"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?