Bartoletti, S. (2005). Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler’s shadow. New York:
Scholastic Nonfiction.
Summary: Susan Bartoletti chronicles the inception of the
Hitler Youth in Germany at the height of Hitler’s reign. The book details the beginning of the group
and the reasons behind it. Bartoletti
describes the seduction from Hitler onto the youth of Germany who looked for
excitement and definance against parents.
Hitler gave the youth something to fight for instead of sitting back and
not being part of the war. The book is
full of details and leads the reader to seek more information about the era
regarding Germany and Hitler’s reign.
The book’s information can be verified and it lends itself to those
seeking further investigation.
Historical Fiction Review: Characters
Most historical fiction novels focus on known
heroes. In Hitler Youth, Bartoletti describes the lives of young adults under
the control of Hitler’s Regime. Germany’s
youth was divided amongst those who believed in the dictatorship and those who
opposed it.
Similar Readings: The
voice that challenged a nation: Marian
Anderson and the struggle for equal rights by Russel Freedman
The
great fire by Jim Murphy
Secrets
of a Civil War submarine: Solving the mysteries of the H.L. Hunley by
Sally M. Walker
*******************************************************************************
Informational Books/Evaluative Criteria: Accuracy
Contemporary Realistic Fiction/Evaluative
Criteria: Plot & Theme
Contemporary Realistic Fiction Evaluative
Criteria: Style
*******************************************************************************
Bishop, N. (2007). Spiders. New York:
Scholastic Nonfiction.
Summary: Author Nic Bishop
drives home the point that spiders happen to be very scary looking by viewing
the cover page. Children, however, do
not fear the same things that adults do.
The book sparks curiosity in children with the various pictures and the
details of spiders in each page. The
pages burst out with enhanced pictures of spiders with valuable information
about the spiders featured on the same page.
Informational Text/Evaluative Criteria: Design
A book’s design is evaluated by its appearance. Will the reader find the content interesting
and inviting? The reader is engaged by
the magnificent pictures detailing the subject matter.
Similar Readings:
The tarantula scientist by Sy
Montgoner
Actual
size
by Steve Jenkins
Red-eyed
tree frog by Joy Cowley
*********************************************************************
Bragg, G., & Malley, K. (2011). How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous. New York:
Walker.
Summary: How They Croaked is a book for young
adults who wish to learn about famous people and how they happened to die. Parents may find it difficult to address the
subject with their children, but this book does so with a comical
approach. The author explains how
important people in history have passed away.
The cover illustration is very bright and non threatening to readers
with a “smiling” skeleton. The author promotes critical thinking and builds on
prior knowledge regarding the people in the book and the manner of their
deaths. The author organizes the book historically starting with King Tut and
ending with Albert Einstein. Georgia
Bragg provides a time frame connecting the people in the book and their times
of death. With a minimal amount of
pages, Bragg chronicles the person’s life and death. She also provides a time line connecting all
the people included in the book. At the
end of each entry, Bragg includes two pages stating facts about the person and
the cause of death. Each chapter
includes an illustrated picture of the person and illustrations about the cause
of death. An extensive page of sources
is provided at the end of the book and also includes a reading list for those
interested in pursuing more investigation.
Verifying a book’s accuracy is vital and mostly noted
with the sources cited and its bibliographies. This book accurately provides
dates and causes of death of its departed entries. There is an additional reading list as well as
a complete list of sources.
Similar Readings: Flesh
and blood so cheap: The triangle fire
and its legacy by Albert Marrin
Zombie
makers: True stories of nature’s undead
by Rebecca L. Johnson
I
feel better with a frog in my throat:
History’s strangest cures by Carlyn Beccia
*********************************************************************
Brown, P. (2014). My teacher is a monster! London: Macmillan Children’s Books, a division of
Macmillan Limited.
Summary: Some students are
actually shocked when they see a teacher at a store or sporting event. They truly believe that teachers live at the
school. In the children’s book, My Teacher is a Monster, the main
character, Bobby, thinks that his teacher is a terrible monster. After trying to escape from an actual monster
in the park, Bobby finds Mrs. Kirby, his own personal monster/teacher. He begins to put together that she is only a
monster while in school. The use of
color allows the reader to see the exaggeration of Bobby’s imagination.
Picture Books/Evaluative Criteria: Setting
A major component of a picture book and what makes it
inviting to young readers is the setting.
The school setting in the book is relatable to young readers and seeing
the teacher in an outside setting is mind blowing for some children.
Similar Readings: Buddy
and the bunnies: In don’t play with your
food by Bob Shea
The
adventures of Beekle: The unimaginary friend
by Dan Santant
The
invisible boy by Trudey Ludwig
********************************************************************
Cleary, B., & Zelinsky, P. (1983). Dear
Mr. Henshaw. New York: Morrow.
Summary:
The
theme and premise of the story sees the struggles of a young boy dealing with
real world issues such as divorce and isolation. The reader can recognize him or herself in
the underlying theme that’s developed throughout the coming of age story. Leigh Botts must face the upcoming challenges
and finds an outlet by writing to an author and eventually writing a diary to
keep his thoughts clear. The story
sparks the reader’s curiosity and anxiously await what comes next.
Young readers will be able to put themselves in
similar situations in this story. The
story revolves around a young boy who desperately tries to understand his
parent’s divorce and his father’s absenteeism.
In addition, our young Leigh must find a way to find his place and role
in his life.
Similar Readings: .
. . And now Miguel by Joseph Krumgold
Dorby by
Monica Shannon
Waterless
mountain by Laura Adams Armer
********************************************************************
Fantasy Books/ Evaluative Criteria: Theme & Plot
********************************************************************
Collins, S. (2004). Gregor
the overlander. New York: Scholastic.
Summary: The plot of Gregor the Overlander begins with
Gregor having to care for his two year old sister, Boots. Gregor forgoes summer camp in order to care
for Boots and an everyday event, such as laundry, draws a blurred line between
reality and fantasy. Gregor and Boots
get transported through a dark shaft leading to the Underland. Our hero is
young and inexperienced and is guided through the Underland by a mentor in
order to save his father. The story chronicles the hero’s journey into a
fantastical setting where he is faced with many quests and tasks.
The theme emphasized in Gregor the Overlander
is that love is greater than any power, even that of fantasy. The protagonist, Gregor, is faced with a
decision to head into the Underland to search for his father whom has been
missing for over two years. Gregor must
take on the role of a great warrior as predicted in an ancient prophecy. Although Gregor is not fully convinced, he
entertains the idea of the prophecy in order to find his father, therefore
proving that his search is out of love and not that of seeking power or
greatness.
Similar Readings: The
true blue Scotts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt
The
true meaning of smekday by Adam Rex
The
cabinet of wonders by Marie Rutkoski
********************************************************************
Creech, S. (2001). Love
that dog. New York: Harpercollins.
Summary: In
examining works by Sharon Creech, we see stories such as Love that Dog which is a book written in the form of a diary by its
main character, Jack. The character is a
young boy who makes no secret of his displeasure for poetry. His teacher, Miss Stretchberry, tries to have
Jack appreciate the free verse writing of poetry via different class
assignments.
Contemporary Realistic Fiction/Evaluative
Criteria: Plot & Theme
Readers may relate to Jack and his reluctance to
poetry. Just like Jack, readers will be
able to see that not all poetry is a sappy love poem for someone, but rather
someone or something that you love, such as a family pet. Readers can relate to Jack and his love for
his beloved dog who has passed away.
Similar Readings: Locomotion
by Jacqueline Woodson
GUYKU:
A year of Haiku for boys by Bob Raczka
Words
with wings by Nikki Grimes
*********************************************************************
*********************************************************************
Curtis, C. (1995). The
Watsons go to Birmingham-1963. New York: Delacorte Press.
Summary: The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963 is a
story told by its narrator, Kenny Watson.
Kenny describes the members of his family and a typical, yet mundane,
existence in Flint, Michigan. Curtis
allows Kenny to connect with the reader by describing typical attributes in his
family members including his father, Daniel, his mother Wilona, and his
siblings Byron and Joetta. The biggest
catalyst in the story is the cold weather.
That’s until we begin to learn about Byron’s behavior and how the family
wants to send him to live with his grandmother is Birmingham, Alabama.
Historical Fiction Review/Evaluative Criteria: Setting
Once the Watsons arrive in Birmingham in 1963, they
are engulfed by the story’s recreation of history as evident during segregation
and the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement.
The reader gets to know the family and the many trials and tribulations
that existed during that time with the Birmingham church bombings. The reader unknowingly gets to see the
history that shaped the Civil Rights Movement and the historical figures are
detailed and explained by the author.
Similar Readings: Yoland’s
genius by Carol Fenner
Our
only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm
One
crazy summer by Rita Williams Garcia
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
Deedy,
C. A. (2007). Martina the beautiful cockroach. Altanta, GA:
Peachtree.
Summary: In
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach, the author uses the Spanish language
throughout the story to establish the overall composition of the story. It brings together the understanding of
traditions, cultural elements, setting, plot, character, etc. It encompasses the elements to tell the story
of a young cockroach who must agree to a marriage to continue the Latin
tradition. The illustrations also help bring the Latin culture into the story
by providing a glimpse of foods and tradition.
Picture
Books/Evaluative Criteria: Style
The style of the book is detailed in the use of
language and illustrations. The author
and illustrator carefully incorporate traditions seen in this particular
culture. The reader is able to see and
hear about details regarding the Latin culture.
Similar Readings: Gracias/Thanks
by Pat Mora
Just a minute! by Yuyi Morales
My abuelita by Tony Johnston
*********************************************************************
dePaola,
T. (1983). The legend of the bluebonnet. NY:
Putnam.
Summary: The Legend of the Bluebonnet tells the story of
how bluebonnets came to be in the Texas hills.
The story begins with an Indian tribe dealing with a horrific drought
and a young girl who ultimately makes a sacrifice by giving her beloved doll in
order to help her people. The young girl proves that we are willing to give up
what we love in order to save our family.
The author and illustrator convey the many legends and traditions
associated with Indian tribes and how they relate to nature and ways of life in
everyday situations.
Picture
Books/Visual Elements of Art: Lines
Picture books often times must have a clear and
defined line that separates what is seen and what the author wants us to
see. In The legend of the bluebonnet,
the illustrator is charged with the task of identifying land that is fruitless
and rolling lines that bring hills to life and is filled with bluebonnets.
Similar Readings: The quilt story by Tony Johnston
The talking eggs by Robert D. San Souci
The story of the jumping mouse by John Steptoe
****************************************************************
Draper, S.
(2010). Out of my
mind. NY: Atheneum.
Summary:
The character, Melody Brooks, has
cerebral palsy. She is 11 years old,
uses a wheelchair, can’t speak, but has a photographic memory. She comes to realize that she is not so
different from her classmates despite her limitations. Melody becomes self-sufficient with the help
of her neighbor, Mrs. V. We see a
plethora of emotions and thoughts run through Melody, such as shame, guilt,
jealousy, and helplessness. She starts
to believe that anything is possible when she helps her team win trivia
competitions. Melody’s emotions and
thoughts guide the reader into a young girl’s mind that is very similar to any
other girl alive.
The style of the
story is reflective of Melody’s point of view.
We get to see her struggles with being unable to communicate or do the
physical activities in comparison with classmates and family members. Melody engages the reader with feelings and
thoughts running through her 11 year old mind.
Much of what Melody is feeling is similar to what children feel when
faced with new challenges.
Similar Readings: Mockingbird
by Kathryn Erskine
Because
of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
The
brilliant fall of Gianna Z by Kate Messner
***************************************************************
Picture
Books/Evaluative Criteria: Characters
***************************************************************
Falconer, I. (2000).
Olivia. NY: Atheneum.
Summary: One the most beloved characters comes to life in
her own series of books. Olivia
chronicles the everyday comings and goings of young Olivia, a little pig with a
huge imagination. Olivia goes to the supermarket and negotiates the number of
books her mother should read to her at bed time. Olivia’s character is fun, inquisitive, and
head strong.
Young
readers can relate to Olivia’s life and is closely linked to young
children. Young readers can escape into
the life of this loveable character and see themselves in similar every day
activities.
Similar Readings: Blackout
by John Rocco
Hot
air: The (mostly) true story of the
first hot air balloon ride by Majorie Priceman
Ella
Sarah gets dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
*******************************************************************
Gaiman, N., & McKean, D. (2008). The
graveyard book. New York: HarperCollins Pub.
Summary: Perhaps the most awkward setting, a graveyard,
sets the tone of the story as Nobody “Bod” Owens calls this his home. Neil
Gaiman, the author of The Graveyard Book, details a frightening
experience as he describes a hauntingly dark and isolated setting. The illustrations depict shadows lurking in
the darkness and sets the mood for the unfolding story of Bod as he arrives at
the graveyard. The author details a
coffin full of cobwebs and dust and paints a picture of secluded, grassy
hills. There is one place that Bod is
not allowed to venture and that’s to the corners of the graveyard which are
full of weeds and eerily abandoned.
Fantasy Books/Evaluative Criteria: Setting & Characters
Most young readers are able to relate to the
protagonist, Nobody “Bod” Owens. He is
described as being inquisitive, curious, and very typical of today’s
youth. Bod develops into a mature and
caring individual which is very likable and the reader may show a growing fondness
for this character. Bod’s character is
often confused and tends to question everything around him. He is dealing with issues that have to do
with life between the living and the dead.
Bod’s parents tend to want to protect their son and may be considered
overbearing at times.
Similar Readings: The
crossover by Kwame Alexander
Savvy by Ingrid Law
Liesl
and Po by Lauren Oliver
***************************************************************
Giovanni, N., & Collier, B. (2005). Rosa. New York:
Henry Holt.
Summary: In his book, Rosa, Nikki Giovanni
explains an important part of Civil Rights history and the fateful bus ride
that Rosa Parks took on that hot day.
The illustrations by Bryan Collier tell the detailed story of what may
have occurred that day on the bus. The
cover depicts the overpowering bus driver as Rosa Parks’ eyes depict peace,
calm, and seemingly unaffected. The book also has foldable flip pages that show
the various people marching towards civil rights for all mankind.
Informational Text/Evaluative Criteria: Style
In the informational book, Rosa, the author tries to
convey the feeling of oppression experienced by its protagonist. The book shows what sparked the Civil Rights
Movement in an easy to read and understand format.
Similar Readings: Moses: When Harriet Tubman led her people to freedom
by Carole Boston Weatherford
Martin’s
big words: The life of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
Dave
the potter: Artist, poet, slave
by Laban Carrick
***************************************************************
Hale, S., & Hale, D. (2008). Rapunzel's revenge. New York, NY:
Bloomsbury.
Summary: Rapunzel’s
Revenge does not deviate from the original story we grew up reading. Rapunzel uses her hair to escape the tower
where she has been imprisoned by Gothel.
As Rapunzel becomes aware that Gothel is not her biological mother, she
acts on desperation to reach her natural mother and bring about revenge against
Gothel. Rapunzel escapes the tower and
meets an unlikely ally named Jack.
Together, they tackle and overcome obstacles in their travels as
Rapunzel searches for her mother.
Fantasy Books/Evaluative Criteria: Theme & Plot
The overall theme expressed in Rapunzel’s story
is that love drives us to make choices.
In Rapunzel’s Revenge, Rapunzel must try to find her way back to
her natural mother after realizing that Gothel has taken her and locked her up
in the tower. Rapunzel’s feelings range
from sadness and deception to hope and desperation as she tries to escape using
her own hair. Rapunzel is left to
conjure up a plan that will not only take her to her real mother, but to take
revenge on the woman who took her, Gothel.
Similar Readings:
Zita the spacegirl by Ben
Hatke
How
Mirka met a meteorite by Barry Deutch
The
courageous princess by Rod Espinosa
****************************************************************
Harris, R. (1999).
It’s so amazing. Boston,
MA: Candlewick Press.
Summary: It’s So Amazing is a book that
explains how babies come to be. The
style of the book lends itself to be enjoyable and easy to read and
follow. The book begins with two birds
having a simple conversations. The book
is broken down into chapters that leads the reader to the information they are
seeking.
Informational Books/Evaluative Criteria: Style
The
book has a comedic style that makes it reader friendly and enjoyable to follow
along. The illustrator uses different font to differentiate from the
conversation between the birds and the informational text. The informational text is in a more formal
font.
Similar Readings: Heather
has two mommies by Leslea Newman
What’s
happening to my body? Book for girls; a growing up guide for parents and daughters
by Lynda Madaras
Where
did I come from? by Peter Mayle
*******************************************************************
Holm, J. (2014). Comics Squad: Recess! NY:
Random House Books.
Summary:
Recess has long been regarded as the best time in the school day. Students are able to let their imaginations
run wild as they play with classmates.
There are various characters in Comics Squad, but one in
particular can engulf the reader in their story. Readers can relate to Baby Mouse as she looks
forward to recess all week and is unable to partake due to unforeseen
circumstances. When the time finally
comes where Baby Mouse can go out and play, it begins to rain putting a damper
on her plans.
Fantasy Books/Evaluative Criteria: Characters & Setting
Every story in Comics Squad revolves
around recess. Some stories such as “The
Super Secret Ninja Club,” take place during recess while others like “Book’em
Dog Man,” revolve around a time when there is endless recess and absolutely no
learning is taking place. The various
authors tell stories in various styles, but they each center around a common
denominator, recess.
Similar Readings: Lunch lady and the video game villain
by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
The dumbest idea ever! by Jimmy Gownley
Bird and squirrel on the run by James Birks
**************************************************************
Klassen,
J. (2012). This is not my hat. Boston, MA:
Candlewick.
Summary: In the book, This is Not My Hat, the main
character explains that he has taken a much bigger hat that belongs to another
fish. In the beginning, the author and
illustrator convey the use of color to show the size of the fish and the size
of the hat. The reader is able to relate to the size of the hat and is able to
visualize and perhaps feel what it would be like to have someone else’s
hat. As the fish hides amongst the
weeds, we are able to remember the feel and texture of weeds. It is in the end that we can see and feel how
happy the bigger fish is to get his hat back.
Fantasy Books/Evaluative
Criteria: Plot
The plot of picture books should be simple and have at
least one area of conflict. In This is Not My Hat, the plot is very
simple and easy to follow as it depicts one fish taking another’s hat and the
story revolves around finding the rightful hat.
The illustrations tell the story as much as the written text so it is
very easy for young readers to follow along and enjoy.
Similar
Readings: Bear has a story to tell by
Philip C. Stead
Sleep like a tiger by Mary Logue
One cool friend by Toni Buzzeo
***************************************************************
Landy, D. (2007). Skulduggery
Pleasant. New York: HarperCollins.
Summary: The main theme seen in Skulduggery Pleasant is
that of good versus evil. When Stephanie’s
uncle, Gordon Edgley, dies, everyone believes he died of natural causes. However, his good friend, the skeleton detective
Skulduggery Pleasant, thinks he has been murdered. Together with Stephanie, Skulduggery Pleasant
sets out to destroy the evil Nefarian Serpine who happens to be their main
suspect in the murder. They set out to
stop him before he gains the upper hand and brings back the Faceless Ones.
Fantasy Books/Evaluative Criteria: Theme & Style
Derek Landy, the author of Skuldruggery
Pleasant, introduces the reader to a dark, sarcastic, and pleasant
character. We often see Skuldruggery
Pleasant take on a comical role as he uses sarcasm in order to communicate when
situations become sticky and unpleasant.
His sarcastic tone is seen throughout the story. This tone is indicative of today’s youth and
often times seen in movies and television shows. This tone is relatable and makes the reader
want more of this character.
Similar Readings: Alex
and the ironic gentleman by Adrienne Kress
The new policeman by Kate Thompson
The
black book of secrets by F.E. Higgins
*****************************************************************
Contemporary Realistic Fiction: Evaluative Criteria: Theme & Style
P icture Books/Evaluative Criteria: Theme
Contemporary Realistic Fiction/Evaluative
Criteria: Style & Plot
Contemporary
Realistic Fiction/Evaluative Criteria: Gender
and Culture
Picture Books/Evaluative Criteria: Theme
Lord, C. (2008). Rules.
NY: Scholastic.
Summary:
The plot in Catherine’s story begins
to unfold and the reader goes along for the ride. Catherine’s plight is relatable to real life
as she struggles to find a balance in dealing with her family, her brother in
particular. There are plot lines that
evoke reaction from the reader, whether they’re good or bad. We know the cause of Catherine’s frustration
and see the effects of that frustration throughout the story.
The theme of Rules is a contemporary realistic
fiction story about a young girl, Catherine, dealing with her role in her
family. Catherine often has to deal with
her younger brother, David who happens to be autistic. Catherine decides to set up some rules for
David to help him determine what is and isn’t acceptable behavior in
society. Throughout the book, Catherine
encounters situations that confuse her as to what is proper behavior. We see various dynamics in how families
function and different ideas in raising families.
Similar Readings: Penny
from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm
Anything but typical by Nora Raleigh
Baskin
Heart
of a Samurai by Margi Preus
***************************************************************
McDonnell, P. (2011). Me. . .Jane. NY: Little, Brown Books.
Summary: The illustrations in Me. . . Jane are the
focus of the book. The illustrator uses
warm colors to project a dream like quality in telling the story of Jane
Goodall’s and her love of chimpanzees.
The photograph of Jane interacting with a small chimp at the end of the
book shows the realization of this dream.
Informational Books/Evaluative Criteria: Design
The
font does not overpower the beautiful illustrations which is what children
would probably look at first. The book
is beautifully drawn and makes the subject matter easy to follow.
Similar Readings: The
watcher: Jane Goodall’s life with the chimps
by Jeanette Winter
Here
comes the garbage barge! by Jonah Winter
Grandpa
Green by Lane Smith
*******************************************************************
Munsch,
R. (1992). The
paper
bag princess. Canada: Annick Press.
Summary: Little
girls dream of becoming a princess and are automatically drawn to any book with
the word princess in the title. Just like any fairy tale, the reader expects
the book The Paper Bag Princess to end with a happily ever after
theme. The story’s plot generates the
idea that it is better to be alone than with someone who does not appreciate
you for who you are. The reader is
engulfed by what is to come as the plot thickens with curiosity.
The
paper bag princess teaches young readers that it is better
to be happy alone than miserable with someone who does not appreciate you. This is an important lesson to teach young
readers.
Similar Readings: Princess
Smartypants by Barbette Cole
The
Princess knight by Cornelia Funke
The
Princess and the pig by Jonathan Emmett
****************************************************************
Nelson, K. (2008).
We are the ship. NY:
Hyperion.
Summary: Kadir Nelson explains a very important
organization in America’s past time, the Negro Baseball League. Upon opening the book, there is a forward by
Hank Aaron, good old number 44, exemplifying the importance of going to the
experts when detailing historical information.
The beautiful illustrations also help make the information clear and
easy to follow. The illustrations help
put a face to each person and help bring to life the time and places during
this era. In the Author’s Note, Nelson
states how he “learned so much about Negro Leagues and American history by the
first-hand accounts of former players”.
This type of information is valuable to help readers understand that
this is not only in books, but these events truly happened in history.
Informational/Historical
Books Evaluative Criteria: Accuracy
Being able to obtain input from the experts in their
fields is what makes a book accurate.
The author, Kadir Nelson, takes into account the history of the Negro
Baseball League by including former players and including a foreword by Hank
Aaron.
Similar Readings: Bad
news for outlaws: The remarkable life of
Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Almost
astronauts: 13 women who dared to dream by Tanya Lee Stone
Sit-in: How four friends stood up by sitting down
by Andrea Davis Pinkey
*******************************************************************
Ottaviani, J., &
Wicks, M. (2013). Primates:
The fearless science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdiaks. First Second.
Summary: The book Primates by J. Ottaviani and M.
Wicks tells the different stories of
three distinct women, Jane Goodall, Dian
Fossey, and Birute Galdikas. The book
chronicles their love of different primates and details their investigations.
The book is organized in a comic book style, which makes it easy to follow as
it explains how these women became involved in the investigation of
primates. All three stories are told in
logical sequence. The illustrations help
explain what each woman went through when observing the primates.
Informational Books/Evaluative Criteria: Organization
Primates
chronicles the interests of three separate women. The organization of the book was essential to
tell the three different stories. The
three different stories are told in order and explain how each woman became
interested in the field of primates.
These three remarkable women showed great courage to follow their dreams
and achieve greatness within the field.
Similar Readings: The
great American dust bowl by Don Brown
Annie
Sullivan and the trials of Helen Keller by Joseph Lambert
Miss
Moore thought otherwise: How Anne Carrol
Moore created libraries for children by Jan Pinborough
********************************************************************
Pastis, S. (2010).
Timmy failure. NY: Candlewick Press.
Summary:
The main character, Timmy, is the
founder of Total Failure, Inc. He is a
true anti-hero. He is unreliable because
he tells his own story. The character
demonstrates a great deal of wit, arrogance, naiveté, and originality. What is painfully obvious to the reader, is
that we embrace the character’s flaws because he is a child doing childlike
behaviors. His imaginary pet speaks
volumes to those of us who had an imaginary friend growing up.
The style of the story is broken
down by Timmy’s view of himself. He is
truly at odds with reality. There is
humorous narration throughout including obvious answers to the reader, but
oblivious to Timmy. Timmy’s arrogance
comes through and the audience either embraces the character’s flaws or takes
them at face value. In retrospect, the
story is told from a child’s point of view and is entertaining and not to be
taken seriously.
Similar Readings:
The terrible two by Mac
Barnett
The
surprise attack of Jabba the Puppet by Tom Angleberger
Star
Wars: Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown
********************************************************************
Paterson, K. (1972).
Bridge to Terabithia. NY: Crown.
Summary:
Jess Aarons is one of the main
characters in the story and it is his life that takes on the major plot. It is a true to life coming of age story that
has twists and turns and chronicles the life and times of a young boy plagued
with poverty and insecurities. It is
with the introduction of Leslie that we see the beginning of an imaginary world
filled with peace and security. The
children in the story have their ups and downs filled with tragedy and a
gripping plot that keeps the reader engaged.
Contemporary Realistic Fiction/ Evaluative
Criteria: Setting
The setting includes
a rope swing, a creek, a patch of forest, and a grove. Real and exciting imagination that transforms
the creek and forest into a court fit for a king and queen. The most important element introduced is the
bridge itself. It manifests itself to link
his reality with the imaginary world he created with Leslie that exemplified
adventure and peace in an otherwise bleak and sad existence.
Similar Readings: Roller
skates by Ruth Sawyer
Shadow
of a bull by Maia Wojciechowska
The
whipping boy by Sid Fleishchman
*****************************************************************
Schlitz, L., & Byrd, R. (2007). Good masters! Sweet Ladies! : Voices from a medieval village. Cambridge,
Mass.: Candlewick Press.
Summary: In the
story, Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!,
the author, Laura Amy Schiltz, describes life in the Medieval Ages through the
deliverance of various characters and meaningful monologues which paint a
visual picture of life during those times.
Each chapter is broken down into character and story development and
uses the chapters to describe the character’s social status, roles and duties,
as well as the perseverance each character shows during this time in
history. The book cleverly builds on
itself as each character’s story is told and effortlessly builds on itself as
it goes into another chapter, or better yet, character.
Historical Fiction Review: Characters
Schiltz succeeds in identifying character’s needs,
feelings, and wants and can relate those to today’s younger readers. The blacksmith’s daughter, Taggot, is going
through what many girls her age go through in everyday life. She finds a boy she likes, but doubts herself
and the way she feels about her looks.
Young male readers can identify with Pask’s feelings of seeking
independence and a desire for a better way of life. The author uses clever word play to transport
the reader to that time and era sneaking in some history lessons without the
reader being bombarded with them.
Similar Readings: Shen
of the sea: Chinese stories for children by Arthur Bowie Chrisman
Tales
from Silver Lands by Charles J. Finger
Daniel
Boone by James Daugherty
********************************************************************
Selznick, B. (2011). Wonderstruck: A novel in words and pictures. New York: Scholastic.
Summary: Brian
Selznick’s Wonderstruck is a
wonderfully adapted book for students in fourth grade and higher. The book is
designed to tell a story in two different perspectives, illustrations and
print. Both come together in the end to
connect into one story. The story of Ben
is compelling in the sense that it is a coming of age story filled with
questions and confusion. Ben now has to
deal with losing his mother in a tragic car accident and is coming across more
questions than answers. As Ben sifts
through his mother’s personal things, he discovers a letter written by his
father. Ben, who has been struck by
lightning, is determined to locate his father in New York. Unfortunately, Ben does not find what he is
looking for but instead is lucky enough to find his grandmother who is able to
tell his father’s story.
Contemporary Realistic Fiction/ Evaluative
Criteria: Style
What is appealing about Wonderstruck is that the
illustrations tell one story while the novel tells another. The book’s illustrations are vibrant and grab
the reader’s attention. As the book
progresses, the reader will begin to see the connection between illustrations
and text.
Similar Readings: Around
the world by Matt Phelan
The
trouble with May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm
Liar
and spy by Rebecca Stead
********************************************************************
Sendak, M. (1963).
Where the Wild Things Are.
NY: HarperCollins.
Summary: There are few occasions when a child’s
imagination has no bounds. One of those
times is during bed time reading. In
Maurice Sendak’s, Where the Wild Things Are, Max dreams up his own group
of “wild things” in a forest located inside his bedroom.
Picture Books/Visual Elements of Art: Setting
Even
though the illustrations in the book are not done in 3-D or use computer
graphics, the quality of the illustrations are vivid enough that they
immediately transport the reader into the setting. Just like the protagonist, Max conquers his
wild things, the characters win over the reader. The illustrator’s use of color and texture
allow the reader to become part of the setting and involves us in every
facet.
Similar Readings: Make
way for ducklings by Robert McCloskey
The
very hungry caterpillar by Eric Carle
King
Bidgood’s in the bathtub by Audrey Wood
*******************************************************************
Singer, M. (2010).
Mirror, Mirror. NY:
Dutton.
Summary: Most children have become familiarized with
fairy tales, whether they are read or seen in movies. In the book, Mirror Mirror, the author allows
the reader to see two distinct points of view by having a clear cut line
between two perspectives. The book retells Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast,
and the Ugly Duckling, for example. Each
page is cut directly down the middle with a line to distinguish between one
point of view to another. The line allows
the reader to see a change in mood and perspective. The line divides good and evil, light and
dark, and whimsical and terrifying, just to name a few.
Picture Books/Visual Elements of Art: Composition
In the book, Mirror,
Mirror, the author uses all the visual elements including line, shape,
color, and texture. The illustrator
cleverly uses a horizontal line to distinguish one point of view from another. Singer uses color to show a change in mood
and the texture is seen through the different illustrations.
Similar Readings: Dark
emperor and other poems of night by Joyce Sidman
Won-Ton: A cat tale told in Haiku
by Lee Wardlaw
Poetrees by
Douglas Florian
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Smith,
L. (2011). It’s a Book. NY: Roaring Brook.
Summary: Shapes help develop motion. In the book, It’s a Book by Lane
Smith, the author uses the shape of a circle to show the changing time. In the pages, the circles remain in the same
spot and only the hands on the clock move throughout the story. In the development of the story, the
character’s expressions are a focus as the shapes change and become part of the
story.
Picture Books/ Visual Elements of Art: Shape
In the picture book, It’s a book, the author Lee Smith uses simple circles to show how
time changes. The character’s
expressions are a focus and the shapes become part of the story.
Similar Readings: Dog
loves book by Louise Yates
Naked
mole rat gets dressed by Mo Willems
The
boss baby by Marla Frazee
*****************************************************************
Sweet, M. (2011).
Balloons over Broadway: The
true story of the puppeteer of Macy’s parade.
NY: Houghton.
Summary: Melissa Sweet’s children’s book, Balloons over
Broadway, gives us a glimpse at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the
man behind the magical, floating balloons.
The book details how Tony Sarg began his career as a balloon maker
inspired by the idea of marionettes. The
book is child friendly and logically details the events that led to the New
York parade held every year. Although
children will not immediately recognize Tony Sarg, they will be able to follow
the story with the many illustrations and explanations. The book is detailed
with cartoons illustrating Sarg’s childhood.
Informational Books/Evaluative Criteria: Organization
The
book chronicles the materials and textures used to make his inventive balloons
and the author and illustrator use child friendly drawings and colors that are
pleasing to the eye. The end pages are
used to include Author’s Note, A few words about the Art, a Thank You section, Bibliography, and Sources making this a complete
nonfiction book.
Similar Readings: Looking
at Lincoln by Maira Kalman
Barnum’s
bones: How Barnum Brown discovered the most famous dinosaur in the world
by Tracey E. Fern
Mini
Mia and her darling uncle by Pija Lindenbaum
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Urban, L. (2009). A crooked kind
of perfect. NY:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Summary:
The setting is particularly
interesting because it’s a modern time with very modern problems. We see the development
of Zoe’s home life by the very mundane house hold and every day monotony of
school. Zoe’s artistic outlet is brought
about by her lessons and the Perform-O-Rama.
We also see her father’s fear of the outside world and how his
agoraphobia plays into the house hold and Zoe’s life.
In viewing the
gender and culture of the story, we are introduced to a very modern way of life
with Zoe’s mother being the one consumed by work and often times, neglectful of
Zoe and her musical passion. We see Zoe’s
father dealing with a real life anxiety that doesn’t allow much leeway when it
comes to socializing or leaving the home.
Children now a days can identify with role reversals in the households
as many single parent home are prevalent.
Similar Readings: Emma
Jean Lazarus fell out of a tree by Lauren Tarshis
The
Aurora County All-Stars by Deborah Wiles
How to steal a dog by Barbara O’Connor
********************************************************************
Wiesner, D. (2001).
The Three Pigs. NY: Clarion.
Summary: The Three Pigs by David Wiesner, starts
with the classic idea of the three little pigs story. It even consists of a
wolf blowing down the straw house and moving on to the other houses built by
the pigs. The pigs explore different
nursery rhymes and end up at a castle to save a dragon.
The
theme of the story is not pushed on the reader, but is subtle and allows the
reader to come up with their own conclusion.
Some would argue that the theme is that together, anything can be
accomplished.
Similar
Readings: My friend rabbit by Eric Rohmann
The hello, goodbye window by Norton Juster
Smoky night by Eve Buntling
