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

WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? by Barbara Kerley book review

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE?: HOW ALICE ROOSEVELT BROKE THE RULES, CHARMED THE WORLD, AND DROVE HER FATHER TEDDY CRAZY!. Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. Broadway, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439922313

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Some of us have always wondered what it would be like growing up in the White House, being the child of the President. In this delightful biography, readers can gain insight into Alice Roosevelt’s, daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, life and happenings. The story begins with “Theodore Roosevelt had a small problem.” After naming all of the amazing adventures that were not the root of his problem, the reader learns the problem is his daughter Alice. Whether she was testing the springs on her grandparent’s sofa or roaming the streets of Washington, Kerley tells of Alice’s bold and courageous lifestyle. At the threat of being sent to boarding school, Alice decides to teach herself all she needed to know by spending endless hours reading anything she could find in her father’s library. By the age of 17, Alice moves into the White House and her adventures continue, or just begin. From entertaining guests with her pet snake, driving her car around town, traveling world wide or advising her father, Alice was definitely a lady who was adored by many, even if her father never could figure out “What to do about Alice?”  

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Barbara Kerley has written a number of picture book biographies. In her author’s note, Kerley thoroughly explains some of the information she mentioned in the book. Her accuracy is also shown by her acknowledgement of Carol Felsenthal for fact checking the text and the artwork of the book. The picture book format allows the reader to enjoy listening to a story about Alice Roosevelt’s life. The illustrations accurately depict the clothing and style of the time period, thus enhancing the authenticity of the story and supporting the text. The story follows a clear pattern, beginning with her early years and going all the way through adulthood. The story leaves the reader wanting to learn more about the crazy lifestyle of this president’s daughter.   

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW: "Irrepressible Alice Roosevelt gets a treatment every bit as attractive and exuberant as she was....The large format gives Fotheringham, in his debut, plenty of room for spectacular art."

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEW: "Kerley’s text gallops along with a vitality to match her subject s antics, as the girl greets White House visitors accompanied by her pet snake, refuses to let leg braces cramp her style, dives fully clothed into a ship s swimming pool, and also earns her place in history as one of her father s trusted advisers. Fotheringham’s digitally rendered, retro-style illustrations are a superb match for the text."

KIRKUS STARRED REVIEW: "Theodore Roosevelt s irrepressible oldest child receives an appropriately vivacious appreciation in this superb picture book.... Kerley’s precise text presents readers with a devilishly smart, strong-willed girl who was determined to live life on her own terms and largely succeeded."

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students can create a timeline of Alice Roosevelt’s life. Depending on the grade level, using either picture cues or facts from the books, students can plot ten important events of her life on the timeline in chronological order. Be sure to include dates where applicable. 

*Students can complete a Venn diagram by comparing and contrasting young Alice Roosevelt with themselves. The teacher could require students to have 3 items in each part of the Venn diagram.

*Students could create a collage picture based on Alice Roosevelt. Using facts from the book, students could decide upon various adjectives about Alice (daring, creative, etc.).  These adjectives could be typed or written in fun font and pasted on the collage along with various pictures of Alice. Pictures could be drawn or printed from the internet.

*Other books by Barbara Kerley

Kerley, Barbara. THE DINOSAURS OF WATERHOUSE HAWKINS. ISBN 0439114950

Kerley, Barbara. WALT WHITMAN: WORDS FOR AMERICA. ISBN 9780439357913