Bibliography:
Yep, Laurence. (1995). Hiroshima. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0590208322.
Plot Summary:
Yep takes the reader inside Hiroshima before, during, and after the atomic bomb was dropped on the city by the United States in attempt to end World War II. A survivor, young girl Sachi, is highlighted along with the one group of "Hiroshima Maidens" who came to the U.S. to receive medical treatments. Hiroshima created hospitals for the survivors to go to as well. Today you may visit a park in Hiroshima to pay your respects. This book tells the reader about the aftermath of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
Critical Analysis:
This historical fiction novel gives many interesting perspectives from people involved in the bombing of Hiroshima. It is most appropriate for grades 3rd and above. The book is a quick read, only 55 pages long. Yep includes sources and background of characters and facts included in the novel.
The setting is described in detail, down to the melted bottles after the bomb is dropped. The story flows well and includes important information regarding the bombing. Characters in the story are typical of the time period and the event. An interesting aspect of this novel is that Sachi, the main character, is a composite of several children who survived and later came to the United States. Students will be able to identify with the characters, especially Sachi. Yep does an excellent job of showing the devastation and aftermath of the bombing in Hiroshima to young students.
Awards & Reviews:
No awards were given for this particular novel.
"This powerful chronicle ensures that what was done on that awful day will remain in readers' memories for a very long time." -Publisher's Weekly (http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-590-20832-1)
Connections:
Humanities Connection: Make paper cranes to send to the Hiroshima monument in Japan.
Geography Connection: Before and after reading Hiroshima, study the geographic location of Japan, Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Author Study - Laurence Yep: Highlight Yep and other works by him including Dragon Child, The Earth Dragon Awakes, and others.
Topic Study - Hiroshima: Find non-fiction books about Hiroshima along with other historical fiction novels about Hiroshima or the atomic bomb (The Green Glass Sea for example) to read as part of a themed unit.
Poetry Connection: Write a poem about peace and the bombing/recovery of Hiroshima.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Book Review: Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm
Bibliography:
Holm, Jennifer L. (2010). Turtle in Paradise. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 9780375936883.
Plot Summary:
The book takes place during the Great Depression. Turtle goes to live with family in Key West, Florida and opens herself to a great deal of adventure with the "Diaper Gang." After finding what seems to be a treasure map in their grandmother's home, they embark on a quest to find treasure. Turtle is moved from a pessimistic-type child to a girl who can see the chance of a "Hollywood" happy ending.
Critical Analysis:
Turtle in Paradise is an interesting historical fiction novel. The characters are detailed and fit the time period of the Great Depression. Many characters have nicknames! From the boy who has a heart condition who needs to take it easy to the overly tired mother who takes in one more child, Holm creates characters who are easy to identify with and are true to the time period of the book. She ends the book with an Author's Note about the history of the book - what the characters were based on and even some photos of the Key West area during the Great Depression.
It is important to note the setting and plot. Holm does an excellent job describing the surroundings (all true to the time period) of several cities, transportation, ideas, values and jobs. Details like the dialect are even taken into consideration (for example, the "alligator pear" versus an avocado). The story is an adventure and it would be good for students grades 3rd and above. The authenticity of the book can be credited by the resources in the back. The book is set in the 1930s, but still connects to the children reading it today.
Awards:
2011 Newbery Honor Book
ALA Notable Book
Booklist Editor's Choice
Texas Bluebonnet List
New York Times bestseller
Review: "Turtle is just the right mixture of knowingness and hope; the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with a dollop of adventure." -Booklist
Connections:
--Read the text while studying the era of the Great Depression
--Study Turtle in Paradise along with Key West, Florida
--Art connection: Make your own drawing of the treasure map from the book
--Language Arts: Have the students create a reading response journal from their reading of this book.
--Social Studies connection: Verify facts and cultural environment about the time period from the book
--Other books by Jennifer Holm: Our Only May Amelia, Penny from Heaven, and Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf.
--Note: Jennifer Holm and her brother write the Babymouse series.
Holm, Jennifer L. (2010). Turtle in Paradise. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 9780375936883.
Plot Summary:
The book takes place during the Great Depression. Turtle goes to live with family in Key West, Florida and opens herself to a great deal of adventure with the "Diaper Gang." After finding what seems to be a treasure map in their grandmother's home, they embark on a quest to find treasure. Turtle is moved from a pessimistic-type child to a girl who can see the chance of a "Hollywood" happy ending.
Critical Analysis:
Turtle in Paradise is an interesting historical fiction novel. The characters are detailed and fit the time period of the Great Depression. Many characters have nicknames! From the boy who has a heart condition who needs to take it easy to the overly tired mother who takes in one more child, Holm creates characters who are easy to identify with and are true to the time period of the book. She ends the book with an Author's Note about the history of the book - what the characters were based on and even some photos of the Key West area during the Great Depression.
It is important to note the setting and plot. Holm does an excellent job describing the surroundings (all true to the time period) of several cities, transportation, ideas, values and jobs. Details like the dialect are even taken into consideration (for example, the "alligator pear" versus an avocado). The story is an adventure and it would be good for students grades 3rd and above. The authenticity of the book can be credited by the resources in the back. The book is set in the 1930s, but still connects to the children reading it today.
Awards:
2011 Newbery Honor Book
ALA Notable Book
Booklist Editor's Choice
Texas Bluebonnet List
New York Times bestseller
Review: "Turtle is just the right mixture of knowingness and hope; the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with a dollop of adventure." -Booklist
Connections:
--Read the text while studying the era of the Great Depression
--Study Turtle in Paradise along with Key West, Florida
--Art connection: Make your own drawing of the treasure map from the book
--Language Arts: Have the students create a reading response journal from their reading of this book.
--Social Studies connection: Verify facts and cultural environment about the time period from the book
--Other books by Jennifer Holm: Our Only May Amelia, Penny from Heaven, and Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf.
--Note: Jennifer Holm and her brother write the Babymouse series.
Book Review: The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages
Bibliography:
Klages, Ellen. (2006). The Green Glass Sea. New York, NY: Viking. ISBN 978670061341.
Plot Summary:
The Green Glass Sea follows residents of "The Hill," a top secret base where scientists are working on a "gadget" to end World War II. Suze and Dewey are two young girls, daughters of the scientists working on the gadget. The girls encounter different trials and tribulations through the story, including getting to know each other in close quarters and the death of Dewey's father. In the end, the gadget works. On Suze's birthday, the family goes to the site where the bomb was tested.
Critical Analysis:
The Green Glass Sea is most appropriate for grades 4 and above. This historical fiction novel gives credit in the end to different entities for their knowledge and information sharing, which shows us the historical setting was well researched. Klages suggests several titles for readers interested in knowing more about the making and testing of the atomic bomb.
The characters in the book are well written and intertwined. Several real key-players in the nuclear bomb are casually mentioned in the text. Without the background knowledge of these characters, they will be passed over by readers most likely (as I myself passed them up). Building some background knowledge of the non-fiction characters before reading would likely benefit readers.
Awards/Reviews:
2007 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
2007 Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature
2007 New Mexico State Book Award (YA)
"Klages makes an impressive debut with an ambitious, meticulousy researched novel set during WWII. Writing from the points of two displaced children, she successfully recreates life at Los Alamos Camp, where scientists and mathemiticians converge with their families to construct and test the first nuclear bomb." -Publishers Weekly
"Many readers will know as little about the true nature of the project as the girls do, so the gradual revelation of facts is especially effective, while those who already know about Los Alamos's historical significance will experience the story in a different, but equally powerful, way." -School Library Journal
Connections:
Art Connection: Have students use different media to make their own "Trinitite" as described in the book.
History Connection: Study characters mentioned in the book like Richard Oppenheimer and their contributions to the making of the atomic bomb.
Author Study: Read the follow up novel White Sands, Red Menace by Ellen Klages. See other books at http://ellenklages.com.
Geography Connection: Discuss the geographic location and features of "The Hill." (Desert, near Santa Fe, etc.) Draw a map of the location if desired.
Humanities Connection: Discuss the isolation the girls may have felt throughout the book (especially in the beginning) not being able to talk or write about where they were or what they saw.
Klages, Ellen. (2006). The Green Glass Sea. New York, NY: Viking. ISBN 978670061341.
Plot Summary:
The Green Glass Sea follows residents of "The Hill," a top secret base where scientists are working on a "gadget" to end World War II. Suze and Dewey are two young girls, daughters of the scientists working on the gadget. The girls encounter different trials and tribulations through the story, including getting to know each other in close quarters and the death of Dewey's father. In the end, the gadget works. On Suze's birthday, the family goes to the site where the bomb was tested.
Critical Analysis:
The Green Glass Sea is most appropriate for grades 4 and above. This historical fiction novel gives credit in the end to different entities for their knowledge and information sharing, which shows us the historical setting was well researched. Klages suggests several titles for readers interested in knowing more about the making and testing of the atomic bomb.
The characters in the book are well written and intertwined. Several real key-players in the nuclear bomb are casually mentioned in the text. Without the background knowledge of these characters, they will be passed over by readers most likely (as I myself passed them up). Building some background knowledge of the non-fiction characters before reading would likely benefit readers.
Awards/Reviews:
2007 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
2007 Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature
2007 New Mexico State Book Award (YA)
"Klages makes an impressive debut with an ambitious, meticulousy researched novel set during WWII. Writing from the points of two displaced children, she successfully recreates life at Los Alamos Camp, where scientists and mathemiticians converge with their families to construct and test the first nuclear bomb." -Publishers Weekly
"Many readers will know as little about the true nature of the project as the girls do, so the gradual revelation of facts is especially effective, while those who already know about Los Alamos's historical significance will experience the story in a different, but equally powerful, way." -School Library Journal
Connections:
Art Connection: Have students use different media to make their own "Trinitite" as described in the book.
History Connection: Study characters mentioned in the book like Richard Oppenheimer and their contributions to the making of the atomic bomb.
Author Study: Read the follow up novel White Sands, Red Menace by Ellen Klages. See other books at http://ellenklages.com.
Geography Connection: Discuss the geographic location and features of "The Hill." (Desert, near Santa Fe, etc.) Draw a map of the location if desired.
Humanities Connection: Discuss the isolation the girls may have felt throughout the book (especially in the beginning) not being able to talk or write about where they were or what they saw.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Book Review: Almost Astronauts by Tanya Lee Stone
Bibliography:
Stone, Tanya Lee. (2009). Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream. Somerville, MS: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763636111.
Summary:
This book discusses the "Mercury 13" and the trials they go through. From tedious testing to disappointing turn-downs, these 13 ladies show perseverance and never give up on their dreams. The book follows the Mercury 13 from their earliest dreams of flight to 1999 when the first woman to serve as space shuttle commander blasts into space. Sadly, none of the Mercury 13 ever became astronauts, but they always had their passion and dreams at the forefront of their lives.
Critical Analysis:
This unique informational text was very moving. The book is accurate and hosts pages of sources and credits in the back. The book presents itself in mostly sequential order (except for the first chapter). The timeline of the events is helpful in understanding the trials that each of the Mercury 13 went up against while fighting to get into a space shuttle. The photos in the book not only put a face to a name in the book, but also show the devices and technology used in space flight and testing.
This book is a great way to encourage girls in the fields of science. It would be an interesting read for anyone interested in space, NASA, equality between genders, and/or the roles of women in space and flight. The testimonials and stories in this book are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. While the subject matter could be appropriate for any level, and would make a great read aloud, the essence of the book should be saved for 4th grade and above. These women were marked as "ahead of their time." These were the pioneers who broke records and barriers in flight! These women also broke records in astronaut training tests.
Overall, it is a book to recommend to grades 4 and above, especially to young girls interested in space, flight, or science. The authors website (cited below) has several materials that could be helpful in sharing this book with a class.
Awards:
2010 Sibert Medal Award
YALSA Excellence in Nonficton Honor
Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor
NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor
Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award
Jane Addams Honor
Outstanding Science Trade Book
Kirkus Best YA Books 2009
Smithsonian Magazine Best Books of 2009
"...Passionately written account." -School Library Journal
"A fast read....the crucial civil-rights history will stay with readers...long, spacious back matter is part of the story." -Booklist
"Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. Even after thirty years of flying, the "Mercury 13" still inspire me!" -Eileen Collins, Colonel, U.S. Air Force (retired) and first female Space Shuttle Commander
Connections:
Physical Education Connection: Discuss the tests used to test the strength and agility of potential astronauts. Have students test their own strength in some of the areas.
Science Connection: Discuss space and what astronauts mission in space can be before, during and after a mission.
Career Connection: Study the strong female role models in this book and in other books with strong females.
History Study: Study the feminist movement and the civil rights movement and discuss injustice to women during these times.
Author Study: Other books by Tanya Lee Stone - Up Close: Ella Fitzgerald, Wild America series, The House That Jane Built. See http://www.tanyastone.com for a full list.
Source:
Tanya Lee Stone. Retrieved on April 1, 2012 from http://www.tanyastone.com/
Stone, Tanya Lee. (2009). Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream. Somerville, MS: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763636111.
Summary:
This book discusses the "Mercury 13" and the trials they go through. From tedious testing to disappointing turn-downs, these 13 ladies show perseverance and never give up on their dreams. The book follows the Mercury 13 from their earliest dreams of flight to 1999 when the first woman to serve as space shuttle commander blasts into space. Sadly, none of the Mercury 13 ever became astronauts, but they always had their passion and dreams at the forefront of their lives.
Critical Analysis:
This unique informational text was very moving. The book is accurate and hosts pages of sources and credits in the back. The book presents itself in mostly sequential order (except for the first chapter). The timeline of the events is helpful in understanding the trials that each of the Mercury 13 went up against while fighting to get into a space shuttle. The photos in the book not only put a face to a name in the book, but also show the devices and technology used in space flight and testing.
This book is a great way to encourage girls in the fields of science. It would be an interesting read for anyone interested in space, NASA, equality between genders, and/or the roles of women in space and flight. The testimonials and stories in this book are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. While the subject matter could be appropriate for any level, and would make a great read aloud, the essence of the book should be saved for 4th grade and above. These women were marked as "ahead of their time." These were the pioneers who broke records and barriers in flight! These women also broke records in astronaut training tests.
Overall, it is a book to recommend to grades 4 and above, especially to young girls interested in space, flight, or science. The authors website (cited below) has several materials that could be helpful in sharing this book with a class.
Awards:
2010 Sibert Medal Award
YALSA Excellence in Nonficton Honor
Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor
NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor
Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award
Jane Addams Honor
Outstanding Science Trade Book
Kirkus Best YA Books 2009
Smithsonian Magazine Best Books of 2009
"...Passionately written account." -School Library Journal
"A fast read....the crucial civil-rights history will stay with readers...long, spacious back matter is part of the story." -Booklist
"Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. Even after thirty years of flying, the "Mercury 13" still inspire me!" -Eileen Collins, Colonel, U.S. Air Force (retired) and first female Space Shuttle Commander
Connections:
Physical Education Connection: Discuss the tests used to test the strength and agility of potential astronauts. Have students test their own strength in some of the areas.
Science Connection: Discuss space and what astronauts mission in space can be before, during and after a mission.
Career Connection: Study the strong female role models in this book and in other books with strong females.
History Study: Study the feminist movement and the civil rights movement and discuss injustice to women during these times.
Author Study: Other books by Tanya Lee Stone - Up Close: Ella Fitzgerald, Wild America series, The House That Jane Built. See http://www.tanyastone.com for a full list.
Source:
Tanya Lee Stone. Retrieved on April 1, 2012 from http://www.tanyastone.com/
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Book Review: What to do About Alice? by Barbara Kerley
Bibliography:
Kerley, Barbara. (2008). What to do About Alice? Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439922319.
Summary:
What to do About Alice? is a picture book biography about Alice Roosevelt. The book byline reads, "How Alice Roosevelt broke the rules, charmed the world, and drove her father Teddy crazy!" Alice is a dreamer and seems to always be getting into some sort of mischief. Once her father was in office, Alice was a hot topic for the press. The book ends with the pending question: "What to do about Alice?" along with an author's note about Alice Roosevelt's life.
Critical Analysis:
From taking the first look at this book's cover, one wants to read the book. The illustrations on the cover and the title beckon you to open up and learn more about the life of Alice Roosevelt. The back cover of the book has a quote from Teddy Roosevelt saying, "I can be president of the United States, or I can control Alice. I cannot possibly do both." This sets the tone for this picture book biography.
The illustrations throughout the book are detailed. From the way the illustrator depicts motion to the detailed initials on Alice's handkerchiefs, as the reader I felt very connected to the text. The actual printed text of the book is interesting. Some words are in bold type, some words are capitalized, and others are in different fonts or italicized. It was interesting to see what words the author wanted the reader to pay extra attention to. For example, when Teddy Roosevelt says Alice is, "RUNNING RIOT" and Alice says she is, "eating up the world." These two phrases are in two different fonts, larger than the other text to really stand out.
The book was accurate to what I have researched. A "special thanks" is given to Carol Felsenthal at the end of the book for her fact-checking. In the back of the book there are also references and more information about Alice Roosevelt's life.
Awards:
Sibert Honor Book
Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book
Irma Black Award Honor Book
Parents Choice Award
Washington State Scandiuzzi Children's Book Award
California Collections
Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Kirkus Review Best Book of the Year
ALA Notable Book
Capitol Choices
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
Nominated for Young Reader Awards in TX, IL, TN
"Kerley's text gallops along with a vitality to match her subject's antics .... Fascinating." -School Library Journal
"It's hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume serves Alice Roosevelt." -Publishers Weekly
Connections:
*History Connection: Read the book aloud during the study of Teddy Roosevelt or women throughout history.
*Note: This book is perfect for a read aloud with the great artwork and text.
*Geography Connection: Use the book to study the different places in the book, historical and countries.
*Author Study: Barbara Kerley: Other books by Kearley include award-winning The Extraordinary Mark Twain. See http://barbarakerley.com/MyBooks.html for a complete list and teacher guides.
*Language Arts: Have children write their own biography so far in their lives and make up future plans and write about them.
Source:
Children's Book Author Barbara Kerley. "What to do About Alice?" Retrieved on March 28, 2012 from http://barbarakerley.com/Alice.html.
Kerley, Barbara. (2008). What to do About Alice? Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439922319.
Summary:
What to do About Alice? is a picture book biography about Alice Roosevelt. The book byline reads, "How Alice Roosevelt broke the rules, charmed the world, and drove her father Teddy crazy!" Alice is a dreamer and seems to always be getting into some sort of mischief. Once her father was in office, Alice was a hot topic for the press. The book ends with the pending question: "What to do about Alice?" along with an author's note about Alice Roosevelt's life.
Critical Analysis:
From taking the first look at this book's cover, one wants to read the book. The illustrations on the cover and the title beckon you to open up and learn more about the life of Alice Roosevelt. The back cover of the book has a quote from Teddy Roosevelt saying, "I can be president of the United States, or I can control Alice. I cannot possibly do both." This sets the tone for this picture book biography.
The illustrations throughout the book are detailed. From the way the illustrator depicts motion to the detailed initials on Alice's handkerchiefs, as the reader I felt very connected to the text. The actual printed text of the book is interesting. Some words are in bold type, some words are capitalized, and others are in different fonts or italicized. It was interesting to see what words the author wanted the reader to pay extra attention to. For example, when Teddy Roosevelt says Alice is, "RUNNING RIOT" and Alice says she is, "eating up the world." These two phrases are in two different fonts, larger than the other text to really stand out.
The book was accurate to what I have researched. A "special thanks" is given to Carol Felsenthal at the end of the book for her fact-checking. In the back of the book there are also references and more information about Alice Roosevelt's life.
Awards:
Sibert Honor Book
Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book
Irma Black Award Honor Book
Parents Choice Award
Washington State Scandiuzzi Children's Book Award
California Collections
Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Kirkus Review Best Book of the Year
ALA Notable Book
Capitol Choices
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
Nominated for Young Reader Awards in TX, IL, TN
"Kerley's text gallops along with a vitality to match her subject's antics .... Fascinating." -School Library Journal
"It's hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume serves Alice Roosevelt." -Publishers Weekly
Connections:
*History Connection: Read the book aloud during the study of Teddy Roosevelt or women throughout history.
*Note: This book is perfect for a read aloud with the great artwork and text.
*Geography Connection: Use the book to study the different places in the book, historical and countries.
*Author Study: Barbara Kerley: Other books by Kearley include award-winning The Extraordinary Mark Twain. See http://barbarakerley.com/MyBooks.html for a complete list and teacher guides.
*Language Arts: Have children write their own biography so far in their lives and make up future plans and write about them.
Source:
Children's Book Author Barbara Kerley. "What to do About Alice?" Retrieved on March 28, 2012 from http://barbarakerley.com/Alice.html.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Book Review: Never Smile at a Monkey by Steve Jenkins
Bibliography:
Jenkins, Steve. (2009). Never Smile at a Monkey* and 17 Other Important Things to Remember. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 9780618966202.
Summary:
This book takes a look at seemingly innocent acts that become dangerous when certain actions are done in their presence. Never Smile at a Monkey highlights acts to avoid when face-to-face with 18 different animals.
Critical Analysis:
When first looking at the outside of the outside of the book, I found myself very shocked by the ferocious image of the rhesus monkey on the back cover. Inside the book you find 18 animals throughout the pages each with a command. "Never clutch a cane toad" or "Never touch a tang" are examples of the commands given throughout the book. Each animal also has an explanation of the command. This information text is a perfect book for 1st - 3rd grade. The illustrations are colorful and detailed. Again, I was surprised by the photo on the back cover of the book! Regarding accuracy, the text is correct to my knowledge. There were no sources cited.
The author uses alliteration on almost every page. For example, "Never harass an hippopotamus." or "Never cuddle a cub." The illustrations are realistic and detailed. The only picture that really startled me was the illustration on the back cover. In the back of the book you will find bonus information on each of the 18 animals talked about in the book. Readers can learn more about a particular animal they are interested in or use the book in a mini-research project. The book is comical in some sense, but practical at the same time.
Awards & Reviews:
Society of Illustrators Original Art Show
Junior Library Guild Fall 2009 Selection
NDLA Flicker Tale Children's Book Award 2011
The Original Art Show 2010
2010-2011 Horned Toad Tales List
"Steve Jenkins taps into the faux pas of the natural world giving us his standard cut paper lusciousness alongside a text that is funny, furious, and furry all at once." -Review of the Day at School Library Journal by Elizabeth Bird
"Eighteen alliterative rules showcase the dangerous defense mechanisms of animals found in the wild. ....... Another stunning environmental lesson from an aficionado of animal behavior." -Kirkus
Connections:
*Language Arts: Study alliteration using the text. Find different examples of literary devices in the book.
*Art: Use different mediums to illustrate one page/animal/action from the book.
*Science: Use this as a reference when studying sea life (fish, shells and stingrays are all in the book)
*Author Study: Other books by Steve Jenkins - Actual Size, Bones, How to Clean a Hippopotamus. For full list see http://www.stevejenkinsbooks.com/books.html.
*Use the book to introduce animals before going on a field trip to the zoo OR create an in-class "field trip" through the zoo discussing each of these animals and the dangers they may present.
Sources:
School Library Journal. "Review of the Day: Never Smile at a Monkey by Steve Jenkins." Posted by Elizabeth Bird on September 21, 2009. http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/afuse8production/2009/09/21/review-of-the-day-never-smile-at-a-monkey-by-steve-jenkins/
Steve Jenkins Books. "Books." Accessed on March 29, 2012. http://www.stevejenkinsbooks.com/books.html
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Book Review: What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones
Bibliography:
Sones, Sonya. (2001). What My Mother Doesn't Know. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689841140.
Summary:
The book is written from the perspective of Sophie, a young girl in high school. The novel in verse follows Sophie as she dates different boys and finds happiness in an unexpected mate. The author walks you through some trials and errors Sophie encounters, including a cyber-romance and an exciting new relationship turned sour. Her two friends and their lives are discussed in this diary-type novel, along with Sohpie's relationship with her mother. In the end, Sohpie falls for her "masked man" - an unlikely partner - where she finds happiness (for now at least).
Critical Analysis:
This book was a very interesting read. As my first experience with novel in verse, I was very surprised with how well the book's plot flowed. The book is written from Sophie's perspective, and would be very easy for high school girls to relate to. One thing to note is the lack of a male's point of view in this story. High school males may not find this book interesting.
The book has a nice plot and teaches about growing and accepting yourself and others. I can remember struggling to accept myself as an adolescent, and I see other young girls going through the same thing. Sophie's character does a wonderful job of demonstrating growth and acceptance in What My Mother Doesn't Know. She learns to overcome her own insecurities and the end of the novel hints that she will be very happy in her new state of mind.
The book is very controversial and has been challenged in many ways. I can understand why this is so, as some of the subject matter in the novel is questionable. However, I feel strongly that it is important for young girls to understand and be knowledgeable about dealing with the opposite (or same) sex in terms of relationships and friendships. This versed novel does a fine job of bringing to light issues that today's teens deal with in everyday life. Perhaps this is a great novel for parents of teen girls to read as well!
Awards:
ALA Best Book for Young Adults 2002
ALA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers 2002
Top Ten Editor's Choice by Teenreads.com 2001
ALA Top 100 Most Banned Books of the Decade 2000-2010
ALA Top Ten Most Challenged Books 2004 & 2005
See all awards at www.sonyasones.com/books/whatmymother/honors.html
Review excerpt from TeenReads: "Sones's lovely poems are so good that I'd say she must be a poet first and a storyteller second -- except that her story is also that good!" (Note: For the controversy that goes along with this book, I was surprised that I was unable to locate a hearty review on School Library Journal or Booklist.)
Connections:
Use the book to talk to young women about relationships
Literature Connection: Use the book to open up conversation about perspective and point of view
Speak to students about cyber safety after reading
Use specific poems to study organization and layout of poems (Deleted, Bit by Bit, I Check My E-Mail)
Use the novel in a mother-daughter book club or teen book club
Use in a unit study about writing your own poetry about everyday life
Talk about challenged and/or banned books
Other books by Sonya Sones: Stop Pretending, Sixteen, Love & Sex, Nexessary Noise
Sources:
Sonya Sones. "My Books for Teens." Accessed March 1, 2012. http://www.sonyasones.com/books/books.html.
TeenReads.com. "Review: What My Mother Doesn't Know." Last modified October 1, 2001. http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/what-my-mother-doesnt-know.
Sones, Sonya. (2001). What My Mother Doesn't Know. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689841140.
Summary:
The book is written from the perspective of Sophie, a young girl in high school. The novel in verse follows Sophie as she dates different boys and finds happiness in an unexpected mate. The author walks you through some trials and errors Sophie encounters, including a cyber-romance and an exciting new relationship turned sour. Her two friends and their lives are discussed in this diary-type novel, along with Sohpie's relationship with her mother. In the end, Sohpie falls for her "masked man" - an unlikely partner - where she finds happiness (for now at least).
Critical Analysis:
This book was a very interesting read. As my first experience with novel in verse, I was very surprised with how well the book's plot flowed. The book is written from Sophie's perspective, and would be very easy for high school girls to relate to. One thing to note is the lack of a male's point of view in this story. High school males may not find this book interesting.
The book has a nice plot and teaches about growing and accepting yourself and others. I can remember struggling to accept myself as an adolescent, and I see other young girls going through the same thing. Sophie's character does a wonderful job of demonstrating growth and acceptance in What My Mother Doesn't Know. She learns to overcome her own insecurities and the end of the novel hints that she will be very happy in her new state of mind.
The book is very controversial and has been challenged in many ways. I can understand why this is so, as some of the subject matter in the novel is questionable. However, I feel strongly that it is important for young girls to understand and be knowledgeable about dealing with the opposite (or same) sex in terms of relationships and friendships. This versed novel does a fine job of bringing to light issues that today's teens deal with in everyday life. Perhaps this is a great novel for parents of teen girls to read as well!
Awards:
ALA Best Book for Young Adults 2002
ALA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers 2002
Top Ten Editor's Choice by Teenreads.com 2001
ALA Top 100 Most Banned Books of the Decade 2000-2010
ALA Top Ten Most Challenged Books 2004 & 2005
See all awards at www.sonyasones.com/books/whatmymother/honors.html
Review excerpt from TeenReads: "Sones's lovely poems are so good that I'd say she must be a poet first and a storyteller second -- except that her story is also that good!" (Note: For the controversy that goes along with this book, I was surprised that I was unable to locate a hearty review on School Library Journal or Booklist.)
Connections:
Use the book to talk to young women about relationships
Literature Connection: Use the book to open up conversation about perspective and point of view
Speak to students about cyber safety after reading
Use specific poems to study organization and layout of poems (Deleted, Bit by Bit, I Check My E-Mail)
Use the novel in a mother-daughter book club or teen book club
Use in a unit study about writing your own poetry about everyday life
Talk about challenged and/or banned books
Other books by Sonya Sones: Stop Pretending, Sixteen, Love & Sex, Nexessary Noise
Sources:
Sonya Sones. "My Books for Teens." Accessed March 1, 2012. http://www.sonyasones.com/books/books.html.
TeenReads.com. "Review: What My Mother Doesn't Know." Last modified October 1, 2001. http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/what-my-mother-doesnt-know.
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