Dance 10.26.11

Module 15: Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy Part 1: The Night of the Nasty Nostril Nuggets

Summary:
Harold and George have found a fun prank to pull on everyone at school called the "Squishy." This consists of placing ketchup packets in between the seat and base of the toilet so that when someone sits down they become saturated in ketchup. This prank greatly disturbs Melvin and he decides to seek revenge on George and Harold by creating a robot. Melvin ends up turning into a Bionic Booger Boy and causes chaos at school when he sneezes and goo gets all over everyone and then grows out of control. It's time for Captain Underpants to save the day. In the end Melvin returns to himself thanks to another robot invented to specially change him back into himself.

Reference:
Pilkey, D. (2003). Captain Underpants and the big, bad battle of the bionic booger boy part 1: the night of the nasty nostril nuggets. New York: Scholastic.

Reviews:
Jones, T.E., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., Larkins, J., Aasonson, K. (2004, January 1). [Review of the Book Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy: Part 1: The Night of the Nasty Nostril Nuggets]. School Library Journal, Vol. 50, Issue 1, p. 103-104.
Fourth-graders George and Harold are good at pranks involving ketchup on toilet seats; saving the planet from the "nasty forces of unrelenting evil"; and making fun of Melvin Sneedly, the school brainiac and tattletale. When his robot-making hobby backfires during a class demonstration, Melvin tries to transform himself into a bionic superboy to get back at the pair but ends up as Bionic Booger Boy instead. Chaos ensues after he accidentally doubles and triples in size. George and Harold call on Captain Underpants (the school principal), but he loses his powers when he is covered in saliva. When a bionic hamster hears the terrified cries of his two friends, he comes to the rescue. The typical Pilkey ending leaves the door open for a sequel, and the novel is filled with the familiar comic-book inserts, Flip-O-Rama animations, and black-and-white cartoon illustrations. Fans will love this installment, and the book would probably appeal to slow readers. Adults are likely to be turned off by the use of the words "idiot" and "dumb" to refer to children and by the graphic description of snot. Purchase where there is demand.-Kristina Aaronson, Henniker Community School, NH Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

My Impressions of the Book:
I found this book disgusting and immature. It was hard to read all the way through it because I couldn't stand it truthfully. I can see where some parents would object to it, but also why many students would enjoy reading it. I can especially see boys being a fan of the series. The humor is crude and some of the language isn't polite. The situations involve school, but these kids spend their time pulling pranks and being silly rather than doing anything productive. I love Dav Pilkey's other books, but this series is truly not my favorite.

Uses in a library setting:
This book could be featured in a censored book display with caution tape displayed around it.

Module 14: Fold Me a Poem

Summary:
A young boy uses his imagination, a lot of brilliant, shiny papers, and a his oragami skills to create beautiful animals. The poems on each page highlight his creativeness and different uses for his oragami animals.

Bibliography:
George, K.O. (2005). Fold me a poem. Orlando: Harcourt.

Reviews:
Phelan, C. (2005, March 15). [Review of Fold Me a Poem]. The Booklist, Vol. 101, No. 14.
Gr. 1-3. From morning until night, a boy spends his day folding squares of colored paper into animals. The opening poem, "Origami,"follows the five-seven-five-syllable haiku form while defining the magic of the paper-folding art: "Square sheet of paper-- / folded, suddenly wakes up. / Good morning, Rooster."While many of the other poems have the terseness of haiku, they follow their own syllabic patterns. Each appears on a single page or a double-page spread along with a large-scale painting of the boy making his animals, playing with them, observing them, or, in one case, repairing them after a cat attack. In "Hungry"he comes to a realization: "All afternoon / the paper cows / have been eyeing / the green paper. Oh. / Grass!"Warm in colors and often large in scale, Stringer's acrylic paintings capture the world of the boy's imaginative play as well as the intricately folded paper figures that inspire and inhabit it. Unusual, handsome, and good for reading aloud.

My Impressions of the Book:
I love this book because it shows creativity at its best. There's no need to sit and watch television or play video games when one can create beautiful, artistic paper projects. I like how even a paper bag is used to create this paper art. The animals almost take on a life of their own and have personalities in this fun book. The poems are simple, yet descriptive.

Uses in a library:
This book would be great to read during poetry month. Students could even fold an oragami animal themselves. The project could be extended by having students write their own short poem that goes along with their oragami. Artwork and poetry could be displayed in the library.

Module 13: Babymouse Burns Rubber

Summary:
In this graphic novel Babymouse wants to be in a soap box derby and talks her best friend into making her a car. Along the way she pretends she's a race car driver, but actually rides her bike into a mud pit, rides on a chariot, steers the Titanic, pretends to fly a hot air balloon, and pretends to build and drive a car when she's only racing on a video game at home. Each section of the book involves her utilizing some sort of vehicle and her imagination to transport herself through some adventure.

Reference:
Holm, J.L & M. (2010). Babymouse Burns Rubber. New York: Random House.

Reviews:
Rochman, H. (2010, January 1). The Booklist, Vol. 106, No. 9.
Grades 4-6. In the twelfth title in the popular Babymouse series, the little rodent dreams of entering and winning the biggest soapbox race of the year. She has to make her own vehicle, but all she makes is a mess until her friend Wilson helps her. More than just a situation, the story takes a surprising turn when, at the last moment, Wilson needs her help, and it’s Babymouse who comes to the rescue. As usual, the pink-accented, black-and-white drawings are full of action, humor, and feeling, and kids will enjoy the wry classroom and schoolyard backdrops as much as Babymouse’s big fantasies.

My Impressions of the Book:
This was my least favorite book read this semester. I am not a huge graphic novels fan. I prefer a deeper storyline and less pictures, but I can see where a younger elementary student might love it. I believe struggling readers would like this book because of the overabundance of pictures and its fast pace. It's also has the appearance of a chapter book so it doesn't look babyish.

Uses in a library:
This book could be made into a cute book trailer to feature graphic novels to students.

Module 12: Martin's Big Words

Summary:
Martin's Big Words includes famous quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr. and also explains what was happening at the time to reference each quote. Important parts of King's life are highlighted that tie in with each quotation.

Bibliography:
Rappaport, D. (2007). Martin's Big Words. New York: Jump at the Sun Hyperion Paperbacks for Children.

Reviews:
Rochman, H. (2001, October 1). The Booklist Starred, Vol. 98, No. 3.
"Remember if I am stopped, this movement will not be stopped, because God is with this movement."Weaving in Dr. King's own "big words,"this inspiring picture-book biography celebrates the great leader as preacher and politician. Rappaport's spare narrative captures the essentials of the man, the movement he led, and his policy of nonviolence. Only in the case of Rosa Parks is the glimpse too simplistic, presenting her as an individual who refused to give up her seat on the bus, rather than as the political activist she was. Collier's collage art is glorious. Combining cut-paper, photographs, and watercolor he expresses his own Christian faith and King's power "to make many different things one."Stained glass windows are the dominant images, not only in the many church scenes, but also in the play of shape, light, and color in the realistic views of the city. With powerful art and pulsing words ("He walked with them and talked with them and sang with them and prayed with them"), this is a fine book to share and read aloud many times.

My Impressions of the Book:
This book gives the reader just enough snippets of King's life to help them understand his life and struggles. The quotes on each page reinforce King's beliefs and what he stood for. The pictures are the best part of the book, in my opinion, especially the intricate details on the stained glass inside the church.

Uses in a library:
This book would be great to use to honor King's birthday in January or in February for Black History Month.

Flawed Dogs by Berkeley Breathed

Runaway Twin by Peg Kehret

Schooled By Gordon Korman

Module 11: An Egg is Quiet

Summary:
This book describes the shape of eggs, their texture, where they can be laid, colors, and life cycles. Facts are given about each egg along with text written in calligraphy that is descriptive about the egg. One page illustrates how different animals grow inside their eggs before they are born. Many animals that lay eggs are featured in this book.

Reference:
Aston, D. & Long, S. (2006). An egg is quiet. San Francisco: Chronicle Books LLC.

Reviews:
Engberg, G. (2006, April 15). The Booklist, Vol. 102, No. 16.
This beautifully illustrated introduction to eggs resembles pages drawn from a naturalist's diary. The text, scrolled out in elegant brown ink, works on two levels. Larger print makes simple observations that, read together, sound almost like poetry: "An egg is quiet. . . . An egg is colorful. An egg is shapely."On each spread, words in smaller print match up with illustrations to offer more facts about bird and fish eggs across the animal spectrum. The illustrations are too detailed for read-alouds, but there's a great deal here to engage children up close. The succinct text will draw young fact hounds, particularly fans of Steve Jenkins'Biggest, Strongest, Fastest (1995) and his similar titles. Long's illustrations are elegant and simple, and the gallery of eggs, as brilliantly colored and polished as gems, will inspire kids to marvel at animals'variety and beauty. A spread showing X-ray views of young embryos growing into animal young makes this a good choice for reinforcing concepts about life cycles.


My Impressions of the Book:
I like the mix of colors the illustrator chose for this book. They are eye catching and there's a lot of attention to detail in each picture. The artsy calligraphy is a nice blend with the facts about eggs.

Uses in a library setting:
This book would be an excellent way of introducing or teaching about life cycles.

Module 10: Boxes for Katje

Summary:
After World War II in Holland times are tough. Katje's family doesn't have some of the necessities and luxuries they would like to have such as chocolate, sugar, wool socks,and cakes of soap. One day a package arrives from a girl named Rosie from Indiana. Katje writes her a letter of thanks and the packages keep coming and getting bigger. Katje shares the contents of her packages with people around her and eventually many people from her town. One dat Katje is able to extend the generosity bestowed on her by Rosie. Katje mails a package of tulip bulbs to Rosie to plant.

Reference:
Gleming, C. (2003). Boxes for Katje. New York: Melanie Kroupa Books.

Reviews:
Odean, K. (2003, September 1). The Booklist, Vol. 100, No. 1.
K-Gr. 3. In May 1945, a Dutch girl named Katje is thrilled to receive a letter and a package of socks, soap, and chocolate from Rosie, a girl she doesn't know who lives in Mayfield, Indiana. The kids start to exchange letters, and when Rosie's family members learn of Holland's severe post-war deprivations, they enlist Mayfield residents to send food and clothes to Katje, who generously shares the gifts with others in her community. The sense of suffering isn't strong here, in part because the Dutch townspeople are almost always depicted as smiling about the packages. But the story is still moving, and Dressen-McQueen's lively illustrations, in colored pencil, oil pastel, and acrylic, pack lots of color, pattern, and historical details onto every expansive page. Fleming based the book on her mother's experience, which she describes in an author's note; in the real-life story, however, adults, not children, orchestrated the events, a finding that may be a little disappointing to kids who took the book, with its specific dates, town names, and heroic, generous children, as straight fact.

My Impressions of the book:
This is a heartwarming tale that focuses on the generosity of people and shows that people of all ages can make a difference in someone else's life. I like the fact that this book is based on a real story. It helps to make it all the more touching. I believe this story could inspire someone to perform a random act of kindness for someone else.

Uses in a library:
This book would tie in nicely with a letter writing unit since the book incorporates the letters written back and forth between Rosie and Katje. It might also be a good cause and effect lesson for reading.

Module 9: Room One A Mystery or Two

Summary:
Ted Hammond loves mystery stories and he has two to solve in this book. In rural small town Nebraska his one room schoolhouse is in danger of closing and he saw a face in the window of an old, abandoned house. Ted learns a family lives there, he brings them food, and tries to help them. He ends up confiding in his teacher about the family and she becomes his ally. Eventually the family runs to a different abandoned house, and Ted gets his mom involved in trying to help the family but it's too late. In the meantime Ted's mom, through word of mouth, brings most of the small town out to meet the new family in hiding. However, the family had already packed up and moved to Colorado to stay with the mom's sister. The event drew some publicity for the town on television and the newspaper and the town ended up getting some families to move in, thus saving the one room schoolhouse.

Reference:
Clements, A. (2008). Room One A Mystery or Two. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.

Reviews:
Phelan, C. (2006, May 1). [Review of Room One A Mystery or Two]. The Booklist, Vol. 102, No. 17.
Gr. 3-5. In a one-room school in a small Nebraska town, Ted is the lone sixth-grader sandwiched between four fourth-graders and four eighth-graders. Besides doing his chores on the family farm, he delivers newspapers, attends 4-H Club meetings, and enjoys reading mystery books. Riding his paper route one morning, Ted spies a girl's face in the window of an abandoned farmhouse. He puts his detective skills to the test as he tries to discover who she is, why she is there, and how he can help her. Though the mystery element in the plot is relatively mild, the story is strong enough that readers will want to find out what will become of Ted's vulnerable new friend. When she entrusts him with a secret, he must decide how best to honor that trust while helping solve her family's dilemma. The convincing, contemporary rural setting is an inextricable element of the novel, which is illustrated with small black-and-white sketches that enhance the refreshingly innocent tone of the story.

My Impressions of the Book:
I enjoyed reading this fast moving mystery story. The setting gave me a feel for what small town life must be like. It was also interesting to see the entire town bond and come together for a united cause to help a family in need.

Uses in a library setting:
This book would be great to introduce the mystery genre to students.

Module 8: Flawed Dogs

Summary:
On a plane trip to go and live with her uncle, Heidy sees a dog who is trying to escape from his kennel so she helps him unlatch his door. The dog, Sam, ends up adopting her and going to live with her and Uncle Hamish. Little does Sam know that a pristine, white and fluffy award winning poodle named Cassius already lives in that home and wants nothing to do with Sam. Cassius sets up an evil plan to get rid of Sam one day, bringing the baby in the house out into the woods in the snow and destroying the infant's room. Cassius tricks Sam into rescuing the baby so he's made to look guilty. Uncle Hamish fires a shot into the air and it grazes Sam's skull. Uncle Hamish is unable to "finish the job" so another person comes in and takes Sam to the National Last-Ditch Dog Depository, where the dogs sit around all day and watch the movie "Lassie Come Home." Sam escapes from this place and is picked up by a man who enters him into a dog fight to earn money. Sam escapes after winning the dog fight, returns to the Last-Ditch Dog Depository, and convinces the seven mutts living there to help him destroy the Westminster Dog Show (where Cassius is expected to be.) Sam and his friends disguise themselves as a human and wreak havoc on the dog show.

Reference:
Breathed, B. (2003). Flawed dogs. New York: Philomel Books.

Reviews:
Chipman, I. (2009, October 15). [Review of Flawed Dogs]. The Booklist, Vol. 106, No. 4.
After forging a brilliant career as a cartoonist, most notably with Bloom County, Breathed applied his well-honed artistic skills to picture books and now takes his first stab at novel writing. His worldview of the lovable loser skewering pomposity is a natural fit for middle-graders, as is the dog-centric nature of this tale. The plot follows Sam the Lion (actually a dachsund), admired by dog-show types for his rare genetic tuft of hair, who is cast out by his adoptive family due to the machinations of a jealous poodle. Over the next few years, any number of terrible/zany adventures befall Sam (including losing a leg and having a soup ladle tied on in its place) before he’s reunited with his owner and justice is done. The story is essentially an animated cartoon in prose form (complete with a mutts-piled-on-top-of-each-other-dressed-as-a-human gag), but Breathed proves an able writer, laying on plenty of over-the-top ebullience that should perk the ears of kids’ inner underdog. A bevy of Breathed’s signature bulbous illustrations—a few in color—add some body to the story.

Marie, J. (2009, November 1). [Review of the book Flawed Dogs, the Novel: The Shocking Raid on Westminster]. School Library Journal, Vol. 55, Issue 11, p. 101.
This chapter book is a spin-off of Breathed's 2003 picture book of the same name (Little, Brown). Sam the dachshund was bred to be an award-winning show dog, right down to his priceless "Du glitz tuft." But Sam has no interest in appearances; like all dogs, beautiful or "flawed," all he really wants is to belong to someone special, and to be loved. After a dramatic escape from his frightful new owner, he sneaks into a girl's luggage and soon wins her affections. But Cassius, a champion full-size poodle and denizen of Sam's new home, is not accustomed to being second in anyone's heart and is determined to get rid of him. What follows is a series of misadventures for Sam and a group of abandoned animals from the National Last-Ditch Dog Depository. Featuring some harrowing moments, this is not a story for the faint of heart, but readers will definitely be rooting for Sam and his comically imperfect band of followers. Black-and-white and full-color illustrations, done in the award-winning author's familiar style, are sprinkled throughout, adding depth to an already engaging and well-paced tale.-Jessica Marie, Renton Public Library, WA Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

My Impressions of the Book:
I didn't love this book during the first chapter or even the second, but as I got further into the book I discoverd its greatness. The humorous writing and word choice won me over and it has become one of my favorite books. I have a Dachshund at home that resembles Sam (minus the Duglitz tuft!) so the story was that more endearing to me. I am reading this book aloud to my class after discovering it through this class. They absolutely love it too!

Uses in a Library:
This book could be featured in a fantasy unit or read during a lunctime book club.

Module 7: Mick Harte Was Here

Phoebe Harte's brother, Mick Harte, is dead. She wants readers to know this in the very beginning of the book so we are not surprised. She retells the story of how Mick was killed in a bicycle accident, wavering between grief for Mick and recalling happy times with her brother. No one is immune to grief, depression, and feelings of despair in this book. The family runs the gamet of emotions, but eventually begins to communicate about Mick and how special he was.

Reference:
Park, B. (1996). Mick Harte was Here. New York: Random House.

My impressions of the book:
This book strikes a good balance between grief and happiness. When someone dies it is hard to cope with the loss at first and one's body runs through different stages of grief. I felt like I had an inside view of the family, their personal struggles, and how they were choosing to overcome their family member's death. The book's message is clear and one all children should heed: wear your bike helmet.

Reviews:
List, S.K. (n.d.) Mick Harte Was Here Book Review. Retrieved from http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/mick-harte-was-here/details
This book is a demonstration of the devastating power of simplicity. With breathtaking economy and precise strokes, Barbara Park brings Mick Harte and his sister Phoebe to vivid life. And because Park gives Phoebe such a distinct, genuine voice, her reactions are real and familiar. Park moves the reader back and forth, from Mick to his sister, gradually disengaging them, separating the tightly interwoven strands of their lives, until Phoebe can stand alone. The author makes hardly a misstep; all the book's elements are tied together with enormous skill. Even the lesson about wearing bicycle helmets is made so directly and simply that it doesn't seem at all preachy. In fact, when the father wishes he had made Mick wear his, it's one of the book's most moving moments.

Not all young readers will want or be able to handle the questions Park asks. But those who do will find that, with MICK HARTE WAS HERE, "here" is a lasting place in their hearts.



Use in a library setting:
This books would be well suited for an upper grade book club or for a unit on bicycle safety.

Module 7: Stargirl

Summary:
Susan Caraway, aka Stargirl, was a mysterious, earthy creature who bestowed her presence on Mica High School in Arizona. She dressed in long, flowy skirts and played "Happy Birthday" on the ukelele to people in the cafeteria. She left random gifts for strangers, carried around a pet rat, set coins out on the street for people to find, cheered for the other basketball team, and left presents for fellow students in her homeroom class on special occasions. She didn't fit in with the crowd at Mica High who were into acting and dressing the same. She was truly one of a kind. At first people at school really liked her and then they started to turn at a basketball game where she ran to render aid for a basketball player on the opposite team. Stargirl meets Leo who becomes her boyfriend, the narrator of the story, and he convinces her to try to be normal. It doesn't work, Stargirl is miserable, and goes back to being her old self. Students begin to like her again at the end of the story when she shows up for the Ocotillo Ball and starts the bunny hop. After the dance Stargirl moves to Minnesota with her family without saying goodbye. Fifteen years later Leo still thinks about Stargirl and all of the random acts of kindness she showered everyone with.

Reference:
Spinelli, J. (2000). Stargirl. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

My Impressions of the Book:
In Mica High the people who are normal are the ones who conform. Stargirl is different because she doesn't fit into the normal teenage mold. She is uncomfortable to be around because she is not like everyone else, nor does she care to be. This books celebrates being unique and an individual and being proud of who you are. Years later at a reunion people still spoke of Stargirl and the impression she made onm everyone. Her random acts of kindness leave a mark on Leo, probably forever. Spinelli's book probably hits home with a lot of teens and pre-teens that are too shy to stand out of the crowd. Spinelli's book is an enjoyable read, but Stargirl's character is almost too strange and "out there" at times for my taste.

Reviews:
Cooper, I. (2000, June 1). The Booklist, Vol. 96, No. 19/20.
Gr. 6-9. Sixteen-year-old Leo recounts Stargirl's sojourn at Mica High in an allegorical story that is engagingly written but overreaches. Everyone notices Stargirl when she comes to school. She wears a granny gown, strums a ukulele, and sings "Happy Birthday" to kids in the cafeteria. She also carries around a pet rat. Her classmates veer between ignoring her and being discreetly fascinated by her weirdness--dancing when there's no music, speaking in class of trolls and stars. Slowly, Stargirl attracts a following, especially after she gives a spellbinding speech in an oratorical contest and singlehandly stirs up school spirit. But her intense popularity is short-lived as, predictably, the teens turn on her. Leo is attracted by Stargirl and her penchant for good works. But just about the time they get together, the rest of the school is shunning her, and to his confusion and despair, Leo eventually turns his back on Stargirl, too. Spinelli firmly captures the high-school milieu, here heightened by the physical and spiritual barrenness of an Arizona location, a new town where people come to work for technology companies and the school team is called the Electrons. Dialogue, plot, and supporting cast are strong: the problem here is Stargirl herself. She may have been homeschooled, may not have seen much TV, but despite her name, she has lived on planet earth for 15 years, and her naivete is overplayed and annoying. When Leo tells her that not everyone likes having somebody with a ukulele sing "Happy Birthday" to them, she is shocked. That she has not noticed she is being shunned is unbelievable, and, at times, readers may feel more sympathy for the bourgeois teens than the earnest, kind, magical Stargirl. That's too bad, because Spinelli's point about the lure and trap of normalcy is a good one. But to make it real, Stargirl needed to have at least one foot on the ground.

Uses in a library:
This book could be featured in an author study as one of the highlighted books. It would make a good books discussion read. Students could discuss conforming versus individuality.

Module 6: Every Friday

Summary:
This story recounts a special tradition a father and son share every Friday morning. The boy and his dad eat breakfast at a special diner every Friday. They go no matter what the weather is doing. Along the way they see many city sights. The narrator looks forward to the following outing with his dad as soon as they leave the restaurant.

Reference:
Yaccarino, D. (2007). Every Friday. New York: Henry Holt and Company.

My impressions of the book:
Every Friday is a touching short story about a boy and dad that share a special tradition and bond. It's just a simple outing to eat breakfast, but one that has made a huge impression on the narrator. It is rare to find such a special story of a father and son bonding. This story is so simple, yet speaks volumes about their relationship. They enjoy spending time together looking at the events happening in their city and having a pancake breakfast. The fact that they're together seems to be the most important thing.

Reviews:
Porter, D. (2007, June 1). [Review of Every Friday]. School Library Journal, Vol. 53, Issue 6, p. 128.
A young boy and his father have a weekly date for breakfast at a nearby diner, and the walk there is half the fun. As they pass through their urban neighborhood, they count dogs, wave to the man in the newspaper stall, and watch the slow construction of a new building. Upon their arrival at the restaurant, they greet their favorite waitress by name, and she knows to bring out pancakes right away. The story is simple but sweet, and the child's excitement about the time spent with his dad is obvious throughout. Painted in gouache, the illustrations of the cars and characters' clothing and hairstyles give the book a '50s look, as do small touches such as milk bottles in front of the door. Yaccarino uses a warm palette to create rudimentary buildings and simple, friendly faces. This is an excellent book for a parent and child to share, and perhaps some families will begin weekly traditions of their own.-Daisy Porter, San Jose Public Library, CA Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Uses in a library:
This would be a great book to read aloud for Father's Day. It could also be used to discuss family traditions. The students could then write about a special family tradition they have.

Module 5: Monster

Summary:
This story tells the tale of Steve Harmon, a sixteen year old from Harlem, who ends up going on trial for participation in a robbery and murder. King, an acquaintance from the neighborhood, asks Harmon to scope the convenience store and give them a signal that the coast is clear. Harmon fulfills his end of the bargain, but later on in court claims he is not guilty. The book, written in a script style, shows the action of the trial as it's happening and the jury finds Harmon not guilty at the end.

Citation:
Myers, W.D. (1999). Monster. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

My Impressions of the book:
This book was an interesting read, but not one that I would recommend to anyone younger than high school age. There are many adult themes running through the story such as murder, robbery, drugs, sex, and prision violence. It would take a special mature reader to deal with some of the issues and understand what is happening at the trial. I liked the style of the book, written as if it were a script for a movie. Different fonts were used to distinguish between Steve was writing in his journal and when he was writing his script. Some photographs are incorporated into the pages giving it a sense of being true to life. Throughout the story I was rooting for Steve, but was on edge in anticipation of the ending.

Reviews:
Carton, D. (1999, May 1). [Review of Monster]. The Booklist, Vol. 95, No. 17.
Gr. 9-12. Myers combines an innovative format, complex moral issues, and an intriguingly sympathetic but flawed protagonist in this cautionary tale of a 16-year-old on trial for felony murder. Steve Harmon is accused of acting as lookout for a robbery that left a victim dead; if convicted, Steve could serve 25 years to life. Although it is clear that Steve did participate in the robbery, his level of involvement is questionable, leaving protagonist and reader to grapple with the question of his guilt. An amateur filmmaker, Steve tells his story in a combination of film script and journal. The "handwritten" font of the journal entries effectively uses boldface and different sizes of type to emphasize particular passages. The film script contains minimal jargon, explaining camera angles (CU, POV, etc.) when each term first appears. Myers' son Christopher provides the black-and-white photos, often cropped and digitally altered, that complement the text. Script and journal together create a fascinating portrait of a terrified young man wrestling with his conscience. The tense drama of the courtroom scenes will enthrall readers, but it is the thorny moral questions raised in Steve's journal that will endure in readers' memories. Although descriptions of the robbery and prison life are realistic and not overly graphic, the subject matter is more appropriate for high-school-age than younger readers.

Use in a library setting:
I would either set up the book on display for black history month or Printz prize winners or use it in a book club with mature readers.

Module 5: Goin' Someplace Special

Summary:
'Tricia Ann really wants to go to "someplace special" by herself and Mama Frances finally allows her to go. She gets on the bus and reads a sign that says "colored section." She is unable to enjoy sitting on a partk bench looking at a fountain because the bench states "For whites only." As she tries to enter a hote she is thrown out my the manager. She almost gives up on going somewhere special until Blooming Mary talks her into completing her trip. Someplace special turns out to be the public library, a place that decided to open its doors to all people even though segregation ruled in the city. Although racism exists, 'Tricia Ann finds the freedom to read in her library - someplace special.

Reference:
McKissack, P.C. (2001). Goin' Someplace Special. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

My impressions of the book:
I've read a lot of stories about segregation, but this one was different. It involved a girl out on her own searching for her own freedom, yet she learns she isn't free while out and about on her journey. In all of the unjustice and hate, the public library opens its doors to her and lets her have all of the freedome in the world she craves just by opening pages of a book. The book has a nice message to send to children. The library is a welcoming place that opens its doors to everyone regardless of race. The watercolor pictures in this book are enjoyable, eye-catching, and soothing to view.

Reviews:
Wilms, D. (2001, August). [Review of Goin' Someplace Special]. The Booklist Starred, Vol. 97, No. 22.
Ages 5-8. Tricia Ann excitedly gets her grandmother's permission to go out by herself to "Someplace Special"--a place far enough away to take the bus and to have to walk a bit. But this isn't just any trip. Tricia's trip takes place in the segregated South of the 1950s. That means Tricia faces sitting at the back of the bus, not being allowed to sit on a whites-only park bench, and being escorted out of a hotel lobby. She almost gives up, but a local woman who some say is "addled,"but whom Tricia Ann knows to be gentle and wise, shows her how to listen to the voice inside herself that allows her to go on. She arrives at her special destination--the public library, whose sign reads "All Are Welcome."Pinkney's watercolor paintings are lush and sprawling as they evoke southern city streets and sidewalks as well as Tricia Ann's inner glow. In an author's note, McKissack lays out the autobiographical roots of the story and what she faced as a child growing up in Nashville. This book carries a strong message of pride and self-confidence as well as a pointed history lesson. It is also a beautiful tribute to the libraries that were ahead of their time.

Use in a library setting:
This book would be perfect to share in February for black history month. It sends such a positive message for students. They'd probably love to guess where her someplace special was. This could lead into a writing activity where students could write about their someplace special and it could be displayed in the library.

Module 4: Maniac Magee

Summary:
When Maniac Magee's parents are killed in a trolley accident, he is left alone and orphaned. He stays with an aunt and uncle who are extremely dislikable, but ends up running away from them and becoming homeless. On the street he meets a girl named Amanda Beale, and is intrigued by her because she has a suitcase full of books. He begs her to borrow a book and she reluctantly agrees. Thus begins his interest in reading and his own pursuit of self taught knowledge. Maniac shows daring pursuits of athleticism against other kids in town and word about him spreads. He ends up living with Amanda's family and then leaves them at the end of part one. In part two Maniac befriends Earl Grayson, a man who works at the zoo where Maniac hangs out at night. They become friends and eventually live together. Earl shares with him that he used to play minor league baseball against Willie Mays. On Christmas Earl gives Maniac a special gift - a brand new baseball and his old baseball glove. These are sacred items to him. Maniac teaches Earl to read and even has the patience to listen to him read a picture book that takes him and hour and a half to get through. Earl dies five days after Christmas. Once again Maniac is homeless and sleeps anywhere he can find. In part three he eventually goes back to living in Amanda's house.

Reference:
Spinelli, J. (1990). Maniac Magee. New York: Little, Brown and Company

My Impressions of the Book:
I enjoyed reading this Newbery Medal winner. There were a variety of themes that occurred in this book inlcuding homelesness and racial tension. Interestingly enough, Maniac lives with families that are both black and white and seems to not place any enphasis on color whatsoever. In fact, in one place in the book he compares the two families saying how alike they are despite their skin color. Maniac is a survivor in the true sense of the word, living wherever he can with whoever will take him in. He doesn't even mind sleeping at the zoo. Maniac doesn't attend school but has a love for books. At one point in the book when he does get some money from Earl to buy something to eat, he spends it on books and teaches himself through them. He cares about teaching Earl to read and encourages other kids to go to school but doesn't see the need for himself. I enjoyed Spinelli's writing style throughout the book also. He used a lot of similes, metaphors, and other writing techniques that I try to draw out of stories when I am using them in my classroom. This is a book I'd consider reading aloud to my fourth graders.

Reviews:
Shoemaker, J. (1990, June). [Review of Maniac Magee]. School Library Journal, Vol. 36, Issue 6, p. 138.
Gr 6-10-- Warning: this interesting book is a mythical story about racism. It should not be read as reality. Legend springs up about Jeffrey ``Maniac'' Magee, a white boy who runs faster and hits balls farther than anyone, who lives on his own with amazing grace, and is innocent as to racial affairs. After running away from a loveless home, he encounters several families, in and around Two Mills, a town sharply divided into the black East End and the white West End. Black, feisty Amanda Beale and her family lovingly open their home to Maniac, and tough, smart-talking ``Mars Bar'' Thompson and other characters are all, to varying degrees, full of prejudices and unaware of their own racism. Racial epithets are sprinkled throught the book; Mars Bar calls Maniac ``fishbelly,'' and blacks are described by a white character as being ``today's Indians.'' In the final, disjointed section of the book, Maniac confronts the hatred that perpetuates ignorance by bringing Mars Bar to meet the Pickwells--``the best the West End had to offer.'' In the feel-good ending, Mars and Maniac resolve their differences; Maniac gets a home and there is hope for at least improved racial relations. Unreal? Yes. It's a cop-out for Spinelli to have framed this story as a legend--it frees him from having to make it real, or even possible. Nevertheless, the book will stimulate thinking about racism, and it might help educate those readers who, like so many students, have no first-hand knowledge of people of other races. Pathos and compassion inform a short, relatively easy-to-read story with broad appeal, which suggests that to solve problems of racism, people must first know each other as individuals. --Joel Shoemaker, Tilford Middle School, Vinton, IA

Use in a library setting:
This book could be used to discuss race and class issues with students. It could also be used to discuss homelesness or reading and writing as a means of escape from problems in the world.

Module 4: Holes

Summary:
Stanley Yelnats stole Clyde Livingston's shoes and now he gets to go to an all boys camp in Texas called Camp Green Lake. It sounds like a nice place to be until he learns he must dig a five foot by five foot hole every day. The digging is meant to "build character" because after all "it's not a Girl Scout camp." Eventually Stanley learns that the warden has them digging holes for a reason. The camp sits on an old dried up lake, and there are items that have been buried for quite some time that the warden would like to call her own. Stanley makes an escape at camp one day following the path of one of his camp friends who also runs away. Together they survive on onions and old jarred peaches and come back to give the warden a run for her money.

Citation:
Sachar, L. (1998). Holes. New York: Dell Yearling.

Impressions of the book:
Holes is a brilliantly written book where the characters seem to come alive and are filled with so much personality. As I read the book I had a clear image in my head of the camp, Stanley's camp mates, the warden, and Mr. Sir. Stanley, although in a horrible location, is so endearing, especially when he writes home to his mother telling her what a great time he's having at camp. Even though he's been fasely accused of his crime and is working off his punishment, he makes the best of his situation. Sachar uses many great writing techniques in this story. I especially enjoyed how he flashed back and forth in time to give the reader background information on what had occurred in the past and how it relates to what is happening in the book. Holes is Louis Sachar at his best!

Reviews:
Follos, A. (1998, September). [Review of the book Holes]. School Library Journal, Vol. 44, Issue 9, p. 210.
Stanley Yelnats IV has been wrongly accused of stealing a famous baseball player's valued sneakers and is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention home where the boys dig holes, five feet deep by five feet across in the miserable Texas heat. It's just one more piece of bad luck that's befallen Stanley's family for generations as a result of the infamous curse of Madame Zeroni. Overweight Staneley, his hands bloodied from digging, figures that at the end of his sentence, he'll "...either be in great physical condition or else dead." Overcome by the useless work and his own feelings of futility, fellow inmate Zero runs away into the arid, desolate surroundings and Stanley, acting on impulse, embarks on a risky mission to save him. He unwittingly lays Madame Zeroni's curse to rest, finds buried treasure, survives yellow-spotted lizards, and gains wisdom and inner strength from the quirky turns of fate. In the almost mystical progress of their ascent of the rock ediface known as "Big Thumnb," they discover their own invaluable worth and unwavering friendship. Each of the boys is painted as a distinct individual through Sachar's deftly chosen words. The author's ability to knit Stanley and Zero's compelling story in and out of history of intriguing ancestors is captivating. Stanley's wit, integrity, faith, and wistful innocence will charm readers. A multitude of colorful characters coupled with the skillful braiding of ethnic folklore, American legend, and contemporary issues is a brilliant achievement. There is no question, kids will love Holes.

Use in a library setting:
This book could be used to discuss right and wrong, friendship themes, or loyalty. Students could make a chart or some other type of technology project that features examples of these themes in the book.

Module 3: Flotsam

Summary:
This wordless children's story tells the tale of a boy who takes a trip to the beach and discovers an old Melville camera that has washed up onto the shore. Upon developing the film, he views unusual sea creatures and pictures that children before him have taken of themselves. Some of the photos are pictures within a picture, so he takes some snapshots of himself holding other pictures and discards the camera into the sea. Eventaully the cycle of picture taking will begin again as the next child finds the old camera at the end of the story.

Reference:
Wiesner, D. (2006). Flotsam. New York: Clarion Books.

My Impressions of the Book:
One might think a book must have words to be enjoyable, but that is truly not the case with this amazing, one-of-a-kind wordless book. The story is entertaining and delightful because it's from the boy's perspective, an inside view of his beach trip. The pictures within a picture that are developed show kids enjoying the beach from decades past. This use of the picture within a picture is part of the ingenious creativity of the book. Flotsam truly deserves the Caldecott Award!

Reviews:
Engberg, G. (2006, August). [Review of the book Flotsam]. The Booklist Starred,Vol. 102, No. 22.
As in his Caldecott Medal Book Tuesday (1991), Wiesner offers another exceptional, wordless picture book that finds wild magic in quiet, everyday settings. At the seaside, a boy holds a magnifying glass up to a flailing hermit crab; binoculars and a microscope lay nearby. The array of lenses signals the shifting viewpoints to come, and in the following panels, the boy discovers an old-fashioned camera, film intact. A trip to the photo store produces astonishing pictures: an octopus in an armchair holding story hour in a deep-sea parlor; tiny, green alien tourists peering at sea horses. There are portraits of children around the world and through the ages, each child holding another child's photo. After snapping his own image, the boy returns the camera to the sea, where it's carried on a journey to another child. Children may initially puzzle, along with the boy, over the mechanics of the camera and the connections between the photographed portraits. When closely observed, however, the masterful watercolors and ingeniously layered perspectives create a clear narrative, and viewers will eagerly fill in the story's wordless spaces with their own imagined story lines. Like Chris Van Allsburg's books and Wiesner's previous works, this visual wonder invites us to rethink how and what we see, out in the world and in our mind's eye.

Use in a library setting:
This book would be great to discuss topics such as wordless books, Caldecott winners, or to share with other beach themed books. Showing examples of wordless books would also lead up to a great technology project. Students could take their own digital pictures, upload them to movie maker, and show their own wordless story.

Module 3: A Tree is Nice

Summary:
This book describes a tree's usefulness, what they provide us with, and where they grow in simplistic, easy to understand text.

Reference:
Udry, J. M. (1956). A tree is nice. China: HarpersCollinsPublishers.

Review:
Mitchell, D. (2001, April 11). [Revew of the book A Tree is Nice]. Retrieved from Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Tree-Nice-Janice-May-Udry/dp/0060261552
The best early readers are those that focus on a subject that a child can easily understand, use simple words, and have illustrations that perfectly capture the words. A Tree Is Nice easily passes those tests. The book is a Caldecott medal winner for its illustrations.
The book explores all of the many benefits that trees bring us. They "fill up the sky," and "make everything beautiful." "Even if you have just one tree, it is nice too." The book goes on to describe the beauty of leaves, the fun of playing in them, and even bonfires with them in the fall when they are at their most beautiful. You can climb the tree, lean things up against the tree, enjoy the shade, be protected from winds, use the sticks for drawing in the sand, and hang swings and flower baskets in the branches. Trees make perfect backgrounds for picnics, too.

My favorite part of the book is the section about planting a tree. Ms. Udry points out that you can put a tree in, and watch it grow. Then you can tell others that you planted it, and they will want to plant one, too. I remember planting some trees as a cub scout, and revisiting them as a middle-aged man and taking great delight in seeing them become a large, leafy oasis in what had been a barren field.

The illustrations are terrific. The book's designer has created a vertically elongated page shape that accentuates the graceful trunks of trees. Half of the illustrations are in color (using watercolors with inked outlines and details) and half in black-and-white. The choices for full color are good ones (fall leaves, being next to a house, and with a picnic). The pen and ink ones with grey washes are very poetic in their simplicity. The design also minimizes the words, which appear almost like a memorial plaque at the base of a tree in an arboretum. The style is very reminiscent of the best simple drawings of the fifties, and provide a nostalgic feeling.

In addition to reading this book to your child, and having your chld read this book to you, you each must plant a tree!

Where else does nature provide well for us, where you can help nature along a little? Perhaps you should consider a bird feeder or bird bath (if you have a yard).

Enjoy the natural sculpture and art all around you!



Use in a library setting:
I believe this book would be great for teaching main idea and supporting details. A Tree is Nice is the main idea of the book while all of the tree's uses and what it provides people would be great supporting details.

Module 2: Shiloh

Summary:
Shiloh is the story of a Beagle (later named Shiloh) who is abused by his owner, Judd Travers, and later finds the love he's been searching for in Marty Preston, a ten year old boy. Judd bought the dog for thirty-five dollars and his purpose is to be a hunting dog, except for the fact that he constantly runs away. After Marty finds Shiloh, he becomes attached to the poor, neglected Beagle. Marty's family is poor, but he'll do anything to put food in Shiloh's mouth including collecting cans to recycle. He even builds Shiloh a place to sleep and keeps him a secret from his family. Eventually Marty's mother discovers Shiloh, and Marty has to face the fact that Shiloh must be returned to his owner. Unfortunately, Shiloh is attacked by a neighbor's pet, a German Shepherd, and is badly injured. The doctor puts him on antibiotics and Shiloh lives with Marty's family until he's better. Judd is suspicious that Marty has his dog, goes to the Preston's house, and discovers Shiloh. In the end Marty offers to buy Shiloh, but must pay the price for doing all of Judd's odd jobs for two weeks straight. It's worth it to get the best gift of all - Shiloh.

Reference:
Naylor, P.R. (2000). Shiloh. New York: Scholastic.

Book Impressions:
I loved reading this book and plan to read the others in the series. It has such well developed, relatable characters, and the relationship between Shiloh and Marty is heartwarming. Judd's love to hate character made my blood boil with his abusive antics. Throughout the entire book I rooted for Marty to own Shiloh and find the money he so desperately needed to feed and take care of this dog.


Reviews:
(1991, December 1). [Review of the book Shiloh]. Booklist Starred, Vol. 88, No. 7.
In the West Virginia hill country, folks mind each other's privacy and personal rights, a principle that is respected in 11-year-old Marty Preston's family and reinforced by a strict code of honor--no lying, cheating, or taking what isn't yours. When a beagle he names Shiloh follows him home, Marty painfully learns that right and wrong are not always black and white. Marty's dad realizes that the beagle is Judd Travers' new hunting dog and insists they return Shiloh to his rightful owner, even though they both know that Judd keeps his dogs chained and hungry to make them more eager hunters. Sure enough, Judd claims the dog and greets him with a hard kick to his scrawny sides. Marty worries about Shiloh being abused and makes plans to buy the dog . . . if Judd will sell him. Then Shiloh runs away again, and Marty secretly shelters the dog, beginning a chain of lies as he takes food and covers his tracks. Though troubled about deceiving his family, Marty reasons, "a lie don't seem a lie anymore when it's meant to save a dog." The West Virginia dialect richly seasons the true-to-life dialogue. Even when the Prestons care for Shiloh after he is nearly killed by another dog, Mr. Preston insists Shiloh be returned to Judd if he recovers; however, Marty makes a deal with the malicious Judd to earn Shiloh for his own. Not until the final paragraph can readers relax--every turn of the plot confronts them with questions. Like Marty, readers gain understanding, though not acceptance, of Judd's tarnished character. Fueled by the love and trust of Shiloh, Marty displays a wisdom and strength beyond his years. Naylor offers a moving and powerful look at the best and the worst of human nature as well as the shades of gray that color most of life's dilemmas.

Use in a library setting:
I believe this book would be a great one to use with a library book club. There are great themes, moral situations, and characters to discuss in this story. I think this book could lead to some great conversations.

Module 2: Blueberries for Sal

Summary:
Blueberries for Sal is the classic tale of a girl and her mother spending the day together picking blueberries. Most of the blueberries Sal picks end up in her mouth instead of being saved for the canning her mother has planned for them. Sal's mother tells her to go off and find her own berries. In the meantime, a mother bear stumbles upon little Sal and a little bear finds Sal's mother's blueberries. Each of the "babies" ends up being reunited with her own mother. In the end the bears have stored up enough berries for winter and Sal and her mother have enough berries for their canning.

Reference:
McCloskey, R. (1948). Blueberries for Sal. New York: Viking.

My impressions of the book:
I enjoyed reading this book. It seems as though it's from the "age of innocence." A mother could trust her young child out in the wilderness with wild bears roaming and not even think twice about it. When the mother first told her child to run along I couldn't believe it! The area they were in seemed too dangerous and rugged for a child to be left on their own. Besides the great story I also enjoyed the illustrations. The pictures are black and white, but have a way of conveying Sal's innocence.

Reviews:
Sharpe, W. (n.d) [Review of the book Blueberries for Sal]. Retrieved from http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/Blueberries-for-Sal.html
This humorous, entertaining book for preschoolers is an easygoing tale with just enough suspense to make it interesting. Robert McCloskey's text and illustrations blend perfectly with the mix of characters to tell a story that tickles the imagination. The full-page illustrations make it easy for children to understand the emotions of the characters.

The idea of a little girl and a bear cub each following the wrong mother appeals to preschoolers' sense of humor. But beyond the entertainment value, the story provides some lessons for children. Subtly showing the kinship of humans and animals, McCloskey closely parallels the stories of Little Bear and Sal. This is an excellent read-aloud.

Uses in the library setting:
This books might be a good one to read aloud with a cause and effect lesson or perhaps to feature an older book that won a Caldecott Honor.

Module 1: Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind

Summary:
If students read 1,000 books by June 12, the principal will dye his hair purple and sleep on the roof of the school. There are voracious readers at the school who cannot put books down, and then there are the reluctant readers who would rather play video games than pick up any reading material and help attain the school goal. One particular reluctant reader has no interest in any genre. His teacher, Miss Malarky, tries to get this student to read from a variety of genres, hoping she'll stumble across a book he loves. The persistant teacher wins in the end because she finds a book with all of the elements in it that the student loves. He even reads at night under the covers with his flashlight. He reads book number 1,001, but that doesn't matter. The most important thing is that he discovers his love of reading.

Reference:
Fincher, J. & O'Malley, K. (2006). Miss Malarkey leaves no reader behind. New York: Walker Publishing Company, Inc.

My Impressions of the Book:
I thought this book was really predictable and I lost interest in it after the first couple of pages because I could clearly see where it was headed. I suppose this book was meant to be an inspiration to teachers to never give up trying to turn students into readers. From a teacher's perspective I don't think this is realistic. We may be able to reach most of our students and help them find books they enjoy, but you just can't win them all over, even if you're a super teacher! The other purpose was probably to inspire reluctant readers to try reading. I enjoy books with well developed characters, settings, and plots. This book just seemed weak to me in all of these areas. It didn't leave me wanting to read the rest of the books in the Miss Malarkey series.


Professional Book Reviews:
Phelan, C. (2006, July)[Review of the book Miss Malarky Leaves No Reader Behind] The Booklist, Vol. 102, No. 21.
Gr. 1-3. Ace teacher Miss Malarkey returns in a picture book narrated by a reluctant reader. Although comfortable within his small group of video-game-playing buddies, a boy wants to contribute to the schoolwide goal of reading 1,000 books in hope of seeing Principal Wiggins "dye his hair purple and sleep on the roof of the school."Trying one of Miss Malarkey's suggested books after another, he rejects them all--until she finds the perfect one to match his eclectic interests. Expressive cartoon-style illustrations, brightened with markers and colored pencils, create a series of lively scenes in which speech balloons record conversations and comments not found in the text. With an unstated moral, this is one volume that librarians won't soon forget. Short lists of recommended books, including a bibliography of adult books that recommend children's books, are appended.

Sheridan, R. (2006, August 1). [Review of Miss Malarky Leaves No Reader Behind]. School Library Journal, Vol 52, Issue 8, p. 81.
K-Gr 2-During the first week of school, Principal Wiggins promises that if the students read 1000 books by June 12, he will dye his hair purple and sleep on the roof. Miss Malarkey tells her class that they will be doing the Everybody Reads in America program and promises that all of the students will find books they love before the end of the school year. She picks some for each of them, engaging even reluctant readers. One boy remains unable to find a book he likes until June 10, when Miss Malarkey chooses one that has aliens, race cars, funny jokes, chewing gum, hot sauce, and cannonballs. It becomes number 1001 read by the students and the story ends with everyone wishing Principal Wiggins (whose hair is now purple) a good night on the roof. This title will resonate with those who choose math, video games, and sports over books. O'Malley's illustrations, done in markers and colored pencils, enhance the text with expressive pictures of the students and their teacher as they explore (or choose not to explore) the joys of reading. The illustrations lend humor and credibility to the reluctance of some of the students. A must-have for all libraries.-Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Use in a Library Setting:
Many school libraries have a reading contest or reading goal set for the school. This book might be a good way of showing students what a reading goal is and how students can work hard (even the reluctant ones) to achieve the goal. It takes everyone in the school working together to be victorious.

This book mentions a variety of genres. Teachers or librarians could use it as a springboard to discuss the various book genres that exist and could go more in depth about each one throughout the year, reading books aloud from these genres.