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.

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.