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.

Book Review – Elijah of Buxton

Book Review – Elijah of Buxton

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

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Curtis, Christopher Paul.  2007.  ELIJAH OF BUXTON.  New York:  Scholastic Press.  ISBN 9780439023443

Curtis, Christopher Paul.  2008.  ELIJAH OF BUXTON [SOUND RECORDING].  New York:  Random House/Listening Library.  ISBN 9780739364154

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman had no first-hand experience of being a slave.  He has only heard the stories from his parents, ex-slaves of America.  In one respect, he is the pride of his small settlement town, Buxton in Canada (a refuge for runaway slaves), because he was the first one there born free.  In another respect, he is seen as a fearful young man trying to find his way.  In an effort to help a friend capture a cunning preacher that stole money which was meant to buy his family’s freedom, Elijah is faced with finding courage he never thought fully existed.  As Elijah journeys into America to make things right, he witnesses the dreadful reality of slavery, as well as the strength he has gathered to bring him through safely. 

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

ELIJAH OF BUXTON is a winner of numerous book awards by no coincidence.  The main character Elijah, along with supporting characters, give a believable account of the daily lives of both those freed and slaves.  The author, Christopher Paul Curtis has a suspenseful writing style that leaves readers wondering what will happen next every step of the way.  Furthermore, Curtis interestingly weaves elements of fact and fiction to create a convincing plot that would be authentic to the pre-Civil War time period.  The mention of abolitionists John Brown and Frederick Douglass offer a distinctive way to draw in readers with familiar names in real-life history to reference.   The Author’s Note at the conclusion of the book supplements the works authenticity with true information about Buxton (a real town designed specifically for fugitive slaves and free Blacks). 

In the audio-version of the book, the “rich, textured voice” of narrator Mirron Willis paints each scene vividly (School Library Journal).  Amazingly, Willis gives well over 10 characters their own distinguishing sound.  His portrayal gives life to the dialect of the people of the time.  From grammar (i.e. “afore” – to mean before; gunn – to mean going to; “’bout” – to mean about), to vocabulary (i.e. “brogans” – a high-ankle shoe), pronunciation (i.e. asked pronounced “axed”; fragile pronounced “fra-gile”), to even curse words of the time (“doggone-it-all” and “blang it”), readers are exposed to how individuals of various descents spoke in that era.  The sounds enthrall readers into the humor, fear, horror, pain, determination, and triumph of the culture. 

Most remarkably, readers will be left with one central theme:  hope.  This hope led Elijah from a “fra-gile” existence into a world of courageousness.  Readers of many ages will enjoy the small bit of victory Elijah receives as his confidence soars.  Many will be waiting for a sequel to this masterful work. 

4.       REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCOTT O’DELL AWARD 2008

JANE ADDAMS BOOK AWARD 2008

NEWBERY HONOR BOOK 2008

CORETTA SCOTT KING AUTHOR AWARD 2008

       KIRKUS:  “…many readers, young and old, will finish and say, ‘This is one of the best books I have ever read.’”

       SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This engrossing tale is read by Mirron Willis who effortlessly varies his rich,

       textured voice to make each character unique. This story will captivate listeners.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

·      For an excellent discussion guide to accompany this book, please visit Scholastic at http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=31061

·      Another book about an 11-year-old (Maddie) enslaved during the Civil War Era:

Forrester, Sandra.  1995.  SOUND THE JUBILEE.  ISBN 0525674861 

Students may compare this text to ELIJAH OF BUXTON.  As a further extension, have students create a 3-part Venn Diagram or another type of comparison chart to show similarities and differences between the main characters in the books and themselves.  Special attention should be given to factors of each time period, such as daily activities and responsibilities, speech, dress, etc.  

·      Be sure to check out YouTube and the author’s website for more fascinating real-life information in which this book was based:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GdevJ6jjHI  and www.nobodybutcurtis.com

·      No feature film or made-for-TV movie available?  No problem.  Have your students reenact some important scenes in this captivating account during Black History Month as you video tape the live performance.  Parents, teachers, and children can enjoy all that can be learned from this story.

Other resources used:

http://www.amazon.com

http://en.wikipedia.org

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary

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 – DOWN, DOWN, DOWN: A JOURNEY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA

Book Review – DOWN, DOWN, DOWN:

A JOURNEY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA

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

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jenkins, Steve.  2009.  DOWN, DOWN, DOWN : A JOURNEY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA.  Boston:  Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.  ISBN 9780618966363

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Down, down, down you will go as you journey into more than 35,000 feet deep into the ocean, encountering up to 50 species of sea creatures along the way.  Steve Jenkins provides a look into the underwater life that animals face in everyday survival.  So take a deep breath as you plunge into various zones and learn about these often overlooked, misunderstood, or just plain undetected predators and prey. 

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Author/illustrator Steve Jenkins captures what it is like to travel all the way from the surface to the ground floor of the world’s deepest ocean.  Descriptive language along with his cut-and-torn paper collage, which used calming colors to complement the sea, definitely helps readers create a visual.  The facts stated in a documentary style, yet intriguing manner, gives perspective and peaks curiosity.  When it was said that “Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the globe’s surface” and “The Pacific Ocean… [has] an area greater than the earth’s dry land combined” one cannot help but to wonder why we as humans don’t think about life beyond land as much (being that it is the predominant make-up of the earth).  The picture of the globe helped further demonstrate the massive existence of water vs. land.

The simple comparison in the introduction of this book about the amount of water in our world compared to dry land provides an immediate hook that makes readers want to know more about sea life.  Throughout the text and illustration, Jenkins introduces the names of many animals (with clever use of text outlining the inhabitants’ bodies to label each).  Have you ever heard of a krill, sea lily, or swimming sea cucumber?  In chronological order (by depth of feet in each level or “zone” of the ocean), these creatures and more are shown in a fascinating view of gradual fading sunlight:  from various hues of blue to black. 

A vertical bar on the side of nearly every other page indicates the ocean’s measurement in feet, meters, and temperature (which are important factors in who and what can survive in the deep as temperature drops and pressure rises).  Manageable chunks of text highlighted by bold subheadings become a handy guide.  Other access features included diagrams at the conclusion of the book which provided more information about each animal along with a comparison of their sizes to the human body.  Another vertical measurement bar on the final page, preceded by a bibliography of sources, explored the depths humans and various submarines can venture.  These extra touches enhance the overall organization and design of the book. 

In all, this work encompasses factors that satisfies many questions, and leaves readers wanting more.  Readers of various level and skill will come to appreciate what this book has to offer.

4.       REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK 2010

TEXAS BLUEBONNET AWARD NOMINEE 2010-2011

       KIRKUS:  “… Jenkins provides an almost irresistible entry into our natural world for the youngest readers.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “…the repeated message that humans have much to explore and learn in the deeper ocean is intriguing and inviting.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

·      Do additional research by browsing the books listed in the bibliography, and more.  The collage illustration in this book was great, but it would be even better to see actual photographs of some of the animals.

·      Students may view videos of underwater sea creatures to obtain a glimpse into sea life.  Visit the following websites:

http://kids-book-club.wikispaces.com/Down%2C+Down%2C+Down

and http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/kids/animals-pets-kids/invertebrates-kids/plankton-jelly-kids.html

·      If you like the author’s writing and illustrative style, visit this website to find other books by Steve Jenkins: http://www.stevejenkinsbooks.com/books.html

Other resources used:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.ala.org

http://www.txla.org/

http://www.stevejenkinsbooks.com/downdowndown.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 – WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE?

Book Review – WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE?

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

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara.  2008.  WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? : HOW ALICE ROOSEVELT BROKE THE RULES, CHARMED THE WORLD, AND DROVE HER FATHER TEDDY CRAZY!  Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham.  New York:  Scholastic Press.  ISBN 9780439922319

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

If you think running the country is a big job, you haven’t experienced half of what United States President Theodore Roosevelt had to accomplish raising his rambunctious daughter.  This delightful picture book biography gives an account of the many antics young Alice Roosevelt was involved in while maturing in an unconventional way in the eyes of the public.

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS
      Barbara Kerley gives a humorous and insightful account of the life of former President “Teddy” Roosevelt’s daughter, Alice.  From wanting to wear pants, having unusual pets, to traveling about the world, Kerley does an excellent job in using simple language along with quotations from other works in presenting Alice as a lively soul that was way ahead of her time.  The author’s repetitious use of the quote “eating up the world” helps readers see Alice’s passion for living life.  The storybook conversational style allows one to really delve into her existence.  It helps one be in touch with the realism of growing up in politics, not just in the prim and proper way that people expect.  The Roosevelt family can be seen as a real people, with real problems and triumphs.  The author’s notes and bibliography at the conclusion lends authentic resources used in formulating these details.

      To complement the great storytelling quality, Fotheringham’s illustrations that resemble a modern day cartoon-like avatar also provides realism.  On one hand, the characters look like cartoons, but on the other hand the illustrations look so much like the subjects:  especially the large “dead ringer” portrait of President Roosevelt at the beginning of the story.  The general setting, modes of transportation (horses, trains, steamboats), and clothing (3-piece suits with vests, petticoats, gloves, boots, ribbons, bonnets, hats, etc.) clearly depicted the early 1900 time period.  The illustrator’s signature “dots” used throughout cleverly indicates text in newspapers and books, object design, and Alice’s vivacious movements as she travels about.  The large format pages, shiny and slick, filled with patriotic colorful pictures are also favorable design elements. 

      From beginning to end, this well-organized narrative account of Alice Roosevelt’s life will peak the interest of many readers across all ages.  It is hoped that Alice’s colorful way of life will paint a new picture for future biographies that would be otherwise presumed unexciting. 

4.       REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
ALA ROBERT F. SIBERT HONOR BOOK 2009
ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK 2009
TEXAS BLUEBONNET AWARD NOMINEE 2009-2010

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2008
KIRKUS:  Starred Review - “It’s a gleeful celebration of a fully, unapologetically led life.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  Starred Review - “A fun biography of a little-known historical figure and a great addition to Women's History Month celebrations; a surefire antidote for any child who thinks that historical figures are boring.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

·      Students may collect other biographies of the Roosevelt family to compare information learned.

·      Teachers of young readers may visit Kerley’s website for this fun extension of exploring art in the famous “Alice Blue” – “Using finger paints in the three primary colors (blue, yellow, and red) plus white and black (to make tints lighter or darker) mix the color that best represents YOU.  Then paint a picture of yourself wearing a gown or suit of your own color.”: http://www.barbarakerley.com/Site/What_To_Do_About_Alice.html

Other resources used:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.ala.org

http://www.txla.org/

http://www.barbarakerley.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.