"The LLama Who Had No Pajama" by Mary Ann Hoberman

Summary of The Llama Who Had No Pajama by Hoberman
This collection of poems by Hoberman includes a variety of subjects that kids will enjoy.  Focusing on activities and animals children love, the author provides a great introduction to the form of poetry.  Additional features are the illustrations by Fraser, which contribute to the child-friendly nature of the poems. 

Hoberman, M. (1998). The Llama Who Had No Pajama.  New York, NY:  Browndeer Press, Harcourt Brace & Company.

Personal Evaluation of The Llama Who Had No Pajama by Hoberman
What a fun read-aloud volume for young children to enjoy!  The words are simple and the illustrations kid-friendly. The variety of rhyming schemes and placement of words on the page contribute to the tone of these poetic creations. The author knows what small children like, with many of the poems circling around animals and common activities. Occasional humor adds to the reading experience. This is a delightful selection for toddlers through early elementary school age children.

Reviews of The Llama Who Had No Pajama by Hoberman
"Hoberman's poems, accompanied by Fraser's illustrations, have been delighting children for 40 years. Now, many poems from their out-of-print books are available in this satisfying collection. The selections are mostly humorous, sometimes contemplative, and deal with animals, family, play, and plain silliness. Hoberman's rhythms are lively and agile, and her imagination and sense of humor are still in tune with young readers. Fraser's simple but detailed gouache and watercolor illustrations exhibit the same qualities. The layout is masterfully varied and never overwhelms the poems. There is a table of contents as well as an index of first lines. Good for beginning or experienced readers of poetry, this should indeed become a favorite."
Review by Nina Lindsay, Vista School, Albany, CA for School Library Journal and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

"Although perhaps best taken in small doses, this collection of some forty years of Hoberman verse is a charmer. The poems-peppy verses immediately identifiable as Hoberman's by their use of alliteration and repeated words and lines-seem to cover every subject under the sun; all are dependably child-centered. There are insect riddles ("A big buzz / In a little fuzz") and animal tongue-twisters ("O gaze on the graceful gazelle as it grazes") as well as an ode to slippers and a paean to the versatility of applesauce. The ordering of poems is pleasingly informal but thoughtful. Further bonuses are Betty Fraser's delicate yet merry watercolors (Fraser also illustrated Hoberman's classic A House Is a House for Me) and the varied, imaginative page design that never overwhelms the text. Indexes."
Review by Horn and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

Suggestions for Use in Library or School
Portions from this book would be great for a story time at the library that focuses on a certain subject.  For example, a story time on alligators or crocodiles, could include the poem "Alligator/Crocodile." 

For a study on poetry, it would be nice to show the variety of styles and word placement as part of the beauty of poems.  Show examples.  On page 10, Brother and My Sister Saw a Dinosaur poems are presented in dialogue boxes.  On page 12, Whenever is a good illustration of how an artist can contribute to the understanding of the poem, with girls twirling in a circle, the subject of the poem. On page 18, Rabbit is a great example of how words can be placed on the page, almost like creating a picture with the words. It also has some word play elements (alliteration), such as "better bitter beet".   Meg's Eggs uses the shape of eggs to hold the words. Look at page 53; how come the elephant is the only one not an insect? (eleph "ant")  O is Open used the shape of "O" for the poem.  The rhyming scheme also differs with each poem.  My preference would be to read it aloud to hear the differences rather than analyze the poetry.

"Pyongyang" by Guy Delisle

Summary of Pyongyang by Guy Delisle
This graphic novel opens the eyes of the reader to the secretive society of North Korea.  The author was a first hand witness as he entered the country on a work visa for a French film company.  The experience allowed him to view the culture, more of it than the North Koreans had intended.  The text and illustrations cooperate together to give a good picture of the realities of living under the world's best known Communist dynasty.  The story line focuses on his personal adventures within the country in the company of his translator and guide. 

Delisle, G. (2005).  Pyongyang.  New York, NY: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux.

Personal Impressions of Pyongyang by Guy Delisle
This first hand account of life in North Korea is very informative and interesting. The author's sarcastic humor adds to the flavor. The impression of negative and hopeless conditions are accented, as well as the inability of the government to contain the troubles within. The graphics are complementary of the text, which is interesting and chronological of Delisle's personal journey.

Reviews of Pyongyang by Guy Delisle
"In 2001, French-Canadian cartoonist Delisle traveled to North Korea on a work visa to supervise the animation of a children's cartoon show for two months. While there, he got a rare chance to observe firsthand one of the last remaining totalitarian Communist societies. He also got crappy ice cream, a barrage of propaganda and a chance to fly paper airplanes out of his 15th-floor hotel window. Combining a gift for anecdote and an ear for absurd dialogue, Delisle's retelling of his adventures makes a gently humorous counterpoint to the daily news stories about the axis of evil, a Lost in Translation for the Communist world. Delisle shifts between accounts of his work as an animator and life as a visitor in a country where all foreigners take up only two floors of a 50-story hotel. Delisle's simple but expressive art works well with his account, humanizing the few North Koreans he gets to know (including "Comrade Guide" and "Comrade Translator"), and facilitating digressions into North Korean history and various bizarre happenings involving brandy and bear cubs. Pyongyang will appeal to multiple audiences: current events buffs, Persepolis fans and those who just love a good yarn. (Sept.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information."

Review by Publishers Weekly and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble. 

"The author accepted an assignment to work with a team of North Koreans hired to draw a cartoon series. This graphic novel depicts his time there, mostly in the capital city. Delisle stays at one of the three hotels in Pyongang permitted to take foreign guests. The 50-story Yangakkdo is mostly empty; the only floor with its lights turned on is the one with foreigners on it. Accompanied everywhere by at least one or two government assigned “guides,” the animator sees pretty much only what the powers that be want him to see. Even that limited view, however, reveals a fascistic and surreal landscape: a “phantom city in a hermit nation.” Delisle is a good guide through this overly ordered world. He genuinely likes the North Koreans and has no ideological axe to grind; he brings along Orwell to read, but doesn’t let it restrict his thinking. His sharp eye captures many telling details: a monstrously luxurious subway station (marble walls, chandeliers) that seems to be only for show; the empty restaurants; the “volunteer” civilians obsessively cleaning everywhere he looks; and always the passionate reverence for Kim Jong Il, whose portrait hangs “in every room, on every floor, in every building” throughout the land. Brilliant, passionately rendered reportage."
Review from Kirkus Reviews and Retrieved from kirkusreviews.com

Suggestions for Use in a Library or School
Pair the reading of Pyongyang with the article from National Geographic titled Escape from North Korea by Tom O'Neill (Feb. 2009 issue).  Ask high school students to comment on why someone would flee from North Korea and how international countries can help bring about freedom to the people there.  Pose other questions via discussion or essay:  Why do you think the people tolerate the government's control?  OR What freedoms do you take for granted in the U.S.?

"The Boy on Fairfield Street" by Kathleen Krull

Summary of The Boy on Fairfield Street by Kathleen Krull
Ted Geisel grew up on Fairfield Street in Springfield, Massachussetts.  Close to the public library and the zoo, Ted enjoyed lots of things.  He found little encouragement beyond his mother of his imaginative drawing and humorous escapades.  While he attended college, he was not studious like his sister.  Later in life he began drawing cartoons and received an encouraging response from a twelve year old boy.  It dawned on him that children would really like his ideas and he could share his love of animals, reading, and justice (freedom from the rules adults make).  The rest of his life was devoted to this endeavor, and he never wrote for adults again.  Several of his books, such as The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham, continue to be favorites as first readers for children even today.

Krull, K. (2004).  The Boy on Fairfield Street:  How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss.  New York, NY:  Random House, Incorporated.

Personal Impressions of The Boy on Fairfield Street
Ted Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, a.k.a. Ted or Theodore Lesieg, had a wonderful imagination and this book illustrates how unconventional his approach was in the early years.  If not for his mother, and later his wife, one might wonder if he would have ever persevered to undertake his love for creativity.  A good portion of determination and stubborness must have been a factor, as so few people gave him credit for his abilities. So many of us are glad he wrote for children with his fun antics, limited (sight word) plus phonics friendly vocabulary,  and unique illustrations. His books are loved and valued by most adults and children alike as a positive introduction into the world of reading. The illustrations in the book have a soft watercolor design, reminiscent of the turn of the century art during his young life.  A small example of Dr. Sueuss' art is provided on the bottom of each textual page.

Reviews of The Boy on Fairfield Street
"This picture-book biography is a winner. Ted Geisel was not an athletic child, and spent his free time roaming his neighborhood in Springfield, MA, and hanging out with his best friend. Except for encountering some strong anti-German sentiment, his childhood was ideally normal. The clear, large-type text concentrates on Geisel's youth. It delves a bit into his cartooning talent, honed while he was at Dartmouth College. The story ends with his successful career as Dr. Seuss still to come. An appended four-page section succinctly sums up his life and accomplishments. Johnson and Fancher's lovely, full-page illustrations are supplemented by samples of Dr. Seuss's artwork, including scenes from The Cat and the Hat and The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins. A complete list of Seuss's titles, in chronological order, rounds out the title. Mae Woods's Dr. Seuss (ABDO, 2000) devotes more space to his adult life and career. Krull's work is a terrific look at the boyhood of one of the most beloved author/illustrators of the 20th century."
Review by Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI of School Library Journal and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

"Krull's (V Is for Victory) fond tribute to Dr. Seuss focuses on the well-loved author/artist's youth. Growing up in Springfield, Mass., Ted Geisel "feasted on books and was wild about animals" and "excelled at fooling around." The informal, anecdotal narrative explains that Geisel early on demonstrated a passion for drawing (even on his bedroom walls) "whatever popped into his head." He took only one art class, in high school, and quit when the teacher scolded him for "breaking rules" and told him he would never be successful. While attending Dartmouth, Geisel was admired for his "talent for silliness" and, Krull notes with comic irony, "He was clearly gifted, though no one knew at exactly what. It wasn't as if men could doodle for a living." The tale ends rather abruptly as the 22-year-old Geisel arrives in New York City to embark on his artistic career. A four-page addendum, presented in a smaller font, chronicles the highlights of Dr. Seuss's publishing career and provides intriguing tidbits about the creation of some of his beloved books. Johnson and Fancher's (New York's Bravest) representational, nostalgic paintings effectively evoke both the period and Geisel's appealingly puckish personality. Featured in spot art, familiar Seuss characters frolic through these pages, thematically complementing the illustrations while reminding readers why Geisel's life is worth celebrating."
Review by Publishers Weekly and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

Suggestions for Use in Library or School

For older students, encourage a look at Dr. Seuss books and how he challenged rules.  Have a discussion on why was he discouraged in his creativity and why do they think it was wrong.  Could it have prevented him from pursuing his goals and why didn't it?  Why are his books so memorable and excellent choices for beginning readers?  What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book and why?

For younger students, take a look at his illustrations and compare it to other children's books of his time.  Explain or discuss why people might have been reluctant in appreciating his imaginative approach for books.  Did you read his books when you first started reading?  What was your favorite and why?

"The Mysteries of Beethoven's Hair" by Russell Martin and Lydia Nibley

Summary of The Mysteries of Beethoven's Hair by Martin & Nibley
A remarkable true story of the path of a lock of hair from Beethoven's head.  Taken from Beethoven as he was on his deathbed, it was a treasured heirloom of a family passed down through time.  Lost during the turbulent years of World War II, it reappeared in Europe and is authenticated and auctioned off to two collectors who share ownership today. Scientific studies conducted on the lock of hair was analyzed to determine his cause of death, which now appears to be a prolonged poisoning by lead and is possible as the reason for his bouts of temper and eventual deafness.

Martin, R. & Nibley, L. (2009).  The Mysteries of Beethoven's Hair. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.

Personal Impressions of Beethoven's Hair
What a fascinating and unique subject matter for a non=fiction selection!  A lot of detail goes into the process for determining the cause of so much lead in Beethoven's hair. Medicine meant to help his gastrointestinal problems he suffered from his whole life may be the very cause of his deafness. The mystery of the transfer of the lock of hair from the Hiller family and how it reappeared in Denmark will probably never be solved.

Reviews of Beethoven's Hair
"On Beethoven's death a gray-brown lock of his hair was snipped by a fifteen-year-old musician, Ferdinand Hiller, from the composer's corpse, and placed in a locket. Vignettes from the brilliant, troubled composer's life alternate with an account of the forensic detective work conducted on the lock of hair after it was acquired by collectors in 1994. The combination makes for a fascinating book, a young readers' version of Martin's national bestseller, Beethoven's Hair. Hiller became a composer and musician himself, and he took seriously Beethoven's injunction to him to devote his life to his art. Hiller also happened to be of Jewish heritage, from a family that may have protected itself by hiding that aspect of its identity. In a continent rapidly becoming engulfed with anti-Semitism, it is unclear how the lock of hair got to Denmark as it obviously did. Martin and Nibley use those chapters to speculate on possibilities and to flesh out the events of the evacuation of Denmark for young readers. Here the missing elements of story offer an opportunity to contextualize and clarify, where such a panning out to the larger events of the time may be seen as a weakness in the adult book. Woven into the narrative as well are the lives of the two impassioned Beethoven collectors, Alfredo "Che" Guevara of Laredo, Texas, and Ira Brilliant of Arizona, who acquired the lock of hair at a Sotheby's auction. Finally, The Mysteries of Beethoven's Hair details the meticulous process of testing and investigating historical artifacts and cumulatively building our knowledge about the lives that touched them. An afterword provides the story behind both the adult book and this one. A note fromthe authors clarifies aspects of the art of narrative nonfiction." 
Review by Uma Krishnaswami of Children's Literature and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

"In 1827, a music student cut a lock of hair as a memento from the head of recently deceased Ludwig van Beethoven. In 1994, two Americans bought the hair for about $7,300 and had scientists subject it to forensic tests. This slim volume introduces Beethoven's life, with an emphasis on his poor health and emotional problems, interspersing chapters about the hair's journey from Vienna to Arizona and the scientific analysis. Although the lock's history intersects with Denmark's remarkable evacuation of Jews in World War II, the specifics of its journey are unknown, which leaches some of the excitement from the episode. One must also wonder how many child readers will be captivated by the revelation that Beethoven's hair had extremely high levels of lead, much as the authors strain to build to a dramatic climax. Beethoven fans and music students may be intrigued, but overall the audience for this mildly interesting story will be limited. Black-and-white archival illustrations and photographs add little to the appeal."
Review by Kirkus Reviews and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

Suggestions for Use in Library or School
For the high school student, do a research project on the possible cause of deafness/death of the famous composer Beethoven.  For the younger student, pair the book with the video "Beethoven Lives Upstairs" and see if any of the symptoms of lead poisoning were prevalent in the depiction of his personality in the film.

"Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko

Summary of "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko
Moose and his family has moved to Alcatraz as a guard and electrician for the prison.  Other children also live on the island. The warden's daughter concocts a scheme to charge money to children at school for getting their laundry washed at the prison by famous prisoners such as Al Capone. Natalie, Moose's sister, needs to get into a special school nearby, the real reason for going to Alcatraz. When she is rejected, Moose must help care for her.  His mother is devastated, and still determined to get Natalie help. An unexpected solution is provided from within the prison itself.

Choldenko, G. (2004).  Al Capone Does My Shirts.  New York, NY: Scholastic, Incorporated.

Personal Impressions of "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Choldenko
If you want to know what it's like to have a child with autism, this book is an excellent resource.  The author's own experiences with an autistic sister really adds credibility to the accuracy of what it is like to care and live with an autistic child. She provides a genuine look at the hopes, trials, discouragement, and fears within a family who has a child with a disability.  Even though many think that children are mean to other children with disabilities, I have found that compassion and concern is more prevalent. I'm so glad that the author provides this perspective with Moose and his friends.  The history of autism and Alcatraz are nicely done, and I really liked her inclusion of children's fascination with famous criminals.  The setting is appropriate, as I see it as a metaphor of Natalie's life, the prison of autism.

Reviews for "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Choldenko
  
Author Choldenko has written a funny and clever middle grade novel about a boy named Matthew (Moose) Flanagan who is living on Alcatraz Island with his family. The family has moved to the Island because Moose's father has found work as an electrician, and because his sister Natalie, who is autistic, can go to a good school nearby. Moose is not happy about living on the island, especially after meeting the Warden's daughter Piper who is bossy and a bit of a troublemaker. Moose's father has warned him to stay out of trouble because he needs this job and Natalie needs to go to the special school. Moose's life becomes miserable when Piper involves him and a few other island kids in a moneymaking scheme to have their schoolmates' clothes laundered by the convicts on Alcatraz Island. Piper tempts her school chums by claiming that Al Capone, the famous gangster, may even wash their shirts. The scheme falls apart when the Warden finds out what his daughter and friends are up to. Then, to make matters worse, the school that Natalie attends doesn't want her and she has to come home. Moose winds up watching her and has to forego his Monday after-school baseball game. This is an amusing book about interesting characters placed in a different and unlikely setting and trying to make the best of their situation.
Review by Della A. Yannuzzi of Children's Literature and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

Jobs are hard to come by in 1935, so Moose's father doesn't hesitate to move his family to Alcatraz when he gets work as a guard there. Moose, age 12, is far from pleased, though. His friends and baseball team are back in San Francisco, his father works long hours, and when his mother takes a job too he is put in charge of minding his sister Natalie. Natalie is older than he is, but she is autistic, and she can be very difficult to deal with at times because of her obsessive behavior and temper tantrums. Meanwhile, Moose meets the warden's attractive but trouble-seeking daughter, Piper. He learns about the island and the prisoners, and reluctantly becomes involved in Piper's schemes, such as charging classmates for the opportunity to have their laundry done by the inmates—hence the title. Al Capone features briefly as a minor character, and in desperation Moose writes to him to ask him to use his influence to gain Natalie a place at a special school, a long-held dream of his mother's. Rather than a novel of gangsters, then, as some might think from the title, this is a coming-of-age tale about a boy dealing with his autistic sister, albeit in an unusual setting—YAs hoping for gory details of criminal and prison life will have to go elsewhere. Choldenko, author of Notes From a Liar and Her Dog, offers a sensitive portrait of autism and how it affects a family, and in a author's note at the end she discusses her research about life on Alcatraz and on autism, and mentions that her own sister has autism. An affecting novel.
Review by Paula Rohrlick of KLIATT and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

Suggestions for Use in Library or School
Host an autism awareness program with guest speakers. An occupational therapist could demonstrate sensory dysfunction, a common problem in autism, and a few simple exercises to help.  A behavioral therapist could show how important a schedule and reinforcement is for autistic individuals to achieve success and reduce problem behaviors.  A speech therapist could provide a PECS demonstration, and explain how pictoral representations help children with disabilities to communicate even when their speech is limited.  Consider the following additional speakers:
a parent or sibling of an autistic child
behavior therapist explaining DTT (discrete trial training)
behavior therapist explaining verbal behavior terminology such as tacts and mands
therapist explaining Floor Time (playtime)
therapist using water therapy or horseback riding for special needs children
RDI (relationship development)
AAC (augmentative device for communication)
Recommend the movie "Thinking in Pictures" which is the life story of Temple Grandin; famous autistic adult who is a college professor and inventor

"Acceleration" by Graham McNamee

Summary of Acceleration by Graham McNamee
Duncan is working at Toronto's lost and found for the subway.  In the midst of this boring summer job, he finds a brown book with no name.  The journal of a very disturbed individual, the entries appear to be accelerating into the marks of a serial killer.  After a failed attempt to interest the police in what he's found, Duncan and his friend Vinny decide to find the psycho themself.  Instead, he shows up on his own, looking for the diary and Duncan's life is in danger.

McNamee, G. (2003).  Acceleration.  New York, NY:  Wendy Lamb Books.

Personal Reflections of Acceleration
Due to some unfortunate circumstances, Duncan feels compelled to save someone.  His obsession over this incident is effecting his present life.  In his mind, finding the journal is a way to redeem himself.  The book is a fast-paced thriller with sarcastic humor.  Since Duncan seems down in the dumps, it's a good fit.  The story is believable, although most people wouldn't want to try to track down a serial killer.  The author also uses hot and cold elements throughout the book for emphasis on certain passages.

Reviews
"Seventeen-year-old Duncan hates his summer job in the lost-and-found department of the Toronto Transit Commission. In his office below the subway tunnels, Duncan sorts through and retrieves items lost on buses and trains: a golf club, sunglasses, giant thong underwear, umbrellas, and cell phones. When he looks through a lost diary and finds a would-be murderer's plans for his first victim, he decides to hunt him down. Having failed recently in an attempt to save a drowning girl, he sees this as a chance to redeem himself and stop his nightmares. Enlisting his wise-guy friends, Vinny and Wayne, he stalks the stalker and finds himself in over his head. The creepy, morgue-like setting and the friendship among the teenaged boys are well-drawn, with a fair amount of humor to balance the chills. Though readers may wonder why Duncan fails to consider certain obvious points along the way, this is a well-written, read-it-in-one-gulp thriller."
Review by Kirkus and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

"Seventeen-year-old Duncan is haunted by the fact that he was unable to save a drowning girl a few yards away one fateful afternoon the previous September. This summer he has a job working underground at the Toronto subway lost and found where he uncovers, amid the piles of forgotten junk, an opportunity to exorcise his own guilty demons. When business is slow, Duncan spends his time rummaging through dusty shelves and boxes of unclaimed items. During one of these sessions, he uncovers a strange, leather-bound book that turns out to be the diary of a would-be serial killer. Unable to tear himself from the gory descriptions of tortured animals and arson, he discovers that the writer has started to stalk women on the subway. When the police seem disinterested, the teen takes matters into his own hands, and with the aid of his two best friends, tries to track and trap the murderer before he can strike. This chilling page-turner is all thrills, and the author cleverly manipulates readers' sense of disbelief by eliminating the possibility of police help or parental understanding. What results is one teen's self-conscious yet fast-paced journey into the mind of a cold-blooded killer, and the resulting manhunt will keep readers on the edge of their seats."
Review by Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library, Copyright 2003, Reed Business Information, and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

Suggestions for Use in Library and School
Three choices for an essay.  Write a different ending to the story.  What does "acceleration" mean within the story?  Why is it impossible for Duncan to get the police interested or discuss with his parents what was found in the diary?

"The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster

Summary of The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Milo finds life boring.  After a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he enters and discovers bizarre worlds.  From Dictionopolis to the island of Conclusions, Milo is continually growing in his awareness of the adventures that can be found in life all around him if he would just open his eyes.

Juster, N. (1989).  The Phantom Tollbooth.  New York, NY:  Random House, Incorporated.

Personal Impressions of The Phantom Tollbooth
In the style of Alice in Wonderland, a world of humorous and unique places are presented as answers to Milo's boredom.  A book that's fun, but makes you think with its puns and word play.  Explanations, inventions, and adventure awaits everyone who searches for it in life.

Reviews of The Phantom Tollbooth
"Hero Milo "didn't know what to do with himself-not just sometimes, but always." One day he returns from school to find an easy to assemble tollbooth and when he drives through it, Milo finds wild adventures in Dictionopolis, the land of words; Digitopolis, the world of numbers, and many locations in between. He is on a quest in this nonsensical land to bring back the Princess of Sweet Rhyme and Pure Reason. The book is filled with wild characters like the Spelling Bee who spells more than he speaks. There are silly word plays like the time Milo makes a speech at dinner and is surprised to find out how he has to eat his words. Life philosophy is mixed with tons of punny, funny humor. He is so changed by his travels that when he returns home he is only momentarily disappointed when the tollbooth disappears. As Milo says, "there's just so much to do right here." A children's classic for parent and child to enjoy together."
Review by Children's Literature and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble Editorial Reviews.

"I think this book inspired my love of puns and wordplay, not to mention math and word games. It brought to earth large concepts like Boredom and Truth."
Review by Maggi Idzikowski,Media Specialist, Allen Elementary School, Ann Arbor MI and Retrieved from School Library Journal Online.

Suggestions for Use in Library or School
Ask students to write an essay explaining what they do when they are bored.  For older students, ask them to explain how the word play found in The Phantom Tollbooth  enhanced the story and made it more memorable. Milo's experience helped him with his boredom and said at the end of the story "there's just so much to do right here." Create a story that tells what he does next.

For younger students, let them draw a picture of Watchdog, Digitopolis, or another character in the story, or let them create their own word play picture.  (Ex. flying pigs "When pigs can fly.")

"Eragon" by Christopher Paolini

Summary of Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Eragon is a 15 year old boy from the town of Carvahall.  He hunts in the Spine, a mysterious forest.  While hunting, he discovers a blue stone and hopes to trade it for food.  The blue stone is actually an egg that hatches a dragon.  An evil king is after the egg and he flees.  Brom helps him understand dragons and  learn how to fight with a sword.  If you find a dragon egg and it hatches for you, then you become a dragon rider.  A big battle ensues, and the leader of the Varden, the good side, is killed, but Eragon defeats the Shade, the evil king's right hand man. 

Personal Impressions of Eragon
The book begins with intense action and suspension.  Small portions are handed to the reader, with explanations to follow later in the book.  The struggle between good and evil permeates this novel with anticipation mounting for the second book in the series.  Many children enjoy folklore such as dragons, and this story delivers with the boy having his own personal dragon.  Magic, evil, elves, dwarfs, spirits, and other typical fantasy elements are present as well.  Imaginative details such as the carved city in the mountains are inventive additions to the story.

Review of Eragon
Eragon is filled with nightmare moments, dreams, visions. It never falters in its velocity. Its plot is episodic rather than climactic; it is clearly part of a larger work. The 500-plus pages race past. I found myself dreaming about it at night, and reaching for it as soon as I woke. Like countless other readers, I am waiting to see what happens next, with wonder, with admiration and with hope. As Eragon's dragon tells him, ''All will be well, little one.''
Review by Liz Rosenberg of New York Times and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble Editorial Reviews

I don't know what you were up to at age 15, but it is a good bet that you weren't penning 500-page fantasy novels. But that is the age that Christopher Paolini began writing the first volume in his fantasy series, the "Inheritance" trilogy. When young Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he doesn't realize that he has just taken the first step in becoming a Dragon Rider. After the egg hatches, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, begin an adventure that includes all the classic elements of myth-the death of a loved one; a harrowing journey; an elderly mentor; a seemingly indestructible enemy. Sprinkle in a little romance and you have the makings of a classic story. It is remarkable that young Paolini has been able to mold the pieces together in a mature and cohesive narrative. His eye and ear for detail, especially in describing the natural world, are topnotch. Paolini's world of Alagaesia is complex and beautiful, no doubt owing to Tolkien and a host of other fantasy authors that Paolini draws upon. Eragon and Saphira relate to one another not as master and pet, but as equals, with both human and dragon possessing strengths and weaknesses. The bottom line is that the "Inheritance" series has all the markings of a best selling juggernaut-a likeable hero, an entertaining storyline, and above all, a unique authorship legend that will captivate his audience.
Review by Christopher Moning of Children's Literature and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble Reviews

Suggestions for Use in Library or School
Maybe a discussion on the legends of dragons, especially the hatching of eggs. Suggest the movie "Legend of the Water Horse."  Ask the following questions:  Why do you think the author chose to include elves and other fantasy characters within the story?  What other stories have these characters?  Do you think other stories influenced the inclusion of these characters?  How is the plot or theme similar to Eragon? How are they different?

"Monster" by Walter Dean Myers

Summary of Monster by Walter Dean Myers
This is the story of an accused 16 year old African American Steve Harmon who is on trial for felony murder.  A drug store is held up and a man is killed in the process.  In order to keep his mind off the trial, he takes down everything that transpires as if it's a movie. Presented in a movie script format, bits and pieces of what transpired is given to the reader little by little.  There are two obvious bad guys, but Steve is lumped in with the crime as the lookout.  While it starts out as looking bad for Steve, by the end of the story you realize the criminals might be using him as a way to get less time in prison.  You are still unsure if he participated or not, and so is he. It's not until the very end of the book that you hear the verdict.

Myers, W.D. (1999).  Monster.  New York, NY:  Harper Collins Children's Books.

Personal Impression of Monster by Myers
The format presentation is very different.  By putting this story in a movie script form, the story can be given in bite-size pieces with flashbacks to the scene of the crime and other instances prior to the robbery.  In the beginning of the story, it appears that he very well may be part of the crime.  Even then, some sympathy can be given to Steve as he seems to be a teenager just trying to be tough but getting in way over his head with some bad guys.  It's not until the end of the story that you realize that the criminals hardly know him, and could be using him as a way to get less time. Steve's personal testimony, his teacher's character witness, and the evidence that no one, outside of the criminal's testimony, identified him at the scene of the crime was enough for the jury to acquit him. However, the reader is still left to wonder if he might be guilty.  Even Steve himself isn't really sure. I really think the movie format worked for this book, and gave a level of suspense by only offering up small pieces of the story. His personal feelings interspersed within the text gives one the understanding of how fearful it is to be accused of a crime with the possibility of spending years in prison. Even more disturbing is how easy it is for associations to turn into more sinister things, either by being in the wrong place at the wrong time or hanging out with the wrong people.  Maybe the author wanted to convey the suggestion that you need to watch who you surround yourself with because people will assume you are just like them.

Reviews of Monster by Myers
"Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon has been charged as an adult accomplice to murder. Steve resorts to his passion for filmmaking to put some order to and make some sense of his ordeal; his trial is presented as a movie. The reader feels his panic over the possibility of spending life in prison and his fears of being beaten and sexually abused there. The attorneys present their cases before the jury and the drama builds just as it would in a movie. Steve feels the surrealism of the stark reality he is facing. The reader is drawn into the trial, trying to determine, as is Steve himself, if he is the Monster that the prosecutor says he is, or a victim of circumstance. The film script concept works well on many levels. The illustrations, intermittently placed, present Steve in various ways: photos with his mother, on the drugstore surveillance camera, in a courtroom drawing, and in his mug shots. They give an added sense of reality to the narrative. This is a powerful, intense, thought-provoking story. It is great for discussions about the judicial system, pre-judging, self-perception, parent-child relationships and our prison system."
Review by Children's Literature and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

"In a riveting novel from Myers (At Her Majesty's Request, 1999, etc.), a teenager who dreams of being a filmmaker writes the story of his trial for felony murder in the form of a movie script, with journal entries after each day's action. Steve is accused of being an accomplice in the robbery and murder of a drug store owner. As he goes through his trial, returning each night to a prison where most nights he can hear other inmates being beaten and raped, he reviews the events leading to this point in his life. Although Steve is eventually acquitted, Myers leaves it up to readers to decide for themselves on his protagonist's guilt or innocence. The format of this taut and moving drama forcefully regulates the pacing; breathless, edge-of-the-seat courtroom scenes written entirely in dialogue alternate with thoughtful, introspective journal entries that offer a sense of Steve's terror and confusion, and that deftly demonstrate Myers's point: the road from innocence to trouble is comprised of small, almost invisible steps, each involving an experience in which a "positive moral decision" was not made."
Review by Kirkus and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

Suggestions for Use in a Library or School
This is a great way to talk about many social issues.  Ask students to write an essay on how they would feel if they were accused of a crime they didn't commit.  Here are some other essay questions or discussion questions.  Why do you think Steve was afraid of going to prison?  What could he have done differently to avoid the entire situation?  Do you think he is guilty?  Do you think his lawyer did a good job? Do you think his lawyer thought he was innocent?  Why or Why not?  Do you think a lookout for a crime is as guilty as those who commit the crime?  What does this story tell you about relationships (friends, acquaintances, parent/child, teacher/student, lawyer/client)? Can criminals be trusted to testify truthfully against other criminals in order to get less time?  Is this a fair practice that the law should allow?

"Hope Was Here" by Joan Bauer

Summary of Hope was Here by Joan Bauer
Addie and Hope travel the country as a cook and a waitress.  Every place they leave, Hope leaves this message; "Hope was here."  Now they are traveling to a small town in Wisconsin, where the cafe owner is dying of leukemia.  When they arrive, the owner announces his political run for mayor which makes him a target of the local corruption that permeates the city government.  He surprises both Addie and Hope by proposing marriage to Addie and adoption of Hope.  He's the nicest man Hope has ever known, but her past makes it difficult for her to trust anyone.  With time Hope lets go of her fears, and enjoys the time she has with her newly formed family.  She now has a permanent home.  Lots of food analogies are found throughout the book. Fun, but has emotional parts as well.

Bauer, J. (2000).  Hope Was Here.  New York, NY:  G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Personal Impressions of Hope Was Here by Bauer
This is a wonderful realistic fiction book!  Real-life problems with humor.  The ending is bittersweet.  I really enjoyed the use of food as a way to help people within the story.  This compliments the theme of the story.  I noticed that the author uses lots of short phrases, similar to how waitresses place orders in to the cook.  But it also made the story flow more like real life, as dialogue and even a good story is not told in complete sentences but should be a reflection of how people really talk.  Really enjoyable!

Review of Hope Was Here by Bauer
"Sixteen year old Hope (formerly called Tulip) knows all about survival, but the latest move she must make with her aunt Addie is calculated to test even her resilience. In Wisconsin, the Welcome Stairways diner awaits Hope, as does its owner, G.T.Stoop, and a cast of characters both noble and nefarious. Hope's is a fresh young voice, and her story is about finding trust in the middle of corruption, optimism in the mayhem of smalltown politics, and faith, above all, in the power of the spirit. Which is good, because when she comes to face the reality of loss, Hope is going to need all the spirit she has and then some. Bauer creates a believable world in this crisplytold tale."
Review by Uma Krishnaswami of Children's Literature and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

"Bauer (Rules of the Road; Squashed) serves up agreeable fare in this tale of a teenage waitress's search for a sense of belonging. Sixteen-year-old Hope has grown used to the nomadic life she has built with her aunt Addie, a talented diner cook. She doesn't mind the hard work it takes to make a diner hum; she seems to have inherited a knack for waiting tables from the free-spirit mom (Addie's younger sister) who abandoned her years ago. But Hope would gladly give up always having to say good-bye to friends and places she loves. When Addie accepts a new job that takes the pair from Brooklyn to the Welcome Stairways diner in Mulhoney, Wis., Hope never could have imagined the big changes ahead of her. She and Addie shine in the small-town milieu and gladly offer to help diner owner G.T. Stoop, who is battling leukemia, run for mayor. Along the way, Addie and Hope both find love, and Hope discovers the father figure she has so desperately wanted. Readers will recognize many of Bauer's hallmarks here--a strong female protagonist on the road to self-discovery, quirky characters, dysfunctional families, a swiftly moving story, moments of bright humor. Her vivid prose, often rich in metaphor (e.g., Hope's description of the Brooklyn diner: "The big, oval counter... sat in the middle of the place like the center ring in a circus"), brings Hope's surroundings and her emotions to life. The author resolves a few of her plot points a bit too tidily, but her fans won't mind. They're likely to gobble this up like so much comfort food. Ages 12-up."
Review by Publishers Weekly and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

"Another entry in Bauer's growing collection of books about likable and appealing female teenagers with a strong vocational calling. Ivy Breedlove in Backwater (1999) is a historian, Jenna Boller in Rules of the Road (1998) is a talented salesperson, and Hope Yancey's gift is for waitressing. As the novel begins, Hope, 16, and her aunt Addie are about to move from Brooklyn to Mulhoney, Wisconsin, where Addie will manage and cook for a diner called the Welcome Stairways. Hope, whose mother abandoned her as an infant and who has never known her father, is pretty welladjusted, all things considered. She throws herself into her new life in the small town, working on the grassroots mayoral campaign of the diner's owner, quickly acquiring a boyfriend and friends, and proving herself to be a stellar waitress (she's been working in restaurants most of her life, after all, and one of the few things her mother has given her is a list of waitressing tips). Despite having moved so often and having had such inadequate biological parents, Hope isn't afraid to connect to people. The relationship between Hope and G.T., the man who owns the diner and who eventually marries her aunt is especially touching and sweetly portrayed. He's everything Hope ever wished for in a father. It could be said that the occupation of waitressing is overidealized; it's portrayed as the noblest of professions. But the lessons she's learned from the job are essential to Hope's character and a part of why the plot develops as it does. More important, and as always from Bauer, this novel is full of humor, starring a strong and idealistic protagonist, packed with funny lines, and peopledwithinteresting and quirky characters."
Review by Kirkus Reviews and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble.

Suggestions for Use in Library or School
What a great book for demonstrating the political process!  Ask the students to comment on how G.T.  handled his political difficulties.  Did he do the best thing?  Do you have an suggestions?  What were the steps for him to run for office?  Was it wise for him to run as sick as he was?  Why do you think he did it anyway?  What do you think about G.T. as mayor?

Another option; it would be fun to have the students create their own diner menu and name the diner, with an explanation of their choices. 

"A School Story" by Andrew Clements

Summary of The School Story by Andrew Clements
Natalie has written a novel and wants to publish it.  Her friend Zoe encourages her and helps by suggesting the use of a pen name so Natalie's mother, who is an editor at a big children's publishing company, might objectively evaluate her writing.  Her book is a big hit once published.  This is a great book for demonstrating the complications and procedures of attempting to publish a book. 

Clements, A. (2001).  The School Story. New York, New York:  Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division.

Personal Impressions of The School Story by Clements
This is an easy way to inform children about the process of publishing a book.  Many children may be interested in writing a book to be published and this book may answer some of their questions.  The plot is interesting as well, since the mother of the writer works for a children's publishing company.  The daughter's attempt and determination to go to great lengths so that her work is considered makes a great story.  She perseveres and doesn't give up.  Not only does Natalie have to use a pen name, her friend Zoe rounds up some help from adults to help present the submission to appear as if a grown-up did it.  The girls desire to be honest about everything (except the pen name) is very honorable and wholesome.  What a surprise to everyone that the writer was a child!  It's a positive message for children to acknowledge that they can contribute to society even though they are young.

Reviews of The School Story by Clements

"A world-class charmer, Clements (The Janitor's Boy) woos aspiring young authors—as well as grown up publishers, editors, agents, parents, teachers, and even reviewers—with this tongue-in-cheek tale of a 12-year-old novelist's triumphant debut. Sparked by a chance comment of her mother's, a harried assistant editor for a (surely fictional) children's imprint, Natalie draws on deep reserves of feeling and writing talent to create a moving story about a troubled schoolgirl and her father. First, it moves her pushy friend Zoe, who decides that it has to be published; then it moves a timorous, second-year English teacher into helping Zoe set up a virtual literary agency; then, submitted pseudonymously, it moves Natalie's unsuspecting mother into peddling it to her waspish editor-in-chief. Depicting the world of children's publishing as a delicious mix of idealism and office politics, Clements squires the manuscript past slush pile and contract, the editing process, and initial buzz ("The Cheater grabs hold of your heart and never lets go," gushes Kirkus). Finally, in a tearful, joyous scene—carefully staged by Zoe, who turns out to be perfect agent material: cunning, loyal, devious, manipulative, utterly shameless—at the publication party, Natalie's identity is revealed as news cameras roll. Selznick's gnomic, realistic portraits at once reflect the tale's droll undertone and deftly capture each character's distinct personality. Terrific for flourishing school writing projects, this is practical as well as poignant. Indeed, it "grabs hold of yourheart and never lets go.""
Review by Kirkus Reviews and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble Editorial Reviews on September 17, 2010. 


"Natalie is writing a book—a good book. The problem is, how does a twelve-year-old girl get a book publisher to take her seriously? Her friend Zoe comes to the rescue by becoming her imaginative and surprisingly competent literary agent. Careful and credible plotting makes this unlikely adventure almost believable. Aspiring young writers will be particularly interested, but should understand that today's demanding market isn't likely to find a twelve-year-old to be professional enough to publish. Nevertheless, readers will be dying to find out if Natalie succeeds, and will gain a lot of accurate and interesting information about slush piles and the publishing industry. Minus the credibility problem, this is an engaging story, though the beginning chapters lack some of the immediate vitality of Clements' earlier works. Black-and-white drawings lend additional interest to the already strong characters."
Review by Betty Hicks of Children's Literature Reviews and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble on September 17, 2010.

Suggestions for Use in a Library or School
How about a display for how to publish a book?  Include this book and other information in a display.  For a school, use as a writing prompt.  Do you think it is easy to get a book published?  Why?  What would you write about if you could publish a book?

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar"

Summary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
The hungry caterpillar is a story about a caterpillar who eats a lot in preparation of his life change into a butterfly.  The beautiful illustrations that is synonymous with Eric Carle's style is done with collages of different colored tissue paper.

Carle, E. (1987).  The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  New York, New York:  Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated. 

Personal Impressions of The Very Hungry Caterpillar
This is my autistic son's favorite book!  He loves to name off the foods as the caterpillar eats.  I love to read it to him as his language is limited and it brings joy to my heart to hear him speak.  Since he is a visual learner, I believe the illustrations highly contribute to his love of the book.  On a side note, we have the board book version; a necessary choice because of his tendency to tote this book wherever we go.

Reviews of The Very Hungry Caterpillar
"One Sunday a very hungry caterpillar hatched. He eats his way through a variety of foods that are boldly and colorfully illustrated. The story progresses with the caterpillar spinning a cocoon and waking up into a butterfly, illustrating one of nature's common but lovely marvels."
Review by Children's Literature and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble on September 14, 2010.

"This book enables the teacher to raise the language awareness of the whole class as they follow the evolution of the caterpillar in days, foods and numbers."
Review by Bowker's Books in Print and Retrieved on September 14, 2010.

Suggestions for Use in Library or School
This book is made for storytelling.  There are numerous storytelling kits available for this book; feltboard figures, puppets, and manipulatives to name a few.  Another great choice available this year is the new release of a pop-up version.  Select one of the above for a presentation.  So many crafts could also be created.  Try a colored tissue paper collage of a butterfly. Let the children piece together different colors of tissue to form the shape of a butterfly.  For extra fun, use the bleeding kind of tissue and spray with water. Create a cut-out window shape of a butterfly on two pieces of paper. Then place the tissue sprayed with water inside the two windows and glue together for a stained glass look.

"From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler"

Summary of From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
This story is a file from Mrs. Frankweiler's secrets collection.   A young girl is bored with her life and convinces her younger brother to run away with her to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  They live in the museum for a week.  Their curiosity in roused by a statue in the exhibit hall that has the mark of Michelangelo, and seek to find answers from the owner.  The owner is the narrator of this story who enjoys collecting secrets.  The older lady is lonely and the children adopt her as their grandmother at the end of the story. 

Konigsburg, E.L. (1967).  From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.  New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.

Personal Reflections of From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
This humorous telling takes a different approach by the narrator being the character of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.  She loves to collect secrets in files.  The two children have run away to live in the museum and were just about to decide to return when they uncover a mystery.  Is Michelangelo the true creator of the Angel statue?  They make a new friend in the older lady, and she convinces them to return to their family.

Reviews of From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
"For 35 years, even readers who have never traveled to New York City have visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, courtesy of Claudia Kincaid, heroine of From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg. Winner of the 1968 Newbery Medal, this novel charts one girl's mission to run away from her straight-As life to somewhere beautiful-the Met. In the process, she becomes obsessed with uncovering the secrets of a breathtaking statue. A 35th-anniversary dust jacket and a new afterword by the author caps this adventure that has captivated readers for more than a quarter-century."
Review by Publishers Weekly and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble Editorial Reviews on September 10, 2010

"Yes, I know most of you know this book, but I was at a book store the other day and a woman who was my age (you know, 25, give or take a few years) picked this up for her daughter and obviously hadn't heard of it. The adventures of Claudia and her brother Jamie as they run away to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art is a book that every child should know. Their curiosity, independence and realistic sibling bickering resonates today as much as it did 35 years ago. E. L. Konigsburg, who I blame for turning me into an author groupie since she invited a then 10 year old Sharon into her home after I called her on the phone, has included an afterword, her letter from Jean Karl at Atheneum offering her a contract for this book, and a small, funny note that was distributed at Mrs. Konigsburg's Newbery Award acceptance speech. If you love this book, this re-issue is worth having; if you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for?"
Review by Sharon Levin of Children's Literature and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble Editorial Reviews on September 10.2010

Suggestions for Use in Library or School
Compliment this book with the illustrated biography Michelangelo by Stanley.

"Crispin: The Cross of Lead"

Summary of Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi
Asta's son does not have a name.  After his mother's death, mystery enshrouds his life.  The priest tells him that he was cristened "Crispin."  Accused of a crime he did not commit, the priest urges him to leave his home and promises more details when he meets him at the crossroads.  However, he finds the priest murdered and he is pursued by the steward's men at every turn.  In an abandoned village, he happens upon a stranger who calls himself Bear.  Bear seizes the boy as his slave, but really he is just protecting him and training him to take care of himself.  Bear is in a secret group that wants to give freedom to all of serfdom, but he is captured by the steward who wants to get back at Crispin. Crispin is the lord Furnival's son and lord Furnival has died, so the steward is in jeapoardy of losing his power. Crispin attempts a daring rescue, and is able to use his identity to release his friend Bear. In the end, Bear helps Crispin defeat Aycliffe (the steward) and he leaves his cross of lead with the steward; evidence that he was the son of Furnival. Crispin chooses freedom instead.

Avi. (2002).  Crispin: The Cross of Lead.  New York, NY.  Scholastic, Inc.

Personal Impressions of Crispin
I really enjoyed this story.  It was fast-paced and historically accurate. The portrayal of the hardships under serfdom really made the reader want freedom for the people of these times. The discovery that Lord Furnival was his father greatly endangered the boy from all sides.  Bear knew this early on, and chose to protect him.  The character of Bear was especially enjoyable.  He was jolly and full of talk about freedom, but also a spy and had a great temper.  His viewpoints on religion were scandalous during this time, as he reflected more the ideas of Martin Luther (several hundred years in the future) that freedom in Christ does not depend on rituals and icons, but the gospel should be written on your heart.

Reviews of Crispin  
"Set in 14th-century England, this Newbery-winning novel centers on an orphaned outcast who gets pegged for murder. "How the boy learns his true identity and finds his place in the world makes for a rattling fine yarn," wrote PW in a starred review. Ages 8-12. "
Review by Publishers Weekly and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble on September 9, 2010.

"When his mother dies, the thirteen-year-old boy grieves his loss. He is alone in the world, never having known his father. In fact, he doesn't even know if he has a name. He has always been called Asta's son. Events become puzzling when Asta's son learns he has been declared a "wolf's head," which means anyone could kill him, for he is not considered human. It is said that he stole money from the manor house. Asta's son wonders why the steward would make up such a story. The village priest tells him he was baptized "Crispin," gives him his mother's lead cross and tells him he should leave the village for a big city where he could become a free man within the year. Father Quinel promises to tell him what he knows about his parents, but before he can do so, he is murdered. Fearing for his life, Crispin leaves. After several days he meets a large, red-bearded man called Bear. He makes Crispin swear to become his servant, but through the course of the story their friendship develops to the point where Bear thinks of Crispin as his son. Bear is imprisoned as bait to catch Crispin. The young boy, armed with the knowledge of what is written on his mother's lead cross, attempts a brave rescue of his friend. Crispin's identity will not come as a surprise to the sophisticated reader. Avi creates a strong sense of time and place by using the first person narrative. As Crispin learns about the world of fourteenth century England beyond his village, so too does the reader. The harshness of medieval life is presented, with descriptions such as that of the hanging man, but it is done without sensationalism. Avi has described the smells so well, you would think you were there. While it is Crispin'sstory, it is the character of Bear that will entrance the reader."
Review by  Sharon Salluzzo of Children's Literature and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble on September 9, 2010.

"As with Karen Cushman's The Midwife's Apprentice (Clarion, 1995), the power of a name is apparent in this novel set in 14th-century England. "Asta's son" is all the destitute, illiterate hero has ever been called, but after his mother dies, he learns that his given name is Crispin, and that he is in mortal danger. The local priest is murdered before he can tell him more about his background, and Aycliffe, the evil village steward for Lord Furnival, declares that the boy is a "wolf's head," less than human, and that he should be killed on sight. On the run, with nothing to sustain him but his faith in God, Crispin meets "Bear," a roving entertainer who has ties to an underground movement to improve living conditions for the common people. They make their way to Great Wexley, where Bear has clandestine meetings and Crispin hopes to escape from Aycliffe and his soldiers, who stalk him at every turn. Suspense heightens when the boy learns that the recently deceased Lord Furnival was his father and that Aycliffe is dead set on preventing him from claiming his title. To trap his prey, the villain captures Bear, and Crispin risks his life to save him. Avi has done an excellent job of integrating background and historical information, of pacing the plot so that the book is a page-turner from beginning to end, and of creating characters for whom readers will have great empathy. The result is a meticulously crafted story, full of adventure, mystery, and action."
Review by Cheri Estes of Detroit County Day Middle School in Beverly Hills, MI and found in School Library Journal and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble on September 9, 2010.

Suggestions for Use in Library or School
Include in a display for the middle ages.  A study on serfdom and how it was structured would be great for a history unit study.

"Esperanza Rising"

Summary of  Esperanza Rising
This story tells of the sorrow and adventures seen through the eyes of 13 year old Esperanza.  After losing her father, corrupt uncles seize the family farm and Esperanza and her mother flee with their servants to America.  In America, she is like any other Mexican and has difficulties accepting the changes.  When her mother gets ill, she discovers a strength and determination she never knew she had. Within the story is the history of Repatriation; the forced removal of hispanics during the Great Depression.

Ryan, P. M. (2000).  Esperanza Rising. Pittsburg, PA. Scholastic.

Personal Impressions
I found this book to be well-written, fast paced, and exciting. It angered me that the uncles were so corrupt and sinister, forcing this mother and daughter to flee during a time of mourning and leave behind the beloved grandmother. Her transformation of a "princess" into a hard worker who provides and cares for others contributes greatly to the story. The history of Repatriation is very real; I've heard stories from my husband's grandfather of how in West Texas the citizens of a town would find all the Hispanics and pay a one way bus ticket back to Mexico when jobs got scarce during the Great Depression. I understand their desperation to keep jobs for Americans, but unfortunately, some Hispanic American citizens were also mistakenly removed.

Reviews of Esperanza Rising
"This exciting, well-written historical novel is based on the true-life experiences of the author's grandmother, Esperanza Ortega. Thirteen-year-old Esperanza and her newly widowed mother are forced to leave their fairytale existence at beautiful Rancho de las Rosas in Mexico, to live and work in a migrant worker camp in the San Joaquin Valley during the Great Depression. Adjustments to her new life are difficult for Esperanza the harsh living conditions and hard labor are so different from her earlier life of privilege and wealth, especially after Mama becomes seriously ill with valley fever. But like the phoenix in her beloved grandma's story, Esperanza endures, "Rising again, with a new life ahead..." The author does a very good job of portraying the caring and solidarity, as well as the hardships, of Mexican-American labor camps of the era. An author's note is included. This book would be a great choice for a multicultural collection.""
Review by Gisela Jernigan of Children's Literature and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble on September 6, 2010.

"Gr 6-9-Inspired by her grandmother's immigration stories, Pamela Mu-oz Ryan (Scholastic 2000) offers valuable glimpses of the lives of Mexican-American farm workers during the Depression. When her father dies, 13-year-old Esperanza and her mother are forced to abandon their privileged lives and move to California. At first the proud girl is appalled that they must share a cramped row house and work at menial jobs, but when her mother becomes gravely ill, she learns the value of generous friends and her own inner resources. This coming-of-age story also looks at the economic and social issues of that era, and the author's note adds valuable factual information. Trini Alvarado's narration is adroit and melodic as she handles text that skillfully intersperses Spanish phrases and songs. Pairing this story with Zilpha Keatley Snyder's Cat Running (Delacorte, 1994) will give listeners broader insights into the difficulties of the 1930's. This recording is a solid choice for all elementary and middle school audiobook collections, and a necessity for libraries serving Spanish-speaking populations."
Review by Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT of School Library Journal and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble on September 6, 2010.

Suggestions
1. Use this book as a springboard into exploring Hispanic culture. Include a unit study of the language, songs, food, and customs of Mexico.
2. Have students investigate repatriation and write a two page report on the history of this time in America with comments at the end of how they feel about it.  The following prompt questions will help them structure the paper. What is repatriation? Was it fair? Why do you think American citizens wanted the mexicans to leave?

"Sylvester and the Magic Pebble"

Summary of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
Sylvester is a donkey who collects pebbles.  One day, he finds a magic pebble and is so excited to be able to give his family everything they want or need.  In order for the magic to work, the pebble has to be touching him when he makes a wish.  One day, he is frightened by a lion and makes an unwise decision.  He wishes to be a rock so the lion will not see him.  However, since rocks do not have anything that can move or hold things, he cannot touch the pebble and wish himself back to a donkey.  His parents miss him terribly, and life was very sad for them all.  One day, his parents go on a picnic and use Sylvester as a table.  He is so happy to be near them again.  They notice the pebble and remember Sylvester and how he collected pebbles.  They place the pebble on the rock, and Sylvester wishes to be himself again.  They placed the troublesome pebble in a safe because they had all they needed; each other.

Steig, William. (1969).  Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. New York, NY:  Simon & Schuster.

Personal Impressions of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
This story is very sad to me.  The donkey has good intentions in using the pebble, but in his panic from fear of the lion loses everything he cares about.  I feel anxious and bothered that the donkey cannot touch the pebble because of the inability to hold or move in his state of being a rock.  It is sad that his parents are right there and do not know he is near.  I worried that they would walk away and not put the pebble on the table.  Being a children's story, it must have that happy ending.  SO, they do place the pebble on the rock, and they all realize how much they love each other and that family is more important than material things.  The story is a commentary on how priorities get rearranged when someone can have whatever they desire and how a family's love is not something you can put a price on.

Reviews of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
"On a rainy day, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish that brings unexpected results.How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving family and restored to his true self makes a story that is beautifully tender and filled with true magic. Illustrated with William Steig's glowing pictures, this is a modern classic beloved by children everywhere."
Review by Books in Print and retrieved on September 6, 2010.

"Like many children, Sylvester has a collection of beautiful stones. One day he finds an especially extraordinary pebble and discovers it grants his every wish. He can stop the rain and turn a fierce lion passive. Conflict arises when, without forethought, Sylvester turns himself into a large stone. Without hands, he cannot hold the pebble and make a wish to return himself to normal. There seems no solution to the problem, so month after month he remains a stone. His parents bring resolution when, during an afternoon picnic, they find the pebble and place it on the rock. Sylvester transforms into a donkey and realizes that he has everything he has always wanted. It is so easy to identify with Sylvester. His childlike expression and his faith in the magical stone touch the believer in all of us. His wanting more out of life is a universal issue. The problem is surprising and seemingly insurmountable. Children will get great joy from exploring ways to help Sylvester. This book, originally released in 1969 has been re-issued with the bright, cheerful watercolor illustrations the author originally intended. Awarded the Caldecott Award Medal in 1970, the story will continue to delight a new generation of children."

Review by Elizabeth Allen of Children's Literature and Retrieved from Barnes & Noble reviews on September 6, 2010.

Suggestions for Use in a Library or School
During a story time of the book, hand out pebbles to each child.  When the story is over, ask each child what they would have wished if the lion had scared them instead of Sylvester.  Then open the floor for the children to express what they would wish for if they had a magic pebble of their own.

"Mr. Popper's Penguins"

Summary of Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater
Mr. Popper is fascinated with the Antartic.  He acquires a pet penguin and the humorous adventures begin.  From deciding how to care for these unusual pets to their debut on the stage, the Popper family discovers in the end that the best place for a penguin is in his natural habitat. 

Atwater, R. & F. (1983).  Mr. Popper's Penguins. New York, NY.  Little, Brown & Company.

Personal Impressions of Mr. Popper's Penguins
This is a delightful book for children, especially those that love animals.  Creative ingenuity abounds as the family tries to duplicate conditions of the artic.  The humorous antics of these penguins are perfect for the stage, which is where they shine during their stay with the Poppers.  In the end, nature takes over.  The penguins begin to look ill and behave as if they are sad. The Poppers must make a decision, and decide to return the animals to their natural surroundings. Very fun, but also a commentary on how natural habitats provide animals with what they need.

Reviews of Mr. Popper's Penguins
"More than 60 years have not dated this wonderfully absurd tale--it still makes kids (and parents) laugh out loud. Poor Mr. Popper isn't exactly unhappy; he just wishes he had seen something of the world before meeting Mrs. Popper and settling down. Most of all, he wishes he had seen the Poles, and spends his spare time between house-painting jobs reading all about polar explorations. Admiral Drake, in response to Mr. Popper's fan letter, sends him a penguin; life at 432 Proudfoot Avenue is never the same again. From one penguin living in the icebox, the Popper family grows to include 12 penguins, all of whom must be fed. Thus is born "Popper's Performing Penguins, First Time on Any Stage, Direct from the South Pole." Their adventures while on tour are hilarious, with numerous slapstick moments as the penguins disrupt other acts and invade hotels. Classic chapter-a-night fun." (Ages 5 to 10)

Review by Richard Farr 
Retrieved from Books in Print on September 1, 2010

Suggestions for Use in a Library or School
This book would be great as a reader during a study on the artic or ocean animals.  A science experiment of ice, maybe a mini-model of what the Popper's did to the cellar, would be fun. Take a plastic tub and create an artificial slide (narrow piece of plastic that will hold water) and ice castle using ice cubes like blocks, then place it in the freezer overnight.  Ask the kids if they think what the Poppers tried would really work.  Elements of the artic habitat could be discussed and explained.  What is in their natural home and how is that best for them?

"Frog and Toad Together"

Summary of Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel
This easy reader contains five short stories for beginner reading.  Frog and Toad are best friends who enjoy being together. Simple topics highlight each small stories that children are familiar with at a young age. Each chapter has a different story about their friendship filled with humor and fun.  Beautiful illustrations are found on each page with natural colors and shading by a favored author of children's books.

Lobel, A. (1979).  Frog and Toad Together.  New York, NY.  HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Personal Review of Frog and Toad Together
This book is an excellent choice for any child at this level of reading.  My daughter and son both loved the humorous stories and illustrations.  The stories are motivating for the discovery of joy and pleasure one can find in reading.  Children are exposed to familiar topics such as flowers, cookies, bravery, and dreams.  More adventures for Frog and Toad are available in addition to this title.

Reviews of Frog and Toad Together
"This 1972 book is still a delight to read to your child and have your child read to you. Frog and Toad are together in five featured stories including A List, The Garden, Cookies, Dragons and Giants, and The Dream.
The stories are simple, but even in this world of computer games, Pixar and pop-up books, they catch a child's attention. A List features Toad doing his first To Do list. It is a nice way to talk to a child about being organized, but being flexible if things go wrong (Toad's list blew away, but he couldn't run after it because chasing his list wasn't on his list). The Garden is good about illustrating patience while watching seeds grow. Cookies is a funny story about will power. Dragons and Giants illustrates friendship and bravery. And the last story, The Dream is another story about friendship. Whether you use the stories as springboards for teaching tools or just to enjoy, they are wonderfully and simply illustrated and the story flows gently."
 
Review by Deborah Verlen and Retrieved from Amazon.com on August 31, 2010 

Suggestions for the Library
How about a display and story on the differences between frogs and toads?  Since Frog and Toad are friends, focus on the similarities and ask the students why they might want to be friends.  Then ask what makes them different from each other.

"Love You Forever"

Summary of Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
This story is about a mother's love for her son who rocks and sings a song to him every night after he goes to sleep. From the time he was a baby, she would come to him when he was already asleep, lift him up, and rock and sing to him the same song.  The story advances through the son's life, and in the end he returns his mother's love by rocking her in her old age.  When his baby girl is born, he passes on the song to her.

Munsch, R. (1995). Love You Forever. Ontario, Canada. Firefly books, Ltd.

Personal Impressions of Love You Forever
This book has controversy surrounding it. Some adore the illustration of a mother's devotion, while others criticize her ability to convey her love to her son while he is awake. Over-analysis of this story causes many assumptions of the author's intentions. Instead, think of the book's theme as addressing a mother's love of her child and personal feelings that he is always her baby. It is a sweet story not to be taken literally. Children will think it is funny that a grown man is rocked to sleep by his mother who loves him and know this does not really happen. Meant to be a tear-jerker, the author is trying to put into words with the help of the illustrator a picture of a mother's love and what it means to her son. For the conclusion of the story, he reciprocates his love back to his mother in her old age and continues the tradition with his newborn daughter. This demonstration at the end of the book shows that he was aware of his mother's love and actions.

Reviews of Love You Forever
"First published in 1986, this classic book by Munsch is a gentle affirmation of the love a parent feels for their child--forever. McGraw's soft and colorful pastels perfectly complement the sentiment of the book--one that will be read repeatedly for years."
Retrieved from Books in Print and retrieved on August 29, 2010.

"I'll love you forever / I'll like you for always / As long as I'm living / My baby you'll be." Since Love You Forever was first published in 1986, millions of parents have lulled their children to sleep with these affectionate words. This picture book will widen the influence of this soothing message.
Review from Barnes & Noble and retrieved on September 6, 2010.

Suggestions for Use in a Library
This would be a great story telling book. Have the children sing along with you for the song.  Include a craft that shows the cycle of life; baby, child, teen, man, elderly, and back to baby to start the cycle again.