CRISS CROSS

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Perkins, Lynn Rae. 2006. CRISS CROSS. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780060092726

PLOT SUMMARY
A combination of coming of age and love story, Criss Cross follows three adolescents as they look for romance. There’s Debbie who makes a wish that "something different would happen. Something good. To me.” Hector that suddenly decides to learn guitar in hopes of building confidence and attracting girls, and Lennie the mechanical gear-head type that falls for Debbie. Each chapter alternates between the three narrators as we get a closer glimpse into their lives and witness how our lives “criss cross” daily with each decision we make.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The setting is realistic and could take place anywhere in any time. The recurring theme of young teens looking for romance and flirting awkwardly is something any reader can relate to. The writing includes poems, haikus, and prose as well as the author’s own illustrations fills the novel. The author’s own pen and ink drawings appear frequently. The varied vignettes are shown through a typical teen point of view. Adolescents can certainly relate to the self-conscious wonderings. The characters of Debbie, Hector, and Lennie are typical kids. They don’t quite know how to express themselves nor truly understand themselves at this point. They are all interested in other people, but are somehow still connected to their childhood friendships. Each character finds comfort in knowing that each will be there, yet struggle to find their place in the in the world and the teen social scene.

REVIEW EXCEPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Young teens will certainly relate to the self-consciousnesses and uncertainty of all of the characters, each of whom is straining toward clarity and awareness.”
KIRKUS: “A tenderly existential work that will reward more thoughtful readers in this age of the ubiquitous action saga.”

CONNECTIONS
Another novel by Lynne Rae Perkins:
ALL ALONE IN THE UNIVERSE. ISBN 0380733021

Other Newberry Medal winners:
Curtis, Christopher Paul. BUD, NOT BUDDY. ISBN 0553494104
Kadohata, Cynthia. KIRA-KIRA. ISBN 0689856407
Picture credit: Barnes and Noble.com

ARTEMIS FOWL

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Colfer, Eoin. 2001. ARTEMIS FOWL. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786817879

PLOT SUMMARY
Twelve year old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has concocted a plan to reclaim the family fortune. To do so he must simply steal gold from a fairy. However, this fairy, Holly Short, is also a member of LEPrecon, a high-tech organization that will protect its gold from the Mud People (humans) with great diligence and fire-power. Soon, Artemis finds himself tangled in a battle with centaurs, gnomes, and trolls.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The underground world of fairies depicts a setting that lures in today’s young reader. This high fantasy novel captures the magical world beautifully as well as adds a touch of science fiction with its use of time stop, mesmer, and bio-bomb. The beautiful Irish countryside is home to Fowl Manor, Artemis’ “evil lair.” The character of Artemis is complex and enjoyable. One moment he is showing himself to be cold-hearted and ruthless, the next you sense vulnerability in him during the scenes with his mother. His never-ending quest to regain his family’s billionaire status suggests a greed that may be his undoing. Captain Holly Short is the first female to be in recon and has a great deal to prove to her male co-workers. Female readers will like the strong female role she portrays. The theme of desiring a mother’s love and attention is something in which all readers can relate. The story is rich in folklore and mythology. Readers will enjoy trying to crack the code that Colfer has added to the bottom of each page and playing along on the website.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Savagely funny page-turner."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Colfer's anti-hero, techno fantasy is cleverly written and filled to the brim with action, suspense, and humor.”

CONNECTIONS
Other novels in the series:
Colfer, Eoin. THE ARTIC INCIDENT. ISBN 0786851473
Colfer, Eoin. THE ETERNITY CODE. ISBN 0786819146

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LOOKING FOR ALASKA

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Green, John. 2006. LOOKING FOR ALASKA. New York: Dutton. ISBN 0142402516

PLOT SUMMARY
Sixteen year old Miles Halter is in search of “the Great Perhaps.” Bored and unchallenged, he decides to enroll in an Alabama boarding school. While at school he befriends his roommate, Chip, and the beautiful Alaska Young. Together they experience love, life, and loss, all while trying to prank the rich kids.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This coming of age story involves the usual teen angst of smoking, drinking, sex and pranks. Finding himself with friends for the fist time in his life, Miles searches for his place in the world and learns too late how the lives of others affect us. The characters are likeable and realistic. They enjoy “wreaking havoc,” but don’t want to get in trouble, worry about getting good grades, and pulling off the perfect prank. This high school tale is geared for grades 9 and up, and rightly so. The mature subject matter might not be appropriate for the junior high set, but the lessons learned about loyalty to friends and underage drinking are important. The plot takes a few twists, which helps move the story along. The chapters are short and have titles such as “one hundred and thirty six days before” and “twenty days after” which foretell of a tragedy to come. The fun-filled tone is sometimes overshadowed with Alaska’s moody darkness, but her character represents the sadness and depression that does affect so many teens today. The setting, time, and place are fairly generic and could take place most anywhere. The only thing that dates this piece is the boys’ playing Play station 2 and Miles’ baggy shorts. The story is told through the point of view of Miles. We get to experience his first drink, his first girl, and his first kiss. We also experience his heart-break and guilt after the accident. Each character is allowed to deal with the tragedy on their own terms, in their own way. Teens may appreciate not having a happy ending.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This novel is about real kids dealing with the pressures of growing up and feeling indestructible.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “What sings and soars in this gorgeously told tale is Green's mastery of language and the sweet, rough edges of Pudge's voice. Girls will cry and boys will find love, lust, loss and longing in Alaska's vanilla-and-cigarettes scent.”

CONNECTIONS
Read Alikes:
Rosoff, Meg. HOW I LIVE NOW. ISBN 0553376055
Anderson, Laurie Halse. SPEAK. ISBN 014131088X
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NUMBER THE STARS

• BIBLIOGRAPHY
  Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0440227534
  
  PLOT SUMMARY
  Set in Nazi-occupied Denmark in 1943, this 1990 Newbery winner tells of a 10-year-old girl who undertakes a dangerous mission to save her best friend. On September 29, 1943, word got out in Denmark that Jews were to be detained and then sent to the death camps. Within hours the Danish resistance arranged a small task force to herd 7,000 Jews to Sweden. The experience is shown through the eyes of 10-year-old Annemarie Johannesen, whose family harbors her best friend, Ellen Rosen, on the eve of the round-up and helps smuggle Ellen's family out of the country.
  
  CRITICAL ANALYSIS
  The vivid setting immerses the reader into the frightening world of a Nazi occupation. Lowry brings the rationing of electricity, tea, sugar, coffee, butter and the concept of missing Jewish neighbors to the forefront. The reader quickly sees that life in this time was harsh at best. The theme of standing up for what you believe in and protecting your friends is something that any reader of any age can understand. The bravery that a ten year old girl displayed in the face of certain death is admirable and shows how anyone in any given moment can do the right thing. The character of Annemarie is realistic as she learns about the power of family and unseen evils in the world. Lowry has researched the subject extensively. In the afterward, she reveals the facts that are behind much of the story's events. She tells how the Danish people were actually devoted to their king, how the Danish fleet was burned in the harbor to prevent use by the marauding Germans, and how the dog-repellant "handkerchief" was a weapon of the Resistance. This is an excellent read for children on the harshness of war without the gore.
  
  
  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.”
  
  CONNECTIONS
  Contact the Houston Holocaust Museum about the available curriculum trunks.
  Incorporate geography by finding maps of prewar and postwar Europe. Map the routes escaping Jews took from each country.
  Have a guest speaker from the Jewish community explain the significance of the Star of David since it is such an importance piece of this story.
  Other books about the Holocaust:
  Abells, Chana B. CHILDREN WE REMEMBER ISBN 0688063721Adler, David. A. WE REMEMBER THE HOLOCAUST ISBN 080503715

WORTH

BIBLIOGRAPHY
LaFaye, A. 2006. WORTH. New York: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0689857306

PLOT SUMMARY
After being crippled by a tragic farming accident, eleven year old Nathaniel is angry and hurt when his father brings home a boy off the Orphan Train to take his place on the farm. Nathaniel quickly becomes jealous of John Worth, who has also taken his father’s attention. Nathaniel now has the chance to go to school for the first time, but his sense of “worth” is hurt as he is behind the youngest children in the school. John Worth is still grieving over the loss of his family and is repeatedly reminded of his “worth” as he sleeps in the lean-to fit for dogs and is yelled at by Nathaniel’s mother. John is resentful of the education Nathaniel doesn’t want since John realizes that an education is the ticket to a better life. John knows he has no future on this farm. Nate will inherit the farm that John has worked to keep alive. When the boys finally come to blows, they realize “each of us hating the other for being what we couldn’t be” was a waste of time. Overtime, each boy realizes that they are not so different and eventually come together to save the farm.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
LaFaye does an excellent job depicting the hardships in nineteenth century Nebraska concerning the ongoing battle between herders and ranchers for control of land. The adolescent characters of John and Nate illustrate that even the young can be heroic as is the case of the boys catching the fence cutters and warning the town. The boy’s showed great maturity in putting aside their differences to put others first to eventually become a family. The theme involving the power of family love is beautifully shown through the tear-stained eyes of the young men longing for a family in John’s case, and longing for his father’s attention once again in Nate’s. WORTH is an excellent read for kids and adults alike.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST starred review: "[The] Narrative is brutally honest."
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “It's a lively story of two boys set against a backdrop of the Orphan Trains, range wars, lynchings, drownings, and sheep killings. Something for everyone.”

CONNECTIONS
Students could research the Orphan Train
Guest speakers are available through the National Orphan Train Complex www.orphantraindepot.com
Picture credit: Amazon.com

MATILDA BONE

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 2000. MATILDA BONE. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395881560

PLOT SUMMARY
Accustomed to the good life in a medieval manor, thirteen year old Matilda has been raised by an intolerant priest that has taught the girl to live beyond worldly pleasures. Since the young girl has been educated in the likes of reading, writing, French, and Latin, she finds adjusting to her new home as a bonesetter’s apprentice difficult. The snobbish girl continually alienates herself as she randomly throws in a Latin phrase or brags about her now impractical education. On more than one occasion Matilda burns the porridge or spills a potion in her quest to pray and think about saints ceaselessly. Over time she realizes that helping those less fortunate or ill, even if it means hard dirty work, is pleasing to God. With Peg the Bonesetter’s guidance, Matilda finds her way and recognizes her gift in helping others.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Through Matilda’s eyes we experience what life in medieval Europe was like. The entertaining story uses vocabulary of the time period to educate the reader on the primitive topic of medieval medicine and it’s sometimes strange ideas of the ways in healing (leeches, soporific sponges). The descriptive setting fully engulfs the reader into the world of apprenticeship and struggle for survival on Blood and Bone Alley. The young protagonist, Matilda, grows and matures along the way as she learns to love others and find a sense of belonging. Anyone that has ever been the new kid in town has surely felt “like a duck living with chickens.” The list of bibliographic sources used offers the reader an opportunity to find out more about medieval medicine as well as defines the accuracy in the novel.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This humorous, frank look at life in the medical quarters in medieval times shows readers that love and compassion, laughter and companionship, are indeed the best medicine.”
BOOKLIST: “Readers will find much of interest here.”

CONNECTIONS
Other novels by Karen Cushman taking place in medieval Europe:
Cushman, Karen. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. ISBN 0064405842
Cushman, Karen. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. ISBN 006440630X
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LEONARDO DA VINCI

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen. 2005. GIANTS OF SCIENCE:LEONARDO DA VINCI. Ill. by Boris Kulikov. New York: Viking. ISBN 067005920

PLOT SUMMARY
Leonardo, the illegitimate son of a wealthy man developed his love of learning from his kind uncle that raised him. His unsavory beginnings kept Leonardo from gaining an education, respect, or a notable profession. After finally becoming an apprentice to a leading Florence sculptor and painter, Leonardo blossomed as an artist. From him Leonardo learned that "an artist should be capable of rendering anything in nature." This lesson created the link between art and science that would last a lifetime. Leonardo was encouraged to study anatomy in order to accurately portray humans in paintings. This quickly led to a new found in interest in the sciences. Later he left for Milan, where he designed weapons of destruction for a Duke. The Black Plague soon struck, Leonardo designed a city that would be clean and disease free. The plans went no where, but he was promoted to engineer-architect for the Duke of Milan. Leonardo was now financially stable and informally adopted a son. Leonardo began keeping notebooks on his ideas and discoveries; he even wrote the information in a mirror-image so no one could steal his ideas and receive credit for his work. He became more and more interested in science. During his lifetime, he studied astronomy, zoology, geology, botany, and paleontology. He only continued to accept art commissions to finance his experiments and his assistants completed those. He had notions of using steam and solar power and of humans one day taking flight. At the end of his life, Leonardo realized that he must incorporate all of his notebooks into one encyclopedia so that his ideas and findings could educate others. Leonardo said, “Avoid studies of which the result dies with the worker.” The pages of his notebooks were very disorderly and many times random thoughts on different areas or topics would appear on the same pages. Organization would be a daunting task. After his death, he left all of his notebooks to his dear friend, Melzi. Melzi did not fully realize the importance of what he had been given. He took them to his family home where he allowed visitors to come read the notebooks and take away pages for souvenirs. The notebooks quickly disappeared. In the years to come, many scientists took Leonardo’s work as the basis for their own and received the credit for it. The notebooks are said to be all over the world and many have not yet been re-discovered. Bill Gates of Microsoft fame is said to own one book about water.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a well-written piece on the life of Leonardo da Vinci. It leaves out his career as an artist to focus on his life as a scientist. The author’s matter-of-fact style would engage a young reader, and the information on life in the Middle Ages is interesting. However, there is not a list of sources used for this work and accuracy is a key point when evaluating a biography. The book jacket says it is recommended for ages 10 and up, but the accusations of Leonardo being homosexual and the arrest for allegedly having sex with a male prostitute may offend many readers and their parents. The book's organization follows the life of the genius and the index at the back allows the reader to find a subject of interest easily. Boris Kulikov’s line drawings are great and the drawing on the cover with Leonardo attempting flight with his own drawings making up the wings goes right along with the very subject matter at hand. Each drawing included in the book perfectly compliments Leonardo's accomplishments.
Krull does manage to convey the man as a brilliant scientist nearly 100 years ahead of his time. Young readers will surely express a new found interest in science.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “she [Krull] shows the workings of a scientific mind and the close connection between science and art. Kulikov's stylish and exacting line drawings are engaging and incorporate many of the items and interests found in Leonardo's notebooks.
BOOKLIST: “A very readable, vivid portrait set against the backdrop of remarkable times.”

CONNECTIONS
There are numerous websites and other books on Leonardo da Vinci included in the back of the book to further explore.
Other books in Krull’s Giants of Science series:
Krull, Kathleen. MARIE CURIE. ISBN 0670058947
Krull, Kathleen. ISAAC NEWTON. ISBN 0670059218

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GUTS: OUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 2005. GUTS: OUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0060546522

PLOT SUMMARY
In this well-organized and fascinating book, Seymour Simon explains what happens to all the “pizza, sandwiches, and milk” we eat everyday. Simon manages to clarify the digestion process and all parts involved in taking food and transforming it into energy, nutrients, and waste. His step-by-step approach is easy to follow and understand. This book will answer how is it that the hydrochloric acid, which is a gastric juice the helps to soften food, does not eat away the walls of our stomachs? The answer is that the stomach is lined with a coating of protective mucus that is replaced every three or four days. Simon even manages to educate the reader on the importance of a healthy diet.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Simon is able to take a clearly technical and scientific process and make the concepts easily understood by any reader. The 19 full-color photos, X rays, and computer images pasted on a stark black background force the reader to take a second glance as to what exactly they are looking at. Each photo is clearly labeled so that the reader knows exactly what they are seeing. The representations are definitely for those with an interest in science and not the fainthearted. The photos allow the reader to fully understand exactly how our digestive system works and gives great insight into what exactly is going on within our bodies. Simon has obviously researched this subject and organizes the content to follow the path that ingested food takes. The cover photo will surely engage anyone to open this wonderful book. Simon also uses the technical vocabulary to accurately describe what is occuring. GUTS removes the mystery in exactly what occurs in our body on a daily basis.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
KIRKUS REVIEWS:"… the author has perfected the art of boiling down the complexities of science into a simple, declarative sequence …”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:” Students will find the book fascinating …”

CONNECTIONS
Invite the school nurse or a local health care provider to speak on the importance of a healthy diet.
Other books about the human body by Seymour Simon:
Simon, Seymour. EYES AND EARS. ISBN 0060733020
Simon, Seymour. MUSCLES: OUR MUSCULAR SYSTEM. ISBN 0688177204

Picture credit: seymoursimon.com

THE FORBIDDEN SCHOOLHOUSE: THE TRUE AND DRAMATIC STORY OF PRUDENCE CRANDALL AND HER STUDENTS

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jurmain, Suzanne. 2005. THE FORBIDDEN SCHOOLHOUSE: THE TRUE AND DRAMATIC STORY OF PRUDENCE CRANDALL AND HER STUDENTS. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

PLOT SUMMARY
In 1832, Prudence Crandall opened up an all-girl’s school in Canterbury, Connecticut. Shortly thereafter a young African American girl wished to join the school. When the wealthy white townspeople refused that their daughters attend school with these girls, Crandall shut the school down to serve “young Ladies and little Misses of color.” Irate neighbors turned to threats, violence and harassment to get the school to close. Crandall stood her ground. Finally, they had the legislature conceive a new law, Crandall was arrested. Eventually after numerous proceedings she was finally found innocent. But after the school was caught on fire and vandalized, she married and moved away. Some fifty years later, the state of Connecticut decided to pay her a pension of $400 a year until her death to make amends for the wrongdoings she was shown. Crandall continued to fight for women’s and African American’s rights until her death. Crandall once told a reporter, “I am earnestly engaged in…every reform for the good of the human race.”

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a very well-researched book. The extensive bibliography depicts the sources used and allows the curious reader to further examine this woman and this issue. The Appendix of the book lists the students that attended Crandall’s school and what became of them. It mentions people that helped Crandall in her fight for African American rights and how they carried on with the battle after Crandall. The original photos of Crandall’s school and people she encountered added an authenticity to the story as well as break up the text. It is organized into a logical sequence of the events. The resource aides of a table of contents and indexhelp move thee reader along. Jurmain does a good job of depicting the tensions and emotions exhibited during this time. Jurmain adopts a storyteller's voice to tell to the emotional heart of the conflict. Ms. Crandall’s own words exemplify the heart of this book, “I said in my heart, here are my convictions. What shall I do? Shall I be inactive and permit prejudice…? Or shall I venture to enlist in the ranks of those who…dare hold combat with prevailing iniquity?”


REVIEW EXCERPTS
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “This makes for a fast-paced read; well-placed images depict both the principal players and the interior of the Crandall school (now a museum).”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This book offers a fresh look at the climate of education for African Americans and women in the early 1800s.”

CONNECTIONS
Students wishing to learn more about Prudence Crandall and her fight against injustice can explore: The Kansas Historical Society or the Prudence Crandall Museum.
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A PIZZA THE SIZE OF THE SUN

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Prelutsky, Jack. 1996. PIZZA THE SIZE OF THE SUN. Ill. by James Stevenson. New York: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0688132359

PLOT SUMMARY
This is a delightful collection of poems that the entire family will love to share aloud.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
These outrageous poems will surely please any reader of any age. Teachers will love the concrete poems such as “A Triangular Tale” is written in the shape of a triangle. “I Am Your Mirror Image” is written backwards so that it can only be read by using a mirror. Stevenson's lineand wash illustrations are expressive and fun. This book would be an excellent choice for a teacher to introduce poetry in a fun and silly way.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “this book should be required reading for those out there who claim they don't like poetry. If you can only afford one poetry collection this year, make it this one.”
HORN BOOK: “Stevenson's spirited line and wash drawings effectively convey the tone of the jaunty, usually funny, often silly, sometimes gross, and always childlike poems.”

CONNECTIONS
More poetry collections by Jack Prelutsky:
Prelutsky, Jack. THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK. ISBN 0688022715
Prelutsky, Jack. IT’S RAINING PIGS AND NOODLES. ISBN 006076390

Picture credit: Amazon.com

STOP PRETENDING

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sones, Sonya. 1999. STOP PRETENDING. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060283866

PLOT SUMMARY
A series of short intense poems describe the feelings of a thirteen year old girl when her older sister suffers a mental breakdown on Christmas Eve. She discusses visiting her sister, now a stranger, in the psych ward, wondering if her family will ever be the same. This is the author’s first verse novel based on her own life experiences.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a fairly mature book that illustrates the effects of a family member’s illness. The poems are written in falling verse. One poem titled, “Mass Pike,” shows how the world continues on when the father has an emotional breakdown on the side of the highway after a visit with his ill daughter…”he has to pull over…and we weep with him while cars filled with happy families whiz past.”

REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “An unpretentious, accessible book that could provide entry points for a discussion about mental illness-its stigma, its realities, and its affect on family members.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: ”they[the poems] take on life and movement, telling a compelling tale and presenting a painful passage through young adolescence. The form, a story-in-poems, fits the story remarkably well, spotlighting the musings of the 13-year-old narrator, and pinpointing the emotions powerfully. She copes with friends who snub her, worries that she, too, will go mad, and watches her sister's slow recovery.

CONNECTIONS
Other verse novels by Sonya Sones:
Sones, Sonya. WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T KNOW. ISBN 0689876025
Sones, Sonya. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES. ISBN 1416907882

Picture Credit: Amazon.com

WHAT IS GOODBYE?

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Grimes, Nikki. 2004. WHAT IS GOODBYE? Ill. by Raul Colon. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 078680778

PLOT SUMMARY

This beautiful book of poetry shows how a brother and sister cope with the loss of their older brother. Each sibling’s poems illustrate how everyone deals with grief differently and how everyone heals in their own time. Eventually the family comes to terms with the loss and moves on –a new family portrait is taken with “one piece missing, yet whole again.”

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The alternating poems by siblings Jesse and Jerilyn show how each of them are handling the loss of their brother in very different ways. Jerilyn’s poem “Getting the News” uses several similes to show how she felt when she heard the news of her brother’s death…”Daddy told me in a whisper sharp as a switchblade and just as sly.” In “Rush,” Jesse speaks of the how everyone is telling him it’s time to move on, that it has been long enough. Jesse says, “They’re telling me my heart is wrong for hurting past the date they set? Well, I’m not ready to move on yet.” Grimes often chooses rhymed couplets for Jesse's voice, and the singsong sounds and tight rhythm create a young tone that's indicative of Jesse's age. This book of poetry would be excellent for a grieving child. It really portrays the range of emotions that people encounter when coming to terms with the death of a loved one. This book teaches how people must handle things their own way and in their own time.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

BOOKLIST: “Moving and wise, these are poems that beautifully capture a family's heartache as well as the bewildering questions that death brings, and they reinforce the message in Grimes' warm author's note: "There's no right or wrong way to feel when someone close to you dies."

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: Colón's paintings in muted colors combine imagism with realism to create an emotional dreamscape on nearly every page. The clean design combined with the book's short, easy pace and small size give readers a comfortable place from which to listen to the characters as they make their way from "Getting the News" to "Anniversary," and finally to "Ordinary Days.

CONNECTIONS

Other books about coping with grief for children:

Vogel, Robin Helene. THE SNOWMAN. ISBN 1561230685

Romain, Trevor. WHAT ON EARTH DO YOU DO WHEN SOMEONE DIES? ISBN 1575420554

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HORSE HOOVES AND CHICKEN FEET: MEXICAN FOLKTALES

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Philip, Neil. 2003. HORSE HOOVES AND CHICKEN FEET: MEXICAN FOLKTALES. Ill. by Jacqueline Mair. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618194630

PLOT SUMMARY
Philip has collected fourteen tales from Mexico. There is a nice blend of religion and humor to make this uniquely Mexican.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book captures the essence of the Mexican heritage. It is no wonder it won an Aesop award. Mair’s acrylic illustrations capture the bold flavor of the heritage right down to the chili pepper at the bottom of every page.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “Adding considerably to the overall appeal of the book are Mair's exuberant illustrations, accomplished in the style of Mexican folk art.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Mair's primitive acrylic illustrations, based on Mexican folk art, are alive with bright color and a kinetic sensibility.”

CONNECTIONS
Folktales from other cultures:
Mandela, Nelson. NELSON MANDELA’S FAVORITE AFRICAN FOLKTALES. ISBN 0393052125
Philip Neil. STOCKINGS OF BUTTERMILK: AMERICAN FOLKTALES.ISBN 0395849802

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IKTOMI AND THE COYOTE

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goble, Paul. 1998. IKTOMI AND THE COYOTE. Ill. by Paul Goble. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 0531331083

PLOT SUMMARY
The trickster Iktomi begins yet another adventure of attempting to outwit the coyote. This folktale begins with Iktomi tricking some prairie dogs into becoming his dinner only to be outsmarted by the coyote who steals the cooked prairie dogs.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The addition of the gray italics to allow the readers and listeners to make their own comments was a fun addition to the ordinary children’s book. Reading Iktomi’s thoughts in the small print broke up the flow of the story. The illustrations are delightful, but small children may be bothered by the sight of the cooked prairie dogs and the prairies dogs in the coyote’s full stomach.

REVIEWS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “kids will enjoy being in the know as they follow the humorous and inevitable downfall of this dubious hero.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Goble's illustrations shine, while the endless interruptions of the main story with narrator asides, as well as with the comments of Iktomi and others, return the story to its oral roots.”

CONNECTIONS
Other stories in the IKTOMI series:
Goble, Paul. IKTOMI AND THE DUCKS: A PLAINS INDIAN STORY. ISBN 9780531058831
Goble, Paul. IKTOMI AND THE BUZZARD: A PLAINS INDIAN STORY. ISBN 9780531071007
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BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE

BIBLIOGRAPHY.
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE. Ill. by James Warhola. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0590255061

PLOT SUMMARY
BUBBA THE BOWBOY PRINCE is “Cinderella” with a Texas twist. Bubba is the stepson of a wicked rancher. The rancher and his sons treat Bubba terribly. Bubba’s fairy godcow helps turn Bubba into a handsome cowboy to attend Miz Lurlean’s ball. Much to his stepfamily’s chagrin, Bubba gets to live happily ever after.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This version of “Cinderella” almost forces the reader to read with a Texas twang. The hilarious dialect and illustrations of all things Texas make this story fun for the whole family. Children will immediately recognize the Cinderella story and will love the refreshing change of a male character getting ready to go to the ball to meet a successful woman. Warhola has done a fantastic job with the fairy godcow and the scenes of Bubba’s transformation from ranch hand to handsome cowboy are beautiful.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
KIRKUS reviews: “There are no surprises in this version except in the hilarious way the premise plays itself out and in Warhola's delightful visual surprises.”

CONNECTIONS
This story would be an excellent reeader's theater event. Children would love the western props that could be used and using the cowboy dialect would be entertaining as well.

Other versions and variants of Cinderella :
Lowery, Susan. CINDY-ELLEN:A WILD WESTERN CINDERELLA.ISBN 0064438643
Brucker, Meredith Babeaux and Lila Mehta. 2002. ANKLET FOR A PRINCESS: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM INDIA. ISBN 1885008201

Picture credit: Barnes and Noble.com

SIDE BY SIDE: FIVE FAVORITE PICTURE-BOOK TEAMS GO TO WORK

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Marcus, Leonard S.2001. SIDE BY SIDE: FIVE FAVORITE PICTURE-BOOK TEAMS GO TO WORK.
New York: Walker and Company. ISBN 0802787797

PLOT SUMMARY
The reader is introduced to five award winning author/illustrator teams. We are taken behind the scenes to when their books were in the works. The reader learns how each set of collaborators have a unique experience and that the process of producing a book together may take several years.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Marcus takes us on a journey of watching five picture books take form. It is interesting to learn that many times, the author and illustrator never even meet. Watching the process of how some of our favorite books came into being and seeing the rough sketches was exciting. Hearing the collaboration team’s own words in describing their experiences made the book even more fun to read.

REVIEW EXCERPT
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “even those who have not seen some of the featured books will be engaged by the creativity and cooperation exhibited here.”

CONNECTIONS
Other books by Leoanrd S. Marcus about the making of picture books:
Marcus, Leonard S. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION. ISBN 9780802797032
Marcus, Leonard S. PASS IT DOWN:FIVE PICTURE BOOK FAMILIES MAKE THEIR MARK
ISBN 9780802796004

Picture credit: Barnes and Noble.com

HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nelson, Kadir. 2005. HE’S GOT THE WHOL WORLD IN HIS HANDS. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803725806

PLOT SUMMARY
One of the country’s best-known spiritual songs is now a picture book. A boy and his family are the characters in this narrative that shows the joy of living and engaging in the world.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Nelson has chosen a multi-ethnic family to illustrate the world’s diversity. The setting of San Francisco was selected to show the mountains, the ocean, and all things beautiful in our world. Nelson has portrayed the world as a child may see it. The inclusion of the
boy’s own drawings truly show us the beauty of life and nature.

Nelson’s illustrations depict beautiful landscapes and accurately demonstrate how people and nature are connected. The artwork and song lyrics doing a great job of spreading the message of hope and faith in a world sometimes overwhelmed with tragedy and heartache.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Nelson's vibrant signature illustrations rendered in pencil, oil, and watercolor breathe new meaning and life into this favorite Sunday school spiritual in which families, communities, and forces of nature are celebrated with lively images and inspiring scenes.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Nelson envisions the song in a highly personal and involving manner while embodying its strength and spirit.”

CONNECTIONS
Gather other books written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Examine his use of celebrating the

diversity in our world.

Picture credit: Amazon.com

THE MAN WHO WALKED BETWEEN THE TOWERS

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gerstein, Mordicai. 2003. The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. Ill. by Mordecai Gerstein. Brookfield, CT: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 0761317910

PLOT SUMMARY
In August of 1974, French tightrope walker Philippe Petit risks his life to walk a cable traversing the newly constructed Twin Towers in New York City. Petit’s high wire walk has remained a part of NYC history.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Gerstein captures the magic of this feat in an amazing story. Children and adults alike will marvel at the bravery involved in walking 1,340 feet in the air. The author’s final words of “Now the towers are gone,” leave the reader in quiet reflection.

Gerstein’s ink and oil painting illustrations are beautiful. The detail of the fold out spreads showing his trek across the expanse is entertaining and adds an element of awe and a sense of the danger involved.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in School Library Journal: “The pacing of the narrative is as masterful as the placement and quality of the oil-and-ink paintings.”

Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor award

CONNECTIONS
Other books for children about the World Trade Center and September 11, 2001:
Kalman, Maira. FIREBOAT:THE LEGEND OF JOHN J. HARVEY. ISBN 0142403628
Winter, Jeanette. SEPTEMBER ROSES. ISBN 0374367361

Picture credit: Amazon.com