1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lowry, Lois. 1993. THE GIVER. Westminster, MD: Random House. ISBN 0-440-21907-8.
2.SUMMARY
Eleven year old Jonas lives in a community with his mother, father and sister. On the surface everything within the community seems utopian. There is no violence, no war, no hunger and no unemployment. However, there is a pervasive unease in this story. At first, there is no explanation for the strange characters—the ever present voice of a ‘speaker’, the fact that children refer to themselves by their age groups, the unusual family routines. As the story progresses and we learn the extent to which members of the community have given up all of their personal freedom. We learn that they do not choose their occupations, the food they eat, their mode of transportation or even their spouse! All these decisions, small and large, are made by a group of supposedly wiser ‘Elders’. The story begins at an especially interesting time in Jonas’ life: he is about to undergo the Ceremony of the Twelve where he will learn which occupation has been chosen for him for the rest of his life. Jonas is not chosen for any garden variety career-he is chosen to become the next Receiver, the one person in the entire community who will keep the memories that cannot be shared by all. As the horror of the Sameness he faces grows daily, Jonas and the Giver, his mentor, find a way to make an incredible change in their community.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This amazing tale works on many levels: pure horror and science fiction. The author manages to create a world that is foreign, yet real and believable. A futuristic world where community members are forced to take a pill each day to repress their sexual urges. As Jonas becomes privy to more and more information about the nature of life and emotions, his disillusionment with his community grows. Jones feels absolute revulsion when he finds out the truth about “release” and learns that his beloved father has been murdering babies and lying about it for years. When he learns that baby Gabriel, a nightly visitor to his home, is scheduled for release he is forced to expedite a plan to escape from the community in search of a place where free will to act and feel as one wishes is possible. The book ends on a hopeful note and readers are left feeling impressed by Jonas’ courage and tenacity. A remarkable accomplishment for Lowry and a must-have addition to any library, personal or public.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
*Newbery Medal (1994)
*Booklist Editor's Choice
Starred Review in Booklist-Lowry's simple, powerful prose creates an anti-utopian world where the lack of hardship, war, and poverty only covers the citizens' deeper lack of freedom.
Horn Book Guide-The story is skillfully written; the air of disquiet is delicately insinuated; and the theme of balancing the values of freedom and security is beautifully presented.
Voice of Youth Advocates-The story is skillfully written; the air of disquiet is delicately insinuated; and the theme of balancing the values of freedom and security is beautifully presented.
5.CONNECTIONS
*This novel is a great way to start a discussion about domestic spying, privacy rights, free will and utopian ideals. A secondary classroom could use this book to jumpstart a discussion into the Patriot Act.
Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. ISBN 0345342968.
Orwell, George. 1984. ISBN 0451524934
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
The First Part Last
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Johnson, Angela. 2002. THE FIRST PART LAST. New York, New York: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0-689-84923-0.
2. SUMMARY
Sixteen year old Bobby lives in New York City with his mom. His best friends have been a part of his life since prekindergarten and it is obvious that his feelings for his girlfriend Nia are deep. All of Bobby’s plans for the future change when Nia announces her pregnancy. Bobby is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and completely change his life after the birth of his daughter, Feather. Although his parents are supportive, his mother refuses to shoulder any of the responsibility for Feather’s care and Bobby experiences exhaustion in his new role as father. He rarely has any extra time to spend with his friends or even finish homework. As the book ends we learn the shocking fact that irreversible brain damage is the reason Nia has been absent during Feather’s care and that Bobby will make a choice that will change his life and Feather’s life forever.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This poetic piece of contemporary realistic fiction will engage young readers with its fresh perspective on teen parenthood. Told in Bobby’s words with Bobby’s thoughts, the reader will be able to hear the sounds of the city and taste the pizza from Mineo’s because Johnson create a New York that is alive and real, so real that even readers who have never visited New York will be able to imagine the setting. Bobby’s story is very authentic and Johnson never glosses over the harsh realities of fatherhood-changing dirty diapers, calming a screaming baby and finding day care are just a few of the challenges Bobby must face. Johnson does not condescend as she describes Nia’s condition and readers are left feeling shocked and bewildered when they learn of her coma. Confronting responsibility and growing up are the universal themes present in this poetic, sparse text. A triumph for Johnson and readers everywhere.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Coretta Scott King Award (2004)
Michael L. Printz Award (2004)
Starred review in Booklist-Johnson makes poetry with the simplest words in short, spare sentences that teens will read again and again.
Horn Book Guide-What resonate in this prequel to the Coretta Scott King Award winning HEAVEN are the sacrifices Bobby makes for Feather's sake.
Starred Review in School Library Journal-Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting, this gem of a novel tells the story of a young father struggling to raise an infant. Bobby, 16, is a sensitive and intelligent narrator.
5. CONNECTION
The subject of teen pregnancy and adult responsibility are two themes of this poignant novel.
Johnson, Angela. HEAVEN. ISBN 0689822901.
Myers, Walter Dean. SCORPIONS. ISBN 0064406237.
Johnson, Angela. 2002. THE FIRST PART LAST. New York, New York: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0-689-84923-0.
2. SUMMARY
Sixteen year old Bobby lives in New York City with his mom. His best friends have been a part of his life since prekindergarten and it is obvious that his feelings for his girlfriend Nia are deep. All of Bobby’s plans for the future change when Nia announces her pregnancy. Bobby is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and completely change his life after the birth of his daughter, Feather. Although his parents are supportive, his mother refuses to shoulder any of the responsibility for Feather’s care and Bobby experiences exhaustion in his new role as father. He rarely has any extra time to spend with his friends or even finish homework. As the book ends we learn the shocking fact that irreversible brain damage is the reason Nia has been absent during Feather’s care and that Bobby will make a choice that will change his life and Feather’s life forever.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This poetic piece of contemporary realistic fiction will engage young readers with its fresh perspective on teen parenthood. Told in Bobby’s words with Bobby’s thoughts, the reader will be able to hear the sounds of the city and taste the pizza from Mineo’s because Johnson create a New York that is alive and real, so real that even readers who have never visited New York will be able to imagine the setting. Bobby’s story is very authentic and Johnson never glosses over the harsh realities of fatherhood-changing dirty diapers, calming a screaming baby and finding day care are just a few of the challenges Bobby must face. Johnson does not condescend as she describes Nia’s condition and readers are left feeling shocked and bewildered when they learn of her coma. Confronting responsibility and growing up are the universal themes present in this poetic, sparse text. A triumph for Johnson and readers everywhere.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Coretta Scott King Award (2004)
Michael L. Printz Award (2004)
Starred review in Booklist-Johnson makes poetry with the simplest words in short, spare sentences that teens will read again and again.
Horn Book Guide-What resonate in this prequel to the Coretta Scott King Award winning HEAVEN are the sacrifices Bobby makes for Feather's sake.
Starred Review in School Library Journal-Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting, this gem of a novel tells the story of a young father struggling to raise an infant. Bobby, 16, is a sensitive and intelligent narrator.
5. CONNECTION
The subject of teen pregnancy and adult responsibility are two themes of this poignant novel.
Johnson, Angela. HEAVEN. ISBN 0689822901.
Myers, Walter Dean. SCORPIONS. ISBN 0064406237.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Catherine, Called Birdy
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 1995. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN 0-06-440584-2
2.SUMMARY
Adolescent Catherine is the daughter of the wholly disgusting Sir Rollo who intends to marry her off for as much loot as he can as early as he can. This book, told in diary form tells the story of how Catherine views her life, avoids her potential suitors and connects with her family. Along the way, readers are invited to share a completely plebeian view of middle class life in mideviel England-fleas and all!
3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book represents the best of what historical fiction has to offer. The reader becomes completely engulfed in Catherine’s life and in the process learns about the clothing, medicine, diet, social customs and mores of the English is 1290. The setting, while different from modern times, is brought to life so brilliantly, that readers will have no trouble places themselves in the story. The plot is realistic and themes involving family disputes are always universal. Cushman writes with compelling authority and accuracy. This book should not be missed.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
*Golden Kite Winner (1994)
*Newberry Award Nominee (1995)
*Young Reader’s Choice Awards Nominee (1997)
School Library Journal - The book is rich with information about the food, dress, religious beliefs, manners, health, medical practices, and sanitary habits (or lack thereof) of the people of her day. From the number of fleas she kills in an evening to her herbal medicines laced with urine, Birdy reveals fascinating facts about her time period.
Kirkus Reviews-The period has rarely been presented for young people with such authenticity; the exotic details will intrigue readers while they relate more closely to Birdy's yen for independence and her sensibilities toward the downtrodden. Her tenacity and ebullient naïveté are extraordinary; at once comic and thought-provoking, this first novel is a delight.
5. CONNECTION
Use this book to launch a discussion about medieval life, the royalty, or the crusades.
Meyer, Carolyn. MARY, BLOODY MARY. ISBN 0152164561
Cushman, Karen. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. ISBN 006440630X
Cushman, Karen. 1995. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN 0-06-440584-2
2.SUMMARY
Adolescent Catherine is the daughter of the wholly disgusting Sir Rollo who intends to marry her off for as much loot as he can as early as he can. This book, told in diary form tells the story of how Catherine views her life, avoids her potential suitors and connects with her family. Along the way, readers are invited to share a completely plebeian view of middle class life in mideviel England-fleas and all!
3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book represents the best of what historical fiction has to offer. The reader becomes completely engulfed in Catherine’s life and in the process learns about the clothing, medicine, diet, social customs and mores of the English is 1290. The setting, while different from modern times, is brought to life so brilliantly, that readers will have no trouble places themselves in the story. The plot is realistic and themes involving family disputes are always universal. Cushman writes with compelling authority and accuracy. This book should not be missed.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
*Golden Kite Winner (1994)
*Newberry Award Nominee (1995)
*Young Reader’s Choice Awards Nominee (1997)
School Library Journal - The book is rich with information about the food, dress, religious beliefs, manners, health, medical practices, and sanitary habits (or lack thereof) of the people of her day. From the number of fleas she kills in an evening to her herbal medicines laced with urine, Birdy reveals fascinating facts about her time period.
Kirkus Reviews-The period has rarely been presented for young people with such authenticity; the exotic details will intrigue readers while they relate more closely to Birdy's yen for independence and her sensibilities toward the downtrodden. Her tenacity and ebullient naïveté are extraordinary; at once comic and thought-provoking, this first novel is a delight.
5. CONNECTION
Use this book to launch a discussion about medieval life, the royalty, or the crusades.
Meyer, Carolyn. MARY, BLOODY MARY. ISBN 0152164561
Cushman, Karen. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. ISBN 006440630X
The Game of Silence
Erdich, Louise. 2006. THE GAME OF SILENCE. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN: 0-06-441029-3
1.SUMMARY
Omakayas is just a regular Ojibwe girl in 1850s America when events beyond her control turn her life upside down. The book begins when the land hungry chimookoman, or white people, force a tribe of Native Americans closely related to Omakayas out of their land and into the land of an opposing tribe. Facing adaptation or death the relatives seek shelter in Omakaya’s tribe signaling the start of immeasurable change in her life. This sequal to THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE, continues the life of Omakayas and the reader is invited to share her pain and joy.
2.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The voice of the book is Omakay’s alone who must describe situations well past a nine year old’s understanding. Yet, the author succeeds because the clarity and calm in that voice draws the reader in to experience a well known period in American history in a new perspective. The supporting characters are three dimensional and whole (with the possible exception of Old Tallow); and the day to day life of Omakayas is described in a way that is easily related to by young readers. The setting is perfectly recreated and the description of winter is particularly harrowing. Readers may feel their own hands stinging when a beloved character gets frostbite! Readers will find many similarities in Omakaya’s family life—from Pinch, her irritating younger brother and Angelique, her older sister and idol.
The historical forces at work are not glossed over, but are only described as a nine year old would understand them, perfect for a historical fiction aimed at young readers. The organic plot moves slowly but with a rhythm that would have been natural at the time. The universal theme of family bonds will engage readers and make this story set long ago very relevant. As an added bonus, the map and glossary at the end and pencil drawings throughout add just the right touch to this book. A must read.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
*Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award Winner (2006)
*American Library Association Notable Books for Children (2006)
School Library Journal - The action is somewhat slow, but Erdrich's captivating tale of four seasons portrays a deep appreciation of our environment, our history, and our Native American sisters and brothers.
Publishers Weekly – “Universal themes and situations are woven together with historical facts to create a story as enlightening as it is entertaining…”
5. CONNECTIONS
Use this book to supplement your history textbook when studying the forced migration of Native Americans or manifest destiny--the perspective introduced will be well appreciated by readers.
Erdich, Louise. THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE. ISBN 0786814543
Art, Suzanne. ANCIENT TIMES: THE STORY OF THE FIRST AMERICANS.
ISBN 0965655776
1.SUMMARY
Omakayas is just a regular Ojibwe girl in 1850s America when events beyond her control turn her life upside down. The book begins when the land hungry chimookoman, or white people, force a tribe of Native Americans closely related to Omakayas out of their land and into the land of an opposing tribe. Facing adaptation or death the relatives seek shelter in Omakaya’s tribe signaling the start of immeasurable change in her life. This sequal to THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE, continues the life of Omakayas and the reader is invited to share her pain and joy.
2.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The voice of the book is Omakay’s alone who must describe situations well past a nine year old’s understanding. Yet, the author succeeds because the clarity and calm in that voice draws the reader in to experience a well known period in American history in a new perspective. The supporting characters are three dimensional and whole (with the possible exception of Old Tallow); and the day to day life of Omakayas is described in a way that is easily related to by young readers. The setting is perfectly recreated and the description of winter is particularly harrowing. Readers may feel their own hands stinging when a beloved character gets frostbite! Readers will find many similarities in Omakaya’s family life—from Pinch, her irritating younger brother and Angelique, her older sister and idol.
The historical forces at work are not glossed over, but are only described as a nine year old would understand them, perfect for a historical fiction aimed at young readers. The organic plot moves slowly but with a rhythm that would have been natural at the time. The universal theme of family bonds will engage readers and make this story set long ago very relevant. As an added bonus, the map and glossary at the end and pencil drawings throughout add just the right touch to this book. A must read.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
*Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award Winner (2006)
*American Library Association Notable Books for Children (2006)
School Library Journal - The action is somewhat slow, but Erdrich's captivating tale of four seasons portrays a deep appreciation of our environment, our history, and our Native American sisters and brothers.
Publishers Weekly – “Universal themes and situations are woven together with historical facts to create a story as enlightening as it is entertaining…”
5. CONNECTIONS
Use this book to supplement your history textbook when studying the forced migration of Native Americans or manifest destiny--the perspective introduced will be well appreciated by readers.
Erdich, Louise. THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE. ISBN 0786814543
Art, Suzanne. ANCIENT TIMES: THE STORY OF THE FIRST AMERICANS.
ISBN 0965655776
Michelangelo
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stanley, Diane. 2003. MICHELANGELO. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN 0-06-052113-9
2.SUMMARY
Diane Stanley tells the life story of Michelangelo Buonorrati chronologically. His parents and family are briefly described as are the circumstances that led and allowed him to study art seriously. All of his major artistic achievements are detailed along with the reasons for their creation and some readers may be surprised to know that many of his artistic work was produced under the direct order of the pope. The book also covers important events of the Renaissance and post Renaissance times especially as they cause changes in Michelangelo’s life. The events of his life, told in broad strokes with enough detail to be tantalizing, provide a clear anchor for the huge history altering experiences of the Renaissance.
3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this completely engaging picture book biography, Diane Stanley uses direct quotes from Michelangelo’s letters to friends to bring his personality and intentions, worries and concerns to the forefront. An entire picture of the author as a human being is developed, with faults and virtues. Readers learn that Michelangelo was not a friendly man, that he was not concerned with material items or wealth, that most of the money he earned went to support his family and that he never married but considered art his wife. All major events of his life are covered in this story which flows incredibly well from his childhood to death.
The book is extraordinarily attractive. Stanley’s computer edited photographs of Michelangelo’s work is much more interesting as a complement to the text than just standard photography of his work. Stanley includes an illustration showing how Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel (standing up) along with other pieces of juicy information about his other major works. The chronological organization makes the subject easier to understand for young minds. Fresh writing and unusual illustrations make this one biography to keep in your library.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
*Top Ten Youth Art Books- Booklist (2000)
*Best Books 2000 – School Library Journal
Horn Book Guide - Stanley captures in words and pictures the essence of Michelangelo, man of the Renaissance--sculptor, painter, architect. Information is presented in an engaging manner with details selected not only to reveal the subject's character but also to whet the reader's interest.
Booklist – “…she tells the story of Michelangelo's turbulent life in a style that is so readable, and occasionally so colloquial, that even children not readily interested in the subject will be drawn in.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This effective book can launch young readers into a serious study of the Renaissance.
Stanley, Diane. LEONARDO DI VINCI. ISBN 0688161553
Quigley, Mary. RENAISSANCE. ISBN 1403406081
Stanley, Diane. 2003. MICHELANGELO. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN 0-06-052113-9
2.SUMMARY
Diane Stanley tells the life story of Michelangelo Buonorrati chronologically. His parents and family are briefly described as are the circumstances that led and allowed him to study art seriously. All of his major artistic achievements are detailed along with the reasons for their creation and some readers may be surprised to know that many of his artistic work was produced under the direct order of the pope. The book also covers important events of the Renaissance and post Renaissance times especially as they cause changes in Michelangelo’s life. The events of his life, told in broad strokes with enough detail to be tantalizing, provide a clear anchor for the huge history altering experiences of the Renaissance.
3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this completely engaging picture book biography, Diane Stanley uses direct quotes from Michelangelo’s letters to friends to bring his personality and intentions, worries and concerns to the forefront. An entire picture of the author as a human being is developed, with faults and virtues. Readers learn that Michelangelo was not a friendly man, that he was not concerned with material items or wealth, that most of the money he earned went to support his family and that he never married but considered art his wife. All major events of his life are covered in this story which flows incredibly well from his childhood to death.
The book is extraordinarily attractive. Stanley’s computer edited photographs of Michelangelo’s work is much more interesting as a complement to the text than just standard photography of his work. Stanley includes an illustration showing how Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel (standing up) along with other pieces of juicy information about his other major works. The chronological organization makes the subject easier to understand for young minds. Fresh writing and unusual illustrations make this one biography to keep in your library.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
*Top Ten Youth Art Books- Booklist (2000)
*Best Books 2000 – School Library Journal
Horn Book Guide - Stanley captures in words and pictures the essence of Michelangelo, man of the Renaissance--sculptor, painter, architect. Information is presented in an engaging manner with details selected not only to reveal the subject's character but also to whet the reader's interest.
Booklist – “…she tells the story of Michelangelo's turbulent life in a style that is so readable, and occasionally so colloquial, that even children not readily interested in the subject will be drawn in.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This effective book can launch young readers into a serious study of the Renaissance.
Stanley, Diane. LEONARDO DI VINCI. ISBN 0688161553
Quigley, Mary. RENAISSANCE. ISBN 1403406081
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Hitler Youth
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bartoletti, Susan C. 2005. HITLER YOUTH: GROWING UP IN HITLER’S SHADOW.
New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN: 0-439-35379-3.
2.SUMMARY
Susan Bartoletti’s book about children growing up during Hitler’s rise to power should not be missed. The book describes how Hitler gained the loyalty of so many children, and how he used that loyalty to further Nazi goals. Each specific youth program (BDM, HJ etc) is explored, some in more detail than others. Readers will learn the criteria for entry into a Hitlerjugend group, what a Hitler Youth would expect to wear, do, think and say. Readers will also learn how eventually it was mandatory for all Aryan German children to belong to the Hitler Youth. The war and the Holocaust are not glossed over but also are not the focus of the book which mentions famous WWII events only in relation to how they affected Hitler Youth. Both sides are displayed—children who willingly and excitedly joined the Hitler Youth and supported Nazi ideals and children who did not identify as Nazi.
3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This chilling and fascinating work of non-fiction sometimes reads like nail-biting fiction. The story of Hitler’s rise to power has never been told from this perspective-through the first hand accounts of children who were young enough to become Hitler Youth and grow up with the guiding hand of a mass murderer who was also a master manipulator of young minds. The author wisely focuses on a few children who can represent a large swatch of the German population.
The story is told chronologically, and the reader is invited to understand the appeal of the Hitler Youth from the words of former members. Drawing on diaries, letters and interviews, the reader experiences the movement as those in it recount. The period photographs of both happy Nazi children and the depression of war illustrate this book perfectly. The table of contents, clear chapter organization and index also make for easier reading. The amazing primary sources are referenced in the bibliography. This Siebert Award nominated book is a must have in any library.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
*Robert F. Siebert Honor Book
*Newberry Honor Book
*American Library Association Notable Books for Children
*School Library Journal Best Books of the Year (2006)
Horn Book Guide-While many books for the young have chronicled the experiences of Hitler's victims, far fewer have looked at the impact of Nazi ideology on those who subscribed to it.
School Library Journal-Bartoletti lets many of the subjects' words, emotions, and deeds speak for themselves, bringing them together clearly to tell this story unlike anyone else has.
5. CONNECTIONS
Any discussion about courage, fear, and tyranny can be launched from this book.
Senesh, Hannah. HANNAH SENESH: HER LIFE AND DIARY. ISBN 1580233422
Frank, Anne. THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL. ISBN 0553296981
Bartoletti, Susan C. 2005. HITLER YOUTH: GROWING UP IN HITLER’S SHADOW.
New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN: 0-439-35379-3.
2.SUMMARY
Susan Bartoletti’s book about children growing up during Hitler’s rise to power should not be missed. The book describes how Hitler gained the loyalty of so many children, and how he used that loyalty to further Nazi goals. Each specific youth program (BDM, HJ etc) is explored, some in more detail than others. Readers will learn the criteria for entry into a Hitlerjugend group, what a Hitler Youth would expect to wear, do, think and say. Readers will also learn how eventually it was mandatory for all Aryan German children to belong to the Hitler Youth. The war and the Holocaust are not glossed over but also are not the focus of the book which mentions famous WWII events only in relation to how they affected Hitler Youth. Both sides are displayed—children who willingly and excitedly joined the Hitler Youth and supported Nazi ideals and children who did not identify as Nazi.
3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This chilling and fascinating work of non-fiction sometimes reads like nail-biting fiction. The story of Hitler’s rise to power has never been told from this perspective-through the first hand accounts of children who were young enough to become Hitler Youth and grow up with the guiding hand of a mass murderer who was also a master manipulator of young minds. The author wisely focuses on a few children who can represent a large swatch of the German population.
The story is told chronologically, and the reader is invited to understand the appeal of the Hitler Youth from the words of former members. Drawing on diaries, letters and interviews, the reader experiences the movement as those in it recount. The period photographs of both happy Nazi children and the depression of war illustrate this book perfectly. The table of contents, clear chapter organization and index also make for easier reading. The amazing primary sources are referenced in the bibliography. This Siebert Award nominated book is a must have in any library.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
*Robert F. Siebert Honor Book
*Newberry Honor Book
*American Library Association Notable Books for Children
*School Library Journal Best Books of the Year (2006)
Horn Book Guide-While many books for the young have chronicled the experiences of Hitler's victims, far fewer have looked at the impact of Nazi ideology on those who subscribed to it.
School Library Journal-Bartoletti lets many of the subjects' words, emotions, and deeds speak for themselves, bringing them together clearly to tell this story unlike anyone else has.
5. CONNECTIONS
Any discussion about courage, fear, and tyranny can be launched from this book.
Senesh, Hannah. HANNAH SENESH: HER LIFE AND DIARY. ISBN 1580233422
Frank, Anne. THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL. ISBN 0553296981
Dogs and Cats
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jenkins, Steve. 2007. DOGS AND CATS. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin.
ISBN: 0-618-50767-1
2. SUMMARY
Dogs and cats are the world’s most popular pets but how often do we stop to think about how the miniature models of wolfs and big cats came to be our companions? Steve Jenkins, the Caldecott-Honor winning author takes readers on a fun journey through the history and biology of dogs and cats. The flip book focuses on dogs on one side then cats on the other. Yet each side has little teaser bits of information on the opposing mammal.
The basics of each animal are covered but more importantly, the attractive package also features delicious tidbits of rare facts about each species and amazing torn paper illustrations.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The scientific background concerning the evolution and biology of each species is thorough, yet easy to understand. The text format is logical and clear and repeats with each species on both sides of the book. The teasers offer facts to compare without having to flip the book over and re-read, and there is no overemphasizing how the text turns the most basic and observed behavior of each animal into interesting expository.
The real magic of this book is the design, the style and the illustrations. The torn paper collages look three dimensional and readers will almost want to pet the pages. The text size changes from large with red section headings when discussing broad facts, to small when recounting specific quirks. The small text often serves as captions to the illustrations. Buy two copies for your school library and keep one copy at home because this book is worth repeat readings.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal-This is a thoroughly attractive package from start to finish. Shared aloud, it is a treat not to be missed.
Horn Book-An inviting, multidimensional introduction to the pets we love.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Use this book to go further into discussion about dogs and cats or evolution.
Coile, Caroline. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOG BREEDS. ISBN 0764157000
Fogle, Bruce. THE NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE CAT. ISBN 0789480212
Jackson, Ellen. THE TREE OF LIFE: THE WONDERS OF EVOLUTION.
ISBN 0789480212
Jenkins, Steve. 2007. DOGS AND CATS. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin.
ISBN: 0-618-50767-1
2. SUMMARY
Dogs and cats are the world’s most popular pets but how often do we stop to think about how the miniature models of wolfs and big cats came to be our companions? Steve Jenkins, the Caldecott-Honor winning author takes readers on a fun journey through the history and biology of dogs and cats. The flip book focuses on dogs on one side then cats on the other. Yet each side has little teaser bits of information on the opposing mammal.
The basics of each animal are covered but more importantly, the attractive package also features delicious tidbits of rare facts about each species and amazing torn paper illustrations.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The scientific background concerning the evolution and biology of each species is thorough, yet easy to understand. The text format is logical and clear and repeats with each species on both sides of the book. The teasers offer facts to compare without having to flip the book over and re-read, and there is no overemphasizing how the text turns the most basic and observed behavior of each animal into interesting expository.
The real magic of this book is the design, the style and the illustrations. The torn paper collages look three dimensional and readers will almost want to pet the pages. The text size changes from large with red section headings when discussing broad facts, to small when recounting specific quirks. The small text often serves as captions to the illustrations. Buy two copies for your school library and keep one copy at home because this book is worth repeat readings.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal-This is a thoroughly attractive package from start to finish. Shared aloud, it is a treat not to be missed.
Horn Book-An inviting, multidimensional introduction to the pets we love.
5. CONNECTIONS
*Use this book to go further into discussion about dogs and cats or evolution.
Coile, Caroline. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOG BREEDS. ISBN 0764157000
Fogle, Bruce. THE NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE CAT. ISBN 0789480212
Jackson, Ellen. THE TREE OF LIFE: THE WONDERS OF EVOLUTION.
ISBN 0789480212
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