Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia

BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY by Ruta Sepetys (LS5623 ~ Mod. 7)

Bibliography:  

Sepetys, Ruta. 2011. BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN 9780141335889                              

Plot Summary:  

Lina is a fifteen year old Lithuanian girl, safe in her home getting ready for bed.  That peace is shattered when Soviet officers burst in, and tear them from the only home she has ever known.  Before they are forced to leave, they are allowed only a few moments to grab their belongings.  Lina packs a family photo.  Her mother, a coat that holds many hidden secrets that are revealed as time passes.  The soldiers take them, along with her little brother, and load them onto dirty cattle trains headed across the Arctic Circle to work camps in Siberia.  Once in Siberia, they endure long days digging up beets and potatoes as ordered by Stalin, who requires hard work with little food to survive.   

Lina’s father was sent to another camp.  She risks her life to write and send drawings to him, hoping they reach him to let him know they are still alive.  Along the way, Lina sees and experiences unimaginable things, and looses more than she ever thought she would.  Will Lina survive and get out of the work camp?  If so, who will be standing by her side? 

Critical Analysis:  

Sepetys has brought the past to life in such a tangible way that readers will connect with the characters and their struggles from the very beginning.  The questioning from Lina and her brother will be similar to questions they will be asking themselves as they read.  The cruelty of the Soviet soldiers will be shockingly obvious as readers travel through the pages of time with Sepetys.  The hope that Lina feels for the future is inspiring after all the struggles and loses she has seen and experienced.  As this story is firmly connected to history, students will have memories they will never forget.   

Weakness: 

Some students will be turned off by the sad nature of this book, but should be encouraged to learn from our past so that history never repeats itself.   

Also, title is entirely too similar to a very inappropriate book for young adult readers.   

Reviews/Awards:  

·        New York Times:  “This superlative first novel by Ruta Sepetys demonstrates the strength of its unembellished language.  A hefty emotional punch.”

·        Entertainment Weekly:  “Brave Lina is a heroine young and old readers can believe in.”

·        Laurie Halse Anderson (bestselling author:  “Speak” and “Wintergirls”):  “A brilliant story of love and survival.”

·        Booklist:  “An important book that deserves the widest possible readership.”

·        Kirkus:  “Sepetys’ flowing prose gently carries readers through the crushing tragedy of this tale that needs telling.”

·        2012 William C. Morris Award

·        2012-2013 Texas Lonestar Reading List (Middle School)

·        2012-2013 Texas TAYSHAS Reading List (High School) 

Connections:  

Age Level:  13 and up
Reading Level:  6.0
Pages:  352
Genre:  Historical Fiction 

·        Introduce book with book trailer

o   http://youtu.be/xnrTd2fyfdg

·       Students work in groups to do an author study – Focus study on how Sepetys came to write this historical fiction book, and the process/steps she took to ensure she told as realistic of a story as she could.

·       Locate and study geographical cities and countries mentioned in story.

·        Study history elements seen in story.

o   WWII

o   Stalin’s exile of people to Siberia during war, and the sad fact that even after the war was over, prisoners were not released till 15 years later.  20 million people were killed, over 14 million starved to death.

o   Political climate in Lithuania in 1941

·       Discuss author’s purpose for writing.

·       Discuss the author’s use of flashbacks seen throughout book and how they help the reader connect to its characters.

·       Discuss how Lina used art to try and stay connected with her father.

·       Students write a persuasive essay arguing against the cruel treatment of Lina, her family, and others using textual evidence to support their argument.

INSURGENT by Veronica Roth (LS5623 ~ Mod. 5)

Bibliography:

Roth, Veronica. 2012. INSURGENT. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 9780062114457
                      
Plot Summary:

Tris learns that she is a Divergent during the Aptitude Tests.  Coping with her new found identity is hard.  Tris and Four grow closer as he helps protect her identity as a Divergent.  Guilt weighs heavy on her as she moves forward.  Lives are in danger, and she fights hard to save those that she loves.  With many action-packed victories comes tragedies and grief.  Tris is determined and brave as she makes her choices that could destroy everything she loves.  In the end, will it be her that is destroyed?    

Critical Analysis:

Female young adult readers will love the brave female lead character, Tris.  They will cheer her on as she fights hard to protect those that she loves, as well as her secret.  Male readers will enjoy the action-packed battles that are descriptive and very detailed.  The author’s chooses wording that provides the reader with great imagery as the story unfolds.  Roth creates an alternative world in Chicago that will provide readers with a great escape. 

Weakness:

It is best for readers to read “Divergent” (Book 1) before “Insurgent”.  If not, readers may feel lost at the beginning of the book as the story seems to pick right up where book one left off.
Profanity:  Minor
Violence:  Heavy
Sexual Content:  Mild

Reviews:

·        USA Today (Serena Chase):  “Veronica Roth has a precision in her world building that is uncommon in such a fast-paced story.”

·        Hollywood Crust, MTV.com:  “This is one fast-paced read that sticks in your head for days after you put it down, both because of its video-game-like scenes and its thought-provoking premise.”

·        Kirkus:  “In this addictive sequel to the acclaimed Divergent, a bleak post-apocalyptic Chicago collapses into all-out civil war.  Another spectacular cliffhanger.  Anyone who read the first book was dying for this one months ago; they’ll hardly be able to wait for the concluding volume.”

·        Rolling Stone:  “The next big thing.”

·        Publishers Weekly:  “Roth knows how to write.  The novel’s love story, intricate plot, and unforgettable setting work in concert to deliver a novel that will rivet fans of the first book.” 

Connections:

Age Level:  14 and up
Reading Level:  5.4
Pages:  525
Genre:  Fantasy Fiction 

·        Read “Divergent” (Book 1 ~ Divergent Trilogy) to begin series

o   Read to students at the beginning of the school year, and suggest following books in the series throughout the school year and at the end of the year for summer reading.

·        Introduce book with official book trailer

o   http://youtu.be/NqfvAyuxPeU

·        Read “Allegiant” (Book 3 ~ Divergent Trilogy) when it comes out in 2013

BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA Book Trailer (LS5623)

ORDINARY PEOPLE by Judith Guest

Bibliography:  

Guest, Judith. 1976. ORDINARY PEOPLE. New York, NY: Penguin Books. ISBN 9780140065176 

Plot Summary:  

ORDINARY PEOPLE is a sad story about a family dealing with the tragic loss of a son/brother a year before the book begins.  The story is told through the eyes of two characters, the father, Calvin, and the son, Conrad.  As the story switches from one character to another, the reading begins to see how much pain the whole family is dealing with.  Conrad is returning to high school, after spending time in the hospital for attempting to commit suicide.  He is unsure of how to act around others, and finds it difficult to connect with anyone.  Calvin is desperate to hold his family together while dealing with his own pain.  Both learn to deal with life’s challenges as difficult times seem to be never ending. 

Critical Analysis:  

The themes of loss and dealing with death are clear throughout this book.  How people deal with grief and depression guide the characters through the story.  The author’s writing seems very authentic and realistic as characters interact with one another.  Some readers will connect with the hurt and sorrow the characters are dealing with.  They, like me, may be shocked at how disconnected Conrad’s mother is from her hurting son.  This was painful for me to read as she seemed to turn a cold shoulder to him, and eventually abandoned what was left of her family.     

Reviews:  

·        1976 Kafka Prize

·        Mark Vonnegut (author of THE EDEN EXPRESS):  “It’s been quite a while since I was able to simply enjoy any book remotely related to mental illness.  ORDINARY PEOPLE disarmed me completely.  It was too good a story, too well told for me to keep my distance.” 

Educator’s Note: 

I, as an educator, would not suggest this book to my students, even those at the high school level.  The book contains mature subject matter that was concerning to me as an adult.  I would be careful sharing this book because of the following issues:  death of close family member, mental illness/depression, attempted suicide, profanity, and serious family issues whereas the mother seems to abandon what is left of her family. 

Connections:  

Age Level:  Could not find information
Reading Level:  Could not find information
Pages:  272
Genre:  Realistic Fiction 

·        Watch the 1980 movie

o   Compare and contrast the events that happen in the book and how each version portrays the characters.

·        Do an author study to research and analyze the author and her other books that have been published.

·        Discuss depression and ways of dealing with it.

·        Before, during, and after Chapter 18, discuss test taking strategies, and how Conrad experienced test anxiety during a test.

WHEELS OF CHANGE by Sue Macy (LS5623 ~ Mod.8)

Bibliography:   

Macy, Sue. 2011. WHEELS OF CHANGE:  HOW WOMEN RODE THE BICYCLE TO FREEDOM (WITH A FEW FLAT TIRES ALONG THE WAY). Des Moines, IA:  National Geographic Society.  ISBN 9781426307614 

Plot Summary:   

Author, Sue Macy, takes a unique look at women’s history in connection to the history and evolution of the bicycle.  Attitudes, fashion, opportunities, and laws concerning women have changed greatly since the 1800’s.  Surprisingly, many of these changes are a direct result of the bicycle.  Through Macy’s research, many comical misconceptions from history are revealed for the reader to appreciate today. 

Medical issues:  “Bicycle eye”, “Bicycle face”, “Bicycle fright”  

List of Don’t:  “Don’t carry a flask”, “Don’t coast.  It is dangerous.”, and “Don’t say, ‘Feel my muscle.’”    

Reading this book should make men and women alike thankful that we have made so much progress, and hopefully, go out and jump on their bicycles … “imagining everybody is looking at you.” 

Critical Analysis:   

WHEELS OF CHANGE is a quick read, and provides readers with accurate information about women’s history and the history of bicycles.  The information is clearly organized with pictures that show the evolution of both women’s fashion and the design of the bicycle.  Macy’s style of writing makes the information fun and entertaining to read, while providing visuals that give the reading a better understanding of the factual information being presented.  With the pictures and the comical facts given about this seemingly one-gender interest topic, both male and female will enjoy this nonfiction book.  All will ride away smarter, with a smile upon their faces.    

Weakness: 

Older students that might connect with much of the history within this book might connect with riding a bike any longer.

Reviews:   

·        2011 Favorite Book by San Francisco Book Review

·        2011 Best Children’s Books by Washington Post

·        2012 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist

·        School Library Journal:  “Macy’s light, conversational style and her enthusiasm for her subject infuse the book with sparkle and wit…”

·        Booklist:  “A strong, high-interest choice for both classroom and personal reading – for adults, too.”

Connections:   

Age Level:  10 and up

Reading Level:  8.5

Pages:  96

Genre:  Nonfiction / Informational 

·        Read, research and discuss during March, Women’s History Month

o   Choose one of the women seen in “WHEELS OF CHANGE”, research, and present information. 

o   Expand on how the bicycle helped this woman achieve success.

·        Students research and create a timeline of the bicycle from various perspectives

o   Invention and progression of their design over time

o   Women’s history

o   Preserve environment       

·        Focus on fitness during May, National Fitness Month and National Bike Month

o   Promote and offer a challenge for “Bike to School Day”

§  Resent past event – May 8, 2013

o   Research health benefits from use of bicycle.

o   Research local/national bicycle rules and laws.

·        http://www.bikeleague.org/resources/better/roadrules.php

IN THE BELLY OF THE BLOODHOUND by L.A. Meyer (LS5623 ~ Mod. 6)

Bibliography: 

Meyer, L.A.  2006. IN THE BELLY OF THE BLOODHOUND. New York, NY: Harcourt Children’s Books.  ISBN 9780152055578

Plot Summary:   

In this fourth installment, Jacky finds herself hiding out at her old school in Boston to evade being captured after the king of England puts a price on her head seeking her capture, dead or alive.  Jacky eases back into school life easily as she reconnects with old friends and faces off with old enemies.  A planned school boat excursion does not go as planned, and the girls find themselves being kidnapped and on a slave ship sailing out to sea.  Jacky and the girls put their heads together and make plans for their escape.  Along the journey, Jacky shares her love of music and stories of her many adventures she has experienced during her sixteen years.  Hopefully Jacky’s fierce determination, loyalty, and bonds she has created with friends and foes get her to a safe harbor once again.    

Critical Analysis:   

Since this is the first book in this series I have read, I found myself feeling lost as to where this book was going.  Between the stories Jacky shared and her performing at various locations for money, I was wondering where this story was headed.  Finally, almost a quarter way through the book, the storyline became clear and I was hooked.  The history and time period were brought to life masterfully as the story progressed.  The setting was recreated and I could easily feel the pain of the slave trading industry as I traveled on every word Meyer used to bring the time period to life.   

Young readers will love the heroine, Jacky, and the themes that run strong through this adventurous tale.  They will identify with the importance of standing up for what is right.  They will enjoy this trip back in time and gain a better perspective of the hardships of life in the early 1800’s concerning women and slaves.  Serious issues, mentioned below for educators, should be considered carefully, discussed, and proceed forward with sensitivity. 

Reviews:   

·        Midwest Book Review:  “Jacky is ready to fight her captors, but the Lawson Peabody girls are out of their element – and in need of Jacky to show them the importance of finding one’s courage!” 

Educator’s Notes/Weakness:   

Due to the adult content and language in this novel that could be concerning, I would suggest this book to young adult readers who are in high school or older.  

Concerning issues seen in this novel:  Hints of sexual promiscuity/lustful behavior, rape/attempted rape, homosexuality (Higgins), prostitution, slavery, forced incest (Katy), disrespectful treatment of person who is mentally retarded, drinking/drunks, and profanity/offensive words or phrases (“G.D.” said often, as well as the “N” word when referring to slaves). 

The series and books are too long to read as a class.  I would read “BLOODY JACK” to introduce the series at the beginning of the school year.  Discuss the historical figures/events seen in the book, and watch “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie to wrap of this novel unit.  Then, throughout the year, and at the end of the school year, encourage students to continue reading books in this adventure series.   

Connections:   

Age Level:  12 and up
Reading Level:  8.1
Pages:  528
Genre:  Historical Fiction / Adventure 

·        Read other books in the Bloody Jack Adventure series (This being the fourth in the series)

o   “BLOODY JACK” (#1), “CURSE OF THE BLUE TATTOO” (#2), “UNDER THE JOLLY ROGER” (#3), “MISSISSIPPI JACK” (#5), “MY BONNY LIGHT HORSEMAN” (#6), “RAPTURE OF THE DEEP” (#7), “THE WAKE OF THE LORELEI LEE” (#8), “THE MARK OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON” (#9), “VIVA JACQUELINE!” (#10), and the newest novel in this series due out September 2013, “BOSTON JACKY” (#11)

·        Historic themes that can be researched and discuss:  Early 1800’s, slavery,  slave trading, conflict over slavery in America, women’s history, American history, Napoleon, mention of Boston Tea Party

·        September 19 – Talk like a Pirate Day  J

·        Watch “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie

o   Compare the main hero from the movie to the female heroine, Jacky. 

·        Listen to Audio book version of novel:

o   Heroine, Jacky, brought to life by Katherine Kellgren who’s accent helps transport readers to the 1800’s. 

o   2010 Odyssey Honor Winner

MAKE LEMONADE by Virginia Euwer Wolff (LS5623 ~ Mod. 9)

Bibliography:   

Wolff, Virginia Euwer. 1993. MAKE LEMONADE. New York, NY: Holt. ISBN 9780805080704

Plot Summary:   

MAKE LEMONADE is an inspiring story about a young girl who has one goal in mind for her future – college.  LaVaughn is wise and sees the reality of her world around her very clearly.  She looks for ways to work towards her goal, and answers an ad for a babysitting job.  This one phone call introduces her to not-much-older than her, Jolly, and her two babies.  They soon become like family to LaVaughn as she tries to juggle her own responsibilities and make a difference in their lives.  She notices that Jolly, a high school drop-out, cannot spell and begins to help her reach for her goals as well.   

This heart-wrenching story will tug at your heart with every turn of the page.  So much pain and struggle for such young people.  You just might find yourself rooting for those lemons to sprout so that they can make lemonade out of them too.  

Critical Analysis:   

I absolutely love books written in verse.  The authors use their few words so skillfully, giving the reader all the information they need to visualize the events and melt their hearts at the pain characters feel.  This book is a perfect example.  The language is chosen carefully to create the imagery and emotion that will make readers not want to put this book down.  There are many inspiring themes that young adult readers will benefit from:  hope, resilience, tenacity, overcoming struggles, and overcoming shame.  This is a great book for young adult readers who have difficulties in their lives, and can open the door to rich discussions to help them make better choices for their tomorrows.  

Weakness: 

This story lacks male role models, but is something that many young adults will connect with as they too are lacking similar role models in their lives.  

Reviews:   

·        1993 School Library Journal’s Best Book of the Year

·        1993 Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books Blue Ribbon Book

·        1994 YALSA Best Book for Young Adults

·        Publisher’s Weekly:  “Radiant with hope.”

·        Kirkus:  “Powerfully moving” 

Connections:   

Age Level:  10 and up

Reading Level:  5.2

Pages:  208

Genre:  Realistic Fiction / Written in Free Verse ~ Poetry 

·        Journal Prompt:  Discuss a time in your life that you made lemonade out of the lemons life dealt you. 

·        Listen to Audio book version read by Heather Alicia Simms, who brings the characters to life. 

o   School Library Journal:  “Wolff’s writing leaves listeners with no option but to root enthusiastically for both LaVaughn and Jolly…”

·        Read additional books in this series:  True Believer (Book 2) and This Full House (Book 3) by Virginia Euwer Wolff

o   The series follows young LaVaughn from age 14 to her senior year as she works hard to achieve her dreams of college and getting out of the projects. 

o   Discuss each phase of LaVaughn’s life, and how she overcomes the lemons in her life and the effects she has on those around her.

·        Discuss teen pregnancy and the effect it has on the teen mom and the baby brought into this world.

o   Discuss options available to teen moms in your community that gives them options to better their future.

·        Discuss illiteracy:

o   Effects it has on one’s future and their options for jobs.

o   Options to overcome illiteracy available in your community.