Module 15: Olive's Ocean

Olive's Ocean

by Kevin Henkes

Citation:

Henkes, Kevin. (2003). Olive's ocean. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Summary

Olive’s Ocean is a story about Martha and Olive. Olive is a girl that was killed in an accident. Olive’s mother gives Martha a page from her journal in which she finds out that they have a lot in common and could have been friends if she had just paid attention to her. Olive had always wanted to see the ocean, so when Martha goes to the beach for the summer she keeps thinking about Olive and their similarities. Both Olive and Martha wanted to be writers. She finally decides to share her dream of being a writer with her family. Olive’s death makes her realize that you shouldn’t take things for granted and live your dreams.

Impressions

This book was really good! It was a short read, but covered so many topics. Teenagers would most likely be able to identify with Martha on at least one of the topics. She struggles with the death of a classmate. Even though she wasn't close to her, she felt like she should have paid more attention to her and realizes that they are very alike. It is sad that it took Olive's death for her to realize this. She also wants to be a writer, but is scared to let her family know. Finding out that Olive wanted to be a writer helped her to go ahead and tell them. She also had to deal with other teenage issues that involve liking boys. It was nice that she had a close relationship with her grandmother and is able to talk with her. She starts to notice that her grandmother is getting older. Olive's death may have made her realize that you should embrace life and live it to the fullest.

This book was on the challenged book list. I am somewhat surprised about this. There was some language and a couple of kissing scenes that didn't go into detail. One of the kissing scenes was between the parents and the older brother described it as MSB (morning sex behavior). The other scene was a peck between Martha and a boy that she thought liked her. I would not see this as a reason to remove it from the shelf. I work in an Elementary library, and it is on our shelves.

Professional Reviews

Gr 5-8-- Olive Barstow was killed in a recent bicycling accident. Although Martha Boyle had never befriended the loner, she is surprised to find out that one of Olive's goals was to make friends with her. Keeping this news to herself, Martha and her family go to spend their usual summer vacation on the ocean at her beloved grandmother's house on Cape Cod. Godbee is a practical, crusty old lady who patiently draws out Martha on her feelings and problems. Martha experiences a crush on a local boy that has a disappointing end, but she realizes there is someone nearby who has always liked her. Themes of death, growing up, family relationships, and the mysteries of life are seamlessly interwoven into this engrossing story by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow, 2003). Actress Blair Brown narrates briskly, sounding very much like a New Englander. When necessary, she alters her voice to portray characters or specific emotions. Occasional violin music separates some of the many short chapters. While Brown is perhaps too perfunctory to truly capture the spirit of Martha's introspective summer of self-realization, the story is so involving and the characters are so well developed that this production will likely be popular with middle schoolers.

School Library Journal

Gray, B. A., & Mandell, P. L. (2005). Olive's ocean [Review of Book]. School 
          Library Journal, 51(10), 81.

********************************

Gr. 5-8. More than anything Martha wants to be a writer. The problem is that her father does, too. Is there room for two writers in a single family? This is only one of the many questions that beg to be answered during Martha's twelfth summer. Here are others: Is Godbee, the paternal grandmother whom the family is visiting at Cape Cod, dying? Why is Martha's father so angry? Could Jimmy, the eldest of the five neighboring Manning brothers, be falling in love with her (and vice-versa)? And what does all this have to do with Olive, Martha's mysterious classmate, who died after being hit by a car weeks earlier? Olive, who also wanted to be a writer and visit the ocean, and hoped to be Martha's friend. Like Henkes' Sun ana Spoon (1997), this is another lovely, character-driven novel that explores, with rare subtlety and sensitivity, the changes and perplexities that haunt every child's growing-up process. He brings to his story the same bedrock understanding of the emotional realities of childhood that he regularly displays in his paradigmatically perfect picture books. This isn't big and splashy, but its quiet art and intelligence will stick with readers, bringing them comfort and reassurance as changes inevitably visit their own growing-up years. -Michael Cart

The Booklist

Cart, M. (2003). Olive's ocean [Review of Book]. The Booklist, 100(1), 122.

Library Lessons

Middle and High School

This book could be used to discuss imagery. One of the images written in the book is “The sand dunes in Jimmy's film are lined up like buns in a bakery.” Students could find some other images that they like in the story and share them. Another option is that they could draw a picture of the image description.

It could also be a good book talk. One of the topics covered are loss and understanding how fragile life is.

This book could also be used to discuss how characters change throughout stories.

References

Amazon. (2016). [Image of Cover]. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/
            Olives-Ocean-Kevin-Henkes/dp/0060535458/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=
            1462146480&sr=8-1&keywords=olive%27s+ocean

Cart, M. (2003). Olive's ocean [Review of Book]. The Booklist, 100(1), 122.

Gray, B. A., & Mandell, P. L. (2005). Olive's ocean [Review of Book]. School 
          Library Journal, 51(10), 81.

Henkes, Kevin. (2003). Olive's ocean. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Module 14: Comets, Stars, the Moon and Mars

Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars: 
Space Poems and Paintings 

by Doug Florian

Citation:

Florian, D. (2007). Comets, stars, the moon, and Mars: Space poems and 
          paintings. Orlando: Harcourt.

Summary

This book of poetry explores space through poetry. It begins with poems about the universe, galaxy, and solar system, and the sun, then goes in to poems about each planet. Those are followed by poems about comets, constellations, the black hole, and the great beyond. The poems give facts in a fun way.

Impressions

This book of poetry is an excellent bridge between science and poetry. Both boys and girls would enjoy this book. Readers learn about Space through fun rhyming poems.

Professional Reviews

Gr 1-5 --Nothing gladdens the heart of believers in good poetry for children more than a new collection by Florian, whose verses and paintings consistently capture the essence of his featured themes. This one literally sings the music of the spheres. Twenty playfully lyrical poems treat topics such as the universe, the individual planets, constellations, and black holes. Each selection is presented on its own spread and adorned with a magical painting done in gouache, collage, and rubber stamps on brown paper. Circles abound in the artwork, and many pages have round cut-outs that lead into the next picture. For example, "the earth" ("Two-thirds water./One-third land./Valleys deep./Mountains grand") is illustrated with a colorful globe decorated with circled collage prints of animals and plants. A smaller orb appears nearby, made from a cut-out circle that reveals part of the illustration for the next selection, "the moon." Some of the paintings incorporate mythological names and images. The pleasing blend of faded shades and brilliant colors, of old-fashioned prints and fanciful sketches, makes the illustrations seem both antique and high-tech. An appended "Galactic Glossary" provides additional information. In both language and artwork, Florian strikes the perfect balance between grandeur and whimsy. Like Myra Cohn Livingston and Leonard Everett Fisher's Space Songs (Holiday House, 1988; o.p.), this book is a work of art worthy of the vastness of its subject.

School Library Journal

Whalin, K. (2007). Comets, stars, the moon, and Mars: Space poems and
           paintings [Review of Book]. School Library Journal, 53(7), 90.

***********************

This large-format book looks at astronomy through the magnifying, clarifying lens of poetry. Each broad double-page spread features a short, accessible poem about a subject such as the sun, each of its planets, a comet, a constellation, or the universe, set within an impressive painting. A concrete poem entitled "a galaxy" is a curling spiral of words set against the midnight-blue sky and surrounded by other galaxies. Stamped type, cutout pages, collage elements with printed papers, and sweeping brushstrokes all figure prominently in the expressive collage artwork, which ably illustrates the verse. The last pages carry "A Galactic Glossary" with a paragraph on the topic of each poem, followed by a list of books and Websites. Florian's ode to Pluto matter-of-factly notes its demoted status, but even better is his pithy poem on Jupiter: "Jupiter's jumbo, / Gigantic, / Immense, / So wide / Side to side, / But gaseous, not dense. / With some sixteen moons / It's plainly prolific- / So super-dupiter / Jupiterrific!" Read this aloud.-Carolyn Phelan

The Booklist

Phelan, C. (2007). Comets, stars, the moon and Mars [Review of Book]. The 

            Booklist, 103(15), 50.

Library Lessons

This book would be great to use to introduce the Poetry Genre. It could be used to show that poetry comes in a variety of different forms and could be used in a poetry display. Students could write their own poetry. The librarian could choose a specific form of poetry, show examples, and give a guide on how to write it if necessary. Students can see from this book (and other examples) that there are a variety of types of poetry available to read.

References

Amazon. (2016). [Image of Cover]. Retrived from http://www.amazon.com/

       Comets-Stars-Moon-Mars-Paintings/dp/0152053727/ref=sr_1_1?

       ie=UTF8&qid=1461604914&sr=8-1&keywords=COMETS%2C+STARS%2C

       +THE+MOON+AND+MARS

Florian, D. (2007). Comets, stars, the moon, and Mars: Space poems and 
          paintings. Orlando: Harcourt.

Phelan, C. (2007). Comets, stars, the moon and Mars [Review of Book]. The 

            Booklist, 103(15), 50.

Whalin, K. (2007). Comets, stars, the moon, and Mars: Space poems and
           paintings [Review of Book]. School Library Journal, 53(7), 90.

Module 13: Giants Beware!

Giants Beware! 

The Chronicles of Claudette

by Jorge Aguirre

Citation:

Aguirre, J. (2012). Giants beware! New York: First Second. 

Summary

Giants Beware! is a graphic novel about a girl named Claudette that lives in a town surrounded by a wall because they fear the giant. No one is allowed outside the wall. Her father had been injured fighting a dragon, and she has the same urge to fight. She convinces (tricks) her friends to sneak out, find the dragon, and kill him. They experience many adventures along the way, but eventually find the giant only to find out that he is a baby giant and only wants to play. Claudette wants to be thought of as being brave, so she and her friends trick their fathers and many other townspeople into thinking that the giant has been killed.

Impressions

This is a great graphic novel. The story line is different from what you would expect. The lead character is a girl that wants to slay a giant. It is quite funny and the illustrations do a great job of telling and adding to the story. The ending is not predictable even if it is sort of silly. This is a graphic novel that would be enjoyed by both girls and boys.

Professional Reviews

Gr 3-6--A blacksmith's daughter is unsatisfied with her peaceful life within the fortress of Mont Petit Pierre. Rambunctious and loudmouthed, Claudette yearns for action, like killing the giant that lives on the mountain outside of town. With her timid brother, Gaston, and her ladylike friend, Marie, she blusters her way through the fortress gate and into the Forest of Death, beyond which lies the Mad River, and then Giant's Peak. Can these three kids, armed with a wooden sword, Marie's intelligence, Gaston's fortitude, Claudette's stinky feet, and a pug named Valiant, survive in the wilderness and defeat the giant? Of course they can, but not in the ways they might have expected. The adults in the story are distinguished by exaggerated characteristics, but their actions are driven by realistic, largely generous motives. The story strikes a fine balance between being action-and friendship-driven. The art is similarly well-balanced: Rosado's ink drawings are strong and lively, with expressive characters and well-drawn landscapes. Digitally applied color is natural, bright, and nonintrusive. Fans of Jimmy Gownley's "Amelia Rules" (S&S) and Jeff Smith's "Bone" series (Scholastic) will snap this title up.

School Library Journal

Willey, P. (2012). Giants Beware![Review of Book]. School Library 

            Journal, 58(5), 133.

*****************

You've heard it all before. A reckless and adventurous child runs off with a dog companion and friends, and together they brave dangerous terrain and confront the monster that has been terrorizing their town, only to learn that things are not always as they appear and that nothing is more valuable than friendship. But when your reckless adventurer is a tomboy, and her little brother yearns to be both a sword maker and a pastry chef, and when the standard for becoming a good princess is intelligence and cunning, and when the success of the quest ultimately hinges on saving the giant, it's clear that with strategic tweaks to just the right expectations, a familiar story can be invested with all the charm and fun a young reader could want. In a format running rampant with animation- and manga inspired art, Rosado distinguishes his work with the rounded figures and distinctive characteristics of Charles Schulz and action that engages but doesn't become chaotic. A zingy little story told with fine flair. - Jesse Karp

The Booklist

Karp, J. (2012). Giants beware! [Review of book]. The Booklist, 108(14), 46.

Library Lesson ideas

Giants Beware! would be a great book to use as an introduction to the genre of “Graphic Novel.” After listening to/reading the story, students could create their own graphic novel or comic strip using speech bubbles.

References

Aguirre, J. (2012). Giants beware! New York: First Second. 

Amazon.(2016). [Image of cover]. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Giants-

         Beware-Chronicles-Claudette-Aguirre/dp/1596435828/ref=sr_1_1?

         ie=UTF8&qid=1460815810&sr=8-1&keywords=beware+of+giants

Karp, J. (2012). Giants beware! The Booklist, 108(14), 46.

Willey, P. (2012). Giants Beware![Review of Book]. School Library 

           Journal, 58(5), 133.

Module 12: Just Being Audrey

Just Being Audrey

by Margaret Cardillo

Citation:

Cardillo, M., & Denos, J. (2011). Just being Audrey. New York: Balzer Bray.

Summary

Just Being Audrey is a biography about the life of Audrey Hepburn.  It begins with a description of her childhood. She grew up in Nazi-occupied Europe. She and her family even had to leave their home during World War II. She lived in a house with forty other people with very few supplies. After the war ended volunteers from the United Nations brought supplies and one even brought her a chocolate bar! This act of kindness meant a lot to Audrey. She always remembered that. It goes on to explain why she quite often wore a scarf and how her life wasn’t easy. She had to work hard for everything she had. After she was “discovered” and became an actress in America, she used her fame for good. In 1998 she became a Goodwill Ambassador for underprivileged children through UNICEF.

Impressions

I learned so much about Audrey Hepburn in this book. I only knew of her as an actress. There is so much more to learn about her. I was not aware of the philanthropy she was involved in. The illustrations were beautiful and really added to the story. The timeline and bibliography at the end let the reader know that they writer did some research for the book. I also liked that at the end the author and illustrator shared their feelings about Audrey and how they came to write and illustrate the book.

Professional Reviews

K-Gr 3--In this delightful introduction to Audrey Hepburn, readers learn that as a child, she was gangly and imaginative, in a world of her own. When she announced that she wanted to be the prima ballerina of all of Europe, her mother told her that the world was bigger than she was, and to always be kind, a tenet that seems to have stuck with her for life. She was born into a family of some privilege (her mother was a baroness), but their small wealth was no match for the advancing Nazi troops in World War II. Along with her family and 40 others, she hid in a country house with no heat and little to eat. Through the ordeal, she kept dancing and taught the other children. As the war in Europe ended, a volunteer gave her a chocolate bar, an act of kindness that seemed to inspire her. After the young woman realized that she would be more suited to acting, her Cinderella career took her from London to Broadway to Hollywood, but the power in this book lies beyond her fame in the spotlight. Her generous humanitarian spirit is seen through her actions and deeds as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF as she used her celebrity as a vehicle to assist others. With a light, sweet narrative style, readers can almost picture Hepburn dancing as they turn the pages. Evocative of the period, Denos's almost impressionistic pen-and-ink and watercolor artwork is lively and colorful. This picture-book biography is a great addition to any collection.

School Library Journal

Donnelly, A. (2011). Just Being Audrey [Review of Book]. School Library 

                Journal, 57(4), 158.

**********************

It's hard to believe life for Audrey Hepburn was ever anything but smart clothes, quirky expressions, and wistful gazes into the eyes of Cary Grant, but Cardillo makes a strong case to the contrary. Growing up in WWII- era Europe, Audrey wanted only to be a dancer, but the other girls made fun of her physical hurdles: "She was too tall, her feet were too big, and her neck was too long," and "her eyes seemed too big for her head." Young readers will get the message: these were precisely the traits that made Audrey an iconic beauty as an adult. In short order, she was spotted by entertainment heavyweights for her je ne sais quoi and quickly catapulted to fame. Denos' soft pastel illustrations cut just the right Audrey outline (complete with flapping neck scarf), and fans will especially enjoy picking out the movie roles depicted in a two-page spread of costumes. Her later humanitarian deeds are given their due, but it isAudrey's simple kindness that is emphasized throughout. - Daniel Kraus

The Booklist

Kraus, D. (2010). Just being Audrey [Review of Book]. The Booklist, 107(7), 43.

Library Lesson ideas

This would be a great book to introduce the Biography Genre. This could be used to explain what a Biography is including that it is written by someone else to inform the reader about the person. It would be a great way to show students that biographies are not always "boring." Students could make a bubble map about Audrey using facts from the book, then make a bubble map about themselves. It could also be compared to an autobiography. It could be added to a display of various Biographies and Autobiographies. 

References

Amazon. (2016). [Image of book cover]. Retrieved from
         http://www.amazon.com/Just-Being-Audrey-Margaret-Cardillo/dp/
         006185283X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460815237&sr=8-1&
         keywords=just+being+audrey
     

Cardillo, M., & Denos, J. (2011). Just being Audrey. New York: Balzer Bray.

Donnelly, A. (2011). Just Being Audrey [Review of Book]. School Library 

                Journal, 57(4), 158.

Kraus, D. (2010). Just being Audrey [Review of Book]. The Booklist, 107(7), 43.

Module 11: What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? 

by Steve Jenkins

2004 Caldecott Honor Book

Citation:

Jenkins, S., Jenkins, S., Page, R., & Houghton Mifflin Company. (2003). What do 
         you do with a tail like this?. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Summary

This book is an informational book about animals. It explains how “animals use their noses, ears, tails, eyes, mouths and feet in different ways.” The illustrations show close ups of the body part, allowing the reader to guess what animal they belong to. Turn the page to see full pictures of the animals. On this page, it explains how each animal uses that body part. At the end of the book, there is more information about the animals.

Impressions
This is a wonderful informational book. It is a great example of how not all “non-fiction” books have “real pictures.” I think readers would enjoy guessing what animal each part belongs to, then turning the page to see if they are right. This book should be recommended to elementary science teachers that teach about what animal’s body parts do. The collage illustrations are very well done.

Professional Reviews

K-Gr 4: Jenkins, this time in collaboration with his wife, has created yet another eye-opening book. Children will learn that lizards can completely break off their tailas a defense and that it will grow back. And, they'll find out that crickets' ears are on their knees. Most fish have two eyes, but some have four, the better to see above and below the water at the same time. These are just a few of the fascinating facts of nature dangled out front to draw readers into this beautifully illustrated book. On each spread, five different animals' tails, ears, eyes, or other body parts, done in vibrant cut-paper collage, appear with a simple question ("What do you do with a--like this?"). The next spread shows the five creatures in their entirety and offers a brief explanation. For example, "If you're an elephant, you use your nose to give yourself a bath." The back pages offer more information for older or more curious readers. This is a great book for sharing one-on-one or with a group.

School Library Journal

Jones, T. E., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., Larkins, J., & Meyers-Hines, W. 

          (2003). What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? [Review of Book]. School
           Library Journal, 49(3), 220.

T

****************

Preschool-Gr. 2. As with Life on Earth: The Story of Evolution (Houghton, 2002), Jenkins once again employs graphic, textured, cut-paper art and a generous use of white space to convey the natural world to younger readers, this time with a coauthor. Pairs of double-page spreads begin with a question ("What do you do with a nose like this?") and illustrations of a particular body part from a variety of "mystery" animals. Upon turning the page, readers find a complete illustration of each animal with information on how each uses its nose, eyes, ears, tail, and more. Perfect for group sharing, this title also features additional information on each animal's physical adaptations at the back of the book.

Book Links

Tillotson, L. (2004, 01). What do you do with a tail like this? [Review of
       Book]. Book Links, 13(3), 13. 

Library Uses

This book could be used to make a chart comparing how different animals use the same body parts. It could also be used to compare different types of informational books including some that have “real pictures,” and some that have illustrations. 

References

Amazon. (2016). [Image of cover]. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/What-You- 

          Tail-Like-This/dp/061899713X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=

          1462320340&sr=1-1&keywords=what+do+you+do+with+a+tail+like+this

Jenkins, S., Jenkins, S., Page, R., & Houghton Mifflin Company. (2003). What do 

         you do with a tail like this?. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Jones, T. E., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., Larkins, J., & Meyers-Hines, W. 

          (2003). What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? [Review of Book]. School
           Library Journal, 49(3), 220.

Tillotson, L. (2004, 01). What do you do with a tail like this? [Review of Book]. 
          Book Links, 13(3), 13. 

Module 10: Tomas and the Library Lady

Tomas and the Library Lady

by Pat Mora

Citation:

Mora, P. (1997). Tomas and the library lady . New York, New York:
        Dragonfly Books

Summary

This is a story about a boy in a family of migrant workers. They travel between Iowa and Texas for work. Tomas likes to listen to his grandfather tell stories while they rest. Tomas gets to where he knows all of his stories. Grandfather tells him to go to the library. Once he is there he meets the “Library Lady” who introduces him to the world of books. Tomas teaches her Spanish words and she listens to him read. When his family has to leave, Tomas is sad. The “Library Lady” gives him a new book. Grandfather is glad Tomas will now have many new stories to tell.

Impressions

This is a great story. Not only is it multicultural, discussing migrant workers, but it also shows a love of storytelling. I liked the way that it showed as he read he was surrounded by the story. It was also nice to see the grandfather being supportive of his love of reading and storytelling.

Professional Reviews

Gr 1-4-- Mora's slice-of-life account tells of the son of migrant workers (inspired by the boyhood of Hispanic author and educator Tomás Rivera) whose horizons and linguistic skills are thrown wide open by the guidance of a friendly librarian. The hardships of migrant life and the dreams that books and learning provide are carefully delineated in both text and muted illustrations. (Spanish edition: Tomás y la Señora de la Biblioteca)

School Library Journal

Renner, C. (2005). Tomás and the library lady [Review of Book]. School Library 

       Journal, 51(7), 44. 

******************

K-Gr. 4. Tomás is the son of migrant farm laborers who are working the harvest in Iowa. When he visits the local library, Tomás is befriended by a librarian who shares a variety of books with him. An author's note reveals that the story is based on the childhood of Tomás Rivera, a writer, university professor, and national education leader.

Book Links

Frost, S. (2009, 01). Tomás and the library lady [Review of Book]. Book Links, 

        18(3), 53.

Library Uses

This would be a good story to use to introduce the idea of Storytelling. After reading the story, the librarian could share an example of “storytelling” then have students come up with their own story to share with the class.

References

Amazon. (2016). [Image of book cover]. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Tomas-Library-Lady-Dragonfly-Books/dp/0375803491/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460330178&sr=1-1&keywords=Tomas+and+the+Library+Lady

Frost, S. (2009, 01). Tomás and the library lady [Review of Book]. Book Links, 

 18(3), 53.

Mora, P. (1997). Tomas and the library lady . New York, New York:
             Dragonfly Books

Renner, C. (2005). Tomás and the library lady [Review of Book]. School Library 

             Journal, 51(7), 44.

Module 9: The Humming Room

The Humming Room 

by Ellen Potter

Citation:

Potter, E. (2012). The humming room. New York: Feiwel and Friends

Summary

The Humming Room is a story of a 12 year old orphan (Roo Fanshaw) who stays with a foster family for a short while until she goes to live with her father’s brother on Cough Rock Island. She is left to entertain herself, and is told not to go into certain areas. She makes friends with Violet, a girl that works for her Uncle. She starts to learn more about the house (former Children’s hospital) and her uncle. Roo also learns that her uncle had been married, but she died suddenly. Right after that all but one staff member was fired! It is rumored that her Uncle may have done it! Roo keeps hearing humming, but can’t figure out where it is coming from.

She meets a mysterious boy that “lives on the river.” His name is Jack. They become friends. Roo finds an abandoned garden. She starts to water it, trying to bring it back. Eventually she tells Jack about the garden and he helps in her effort to revive it.

Does she find out where the humming is coming from? Did her Uncle kill his wife? What will he say when he discovers that the abandoned garden has come back to life?

Impressions

Overall, this was a good story. It is a modern day “Secret Garden.” I could see boys and girls enjoying this mystery. She starts exploring the abandoned rooms and hears the humming, which adds to the mystery of where she is and what is going to happen. However, at the end once the “mystery is solved,” (the humming) it ends almost too quickly. It leaves several loose ends. Maybe that would leave room for a sequel? 

Professional Reviews

Gr 4-6--Roo, 12, witnesses her parents' murder and survives by hiding beneath the family's trailer home. A rather unlikable child, she's a thief and she bites. She is put in foster care, where she is teased mercilessly by the other children, until a relative can be found. Then a previously unknown uncle turns up. He is wealthy and reclusive and lives on an island. He travels a great deal, so he sends his assistant to fetch Roo. On the train ride to Maine, Ms. Valentine lays down the rules about Roo's new house, and the child immediately sets about breaking every one of them. She discovers a secret box underneath some floorboards. She hears a mysterious humming noise. She notices that a good portion of the home, which used to be a sanatorium for children, is boarded up. And, she wonders about a mysterious, homeless boy she notices on a nearby island. Soon, she's noticing other mysteries and inconsistencies and makes a big discovery, which she keeps a secret. Sound vaguely familiar? The cover states that the book was inspired by The Secret Garden. It so parallels its predecessor that it's really a modernized retelling that works on many levels--but not on others. It's shorter and more streamlined and quite suspenseful. Yet, could a child be so easily hidden away nowadays? Fans of the classic will delight in the similarities and differences. Readers who might be intimidated by the original will find Potter's telling more accessible.

School Library Journal

Kahn, B. (2012). The Humming Room [Review of book]. School Library Journal, 
       58(5), 116.

****************

Small, wild, and stubborn, 12-year-old Roo keeps her emotions close, and she prefers the constants of the natural world to the transience of people.When her drug dealer father and his girlfriend are killed, she is sent to live with an unknown uncle in his isolated, cold island home. There, Roo's explorations uncover mysteries - an intriguing boy with unique ties to the sea; an elusive humming sound; a long-dead, walled -off garden; and, surprisingly, a frail, petulant cousin named Phillip. Secrets unfold, as do revelations about the power of compassion, as well as how relationships - between past and present and people and nature - matter.As such connections are made, Roo finds a sense of belonging. Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, this noteworthy novel stands wholly on its own, as Potter, with classic and contemporary storytelling flair, deftly interweaves fantasy, mystery, suspense, and realism. Beautifully wrought, eloquent prose combines with vivid setting details and diversely drawn characters to effectively portray themes of loneliness and grief. Roo is a memorable character - her experiences prove transformative in unexpected ways, and ultimately her complexities and growth ring true. Poignant without sentimentality, this is a compelling read that is certain to resonate - and linger - with young readers. - Sheiie Rosenfeid

The Booklist

Rosenfeld, S. (2012). The humming room [Review of book]. The Booklist, 
          108(11), 77.

Library Uses

Compare it to The Secret Garden or use it as a book talk and then talk about how it is like the Secret Garden.

Draw a picture of what they think the garden looked like, and then draw a picture of what their secret garden would look like.

Another idea would be to discuss characteristics of the characters.

References

Amazon. (2016). [Image of book cover]. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Humming-Room-Ellen-Potter/dp/1250016665/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458940963&sr=8-1&keywords=humming+room

Kahn, B. (2012). The humming room [Review of book]. School Library Journal, 58(5), 116.

Potter, E. (2012). The humming room. New York: Feiwel and Friends

Rosenfeld, S. (2012). The humming room [Review of book]. The Booklist, 
             108(11), 77.

Module 8: The Cheshire Cheese Cat

The Cheshire Cheese Cat
by Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright

Citation:

Deedy, C. A., Wright, R., & Moser, B. (2011). The Cheshire cheese cat: A
        Dickens of a tale. Atlanta: Peachtree.

Summary

Skilley is an alley cat that gets a job at the Cheshire Cheese Inn as a “mouser.” However, Skilley has a secret. He doesn’t like to eat mice, he likes to eat cheese! In order to get a job, he catches a mouse named Pip and goes to the alley to release him and tells him to run away. Pip is very smart and can tell by the smell of his breath that he eats cheese. Skilley strike up a deal that he will protect the mice and they will get him cheese.

It turns out that Pip has a secret too. He is hiding a raven form the Tower of London that had been injured by some cats. The friends (and the gang of mice) hatch a plan to get the raven back to the Tower of London before war breaks out!

Throughout the book Charles Dickens shows up as a writer trying to write a book. His observations are scattered throughout.

Impressions

This was a cute chapter book with an interesting take on the cat and mouse relationship. I almost laughed out loud when I read that he doesn’t eat mice, but he likes cheese! The sprinkling in about Charles Dickens adds some interest too. This book has a storyline that keeps you interested and wanting to know what is going to happen next. This would be a great read aloud.

Professional Reviews

Gr 5–8--The vagaries of tavern life in 19th-century London come alive in this delightful tale. Skilley, a street cat with a secret (he eats cheese!), finds a home at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, where he pretends to be a mouser and gets the attention of Charles Dickens, a frequent customer. Befriended by Pip, a precocious mouse who can read and write, Skilley tries to protect his rodent pals and Maldwyn, an injured royal raven hiding in the garret, from Pinch, a ginger alley cat who's out for every tasty morsel he can get. There are cat-and-mouse battles aplenty. Several subplots are happily resolved: the cook reveals that the mice are her officialcheese-tasters; Queen Victoria herself comes to rescue Maldwyn; Mr. Dickens finally finds an opening sentence for his new novel, and more. The fast-moving plot is a masterwork of intricate detail that will keep readers enthralled, and the characters are well-rounded and believable. Language is a highlight of the novel; words both elegant and colorful fill the pages: "alacrity," "scrivener," "thieving moggy." And then there are the Dickensian references: "artful dodging of Hansom cabs," Dickens saying he has "great expectations." His amusing diary entries, revealing both his writing difficulties and

his thoughts about Skilley, and the occasionally fanciful page layouts add to the humor. Combined with Moser's precise pencil sketches of personality-filled characters, the book is a success in every way. It should be a first purchase for libraries interested in bringing young readers to the marvels of Dickens via the back-or, should I say tavern-door. 

School Library Journal

Menaldi-Scanlan, N. (2011). The Cheshire cheese cat: A Dickens of a tale

            [Review of book]. School Library Journal, 57(9), 150.

*********************

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a London haunt for writers in the nineteenth century, has a mouse problem, and cheese-loving alley-cat Skilley has the perfect solution. Speaking in a lovely British lilt, KeIlgren is as much at ease voicing the animal characters as she is with humans. Her dialects range from more common (London street cats) and refined (well-educated mouse leader Pip) to utterly royal (Queen Victoria), with her tones rising and falling to match pace and intensity. Charles Dickens' journal entries detail his struggles to write a new novel, and Sachs reads these passages in deep, smooth tones, with a sprinkling of amusement regarding Dickens' observations and exclamations. These evenly cadenced interludes are a welcome lull in this action-packed story, which, despite the absence of Barry Moser's pencil drawings, is a most entertaining audio. - Elizabeth Nelson

The Booklist
Nelson, E. (2012). The Cheshire cheese cat: A Dickens of a tale
               [Review of book]. The Booklist, 108(16), 80.

Library Uses

This would be a great book for a “Book Talk” or lesson showing the combination of Historical Fiction and Fantasy. It could also be used to start research on the time period, London, or Dickens.

References

            Amazon. (2016). [Image of book cover]. Retrieved from http://
                  www.amazon.com/Cheshire-Cheese-Carmen-Randall-
                  Wright/dp/1561458104/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie
                  =UTF8&qid=1458338274&s =1-1&keywords=cheshire+cheese

Deedy, C. A., Wright, R., & Moser, B. (2011). The Cheshire cheese cat: A 
        Dickens of a tale. Atlanta: Peachtree.

Menaldi-Scanlan, N. (2011). The Cheshire cheese cat: A Dickens of a tale
        [Review of book]. School Library Journal, 57(9), 150.

Nelson, E. (2012). The Cheshire cheese cat: A Dickens of a tale
               [Review of book]. The Booklist, 108(16), 80. 

 

Module 7: Frindle & Tangerine

 Frindle

by Andrew Clements

Citation:

Clements, A., & Selznick, B. (1996). Frindle. New York, N.Y: Simon & Schuster
           Books for Young Readers.

Summary

Frindle is a story about a fifth grade boy named Nick who was a mastermind of stalling time in order to get out of doing work and getting homework. That is until he meets his match with a teacher who happens to be the queen of the Dictionary. Nick decides to create his own word for a pen (frindle) and first convinces his friends and eventually the whole school to use the word. He even made a lot of money on the marketing of the word. The word was eventually added to the Dictionary.

Impressions

In the beginning of the story I was trying to figure out if I liked Nick or not (from the teacher point of view). As I read the book, I started to find out more about him and started to like him. He seems to be that gifted kid that is testing limits and has great ideas that need an outlet. Overall, I enjoyed the story. It would be a great read aloud for 4th or 5th graders.

Professional Reviews

Gr 3-6-- Nick's idea to invent a brand new word is both a challenge and a tribute to his dictionary-loving, language-arts teacher. He devises ingenious ways to encourage people to start referring to pens as "frindles." Chaotic events follow as the word becomes a national phenomenon and, finally, an actual dictionary entry. Along with the humor, there are plenty of thought-provoking insights about the nature of words and their importance to the lives of regular people.

School Library Journal

Engelfried, S. (2004). Frindle [Review of book]. School Library Journal, 50(6), 56.

*****************

Can you imagine finding the word frindle in one of this century s newest dictionaries? I think that might have happened if Andrew Clements' book Frindle had won a Newbery award five years ago. Few young readers can resist identifying with fifth-grader Nicholas Allen, who coined a new word for pen-- frindle-and managed to give his dictionary-loving teacher, Mrs. Granger, a new challenge. Like countless readers who have honored this book with numerous state awards, I am amused by Nick's efforts to pursue getting this "new" word included in the dictionary. The author manages to tell a tale in which students respect their language arts teacher but are willing to assume consequences for minor acts of defiance. Eventually Mrs. Granger and Nick come to an understanding that has positive lifelong mutual benefits for the class as well as for readers who realize the power of language. This book makes a great read-aloud. In addition, it is an easy sell to elementary-school children, who readily recommend it to their friends. They always ask if there are more books like Frindle. -Judy Moburg, advisory board member

Book Links

Moburg, J. (2002, Apr). It should have won a Newbery!: Frindle [Review of book].
       Book Links 11(5), 15-16. 

Library Uses

This could be used as a book talk and/or read excerpts to introduce a lesson about dictionary skills then have students invent their own word to replace an old one. Then they could fill out what the dictionary entry would look like.

References

Amazon. (2016). [Image of book cover]. Retrieved from

         http://www.amazon.com/Frindle-Andrew-Clements/dp/

         0689818769/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458331923&sr=8-  

         1&keywords=frindle+book

Clements, A., & Selznick, B. (1996). Frindle. New York, N.Y: Simon & Schuster 
          Books for Young Readers.

Engelfried, S. (2004). Frindle [Review of book]. School Library Journal, 50(6), 56.

Moburg, J. (2002, Apr). It should have won a Newbery!: Frindle [Review of book].
           Book Links 11(4),15-16.

Tangerine

by Edward Bloor

Citation:

Bloor, E. (1997). Tangerine. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace.

  

Summary

Tangerine is about 12 year old boy named Paul that moves with his family from Houston to Tangerine, Florida. He is nearly blind due to something that happened when he was young, but he loves to play soccer and is really good at it. He was told that he looked at an eclipse too long, but had a nagging feeling that it was something else. He begins to have memories of what happened.  You will be very surprised to find out what really happened to him and who did it! Paul struggles with being new to a school and having a disability. He also struggles with being in the shadow of his brother. His parents show obvious favoritism toward Erik. Unfortunately his school will not play soccer for insurance reasons. After a sinkhole swallows part of his new school, he ends up going to a new school where he has to start all over again. Luckily, this school will let him play soccer. Throughout the story Paul has to deal with his brother Erick’s delinquent behavior and the fact that his parents ignore it. The story is full of suspense and tragedy, with a major revelation occurring at the end.

Impressions

This was a really good story. It was very interesting to see how Paul handles himself in each situation. You really feel for the character and the struggles he goes through. I wanted to grab the parents and say, “can’t you see what is going on?” The favoritism toward his brother and the obvious overlooking of his behavior were difficult to take. I wanted to stand up and cheer when it was obvious the grandparents felt that way too.

I like that even though he had a disability, he was still able to succeed at what he wanted to. There is some violence and even a death in the story, but it is important to the storyline.

  

Professional Reviews

Gr 6-8-Paul starts seventh grade after moving from Houston to a ritzy new development in Tangerine County, FL. Legally blind following some repressed childhood incident, he nonetheless sees familial, environmental, and social anomalies of the local landscape with greater acuity than the adults around him. His intense mother quickly assumes a leadership role in the Homeowner's Association. His civil engineer father is obsessed with his older brother Erik's football career. Lurking beneath their suburban veneer are real dangers that deepen the disquieting atmosphere: smoke from an unquenchable muck fire casts a pall over the area; lightning kills a football player during practice; a sinkhole swallows the school's portable classrooms; and Paul's conflicts with Erik, a truly nasty, probably psychotic kid. Paul is determined to do whatever it takes to make it on the soccer field, in the classroom, and with his peers. The difference between local people with knowledge of the land and ignorant newcomers who are perplexed by it is powerfully portrayed. Equally clear is that class consciousness and racism have built fences through which Paul chooses to blast holes. Mix a sensitive male protagonist reminiscent of Asa in Bruce Brooks's What Hearts (HarperCollins, 1992), ratchet the soccer scenes from Joseph Cottonwood's The Adventures of Boone Barnaby (Scholastic, 1990) up several degrees of intensity, and enjoy this satisfying family/healing, coming of-age struggle in which everyone takes some licks, but Paul keeps on kicking.Joel Shoemaker; Southeast Jr. High School, Iowa City, IA

School Library Journal
Shoemaker, J. (1997). Tangerine [Review of book]. School Library Journal, 
       43(4), 134.

**********************

Gr. 7-10. Paul and his dysfunctional family have just moved to Tangerine, Florida. Despite being legally blind since an ominous accident when he was little, Paul tries out for the school soccer team. But it's his relationship with his football star brother that puts Paul and his new friends in danger.

Book Links
Rebecca, H. W. (2006). Tangerine [Review of Book]. Book Links, 15(5), 47-48.

Library Uses
Middle School and High School

Tangerine is written in Journal Narrative. You could read an excerpt and show the book to explain what Journal Narrative is.  It could also be used for a book talk pointing out that he doesn’t let his disability get in the way of his dream.

References

Amazon. (2016). [Image of book cover]. Retrieved from

         http://www.amazon.com/Tangerine-Edward-Bloor/dp/0152057803/ref=sr_1_1?
         ie=UTF8&qid=1460341094&sr=8-1&keywords=tangerine+book

Bloor, E. (1997). Tangerine. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace.

Rebecca, H. W. (2006). Tangerine [Review of book]. Book Links, 15(5), 47-48. 

Shoemaker, J. (1997). Tangerine [Review of book]. School Library Journal, 
         43(4), 134.