Cushman,Karen. 1995. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. New York. Clarion Books. ISBN 0395692296
Plot Summary
She was known as “Brat” an unknown child wandering around looking for food and a place to sleep. She didn’t even know how old she was, her only clues were “ her scrawny, underfed body did give off a hint of woman, so perhaps she was twelve or thirteen.” She has “no home, no mother, and no name.” She is found one morning by the Midwife Jane Sharp in a “ dung heap” and taken back to her home to work for her. Although “Brat “ does not it at the time her life begins to change. Her only desires are to have food in her belly, a place to sleep and a place in this world. Brat watches and listens and learns about being a mid-wife and becomes the apprentice. A man who is looking for “Alyce” to read to him goes to “Brat” and then realizes it is not Alyce. “ Alyce”, she breathed.” “This then is me, Alyce.” As she learns from “the midwife” she sees her life as having a future. She makes friends with “Will” and finds a little boy only six years old and helps him find a name and a place to go for food and work. He is known as “Edward.” All is well until she is called to be the midwife and fails. Her failure makes her run and leave the life she had made for herself in the village. She begins again at “The Inn.” The Midwife shows up at the inn looking for the girl. Alyce overhears Jane say “ She was as stupid as some I have had.” The midwife continues to explain her disappointment in the fact “she gave up.” When Alyce has choices to make for the first time in her life where she might want to work she finds her future is with the midwife and goes to her for job again. After being turned away and starting to run away she remembered what Jane had said, “ she gave up.” Alyce turned around and stayed. She has a name, work, food in her belly and friends. From nothing and no one to Alyce the Midwifes Aprrentice.
Critical Analysis
Karen Cushman takes what is a cruel time in history, the Midevil Times and gives balance to the good and the evil of the times. She goes into great detail when describing her characters and the settings. She uses physical descriptions as “She was small and pale with a frightened air of an illused child, but her underfed scrawny body did give off a hint of woman.” Karen uses the other characters to continue to paint the picture of “Brat” as the boys from the village throw rocks and torment her because they could. Later while at the fair the merchant gives her a comb so she may “Comb those long curls till they shine.” The settings, names and activities are authentic to the time period. There are detals about spells, syrups ointments and plants used by the midwife that were true to the period. The research that Karen Cushman did makes the characters, settings and events as authentic as possible. The Autor’s Notes gave a lot of information and details about midwifery. A practice that has seen a resurgence in this decade in America. There is a comfort in knowing that midwifery is now regulated and midwifes are licensed.
Awards and Reviews
Newbery Medal (1996)
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Notable Book for Children
Booklist Editors' Choice
Horn Book Fanfare Selection
School Library Journal, Best Books of the Year
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
School Library Journal, starred review- “With simplicity, wit, and humor, Cushman presents another tale of medieval England.
Booklist, starred review- “This novel is about a strong, young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home. ... Kids will be caught up in this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone."
Connections
This is a book for older children fourth grade and up. It is an interesting time period that has many different beliefs in medicine, family and especially children. This book is a wonderful way to introduce this time period to younger children(4th grade) because Karen Cushman has a good balance of good and bad. There are very detailed descriptions of the dung heap, the dirty surroundings and the scarcity of food and the cruel behaviors of adults and children to children. Karen Cushman has a good web- site www.karencushmanbooks.com with lessons and insight to her research. This book as well as CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY give an insight to the time periods. Karen’s writing style and ability to describe her characters and settings are great examples for the budding author. She is able to create a visual picture in your mind of how things look, sound and smell through her words.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Historical Fiction- NUMBER THE STARS
Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. New York, New York. Bantam Doubleday Dell Books. ISBN 0440403278
Plot Summary.
Annemarie Johansen is a ten year old girl growing up in Copenhagen, Denmark . The year is 1943 and life as she and her best friend Ellen Rossen knew before the war and the Germans taking over their town is just a memory. The girls and families learn to live with the invasion and are getting along with the help of each other until the “Jewish New Year.” Life changes for the girls and their families with these words” This morning, at the synagogue, the rabbi told his congregation that the Nazis have taken the synagogue lists of all the Jews. Where they live, what their names are.” They are “relocating “ the Jews. The families know they must do something and Annemarie senses the importance and danger that her and the Rossen family feel. The Johansen family is able to help the Rossens and a few others escape to Sweden, which has remained neutral. This is only accomplished with the bravery, and courage of a ten year girl, Annemarie who remembers the words of a little boy that said”All of Denmark is his bodyguard.”
The Johansen family is successful in getting the Rossen family and 3 others on a boat that will take them to Sweden when a VERY important envelop is discovered left behind. Annemarie does not what it is or what it means except that it is crucial that her Uncle receive it in order to save her friend. She runs through the woods and encounters the soldiers looking for Jews and even though she is scared her love for her friend gives her the strength to carry on the mission. Annemarie does make it and her Uncle is very relieved, and still Annemarie does not know why.
As she helps milk the cow Annemarie asks about her friend and why the envelop was important. Her Uncle tells her again “ You shouldn’t know this.” But as he thinks more he says to Annemarie, “ I will tell you just a little, because you were so brave.” Annemarie discovered that day that being brave is when “You risk your life”, and “don’t even think about it.” Annemarie and all of Denmark waited for the end of the war and better times again. Thousands of Jews were helped by the “Resistance” and there was a hope again.
The story of Annemarie and her best friend Ellen was so normal for ten year girls. They went to school, ran races, and played paper dolls yet the all this was while surrounded by German soldiers. As the families go through the struggles of day to day life you see how friends and neighbors help each other just as we see today in 2010. Bravery is everywhere and with it brings sadness, and death just as it does today. Annmarie is relatable to children and adults when she tells her sister fairy tales and refers to herself as “Little Red Riding Hood.” It made a visual picture that really helps understand where she found the strength to be brave and how she should behave in the shadows of the soldiers. The year is 1943 and Denmark has surrended to the Gremans a few years before and the reasons Papa gave were true. The story had fun and happy times mixed in with tense moments that had you sitting on the edge of your seat. Would the little “sassy” sister say something she shouldn’t, would the soldiers stop Mama on the train, would the Rossens be caught as they ran through the night each time you find yourself holding your breath for the answer. The Afterword is very interesting and helpful to understand what was the fictional parts and what was based on fact and history. I never knew that a “ handerchief” was really develpoed for keeping the dogs from finding the hidden passengers. The \theme of this story is one that many around the world still have today. “ The gift of a world of human decency- is the one that all countries hunger for still.”
Awards and Reviews
Newberry Medal Award 1990
Kirkus Review starred (1989)- A deftly told story that dramatizes how Danes appointed themselves bodyguards--not only for their king, who was in the habit of riding alone in Copenhagen, but for their Jews.
Publishers Weekly (October 26, 1990)- Set in Nazi-occupied Denmark in 1943, this 1990 Newbery winner tells of a 10-year-old girl who undertakes a dangerous mission to save her best friend. Ages 10-14. (Sept)
School Library Journal (September 1997)- Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery. (Mar. 1989)
Connections:
This book is written for fourth grade and up. The content is geared to children who have more of a background or knowledge of war, and history of other countries. It is a good way to introduce children to the effects of war and loss of freedom. The children in the story are able to tell their story from a ten year olds perspective. The questions and lack of understanding is familiar to children today as it was in 1943. Children are able to understand that this story took place in 1943 and that really was not that long ago. Many schools are still able to have guest speakers that lived through many of the events cited in the book. Our school is one of those that had the privilege of having a guest speaker that really put a face to the facts for the children, This was for our fifth grade students only but I remember walking through the halls hearing the children trying to take it all in and not really believing that events like that could have ever taken place. I would encourage students to research to determine what was fact and what based on factual information but was fiction,
Plot Summary.
Annemarie Johansen is a ten year old girl growing up in Copenhagen, Denmark . The year is 1943 and life as she and her best friend Ellen Rossen knew before the war and the Germans taking over their town is just a memory. The girls and families learn to live with the invasion and are getting along with the help of each other until the “Jewish New Year.” Life changes for the girls and their families with these words” This morning, at the synagogue, the rabbi told his congregation that the Nazis have taken the synagogue lists of all the Jews. Where they live, what their names are.” They are “relocating “ the Jews. The families know they must do something and Annemarie senses the importance and danger that her and the Rossen family feel. The Johansen family is able to help the Rossens and a few others escape to Sweden, which has remained neutral. This is only accomplished with the bravery, and courage of a ten year girl, Annemarie who remembers the words of a little boy that said”All of Denmark is his bodyguard.”
The Johansen family is successful in getting the Rossen family and 3 others on a boat that will take them to Sweden when a VERY important envelop is discovered left behind. Annemarie does not what it is or what it means except that it is crucial that her Uncle receive it in order to save her friend. She runs through the woods and encounters the soldiers looking for Jews and even though she is scared her love for her friend gives her the strength to carry on the mission. Annemarie does make it and her Uncle is very relieved, and still Annemarie does not know why.
As she helps milk the cow Annemarie asks about her friend and why the envelop was important. Her Uncle tells her again “ You shouldn’t know this.” But as he thinks more he says to Annemarie, “ I will tell you just a little, because you were so brave.” Annemarie discovered that day that being brave is when “You risk your life”, and “don’t even think about it.” Annemarie and all of Denmark waited for the end of the war and better times again. Thousands of Jews were helped by the “Resistance” and there was a hope again.
The story of Annemarie and her best friend Ellen was so normal for ten year girls. They went to school, ran races, and played paper dolls yet the all this was while surrounded by German soldiers. As the families go through the struggles of day to day life you see how friends and neighbors help each other just as we see today in 2010. Bravery is everywhere and with it brings sadness, and death just as it does today. Annmarie is relatable to children and adults when she tells her sister fairy tales and refers to herself as “Little Red Riding Hood.” It made a visual picture that really helps understand where she found the strength to be brave and how she should behave in the shadows of the soldiers. The year is 1943 and Denmark has surrended to the Gremans a few years before and the reasons Papa gave were true. The story had fun and happy times mixed in with tense moments that had you sitting on the edge of your seat. Would the little “sassy” sister say something she shouldn’t, would the soldiers stop Mama on the train, would the Rossens be caught as they ran through the night each time you find yourself holding your breath for the answer. The Afterword is very interesting and helpful to understand what was the fictional parts and what was based on fact and history. I never knew that a “ handerchief” was really develpoed for keeping the dogs from finding the hidden passengers. The \theme of this story is one that many around the world still have today. “ The gift of a world of human decency- is the one that all countries hunger for still.”
Awards and Reviews
Newberry Medal Award 1990
Kirkus Review starred (1989)- A deftly told story that dramatizes how Danes appointed themselves bodyguards--not only for their king, who was in the habit of riding alone in Copenhagen, but for their Jews.
Publishers Weekly (October 26, 1990)- Set in Nazi-occupied Denmark in 1943, this 1990 Newbery winner tells of a 10-year-old girl who undertakes a dangerous mission to save her best friend. Ages 10-14. (Sept)
School Library Journal (September 1997)- Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery. (Mar. 1989)
Connections:
This book is written for fourth grade and up. The content is geared to children who have more of a background or knowledge of war, and history of other countries. It is a good way to introduce children to the effects of war and loss of freedom. The children in the story are able to tell their story from a ten year olds perspective. The questions and lack of understanding is familiar to children today as it was in 1943. Children are able to understand that this story took place in 1943 and that really was not that long ago. Many schools are still able to have guest speakers that lived through many of the events cited in the book. Our school is one of those that had the privilege of having a guest speaker that really put a face to the facts for the children, This was for our fifth grade students only but I remember walking through the halls hearing the children trying to take it all in and not really believing that events like that could have ever taken place. I would encourage students to research to determine what was fact and what based on factual information but was fiction,
Friday, March 26, 2010
Historical Fiction- Elijah of Buxton
Curtis, Paul Christopher. 2007. ELIJAH OF BUXTON. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 139780439023443
Eleven year old Elijah is the first free- born child in Buxton. Buxton is a settlement in Canada that has been established for slaves that escape America. Elijah never knew any other life than one that had love, family, friends, school and a home. He likes to eavesdrop “on growned folks’ conversations.” He was beginning to catch on that somethings that “Preacher” does “waren’t” good.
The closest that Elijah gets to slavery is when there is a rumor of “slave catchers” are headed to the settlement and when newly escaped slaves arrive in Buxton. Elijah has heard the stories and watches as others work to raise the money to buy their families back. It is not until Mr.LeRoy has his money stolen by the “Preacher” that Elijah really experiences what it means to be “ free- child.” Elijah feels responsible for the money being stolen, as he assured Mr. Leroy that the “Preacher” wouldn’t take his money. With that guilt he rides to America with Mr. LeRoy to right the wrong. With an address in his pocket the two of head to find “ Benjamin Alston. 1509 Wilbur Place.” With luck they locate Mr. Alston but he is not able to help. He does lead them to “East Lee stable.” Along the way Mr. LeRoy dies and leaves Elijah alone. Elijah decides he has to make things right and get the money back. He finds the stable and the “Preacher” and a lot more. The “Preacher “ is dead and the bundles that are moving are captured run-away slaves and a baby. Elijah finally understands what grown up talk means when he realizes he can not help the four chained slaves, but with the mother’s blessing he can save the baby. Elijah comes back to Buxton with a baby that will have the chance to grow up free.
Crictical Analysis
Elijah and his family could be a family of today. The sense of family, friends and community are the same today as in 1860. The children go to school to learn, they give back to their settlement through helping neighbors and have the daily struggles of what is right and wrong. The children work in the fields and fish in the lake and go to school in Buxton. We find out in the Author’s Note in the back of the book, that Buxton is a real place. It has documented history and is now a historic site. Much of the story is based on facts and other events are constructed around people and events that were part of the history. Christopher Paul Curtis uses Canadian and regional dialects throughout the text. The dialect made reading the text a little more difficult at times. There are words and phrases that needed a extra attention to understand at first. As you read the dialect and vocabulary becomes familiar and expected. It made the story more authentic enjoyable.
Awards and Reviews
Newberry Honor Book( 2008)
Coretta Scott King Award (2008)
Booklist (March 1, 2009 (Vol. 105, No. 13))- Especially appealing is the credible-sounding dialect, which lends authority to this tale of a spunky youngster navigating the Buxton Settlement, a haven for former slaves.
Criticas (December 15, 2008)- Curtis's talent for dealing with painful periods of history with grace and sensitivity is as strong as ever.
Booklist starred (September 1, 2007 (Vol. 104, No. 1))- A fine, original novel from a gifted storyteller.
Kirkus Review starred August 15, (2007)- This is Curtis's best novel yet, and no doubt many readers, young and old, will finish and say, "This is one of the best books I have ever read."
Publishers Weekly (September 10, 2007)- The powerful ending is violent and unsettling, yet also manages to be uplifting
Connections
I can see using this book with older students in many areas of the curriculum. The writing style and use of dialect is an excellent example of how it can affect a story. The words and the authentic vocabulary help connect the reader to the story and convey the emotion and strength of the characters. This book can be an introduction to what life was like for those who made it to Canada and how the lives of those who came after and those who were born FREE there. It would make an excellent continuation of the study of that time period in our history. It also can be used in a study on Canada. There is an excellent web-site that can be used to get started on a study of what was fiction and what is based on history in the book. The web-site is http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/. Using this book as an author study or in an Award Winning Book collection works as well. This is a book I can see generating a lot of discussion about what is right and wrong and how choices are made and influenced. I have already recommended this book to a colleague who was developing a unit about Canada.
Eleven year old Elijah is the first free- born child in Buxton. Buxton is a settlement in Canada that has been established for slaves that escape America. Elijah never knew any other life than one that had love, family, friends, school and a home. He likes to eavesdrop “on growned folks’ conversations.” He was beginning to catch on that somethings that “Preacher” does “waren’t” good.
The closest that Elijah gets to slavery is when there is a rumor of “slave catchers” are headed to the settlement and when newly escaped slaves arrive in Buxton. Elijah has heard the stories and watches as others work to raise the money to buy their families back. It is not until Mr.LeRoy has his money stolen by the “Preacher” that Elijah really experiences what it means to be “ free- child.” Elijah feels responsible for the money being stolen, as he assured Mr. Leroy that the “Preacher” wouldn’t take his money. With that guilt he rides to America with Mr. LeRoy to right the wrong. With an address in his pocket the two of head to find “ Benjamin Alston. 1509 Wilbur Place.” With luck they locate Mr. Alston but he is not able to help. He does lead them to “East Lee stable.” Along the way Mr. LeRoy dies and leaves Elijah alone. Elijah decides he has to make things right and get the money back. He finds the stable and the “Preacher” and a lot more. The “Preacher “ is dead and the bundles that are moving are captured run-away slaves and a baby. Elijah finally understands what grown up talk means when he realizes he can not help the four chained slaves, but with the mother’s blessing he can save the baby. Elijah comes back to Buxton with a baby that will have the chance to grow up free.
Crictical Analysis
Elijah and his family could be a family of today. The sense of family, friends and community are the same today as in 1860. The children go to school to learn, they give back to their settlement through helping neighbors and have the daily struggles of what is right and wrong. The children work in the fields and fish in the lake and go to school in Buxton. We find out in the Author’s Note in the back of the book, that Buxton is a real place. It has documented history and is now a historic site. Much of the story is based on facts and other events are constructed around people and events that were part of the history. Christopher Paul Curtis uses Canadian and regional dialects throughout the text. The dialect made reading the text a little more difficult at times. There are words and phrases that needed a extra attention to understand at first. As you read the dialect and vocabulary becomes familiar and expected. It made the story more authentic enjoyable.
Awards and Reviews
Newberry Honor Book( 2008)
Coretta Scott King Award (2008)
Booklist (March 1, 2009 (Vol. 105, No. 13))- Especially appealing is the credible-sounding dialect, which lends authority to this tale of a spunky youngster navigating the Buxton Settlement, a haven for former slaves.
Criticas (December 15, 2008)- Curtis's talent for dealing with painful periods of history with grace and sensitivity is as strong as ever.
Booklist starred (September 1, 2007 (Vol. 104, No. 1))- A fine, original novel from a gifted storyteller.
Kirkus Review starred August 15, (2007)- This is Curtis's best novel yet, and no doubt many readers, young and old, will finish and say, "This is one of the best books I have ever read."
Publishers Weekly (September 10, 2007)- The powerful ending is violent and unsettling, yet also manages to be uplifting
Connections
I can see using this book with older students in many areas of the curriculum. The writing style and use of dialect is an excellent example of how it can affect a story. The words and the authentic vocabulary help connect the reader to the story and convey the emotion and strength of the characters. This book can be an introduction to what life was like for those who made it to Canada and how the lives of those who came after and those who were born FREE there. It would make an excellent continuation of the study of that time period in our history. It also can be used in a study on Canada. There is an excellent web-site that can be used to get started on a study of what was fiction and what is based on history in the book. The web-site is http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/. Using this book as an author study or in an Award Winning Book collection works as well. This is a book I can see generating a lot of discussion about what is right and wrong and how choices are made and influenced. I have already recommended this book to a colleague who was developing a unit about Canada.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Non-Fiction- THE WALL
Sis, Peter. 2007. THE WALL. New York. Frances Foster Books. ISBN 139780374347017
THE WALL is a graphic memoir that recalls the memories and experiences of Peter Sis as a young child and teen growing up in communist Czechoslovakia. The pages are filled with the thought and dreams of a boy that sees more than his country will allow. His dreams and thoughts are translated into original art. Peter draws and paints as a way to feel freedom even though it must be done in secret. The book contains private photos and journal entries help to better understand the changes he experienced. Peter shows the influence of the Western culture as we see the lines of people waiting to go to a “Beach Boys concert” and he writes” out of the dark came a glimmer of hope.” Freedom,” America to the rescue”, he began to paint dreams again. The emotion of a young boy wanting to wear blue jeans, grow his hair long, and be in a rock band is expressed through the illustrations, while the conflict can be understood in the verse, “Rock music is against the principles of Socialist art.” “The Iron Curtain descends again.” The dreams of a young boy could not be taken away and freedom should never be taken for granted is a message that could only be expressed by the combination of the complex art, personal journal entries and the private photos that put a face to the experience of growing up behind the “Iron Curtain.” This is a must read for anyone who takes for granted the freedoms that we have living in America.
Awards and Reviews
The Robert F. Siebert Medal Caldecott Medal Honor Book
Václav Havel, former president of the Czech Republic “Peter Sís’s book is most of all about the will to live one’s life in freedom and should be required reading for all those who take their freedom for granted.”
Starred, Kirkus Reviews- “A masterpiece for readers young and old.”
Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State- “Peter, born to dream and draw, is now also teaching the tragic history of his native Czechoslovakia under communism in this beautiful, poignant, and important work for those of all ages.”
Starred, Publishers Weekly “Younger readers have not yet had a graphic memoir with the power of Maus or Persepolis to call their own, but they do now.”
Milos Forman, Oscar winning-director of Amadeus, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
“This stunning book is a MUST for anybody who is curious to learn about the world we live in!”
The Wall is a book that I would recommend for older students. I believe a middle school student would be able to understand what Peter is feeling and experiencing. This graphic memoir would make a great resource or introduction to lessons in history, government, and language arts. This book would be a great way to have students work in groups to examine the different time periods that Czechoslovakia went through and how it today.
I do love the journal entries that Peter Sis included in The Wall and I would share this part of the book with my first grade students. The journal entries were very important to me in understanding his experiences. I can use this as one more example of using journal or diary entries in writing.
THE WALL is a graphic memoir that recalls the memories and experiences of Peter Sis as a young child and teen growing up in communist Czechoslovakia. The pages are filled with the thought and dreams of a boy that sees more than his country will allow. His dreams and thoughts are translated into original art. Peter draws and paints as a way to feel freedom even though it must be done in secret. The book contains private photos and journal entries help to better understand the changes he experienced. Peter shows the influence of the Western culture as we see the lines of people waiting to go to a “Beach Boys concert” and he writes” out of the dark came a glimmer of hope.” Freedom,” America to the rescue”, he began to paint dreams again. The emotion of a young boy wanting to wear blue jeans, grow his hair long, and be in a rock band is expressed through the illustrations, while the conflict can be understood in the verse, “Rock music is against the principles of Socialist art.” “The Iron Curtain descends again.” The dreams of a young boy could not be taken away and freedom should never be taken for granted is a message that could only be expressed by the combination of the complex art, personal journal entries and the private photos that put a face to the experience of growing up behind the “Iron Curtain.” This is a must read for anyone who takes for granted the freedoms that we have living in America.
Awards and Reviews
The Robert F. Siebert Medal Caldecott Medal Honor Book
Václav Havel, former president of the Czech Republic “Peter Sís’s book is most of all about the will to live one’s life in freedom and should be required reading for all those who take their freedom for granted.”
Starred, Kirkus Reviews- “A masterpiece for readers young and old.”
Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State- “Peter, born to dream and draw, is now also teaching the tragic history of his native Czechoslovakia under communism in this beautiful, poignant, and important work for those of all ages.”
Starred, Publishers Weekly “Younger readers have not yet had a graphic memoir with the power of Maus or Persepolis to call their own, but they do now.”
Milos Forman, Oscar winning-director of Amadeus, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
“This stunning book is a MUST for anybody who is curious to learn about the world we live in!”
The Wall is a book that I would recommend for older students. I believe a middle school student would be able to understand what Peter is feeling and experiencing. This graphic memoir would make a great resource or introduction to lessons in history, government, and language arts. This book would be a great way to have students work in groups to examine the different time periods that Czechoslovakia went through and how it today.
I do love the journal entries that Peter Sis included in The Wall and I would share this part of the book with my first grade students. The journal entries were very important to me in understanding his experiences. I can use this as one more example of using journal or diary entries in writing.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Non-Fiction Winter Across America
Simon, Seymour. 1994. WINTER ACROSS AMERICA. New York, NY .Hyperion. ISBN 0786800194
WINTER ACROSS AMERICA is a trip from Alaska to Florida during the winter months. As the book travels across America the reader begins to see the beauty and importance of the coldest season- winter. “Winter is both an ending and beginning.” We see this through the plants and animals. It is the beginning of the migration for many birds, and gray whales. It is the beginning of a quiet resting time for the animals that hibernate such as the “turtles, frogs, and salamanders.” The Joshua tree of the Mojave Desert needs the cold winter season to grow again in the spring. As the reader travels to Florida, winter looks different but serves a refuge to the birds that have migrated to warmer climates. The photographs are beautiful images of winter events. Each of the photographs supports the facts and the vocabulary that is heard more often in the winter months. The picture of the blizzard helps the young reader understand what “the visibility is one-quarter of a mile or less” looks like and how it must feel in the cold, quiet months of winter. “Winter brings rest and renewal. It is a pause in the great, eternal cycle of the seasons.”
Booklist (Vol. 91, No. 6 (November 15, 1994))-“Excellent color photographs, often breathtaking scenes of landscapes and animals, appear throughout the book.”
Kirkus Review (1994)-“A book smart enough to be kept on the reference shelf, but with photos that tempt you to tear them out and frame them.”
Winter across America is a book I will use with my first grade class during our unit on weather and seasons. It will be a resource to use when discussing the differences in the seasons as well as how winter affects plants and animals. Winter Across America is a great way to bring in maps also. This book is written in a way that I can read a page or two or the whole book. The reading level is a little high for most of my students, but the photographs make it is easy for the students to go back and find how winter affects different plants and animals. Other books that I would have available would be:
Cole, Brock. THE WINTER WREN. (Farrar, 1984 ISBN 0374384541.
Brett, Jan. THE MITTEN. (Putnam, 1989 ISBN 039921920X.
Lewis, Rob - HENRIETTA'S FIRST WINTER. (Farrar, 1990 ISBN 0374329516
WINTER ACROSS AMERICA is a trip from Alaska to Florida during the winter months. As the book travels across America the reader begins to see the beauty and importance of the coldest season- winter. “Winter is both an ending and beginning.” We see this through the plants and animals. It is the beginning of the migration for many birds, and gray whales. It is the beginning of a quiet resting time for the animals that hibernate such as the “turtles, frogs, and salamanders.” The Joshua tree of the Mojave Desert needs the cold winter season to grow again in the spring. As the reader travels to Florida, winter looks different but serves a refuge to the birds that have migrated to warmer climates. The photographs are beautiful images of winter events. Each of the photographs supports the facts and the vocabulary that is heard more often in the winter months. The picture of the blizzard helps the young reader understand what “the visibility is one-quarter of a mile or less” looks like and how it must feel in the cold, quiet months of winter. “Winter brings rest and renewal. It is a pause in the great, eternal cycle of the seasons.”
Booklist (Vol. 91, No. 6 (November 15, 1994))-“Excellent color photographs, often breathtaking scenes of landscapes and animals, appear throughout the book.”
Kirkus Review (1994)-“A book smart enough to be kept on the reference shelf, but with photos that tempt you to tear them out and frame them.”
Winter across America is a book I will use with my first grade class during our unit on weather and seasons. It will be a resource to use when discussing the differences in the seasons as well as how winter affects plants and animals. Winter Across America is a great way to bring in maps also. This book is written in a way that I can read a page or two or the whole book. The reading level is a little high for most of my students, but the photographs make it is easy for the students to go back and find how winter affects different plants and animals. Other books that I would have available would be:
Cole, Brock. THE WINTER WREN. (Farrar, 1984 ISBN 0374384541.
Brett, Jan. THE MITTEN. (Putnam, 1989 ISBN 039921920X.
Lewis, Rob - HENRIETTA'S FIRST WINTER. (Farrar, 1990 ISBN 0374329516
Biography- The Boy on Fairfield Street
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET: HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SUESS. Paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, Decorative illustrations by Dr. Suess. New York, Random House. ISBN 139780375855504
The Boy On Fairfield Street, is an inspiring story of Ted Geisel’s childhood days in the Springfield neighborhood where he grew up. Kathleen Krull takes the reader through the good times and the bad times of his life. Ted Geisel never gives up even though he never felt he fit in at home, school or in the work force. “Ted did begin noticing ways he really didn’t fit in around Springfield.” “Nor did Ted always fit in at home.” He was the boy who created fantasy and “whose imagination [was] too wild for adults.” Family dinners, stories about animals at the zoo and his first stuffed animal “Theophrastus” stayed with the boy that broke “the rules” for a lifetime. It was his “love for reading , animals, and justice” that kept Ted Geisel the boy who grew up on Fairfield Street moving forward to becoming an author and illustrator known all over the world. It is not only a story about a boy that found his place in the world, but a story about never giving up your dreams. Ted was a child who had lived through hard times, got very little encouragement yet grew up to have such an impact in the literary world. “His books sold hundreds of millions of copies- bestselling children’s books ever.” “He often credited life on Fairfield Street for all he had accomplished.” The story has characters, setting and problems with real life solutions. Each page paints a picture of Ted’s life on Fairfield Street through the words and the beautiful paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. Every other page includes wonderful illustrations that so many of us remember from the Dr. Seuss books. The synopsis at the end of the book completes the story of Ted Geisel’s life and gives the reader the “behind-the –scenes” information about many of his books. It was a $50.00 bet from his publisher that gave us Green Eggs and Ham.
Reviews & Awards
Book Links (A.L.A.) 01/01/07
Horn Book (January/February, 2004) “Fans are sure to enjoy meeting the irrepressible man behind the ever-popular books.”
Library Media Connection (October 2004) - “This book would be a wonderful addition to a library program celebrating the "Seussentennial" and beyond.”
School Library Journal (January 1, 2004)- “This picture-book biography is a winner.”
As I read the biography of Dr. Seuss and the hardships he endured being a German American and being bullied as well as hearing from teachers that he “ would never be successful at art” I knew that this would be a book to teach perseverance and believing in yourself. Dr. Seuss is an author that my children know. Most children know at least one Dr. Seuss book and he becomes my hook for teaching social skills and working through the hard times that all people experience.
As I read the title it reminded me of Tomie Depaolo’s 26 Fairmont Place. Each of these books depicts their home as a significant place. In my first grade class I am going to do a compare and contrast lesson using the two books. I am hoping that this will lead to a writing experience using their address as a starting point to write a memoir. I hope to encourage the children to use more emotion in their writing. It is ok to write about the sad times as well as the happy times as they are a part of life.
The Boy On Fairfield Street, is an inspiring story of Ted Geisel’s childhood days in the Springfield neighborhood where he grew up. Kathleen Krull takes the reader through the good times and the bad times of his life. Ted Geisel never gives up even though he never felt he fit in at home, school or in the work force. “Ted did begin noticing ways he really didn’t fit in around Springfield.” “Nor did Ted always fit in at home.” He was the boy who created fantasy and “whose imagination [was] too wild for adults.” Family dinners, stories about animals at the zoo and his first stuffed animal “Theophrastus” stayed with the boy that broke “the rules” for a lifetime. It was his “love for reading , animals, and justice” that kept Ted Geisel the boy who grew up on Fairfield Street moving forward to becoming an author and illustrator known all over the world. It is not only a story about a boy that found his place in the world, but a story about never giving up your dreams. Ted was a child who had lived through hard times, got very little encouragement yet grew up to have such an impact in the literary world. “His books sold hundreds of millions of copies- bestselling children’s books ever.” “He often credited life on Fairfield Street for all he had accomplished.” The story has characters, setting and problems with real life solutions. Each page paints a picture of Ted’s life on Fairfield Street through the words and the beautiful paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. Every other page includes wonderful illustrations that so many of us remember from the Dr. Seuss books. The synopsis at the end of the book completes the story of Ted Geisel’s life and gives the reader the “behind-the –scenes” information about many of his books. It was a $50.00 bet from his publisher that gave us Green Eggs and Ham.
Reviews & Awards
Book Links (A.L.A.) 01/01/07
Horn Book (January/February, 2004) “Fans are sure to enjoy meeting the irrepressible man behind the ever-popular books.”
Library Media Connection (October 2004) - “This book would be a wonderful addition to a library program celebrating the "Seussentennial" and beyond.”
School Library Journal (January 1, 2004)- “This picture-book biography is a winner.”
As I read the biography of Dr. Seuss and the hardships he endured being a German American and being bullied as well as hearing from teachers that he “ would never be successful at art” I knew that this would be a book to teach perseverance and believing in yourself. Dr. Seuss is an author that my children know. Most children know at least one Dr. Seuss book and he becomes my hook for teaching social skills and working through the hard times that all people experience.
As I read the title it reminded me of Tomie Depaolo’s 26 Fairmont Place. Each of these books depicts their home as a significant place. In my first grade class I am going to do a compare and contrast lesson using the two books. I am hoping that this will lead to a writing experience using their address as a starting point to write a memoir. I hope to encourage the children to use more emotion in their writing. It is ok to write about the sad times as well as the happy times as they are a part of life.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Poetry- Come Sunday
“Come on, Sweet Pea. Open up those eyes.” said momma. It was Sunday and Latasha can not wait to go to “Paradise.” Through this book you experience the sights, sounds and smells of going to church with LaTasha. She is able to see the joy in all the little things that make Sunday special. She doesn’t mind the “blue – haired ladies” pinching her cheeks, she “races up to the balcony” to admire the ladies hats, and then mind drifts to her mother’s white gloves. LaTasha is brought back when she hears the music and starts to tap her feet and sing to “rock-a-my- soul.” The joy she has for going to church is revealed in each poem that is written. LaTasha goes from Sunday School, to the offering, and then the prayer at the altar. “I pray at the altar with one eye open” because “I’m hopin’ to catch a miracle.” Then she yells, “Amen” louder than anyone there” because now it is church supper. Evening comes and everyone leaves to go home. She is tired but so happy “I’m glad I spent another day in Paradise.” This delightful story told in a collection of 14 poems and is enhanced by the beautiful watercolor illustrations of Michael Bryant. The paintings and words convey the joy of going to church from LaTasha’s eyes.
Awards:
ALA Notable Book
California Readers California Collection- elementary schools list
Kirkus- “Whatever their religious background, readers will smile at the jubilation”
Publishers Weekly starred review- “In lively and delicious poetry, accompanied by evocative, full- color illustrations”
Detroit Free Press- “Reading Nikki Grimes’ delightful collection of poems …is like taking a trip to church through the eyes and mind of a little girl.”
Come Sunday is a wonderful way for children to see how a story can be told in verse. This is a great way to bring in poetry in the classroom during Black History Month. In the Story of Ruby Bridges her faith is what gets her through a fearful time. After reading about Ruby and how her faith kept her going day after day. Latasha is able to paint a wonderful picture of how important her church and faith is to her as it was to Ruby Bridges and her family. This is a way "to make a connection."(Vardel 2008) I am excited about finding ways to link more picture books to poetry.
Awards:
ALA Notable Book
California Readers California Collection- elementary schools list
Kirkus- “Whatever their religious background, readers will smile at the jubilation”
Publishers Weekly starred review- “In lively and delicious poetry, accompanied by evocative, full- color illustrations”
Detroit Free Press- “Reading Nikki Grimes’ delightful collection of poems …is like taking a trip to church through the eyes and mind of a little girl.”
Come Sunday is a wonderful way for children to see how a story can be told in verse. This is a great way to bring in poetry in the classroom during Black History Month. In the Story of Ruby Bridges her faith is what gets her through a fearful time. After reading about Ruby and how her faith kept her going day after day. Latasha is able to paint a wonderful picture of how important her church and faith is to her as it was to Ruby Bridges and her family. This is a way "to make a connection."(Vardel 2008) I am excited about finding ways to link more picture books to poetry.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Poetry- Stop Pretending
This book is based on real- life experiences of a younger sister as she deals with the mental illness of her older sister. It begins on Christmas Eve with no warning of what was about to happen to her sister, her family and most of all her. “One day, she was my big sister, so normal and well- behaved, the next she was a stranger” says it best. This is an incredibly moving story of a sister who has to find a way to deal with not only her sister being “crazy” but how others react to her. Friends are lost, birthdays forgotten, family time gone but life went on. The journey is sad and difficult to read at times, yet hard to put it down. In“My Guidance Counselor”, “he said I ought to try putting a smile on my face”, and as “idiotic” as it sounded it worked. The smile was just a beginning of many positive things to come. She begins to live a new normal life and there is a feeling of hope for the family. This is a powerful story, which can help others who suddenly lose the “normal” and feel they are alone. The verses in the book cover only a few months but feels like a lifetime. It is a fast read and many of the poems could stand alone as if they were a “Kodak Moment” in time but it is totality that makes the impact on your spirit. The Author’s Note is a must read. It is inspirational as well as informational.
Awards:
Christopher Award for Best Children’s Book
Claudia Lewis Award for Poetry
Myra Cohn Livingston Award
Gradiva Award for Best Poetry Book
Berliiner Kinder Prize in Germany
American Library Association 2000 Best Book for Young Adults
Boston Globe: “Stop Pretending is a tour de force debut..
It reads faster than a fast –paced novel”
Barnes and Noble- “This is one of the most beautiful and disturbing
books aimed at young people”
Starred Review in Kliatt- “The poetry is compelling. It is so heartfelt: the pain and confusion of a young teenager”
This book could not come at a better time. As a first grade teacher I would have not be able to see how I could use this particular book. That is until now. Mental illness is difficult for everyone in the family and all the caring adults that are in their lives. That includes teachers who may very well be the first one to see the effects of mental illness. As all the attention goes to the child in need the sibling is standing by alone and confused. I have a greater understanding of how this can affect the sibling. Because of this book I will make more of a connection with the sibling and understand better what the parent is going through. As hard as it was for Sonya Sones to go through this experience, I am glad Myra Cohn Livingston pulled her aside and said “Poems like this would be helpful to anyone who has a family member with a problem that’s throwing the rest of the family off- kilter.” This applies even if the family member is only six.
Awards:
Christopher Award for Best Children’s Book
Claudia Lewis Award for Poetry
Myra Cohn Livingston Award
Gradiva Award for Best Poetry Book
Berliiner Kinder Prize in Germany
American Library Association 2000 Best Book for Young Adults
Boston Globe: “Stop Pretending is a tour de force debut..
It reads faster than a fast –paced novel”
Barnes and Noble- “This is one of the most beautiful and disturbing
books aimed at young people”
Starred Review in Kliatt- “The poetry is compelling. It is so heartfelt: the pain and confusion of a young teenager”
This book could not come at a better time. As a first grade teacher I would have not be able to see how I could use this particular book. That is until now. Mental illness is difficult for everyone in the family and all the caring adults that are in their lives. That includes teachers who may very well be the first one to see the effects of mental illness. As all the attention goes to the child in need the sibling is standing by alone and confused. I have a greater understanding of how this can affect the sibling. Because of this book I will make more of a connection with the sibling and understand better what the parent is going through. As hard as it was for Sonya Sones to go through this experience, I am glad Myra Cohn Livingston pulled her aside and said “Poems like this would be helpful to anyone who has a family member with a problem that’s throwing the rest of the family off- kilter.” This applies even if the family member is only six.
Poetry- Toasting Marshmallows
George, Kristine O’Connell. 2001. TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS CAMPING POEMS. Ill .by Kate Kiesler. New York: Clarion ISBN 061804597-X
Toasting Marshmallows Camping Poems is a collection of thirty poems that take you through a family’s camping adventure through the eyes of the young girl. As with all good camping adventure the perfect spot is found to pitch the tent. “First, smooth dirt. No rocks or roots.” And with a “shake, snap” a “blooming , bright orange “ tent is set among the trees. The poems flow between the family, the animals and the surprises found on and off the path. Sitting by the “Campfire” and toasting the perfect marshmallow in “Toasting Marshmallows” captures the memories of the sights and smells of camping. The book takes the reader through the days and nights of the trip. The trip is over and the young girl and the family come home, but it is not over for the young girl in “Flannel” as she kneels before her dresser and holds the shirt to her face you can almost smell the “pine smell, campfire, forest moss” as she hides her shirt “where no one will find it, and wash away, my memories.” Memories are sure to come back to everyone who has ever spent a night camping. Kate Kiesler’s illustrations and Kristine O’Connell George words create the perfect camping trip. Kate Kiesler’s richly colored paintings create a feeling you are there sitting by the fire or walking through the fields and streams. The illustrations enhance the words in the poems as in “Flashlight”, the words shining out to show the way. The use of concrete poetry in the verses for “Tent”, and “Storm” allows the young reader to experience a new way to experience poetry. Rich colorful pictures, simple and rhythmic words come together to for the perfect camping trip.
Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems awards include:
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts
Myra Cohn Livingston Poetry Award CLCSC
Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children
Children’s Literature Choice 2002
Stephanie Loer, Boston Globe- “Poems convey a wonderful sense of place as a family enjoys the vastness and immediacy of nature while camping.”
Christopher Moning, Children’s Literature- “One can almost see the starlit night, taste the marshmallows, and hear the buzzing insects as words and illustrations combine in this unique collaboration.”
Kirkus- “Altogether, an engaging trip.”
As I began this unit I had only one book in my classroom and it was on a shelf collecting dust. I took it off and began to share with my class and to my surprise they were very excited. Poetry for first graders has to be interactive and relatable to keep their attention. I was very pleased to find that Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems elicited so many stories. It seems that everyone had a story to tell. ( another way to encourage oral language) The children loved the artwork and understood how powerful illustrations can be to delivering the message. I went to www.kristinegeorge.com and found a wealth of information and activities to use with my class. The children were fascinated with “Tent” and “Storm” and we have now added “concrete poetry” to our ways to write chart. I found a web site to compliment Toasting Marshmallows and create a new generation of poetry writers. The site www.wild-about-woods.org allows the children to put words in animal shapes and start the creative process.
Toasting Marshmallows Camping Poems is a collection of thirty poems that take you through a family’s camping adventure through the eyes of the young girl. As with all good camping adventure the perfect spot is found to pitch the tent. “First, smooth dirt. No rocks or roots.” And with a “shake, snap” a “blooming , bright orange “ tent is set among the trees. The poems flow between the family, the animals and the surprises found on and off the path. Sitting by the “Campfire” and toasting the perfect marshmallow in “Toasting Marshmallows” captures the memories of the sights and smells of camping. The book takes the reader through the days and nights of the trip. The trip is over and the young girl and the family come home, but it is not over for the young girl in “Flannel” as she kneels before her dresser and holds the shirt to her face you can almost smell the “pine smell, campfire, forest moss” as she hides her shirt “where no one will find it, and wash away, my memories.” Memories are sure to come back to everyone who has ever spent a night camping. Kate Kiesler’s illustrations and Kristine O’Connell George words create the perfect camping trip. Kate Kiesler’s richly colored paintings create a feeling you are there sitting by the fire or walking through the fields and streams. The illustrations enhance the words in the poems as in “Flashlight”, the words shining out to show the way. The use of concrete poetry in the verses for “Tent”, and “Storm” allows the young reader to experience a new way to experience poetry. Rich colorful pictures, simple and rhythmic words come together to for the perfect camping trip.
Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems awards include:
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts
Myra Cohn Livingston Poetry Award CLCSC
Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children
Children’s Literature Choice 2002
Stephanie Loer, Boston Globe- “Poems convey a wonderful sense of place as a family enjoys the vastness and immediacy of nature while camping.”
Christopher Moning, Children’s Literature- “One can almost see the starlit night, taste the marshmallows, and hear the buzzing insects as words and illustrations combine in this unique collaboration.”
Kirkus- “Altogether, an engaging trip.”
As I began this unit I had only one book in my classroom and it was on a shelf collecting dust. I took it off and began to share with my class and to my surprise they were very excited. Poetry for first graders has to be interactive and relatable to keep their attention. I was very pleased to find that Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems elicited so many stories. It seems that everyone had a story to tell. ( another way to encourage oral language) The children loved the artwork and understood how powerful illustrations can be to delivering the message. I went to www.kristinegeorge.com and found a wealth of information and activities to use with my class. The children were fascinated with “Tent” and “Storm” and we have now added “concrete poetry” to our ways to write chart. I found a web site to compliment Toasting Marshmallows and create a new generation of poetry writers. The site www.wild-about-woods.org allows the children to put words in animal shapes and start the creative process.
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