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.

Book Review – THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST

Book Review – THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST

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

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Montgomery, Sy.  2004.  THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST.  Photographs by Nic Bishop.  Boston:  Houghton Mifflin, Co.  ISBN 0618147993

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Can you say “arachnologist” (pronounced “ar-rack-NAWL-o-gist”) (p.7)?  By the time you finish reading this amazing 80 page spread, you will not only be familiar with the term “spider scientist,” but you will have a good basic working knowledge of tarantulas.  From the same team that brought you 1999’s “The Snake Scientist”, Sy Montgomery (author) and Nic Bishop (photographer) make a joint effort with tarantula expert Dr. Sam Marshall to entice you to learn more about this mysterious species.    

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Montgomery and Bishop accompany “spider scientist extraordinaire,” affectionately referred to throughout the text as just Sam, on one of his many expeditions in South America’s French Guiana.  The mission:  find out as much as they can about the largest species of tarantulas, the Goliath birdeater. 

It is quite refreshing to read a text from experts in which it is admitted that all the answers are not known.   Some of the information presented reveals that there are only a few tarantula scientists and much research needs to be done (p. 13-15).  Among some of the things that they could answer about other types of tarantula’s and spiders include an explanation of the origin of its name, habitat, eating habits, anatomy, web making, and mating.  These facts were often offered in a comparison and contrast manner that may help readers organize information.

Speaking of organization, reference aids such as photo captions in bold earth-toned brown font provides additional information that helps the reader gain more knowledge.  A map of the setting, subheadings, pronunciation guides, translation of French words, “Spider Speak” glossary, spider stats, index, and annotated bibliography are also notable features that lends more on the accuracy of the content.  In addition, Bishop’s abundant and impressive full-color photos may make the hairs on the back of your neck rise as you see an up-close view of the hairy creatures.  The pictures spread throughout nearly every page undoubtedly documents Sam’s concentration and passion as he performs the sweat producing work of spider hunting. 

Montgomery’s use of suspense, humor, and conversational style adds voice to the writing.  Including dialogue from Sam not only demonstrated the passion of an arachnophile (“a person who appreciates arachnids – spiders”, p. 77-78), but it enhanced the overall flow of the piece.  Letting the audience know that Sam made bad grades as a student, and his previous view of science as just “memorizing a bunch of facts” adds a sort of realism that may help kids discover the great wonders of science just as he did. 

It is recognized that “most people don’t know anything about spiders because they are afraid of them” (p. 66).   This book, however, will leave many considering why we should care about this peculiar, yet fascinating subject.   

4.       REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

ALA ROBERT F. SIBERT HONOR BOOK 2005

TEXAS BLUEBONNET AWARD NOMINEE 2005-2006

       SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2004

       NATIONAL SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION AND CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL   

       OUTSTANDING SCIENCE TRADE

       BOOK FOR CHILDREN – “SELECTORS CHOICE” 2005

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  “A treat, even for arachnophobes.”

BOOKLIST:  “Readers will come away armed with facts about spiders in general and tarantulas in particular, but even more important, they'll have a clear understanding of how the answers derived from research become the roots of new, intriguing questions.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

·      Students may create a color photo poster presentation comparing the anatomy, habitat, and diet of spiders, tarantulas, and other invertebrates. 

·      Related texts:

Mitchell, Susan K.  2011.  BIGGEST VS. SMALLEST CREEPY, CRAWLY CREATURES.  ISBN 9780766035812

·      Montgomery invites teachers to visit the following websites for activities that accompany THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST:  www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/librarians/teacher.shtml or www.authorwire.com

Other resources used:

www.ala.org

www.amazon.com

www.authorwire.com

http://www.nsta.org/

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 – ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES

Book Review – ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES

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

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sones, Sonya.  2004.  ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES.  New York:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.  ISBN 0689858205

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Ruby, originally a 15-year-old Bostonian, reluctantly moved “thousands of miles away” to Los Angeles to live with her dad after her mother’s untimely death.  Resentful of her absentee movie-star father, Ruby is faced with this life changing event, forced to live with a man she barely knows.  All the comforts of home like her boyfriend, friends, and her aunt were left behind as she is challenged to form a new relationship with her father.   This novel in verse chronicles the now new life of the young Ms. Milliken in a poignant and unforgettable adolescent perspective. 

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This form of poetry is written in free verse format.  Ruby’s conversational style narration, as if she is speaking to the reader through an online journal, along with subtitles makes it easy to read and well-organized.  The story begins with her account of the plane ride to L.A., moves further to meeting her father and settling into her new home, and transitions to her finding out life changing surprises.  Throughout the dialogue, she communicates with her boyfriend, best friend, and even her dead mother through email.  Italics and change of font to distinguish between the emails of different characters adds to the organization.  Although there are no illustrations or photographs in this type of verse, Sones’ effective use of sound and language convey the character’s thoughts and create imagery. 

Sarcasm, profanity, sexuality, and drugs are among some things included that may be inappropriate for young readers.   However, these themes along with references to up-to-date celebrities (i.e. Cameron Diaz, Brad Pitt, Eminem, etc.) and events (Payless, Nike, MTV Cribs) are some aspects in pop culture some young adults may identify with.  The conclusion does not exactly give a “fairy tale” ending, but gives readers some type of resolve to build upon.  While this is a work of fiction, young adults may enjoy this book for its parallel to some ugly issues their cohort face. 

4.       REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

AN ALA BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS 2005

IRA 2006 YOUNG ADULT’S CHOICES LIST

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:  “Ruby's voice conveys genuine emotions.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  “This is not just another one of those gimmicky novels written in poetry. It's solid and well written.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

·         Reading aloud excerpts and discussions are always good ways to help facilitate learning.  Visit the Dallas Public Library Catalog for suggested “Book Discussion Guides” which introduces the author, have sample questions, and other suggested books for follow-up reading at the following website link: 

http://catalog.dallaslibrary.org/Polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.6&type=Keyword&term=ONE%20OF%20THOSE%20HIDEOUS&by=TI&sort=PD_TI&limit=TOM=*&query=&page=0#__pos2

(Note:  You must select the book title, then click on the “Book Discussion Guides” link located on the right once you enter the site.)

Other resources used:

www.ala.org

www.reading.org

www.amazon.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 – Technically, It’s Not My Fault

Book Review – Technically, It’s Not My Fault

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

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Grandits, John.  2004.  TECHNICALLY, IT’S NOT MY FAULT:  CONCRETE POEMS.  New York:  Clarion Books.  ISBN 061842833X

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

“Technically, It’s Not My Fault,” introduces a quirky 11-year-old boy named Robert, who is always involved in something funny and mischievous (case in point, read the introductory story on the cover above).   Typical activities and interests of young people, like school, sports, video games, roller coasters, eating, sleepovers, and bugging your sister (…you know, the usual) are portrayed in verse.  These life adventures are recorded poem by poem in a “concrete” format.  By “concrete,” it is meant that his words come to life as the text twists, turns, creates sounds and main idea objects while describing Robert’s day.  Take this hilarious journey and see for yourself that his mishaps are “technically” not his fault.

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

John Grandits does a superb job with language in this unique collection of concrete poems.  Although the element of rhyme was rarely used, the poems had a rhythmic flow due to the conversational style of the characters’ speech.  It brilliantly captures a kids life in a way a youngster probably could not fully articulate.  It may be research, or remarkable hindsight.  Whatever the case, Grandits makes readers feel like they actually know Robert and the other supporting characters.

Word choice, and thankfully not profanity, kids often use to vent like “stupid” and “crazy,” along with newly invented word “snarpy” (in “Where New Words Come From”), plays a pivotal role in identifying with young people.  It was also funny to note that in the poem just mentioned above, the adults’ words began to get smaller in font as Robert tunes them out – as if the volume was being turned down.  How many times in life do we feel like kids just don’t listen?   These poems are written from a kid’s perspective, thus allowing everyone to see what in the world else could they be thinking (as humorously noted in “What Are You Thinking About, Robert?”). 

Grandits book design displays a smart use of mixed media, computer software text font and marker drawing, to create illustrations and word text.  Amazingly, over 30 different types of red and black text font makes up the bulk of the story.  Using the red text to complement the black often highlights titles, captions, another character’s perspective, and more.  The illustrations are appropriately simplistic because the text creates most of the images.  Words were often twisted, turned, curved, slanted, jumbled, and stretched to create a graphic effect.  It was such an inviting way to give readers’ eyes a “visual workout.”  One is given a chance to practice reading upside down, right side up, sideways, and almost every way!

This often sarcastic, yet entertaining, collection of poems embodies the weird humor tweens, teens, and young adults (and probably people of all ages) will love.  As the aunt of a 13 going on 14 year old male reluctant reader, I would highly recommend this to him and others as a stepping stone in appreciating different types of poetry, and reading in general. 

4.       REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

            PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:  “A technically (and imaginatively) inspired typeface

            experiment.”

BOOKLIST:  “…this winning, highly creative collection, convince readers that poetry can be loud, outrageous, gross fun.

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  Starred Review – “Grandits combines technical brilliance and goofy good humor to provide an accessible, fun-filled collection of poems, dramatically brought to life through a brilliant book design.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

·         Have students create their own concrete poems after reading this, and other examples, aloud.  In the beginning, providing a topic may be helpful as students brainstorm the design of text and illustration.  Students may gradually begin to select their own topics.

·         Other books of concrete poetry:

Grandits, John.  2007.  BLUE LIPSTIC:  CONCRETE POEMS.  ISBN 9780618851324

Janeczko, Paul.  2001.  A POKE IN THE I.  ISBN 0763606618

·         Visit the author’s website to learn about him, his other works, and more info on concrete poems:

http://johngrandits.com/

Other resources used:

www.amazon.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.