Sunday, September 30, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Module 4: From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Book Summary
Claudia has a plan to run away from home and hide out at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She decides to bring her brother Jamie along because she doesn't have much money, and Jamie is "rich". They are successful in their plan and are able to stay at the museum for a week without anyone finding them. Claudia and Jamie hide under beds and take baths in the fountain after the museum closes. Their adventure takes a turn when they become intrigued by an angel statue which may have been created by Michelangelo. The statue leads them to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, who ultimately helps them find their way home.APA Reference
Konigsburg, E.L. (1967). From the mixed up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. New York, NY: Atheneum Books.Impressions
I thought this was a great suspenseful adventure. The beginning of the story may be a little confusing for some young readers due to the narration. Some may have a hard time with the point of view, but it comes together nicely in the end.I enjoyed how the characters complimented each other. Claudia is a good planner but not so good at saving money, and Jamie keeps her on track by budgeting their limited resources. Many children - at one point or another - get mad at their parents and think about running away. And who wouldn't want to hang out in a museum after hours? The setting, the idea of running away, and the likable characters combine to make this a book of lasting appeal.
The story leaves you wondering about Saxonberg, Mrs. Frankweiler's attorney, who we also find out is the children's grandfather... it begs for a sequel! And any book that leaves you wanting more is a good book!
Professional Review
Elaine Konigsburg's first sharp bite of suburban life, Jennifer, He- cate, Macbeth...(131, J-43) was a dilly; this one's a dandy--just as fast and fresh and funny, but less spoofing, more penetrating. From the files of Mrs. Frankweiler comes the chronicle of Claudia Kincaid, almost twelve, and her brother Jamie, who is nine. Tired of being her same old taken-for-granted self, Claudia decides to run away, and Jamie goes along because he is flattered at being asked. Claudia has planned every detail: escape on the empty school bus, change of clothing in a violin case, sanctuary in the Metropolitan Museum. For a week the children elude the guards and exploit the opportunities of the museum: they sleep in a royal bed, bathe in the cafeteria pool, and pass part of each day in study on the fringe of lecture tours. Midweek, a marble angel of dubious origin arrives; Claudia is convinced that it is a Michelangelo and determines to prove it: she will authenticate Angel and become a heroine before going home. But no--by arrangement of Mrs. Frankweiler, she goes home a heroine only to herself (and happy); and she knows something about secrets she hadn't known before--they have to come to an end... Like the title, Mrs. Frankweiler is a bit of a nuisance; and an offhand, rather bemused reference to dope addiction is unnecessary but not inappropriate. What matters is that beyond the intriguing central situation and its ingenious, very natural development, there's a deepening rapport between their parents; "we're well trained (and sure of ourselves)...just look how nicely we've managed. It's really they're fault if we're not homesick." There may be a run on the Metropolitan (a map is provided); there will surely be a run on the book.
From the mixed up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg. [Review of the book From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E. L. Konigsburg]. (1967, September 1). Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/el-konigsburg/from-mixed-up-files-of-mrs-basil-e-frankweiler/.
Library Uses
This book is probably best used as a read aloud or book club choice. After reading the book, kids may enjoy exploring the website for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, http://www.metmuseum.org/.Book cover image from: http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/afuse8production/2012/06/19/top-100-childrens-novels-7-from-the-mixed-up-files-of-mrs-basil-e-frankweiler/
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Module 4: Caddie Woodlawn
Book Summary
Caddie Woodlawn, an adventurous pioneer girl, prefers to play with her brothers rather than grow up like a proper young lady. Caddie's mother would like Caddie to learn to cook and sew like her older sister, but her father allows her to take her time growing up believing that she will become a "lady" when she is ready. Caddie has many adventures with her brothers and becomes a friend of Indian John. The Woodlawn family faces the possibility of leaving the pioneer life they have come to love when Mr. Woodlawn is asked to return to his home in England.APA Reference
Brink, Carol Ryrie (1935). Caddie Woodlawn. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.Impressions
This is an enjoyable story of pioneer family life, similar to the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I thought the characters in the story were believable. Caddie is brave and adventurous; she gets herself into trouble a lot, but she means well and she has a good heart. Her father adores her, and although she is not behaving like a "lady" her mother tolerates her "tomboy" nature. There are funny mischievous antics among the children, as well as heart-warming moments. The author does a good job of taking you away to a different time and a different way of life. Contrary to the professional review (and being of Native American decent myself), I think the Native Americans were portrayed accurately considering the time period in which the story takes place.Professional Review
Although this Newbery Award winning novel was published in 1935, it's protagonist, brave and lively 11 year old Caddie, and her many exciting, humorous and sometimes dangerous adventures might still have appeal to young readers of both sexes. The book is based on true stories of the author's grandmother, who lived on the Wisconsin frontier in the 1860s. Caddie tries to reject her mother's attempts to turn her into a young lady, preferring to join and sometimes even instigate the deeds and pranks of her brothers. She stands up to a school bully, and gets revenge on a snobbish, visiting cousin. Unfortunately, this otherwise fine novel tries to portray Native Americans in a manner that would seem sympathetic for the times, but by today's standards would still be considered condescending and rather stereotyped.Jernigan, G. (1997). [Review of the book Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink]. Children's Literature. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~wNWp38:10.
Library Uses
This would make a nice read aloud, or book club selection. After reading the book, ask the students to create a Venn Diagram comparing Caddie and her siblings with themselves. Things to compare may include clothing, recreational activities, foods, school life, etc...Book cover image from: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205821.Caddie_Woodlawn
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Module 3: So You Want to Be President
Book Summary
This book describes the president's job and gives a brief, humorous synopsis about each president. It identifies the oldest and youngest presidents to take office, as well as the tallest and shortest. It also provides information such as the pets, family, and religious backgrounds of each president.APA Reference
St. George, J. (2000). So you want to be president. New York, NY: Philomel Books.Impressions
This is a great book! The author presents quirky, fun facts about each president which makes it fun for kids to read. For example, the fact that John Quincy Adams once went skinny-dipping! The humorous caricature type illustrations of the presidents also make the book appealing to kids.Professional Review
Portraits of the presidents can be generally described as staid, stodgy, and dull. Throw these adjectives out the window when describing this book's group portrayal of American presidents. St. George leads her audience, ostensibly young presidential hopefuls, through the good points of the presidency (big house with its own bowling alley and movie theater) and bad points (lots of homework). Then she offers a spiffy presidential history with comparisons and contrasts: most popular names, log cabin origins, ages, looks, backgrounds, pets, musical abilities, favorite sports, and personalities ("William McKinley was so nice that he tried to stop a mob from attacking the man who had just shot him"). The book holds out the possibility that someday a woman, a person of color, or a person who is neither Protestant nor Roman Catholic might be elected president. The discussion ends with the oath of office and the thought that most presidents have tried to do their best to fulfill it. David Small's delightful illustrations, usually droll and sometimes hilarious, will draw children to the book and entertain them from page to page. Memorable images include the comical sight of the obese President Taft being lowered into a bathtub by a crane and a powerful scene showing two figures, Nixon (looking disgruntled) and Clinton (looking dejected), descending the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, under the shadow of impeachment. Thoughtful composition and layout both contribute to the lively visual presentation of this most original look at the presidency. The light tone of the book makes it possible for readers to absorb a great deal of information, some of it silly, but underlying the treatment is a sense of the significance and dignity of the office and the faith that children still aspire to be president.Phelan, C. (July 2000). [Review of the book So you want to be president by Judith St. George]. Booklist, 96(21), 2034.
Library Uses
Read the book and then have each student choose a president and create a trading card with a drawing of the president on one side and facts about him on the other.This would also make a great display book for specific times of the year (Election Day, President's Day).
Book cover image from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:CM_be_president.jpg
Module 3: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
Book Summary
Sylvester, a young donkey, enjoys collecting rocks. One day he finds a magic pebble that when held in his hoof grants him whatever he wishes. He experiments with it by wishing for rain. A lion comes along and Sylvester is so frightened that he wishes he was a rock! The lion leaves but Sylvester realizes that he cannot wish to be a donkey again because it is impossible to hold the magic pebble as he no longer has hooves. When Sylvester does not return home, his parents search everywhere for him but cannot find him. After much time passes, Sylvester's parents go for a walk and sit down to have a picnic on Sylvester (the rock). Sylvester's father finds the magic pebble and places it on top of the rock while eating. As his parents discuss how much they miss him, Sylvester wishes how much he wants to be himself again and he turns back into a donkey.
APA Reference
Steig, W. (1969). Sylvester and the magic pebble. New York, NY: Scholastic Book Services.
Impressions
This is one of those stories with a hidden message - be careful what you wish for. I think early elementary aged children would probably enjoy this book because the characters are animals and it has a magical theme. I'm sure the book probably deserved the Caldecott Medal at the time it was published, but the illustrations seem pretty average by today's standards.
Professional Review
Like many children, Sylvester has a collection of beautiful stones. One day he finds an especially extraordinary pebble and discovers it grants his every wish. He can stop the rain and turn a fierce lion passive. Conflict arises when, without forethought, Sylvester turns himself into a large stone. Without hands, he cannot hold the pebble and make a wish to return himself to normal. There seems no solution to the problem, so month after month he remains a stone. His parents bring resolution when, during an afternoon picnic, they find the pebble and place it on the rock. Sylvester transforms into a donkey and realizes that he has everything he has always wanted. It is so easy to identify with Sylvester. His childlike expression and his faith in the magical stone touch the believer in all of us. His wanting more out of life is a universal issue. The problem is surprising and seemingly insurmountable. Children will get great joy from exploring ways to help Sylvester. This book, originally released in 1969 has been re-issued with the bright, cheerful watercolor illustrations the author originally intended. Awarded the Caldecott Award Medal in 1970, the story will continue to delight a new generation of children. 2005 (orig. 1969), Simon and Schuster, Ages 4 to 8.
Allen, E. (n.d.) [Review of the book Sylvester and the magic pebble by William Steig]. Children's Literature. Retrieved from: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sylvester-and-the-magic-pebble-william-steig/1101105956.
Library uses
This book would be a nice book for a read-aloud. It presents fun topics for discussion such as:
"Do you have a collection of anything?" or "What would you wish for if you had a magic pebble?"
Another idea would be a lesson on cause and effect using events from the story.
Module 2: Mr. Popper's Penguins
Book Summary
An eccentric man, Mr. Popper, spends his summers working as a painter and his winters reading and dreaming about polar expeditions. He acquires a penguin, then another, and soon 12 baby penguins. Mr. Popper's children are excited about the penguins and his wife reluctantly allows them. Although financially broke, Mr. Popper cares for the penguins and transforms his house into a chilly penguin friendly environment. In order to continuing caring for the penguins, the Popper's decide to train them to perform on stage. The Popper's then go on tour with the penguins and Mr. Popper eventually decides to take them to the North Pole.APA Reference
Atwater, R. & Atwater, F. (1938). Mr. Popper's penguins. New York, NY: Little Brown And Company.Impressions
I was not very impressed with this book. It wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but probably not something I would recommend to a child unless they really loved penguins and couldn't find enough penguin books! I normally like humorous books, but I thought this was a little too "corny". I would be interested to hear a child's opinion, maybe it's funny if you're a kid. The pacing of the book seemed a little hurried. There were several parts that seemed like they were quickly made up on the spot without much thought or effort put forth, as if the authors rushed through. I also thought the tone was a little condescending, for example the veterinarian is referred to as "veterinarian doctor". Why not just say veterinarian? Perhaps that was common terminology for the time period in which the book was written. I have not seen the movie; maybe this is one instance where the movie is better than the book?Professional Reviews
It's time for comfort reading. Something light. Something frivolous. Something completely irrelevant to Iraq, the economy, health care, the environment, or anyone or anything from Texas or Massachusetts. For some, that might mean a moody spy thriller, or a trashy celebrity bio, or a stirring historical romance. Others will find solace in astronomy or bugs or food (though Martha Stewart fans may be at a disadvantage this year). For me, it's penguins.Even as a little boy, I loved penguins. Who doesn't? They waddle. They toboggan. They squawk. And those little black suits! Come on America, we love black and white. What's not to love? That's why this month I'm recommending one of my favorite childhood books, Mr. Popper's Penguins.
I hadn't read Mr. Popper's in about three decades, but recently stumbled across a copy and enjoyed it like I was eight-years-old all over again. And let me tell you. It's a lot more fun than the Hitler biography I've been working my way through for the past two months.
The story is simple. Mr. Popper is a common house painter who secretly longs to travel to Antarctica with Admiral Drake (and what bored house painter doesn't?). So he sends his hero a long adoring letter. The Admiral is so impressed, he not only responds, he sends Mr. Popper a gift: one adult penguin (named Captain Cook). Soon, Mr. Popper receives a second gift, a mate for the Captain, and, by the end of the chapter, baby makes twelve. The Poppers turn their gaggle of penguins into a traveling stage act and become rich and famous. The story has charming illustrations by Robert Lawson and is told with a subtle wit reminiscent of E. B. White.
Still, this title is not right for every reader. Originally published in 1938, Mr. Popper's Penguins is somewhat outdated. For starters, in the final chapters, Admiral Drake returns to the US and asks Mr. Popper to join him on a trip to the North Pole. The North Pole doesn't have penguins, and he wants Mr. Popper to bring his troupe along and introduce them as a seed population. An obvious environmental faux pas. You can bet Tipper Gore wasn't reading this title to her youngsters.
Far more disturbing, though, is the scene toward the end of the story where Mr. Popper is approached by a big Hollywood producer. By this time Mr. Popper's Penguins have become quite famous, so the producer, hoping to make a buck, offers the Poppers a lucrative film contract. After careful deliberation, Mr. Popper decides that the well-being of his Penguins is more important than money -- or Hollywood! -- and turns him down. Naturally, some parents may find this a disturbing message for impressionable young readers and might prefer a more commerce-friendly title.
But quibbles aside, Mr. Popper's Penguins is an established classic that will delight readers of all stripes -- especially those looking to avoid any mention of red and blue.
Jones, M. (2004, October 9). [Review of the book Mr. Popper's penguins, by Richard & Florence Atwater]. Retrieved from http://www.powells.com/review/2004_10_09.html.
Library Uses
This would be a fun book to incorporate with a map lesson. You could locate all the places that the Popper's traveled to with their penguins (Seattle, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Philadelphia , Boston, New York, and the North Pole).Book cover image from: http://www.betterworldbooks.com/mr-popper-s-penguins-id-0316058432.aspx
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Module 2: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Book Summary
Alexander's day starts off on the wrong foot when he awakes with gum in his hair, and he just knows it's going to be a bad day! Things continue to go wrong throughout the day... his brothers get prizes from the cereal box and he doesn't, there's no dessert in his lunch, he has to go to the dentist, his brother makes him fall down, he doesn't like his dinner, there's kissing on T.V., and so on. Several times throughout the story Alexander remarks that he would like to move to Australia.
APA Reference
Viorst, J. (1972). Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
Impressions
This is a really cute book! It tells the story of a bad day through the eyes of a child. You will both sympathize with poor Alexander, as well as giggle at him as he grumbles through his bad day. I thought the illustrations were fantastic! Sometimes black and white drawings are a little "ho-hum", but not these! The pictures are so detailed and the characters so expressive that you don't mind the absence of colors. Definitely a book that everyone can relate to, as we've all had bad days!
Professional Review
Kirkus ReviewsIn the spiky spirit of Sunday Morning (1969) but more truly attuned to a child's point of view, Viorst reviews a really aggravating (if not terrible, horrible, and very bad) day in the life of a properly disgruntled kid who wakes up with gum in his hair and goes to bed after enduring lima beans for dinner and kissing on T.V. At school, "Mrs. Dickens liked Paul's picture of sailboat better than my picture of the invisible castle," and at lunch, "guess whose mother forgot to put in dessert?" After school "my mom took us all to the dentist and Dr. Fields found a cavity just in me," and there is worse to come. It's no wonder the kid's ready to move to Australia, but in the end, "My mom says some days are like that. Even in Australia."
If Alexander's mother is smart to offer casual sympathy without phoney consolation, Cruz and Viorst accord readers the same respect.
Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day by Judith Viorst. [Review of the book Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day by Judith Viorst]. (1972, September 1). Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/judith-viorst/alexander-and-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-b/.
Library Uses
This would be a good book for discussion and character development. Make a list with the class of all the bad things that happened to Alexander. Discuss the fact that everyone has a bad day and talk about ways to deal with it. Discuss the signs to look for in other people who may be having a bad day and how you can help them. Students could illustrate a time when they had a bad day.
Module 1: Once Upon A Cool Motorcycle Dude
Book Summary
A boy and a girl are teamed up to work on a school project which requires them to tell a fairytale. Unfortunately they cannot agree as the girl is set on ponies and a princess in a castle, whereas the boy prefers a motorcycle dude who battles a giant. The result is a comical fairytale "mash-up".
APA Reference
O'Malley, K. (2005). Once upon a cool motorcycle dude. New York, NY: Walker & Company.
Impressions
I always enjoy a humorous story and this book delivers! Although the characters take on very stereotypical roles - the girl likes princesses, ponies, and love stories, the boy likes motorcycles, giants, and conflict - you can't help but smile at their bantering. The illustrations were created by three separate artists; one to portray the girl and boy as they narrate throughout the story, another to create the images of the girl's fairytale, and another to create the images of the boy's fairytale. I thought this was a brilliant way to emphasize the character's differences! A fun read for both girls and boys!
Professional Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
Young readers who have ever been forcibly yoked to a rival for some class project will glory in this contentious oral report. Unable to agree on a folktale to tell their classmates, a lad and lass decide to make it up as they go. She starts, with Princess Tenderheart-rendered by Heyer in flowing silk gowns and blonde tresses-pining for her beloved ponies, which are being stolen one by one by a giant. Gagging, the storyteller's companion proceeds to add a huge dude who roars up on a chopper to provide protection, and to battle a giant that, in Goto's testosterone-soaked oils, is green but far from jolly. Meanwhile, instead of passively sitting by spinning straw into gold, the Princess starts pumping iron . . . and on the tale seesaws, to a more or less happily-ever-after. The unusual collaboration among illustrators works seamlessly, with O'Malley supplying the storytellers, and Heyer and Goto the characters on separate pages or spreads. This disarming, funny and not agenda-driven dig at the hot-button issue of gender differences is likely to excite plenty of giggles-and perhaps some discussion, too. 2005, Walker, 32p, $16.95. Category: Picture book. Ages 6 to 9. © 2005 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
Morning, T. (March 15, 2005). [Review of the book Once upon a cool motorcycle dude, by Kevin O'Malley]. Booklist, 101(14), 1294-1295.
Library Uses
This would be a good book to pair with a writing assignment. Because the book is somewhat open-ended it is conducive to a sequel or more conclusive ending. After reading the book aloud to the students, they could write an ending (or sequel) from either the girl's or the boy's point of view. Alternatively, you could create pairs of boy/girl students to create an ending/sequel.Book cover image from: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kevin-omalley/once-upon-a-cool-motorcycle-dude/
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