Module 15: Go Ask Alice: Written by anonymous

Book Summary: 


Go Ask Alice is a story about a girl who accidentally takes drugs, when acid is put into her drink. It changes her life. Her parents try to help her, as they move to a new house, but she ends up finding her way back to LSD, again. She is in and out of hospitals, including a mental hospital, because of it. Alice runs away with a friend and tries to make a go of it on her own, but ends up getting raped. The end does not mention  that she dies, as it is a diary. In fact, Alice seems to be getting better and better. However, Alice does die, but we are not told whether or not it is an accidental or intentional overdose.


APA Reference: 


Anonymous (2005). Go Ask Alice. New York : Simon Pulse/Simon Schuster.


My Impressions: 

Kids are naturally curious and this book gives a lot of information about what can happen to a person who takes drugs, accidentally or not. It is a book that every teenager ought to read, in my view, as it is better to experience drugs through the eyes of someone else rather than first hand. While sometimes one's sibling or cousin comes into contact with drugs and one learns about drugs this way, other times, like Alice found out, one can find out accidentally.That is a scary and dangerous ride, which does not always have a happy ending. In the case of Alice, I was sad that in the end (or, really, after the end, in the epilogue), she dies of an overdose. However, her book lives on as a testament to her life and so, does a lot of good, I think.

There is a lot of honesty in the book, in every way, including sexual and how she feels being high and having sex. For this reason, I think it is appropriate for older kids as opposed to younger ones.

As an aside, I have a close relative who had a similar experience, but recovered and has been clean for 5 years. In her case, it happened at an older age, so maybe that made a difference. Becoming addicted as a teenager is more difficult, I think, to recover from, as teens have so many other issues to deal with, aside from that.


Professional Review: 


"Alice is your typical teenaged girl. She worries that she is too fat. She wants a boyfriend: “I wish I were popular and beautiful and wealthy and talented.” She frequently makes resolutions in her diary to do better in school, work toward a calmer relationship with her mother, and lose weight. Her life changes when she goes to a party and is given acid in her drink. She loves the feeling the drug gives her: “Closed my eyes and the music began to absorb me physically. I could smell it and touch it and feel it as well as hear it.” She wants more and quickly becomes a part of the drug scene. For about a year and a halfAlice goes on and off drugs and runs away from home twice. Each time she manages to find her way back to her parents. They take her in, get her help, and all seems to be rosy until Alice is once again given acid without her knowledge. This time, she has a bad trip, ends up in the hospital, and then a mental hospital. Her parents stick by her, but her life of drug abuse ultimately ends with a fatal overdose--whether it is intentional or accidental is not known. Go Ask Alice has become a classic story of warning against the use of drugs. For the teen scene of 2006, this story will appear as slightly dated. The issues of relationships both in and out of school have not changed much in the last thirty years, but there are subtle differences in the culture that may prove distracting for a young person reading this book today. The basic story remains a chilling cautionary tale. 2005 (orig. 1971), Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster, $6.99, $5.99 and $16.95. Ages 14 to 18."

Smith-D'Arezzo, W. M. (2005). [Book review of the book Go ask Alice by Anonymous]. Children's Literature Independent Information and Reviews. Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost: http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~IcJ8SG:5

Library Uses:


The students, whose age would be above 14 yrs., could share as to whether they actually knew someone who had a problem with drugs and what they learned from the second-hand experience. Alternatively, students could talk about anything they have a weakness for or possible addiction to, as drugs are an addiction, like anything else, albeit more dangerous. Further, the librarian could share some websites with information regarding addiction, drug awareness and education. As a possible extension, the librarian could have a speaker from the community come and share his or her experience with drugs and how he or she recovered from it.  

Module 14: A Curious Collection of Cats: Writen by Betsy Franco; Illustrated by Michael Wertz

Book Summary: 


This little book has a series of poems in it, of various formats, discussing the traits and behavior of cats in various situations and one including a dog and cat who are friends, "Q-tip" and "Rosie." Quite a few rhyme. The style of illustration appears to be paper cut outs, but are graphically done. They will appeal to the younger reader.


APA Reference: 


Franco, B. (2009). A Curious Collection of Cats. Berkeley: Tricycle Press.


My Impressions: 


I found the book to be visually fun and charming, even though the poems are trite and unoriginal, and mostly rhyming, such as one  titled, "Balancing Act," where the poem is, "Kabob's an agile athlete. His balance is sublime. Even falling upside down, He lands upright each time." The illustrations are fun, colorful and contrast well. I think they are the highlight of the book.


Professional Review: 


"We’ve had a fair amount of dog poetry in the last few years, so it’s only fair that cats get their turn too. Franco offers thirty-two verses devoted to the feline kind, each one featuring a specific, often named, cat or two, and describing a particular attribute or behavior. Verse forms are varied, including haikus and ballad-meter stanzas (and a limerick to boot). Though they’re classified as concrete poems, many of them are simply creatively laid out rather than genuine examples of the genre, and the poems rarely rise above the serviceable from a technical, writerly standpoint. Nonetheless, there’s charm in their individual engagement with their subject cats, and readers will enjoy recognizing their own cats’ characters in the verses. Some of the illustrations are rather overbusy, and the graphic impact tends to overpower the text and make it difficult to read; the digitally worked monoprints have the strong-figured vigor of woodcuts, though, with their emphasis on outline and element balance rather than texture. This could entice readers who fell in love with Janeczko’s A Poke in the I (BCCB 6/01) or Sidman’s Meow Ruff ?(BCCB 5/06) and, of course, cat lovers, who may find it inspiration for creating feline verses of their own Review Code: Ad -- Additional book of acceptable quality for collections needing more material in the area. (c) Copyright 2006, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2009, Tricycle, 40p., $16.99. Grades 4-7."

Stevenson, D. (2009). [Book review of the book A Curious Collection of Cats by Betsy Franco].The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 62(11). Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost:  http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~Pe3iT5:5

Library Uses:

Students could write their own cat poem with a paper cut out designing it to share with the group. 

Module 13: Tales from Outer Suburbia: Written and illustrated by Shaun Tan

Book Summary: 


Tales from Outer Suburbia is a book that is full of stories that are a bit odd, at first glance, but really lovely.  It starts out with the story of a buffalo who lives in a vacant lot, and goes through a lot of well-told and imaginative, albeit slightly dystopian stories about what Earth is like after we are through using it up.


APA Reference: 


Tan, S. (2009). Tales from Outer Suburbia. New York : Arthur A Levine Books.


My Impressions: 


This is one of the best and most imaginative books I have ever read. Tan's story of "Eric," the foreign exchange student, who lives inside the kitchen cupboard, was a real delight. The illustration of his living space, left as a present for the family, was so beautiful! Another of the stories that struck me was "No other country," where the family finds a fantasy world leading from their attic, a bit like the mysterious wardrobe in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In "Stick People," there are ubiquitous upside down trees that are harassed by the kids. In another story, "Our Expedition," the kids from suburbia go to find a place missing on their dad's map and find the end of the world. There is also a companion you can make from recycled appliances, that is planted and watered. The book gives a perspective about the Earth and our treatment of it. We can definitely learn from this thought-provoking artist and writer.


Professional Review: 


"Far from the simple life, Tan's suburbia is full of exotic characters and strange situations. Made up of fifteen short stories, Tales from Outer Suburbia explores various issues related to the rise of the suburbs. Several stories deal with the consequences of consumerism. There is even a how-to guide on creating a lovable pet from discarded electronics. Another tale describes two children who travel across town searching for the end of the concrete sprawl. At last they come to the end of the road and find nothing exists beyond the sheer drop-off. Other memorable stories range from cold war fall-out, a neighborhood full of idle "backyard missiles" which have found diverse practical uses over the years, to tracing the fate of discarded poems. Throughout Tan's masterful blend of visual and written art, the reader is taken on a nostalgic journey. Every inch of the book is carefully designed, alternating between various mediums-paint, pencil, and colleague-to bring the ideas to life. The stories each stand on their own, while also uniting to complete a holistic vision of modern suburbia. Tales from Outer Suburbia is ideal for use in the classroom as it can be studied and analyzed either lightly or in great depth depending on the students' individual levels. One reading is not enough, and readers will continue to glean more each time they visit "Outer Suburbia." Rating: Outstanding. Reading Level: Intermediate; Young adult;. Category: Short stories; Fiction. 2008, Scholastic, 92 p., $19.99. © 2002, Brigham Young University."

Canar, A. (2009). [Book review of the book Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan]. Childrens Book and Play Review, 29(6). Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost:  http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~TRKbGO:4

"This highly visual, creative book is a compilation of 15 fictitious tales that occur throughout outer suburbia in Australia. Some stories, such as the opening story, “The Water Buffalo,” are short in length, whereas other stories, such as “Eric,” are longer, encompassing 10 or more pages. All 15 stories are accompanied by highly detailed and engaging illustrations that come together with the text splendidly, giving the reader the opportunity to connect aesthetically with both the visuals and the literary merits. The author and illustrator, Shaun Tan, is an accomplished artist and writer who states on his website (www.shauntan.net) that his artistic influences have ranged from picture books such as The Headless Horseman Rides Tonight written by Jack Prelutsky and illustrated by Andrew Lobel (1992) and The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg (1984) to television and film, especially fantasy and science-fiction works such as Star Wars and The Twilight Zone. Among artists whose work has influenced his work, he is able to “list hundreds of illustrators, writers, cartoonists, photographers, filmmakers, and artists,” thus showing the scope of his artistic background. The numerous awards for his art and books include the 2010 Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist, which is given to that year’s best artist of science fiction or fantasy. In 2007, he won the World Fantasy Award, which is awarded to the best fantasy artist for that year. Also, in 2011,  Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann won the Animated Short Film Oscar for The Lost Thing, based on his book of the same title.

    Each story in Tales from Outer Suburbia has different characters who face different trials, and each story seems to illustrate a certain theme. For instance, in “Stick Figures,” the reader finds that, in this part of Outer Suburbia there are stick figures who are literally composed of sticks that roam the suburban landscape. The narrator tells us that, “They have always been here, since before anyone remembers, since before the bush was cleared and all the houses were built” (p. 65). The reader finds out that the stick figures are beaten, mistreated, marginalized, and constantly asked why they are there and what they want from the suburbanites. The story ends with the narrator stating that, “if you stop and stare at them for a long time, you can imagine that they too might be searching for answers….It’s as if they take all of our questions and offer them straight back: Who are you? Why are you here? What do you want?” (p. 69). Through discussion, students could come to see that those who are marginalized in society also have their own questions of others’ roles in modern society. And if we remind ourselves and our students that the setting of this story is the Australian suburbia, connections to the marginalization of Aborigines can be made to the marginalization of the stick figures.

    Although the stories in Tales from Outer Suburbia draw heavily on aspects of the fantasy genre, by reading these stories with a critical lens, readers can draw parallels to modern social issues. Other examples of how the stories in this book highlight sociopolitical issues include “The Amnesia Machine” which presents issues regarding political discourse and deception and ‘Eric,’ which can be used to discuss issues of immigration and migration if read from a critical stance. Another example is the story ‘Wake,’ which is only two pages, yet can foster significant discussions in regards to issues of animal rights.

    Although the stories in this book can be labeled as fantasy, the author has done well to make sure that the setting of the stories—suburban Australia—feels authentic. One example of this authenticity is seen through the author’s word choice. In “Make Your Own Pet,” the author uses phrases such as “rubbish collection” and “gather whatever takes your fancy” (p. 82). It would have been easy for the author or publisher to change the wording in order to make it more familiar for a North American audience; however, the decision to not change the wording in the book keeps the feeling of cultural authenticity. Another example of how authenticity is depicted is through the visuals. On page 11 in “Eric,” there is a picture of an electrical plug that clearly looks Australian and not North American. On the last page of “Grandpa’s Story,” there is a full-page illustration of a road that winds through a suburban neighborhood, with the houses looking similar yet each has different characteristics, exemplifying that, although the Australian suburban life shares similarities, there is diversity in the suburbs as well. Even the trash can in “Stick Figures” has a distinct appearance to it, one which a North American reader will probably not be familiar with. All of these examples lead the reader to feel as though they are encased in a rich Australian setting.

    This book can be juxtaposed with other books by Shaun Tan, including The Arrival (2007) and The Red Tree (2008). Another book that might be of interest for others to pair with Tales from Outer Suburbia is The Dreamer (2010) by Pam Munoz Ryan and illustrated by Peter Sis. Like Shaun Tan’s books, The Dreamer blends beautifully text and visual, but The Dreamer gives biographical information of the poet Pablo Neruda, thereby illustrating to students that blending text and visuals can be used in multiple genres. Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, 96 pp."

Hill, B. (2011). [Book review of the book Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan]. WOW Review: Reading Across Cultures, 3(3). Retrieved from http://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/reviewiii3/14/

Library Uses:

I think that it would be fun for the children to share stories of times when they have dreamed dreams so vivid, like this book, of perhaps traveling in space, like Eric the alien exchange student. Then, they could write a story and read it aloud.

Module 12: Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein: Written and illustrated by Don Brown

Book Summary: 


The book follows Einstein through his life, from his birth in Germany, his childhood, where he was a hot-tempered child who disliked everything but music and math, to his adulthood, where he did his physics research in the evenings, sharing time with his family duties. There are some misstatements, which are clarified in the back of the book, such as references to his winning the Nobel Prize for E=Mc2, whereas he won it for his work on the nature of light in 1921.  


APA Reference: 


Brown, D. (2004). Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.


My Impressions: 


I found the book amusing, as it lends life to the younger years of Einstein. His interest in building "house[s] of cards" and how "builds one fourteen stories high" is quite intriguing, and also, his hot temper, which includes a warning beforehand of "his nose go[ing] white" made me laugh. I found it quite interesting, too, that he did not speak for such a long time, but then immediately launched into witty language, skipping the baby noises altogether. This book is a good one for kids in that it will give the odd ones hope while giving teachers a reason to give every kid a chance to be a genius. The reviewer below notes his responses being "halted," while the book uses the term, "lingering," so there might be a different of opinion about Einstein's communication style.

Professional Review: 

"It matters not a whit if young listeners have ever heard of the twentieth century's renowned genius. They will probably feel they've already met this eccentric little guy somewhere--the introverted kid with the bad temper, the one who'd rather unknot a puzzle than kick a soccer ball, the student who pulls decent grades but drives teachers loony with his halting responses. Brown is again at his best as he zeroes in on those telling traits that trim a larger-than-life figure down to size: Albert whacks his little sister in the head with a hoe, he is disturbed by the sight of soldiers on parade, he suffers from homesickness when separated from his family, and he can't get into college on his first try. As scratchy line-and-watercolor scenes tail the melancholy loner amid mundane social settings in which he keeps furtively to himself, the text plumbs the boy's thoughts that go unsuspected by those around him: "What would it be like to ride a light beam? he wonders"; "Albert's ideas make a picture of space and time and energy and matter that no one has ever seen before." As Einstein the father absentmindedly pushes his child's baby carriage along a Zurich street, the scene segues into a fantasy spread in which the pair are surrounded by galaxies, atoms, equations, and a clock whose numerals are warped by . . . by what? Brown doesn't demand the audience comprehend the science: "For scientists, Albert's discoveries mean the photoelectric effect, theories of relativity, and E=mc2. For the rest of us, his ideas mean automatic door openers, television, space travel, and atomic energy." An endnote offers more information on Einstein's Nobel Prize and on his arm's-length relationship to the atomic bomb. Hmmm--maybe that withdrawn little kid who doesn't concentrate during storytime is really a genius in the making. Review Code: R -- Recommended. (c) Copyright 2004, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2004, Houghton, 32p, $16.00. Ages 5-8 yrs."

Bush, E. (2004). [Book review of the book Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein  by Don Brown]. The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 58(2). Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost:  http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~pG6guy:1

Library Uses:

This would be the ideal book for a small class or group. For a group of special needs kids, for students that might be intimidated by science or ever afraid or has socialization issues, this book would assist him or her in realizing that while he or she might be different, but end up contributing greatly later in life. The librarian could share a list of those who were criticized or thought stupid early in life who ended up being great successes in life, such as Einstein, Disney, and others. 

Module 11: What if you met a pirate?: An historical voyage of seafaring speculation: Written and illustrated by Jan Adkins

Book Summary: 


This is a grand tour of all things pirate-related, from their dress, lifestyle, eating, personal habits, to their accessories. There are some wonderful illustrations included that give the reader a real sense of what it was like on the ship.


APA Reference: 


Adkins, J. (2004). What if You Met a Pirate?: An Historical Voyage of Seafaring Speculation. Brookfield, Connecticut: Roaring Brook Press.


My Impressions: 


I have always loved pirates and thought this book was quite entertaining. Adkins gives quite a lot of illustrated information about the real daily life of pirates and these are funny, too, especially his drawing with a pirate sitting on the "seat of ease." To me, his book was not revealing, but it will be for a younger crowd, who will revel in its historical details, such as the different kinds of ships, weapons and famous pirates in history.

Professional Review: 


"Can it be that walking the plank was a fictional punishment invented by illustrator Howard Pyle? In this appealing book, Adkins gives readers the lowdown on what life under the pirate flag was really like. After setting up the conventional portrait of swaggering, singing sailors in colorful duds, he replaces it with a more realistic picture of hard-working sailors who "might swashbuckle just a few hours each month" and bathed considerably less. Yet this realistic portrayal of pirates and their activities is even more intriguing than the romanticized version he debunks. Adkins strikes just the right note in the text, always informative and frequently entertaining as well. Bright with color washes, the excellent, energetic drawings show pirates engaged in a variety of activities, from pumping out the bilge to braiding each other's hair to using the open-air bathroom at the front of the ship. In a send-up of current book marketing, the back cover carries appreciative comments by the likes of Queen Elizabeth I and Leonardo da Vinci. Where pirate fever runs high this spirited presentation will find an enthusiastic audience. For more titles, see the Read-alikes, "Ship Ahoy!" [BKL S 1 04]. Category: Books for Middle Readers--Nonfiction. 2004, Millbrook/Roaring Brook, $16.95. Gr. 3-5. Starred."

Phelan, C. (2004). [Book review of the book  What if You Met a Pirate?: An Historical Voyage of Seafaring Speculation by Jan Adkins]. Booklist, 101(4). Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost:  http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~nLSk4Y:1

Library Uses:

A good activity for the library would be to have a swashbuckling day. Everyone could come dressed up as a pirate and practice swashbuckling with pretend cardboard swords, of course. One could invite a teacher of swordplay and have a practice class in fake fencing. 

Module 10: The Yellow Star: The Legend of Christian X King of Denmark: Written by Carmen Agra Deedy; Illustrated by Henri Sorenson

Book Summary: 


The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark tells the story of King Christian X, who was King of Denmark during the Holocaust. The story tells of how the King wore the star, which prompted his people to do the same, in order to lend support to the Jews in Denmark who were ordered to wear the yellow star of David. It is a legend, as no one in Denmark was asked to wear a yellow star. The author explains this in the back of the book.


APA Reference: 


Deedy, C. A. (2000). The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark. Atlanta: Peachtree.


My Impressions: 


I found the book well-written with beautiful, detailed illustrations. It is an introduction to the holocaust done in a tasteful manner. In one part, the King is standing outside looking at the stars asking himself how he can hide a star? Then, he realizes the answer, with the help of the stars, their sisters. I love this part best, really. Overall, I think the book could be true, if everyone were that brave. After all, if others had stood up against the Jews being singled out, in other places where the stars were used as identifying symbols of being Jewish, eventually the Nazis would not have been able to go through with their plans.


Professional Review: 

"This delightful book by Carmen Agra Deedy, professional storyteller and author of a librarian favorite, The Library Dragon (Peachtree, 1994), is a perfect introduction for young readers to the difficult story of the Holocaust. The Yellow Star retells a well-known story of the good people of Denmark during the Nazi occupation of their country. When the Jews of Denmark were forced to wear yellow stars upon their clothing, King Christian, the legend tells us, was so outraged that he began to wear a star upon his own clothing. The Danish population quietly followed suit and took part in the only recorded state-sponsored act of communal defiance. The story is surprisingly moving because it is told so simply. It would be suitable for a child as young as second or third grade, with a willing adult nearby to answer the many questions that it would surely elicit. The pictures are large and realistic with one page especially charming in its depiction of the different types of Danes living happily in Denmark, including, of course, canine Great Danes. The way the author chooses to reveal the agonizing of the King and his eventual moral decision is suspenseful and inspiring. This book held a group of fourth graders spellbound as I read it to them last month. It would be an excellent addition to the many recent books on tolerance and human rights. Although this legend is not known to be based in truth, the reason the story has persisted in Holocaust lore is precisely because, among Nazi-occupied countries, only Denmark succeeded in rescuing the overwhelming majority of its Jews. (A total of only 60 Danish Jews were killed during this time period.) The author tells us, in her author's note, that this legend persists because it provides for us a symbol of unity and hope. "What if it had happened? What if every Dane, from shoemaker to priest, had worn the yellow Star of David? And what if we could follow that example today against violations of human rights? What if the good and strong people of the world stood shoulder to shoulder, crowding the streets and filling the squares, saying, 'You cannot do this injustice to our sisters and brothers, or you must do it to us as well.' What if?" 2000, Peachtree, $16.95. Ages 9 to 12."


Handelman, L. (2000). [Book review of the book The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark by Carmen Agra Deedy]. The Five Owls, 15(2). Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost: http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~H4gH2P:1

"Icons represent ideas. When adults see the iconic “yellow star” sewn onto a piece of cloth, they often automatically think of a dark period in history called Ha Shoah, or the Holocaust. As the Nazis gained power during World War II and Hitler attempted to fulfill his dream of an Aryan world by eliminating those he felt were unworthy (Jews, homosexuals, gypsies, and the mentally ill to name a few), yellow stars were used as a way to mark people of Jewish descent.

    The award-winning book, The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark, is an example of a story about World War II that may very likely provide needed information about the time period for young students who are just learning about the Holocaust. I was a teenager when I heard the story of Anne Frank, my first story about the Holocaust. I remember asking my mother why people who were not Jewish did not stop the Nazis from doing horrible things to people. My Christian mother explained that they did try to prevent the atrocities. “Christians were hiding the Frank family in the attic.” Today I wonder if the guilt of Christians has produced the influx of mythical stories of how Christians saved Jews during World War II by hiding them. I question this representation of the Holocaust.

    Written by Cuban-American storyteller, Carmen Agra Deedy, The Yellow Star is based on a legend about King Christian of Denmark who invited every Dane to wear the yellow star so it would be impossible to discriminate between Jews and non-Jews in Copenhagen when the Nazis begin their occupation in 1940. While the story of the yellow star and how it was used to represent Jews during WWII may provide needed background knowledge for children who do not know what the yellow Jewish star signified, this story is legend often (mis)represented as historical truth – especially by Christians. As a teacher educator, it raises all sorts of questions about how teachers make decisions about quality literature in their classrooms.

    The Yellow Star has won at least 22 different awards. For many parents and teachers purchasing books r children, awards mean a book is worth buying and reading. In my research, I read a number of books about World War II and the Holocaust with a group of elementary teachers and Jewish mothers. I wanted to see how they made decisions about choosing literature for elementary children about such a sensitive time in history. While the teachers felt this book was “soft” enough for young children, the Jewish mothers who read The Yellow Star were disappointed in the too often told “glorification of ‘Christians as Saviors’ story,” the representation of myth as truth, and the relative silence of Jewish voices in the text. In one mother’s words, “Too often, Jews are seen as victims, the poor Jews being saved by the Christians again. The Jews don’t even speak in this book.”

    This critique is an apt representation of The Yellow Star. The story begins with a unifying view of Danes living in Nazi-occupied Denmark. Deedy uses short sentences to describe Danes as “different from each other” and yet “all loyal subjects of their beloved King Christian” (p. 2). This king was so loved that he was able to ride alone in the streets of Copenhagen every morning, and everyone knew that “Danes would all stand together in defense” (p. 4) of the wise king. Deedy uses celestial metaphors throughout the story. War spread across Europe “like a fierce storm” and Nazi soldiers “gathered like dark clouds” at the border. According to Deedy, “The Danes watched and waited to see what their king would do.” After King Christian resisted the threatening Nazi who demanded that the swastika be flown over the palace, Jews were ordered to sew a yellow star onto their clothing so it would be visible at all times. Retrospective images of King Christian in deep thought finally show him looking into the sky at the stars for answers. “If you wished to hide a star…you would hide it among its sisters.”

    The author’s note at the end of this book speaks to the disappointment Deedy felt when she learned this story was a legend or myth. As Deedy points out, Denmark was the only Nazi-occupied country that rescued a majority of its Jews, but “no Jews within Denmark were actually forced to wear theyellow star.” She also asks “what if?” In this question, Deedy urges readers to think about what would have happened if the people of the world had stood up the injustices of the Holocaust rather than simply hiding them. That is the story that must be told, not another myth that ranks a religious denomination as saviors.

    Jews resisted the Nazis during World War II but finding heroic novels of Jewish resistance can be a difficult task. Allegorical picture books like Terrible Things: An Allegory about the Holocaust (1989) by Eve Bunting and The Little Boy Star: An Allegory of the Holocaust (2006) by Rachel Hausfater allow children to think not only about how people treated one another during the Holocaust but about how people treat one another in the present day. And, Karen Hesse’s The Cats in Krasinski Square (2004) is an example of a picture book that describes the bravery and resourcefulness of Jews resisting the Nazis. Based on the experience of Adina Blady Szwalger, this book tells of a young Jewish girl living in Warsaw who helps Jewish resistance fighters confuse the Gestapo in order to get food to Jews living inside the ghetto. Jews have made many contributions to society and these stories deserve to be told. Peachtree Publishers."

Schmidt, R. (2011). [Book review of the book The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark by Carmen Agra Deedy]. WOW Review: Reading Across Cultures 3(2). Retrieved from http://wowlit.org/on-line-publications/review/reviewiii2/11/

Library Uses:

Aside from reading the story aloud, I would share a filmstrip of photographs of the setting and share a brief history of the place. Following the story, I would make sure the students realize that the story is a legend and make a point of noting the bravery of the Danes in rescuing so many of their countrymen and women rather than letting them be taken by the Nazis. Having a further discussion about how things could have been different if the people had chosen, such as is suggested by the author, is also a good idea.

Further, I would give a list of other books that are related to this one and websites for further information. If there is enough time, I would go to some of the websites during the discussion.

Additionally, I would note that it was not just Jews who were put into the concentration camps, but also homosexuals, the Roma (gypsy), those who helped Jews, or anyone who was not seen by the Aryans as acceptable according to them. If there is time, I would propose a discussion about ethnic and cultural tolerance.

Module 9: The Postcard: written by Tony Abbott

Book Summary: 


Jason is helping his dad clean out his grandmother's house and finds an old magazine in which a story seems too familiar. He receives a phone call hinting about a desk having clues. When he looks in the desk of his grandmother, he finds a postcard and another, which leads him on a journey...


APA Reference: 


Abbott, T. (2008). The Postcard. New York : Little, Brown and Co.


My Impressions: 


I liked the book, but it seemed to go nowhere, as at the end, the author is noted to have died.


Professional Review: 

"The cover of this engrossing novel calls it “a mystery within a mystery,” and indeed, Abbott has spun a multi-layered, mesmerizing tale within a tale. This is an outsized valentine to 1940s hardboiled detective fiction, to Florida past and present in all its steamy, seamy “danger and glory,” and to the power of story to capture and transform lives. When thirteen-year-old Jason is summoned to Florida to help his father bury the grandmother he has never met, he is plunged into a series of unsettling discoveries. He learns that his grandparents were never married and that his alleged grandfather is in fact a lawyer’s fabrication. At his grandmother’s funeral, he meets a collection of bizarre and intriguing characters. Then, after an anonymous phone call tells him that “[y]ou can learn a lot at a desk,” he searches his grandmother’s desk and finds a postcard of the old Hotel DeSoto, which is about to be bulldozed. Positioned on the postcard are two almost invisible dots--could these be a clue? Jason’s search leads him to historic landmarks in and around St. Petersburg and Sarasota. There, he uncovers installments of a partially-published detective story that was written by a man who once loved his grandmother and which may hold the key to understanding his own past. Abbott serves up action aplenty, hilarious dialogue, a powerful sense of place, and a poignant message about reclaiming the past. It’s all preposterous, but, as Jason’s new friend Dia tells him, “Maybe it couldn’t happen, but it could still happen.” Maybe, just maybe, it could. 2008, Little Brown, $15.99. Ages 10 to 14."

Mills, C. (2008). [Book review of the book The Postcard by Tony Abbott]. Children's Literature Independent Information and Reviews. Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost: http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~BnXHQP:2

Library Uses:

This book gives inspiration for a scavenger hunt. After reading this book, I think that it would be fun for the students to split up into two groups and have a scavenger hunt in the library with prizes for the winners.

Module 8: James and the Giant Peach: written by Roald Dahl; Illustrated by Quentin Blake

Book Summary: 


James starts out as a happy child, but then, his parents die and he is left with his fat Aunt Sponge and skinny Aunt Spiker, who are mean to him and never feed him. They never even call him James, but instead use terrible names like "beast." One day, a little old man give James some magic beans, which he lets fall into the ground, out of which grows the famous Giant Peach. He is hungry and so, takes a bite, seeing a large whole in the side and then, crawls inside. He finds a small door in the pit and knocks.... Once inside, he sees an awesome sight! And the adventure begins...


APA Reference: 


Dahl, R. (2001). James and the Giant Peach. New York : Puffin Books.


My Impressions: 


I really love this book. This is the quintessential fantasy book for any child who fancies him or herself to be mistreated and is seeking an escape. Barring a bag of green beans from an old man, this is the best alternative. ... One of my favorite parts is the battle with the Cloud-Men, started by the Centipede who was insulting them as the Peach flew by their cloud. As a result, they were pelted hard with hailstones... What an adventure! I have always wanted to see the Cloud-Men.

Professional Review: 

The 2001 reissue of this fantasy classic features delightful Quentin Blake illustrations. Liberally sprinkled throughout the brief chapters, the quirky, cartoonish drawings illuminate the daring action. James is the lonely, abused orphan victim in the hands of dreadful Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker until an old man emerges from the garden bushes with a bag of tiny green things. The strange things spill into the earth under the old peach tree. Quickly the story moves into adventure mode when a giant peach grows mysteriously to the size of a house. James is inside the peach with his insect companions. They deal with frothing sharks, captive seagulls and angry cloudmen. James problem-solves, while the mutated insects play the roles expected of a cast of characters on a sinking ship. Incredible remarks are casually made by James such as, "Rainbow-paint dries very quick and very hard," while the insects speak factually about the number of spots on ladybugs and earthworms swallowing soil. It is the craziest of fantasies wrapped tightly in a chapter book perfect for a first grade read-aloud or for the young, independent reader. The book is not dated after 40 years. In the end, the giant peach participants all become rich and successful in America. 2001(orig. 1961), Puffin Books, $5.99. Ages 8 to 12. 

Vawter, J. (2001). [Book review of the book James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl]. Children's Literature Independent Information and Reviews. Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost: http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~UDfbwu:6

Library Uses:

Illustrating your own pictures to go with the book. For example, the cozy living room inside of the peach (how would you decorate it), flying peach on the run, or any of the characters. It would be fun, also, to build the animal characters in the book using craft items, such as papier mache or cardboard, whatever supplies are on hand. 

Module 7: As Easy As Falling off the Face of the Earth: Lynne Ray Perkins

Book Summary: 


Ry is on a train to summer camp when he realizes that the camp has been cancelled. He leaves the train briefly to call his grandfather, as there is no signal, and gets stranded without his bags. He hitches by train and loses his boot and ends up in a town in the middle of nowhere, meets Del, who is the hero in the tale. Del, the ultimate optimist, puts down everything to drive Ry home to Wisconsin and then, find that Ry's grandfather is missing, whereupon Ry and Del go on a search for Ry's parents, who are sailing in the Caribbean.


APA Reference: 


Perkins, L. R. (2010). As Easy As Falling off the Face of the Earth. New York : Greenwillow Books.


My Impressions: 


This book is entirely unexpected, and I love it. Some people might think this book is an impossible one to have happen in real life, but I don't believe that, as there are heroes left in the world. In this story, one part that I thought was interesting was that while Del the hero is lying in bed, injured after falling off a windmill, Ry is in the Caribbean sailing Del's friends' boat, without knowing how, crashes it, but finds something much more important in the process.


Professional Review: 


Starred Review* "Sixteen-year-old Ry opens a letter en route to a summer program informing him that camp has been canceled because “a statistically improbable number of things have gone wrong.“ He hops off the train in Montana to figure out what to do, and his own series of improbable misfortunes begins—the train moves on without him (but with all his stuff), leaving him alone with a dying cell phone in the precise middle of nowhere. Oh, and one of his shoes just floated off down a river. He befriends a man named Del, who figures there’s nothing he can’t fix (when it comes to other people’s problems, anyway). They set off on a cross-country road trip to get Ry back home and then, due to any number of minor and major catastrophes, to an island in the Caribbean. Ever-placid Del and milquetoast Ry make for affable traveling companions, but the real pleasure is Perkins’ relentlessly entertaining writing. She dabbles just on the clever side of intruding on the narrative, and she infuses her prose with more personality than many could squeeze out of an entire cast. The knock against her Newbery-winning Criss Cross (2006) was a lack of plot, and although a lot of things happen here, it would be a stretch to call this leisurely novel plot-driven. The point is that it doesn’t matter, and wallowing in the wry humor, small but potent truths, and cheerful implausibility is an absolute delight. Grades 8-11."

Chipman, I. (2010). [Book review of the book As Easy As Falling off the Face of the Earth by Lynne Rae Perkins]. Booklist, 106(16). Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost: http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~9PfJgL:1

Library Uses:

Have the students write a short story of a time when they had to depend on luck to get through. Or, have them write a short story where they are the character... how would it end differently? 

Module 7: Slob: Written by Ellen Potter

Book Summary: 


After his parents die, Owen and his sister move in with another family. He blames himself for their death. In their school, he is haunted by his weight and also, the theft of his cookies. He meets a new friend, unexpectedly and finds out that his sister is not the kind of person he thinks she is. It is a mystery in more than one way.

APA Reference: 


Potter, E. (2009). Slob. New York : Philomel.


My Impressions: 


I liked this book. It shows that you cannot judge by appearances. Owen thinks that a classmate is stealing his cookies, but it is really someone else must closer to him all along. The book is entirely unpredictable. Further, the classmate who Owen thinks is a criminal turns out to be a good friend.

Professional Review: 


"An intriguingly offbeat mystery concerning the theft of cookies from a boy's lunch, at turns humorous, suspenseful and poignant. Intelligent Owen is the fattest kid in his middle school, having packed on the pounds after a major upheaval in his life caused him to begin turning to food as a source of comfort. His younger sister, who has joined up with a group at school called Girls Who Are Boys (GWAB) and taken to insisting that others call her Jeremy, coped by growing tougher. Owen, on the other hand, has become an object of ridicule due to his weight. While the Oreo heist provides the main premise for Owen to engage with other kids at school, there are a number of secondary mysteries crafted alongside it, each of them raising unexpected questions that are neatly wrapped up by the novel's end. While some readers may balk at some of its more convenient coincidences, fans of Jerry Spinelli and others of his ilk may especially enjoy it and will be held rapt. 2009, Philomel, 208p, $16.99. Category: Mystery. Ages 9 to 12. © 2009 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved."

Kirkus (2009). [Book review of the book Slob by Ellen Potter]. Kirkus Reviews, 77(8). Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost:  http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~75jdBZ:11

Library Uses:

Upon reading this book, I think it would be fun to go around the circle and compare times when we have judged others wrongly and then, found out otherwise. The librarian would start off and then, the students would continue. 

Module 6: Julius, Baby of the World: Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes

Book Summary: 


Lilly gets a new baby brother and is no longer the only child. She is so jealous and cannot stand to hear her parents say that "Julius is the baby of the world," which they repeatedly do. She behaves badly about him being in their life. She even runs away seven times. Then, she has a tea party, but does not invite Julius. Then, there is a big party in honor of Julius and Lilly is there, too.


APA Reference: 


Henkes, K. (1990). Julius, Baby of the World. New York : Greenwillow Books.

My Impressions: 


I loved this book, especially at the end where, after picking on him the entire book, Lilly defends her little brother, Julius, when her Cousin Garland comes over and says, Julius is "[d]isgusting," that his "pink nose is slimy," that his "eyes are beady," and that his "fur is not so sweet." Lilly becomes his great champion, saying Julius' "nose is shiny, his eyes are sparkly, and his fur smells like perfume." Eventually, she makes Cousin Garland repeat after her, loudly, that "JULIUS IS THE BABY OF THE WORLD!."


Professional Review: 


"Books about new babies in the family, often told from an older sibling's point of view, encompass a range of feelings about the newcomer from positive anticipation to disappointment, jealousy, and anger. Lilly, Kevin Henkes's appealing mouse character who knows how to talk backwards, pop wheelies, and wear Band-aids to look brave, shows equally as much imagination and verve when Julius, her new baby brother, arrives. Lilly is an enthusiastic older sister until the day Julius comes home and she has to share her room, speak quietly, and smell his diapers. What's worse, Lilly's parents are constantly proclaiming that "Julius is the baby of the world," which Lilly finds "disgusting." IN response, she pinches his tail, sings him his letters and numbers in the wrong order, and even learns magic to try to make him disappear. With spanking no longer in vogue, Lilly's behavior earns her "more time than usual in the uncooperative chair." Readers anticipate Lilly's change of heart toward Julius, but how? With hilarity and amusing detail, Henkes builds his tale to a delightful and surprising resolution. Henkes is a keen observer of children's behavior. Adults will nod heads in recognition; children will not fail to find humor in Lilly's antics. When it comes to spunky individuals with minds of their own, Lilly ranks close to the top. 1990, Greenwillow, $12.95. Ages 3 to 7."

McDonald, M. (1990). [Book review of the book Julius, Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes]. The Five Owls, 5(1). Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost: http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~aoavcJ:1

Library Uses:

In addition to reading the book, I think that a puppet show would be so much fun. The puppet could be the one (through the puppeteer's mouth) to say the fateful words,"Julius is the baby of the world!" each and every time. Also, you could have an activity where the children take turns holding the puppet and making it talk and practicing make faces with it.

Module 5: Magic Windows: Cut art and stories made by Carmen Lomas Garza

Book Summary: 


This is a beautiful book showing the cut paper artwork of Carmen Lomas Garza. She places 17 very intricate designs that are well-laid out in brilliant color backgrounds in the book, side by side with a paragraph explaining what is portrayed, in both English and Spanish.


APA Reference: 


Garza, C. L. (1999). Magic Windows. San Francisco, California: Children's Book Press. 


My Impressions: 


I loved the story of the colibrie (hummingbird) and how it crosses the wire fence to get to the cactus flowers' nectar. The legend shared notes that brave women and men who die are transformed into hummingbirds, after their death.


Professional Review: 


"In a conversational tone, an accomplished visual artist describes and showcases her masterful papel picado or cut-paper art. With bold, interconnecting lines and engaging compositions, Garza creates paper windows that depict scenes from her family life, the desert, and Mexican culture. She places seventeen papercuttings, mostly made from black paper, against vibrant backgrounds of turquoise, tangerine, lime and other tropical colors. Opposite the papel picado, text in English and Spanish explains the artistic process, providing cultural or personal information related to the papercutting. Beside a picture of hummingbirds and cactus flowers, the artist explains that hummingbirds were the souls of warriors who died in battle or women who died in childbirth. After the “Eagle with Rattlesnake,” she states, “This is the national emblem of Mexico. You can see it on the Mexican flag. . . . It was hard to figure out how to show the cactus, the mountains and the lakes, and still have it all connect.” The work ends with a color photograph of Garza’s “Ofrenda para Antonio Lomas” (offering for her grandfather, Antonio Lomas), an installation at the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum in Chicago. Vivid examples and simple explanations make this unusual art form intriguing and accessible. A how-to title by Garza called Making Magic Windows is also available. (Reviewed from galleys) Review Code: R -- Recommended. (c) Copyright 1999, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 1999, Children's Book Press, 32p, $15.95. Grades 4-12."

Harrington, J. (1999). [Book review of the book Magic Windows by Carmen Lomas Garza]. The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 52(9). Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost:  http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~dNbDac:2

Library Uses:

If I read this book aloud to a group of children, I think it would be fun to have them try and do paper cut-outs, inspired by the book's cut art. We could make cut art birds, trees, flowers, snowflakes, leaves, depending on the season. 

Module 5: Monster: Written by Walter Dean Myers; Illustrated by Christopher Myers

Book Summary: 

Steve Harmon is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. He is accused of being the lookout in the grocery where others enter later and shoot a man. He is accused of felony murder, is arrested and put on trial as an accomplice and goes through the whole trial process. 

APA Reference: 

Myers, W. D. (1999). Monster. New York : Harper Collins Publishers. 

My Impressions: 

I was engrossed in the book and thought it was quite realistic. The only issue that concerned me was that the character himself seemed to be lying about his involvement on that day. The way the book was written, it seemed to point in that direction. While Steve is a film club member and good student, he could still make a mistake. The laws are unfair towards juveniles in many cases, the punishments for felony murder is too stringent, and juries tend to be biased against black young men, in my view, but the book's portrayal of a fuzzy sort of situation as to what really happened (the defendant's view and what was said in trial) and how this differed from the testimony of the defendant and his attorney's perceived perception of him after his acquittal, all gave me a bad feeling. I guess I cannot recommend this book, except as a deterrent to criminal activity and as a way for a person who has never experienced being on trial to get that same stomach ache. However, Steve's character was at issue here and that was a problem for me.

Professional Review: 

"Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon is one of four accused accomplices in the murder of a Harlem drugstore owner. Steve is the good guy of the four--no criminal record, a promising member of the school film club, a loving son and brother. Yet the state has enough evidence to tie Steve to the crime and to the ne'er-do-wells also accused. The eleven-day trial sets the stage for the story. Steve narrates the events from his jail cell and the courtroom, using two devices: his journal and the screenplay he is writing about the ordeal. The journal provides character insight and emotional detail, while the screenplay, complete with camera directions and photos, presents a more objective, TV-drama style record of the trial. Steve's youthful, vulnerable voice will draw in YA readers, boys and girls. The journal and script techniques, distinguished by two reader-friendly typefaces, move the story along quickly. This pace, along with the casual type, courtroom drama, gritty jail descriptions, and the fate of the protagonist will make teen readers whiz through the book. Myers says a lot about circumstances, prejudices, justice, and the thin line many young men walk. The author wants young readers to serve as jurors and simultaneously to put themselves in Steve's place--which most are likely to do, since Steve is portrayed sympathetically. Is Steve the monster the prosecutor portrays, lying about his innocence, or is he the "talented, bright, and compassionate" young man his film coach knows? Is he both? Experiences, relationships, and prejudices also will determine the side readers take. Adult readers might feel compelled--as I did--to rush this book into the hands of their teenage sons, nephews, or students as a blunt reminder to choose their friends carefully. PLB VOYA CODES: 5Q 4P J S (Hard to imagine it being any better written; Broad general YA appeal; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 1999, HarperCollins, 281p, $15.95. PLB, $15.89. Ages 12 to 18."

Matthews, A. (1999). VOYA, 22(3). [Book review of the book Monster by Walter Dean Myers]. Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost:  http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~Ugs9Le:2

Library Uses: 

I think it would be interesting to recreate the trial scene and pretend to be the jury. To the students: How would you behave? Would you be an impartial jury member? Each student would share their experience, after the fact. The defendant would share his or her feelings, as well, along with the other characters. 

Module 4: The Witch of Blackbird Pond: Written by Elizabeth George Speare

Book Summary: 


Kit Tyler travels to America to live with her Aunt Rachel. It is a far cry from her home in Barbados. She becomes friends with Hannah Tupper, who is said to be a witch and lives by the pond. Going against her Uncle's wishes, she continues to be friends with her and ends up getting into trouble with the authorities there.


APA Reference: 


Speare, E. G. (1958). The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Boston : Houghton Mifflin Company.


My Impressions: 


I loved this book. Along with being suspenseful, it tells the story of what it was like to live in Puritanical times in early America. When Kit begins to teach a little girl to read using her own reader and her book gets found at Hannah Tupper's house, who is said to be a witch. Hannah had been rescued and taken out of the town, but Kit stays behind to help her cousin, who is ill. After the book is found, Kit is accused of being a witch, too, and no one is there to rescue her...

Professional Review: 


"Although sixteen- year- old Kit Tyler first appeared in 1958 and she lived in Connecticut Colony in the late seventeenth century, her story is still meaningful for today’s teens. Left almost penniless after her grandfather’s death, impulsive and often headstrong, Kit is forced to leave her home in Barbados. She sails on the Dolphin for Connecticut where her aunt and uncle reside. Their home is in the bleak Puritan town of Wethersfield. The Wood family, Matthew and Rachel and their two daughters Mercy and Judith, take Kit in, but life is so very difficult. For Kit, accustomed to a life of luxury and ease, the never ending, back breaking chores are hard to accept. The strict, rigid Puritan form of worship is also acutely restrictive. Her only solace is her growing friendship with an old Quaker woman, Hannah Tupper. Even though her uncle forbids her to see Hannah, Kit disobeys and continues to visit whenever she can. Hannah is an outcast and considered by many in the town to be a witch. Eventually this results in disaster, however, Kit remains true to her independent, brave and compassionate nature. As a Newbery Medal winner, this title should be available in every collection. It is certain to be enjoyed by girls who need reassurance and guidance to remain true to themselves. 2011 (orig.1958), Sandpiper/Houghton Mifflin Publishing Company, $6.99. Ages 11 to 14."

Firth, S. (2011). [Book review of the book The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare]. Children's Literature Independent Information and Reviews. Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost:  http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~GcqEDP:12

Library Uses:

In reading this book to a group of students, I would follow the reading with a discussion about the issues of the day, such as  witchcraft and the Salem Witch Trials. If possible, with a short historical film commenting on that unfortunate time period. We would discuss some of the pitfalls of judging others with different life styles. If anyone wants to, we can share times in which we felt we had to conform to the expectations of others rather than be ourselves for fear of being judged. 

Module 4: A Wrinkle in Time: Written by Madeleine L'Engle

Book Summary: 


Meg, Charles and their friend, Calvin, go on a journey to the fifth dimension to find her father. They meet Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Which and Mrs. Who, who help them, teach them to tesseract, among other things. They journey to Camazotz, where It is the ruler and overcoming this domination is one of their biggest challenges.


APA Reference: 


L'Engle, M. (2007). A Wrinkle in Time. New York : Square Fish.


My Impressions: 


This is an imaginatively written book. I was transported from my world into the world of Meg and Charles, and Calvin and then, their journey. In entering this world, one of the most scary moments was when Charles was taken over by It, the giant brain, and, shockingly, was rude to Mr. Murray. Then, Meg was fighting not to be taken over herself, using logic and sheer wit to outwit It. Funnily, math saves the day. I might have to give my square roots a cursory review.

Professional Review: 


"A strange visitor comes to the Murry house and spirits Meg, her genius younger brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin on a dangerous inter-dimensional journey to fight an evil that has involved the entire universe in struggle in Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time. Involved is not only Earth's freedom but Meg's ultimate relationships with her father and younger brother – and her own ability to accept herself and her underlying talents. A WRINKLE IN TIME is a timeless classic: its appearance in paperback promises new audiences excitement. \ The Paperback Shelf ...., Farrar, Straus, Giroux, $6.99. n/a"

Children's Bookwatch (2007). [Book review of the book A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle]. Midwest Book Review. Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost:  http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~o9sp4o:6

Library Uses:

I think that one unusual activity for this book would be for the students to share their view of other worlds, whether they believe time travel is possible, and what they would do were they to time travel. Further, it would be of interest to note current scientific experiments having to do with time travel that are taking place now, especially as to atom transfers.

Module 3: Arrow to the Sun: Written by Gerald McDermott

Book Summary: 


In this fantastic Pueblo Indian mythological tale, a boy is shot like an arrow to the Lord of the Sun and goes on a journey to become like the Sun. He has many trials to overcome and, in the end, he succeeds and is filled with the Sun. It is then that the boy is sent back to his people in the form of an arrow, and the Sun is brought back to the Earth. The people hold a massive celebration for their son, who is now the Sun.


APA Reference: 


McDermott, G. (1974). Arrow to the Sun. New York : Penguin.


My Impressions: 


I found an inverse connection between well-loved story of Icarus, who traveled to the sun, but never returned, and a positive connection between the rainbow tribe of the Lakota Souix (in reference to the legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman, who brings this rainbow tribe into being) and other peoples reflected in the dance of life at the end of the book. Further, the use of color in the book, especially the rainbow to represent the sun and the boy, who was a spark of the sun, was wonderful, too, as the sun the source of all rainbows. In this story, the boy is sent to the sun, but passes the tests, returns and becomes a wayshower or light bringer for his people, not unlike Jesus and other light bringers and wayshowers.


Professional Review: 


  "This adaptation of the Pueblo Indian myth explains how the spirit of the Lord of the Sun is brought to the world of men. In this tale, a boy searching for his father is made into an arrow and shot to the sun. When he meets the Lord of the Sun, he is asked to prove himself by passing through the four chambers of ceremony--The Kiva of Lions, The Kiva of Serpents, The Kiva of Bees, and The Kiva of Lightning. The boy uses his bravery to pass these tests and becomes filled with the power of the sun. The Lord then turns him into an arrow and sends him back to the Pueblos. The boy brings the Sun's spirit to  the world of man and, as a result, the people celebrate his return with the Dance of Life. 1974, Penguin, $16.99 and $5.99. Ages 4 to 8."

Briatico, D. (1974). [Book review of the book Arrow to the Sun by Gerald McDermott]. Children's Literature Independent Information and Reviews. Retrieved from U.N.T. Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost:  http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~17G1Pm:6

Library Uses:

For reading this in a library, it would be fun to have a discussion about how similar some of the world religions are and to learn more about those whose worship incorporated the sun, such as the Pueblos, Maya, Egypt and early Christianity. As the visual piece, the children could view a film from the discovery education channel or a documentary film on the subject.   

Module 3: The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses: Written and illustrated by Paul Goble

Book Summary: 


In this moving story, a girl is always with the horses. Everyday, after she finishes her work, she spends time with them. One day, she becomes missing... Where has she gone? Does her tribe find her? ... The story is based on a Native American legend. For anyone who loves horses or is interested in Native American folklore, this book is a real treat. 


APA Reference: 


Goble, P. (1993). The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses. New York : Aladdin Book. 


My Impressions: 


This book is not just a book. It represents a way of life. I have been engaging in a lot of outside research on shape-changing myths, such as those in native american cultures, celtic mythology, in terms of the selkie, ancient Norse and Eygpytian gods and goddesses, Freya and Ra, and Japanese cultures, such as the Kitune fox-woman. This book gives an account in which the girl changes into a wild horse at the end. It made me cry, it is so beautiful. 


Professional Review: 


  "In this Caldecott Medal book, Goble tells the story of how a girl so loved horses that, according to this Native American legend, she eventually became one. Beautiful, bright color illustrations on every spread expand upon the spare, but effective text. A true delight for those who love folklore and horses. The text closes with two Native American songs celebrating horses. 1993 (orig. 1978), Aladdin, $16.00 and $5.99. Ages 5 to 8."


Courtot, M. (1993). [Book review of the book The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble]. Children's Literature Independent Information and Reviews. Retrieved from Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost:  http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~NMz3DG:3


Library Uses: 


For reading this in a library, it would be fun to sing the songs in the back of the book at the conclusion of the reading, as there are two Native American songs about horses there. The librarian could bring a small drum and use that to make a beat. The multimedia system could be set up and have Native American chants in the background.

To extend that, the kids could share stories about their favorite horses and also, draw pictures of their horse, if they have one. Alternatively, they could bring photos of their horse to share with the other children.