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?