenager’s need to belong. She illustrates the loving bonds of family which are often evident in African American families. Marley’s struggle between the loyalty she feels for the parents who raised her and the betrayal she experiences when she finds out the truth about their identities is indicative of many of the emotional struggles with which many teens have to cope. The foreshadowing of the significance of the church fires adds a certain depth to the storyline. Furthermore, Johnson’s ability to meld together the stories of three diverse characters; Marley, Shoogy, and Bobby allow the reader to experience various types of relationships which are apparent in the African American culture. They are authentic to the setting which is a small Ohio town in the mid-1990s.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “In spare, often poetic prose reminiscent of Patricia MacLachlan's work, Johnson relates Marley's insightful quest into what makes a family... The various examples of ‘family’ Marley encounters make her question what's real, what's true, what makes sense, and if any of that really matters as much as the love she continues to feel for her parents in spite of their seeming betrayal. Johnson exhibits admirable stylistic control over Marley's struggle to understand a concept that is often impossible to understand or even to define.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “The author's poetic metaphors describe a child grasping desperately for a hold on her reality ("It was one of those nights that started to go down before the sun did," she says of the evening the fateful letter arrives). The melding of flashbacks and present-day story line may be confusing initially, but readers who follow Marley's winding path toward revelation will be well rewarded.”
5. CONNECTIONS
The main theme of Heaven makes a great discussion starter for young adults about how to deal with family secrets. Students could place themselves in Marley’s position and write/talk about how they would react to hearing such news.
Other books in the Heaven trilogy:
Johnson, Angela. The First Part Last. ISBN 1442403438.
Johnson, Angela. Sweet, Hereafter. ISBN 0689873859.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Review: THE SHADOWS OF GHADAMES by Joëlle Stolz
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stolz, Joëlle. 1999. The Shadows of Ghadames. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0385901313.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Stolz gives the reader a glimpse into Muslim life through the story of Malika, a twelve year old girl living in the city of Ghadames. Malika and her father’s two wives secretly hide an injured man in their rooftop storeroom. The everyday life of the Muslim women is portrayed through the telling of what happens during those days of nursing this strange man back to health; hopefully in time to help him escape before Malika’s father returns from his journey.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The Shadows of Ghadames not only tells the story of a young girl coming of age in Libya, but also recounts situations which are similar among various cultures, such as family relationships and the struggle for independence and individualism. Malika’s story is one that would be of particular interest to young girls in the Western culture because several of the customs are directly related to preteen girls. However, male readers will also be interested in the role of males in the Muslim culture shown through the eyes of Malika’s brother and father. The story also provides scenarios of treachery and courage through the story of the mysterious stranger who the women choose to help.
The descriptions of the rooftop lives of the Ghadames women give the reader a glimpse into this unfamiliar world. The reader also gains an understanding of how the women feel about these culturally defined roles through Malika’s father’s two wives. Meriem holds fast to these traditions, while Bilkisu is more daring and bends the rules a little suggesting change is soon to come. Stolz also provides cultural identifiers through her descriptions of the festivals, baths, and geography of the area.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “This quiet story is notable for the intimate picture of the traditional Muslim world that it conveys; unfortunately, not until the author's note at the end is the time period made evident. The imprecise use of language may make it difficult for readers to visualize this distant world and to understand the characters' motivations. Still, this novel would be useful in schools studying this part of the world.”
BOOKLIST review: “Stolz invigorates her tale with elegant prose and a deft portrayal of a girl verging on adolescence. The vivid backdrop is intoxicating, but the story's universal concerns will touch readers most: sibling jealously, confusion about adult customs, and a growing interest in a world beyond family.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Students should research modern and ancient customs of the Muslim people to gain a better understanding the world that Malika lived in and how it has changed over the years.
Using web resources such as www.al-bab.com/arab/language/lang.htm or http://i-cias.com/babel/arabic/01.htm, students can learn some of the basic words and even learn to write their own name in Arabic.
Stolz, Joëlle. 1999. The Shadows of Ghadames. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0385901313.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Stolz gives the reader a glimpse into Muslim life through the story of Malika, a twelve year old girl living in the city of Ghadames. Malika and her father’s two wives secretly hide an injured man in their rooftop storeroom. The everyday life of the Muslim women is portrayed through the telling of what happens during those days of nursing this strange man back to health; hopefully in time to help him escape before Malika’s father returns from his journey.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The Shadows of Ghadames not only tells the story of a young girl coming of age in Libya, but also recounts situations which are similar among various cultures, such as family relationships and the struggle for independence and individualism. Malika’s story is one that would be of particular interest to young girls in the Western culture because several of the customs are directly related to preteen girls. However, male readers will also be interested in the role of males in the Muslim culture shown through the eyes of Malika’s brother and father. The story also provides scenarios of treachery and courage through the story of the mysterious stranger who the women choose to help.
The descriptions of the rooftop lives of the Ghadames women give the reader a glimpse into this unfamiliar world. The reader also gains an understanding of how the women feel about these culturally defined roles through Malika’s father’s two wives. Meriem holds fast to these traditions, while Bilkisu is more daring and bends the rules a little suggesting change is soon to come. Stolz also provides cultural identifiers through her descriptions of the festivals, baths, and geography of the area.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “This quiet story is notable for the intimate picture of the traditional Muslim world that it conveys; unfortunately, not until the author's note at the end is the time period made evident. The imprecise use of language may make it difficult for readers to visualize this distant world and to understand the characters' motivations. Still, this novel would be useful in schools studying this part of the world.”
BOOKLIST review: “Stolz invigorates her tale with elegant prose and a deft portrayal of a girl verging on adolescence. The vivid backdrop is intoxicating, but the story's universal concerns will touch readers most: sibling jealously, confusion about adult customs, and a growing interest in a world beyond family.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Students should research modern and ancient customs of the Muslim people to gain a better understanding the world that Malika lived in and how it has changed over the years.
Using web resources such as www.al-bab.com/arab/language/lang.htm or http://i-cias.com/babel/arabic/01.htm, students can learn some of the basic words and even learn to write their own name in Arabic.
Review: BEING BEE by Catherine Bateson
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bateson, Catherine. 2006. Being Bee. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 082342104X.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Young Beatrice, Bee for short, is perfectly content with her life until her dad brings his girlfriend, Jazzi into their home. Bee, who shows her contempt in subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) ways throughout the story, refuses to accept Jazzi as part of the family. Through shared secrets and a little acceptance on both sides, Bee and Jazzi finally find a way to break through the walls and begin to get to know each other.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Although the story begins with some humor with the depiction of Jazzi crawling on the floor in her “shiny black tights” looking for the escaped guinea pig, the more serious issues facing Bee take the story to a decidedly more serious nature. Her problems with her friends at school provide all elementary readers with something with which they can relate. Many readers will also relate to Bee’s trials and emotional upheavals she deals with a new person in her father’s life. The notes from the guinea pigs, Lulu and Fifi, add charm to the story and help maintain interest in the storyline.
Being Bee tells a universal story of acceptance with which readers from any country can identify. There are some aspects of the story which obviously identify it as originating in a culture outside the United States; however, for the most part it is simply the story of a girl and how she deals with changes in her life.
Some glimpses into the Australian culture are provided through the multiple references to rituals of tea and scones. Furthermore, Bee uses the term “Mum” to refer to her deceased mother and her friends refer to Jazzi as Bee’s “stepmum.” Also in reference to housing, Jazzi lived in a “flat” and they painted the “lounge room” Natural Linen. These are not typical terms used in American culture. Finally, Harley talks about the “phone box” which he was stuck in when he ran away. Even though there are some subtle references to Australian life, there really were not enough to give the reader a very in-depth glimpse into everyday life in Australia. However, the book does have appeal as a charming story of a young girl and how she learns to acknowledge the changes in her life.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
CHIILDREN’S LITERATURE review: “The plot has a few missteps…But Bee has such a delightful narrative voice that readers are unlikely to complain. Moreover, the book design could not be more appealing, with a knockout cover and amusing miniature guinea pig photos adorning each chapter opening.”
KIRKUS review: “Once again, Bateson deftly describes family and friendship strains in ways that are both touching and humorous. Bee's resistance and the grown-ups' attempts to make things easy for her as well as nourish their own relationship are completely convincing.”
5. CONNECTIONS
When reading books by Bateson, students should be encouraged to learn more about the Australian culture especially the everyday lives of families.
Other books by Catherine Bateson:
Bateson, Catherine. Stranded in Boringsville. ISBN 082341969X.
Bateson, Catherine. The Boyfriend Rules of Good Behavior. ISBN 0823420264.
Bateson, Catherine. Millie and the Night Heron. ISBN 0702235261.
Bateson, Catherine. 2006. Being Bee. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 082342104X.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Young Beatrice, Bee for short, is perfectly content with her life until her dad brings his girlfriend, Jazzi into their home. Bee, who shows her contempt in subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) ways throughout the story, refuses to accept Jazzi as part of the family. Through shared secrets and a little acceptance on both sides, Bee and Jazzi finally find a way to break through the walls and begin to get to know each other.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Although the story begins with some humor with the depiction of Jazzi crawling on the floor in her “shiny black tights” looking for the escaped guinea pig, the more serious issues facing Bee take the story to a decidedly more serious nature. Her problems with her friends at school provide all elementary readers with something with which they can relate. Many readers will also relate to Bee’s trials and emotional upheavals she deals with a new person in her father’s life. The notes from the guinea pigs, Lulu and Fifi, add charm to the story and help maintain interest in the storyline.
Being Bee tells a universal story of acceptance with which readers from any country can identify. There are some aspects of the story which obviously identify it as originating in a culture outside the United States; however, for the most part it is simply the story of a girl and how she deals with changes in her life.
Some glimpses into the Australian culture are provided through the multiple references to rituals of tea and scones. Furthermore, Bee uses the term “Mum” to refer to her deceased mother and her friends refer to Jazzi as Bee’s “stepmum.” Also in reference to housing, Jazzi lived in a “flat” and they painted the “lounge room” Natural Linen. These are not typical terms used in American culture. Finally, Harley talks about the “phone box” which he was stuck in when he ran away. Even though there are some subtle references to Australian life, there really were not enough to give the reader a very in-depth glimpse into everyday life in Australia. However, the book does have appeal as a charming story of a young girl and how she learns to acknowledge the changes in her life.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
CHIILDREN’S LITERATURE review: “The plot has a few missteps…But Bee has such a delightful narrative voice that readers are unlikely to complain. Moreover, the book design could not be more appealing, with a knockout cover and amusing miniature guinea pig photos adorning each chapter opening.”
KIRKUS review: “Once again, Bateson deftly describes family and friendship strains in ways that are both touching and humorous. Bee's resistance and the grown-ups' attempts to make things easy for her as well as nourish their own relationship are completely convincing.”
5. CONNECTIONS
When reading books by Bateson, students should be encouraged to learn more about the Australian culture especially the everyday lives of families.
Other books by Catherine Bateson:
Bateson, Catherine. Stranded in Boringsville. ISBN 082341969X.
Bateson, Catherine. The Boyfriend Rules of Good Behavior. ISBN 0823420264.
Bateson, Catherine. Millie and the Night Heron. ISBN 0702235261.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Review: WHOEVER YOU ARE by Mem Fox
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fox, Mem. 1997. Whoever You Are. Ill. by Leslie Staub. San Diego: Harcourt Brace & Co. ISBN 0152007873.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A group of children are carried around the world by a spirit-like being dressed in a blue cloud-printed suit and hat with a yellow feather sticking out. On their journey they experience that although children around the world may look different and their homes may be different from their own, they all share similar emotions and are just alike on the inside.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this enlightening story of tolerance and acceptance, a magical guide carries children of various ethnicities around the world in his arms to show them how children live in other parts of the world. Fox touches the heart when she tells how we all experience love and joy while at the same time, pain and bleeding are also shared by everyone. Children are taught that some things, like emotions, transcend skin color, language, and geographical differences. The repetitive verse will surely engage young readers while the themes of tolerance will speak to older children. Fox wisely encourages children to remember these lessons even after they are grown to reiterate that acceptance does not end with childhood.
The illustrations in Whoever You Are are colorful and eccentric enough to catch the interest of the child reader. Staub chose to frame each page with bejeweled gold edges giving the illustrations a decidedly foreign appeal. The depictions of the different cultures are basic enough to appeal to young children but still offer a genuine view into the various locales. The landscapes are vivid and detailed. She has drawn the eyes of each character bright and wide-open making them appear to be looking directly at the reader.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Fox has composed a simple refrain to celebrate human connections in this lovely picture book. "Little one, whoever you are," she explains, there are children all over the world who may look different, live in different homes and different climates, go to different schools, and speak in different tongues but all children love, smile, laugh, and cry. Their joys, pain, and blood are the same.”
KIRKUS review: “The faces of the little ones in Staub's paintings are as appealing as dolls', and a beatific paternal figure in a sky-blue suit printed with clouds floats through the pages with a bevy of children in his arms. An essential book that acknowledges in the simplest of terms our common humanity.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Whoever You Are is a wonderful way to introduce young children to the many different cultures that make up our world. It can be used to begin any multicultural unit or just as a quick read to remind children that even though not everyone looks the same, they are all the same on the inside.
Other books that help teach tolerance:
Katz, Karen. The Colors of Us. ISBN: 0805071636.
Fox, Mem. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes. Ill. by Helen Oxenbury. ISBN: 015206057X.
Monk, Isabell. Hope. Ill. by Janice Lee Porter. ISBN: 1575057921.
Parr, Todd. The Peace Book. ISBN: 0316043494.
Fox, Mem. 1997. Whoever You Are. Ill. by Leslie Staub. San Diego: Harcourt Brace & Co. ISBN 0152007873.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A group of children are carried around the world by a spirit-like being dressed in a blue cloud-printed suit and hat with a yellow feather sticking out. On their journey they experience that although children around the world may look different and their homes may be different from their own, they all share similar emotions and are just alike on the inside.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this enlightening story of tolerance and acceptance, a magical guide carries children of various ethnicities around the world in his arms to show them how children live in other parts of the world. Fox touches the heart when she tells how we all experience love and joy while at the same time, pain and bleeding are also shared by everyone. Children are taught that some things, like emotions, transcend skin color, language, and geographical differences. The repetitive verse will surely engage young readers while the themes of tolerance will speak to older children. Fox wisely encourages children to remember these lessons even after they are grown to reiterate that acceptance does not end with childhood.
The illustrations in Whoever You Are are colorful and eccentric enough to catch the interest of the child reader. Staub chose to frame each page with bejeweled gold edges giving the illustrations a decidedly foreign appeal. The depictions of the different cultures are basic enough to appeal to young children but still offer a genuine view into the various locales. The landscapes are vivid and detailed. She has drawn the eyes of each character bright and wide-open making them appear to be looking directly at the reader.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Fox has composed a simple refrain to celebrate human connections in this lovely picture book. "Little one, whoever you are," she explains, there are children all over the world who may look different, live in different homes and different climates, go to different schools, and speak in different tongues but all children love, smile, laugh, and cry. Their joys, pain, and blood are the same.”
KIRKUS review: “The faces of the little ones in Staub's paintings are as appealing as dolls', and a beatific paternal figure in a sky-blue suit printed with clouds floats through the pages with a bevy of children in his arms. An essential book that acknowledges in the simplest of terms our common humanity.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Whoever You Are is a wonderful way to introduce young children to the many different cultures that make up our world. It can be used to begin any multicultural unit or just as a quick read to remind children that even though not everyone looks the same, they are all the same on the inside.
Other books that help teach tolerance:
Katz, Karen. The Colors of Us. ISBN: 0805071636.
Fox, Mem. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes. Ill. by Helen Oxenbury. ISBN: 015206057X.
Monk, Isabell. Hope. Ill. by Janice Lee Porter. ISBN: 1575057921.
Parr, Todd. The Peace Book. ISBN: 0316043494.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults
And so begins my last semester at TWU.
I have to say this is a class I have been looking forward to taking. I thoroughly enjoyed Literature for Children and Young Adults and hope for the same from this class.
The reviews published in this blog are solely for the purpose of completing assignments for my course.
Nothing like the summertime for some quality reading!
I have to say this is a class I have been looking forward to taking. I thoroughly enjoyed Literature for Children and Young Adults and hope for the same from this class.
The reviews published in this blog are solely for the purpose of completing assignments for my course.
Nothing like the summertime for some quality reading!
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