Module 15: Daddy's Roommate by Michael Willhoit

Summary

This book is straightforward and told from the child’s point of view. The child talks about his parent’s divorce and someone new moving in with his father. He talks about his dad’s new roommate and the normal things that his dad and his roommate do together; working, eating and sleeping. He also talks about the normal things that they do together; going to the zoo, going shopping or to the movies. The book uses simple language to describe this and the pictures go along well with the text. The pictures are not fancy, but they do get the point across.

My Impressions

I think this is a pretty good simple book and is an excellent book for the age group that it is intended. The author does a good job of making the child and parent’s lives as normal as possible. The book does not add any complications to the plot, such as what other kids might say, but that can come at a later time in a child’s life.

I am not a big fan of this style of illustration. It almost seems too simple, but may have been appropriate for the time it was written. The colors seem washed out and that makes the story seem to fade as well. I wish that this book would come out with some updated illustrations.

I know that this book is often challenged and I do not feel it should be. There is nothing inappropriate in this book. I think that every Librarian should be backed up by his or her collection development policy if any questions should arise.

Reviews

This a book to consider for purchase because of the treatment of the subject rather than for the quality of writing or art. It will be useful for children in similar situations or for helping those from heterosexual families understand differences. A similar picture book, Leslie Newman's Heather Has Two Mommies (In Other Words, 1989) presents a lesbian family. --Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
School Library Journal

Willhoite's cartoony pictures work well here; the colorful characters with their contemporary wardrobes and familiar surroundings lend the tale a stabilizing air of warmth and familiarity. Ages 2-5. (Dec.)

Publisher’s Weekly

Usage in a Library Setting

This could be used during Banned Book Week as a display. This may make people who were previously unaware of the book responsive. It could be used with books such as Heather Has Two Mommies and And Tango Makes Three.
I know that at my previous library, these books were kept on Reserve because they were often vandalized. I think this has probably changed in the past few years and this is no longer necessary.

Module 14-Take Me Out of the Bathtub by Alan Katz

Summary

Alan Katz takes popular children's songs and turns them on their ear. He takes those songs and makes new lyrics that children will love to the same tune. The lyrics are sometimes rude or gross, but kids will find them funny. The illustrations are wonderfully whimsical. They are often gross and a little disturbing, but again, kids will love them.

My impressions

I think this will be a kid that kids will enjoy for years to come. I think the songs will be passed down for years and years. The pictures are interesting enough to keep children intrigued during night time stories.

Reviews

“With the possible exception of the lesser-known "Polly, Put the Kettle On," most children will be familiar with the original versions of these songs, which will make it easy for them to join right in. Catrow's animated double-spread pictures are at least as silly as the song lyrics, offering action-filled scenes bursting with odd-looking creatures. For an easy enrichment activity, have kids create a silly-dilly adaptation of their own.” (Booklist 2001)

“The watercolor illustrations are equally entertaining, with exaggerated features and situations giving them a cartoon look. "Go Go Go to Bed" depicts an exhausted mom slumped in a chair with toys and a child literally bouncing off the ceiling above her. There's something here to tickle most funny bones.-Jane Marino, Scarsdale Public Library, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.” (School Library Journal 2001)

(2001). Review. Booklist, July, 1st.

(2001). Reviews. School Library Journal, April, 1.

Usage in a Library Setting

This would be an excellent introduction to poetry for ages 3 to 6. While doing a program about poetry, a few passages from this book would be an excellent addition. It would be very easy for the children to learn the lyrics very quickly. I think that this would be great coupled with some more traditional (for this age anyway) poetry, such as Shel Silverstein or Dr. Seuss.

Module 13: Amelia Rules! Volume 1:The Whole World's Crazy by Jimmy Gownly

Summary

Amelia’s parents are divorced and she has had to move out of Manhattan into Pennsylvania. There Amelia meets a whole new group of friends. Reggie, Rhonda, and Pajamaman soon make Amelia forget about her sadness and keep her occupied. Amelia’s aunt also helps Amelia deal with her heartache. Amelia has many situations that the average kids of a broken home must deal with. She may be forced to move again and at one point, her mother goes on a date!

My Impressions

This was a book that many children of divorce, me included, can relate to. Amelia is likable, but not without flaws. I had many problems with my parent’s divorce growing up and a book like this could have been a great relief. There are a wealth of these books now, but when I was growing up, they were scarce.
The graphic novel form is also very inviting. The pictures are all at once cartoonish and realistic. I think this might allow some kids that normally wouldn’t read a book on this subject be more likely to read it.

Reviews

Amelia is no sweet innocent, nor are her three G.A.S.P (Gathering of Awesome Superpals) buddies: Reggie, superhero in the making; Rhonda, Amelia's tough bete noire with a fourth-grade thing for Reggie; and quiet, mysterious Pajamaman.ealousy, meanness, sadness, and confusion, as well as surprising generosity, and love crisscross the pages in energetic, freewheeling, full-color cartoon art that unwraps a kid's-eye view of life honestly, poignantly, and with a hefty dollop of melodrama. --Stephanie Zvirin Copyright 2004 Booklist

With a Peanuts-like look and Charles Schulz's impeccable comic timing, a Calvin and Hobbes sort of attitude, and even a Yellow Kid homage (in Pajamaman's ever-changing chest emblems), this will appeal to the broader audience of comic strip readers as well as to comic book fans. (Only one small complaint: someone should check the spelling.) Throw in a wonderful Christmas story, which should be turned into an animated special immediately, and an Eisner Award nomination for best title for a younger audience, and the result is a book highly recommended for all ages and all libraries. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Uses in a Library Setting

This would be an ideal choice for a program on divorce. This could go easily into a story time kit. The kit can have a few Amelia books, a map of New York City and possibly a book on how to talk about feelings.

Module 12: Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein by Don Brown

Summary

Einstein grew up as brilliant, but kind of a loner. He was not into sports and he was the only Jewish child at his school. Einstein was also able to, at a very young age, build huge card houses. This is mainly talked about to illustrate how focused the Scientist was even from an early age. This story is more about Einstein as a child then illustrating his theories to children.

My Impressions

This is a very good book for children who are feeling isolated. They can identify with young Einstein and earn self esteem by witnessing his accomplishments. The illustrations are wonderful and quirky. I think that many children will be able to identify with this book.

Reviews

Brown's language dips into vagueness when it's time to describe the mature scientist's contributions, and the accompanying artwork is often disappointingly generic, awkwardly incorporating computer-generated elements that overwhelm the delicate ink-and-watercolor style used elsewhere. Still, this joins Frida Wishinsky's What's the Matter with Albert? 0 (2002) as one of the very few picture-book biographies of Einstein available. Try giving it to older elementary students, who will get the most out of the detailed author's note and bibliography featuring many books for adults. --Jennifer Mattson Copyright 2004 Booklist

Through eloquent narrative and illustration, Brown offers a thoughtful introduction to an enigmatic man. This book will pique the interest of readers with little or no knowledge of Einstein.-Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal

Brown's narrative and appealingly quirky pen-and-ink and watercolor art effectively illuminate the eccentricities and intelligence of Einstein the boy and the man. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Publisher’s Weekly

Usage in a Library Setting

This book would be good for a discussion on Scientists or people who grew up to be famous and influential. It may pair well with books on Barrack Obama, Thomas Jefferson or Marie Curie. These are people who may have had a difficult time growing up, but overcame their differences and became successful.

Module 11: What If You Met a Pirate by Jan Adkins

Summary

This book starts out with a stereotypical picture of a pirate. The image is straight out of a movie and it is the image that most of us see in our heads when we think of the word “pirate.” The text around the pirate debunks many of the myths surrounding pirates. There are many surprises. Pirates did not force people to “walk the plank.” The author does a great job of illustrating what hard workers pirates are.
The illustrations are bright with heavy lines. They have an aesthetic quality that both children and adults can enjoy. The illustrations work very well with the text to show a different side of the pirate life.

My Impressions

This book is very enjoyable and I learned a lot. As you can tell, I really enjoyed the illustrations. I think they worked perfectly with the text and have rarely seen such a good marriage of the two. I honestly did not think I was going to enjoy this book as much as I did. This is why it is always a good idea to open up to new genres and ideas.
This book reminded me of the DK Series books. In my opinion, there is no higher compliment.

Reviews

In a send-up of current book marketing, the back cover carries appreciative comments by the likes of Queen Elizabeth I and Leonardo da Vinci. Where pirate fever runs high this spirited presentation will find an enthusiastic audience. For more titles, see the Read-alikes, Ship Ahoy! BKL S 1 04. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2004
Booklist

Adkins's detailed renderings will be as familiar to fans of his other nonfiction books as his tongue-in-cheek humor, both of which appeal to a broad range of ages. A fun and informative read.Laurie Edwards, Infinity Charter School, Harrisburg, PA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal

Usage in a Library Setting

This would be an excellent book to highlight unusual careers although it may offend some due to recent events. Shockingly, there are still people in this world who make their living pirating. (Obviously the inclusion of pirates would only be for discussion. Children and parents would have a disclaimer letting them know that stealing is illegal and wrong morally.) This could lead to a lengthy discussion on morality, but this discussion would have to be entered into carefully.

Module 10 Shoeless Joe and Black Betsy by Phil Bildner

Summary

Shoeless Joe was given that name because he once played an entire game in his socks. He was in a slump and he knew what he had to do to get out of it. He decided to have a bat made that pitchers would honor and fear. He went to a bat smith and had him make Betsy. He had her dyed black with tobacco juice to make her dark and scary to the opposing team. This book has a lot of facts about “Shoeless” Joe and it is perfect for a young baseball fan.

My Impressions

This is a beautifully illustrated book that really makes Betsy come to life. I enjoyed this book immensely, but I feel that it stretches the definition of “historical.” That is okay though, because I feel that this kind of entertaining book will get kids to read more historical books in the future.

Reviews

This title is in the same league as David A. Adler's fine Lou Gehrig (1997) and Peter Golenbock's important Teammates (1990, both Harcourt).-Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
School Library Journal

A lengthy afterword discussing Jackson's role in the 1919 Black Sox scandal fails to mention that, while Joe didn't participate in throwing the World Series, most sources agree that he did accept money to do so. Younger children with good attention spans may enjoy hearing this read aloud. --Bill Ott
Booklist

He strews the conversational prose with appealing colloquialisms in a catchy refrain ("sure as the sky is blue and the grass is green"). Payne's (The Remarkable Farkle McBride) portraits take on a tall-tale quality suffused with nostalgia; his strong-featured characters offer a riveting blend of humor and gravity. An afterword fills in the details of Jackson's life and career, including the 1919 Black Sox scandal. Ages 5-8. (Mar.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Publisher’s Weekly

Payne's (Brave Harriet, p. 944, etc.) mixed-media illustrations are gorgeous: the fuzz is in the flannel and the light is just right. And so are his perspectives, angles, and other compositional choices that make for the right mix of mystery and narrative to draw the reader in. A lengthy synopsis of Joe's entire career and his statistics are appended. (Picture book. 5-8)
Kirkus Reviews

Usage in a Library Setting

This book would be great for a sports related story time for older children. As discussed in class, some older elementary students enjoy picture books but are not permitted to do so, this book gives them an opportunity. The baseball theme also encourages an audience that might previously not enjoy sitting for a normal story time.

Module 9 Cam Jansen and the School Play Mystery by David Adler

Summary

In this popular series, Cam Jansen uses her photographic memory to solve crimes. This book is no exception. Cam’s friend is starring in the school play about Honest Abe. While her classmates are selling tickets, they realize that much of the money from the collection is missing. Cam tells her teacher and calls police. Cam deduces that there is one boy at the school who has been unaccounted for and asks him if he took the money. He admits to it. The teacher makes him watch the rest of the play to see if he learned anything.

My impressions

I wish that I had read another book in this series. From all that I have read about this book, it is not indicative of the series. It seems as if there were no context clues for young readers to figure out who committed the crime. The criminal seemed random. I am told that the other books are not like that, so I may have to read one of those to really get a better idea of how the series is usually written.

Reviews

Of course, Cam has a following and children will probably want to read this book, but there are better mysteries out there.-Holly Belli, Bergen County Cooperative Library System, West Caldwell, NJ Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
School Library Journal

The latest Cam Jansen mystery is not for newcomers to the popular mystery series. Told mostly in dialogue, the story is more complicated than usual, with Cam's friends on stage acting in a historical play about Honest Abe Lincoln while she's investigating the real-life theft of the theater admission money. --Hazel Rochman
Booklist

Usage in a Library Setting
This book would be a wonderful book for a “crime night” at the library. Obviously not a murder, but like a murder mystery dinner theater. The library can set up some sort of crime where something goes missing (perhaps a staff member?) and the group has to use context clues to find them.

Module 8 Thirteen Child by Patricia Wrede

Summary

Because Eff was born a thirteenth child, she is supposed to bring bad things to those around her, including her family. Even though her family knows this, they move close to the barrier that settlers from the magical creatures of the Wild West. Eff's twin brother, Lan is supposed to bring luck, because he is the seventh son of the seventh son.

My Impressions

This book moves a little slow. It was probably one of my least favorite of our readings. That said, I must admit that I am not a big fan of Fantasy. It seems like Eff is meek and not very assertive.

Reviews

Eff's life in Lan's shadow will ring true to all siblings of a particularly talented child, but at the conclusion it's Eff who uses her own magic to rescue her twin. Reminiscent of Orson Scott Card's "Alvin Maker" books (Tor), this is an interesting, but often slow-moving tale.-Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal

This book will require patient readers who like their fantasies low impact. For a livelier American frontier with magic, suggest Orson Scott Card's Tales of Alvin Maker series.-Rebecca Moore. Fans of Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles will snatch up Thirteenth Child, encouraged by the dragon on the cover to expect another beautifully written and lighthearted fairytale. Although the book is beautifully written and certainly has its amusing moments, the cover is deceptive; mystical creatures and magic come into the story only as a detail. The book is much more about the characters' individual lives, which, although fascinating, are not what readers will anticipate. -Hannah Preisinger, Teen Reviewer.
Voice of Youth Advocates

Usage in a Library Setting

This would start a good discussion on magic and could lead to many other Fantasy books.

Moduule 8-Alcatraz Versus The Evil Librarians by Bryan Sanderson

Summary

This is the story of Alcatraz Smedry who has been sent to many different foster families. He has destroyed things that have been important to each of his foster parents. At his birthday, Alcatraz receives a bag of sand. A group of Librarians tries to steal his bag of sand. Soon after, he sets his foster parent’s kitchen on fire. His caseworker came to his foster home and yelled at him for ruining the parent’s kitchen.

Shortly thereafter, an old man comes by the house and says that he is Alcatraz’s grandfather. He tells him that he has a gift for breaking things. It turns out that the Librarians are secretly trying to take over the world. Alcatraz must go to the library to infiltrate them.

My Impressions

Of course I am going to love any book that involves evil, power hungry Librarians. The writing was witty and I loved that the writer made something that seemed like a negative trait and turned it into a talent. The author seemed to do that with a lot of other things in the book too, which made this world seem more advanced.

Reviews

Those wanting a linear tale are out of luck, although the snarkier set, among them Lemony Snicket fans, may want to hang on for the ride. Ages 9-up. Simultaneous release with the Scholastic hardcover (Reviews, Nov. 19, 2007). (Nov.) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Publisher’s Weekly
Readers whose sense of humor runs toward the subversive will be instantly captivated: not only does the author poke fun at librarians, he lampoons books (including this one) in frequent passages directly addressed to readers: "You are saying to yourself, 'The story just lost me. It degenerated into pure silliness.... I'm going to go read a book about a boy whose dog gets killed by his mother. Twice.'" Like Lemony Snicket and superhero comics rolled into one (and then revved up on steroids), this nutty novel isn't for everyone, but it's also sure to win passionate fans. Ages 9-up. (Oct.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
Publisher’s Weekly

Though there's intentionally more humor than drama, Alcatraz becomes a more complex figure by the time his adventure is through as he discovers the value of friendship, courage, and family. Readers who prefer fantasy with plenty of humor should enjoy entering Alcatraz's strange but amusing world.-Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal

Readers are indeed tortured, with quirky, seemingly incompetent heroes; dastardly villains fond of torture; cars that drive themselves; nonstop action; and cliffhanger chapter endings. And as soon as they finish the last wickedly clever page, they will be standing in line for more from this seasoned author of such adult-marketed titles as Elantris (Tor, 2005/VOYA October 2005).-Arlene Garcia.
Voice of Youth Advocates

Usage in a Library Setting
This may be a good book to include in a program about Fantasy. It would be great to include in a book discussion. Kids will really enjoy this book and are likely to discuss it with their friends.

Module 7 Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech

Summary

Dallas and Florida are orphans known as the trouble twins. They live in an orphanage run by the Trepids, who are very strict. Most of the adults in their life have been awful to them so far. Then the twins are taken away by Tiller and Sairy to join them on their separate vacations. Neither pair has been separated for any extended period of time. Tiller goes with Florida on an expedition down river. Sairy and Dallas go birding on an island. At first, Dallas and Florida don't know what to make of Tiller and Sairy's kindness, bu they are eventually one over. Tiller and Sairy realize that this may be the perfect time to let these children into their lives.

My impressions

This was an interesting read and you do really start rooting for the kids. It was amazing how incredibly mean the adults were to these kids. All of the main characters are likable. The author does an excellent job of portraying the character's relationships with each other. The way the characters interact is also very well-written.

Reviews

“In an unusual approach for a children's book, Tiller and Sairy's points of view are at least as important as those of Dallas and Florida; and how the foursome play off one another is one of the key points of the narrative. There's a larger-than-life feel to this novel that makes the minor characters and subplots feel a bit out of scale--or out of sync--but the main story rests squarely on the four well-drawn characters. A stylized yet solid story from the author of the Newbery-award-winning Walk Two Moons”
Phelan, C. (1994). Reviews. Booklist, August


“This poignant story evokes a feeling as welcoming as fresh-baked bread. The slow evolution of the siblings who are no angels parallels the gradual building of mutual trust for the Moreys. The novel celebrates the healing effects of love and compassion. Although conflicts emerge, readers will have little doubt that all will end well for the children and the grandparently”

(1994). Reviews. Publisher's Weekly, August

Suggestions for use in a Library Setting

This is too advanced and lengthy to be read in class. Chapters could be read weekly, however this may be a semester long project. It might be a great project to have kids write about how they would react to the orphans if they were their parents or guardians. This could be made into a journal type project.

Flush by Carl Haissen Module 7

Summary

This book is told from the perspective of Noah, a boy that is about 12. He lives with his parents and sister, Abbey in the Florida Keys. His father, Paine is in jail because he sank a local businessman's boat. He sank the boat because he thought the businessman, named Dusty, was dumping waste into the Keys. While Paine is in jail, the kids find out that there mother may want a divorce. Meanwhile, Paine wants Noah to get a man called Lice Peeking and his girlfriend Shelley to help verify that the businessman is dumping. Lice later goes missing and Shelley helps the kids expose Dusty by dumping food coloring into his ship's toilets. The plan goes off pretty well, but somehow, on their way back home, they get lost at sea.
They are saved by the coast guard which also sees the food coloring. Throughout the story, there is an old man that keeps helping the kids get out of sticky situations. In the end, the kids find out this is their long lost grandfather. Later, Lice is found and Shelley takes him back. Dusty's boat ends up being accidentally burned down by his own son, who had been picking on Abbey and Noah throughout the novel.

My Impression of the Book

I enjoyed this book and was more than a little surprised that this is a book for teens. The themes are very mature. Many of the adults are fallible, even and most especially Paine, the father. It was interesting to get Noah's point of view on his father's exploits. While Noah agreed with Paine's stance, his father's moral stance is taking a toll on the family. It was refreshing to see a book for teens that is written this way.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the children. They are smart, but not so smart as to see unrealistic. Also many times when there are smart children's characters, this is often at the expense of the parents. I think many authors feel as though they need to make the parents seem dumb in order to make the kids smart.

Reviews

"Hiaasen's action-packed mystery set in the Florida Keys offers a colorful cast of dastardly villains and eccentric heroes, along with his signature environmental themes," wrote PW. Ages 10-up. (Aug.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information. “

”Haasen's award-winning first foray into young adult novels, Flush deals with serious ecological and personal issues. With good insight into real world relationships plus a mix of solid citizens and offbeat good guys”

Usage in a Library Setting

This book would be great to discuss during the week of Earth Day. This could lead to all sorts of discussions on if Paine was right to sink the ship. It might also be a good idea to discuss the implications of dumping in a public water supply.

References

(2007). Reviews. Publisher's Weekly, August 6,2007, Retrieved September 9, 2009, from www.library.unt.edu
(2006). Reviews. School Library Journal, January 1, 2006, Retrieved September 9, 2009, from www.library.unt.edu

Module 6 Piper Reed, Navy Brat

Summary

Piper is in a military family. Her father works for the Navy and this means their family has to move around often. Piper has two sisters, one younger and one older. Piper has just found out that the family will be moving to Pensacola, Florida from San Diego. Each person in the family deals with this in a different way.
This book chronicles the families' move across the country. The family is so used to moving that they have different rituals and mores for the trip. They see family that live on the way. The book also chronicles Piper's attempts at fitting in at her new school. Piper has dyslexia and is worried that she will be ostracized. Her fears are allayed when she meets a good group of friends.

My impressions

I enjoyed this book. I have a friend that grew up in a military family and it helped me see things from her point of view. All of the characters are enjoyable. Piper's older sister, Tori, is especially nice comic relief as the angst-ridden teenager. The parents are relatable and seem like model parents.
The illustrations accompany the text very nicely. However, the story stands on it's own.
There is not a deep plot, but I think the plot is appropriate for this age group.

Reviews

“This entertaining read will appeal to fans of Judy Moody and Ramona Quimby.” “Davenier's amusing pen-and-ink illustrations capture the personalities of the Reed sisters. A welcome addition to middle-grade fiction shelves.” (School Library Journal 2007)

“Holt (When Zachary Beaver Came to Town) relays quotidian events with humor and insight, believably portraying a likable girl's rapport with her siblings and parents. Davenier's (The First Thing My Mama Told Me) dynamic line drawings convey the narrator's spunky personality.” (Publisher's Weekly 2007)


References

(2007). Reviews. Publisher's Weekly, July, 30.

Dorio, T. (2007). Reviews. School Library Journal, August 1

Uses in a Library Setting

This would be a good book to highlight during programming revolving around Veteran's or Memorial Day. It is nice to get a child's perspective of what it is like to live in a military family. The program may be enhanced by having a military family talk about what it is like to be in the military and about the places they have lived.

Module 5 The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

Summary

This book is about the tale of the Three Little Pigs. It is told from the wolf's point of view. This book is an adorable parody of the classic fable that everyone is familiar with. The wolf claims that he was framed. He says that he had a cold and that made him sneeze the houses down and killed the pigs. Furthermore, he says that he only ate the pigs in order to not waste food.
The style of the illustrations is unique and filled with several little sight gags. For instance, while the wolf is making a cake for his granny, we see bunny ears in the mixture he is preparing.

My impressions

I loved this book. The illustrations are wonderful and the author does a good job of presenting the wolf as a civilized, innocent man. The jokes are sly, if you'll forgive the pun, and witty. This is a really great book for kids because they can feel smart and as if they are in on the joke.

Reviews

“Scieszka and Smith's bestselling picture book humorously turns the original fairy tale on its ear, and the audio version will give kids even more to howl about. A. Wolf's version of how he innocently sneezed his pig neighbors' homes down and was later framed by the authorities becomes all the more vivid with Scieszka's multihued performance. His portrayal of A. Wolf sounds just this side of smarmy; he colors his voice with a feigned innocence and appropriately defensive tone. Strings dominate Hoffman's vibrant composition though accordion, horns, banjo and other instruments appear occasionally. The music seamlessly follows the story's mood from lighthearted to ominous. At the third pig's brick house, "when the cops drove up," listeners will delight in the accompanying hilarious sound effects of police sirens, radios and facetious newscasters. Side two of the recording contains the original soundtrack with no narration. Ages 3-8. (Oct.)” (Publisher's Weekly 1989)

Use in a Library Setting

I think this would be a great book to read for a fairy tale themed story time. I think the children would really enjoy getting a fresh perspective on an old story. After the story, the person reading it can ask the kids if they think that the wolf is telling the truth. Then it may be a good time to lead a small discussion about how different people may view the same situation.

References

Elizabeth Deveraux, Diane Roback. Publishers Weekly. New York: Sep 8, 1997. Vol. 244, Iss. 37; p. 32 (1 page)
Scieszka, Jon. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. 1989. Reprint. New York City: Puffin, 1996. Print.

Module 4 Ginger Pye September 21-27 Newberry and Printz Winners

Ginger Pye

by Elanor Estes

Summary

This book is about Jerry Pye and his family. He has a younger sister, Rachel, a wonderful mother and a father that studies birds. One of the Pye's neighbors has had a litter of puppies and Jerry has picked out one that he thinks is particularly smart. His first obstacle is making sure that he can buy the dog from Mrs. Speedy, because someone else in town has decided that they would like to own the dog as well. Through a family friend, the young Pyes were able to earn enough money to buy the dog before the other person could claim him. As the children were taking Ginger home, they thought that someone may have been following them.

The kids name the dog Ginger and soon he proves to be quite a remarkable dog. Ginger is so remarkable in fact, that someone steals him away from the Pyes. He is stolen before Thanksgiving and it took the family months to find him.

My thoughts

I didn't care too much for this book. It seemed a little dated, but that is not the overall problem that I found with it. I felt that there was too much filler in the book and not enough written about the main obstacle. I do not feel that children of today would have the attention span for this type of book. I hate to admit it, but I barely did. The story would take us to rock on the other side of town and I would think “when are she going to get back to the main plot?”

I enjoyed the illustrations with this book. They are simple and quant. They are plan sketches.

I did really enjoy some of the dialogue. Some of the dialogue was old fashioned, but I really enjoyed that. The author did a good job of showing life in a small town. For example, it seems as if everywhere the children went, they seemed to know everyone else. I think that this was very charming.

Reviews about the book

Horn Book said this “is the book for which we have been waiting” and that this book is “an ourstanding book.” (Horn Book 1952)

Usage in a library setting

I think this would be an excellent book to use in a program regarding kids' grandparents. I think this novel is a wonderful example of the day to day life of people in the early 1950's. A great idea for a program would be to have a grandparents week where they read these stories with their grandchild.

References

"Ginger Pye." Horn Book July / August (1952): Print.

Module 4 Rabbit Hill

Summary

The animal residents of Rabbit Hill are very excited because new Folks are moving onto the farm. All of the animals wonder what kind of people will move in. Most importantly, will they be planting folks?
Little Georgie Rabbit is the protagonist of this tale. He is young and plucky. He is full of energy, but this can and does lead to him getting hurt. When the new folks move in, they turn out to be very accepting of animals, even healing them when they are injured.

My Impressions

I enjoyed this book immensely. This book is surprisingly progressive for it's time. Even though this book was written in 1944, it talks about helping and caring for animals. As an animal lover myself, I find this to be refreshing in the era.
The drawings were adorable and detailed. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing a tale from the animals' point of view. It is very interesting to think that they would have a stake in what kind of person moves onto the farm.


Reviews

“Although the story probably will not have broad appeal, this version would serve to enhance collections of Newbery Award winners.-Marcia Brightman, Orange Elementary Schools, MA” (School Library Journal 1996)

Uses in a Library Setting

This book would be great for an assignment on animals. For instance, if a teacher is teaching for a week on animals, this book would be a lovely companion piece. It could be read aloud once every day for a week. The children can write stories that correspond with the book. For example, the first day they can write about what they would want the “Folks” to be like if they were animals living on that farm.

References

Lawson, R. (1974). RABBIT HILL. New York: Dell.
(1996). Reviews. School Library Journal, August 1

Module 3-The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

This story is the story of Phillipe Petit's walk between the World Trade Center Towers. He was an artist and performer who had dreamed of walking between the towers. He did so and was arrested.

This is not my favorite of the books we have read, but it is still cute. I think the author did a good job relating the story for children. I had seen the documentary Man on Wire which discusses his life as well, so this was an interesting translation.

School Library Journal said that "with its graceful majesty and mythic overtones, this unique and uplifting book is at once a portrait of a larger-than-life individual and a memorial to the towers and the lives associated with them." Although I feel that with the history behind the buildings, it may be hard to find an appropriate age group for these books.

This would be a good book for a program that discusses September 11. The kids can read about the towers and discuss the why Phillipe did what he did.

Lukehart, W., Jones, T., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., & Larkins, J. (2003, November). The Man Who Walked between the Towers (Book). School Library Journal, 49(11), 125-125. Retrieved September 22, 2009, from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text database.

Module 3: Kitten's First Full Moon

Kitten's First Full Moon is about a kitten that sees the moon and thinks it is a bowl of milk. As much as she tries to get at the moon, she cannot reach it. When she gets home, she finds a bowl of milk waiting for her.

This book is a good fable with a wonderful lesson. The pictures are simple as is the language.


School Library Journal says that the "charcoal and cream-colored palette, the understated illustrations feature thick black outlines, pleasing curves, and swiftly changing expressions that are full of nuance." (School Library Journal

This would be a wonderful book for a theme on perseverance. The example of the kitten's tenacity is an example of that. This may also be a good book to use in a theme surrounding animals.


Wendy Lukehart. (2004, April). Kitten's First Full Moon. School Library Journal, 50(4), 114. Retrieved September 22, 2009, from Research Library. (Document ID: 621443261).

Module 2: Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret?

Margaret's world is changing. She is growing up, her body is changing and to top it off, she has yet to choose a religion. Her mom is Christian and her dad is Jewish. She has also found a new group of girls to hang out with, and their bragging about their bodies makes Margaret feel insecure.

This was a cute book that my mom had given me when I was younger. I did not read it at the time, and I wish I had. I think I would have found it helpful and comforting. Margaret is likable and it is easy to see myself in her shoes.

Breckenridge lists this book as one of the young adult novels that will stand the test of time. She places it with other classics such as Little Women and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.


I think this book would be too controversial to use for a program, but I may recommend it to girl's parents. This recommendation would, of course come with a warning as to the book's contents.

Breckenridge, K. (1988, April). Modern Classics. School Library Journal, 34(8), 42. Retrieved September 9, 2009, from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text database.

Module 2: Caps for Sale

Caps for Sale is a book about a man that sells caps that are all placed upon his head. When he gets tired, he takes a nap and wakes to find the caps are missing.

This is an adorable book that shows ingenuity and the illustrations are clear and bright.
In a review in Booklist, it is mentioned that this book is for the 4-6 age group. (Booklist 1989) I think that this might be for a younger audience. I would estimate that 3 to 4 year olds would enjoy this book.
This would be a great book to encourage children to mimic. The children can move and react to the storyteller’s movements.

“Caps for Sale." Booklist April. 15 (1989)

Module 1-The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

This book is about a boy that grows up and has a wonderful friendship with a tree. As he gets older, his relationship with the tree changes and the tree gives up everything she has to make the boy, now a man, happy.

This book is an amazing fable about love and friendship. The book is all at once sad and thoughtful. The ending is bittersweet as the process of life continues. As a writer for the New York Times states it, the "trouble with this ‘Giving Tree' of yours is that it falls between two stools; it's not a kid's book -- too sad, and it isn't for adults -- too simple." (New York Times, 1973)

This would be perfect for a story time revolving around sharing and caring for others.

Cole, W. (1973, September 9). About Alice, a rabbit, a tree... and a book about me. New York Times, pp. 394.