Set in rural Indiana in the 1900's, this historical fiction book tells the story of a one room school house and the eight children who attend school there against their will. After the current school teacher dies at the ripe young age of 42, Russell Culver thinks his schooling is over, and makes his plan to head to the Dakotas. Little does he know the next school teacher is close at hand...closer than he thinks. When his mean-spirited older sister is named the new school teacher, his plans to leave home accelerate. Through the help of his sister, a few friends and his father, Russell learns that an education might not be such a bad thing after all.
Richard Peck expertly weaves history with fiction in this believable account of rural Indiana farm life in the early 1900's. As the author of more than 30 books, many of which are multiple award winners, Peck has surely become a legend in this genre. The introduction of the automobile is woven seamlessly into the storyline, as well as how life in a one room school room really was. The characters all act appropriate for the time period, and today's young reader might find it hard to believe that school teachers actually whipped their students in class for misbehaving, but the older readers will confirm this occurrence as true to the time period. Peck does an impeccable job of capturing the language of uneducated children running barefoot in the town, and by using the characters in the book to become famous characters in real life at the end of the book, Peck artfully blends fact and fiction. This book is appropriate for readers in the 4th-8th grade.
What I loved most about this book, is that I started out bored by it. What in the world would I be able to learn from a rural town in Indiana in the 1900's? I was turning pages quicker than I ever would have thought possible, in a manner of a few chapters. This was my first book to read from Peck, and I quickly became a fan! The characters are all so different, and believable, and funny, and silly all at the same time. I believe this book would have made an excellent television series, much like the Beverly Hillbillies or Gunsmoke did. Told through the eyes of a fifteen year old farm boy, the story comes alive by Peck's dialogue and detail. I spent a few summers on my grandparents' farm, and I remember the snakes and vultures my cousins and I encountered. We also had our share of run-ins with leeches while swimming in the creek. This book brought back fond memories of my farm-filled summers.
Key Words
cockle burs, writhing, gaped, banshee, drone, cacophony, charred, recitation, elocution, carcasses, desolation,
Monday, July 30, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Because of Winn Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo
Ten year old India Opal Buloni finds herself in a Winn-Dixie store in Naomi, Florida watching a big ugly stray dog terrorize the staff and patrons. Just as the dog is about to meet a dog catcher's fate, Opal speaks up and claims him as her dog. Quick thinking leads her to name him "Winn-Dixie" and a friendship is born. Winn-Dixie quickly steals the hearts of all he meets, and spreads love and happiness along the way. Opal's secret desire is to find her mother who left when she was a little girl, but when she loses Winn-Dixie, all she can think about is her cherished pet.
DiCamillo is at her best painting the picture of a small Florida town in this novel. She artfully describes a myriad of characters from the "witch" to the "convict" and a host of others in between. A child reader can easily relate to Opal and her love for her dog, and her wistfulness in wanting her mom to return. Readers can easily gain insights and understanding into Opal's challenges. One such challenge is wanting a new collar and leash for Winn-Dixie, but not having any money to pay for them. Opal quickly decides to barter her cleaning services for the leash and collar, and a friendship with the pet store clerk is born. Even the crabby old parrot likes Winn-Dixie, as she always lands on the dog's head and screeches, "Dog". DiCamillo gives us hope throughout the book that Opal will either find her mom, or at least be at peace with why her mom left. The quality of writing in the novel is superb and is a definite must read for grades 4th-6th. Because of Winn-Dixie is a recipient of the Bluebonnet Book Award.
I loved this book! I fell in love with Winn-Dixie just as everyone else in the book did. I loved how the author described Winn-Dixie's smile, and the writing was so descriptive I could just see that dog smiling! Each character in the book is so well-developed, and one of my favorite characters was Opal's daddy, the preacher. I loved how he let Opal bring the dog into church, and I loved the image of Opal and her dog sitting there listening to their dad preach. For me, it was a "Kodak moment." This book reminded me of how important pets are to children, and how much joy they can bring to everyone they meet. I wish there was a sequel to this book! I so very much want for Opal's mom to return and for them to be a happy family.
Key Words
distracted, palmetto trees, ignoring, terrorized, retarded, typhoid fever, tragedy,
DiCamillo is at her best painting the picture of a small Florida town in this novel. She artfully describes a myriad of characters from the "witch" to the "convict" and a host of others in between. A child reader can easily relate to Opal and her love for her dog, and her wistfulness in wanting her mom to return. Readers can easily gain insights and understanding into Opal's challenges. One such challenge is wanting a new collar and leash for Winn-Dixie, but not having any money to pay for them. Opal quickly decides to barter her cleaning services for the leash and collar, and a friendship with the pet store clerk is born. Even the crabby old parrot likes Winn-Dixie, as she always lands on the dog's head and screeches, "Dog". DiCamillo gives us hope throughout the book that Opal will either find her mom, or at least be at peace with why her mom left. The quality of writing in the novel is superb and is a definite must read for grades 4th-6th. Because of Winn-Dixie is a recipient of the Bluebonnet Book Award.
I loved this book! I fell in love with Winn-Dixie just as everyone else in the book did. I loved how the author described Winn-Dixie's smile, and the writing was so descriptive I could just see that dog smiling! Each character in the book is so well-developed, and one of my favorite characters was Opal's daddy, the preacher. I loved how he let Opal bring the dog into church, and I loved the image of Opal and her dog sitting there listening to their dad preach. For me, it was a "Kodak moment." This book reminded me of how important pets are to children, and how much joy they can bring to everyone they meet. I wish there was a sequel to this book! I so very much want for Opal's mom to return and for them to be a happy family.
Key Words
distracted, palmetto trees, ignoring, terrorized, retarded, typhoid fever, tragedy,
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Melinda is troubled. She is a freshman, all of her old friends no longer speak to her or will be seen with her, and she belongs to no social group. Her parents are on the verge of divorce, which makes Melinda's home life as equally unbearable as her school life. Melinda has a terrible secret. Something happened last summer and the secret is literally silencing her from speaking. Through a friendship with a new student, a re-kindled friendship with an old friend, and a special relationship with her art teacher, Melinda finally learns how to speak again.
Laurie Halse Anderson uses vivid imagery and lyrical prose to bring the characters in this book to life. Anderson uses both narration and character action to build multi dimensions to these characters. The book is told through Melinda's point of view, and Anderson perfectly captures the mean-spirited and ambivalent teenage personality in a believable high school setting. Any reader who has been to high school can easily find themselves lost in this book. The main character's voice is so perfectly penned by Anderson, that the reader would not be surprised to if Anderson herself was a 9th grade student.Anderson takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride right up until the climatic moment in the janitor's closet which is a scene so expertly written, the reader will get chills just imagining what it would be fighting off "The Beast". This book is appropriate for 7th graders and up, and is a Michael L. Printz honor award recipient, as well as a National Book Finalist, An ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and a Booklist Editor's Choice.
This might be one of the best books I have ever read. Even though the subject matter is so very uncomfortable, and even though re-living high school through Melinda's eyes is often painful, this novel is incredible. I got chills up and down my spine several times during the book, cried and laughed out loud. The art teacher, Mr. Freeman, is an excellent teacher who is patient with Melinda, and offers help throughout the book. I loved the metaphor of the tree throughout the book, and when her dad cuts the dead parts off the tree in the front of the yard so that the tree will grow better, Melinda starts to realize she must too do some emotional pruning. In the end, I found Melinda's journey uplifting and motivating.
Key Words
obscene, patrons, probation, hypothalamus, symbolism, misdemeanor, pate, suffragette
Laurie Halse Anderson uses vivid imagery and lyrical prose to bring the characters in this book to life. Anderson uses both narration and character action to build multi dimensions to these characters. The book is told through Melinda's point of view, and Anderson perfectly captures the mean-spirited and ambivalent teenage personality in a believable high school setting. Any reader who has been to high school can easily find themselves lost in this book. The main character's voice is so perfectly penned by Anderson, that the reader would not be surprised to if Anderson herself was a 9th grade student.Anderson takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride right up until the climatic moment in the janitor's closet which is a scene so expertly written, the reader will get chills just imagining what it would be fighting off "The Beast". This book is appropriate for 7th graders and up, and is a Michael L. Printz honor award recipient, as well as a National Book Finalist, An ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and a Booklist Editor's Choice.
This might be one of the best books I have ever read. Even though the subject matter is so very uncomfortable, and even though re-living high school through Melinda's eyes is often painful, this novel is incredible. I got chills up and down my spine several times during the book, cried and laughed out loud. The art teacher, Mr. Freeman, is an excellent teacher who is patient with Melinda, and offers help throughout the book. I loved the metaphor of the tree throughout the book, and when her dad cuts the dead parts off the tree in the front of the yard so that the tree will grow better, Melinda starts to realize she must too do some emotional pruning. In the end, I found Melinda's journey uplifting and motivating.
Key Words
obscene, patrons, probation, hypothalamus, symbolism, misdemeanor, pate, suffragette
Monday, July 23, 2007
Cinderella or The Little Glass Slipper, translated and illustrated by Marcia Brown
Summary
This text is an excellent translation of the much loved French version of Cinderella by Charles Perrault. Marcia Brown's whimsical illustrations add to the magic of the story, and provide a beautiful backdrop for this classic tale.
Analysis
Marcia Brown does an excellent job of preserving the story of Cinderella that children all over know and love. She also maintains the flavor of the time that Charles Perault's version was written by including phrases such as "bedchamber" (page 1), "elder" (page 6), and "looking glass" (page 7). Her illustrations complement the tone of the text and her rendition of Cinderella is both beautiful and magical. The step-sisters are drawn appropriately gaudy, and the fairy godmother's beauty is portrayed expertly. This book is the recipient of the Caldecott Medal Award, and is appropriate for 3rd graders and up.
It's been quite a while since I have read Cinderella. I found this version interesting, as it differs from the version I remember reading and having read to me. Since this book is based on a French version, and was published so long ago (1954) I found the language charming and quaint. The illustrations are so very different from the illustrations of today's children's books, and I found them to add charm to this translation. I was surprised to read that Cinderella forgives her two mean step-sisters, finds husbands for them, and allows them to live in the palace with her! I think I prefer the version I remember in which they are banished and get what they deserve!
Key Words
haughtiest, bedchamber, garret, petticoat, corset, courtesies, personage
This text is an excellent translation of the much loved French version of Cinderella by Charles Perrault. Marcia Brown's whimsical illustrations add to the magic of the story, and provide a beautiful backdrop for this classic tale.
Analysis
Marcia Brown does an excellent job of preserving the story of Cinderella that children all over know and love. She also maintains the flavor of the time that Charles Perault's version was written by including phrases such as "bedchamber" (page 1), "elder" (page 6), and "looking glass" (page 7). Her illustrations complement the tone of the text and her rendition of Cinderella is both beautiful and magical. The step-sisters are drawn appropriately gaudy, and the fairy godmother's beauty is portrayed expertly. This book is the recipient of the Caldecott Medal Award, and is appropriate for 3rd graders and up.
It's been quite a while since I have read Cinderella. I found this version interesting, as it differs from the version I remember reading and having read to me. Since this book is based on a French version, and was published so long ago (1954) I found the language charming and quaint. The illustrations are so very different from the illustrations of today's children's books, and I found them to add charm to this translation. I was surprised to read that Cinderella forgives her two mean step-sisters, finds husbands for them, and allows them to live in the palace with her! I think I prefer the version I remember in which they are banished and get what they deserve!
Key Words
haughtiest, bedchamber, garret, petticoat, corset, courtesies, personage
Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn
Summary
Heather is not an easy stepsister to live with. She lies, tattles, and is downright mean. Molly and Michael's mom has a new husband Dave, and things go from bad to worse when the adults move the family to a refurbished church in the middle of nowhere. Heather becomes obsessed with a tombstone in the way-too-close-for-comfort graveyard behind the church where they live. Heather befriends the ghost of a small child whose mother died in a fire, just as Heather's did, and Molly must make a tough choice: save the girl who she despises, or let the ghost lead Heather to her death.
Analysis
Mary Downing Hahn has created an ideal and believable setting for a ghost story. The setting for this book is an abandoned church, with a graveyard in the backyard, and a half-burned dilapidated house down the street. These are the perfect places for a ghost to be, and the reader easily becomes one with Molly the narrator. Hahn's choice of words to describe the setting adds credibility to the story and she does an excellent job of blending fantasy with reality.
For example, when Hahn is describing the destruction that the ghost Helen has done to the house, Molly notices a message scrawled on the wall. As soon as Molly reads the message, "I have come. H.E.H." the words fade away into nothing. (page 128) At this point in the story the ghost has yet to actually show itself, so even though the reader has no proof that the ghost exists, the reader believes Helen exists and never questions Molly's sightings.
Hahn's plot is made more credible and believable by the the mystery surrounding the death of Helen's mother. The reader comes to despise Heather, just as Hahn wants us to, and she creates a common thread between Heather and Helen by way of how they lost their mothers. Hahn successfully keeps the reader guessing as to how Heather's mother really died, and leads the reader on a journey of discovery throughout the book. By revealing the details of Heather's mom's death in the way that she does, Hahn gives the reader new insight and empathy for Heather's behavior.(page 163)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's been a long time since I have read a mystery, and this book kept me turning the pages very quickly! I hated Heather right along with Molly and Michael, and hated how they were both blamed for everything Heather ever did! I grew angry at the mother in the book for not sticking up for her own two children more often and telling her husband, Dave, to back off! But just like Molly, I end up feeling sorry for Heather in the end of the book, and was glad that Molly saved her.
This book is appropriate for 5th graders and up.
Key Words
misunderstanding, trespassing, cherub, exasperated, poltergeist, extrasensory perception
Heather is not an easy stepsister to live with. She lies, tattles, and is downright mean. Molly and Michael's mom has a new husband Dave, and things go from bad to worse when the adults move the family to a refurbished church in the middle of nowhere. Heather becomes obsessed with a tombstone in the way-too-close-for-comfort graveyard behind the church where they live. Heather befriends the ghost of a small child whose mother died in a fire, just as Heather's did, and Molly must make a tough choice: save the girl who she despises, or let the ghost lead Heather to her death.
Analysis
Mary Downing Hahn has created an ideal and believable setting for a ghost story. The setting for this book is an abandoned church, with a graveyard in the backyard, and a half-burned dilapidated house down the street. These are the perfect places for a ghost to be, and the reader easily becomes one with Molly the narrator. Hahn's choice of words to describe the setting adds credibility to the story and she does an excellent job of blending fantasy with reality.
For example, when Hahn is describing the destruction that the ghost Helen has done to the house, Molly notices a message scrawled on the wall. As soon as Molly reads the message, "I have come. H.E.H." the words fade away into nothing. (page 128) At this point in the story the ghost has yet to actually show itself, so even though the reader has no proof that the ghost exists, the reader believes Helen exists and never questions Molly's sightings.
Hahn's plot is made more credible and believable by the the mystery surrounding the death of Helen's mother. The reader comes to despise Heather, just as Hahn wants us to, and she creates a common thread between Heather and Helen by way of how they lost their mothers. Hahn successfully keeps the reader guessing as to how Heather's mother really died, and leads the reader on a journey of discovery throughout the book. By revealing the details of Heather's mom's death in the way that she does, Hahn gives the reader new insight and empathy for Heather's behavior.(page 163)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's been a long time since I have read a mystery, and this book kept me turning the pages very quickly! I hated Heather right along with Molly and Michael, and hated how they were both blamed for everything Heather ever did! I grew angry at the mother in the book for not sticking up for her own two children more often and telling her husband, Dave, to back off! But just like Molly, I end up feeling sorry for Heather in the end of the book, and was glad that Molly saved her.
This book is appropriate for 5th graders and up.
Key Words
misunderstanding, trespassing, cherub, exasperated, poltergeist, extrasensory perception
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen and adapted by Jerry Pinkey
Summary
The timeless tale of the ugly duckling comes alive in this beautifully illustrated adaptation by Jerry Pinkey. This story serves as a reminder that beauty is more than skin deep, and patience can bring acceptance and beauty when one least expects it.
Analysis
Jerry Pinkey's illustrations perfectly parallel the story that he tells. The language in this fable is rich and expressive, just as his watercolor illustrations are. When he writes about the dog's great "chasm" of a mouth about to close on the duckling, the accompanying watercolored illustration of the dog matches the tone exactly. Each two page spread in this book consists of a full page illustration and a page with text. Don't miss the end papers of the book, as they show the Ugly Ducking as just that, and the last end paper shows the duckling as a beautiful swan.
Pinkey's message clearly implies that we are not to judge a book by it's cover, and simultaneously manages to encourage us to be patient with any physical flaws or inadequacies that we feel we might have. The plot is brief, as the entire first year of a duckling's life is told in under thirty pages. Pinkey does an excellent job of personifying the ugly duckling, especially when the ducking is alone and freezing, and realizes he would rather be killed by the beautiful swans than die alone and freezing. His descriptive text takes the reader inside the heart of this lonely and unloved creature, and all readers no matter what their age can identify with the Ugly Ducking's strife.
Among Jerry Pinkey's accomplishments are three Caldecott Honor Medals, four Corette Scott King Awards, and he was also nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award.
This book is appropriate for grades 3 and up.
I haven't read this story in so very long, and this version was a refreshing re-introduction to this timeless classic. My wish is for all students going through puberty to pick this book up and read it. I love how the ugly duckling is greeted by children on the last page of the book who say, "The new one is the best." After the kids say this, the Ugly Ducking realizes that all that he went through was worth it, because now he knew how it felt to be happy. I truly believe that it takes suffering to appreciate true happiness.
Key Words
secluded, steadily, monstrous, moor, chasm, looming, bewilderment
The timeless tale of the ugly duckling comes alive in this beautifully illustrated adaptation by Jerry Pinkey. This story serves as a reminder that beauty is more than skin deep, and patience can bring acceptance and beauty when one least expects it.
Analysis
Jerry Pinkey's illustrations perfectly parallel the story that he tells. The language in this fable is rich and expressive, just as his watercolor illustrations are. When he writes about the dog's great "chasm" of a mouth about to close on the duckling, the accompanying watercolored illustration of the dog matches the tone exactly. Each two page spread in this book consists of a full page illustration and a page with text. Don't miss the end papers of the book, as they show the Ugly Ducking as just that, and the last end paper shows the duckling as a beautiful swan.
Pinkey's message clearly implies that we are not to judge a book by it's cover, and simultaneously manages to encourage us to be patient with any physical flaws or inadequacies that we feel we might have. The plot is brief, as the entire first year of a duckling's life is told in under thirty pages. Pinkey does an excellent job of personifying the ugly duckling, especially when the ducking is alone and freezing, and realizes he would rather be killed by the beautiful swans than die alone and freezing. His descriptive text takes the reader inside the heart of this lonely and unloved creature, and all readers no matter what their age can identify with the Ugly Ducking's strife.
Among Jerry Pinkey's accomplishments are three Caldecott Honor Medals, four Corette Scott King Awards, and he was also nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award.
This book is appropriate for grades 3 and up.
I haven't read this story in so very long, and this version was a refreshing re-introduction to this timeless classic. My wish is for all students going through puberty to pick this book up and read it. I love how the ugly duckling is greeted by children on the last page of the book who say, "The new one is the best." After the kids say this, the Ugly Ducking realizes that all that he went through was worth it, because now he knew how it felt to be happy. I truly believe that it takes suffering to appreciate true happiness.
Key Words
secluded, steadily, monstrous, moor, chasm, looming, bewilderment
Monday, July 16, 2007
Neighborhood Odes
Summary
In this poetry anthology Gary Soto provides twenty-one glimpses into the lives of ordinary objects such as pomegranates, pinatas, and sprinklers. Through his conversational tone, Soto brings a new understanding to the lifestyle of the Hispanic population.
Analysis
The poems in this anthology are filled with rhythmic and thoughtful prose. Each poem contains at least one Spanish word, and the English/Spanish glossary in the back help the non-native Spanish speakers engage with and understand the poems. Soto steers clear of any racial stereotyping, and portrays the Hispanic lifestyle beautifully, accurately and authentically. Diaz' woodcut illustrations in this book are unique and interesting, and seem to be stories waiting to be told themselves. This book is appropriate for 4th graders and up, and has won the following awards: An ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, a Horn Book Fanfare Selection, a NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, a Parenting Magic Award Winner.
This book was a little difficult for me to read, mainly because of the binding. The sewn binding was either too tight, or not done correctly which made the book difficult to open. I also grew a little tired of the ode style of poetry. I would have preferred it if Soto had mixed up the style of poems in this anthology. The odes are interesting and well done, and oftentimes made me laugh, I just wish for a little more variety. Of the odes, the Ode to the Mayor (page 64) is a delightful and accurate portrayal of a jealous sibling complaining about his showboating brother. There are other gems to not be missed in this anthology, and this book does provide the reader with a glimpse into a lifestyle that they may not be familiar with, and perhaps that was Mr. Soto's plan all along. If that's the case, then he accomplished this goal with this anthology.
Key Words:
eggplants, chihuahua, pomegranate, briquets, abandoned, taunting
In this poetry anthology Gary Soto provides twenty-one glimpses into the lives of ordinary objects such as pomegranates, pinatas, and sprinklers. Through his conversational tone, Soto brings a new understanding to the lifestyle of the Hispanic population.
Analysis
The poems in this anthology are filled with rhythmic and thoughtful prose. Each poem contains at least one Spanish word, and the English/Spanish glossary in the back help the non-native Spanish speakers engage with and understand the poems. Soto steers clear of any racial stereotyping, and portrays the Hispanic lifestyle beautifully, accurately and authentically. Diaz' woodcut illustrations in this book are unique and interesting, and seem to be stories waiting to be told themselves. This book is appropriate for 4th graders and up, and has won the following awards: An ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, a Horn Book Fanfare Selection, a NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, a Parenting Magic Award Winner.
This book was a little difficult for me to read, mainly because of the binding. The sewn binding was either too tight, or not done correctly which made the book difficult to open. I also grew a little tired of the ode style of poetry. I would have preferred it if Soto had mixed up the style of poems in this anthology. The odes are interesting and well done, and oftentimes made me laugh, I just wish for a little more variety. Of the odes, the Ode to the Mayor (page 64) is a delightful and accurate portrayal of a jealous sibling complaining about his showboating brother. There are other gems to not be missed in this anthology, and this book does provide the reader with a glimpse into a lifestyle that they may not be familiar with, and perhaps that was Mr. Soto's plan all along. If that's the case, then he accomplished this goal with this anthology.
Key Words:
eggplants, chihuahua, pomegranate, briquets, abandoned, taunting
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