Fiction, Fantasy, and Young Adult Book Review - A Michael L. Prinz Award Winner

Book Cover Photo Source, Barnes and Noble: http://books.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=looking+for+alaska, accessed Dec. 1, 2008.

Bibliography
Green, John. 2005. LOOKING FOR ALASKA. New York, NY: Dutton Books.
ISBN 0142402516

Plot Summary
In his debut novel, LOOKING FOR ALASKA, John Green tells the coming-of-age story of Miles Halter, a friendless, gifted Florida teenager who is fascinated by the last words of famous people, his favorite being Francois Rabelais’s, “I go to seek a Great Perhaps.” After persuading his parents to let him leave home to attend boarding school in Alabama, Miles befriends two equally gifted outcasts: Chip, aka the Colonel, his best friend and roommate, and Alaska, beautiful, spontaneous, and ultimately headed for disaster.

As the school year progresses and the three friends grow closer, the book moves towards a tragic climax that will change them forever and move Miles towards his “Great Perhaps.”

Critical Analysis
Green, who is young enough to clearly remember his emotional years of high school and talented enough to turn them into a book, writes an amazing story of tragedy and triumph, in LOOKING FOR ALASKA. LOOKING FOR ALASKA gracefully chronicles teenager Miles Halter’s first year of boarding school and the impact that one person’s actions can have on another. Determined to fit in, Miles embarks on a year of contraband, tests, pranks and realizations about life and family. The characters are appealing and young adult readers will be hooked from the first page of well-articulated, authentic dialogue.

From the first time that Miles, affectionately called “Pudge” by his friends, lays eyes on Alaska, “the hottest girl in all of human history was standing before me,” he is totally smitten. Alaska is smart, funny, sexy and unlike any girl that Miles has ever met before. As the semester progresses, so does Miles’ crush on Alaska, even though it becomes increasingly clear that her troubled past sometimes causes her to be self-destructive.

In religion class their teacher asks each student "What is the most important question facing people today?", to which Alaska answers: “How will we ever get out of this Labyrinth of suffering?” This is the question that each character must answer to be able to get through the tragedy and sadness that eventually surrounds them all.

Written in two parts “before” and “after,” and in headings such as “one hundred twenty-seven days before” and “the day after,” the reader lunges towards the books devastating climax that will leave them with many theological and philosophical truths, as well as questions about their own life and choices that they will make along the way.

Review Excerpt(s)
Winner of the 2006 Michael L. Prinz award
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: "The novel's chief appeal lies in Miles's well-articulated lust (for Alaska, the title girl) and his initial excitement about being on his own for the first time."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This novel is about real kids dealing with the pressures of growing up and feeling indestructible. Listeners will be riveted as the friends band together to deal with the catastrophic events that plague their junior year, and rejoice at their triumphs.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “What sings and soars in this gorgeously told tale is Green's mastery of language and the sweet, rough edges of Pudge's voice. Girls will cry and boys will find love, lust, loss and longing in Alaska's vanilla-and-cigarettes scent.”

Connections
Explore the ways that one person’s actions may affect another person’s life. Teachers may want to tie in the dangers of drinking and driving. There are many subjects in this book that will be too controversial to talk about, but there are plenty of opportunities to explore some of these in a positive manner.
Other books by John Green that you may enjoy:
PAPER TOWNS. ISBN 0525478183
AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES. ISBN 0142412023LET IT SNOW: THREE HOLIDAY ROMANCES. ISBN 0142412147

Historical Fiction Book Review - A Classic Work of Historical Fiction

Book Cover Photo Source, Barnes and Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sarah-Plain-and-Tall/Patricia-MacLachlan/e/9780060241018/?itm=2, accessed November 12, 2008.

Bibliography
MacLachlan, Patricia. 1985. SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN 0060241020

Plot Summary
Set in the 1880’s, SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL is the story of two siblings, Anna and Caleb, who are living without a mother after she dies during childbirth. Jacob, Anna and Caleb’s father, has put an ad in the newspapers for a wife and receives and answer from a woman named Sarah who lives in Maine. She writes the family that she will come for a month’s time “To see how it is.” She tells the family “I will come by train. I will wear a yellow bonnet. I am plain and tall.” She also tells the children that she sings, which they haven’t done since they lost their mother. The children are very receptive to Sarah’s nurturing and attention and soon start to worry that she will miss her home in Maine too much to stay with them. As the seasons change and the children grow more attached to Sarah, readers will hold their breath in finding out if Sarah does indeed decide to stay.

Critical Analysis
This piece of historical fiction is written in a gentle poetic rhythm that flows to create a story of family relationships in their fragile beginnings. Anna and Caleb fall in love with Sarah through her letters even before she arrives from Maine. The characters dialogue with one another though simple, gives us much insight to each ones personality. Anna, the thoughtful one, Caleb, who Anna describes as “loud and pesky,” but in reality is very insecure, Papa, the quiet one, and Sarah, who is “strong” and “willing to travel” but who also has a mind of her own.

MacLachlan describes life on the prairie with such detail that students will feel as if they have been there. In one scene in the book the children have just gone swimming with Sarah in the cow pond, “We climbed the bank and dried ourselves and lay in the grass again. The cows watched, their eyes sad in their dinner-plate faces. And I slept, dreaming a perfect dream. The fields had turned to a sea that gleamed like sun on glass. And Sarah was happy.” MacLachlan has said that her story is based on a true event in her family’s history, which gives the book that much more credibility.

The story flows flawlessly and would be wonderful read aloud to younger students. Older students will enjoy reading it on their own and discussing it as a class. Many concepts, such as mail order brides, will be new to the students, whereas life in the late 1800’s will be at least familiar to most. Although short, the book is a touching story for those who prefer quality to quantity.

Review Excerpt(s)
JOHN NEWBERRY MEDAL WINNER 1986 – For the Most Distinguished Contribution to American Literature for Children
SCOTT O’DELL AWARD FOR HISTORICAL FICTION FOR CHILDREN 1986
BOOK LINKS: “All the elements-setting, character, plot and voice-are exquisitely woven together in a tightly written, highly accessible story. The language is spare, yet lyrical.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, Starred Book Review: “A book that is filled with wisdom, gentle humor and the practical concerns necessary for a satisfying life.”

Connections
Invite students to write an original story of what they think happens after the story ends. What adventures might Anna and her new family have together? After doing this activity read the sequel to SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL, and see if any of your predictions were right.
Discuss in further detail this time in History. What big changes were taking place in America? What were some of the big inventions during this time?
Other books by Patricia Maclachlan:
SKYLARK. ISBN 0064406222
CALEB’S STORY. ISBN 0064405907

JOURNEY. ISBN 0440408091

BABY. ISBN 0440411495

Historical Fiction Book Review - Novel by Avi

Book Cover Photo Source, Barnes and Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Barn/Avi/e/9780380725625/?itm=1, accessed November 10, 2008.

Bibliography
Avi. 1994. THE BARN. New York, NY: Avon Books. ISBN 0380725622

Plot Summary
Avi has written a touching historical novel set in the spring of 1855, in the Willamette Valley, Oregon Territory. Nine-year-old Benjamin has been called home from boarding school by his sister, after their father has taken ill. In the story we meet Nettie, the oldest and the only girl in the family, Harrison, thirteen and the strongest of the three, and Ben, nine, who has gone to Portland to attend school because he is extremely bright. Their mother died of diphtheria a year before and now their father has been struck by palsy. In an effort to save their father, the three siblings set out to fulfill their fathers dying wish, building a barn on their Oregon farm.

Critical Analysis
In this well written piece of historical fiction, Avi shows his readers how complicated things can become for families long ago when tragedy struck. The story is told through the eyes of Ben, the youngest in the family. Ben, who has shown great promise as a scholar, has returned home from boarding school in Portland, where he was sent to live in order to fulfill his mother’s last wish.

Through the story, the author does a superb job of introducing its readers to just how difficult life could be for immigrants who settled in the ample, fertile farmland of the Willamette Valley. Ben has lost his mother to diphtheria, and a brother on the hard journey to get to this valley. The land is fertile, but hard to manage with few people and animals to do the work. There are days of endless rains that threaten the crops and the animals that they do have. The details of the house in which they live will leave the students with a real sense of what it would be like to live in a place with no real floors or walls, where the water leaks in when it rains, and where your mattress is made of hay covered with cloth.

The characters in the story seem real and will be easy for students to relate to. The concept of living on a farm is something that most children have heard about beginning in preschool. With their father lying ill, readers will root for the three siblings to get the barn built in an effort to save their fathers life and will revel in the details of what a painstaking process it was. The story would be a great read-aloud. It is short and easy to understand so that stopping for discussion throughout the reading will not confuse listeners. It would also be a good choice for older students who may not be strong readers.

The last chapter of the book gives us insight into what becomes of Ben. He writes: "It is alomost seventy years since that time. But every morning when I get up, the first thing I do is look at the barn. Like father promised: it's something fine to come home to. Still standing. Still Strong." Though not as long as some of Avi’s other novels, this piece of literature proves to be a thought-provoking, engaging piece of historical fiction.

Review Excerpt(s)
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Easily read in one sitting, this unembellished story proves to be as intimate as a diary, gracefully revealing its protagonist's keen intelligence, strong determination and secret fear of being separated from his loved ones.”
CHILDREN”S LITERATURE: “Avi shows how complicated family love can become when tragedy strikes. Ben, the hero, an extraordinary nine year old is sent from his 1855 farm to be educated so that he can fulfill the great promise his family sees in him.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The family relationships are well drawn, as the siblings react to each situation in their own way, though Benjamin's obsession with curing his father makes him a hard character to empathize with at times. Ultimately, the boy is forced to question his own additional motives for building the barn. While focusing mainly on his characters, Avi presents a vivid picture of the time and place, including fairly involved details about how the barn is constructed.”

Connections
This novel would be a great way to introduce students to the hardships of pioneer life in the 1800’s. Students could discover everything from how buildings were built to what the settlers ate and how they kept clean during this time in history.
Other books on life in the 1800’s:
Brink, Carol Ryrie. CADDIE WOODLAWN. ISBN 0689815212
Frazier, Neta Lohnes. THE STOUT-HEARTED SEVEN: ORPHANED ON THE OREGON TRAIL. ISBN 1402736177
Speare, Elizabeth George. SIGN OF THE BEAVER. ISBN 0440479002Wilder, Laura Ingalls. Little House on the Prairie (Little House Series). ISBN 0060581816

Historical Fiction Book Review - The Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

Book Cover Photo Source, Barnes and Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Green-Glass-Sea/Ellen-Klages/e/9780670061341/?itm=2, accessed November 9, 2008.

Bibliography
Klages, Ellen. 2006. THE GREEN GLASS SEA. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
ISBN 978014241149

Plot Summary
In this work of historical fiction by Ellen Klages, we meet Dewey Kerrigan as she is on her way to Los Alamos, New Mexico, to be reunited with her father, a mathematician and former professor at Harvard. The year is 1943 and World War II is in full swing. Los Alamos, a town that officially doesn’t exist, is home to scientists and mathematicians from all over America and Europe as they work on the biggest secret of the war, which they call “the gadget.” None of them know, least of all Dewey, how much “the gadget” is about to change their lives forever.

Critical Analysis
The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages is a rare look into what life was like for children who lived in Los Alamos, New Mexico during the early 1940’s. The two main characters in the story, eleven-year-old Dewey, nicknamed “Screwy Dewey” because she is always building something, and ten-year-old Suze nicknamed “The Truck” because “she’s kind of big and likes to push people around,” are two outcasts who find themselves thrown together because of circumstances beyond their control. The two girls don’t like each other initially, but learn to rely on one other for support, comfort, and companionship.

Clearly written with attention to detail, this story will bring readers into the unfamiliar world of this secretive scientific community as seen through the eyes of the children and their families. The particulars of this era, the pastimes, music, and products, are well represented and add authenticity to the story as do brief appearances by some historic figures such as Robert Oppenheimer, affectionately known as “Oppie.” As the book progresses, ethics come into question for both children and adults as they learn the ultimate use of the atomic bomb.

The book, which won the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction in 2007, looks at a time and place in history that has rarely been explored before and shows us that children will be children no matter where they live. Readers will come away with a greater understanding of what took place during this time in history and will look forward to the sequel “White Sands, Red Menace”, out last month.

Review Excerpt(s)

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Klages makes an impressive debut with an ambitious, meticulously researched novel set during WWII. Writing from the points of view of two displaced children, she successfully recreates life at Los Alamos Camp, where scientists and mathematicians converge with their families to construct and test the first nuclear bomb.”

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “All of the characters are likable, realistic, and well developed. Dewey is worthy of both empathy and respect, and readers can look forward to the sequel, which the author is currently writing.”
VOYA: “The Green Glass Sea is a wonderful representation of the hardships and little wonders of World War II. Suze and Dewey have their differences, but they become friends in the center of one of the most debated and notorious places of that era. Although Los Alamos is seen as the beginning of all the atomic bomb controversy and destruction, this novel gives the other side. Poetic and real, this one will keep you reading and leave you thinking.”

Connections
After reading the book do an in-depth study of Los Alamos, NM and what took place there during WWII. For Example: What was day-to-day life like for the children? Families had to use food coupons and gas coupons for every day necessities such as groceries. Why? The kids in the story talk about going to the PX for a coke. What was the PX?
Other books you may find interesting about Los Alamos:
Bograd, Larry. LOS ALAMOS LIGHT. ISBN 0374346569
Embry-Litchman, Kristin. SECRETS!: OF A LOS ALAMOS KID 1946-53.
ISBN 0941232271
Reeder, Carolyn. SECRET PROJECT NOTEBOOK. ISBN 0941232336

Non-Fiction Review - Biography by Kathleen Krull

Book Cover Photo Source: Barnes and Noble, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Boy-on-Fairfield-Street/Kathleen-Krull/e/9780375822988/?itm=1, accessed October 27, 2008.

Bibliography
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET: HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SUESS. Ill. By Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 0375822984

Plot Summary
This book is an introduction to the life of children’s author and illustrator Ted Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss. The story takes us through his childhood growing up in Springfield, Massachusetts and leaves us when he is 22 and living in New York prepared to make it as a writer and illustrator.

In The Boy on Fairfield Street the focus is on his childhood including his love of zoo animals, his affection for writing and drawing, and his unusual way of looking at the world around him. Readers of all ages will identify with this familiar author and will delight in hearing about how he came to be known around the world as “Dr. Seuss”.

Critical Analysis
“Once upon a time, there lived a boy who feasted on books and was wild about animals.” So begins this wonderful biography of Dr. Seuss for young readers. The easy to read narrative describes how early on, Geisel showed an affection for drawing (even on his bedroom walls), “whatever popped into his head.” In high school he took one art class but quit when his teacher “scolded him for breaking the rules.” At the urging of his favorite English teacher he applied to and was accepted at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. Ted went to college and tried to find what he was good at but as Krull tells us, he “was clearly gifted, though no one knew at exactly what. It wasn’t as if men could doodle for a living.” It was after getting in trouble with the campus humor magazine that he began to sign the name “Seuss” to his work. The story ends with his career as Dr. Seuss still to come.

The full-page illustrations in the story by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher give off the warm glow of an ideal upbringing. They are nostalgic in nature and have a “Norman Rockwell” feel to them. Dr. Seuss’ whimsical drawings are scattered through the pages as well, a constant reminder of just who Ted Geisel grew up to become.

At the end of the book there are several pages of additional information about Dr. Seuss after the story ends, including how he got his start in children’s books, information about his personal life, and a list of his works (all of which are still in print). My favorite thing about this charming book was how the author and illustrators included his favorite toy dog Theophrastus, his first stuffed animal and a gift from his mother. He is introduced to us as she is reading young Ted a bedtime story and we see him throughout the book in various scenes. Reading this story and thinking about how Ted Geisel’s books have spanned generations, remind us of how important his life was to children everywhere.

Review Excerpt(s):
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Featured in spot art, familiar Seuss characters frolic through these pages, thematically complementing the illustrations while reminding readers why Geisel's life is worth celebrating.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This picture-book biography is a winner. Ted Geisel was not an athletic child, and spent his free time roaming his neighborhood in Springfield, MA, and hanging out with his best friend. Except for encountering some strong anti-German sentiment, his childhood was ideally normal.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Bordered, full-page oil-on-gessoed-paper illustrations evoke pertinent scenes, while spot art of Seuss drawings dot the opposite pages. Some of these original images are absolutely haunting; the magic of his name will make this a huge hit, but it's the lively writing that puts the hat on the cat.”

Connections:

Do a class study on the life of Ted Geisel. Have the students predict when they think he wrote each book and then do a timeline of when each book was published to see if they were correct.
Other books of the life of Ted Geisel:
THE SEUSS, THE WHOLE SEUSS, AND NOTHING BUT THE SEUSS: A VISUAL BIOGRAPHY OF THEODORE SEUSS GEISEL. ISBN 0375822488
OH THE PLACES HE WENT: A STORY ABOUT DR. SEUSS-THEODORE SEUSS GEISEL. ISBN 0876146272

Poetry Review - Poetry by Kristine O'Connell George

Book Cover Photo Source: Barnes and Noble, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Little-Dog-Poems/Kristine-OConnell-George/e/9780395822661/?itm=1, accessed October 13, 2008.

Bibliography
George, Kristine O’Connell. 1999. LITTLE DOG POEMS. Ill. by June Otani. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0395822661

Plot Summary
In this charming book of poetry we spend a day with a little girl and her Little Dog. Little Dog protects the girl from the vacuum cleaner, guards the house against mail jeeps, delivery trucks and cats, and loves presents from the pet store. This book of 30 lively poems is a must for every dog lover!

Critical Analysis
In this collection of 30 short poems, Kristine O’Connell George takes us through an ordinary day for Little Dog. Any child who has ever had a pet will relate to these easy to read short poems. From waking up in the morning, “Little Dog’s cold nose/is better than any/alarm clock”, to bedtime, “No one will ever guess/that the lump/under my blanket is/Little Dog”, we witness the love and admiration between dog and owner.

June Otani’s illustrations, done in eye-catching watercolor, are a perfect match for the playful text, which sometimes swirls around the page. Through her pictures we can actually “see” Little Dog in our minds and all of the adventures she has in a normal day. We come to know how much the little girl loves Little Dog in one poem about Little Dog’s birthday. “Only someone/who loves Little Dog/very much/would bake/birthday cookies with/liver powder.” This is an enchanting book which will be a joy to share with even the youngest of readers.

Review Excerpt(s)
HORN BOOK review: “The events are as ordinary, and as entrancing, as a child's own daily round; the language is simple and concrete enough for the youngest listeners.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Otani's familiarity with the exuberance and joy of puppies and children shines through her delicate watercolors, and she depicts their pounces and feints, cuddles and anticipation, with a deft sense of line.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The poetry and paintings in Little Dog Poems complement one another wonderfully and bring to life an engaging canine character.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “George plays with words with a sure hand; just as surely, Otani picks up on their expressive qualities, e.g., showing the bedraggled pup in "Bath," "Dripping and soggy,/Little Dog/really is/little." A charming glimpse of life with a small dog, and its small but satisfying pleasures.”

Connections
This book would be a wonderful new way to share poetry with children. It is not the typical rhyming poems that so many children come to expect. It would be a great way for you to have your children in class make up their own poems about a familiar topic.
Other engaging books of poetry by Kristine O’Connell George
TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS ISBN 061804597X
THE GREAT FROG RACE: AND OTHER POEMS ISBN 0618604782
SWIMMING UPSTREAM: MIDDLE SCHOOL POEMS ISBN 0618152504
BOOK! ISBN 0395982871
FOLD ME A POEM ISBN 0152025014

Poetry Review - Poetry Collection by Jack Prelutsky

Book Cover Photo Source: Greenwillow Books for Children, http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780060823351/What_a_Day_It_Was_at_School/index.aspx, accessed October 11, 2008.

Bibliography
Prelutsky, Jack. 2006. WHAT A DAY IT WAS AT SCHOOL! Ill. By Doug Cushman. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0060823356

Plot Summary
In this book of poetry, Jack Prelutsky takes us through some of the funny situations that occur in Elementary School. The main character in the stories is a chubby overall-clad cat that has written the 17 poems in journal form. While telling his mom about his day, he takes us through some of the trials and tribulations of elementary school including not completing homework assignments, music class, and field trips. Students will relate to all of these situations and will be laughing at loud as they hear them.

Critical Analysis
Doug Cushman’s humorous illustrations set the stage for this book even before the title page has been introduced. We see an exhausted kitten coming in from school dragging his backpack behind him and then a very animated scene where his mother is asking about his day to which he replies, “It’s all in my journal.”
The combination of journal style writing coupled with Jack Prelutsky’s signature humor makes for a winning combination in this children’s book of poetry. The poems are varied in subject matter ranging from very heavy backpacks to food fights in the cafeteria, all of which elementary school aged children will easily relate to. In “I Made a Noise this Morning” we hear about the embarrassment of passing gas in class with a little pride mixed in; “Though I’m sorry that I made it,/from the bottom of my heart,/In a way, my brief eruption/was a little work of art.”

Cushman’s paintings, done in watercolor are a perfect match for the lively text. His characters, which include a cat, rabbit, and several varieties of rodents, have wonderful facial expressions that cheerfully complete each poem. In “I Know How to Add,” which deals with the problems associated with math, “I cannot seem to do fractions at all-/I’ve tried and I’ve tried and I’ve tried./Will I ever solve twelve-elevenths times nine?” we see a lion as the math teacher who bears a striking resemblance to Albert Einstein and wears a shirt that says “E=mc2”. The last poem in the book, which deals with writing a poem for class, “My poem must have a meter,/and it also has to rhyme./It’s due tomorrow morning…./How I wish I had more time!” may be an inspiration for students to start writing poems of their own school experiences.

Review Excerpt(s)
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY review: “The school-age set will recognize the oft-discussed topics: food fights, field trips and the embarrassing passing of gas during class, among others. The author metes out doses of humor over the course of the 17 poems. In "I Wish I'd Studied Harrder," the laughs lie in the intentional misspellings ("I tried to spell Cunneddykit,/ But really I just gessed.../ If I had stoodied harder/ Then I mite have passed this test").”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “In addition to being a popular choice for poetry-loving young readers, this school-themed collection is certain to make continual rounds among early elementary teachers for use in the classroom.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Reluctant readers and poetry lovers alike will find plenty to laugh at and identify with here, and there is never an awkward line or a sour note-although in one poem, there is a rather unfortunate smell.”

Connections
After reading this book of poetry have the students make up their own poems about something that has happened to them at school or at home. This would also be a great way to introduce journal writing. Have your students start a journal and encourage them to write part of it in poetry form.
Other books of poetry by Jack Prelutsky:
MY DOG MAY BE A GENIUS ISBN 0066238625
IT’S HALLOWEEN ISBN 068814733X
PIZZA, PIGS AND POETRY ISBN 0061434485THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK ISBN 0688022715