LSSL 5360 Module 6 book review #1 RULES by Cynthia Lord

Module 6 book review #1 Rules by Cynthia Lord

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lord, C. (2008). Rules (1st ed.). New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 978-1-428-73809-6

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Twelve year old Catherine is desperate for normalcy, but life with her autistic brother David is anything but. She has been explaining the “rules” to him all of her life- things like, “keep your pants on in public,” in order to avoid the embarrassment that stems from his disability. As she befriends Jason and Kristi, her perspective on normalcy starts to change. Can she happily live her life outside of the “rules”?

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I believe Cynthia Lord’s intention here was to show the world the everyday struggles and anxieties of living with a family member who has a disability. It’s a good book, and a pretty quick read, with witty characters and real-life applications. I can imagine that it would be a therapeutic read for those living in similar situations as the main protagonist of Rules.

Catherine is worried that others won’t accept her, or her brother David, because he has autism. In light of this, she begins to teach him the “rules” of life- and I think this helps her feel control over a situation that, in actuality, she has very little control of. Catherine spends much of her day stressing about how to make David more normal, when in reality, he isn’t able to fit into the box of normalcy that she so desperately wants for him. It’s a little heartbreaking when you think about it; not because he is different, but because she wants him to be the same as everyone else. In the end, she befriends Jason, a paraplegic boy constrained to a wheelchair, and it ties everything together, giving the story meaning and resolve as she realizes nothing about life is consistent or normal. We have to embrace each other because of our differences, and flaws, not in spite of them, and Catherine learns to do this. We have to celebrate these situations, rather than try to change them. What’s the fun in the same constant normalcy?

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

*Newbery Honor (2007)
*Schneider Family Book Award for Middle School Book (2007)
*Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Nominee (2009)
*Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (2008)

5. CONNECTIONS

*Other books to consider- Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson –Newbery Honor (2008)
*A good read to teach kids empathy, understanding, and acceptance

LSSL 5360 Module 6 book review #1 FLORA & ULYSSES by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by K.G. Campbell

Module 6 book review #1 Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by K.G. Campbell

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

DiCamillo, K., & Campbell, K. G. (2015). Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 978-0-7636-6040-6

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This laugh out-loud story is full of surprises, with comic book illustrations, and dynamic characters with superhero- like qualities. When a Ulysses 2000X vacuum cleaner sucks up a squirrel outside, self-described cynic Flora Belle steps right in and saves him. Little does she know he’s been given superhero powers similar to her favorite comic book character Incandesto, and that she’s about to experience a change of heart herself.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book was really funny, and the voice was outstanding- I found myself reading for Flora with an animated voice in my head because of how well developed her character was. Flora’s token sayings like, “Holy bagumba,” made me laugh out loud and really brought her to life. The full page comic book illustrations that broke up the book gave fun imagery to the story, and illustrator K.G. Campbell did a great job of using a cartoon-like style of art that perfectly fits the target audience for this young adult story.

Flora Belle is a character that despite her young age is wise beyond her years and has an old soul- her cynical attitude and realistic viewpoint on life will tell you that right from the get-go. She had outstanding vocabulary, which is a little unrealistic for a kid her age, but ultimately it’s that vocabulary that’s beneficial for our audience of readers ages 8-11. They will find themselves look up words and using context clues to discover their meaning; even as an adult, I had to do the same!

My one reservation is simply that I didn’t see a whole lot of rise and fall of conflict and resolution in this story, which I supposed isn’t necessary, but it’s what I look for in a great book. I am not sure I understood the point of the story or the resolve of it all… or if I did, it just wasn’t enough for me.

Despite that, I really enjoyed this book, and it’s mostly due to the smart, old-soul, funny, young heroine, Flora. She reminds me of Matilda- wise beyond her years, humorous, and entertaining. She always seems like she knows something we don’t.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

*Newbery Medal (2014)
*National Book Award Nominee for Young People's Literature (2013)
*Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award Nominee for Grades 3-6 (2015)
*Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee (2015)
*Alabama Library Association Children's Book of the Year Nominee for 4-5 (2014)

5. CONNECTIONS

*ages 8-11

*great for young minds to use in conjunction with vocabulary. Perhaps list and define words used in the novel- such as: malfeasance, capacious, obfuscation
*other books by Kate DiCamillo that you may enjoy if you enjoyed this one- The Tale of Despereaux and Because of Winn Dixie

LSSL 5360 Module 6 book review #3- LUNCH LADY AND THE AUTHOR VISIT VENDETTA by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Module 6 book review #3- Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Krosoczka, J. (2009). Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta (First ed., #3). New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 978-0-375-86094-2

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The school lunch lady, a secret crime fighter, and her side-kick Betty, investigate a suspicious author after he visits Thompson Brook Elementary school. When the gym teacher, Mr. Birkby, mysteriously disappears, Lunch Lady is determined to get to the bottom of this creepy author’s agenda, and she won’t stop until Mr. Birkby is found safe.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Another hilarious graphic novel with a silly plot and an engaging problem to solve: how will we get to the bottom of the mysterious Lewis Scribson and find the missing gym teachers from all across the country? I particularly loved the detailed spy equipment and clever ways the Lunch Lady used every day items to accomplish extraordinary spy tasks. Lunch Lady’s right-hand-woman, Betty, was my favorite aspect of the book. With all the gadgets that she constructs to help carry out their missions, she was absolutely hilarious and a great representation of the sidekick that every superhero needs.

In the end, evil is conquered and good prevails as they find the missing gym teacher, Mr. Birkby, and set free all the kidnapped and brainwashed gym teachers from Lewis Scribson’s mansion. It’s a fun book with a triumphant outcome, perfect for kids ages 8-12.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“Lunch Lady, the kids, attack bunnies, coaches being hypnotized, even an author visit...what more can you ask for. Loved this one.” –Goodreads, starred review

“The illustrator uses a fine line of pen and ink with touches of yellow. Balloon call-outs are large and clear and work well for beginning readers and those new to the graphic-novel format.” –Lisa Gieskes, CA Johnson Preparatory Academy, Columbia, SC, School Library Journal

5. CONNECTIONS

*Ages 8-12
*May interest kids who like spy mysteries or detective stories
*There are ten graphic novels in the Lunch Lady series, all of which may interest your students if they enjoyed this book.

LSSL 5360 Module 6 book review #4 BABYMOUSE: MONSTER MASH by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm

Module 6 book review #4 Babymouse: Monster Mash by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, J. L., & Holm, M. (2008). Babymouse: Monster Mash (#9). New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 978-0-375-93789-7

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The only thing scarier than a zombie mouse may be Felicia Furrypaws and her mean group of friends. This spooky Halloween night, join along as Babymouse faces pressure from mean girls to drop the scary costume and dress up as something girly and pretty.  While trick-or-treating, they continue to pressure Babymouse to make bad decisions around the neighborhood.

Replacing the typical pink with festive Halloween orange, the Holms do not disappoint with another fun graphic fiction novel in the Babymouse series.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

When Babymouse decides she wants to be something scary for Halloween, she really feels the pressure from her “mean girl” peers to dress as something pretty. Although Babymouse doesn’t want to follow their rules, she doesn’t really know how to say no. Peer pressure is such an important and relevant lesson for the young audience who will be reading this book, and Babymouse brings this issue to the forefront here. Throughout the book, Babymouse continues to feel the pressure from Felicia Furrypaws and her group of mean-girl friends, but in the end, we find our heroine with a renewed sense of self and courage. This bravery to turn the mean girls away from her Halloween party is exactly the type of encouragement that our target audience of readers will need.

I really enjoyed the format of this graphic novel as it reads like a comic book with cartoon sketches as the illustrations. I also found Babymouse’s conscience to be a funny twist on traditional narration, always there questioning her or sharing thoughts with Babymouse as she faces conflict after conflict on Halloween night. In the end, we see Babymouse make better decisions and stand for what she knows in her heart to be right. We learn that even after losing ourselves or our values, we can get back on track and it’s never too late to right the wrongs in our lives.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"Cute, smart, sassy Babymouse is fun and funny, and this book, like its predecessors, will draw reluctant readers as well as Babymouse fans." –Booklist Review

"Nobody puts Babymouse in the corner!" - Starred Review, The Horn Book

5. CONNECTIONS

*graphic fiction ages 8-12
*super fun for Halloween
*great for young kids and read-alouds with fun voices!
*great conversation starter when dealing with elementary school conflict/friendships

*Other books in the Babymouse series, also written by the Holm siblings:
-Queen of the World! (2005)
-Babymouse: The Musical (2009)
-A Very Babymouse Christmas (2011)
-Babymouse for President (2012)
-Happy Birthday, Babymouse (2014)
-Babymouse Goes for the Gold (2016)

LSSL 5360 Module 5- Book Review #2 WILL SPARROW'S ROAD by Karen Cushman

Module 5- Book Review #2 Will Sparrow’s Road by Karen Cushman

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushman, K. (2012). Will Sparrow's road. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 978-0-547-73962-5

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Will Sparrow’s Road is a story of an abandoned, orphaned runaway set in Elizabethean England. Will Sparrow is always running- running from his dad, from the innkeeper, from anything and every one. He’s a liar and a thief, he’s broke and barefoot. Along his runaway journey, he meets many delinquent characters- a blind juggler, a cheating dentist, a smart pig and her owner, just to name a few. All the while, the Elizabethean fairs give us a colorful backdrop of food, entertainment, and odd characters. Will takes us on a journey has he discovers the importance of looking past the physical presence of others.  This bold, cheeky male protagonist in an intriguing setting makes for a classic coming-of-age tale.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The character development was excellent in this book- Cushman provided excellent imagery through vivid descriptions of their personalities, struggles, and physical appearances. This is especially true in the development of Will Sparrow himself. He’s been through his share of struggles and pains- his mother abandoning him, his father sells him for beer. It becomes clear that Will cares about no one but himself, he’s been hardened by his life experiences and with each hardship comes a renewed attitude to trust no one., “I care for no one but myself and nothing but my belly!” Cushman repeats this sentiment many times during this piece of historical fiction.

Cushman uses a lot of language that resembles the time period, which provides a lot of dynamic in the dialogue. As Will finds a misfit family in a crew of Freak Show entertainers, we get a lot of this dialogue.  We see a special relationship grow between Will and a hairy-faced girl, Grace. It’s apparent that at first, Will sees himself as better than the “oddities” around him, but in the end, he finds a family with this troop of misfits.

Will Sparrow changes and grows, but in the end, we see many of the same delinquent qualities he had in the beginning. He makes a journey, both literally and internally, but in the end he is still an unlikeable hero, hardened by the hardships of his life. He does, however, learn to trust and open up to people like Grace, despite her appearance and outcast from society.  It was a slow read and not one I particularly loved, but it may interest young readers who enjoy this genre.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"Fascinating, sometimes seemingly preposterous, details are solidly corroborated in the informative author's note that reflects Cushman's extensive research." -School Library Journal

"Offering action, humor, and heart in equal doses, Cushman's story is, at its core, about creating and claiming a family of one's own." -Publishers Weekly, starred review

5. CONNECTIONS

*historical fiction, recommended for ages 8-12

*also by Karen Cushman, The Midwife’s Apprentice- Newbery Medalist

LSSL 5360 Module 5- Book Review #1 ELIJAH OF BUXTON by Christopher Paul Curtis

Module 5- Book Review #1 Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Curtis, Christopher Paul. (2007). Elijah of Buxton. Abbotsford, BC: Braillebooks.com. ISBN-13: 97804390233443

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Elijah of Buxton takes place in Buxton, Canada, a free settlement of runaway slaves, where Elijah is the first child born knowing nothing but freedom. That all changes when a former slave steals money from his friend, and Elijah feels compelled to embark on a journey to find him. In America, Elijah sees for himself the devastation, pain, and unimaginable environment that his parents fled. Will his journey bring him back home, to the freedom he has been blessed to know? This is a story of courage, hope, and heart-wrenching truths.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Elijah of Buxton has a very compelling storyline, a humorous narrative voice, and candid imagery during times of slavery. This colorful portrayal of life in Buxton ended up as a great, moving story, but for me, it started quite slow. The slang, southern sort of dialect throughout the story gave a real voice to the character portrayal- I found myself reading it in an accent, and I wish I could’ve listened to it as an audiobook. I think it really brings the story to life. That being said, the language may be hard for a young child to grasp, so I would personally save this for an 11+ year old child to read.

Despite the humor that this book often provides, there is a constant gloomy undertone represented through the misery and struggles of these former slaves. It’s an uplifting tale about freedom, but we can’t ignore the despair and utter horror that slavery brought during this time period. It’s represented in many ways through those around Elijah, like Mr. Leroy, and through Elijah’s narration itself, as he is moved and changed by the events unfolding around him.

In the end, we find Elijah to be less “fra-gile” than before, and a hero as he frees baby Hope. The beginning was slow, and the end seemed to wrap up quickly to me, but the meat of the story is a great tale of hope and courage in a time period that was anything but.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“It occurred to me while writing this, that, simply, Elijah’s story is the story of the community of Buxton and vice versa. As alluded to earlier, Elijah’s story is our story, the story of individuals making sense of the world around them, of learning and becoming “growned up,” which I think that Curtis conveys wonderfully through Elijah’s comically confused, sometimes naïve observations of the world around him.” –Goodreads, starred review by Jennifer Iffer

*Newbery Honor (2008)
*Scott O'Dell Award (2008)
*Jane Addams Children's Book Award Nominee for Older Children (2008)
*CLA Book of the Year for Children Award (2008)
*Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee (2009)
*Coretta Scott King Award for Author (2008)
*Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People (2008)
*Canadian Children's Literature Award for English Language (2008)
*Odyssey Honor (2009)

5. CONNECTIONS

*Take note that the dialect may confuse a younger reader who has had proper grammar drilled into their heads. This is best as a middle school read, in my opinion.

*Also by Christopher Paul Curtis, The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963, Newbery Honor-winning American classic

LSSL 5360 Module 5- Book Review #3 TURTLE IN PARADISE by Jennifer L. Holm

Module 5- Book Review #3 Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer. L. (2016). Turtle in paradise (1st ed.). New York: Yearling Newbery. ISBN: 978-0-329-83901-7

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Turtle in Paradise is an adventurous story set in 1935, with a tough 11-year-old female, named Turtle (“Mama says I’ve got a hard shell!” p.99), as its main character. When Turtle’s mom gets a housekeeping job for a woman who doesn’t like kids, Turtle has no choice but to head to Key West to stay with relatives she has never known. Turtle is realistic, and smart, and doesn’t have high expectations for the sometimes scary world around her. Her life in Key West, however, opens her up to new experiences and a world she never expected to experience. With a troop of boy cousins, a small town, new jobs, food, and daily adventures, life in Key West is never boring!

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Right from the start, I thought Turtle was hilarious. Just like her name, she is tough on the outside, but it quickly becomes apparent that she is also sensitive and kind on the inside. Her tone is often cynical, and it shows- “my eyes are gray as soot, and I see things for what they are” (p.17). It’s easy to understand why she comes across so skeptical- she’s grown up fairly poor during the Great Depression, she never knew her dad, and now she’s being forced to live with relatives she’s never known, hours away from her mother, Sadiebelle. Her cynical attitude replicates how most Americans were feeling at that time, and it gives the reader a look into the reality of the times. It’s a reality that is apparent through several examples throughout the book: they often mention that everyone is looking for a job, her Uncle is gone working for weeks at a time, Sadiebelle takes a job that doesn’t allow for Turtle to stay with her, and even The Diaper Gang gets paid in candy, rather than money. Told in first-person narration, Turtle takes the reader on her own journey of growth as she learns about family and what it means to her, as she’s gone eleven years without these relationships and suddenly she is thrust into them. We watch her grow, mature, learn and change as told through her own voice.

I couldn’t ignore the irony of the title, Turtle in Paradise, because Turtle does not describe Key West with such fondness- “Truth is, the place looks like a broken chair that’s been left out in the sun to rot” (p.13).  I suppose the point is that Turtle finds paradise in her situation, even though it’s not what her mother described or what she pictured. In the end, she realizes her own paradise is the family she has gained who loves and cares for her. It may not be the Hollywood riches that Daddy Warbucks provides, or the home she envisioned with her mom and Archie, but it’s her own, authentic piece of bliss.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

"Sweet, funny and superb." -Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

"Just the right mixture of knowingness and hope . . . a hilarious blend of family drama seasoned with a dollop of adventure." - Starred Review, Booklist

*Newbery Honor (2011)
*Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Nominee (2013)
*Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee (2012)

5. CONNECTIONS

*ages 9+
*Book is set during the Depression, an easy tie to make for a lesson during that time period

Similar book to consider: Penny from Heaven, by Jennifer L. Holm

LSSL 5360 Module 5- Book Review #4 GINGERSNAP by Patricia Reilly Giff

Module 5- Book Review #4 Gingersnap by Patricia Reilly Giff

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Giff, Patricia Reilly. (2013). Gingersnap. New York: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN: 9780375838910

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This is a quick, easy, touching read about a young girl, Jayna, who yearns for the family she has never known. In the midst of WWII, her older brother, Rob, the only living relative she knows, heads off to war as a chef on the Muldoon battleship. Jayna finds herself alone, left with the landlady who she is less than fond of. Just as Rob leaves for war, he tells Jayna that he believes they may have a grandmother in Brooklyn who owns a bakery. When she learns Rob is missing-in-action, she realizes the only company she has is her recipe book, her turtle Theresa, a mysterious and ghostly guiding voice, and her possible grandmother. Jayna, alone, scared, and being followed by this ghostly companion, decides to take a trip to discover the ‘Gingersnap’ bakery and search for the only family she may have left.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a sweet historical fiction book that depicts a touching story during a time of warfare, and I really enjoyed the details Patricia Reilly Giff gave to paint the pictures of Brooklyn during WWII. The descriptive writing, and Jayna’s young, hopeful, and often desperate voice added to the mood and gave the reader a taste of what it was like to be homebound while family members were off at war. Throughout the book, Giff continues to use “soup” as a motif, relating each recipe to a mood, feeling, or event. This was my favorite aspect of the story- tying in the aspects of food, family, hope, and courage by presenting a comparable recipe for each chapter.

For me, personally, I think the “ghost” character could’ve been developed more. I really enjoyed it throughout the book, but felt so much was left open at the end: Who was the ghost? Why did she look just like Jayna? I usually like spiritual aspects and supernatural occurrences in books, but this particular one left me underwhelmed and confused at the end. I wish Giff had come full-circle with the ghost character and tied up the loose ends a little bit better.

Overall, this was an enjoyable, heartfelt, and somewhat haunting story and a quick read that opens up the world of a young girl during war-torn times.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“Giff is one of few writers who can entwine an odd lot of characters, set them in Brooklyn during World War II, flavor the story with soup recipes, add a ghost and infuse the plot with a longing for family—and make it all believable.” –Kirkus Review

“I would recommend Gingersnap by Patricia Reilly Giff to anyone who enjoys historical fiction in grades four and up. I was lucky enough to listen to the audio of this wonderful book narrated by Olivia Campbell. She did an excellent job capturing Jayna’s voice and personality. The variety of voices for the different characters helped the book come alive for me. It was so fun stepping back in time and hearing about radio shows and actors from so long ago.” –Goodreads, starred review by Stephanie Robinson

5. CONNECTIONS

*This piece of historical fiction could be super fun for the classroom! I would use it to have the kids make up their own “soup” motif or recipe book that fits a set of moods or an event in their life.

*Recommended for Ages 9-12