Completion

This concludes this blog's short-lived literary life.  I hope to add more titles as I come across them, but will no longer be making formal, regular posts.

For this blog, I reviewed 5 Caldecott winners, 2 Newbery winners, 3 international titles, 3 books to film, 1 Yoshiko Uchida title, 1 Jerry Pinkney title, 1 Coretta Scott King winner, and 2 titles addressing diversity.

If you have any children's literature suggestions that would be a worthy addition to a classroom collection, please comment and pass it on!

Horton Hears a Who: Book to Film #3

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Title: Horton Hears a Who

Author: Dr. Seuss (Theodore Geisel)

Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Year Published: 1954

Publisher: Random House
Awards: N/A

What did you like/dislike about the book?

Dr. Seuss' book, Horton Hears a Who, is a tale of Horton, an elephant, who discovers Who-ville on a small speck of dust.  He tries to protect the small town, but others around him don't believe there is anyone there.  Horton must try to convince the others that the Whos exist.

I had never read this book before and was not disappointed by this edition of Seuss' magic.  The book is told in AABBCCDD rhyme form, as all great Seuss books are.  The inclusion of the Whos, who many have met in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, was not expected.  

Upon research, I was surprised to find hidden meanings behind this book.  Several pro-life groups have insinuated that the phrase "A person's a person no matter how small" relates to the abortion debate.  Geisel, himself, disapproved of the politicizing of his titles and threatened to sue anyone using his books for political purposes.  Horton Hears a Who was meant to be a metaphor for post-World War 2 relations between America and Japan.  

This book is appropriate for all ages of readers, although younger readers will have a harder time reading the text due to larger vocabulary words.  It can be used to discuss helping others, believing in others, and rhyme scheme.

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Movie Title: Horton Hears a Who!

Director: Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino

Year Produced: 2008

Starring: Jim Carrey, Steve Carrell, Carol Burnett 

Awards: N/A

What did you like/dislike about the movie?

This movie follows the same plot as the book version.  It introduces several new characters, such as Vlad the bird and Jojo, the mayor's son.  Some phrasing from the book is used, but most dialogue is unique to the movie.  The movie seemed to run a little long and I can see younger children becoming bored with it.  I didn't see the need for the anime sections or for the side plot about Vlad the bird.

This movie is rated G and is appropriate for viewers of all ages.  Other Dr. Seuss titles made into feature films are The Cat in the Hat and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

How do the book and movie versions of this title compare?
Overall, this is a very worthy cinematic adaptation of a classic children's book.  With the addition of new characters and dialogue, the movie is not a perfect match to the book.  However, the general plot is the same.  Of all the book to film titles I have reviewed, this one matches the closest to the original title.

I would recommend the book version, but the movie has wonderful cinematic elements.  

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! (Newbery #2)

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Title: Good Masters!  Sweet Ladies!  Voices from a Medieval Village

Author: Laura Amy Schlitz

Illustrator: Robert Byrd

Year Published: 2007

Publisher: Candlewick Press
Awards: Newbery Medal (2008)

What did you like/dislike about the book?

Laura Amy Schlitz's book, Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village, is a tale of 22 medieval children and their lives.  Each monologue is written from the perspective of that child.  For example, the blacksmith's daughter talks about waiting for her May Day wish to come true.  Intermingled with each monologue are several background pieces about that time period, explaining common items such as the Crusades or pilgrimages.  

My favorite detail of the book is the varied characters.  This book would be a fascinating resource for those studying the Middle Ages because of its authentic feeling.  I also enjoyed the footnotes.  These helped explain uncommon terms to the reader.

In the author's foreward, she explains that she wrote the scripts as her students were studying the Middle Ages.  Everyone wanted a part, so she decided to create monologues for each instead of trying to fit each student into a single play.

This book is appropriate for older readers.  The language would be too difficult for young readers.  It can be used to teach about medieval history, perspective, and dramatic fiction and monologues.

What in your life would have influenced this reaction/response?

I have always loved putting on plays and think this would be a good addition to an intermediate or middle school classroom collection.  Students enjoy engaging with their content and performing monologues in character would be another great way to get in tune with historical perspectives.

How does this book compare to similar books/author’s other books?

Schlitz's other titles generally include a historical slant.  Strong central characters and a slight taste of the supernatural are hallmarks of her writing.  She also deals with nature and other topics surrounding medieval life.

What did I learn about children’s literature from this book?

Including drama content can help broaden a students' understanding of a character's perspective.  Not all books have to be in traditional chapter form.

Other titles by this author include:

A Drowned Maiden's Hair: A Melodrama

The Hero Schliemann: The Dreamer who Dug for Troy

The Night Fairy

How to Heal a Broken Wing: International Title #3

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Title: How to Heal a Broken Wing

Author: Bob Graham

Illustrator: Bob Graham

Year Published: 2008

Country of Publication: Australia

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Awards: N/A

What did you like/dislike about the book?

Bob Graham's book, How to Heal a Broken Wing, is an emotional tale of a boy, Will, who finds a bird with a broken wing.  As the world bustles around him, Will takes the bird into his home and nurses it back to health.  This book has minimal text, the majority of the story is told in pictures.

My favorite detail of the book is the storytelling ability of the pictures.  Due to minimal text, the reader is forced to use picture clues to piece together the story.  I also enjoyed the bright illustrations, especially the light bursts around Will.  It helped communicate the story's hero.  Graham has a gift for simplistic, but honest, storytelling.

I can imagine some readers being upset about the bird falling from the sky.  However, it would be a good teaching moment about empathy.

This book is appropriate for all ages of readers.  It can be used to teach about empathy, life cycles, and noticing details.

What in your life would have influenced this reaction/response?

Seeing an animal in distress is difficult for anyone.  I like teaching students to use all the clues at their disposal when reading a story.  This book would be a great way to reinforce that skill.

How does this book compare to similar books/author’s other books?

The author's other titles have similar themes surrounding young characters and animals.  Graham's work has been noted by several award-winning titles, including those for illustrating.  His simple illustrations do not crowd out the plot.

What did I learn about children’s literature from this book?

Pictures can convey more than words can.  It is important to pay attention to details, especially in children's literature.  There did not seem to be a difference in children's literature between Australia and America.

Other titles by this author include:

Benny: An Adventure Story

Greetings from Sandy Beach

"Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate

When You Reach Me (Newbery #1)

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Title: When You Reach Me

Author: Rebecca Stead

Illustrator: Kate Gartner (cover)

Year Published: 2009

Publisher: Random House
Awards: Newbery Medal (2010)

What did you like/dislike about the book?

Rebecca Stead's book, When You Reach Me, is a tale of a middle school girl, Miranda, and her life in New York City.  Miranda tells about her life experiences, such as her mother getting on the game show $20,000 Pyramid and her days in school.  She and her best friend, Sal, have realistic encounters with neighborhood citizens.  One day, Miranda gets a strange letter and must figure out who its author is and what she is supposed to do with it.

Miranda often changes from first person to second person, as if she is talking to the letter's author.  This can be difficult to decipher at first.  

My favorite detail of the book is the quick plot.  Although it took a little while to get used to the changing audiences, the book moves quickly.  Miranda's explanations of her mother's personality and of her school life are humorous.  Many readers would be able to relate to her.  I also enjoyed the ending to this story.  Normally, I can figure out a story's ending early on, but was surprised by this book.  The time travel aspect of the book requires the reader to suspend reality, but it is not distracting.

This book is appropriate for intermediate and middle school readers.  It can be used to teach memoir writing, character, and science fiction writing.  There aren't any inappropriate parts, language or content, that would cause me to caution against reading this book.

What in your life would have influenced this reaction/response?

I did not know this book had a science fiction slant before reading it, otherwise, I might not have chosen it.  However, this book was more a discussion of Miranda's life and interactions than about science fiction issues.

How does this book compare to similar books/author’s other books?

Stead's only other title also involves science fiction and young adult characters.

What did I learn about children’s literature from this book?

Just because a book has science fiction elements to it doesn't mean I won't enjoy it.  I need to give more books a chance.

Other titles by this author include:

First Light

Almost Astronauts: Diversity Title #2

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Title: Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream

Author: Tanya Lee Stone

Illustrator: N/A

Year Published: 2009

Publisher: Candlewick Press
Awards: Silbert Medal (2010), YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction, Horn Book Honor

What did you like/dislike about the book?

Tanya Lee Stone's book, Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream, is a heroic tale of a group of women space pioneers dubbed the "Mercury 13".  Although they never achieved astronaut status, these women were among the brightest space minds of their time.  They were met with NASA "regulations", political pushbacks, and stereotypical gender roles.   This book is an easy-to-read nonfiction title, complete with authentic pictures, quotes, and extensive history.

My favorite detail of the book is the plot line.  I was not familiar with the Mercury 13 before reading this book and their story was inspiring.  Their courage in the face of a male-dominated career field shows true character and is an inspiration to all.  I also enjoyed the inclusion of artifacts from this time period.  These items added to the authenticity of the story.

This title has additional research resources and information about later female astronauts.

This book is appropriate for intermediate and middle school readers.  Younger readers can look at the pictures, but the vocabulary will be too advanced for them.  It can be used to teach perseverance, American history, space history, and gender roles.

Why should this title be in every classroom/library collection?

This title shows diversity by comparing gender roles and expectations in a male-dominated career.  These women had insurmountable obstacles in their way, but they did not back down.  Although their final goal was not achieved, this book can be an example to both females and males on how to break through preset expectations.  I can see many students being inspired by this story.

How does this book compare to similar books/author’s other books?

Most of Stone's other titles involve strong female American historical figures, such as Amelia Earhart and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.  She also writes about America in general, including about national monuments, animals, and traditions.  In addition to these titles, Stone has a series of color books.

What did I learn about children’s literature from this book?

Chapter books do not have to be paperback and picture-less.  Including pictures of artifacts is a good way to add to the authenticity of a title.  All stories do not have to have a resolved conflict.

Other titles by this author include:

Amelia Earhart (DK Biography)

Elizabeth Leads the Way

Living in a World of... (series)

Bad News for Outlaws: Diversity Title #1

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Title: Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall

Author: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie

Year Published: 2009

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
Awards: Coretta Scott King Award (2010)

What did you like/dislike about the book?

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson's book, Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall, is a tale of the noble U.S. Deputy Marshall, Bass Reeves.  Reeves was born into slavery and, following the Civil War, earned his freedom.  He was hired as a Deputy Marshall and became one of the most respected lawmen of his time.  Reeves often donned disguises to capture criminals and served for over 30 years.

My favorite detail of the book is Reeves' character.  He was a noble man and his story should be told.  Reeves loved what he did and stuck to his morals, even when it meant arresting his own son.  I also enjoyed the illustrations.  Christie's realistic use of color brought the West to life.

This book includes a timeline, additional research resources, a Western vocabulary list, and an author's note about the story.

This book is appropriate for intermediate readers.  Younger readers can look at the pictures, but the vocabulary will be too advanced for them.  It can be used to teach African-American history, civil affairs, and American history.  Some readers may be uncomfortable with the casual way death is dealt with in this story, but it does not overwhelm the plot.

Why should this title be in every classroom/library collection?

This title shows a different side of the Old West than readers are used to.  Many times, cowboys are portrayed as middle aged, white men.  However, Reeves breaks the mold as an African-American lawman near the time of the Civil War.  This lesson in diversity is an important one for young readers to learn.  Showing diverse characters in authority positions helps reinforce dreams for young diverse readers.

How does this book compare to similar books/author’s other books?

Nelson's other titles always include African-American children as characters.  She writes with strong themes of family, celebration, and traditions.  Her books also tend to have a historical slant, such as this one discussing the Old West.

What did I learn about children’s literature from this book?

Diverse historical figures can make for strong, authentic characters.  Life lessons can be learned from these titles, especially character traits such as nobility and honor.

Other titles by this author include:

Almost to Freedom

Beyond Mayfield

Who Will I Be, Lord?

The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon: International Title #2

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Title: The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon

Author: Mini Grey

Illustrator: Mini Grey

Year Published: 2006

Country of Publication: United Kingdom

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Awards: Kate Greenaway Medal, Nestle Children's Book Prize Bronze Award

What did you like/dislike about the book?

Mini Grey's book, The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon, is a fractured fairy tale, loosely based upon the children's verse "Hey Diddle Diddle."  It is told from the perspective of the Spoon.  After Dish and Spoon lose all their money, they are forced to rob a bank by mobsters.  After their release from prison, they find the world is a new place.

My favorite detail of the book is the charming plot.  Grey does an excellent job of taking familiar characters and creating a new world around them.  I also enjoy the scrapbook-style illustrations.  There are cheeky details in each picture that can definitely induce chuckles.

There was nothing about this book I did not like.

This book is appropriate for all ages of readers.  It can be used to discuss fractured fairy tales, personification, and character development.

What in your life would have influenced this reaction/response?

My students and I have always enjoyed fractured fairy tales because they put a fresh spin on familiar tales.  The characters of Dish and Spoon are well-developed enough that one feels sorry for them when they are imprisoned.  Strong characters are very important to me in a story.

How does this book compare to similar books/author’s other books?

Grey's other titles include additional fractured fairy tales.  Her books tend to personify inanimate objects and/or animals.  In each book, a similar bold illustration style is used.  Aside from a few different spellings, such as colour, there was no difference in this book and American-published books.

What did I learn about children’s literature from this book?

Fractured fairy tales can be just as enjoyable as the original version of the stories.  Students can learn the finer points of writing through children's books, especially those in which they are entertained.

Other titles by this author include:

Ginger Bear

The Pea and the Princess

Traction Man is Here

You, Me, and the Big Blue Sea: International Title #1

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Title: You, Me, and the Big Blue Sea

Author: Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

Illustrator: Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

Year Published: 2002

Country of Publication: Ireland

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Awards: Bisto Book of the Year [Ireland] (2003)

What did you like/dislike about the book?

Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick's book, You, Me, and the Big Blue Sea, is a mother's retelling of a sea voyage to her young son.  She recalls the events of their voyage, including the sea birds, eating with the captain, and debarkation.  Each page ends with the same line "But you were only a baby, you wouldn't remember."

My favorite detail of the book is the detailed illustrations.  Fitzpatrick does an immaculate job of presenting very intricate and bright drawings.  The scene in the dining room is especially interesting because there is so much going on at once.  I also enjoy smaller, themed pictures on each text page.

I did not like the dismissive way the mother talked about the memories to her son.  Although the child probably didn't remember much from that trip, she didn't have to keep reminding him of his lack of memory.  Perhaps Ireland has different parent-child relationships than in the United States.

This book is appropriate for elementary classrooms.  It can be used to discuss memoirs, parent-child relationships, and sea voyages.

What in your life would have influenced this reaction/response?

Throughout this blog, I am finding that illustrations are important to the way I enjoy a book.  As an early childhood educator, I realize the need for pictures to convey lots of meaning to emergent readers.  I prefer my characters to have a little more relationship than the mother and son in this story.

How does this book compare to similar books/author’s other books?

The author's other titles have similar illustrations.  Fitzpatrick seems to favor simple forms with detailed settings.  Each of her books have a young child as a central character, usually interacting with older humans or animals.

What did I learn about children’s literature from this book?

Aside from possible parental differences between Ireland and America, there seems to be no difference in children's literature between the two countries.  Vivid illustrations can add a lot of weight to an otherwise simple story.

Other titles by this author include:

I'm a Tiger, Too!

I am I

Lizzy and Skunk

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers (Caldecott #5)

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Title: The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

Author: Mordicai Gerstein

Illustrator: Mordicai Gerstein

Year Published: 2003

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Awards: Caldecott Medal (2004)

What did you like/dislike about the book?

Mordicai Gerstein's book, The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, is a tale of a young French acrobat and his desire to tightrope walk between the World Trade Center towers.  He snuck into the building under disguise and, aided by his two friends, set up the stunt.  As daybreak came, he walked a quarter-mile in the air on the tightrope for an hour.

My favorite detail of the book is the suspenseful way in which it is told.  Having not heard of Philippe's story before, I was worried he would plummet to his death.  I can imagine my students having similar reactions.  I also enjoyed the illustrations, especially the pull-out pages.  They attempt to replicate the grandeur of the towers.

This book is appropriate for all ages of readers.  It can be used to teach about brave stunts, to celebrate the World Trade Center towers, or about reaching your goals.

What in your life would have influenced this reaction/response?

Having not heard this story before, I was worried about Philippe's well-being.  Originally, I thought this book was written before the September 11 attacks and was surprised to see it was after those events.  Gerstein has a simplistic ending to his story that does not distract from Philippe's antics.

How does this book compare to similar books/author’s other books?

Other media surrounding this stunt, including the film Man on Wire, tell similar versions of the story.  Gerstein's other titles have complementary illustration styles to this book.  Lots of flowy lines, pastel colors, and zoomed in views are common.

What did I learn about children’s literature from this book?

Children's literature can be used to memorialize past historical events without distracting from their past.  The use of pull-out pages can be a surprising addition to a story's plot, especially when trying to convey grandeur.

Other titles by this author include:

The Absolutely Awful Alphabet

The Mountains of Tibet

The Wild Boy

The Princess Diaries: Book to Film #2

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Title: The Princess Diaries

Author: Meg Cabot

Illustrator: N/A

Year Published: 2000

Publisher: Harper Collins
Awards: ALA Best Book for Young Adults (2001)

What did you like/dislike about the book?

Meg Cabot's book, The Princess Diaries, is a story about an awkward high school freshman who finds out she is heir to the throne of Genovia.  It is written in the form of Mia's diary, with frequent entries showing her thoughts.  There are 10 volumes of The Princess Diaries, which cover 14 published novels.

This story is definitely not for young readers.  It discusses issues such as losing one's virginity, French kissing, periods, underage drinking, and breasts.  Many middle and early high school readers will be able to identify with Mia's self-conscious nature.  However, as an adult, I found her frequent whining a bit unpleasant. 

I liked the first-person point-of-view given throughout the book and felt Mia's experiences were comparable with real teens in modern times.  However, the book's focus was more on Mia keeping her secret than on her decision to become a Genovian princess.  Perhaps in the latter books, more attention is paid to her life in Genovia.

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Movie Title: The Princess Diaries (series)

Director: Garry Marshall

Year Produced: 2001

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews

Awards: N/A

What did you like/dislike about the movie?

The movie is more light-hearted and family-friendly than the books.  Especially entertaining are the scenes in which Mia gets her makeover and which chronicle her various misadventures at official palace events.

This movie is rated G and is appropriate for viewers of all ages and can frequently be found on the Disney Channel.  The other title in the series is Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.

How do the book and movie versions of this title compare?

The main plot lines of both the book and movie are similar.  Mia is faced with her true identity, which comes as a shock, and she must balance being a teenager with being a princess.  However, some glaring differences occur.  In the movie, Mia lives in San Francisco, Mia's grandmother is a kindhearted queen (not a princess), and Mia's father is recently deceased and inactive in her life.  In the book, she lives in New York, her grandmother is reviled for her haughty nature, and Mia's father is an active presence in her life, albeit with testicular cancer.

What is surprising to me is that such a family-friendly movie would come out of a teen book.  I can imagine there have been various instances of young girls reading about Mia's misadventures, only to realize the mature subject matter.

Overall, the book was an okay precursor to the movie.  While the basic plots aligned, the subject matter and appropriate audience did not.  

Caldecott vs. Newbery

What's the difference?

Both awards are bestowed upon children's books by the American Library Association.  The awardees must be American citizens or residents and have had their books published in the United States in the past year.  In addition to the medals, there is also a shortlist of honorees each year.

The Caldecott Medal is an annual award given to outstanding American children's illustrators.  It was established in 1938.  Most Caldecott award winners are picture books.  Notable past winners include The Polar Express (Van Allsburg), Song and Dance Man (Gammell), and Where the Wild Things Are (Sendak).

The Newbery Medal is an annual award give to outstanding American children's authors.  Established in 1922, it was the first children's book award in the world.  Most Newbery award winners are chapter books.  Notable past winners include Bridge to Terabithia (Paterson), Number the Stars (Lowry), and Walk Two Moons (Creech). 

Which medal is better?

While all are entitled to their own opinions, I believe the medals are incomparable.  Both of them require literary excellence for children, which can be a subjective decision.  In discussions of children's literature, the illustrations and text both play strong roles to tell a story.  I have often heard the argument that simple picture books are unworthy of these medals.  However, how many children have been turned on to reading by simply looking at the pictures?  That is the earliest form of literacy.

Shrek: Book to Film #1

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Title: Shrek

Author: William Steig

Illustrator: William Steig

Year Published: 1990

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, Giroux
Awards: N/A

What did you like/dislike about the book?

William Steig's book, Shrek, is a tale of a disgusting ogre and his journey to a princess.  Shrek is happy to be foul.  His adventures take him to a witch, a peasant, a dragon, a donkey, a knight, and a castle.

The rhythmic tones each characters uses is delightful.  I did not expect Shrek to speak in poetic phrases.  Having seen the movies before reading this book, it was fun to note the similarities and differences.

While young readers will love Shrek's vile nature, the word "jackass" is used in relation to the donkey.  This is inappropriate for young readers.

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Movie Title: Shrek (series)

Director: Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson

Year Produced: 2001

Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz

Awards: Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (2002)

What did you like/dislike about the movie?

Shrek, surprisingly, comes off as a likable character in the film version of this story.  Although he tries to be surly and standoffish, his endearing qualities make him relatable.  As he journeys to rescue Princess Fiona (for the sake of his swamp and nothing more), he is joined by the loquacious Donkey.  This movie has a high number of jokes that will likely go over the heads of children, but amuse adults.

This movie is rated PG and is appropriate for most viewers.  There are some instances of bathroom humor, but they are handled appropriately.  Other titles in the series are: Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, and Shrek Forever After.

How do the book and movie versions of this title compare?

The main character in both versions is an ugly ogre.  He sets out on an adventure to get to the princess.  In the book, readers are given more of Shrek's backstory, including his parents' role.  He talks in poetic verse and does not interact with other characters beyond intimidating them.  In the movie, Shrek has more of a relationship with Donkey and has a different motive for saving the princess.

In both versions, Shrek is on an adventure across the countryside.  However, the book does not give much motivation behind Shrek finding the princess.  He seems so angry and off-putting, yet wants to find his love.  This was a disconnect to me.  In the movie, he wants his swamp to be free of annoying creatures, which was quite the motivation for an introverted ogre.

Overall, the book was a noble precursor to the movie version.  While the movie took many original creative licenses, the stories line up enough to be comparable.  I would recommend both versions to readers and viewers.