Module 10: Graphic Novels/Censorship Issues: The Sons of Liberty by Alexander and Joseph Lagos

Summary: Superheroes arrive in the 1700's, courtesy of Ben Franklin's sadistic, illegitimate son, graphic novel style. Set in revolutionary times, former slaves Graham and Brody attempt to exact revenge on wrong-doers in colonial America.

Citation: Lagos, A. and J. (2010). The sons of liberty. New York : Random House Children's Books.

My Thoughts: I don't care for graphic novels, but I can appreciate their appeal and support them as an element of collection development. The Sons of Liberty combines many elements that attract reluctant readers, chief among them graphics and superheroes. It is a contender for any graphic novel collection.

Reviews:

Jesse Karp (Booklist, Jun. 1, 2010 (Vol. 106, No. 19)

Starred Review* The superhero, once the embarrassing social outcast of American culture, has lately been recognized as a potent metaphor adaptable to an array of themes and, now, historical eras. Two young slaves on the run, pursued by a bounty hunter and his ferocious pack of dogs, are experimented on by Ben Franklin’s heinous son William and wind up with electrically charged superpowers. Overseen by Ben himself as well as true-life abolitionist Benjamin Lay, the slaves bring some hurtin’ back to their tormentors. History offers few villains as vile as slaveholders, but this graphic novel is far from being a simple revenge thriller. The use of historical figures and well-researched (but embellished) history, and a willingness to flesh out characters and set up situations to pay off in future installments, makes for an uncommonly complex, literate, and satisfying adventure. The slick art, with wiry figures reminiscent of Mark Bagley’s Ultimate Spider-Man work, feels more modern than the story suggests and will be inviting to teen readers. In the style of Robert Morales and Kyle Baker’s Captain America: Truth (2004), this first installment of a series respects history (with some dramatic liberties taken) and uses superpowers effectively as an empowerment allegory. Grades 8-12

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2010 (Vol. 78, No. 8)

In this distinctly different take on the American Revolution, electrical experiments by Ben Franklin's crazed son turn two young runaway slaves into human batteries capable for brief periods of amazing feats of speed, strength and intellect. Fortunately Graham and Brody come under the tutelage of (historical) abolitionist Quaker Benjamin Lay, whose misshapen body hides not only a fiery dedication to doing good but (not so historical) superb skill in Dambe, an African martial art. Having absorbed both the morals and the fighting techniques, along with a quick education, the boys hie off to Philadelphia to build new lives—packing cool masks that show off the way their eyes glow when they rev up for action. They go on to successfully take on a brutal slave hunter and his pack of ravening trained dogs, but when Lay is murdered an aborted attempt at revenge leaves them sad and confused. How will they fare against Franklin's son and other enemies? Stay tuned. Printed on coated paper and framed in solid black, the deeply shadowed graphic panels explode with melodrama (and, occasionally, blood) from start to finish. Not a source of accurate history, but it's hard to put down. 2010, Random, 176p, $18.99. Category: Graphic historical fantasy. Ages 12 to 14. © 2010 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Suggested Uses: The Son of Liberty lends itself to being an anchor book leading students to create their own graphic novels about superheroes set in other historical periods.

Module 10:Graphic Novels/Censorship Issues: The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler

Summary: Virginia suffers from teenage angst and all that entails. She struggles with self-image, budding sexuality, a horrific family secret, and a changing family dynamic.

Citation: Mackler, C. (2003). The earth, my butt, and other big, round things. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

My Thoughts: I found The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things to be this generation's The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. Containing fresh and edgy situations that today's teens can relate to on one level or another, this book really spoke to me.

Reviews:

Ilene Cooper (Booklist, Sep. 1, 2003 (Vol. 100, No. 1)

Fifteen-year-old Viriginia Shreves is the blond, round, average daughter in a family of dark-haired, thin superstars. Her best friend has moved away, and she's on the fringes at her private Manhattan school. She wants a boyfriend, but she settles for Froggy Welsh, who comes over on Mondays to grope her. The story follows Virginia as she tries to lose weight, struggles with her "imperfections," and deals with the knowledge that her idealized older brother has committed date rape. There's a lot going on here, and some important elements, such as Virginia's flirtation with self-mutilation, are passed over too quickly. But Mackler writes with such insight and humor (sometimes using strong language to make her point) that many readers will immediately identify with Virginia's longings as well as her fear and loathing. Her gradually evolving ability to stand up to her family is hard won and not always believable, but it provides a hopeful ending for those trying stand on their own two feet. Category: Books for Older Readers--Fiction. 2003, Candlewick, $15.99. Gr. 7-10.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 2003 (Vol. 71, No. 12)

Froggy Welsh the Fourth is trying to get up my shirt," begins this eminently accessible journey from self-hatred to confidence. Virginia is 15 and likes fooling around with Froggy, but she's mortified by her fatness, a shame fueled continually by her emotionally distant and pressuring family. Has she been switched at birth? Why isn't she perfect like her adored, overachieving older brother? But her brother isn't perfect after all, and he commits a horrifying act that rocks her world-and prompts her to begin questioning her family's values. Readers will be rooting for Virginia all the way as she moves from isolated TV-watcher to Website-creator with purple hair and an eyebrow ring. Sexuality, refreshingly, is treated as a good thing. Virginia's emotions progress from despondence to anger, joy, and strong independence, all portrayed with clarity. An easy read with substance and spirit. 2003, Candlewick, $15.99. Category: Fiction. Ages 13 up. © 2003 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Suggested Uses: A quick book talk will have this teen tome flying off the shelves. Virignia's predicaments are sure to speak to all teens, on one level or another.

Module 9: Poetry/Short Stories: Comets, Stars, the Moon and Mars by Doug Florian

Summary: Easily accessible book of poetry on the topic of the solar system and beyond, punctuated by beautiful illustrations.

Citation: Florian, D. (2007). Comets, stars, the Moon, and Mars: space poems and paintings. Orlando: Harcourt Books.

My Thoughts: The beautiful illustrations in Comets, Stars, the Moon Mars, along with its simplistic, easily comprehensible poetry, serves to create a wonderful literary accompaniment to a unit on the solar system. I will certainly use this to support our Science program at school!

Reviews:

Carolyn Phelan (Booklist, Apr. 1, 2007 (Vol. 103, No. 15)

This large-format book looks at astronomy through the magnifying, clarifying lens of poetry. Each broad double-page spread features a short, accessible poem about a subject such as the sun, each of its planets, a comet, a constellation, or the universe, set within an impressive painting. A concrete poem entitled "a galaxy" is a curling spiral of words set against the midnight-blue sky and surrounded by other galaxies. Stamped type, cutout pages, collage elements with printed papers, and sweeping brushstrokes all figure prominently in the expressive collage artwork, which ably illustrates the verse. The last pages carry "A Galactic Glossary" with a paragraph on the topic of each poem, followed by a list of books and Web sites. Florian's ode to Pluto matter-of-factly notes its demoted status, but even better is his pithy poem on Jupiter: "Jupiter's jumbo, / Gigantic, / Immense, / So wide / Side to side, / But gaseous, not dense. / With some sixteen moons / It's plainly prolific-- / So super-dupiter / Jupiterrific!" Read this aloud. Category: Books for Middle Readers--Nonfiction. 2007, Harcourt, $16.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 2007 (Vol. 75, No. 6)

Stunning mixed-media illustrations accompany a series of poems that celebrate the wonder and mystery of space. From the universe, the sequence narrows its focus to the galaxy, the solar system and then each body in turn, from the sun to poor demoted Pluto, and beyond. The verse is characteristically playful, wrapping itself around astronomical facts with ease. Readers will learn about the temperature and size of the sun, our moon's phases and Voyager 2's discovery of Neptune's rings. Delightful as the poems are, however, it's this volume's illustrations that surpass. Bright gouache on brown paper bags lend texture to each spread; stamped words allow the illustrations to incorporate such details as names of moons and "sun" in several different languages; collage elements add further whimsy to the whole. To top off this feast for the eyes, occasional die-cuts provide telescopic windows onto adjoining spreads, firmly establishing for the reader the truth that space is a vast continuum, with new surprises in every corner of the sky. Each poem receives a thumbnail gloss at the end, offering additional facts or extending the information presented earlier. Glorious. 2007, Harcourt, 56p, $16.00. Category: Picture book/poetry. Ages 7 to 12. Starred Review. © 2007 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Suggested Uses: Share these wonderful poems and illustrations to stimulate interest in Science topics! Student created poems and illustrations work together to create a fantastic display.

Module 9: Poetry/Short Stories: Tour America: A Journey Through Poetry and Art by Diane Siebert

Summary: A variety of art mediums punctuate Siebert's poems from a ten year sojourn across and throughout the United States.

Citation: Siebert, D. (2006) Tour America : a journey through poems and art. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

My Thoughts: Siebert lived my dream: to pack it all up and take off for the great unknown. Although I have neither the gumption nor the fortitude to do so, living vicariously through Tour America was a great substitute.

Reviews:

Gillian Engberg (Booklist, Jun. 1, 2006 (Vol. 102, No. 19)

From the Washington Monument to Mount Saint Helens, Siebert's latest poetry collection celebrates sights and structures unique to the United States. Each spread focuses on a state, pairing a poem with arresting, mixed-media artwork. The poems celebrate the man-made (the Las Vegas strip; Bemidji, Minnesota's giant Paul Bunyon statues) as well as natural beauty, such as Alaska's northern lights ("sweet sparks of wonder"). With a few exceptions, Siebert writes mostly in rhyming couplets, and the relentlessly bouncy meter sometimes distracts from the more contemplative selections, such as "Great Salt Lake." Still, the form works well for humorous poems, as in an opening selection that cleverly groups colorful town names in a rollicking, rhyming list: "Belchertown, Ben Station, Gas; / Homosassa, Sassafras." The accessible words, open design, and appealing geographic approach make the book ideal for classrooms. Johnson's impressively varied, sophisticated images of towns and landscapes may expand the book's audience to older art students. Steer younger children to Peter Sis' TheTrain of States (2004). Category: Books for Middle Readers--Nonfiction. 2006, Chronicle, $17.95. Gr. 4-7.

Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature)

America is full of so many amazing places that it must have been difficult for Siebert to select only twenty-six. Her choices include the famous and the fascinating, natural beauty, and man-made wonders. Visits to the Washington Monument, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Las Vegas, and the Kentucky Derby inspired poems about our history, culture, and symbols. Lesser-known artworks, such as the “Cadillac Ranch” near Amarillo, Texas, and “Lucy the Elephant” in Margate, New Jersey, show us the more idiosyncratic side of Americans. Here one can read about the awesome power of Niagara Falls and Mount Saint Helens, the vanishing beauty of the tall grass prairie and the everglades, the Aurora Borealis in Alaska, UFOs in Roswell, New Mexico, and the Vortex in Gold Hill, Oregon. Next to the poem and above a rectangle with information about the area are small outline maps of the contiguous United States and the state in the title of the poem. Red lines indicate the location of each place. Siebert’s poems are fresh and vibrant. Each is distinct in its pace and tone, reflecting the mood of the place. Just as distinctive are the illustrations that accompany the poems, giving a broader picture to the reader. Johnson uses a wide range of art and mediums and lists them in the back of the book. Watercolor, oil, collage, photography, colored pencil, and more have been used, sometimes alone and sometimes mixed, and the results are amazing. With a bit of a postmark on each page, it truly feels like Siebert and Johnson have sent postcards from each of these places. Wonderful for geography, history, science, art, and English classes--why it can even become a math lesson in determining how far it is from one place to another. What a great way to get children to look at their surroundings and write their own poems. This is a beautiful book to hold, to peruse, and to read aloud. It is definitely a “first purchase” for libraries, and an excellent choice for a gift. 2006, Seastar Books/Chronicle Books, $17.95. Ages 7 up.

Suggested Uses: Students will enjoy choosing their own destination and creating inspired poetry and accompanying artwork. An interesting display connected to a map of the United States (or the world) concludes.

Module 8: Mystery and Series Books: Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliet

Summary: Eleven year old Petra and Calder become art mystery sleuths when a Vermeer painting disappears. Their ensuing adventurers seek to solve an international art mystery and make the connections between a group of seemingly unrelated characters.

Citation: Balliett, B. (2004). Chasing Vermeer. New York: Scholastic Press.

My Thoughts: I very much enjoyed Chasing Vermeer, especially the twists and turn in the story plot. I look forward to using this along with From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and The Westing Game.

Reviews:

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, May 15, 2004 (Vol. 72, No. 10)

Art, intrigue, and plenty of twists and turns make this art mystery a great read. Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay set out to find the connection between their teacher (a freewheeling constructivist teacher), the eccentric woman in their neighborhood, the bookstore owner, and an international art thief. Balliett intersperses fascinating information about Johannes Vermeer and his paintings throughout the two friends' quest to solve the mystery-a mystery layered with pentominoes (a mathematical tool consisting of 12 pieces), puzzling clues, and suspicious strangers. Helquist's detailed black-and-white chapter illustrations hold hidden messages, clues related to the pentominoes, and more puzzles. Fans of E.L. Konigsburg's From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler or Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game will find equal pleasure in this debut by a talented writer. 2004, Scholastic, 272p, $16.95. Category: Fiction. Ages 11 to 14. Starred Review. © 2004 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ilene Cooper (Booklist, Apr. 1, 2004 (Vol. 100, No. 15)

The Westing Game, The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler--how exciting to find a book that conjures up these innovative, well-loved titles. That's exactly what Balliett does in her debut novel, which mixes mystery, puzzles, possibilities, and art. The story is set in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood at the University of Chicago's Lab School, where Balliett was a teacher. There, outsiders Petra and Calder become friends as they try to find out what happened to a missing Vermeer painting. That's really all the plot one needs to know. More important are Balliett's purpose in writing and the way she has structured her story. The former seems to be to get to children to think--about relationships, connections, coincidences, and the subtle language of artwork. To accomplish this, she peppers her story with seemingly random events that eventually come together in a startling, delightful pattern. The novel isn't perfect. It glides over a few nitty-gritty details (how did the thief nab the picture), and occasionally the coincidences seem more silly than serendipitous. However, these are quibbles for a book that offers children something new upon each reading. Adults who understand the links between children's reading and their developing minds and imaginations will see this as special, too. Helquist, who has illustrated the Lemony Snickett books, outdoes himself here, providing an interactive mystery in his pictures. Category: Books for Middle Readers--Fiction. 2004, Scholastic, $16.95. Gr. 5-8. Starred Review

Suggested Uses: Integrate a read aloud with the possibility to use petominos al a Calder. Available at http://www.scholastic.com/titles/chasingvermeer/pentominoes.pdf

Module 8: Mystery and Series Books: The Dollhouse Murders

Summary: Amy and her mentally-challenged sister experience a mystery surrounding a dollhouse and dolls that hold the secret of murders from years ago.

Citation: Wright, B. R. (1983). The dollhouse murders. New York: Scholastic.

My Thoughts: I did not care for The Dollhouse Murders. Similar to snakes, dolls that move on their own accord are one of my biggest fears. I chose this book because of its popularity with my students. My curiosity is now satisfied.

Reviews:

From Publishers Weekly

Wright's taut, suspenseful novel proves a solid choice to kick off the Live Oak Mysteries audio series. The attic is always a great place to look for nuggets of one's family history, but when 12-year-old Amy explores her great-grandparents' attic, she uncovers clues to a chilling family secret. As Amy and her Aunt Claire sift through clothes, trinkets and other memorabilia, Amy comes across Aunt Claire's long-forgotten dollhouse, a finely crafted replica of the house they are in. Aunt Claire seems unusually distressed about the dollhouse and Amy is determined to find out why. The real fun begins when Amy learns that the dolls in the dollhouse move of their own willAand that they seem to be trying to tell her something. After a little sleuthing at the local library, Amy learns that her great-grandparents were murdered years ago and that Aunt Claire's fianc? (who died in a car accident that same night) was the prime suspect in the unsolved case. Before long, Amy unravels the mystery, helping Aunt Claire to resolve her feelings about the past. A subplot about Amy's relationships with her parents, younger sister and best friend adds depth and warmth to this crisply paced tale. Stewart handles the narration with aplomb, using her voice to give listeners a hint of each character's personality. Her portrayal of Aunt Claire, who delivers a few chillingly snappish retorts to Amy, is particularly strong. Ages 8-up. (Mar.)

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-This scary mystery by Betty Ren Wright (Holiday, 1983) is sure to keep the interest of students, mainly girls. Narrator Carol Jordan Stewart does an excellent job. Her diction, pacing, and characterization are well-done. Twelve-year-old Amy is having difficulties at home being responsible for her brain-damaged sister, Louann. While visiting her Aunt Clare at the old family home, she discovers an eerily-haunted dollhouse in the attic-an exact replica of the family home. Whenever she sees it, the dolls, representing her relatives, have moved. Her aunt won't listen to Amy's claims that the dolls are trying to tell her something. This leads Amy to research old news reports where she discovers a family secret-the murder of her grandparents. The two sisters unravel the mystery. Amy grows to accept her sister and to understand that Louann is more capable than she had first thought. This audiobook would be an excellent choice for schools and public libraries.
Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WI

Suggested Uses: The Dollhouse Murders is a great addition to a display on mysteries due to its popularity with students.

Module 7: Informational Nonfiction/Biography: Aliens are Coming: The True Account of the 1938 War of the Worlds Radio Broadcasts

Summary: Aliens are coming! recounts the story of Orson Welles' fateful radio broadcast that brought panic to many.

Citation: McCarthy, M. Aliens are coming!: The true account of the 1938 War of the worlds radio broadcast. New York: Knopf.

My Thoughts: I am a loyal listener to Prairie Home Companion and enjoy reliving the beginnings of the media explosion through radio's early days. Aliens are coming! is a wonderful book about an accident of effectiveness and exciting to enjoy. I do still feel remorseful for those negatively affected, however.

Reviews:

Jesse Karp (Booklist, Feb. 1, 2006 (Vol. 102, No. 11)

In an average American living room of 1938, folks gather around the radio for a night's entertainment, when there's a new bulletin: "Aliens are coming!" Orson Welles' infamous Halloween trick, his October 30 broadcast of H. G. Wells' War of the Worlds, is greatly excerpted and put together with quirky, imaginative artwork that reinforces the fantasy. McCarthy sets the scene in a preface, ostensibly delivered by a radio commentator, and clearly identifies the speakers in colored type before each quote. Using a 1930's art style, and a palette comprising mostly muted grays and reds, McCarthy evokes an era gone by, at the same time creating a cozy nostalgia. Even somewhat older, media savvy kids, who may view the gullibility of the characters with a disdainful eye, will be disarmed by the depictions of panicked faces and slimy Martians, eyes on stalks, that appear amid eerie red light. An abrupt ending notwithstanding, this is packed with age-appropriate thrills and scares. A lengthy author's note includes necessary background on both figures. Category: Books for the Young--Nonfiction. 2006, Knopf, $16.95, $18.99. Gr. 1-3.

Bruce Adelson, J.D. (Children's Literature)

When I first saw this book, I was skeptical. After all, a children’s book about the 1938 Invasion from Mars spoof radiobroadcast that made Orson Wells famous? Why would this story be attractive for young readers? This reviewer is delighted to admit the error of his preconceptions. The author has done a marvelous job of bringing that famous radio play to life, in a way that is perfect, and not frightening, for children. She deftly recounts the story, using quotations from the actual broadcast, and bright, eerie illustrations to tell the tale. Indeed, her storytelling is quite gripping--effectively leaving young readers on the edge of their seats, much the same way radio listeners were glued to their sets in 1938. The author also provides excellent context for the broadcast. She explains that radio was the main source of home entertainment in the 1930s. She uses an Author’s Note to further explain the times surrounding the broadcast, also describing how history repeated itself in 1974 when a Rhode Island radio station presented H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds, and reprised Orson Wells’ technique. This is a truly excellent title, deserving of a special place in libraries of all kinds. 2006, Alfred A. Knopf, $16.95. Ages 5 to 10.

Suggested Uses: Aliens are Coming lends itself to a Reader's Theater presentation of Orson Well's classic radio broadcast, sounds effects included. It could also be used as an anchor book for a unit on great hoaxes, albeit unintentional, in this case.

Module 7: Informational NonfictionBiography: Bury the Dead: Tombs, Corpses, Mummies, Skeletons and Rituals by Christopher Sloan

Summary: Bury the Dead is a non-fiction book containing a plethora of full color, gruesome photos that are sure to enthrall any reader with an interest in the macbre practices surrounding burials, from the ancient to the modern.

Citation: Sloan, C. (2002). Bury the dead : tombs, corpses, mummies, skeletons & rituals. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.

My Thoughts: Although I am not a fan of the gruesome, I do appreciate its place in a collection, especially a collection that serves the male population or reluctant readers. As such, I appreciate the appeal that Bury the Dead has for the aforementioned patrons and therefore appreciate it, although it would not be my first choice of reading material on a long flight.

Reviews:

Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature)

Archaeologists have long known that if you want to know how a people lived, study how they buried their dead. Funerary rituals and skeletal remains of those long dead give a better understanding of how people lived and interacted as a society. Arranged in chronological order, beginning with 115,000 B.C., Sloan examines the burial practices of Cro-Magnon man and moves on to explain Egyptian mummification, exciting finds like the tombs of the Amazon women of Ukraine and the Moche Lord of Peru. Modern funerary rites are chronicled with insight on how the practice of embalming introduced during the Civil War changed burial practices. It is with some alarm and caution that Sloan states that the modern technique of cremation may leave little record for future archeologists. Crisp, full color photos of grinning skulls, bones resting side by side with priceless treasures are eerie, haunting, and a tremendous draw for the curious. Well researched, intelligently written, with the most complex ideas made kid-understandable, this is quality non-fiction. 2002, National Geographic, $18.95. Ages 10 to 14.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 2002 (Vol. 70, No. 17)

Sloan (SuperCroc and the Origins of Crocodiles, not reviewed, etc.) surveys funerary customs around the world, from both archaeological and anthropological standponts. Beginning with the earliest evidence of "burial with care" over 100,000 years ago, he goes on to describe major finds that have cast light on ancient Egyptian, Scythian, Chinese, and pre-Inca practices that left mummies or other preserved remains, then finishes with a sweeping look at current practices, from marble tombstones to sugar Day of the Dead skulls. Writing in consultation with a grief specialist, the author tries for a sober, straightforward narrative tone-which falters when he mentions particularly exotic customs, such as the Yanomami practice of pulverizing and eating their dead, or has to contend with an artist's reconstruction of Scythian mourners cutting themselves, not to mention the numerous close-up photos of mummies and bones. Still, most of these illustrations and examples are striking without being sensationalistic; both thrill seekers and children seeking some perspective on death or grief will find this rewarding reading. (index, bibliography) 2002, National Geographic, $18.95. Category: Nonfiction. Ages 11 to 13. © 2002 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Suggested Uses: Bury the Dead is a high interest book that works well to reinforce non-fiction conventions. Using a scanner and chart paper, students in groups work to create a display with examples of selected non-fiction conventions, identified, scanned, and posted.

Module 6: Historical Fiction: Tomas and the Library Lady by Pat Mora

Summary: Tomas is a member of a migrant farm worker family who discovers that reading provides a wonderful escape from reality and even more wonderful opportunity for a rich future.

Citation: Mora, P. (1997). Tomás and the library lady. New York: Random House.

My Thoughts: Tomas' experience is one that I plan to share with all of my students! He discovers the magic that waits inside the walls of the library, thanks to a helpful librarian, the kind of librarian that I aspire to be!

Reviews:

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, 1997)

A charming, true story about the encounter between the boy who would become chancellor at the University of California at Riverside and a librarian in Iowa. Tomas Rivera, child of migrant laborers, picks crops in Iowa in the summer and Texas in the winter, traveling from place to place in a worn old car. When he is not helping in the fields, Tom s likes to hear Papa Grande's stories, which he knows by heart. Papa Grande sends him to the library downtown for new stories, but Tomas finds the building intimidating. The librarian welcomes him, inviting him in for a cool drink of water and a book. Tomas reads until the library closes, and leaves with books checked out on the librarian's own card. For the rest of the summer, he shares books and stories with his family, and teaches the librarian some Spanish. At the end of the season, there are big hugs and a girl exchange: sweet bread from Tomas's mother and a shiny new book from the librarian--to keep. Colon's dreamy illustrations capture the brief friendship and its life-altering effects in soft earth tones, using round sculptured shapes that often depict the boy right in the middle of whatever story realm he's entered. 1997, Knopf, $15.00; PLB $16.99. © 1997 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Hazel Rochman (Booklist, Aug. 1997 (Vol. 93, No. 22)

From the immigrant slums of New York City to the fields of California, it's an elemental American experience: the uprooted child who finds a home in the library. Mora's story is based on a true incident in the life of the famous writer Tomas Rivera, the son of migrant workers who became an education leader and university president. Far from his home in Texas, the small boy is working with his family picking corn in Iowa. Inspired by the Spanish stories his grandfather (Papa Grande) tells, Tomas goes to the library to find more stories. The librarian welcomes him into the cool, quiet reading room and gives him books in English that he reads to himself and to his family. He teaches her some Spanish words. Then, as in so many migrant stories, the boy must leave the home he has found. He has a new, sad word for her, "adios. It means goodbye." Colon's beautiful scratchboard illustrations, in his textured, glowingly colored, rhythmic style, capture the warmth and the dreams that the boy finds in the world of books. The pictures are upbeat; little stress is shown; even in the fields, the kids could be playing kick ball or listening to stories. Perhaps the most moving picture is that of the child outside the library door, his face pressed against the pane. In contrast is the peaceful space he finds inside, where he is free to imagine dinosaurs and wild adventure. Category: For the Young. 1997, Knopf, $15 and $16.99. Ages 4-8.

Suggested Uses: Tomas and the Library Lady is a great starter for a publicity display entitled: "What My Library Means To Me." In the display stakeholders write and share all of the ways in which the library enriches their life.

Module 6: Historical Fiction: What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell

Summary: Evie, a teenager in a post-World War II nuclear family, finds that things aren't always as simple as they seem. Upon meeting and developing a romantic interest in a soldier who served with her stepfather, Evie is soon torn between her allegiance to him and her parents.

Citation: Blundell, J. (2008). What I saw and how I lie. New York: Scholastic Press.

My Thoughts: I am fascinated by World War II and enjoyed this coming of age thriller set in this historical period. Evie's struggle as she finds out that sometimes perception is not reality is very poignant and, at time, painful to experience alongside her.

Reviews:

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, October 1, 2008 (Vol. 76, No. 19)

Spontaneously moving to Florida seems like a dream come true to 15-year-old Evie, her mother, Beverly, and her stepfather, Joe, newly home from World War II. They move into a mostly abandoned hotel in Palm Beach, where Evie meets her first crush, Peter, a war buddy of Joe’s. After a deal with a New York hotel owner falls through, Peter dies, and Joe and Beverly become murder suspects. What Evie sees turns out not to be much at all, and how she lies about it takes up a grand total of ten pages. In fact, what she sees are only small, deceptive fragments of a larger scandal involving money that Joe and Peter stole during the war, fragments left for the reader to piece together. Awkward Evie, slowly gaining worldliness through her new surroundings, is interesting to follow, but the book falls prey to too many conventions: The first major plot twist comes at exactly the halfway point, a second plot twist around the three-quarter mark, and the denouement contains just the required amount of symbolism. Disappointing. 2008, Scholastic, 288p, $16.99. Category: Mystery/historical fiction. Ages 13 up. © 2008 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Jennifer Hubert (Booklist, Nov. 1, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 5)

In this sophisticated thriller, 15-year-old Evie grows up quickly when she discovers her adored parents are not the people she thought they were. While on vacation in Palm Beach in 1947, Evie’s parents, Joe and Bev, get involved in a shady business deal with the Graysons, another couple on holiday. Meanwhile, Evie begins a flirtation with Peter, a handsome ex-GI who served with Joe and just happens to be staying at their hotel. Evie soon learns that Peter’s presence is no coincidence and that he threatens to uncover a terrible secret that Joe has kept since the war. Then Bev, Joe, and Peter go boating, but only two of them return. Evie must sort through secrets, lies, and her own grief to find the truth. Using pitch-perfect dialogue and short sentences filled with meaning, Blundell has crafted a suspenseful, historical mystery that not only subtly explores issues of post–WWII racism, sexism, and socioeconomic class, but also realistically captures the headiness of first love and the crushing realization that adults are not all-powerful. Grades 8-12

Suggested Uses: What I Saw and How I Lied is a great historical fiction novel to accompany a unit on World War II. Due to the challenging nature of the content, it lends itself to a discussion group. A novel approach would be to use technology for students to discuss via a message board. This way additional classes, perhaps from additional schools, could join in the discussion.

Module 5: Science Fiction: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Summary: The story's namesake, Edward Tulane, is a toy rabbit who loves noone, or so he thinks. When he becomes separated from his owner he begins a journey that changes him forever.

Citation: DiCamillo, K. (2006). The miraculous journey of Edward Tulane. Cambridge, Mass. : Candlewick Press.

My Thoughts: I very much enjoy stories of personal transformations, and to experience that through DiCamillo's masterful words was a real treat! Edward's amazing adventures are nothing short of miraculous, as it is whenever anyone learns to love. This book speaks to the little bit of Edward in all of us.

Reviews:

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2006 (Vol. 74, No. 2)

Once again, DiCamillo harkens back to an older storytelling style, filled with magic and the transformational power of love. Edward Tulane is a china rabbit-dapper and serious and more than a little superior. His mistress, Abilene Tulane, loved him and "thought almost as highly of Edward as Edward thought of himself." Edward is interested in little beyond his own comfort and beauty. Indeed, everyone except for Abilene's grandmother, Pellegrina, condescends to him. She commissioned his making, ordered his dapper clothing and smart pocket watch and, in the end, demanded a good deal more of Edward than he thought he wanted to give. Her warning, "You disappoint me," thrusts Edward into the adventure that becomes his life. He learns about love, loss and consequences. Somewhere between fairy tale and fable, DiCamillo spins the tale of Edward, transformed by the lives he touches. The reader will be transformed too. Sumptuous gouache illustrations complement the old-fashioned, dramatic narrative. Keep the tissues handy for this one. 2006, Candlewick, 228p, $18.99. Category: Fiction. Ages 7 up. Starred Review. © 2006 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sharon Williams (Library Media Connection, April/May 2006)

I have read hundreds of books and only a few have brought tears to my eyes. Edward, a quite handsome and rather self-centered china rabbit, is transformed through a journey across time and space that takes him far away from the lap of luxury and the arms of the girl who loves him to the bottom of the sea, to a lowly fisherman's hut, to a garbage dump, to a tramp's shoulder, to a dying girl's bed-side, to a broken heap on the sidewalk, to a doll doctor's shop, to-the miraculous conclusion. He doesn't become real in the literal sense like the Velveteen Rabbit, but Edward learns to love and by learning to love he becomes real in a spiritual sense that is eternal. Bagram Ibatoulline illustrates the book with exquisite color art plates that enhance the text and add depth and texture to the words. A DVD interview with Kate DiCamillo accompanies the book. If one can buy only one new children's book, this is the one. Highly Recommended. 2006, Candlewick Press, 228pp., $18.99 hc. Ages 5 to 12.

Suggested Uses: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane has so many adventures that it lends itself to a Reader's Theatre production. Students can either recreate Edward's experiences or write their own new adventures for him.

Module 5: Science Fiction: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Summary: Protagonist Katniss makes the ultimate sacrifice by taking her sister's place in The Hunger Games - an annual competition - to the death. Her cunning and wit make The Hunger Games an enjoyable competition - and book!

Citation: Collins, S. (2008) The Hunger Games.New York : Scholastic Press.

My Thoughts: I love dystopian literature, so I especially enjoyed The Hunger Games. Katniss is a great female role model who shows that you are stronger than you think and can bravely face any obstacle.

Reviews:

Francisca Goldsmith (Booklist, Sep. 1, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 1)

Starred Review* This is a grand-opening salvo in a new series by the author of the Underland Chronicles. Sixteen-year-old Katniss poaches food for her widowed mother and little sister from the forest outside the legal perimeter of District 12, the poorest of the dozen districts constituting Panem, the North American dystopic state that has replaced the U.S. in the not-too-distant future. Her hunting and tracking skills serve her well when she is then cast into the nation’s annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death where contestants must battle harsh terrain, artificially concocted weather conditions, and two teenaged contestants from each of Panem’s districts. District 12’s second “tribute” is Peeta, the baker’s son, who has been in love with Katniss since he was five. Each new plot twist ratchets up the tension, moving the story forward and keeping the reader on edge. Although Katniss may be skilled with a bow and arrow and adept at analyzing her opponents’ next moves, she has much to learn about personal sentiments, especially her own. Populated by three-dimensional characters, this is a superb tale of physical adventure, political suspense, and romance. Grades 9-12

Gail C. Krause (Children's Literature)

In a futuristic society, the United States is divided into 12 districts, each based on their area’s natural product. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12, an area once known as Appalachia. District 12’s product is coal. Almost everyone is a miner. It is not a wealthy area. Residents are forced to eat whatever they can find or pay with a chance on their child’s life to obtain government surplus foods. Luckily Kat’s father taught her how to hunt and gather before he was blown up in a mine explosion. After his death her family depends on her for survival, until the very worst thing happens to them: She is sent to the Hunger Games to represent District 12 in a fight to the death. If she wins, both her family and her district will be rewarded with all the food and wealth they need. Kat is ready to do battle with the wilderness and the other tributes, but she isn’t ready to fall in love. What happens when she finds she has feelings for her partner and knows she must kill him to win the games? The first in a new YA trilogy from Suzanne Collins offers and excellent story and is highly recommended. Readers will oo forward to the sequels. 2008, Scholastic Books, $17.99. Ages 12 up.

Suggested Uses: The Hunger Games is the modern flagship series for dystopian literature and as such would work as a great anchor book for a literature circle containing books with a dystopian theme.

Module 4: Realistic Fiction: The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

Summary: The Penderwicks find themselves at a new vacation destination this summer. With the new destination comes new friends and new enemies, too. Four sisters, each different, enjoy this growing experience in their own way.

Citation: Birdsall, J. (2005). The Penderwicks : a summer tale of four sisters, two rabbits, and a very interesting boy. New York: Random House.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed The Penderwicks very much! It reminded me of my summer adventures and I found myself imagining what it would be like to be there with the girls. It is a fun read with lots of suspenseful moments and now I understand why my students love it so much!

Reviews:

Ashley Hergenroeder (Children's Literature)

This delightful story of four sisters and their summer vacation adventures will easily entertain readers. The Penderwick sisters are forced to change their summer plans when their usual rental house is unexpectedly sold. Fortunately, a new summer rental brings new adventures and new people to meet. As the girls make fast friends with the boy next door, there seems to be an endless supply of summer fun. But what would a summer vacation be without a little chaos and mischief? The four opinionated sisters, their friends, and pet dog seem to be a magnet for disorder, especially when it involves the snooty woman from next door. But through all their adventures, the sisters discover new things about themselves and each other. They learn just how strong they are and how powerful their family bond is. The girls learn new lessons while finding time to teach some of their own. These exciting events make it a summer that the Penderwicks will not soon forget. Possibly the best part of this story is that readers will be able to see that having fun does not always involve a TV or a video game! 2005, Alfred A. Knopf/Random House Children’s Books, $15.95. Ages 8 to 12.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, June 1, 2005 (Vol. 73, No. 11)

Echoes of Alcott contribute to the intimate charm of this story of "summer and magic and adventure." Not since the Marches have readers met more engaging girls than the Penderwicks: Rosalind, 12, pretty and practical; Skye, 11, smart and blue-eyed; Jane, ten, aspiring author, whose alter ego, Sabrina Starr, is fearless and clever; and butterfly wing-wearing Batty, four. Dear Father is a botanist, fond of spouting witticisms in Latin; Mommy is in heaven. This year, vacation will be spent at the cream-colored cottage at Arundel, estate of snooty Mrs. Tifton, whose house is "like a museum, only without armed guards." Unless she has a change of heart, Jeffrey, her gentle, music-loving only child, is doomed to be sent to Pencey Military Academy, "Where Boys Become Men and Men Become Soldiers." Despite a few mishaps, the children become fast friends and partners in the sorts of lively plots and pastoral pastimes we don't read much about these days. Their adventures and near-disasters, innocent crushes, escaped animals, owning-up and growing up (and yes, changes of heart) are satisfying and not-too-sweet. 2005, Knopf, 192p, $15.95. Category: Fiction. Ages 8 to 12. © 2005 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Suggested Uses: The Penderwicks is a fun story started for the classic "How I Spent My Summer" display. Along with other summer-related book, it would serve as the anchor for the classic writing project, the "How I Spent My Summer" essay.

Module 4: Realistic Fiction: 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass

Summary: Amanda and Leo share a birthday and have celebrated that day together every day for years. Their tenth finds them losing touch and as the eleventh birthday approaches, strange goings-on occur. Is it deja-vu or reality?

Citation: Mass, W. (2009). 11 birthdays. New York: Scholastic Press.

My Thoughts: 11 Birthdays very much reminded me of the Bill Murray classic Groundhog Day. Wouldn't you love a chance to "do it all over again?" Perhaps somedays, yes, others, no. While I found Groundhog Day to be overly tedious 11 Birthdays does it better. An enjoyable read about the challenges of friendship as time goes by.

Reviews:

Carolyn Phelan (Booklist, Dec. 15, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 8))

Starred Review* Amanda and Leo, born on the same day, have celebrated their birthdays together for 10 years. Still feeling hurt from an unkind remark Leo made at last year’s party, Amanda spends her eleventh birthday without her now-estranged friend to share the fun. In the days that follow, both Amanda and Leo discover that they are caught in a time loop, waking up each morning to find themselves repeating their eleventh birthdays. They soon renew their friendship and begin to experiment by making different choices throughout the day, partly for the thrill of acting without long-term consequences and partly from their fear of never escaping this mysterious time trap. From the double-entendre title to the solid character portrayals to the clarity and wit of the writing, this novel offers a fresh twist on the familiar themes of middle-grade family and school dynamics. The mysterious power that rewinds time eventually seems less important than the power that Amanda finds within herself. Emboldened by the idea of daily do-overs, she discovers that small changes in her attitude and actions result in sometimes-subtle, sometimes-monumental shifts in results for herself, her family, and her friends. A rewarding choice for readers and a natural for booktalks and discussion groups. Grades 4-6

Midwest Book Review (Children's Bookwatch, June 2009)

On their first birthday they learned to walk, on their fifth they planted seeds, on their 11th they became ex-best friends. 11 BIRTHDAYS charts the growth and evolution of an uncertain friendship, when Amanda can't wait for the day after her birthday so she can stop thinking about the big fight that led to separate celebrations for the first time in their lives. A fine story of changing friendship evolves. The Fiction Shelf ...., Scholastic Press, $16.99.

Suggested Uses: 11 Birthdays is a great addition to a collection and focus on choices. A bulletin board showcasing students' writing on the theme of how choices we make now affect us in the future highlights the display.

Module 3: Newbery/Printz/Coretta Scott King/Pura Belpre: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg

Summary: Claudia and her younger brother run away not only from home but to New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. They become involved in a mystery surrounding one of the works and become friends with Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler who helps them learn about themselves as they work to solve the mystery.

Citation: Konigsburg, E. L. (1995) From the mixed up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. New York: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Divison.

My Thoughts: I very much enjoyed this book. The classic setting of New York City and the Metropolitan Museum of Art served to draw me into this thrilling mystery as I imagined that I and my little brother were living the adventure!

Reviews:

Amazon.com Review

After reading this book, I guarantee that you will never visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (or any wonderful, old cavern of a museum) without sneaking into the bathrooms to look for Claudia and her brother Jamie. They're standing on the toilets, still, hiding until the museum closes and their adventure begins. Such is the impact of timeless novels . . . they never leave us. E. L. Konigsburg won the 1967 Newbery Medal for this tale of how Claudia and her brother run away to the museum in order to teach their parents a lesson. Little do they know that mystery awaits! --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Suggested Uses: From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is a fantastic choice to use as a read-aloud during a mystery unit. To begin the book while students come in for circulation and then have the teacher conclude the story in the class a part of a mystery unit would be an excellent use of this classic!

Module 3: Newbery/Printz/Coretta Scott King/Pura Belpre: Onion John by Joseph Krumgold

Summary: Onion John tells the story of a boy's struggle to choose between a friend and his family. Seen as different and therefore undesirable company, Andy struggles with his appreciation for an unorthodox friendship and his father's expectations.

Citation: Krumgold, J. (1959). Onion John. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

My Thoughts: I wanted to enjoy Onion John, but I found the pacing of the book made it difficult for me to get lost in it. I do think it has an important exploration of the struggle between family expectations and the heart.

Reviews:

The story of a friendship between a 12-year-old boy and an immigrant handyman, almost wrecked by the good intentions of the townspeople. "One of the distinguished books of our time. . . . The writing has dignity and strength".--School Library Journal. 1960 Newbery Medal; ALA Notable Children's Books of 1940-1970.

Suggested Uses: Onion John is a good text to use to support character analysis. The characters of Andy, Onion John, and Andy's father lend themselves to deeper study through character studies in written form.

Module 2: Caldecott/Picture Books: A Sick Day for Amos McGee

Summary: Amos McGee misses a day of work at the zoo and comes to find out just how much he is missed.

Citation: Stead, P. (2010). A sick day for Amos McGee. New York: Roaring Brook Press.

My Thoughts: A Sick Day for Amos McGee is an irreverent way to remind everyone to show that they care about others.

Reviews:

Hazel Rochman (Booklist, May 1, 2010 (Vol. 106, No. 17))

Zookeeper Amos McGee always makes time to visit his good friends at work: he plays chess with the elephant, runs races with the tortoise (who always wins), sits quietly with the penguin, lends a handkerchief to the rhinoceros (who has a runny nose), and reads stories to the owl (who is afraid of the dark). Then, after Amos gets a cold, his friends miss him, and they leave the zoo and ride the bus to his place to care for him and cheer him up. Like the story, the quiet pictures, rendered in pencil and woodblock color prints, are both tender and hilarious. Each scene captures the drama of Amos and the creatures caring for each other, whether the elephant is contemplating his chess moves, his huge behind perched on a stool; or the rhinoceros is lending Amos a handkerchief; or the owl is reading them all a bedtime story. The extension of the familiar pet-bonding theme will have great appeal, especially in the final images of the wild creatures snuggled up with Amos in his cozy home. Preschool-Grade 2

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2010 (Vol. 78, No. 8)

Amos McGee, an elderly zookeeper, enjoys a clockwork life (one teaspoonful of sugar for oatmeal, two for tea and the number five bus to work) until the sniffles force him to stay in bed and miss his daily visits with animal friends. Fragile, gangly Amos, in striped pajamas and ill-fitting zoo uniform, appears as crushingly vulnerable as a child. Children will immediately like and understand him, as they too take comfort in reassuring routines—and would certainly love playing chess with an elephant or running races with a tortoise! Muted greens, browns and blues dominate pages, while brighter yellows and reds leaven the palette's mild melancholy. Erin E. Stead's beautifully wrought woodblock prints and pencil work create almost painfully expressive characters. Wrinkles and crinkles describe the elephant's sagging mass and the rhino's girth, as well as their keen sensitivity. Owl's furrowed brow communicates deep concern even as the group heads to Amos's home to check on him. This gentle, ultimately warm story acknowledges the care and reciprocity behind all good friendships: Much like Amos's watch, they must be wound regularly to remain true. 2010, Neal Porter/Roaring Brook, 32p, $16.99. Category: Picture book. Ages 2 to 6. Starred Review. © 2010 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Suggested Uses: Students can engage in a fun extension by creating a group-written story on chart paper. Each group has the task of imagining that Amos McGee works somewhere besides a zoo and predicting what would have happened to him on a sick day from a different occupation.

Module 2: Caldecott/Picture Books: Hey, Al by Arthur Yorinks

Summary: Al and his faithful dog struggle with the ins and outs of everyday life. When offered a chance to escape to paradise, they accept, only to find that sometimes what you really want is right at home.

Citation: Yorinks, A. (1986). Hey, Al. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.

My Thoughts: Hey, Al is a wonderful reminder that happiness is where you make and sometimes things aren't as they seem. It's best to find the good in what you've got right at home.

Reviews:
From Publishers Weekly

This Caldecott Medal winner tells of a journey to paradise and the discovery that home is best. Ages 3-up.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

The theme here is, ``be happy with who you are,'' or maybe, ``there's no free lunch.'' Al, a janitor, lives a meager existence with his companion (dog) Eddie in New York City. They complain to each other about their lot and are ready to take off to a better place with a huge bird who just pops in and invites them. This ``island in the sky'' is perfect. All its inhabitants are friendly birds, and there's nothing to do but enjoy the tropical paradise. But when they both begin to sprout feathers and beaks, they realize that there is a price to pay, so they take off, Icarus-styleincluding a plunge into New York Harbor. Safely home, they discover that ``Paradise lost is sometimes Heaven found.'' Egielski's solid naturalism provides just the visual foil needed to establish the surreal character of this fantasy. The muted earth tones of the one-room flat contrast symbolically with the bright hues of the birds' plumage and the foliage of the floating paradise. The anatomical appropriateness of Al and Eddie plays neatly against the flamboyant depiction of the plants. Text and pictures work together to challenge readers' concept of reality, with touches such as the stacks of delivered newspapers outside Al's door when he returns fromhis ``dream''? Kenneth Marantz, Art Education Department, Ohio State University, Columbus
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.


Suggested Uses: Hey, Al affords the perfect opportunity to have students examine their world with new eyes and write about what they see there in a positive light. Even though, like Al, they may not have a lot, appreciation is in order.

Module 1: Classic Chidren's Literature and Authors: Swimmy by Leo Lionni

Summary: Swimmy is a special little fish who stands out from the school. Eventually, Swimmy gains acceptance by saving the day!

Citation: Lionni, L. (2006). Swimmy. United States: H. W. Wilson.

My Thoughts: Swimmy is a classic book about learning to accept ourselves as we are.
It is an important and timeless message that belongs in everyone's collection.

Reviews:

Inger (BookHive (www.bookhive.org)

Swimmy is a fast black fish who finds himself alone after his brothers and sisters are swallowed by a tuna fish. Swimmy is happy when he meets new friends however, they are afraid of the dangers of the sea especially the big fish. Read about how Swimmy finds a way for his new friends to explore the wonders of the ocean and outsmart the big fish in the sea. Category: Adventure; Award Books; Classics; Read Aloud. Grade Level: Preschool; Primary (K-3rd grade). 1963, A.Knopf. Ages 3 to 9.

Debra Briatico (Children's Literature)

After a big tuna fish gulps up a school of Swimmy's friends, the small black fish journeys through the ocean and comes face-to-face with many marvelous creatures. When he meets up with a school of frightened fish, Swimmy uses his creativity to show them how to swim together as a group and outsmart the other big fish in the sea. 1963, Alfred A. Knopf, $14.95, $15.99 and $4.99. Ages 4 to 8.

Suggested Uses: Swimmy can be used as an excellent segue into an art or writing project that explores what makes us all unique and valuable members of the school of humans.

Module 1: Classic Children's Literature and Authors: Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater

Summary:
Citation: Atwater, R. and F. (1938). Mr. Popper's Penguins. Boston: Little, Brown, and Co.

My Thoughts: Mr. Popper's Penguins is a classic that continues to be enjoyable for all children. It contains classic high-jinks that are enjoyed by all! The ludicrous nature of the situation lends to the hilarity!

Reviews:

Jennifer (BookHive (www.bookhive.org))

When Mr. Popper receives his first penguin as a gift from the infamous Admiral Drake, his life is changed dramatically. Soon his penguin family grows and Mr. Popper goes to great lengths to make them comfortable, from making an ice rink of his floors, to digging a swimming hole in his basement. However, when these home improvement projects become costly, Mr. Popper takes his penguins on the road to perform. This leads to many humorous adventures on trains, in taxis, and in fancy hotels--all places unaccustomed to serving penguins. The delightful illustrations make the story even more entertaining. Category: Award Books; Humor; Read Aloud. Grade Level: Intermediate (4th-6th grade). 1938, Little Brown & Co.. Ages 9 to 12.

Richard Scott (Children's Literature)

Richard and Florence Atwater’s book is a comical story about a family and their adventures with a penguin named Captain Cook. Mr. Popper, who is a house painter, writes a letter to Admiral Drake. Admiral Drake sends Mr. Popper a penguin. After living with the Popper family for a while, Captain Cook becomes sick and lonely. Luckily, the zoo has a penguin that is sick and lonely too. Captain Cook and his new female companion, Greta, fall in love and are no longer lonely. After a brief period of time, the penguins have babies and the Popper’s have a house full of penguins. When it becomes difficult for Mr. Popper to feed all of the penguins, he decides to put the penguins on stage to perform. After the penguins have been performing for a few weeks, Mr. Popper leads them onto the wrong stage, which lands them all in jail. Admiral Drake returns and makes an offer to the Poppers concerning the penguins. Mr. Popper hates to see the penguins leave but realizes he cannot handle them anymore. The penguins return with Admiral Drake to the North Pole. Atwater takes readers on a wild adventure with Mr. Popper and his penguins, but included in the text are educational facts about penguins--such as how they mate, what they eat and the habitats they are used to living in. Each chapter contains a few black and white illustrations that give the reader just enough images to visualize the story. The Atwaters and Lawson leave the rest up to the reader’s imagination. This is a great story to read to third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders. 1988, Little Brown, $16.95. Ages 8 to 12.

Suggested Uses: Mr. Popper's Penguins is a perfect novel for a Book Club. Extensions are possible with students creating new adventures for Mr. Popper and the penguins. This adventures can be shared in a variety of ways including traditional written forms, electronic forms, and dramatic forms.