Book Review #5: LILY'S CROSSING

BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Giff, Patricia Reilly. Lily's Crossing. New York: Delacorte Press, 1997.

ISBN: 0385321422

PLOT SUMMARY

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff was about a girl named Lily who went to Rockaway Beach, New York every summer with her family. Only the summer of 1944 was different, because World War II had changed everything. Lily's best friend moved away, so her father could work in a factory, and Lily's own father was sent off to war. As the story unfolded, there was only one other person her age living in Rockaway, and they became friends. Through the course of their friendship, they rescued a kitten and discovered they had both told lies that could potentially harm those around them. They also learned about the importance of saying goodbye to loved ones, so they wouldn't have any regrets in the future.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Throughout the reading of this novel, readers didn't question the believability or the authenticity of the characters. All the main characters had problems that everyday people deal with, such as having family members going off to war or dealing with changes, but the characters continued their journeys in growing up. Readers were able to follow and believe the plot was accurate, because the author provided just enough historical detail without overwhelming them, and the author also wrote a letter to her readers at the end of the book to add to her credibility about the things that happened in the story. For instance, the setting took place in 1944 in the town of Rockaway Beach, which is an actual place. In this town, the war was talked about and people were constantly aware of it, but it didn't interfere with their daily lives too much. Instead, this story focused on Lily and her ability to make friends with Albert and her life while she was in Rockaway Beach for the summer.

One of the major themes in this novel involved the importance of friendship. Lily's friendship with Albert helped her not be lonely, but also helped her to focus on someone else besides her, which was a great lesson for readers. Another theme was on the importance of telling the truth, which was an important lesson for children of all ages to learn. Lily and Albert each had to learn about the dangers of lying and were changed because of their experiences. In the end, all of these elements worked together to capture the style of the novel. The style reflected the author's voice and manner about life during World War II, magnified her views to the readers about the importance of friendship and telling the truth, even when it's tough.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Hazel Rochman (Booklist, February 1, 1997 (Vol. 93, No. 11))
With wry comedy and intense feeling, and without intrusive historical detail, Giff gets across a strong sense of what it was like on the home front during World War II. Lily makes up stories about her involvement with spies, submarines, and anti-Nazi plots in her small seaside town in 1944, but underlying her melodrama and lies is grief for her dead mother. When Lily's father has to leave to fight in France, she is so hurt and furious that she refuses even to say good-bye to him. As she gets to know Albert, an orphaned Hungarian refugee, she learns about his secret anguish: he is guilt-stricken about the younger sister he left behind (he, also, didn't say good-bye), and he is determined,

somehow, to cross the ocean and find her. The happy ending, when Lily's father finds Albert's sister in France, is too contrived, but the reunion scenes at home are heartbreaking. The friendship story is beautifully drawn: both Lily and Albert are wary, reluctant, and needy; they quarrel as much as they bond, and in the end, they help each other to be brave. Category: Middle Readers. 1997, Delacorte, $14.95. Gr. 5-8.

Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
Set during WW II, Lily's life with her beloved Poppy is disrupted when he is sent overseas. Lily, left with her grandmother, meets a Hungarian refugee named Albert. He too is suffering a separation from his loved ones. Gradually they become friends and eventually Lily, who has encouraged Albert in his scheme to return to Europe, realizes the danger. The story has a happy ending and Lily comes to understand herself and Albert. The story is filled with believable characters and historical details that make it real and relevant. Newbery Honor book. 1997, Delacorte, $14.95. Ages 8 up.

Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature)
Lily, 10, spins yarns or what some might label "lies." It's her way of protecting herself. But during that summer of 1944 at Rockaway Beach, her favorite place, nothing is the same. She is so angry at her father who is going overseas that she refuses to say goodbye. Her best friend has moved away and to make matters worse, her grandmother introduces her to a refugee boy from Hungary. At first she is rude to him, but later they rescue and care for a kitten. Each child tells stories, but the tale Lily tells puts Albert in danger. This story is engrossing as Lily crosses over from self-absorption to being empathetic. 1997, Delacorte, $14.95. Ages 9 to 11.

*Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for PreK-Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English
*Best Children's Books of the Year, 1998; Bank Street College of Education
*Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson
*Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006; H.W. Wilson
*Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson
*Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson
*Notable Children's Books, 1998; ALSC American Library Association

*Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, 1997 Honor *Book Fiction and Poetry United States
*Winner Best Bet to Win Newbery Medal United States
*Jefferson Cup Award, 1998 Honor Book United States
*John Newbery Medal, 1998 Honor Book United States
*M. Jerry Weiss Book Award, 2000 Winner Grades 4-6 New Jersey

CONNECTIONS

*Identify and research with students information about World War II

*Discuss and define the different vocabulary words from the novel

*Write about the important role of friends and family to Lily, Albert, and Margaret in the novel

*Compare and contrast the friendships Lily has with Albert and Margaret

*Other books about World War II:

Burg, Ann. Rebekkah's Journey: A World War II Refugee Story (Tales of Young Americans) ISBN 9781585362752

Judge, Lita. One Thousand Tracings: Healing the Wounds of World

War II. ISBN available 1423100085

Book Review #5: CHAINS

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains: Seeds of America.. New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008. ISBN: 9781416905851

PLOT SUMMARY

The historical fiction novel, Chains, was about a young thirteen year old girl named Isabel who was a slave growing up at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. As the story unfolds, she and her sister, Ruth, who was five, were promised their freedom after the death of their mistress, however, they were sold to another couple in New York City, the Locktons, instead, to be their slaves. The couple treated Isabel and Ruth horribly, and eventually, Isabel decided to spy on her owners, with the encouragement of another slave, Curzon, since the Locktons' knew information about the potential plans for British invasion. The novel followed all of Isabel's misfortunes and triumphs as she went seeking out freedom for her and her sister, but the story continues in the novel, Forge.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Throughout the reading of this historical fiction novel, the reader didn't question the believability of the characters, particularly, Isabel, because of all the research provided in the appendix, along with other historical information in the book. Isabel was a smart, determined, and brave thirteen year old girl. Readers could relate to her, because she had problems to overcome, and she was willing to fight for her and her sister.

History was presented accurately and in a way that children could understand the events throughout the story. Many slaves during the Revolutionary War who were supposed to be set free, but were kept as slaves, were prone to run away. This is exactly what Isabel did, and she ended up facing many trials and losses because of it. Readers could imagine the British army marching down the street and see the rage Isabel had when she found out Mrs. Lockton had “supposedly” sold Ruth. Readers could also visualize the daily life in New York City in 1776 and 1777 and what it was like for Isabel as a slave during that time. The story maintained the authenticity to the time period and made the reader feel like they were a part of the story.

Major themes that ran throughout the novel had to do with freedom, power, and the strength of the human spirit. Isabel faced many trials with one of them involving the loss of her sister through the course of her master's “supposed” selling of her and the loss of her own freedom that she thought she had attained after her first mistress died. Power was definitely represented in the novel, and it was used for good and evil. The Lockton's used it for evil, along with many others, but then, there was Lady Seymour who used her power and influence for good within the Lockton household and tried to support Isabel. The strength of the human spirit was demonstrated by Isabel, because no matter what happened, she never gave up on life and the pursuit of freedom and seeing her sister, again. Readers of all ages could relate to these themes, since people have the same struggles today.

The historical novel kept the reader's attention, and the sentences flowed together in a smooth and fast pace, since the sentences were kept short and in a conversational tone. Most readers could imagine the characters walking down the street in New York City and see the soldiers in their uniforms. They could also imagine the speech patterns of the characters and tell the difference between the characters from New York and elsewhere.  Everything worked together in the novel to keep the reader's attention for the continued

story, Forge.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Janet Fisher (Books for Keeps No. 176, June 2009)
There are some outstanding historical novels for young people about slavery including Paula Fox’s Slave Dancer and Barbara Smucker’s Underground to Canada. Chains is of equal merit. Isabel and her sister Ruth, who is only five, are sold to a Loyalist couple, the Locktons, after the death of their mistress, and taken to the New York of 1776. Each chapter is prefaced with quotes from the documents of the time, giving the reader a snapshot of the historical background which is that of the American War of Independence or Revolution depending which side you were on. The Locktons are Loyalists but try to play each side for monetary gain. Mrs Lockton is a particularly vicious woman. At first Ruth is her pet but when she finds out that Ruth has epileptic fits, she tells Isabel she has sold her on to a plantation owner on Nevis. Isabel has been approached to spy for the Patriots by Curzon. At first she refuses but events persuade her to take this dangerous path. She flees to General Regan who has promised her safe passage but finds he cannot deliver this. She is beaten, tried, branded on the cheek and returned to her mistress. The war rumbles on – the British take New York thinking themselves victorious, New York burns and the Patriots begin to win some battles. Isabel wonders which side will give her freedom and help her to find her sister and the story ends on a cliffhanger with promise of a sequel. While the reader becomes absorbed in the story of Isabel and Ruth, the vivid and authentic historical background is imperceptibly conveyed. Isabel has hope and memories of her parents carry her through, although even those ‘rememberys’ are so painful. The prose catches the rhythm and pattern of her speech exactly, so that the reader can almost hear her talking. Isabel realizes that her soul cannot be taken from her and that gives her strength to make her bid for freedom amid the turmoil of war. This is one of those stories you hope will not end too soon! A sequel is promised. Category: 10-14 Middle/Secondary. Rating: 5 (Unmissable). ...., Bloomsbury, 320pp, D10.99 hbk. Ages 10 to 14.

Jenny Blanch (Carousel 41, March 2009)
Written with the horrific background of buying and selling human flesh, this novel reveals that one person can change their life if they are prepared to fight for it. Isabel and her sister are orphans and when their owner dies Isabel, the older and stronger of the two, fears for their future as the new owner sells them to a supposedly Loyalist, wealthy but spiteful, New York couple. They take them home just as the Americans are fighting for independence and the English are struggling to maintain control. A vicious and cruel act by the lady of the house triggers awful repercussions and Isabel has to draw on her inner strength to fight for their freedom. There is an undertone of menace, alongside the anger and danger, but lightened by a tenuous relationship with Curzon, a fellow slave boy in a red hat, which develops through adversity. Although reckless at times, Isabel is a feisty heroine and the story moves swiftly with the energy of indignation ... and hope.

Alicia Collura (Inis -The Children’s Books Ireland Magazine, Fall 2009 No. 28))
Chains is a classic American story about the fight for freedom -- a slave girl battles for her rightful freedom as American rebels struggle for their nation’s independence from England. Laurie Halse Anderson fittingly begins each chapter with an historical quote

relating the narrative in the chapter to a greater theme or story at that point in history. While Halse Anderson could have taken the somewhat obvious allegorical route of equating the experiences of Isabel, the slave girl, to those of the American rebels, she instead allows Isabel to evolve as any young girl would; Isabel’s political views change according to her own experiences and her greatest concerns lie, not in the politics of a nation which refuses to accept her as fully human, but in her own well-being and that of her loved ones. Halse Anderson succeeds in creating believable, three-dimensional characters and a genuinely intriguing tale, but at times the vocabulary and voice of Isabel as the narrator seem somewhat contrived. When Isabel, generally well spoken and intelligent, uses words like ‘conversating’ and, only every so often, ‘et’ rather than ‘ate,’ the reader is left to wonder at what level Isabel is actually an uneducated slave and to what extent does Halse Anderson simply feel that this is the way a slave should talk. The action in the plot moves along nicely, but the ending, or lack thereof, is disappointing to say the least. Halse Anderson, unimaginatively and in what can only be assumed to be a marketing ploy, ends the story, not at the end, but in the middle and informs the reader that the story will ‘be continued in the Forthcoming Volume Forge.’ Overall, a captivating read, but be prepared to invest in the second volume to, potentially, reach the story’s end. 2009, Bloomsbury, D10.99. Ages 12 and up.

*Notable Books for a Global Society, 2009 ; Children's Literature Special Interest Group IRA

*Charlotte Award, 2010 ; Nominee; Young Adult; New York
*Golden Sower Award, 2010-2011; Nominee; Young Adult; Nebraska
*Grand Canyon Reader Award, 2011; Nominee; Tween; Arizona

CONNECTIONS

*Explore characteristics of people before the creation of the United States

*Discuss slavery and its role in America's history

*Identify and research important people and events during the Revolutionary War

*Compare and contrast the lives of slaves and free people in the American colonies

*Other books by Laurie Halse Anderson:

Anderson, Laurie Halse Forge: Seeds of America. ISBN 9781416961444

Anderson, Laurie Halse. Fever 1793. ISBN 9780689848919

Book Review #5: MOON OVER MANIFEST

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Vanderpool, Clare. Moon Over Manifest. New York: Delacorte Press, 2010.

ISBN: 9780385738835

PLOT SUMMARY

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool was about a 12 year old girl named Abilene Tucker who was sent to live in Manifest, Kansas during the summer of 1936 by her father, Gideon. Wanting to learn more about her father and why he sent her to Manifest to live with a man named Shady, Abilene set out on a journey to learn more about him, but was initially disappointed to not be able to attain much information at her request. As the story unfolded, however, Abilene made new discoveries that involved secrets and mysteries that had been hidden in the town since 1918. These mysteries and secrets helped Abilene and her friends become spy hunters. As a result, Abilene learned a lot about the people and the town of Manifest while weaving her own story which included the town, her father, and her own life.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Moon Over Manifest was a historical fiction novel that represented the genre well. The characters were authentic to the 1918 and 1936 time periods and were also able to be identified with by the reader. Abilene Tucker was a grounded girl who lived in 1936 and was curious about the past and present while wanting to understand the world around her and the life her father had lived as a child.

As for the plot and setting, the reader was able to follow the two different stories that were woven throughout the novel easily, because the author created a clear pattern of events and labeled each specific time period and setting. This was helpful to all readers, young and old, and the author also integrated a clear distinction between the two settings for the readers with 1918 having prohibition and World War I, while 1936 had the Great Depression. Throughout the novel, the author provided many facts, along with a list of suggested readings to support the authenticity of the time period to keep the reader's attention.

Major themes in the novel had to do with loss and redemption, which are universal themes. Many characters lost loved ones through death or separation, but the reader was able to identify the redemptive characters by the end. The whole town of Manifest was restored with the characters moving forward with the times and not hanging onto the past, like it was going to come after them and harm them, which seemed to be the concern at the beginning of the novel.

The style of the novel represented the historical times well and was woven together to create an interesting and informative read. Newspaper clippings were shown throughout the novel, and the readers were constantly reminded of the times, because of the listed dates on each page. Some of the things talked about in the novel: the Ku Klux Klan, prohibition, the Model T Ford, milkmen, use of letter writing, telegraphs, cigar boxes, etc also added to the early 1900s style of writing. Readers were also introduced to the fact that people in Kansas generally don't say “y'all,” but “you all.” All of these things helped add to the authenticity of the story and were well documented with suggested readings and author's notes.

As an end result, this historical fiction novel was a well-written balance of fact and fiction. It demonstrated the times through the life of each character and kept the reader's attention, to the point that they wanted to keep reading until the end.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Kathleen Isaacs (Booklist, Oct. 15, 2010 (Vol. 107, No. 4))
Starred Review* After a life of riding the rails with her father, 12-year-old Abilene can’t understand why he has sent her away to stay with Pastor Shady Howard in Manifest, Missouri, a town he left years earlier; but over the summer she pieces together his story. In 1936, Manifest is a town worn down by sadness, drought, and the Depression, but it is more welcoming to newcomers than it was in 1918, when it was a conglomeration of coal-mining immigrants who were kept apart by habit, company practice, and prejudice. Abilene quickly finds friends and uncovers a local mystery. Their summerlong “spy hunt” reveals deep-seated secrets and helps restore residents’ faith in the bright future once promised on the town’s sign. Abilene’s first-person narrative is intertwined with newspaper columns from 1917 to 1918 and stories told by a diviner, Miss Sadie, while letters home from a soldier fighting in WWI add yet another narrative layer. Vanderpool weaves humor and sorrow into a complex tale involving murders, orphans, bootlegging, and a mother in hiding. With believable dialogue, vocabulary and imagery appropriate to time and place, and well-developed characters, this rich and rewarding first novel is “like sucking on a butterscotch. Smooth and sweet.” Grades 5-8

Heather N. Kolich (Children's Literature)
Like the rocking of the train twelve-year-old Abilene Tucker rides into town, the motion of this story never stops. Uncoupling her from his vagabond life on the road, Abilene's father has sent her to spend the summer of 1936 in Manifest, Kansas, a place she knows only from his descriptions, with a shady character from his past. Through the hot, dry days, Abilene searches for traces of her father in the town's history, some old letters, and a stack of newspapers from 1917. At the same time, she and her two new friends, Lettie and Ruthanne, search for clues to the identity of a spy from World War I days--whenever Abilene is not working off a debt to the mysterious and reclusive town diviner, Miss Sadie. As the days spin out, so do Miss Sadie's stories of the past, bringing Abilene closer to knowing her father, even as her suspicions grow that he does not plan to come fetch her at the end of the summer. Abilene works some magic on the townspeople, bringing them together as they try to embrace her and convince her to stay on. But Abilene desperately wants to be with her father. Can she work a little magic--or pull off enough of a con--to convince him to come to Manifest? The story weaves easily from present to past and back again, gripping the reader in both stories. Alternately set between World War I and The Great Depression, the story is sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, and sometimes poignantly sad, but page after page, it is hard to put down. 2010, Delacorte Press/Random House, $16.99. Ages 10 and up.

Annette M. Mills (Library Media Connection, June 2011)
Twelve-year-old Abilene is determined to figure out the many mysteries of Manifest, Kansas, the town in which her father, Gideon, grew up. He sends Abilene to spend the summer of 1936 with a friend in this small town. It doesn’t take Abilene long to make friends and discoveries. She does this with the help of the diviner, Miss Sadie, and the “interim pastor,” Shady. All of the characters are well defined, unique, and mysterious. They include the evil owner of the coal mine, Sister Redempta (teacher and midwife), and Hattie Mae, who has been writing a gossip column since 1918. Abilene finds a box of

treasures and letters, and through them readers learn about World War I, the influenza epidemic, prohibition, coal mining, and the Ku Klux Klan. The 1918 portion of the story is told by Miss Sadie, who seems to know more than she should about these events. Jinx, our main character from 1918, is a drifter as well as a con artist, who mysteriously ends up in Manifest. Abilene’s and Jinx’s antics are entertaining and amusing. Anyone interested in historical fiction would be mesmerized by this story, even students who enjoy stories about adventurous kids will be satisfied. Recommended. 2010, Delacorte Press (Random House), 368pp., $16.99 hc. Ages 11 to 16.

*Best Children's Books of the Year, 2011; Bank Street College of Education
*Booklist Book Review Stars, Oct. 15, 2010
*Booklist Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth, 2011; American Library Association
*Kirkus Best Children's Books, 2010
*Kirkus Book Review Stars, September 15, 2010
*Notable Children's Books, 2011; ALSC American Library Association
*Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, September 27, 2010

*John Newbery Medal, 2011 Winner United States

CONNECTIONS 

*Create storyboards for the two stories that take place in the novel

*Identify and research with students information about World War I

*Discuss the lessons Abilene learned about family and friends with students

*Explore the characteristics of the United States during the early 20^th Century

*Other books related to Moon Over Manifest:

MacDonald, Betty. Nancy and Plum. ISBN 9780375859861

Houston, Jeanne Wakatsuki. Farewell to Manzanar: A True Story of Japanese American Experience During and After the World War II Internment.

ISBN 9780553272581

Book Review #4 KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD'S STRANGEST PARROT

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Montgomery, Sy. Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot. New York: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2010. ISBN: 9780618494170

Bishop, Nic. Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot. New York: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2010. ISBN: 9780618494170

PLOT SUMMARY

This book was about the endangered kakapo parrot in New Zealand and the mission of a fourteen person team to save the last of the ground-dwelling birds. As the story unfolds, the team takes turns watching over different kakapo parrots, specifically one named Lisa and eventually, one named Cyndy, and their chicks. The team experienced wonderful times as they watched baby chicks stay healthy and grow, and they experienced some sadder moments as they watched one of the older kakapo parrots, Bill, die as a grandfather. They also had the joy of learning that the endangered parrot is growing in number, and there is hope for the future of the species.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Kakapo Rescue was an accurately written book, because the author did most of their research on-site with their photographer and consulted with colleagues who were kakapo conservationists in New Zealand. The author also conducted background research about the kakapo parrots and documented their research in a bibliography at the back of the book. Through these forms of research, the author and photographer demonstrated their credibility in writing this book.

As for the organization of the book, the author started the story at an interesting point in the conservationists' work, which involved them watching over a baby kakapo parrot while the mother went out to forage in the middle of the night, which is normal for this kind of parrot. The story continued chronologically from that point with relevant information about the birds mentioned throughout the story. At the end, the reader had learned about all the highs and lows of watching over these parrots and about the different kakapo parrot families that had been developed over the years in New Zealand. They had also been introduced to other information about the parrots that was provided through pictures of specific kakapo parrots, along with the conservationists' reasons for protecting them.

The author was able to keep the reader's attention through the readable layout of each page. Pictures and supplemented information were placed in strategic places throughout the book to keep the reader's attention and help them follow the story with the different character kakapo parrots that were a part of a large family. Through this book design, the style of the book was also interesting to the reader and revealed the author's passion, since the author had spent years researching and waiting to write and share with the world about the kakapo parrots. The author also encouraged questions to be asked throughout the book, since there were chapters that made the reader want to keep reading and find out more answers and information about the kakapo parrots. This was also demonstrated through the last chapter, “P.S.: The Story Continues,” because the author mentioned a website that is devoted to the recovery program of the kakapo parrots, which is updated on a regular basis.

Because of these elements, the reader was able to enjoy the story about the kakapo parrots. They believed it was an accurate portrayal, and its organization, design, and style were interesting and relevant to the kakapo parrots and to those reading about them.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Gillian Engberg (Booklist, Apr. 15, 2010 (Vol. 106, No. 16))
Starred Review* Montgomery and Bishop, whose highly lauded titles include two Sibert Honor Books, offer yet another winning entry in the Scientists in the Field series. This time, the intrepid duo heads to a remote island off the southern tip of New Zealand, where they join a local government-sponsored research team that is working to save the Kakapo parrot from extinction. Weighing in at nearly nine pounds, these beautiful, honey-scented, once-ubiquitous creatures, named “the most wonderful of all living birds” by a nineteenth-century naturalist, have become a symbol of human civilization’s devastating effects on indigenous life, and the New Zealand government is directing significant resources to try to ensure the species’ survival. As usual, Montgomery’s delight in her subject is contagious, and throughout her enthusiastic text, she nimbly blends scientific and historical facts with immediate, sensory descriptions of fieldwork. Young readers will be fascinated by the incredible measures that the passionate workers follow to help the new birds hatch, and many will share the team’s heartbreak when some chicks die. Bishop’s photos of the creatures and their habitat are stunning; an awe-inspiring, closing image of the world’s eighty-seventh known Kakapo emerging from its shell captures the miracle of birth, for any species. Like many of the team’s previous titles, this offers excellent support for units about animal conservation. Grades 4-7

Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature)
What’s a kakapo? It is a heavy, flightless parrot with moss-green feathers and a smell like that of honey that is on the brink of extinction. Author Montgomery and photographer Bishop have a ten-day pass to visit Codfish Island--just south of New Zealand--to report on the devoted rangers, technical support officers, and volunteers of the National Kakapo Recovery Team, who are attempting to save these unique birds that have dwindled down to a population of only eighty-seven. Since humans and introduced predators have devastated New Zealand’s native wildlife, few people are allowed to visit the isolated island; every item taken there must be disinfected. Distressingly, no one knows exactly when the parrots will decide to breed. The writer and photographer share the recovery team’s daily life, watch the careful preparation of feed, tracking of the birds by telemetry, and the meticulous weighing and data-keeping of precious eggs when they appear. Each parrot has its own personality; the reporters are privileged to observe several of them closely, to help track a female. They share not only the team’s sorrow when one chick and an adult male die unexpectedly, but also their exultation when an egg cracks and a new chick hatches. Bishop’s lushly beautiful photographs help readers explore the island’s trees, ferns, and mosses as well as other birds and wildlife. Teens hoping for a career in conservation science will surely find this well-designed “Scientists in the Field” volume appealing, as will any reader susceptible to the poignancy of a fascinating species so vulnerable and so irreplaceable. 2010, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Ages 11 and up.

*Booklist Book Review Stars, Apr. 15, 2010
*Booklist Editors’ Choice: Books for Youth, 2010; American Library Association
*Booklist Top 10 Books on the Environment for Youth, 2011; American Library Association
*Booklist Top 10 Sci-Tech Books for Youth, 2010; American Library Association

*School Library Journal Book Review Stars, June 2010; Cahners

*Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2011 Winner
*SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science, 2011 Finalist Middle Grades Science Books

CONNECTIONS

*Research endangered species in groups

*Use this story to learn about kakapo parrots

*Compare and contrast the kakapo parrot to other parrots

*Explore conservation

*Other books in the Scientist in the Field Series:

Burns, Loree Griffin. The Hive Detectives: Chronicle of a Honey Bee Catastrophe.

ISBN 9780547152318

Carson, Mary Kay. The Bat Scientists ISBN 9780547199566

Book Review #4: LET ME PLAY

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Blumenthal, Karen. Let Me Play: The Story of Title IX, the law that changed the future of girls in America. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2005.

ISBN: 0689859570

PLOT SUMMARY

Let Me Play by Karen Blumenthal was about “the law that changed the future of girls in America.” Throughout the book, the story told how the law came to be and how it paved the way for girls to have the same rights as boys in regard to sports, academics, and careers, beginning in 1972 when it was passed to the present day. The book talked about the instrumental people who helped make the law a reality and how it has impacted the next generations, to the point that girls today don't have to fight as much for equal opportunity in sports, academics, and their careers. This story has been inspirational to all who have read it and has helped continue to impact the future.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Let Me Play was definitely accurately written, because it was written by a Sibert Honor-winning author, Karen Blumenthal, which demonstrates to the reader that the author has a good reputation in her writings. The book also had a bibliography at the back of the book with sources, and it had pictures of different people who were involved in making the Title IX law a reality.

The book's organization had a logical layout, because it introduced the idea behind the law at the beginning, and then, it moved on to sharing about the different ways girls were able to push for change and make strides towards accomplishing the equal rights that we know today. As the story progressed, the reader found themselves appreciating all the women and men who fought for their rights, and the work they did to make a difference. The story also told about some of the setbacks along the way, but ended with how girls today have so many equal rights that they don't realize that it was once a different reality in a previous generation.

As the story unfolded about the Title IX law, the reader was drawn in by the readable captions, the authentic black-and-white pictures, and the added text features on each page. Through these strategically placed graphics, the reader was able to learn more information about the Title IX law and better understand the sacrifices and strides that were made to gain equal rights for boys and girls. They were also able to remember more information, because of the information provided with the pictures.

Style was also an important aspect of this story, because the author wanted to educate and keep the reader's attention about an important subject, which was no small task. In order to accomplish this, she had to write with a passion and enthusiasm, which she displayed through the tone of the book. She also had to balance the amount of information she provided in the text and the pictures throughout the book, which she did by providing little nuggets of information by the pictures and by writing in a conversational voice. This style helped the reader want to learn and keep reading to find out more information about the Title IX law.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Gillian Engberg (Booklist, Jul. 1, 2005 (Vol. 101, No. 21))
As in Six Days in October (2002), a compelling overview of the 1929 stock market crash and a financial primer, Wall Street Journal editor Blumenthal uses specific facts and fascinating personal stories to give readers a wide view of history. Here, the author looks at American women's evolving rights by focusing on the history and future of Title IX, which bans sex discrimination in U.S. education. Profiles of groundbreaking female athletes and legislators deftly alternate with highlights of the women's movement, from the early twentieth century through today. The dull paper stock diminishes the many black-and-white photos, but the images are still gripping, and relevant political cartoons and fact boxes add further interest. Few books cover the last few decades of American women's history with such clarity and detail, and this comprehensive title draws attention to the hard-won battles, the struggles that remain, and the chilling possibility that rights, if not fiercely protected, can easily be lost. Category: Books for Older Readers--Nonfiction. 2005, Simon & Schuster/Atheneum. Gr. 6-9.

Kristin Harris (Children's Literature)
Title IX, requiring equal opportunities for female and male students in federally-funded schools passed Congress in 1972. The lives of girls and women have been greatly impacted by that “little law.” A revolution followed as parents, teachers, coaches and kids worked to make sure that the opportunities opened to them by this new law were actually available. It took lots of dedication and hard work, but today about 3 million girls participate in high school sports, up from less than 300,000 in 1972. Young women were not only suiting up for basketball, baseball, volleyball and soccer, they were entering college and graduate school in record numbers. There were soon numerous female doctors, lawyers and PhDs. This transformation was not without its challenges and failures. Sometimes these conflicts took place in the schools, in Congress or even in the U.S. courts. Title IX is one of the most important civil rights laws in our country. It is important to be vigilante because that which was given, can be taken away. Patsy Mink, the first woman of color in the US Congress, warned that these opportunities can be taken away if not guarded. The author concludes the book with a personal note and a quote from Edith Green, the mother of Title IX: “The trouble with every generation is that they haven’t read the minutes of the last meeting.” 2005, Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Ages 8 and up.

Patricia Brown (Library Media Connection, February 2006)
Before the time that Donna de Varona won the gold in the Olympics and made the cover of Sports Illustrated, or Billy Jean King played Bobby Riggs, the battle for equality in the treatment of the sexes had been fought on several fronts. The warriors for the cause and the skirmishes leading up to the victory of Title IX are the subjects of this book. The text is easy to read and understand. Photos, newspaper clips, and cartoons adorn the pages to add interest to the text. The timeline and index at the end of the book, and the source notes for each chapter are very helpful. Karen Blumenthal has added a section called, "For Further Information," which contains a good bibliography on the subject of women's sports and women's rights, and also several useful Web sites for the student researcher. "Instant Replay" gives in-depth information about a topic or a person mentioned in the book. I found these very fascinating, so much so that I would stop to read them and then have to find my place to continue the narrative. The cover appears to be very sturdy; it fits well in one hand. It also has great eye-appeal. All in all, this is one great addition for your collection. Recommended. 2005, Atheneum (Simon & Schuster), 152pp. Ages 12 to 18.

*Best Books for Young Adults, 2006; American Library Association
*Booklist Top 10 Sports Books for Youth, 2005; American Library Association
*School Library Journal Best Books, 2005; Cahners
*School Library Journal Book Review Stars, July 2005; Cahners

*Jane Addams Children's Book Award, 2006 Winner Books for Older Children
*Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, 2006 Recommended

CONNECTIONS

*Learn about primary and secondary sources

*Identify the use of text features in the book

*Compare and contrast the history of women from a generation ago to today

*Participate in discussion about why women weren't given equal opportunities in playing sports

*Other books about Title IX:

Ware, Susan. Title IX: A Brief History with Documents. ISBN 9780312445751

Hogshead-Makar, Nancy. Equal Play: Title IX and Social Change.

ISBN 9781592133802

Book Review #4 WALT WHITMAN: WORDS FOR AMERICA

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. Walt Whitman: Words for America. New York: Scholastic Press, 2004.

ISBN: 9780439357913

Selznick, Brian. Walt Whitman: Words for America. New York: Scholastic Press, 2004.

ISBN: 9780439357913

PLOT SUMMARY

Walt Whitman: Words for America written by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Brian Selznick was a biographical account of Walt Whitman's life. Throughout the biography, the reader learned that Whitman had been a printer's apprentice and eventually became a printer and writer, which demonstrated his love of words. The reader also learned about Whitman's compassion and care towards people during the Civil War that helped inspire him to write poetry about America.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Throughout this biographical account of Walt Whitman's life, the reader didn't question the illustrations or information provided in the book. Many poems were directly quoted and at the back of the book there were notes from the author and illustrator, along with actual poems and notes, and cited sources for the reader. Since there was so much documentation, the accuracy of the book was clear. As for the organization in the book, it followed a logical chronological order by telling the story of Walt Whitman from the time he was twelve to his mid-forties, when he wrote Words for America. In order to assist the reader in following the life of Walt Whitman, the writer and illustrator used illustrations, letter writings, and poetry to support the organization and develop the design of the book. Through the illustrations, the reader was kept interested in Walt Whitman's life and could imagine his life and how he was devoted to others during the Civil War. The style format of the story also helped younger readers stay interested and encourage their curiosity, because the story was told with a conversational tone. The reader always felt encouraged to ask questions and seek the answers while reading the story, and at the end of the book, if they had more questions, they could read the poems, short biography, and information from the author and illustrator. It was a book that kept the attention of the reader while also encouraging them to keep reading on for more information.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Jennifer Mattson (Booklist, Nov. 15, 2004 (Vol. 101, No. 6))Although Whitman is most known for poetry "as free-ranging as his big, robust country," much of this treatment focuses on the writer's Civil War experiences providing company and small comforts to wounded soldiers. Lines of poetry elucidate Whitman's thoughts about the war, with the full text of the poems or sections of poems appearing at book's end. It's no surprise that this hasn't the instant appeal of Kerley and Selznick's The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Watkins (2002). The vicissitudes of a poet's life are of less inherent interest to young readers than dinosaur bones, and what whisper of excitement there is in Whitman's biography, Kerley downplays by focusing on his war-scarred twilight years rather than his reverberating "barbaric yawp" against starchy literary tradition. Like his collaborator's narrative, though, Selznick's contributions reflect a keen passion for research, right down to the subtle references to early editions of Leaves of Grass in the book's typeface and design. Try this sophisticated offering on readers who won't quail at the lengthy text and who will be less likely to skip the dense, illuminating endnotes. Younger readers may profit more from the more straightforward presentation of Whitman's words in Loren Long's excellent When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer, reviewed on p.583. Category: Books for Middle Readers--Nonfiction. 2004, Scholastic, Gr. 4-8.

Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)

Incorporating many actual quotes from Whitman's correspondence, poems, and other

writings into text and pictures, this book is a bold introduction to the person who changed

poetry forever. Kerley respects the reader but makes Whitman and his times

understandable for those with a rudimentary knowledge of the Civil War, Lincoln, and

the havoc wreaked by the War Between the States. Some of the most moving passages

and illustrations are ones that convey the poet's compassion for injured soldiers dying far

from ones who love them. Whitman's love of all humankind, his sensuous enjoyment of

nature, his outreach, and the composition of his poem "O Captain, My Captain" are

included. The text ends with the open-handed invitation: "Whoever you are now I place

my hand upon you that you be my poem." In extensive author and illustrator notes, both

creators reveal the sources of their inspiration, cover more completely the trajectory of

Whitman's life, and give the reader a deeper sense of Whitman's admiration for Lincoln.

It is especially telling to see what Selznick drew upon to create his powerful images and

montages and children will look again with deeper appreciation after reading these notes.

In an effort not to shortchange Whitman's poetry, Kerley has included eight longer

excerpts from "Leaves of Grass." As an introduction to "The Good Gray Poet," this book

succeeds on every level. Older readers who wish to learn more about Whitman should

search out Catherine Reef's 1995 biography, Walt Whitman. 2004, Scholastic, ages 9 to

14.

Carol A. Burbridge (Library Media Connection, February 2005)
This visually stunning book explores the life of one of America's great poets. Walt Whitman appreciated the experiences of ordinary people and expressed this in his poetry, which many people didn't understand at the time. Opposed to slavery but too old to enlist in the Union forces, Whitman tended to the injured and dying during the Civil War. His experiences and his grief over the death of Lincoln inspired some of his most poignant poetry. Teachers and librarians will find this a wonderful way to link a poet and his poetry to American history. With large, vivid illustrations, the book makes an excellent picture book to read aloud to a group or to be used for meaningful individual reading. Selections of Whitman's poetry can be found within the text and following the author's and illustrator's notes at the end of the book. Highly Recommended. 2004, Scholastic, 56pp. Ages 9 to 13.

*Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education

*Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 18, 2004; Cahners
*School Library Journal Best Books, 2004; Cahners
*School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 2004; Cahners

*Beacon of Freedom Award, 2007 Nominee
*California Book Awards, 2005 Silver Medal Juvenile
*New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year, 2004 Winner
*Parents' Choice Award, 2004 Silver Non-Fiction
*Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2005 Honor 

 

CONNECTIONS

*Explore characteristics that make up the spirit of America

*Discuss the different types of poems with students

*Identify and research important people during the Civil War

*Research with students information about the Civil War

*Other books by Barbara Kerley:

Kerley, Barbara. The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins: An Illuminating History of Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins, Artist and Lecturer. ISBN 9780439114943

Kerley, Barbara. The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According To Susy).

ISBN 9780545125086