SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson Book Review

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 1999. SPEAK. New York: Puffin Books. ISBN 014131088X

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Melinda must begin high school without a single friend in the world. After calling the cops during an end of summer party, not only will no one talk to Melinda, they go out of their way to call her names, pull her hair and do other cruel things. But what if they really knew what happened that night? What if she told someone, anyone what the most popular senior boy, Andy Evans did to her that night of the party? Would they listen? Her art teacher, Mr. Freeman is the only person that realizes there is more to Melinda than her crusty, chewed lips, dirty hair and baggy clothes. Everyone else, including her parents, is tired of her skipping classes, failing grades and not speaking. Just as her year long art project, Melinda’s life seems hopeless until, with a little help, she realizes it can be brought back to life.  

3. CRITITAL ANALYSIS

Told through first-person narration, the main character Melinda walks the reader through her thoughts and feelings as her life is crashing all around her. By incorporating a lot of symbolism such as “IT found me again. I thought I could ignore IT.” and “Roots knob out of the ground and the crown reaches for the sun, tall and healthy. The new growth is the best part.”, Anderson forces the reader to think beyond the black and white on the page. Hearing Melinda’s thoughts about herself instead of the constant rage and anger towards others keeps the tone quite calm. Anderson’s unique style is shown in the way the book is divided into four “marking periods” or chapters. Within each marking period, several short, catchy subtitles are found that show the progression through a year in high school such as “Advice From a Smart Mouth” or “Post Prom”. Students who feel as an outcast themselves will easily connect with Melinda, and hopefully, even learn some coping strategies to help with their own life. Anderson does an excellent job of dealing with such a controversial issue.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2000 Printz Honor Book
1999 National Book Award Finalist
Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist
1999 Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist
Winner of the SCBWI Golden Kite Award
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Quick Pick
Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
Booklist Top Ten First Novel of 1999
BCCB Blue Ribbon Book
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Horn Book Fanfare Title

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Anderson expresses the emotions and the struggles of teenagers perfectly. Melinda's pain is palpable, and readers will totally empathize with her. This is a compelling book, with sharp, crisp writing that draws readers in, engulfing them in the story.”

BOOKLIST review: “In her YA fiction debut, Anderson perfectly captures the harsh conformity of high-school cliques and one teen's struggle to find acceptance from her peers. Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.”

KIRKUS review: “The plot is gripping and the characters are powerfully drawn, but it is its raw and unvarnished look at the dynamics of the high school experience that makes this a novel that will be hard for readers to forget.”

AMAZON.COM review: “Laurie Halse Anderson's first novel is a stunning and sympathetic tribute to the teenage outcast. The triumphant ending, in which Melinda finds her voice, is cause for cheering (while many readers might also shed a tear or two). After reading Speak, it will be hard for any teen to look at the class scapegoat again without a measure of compassion and understanding for that person--who may be screaming beneath the silence.”

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: “In a stunning first novel, Anderson uses keen observations and vivid imagery to pull readers into the head of an isolated teenager.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Allow students to participate in a book discussion after reading. Some of the questions that could be addressed include, but are not limited to:

                -Why do you think Anderson wrote this story?

                -How would you describe Mr. Freeman? How would the story have been different without him?

                -Was Melinda right/wrong in her decision not to speak?

*Share Laurie Halse Anderson’s poem “Listen” with the students. This poem was written as a collection of many of the letters she received after writing the book “SPEAK”. How are they similar? What is the poem saying? It can be found at http://www.pointofviewbooks.com/pdf/speakguide.pdf

*In the last sentence of the book, “Let me tell you about it”, what do you think Melinda will say to Mr. Freeman? In a first person narration, write the next chapter of the book if it were to continue.

*Working in groups, have students brainstorms the signs of depression that were shown/included in the novel. Discuss how students need to be on the look out for these signs in their own lives or in a friend.

*Students can write an article for the school newspaper dealing with one of the issues mentioned in the book such as rape, signs of depression, teenage drinking or parties, cliques, etc.

*Students, with parent permission can watch the movie “SPEAK” starring Kristen Stewart and compare and contrast the book with the movie.

BABYMOUSE: PUPPY LOVE by Jennifer & Matthew Holm Book Review

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer L. & Matthew. 2007. BABYMOUSE PUPPY LOVE. New York: Random House. ISBN 9780375839900

2. PLOT SUMMARY

After her fifth fish dies, Babymouse begs her mom for another pet that she can actually play with. Unfortunately, even though she has good intentions, Babymouse does not have good pet care skills. She begins with a hamster, which escapes after the cage door was left open. Over the course of the next week, Babymouse manages to buy and lose all of her new pets, including a turtle, ferret, salamander, hermit crab, Venus flytrap, sea monkeys and even an entire ant farm. Unbeknownst to her, all of the pets are living the good life under her bed! Eventually, she finds a stray dog and convinces her mother to keep it until the owner is found. After many disasters such as eaten shoes, Babymouse does a wonderful job of training her new dog only to lose her back to the original owner.

3. CRITITAL ANALYSIS

Young girls everywhere will quickly fall in love with Babymouse’s character because of the innocent way she “messes up”. Just as many adolescent girls do, Babymouse usually makes many mistakes and does not accomplish her tasks the first time she attempts them. This mistake driven character helps readers develop a kinship with her. The detailed illustrations alone could tell the story. Children will love the various expressions and surprises found in the artwork, thus creating a larger appeal to this graphic novel. Even though this is a children’s book, Jennifer and Matthew Holm also did a wonderful job of adding just enough humor to appeal to the adults as well. The simple portrayal of Babymouse “listening” to her mother as the information goes in one ear and out the other will make every parent smile as they picture their own child doing this same thing.

   

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

CURLED UP WITH A GOOD KID’S BOOK review: “Readers connect to this character because she views each opportunity as an adventure, a chance to embrace what lies before her and worry about the consequences later on. As her reading audience runs alongside Babymouse to see what's around the next corner, they become infected with her excitement and anticipation.”

BABYMOUSE SERIES:

            *Winner of 2006 Gryphon Award

            *Winner of 2006 ALA Notable Children’s Book

            *Winner of 2006 New York Book Show Award

5. CONNECTIONS

*After reading this book, children can create their own comic strips in a simpler format. Students can choose a story and identify 5 main parts. After illustrating each of these main parts, children can add speech bubbles for the dialogue. The strips can be hung in sequential order for all to see.

*Students can have a booktalk over a time when they tried to persuade their parents to allow them to buy/do something.

*Other books in series by Jennifer & Matthew Holm:

#1 BABYMOUSE: QUEEN OF THE WORLD

#2 BABYMOUSE: OUR HERO

#3 BABYMOUSE: BEACH BABE

#4 BABYMOUSE: ROCK STAR

#5 BABYMOUSE: HEARTBREAKER

#6 BABYMOUSE: CAMP BABYMOUSE

#7 BABYMOUSE: SKATER GIRL

#9 BABYMOUSE: MONSTER MASH

#10 BABYMOUSE: THE MUSICAL

#11 BABYMOUSE: DRAGONSLAYER

#12 BABYMOUSE BURNS RUBBER

#13 BABYMOUSE: CUPCAKE TYCOON

RULES by Cynthia Lord Book Review

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Lord, Cynthia. 2006. RULES. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439443822                                        

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Like many other twelve-year olds, Catherine is struggling to fit in. However, her struggle runs a little deeper because she has a younger brother with autism, a family that revolves around him, a new neighbor to impress and a newly developed unique relationship with Jason, a young boy bound to a wheelchair. Through a list of rules she develops for her brother, Catherine also learns some valuable life lessons such as “some people think they know who you are, when really they don’t.”  

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

As many teenage children struggle with finding their independent identity and role, Cynthia Lord provides an opportunity for young people to live vicariously through her main character, Catherine, as she struggles with the same problems. After all, can’t all older siblings remember being asked to watch after their younger siblings at some point? What about teenage children being embarrassed by a family member? How many teenagers have used the phrase “whatever” for annoying their mother? By incorporating these everyday issues, Catherine’s character is actually quite believable. The creative way Lord uses a rule as each chapter title contributes to the unique style of her writing. Readers will anticipate and connect with each new rule of life as the story unfolds.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2007 Newberry Honor Book

Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts (NCTE)

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION review: “This is a great book to help students gain some understanding about autism, while also providing a good read. The author is the mother of an autistic child. Recommended."

BOOKLIST review: “A heartwarming first novel.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: "Catherine is an endearing narrator who tells her story with both humor and heartbreak. . . this sensitive story is about being different, feeling different, and finding acceptance. A lovely, warm read, and a great discussion starter."

5. CONNECTIONS

*Due to the topic/theme of this story, allow children time to participate in a book discussion. How can they relate to the main character Catherine? Why was Catherine stuck in the middle? What would you do if you were her? If willing, students may discuss a time when they had to make a difficult choice.

*Some children might have a strong connection to this story (i.e. family member or classmate with autism). If applicable, in a small group setting with similar students, students can discuss ways they can create bonds or build relationships with their family member or classmate.

*After reading, invite children to participate in creating a podcast which includes a booktalk for this story.

*Other contemporary realistic fiction books about children with autism:

Baskin, Nora Raleigh. ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL. ISBN 9781416963783

Bauer, Anne. WILD RIDE UP THE CUPBOARDS: A NOVEL. ISBN 0743269497

Heiman, Herb. RUNNING ON DREAMS. ISBN 1931282285

THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE by Karen Cushman Book Review

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushman, Karen. 1996. THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395728061

2. PLOT SUMMARY

After losing her husband in the autumn of 1848, Arvella Whipple loaded up her children the next summer and headed out west to California to seek their fortune. From the moment they arrived in Lucky Diggins, California, California Whipple, the oldest child, wanted to head back home to Masachusetts, where she belonged. Running a boarding house for dirty, loud miners, shooting her own dinner and freezing during the winter in their makeshift tent home, was not how California wanted to spend her days. Knowing she did not belong in California, and she did not want to be associated with it anyway, California Whipple changed her name to Lucy Whipple. Lucy did everything she could to find her way back to Masachusetts such as writing Gram and Grampop letters describing how miserable her life was to steering away the men that wanted to marry her mom to baking and selling pies to miners to earn her own money for her return trip. Somehow, something always seemed to get in the way of her plans. Between befriending a runaway slave and an abused girl, her brother’s death, eating food made with flour consumed by weevils and the entire town burning down, Lucy Whipple grew up. Surprisingly, when the opportunity arises for Lucy to return back East, she turns it down for the chance to stay and rebuild Lucky Diggins with the few friends she has made there. Her love of books even leads her to be the town’s first librarian.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Through the eyes of a female child, Karen Cushman helps the reader imagine what life must have been like for the many children that journeyed with their parents to California to seek their fortunes with the American Gold Rush. The language she chose to use such as “Miss Lucy” or “we ain’t had but bad luck since you came here, fella” are prime examples of how people in the 1850’s in California mining towns would have talked. Cushman showed evidence of thorough research of the living conditions of this time period through her recreation of the mining town with phrases such as “…a tangle of cabins and lean-tos, unpainted board shacks, and tents of canvas, of blankets, of brush, of potato sacks and old shirts”. Through her hardships and her imagination that would carry her away, young children can relate to Lucy Whipple. Her words, thoughts and actions were all believable. The reader watches Lucy grow up and come to know herself and her choices as time progresses. In her author’s note, Cushman even shares ways in which she kept this fiction story authentic to the real California Gold Rush. This is a must read for anyone yearning to learn more about this event in history that helped shape California and its followers.

4. REVIEW EXCERT(S)

AMAZON.COM Review: “Here Karen Cushman helps the American Gold Rush spring to colorful life, just as she did for medieval England in her previous two books…”

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY Starred Review: “a coming-of-age story rich with historical flavor.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Starred Review: “Cushman’s heroine is a delightful character, and the historical setting is authentically portrayed. Lucy’s story, as the author points out in her end notes, is the story of many pioneer women who exhibited great strength and courage as they helped to settle the West.”

BOOKLIST Review: “With zest and wit, Cushman gives us the domestic side of the western frontier adventure--what it was like for women and especially children.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students could research the California Gold Rush. During their research, students could answer questions about life of women and children, hardships people faced, how many were successful, where did most people originate from, etc.

*Look for these other books about the California Gold Rush:

Chambers, Andy. CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH. ISBN 0816745560

Levitin, Sonia. BOOM TOWN. ISBN 0531300439

McNeer, May. THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH. ISBN 0394897153

*The teacher could prepare a reader’s theater using part/all of a chapter which exhibits a lot of dialogue between different characters/and or an important scene from the book.  Chapters 6, 10 or 12 would be good examples. Students could practice oral reading with the dialect of the time period by reading their various assigned parts.

*Other books by Karen Cushman:

Cushman, Karen. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. ISBN 9780064406307

Cushman, Karen. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. ISBN 0064405842

PENNY FROM HEAVEN by Jennifer L. Holm Book Review

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY
Holm, Jennifer L. 2006. PENNY FROM HEAVEN. New York: Random House. ISBN 037583687X

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In the summer of 1953, life for almost 12 year old Penny is split between the mother and grandparents she lives with and the Italian relatives of her deceased father who adore her. On one side, her mother is so protective and strict; Penny is not even allowed to swim in a public pool due to her mother’s fear of her catching polio. On the other side, her many uncles, aunts and Nonny will do anything to make up for her father not being here such as buy her expensive coats, a new bicycle and tickets to the Bums baseball games. Even with all of this, Penny still wishes for all the people she loves to quit hating each other, her favorite uncle to stop living in a car and for someone to tell her about her father. One day, while her best friend (and cousin) Frankie and her were searching for their grandfather’s buried treasure in Nonny’s basement, Penny’s arm accidentally gets pulled through the wringer. After spending the summer in the hospital, and overcoming the odds of never using her arm again, Penny learns of the history between the two families, the truth behind her father’s death and even bonds with her new spontaneous step father. Once again, something good arises from something bad.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Even though this is a fiction story, the inspiration derives from Holm’s own Italian American family. Her own mother was the original Penny, after her grandfather died while her grandmother was pregnant. Items from the story such as the shortwave radio, fancy coats from her uncle, fear of polio, relative living in a car, fancy Italian meals and a grandmother wearing black, were all true stories from Holm’s own family history. Therefore, the authenticity of the time period is not only believable, but personally true. Even the inclusion of Dem Bums helped recreate the details of the 1950’s. The overall theme, the power of family love, prevails as the miracle of Penny’s arm healing is the proof. Children from split homes today will easily relate to the pressures Penny faced of keeping two sides, two different families happy. This novel shines as it shows the ups and downs of being part of a family.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Newberry Honor Book

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Penny and her world are clearly drawn and eminently believable, made up of seamlessly interwoven details from everyday life. The period is lovingly re-created, from the fear of catching polio to Penny's use of the word swell. An author's note with photos is included.”

BOOKLIST review: “Holm impressively wraps pathos with comedy in this coming-of-age story, populated by a cast of vivid characters (a burping, farting grandpa; an eccentric uncle who lives in his car--"not exactly normal for people in New Jersey"). Concluding with a photo-illustrated endnote explaining Holm's inspirations in family history, this languidly paced novel will appeal most to readers who appreciate gentle, episodic tales with a nostalgic flavor.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Invite local experts, such as students’ grandparents or other relatives, who remember life in the 1950’s and are willing to speak to the class.

*Research the poem and/or the song “Pennies from Heaven” by analyzing the words/lyrics. Relate the meaning of these to the main character’s (Penny) name.

*Children can research the prejudices against Italian Americans. How did these prejudices affect lifestyles? How was it similar to other races or nationalities that faced prejudices?

*Other books by Jennifer L. Holm:
Holm, Jennifer L. OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA. ISBN 0064408566

Holm, Jennifer L. THE TROUBLE WITH MAY AMELIA. ISBN 1416913734

Holm, Jennifer L. TURTLE IN PARADISE. ISBN 0375836888

ELIJAH OF BUXTON by Christopher Paul Curtis Book Review

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. ELIJAH OF BUXTON. New York, NY: Scholastic. ISBN 0439023440

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Set in the Elgin Settlement at Raleigh in Canada, also known as Buxton, this gripping historical novel centers around an 11 year old boy named Elijah Freeman. Famous for two reasons, being the first free child born in Buxton and throwing up on Frederick Douglass, Elijah is set to prove he is not as “fragile” as everyone thinks, even though he does cry easily. His vulnerability is the cause for many of his problems such as believing hoop snakes are going to cause his slow, drawn out death, losing a good portion of the fish that he caught and almost being sold to a traveling carnival. Due to the respect that is demanded of children during this time period, young Elijah easily befriends an unworthy “preacher” who acts peculiar all throughout the novel. In the end, this “preacher” steals money that the hardworking Mr. Leroy earned to buy his family out of slavery. Feeling partly to blame, Elijah willingly sets out on a journey with his friend Mr. Leroy to find the “preacher” and the money he stole. Not long after the journey begins, Mr. Leroy dies of a sudden heart attack, leaving young Elijah in an American city that still believes in slaves. Trying to honor a promise made to Mr. Leroy, Elijah faces problems a child his age should not have to face such as shooting another human, leaving people to die and caring for a young baby. Fortunately for all, Elijah isn’t as “fragile” as everyone thinks.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Curtis’ thorough research of the Buxton settlement is evident in his authentic portrayal of young Elijah’s life. True to a youthful point of view, Elijah’s actions and dialect are not only believable, but convincing. Even though this is a children’s book, Curtis did a wonderful job of recreating the time period and presenting the facts without “sugar-coating” the information. The captured slave family waiting for their return to their owners portrays the hardships of these people during this time period. Through the hardships and trials, the reader watches Elijah stand up for what he believes in and grow from a young, fragile child to a brave, young man. This novel provides an excellent resource for learning about the time period without bogging children down with a plethora of facts and dates.  

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Coretta Scott King Author Award
Newberry Honor Book

Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

TD Children’s Literature Book Award

CLA Book of the Year

Finalist in the Governor General’s Literary Award for Children’s Literature

BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW: “Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at other moments, moved to tears. A fine, original novel from a gifted storyteller.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students can research the Underground Railroad. Have students take a virtual field trip on the Underground Railroad by visiting: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/railroad

*Students can complete a Venn diagram which compares and contrasts Elijah’s life and their own life. Be sure to include fun activities, responsibilities, family, schooling, etc.

*Based on Elijah’s fear of horses and fast travel, lead a discussion to answer the question: “What would Elijah think about means of travel in 2011?”

*Other books by Christopher Paul Curtis:
Curtis, Christopher Paul. THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM - 1963. ISBN 9780440228004

Curtis, Christopher Paul. BUD, NOT BUDDY. ISBN 9780553494105

KILLER WHALES by Seymour Simon Book Review

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Simon, Seymour. 2002. KILLER WHALES. San Francisco, CA: SeaStar Books. ISBN 1587171422

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The killer whale is an animal that both intimidates and fascinates many people. In this easy reader, Simon introduces readers to the basic facts about killer whales. The orca, the name scientists use for the killer whale, is not a fish because “it does not have gills to help it breathe.” By using comparisons such as the female orca is as “long as an ambulance” or the male orca weighs as much “as two elephants”, the reader will have an easier time remembering basic killer whale facts. Whether it’s learning about what killer whales eat, where they live, how big they are or their family habits, this book will provide the basic information needed to begin research on this animal.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The simple style and design of this book allows young readers the opportunity to learn on their own. Although there is not a table of contents or an index, the book consists of double page spreads for each new topic introduced. For each new page, there is also a double page photograph to support the text. Children will enjoy looking at actual photographs of the killer whale in its natural environment. The simple text is written in large print with only a few lines per page, thus enabling young readers to be successful. The contrast of white letters on the dark pages or black letters on the light backgrounds helps the text become easily visible. Seymour Simon does acknowledge use of the photographs, but there is not proof of accreditation for the text.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: “Simple sentences with easy-to-read phrases present an overview of these topics for beginning readers. Information is presented in just two or three sentences per page, and the large font size will make the books attractive to emerging readers. Simon's writing is clear and straightforward.”

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY REVIEW: “With brief, accessible text, engaging topics and a perforated page of collectible cards Seymour Simon's See More Reader series will rope in even the most reluctant readers.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Children can create a web with the killer whale as the topic in the center. Using information learned in the book, children can answer questions about the killer whale such as its eating habits, hunting habits and family style.

*Using the information learned from this book, students can conduct a mock expert interview. One student can be the host, creating questions about killer whales. The other student could be the expert, answering the questions based on what they learned from reading this book.

*Other books by Seymour Simon:

Simon, Seymour. ANIMALS NOBODY LOVES. ISBN 1587170809

Simon, Seymour. AMAZING BATS. ISBN 1587172615

Simon, Seymour. COOL CARS. ISBN 1587172372