Book review-Michael Printz Young Adult Award winner-
1.Bibliography- Johnson, Angela. The First Part Last. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2003. ISBN 0689849222
2. Plot Summary-Using the topic of teenage pregnancy, this award-winning novel shares the fears and frustrations from a male perspective. Bobby, the main character, learns that he is about to become a father at the age of sixteen. Throughout the story, Bobby deals with the struggles that each new parent faces, such as the lack of sleep and increased responsibility. When faced with the topic of giving his daughter up for adoption, Bobby determines to be a good father even as Nia, his girlfriend, suffers permanent brain damage during the delivery of their baby and will never be able to help care for her.
3. Critical Analysis-The character of Bobby shows such raw emotion as the reader sees him adapt to his new parental role. The fears and frustrations felt by any new parent are evident as Bobby struggles to take care of his daughter, Feather. The journey that Bobby goes through is not only demanding physically but emotionally, as he knows that Nia will never know their daughter and be able to hold her. The author takes an extremely touchy, yet relevant topic in today’s society and tells the story from the teenage father’s point of view. I believe this is a story that many older, intermediate readers would consider to be a good read. I am not sure that elementary-age children should read it without parental guidance. Unfortunately, the nature of the topic shows a rapid ascent into adulthood for the character of Bobby and his responsibilities of caring for a newborn baby, while trying to do well in school. This story represents a real problem that is very relevant in our society, without stereotyping the typical teenage dad. Bobby represents the opposite of the what is the norm of teenage fathers.
4. Awards won and review excerpts-
Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature-2004
Coretta Scott King Award -2004
School Library Journal( starred review)-“Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting.”
Publishers Weekly( starred review)-“Readers will only clamor for more.”
U.S. News and World Report-“Johnson has carved a niche writing realistically about young people's issues.”
5. Connections-
Other books by Angela Johnson:
Johnson, Angela. Looking for Red. ISBN-10: 0689863888
Johnson, Angela. Heaven. ISBN-10: 144240342X
Johnson, Angela. Sweet Hereafter (The Heaven Trilogy). ISBN-10: 0689873859
Monday, April 26, 2010
Genre 6--LS 5603-Book review of a graphic novel
Book review-Graphic work
1.Bibliography- Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid. New York: Amulet Books, 2007. ISBN 13-9780810993136
2. Plot summary-This graphic novel, which has recently been released as a motion picture, gives a glimpse into the life of Greg Heffley as he enters middle school. The torment of early teen years is documented through each diary entry and further enjoyed through the cartoon drawings.
3. Critical Analysis-The character of Greg Heffley is the voice of how many feel as they entered their teenage years. He is walking the line between being seen as a little boy in his parents’ eyes and discovering where he fits in the world of middle school. The theme of growing up into adulthood is evident throughout the novel. The story is told with an attitude of survival, in school, with family and even with friends. Each person who reads any of the series will identify with Greg. Although the character is male, the story can be appreciated by each gender, especially those who are in the same grade level as Greg. With the addition of the cartoon drawings throughout the novel, we are able to understand Greg’s struggles even more with the addition of dialogue and details included in the drawing. Jeff Kinney’s style of writing invites the reader inside the mind of Greg and allows the reader to “walk in the shoes” of a young man entering the of chaotic and turbulent world of junior high. We are able to understand the story from his point of view.
4. Awards won and review excerpts-
Publishers Weekly(starred review)- “Middle school student Greg Heffley takes readers through an academic year's worth of drama. Kinney has a gift for believable preteen dialogue and narration (e.g., "Don't expect me to be all 'Dear Diary' this and 'Dear Diary' that"), and the illustrations serve as a hilarious counterpoint to Greg's often deadpan voice. The hero's utter obliviousness to his friends and family becomes a running joke.”
School Library Journal-“ Kinney does a masterful job of making the mundane life of boys on the brink of adolescence hilarious. Greg is a conflicted soul: he wants to do the right thing, but the constant quest for status and girls seems to undermine his every effort”
Booklist review- “The first year in the middle-school life of Greg Heffley is chronicled in this, episodic chapters. Most revolve around the adolescent male curse: the need to do incredibly dumb things because they seem to be a good idea at the time. Yet, unlike some other books about kids of this age, there's no sense of a slightly condescending adult writer behind the main character. At every moment, Greg seems real, and the engrossed reader will even occasionally see the logic in some of his choices. Greatly adding to the humor are Kinney's cartoons, which appear on every page. The simple line drawings perfectly capture archetypes of growing up, such as a preschool-age little brother, out-of-touch teachers, and an assortment of class nerds.”
5. Connections-
Other books in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series:
Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. ISBN-10: 0810994739
Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw. ISBN-10: 0810970686
Kinney, Jeff. Dog Days (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 4). ISBN-10: 0810983915
Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book. ISBN-10: 0810979772
1.Bibliography- Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid. New York: Amulet Books, 2007. ISBN 13-9780810993136
2. Plot summary-This graphic novel, which has recently been released as a motion picture, gives a glimpse into the life of Greg Heffley as he enters middle school. The torment of early teen years is documented through each diary entry and further enjoyed through the cartoon drawings.
3. Critical Analysis-The character of Greg Heffley is the voice of how many feel as they entered their teenage years. He is walking the line between being seen as a little boy in his parents’ eyes and discovering where he fits in the world of middle school. The theme of growing up into adulthood is evident throughout the novel. The story is told with an attitude of survival, in school, with family and even with friends. Each person who reads any of the series will identify with Greg. Although the character is male, the story can be appreciated by each gender, especially those who are in the same grade level as Greg. With the addition of the cartoon drawings throughout the novel, we are able to understand Greg’s struggles even more with the addition of dialogue and details included in the drawing. Jeff Kinney’s style of writing invites the reader inside the mind of Greg and allows the reader to “walk in the shoes” of a young man entering the of chaotic and turbulent world of junior high. We are able to understand the story from his point of view.
4. Awards won and review excerpts-
Publishers Weekly(starred review)- “Middle school student Greg Heffley takes readers through an academic year's worth of drama. Kinney has a gift for believable preteen dialogue and narration (e.g., "Don't expect me to be all 'Dear Diary' this and 'Dear Diary' that"), and the illustrations serve as a hilarious counterpoint to Greg's often deadpan voice. The hero's utter obliviousness to his friends and family becomes a running joke.”
School Library Journal-“ Kinney does a masterful job of making the mundane life of boys on the brink of adolescence hilarious. Greg is a conflicted soul: he wants to do the right thing, but the constant quest for status and girls seems to undermine his every effort”
Booklist review- “The first year in the middle-school life of Greg Heffley is chronicled in this, episodic chapters. Most revolve around the adolescent male curse: the need to do incredibly dumb things because they seem to be a good idea at the time. Yet, unlike some other books about kids of this age, there's no sense of a slightly condescending adult writer behind the main character. At every moment, Greg seems real, and the engrossed reader will even occasionally see the logic in some of his choices. Greatly adding to the humor are Kinney's cartoons, which appear on every page. The simple line drawings perfectly capture archetypes of growing up, such as a preschool-age little brother, out-of-touch teachers, and an assortment of class nerds.”
5. Connections-
Other books in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series:
Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. ISBN-10: 0810994739
Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw. ISBN-10: 0810970686
Kinney, Jeff. Dog Days (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 4). ISBN-10: 0810983915
Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book. ISBN-10: 0810979772
Monday, April 12, 2010
Genre 5-LS 5603 Book review of Scott O'Dell award winner
Book review of Scott O’Dell award winner
1.Bibliography: Curtis,Christopher P. Elijah of Buxton. New York: Scholastic Press, 2007. ISBN9780439023443
2. Plot Summary: This novel is the story of Elijah Freeman, the first child born free in the settlement of Buxton, Canada. Buxton was a settlement of freed slaves across the border from Detroit. Each of the members of this settlement lend a hand to help each other to have a better life as a freed person. Elijah’s adventures lead him to some dangerous experiences as he is asked to help with returning money needed to by the freedom of slaves who are still in captivity.
3. Critical Analysis: Elijah is a character that young readers can identify with. Elijah is a young man who enjoys spending time with his friends, fishing and sometimes gets into trouble with his friends. He is a very believable character because boys of this age are like him-liking the same hobbies, getting into a “bit” of trouble. However, his adventures are set in a different period of time. The issue of slavery and the attitude of the freed slaves is explained in a way that reader can understand and even the historical figure of Frederick Douglas has an important part in the story. The theme of the story is focused on family and taking of those in the community. The survival of the settlement is important to those who are now freed slaves and the importance is passed down to the children. Christopher Paul Curtis uses the speech patterns of the era. The setting of this story is essential because the members of this community belong to no one, they each take pride in being a productive member of society. Yet, across the water in Detroit, members of their families are still slaves and have no hope of freedom. The proximity of freedom is so close, but still so far. Elijah is the symbol of freedom to many in Buxton, because he was the first child who was born free, owned by no one.
4. Awards won and review excerpts:
Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award-2008
Booklist(starred review)-“ Inexperienced and prone to mistakes, yet kind, courageous, and understanding, Elijah has the distinction of being the first child born in the Buxton Settlement, which was founded in Ontario in 1849 as a haven for former slaves. Narrator Elijah tells an episodic story that builds a broad picture of Buxton's residents before plunging into the dramatic events that take him out of Buxton and, quite possibly, out of his depth. In the author's note, Curtis relates the difficulty of tackling the subject of slavery realistically through a child's first-person perspective. “
5. Connections:
Other books by Christopher Paul Curtis-
Curtis, Christopher P. Bud, Not Buddy. ISBN-10: 0553494104
Curtis, Christopher P. Mr. Chickee's Funny Money. ISBN-10: 0440229197
Curtis, Christopher P. Bucking the Sarge. ISBN-10: 0440413311
Curtis, Christopher P. Mr. Chickee's Messy Mission. ISBN-10: 0440229227
Curtis, Christopher P. The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963. ISBN-10: 044022800X
1.Bibliography: Curtis,Christopher P. Elijah of Buxton. New York: Scholastic Press, 2007. ISBN9780439023443
2. Plot Summary: This novel is the story of Elijah Freeman, the first child born free in the settlement of Buxton, Canada. Buxton was a settlement of freed slaves across the border from Detroit. Each of the members of this settlement lend a hand to help each other to have a better life as a freed person. Elijah’s adventures lead him to some dangerous experiences as he is asked to help with returning money needed to by the freedom of slaves who are still in captivity.
3. Critical Analysis: Elijah is a character that young readers can identify with. Elijah is a young man who enjoys spending time with his friends, fishing and sometimes gets into trouble with his friends. He is a very believable character because boys of this age are like him-liking the same hobbies, getting into a “bit” of trouble. However, his adventures are set in a different period of time. The issue of slavery and the attitude of the freed slaves is explained in a way that reader can understand and even the historical figure of Frederick Douglas has an important part in the story. The theme of the story is focused on family and taking of those in the community. The survival of the settlement is important to those who are now freed slaves and the importance is passed down to the children. Christopher Paul Curtis uses the speech patterns of the era. The setting of this story is essential because the members of this community belong to no one, they each take pride in being a productive member of society. Yet, across the water in Detroit, members of their families are still slaves and have no hope of freedom. The proximity of freedom is so close, but still so far. Elijah is the symbol of freedom to many in Buxton, because he was the first child who was born free, owned by no one.
4. Awards won and review excerpts:
Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award-2008
Booklist(starred review)-“ Inexperienced and prone to mistakes, yet kind, courageous, and understanding, Elijah has the distinction of being the first child born in the Buxton Settlement, which was founded in Ontario in 1849 as a haven for former slaves. Narrator Elijah tells an episodic story that builds a broad picture of Buxton's residents before plunging into the dramatic events that take him out of Buxton and, quite possibly, out of his depth. In the author's note, Curtis relates the difficulty of tackling the subject of slavery realistically through a child's first-person perspective. “
5. Connections:
Other books by Christopher Paul Curtis-
Curtis, Christopher P. Bud, Not Buddy. ISBN-10: 0553494104
Curtis, Christopher P. Mr. Chickee's Funny Money. ISBN-10: 0440229197
Curtis, Christopher P. Bucking the Sarge. ISBN-10: 0440413311
Curtis, Christopher P. Mr. Chickee's Messy Mission. ISBN-10: 0440229227
Curtis, Christopher P. The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963. ISBN-10: 044022800X
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Genre 5-LS 5603 Book review of Historical fiction-Avi
Book Review of historical novel by Avi
1. Bibliography: Avi, Seer of Shadows. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2008. ISBN 9780060000158
2. Plot Summary: Set in the 1870’s, this novel introduces the reader to Horace Carpetine. He becomes the apprentice to Enoch Middleditch, a society photographer. Through a strange turn of events, Horace believes that he has brought the spirit of a young girl back from the dead. With help of Pegg, a young servant and best friend to Eleanora, he discovers the truth behind the death of Eleanora and helps to correct the injustice of her death before her spirit takes revenge.
3. Critical Analysis: The setting of this story is important to be able to understand some of the ideas at this time. As Horace becomes the apprentice to Mr. Middleditch and begins to learn his new trade, we are introduced to the science of photography. The practice of photography was relatively new during the industrial revolution. Many of the modern conveniences that we take for granted were just being introduced and practiced at this time. It was then thought that a photograph captured the soul of a person forever and this concept makes this novel quite chilling due to the story line of Eleanora and her family. The character of Horace, who believed that science could explain everything, begins to question his thinking after Eleanora’s spirit keeps getting stronger and stronger every time he views her photograph. The reader can identify with Horace, because as a child grows older, they will sometimes question why they believe in a certain way. The theme of the story is somewhat dark and dreary, yet we see the glimmer of light as the friendship of Horace and Pegg develops to help free the spirit of Eleanora. The writing style of the author draws the reader in and has them wanting to find out more. Avi explains much of the scientific process of developing a photography through the character of Horace.
4. Awards won and review excerpts:
Publishers Weekly(starred review)-“An intriguing ghost story. Details about photographic processes add authenticity, while the book’s somber ending will leave spines tingling.”
Children’s Literature-“In perhaps his best work yet, Avi has created a truly chilling tale that will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned and the lights are turned out.”
Kirkus Reviews-“This tale proves that the time-honored ghost story, capably researched, well-paced and fusing the Gothic elements of mystery, madness and romance, can still thrill in the hands of a skilled craftsman.”
5. Connections:
Other books by Avi-
Avi. Crispin: The Cross of Lead. ISBN-10: 0689837771
Avi. Crispin: At the Edge of The World. ISBN-10: 078685152X
Avi. The Book Without Words: A Fable of Medieval Magic. ISBN-10: 0786816597
Avi. Murder at Midnight. ISBN-10: 0545080908
1. Bibliography: Avi, Seer of Shadows. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2008. ISBN 9780060000158
2. Plot Summary: Set in the 1870’s, this novel introduces the reader to Horace Carpetine. He becomes the apprentice to Enoch Middleditch, a society photographer. Through a strange turn of events, Horace believes that he has brought the spirit of a young girl back from the dead. With help of Pegg, a young servant and best friend to Eleanora, he discovers the truth behind the death of Eleanora and helps to correct the injustice of her death before her spirit takes revenge.
3. Critical Analysis: The setting of this story is important to be able to understand some of the ideas at this time. As Horace becomes the apprentice to Mr. Middleditch and begins to learn his new trade, we are introduced to the science of photography. The practice of photography was relatively new during the industrial revolution. Many of the modern conveniences that we take for granted were just being introduced and practiced at this time. It was then thought that a photograph captured the soul of a person forever and this concept makes this novel quite chilling due to the story line of Eleanora and her family. The character of Horace, who believed that science could explain everything, begins to question his thinking after Eleanora’s spirit keeps getting stronger and stronger every time he views her photograph. The reader can identify with Horace, because as a child grows older, they will sometimes question why they believe in a certain way. The theme of the story is somewhat dark and dreary, yet we see the glimmer of light as the friendship of Horace and Pegg develops to help free the spirit of Eleanora. The writing style of the author draws the reader in and has them wanting to find out more. Avi explains much of the scientific process of developing a photography through the character of Horace.
4. Awards won and review excerpts:
Publishers Weekly(starred review)-“An intriguing ghost story. Details about photographic processes add authenticity, while the book’s somber ending will leave spines tingling.”
Children’s Literature-“In perhaps his best work yet, Avi has created a truly chilling tale that will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned and the lights are turned out.”
Kirkus Reviews-“This tale proves that the time-honored ghost story, capably researched, well-paced and fusing the Gothic elements of mystery, madness and romance, can still thrill in the hands of a skilled craftsman.”
5. Connections:
Other books by Avi-
Avi. Crispin: The Cross of Lead. ISBN-10: 0689837771
Avi. Crispin: At the Edge of The World. ISBN-10: 078685152X
Avi. The Book Without Words: A Fable of Medieval Magic. ISBN-10: 0786816597
Avi. Murder at Midnight. ISBN-10: 0545080908
Friday, April 9, 2010
Genre 5-LS 5603 Review of classic work of historical fiction
LS 5603-Book Review of classic work of historical fiction
1.Bibliogaphy: Lowry,Lois. Number the Stars. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers, 1989. ISBN 0440403278
2.Plot Summary: Lois Lowry tells the story of sacrifices made to save the lives of others during the German occupation of Denmark during the 1940’s. Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen are two extraordinary young ladies who must deal with the constant changes in the lives due to the Nazi soldiers who have taken over their town. The relocation of Jews is a daily threat ,so Ellen comes to live with Annemarie and becomes part of their family. As a way to help Ellen reunite with her family, Annemarie is asked to participate in a very treacherous mission. As a result of her bravery, her best friend is safely taken to Sweden with her family.
3. Critical Analysis: The setting of this novel is Denmark during the German occupation. Many of the hardships faced by the Danish people are mentioned, such as no fuel for heat, electricity rationing, as well as many food rations. The hatred and fear felt by the Danish people toward the Germans is recognized through the eyes of the two friends as they see the world as they know it begin crumble. The hardships of war are seen through the feelings of Annemarie and Ellen, who should be enjoying the carefree days of childhood ,but are instead seeing the cold hard reality of what happens as the enemy takes over their country. Annemarie is the inspiring heroine who helps her best friend’s family escape to freedom with the help of a powerful hankerchief. Readers will be able to identify with the character of Annemarie and her willingness to help a friend in need.
4. Awards won and review excerpts:
School Library Journal-Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.
Newberry Medal 1990
Publishers Weekly review-"The whole work is seamless, compelling, and memorable -- impossible to put down; difficult to forget."
Horn Book review-“The whole book is seamless, compelling, and memorable-impossible to put down; difficult to forget.”
5. Connections:
Other books by Lois Lowry-
Lowry, Lois. The Giver. ISBN-10: 0385732554
Lowry, Lois. Messenger. ISBN-10: 0385737165
Lowry, Lois. Gathering Blue. ISBN-10: 0385732562
Lowry,Lois. Gossamer. ISBN-10: 0385734166
Lowry, Lois. The Silent Boy (Readers Circle). ISBN-10: 0440419808
Lowry, Lois. A Summer to Die. ISBN-10: 0385734204
1.Bibliogaphy: Lowry,Lois. Number the Stars. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers, 1989. ISBN 0440403278
2.Plot Summary: Lois Lowry tells the story of sacrifices made to save the lives of others during the German occupation of Denmark during the 1940’s. Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen are two extraordinary young ladies who must deal with the constant changes in the lives due to the Nazi soldiers who have taken over their town. The relocation of Jews is a daily threat ,so Ellen comes to live with Annemarie and becomes part of their family. As a way to help Ellen reunite with her family, Annemarie is asked to participate in a very treacherous mission. As a result of her bravery, her best friend is safely taken to Sweden with her family.
3. Critical Analysis: The setting of this novel is Denmark during the German occupation. Many of the hardships faced by the Danish people are mentioned, such as no fuel for heat, electricity rationing, as well as many food rations. The hatred and fear felt by the Danish people toward the Germans is recognized through the eyes of the two friends as they see the world as they know it begin crumble. The hardships of war are seen through the feelings of Annemarie and Ellen, who should be enjoying the carefree days of childhood ,but are instead seeing the cold hard reality of what happens as the enemy takes over their country. Annemarie is the inspiring heroine who helps her best friend’s family escape to freedom with the help of a powerful hankerchief. Readers will be able to identify with the character of Annemarie and her willingness to help a friend in need.
4. Awards won and review excerpts:
School Library Journal-Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.
Newberry Medal 1990
Publishers Weekly review-"The whole work is seamless, compelling, and memorable -- impossible to put down; difficult to forget."
Horn Book review-“The whole book is seamless, compelling, and memorable-impossible to put down; difficult to forget.”
5. Connections:
Other books by Lois Lowry-
Lowry, Lois. The Giver. ISBN-10: 0385732554
Lowry, Lois. Messenger. ISBN-10: 0385737165
Lowry, Lois. Gathering Blue. ISBN-10: 0385732562
Lowry,Lois. Gossamer. ISBN-10: 0385734166
Lowry, Lois. The Silent Boy (Readers Circle). ISBN-10: 0440419808
Lowry, Lois. A Summer to Die. ISBN-10: 0385734204
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