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!