WHERE THINGS COME BACK by John Corey Whaley

Bibliography:

Whaley, John Corey. 2011. WHERE THINGS COME BACK. New York: Atheneum Books. ISBN 9781442413344

Plot Summary:

Cullen is a seventeen-year-old young man getting ready to begin his senior year of high school. His future is bright.  He seems to have everything going for him. Everything changes for him when his fifteen-year-old brother, Gabriel, mysteriously disappears without a trace. As Cullen’s life is crumbing all around him, a young missionary is searching for his own purpose within the world. Seemingly unconnected, the two stories come together with an astonishing ending that no one sees coming.

Critical Analysis:

Through multiple points of views, the author weaves together a wonderful themed story about coming of age, growing into adulthood, and second chances. Through this multi-layered story, the author does a great job of creating characters that experience an internal journey as the story progresses. The language is fresh with its perfect balance of narration and dialogue as it is so believably delivered. The dialogue fits perfectly how kids that age would think and talk. As the characters are created in a very realistic way, so is the setting for this book. The setting is in Arkansas that can be recognized as the present time period.

Weakness:

The story is slow to get into, but by chapter four I was hooked.  Young adult readers need a quicker hook to keep them reading I think.
I would also suggest only older students read this book since one of the characters commits suicide. His death is a turning point in the storyline.

Reviews:

· 2012 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature

· 2012 William C. Morris Debut Fiction Award

· YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults

· Kirkus: “…explores the process of grief, second chances, and even the meaning of life…”

Connections: 

Age Level: 14 and up
Reading Level:  7.5 
Pages:  256
Genre: Realistic Fiction 

· Discuss Point of View as the author switches within the story.

· Discuss the problem, solution, and climax of the story as the author unfolds the story.

· Discuss Author’s Purpose

· Character Analysis

· Research the Lazarus Woodpecker

OKAY FOR NOW by Gary D. Schmidt

Prezi presentation:
http://prezi.com/zm2icstuzlha/present/?auth_key=qwrvq16&follow=rwhfdb7s0fvt&kw=present-zm2icstuzlha&rc=ref-4295430

Bibliography: 

Schmidt, Gary D.  2011. OKAY FOR NOW. Indianapolis, IN: Clarion Books.  ISBN 9780547534176

Plot Summary: 

Doug is a fourteen year old boy who is struggling in his new town as he tries to make new friends, deals with difficulties at home, and people’s prejudgments of him and his family.   He finds a loyal friend in Lil, whom he meets at the local library.  It is at this same library that he is introduced to Audubon’s art.  The art drives the direction of each chapter as each new piece symbolizes different aspects of Doug’s life.  He learns about art which in turn teaching him about himself and life – all the ups and downs. 

During this historical fiction story, readers will get a glimpse of life in the late 60’s as such topics as the Vietnam War, the moon landing, popularity of John Wayne westerns, and the outrageous thought of an actor becoming president.  In the end, lessons are learned and many things are made right.  For those things in life that cannot be put back just how and where they belong, Doug finds a way to make them perfect in a new way and move on from there as a better person, no matter how flawed. 

Critical Analysis: 

Many research topics can come from this historical fiction story before, during, or after reading to help young readers learn more about the facts behind the story.  The author has each historical detail weaved in naturally so that the reader is drawn in without overwhelming them with details.  Readers will identify with Doug, the story’s main character, and root him on as this young boy struggles with the flaws surrounding him in his life.  They will also identify with the importance of standing up for what someone believes in as Doug gets to know himself, and makes choices based on the kind of person he wants to be.  The style of writing is interesting as the main character welcomes readers into his world and shares his story with them – talking directly to them most of the time.  Doug chooses to keep some things from the reader.  This is usually at times when he is choosing to be a better person than the role models he has around him.  These gaps in the story leave readers on the edge of their seat as they want to know what is really going on.  Masterfully written!

Weakness: 

Some young adult readers might not fully understand connects to the book and the art as each new art piece guides the chapters.  Their confusions could turn them off of this lengthy book.    

Reviews:  

·        2011 National Book Award Finalist

·        ALA-ALSC Children’s Notable Book

·        School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

·        YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults

·        School Library Journal: “Readers will miss Doug and his world when they’re done, and will feel richer for having experienced his engaging, tough, and endearing story.”

·        Booklist: “Reproductions of Audubon plates introduce each chapter in this stealthily powerful, unexpectedly affirming story of discovery and rescuing one’s best self, despite family pressure to do otherwise.”

·        Kirkus: “This is Schmidt’s best novel yet.” 

Connections:

Age Level:  10 and up
Reading Level:  6.0
Pages:  360
Genre:  Historical Fiction / Realistic Fiction 

·        Read Gary D. Schmidt’s previously written book, Wednesday Wars”

·        Watch YouTube video – Interview with Gary D. Schmidt discussing Okay For Now.

o   http://youtu.be/mtv3UOi9HNg

·        Study John James Audubon’s art as it is introduced in the book.

BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA by Katherine Paterson

Bibliography: 

Paterson, Katherine. 1977. BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA. Ill. by Donna Diamond. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0690013590

Plot Summary:   

Jess is looking forward to his fifth grade year as he prepares to be the fastest running boy.  His plans quickly change when he meets his new neighbor, Leslie.  True friendship grows over time, and with Leslie’s vast imagination they find themselves the rulers of an imaginary world called Terabithia.  As king and queen of Terabithia, the two learned to conquer giants from both worlds.  

A spur of the moment chance at a trip leads Jess out of town for the day, only for him to return and for nothing to ever be the same again.  Without Leslie, the magic seems to be gone from Terabithia.  His real life is lonely and unfamiliar as he deals with the shock of her absence.  In the end, Jess finds his way back to Terabithia, and builds a bridge for future generations to experience the magic Leslie introduced him to during their short time together.     

Critical Analysis:   

This wonderful classic will keep readers reading with its engaging plot and characters that are easy to identify with.  Readers will care about what happens to the main characters as they read May Belle’s haunting words, "What if you die?" that echo at the foreshadowing affects that are soon to come.  

The plot is believable from the beginning as the author firmly grounds the story in reality that any young reader can connect to.  As the story progresses, it gradually moves into the imaginary world young readers will love.  The themes of friendship and coming of age are clear as Jess conquers his fears and facing the world around him, real and imaginary.  Overcoming loss is the other clear theme for this classic fiction story.     

The profanity was surprising each time it appeared within the story.  Though it seemed appropriate for the story and the events they each appeared in throughout the story, educators will want to address each as they appear.  For educators who are simply reading the story aloud to students, they can easily edit or omit words. For educators using class sets of novels during reading, a short discussion about such words will keep the snickering at bay.  

Even though this book is targeted for younger readers (ages 8 and up), I would not read this to students younger than 5^th grade due to the sad nature the main character is faced with as he suddenly loses his best friend, and the profanity seen throughout the book. 

Reviews/Awards:   

·        1977 ALA Notable Children’s Books

·        1978 Newbery Medal

·        1978 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award

·        Barnes & Noble:  “…Bridge to Terabithia records the blossoming of the unlikely friendship between Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke and its tragic aftermath.  Katherine Paterson’s graceful intertwining of fantasy and realistic psychology has touched readers ever since the book’s 1977 release.”

·        Children’s Literature (Valerie O. Patterson):  “Written by the author for her then young son whose best friend was killed by lightning … moves the heart and spirit with its beautiful writing, wrenching honesty, and hopeful ending.” 

Connections: 

Age Level:  8 and up

Reading Level:  6.0 
Pages:  208 
Genre:  Realistic Fiction / Classics 

·        Writing prompt:  Write about a time when you had to overcome a fear. 

·        Art Connection:  Reread the sections in the novel that describe Terabithia.  Students illustrate Terabithia as they imagine it in their mind based on the book’s details.

·        Discuss foreshadowing and Flashback:  Reread sections of the book that foreshadow drowning throughout the story.

·        Vocabulary:  Discuss unfamiliar words prior, during, and after reading to clarify confusion and enhance reading comprehension. 

·        Heart Map: 

o   Create a Heart Map displaying the things and people that mean the most to Jess at the beginning of the book.   

o   Create another Heart Map at the end of the book that shows how Jess has changed over the course of the story. 

o   Compare both maps and discuss what events that led to Jess’ change in what he cared about most.

·        Watch Movie:  Compare and contrast the book and movie

Educator Notes:

·        Profanity:

o   Chapter 2  (“bitched” - once)

o   Chapter 8  (“damn” - 3 times; “hell” - 3 times)

o   Chapter 9 (“damn” – once)

o   Chapter 10  (“damn” – once)

o   Chapter 12  (“damn” – once; “hell” – 4 times)

BABYMOUSE: QUEEN OF THE WORLD! by Jennifer and Matthew Holm

Bibliography: 

Holm, Jennifer and Matthew. 2005. BABYMOUSE:  QUEEN OF THE WORLD. New York: Random House. ISBN 9780375932298

Plot Summary: 

Babymouse has plans with her best friend – a movie night.  On this same night, Felicia Furrypaw’s is having a slumber party, and Babymouse is not invited.  She wants to go so bad, and is willing to do anything to get Felicia to invite her.  Babymouse makes some bad decisions, but eventually learned that you should be careful what you ask for.  Sometime a good movie with a real friend is the best place to be!

Critical Analysis: 

The authors balance the normal struggles of wishing to be popular with the fantasy elements of this graphic novel book.  The illustrations engage readers right away with the comical pictures of Babymouse and all her attitude as they create a unique and unusual world that is definitely outside of the ordinary.  The setting is illustrated in all its uniqueness from cover to cover.  Young readers will identify with Babymouse quickly and feel a kinship as they find her to be so lovable.  Babymouse is multidimensional and learns a valuable lesson by the end of the story.  The plot is well paced as the characters interact with one another to accomplish tasks, and overcome obstacles.  The theme echoes common truths that are universal:  Friendship, doing the right thing, being honest.   

Reviews: 

·        Publishers Weekly:  “Both tales eye-grabbing black-and-pink graphics, and perceptible Spiegelman influence simmers in the energetic ink illustrations of the dot-eyed heroine.”

·        ALAs Notable Children’s Book      

 Connections:  Age Level:  7 – 10 years of age 

·        Read other Babymouse Series books

·        Read other types of graphic novels

·        Discuss problem, solution, and climax of story

·        Character Analysis

·        Action Verbs

·        Read other books by Jennifer L. Holm

WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead

Bibliography: 

Stead, Rebecca.  2009. WHEN YOU REACH ME. New York, NY: Yearling Publishing.  ISBN 9780375850868

Plot Summary: 

Miranda is a sixth grader in New York City during the late 1970’s.  Her best friend, Sal, is growing distant from her.  Mystery surrounds this young girl as she begins receiving strange notes.  The notes are coming from someone who seems to know about things that have not happened yet.  Miranda, as she is reading A Wrinkle in Time, becomes obsessed with time travel.  Where will this fantasy novel take Miranda, and all those that dare to go on this mysterious journey through the pages of When You Reach Me?

Critical Analysis: 

Readers will enjoy this wonderful story that is an engaging coming-of-age tale with its realistic characters.  Miranda is easy to connect with as the author describes her.  Her once normal sixth grade life begins to change suddenly as her best friend begins to distance himself from her.  Through the book, Miranda matures and gains independence.  The setting is easy to connect with as well, as most readers will have some knowledge about New York City.   The plot centers on the mystery of the notes that seem to tell about events that have not happened yet. This fantasy fiction novel will take readers on an adventure with each turning of the page.   

Reviews: 

·        2010 Newbery Award winner

·        2012 Massachusetts Children’s Book Award winner

·        New York Times:  “In this taut novel, every word, every sentence, has meaning and substance … it is a complex mystery … most of the novel is a thrilling puzzle.”

Connections: 

Age Level:  8 and up

·        Read A Wrinkle in Time before this novel so that as it is mentioned often, great discussion and comparisons can be made with each book.

·        Character analysis

·        Discuss author’s purpose throughout the story as the mystery unfolds.  Look back and analyze how she pieced the story together, discussing foreshadowing.

·        Research this time period – late 1970’s – Discuss the importance of the year to the book’s setting/time period.

·        Compare this book to past realistic fiction books

o   Pick out the specific characteristics that make this book a fantasy fiction book.