WE ARE THE SHIP: THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL by Kadir Nelson review

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Nelson, Kadir. 2008. WE ARE THE SHIP: THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 9780786808328

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

When we head to the baseball park to watch a game, most of us are oblivious to the long battle that many Americans had to fight before being allowed to play. In this wonderful story, Nelson shares the insights of the development of Negro League baseball from its beginning in the 1920’s to its end in 1947. Knowing the impact of hearing stories told directly from the players themselves, Nelson uses an “Everyone” player as his narrator in the book. This allows the reader to feel as if they are hearing the stories told firsthand, as if the player were telling them himself. Beginning with a foreword from Hank Aaron, the reader will be amazed at the segregation and hardships these players faced.

Told through innings instead of chapters, page after page the talent and obstacles of players are revealed. Bud Fowler, the first Negro to play professional baseball, invented the first shin guards because he was tired of being hit in the legs while playing catcher. On February 20, 1920, Rube Foster created the Negro National League with its own teams and rules to follow. Players would travel in ragged buses, have trouble finding places to eat due to their color and even play injured just to get a chance to play the game. Willard Brown, Satchel Paige, Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, Josh Gibson and more; all of these men had talents that were not acknowledged as they would have been if they were white. In the ninth inning, Jackie Robinson finally gets the chance to cross over to the Major Leagues and the rest is history.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The book is organized just as a baseball game, in innings. Each inning takes the reader one step further in the development of the Negro League. To assure its accuracy, the author has included an author’s note, bibliography, filmography and endnotes to support his information. Even though there is not a table of contents, the index guides the reader to various people and features of the game. The illustrations are the strongest part of the book. Through his lifelike oil paintings, the reader can feel the heartache these great athletes faced on a day to day basis. The rich, authentic colors make you feel as if you are looking at the real thing, portraying the subject matter clearly and effectively. The “Everyone” narrator voice helps the reader feel like he is listening to a story, not just learning a list of facts. This book is a must read for every baseball fan.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEW: “Social studies teachers and baseball fans of all ages will covet this delightful winner of the 2009 Coretta Scott King author award and illustrator Honor award.”

BOOKLIST REVIEW: “If the story is the pitch, though, it’s the artwork that blasts the book into the stands. Nelson often works from a straight-on vantage point, as if the players took time out of the action to peer at the viewer from history, eyes leveled and challenging, before turning back to the field of play. With enormous blue skies and jam-packed grandstands backing them, these players look like the giants they are. The stories and artwork are a tribute to the spirit of the Negro Leaguers, who were much more than also-rans and deserve a more prominent place on baseball’s history shelves.”

2009 Sibert Medal

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students choose one of the famous players mentioned in the book. Using various resources such as books and the internet, students research their player further. Then, the students will become their player and write an “autobiography” to present in a living museum.

*Students can complete a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting Negro League baseball to Major League baseball. Be sure to include information about player salary, treatment of players and skills.  

*Visit http://www.wearetheship.com/ to learn more about the book, author and making of the book including photos and videos.

MIRROR MIRROR by Marilyn Singer review

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Singer, Marilyn. 2010. Mirror mirror. ill. by Josee Masse. NewYork: Dutton Children’s Books. ISBN 9780525479017

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In this collection of reversible verse, Marilyn Singer puts a twist on many of the classic fairy tales. This book contains fourteen different poems that are uniquely written so that they can actually be read traditionally, top down and also in reverse, from bottom to top. Some of the fairy tales mentioned are Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, The Ugly Duckling and The Three Little Bears. By changing only the punctuation as the poem is read in reverse, two different affects are created. In some of the poems, such as “The Doubtful Duckling”, the reader hears two different opinions from the same character. The first poem reveals the wishes of the ugly duckling turning into a swan. When it is read in reverse, the same ugly duckling is stating that he will always be ugly without any hopes of turning into a swan. Some of the poems, when read bottom to top actually reveals two different points of views from two different characters. For example, in “In the Hood”, when read from top to bottom, the reader is listening to Little Red Riding Hood’s point of view. When read in reverse, from bottom to top, the wolf’s view point is shown.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

MIRROR MIRROR is a collection of fourteen reverso poems all centered around one genre, fairy tales. Since most children are familiar with the characters in fairy tales, they will be able to connect with the characters in the poems. With the use of the reverso, readers will be able to enjoy the traditional behavior of the character along with a second viewpoint or perspective. Marilyn Singer’s use of figurative language has a unique way of forcing the reader to create a visual image in their head. Phrases such as “juicy and sweet”, “stubby and gray” and “fragrant green air” enhance each poem.

Josee Masse’s illustrations compliment the text. Just as the reverso poem shows a different viewpoint or perspective than the original, the illustrations do the same. On each page, the illustrations are divided almost in half. One side complements the first, original poem while the other half expresses the reverso poem. Within one illustration, the reader is able to see two different interpretations of the same situation. The contrast in bright colors and the evident symmetry immediately draw in the viewer’s eye. Children of all ages will enjoy these pictures.  

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “This is a remarkably clever and versatile book that would work in any poetry or fairy-tale unit. A must-have for any library.”

BOOKLIST review: “A must-purchase that will have readers marveling over a visual and verbal feast.”

KIRKUS starred review: “A mesmerizing and seamless celebration of language, imagery, and perspective."

5. CONNECTIONS

*At the end of the book, Marilyn Singer writes a short blurb about the reverso poem. Children can be challenged to write their own “reverso” poem either independently or with a group. When finished, these poems can be compiled to make a class poetry book.

*This book can be used to help teach character’s point of view. The teacher could read aloud one of the poems and students must guess which story is being referenced and who is talking.

*The illustrations can be used to discuss how different people or characters might view the same situation differently. Two children can be given a topic and then assigned a different perspective to illustrate their topic. When finished, compare and contrast the results and discuss why the illustrations might look different.

BIRMINGHAM, 1963 by Carole Boston Weatherford review

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Weatherford, Carole Boston. 2007. BIRMINGHAM, 1963. Pennsylvania: Wordsong. ISBN 9781590784402

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Through the eyes of a 10 year old girl, the tragic story of the bombing of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church unfolds. Sunday, September 15, 1963 begins as a wonderful day for this young girl because it is her birthday. She receives her first sip of coffee as she practices for her upcoming solo at church. However, on this same day, someone planted dynamite under the steps of the church. Moments before her time to sing, the young girl’s plans are interrupted when a loud blast rocked the church. After witnessing blood spilled and her daddy crying, the young girl prayed herself to sleep that night wondering if it will ever be safe for children to play outside again.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Carol Boston Weatherford’s choices of words help the reader hear this young girl, her hopes, dreams and fears. The language and dialect is evident of the time period in which the story occurred. Children will easily connect with the excitement of this young girl as she anticipates the excitement that accompanies a child’s birthday. The inclusion of blurbs about the four young girls who died that day allows the reader to see how real this was; how children like them were harmed out of hatred.   

The illustrations do a nice job of complimenting the text. By sticking with four basic colors of red, black, gray and white, the sullen mood of the text is carried over into the illustrations. Children’s items such as shoes, gloves, socks and bows are placed strategically on the light gray pages. Splashes of red design, representing the spilled blood, stand out on every page. Actual photographs of this tragic event convey the depth of destruction and heartache that was felt by many throughout the world.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “An emotional read, made even more accessible and powerful by the viewpoint of the child narrator.”

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION, starred review: “This is a reminder of a time when ordinary people became involved in extraordinary situations in the cause of freedom. This is a book that should be in every library collection.”

KIRKUS REVIEWS review: “Exquisitely understated design lends visual potency to a searing poetic evocation of the Birmingham church bombing of 1963...It's a gorgeous memorial to the four killed on that horrible day, and to the thousands of children who braved violence to help change the world.”

2008 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award

5. CONNECTIONS

*After reading, first allow students think time. When ready, the students can offer their thoughts and opinions not only about the book, but about prejudices and racism in general.

*Using the excerpts about the four young girls found at the end, students can choose which girl they are most alike. Either in small groups or through a written assignment, students can explain their choices.

*Other books relating to this topic:

Curtis, Christopher Paul. THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM--1963. ISBN 0440414121

Woodson, Jacqueline. THE OTHER SIDE. ISBN 0399231161

DIAMOND WILLOW by Helen Frost review

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Frost, Helen. 2008. diamond willow. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 0374317763

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Told through verse novel, DIAMOND WILLOW is the story of a 12 year old part Arthabascan girl who lives in a small town in Alaska. Her full name is Diamond Willow, but her parents agree to call her Willow for short. Willow is a quiet, shy girl struggling to fit in. After a lot of begging and pleading from Willow, her parents reluctantly allow her to take the family dogs and mush to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Unbeknownst to her, many of Willow’s ancestors are watching over her on her journey as spirits in the form of animals. On the return trip, there is an accident which leaves the lead dog, Roxy, blind. Feeling a special bond with the dog, Willow is unable to support her parent’s decision to have Roxy put to sleep. Willow convinces her only friend Kaylie to help her take the dog to her grandparent’s house, where she will be safe. Due to a snowstorm, the girls veer off the trail, get lost and spend the night outside in the storm. Once again, the animals are present to guide them out of danger. After being told her family secret, she had a twin that died; Willow learns the real meaning behind her name, Diamond Willow. Although Willow does not know, the reader learns that the spirit of her twin sister, Diamond, actually lives on in Roxy; thus the reason for the strong bond between the two.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

DIAMOND WILLOW is a verse novel written through many poems that could easily stand alone. With each new page, a narrative story of change taking place in a young girl, told through multiple points of view, unfolds right before the reader’s eye. The title, DIAMOND WILLOW, is accentuated through the unique diamond shape of each poem. The clever way Helen Frost included a second story by bold printing a few words in each poem, forces the reader to connect with Willow; to feel what she is feeling. Many of Willow’s ancestors are represented by the spirit of various animals throughout the novel. The presence of these animals assures the reader that someone or something is taking care of Willow, watching out for her well being.

  

The absence of illustrations is one of the strongest points of this book. Through the unique choice of words and language, the reader is able to create visual pictures for each poem. One can actually see the Spruce Hen (Willow’s great-great-great grandmother) guiding Willow on her journey or the bandages that need to be changed on Roxy’s eyes. In this one book, the reader is sent an emotional roller coaster, smiling, laughing, crying, as each page is turned. Middle school children, especially those who feel like they connect with Willow’s loneliness, will walk away knowing they are not alone in the world.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Frost casts a subtle spell through innovative storytelling. Her poems offer pensive imagery and glimpses of character, and strong emotion. This complex and elegant novel will resonate with readers who savor powerful drama and multifaceted characters.”

BOOKLIST review: “Frost, who spent years teaching in Alaska, blends the young teen’s viewpoint with a strong sense of place and culture. The casual diamond shape of the poems reflects how precious jewels of wisdom can grow around painful scars. Willow’s bond with Roxy is the heart of the tale. Give this to fans of dog stories and to readers who liked Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet.”

2009 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award

5. CONNECTIONS

*After reading, children break into groups to discuss the following questions:

            1. How did this poem make you feel?

            2. Why do you think Helen Frost included the animals in the poem?

            3. How did Willow’s life change in just a few short days?

            4. How can you relate/connect with Willow?

*Children can be the illustrators for this book. Each child can chose their favorite poem from the story and create an illustration to accompany it. This will require students to pay attention to the minute details in the poems since there are no previous illustrations.

*Brainstorm a list of the characters (including animal spirits) in the poem. Students work together to choose a few of the most important lines from each character. Once these lines are compiled, students conduct a reader’s theater.

*Other poetry books by this author:

Frost, Helen. THE BRAID. ISBN 0374309620

Frost, Helen. CROSSING STONES. ISBN 0374316538