THE GREEN GLASS SEA by Ellen Klages

Bibliography:   

Klages, Ellen. 2006. THE GREEN GLASS SEA. New York, NY: Puffin Books.  ISBN 9780142411490 

Plot Summary:   

Readers will follow Dewey as she embarks on a mysterious train ride to a non-existent town in New Mexico.  There she reconnects with her grandmother and mathematician father.  The year is 1943, and there are hundreds of scientists and their families living in the area where everything seems to be a secret.  Dewey’s father must go away, leading to Dewey moving in with Suze.  At first they do not like one another, but a friendship eventually blossoms.  Adventure, bravery, and history come to life on the journey through the pages.  The “gadget’s” creation and the ultimate use of the atomic bomb are brought back to life in this well written historical fiction novel.   

Critical Analysis:   

The setting for this mysterious book is explicitly described, welcoming readers into the life of Dewey.  Many will identify with Dewey, while others may sympathize with her for being small, slightly lame, and a bit different from the norm.  The main characters are believable; doing things that would come natural to many young children of a similar age.  A very serious historical topic is brought to life without overwhelming the reader with details.  Information is presented accurately in terms that young readers will be able to comprehend.  The setting is described so distinctly that readers will be able to visualize the details of the time and place.  This coming-of-age themed piece captures the era perfectly by weaving together fiction details and historical facts.   

Reviews:   

·        2007 winner – Scott O’Dell Award

·        2007 winner – New Mexico Book Award for Young Adults

·        2007 winner – Judy Lopez Award for Children’s Literature

·        2007 finalist – Quill Awards

·        2007 finalist – Northern California Book Awards

·        2007 finalist – Locus Award for Best First Novel

·        Publishers Weekly:  “Klages makes an impressive debut with an ambitious, meticulously researched novel set during WWII.”

·        The Horn Book:  “…the story, an intense but accessible page-turner … where history and story are drawn together with confidence.” 

Connections:  Age Level:  9 and up 

·        New Mexico Research:  Research cities mentioned in the book:  Los Alamos, Roswell, and Trinity

·        Discuss censorship:

o   Word study to clarify meaning of word.

o   Research censorship from the past and present.

o   Writing prompts:  What would it be like to have your mail read by some you were not sending it to?

·        Idioms Study:

o   “loose lips sink ships” (Page 31)

o   “It ain’t over till the Fat Man sings” (Page 255)

o   “the $64 question” (Page 234)

o   “knew her onions” (Page 207)

o   “mind your own beeswax” (Page 220)

o   “my stars and garters” (Page 220)

·        Stop/Think/Write/Share before, during, and after the readings

·        Franklin D. Roosevelt: 

o   His death during this period

o   Timeline tracking his presidency, leading to his death

TURTLE IN PARADISE by Jennifer L. Holm

Bibliography:   

Holm, Jennifer L. 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. New York, NY: Random House.  ISBN 9780375936883 

Plot Summary:   

Turtle In Paradise follows an eleven-year-old girl named Turtle from Jersey to Florida.  She has to leave behind her mom, who is a live-in-maid for a wealthy woman who dislikes children.  The only place Turtle has to go is to her aunt’s house in the Florida Keys.  Paradise is not what awaits Turtle, or a welcoming committee happy to see her.  Meanness seems to be everywhere during this struggling time of the Great Depression.  People are poor and hopeless.  Everyone, including the children, are working hard and in creative ways to earn money or candy.  During Turtle’s time on the island, she meets many family members, some she thought were dead.  She joins a band of misfits on a quest for treasure, and ends up finding more than Little Orphan Annie or Shirley Temple could ever make it through.   

Critical Analysis:   

Holm draws the reader into this historical fiction book without overwhelming them with historical details or long descriptions.  The reader will follow the main characters through their regular daily lives where the power of family love sets the theme of the story.  The Diaper Gang is a funny addition to the book as it helps capture the speech patterns of the era, bringing the setting/characters to life.   The plot is presented accurately so that young readers gain a better understand of the time period they are entered, without being overwhelmed by details.  The historical references concerning the Great Depression, shows the hardships of our country during this time period, and the escape of Hollywood movies that people enjoyed during this same time period.  Author, Holms, has a personal connection to this story.  The pictures and her notes at the end of the book will bring so much light to young readers who may have never heard of the comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” or Shirley Temple movies. 

Reviews:   

·        Newbery Honor Book 2011

·        ALA-ALSC Children’s Notable Book

·        Booklist:  “Turtle is just the right mixture of knowingness and hope; the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with dollop of adventure.”

·        Kirkus:  “Holm’s voice for Turtle is winning and authentic-that of a practical, clear-eyed observer-and her nimble way with dialogue creates laugh-out-loud moments.  Sweet, funny, and superb.” 

Connections: 

Age Level:  8 and up 

·        “Little Orphan Annie” choral reading

·        Research:  Franklin Roosevelt; Transportation and communication (building of the highway/fairy to the Keys)

·        Compare prices then and now

·        Watch Shirley Temple movie

·        Learn and sing “The Good Ship Lollipop”

·        Art:  Draw pictures inspired by events/characters/”Little Orphan Annie” comic strip

NORY RYAN'S SONG by Patricia Reilly Giff

Bibliography:  

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 2002. NORY RYAN’S SONG. New York, Random House.  ISBN 9780440418290 

Plot Summary:   

In this heart-breaking tale, readers learn about the potato famine that affected Irish people from1845-1852.  The Great Hunger was a terrible time in Ireland when the potatoes turned black, and led to the deaths of over a million people.  Readers see the hardships and feel the hopelessness through the eyes of twelve year old Nory as she struggles to find food for herself, her family, and Anna.  Through the struggles, readers will find themselves rooting for this brave heroin who risks her life to make it through each hopeless day.  Hope for food today, hope for a better future in America, and hope to be reunited with loved ones keeps the characters going.  This same hope keeps the readers reading as well. 

Critical Analysis:  

Nory’s experiences, thoughts, and feelings come through beautifully in this first-person point of view that captures the speech patterns of the era.  Using this historical fiction genre, students can connect with a young girl, and learn about Irish history in a powerful way as the author re-creates and describes the setting vividly.  Readers will be able to identify with the major characters as they follow the characters through their patterns of daily life.  The history is not sugar-coated, and is presented accurately in terms that readers, especially young readers, will be able to easily understand.  Giff’s tone comes through in a loving way as the characters interact with one another speaking to the theme ~ the power of family love. 

Reviews:   

·        ALA Best Book for Young Adults

·        ALA Notable Children’s Book (2001)

·        Publishers Weekly – September 2002:  “Giff meticulously re-creates the Great Hunger as she traces a 19^th-century Irish girls struggle to survive.”

·        Kirkus:  “Newbery Honor winner, Giff weaves wisps of history into this wrenching tale of an Irish family sundered by the Great Potato Famine … Riveting.”

·        School Library Journal:  “Today’s readers will appreciate this compelling story with a wonderful female protagonist who is spirited and resourceful, and has a song in her heart.”

·        Booklist:  “Giff brings the landscape and the cultural particulars of the era vividly to life and creates in Nory a heroine to cheer for.  A beautiful, heart-warming novel that makes a devastating event understandable.” 

Connections:  Age Level:  8 and up 

·        Before reading, discuss glossary words found in the front of the book, and revisit these as they appear in the story to enrich reading comprehension skills.

o   Discuss where we usually find a glossary – expository books – bringing students’ attention to this special feature in this historical fiction book.

·        Create a timeline of Irish history.

·        Study Ireland and its history:

o   Potato famine:  What caused it?  How widespread was this famine?  Has such a famine happened since? 

·        Map skills

·        Sequel to “Nory Ryan’s Song”:

o   Giff, Patricia Reilly. 2003. MAGGIE’S DOOR. New York, NY: Random House.  ISBN 0385326580.

o   Before reading sequel, brainstorm ideas about what might happen to Nory and her family.

o   After reading, revisit brainstorming ideas, and see which were in book and which ones were not.

·        Booktalk/Brainstorming:  What was in Nory’s package that she waited so long to get, only to have it stolen from her?

WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE by Barbara Kerley

Bibliography:   

Kerley, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE.  Ill. Edwin Fotheringham.  New York, NY: Scholastic Press.   ISBN 9780439922319 

Plot Summary:   

The author, Barbara Kerley, thought out of the box and used a fun and creative way to educate young readers about one of our nation’s beloved presidents, President Roosevelt.  Readers will go on a journey through time with Alice, the president’s headstrong daughter.  With all of the adventures President Roosevelt experienced, Alice was his greatest challenge and greatest job.   

Critical Analysis:   

Teachers will love using this fun informational book to educate their students about President Roosevelt through his young, spirited daughter, Alice.  The author has done a wonderful job in creating a high quality informational book that is accurate with historical details.  The story follows a logical path as it follows Alice from a young girl to the wife of a congressman.  What to do About Alice is wonderfully designed as Fortheringham’s illustrations bring Alice and her life alive in an attractive and inviting way.  The author’s style is lively and interesting, and shows a fun twist on learning about our nation’s history.  Readers will be curious to turn the page to see what Alice is going to get into next.   

Wonderful Author’s Notes can be found in the back of the book that provide the reader with additional historical information, including and excerpt from a letter President Roosevelt wrote to his daughter, Alice, while he was on tour in Puerto Rico.                                   

Reviews:   

·        Sibert Honor Book

·        2002 Randolph Caldecott Metal Honor Book

·        2002 ALA Children’s Notable Book

·        Publishers Weekly:  “It is hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume serves young Alice Roosevelt.”

·        School Library Review:  Kerley’s text gallops along with a vitality to match her subject’s antics, as the girl greets White House visitors accompanied by her pet snake, refuses to let leg braces cramp her style, dives fully clothed into a ship’s swimming pool, and also earns her place in history as one of her father’s trusted advisers … Fascinating.”

·        Booklist:  “Irrepressible Alice Roosevelt gets a treatment every bit as attractive and exuberant as she was … Kerley’s text has the same rambunctious spirit as its subject, grabbing readers from the first line…” 

Connections:  Age Level:  7 and up

·        President Study:  Teddy Roosevelt

·        Students create a poster displaying facts found within the informational book (Ideas:  book jacket or graffiti map)

·        Create a “DID YOU KNOW” bulletin board in the hallway about President Roosevelt and his daughter, Alice.

·        Create a Flow Map displaying the events seen within the text.

·        Create a Heart Map for Alice, showing the things she loves and cares about as seen within the text.

THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST by Sy Montgomery

Bibliography:    

Montgomery, Sy. 2004. THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST.  Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.   ISBN 0618147993 

Plot Summary:   

The Tarantula Scientist is a treasure-trove of realistic pictures and detailed information about tarantulas.  Readers will learn what parts of our world each spider can be found in.  The jumping spider with its big black eyes will have viewers jumping.  Young scientists will learn about scientific classifications like arachnids and animals, including tarantulas, that belong to it.  Close-up photos will make the scientists feel like they have a magnifying glass as they identify the spiders various anatomy parts and their functions.  Readers will see what is on the menu for tarantulas, but also what other animals might have them on their menu, educating readers about predator and prey.   

Critical Analysis:   

Viewers might not want to pick up this creepy book about tarantulas for the extremely vivid photographs.  Do not let the pictures scare you away from this wonderful educational tool.  The author’s love for these animals is apparent by many of the pictures where he is seen in the forest looking for and examining these creatures.  

The author provided great amounts of detail accurately and discussed this subject as an expert in this field.  Reference aids are included and help guide the reader to learning more about the subject matter.  Pictures, taken by Nic Bishop, help the reader gain a better understanding.  Subheadings, maps, and an index are all sections of the book to help enhance the learning. 

The design would be hard to describe as attractive and inviting with the spiders at every page turn.  Concerning being “readable”, I would say that this book might overwhelm some readers, but they will need to be reminded that some books, such as informational books like these, are not designed to be read from cover-to-cover.  The book definitely encourages curiosity and wonder on the part of the reader.   

Teachers can use the resources listed in the back in connection with the book. 

Reviews:  

·        2004 School Library Journal, Best Books of the Year

·        2005 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

·        2005 Texas Bluebonnet Award

·        Kirkus:  “Montgomery has a gift for scene-setting and deftly weaves clear explanations into the main text.  Bishop’s phenomenal photos show spiders mating, shedding their skin, even leaping through the air.  It’s enough to make Miss. Muffet fall in love.”

·        The Bulletin:  “This book would liven up a science curriculum … and it might also convince young readers to go beyond the elemental pleasures of “Ew, gross’ to the more sophisticated appreciation of “Wow, cool.” 

Connections:  Age Level:  10 and up 

·        Before Reading: 

o   Introduce vocabulary words to support the scientific research and discussion topics

o   Teach students how to use tools that are found within text.

§  Index; Subheadings; Maps

·        Arachnids Unit: 

o   Characteristics

o   Identification

o   Animals in this classification

o   Habitat

o   Food/hunt/prey

·        Download the activity guide designed to be used in the classroom under “Teacher Resources”

o   http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/librarians/teacher.shtml or http://www.authorwire.com

INTO THE A, B, SEA by Deborah Lee Rose

Bibliography:   

Rose, Deborah Lee. 2000. INTO THE A, B, SEA.  Ill. by Steve Jenkins.  New York, NY: Scholastic.  ISBN 0439096960 

Plot Summary:   

Readers follow the alphabet from A to Z and see ocean creatures for each letter.  The beautiful artwork created by Jenkins draws the viewer in with warm ocean colors that are very soothing and pleasing to the eye.  Readers can learn interesting facts about each animal from the book’s “More About the A, B, Sea…” section that is full of clear and factually correct information.   

Critical Analysis:   

Into the A, B, Sea meets the highest standards on many levels.  This wonderfully colorful book is full of accurate information for children to learn about animals built around the alphabet, using it as a guide through the ocean and its animals.  Readers are invited to dive into the ocean “where Crabs crawl in…”, then the reader can find out more information in the back of the book in the “More about the A, B, Sea…” section, where they can read more about “Crabs Crawl In”.   

This text has a logical layout as it uses the alphabet as its guide.  This makes the journey through the ocean fun and interesting for readers.  The design is very attractive and inviting to the viewer, as well as being enjoyable to the reader as the book progresses all the way to “Z”.   

Rose’s passion and enthusiasm for the ocean and its animals within it is clear.  She has created a research tool for children that will make learning fun, sparking their curiosity with each turn of the page.

Reviews:   

·        Kirkus:  “Vivid collages combined with sprightly verse offer readers a glimpse into the fascinating world of the deep.  Older children…will enjoy the challenge of identifying the animals alphabetically while the artwork provides a luminous introduction to marine life.”

·        Saffron Tree:  “…this oceanic adventure showcasing exquisite sea creatures using simple rhyming sentences.” 

Connections:  Age Level:  3-8 

·        Before Reading:  Introduce vocabulary words

·        Ocean Unit: 

o   Animals

o   Habitats

o   Food/Hunting

o   Prey/Where they are on the food chain

·        Art:

o   Students create their own ocean pictures, inspired by Jenkins’ book cover and pages within.