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
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
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
DESERTS
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 1990. DESERTS. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
ISBN: 0-688-07416-2.
2. SUMMARY
In his short, informative book about deserts, Seymour Simon goes beyond the basics and presents a beautifully designed, engagingly illustrated book about deserts. The book tells how deserts are formed, what constitutes a desert and what kind of animal and plant life is found in deserts. The book invites readers into the world of deserts, giving a guided tour of what daily life looks and feels like in one of the hottest places on Earth.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is highly entertaining and highly informative. The beautiful front cover photograph encourages readers to try the book and once inside they are captivated by more brilliant photography and simple to read text that accentuates quirky facts about deserts. The first such fact that got my attention was the mention of “polar deserts.” Basic facts about deserts are weaved throughout the text and any reader will finish this book with a clear understanding of deserts. Maps of the world's deserts and a map of the location and names of all North American deserts provide an anchoring reference aide. The organization is logical and coherent as Simon goes from broad to specific-first describing all deserts then each North American desert in succession. Although the text is simple, it does not condescend so everyone from third graders to adults will find enjoyment from this book. A must have for any school library.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal-Simon presents clear, simplified explanations of natural phenomena with well-chosen color photographs that go beyond decoration.
Horn Book Guide-An eye-catching learning experience
5. CONNECTIONS
An obvious entry to a study about deserts
Other books about desert life include:
Bash, Barbara. DESERT GIANT. ISBN 1578050855
Wallace, Maryann. AMERICA’S DESERTS: GUIDE TO PLANTS AND ANIMALS
ISBN 1555912680
Simon, Seymour. 1990. DESERTS. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
ISBN: 0-688-07416-2.
2. SUMMARY
In his short, informative book about deserts, Seymour Simon goes beyond the basics and presents a beautifully designed, engagingly illustrated book about deserts. The book tells how deserts are formed, what constitutes a desert and what kind of animal and plant life is found in deserts. The book invites readers into the world of deserts, giving a guided tour of what daily life looks and feels like in one of the hottest places on Earth.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is highly entertaining and highly informative. The beautiful front cover photograph encourages readers to try the book and once inside they are captivated by more brilliant photography and simple to read text that accentuates quirky facts about deserts. The first such fact that got my attention was the mention of “polar deserts.” Basic facts about deserts are weaved throughout the text and any reader will finish this book with a clear understanding of deserts. Maps of the world's deserts and a map of the location and names of all North American deserts provide an anchoring reference aide. The organization is logical and coherent as Simon goes from broad to specific-first describing all deserts then each North American desert in succession. Although the text is simple, it does not condescend so everyone from third graders to adults will find enjoyment from this book. A must have for any school library.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal-Simon presents clear, simplified explanations of natural phenomena with well-chosen color photographs that go beyond decoration.
Horn Book Guide-An eye-catching learning experience
5. CONNECTIONS
An obvious entry to a study about deserts
Other books about desert life include:
Bash, Barbara. DESERT GIANT. ISBN 1578050855
Wallace, Maryann. AMERICA’S DESERTS: GUIDE TO PLANTS AND ANIMALS
ISBN 1555912680
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Please Bury Me in the Library
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lewis, Patrick J. 2005. PLEASE BURY ME IN THE LIBRARY. New York, NY: Harcourt Children’s Books. ISBN: 0-15-216387-5.
2. SUMMARY
This book displays 14 poems, most on a single spread. All poems get their own illustration. There is a wide variety of type in this short collection. Haiku, Acrostic, Narrative, Lyrical and other forms make appearances. The poems are focused around a relatively small theme, but some are fanciful, whimsical and zany while others encourage introspection and reflection.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lewis’ collection of 14 poems about language, reading and books will be warmly welcomed by only the most avid readers and fully comprehended by only the sharpest children or adults. The title poem is morbid without managing to be silly at the same time. The two most compelling poems, “A Classic” and “Great, Good, Bad” would feel more at home as sidebars in Reader’s Digest. “Three Haiku” falls flat on its face but the double entendre in the last haiku could at least serve as introduction into double entendres.
The illustrations do little to truly extend the text with its muted colors and many layers of acrylic paint. Occasionally, the poems and illustrations appear out of sync as in “Absolutastical” and “Necessary Gardens”. In the latter, the illustration actually seems to be disputing the poem. The only standout in this collection is “Summer Reading at the Beach” where illustration and text are in perfect harmony.
This is one collection of poetry that should be bought only to complement an already full poetry section.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publisher’s Weekly - Despite its clever title, Lewis (Arithme-Tickle) and Stone's combination of sentimental rhymes and at times ghoulish whimsy creates a volume of poetry about reading that may leave bookworms with a bit of indigestion.
School Library Journal - The Lewis hallmarks are all here-clever wordplay, humor, nonsense, rhyme-though the collection doesn't have quite the spot-on snap of his best stuff.
5. CONNECTIONS
Can lead to a discussion about the role of libraries and reading.
Morris, Carla. THE BOY WHO WAS RAISED BY LIBRARIANS. ISBN 1561453919.
Lewis, Patrick J. 2005. PLEASE BURY ME IN THE LIBRARY. New York, NY: Harcourt Children’s Books. ISBN: 0-15-216387-5.
2. SUMMARY
This book displays 14 poems, most on a single spread. All poems get their own illustration. There is a wide variety of type in this short collection. Haiku, Acrostic, Narrative, Lyrical and other forms make appearances. The poems are focused around a relatively small theme, but some are fanciful, whimsical and zany while others encourage introspection and reflection.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lewis’ collection of 14 poems about language, reading and books will be warmly welcomed by only the most avid readers and fully comprehended by only the sharpest children or adults. The title poem is morbid without managing to be silly at the same time. The two most compelling poems, “A Classic” and “Great, Good, Bad” would feel more at home as sidebars in Reader’s Digest. “Three Haiku” falls flat on its face but the double entendre in the last haiku could at least serve as introduction into double entendres.
The illustrations do little to truly extend the text with its muted colors and many layers of acrylic paint. Occasionally, the poems and illustrations appear out of sync as in “Absolutastical” and “Necessary Gardens”. In the latter, the illustration actually seems to be disputing the poem. The only standout in this collection is “Summer Reading at the Beach” where illustration and text are in perfect harmony.
This is one collection of poetry that should be bought only to complement an already full poetry section.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publisher’s Weekly - Despite its clever title, Lewis (Arithme-Tickle) and Stone's combination of sentimental rhymes and at times ghoulish whimsy creates a volume of poetry about reading that may leave bookworms with a bit of indigestion.
School Library Journal - The Lewis hallmarks are all here-clever wordplay, humor, nonsense, rhyme-though the collection doesn't have quite the spot-on snap of his best stuff.
5. CONNECTIONS
Can lead to a discussion about the role of libraries and reading.
Morris, Carla. THE BOY WHO WAS RAISED BY LIBRARIANS. ISBN 1561453919.
The Music of Dolphins
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hesse, Karen. 1998. THE MUSIC OF DOLPHINS. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN: 0-590-89798-5
2. SUMMARY
Karen Hesse’s story tells the tale of a feral wild child pulled out of the waters between Florida and Cuba. Rescuers have a difficult time capturing the little girl because she doesn't want to be captured: she's quite content living as a member of a dolphine clan. The child gets named “Mila”, presumably short for “Milagros” the Spanish word for miracle. She falls under the care of doctors and researchers who keep her under close surveillance. She forms bonds with the doctor’s charged with her care and with the other children at the facility. However, she never stops missing her dolphin family. Eventually the doctors must decide: in which clan does Mila really belong?
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This haunting book packs a powerful poetic punch. It is an unforgettable read and is almost impossible to fully analyze as it hits the reader with that intimate experience that is poetry. The protagonist is fully developed, emotionally and mentally, and the reader is brought along for the amazing ride. She is both exotic in her feral-ness and familiar in her need for comfort and closeness in family. Mila’s change from a feral child unacquainted with human ways or human contact to a child who is all too familiar with human failings is compelling and profound. Told in first person, the reader gets pulled into a world where the most basic items usually taken for granted, for example television, become foreign and something new to be explored and handled.
The prosaic and lyrical nature of this book, indeed almost all of the beauty of this work comes after the first five pages. Encourage your readers to get to page seven and they will find the rest of the story mesmerizing.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publisher’s Weekly Best Books of the Year Award
Nominated for over 10 Book Awards
School Library Journal-This powerful exploration of how we become human and how the soul endures is a song of beauty and sorrow, haunting and unforgettable.
Kirkus - A probing look at what makes us human, with an unforgettable protagonist.
5. CONNECTIONS
This is a great book to use in higher grades as a springboard into discussion about marine life or animal communication.
Grover, Wayne. DOLPHIN ADVENTURE: A TRUE STORY. ISBN: 0380732521
Cerullo, Mary. DOLPHINS: WHAT THEY CAN TEACH US. ISBN: 0525652639
Hesse, Karen. 1998. THE MUSIC OF DOLPHINS. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN: 0-590-89798-5
2. SUMMARY
Karen Hesse’s story tells the tale of a feral wild child pulled out of the waters between Florida and Cuba. Rescuers have a difficult time capturing the little girl because she doesn't want to be captured: she's quite content living as a member of a dolphine clan. The child gets named “Mila”, presumably short for “Milagros” the Spanish word for miracle. She falls under the care of doctors and researchers who keep her under close surveillance. She forms bonds with the doctor’s charged with her care and with the other children at the facility. However, she never stops missing her dolphin family. Eventually the doctors must decide: in which clan does Mila really belong?
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This haunting book packs a powerful poetic punch. It is an unforgettable read and is almost impossible to fully analyze as it hits the reader with that intimate experience that is poetry. The protagonist is fully developed, emotionally and mentally, and the reader is brought along for the amazing ride. She is both exotic in her feral-ness and familiar in her need for comfort and closeness in family. Mila’s change from a feral child unacquainted with human ways or human contact to a child who is all too familiar with human failings is compelling and profound. Told in first person, the reader gets pulled into a world where the most basic items usually taken for granted, for example television, become foreign and something new to be explored and handled.
The prosaic and lyrical nature of this book, indeed almost all of the beauty of this work comes after the first five pages. Encourage your readers to get to page seven and they will find the rest of the story mesmerizing.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publisher’s Weekly Best Books of the Year Award
Nominated for over 10 Book Awards
School Library Journal-This powerful exploration of how we become human and how the soul endures is a song of beauty and sorrow, haunting and unforgettable.
Kirkus - A probing look at what makes us human, with an unforgettable protagonist.
5. CONNECTIONS
This is a great book to use in higher grades as a springboard into discussion about marine life or animal communication.
Grover, Wayne. DOLPHIN ADVENTURE: A TRUE STORY. ISBN: 0380732521
Cerullo, Mary. DOLPHINS: WHAT THEY CAN TEACH US. ISBN: 0525652639
Monday, October 8, 2007
A Suitcase of seaweed
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Wong, Janet S. 1996. A SUITCASE OF SEAWEED AND OTHER POEMS. New York, NY: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN: 0-689-80788-0.
2. SUMMARY
This collection of 36 poems has been arranged by the author in three different sections; Korean poems, Chinese poems and American poems. Each section is preceded with a small narrative by the author explaining how each culture is a part of her life and reflected in her heritage. Most of the poems are free verse with only two poems that truly rhyme. There are no illustrations, only ‘decorations’ provided by the author at the start of each new chapter.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
These poems go beyond simple recitations about being different and transcend what could be limiting subjects in the hands of lesser writers. The poems are particularly effective as they focus on the culturally ubiquitous themes of food and family. Even when falling flat, Wong’s poems evoke strong mental images and will be understood and appreciated by most readers. The emotional palette used is a rich and varied one, with many humorous poems like “Acupuncture” and “Campfire”, and some that inspire somber moods like “Beat” and “In the Hospital Room.”
All children will find at least a few poems in this volume with whom they can identify. It’s a must have for any library collection.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal - People may ask Asian-Americans "Where are you from?" This collection, appropriate for YAs of any culture, may make this question less relevant and important as they realize the commonalties among cultures.
Booklist - The poems overlap their ethnicity and subject, of course, and young people will recognize many of the situations, whether Wong is imagining her parents' "Love at First Sight" or chafing at their high expectations and their disappointment.
5. CONNECTIONS
These poems can be a great bridge to free verse for children who are ready to move beyond Shel Silverstein
Wong, Janet. NIGHT GARDEN: POEMS FROM THE WORLD OF DREAMS.
ISBN 0689826176.
Wong, Janet S. 1996. A SUITCASE OF SEAWEED AND OTHER POEMS. New York, NY: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN: 0-689-80788-0.
2. SUMMARY
This collection of 36 poems has been arranged by the author in three different sections; Korean poems, Chinese poems and American poems. Each section is preceded with a small narrative by the author explaining how each culture is a part of her life and reflected in her heritage. Most of the poems are free verse with only two poems that truly rhyme. There are no illustrations, only ‘decorations’ provided by the author at the start of each new chapter.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
These poems go beyond simple recitations about being different and transcend what could be limiting subjects in the hands of lesser writers. The poems are particularly effective as they focus on the culturally ubiquitous themes of food and family. Even when falling flat, Wong’s poems evoke strong mental images and will be understood and appreciated by most readers. The emotional palette used is a rich and varied one, with many humorous poems like “Acupuncture” and “Campfire”, and some that inspire somber moods like “Beat” and “In the Hospital Room.”
All children will find at least a few poems in this volume with whom they can identify. It’s a must have for any library collection.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal - People may ask Asian-Americans "Where are you from?" This collection, appropriate for YAs of any culture, may make this question less relevant and important as they realize the commonalties among cultures.
Booklist - The poems overlap their ethnicity and subject, of course, and young people will recognize many of the situations, whether Wong is imagining her parents' "Love at First Sight" or chafing at their high expectations and their disappointment.
5. CONNECTIONS
These poems can be a great bridge to free verse for children who are ready to move beyond Shel Silverstein
Wong, Janet. NIGHT GARDEN: POEMS FROM THE WORLD OF DREAMS.
ISBN 0689826176.
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