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.