Module 1-School Poetry/LS 5663-20

Harrison,David L.. Somebody catch my homework. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mill Press, Inc., 1993.
ISBN 1-56397-520-3
From the moment that you pick up this book and begin reading, you are transported back in time. Each of us has forgotten information for a test or left homework at home. As adults, we tend to put those memories aside until we experience it with our own children. Harrison brings to life the emotions felt by students who have struggled with the possibility of having to write a story for homework or having to eat what the cafeteria is serving. Harrison does an excellent job of using words to help students visualize ideas, such as describing the lumps in the mashed potatoes as glue or comparing applesauce as watery goo. The poem is written in a rhyming format to allow a beginning reader to enjoy listening for each set of rhyming words.
The following poem could be enjoyed by any age group and could be used to introduce a unit on the food pyramid and healthy eating habits.
New Here?
You’ll love our food at our school.
Oh yes!
The lumps in the potatoes are glue
We guess.
The beef never mooed like a cow
You can bet
Though very few kids have died from it…
Yet.
The rolls are great to stone squirrels
From trees
But some of us blast them with
Buckshot peas.
The applesauce is watery
Goo
But suck it right down ‘cause it’s good
For you.
The best, of course, we all save for last-
Bouncing our Jell-O down the hall
Real fast.
I would also use this poem to share as students are preparing to go to lunch and have them think about how we could describe our lunch. This is a great opportunity to working on using describing words. Using an add from the newspaper or a magazine showing food, I would have the students verbally describe the food represent and ask them to use different adjectives, such as crunchy, smooth, puffy, and gooey.

Module 1-African American Poetry/LS 5663-20

Grimes,Nikki. A dime a dozen. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 1998.
ISBN 0-8037-2227-3
This collection of poems by Nikki Grimes shows her journey as a young woman of color struggling with issues of appearance, growing as a writer and dealing with the divorce of her parents. In the first poem, we see the determination of a young woman to achieve her dreams, in spite of her circumstances.
The Dream
Oh! To poet
like a laser,
pierce darkness
with one word!
I would use this poem as a catalyst for achieving your dreams. Children are not often allowed to dream about what they would like to do. This poem could be used to encourage students to write about they would like to achieve as adults. I would have the students list several goals that they would like to accomplish and share why. I feel that this activity would be beneficial for intermediate students. As an ice-breaker for the activity, I would have different staff members write about what their future goals were as young adults, without including their name and then have the students try to match the correct staff member with the story shared. As the instructor, I would also share what my goals were and how I felt in my journey to achieve them.
This specific book is broken down into three different sections, with each section giving the reader insight into the life of Nikki Grimes. As an introduction to the book, the poet shares that her mother tells her that writers are “a dime a dozen” and writers don’t come from their neighborhood. I feel that these poems can evoke memories of a time when each of us have been told that we need to be realistic and stop dreaming. This experience can bring about resentment and pain that many would not want to revisit. Nikki Grimes took her experience with being told to give up her dream, and through her words, she can encourage young writers to never give up on their dreams, no matter what.
Nikki Grimes has also shared the emotion of a child dealing with divorce. This topic is unfortunately something readers of all ages have experienced. As a child of divorce, she shares through her work the stress of worrying about the emotional state of both parents, financial issues and trying to have a healthy relationship with both parents. I feel that the following poem would be helpful to students who are struggling with these issues.
Untitled
It happened
to Maria
Malik
and Danny Gold;
To Javier
and Suki
Jim Roth
and Suzy Chow.
My parents
got divorced
last month
…..I guess I fit in now.

Genre 6-LS 5603 Book Review-Newberry Award Winner

Book review-Newberry award winner
1.Bibliography-Stead, Rebecca. When You Reach Me. New York, Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 9780385737425
2. Plot Summary-This is the story of a 6th grader named Miranda, who receives a mysterious note and strange things begin to happen in her life. Miranda and her mother are working to prepare for an appearance on the television game show, The $20,000 Pyramid. Mysterious notes, missing objects and unusual characters in her neighborhood help Miranda discover the important things in her life.
3. Critical Analysis-The character of Miranda is one with whom readers can identify. As the female protagonist, she is the only child of a single-working mother, who wants a better life for her and her daughter. Throughout the novel, many of the events that Miranda and her friends encounter help to facilitate their growth into adulthood. Set in to 1970’s, Miranda’s neighborhood is described in detail paying careful attention to the eccentric characters in and near her apartment building. With the addition of the mystery notes that begin to show up, the plot takes a strange twist and Miranda begins to make connections between the notes and occurrences in the neighborhood. She feels that the notes are going to lead to something tragic, and is unsure of what the future actually holds. This story presents a young woman on the verge of becoming a teenager and all of the problems and triumphs one her age can encounter. Rebecca Stead uses a delicate balance of dialogue and narration from the viewpoint of Miranda, while concentrating on building a better relationship with her mother, Richard-her mother’s boyfriend and her friends.
Texas Lone Star Book 2010-2011
Newberry Medal Winner 2010
School Library Journal(starred review)- “Stead's novel is as much about character as story. Miranda's voice rings true with its faltering attempts at maturity and observation. The story builds slowly, emerging naturally from a sturdy premise. As Miranda reminisces, the time sequencing is somewhat challenging, but in an intriguing way. The setting is consistently strong. The stores and even the streets–in Miranda's neighborhood act as physical entities and impact the plot in tangible ways.”
Kirkus Reviews(starred review)-"[W]hen all the sidewalk characters from Miranda's Manhattan world converge amid mind-blowing revelations and cunning details, teen readers will circle back to the beginning and say,'Wow ... cool.'"

Booklist(starred review)- "[T]he mental gymnastics required of readers are invigorating; and the characters, children, and adults are honest bits of humanity no matter in what place or time their souls rest."

The Horn Book Magazine (starred review)- "Closing revelations are startling and satisfying but quietly made, their reverberations giving plenty of impetus for the reader to go back to the beginning and catch what was missed.

People Magazine-"Absorbing."

The Wall Street Journal-"Readers ... are likely to find themselves chewing over the details of this superb and intricate tale long afterward."


5. Connections-
Another book by Rebecca Stead:
Stead, Rebecca. First Light. ISBN-10: 0440422221

Genre 6-LS 5603- Book Review of Michael L. Printz Award

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

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

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

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