Off The Shelf: August 2011

Fiction - The Underneath by Kathi Appels

blsanchez1962

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Appelt, Kathi. (2008). THE UNDERNEATH. Dwgs. By David Small. New York, NY: Anthenum Books an imprint of Simon and Schuster. ISBN: 9781416950585

PLOT SUMMARY:

This is the story of the Alligator King, and his friend Grandmother Moccasin; Hawk Man and Night Song and their daughter; Gar Face and Ranger, and a single, abandoned calico cat’s lives and how they became intertwined together. Alligator King has lived one thousand years and he is the largest that Gar Face has seen; he has become obsessed with catching him. Grandmother Moccasin has lain trapped in the jar that Night Song had made for one thousand years, waiting, and hating and plotting. Calico cat was abandoned on the side of the road by her family. Alone and scared, she hears a lonely sad song in the air, instead of feeling scared, she follows the sound, realizing that she too feels like that and she comes upon Ranger, an old hound dog who is chained to an old rickety shack. Quickly, they become best of friends, and Ranger realizes that he is happy for the first time he can remember and tells her that she must stay in the “underneath.” In the “underneath” she will be safe, and he will be happy. Soon they are joined by two others, for Calico cat, becomes Momma cat.

Night Song sang the most beautiful songs to all in the old forest in the night time as she lay next to Grandmother Moccasin on the rock, glistening in the moonlight. When the hawk heard her, he became obsessed and went to her. Night Song became bored with their solitary life and snuck off their rock while she slept. Hawk shed his feathered form; Night Song shed her scaly form and was even more beautiful in her human form. They fell in love, and the forest knew love and gave them the protection to get away, when Grandmother Moccasin came looking. Hawk Man and Night Song were welcomed amongst the Caddo people, who were friendly and soon Night Song bore a beautiful daughter. All was well.

Gar Face was mean, and Ranger knew that if he knew the cats were here, he would use them for alligator bait. As long as they would stay hidden underneath the old shack, they would be safe and he would be happy with his little family for the first time in many years. All was well, until Puck had to sneak out into the sunlight just in time to be plucked up by Gar Face. All that she heard was his cry and she ran out to get him only to be plucked up too.

Kathi Appelt has written this beautiful story full of sadness, anger and plotting. Her words flow off the page as a song flows off of the tongue of a singer.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

This story is beautiful to the eye, while aching to the heart. The heart skips a beat as the eyes take in the tale of tragedy and loss, and aches for those who are left behind. Without a thought, tears sneak out of the eyes and soon the pages are flowing as the river in the story. Kathi Appelt has crafted out a tale of timeless love, yet the ache of loss also intertwined within her pages. As the eyes read across the pages, one is reminded of a haunting, yet moving tale that will stand the test of time. The familiarity of the location adds a feel of reality, and the knowing of the trees set a surreal scene and the addition of loss creates an ache deep within the heart. The fluidity of the words across the pages has captured the eye, and the quest to keep on reading to find out what happens keeps the reader in a suspended state as they go through each page until the quest is complete and the end has been reached.

REVIEWS/EXCERPTS:

"A mysterious and magical story; poetic yet loaded with suspense."
-LOUIS SACHAR, Newbery Medal-winning author of Holes

"The Underneath is as enchanting as a hummingbird, as magical as the clouds."
-CYNTHIA KADOHATA, Newbery Medal-winning author of Kira-Kira

"Rarely do I come across a book that makes me catch my breath, that reminds me why I want to be a writer: to make of life something beautiful, something enduring. The Underneath is a book of ancient themes-love and loss and betrayal and redemption-woven together in language both timeless and spellbinding. A Classic."
-ALLISON McGHEE, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Someday

Awards:

National Book Award Finalist ,
ALA Newbery Medal ,
ALA Newbery Honor Book

ALA Notable Children's Book Nominee
ALA Notable Children's Books
CCBC Choices (Cooperative Children's Book Council)
Charlie May Simon Book Award ML (AR)
NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
PEN USA Literary Award for Children's Literature
Rodda Book Award Nominee
Virginia Readers’ Choice Award Master List

CONNECTIONS:

At the end of the book is a reader’s circle guide to assist in group discussion with questions to ponder, and suggestions for extension activities.

Labels: Children's Literature 0 comments |

Fiction - Realistic Fiction - Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

blsanchez1962

Bibliography:

Anderson, Laurie Halse. (2006). Speak. New York, NY. Penguin Group (USA). ISBN: 9780142407325

Plot/Summary:

Melinda Sorvino did something at an end-of-the-summer party that no one will forget, especially herself. She called the police. This got everyone’s attention, and not the good kind. Instead of finding out why, she was ostracized from the rest of her classmates and she shut down inside of herself. Moving through the year, she practiced invisibility, from everyone at school, from her parents and from herself. She keeps the event of that night so tight within, that she almost doesn’t say a word to anyone. She makes a new friend, who is a new student and doesn’t know of that night, and hangs out with her for a while, before she gets bored and makes new friends and leaves Melinda, again, alone. Throughout the story, Melinda learn a few things about herself and towards the end, she is able to make peace with herself and finally “speak” about the horrible event that led to that call.

Critical Analysis:

This is the story of a young girl who was just beginning to make her way into the high school scene until something so horrific happened, she kept it inside of her, sharing it with nobody; not a friend, not a parent or teacher, no one. Becoming a young lady transitioning from girlhood, is a very delicate time for girls. They are coming into their own, full of many different emotions. When tragedy strikes, they go through many different emotions. This story takes readers through such a tragedy, and how one girl copes with it – in silence. She learns, however, through patience and acceptance that she doesn’t have to keep it silent and possibly prevent it from happening to someone else.

Sometimes a girl’s first sexual encounter is not always wanted, and the hormonal upheaval that comes with it especially when it isn’t wanted is something that a lot of young girls need to learn about. This is a story that any young girl can identify with, it’s easy to understand language and silent meaning. It takes older readers back to that time in their life when they had theirs, and brings back memories. Laurie Halse Anderson captures a very delicate moment in a girl’s life and takes readers through her turmoil, humiliation and finally acceptance.

To hear Laurie Halse Anderson speak about Speak:

http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780142407325,00.html?sym=SYN&#awards

Reviews/Excerpts:

· “The book's overall gritty realism and Melinda's hard-won metamorphosis will leave readers touched and inspired.’” —Publishers Weekly

· “Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.” — Booklist *Starred Review*

· “Laurie Halse Anderson's first novel is a stunning and sympathetic tribute to the teenage outcast. The triumphant ending, in which Melinda finds her voice, is cause for cheering (while many readers might also shed a tear or two). After reading Speak, it will be hard for any teen to look at the class scapegoat again without a measure of compassion and understanding for that person--who may be screaming beneath the silence.” — Amazon.com

· “Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.” — Audiofile

· “An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.” — The Horn Book *Starred Review*

· “An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.” — Kirkus »»Pointer Review»»

National Awards

· ALA Best Book for Young Adults

· ALA Top-10 Best Book for Young Adults

· ALA Quick Pick for Young Adults

· Edgar Allan Poe Award finalist

· IRA Young Adult Choice

· Junior Library Guild Selection

· Michael L. Printz Honor Book (American Library Association)

· National Book Award Finalist

· New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age

· New York Times Bestseller List

· SCBWI Golden Kite Award

· YALSA Popular Paperback for Young Adults

State Awards

· Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award runner-up

· California Young Reader Medal nominee

· Black-Eyed Susan Book Award nominee (Maryland)

· Garden State Teen Book Award (New Jersey)

· Iowa Teen Book Award nominee

· Heartland Award (Kansas)

· Kentucky Bluegrass Award

· Maud Hart Lovelace Youth Reading Award nominee (Minnesota)

· Teen Three Apples Award nominee (New York)

· 2005 New York Reads Together Book

· Carolyn W. Field Award (Pennsylvania)

· Pennsyvania Young Readers Choice Young Adult List

· Rhode Island Teen Book Award nominee

· South Carolina Young Adult Book Award

· Volunteer State Young Adult Book Award (Tennessee)

· Tayshas High School Reading List (Texas)

· Evergreen Young Adult Book Award (Washington)

· Sequoya Book Award (Oklahoma)

· Young Reader’s Award Nominee (Nevada)

Bookseller and Media Recognition

· Booklist Editors’ Choice

· School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

· Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Blue Ribbon Book

· Fanfare, The Horn Book’s Honor List

· Los Angeles Times Award finalist

· Publishers Weekly Bestseller

· Booklist Top 10 First Novels (1999)

· Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year (1999)

Connections:

Visit Laurie Halse Anderson’s website:

http://madwomanintheforest.com/youngadult-speak/

Teacher’s Guides:

http://madwomanintheforest.com/teachers/youngadult-speak/

Sexual Assault Survivor’s Resources:
http://madwomanintheforest.com/teachers/youngadult-speak/

“Listen” a poem by Laurie:

http://madwomanintheforest.com/teachers/youngadult-speak/

Hands on Activities and Social Action Projects:

http://madwomanintheforest.com/teachers/youngadult-speak/

Labels: Children's Literature, fiction, girls, issues 1 comments |

Fiction - Graphic Novels

blsanchez1962

Bibliography:

Holm, Jennifer L. and Matthew. (2007). Babymouse Puppy Love. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN: 9780375839900

Plot Summary:

Babymouse doesn’t have great luck with pets; especially fish. But she really wants a dog. Will she get a dog? Will she find her missing pets? Follow Babymouse as she goes on a quest for the pet of her dreams.

http://g-ecx.images-mazon.com/images/G/01/randoEMS/Babymouse_Sampler.pdf

Critical Analysis:

Certainly not an average comic book, a graphic novel which is vibrant in color and dialogue; Babymouse is a new heroine and her escapades are entertaining. The pictures are adorable and very full of character. This book is a great addition to any bookshelf for classrooms, or private collections. Kids will love the adventures of Babymouse.

Reviews/Excerpts:

· “Nobody puts Babymouse in the corner!” – The Horn Book Magazine, Starred

· “Move over, Superman. Here comes Babymouse!” – Chicago Sun-Times

· “A new hero emerges in…’Babymouse!’” – The Bulletin

· “Emergent readers will cheer ‘Babymouse!’”- Kirkus Reviews

· “Ruff, ruff! Four paws up!” – The Canine Courier

· “Frolicsome and breathlessly paced.”- Booklist

· “Eye-grabbing black-and-pink graphics.”- Publishers weekly

· “The whole package is fresh and funny and even philosophical when it comes to values that third graders understand.” – San Francisco Chronicle.

Connections:

Babymouse website:

http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/babymouse/homepage.htm

Babymouse Educator’s Guide:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/teachers_guides/9780375832321.pdf

For librarians:

http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/librarians/BookTalk_Babymouse-PuppyLove.htm

Kids Resources (http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/resources/kids.html)
Below are some useful resources to use for your students.

Book Report Now
Can help students create a book report.

Magic Tree House Readers & Writers Club
Have your students write their own stories with writing lessons from Annie and Jack!
Create your own Readers Circle
Students can create their own Readers Circle with their very own friends to discuss their favorite books.

Labels: Babymouse, Children's Literature, fiction, graphic novels 0 comments |

Historical Fiction - Turtle In Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

blsanchez1962

Bibliography:

Holm, Jennifer L. 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN: 978-0-375-93688-3

Plot Summary:

Turtle was headed down to Florida to stay with relatives that she didn’t even know because Mama got a new cleaning job with Mrs. Budnick, who didn’t like children. When she gets there she meets her Aunt Minnie and a handful of cousins – all boys. Her cousins are Beans, Kermit and Buddy, also known as The Diaper Gang because they babysit for candy and have a special recipe for curing diaper rash.

Turtle meets a grandmother she believed to be dead, who she was told was meaner than anything, and she wins her over after a few visits. Aunt Minnie has been stung by a scorpion, and Turtle finds a treasure map. On the way to a grand adventure Turtle’s life is forever changed.

(To read an excerpt: http://www.randomhouse.com/book/82070/turtle-in-paradise-by-jennifer-l-holm/9780375836886#excerpt)

Critical Analysis:

Jennifer Holm has written a witty story during an un-witty period in American history, the Depression when people were hungry and most kids didn’t even own a pair of shoes. Her role-reversal in her characters personalities shows that to dream during that time would be considered foolhardy, and for Turtle’s mother to be that way and she be the realist is a refreshing twist that makes her circumstances a little humorous. Holm’s adaptation of life in the Keys is enriched by language and luscious scenery detailed in such a way that the readers can picture it in their mind. The names she chose for her characters are just funny, you have Pork Chop, Ira, Beans, Kermit, Buddy, Termite the dog and Smokey the cat and are reminiscent of the Little Rascals-type characters. If you add in the prospect of finding a pirate’s treasure, the book is a must read and very hard to put down.

Reviews/Excerpts:

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2010: “Sweet, funny and superb”

Starred Review, Booklist, April 15, 2010:"Turtle is just the right mixture of knowingness and hope; the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with a dollop of adventure."

Review, School Library Journal, April 2010:"This richly detailed novel was inspired by Holm’s great-grandmother’s stories. Readers who enjoy melodic, humorous tales of the past won’t want to miss it."

Awards:

2011 Newbery Honor Book
An ALA Notable Book
Booklist Editor's Choice
Chicago Library Best of the Best
Texas Bluebonnet List
A Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book of 2010
Spring 2010 Junior Library Guild Selection
New York Times Bestseller
Starred reviews in

Publishers Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Booklist

Connections:

v To download the teacher’s guide -

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/teachers_guides/9780375836886.pdf

v Activity Idea: Letters Home to Mom(http://www.the-best-childrens-books.org/Turtle-in-Paradise-ideas.html)One writing exercise to accompany this book could be to have students write 'letters home to mom' at various stages in the book (ie... divide the book up so as to create five letter writing assignments.) In the story, Turtle is away from her mother, living with relatives in Key West. Have the students pretend to be Turtle writing letters home to tell her mother about what is going on, what she thinks about life in Key West, and what she is looking forward to. This could be a good way to assess whether the students are reading and understanding the book, plus get some writing in.

v Storyboard – Take a sheet of legal-sized paper, fold it long-ways in half, then fold it in half again, and again; open up the sheet of paper and the folds should have created 8 blocks. In each block, draw the story and re-tell it to a friend, or to the class.

v Have students research Florida in the 1930’s and share what they have found with the rest of the class.

v Have students re-write the last chapter of the book.

v Students can create their own travel ad to the Florida Keys. Either individually or in groups.

v Students can create puppets of characters in the story and write a scene to perform for the rest of the class or a lower grade-level.

Labels: Children's Literature, Depression, Florida Keys, Historical Fiction 0 comments |

Blog Archive

Followers

Labels

About Me

Books