Summary
China is a country that has one billion people and is bustling with life. With over fifty-six national groups, China's people have had a difficult time communicating with each other, but Bobbie Kalman weaves their stories together effortlessly. He takes the reader on a complete tour of China from the school system, to the housing choices, and provides detailed descriptions and poignant photographs along the way.
Analysis
The publication of this book is 1989, and much has changed in the world since then. Although there is much to be learned from any non-fiction book, an eighteen year old text such as this one might not be ideal for a research report. This text does, however, discuss the major and relevant categories about China, and the information is presented in a non biased manner. Even controversial topics, such as the limit of one child per family is presented in a neutral tone. All of the pictures include detailed captions are labeled completely, and help tell the story of the Chinese people. Although I wouldn't necessarily describe the text as compelling, it is written in a straightforward and easy to read manner. This book is appropriate for 4th graders up to high school.
Key Words
ancestors, dialects, artisans, autonomous, matchmakers, pictographs,
Monday, July 16, 2007
Cleopatra By Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema
Summary
Ahead of her time, Cleopatra served as a conquering queen in 51 BC. She became Queen of Egypt at age 18, and by 20 years of age had been driven off of the throne. For such a young woman, she accomplished much, including loving two men who were killed (one murdered, one suicide) and acquiring quite a stockpile of riches and treasures. Who knows what the world would be like today if she had succeeded in conquering the world.
Analysis
It is important to note that all historical accounts of Cleopatra were written by her enemies. All literature that portrayed her any differently than a conniving, deceitful, and immoral, was destroyed and most likely the authors of those works were destroyed too. (Notes on Ancient Sources) It must also be noted that no one truly knows what Cleopatra looked like since all statues of her were destroyed. (Notes on Ancient Sources) These facts make this book by Stanley and Vennema even more impressive in that it takes a one-sided view of history and presents Cleopatra’s life story evenly and unbiased, and in an engaging manner. The authors present both her shortcomings and strengths equally, and through their descriptions provide a glimpse into the life of a famous woman from a very long time ago. This book is appropriate for 5th-12th graders.
Learning about Cleopatra was a fascination experience for me. I knew very little about her, and certainly everything I did know was biased against her. It never occurred to me what an accomplishment she had made just becoming a ruler in a time where women were not highly valued! I can’t imagine having your brother out to get you, which was the case for Cleopatra. The illustrations in the book are beautiful, and compliment the biography nicely. The mosaic tiles give the text an “authentic” feel and make this book appear more like a picture book than a biography book.
Key Words
ambitious, grandeur,scandalized, conspiracy, assaains, supremacy, beacon
Ahead of her time, Cleopatra served as a conquering queen in 51 BC. She became Queen of Egypt at age 18, and by 20 years of age had been driven off of the throne. For such a young woman, she accomplished much, including loving two men who were killed (one murdered, one suicide) and acquiring quite a stockpile of riches and treasures. Who knows what the world would be like today if she had succeeded in conquering the world.
Analysis
It is important to note that all historical accounts of Cleopatra were written by her enemies. All literature that portrayed her any differently than a conniving, deceitful, and immoral, was destroyed and most likely the authors of those works were destroyed too. (Notes on Ancient Sources) It must also be noted that no one truly knows what Cleopatra looked like since all statues of her were destroyed. (Notes on Ancient Sources) These facts make this book by Stanley and Vennema even more impressive in that it takes a one-sided view of history and presents Cleopatra’s life story evenly and unbiased, and in an engaging manner. The authors present both her shortcomings and strengths equally, and through their descriptions provide a glimpse into the life of a famous woman from a very long time ago. This book is appropriate for 5th-12th graders.
Learning about Cleopatra was a fascination experience for me. I knew very little about her, and certainly everything I did know was biased against her. It never occurred to me what an accomplishment she had made just becoming a ruler in a time where women were not highly valued! I can’t imagine having your brother out to get you, which was the case for Cleopatra. The illustrations in the book are beautiful, and compliment the biography nicely. The mosaic tiles give the text an “authentic” feel and make this book appear more like a picture book than a biography book.
Key Words
ambitious, grandeur,scandalized, conspiracy, assaains, supremacy, beacon
Monday, July 9, 2007
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni
In this re-telling of a historic moment in the Civil Rights Movement, poet Nikki Grimes brings Rosa Parks to life by showing the reader what happens prior to and after the famous bus ride. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks completed her work early, and was given permission by her gracious boss to leave work early. Everyone knows what happens next, but all readers might not know that Rosa Parks did not set out to be an activist. She just wasn’t in the mood to move to the back of the bus that day. And aren’t we all glad that she didn’t!
Award winning illustrator Bryan Collier remarks in the book that to prepare for this project, he took a trip to Montgomery, Alabama, the site of the Rosa Parks bus ride. The one thing he remembers most about the city is the oppressing heat. He expertly captures this heat by the color palette that he chooses for his illustrations. The tones are hot, and fiery, much like the climate of the weather, as well as the climate in the bus. Collier’s use of light is artistic and purposeful, as Rosa Parks seems to be emanating light in each illustration. The artist clearly wants the reader to see her powerful spirit shining through. He also makes use of collages for his illustrations. Actually items are in the illustrations, including newspapers from the time and fabric swatches for the clothing. An interesting gold collage is behind Martin Luther King in an illustration, and the same gold collage appears behind Rosa Parks on the cover, and in another illustration inside the book. This collage gives them vibrancy and spirit, and is a beautiful was to artistically depict their passion for their quest.
I had no idea that Rosa Parks was sitting in the middle of the bus, not the front, like I think I had learned in school. When I asked my kids and husband what Rosa Parks is best known for they said, “Sitting in the white section of the bus and not giving up her seat.” Well, now that I think about that, I think that makes her out to be quite a rebel. And that’s not what this story depicts at all. According to Nikki Grimes, Rosa was sitting in the neutral section, and was asked to move to accommodate a white guest. That makes the significance of her violation even more significant. I loved the use of collage in this picture book, and thought it was a perfect way to depict the feelings of the time. This book would be a good choice to read from 3rd graders and on up.
Key Words:
Seamstress, anticipation, recited, trespassing, concentration, intoned
Award winning illustrator Bryan Collier remarks in the book that to prepare for this project, he took a trip to Montgomery, Alabama, the site of the Rosa Parks bus ride. The one thing he remembers most about the city is the oppressing heat. He expertly captures this heat by the color palette that he chooses for his illustrations. The tones are hot, and fiery, much like the climate of the weather, as well as the climate in the bus. Collier’s use of light is artistic and purposeful, as Rosa Parks seems to be emanating light in each illustration. The artist clearly wants the reader to see her powerful spirit shining through. He also makes use of collages for his illustrations. Actually items are in the illustrations, including newspapers from the time and fabric swatches for the clothing. An interesting gold collage is behind Martin Luther King in an illustration, and the same gold collage appears behind Rosa Parks on the cover, and in another illustration inside the book. This collage gives them vibrancy and spirit, and is a beautiful was to artistically depict their passion for their quest.
I had no idea that Rosa Parks was sitting in the middle of the bus, not the front, like I think I had learned in school. When I asked my kids and husband what Rosa Parks is best known for they said, “Sitting in the white section of the bus and not giving up her seat.” Well, now that I think about that, I think that makes her out to be quite a rebel. And that’s not what this story depicts at all. According to Nikki Grimes, Rosa was sitting in the neutral section, and was asked to move to accommodate a white guest. That makes the significance of her violation even more significant. I loved the use of collage in this picture book, and thought it was a perfect way to depict the feelings of the time. This book would be a good choice to read from 3rd graders and on up.
Key Words:
Seamstress, anticipation, recited, trespassing, concentration, intoned
Sunday, July 8, 2007
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
This enchanting book takes the reader on a journey of a most prized china rabbit, Edward Tulane. Edward is a pampered rabbit, with his reserved spot at the dining room table, and his handmade silk clothes. He even sports his own gold pocket watch. All is fine, except for the boredom he feels when his owner loves and talks to him. When he finds himself at the bottom of the ocean, Edward's cold heart begins to melt, just a little bit, and that's when his true journey begins.
Kate DiCamillo is a well-known author and has published several award winning books. Most noteworthy are The Tale of Despereaux, Because of Winn-Dixie, and The Tiger Rising. She skillfully weaves the stories of the characters in this novel, and through her descriptive prose takes the reader right along with Edward to the bottom of the ocean, all the way to a poor child's home in Tennessee. Although there are only a handful of illustrations in this book, they are not to be missed. Bagram Ibatoulline perfectly foreshadows the chapter's content with a chapter opening, albeit small, illustration. Ibatoulline masterfully uses tone and shadows to portray action and emotion. The eyes of Edward Tulane alone are worth studying, as they come to life throughout his journey. A special note must be made about the full page illustration in between page 112 and 113. Edward Tulane has been tied to a post to be a scarecrow in the garden, and the post resembles a cross, and Edward Tulane resembles Christ during the crucifixion. This illustration is powerful, and coincides with a dark time in the rabbit's life. And although there are only a handful of full page illustrations in the book, the illustrator chooses the perfect moments to bring to life for the reader.
I read this book in one session, and the pages literally flew through my fingers. I kept wanting Edward Tulane to stand up and walk. He could think and he could feel, but he couldn't do anything else. He couldn't seek revenge on the villains in his life, and he couldn't tell his new friends where his old home was. I was struck by the sadness in his eyes throughout the book, and how he went from a well-polished rabbit to a broken rabbit with tattered clothes. I felt that this book was strongly telling the reader that pretty and expensive is not always best, and sometimes you have to be broken in order to truly experience love and life. This is a definite must read for 4th graders and up!
Key Words: unraveled, ragged, regretted, bewitched, oblivion, lurched
Kate DiCamillo is a well-known author and has published several award winning books. Most noteworthy are The Tale of Despereaux, Because of Winn-Dixie, and The Tiger Rising. She skillfully weaves the stories of the characters in this novel, and through her descriptive prose takes the reader right along with Edward to the bottom of the ocean, all the way to a poor child's home in Tennessee. Although there are only a handful of illustrations in this book, they are not to be missed. Bagram Ibatoulline perfectly foreshadows the chapter's content with a chapter opening, albeit small, illustration. Ibatoulline masterfully uses tone and shadows to portray action and emotion. The eyes of Edward Tulane alone are worth studying, as they come to life throughout his journey. A special note must be made about the full page illustration in between page 112 and 113. Edward Tulane has been tied to a post to be a scarecrow in the garden, and the post resembles a cross, and Edward Tulane resembles Christ during the crucifixion. This illustration is powerful, and coincides with a dark time in the rabbit's life. And although there are only a handful of full page illustrations in the book, the illustrator chooses the perfect moments to bring to life for the reader.
I read this book in one session, and the pages literally flew through my fingers. I kept wanting Edward Tulane to stand up and walk. He could think and he could feel, but he couldn't do anything else. He couldn't seek revenge on the villains in his life, and he couldn't tell his new friends where his old home was. I was struck by the sadness in his eyes throughout the book, and how he went from a well-polished rabbit to a broken rabbit with tattered clothes. I felt that this book was strongly telling the reader that pretty and expensive is not always best, and sometimes you have to be broken in order to truly experience love and life. This is a definite must read for 4th graders and up!
Key Words: unraveled, ragged, regretted, bewitched, oblivion, lurched
Mudball by Matt Tavares
Mudball recounts one of baseball's legendary stories of Andy Oyler, the smallest baseball player on the 1903 Minneapolis Miller team. It's crunch time, and Andy comes up to bat just as a thunderstorm hits the field. What happens next is pure baseball magic.
Matt Tavares both wrote and illustrated this picture book, and the story and pictures match beautifully. As the field and fans get wetter and wetter, so do the pages. Tavares uses his artistic talent to bring the water out onto the pages by staining the text with water spots. The color palette in the book resembles a gray, sunshine-less day, and the colors of the players and crowd are also dark, with an exception here and there of a hint of color. A special treat is the epilogue and author's note at the end of the book, where Tavares' voice ring loud and clear. Also, don't miss the self portrait of the author on the back book flap, drawn to fit the theme of the book.
What I loved most about this book is that it was the story of an underdog, who caught a break and became a hero. And his big day came during a downpour. Rain is something that we typically associate with unhappiness, which made his victory even sweeter. How many adults love rain during a ballgame? Not many that I know. For that matter, I don't know many ballplayers who like to play in the rain. But in the book, the rain actually becomes Andy Oyler's ally, and allows him to triumph over his failures at the plate, and bring him his fifteen minutes of fame.
Key Words:
moaned, tagged, thief, umpire, arguing
Matt Tavares both wrote and illustrated this picture book, and the story and pictures match beautifully. As the field and fans get wetter and wetter, so do the pages. Tavares uses his artistic talent to bring the water out onto the pages by staining the text with water spots. The color palette in the book resembles a gray, sunshine-less day, and the colors of the players and crowd are also dark, with an exception here and there of a hint of color. A special treat is the epilogue and author's note at the end of the book, where Tavares' voice ring loud and clear. Also, don't miss the self portrait of the author on the back book flap, drawn to fit the theme of the book.
What I loved most about this book is that it was the story of an underdog, who caught a break and became a hero. And his big day came during a downpour. Rain is something that we typically associate with unhappiness, which made his victory even sweeter. How many adults love rain during a ballgame? Not many that I know. For that matter, I don't know many ballplayers who like to play in the rain. But in the book, the rain actually becomes Andy Oyler's ally, and allows him to triumph over his failures at the plate, and bring him his fifteen minutes of fame.
Key Words:
moaned, tagged, thief, umpire, arguing
Monday, July 2, 2007
Handsprings by Douglas Florian
Handsprings is a delightfully breezy look at the season of Spring. This brightly illustrated anthology of 29 poems easily evokes the feelings and activities associated with Spring. The title of the book itself is a play on words, as are the author's other anthologies devoted to the seasons: "Winterize", "Summersaults", and "Autumnblings". As with his other anthologies, Douglas Florian has illustrated the book, which gives him the opportunity to connect the pictures and poems more completely.
This poetry anthology is comprised of many different types of poetry. There are many instances of end rhyme and alliteration, which makes theses poems a perfect choice for out-loud reading. The meter of the poems differ, and meter is used expertly to reinforce the meaning of the poem. There are only a few free verse poems in the anthology, which makes for more appropriate reading to a younger audience, and several visual poems that are appealing to the eye. The illustrations extend the poem's meaning, and should not be missed!
I like the easiness of these poems. This was my first Douglas Florian book to read, and I am anxious to read the other volumes in his seasons anthologies. His poems have breezy rhythm, and roll off the tongue when read aloud. I devoured this book in a matter of minutes, and would like to have seen him double the amount of poems in this book. The book went by too fast! This book is appropriate for Kindergartner's through adults.
Key Words:
frigid, plentiful, centigrade, larches, musty, daydreaming, chartreuse
This poetry anthology is comprised of many different types of poetry. There are many instances of end rhyme and alliteration, which makes theses poems a perfect choice for out-loud reading. The meter of the poems differ, and meter is used expertly to reinforce the meaning of the poem. There are only a few free verse poems in the anthology, which makes for more appropriate reading to a younger audience, and several visual poems that are appealing to the eye. The illustrations extend the poem's meaning, and should not be missed!
I like the easiness of these poems. This was my first Douglas Florian book to read, and I am anxious to read the other volumes in his seasons anthologies. His poems have breezy rhythm, and roll off the tongue when read aloud. I devoured this book in a matter of minutes, and would like to have seen him double the amount of poems in this book. The book went by too fast! This book is appropriate for Kindergartner's through adults.
Key Words:
frigid, plentiful, centigrade, larches, musty, daydreaming, chartreuse
Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson
Locomotion is an anthology of free verse poetry written by a troubled youth. Lonnie's life is changed forever at the young age of seven, when his parents are tragically killed. He and his sister are sent to separate foster homes, and much of Lonnie's poems are written about wanting to be reunited with her. Thank goodness for Mrs. Marcus, his teacher, who takes him under her wing and plays the part of surrogate mother with love and tenderness. In fact, this novel wouldn't exist, if Mrs. Marcus hadn't encouraged Lonnie to write his feelings down on paper.
Jaqueline Woodson's poetic voice is heard throughout this free verse novel. She makes excellent use of the white space by carefully spacing her poems, and manages to throw in a haiku poem now and then to mix up the free verse entries. The poems are all written in the first person, and are so convincing that they read more like historical fiction than poetry. Like most free verse novels, the action in the book centers around an emotional event, and the event in this book is that of the death of Lonnie's parents, and the subsequent separation of he and his sister. Ms. Woodson is a believable voice of a troubled eleven year old, and this book is suitable for 6th grade readers. This book is a must read in today's intermediate and middle classrooms.
What I liked most about this book is how Lonnie's struggles were told so completely through poems. This book would have been totally different written as a novel, rather than an anthology of poetry. I loved how he does seem to get reunited with his sister in the end. The author did not have to provide that happy ending, but I sure am glad she did! I also noticed the theme of the Bible throughout the anthology, and I think it was a clever and effective literary tool that helped portray the characters' thoughts even more.
Key words: sickle cell, cowry, vaporize, epistle poem, occasional poem
Jaqueline Woodson's poetic voice is heard throughout this free verse novel. She makes excellent use of the white space by carefully spacing her poems, and manages to throw in a haiku poem now and then to mix up the free verse entries. The poems are all written in the first person, and are so convincing that they read more like historical fiction than poetry. Like most free verse novels, the action in the book centers around an emotional event, and the event in this book is that of the death of Lonnie's parents, and the subsequent separation of he and his sister. Ms. Woodson is a believable voice of a troubled eleven year old, and this book is suitable for 6th grade readers. This book is a must read in today's intermediate and middle classrooms.
What I liked most about this book is how Lonnie's struggles were told so completely through poems. This book would have been totally different written as a novel, rather than an anthology of poetry. I loved how he does seem to get reunited with his sister in the end. The author did not have to provide that happy ending, but I sure am glad she did! I also noticed the theme of the Bible throughout the anthology, and I think it was a clever and effective literary tool that helped portray the characters' thoughts even more.
Key words: sickle cell, cowry, vaporize, epistle poem, occasional poem
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