Bibliography
Freedman, Russell. 2002. CONFUCIUS: THE GOLDEN RULE. Ill. by Frederic Clement. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books. ISBN 978-0439139571
Plot Summary
This biography of Confucius takes the reader through the many teachings of this great sage. Confucius was a minor government official in ancient China when he decided to leave his post to live a life of teaching his followers.
“The Analects” is a collection of his teachings based on the writings of his students and his students’ students. Confucius is not known to have ever written down any of his own ideas and teachings. He had many ideas about how governments should be run, “What is the purpose of government? It is to promote the welfare and happiness of the people—all the people” as well as on education, “”When people are educated, distinctions between classes disappear.””
Confucius’ teachings are still just as wise today as they were 2500 years ago. Many governments, including our own, based many of their laws on his teachings. His most famous is perhaps the Golden Rule: Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.
Critical Analysis
Russell Freedman’s CONFUCIUS: THE GOLDEN RULE is a wonderful introduction to this wise man from so long ago for the young teen audience. Freedman mentions at the beginning the lack of authenticated information about this great man, but that he has based his story of Confucius on “The Analects,” writings of his disciples based on his teachings.
Freedman weaves Confucius’ teachings with his life story, but it is not overwhelming for the young teen who already feels they have been given enough advice. He also does a fantastic job of making Confucius’ teachings relevant by highlighting their use in modern democratic ideals. Confucius believed that government jobs should be given to those most qualified, regardless of social class. This ideal plays out many modern governments around the globe.
At the end of the book, Freedman notes his research process and provides a list of preferred resources for further study. He also provides an index of famous sayings.
The illustrations were provided by Frederic Clement. The Chinese-style paintings appear to be just as ancient as the great philosopher; adding to this feel is the disintegrating picture frames. Each picture in accented with berries and flowers, lending to the image of sitting under the trees listening to Confucius as leaves flutter to the ground from above. The illustrations are full page and appear on every other page adding a buffer to the large amount of text that might otherwise turn off some teen readers.
Russell Freedman and Frederic Clement have created a valuable contribution to the biographies the world’s greatest philosophers.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s)
ALA Notable Book
Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2002
School Library Journal Best Book of 2002
Washington Post Top 10 Kids’ Books of 2002
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Freedman’s Confucius jumps off the page…fascinating narrative…”
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Clément’s moody, ethereal illustrations complement the thoughtful text, yet play up the mystery of Confucius’s life.”
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL “…Freedman compellingly conveys the profundity of his thoughts…”
Connections
*After reading the text, students can create a classroom constitution based on Confucius’ teachings.
*In small groups, students can discuss what Confucius might say about current events.
*Other books about Confucius and other ancient philosophers:
Carew-Miller, Anna and Shi-ming Zhang. CONFUCIUS: GREAT CHINESE PHILOSOPHER. ISBN 978-1590841495
Don Nardo. HISTORY MAKERS - ANCIENT PHILOSOPHERS. ISBN 978-1590182819
Usher, M. D. WISE GUY: THE LIFE AND PHILOSOPHY OF SOCRATES. ISBN 978-0374312497
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Information Books: The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
Bibliography
Sis, Peter. 2007. THE WALL: GROWING UP BEHIND THE IRON CURTIAN. New York: Frances Foster Books. ISBN 978-0374347017
Plot Summary
In THE WALL, Peter Sis tells his story of growing up on the “wrong” side of the Iron Curtain. Peter has been an artist from the beginning. He grew up in Soviet-controlled Czechoslovakia being indoctrinated in the Communist way of life- being spied on and asked to spy on others, including his own parents. There were many things he had to do- learn Russian, join the Young Pioneers (the Communist youth movement), even collecting hops for beer. Before going to school, Peter was free to draw what he wanted, but when he went to school, he was told to draw pro-communist illustrations. In 1968, the iron grip the government had on its people is briefly lifted, but it doesn’t last. The Soviets bring tanks to regain control. As Peter matures, he begins to have dreams of freedom and liberty and happiness. In 1984, while permitted to work in Los Angeles, Peter refuses to return to his country, fearing that he would never see his family again. Thankfully, in the late 80’s, Soviet-controlled countries like Czechoslovakia, are given their independence.
Critical Analysis
Peter Sis combines his country’s political history with his own autobiography using brilliant artwork to do most of the telling. The artwork, pencil drawings, is like reading a comic book, but with annotations. The drawings tell a story of their own with the all- important red flags and stars prominently displayed in stark contrast to the gray tones of his life. The black and white drawings are a sad symbol of life behind the Iron Curtain. A life without color. But the colors show up, sometimes just a little and sometimes across the whole page, symbolizing freedom, hopes, dreams, and happiness. The late 1960s are depicted across a two page spread of bright colors and whimsy. These were happy times and it comes shiny through in this pictorial.
Sis does an excellent job of not bogging down the reader with facts about Communism, but gives just enough detail to keep the reader gasping-“Children are encouraged to report on their families and fellow students”- and wanting to know more. His story is told across the bottom of the page in short, simple sentences-“He didn’t question what he was being told. Then he found out there were things he wasn’t being told.”- while the story of his country is laid out next to the pictures in italics-“Telephones are bugged” and “Free radio stations are jammed again”. Every so often, he throws in two pages of excerpts from his journal, revealing more of his story, allowing the reader to get inside his head; his thoughts and feelings. In 1977 he writes, “Rumors, rumors, rumors. Everyone suspects everyone else of being an informer. Can we hope things are ever going to get better?” It is possible to hear his frustration and loss of hope as people seem to be turning on each other.
As the reader moves through timeline of Peter’s life, they are swept up in emotions of sadness, shock, anger, hope, and finally joy. What a remarkable retelling of history.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s)
Caldecott Honor Book
Robert F. Sibert Award - Medal
American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults
Boston Globe - Horn Book Award
Booklist Editors' Choice
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books of the Year
WASHINGTON POST BOOK WORLD review: “The Wall makes for irresistible reading.”
Starred review in THE BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN”S BOOKS: "Will both engross and haunt his audience.”
Starred review in KIRKUS: "A masterpiece for readers young and old."
Starred review in THE HORN BOOK: ““The deployment of media choices and color throughout the book is both expert and telling…”
Connections
*THE WALL can be used to supplement social studies lessons about the effects of WWII and/or socialism/communism.
*In Social Studies, it can also be used to discuss the differences between communism and capitalism.
*In an art class (or literature), the illustrations can be used to discuss how color can show mood.
Other books about the Berlin Wall, the Iron Curtain, and Communism:
Schmemann, Serge. WHEN THE WALL CAME DOWN: THE BERLIN WALL AND THE FALL OF SOVIET COMMUNISM. ISBN 978-0753461532b
Gottfried, Ted. THE ROAD TO COMMUNISM. ISBN 978-0761325574
Dahlberg, Maurine F. ESCAPE TO WEST BERLIN. ISBN 978-0374309596
Sis, Peter. 2007. THE WALL: GROWING UP BEHIND THE IRON CURTIAN. New York: Frances Foster Books. ISBN 978-0374347017
Plot Summary
In THE WALL, Peter Sis tells his story of growing up on the “wrong” side of the Iron Curtain. Peter has been an artist from the beginning. He grew up in Soviet-controlled Czechoslovakia being indoctrinated in the Communist way of life- being spied on and asked to spy on others, including his own parents. There were many things he had to do- learn Russian, join the Young Pioneers (the Communist youth movement), even collecting hops for beer. Before going to school, Peter was free to draw what he wanted, but when he went to school, he was told to draw pro-communist illustrations. In 1968, the iron grip the government had on its people is briefly lifted, but it doesn’t last. The Soviets bring tanks to regain control. As Peter matures, he begins to have dreams of freedom and liberty and happiness. In 1984, while permitted to work in Los Angeles, Peter refuses to return to his country, fearing that he would never see his family again. Thankfully, in the late 80’s, Soviet-controlled countries like Czechoslovakia, are given their independence.
Critical Analysis
Peter Sis combines his country’s political history with his own autobiography using brilliant artwork to do most of the telling. The artwork, pencil drawings, is like reading a comic book, but with annotations. The drawings tell a story of their own with the all- important red flags and stars prominently displayed in stark contrast to the gray tones of his life. The black and white drawings are a sad symbol of life behind the Iron Curtain. A life without color. But the colors show up, sometimes just a little and sometimes across the whole page, symbolizing freedom, hopes, dreams, and happiness. The late 1960s are depicted across a two page spread of bright colors and whimsy. These were happy times and it comes shiny through in this pictorial.
Sis does an excellent job of not bogging down the reader with facts about Communism, but gives just enough detail to keep the reader gasping-“Children are encouraged to report on their families and fellow students”- and wanting to know more. His story is told across the bottom of the page in short, simple sentences-“He didn’t question what he was being told. Then he found out there were things he wasn’t being told.”- while the story of his country is laid out next to the pictures in italics-“Telephones are bugged” and “Free radio stations are jammed again”. Every so often, he throws in two pages of excerpts from his journal, revealing more of his story, allowing the reader to get inside his head; his thoughts and feelings. In 1977 he writes, “Rumors, rumors, rumors. Everyone suspects everyone else of being an informer. Can we hope things are ever going to get better?” It is possible to hear his frustration and loss of hope as people seem to be turning on each other.
As the reader moves through timeline of Peter’s life, they are swept up in emotions of sadness, shock, anger, hope, and finally joy. What a remarkable retelling of history.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s)
Caldecott Honor Book
Robert F. Sibert Award - Medal
American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults
Boston Globe - Horn Book Award
Booklist Editors' Choice
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books of the Year
WASHINGTON POST BOOK WORLD review: “The Wall makes for irresistible reading.”
Starred review in THE BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN”S BOOKS: "Will both engross and haunt his audience.”
Starred review in KIRKUS: "A masterpiece for readers young and old."
Starred review in THE HORN BOOK: ““The deployment of media choices and color throughout the book is both expert and telling…”
Connections
*THE WALL can be used to supplement social studies lessons about the effects of WWII and/or socialism/communism.
*In Social Studies, it can also be used to discuss the differences between communism and capitalism.
*In an art class (or literature), the illustrations can be used to discuss how color can show mood.
Other books about the Berlin Wall, the Iron Curtain, and Communism:
Schmemann, Serge. WHEN THE WALL CAME DOWN: THE BERLIN WALL AND THE FALL OF SOVIET COMMUNISM. ISBN 978-0753461532b
Gottfried, Ted. THE ROAD TO COMMUNISM. ISBN 978-0761325574
Dahlberg, Maurine F. ESCAPE TO WEST BERLIN. ISBN 978-0374309596
Informational Books: BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST
Bibliography
Jenkins, Steve. 1995. BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0395861363
Plot Summary
A blue whale can “grow to be 110 feet long” and the smallest bird, the bee hummingbird, weighs less than a dime. Steven Jenkins writes about these and other fascinating facts about the animal kingdoms world record holders in BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST.
Critical Analysis
The facts provided by Steve Jenkins are truly fascinating, enticing the reader to want to know more about these animals. The author provides the world record fact about each animal first in large print at the top of the page (“The sun jellyfish is the world’s longest animal.”) but then expands on the information about the animal with two additional facts towards the bottom of the page (their tentacles can be over 200 feet long and they use them to stun fish to eat). Next to these tidbits are comparison charts for the reader to visualize the difference between the animal and people. The information being presented on each page is made very accessible to the young audience yet manages to piques the interest of an older audience as well. A chart at the end of the book offers a comparison of all the animals including their record, size, diet, and range (location).
The double page spread of realistic collages is incredible. The addition of texture to the collages adds an authentic quality to the illustrations. The animals are emphasized in their muted tones against the bright backdrops of each page. Be warned: some of these animals jump right off the page.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s)
Booklist Editor's Choice citation, 1995
BOOKLIST review: “Beautiful double-page-spread…” and “Here's proof that power isn't just about size and that science can be a lot of fun.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The realistic, inventive, textured illustrations, mostly double spreads, flow smoothly from page to page.”
Connections
*In math, this book can be used to teach concepts such as estimation, measuring, and comparing quantities.
* In Science, the book can be used to study characteristics of animals and how each has adapted to its environment.
*Other books about animals:
Whipple, Laura. ERIC CARLE’S ANIMALS ANIMALS. ISBN 978-0698118553
Moses, Brian. ELEPHANTS CAN”S JUMP AND OTHER POEMS ABOUT ANIMALS.
Jenkins, Steve. 1995. BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0395861363
Plot Summary
A blue whale can “grow to be 110 feet long” and the smallest bird, the bee hummingbird, weighs less than a dime. Steven Jenkins writes about these and other fascinating facts about the animal kingdoms world record holders in BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST.
Critical Analysis
The facts provided by Steve Jenkins are truly fascinating, enticing the reader to want to know more about these animals. The author provides the world record fact about each animal first in large print at the top of the page (“The sun jellyfish is the world’s longest animal.”) but then expands on the information about the animal with two additional facts towards the bottom of the page (their tentacles can be over 200 feet long and they use them to stun fish to eat). Next to these tidbits are comparison charts for the reader to visualize the difference between the animal and people. The information being presented on each page is made very accessible to the young audience yet manages to piques the interest of an older audience as well. A chart at the end of the book offers a comparison of all the animals including their record, size, diet, and range (location).
The double page spread of realistic collages is incredible. The addition of texture to the collages adds an authentic quality to the illustrations. The animals are emphasized in their muted tones against the bright backdrops of each page. Be warned: some of these animals jump right off the page.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s)
Booklist Editor's Choice citation, 1995
BOOKLIST review: “Beautiful double-page-spread…” and “Here's proof that power isn't just about size and that science can be a lot of fun.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The realistic, inventive, textured illustrations, mostly double spreads, flow smoothly from page to page.”
Connections
*In math, this book can be used to teach concepts such as estimation, measuring, and comparing quantities.
* In Science, the book can be used to study characteristics of animals and how each has adapted to its environment.
*Other books about animals:
Whipple, Laura. ERIC CARLE’S ANIMALS ANIMALS. ISBN 978-0698118553
Moses, Brian. ELEPHANTS CAN”S JUMP AND OTHER POEMS ABOUT ANIMALS.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Bibliography
Lewis, J. Patrick. 1998. DOODLE DANDIES: POEMS THAT TAKE SHAPE. Ill. Lisa Desimini. New York: Atheneum. ISBN 978-0689848896.
Plot Summary
A collection of 19 concrete poems taking the shape of anything from animals to skyscrapers to the night sky.
Critical Analysis
J. Patrick Lewis must have enjoyed himself as he created this delicious set of poems for young kids to feast on. The poems are clever. The shapes are part of the story being told. In Lashondra Scores! The words start out large on the left and get smaller as they arch upwards and get slightly larger as they come back down on the right for the score. The visual adds to the drama of the clock ticking down and that one last shot, ever so slowly, makes its way across the court.
Weeping Willow makes use of not only the seemingly sad shape of a willow tree, but uses repetition and alliteration with the “W” sound to mimic the sadness of the “wee widow weeping” with “Her wind-woven hair softly sweeping/softly sweeping.”
The poems, written in their shapes, are only augmented by the brilliant use of items to create a collage. In A Swing and a Miss, real baseballs are used with a green grass rug as the outfield. The giraffe in Giraffe is created with the words while the backdrop is created using large green leaves and hay or dried grass. Very simple, yet somehow simply perfect for depicting the natural habitat of these animals.
Any child will find DOODLE DANDIES to be just dandy. Much entertainment will come as small children delight in finding the shapes of these imaginative poems.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s)
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “…mix of clever language and visual delights …”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “an inventive collection of concrete poems.”
This book is not an award winner.
Connections
*After sharing this book of shape poems, students can choose an object of their own to describe using only adjective. Student then would create a poem using the adjectives and the shape of the object.
*Other collections of concrete poems:
Grandits, John. BLUE LIPSTICK: CONCRETE POEMS. ISBN 978-0618851324.
Janeczko, Paul B. A POKE IN THE I: A COLLECTION OF CONCRETE POEMS. ISBN 978-0763623760.
Lewis, J. Patrick. 1998. DOODLE DANDIES: POEMS THAT TAKE SHAPE. Ill. Lisa Desimini. New York: Atheneum. ISBN 978-0689848896.
Plot Summary
A collection of 19 concrete poems taking the shape of anything from animals to skyscrapers to the night sky.
Critical Analysis
J. Patrick Lewis must have enjoyed himself as he created this delicious set of poems for young kids to feast on. The poems are clever. The shapes are part of the story being told. In Lashondra Scores! The words start out large on the left and get smaller as they arch upwards and get slightly larger as they come back down on the right for the score. The visual adds to the drama of the clock ticking down and that one last shot, ever so slowly, makes its way across the court.
Weeping Willow makes use of not only the seemingly sad shape of a willow tree, but uses repetition and alliteration with the “W” sound to mimic the sadness of the “wee widow weeping” with “Her wind-woven hair softly sweeping/softly sweeping.”
The poems, written in their shapes, are only augmented by the brilliant use of items to create a collage. In A Swing and a Miss, real baseballs are used with a green grass rug as the outfield. The giraffe in Giraffe is created with the words while the backdrop is created using large green leaves and hay or dried grass. Very simple, yet somehow simply perfect for depicting the natural habitat of these animals.
Any child will find DOODLE DANDIES to be just dandy. Much entertainment will come as small children delight in finding the shapes of these imaginative poems.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s)
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “…mix of clever language and visual delights …”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “an inventive collection of concrete poems.”
This book is not an award winner.
Connections
*After sharing this book of shape poems, students can choose an object of their own to describe using only adjective. Student then would create a poem using the adjectives and the shape of the object.
*Other collections of concrete poems:
Grandits, John. BLUE LIPSTICK: CONCRETE POEMS. ISBN 978-0618851324.
Janeczko, Paul B. A POKE IN THE I: A COLLECTION OF CONCRETE POEMS. ISBN 978-0763623760.
Poetry: My Man Blue
Bibliography
Grimes, Nikki. 1999. MY MAN BLUE. Ill. Jerome Lagarrigue. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0142301975.
Plot Summary
In this poetry picture book Damon meets an old friend of his mother’s, Blue, whom he quickly informs, “…in this family I’m the only man of the house.” Blue earns Damon’s respect by showing him respect. Blue has lost his son to the streets and does his best to protect Damon. Damon learns how to be a real man: taking care of his mother, standing up to bullies in a non violent way, and not being afraid to show he cares. In the end, Blue has become the man Damon looks up to and aspires to emulate.
Critical Analysis
Nikki Grimes does a fantastic job of telling a story through 14 linked poems. Each one can stand on its own merit, but works in conjunction with the rest to tell the story of how Damon came to love Blue.
Each poem has its own rhyme scheme and rhythm giving the story some variation for page to page. The first poem, My Man Blue has an ABAB rhyme scheme giving the poem a sing-song quality: “His leathery skin’s /Like indigo ink/This rugged dude/Who some folk think” has an ABAB rhyme scheme giving the poem a sing-song quality where as Like Blue has no rhyme scheme but still flows beautifully from line to line: “One day/I’ll be like Blue/Not Fierce/In black leather/Or built like/A heavyweight/Boxing machine/But like that/Other Blue I’ve seen/…”
Grimes’ poetry is full of imagery bringing each poem to a life of its own. In Fearless, Blue urges Damon to “loop/My fear like twine/Around a branch and use/The rope to climb” creating a interesting visual of using fear to climb out of a bad situation. In His Hands, Damon describes Blues hands as “a rough sculpture of thick fingers/” leading the reader to think of a person who has used his hands for hard, physical labor.
The illustrator, Jerome Lagarrigue, paints a beautiful story with bold, but muted, colors and broad brush strokes. His pictures add an element of depth to the poems. Although the poems illustrate the deep feelings Blue has, the illustrations enhance the sadness behind Blue’s eyes and the desire to do better by Damon than he did for his own son.
While your heart breaks for the loss of Blue’s son and the fatherless Damon, it also finds hope and warmth in knowing they help each other through their losses and become better men for it on the other side.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s)
A Booklist Editor's Choice
Newsweek Best Children's Picture Books of the Year
Society of School Librarians International Honor Book
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: “…heartfelt poems…” and “The art creates an ideal setting for the text…”
Kirkus REVIEWS review: “…gets across more subtle life lessons…”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “A great picture book for older readers.”
Connections
* Can lead a discussion on judging people before getting to know them and/or on what they look like on the outside.
*Other poetry books about family:
Hopkins, Lee Bennet. BEEN TO YESTERDAYS. ISBN 978-1563978081
Johnson, Angela. DADDY CALLS ME MAN. ISBN 978-0531071755
Grimes, Nikki. 1999. MY MAN BLUE. Ill. Jerome Lagarrigue. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0142301975.
Plot Summary
In this poetry picture book Damon meets an old friend of his mother’s, Blue, whom he quickly informs, “…in this family I’m the only man of the house.” Blue earns Damon’s respect by showing him respect. Blue has lost his son to the streets and does his best to protect Damon. Damon learns how to be a real man: taking care of his mother, standing up to bullies in a non violent way, and not being afraid to show he cares. In the end, Blue has become the man Damon looks up to and aspires to emulate.
Critical Analysis
Nikki Grimes does a fantastic job of telling a story through 14 linked poems. Each one can stand on its own merit, but works in conjunction with the rest to tell the story of how Damon came to love Blue.
Each poem has its own rhyme scheme and rhythm giving the story some variation for page to page. The first poem, My Man Blue has an ABAB rhyme scheme giving the poem a sing-song quality: “His leathery skin’s /Like indigo ink/This rugged dude/Who some folk think” has an ABAB rhyme scheme giving the poem a sing-song quality where as Like Blue has no rhyme scheme but still flows beautifully from line to line: “One day/I’ll be like Blue/Not Fierce/In black leather/Or built like/A heavyweight/Boxing machine/But like that/Other Blue I’ve seen/…”
Grimes’ poetry is full of imagery bringing each poem to a life of its own. In Fearless, Blue urges Damon to “loop/My fear like twine/Around a branch and use/The rope to climb” creating a interesting visual of using fear to climb out of a bad situation. In His Hands, Damon describes Blues hands as “a rough sculpture of thick fingers/” leading the reader to think of a person who has used his hands for hard, physical labor.
The illustrator, Jerome Lagarrigue, paints a beautiful story with bold, but muted, colors and broad brush strokes. His pictures add an element of depth to the poems. Although the poems illustrate the deep feelings Blue has, the illustrations enhance the sadness behind Blue’s eyes and the desire to do better by Damon than he did for his own son.
While your heart breaks for the loss of Blue’s son and the fatherless Damon, it also finds hope and warmth in knowing they help each other through their losses and become better men for it on the other side.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s)
A Booklist Editor's Choice
Newsweek Best Children's Picture Books of the Year
Society of School Librarians International Honor Book
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: “…heartfelt poems…” and “The art creates an ideal setting for the text…”
Kirkus REVIEWS review: “…gets across more subtle life lessons…”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “A great picture book for older readers.”
Connections
* Can lead a discussion on judging people before getting to know them and/or on what they look like on the outside.
*Other poetry books about family:
Hopkins, Lee Bennet. BEEN TO YESTERDAYS. ISBN 978-1563978081
Johnson, Angela. DADDY CALLS ME MAN. ISBN 978-0531071755
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Poetry: One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies
Bibliography
Sones, Sonya. 2004. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-85820-5.
Plot Summary
Ruby has just lost her mother to a devastating disease and before she knows it, she is on an airplane from the east coast to the west to live with her father. Ruby is forced to leave behind her dead mother, best friend, and gorgeous boyfriend to live with a father she has never met and has only seen in the movies. Although Ruby is trying very hard to hate her father, it becomes harder and harder the longer she is with him. Ruby eventually learns the truth about why he was never a part of her life and a little about herself too.
Critical Analysis
In this verse novel, Sonya Sones perfects the voice of a teenage girl pouring out her heart and soul about her horrible life. Ruby is cynical when it comes to her father and vows to avoid the cliché fairytale, but steps right into it over and over. Her stories, almost like diary entries, are comical looking in from the outside. The reader feels for her as she describes the effect of multiple losses-her mother, aunt, best friend, boyfriend, life, home- but laughs as she describes her anguish living with her father. In one verse she describes her father as an idiot as he boast about his pancakes and in the next, she is ready “to ram the whole perfect plateful right down his throat” because they are that good.
Written in verse, but reads like a novel. The reader almost forgets it is written in verse as it flows easily from one poem to the next. It does not rhyme or follow a particular pattern, but it is filled with imagery-“You should have seen the heads swivel…It was like something out of the Exorcist.”- and emotion-“… he’s about a decade and half too late,” deflecting her father’s attempts to get to know her and for her to get to know him. She is not about to forgive and forget.
The story being told is very engaging and keeps the reader’s attention. But as much as Ruby proclaims disgust for the cliché, the ending is very much so. It makes sense for this novel, almost like Sones was telling the reader it won’t end like you expect, but at the last minute “Hah! Gotcha!” Except in this instance, it is a little disappointing. It seems as if the ending is a bit rushed or abrupt.
Most every teen girl will be drawn to this story and spread the news like wildfire. It should fly off the library shelves ones word gets around.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “It's solid and well written…”
Starred reviews in BOOKLIST: “A satisfying, moving novel that will be a winner for both eager and reluctant readers. “
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: "A winning portrayal of a teenage girl's loves and losses."
BOOKPAGE review: "Ruby's voice is pitch-perfect."
2004 Cuffie Award from Publisher’s Weekly for the Best Book Title of the Year
2005 Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association
Multiple state awards voted on by teens
Connections
*This book can be used as a bridge between novels and poetry with kids.
*Lead a discussion on death, child/parent relationships, or change.
*Other books written in verse:
Lynch, Chris. WHITECHURCH. ISBN 978-0064471435
Smith, Hope Anita. THE WAY A DOOR CLOSES. ISBN 978-0805064773
*Other stories about father/daughter relationships:
Thesman, Jean. THE STORYTELLER’S DAUGHTER. ISBN 978-0141303147
Papademetriou, Lisa. CHASING NORMAL. ISBN 978-1423103417
Sones, Sonya. 2004. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-85820-5.
Plot Summary
Ruby has just lost her mother to a devastating disease and before she knows it, she is on an airplane from the east coast to the west to live with her father. Ruby is forced to leave behind her dead mother, best friend, and gorgeous boyfriend to live with a father she has never met and has only seen in the movies. Although Ruby is trying very hard to hate her father, it becomes harder and harder the longer she is with him. Ruby eventually learns the truth about why he was never a part of her life and a little about herself too.
Critical Analysis
In this verse novel, Sonya Sones perfects the voice of a teenage girl pouring out her heart and soul about her horrible life. Ruby is cynical when it comes to her father and vows to avoid the cliché fairytale, but steps right into it over and over. Her stories, almost like diary entries, are comical looking in from the outside. The reader feels for her as she describes the effect of multiple losses-her mother, aunt, best friend, boyfriend, life, home- but laughs as she describes her anguish living with her father. In one verse she describes her father as an idiot as he boast about his pancakes and in the next, she is ready “to ram the whole perfect plateful right down his throat” because they are that good.
Written in verse, but reads like a novel. The reader almost forgets it is written in verse as it flows easily from one poem to the next. It does not rhyme or follow a particular pattern, but it is filled with imagery-“You should have seen the heads swivel…It was like something out of the Exorcist.”- and emotion-“… he’s about a decade and half too late,” deflecting her father’s attempts to get to know her and for her to get to know him. She is not about to forgive and forget.
The story being told is very engaging and keeps the reader’s attention. But as much as Ruby proclaims disgust for the cliché, the ending is very much so. It makes sense for this novel, almost like Sones was telling the reader it won’t end like you expect, but at the last minute “Hah! Gotcha!” Except in this instance, it is a little disappointing. It seems as if the ending is a bit rushed or abrupt.
Most every teen girl will be drawn to this story and spread the news like wildfire. It should fly off the library shelves ones word gets around.
Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “It's solid and well written…”
Starred reviews in BOOKLIST: “A satisfying, moving novel that will be a winner for both eager and reluctant readers. “
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: "A winning portrayal of a teenage girl's loves and losses."
BOOKPAGE review: "Ruby's voice is pitch-perfect."
2004 Cuffie Award from Publisher’s Weekly for the Best Book Title of the Year
2005 Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association
Multiple state awards voted on by teens
Connections
*This book can be used as a bridge between novels and poetry with kids.
*Lead a discussion on death, child/parent relationships, or change.
*Other books written in verse:
Lynch, Chris. WHITECHURCH. ISBN 978-0064471435
Smith, Hope Anita. THE WAY A DOOR CLOSES. ISBN 978-0805064773
*Other stories about father/daughter relationships:
Thesman, Jean. THE STORYTELLER’S DAUGHTER. ISBN 978-0141303147
Papademetriou, Lisa. CHASING NORMAL. ISBN 978-1423103417
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