Module 10/SLIS 5420/August 10- 14

FOUND

by

Margaret Peterson Haddix

Bibliography

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Found. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-41695-417-0

Summary

Through a series of unfolding events, two thirteen-year-old boys, Jonah and Chip, learn they are adopted. They discover they were two of many babies arriving on a plane that appeared out of seemingly nowhere. Mysterious, cryptic letters involve the FBI and energize a quest for the truth, uncovering a smuggling operation. Jonah and Chip are pawns in a story that includes time travel as resisting forces "battle" for control of their lives. Found is the first in Haddix' newest series, The Missing. Sent, number two in the series, is out August 25, 2009!

A Page from My Book

Having thoroughly enjoyed Haddix' Shadow Children Series I knew the first in her newest series would not disappoint! My students have enjoyed Among the Hidden for a few years now and having heard me read it aloud, there is a waiting list for the remaining books in the series the remainder of the year. Found would be a great addition to the YA section of any library.

Reviews

* Thirteen-year-old Jonah has always known he's adopted; Chip learns of his adoption when both friends start receiving threatening letters labeling them "the missing." Investigating, the two discover an inter-temporal child-smuggling conflict, both sides of which are out to get them. The fascinating premise of this series opener, buoyed by Haddix's usual likable characters and fast-paced writing, is loaded with possibilities. Horn Book, Fall 2008

* Fans of Haddix's Shadow Children books will want to jump on this time-travel adventure, which kicks off yet another series. The author grabs readers' attention from the first scene, in which a planeload of unaccompanied babies lands out of nowhere at an airport. Time passes; two of those babies, Jonah, now 13, and his best friend, Chip, receive similar strange letters of warning. They set out with Jonah's younger sister, Elizabeth, to find out what's going on. Mixing in some rather esoteric physics, the narrative plunges the children into a time-travel trap from which there seems to be no escape. This outing merely introduces well-delineated characters and sets up their dilemma, ending with a teaser for the next book in the series. Somewhat slow in this installment, but intriguing enough nonetheless to keep kids reading what promises to be an exciting trip through history. Kirkus Review, April 1, 2008

Suggested Activities

I plan to use Found as a read-aloud, just as I have done with the Shadow Children Series', Among the Hidden. This book would be a great motivation to learn about genealogy. Skills in relation to researching families could be incorporated.

Module 9/SLIS 5420/August 3-9

MAKE LEMONADE

by

Virginia Euwer Wolff

Bibliography

Wolff, Virginia Euwer. Make Lemonade. Henry Holt and Company, 1993. ISBN: 978-0-8050-2228-5

Summary

LaVaughn is fourteen, Jolly is seventeen. Their lives and circumstances intersect when LaVaughn answers an ad for a babysitter for Jilly and Jeremy, Jolly's two babies, while Jolly works at a factory. Jolly is fighting her way out of - and into a better life for her and her babies, having once lived homeless. LaVaughn, who has aspired to go to college since she was five, works to add to her college account started by her mother. LaVaughn's mother is a single mother, LaVaughn's father having been gunned down when she was little. He is never far from her memory and heart as she "sees" him in little "waves" passing in seconds. As Jolly struggles with the responsibilities and hardships of being a single parent at seventeen, LaVaughn provides a much needed support system for her and those babies, nurturing them, giving them time and loving them, compromising the relationship of "employer-employee" she has with LaVaughn. As a deepening friendship evolves, issues are faced that could not be overcome without persistence and determination on the part of both girls.

A Page from My Book

I. LOVE. this. book.

I could get carried away just summarizing it, but it is a favorite, a VERY favorite, of the books I have read for my UNT course. Wolff is an extraordinary and talented author. Her words paint pictures that create sensory responses of, and to life lived as a seventeen-year-old unwed mother, living in the projects, in poverty, struggling to exist - and a college-bound hopeful who wavers between her own ambition and doing what is necessary to "save" the life of another. This is a novel told in verse, with text lines that break naturally as it progresses. I could not put the book down. It is just a wonderful story of putting other's needs ahead of one's own, gambling the outcome of remaining steadfast in their lives regarding what you know in your heart and mind is best for them. I will be adding all other YA books by Wolff to the library as soon as possible. I am so glad to have discovered this author. True Believer is the sequel - canNOT wait to read it! Be sure and read the following reviews!

Reviews/Awards

* ``This word COLLEGE is in my house,/ and you have to walk around it in the rooms/ like furniture.'' So LaVaughn, an urban 14-year-old, tries to earn the money she needs to make college a reality. She and her mother are a solid two-person family. When LaVaughn takes a job babysitting for Jolly, an abused, 17-year-old single parent who lives with her two children in squalor, her mother is not sure it's a good idea. How the girl's steady support helps Jolly to bootstrap herself into better times and how Jolly, in turn, helps her young friend to clarify her own values are the subjects of this complex, powerful narrative. The themes of parental love, sexual harassment, abuse, independence, and the value of education are its underpinnings. LaVaughn is a bright, compassionate teen who is a foil for Jolly, whose only brief role model was a foster parent, Gram, who died. The dynamics between the two young women are multidimensional and elastic--absolutely credible. LaVaughn's mother is a complete character, too, and even Jolly's kids become real. The tale is told in natural first-person, and in rhythmic prose arranged in open verse. The poetic form emphasizes the flow of the teenager's language and thought. The form invites readers to drop some preconceptions about novels, and they will find the plot and characters riveting. Make Lemonade is a triumphant, outstanding story. Carolyn Noah, School Library Journal, July 1993.

* Fourteen-year-old LaVaughn accepts the job of baby-sitting Jolly's two small children but quickly realizes that the young woman, a seventeen-year-old single mother, needs as much help and nurturing as her two neglected children. The four become something akin to a temporary family, and through their relationship each makes progress toward a better life. Sixty-six brief chapters, with words arranged on the page like poetry perfectly echo the patterns of teenage speech. Horn Book, September 1993

* "Rooted not in a particular culture, but in the community of poverty, the story offers a penetrating view of the conditions that foster our ignorance, destroy our self-esteem, and challenge our strength." Booklist, starred review

* Golden Kite Award for Fiction

* ALA Best Book for Children

* ALA Notable Book for Children

* ALA Recommended Book for Reluctant Readers

* Parents Choice Award Winner

* Parents Magazine Best Kids' Books of 1993

Suggested Activities

The story derives it's title from a lemon seed planted by LaVaughn for Jeremy to watch grow. The growth process is symbolic of the events transpiring in the story. Use this book in a book talk, concluding with a share time of examples of "when life gives you lemons ... Make Lemonade!"

Module 8/SLIS 5420/July 27-August 2

SCARY STORIES

by

Alvin Schwartz

Bibliography

Schwartz, Alvin. Scary Stories. HarperCollins, 1981. ISBN: 978-0-397-31927-5

Summary

Scary Stories is a collection of ghost stories, verse, etc., some based on folklore or urban legend. The illustrations, by Stephen Gammell are chilling, ghostly, and alarming - no doubt lending to the allure of the books in this series. If one can move past the illustrations they will discover titles such as "The Big Toe", "Hook" and "The Ghost with the Bloody Fingers". There is a nice forward by the author in which he suggests how and when to read the collection!

A Page from My Book

I have long been aware of the fascination with the books in this series. I have also seen the fascination wane some over the years as a proliferation of books on this subject has just exploded. Kids, young and old, love a good ghost story - well, most do - and this particular title seems to satisfy that appetite - if you are able to find it on a library shelf. It is to be noted that Scary Stories is included/cited among the top 100 of America's most frequently challenged books in the 21st century.

Reviews/Awards

* "Divided into five sections, this collection of American folklore has a little of everything--but not enough of anything. The opening chapter, “’jump stories’ to make friends JUMP with fright,” is varied but uninspired. In the opening tale, a big toe is discovered, brought home, cooked, and eaten. Are you entertained so far? The allegedly scary bit is when the storyteller accuses a listener of possessing said toe. The best offering is “A Man Who Lived in Leeds,” a creepy, catchy rhyme of nonsense…or is it? The second section’s theme is ghosts. The first selection involves two friends chased by a skeleton; a year later, one of the friends dies…and “looked just like the skeleton.” The following story, “Cold as Clay,” is a strong, spine-tingling one. The rest range from pointless to gruesome: “the flesh was dropping off her face…She had no eyeballs…and no nose.” Chapter three is particularly rife with nightmarish, disturbing images. Chapter four consists of stories that “young people tell about dangers we face in our lives today.” The only outstanding entry is “High Beams,” in which a teenage girl is stalked by a car. It turns out that the bad guy is already in her car and the “stalker” was trying to warn her! The final chapter is devoted to tales meant to amuse rather than frighten. Only the first two succeed. The black-and-white illustrations by Caldecott winner Gammell are outstanding; next to them, the stories, not the readers, pale." Naomi Milliner, Children's Literature

* Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 1983

* Utah Children's Book Awards, 1986

Suggested Activities

Share the Hispanic legend of La Llorona by Joe Hayes and compare it with Scary Stories. Take the opportunity to share these types of legends around the end of October or beginning of November. Discuss Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican cultural observation/celebration, with the students and in turn, allow them to share with the group ways their families honor those who have died - perhaps an ofrenda was created in their memory - or rituals associated with November 1.

Read aloud the beginning of a lesser-known ghost story and have the students write an ending.

After examining the art of illustrator Gammell, select a story to read aloud and have the students illustrate it, a story/illustrations you purposely omitted when sharing the illustrations.

Module 7/SLIS 5420/July 20-26

Meet Kit

by

Valerie Tripp

Bibliography

Tripp, Valerie. Meet Kit. Pleasant Co., 2000. ISBN: 978-58485-017-5

Summary

Kitt Kittredge is a nine-year-old girl in 1934 experiencing life in the full throes of the Great Depression. When her father's business is closed, Kit's mother opens their home to boarders in order to cope with a failing economy and tenuous job market. Kit is a determined, headstrong girl who immediately assumes a more mature role as she works to help her family. Kit is clever and resourceful, making her a strong role model for young girls. She remains optimistic through the most difficult of situations and is a character, whose mere presence seems to affect everyone around her in a positive way.

A Page from My Book

I am impressed with Pleasant Co.'s continued dedication to quality products for young girls. As the company has grown so has their commitment to providing a collection of books and dolls representing different eras of history - education a priority behind those endeavors. Found at the end of each American Girl book is a pictorial history and reference to the era, or even culture, depicted in the book. I especially enjoy this aspect of each of the AG books. I love the illustrations - I have thought about their appeal and I think it because they remind me of the illustrations in the basals from which I learned to read - Dick and Jane!

One review I read said Meet Kit is an "idealized portrayal of the Depression", but I consider it the right amount of information along with an entertaining story that illustrates important lessons such as working hard, maintaining a positive outlook and the significance of making a contribution to the betterment of family or community. I found a video clip on Amazon.com advertising a movie based on the book. I have not seen the movie, but now have it on my list to find - I would encourage the viewing of the clip - and notice ... it even mentions a librarian boarding at the Kittredges!

A favorite memory is of taking my niece one Sunday afternoon to an event, "An American Girl Party", planned in conjunction with a Junior League holiday event in Lubbock, Tx. We both enjoyed our afternoon of learning songs, crafts and sampling yummy food. I will always have a fondness for anything AG-related. There is a wonderful interactive online site for girls to enjoy and I would also recommend a subscription of the magazine for the library. It would be a great addition to periodicals found in elementary schools.

Reviews

* "The newest 'American Girl,' Kit is a resourceful young woman struggling during the Great Depression. The book's 'Peek into the Past' section showcases information and photographs of the United States during the 1930's. Kit is a sure winner!" A. Braga, Parent Council Reviews, Vol. 8

Suggested Activities

Compare the 1930's to present day - Use the opportunity to discuss economy as a cross-curricular connection to Social Studies.

Invite a guest speaker who grew up in the same era to share with students their memories of this time.

Perhaps the students have grandparents who lived through the Depression. Have them supply a recorded or written interview. As a group determine questions to explore.

Module 6/SLIS 5420/July 13-19

HARVESTING HOPE

by

Kathleen Krull

Bibliography

Krull, Kathleen. Harvesting Hope. Harcourt Children's Books, 2003. ISBN: 0152014373

Summary

Harvesting Hope is an illustrated biography of Cesar Chavez, a Mexican American, civil rights activist, who worked peacefully and tirelessly as the voice for migrant farm workers. Because of his leadership, once terrible working conditions were improved. He is credited with co-founding the American Farm Workers and his face became the face of a people struggling with deplorable quality of conditions for workers, imposed by the growers for whom they toiled. Harvesting Hope is a richly illustrated chronology of Chavez's life from boyhood through the events of a worker's protest, organized by Chavez, in 1965. The book is simply written without the weight of heavy information. This straightforward interpretation of the man who is credited with energizing the effort to improve the state of conditions and salary for farm workers, as well as civil rights, has a place of importance among the biographies of leaders who make/made a difference.

A Page from My Book

I would recommend adding Harvesting Hope to your library shelves. It is a beautifully illustrated picture book about an important figure in U.S. history. The attractive, vibrant colors are appealing and it is a book that would appeal to older students as well as elementary-age students. The addition of this book to a Texas library would be especially meaningful to those students who share a similar heritage. It is a deliverance of hope that with determination and hard work dreams of a better life can be realized. Harvesting Hope also effectively communicates that consideration of others improves their lives with the potential of enriching and advancing the lives of many more - a ripple affect - with positive consequences for generations to come.

Reviews/Awards

* Krull, author of the excellent Lives Of series and Wilma Unlimited (rev. 9/96), depicts Chavez's early life on his family's ranch in Arizona as almost idyllic. Then in 1937, when he was ten, drought forced his family to give up the ranch and move to California. Migrant work was brutal, the conditions atrocious, and the pay minimal. Showing how Chavez developed into an advocate and spokesman, Krull focuses on the march he led from Delano to Sacramento as part of a grape-pickers strike; she offers vivid details of the over-three-hundred-mile march: "Cesar developed painful blisters right away. He and many others had blood seeping out of their shoes." The brief text creates a remarkably complex view of Chavez--his experiences and feelings. Krull's empathetic words are well paired with artist Yuyi Morales's mixed-media acrylic paintings, which are suffused with a variety of emotions, especially fear and sorrow. The pictures glow with intense shades of gold, green, pink, and orange, and the farm landscapes show delicately detailed strawberries and grapes. One particularly effective spread portrays the imposing portico of the state capitol dominating the small figures below, reflecting Chavez's struggle against great power. An author's note at the end fills in more about Chavez's later life and work (though there are no sources). This is an excellent choice for furthering children's understanding of racism, of nonviolent protest, and of the lives of workers before unions. Most of all, it is a powerfully moving tribute to an important person in U.S. history. Horn Book, July/August, 2003

* Cesar Chavez, like his heroes Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi, believed in non-violent change. He fought ceaselessly for the rights of migrant farm workers to have a decent living conditions and a living wage. Krull does not offer a birth-to-death biography, instead focusing on the influences of his early years, the organization of the National Farm Workers Association, and the first contract with the grape growers. She portrays Chavez as a quiet, patient, strong-willed man who believed implicitly in his "causa" and worked tirelessly for his people. She presents additional events in his life and the circumstances of his death in an author's note. Morales uses bright acrylic colors that flow across the pages, mirroring the constant movement in Chavez's life. The overall look of the work is reminiscent of a Diego Rivera mural. Krull and Morales introduce a long-neglected figure from recent history to a new audience in an informative, eye-catching manner. A notable achievement. (Biography. 8-12) Kirkus Review, July 1, 2003

* ALA Notable Children's Book

* Pura Belpre Honor Book Illustrator

* Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List, 2004-2005

Suggested Activities

Use Harvesting Hope to introduce students to the author Francisco Jimenez and make a literature connection to novels by Jimenez, The Circuit: Stories From the Life of a Migrant Child and Breaking Through. Although classified as fiction, The Circuit is based on Jimenez' life. Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan, in addition to the others, would be another book that could be highlighted in a book talk.

Module 5/SLIS 5420/July 6-12

THE CITY OF EMBER

by Jeanne DuPrau

Bibliography

DuPrau, Jeanne. The City of Ember. Random House, 2003. ISBN: 0375822739

Summary

The setting is a post-apocalyptic, underground city, Ember, where the protagonist, Lina, finds an ancient message in a mysterious box she believes to be the secret to saving their underground city - and their lives. Lina and her friend, Doon, must piece together what is left of the message to uncover the instructions which were left over 200 years earlier. Time is against them because the lights are about to go out forever. Over the course of the race to save Ember, Lina and Doon discover the ruthlessness and greed of the Mayor of Ember.

The City of Ember is an interesting, thought-provoking story of "what ifs". Imagine a civilization with no knowledge of an outside world, a people without an understanding of what was, and the likelihood that unless changes are realized, the world as one knows it would cease to exist. Lina has had dreams of a city of light and she and Doon use the advantages of their jobs, received on "Assignment Day", to help them investigate and move toward a solution of the "Instructions for Egress", the secret to saving the city and people of Ember.

A Page from My Book

Never having been a fan of science fiction, The City of Ember will forever be the book that turned me on to that genre. This was also my first audio book, began on a lengthy road trip. Not having finished it by the time I reached my destination, I completed it by reading the book. I look forward to recommending it to my students this coming school year and will definitely make sure all the books in the series - The People of Sparks, The Prophet of Yonwood and the soon-to-be-released The Diamond of Darkhold - are ordered! Students will enjoy the suspense Lina and Doon experience as they work tirelessly to save Ember. The twists and turns the story takes will hold interest until the very end - and leave the reader wanting more!

Reviews/Awards

* "The quick pace and the uncomplicated characters and situations will keep voracious fans of the genre engaged". John Peters, School Library Journal, May 2003

* "While Ember is colorless and dark, the book itself is rich with description ... Part mystery, part adventure story, this novel provides science fiction for those who do not like science fiction". Voya

* "The setting is well-realized with the constraints of life in the city intriguingly detailed. The likable protagonists are not only courageous but also believably flawed by human pride, their weaknesses often complementing each other in interesting ways. The cliffhanger ending will leave readers clamoring for the next installment". Kirkus Reviews, May 2003

* "Life in this post-holocaust city is well limned - the frequent blackouts, the food shortage, the public panic, the search for answers, and the actions of the powerful, who are taking selfish advantage of the situation. Readers will relate to Lina and Doon's resourcefulness and courage in the face of ominous odds." Booklist, April 2003

* ALA Notable/Best Books, January 2004

Suggested Activities

Students write predictions as to how the sequel, The People of Sparks, begins.

Hold a debate where students speculate what type of catastrophe may have caused people to create such a city as Ember.

Students are provided paper and necessary supplies to "draft" a plan of an original underground city or their concept of the city from the novel.

Module 4/SLIS 5420/June 29-July 5

HATCHET

by

Gary Paulsen

Bibliography

Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. Simon Pulse, 1987. ISBN: 978-1-41693-646-6

Summary

Hatchet is the story of 13-year-old Brian Robeson's survival in the Canadian wilderness. Having lived through a plane crash en route to spending the summer with his father in the northern Canadian oil fields, he is forced to rely on his wits, common sense and survival skills discovered by trial-and-error. Brian's "experiments" in existing alongside the forces of nature supply the adventures experienced in each chapter. His one tool is a small hatchet, a gift from his mother. The hatchet becomes symbolic of Brian's struggle to survive and is a constant companion as the main character evolves from boy to man. Underlying the struggle of survival, however, is the personal conflict of the knowledge he possesses regarding his parent's recent divorce and the burden of whether to tell what he knows, "the secret".

A Page from My Book

Hatchet is a must-read for middle school students and is an excellent example of realistic fiction. Many students will identify with Brian's personal struggle of coping with a secret knowledge and difficult reality relating to a parent's divorce. There are lessons to be learned through Brian. Most importantly, real strength comes from within and in the words of one of Brian's English teachers, "YOU are the best thing you have." I highly recommend this book as a coming-of-age story that focuses on the importance of self in regard to taking charge of one's destiny. Brian's strength of character is inspiring and not soon forgotten. Brian's story is continued in the four novels The River, Brian's Winter, Brian's Return and Brian's Hunt.

Reviews/Awards

* "Plausible, taut, this (survival) story is spellbinding". - Kirkus Reviews

* "This is a heart-stopping story: it seems that at every moment Brian is forced to face a life and death decision, and every page makes readers wonder at the density of descriptive detail Paulsen has expertly woven together. Poetic texture and realistic events are combined to create something beyond adventure, a book that plunges readers into the cleft of the protagonist's experience." - Publisher's Weekly

* Newbery Honor Book

* ALA Notable Book

Suggested Activities

Have the students empty their pockets. Are the contents such that anything could be used for survival? Have a panel discussion as to what would be necessary for survival.

Create a survival quiz based on the events of Hatchet for students to complete prior to reading the novel.

Invite the school nurse to instruct the students as to how to treat shock victims and teach/review basic first-aid skills, etc.

Likewise, invite a local pilot to instruct the students as to how a flight plan is filed, it's purpose, etc. Perhaps a small group would be able to visit a local airport for a "tour" of a small plane such as the Cessna in Hatchet.

View the movie, A Cry In the Wild, (based on Hatchet) after a group has read the novel. Compare and contrast the book and movie.

Module 3/SLIS 5420/June 22-28

SKIPPYJON JONES

by

Judy Schachner

Bibliography

Schachner, Judy. Skippyjon Jones. Dutton Children's Books, 2003. ISBN: 978-0-525-47134-9

Summary

Skippyjon Jones is sent to his room to think about what it "means to be a cat, a Siamese Cat, not a bird, not a mouse, not a rat ... ", but Skippyjon's "thoughts" take him down a road of daydreaming and adventure imagining himself a Zorro-like chihuahua whose mission is to save a friendly band of fellow chihuahuas from bean-eating "el Blimpo Bumblebeeto Bandito". At the conclusion the reader finds Mama Jones discovering the ruckus from Skippyjon's room caused by Skippyjon, an explosion of candy from his birthday pinata (a bumblebee) surrounding him.

A Page from My Book

My favorite pet as a child was a Siamese cat. Tai Shan was truly a member of our family for 18 years. Siamese have a reputation for their attitude and disposition and this stereotype of the species is perfectly depicted through the high-spirited behavior and mischief of Skippyjon. This book INSPIRES laughter! To fully appreciate and enjoy Skippyjon Jones one must simply read it aloud! The rhyme and clever text are written to be shared! You can't read it just once! The color illustrations are a delight and the variety of text font adds interest on each page. "Ay, caramba!" Skippyjon is a winner!

Reviews/Awards

* "The buoyant and and colorful cartoon illustrations match the exuberant text perfectly. Spanish-speaking children will be especially delighted by the words and humor ... the story definitely as the potential of a fun read-aloud. A good multicultural offering." Judith Constantinides, School Library Journal, January 2004

* This pun-filled spoof is over-the-top comedy littered with Spanish words and "Splanglish" accents. Colorful, lively illustrations exaggerate the hilarity. No ethnic aspersions intended, just laugh-out-loud humor. Both feline hero and story are full of beans, but ay caramba, mucho fun. Kirkus Reviews, August 15, 2003

* Armadillo Reader's Choice Award, 2005

* E.B. White Read Aloud Book Award, 2004

Suggested Activities

Using a Venn diagram lead the students in completing a chart noting the similarities and differences between Chihuahuas and Siamese cats.

Assist the students in writing a short paragraph or two about a funny incident involving their pet. Allow them to include a drawing. Use the completed products for a bulletin board display for all to enjoy.

Using the various examples of figurative language from the text as inspiration, students could write about a place their imagination has transported them. This activity could emphasize the contributions of such language. The language focus and it's extent would vary depending on audience or student age.

Module 2/SLIS 5420/June 15-21

NOAH'S ARK

by

Peter Spier

Bibliography

Spier, Peter. Noah's Ark. Doubleday & Comapny, Inc., 1977. ISBN: 0-385-09473-6

Summary

Illustrated by Peter Spier, the Bible story of Noah is completely and wonderfully shared through the pictorially detailed illustrations. To begin, a 17th century Dutch poem, THE FLOOD, by Jacobus Revius, translated by Spier, serves as the introduction to the pictures that follow. The soft colors and pastels are eye-pleasing and contribute to the beauty of the story of Noah and his dedication to following the Lord's will through the building of the ark and subsequent flood. Only the anticipation of what awaits you on the next page compels you to turn the page you are presently enjoying. Each page is a study in detail that is matched only by another book by Peter Spier.

A Page from My Book

The story of Noah is most likely one of the earliest Bible stories remembered from our childhood and Bible teachings. This is a book that I had to have for my own. I do not tire of studying the illustrations and enjoying Spier's touches of humor. Surely everyone noticed the proliferation of rabbits bounding down the gangplank at the end of the book! Even without the use of text, the pictures speak and stir emotion. Not forgotten are images depicting those animals left behind. Wild and crazy scenes aboard the ark are separated by calmer representations providing reflection as well as those portraying worry and concern being experienced by Noah as the journey progresses. This is one of my favorite books and one I highly recommend for all ages.

Reviews/Awards

* "The colors are lovely. The scenes are unbelievably detailed ... the book is a triumph, the definitive 'Noah's Ark' ". - Publisher's Weekly

* Caldecott Medal - 1978

* The American Book Award

* ALA Notable Children's Book

* The Christopher Award

* New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year - 1977

Suggested Activities

Compare other renditions of the story of Noah using Jan Brett's On Noah's Ark and Jerry Pinkney's Noah's Ark.

Expand on the Dutch poem found at the beginning of Spier's interpretation by writing additional new lines or separate, original short verses on the topic. Illustrations accompanying the verse could be an extension of this activity.

Module 1/SLIS 5420/June 8-14, 2009

TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING

by

Judy Blume

Bibliography

Blume, Judy. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers, 1972. ISBN: 0-440-48474-X

Summary

Judy Blume's classic tale chronicles the adventures and misadventures of fourth grader Peter Hatcher as he struggles to maintain his "place" within his family while retaining some dignity. Little brother, Fudge, has the attention of their parents and Peter is forced to contend with the antics of Fudge, whether he is pretending to fly off a jungle gym in Central Park, throwing temper tantrums, or "helping himself" to Peter's beloved pet turtle, Dribble. Foolish, outrageous and amusing behavior abounds as Peter continues his quest to succeed in contending and coping with his little brother's behavior.

A Page from My Book

Who hasn't yearned for their parents' undivided attention - yet in Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing readers are allowed the vicarious experience of living with a little "terror" in the form of "Fudgie",whose capers and shenanigans constantly take recognition away from Peter. While Fudge makes life miserable for Peter I laughed at the turn of events occurring on every page as Peter attempts everything possible to live the semblance of a normal life. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing presents a humorous tale depicting the woes and struggles of being the older brother to Fudge.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing will appeal to students of younger siblings - They will certainly empathize with Peter's endurance of the embarrassment and nuisance in the form of Fudge found on every page. I found it entertaining and think you will also. I highly recommend it!

Reviews/Awards

* "Will bring a chorus of laughter from sympathetic readers." - Publisher's Weekly

* Winner of The Great Stone Face Award

Suggested Activities

Conduct a contest in which entrants compete to compose the funniest story about a younger sibling. Compile these in a book for others to enjoy.

"Host" a turtle for a week after having researched it's habits and care or have a herpetologist share about turtles with a focus grade level.

Welcome to my blog, "Leaving No Page Unturned"! I hope you are "booking" time to read and will enjoy - or find helpful - reviews of my past "reads". There is a little bit of every genre to follow - maybe one will pique your interest and you will find yourself leaving no page unturned!