Book Review – Babymouse: The Musical

Book Review – Babymouse:  The Musical

           (Image obtained from the Dallas Public Library website:  http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/)

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

               Holm, Jennifer L., & Holm, Matthew.  2009.  BABYMOUSE:  THE MUSICAL.  New York:   

               Random House Children’s Books.  ISBN 9780375843884

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Babymouse has big dreams.  Lately, she has been daydreaming about fame.  The new school musical is coming up, and she begins to obsess about it.  When the new kid from England, Henry Higgins, showed charm and kindness by calling her “brilliant,” Babymouse gained enough courage to try out for the lead part in the musical.  There was only one problem; she was up against the ferocious feline Felicia Furrypaws.  She lost.  At least she was selected as Felicia’s understudy.  But, was this consolation prize enough to fulfill Babymouse’s longtime dream?  Would she ever get a chance to be seen on stage and gain adoring fans?  Even if she did get in the spotlight, would this accident-prone ambitious mouse be able to avoid disaster?  Not likely.  Find out the details on how Babymouse “brings down the house” in this fun-filled parody of memorable musicals we have grown to love over the years. 

          3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The dynamic sibling duo, Jennifer and Matthew Holm, collaborate in an awesomely funny take of musicals and music inspired television shows that have a familiar ring in modern pop culture.  Although some of the performances mentioned are a little dated for the average middle grader of today’s times, some of the older things referenced are often parodied in current shows seen by tweens and teens.   A nod was given to the oldies but goodies like Grease, Fame, and Annie.  Shows that are more contemporary were also adapted, like American Idol (Babymouse Idol) and High School Musical (Elementary School Musical). 

Set mainly at school, Babymouse’s wondering mind occurs at her locker, while she is in the auditorium and even during homeroom class.  Her thoughts warp in and out of reality to her being the star in the musicals mentioned above.  She even took a deep dark trip with “The Phantom of the Locker.”  Jennifer Holm creatively includes details in Babymouse’s “script” that are a delightful homage along with teachable moments.  The no-name Narrator, who humorously interacts with Babymouse through unwanted dialogue and advice, even explicitly states that “foreshadowing” occurred.   Other characters like Henry Higgins (the new Hedgehog kid from England), Felicia Furrypaws (the school cat bully), the Hippo Homeroom Teacher, musical Director Miss Birdstein (bird), and many other animal species provide a multicultural cast that is just as diverse as the many faces we see in today’s school culture. 

Do not assume that Jennifer’s quips and cleverly climatic storyline take the cake in this tale.  Her brother adds his expertise as a graphic designer in creating an easy to follow format.  Readers of any age can appreciate the thought boxes, callouts, music notes, hearts, and other whimsical shapes that make up the design in this story.  All of this is accomplished with the utilization of comic-book-like frames sketched in black-and-white, with a splash of signature Babymouse pink in the background.  Matthew Holm’s work in regards to color scheme exemplifies the phrase “less is more.” 

There is so much more that could be said about the tactful teamwork displayed by the Holm’s.  Readers of many ages will enjoy the lesson of irony that can be gleaned from the theme, even though the story ends not so happily-ever-after.    Although just a fantasy, the personified characters add depth and realism in the respect that many will be able to identify with having high aspirations.  This is one book that will have audiences bidding for an “encore.”

        4.   REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

       BOOKLIST:  “The brother-sister creative team hits the mark with humor, sweetness, and characters so genuine they can pass for real kids.”

       SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Babymouse is spunky, ambitious…”        

       KIRKUS:  “Emergent readers will cheer ‘Babymouse!’”

      

       5.     CONNECTIONS

• A few of the musicals mentioned are older and would need adult guidance to make connections.  Video clips of the works could be shown as students discuss characterization with adults that saw the original works, as well as just plain old conversation to foster a love of reading. 
• Have students pair up as Jennifer and Matthew Holm did to create a mini-version of a graphic novel.  Students will collaborate on storyline and basic design to create an original piece.  It will be interesting to see what will be inspired as the old saying “two heads are better than one” is tested. 
• Take the time to check out all the books in the Babymouse Series:

#1 Babymouse: Queen of the World

#2 Babymouse: Our Hero

#3 Babymouse: Beach Babe

#4 Babymouse: Rock Star

#5 Babymouse: Heartbreaker

#6 Babymouse: Camp Babymouse

#7 Babymouse: Skater Girl

#8 Babymouse: Puppy Love

#9 Babymouse: Monster Mash

#10 Babymouse: The Musical

#11 Babymouse: Dragonslayer

#12 Babymouse Burns Rubber

#13 Babymouse: Cupcake Tycoon

• Author and Babymouse websites:

http://www.jenniferholm.com

http://www.matthewholm.net/

http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/babymouse/

Other resources used:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.ala.org

http://www.jenniferholm.com/index.html

http://www.kirkusreviews.com

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/

http://www.lancastertxlib.org/

http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/

This book review was created as an assignment for a course at

Texas Woman’s University.

Book Review – Speak

Book Review – Speak

           (Image obtained from the Dallas Public Library website:  http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/)

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, Laurie Halse.  2009, c1999.  SPEAK.  New York: Farrar Straus Giroux.  ISBN 9780142414736

Anderson, Laurie Halse.  2000.  SPEAK [SOUND RECORDING].  New York: Listening Library.  ISBN 9780739336724

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

As if entering as a freshman in high school isn’t enough pressure alone, Melinda Sordino faces this rite of passage with no friends and plenty of bad memories about a secret.  The friends she used to have rejected her, and people she doesn’t even know hate her for what she did.  But they don’t know the real reason why she called the police.  They don’t know that their good time at the end-of-the-summer party was abruptly interrupted because it marked the most horrific day of her life.  They don’t know because her emotion was shocked and silenced.  They don’t know because she now refuses to speak.  In an award winning and honorable mention novel, Laurie Halse Anderson gives voice to this young lady that was a victim of date rape. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Nostalgia, relief of survival, mystery, and suspense are all ideas that come to mind while experiencing a trip back to high school life in SPEAK.  Anderson’s depiction of how misunderstandings and time change the relationships between friends is right on.  Melinda had to start over by finding an “accessory” friend, Heather, because her old friends from middle school (Ivy, Nicole, and Rachel) didn’t want to hang with her anymore because of the “humiliation” she caused for breaking up the summer party.  The author accurately captured how various cliques in contemporary high school culture (i.e. the jocks, nerds, fashionistas, etc.) can cause a split between friends, also.  To Melinda, it seemed like she had no one to talk to about what happened.  She did not want to relive the disgust that “IT” forced upon her, anyway.  She just wanted to silence her troubles away.  Sadly, this reluctance to seek help from an outside source is probably more prevalent for teens in today’s society, which has adverse effects on mental and emotional health. 

The author included dialogue in which Heather recognizes Melinda is in a phase of depression by her actions.  Gradually becoming withdrawn, instead of making her completely mute, Anderson was able to cleverly and realistically have this scorned character only talk when convenient (and mainly to those she really trusts).  Despite her efforts to get on with her life in her own way, the silence had to be broken eventually when IT (her attacker, Andy Evans) shows his true colors once again. 

Though this is a very serious subject, Anderson manages to provide comic relief by referencing funny events.  These hilarious moments include things such as the nicknames Melinda gave to some of the teachers (Mr. Neck, Hairwoman, Coach Disaster), changing the school mascot name for various reasons for what seemed like about a hundred times (from Trojans, to Devils, to Tigers, to Wombats, to Hornets…), and getting into her “headworld” (where her parents perform hysterical theatrical performances to prompt any type of verbal response from her).  Giving herself a report card which included failing grades in the subjects of “Social Life,” “Clothes,” and “Lunch,” were also funny (not in terms of “ha-ha” funny, but in irony).  There are probably many young adults that can relate. 

Overall, the book was an easy read.  Anderson’s ability to balance the first-person narration and realistic conversational style between characters provide empathy.  Designed to chronicle the entire school year with charming chapter markers referred to as “Marking Periods,” readers can follow what is going on in Melinda’s daily life effortlessly.  The secret was not readily revealed at the beginning, which added to the suspense.  Anderson’s open-door ending has left readers wanting more.  Hopefully, Melinda will “speak” to her creator so we will all be able to follow-up with how the young character further developed.  Although a difficult subject, this book provides a great resource to those affected by sexual assault, or any traumatic event that silences its victims.  The universal theme of “speak out against injustice” should resound in the hearts of readers, young and old. 

3.       REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

MICHAEL L. PRINTZ HONOR BOOK 2000

ALA BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS 2000

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 1999

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST 1999

       PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY:  “…Anderson infuses the narrative with a wit that sustains the heroine through her pain   

       and holds readers' empathy… the book's overall gritty realism and Melinda's hard-won metamorphosis will

      leave readers touched and inspired.”

       SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This is a compelling book, with sharp, crisp writing that draws readers in,

       engulfing them in the story.”        

       KIRKUS:  “The plot is gripping and the characters are powerfully drawn...this a novel that will be hard for readers

       to forget.”

      

4.       CONNECTIONS

·         For a one-stop-shop of related resources, the 10^th Anniversary Edition of SPEAK is a must.  It contains the following bonus material in the afterword:

-    An interview with Anderson that gives a glimpse into her writing style and the writing process.

-    Information regarding the inspiration behind this book and plans for this story’s future.

-    “A Comment About Censorship”

-     A “Discussion Guide” with sample questions.

-    “Sexual Assault Survivor Resources” – statistics and websites

·         This novel was adapted into a movie.  Anderson also describes SPEAK movie-watching tips:

(i.e. “Count how many times Melinda speaks,” “Watch for lines that come from the book,” “Throw popcorn at the TV whenever IT shows up,” “play Spot the Food:  Ho-Hos, Pizza, applesauce…” 

Watch for special commentary by Jessica Sharzer (director) and Anderson at the end of the film.

Sharzer, Jessica.  2005.  SPEAK [VIDEORECORDING]. DVD. LOS ANGELES:  SHOWTIME ENTERTAINMENT.

·         Additional online resources can be viewed at:  http://madwomanintheforest.com/youngadult-speak/

Other resources used:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.ala.org

http://madwomanintheforest.com/youngadult-speak/

http://www.lib.unc.edu/instruct/citations/chicago/ssonline.html

http://www.kirkusreviews.com

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/

http://www.lancastertxlib.org/

http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/

This book review was created as an assignment for a course at

Texas Woman’s University.

Book Review – Joey Pigza Loses Control

Book Review – Joey Pigza Loses Control

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gantos, Jack.  2000.  JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL.  New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.  ISBN 0374399891

Gantos, Jack.  2004.  JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL [SOUND RECORDING].  New York:  Random House/Listening Library.  ISBN 1400086167

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Everything seemed to finally be in complete control for Joey, that is, before he visited his absentee dad for the summer.  This was finally his chance to bond with the father he’s never known.  Of course he loves and appreciates his mom for everything, especially for putting up with his hyperactivity and poor attention span.  But after not having the opportunity to know his dad after the divorce, spending time with him was something Joey longed to do. 

All of Joey’s dreams seemed to be coming true as he was having a good time getting to know his dad at Storybook Land, and while being the star pitcher for his dad’s little league baseball team.  Until one day, Carter (his father), the ex-alcoholic and obsessive compulsive man decided to flush Joey’s ADHD medication patches down the toilet.  Carter was a fast talker, impulsive, and self-centered.  However, he thought he was doing this for Joey’s own good.  He wanted Joey to grow up to be “a real man” solving his own problems, quitting cold turkey, like he supposedly did regarding his alcoholism.  As Joey thought he finally had a handle on his outbursts, his world began to unravel again, on one of the most important days of Carter’s little league coaching career.  What will Joey do?  Find out for yourself as you take a look into the lives of the well-meaning, yet discombobulated family of Joey Pigza.             

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Unfortunately, the reality of divorce, families in conflict, and those that suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at an increase in today’s society.  Award winning children’s book author Jack Gantos has found a way to help others see a small portion of what it is like for a youngster to be involved with all three dilemmas simultaneously. 

Gantos’ comedic writing style in some areas of this piece can put the “fun” in dysfunctional.  Episodes involving his accident-prone dog, Pablo, and very unconventional Grandma – who, by the way, got Joey to buy cigarettes for her using his emergency money, provide laughter in between the seriousness.  Gantos also provides the voice of the characters in the audio-version of this story.  The low raspy tone used while portraying Joey’s Grandma with emphysema, and rapid pace used while playing both Carter and Joey creates an undeniable aura that parallels their characteristics.  Although some of the things they did were humorous in one respect due to outrageousness displayed, many of the challenges that each character face are not to be slighted.  By involving both physical and mental health concerns which the members encountered, the author was able to show a realistic view of how people in similar situations choose to deal, or not deal, with these problems in everyday life.  

The inclusion of Joey’s desire to know his dad, and free time during the summer, are plausible reasons for his mom to even entertain giving his dad a chance to reunite.  His mom wanted him to have opportunities to meet friends.  Time spent playing baseball on his dad’s team was one place she hoped he would connect with others his age.  However, Joey’s main concern was to reconnect with his father.  Along the way, he also realized that he wanted more than anything to be “normal.”  These themes of family relationships and the search for belonging are among many that children of various ages can identify with while growing up.  Readers will come to appreciate Joey’s tenacity and pure heart while overcoming his obstacles. 

4.       REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

NEWBERY HONOR BOOK 2001

ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK 2001

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2000

       KIRKUS:  “A tragic tale in many ways, but a triumph too.”

       PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY:  Starred Review - “Like its predecessor, Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, this high-voltage,

       honest novel mixes humor, pain, fear and courage with deceptive ease.”

       SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Readers will be drawn in immediately to the boy's gripping first-person narrative

       and be pulled pell-mell through episodes that are at once hilarious, harrowing, and ultimately heartening…”        

5.       CONNECTIONS

·      Wondering how this tale all began and what happened afterwards?  Take a look at the prequel and sequels in the Joey Pigza series by Gantos:

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (1998) – ISBN 9780312623555

What Would Joey Pigza Do? (2002) – ISBN 9780374399863

I Am Not Joey Pigza (2007) – ISBN 9780374399412

·      Please visit the author’s website http://www.jackgantos.com.vhost.zerolag.com/

Students may do an author study while examining author’s purpose and writer’s craft.

·      Other titles with father-son/family relationships and baseball themes:

Green, Tim.  2009. BASEBALL GREAT.  ISBN 9780061626869

Lupica, Mike.  2008.  SAFE AT HOME:  A COMEBACK KIDS NOVEL.  ISBN 9780399247163

Wallace, Rich.  2006.  SOUTHPAW.  ISBN 0670060534

Other resources used:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.ala.org

http://www.jackgantos.com.vhost.zerolag.com/

http://www.kirkusreviews.com

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/

http://www.lancastertxlib.org/

http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/

This book review was created as an assignment for a course at

Texas Woman’s University.

Book Review – The Midwife’s Apprentice

Book Review – The Midwife’s Apprentice

           (Image obtained from the Dallas Public Library website:  http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/)

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushman, Karen.  1995.  THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE.  New York:  Clarion Books.  ISBN 0395692296

Cushman, Karen.  1996.  THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE [SOUND RECORDING].  New York:  Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio : Listening Library.  ISBN 0553477986

      

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

A hungry young girl without a home, proper name, or long-term goals is taken in and given food and shelter by a Midwife during the Middle Ages in England.  Initially known as only Brat, then cruelly renamed “Beetle” as the villagers taunted her for being dirty and having to sleep in a heap of animal droppings to keep warm, this girl suffered constant ridicule, even by the her so-called rescuer Jane the Midwife.  Taking advantage of Beetle by overworking her and issuing verbal abuse daily, the Midwife’s attitudes did nothing to help Beetle’s self-image.   Along the way, after Beetle was complimented and treated with kindness during an errand to the merchant’s, she decided to give herself a proper name, Alyce, which reflected her new found self-confidence.  This self-esteem was soon reduced back to her thinking of herself as too “stupid” to be a Midwife’s apprentice, as she ran away after being unsuccessful in delivering a birth on one event.  Alyce’s experiences thereafter, forced her to examine what she really wanted in life and what steps she would take to accomplish her desires.

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This quick moving historical tale by Karen Cushman provides an immediacy of information that some readers will enjoy.  The writing style is straight-to-the-point and lends a glimpse into what life was like long ago in medieval times.  Furthermore, Charlotte Coleman’s performance in the audio-version of this book as the voice of Alyce and other characters in an English accent help readers create an image of the setting.  The author’s note at the conclusion of the book, and interview of the author by a young fan in the audiobook, added interesting information about midwifery and the historical times of the setting’s era that greatly enriches the overall story.  It could only be enhanced by including bibliographic data.  However, the story shows major points that are relevant even with young people today -  that words can hurt and take a toll on one’s self-esteem.  The central theme of “do not give up” is something that will dwell in the hearts of readers as they complete the journey of finding out Alyce’s fate.  It is found that she wants more than just "a full belly, and a content heart," but she, like many others in this world need long-term goals and a place to belong.

4.       REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

NEWBERY MEDAL AWARD WINNER 1996

ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK 1995

ALA BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS 1996

       KIRKUS:  “…this is not for fans of historical drama only. It's a rouser for all times.”

       PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY:  “Cushman has an almost unrivaled ability to build

     atmosphere, and her evocation of a medieval village, if not scholarly in its

     authenticity, is supremely colorful and pungent.”

       BOOKLIST:  Starred Review –“Kids will be caught up in this short, fast-paced narrative about

       a  hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone."

       SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: Starred Review - “a truly delightful introduction to a world

       seldom seen in children's literature.”

      

5.       CONNECTIONS

·      Another work by Cushman set in England during the Middle Ages, with a young female central character:  Cushman, Karen.  1994.  CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY.  ISBN 0395681863 

·      Form a girl’s book club and discuss the character’s actions, victories, and relevancy to today’s society in both of Cushman’s books to empower young women.

·      Please visit the author’s website for background information, to hear a clip of the audio-version and to view a helpful discussion guide:  http://www.karencushman.com/books/midwife.html

Other resources used:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.ala.org

http://www.karencushman.com

http://www.kirkusreviews.com

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/

http://www.lancastertxlib.org/

http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/

This book review was created as an assignment for a course at

Texas Woman’s University.

Book Review – Penny from Heaven

Book Review – Penny from Heaven

           (Image obtained from the Dallas Public Library website:  http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/)

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer L.  2006.  PENNY FROM HEAVEN.  New York:  Random House.  ISBN 0375936874

Holm, Jennifer L.  2006.  PENNY FROM HEAVEN [SOUND RECORDING].  New York:  Random House/Listening Library.  ISBN 0739331116

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Barbara Ann Falucci was her given name, although no one in her family ever called young 11-year-old “Penny” by it.  The summer of 1953 in New Jersey was the time and place.  Long days of dreaming about things in her “Heaven,” like butter pecan ice cream, watching “Dem Bums” play baseball, and taking a dip in the pool was on her mind.  Penny lived with her well-meaning, yet restrictive, mom and maternal grandparents Me-me and Pop-pop in a two-story house.  The “plain old American” grandparents moved in after her father died.  The death of her father before she got to know him was no deterrent for Penny to spend time with and love his boisterous Italian family.  Her paternal grandmother Nonny and numerous uncles on her dad’s side of the family, especially her favorite eccentric uncle who lived in his car, Dominic, helped fill a void that her father left behind.  To top it off, keeping up with her mischievous best friend in the whole-wide-world, Cousin Frankie, and their many adventures occupied her time. 

Penny undoubtedly has great love for both sides of her family.  Yet, they both clash and never interact, which mysteriously has something to do with her father’s death.  As Penny faces a horrendous tragedy near the end of the summer, she finally finds out the circumstances surrounding why her dad died, why everyone avoided talking about it, revelations explaining her nickname, as well as her witnessing both families mend fences.  Take a trip not too far back in time and follow Penny in this emotional story that will leave you appreciating the differences in life.

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Newbery Honor-Winning author Jennifer Holm takes readers on a much appreciated emotional roller coaster in Penny from Heaven.  Including humorous daily adventures of Penny and her cousin Frankie, the subject of her father’s death, Pop-pop’s quirky antics, the horror of Penny’s accident with the clothes wringer, her mom deciding to remarry – with the local milkman, no less, the anger involving racism against Italians during World War II, and the joy of a reuniting family balances the many feelings in which readers both young and old can relate. 

Holm’s clear narrative style is easy to follow.  The story is further enhanced by narrator Amber Sealey’s voice in the audio-version, which included several Italian and east coast accents, and light jargon of the 1950’s.  Not being able to go to the movies or swimming in public arenas because of her mother’s fear of her catching polio, listening to baseball games on the radio because it was too expensive to have a TV, and doing the laundry by hand with a clothes wringer are only a few things that will show that there were no quick fixes in those days.

Both Holm’s and Sealey’s renditions were delivered in a way that was not overwhelmingly stereotypical, but believable in regards to the time and events.  Kudos to Holm for including in the author’s notes a family photo album and explanation of what true events from her own life were interlaced.  Youngsters of today will definitely identify with the theme of family as well as learn about some issues of the past as they read this intriguing historical fiction tale. 

4.       REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

NEWBERY HONOR BOOK 2007

ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK 2007

       KIRKUS:  “Holm has crafted a leisurely, sprawling period piece…eminently worthwhile.”

       SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Amber Sealey's narration enhances the telling…warmth and humor abound.”

       PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY:  “Holm's plot has surprising twists and turns and plenty of evocative flavor.”

       BOOKLIST:  "Holm impressively wraps pathos with comedy in this coming-of-age story, populated by a cast of

        vivid characters."

5.       CONNECTIONS

·      In reality, 1953 was not that long ago.  However, to a kid it may seem like ancient history.  Have students interview a relative, teacher, or community member age 60 to 70 to gain information about their experiences in the 1950’s time period.  Students should report findings and compare the experiences with those of Penny. 

·      Another book about an 11-year-old female protagonist in a time not too long ago (1960’s):

Williams-Garcia, Rita.  2010.  ONE CRAZY SUMMER.  ISBN 0060760885 

·      Be sure to check out the author’s website for more wonderful selections:  http://www.jenniferholm.com

Other resources used:

http://www.amazon.com

http://en.wikipedia.org

http://www.ala.org

http://www.jenniferholm.com

http://www.kirkusreviews.com

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/

http://www.lancastertxlib.org/

http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/

This book review was created as an assignment for a course at

Texas Woman’s University.