Module Ten: American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Summary: Jin is trying to fit it in his school. He is the only Chinese American in the entire school. Reluctantly, he befriends Wei-Chen who is Taiwanese. In the graphic novel, there are twother plots that are being portrayed. There is the Monkey-King who is on a journey for redemption and Danny, who is a perfect Chinese American, must deal with his cousin who is not very good at fitting into American culture. Each story delas with finding oneself in their own culture.

Citation: Yang, G.L. (2008). American born chinese. New York, NY: Square Fish.

Impressions: This is the first graphic novel that I had ever read. I had heard several good things about it but, I was a little reluctant. I am now looking forward to reading many more because of this book. I persoanlly liked how the author uses the three different story lines that all carry a smiliar meaning. I think this is an excellenet book when teaching about other culutres. The style of the book has a way of making the reader feel for involved with lives of the characters. This book has opened a whole new genre for me.

Reviews:
“The graphic-novel format is particularly well suited to managing the flow of three simultaneous storylines, and the action sequences of the Monkey King’s tale and the over-the-top satire on the portrayal of immigrants in American pop culture settle right into their spacious frames on the generously white bordered pages. Compositions are tidy and the palette is softly muted, so that even the strongest colors in the action scenes never reach the intensity of a visual assault. Kids fighting an uphill battle to convince parents and teachers of the literary merit of graphic novels would do well to share this title.”- Elizabeth Bush

Bush, E. (2006). American born chinese (book review). The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 60(3). Retrieved from the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

“With vibrant colors and visual panache, indie writer-illustrator Yang (Rosary Comic Book) focuses on three characters in tales that touch on facets of Chinese American life. Jin is a boy faced with the casual racism of fellow students and the pressure of his crush on a Caucasian girl; the Monkey King, a character from Chinese folklore, has attained great power but feels he is being held back because of what the gods perceive as his lowly status; and Danny, a popular high-school student, suffers through an annual visit from his cousin Chin-Kee, a walking, talking compendium of exaggerated Chinese stereotypes. Each of the characters is flawed but familiar, and, in a clever postmodern twist, all share a deep, unforeseen connection. Yang helps the humor shine by using his art to exaggerate or contradict the words, creating a synthesis that marks an accomplished graphic storyteller. The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects--shame, racism, and friendship--receive thoughtful, powerful examination.”- Jesse Karp

Karp, J. (2006). American born chinese (book review). Booklist, 103(1). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

Library Setting: In the library, I would have the patrons come together after they had read the book. I would then have the patrons draw the three stories, and their characters, as they would see it. I would have them color or paint the drawings bright colors. I would then make a large presenation board and have the pictures hanging from it. The title of the board would be "A Graphic Novel through Your Eyes." Make a presentation of other graphic novels by the presentation board.

Module Ten: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Summary: Charlie is becoming a teenage boy and beginning to discover himself. He is making friends, reading new books, and experiencing sexuality. In the form of letters, Charlie writes to an anonymous person about the his Freshman year in high school.

Citation: Chbosky, S. (1999). The perks of being a wallflower. New York, NY: Pocket Books.

Impressions: I really enjoyed how realistic this book is. I also like how Charlie, the narrator, is very honest. I think that is the only way you can really trust him because everyone throughout the novel discusses how brutally honest, almost an innocently, Charlie is. This is an adult novel and I would only recommend it to older teens.

Reviews:
 “Charlie is an observer. A bright loner, the new high school freshman becomes the mascot and confidant of a group of older students. In a voice that is both naive and omniscient, he records the tragic and mundane events in the lives of his friends and family, using a series of remarkable letters addressed to his "dear friend." From Charlie we learn about one friend's suicide, experiments with drugs, heterosexual and homosexual love affairs gone wrong, bitter family memories, and his own mysterious Aunt Helen. Chbosky never falters, always maintaining Charlie's perspective perfectly. By getting to know Charlie's pals, would-be girlfriends, teachers, and family, we find out a great deal about Charlie himself. In the same matter-of-fact voice, Charlie describes watching the rituals of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, taking his sister for an abortion, and being hospitalized for acute depression. Even when he is urged by his English teacher to become a participant and not an observer, he remains oddly detached. Only at the very end of the story do we learn the real reason for Charlie's detachment. The novel has the disjointed and almost dreamlike quality of a music video. Charlie's freshman year provides a framework for the story, with flashbacks to his childhood. Designation of this title as an "MTV Book" should ensure wide readership. I would recommend this coming-of-age story to readers who enjoyed Catcher in the Rye.”- Jamie Hansen

Hansen, J. (1999).The perks of being a wallflower (book review). VOYA, 22(5). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

 Library Setting: Since this is a mature novel, I would probably set up a book talk. I would discuss with teen patrons about some questions they may have from reading the book. I would also ask the patrons what songs would they put on a mix tape to give another person. Have them design an album cover and shares the music that they would like to give to another person.

Module Nine: Dizzy in Your Eyes: Poems About Love by Pat Mora

Summary: This is collection of poetry that captures that passion of life from the teenage years. More uses different styles of poetry to show words can be used to portray deep emotions. There are several poems describing love, loss and growing up.

Citation: Mora, P. (2010). Dizzy in your eyes: poems about love. New York, NY: Alfred A.Knopf.

Impressions: Mora has written a fantastic collection of poetry that will appeal to teenagers. I am personally fond of the fact that she has given small definitions of certain poetic styles that she uses. It is an easy and realistic read for any teenager. This is great book to show students how poetry is not just a thing of the past. I also like that Mora chooses to emerge the Spanish language into her poetry as well.

Reviews:
“From family and school to dating and being dumped, the subjects in these 50 poems cover teens’ experiences of love in many voices and situations. Several entries incorporate Spanish words and idioms, as in “Ode to Teachers,” a moving tribute in English with a Spanish translation. A few poems hit a too-sweet tone with forced rhyme, but the best are wry, passionate, casual, and honest (“It’s nice having a sister especially when boys come over, / and some of them like you better”). One of the best is “Silence,” in which a girl speaks about waiting and waiting for her childhood friend to invite her to the prom. Mora writes in free verse, as well as a wide variety of classic poetic forms—including haiku, clerihew, sonnet, cinquain, and blank verse—and for each form, there is an unobtrusive explanatory note on the facing page. The tight structures intensify the strong feelings in the poems, which teens will enjoy reading on their own or hearing aloud in the classroom.”-Hazel Rochman

Rochman, H. (2009). Dizzy in your eyes: poems about love (book review). Booklist, 106(6). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

“Forty-nine poems, most barely a couple of pages long, broadly treat the topic of love, sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly; sometimes happily, sometimes regretfully, and sometimes uncertainly; some relating to love of family and friends, some to romantic love. Additionally, Mora employs a variety of poetic styles and forms, with a brief explanation of the relevant form on the page facing the poem. While the poems are more often solid than sparkling, a few of them display imagery or authenticity that lifts them, and overall, they’ve got a grounded realism that makes them accessible to the poetry-skittish; the formal experimentation means they’ll be useful in the classroom.”-Deborah Stevenson

Stevenson, D. (2010). Dizzy in your eyes: poems about love (book review). The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 63(6). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

Library Setting: One of the most wonderful things about poetry is that there are different forms that can be used as guide to write. In the library, present patrons with some of the forms that are mentioned in the book such as villanelle, sonnet or sonnet. Read these poems or give them a hard copy so they can see the forms themselves. Have the patrons write poems using the forms you have discussed. Make two copies of the poem or poems they have created. One may go with home with the patron and the other can hang on the library walls.

Module Nine: Your Own Sylvia: A Verse Portrait of Sylvia Plath by Staphanie Hemphill

Summary: This book tells the story of Sylvia Plath's life from the her childhood through her adulthood. The author uses poetry to write her biography. Each poem or verse tells a different story either her or a person who played a significant role in her life.

Citation: Hemphill, S.(2007).Your own, sylvia: a verse portatit of sylvia plath. New York, NY: Knopf Books for Young Readers.

Impressions: This is one of the very best books I have ever read. Loving poetry and Syliva Plath may have a lot to do with the adoration for this book. It uses verses that are similar to the style of Plath's to describe her life. I very fond of the different voices from her mother, friends and boyfriends who assist in the narration of this book. This a very unique way a telling about someones life. Bravo!

Reviews:
"Plath's own voice is evident in the poetic forms, though, with many of the poems written "in the style of" specific works. The result is an intimate, comprehensive, imaginative view of a life that also probes the relationships between poetry and creativity, mental fragility, love, marriage, and betrayal. Some readers may be slowed by the many poems that chronicle the bitter dissolution of Plath's marriage, and readers who know the Plath poems Hemphill references will have an advantage. But Plath's dramatic genius and personal struggles, particularly the difficulties of reconciling the writing life with the roles of wife and mother, have long attracted teen interest, and this accomplished, creative story may ignite new interest in Plath's original works.”-Gillian Engberg

Engberg, G. (2007). Your own sylvia: verse portrait of sylvia plath (book review). Booklist, 103(12). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

“With her brilliance, marriage to a famous fellow poet, and dramatic suicide, poet Sylvia Plath quickly became a legendary literary figure. Hemphill tells the story of that legendary life in poems, many of them closely modeled on Plath’s own verses, written from the viewpoint of the people in Sylvia’s life or in a third-person imagining of Plath’s own experience. Though there’s an un-Plathian grammatical carelessness to some of the writing, the poems are generally capably executed, especially in their technical underpinnings (the explanatory notes attached to each poem are inclined to be randomly if genuinely informative); the author clearly takes Plath’s side, but the poems honestly acknowledge the poet’s unlikable tendencies toward entitlement and superiority. It’s certainly an intriguing biographical approach, and teen fans of confessional poetry in general and Plath in particular will find it inviting; its main achievement is imitative, though, and readers ready for these verses will reach to their originals, so the book is likelier to contribute to young writers’ own experimental projects than to a readerly understanding of Plath or poetry.” –Deborah Stevenson

Stevenson, D. (2007). Your own sylvia: verse portrait of sylvia plath (book review). The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 60(1). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

Library Setting: In the library, the programmer could introduce some of Plath's poems to the patrons. On a much smaler scale, ask the patrons to write three poems that could descibe their usual day. The programmer could ask the patrons to describe their small daily task vivdly as seen in this book. Plath was also known for winning writing contest at a young age. The programmer could also have a youth writing contest for the patrons. There could be different categories such as short story, poetry and play.

Module Eight: Shattering Glass by Gail Giles

Summary: Four young men decide to make Simon Glass into the most popular boy in school. The pack leader, Rob, is determined to make this project work. It only takes a short period of time for the project to go wrong and someone dies.

Citation: Giles, G. (2002). Shattering glass. Brookfield, CT: Roaring Book Press

Impressions: This is a very chilling book. From the very first page, the reader will discover a darkness about this novel. I think this is a good book for a teen audience. This book takes a deeper look at the darkness of people and cliques in high school. I would not recommend this book for a younger audience. There are some "adult" situations throughout the novel.

Reviews:
“Simon Glass was easy to hate . . . we each hated him for a different reason, but we didn't realize it until the day we killed him." The tension-filled story's narrator is Young Steward, a member of the cool group run by Rob Haynes, a student who transferred in and immediately took over with a wide-reaching power. Rob manages to transform Simon, the class nerd--and transform his classmates' attitude toward Simon--with the finesse of Svengali. But Simon is not content with his newfound popularity. He begins collecting information about his benefactors, and the secrets he learns about them, especially Rob and his devastating past, come out in a horrifyingly realistic scene in which the boys beat Simon to death. This first novel has flaws. Some of the adults are caricatures, and if you look too closely at the plot, you'll find cracks in places. But the pacing is superb, and the story's twists are unexpected and disquieting. Heading the chapters are the comments of those involved, five years after the event. This conceit extends the story and will keep readers wondering.”-Ilene Cooper

Cooper, I. (2002). Shattering glass (book review). Booklist, 98(13). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

“Rob, the very popular leader of the senior class, decides for his own enjoyment to transform the not so popular class nerd into Prince Charming. What follows is a series of events that manipulates Rob's friends to carry out his wishes. The reader will soon discover that this novel is not so different from Robert Cormier's famous coming of age book The Chocolate War. The pranks, the sinister accomplishments all carefully constructed by Rob, give the reader the utmost feeling of manipulation -- very Archiesque. The problem for Rob, of course, is that all is not going to end as he has planned. His cruel challenges lead to violence and death. A compelling read -- one that is somewhat slow in the middle -- but one that moves to a tension-filled close.”-John Bushman

Bushman, J. (2002). Shattering glass (book review). The ALAN Review, 29(2). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

Library Setting: In the library, I believe the best way to present this book is through a book talk. There will definitely be several questions to ask after the book has been read. Have the patrons discuss other options that Young, Coop, Bobster or Simon could have made rather than follow Rob's lead. Discuss what the patron could do if they ever felt that they were trapped in a bad friendship the same way the characters in this novel were.

Module Eight: The Top Secret Files of Mother Goose by Gabby Gosling

Summary: Mother Goose is the detective who is trying to solve the mystery of who has stolen the Queen's strawberry tarts. He spends time questioning all the usual suspects such as Knave of Hearts, Mary Contrary, and Humpty Dumpty. Mother Goose finally solves the mystery with a little help from all the King's men.

Citation: Gosling, G. (2004). The secret files of mother goose. Milwaukee, WI: Gareth Stevens Publishing.

Impressions: This is cute book with an interesting twist on some of the original nursery rhyme characters. This is also a good book to teach young children about how to solve a mystery. Mother Goose asks many  people until all the evidence adds up. The illustrations are vivid and colorful. This book is sure to appeal to any young patron.

Reviews:

“Consequently, The Top Secret Files of Mother Goose potentially has a very wide audience. While the book obviously belongs in early years collections, it would not be out of place in middle and senior years schools where, in addition to just providing enjoyment, it could be used as a catalyst for creative writing.”- Dave Jenkinson

Jenkinson, D. (2003). The top secret files of mother goose (book review). CM Magazine, X(2). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

“ The Top Secret Files of Mother Goose is an enjoyable story encompassing many favourite Nursery Rhyme characters. Children will be delighted to play along and try to solve the case using all the clues and reasonable deduction. The detailed illustrations by Tim Banks lend a whimsical touch to the story line.”- Judy Cottrell

Cottrell, J. (2004). The top secret files of mother goose (book review). Resource Links, 9(3). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

Library Setting: In the library, a programmer could read this book to the children. This would be a great oppurtunity to let the young patrons use puppets! If you have a puppet stage, have the patrons renact the story only with puppets. Encourage the patrons to use different voices when performing. In addition, patrons could make their own puppets out of brown paper bags. Each patron could design their patron as one of the characters in the book. The patrons could also use these puppets to perform a play.

Module Seven: An Egg is Quiet by Diana Hutts Aston; Illustrations by Sylvia Long

Summary: This book tells the importance of an egg and the many stages that an egg goes through. It is a scientific book that appeals to young children. The illustrations are intricate drawings of different eggs' colors, shapes, and sizes.

Citation: Aston, D. (2006). An egg is quiet. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

Impressions: This is a lovely and beautiful book that is perfect for elementary aged children. It is interesting and yet informative about eggs. This information book would be great for any school library. This book could be read casually or be used in a science class.

Reviews:
"The succinct text will draw young fact hounds, particularly fans of Steve Jenkins' Biggest, Strongest, Fastest (1995) and his similar titles. Long's illustrations are elegant and simple, and the gallery of eggs, as brilliantly colored and polished as gems, will inspire kids to marvel at animals' variety and beauty. A spread showing X-ray views of young embryos growing into animal young makes this a good choice for reinforcing concepts about life cycles. "-Gillian Engberg

Engberg, G. (2006). Book Review: An egg is quiet. Booklist, 102(16). Retrieved from Children’s Comprehensive Literature Database.

“The title of this book is the first sentence of what passes for a story line, which ends with "an egg is noisy!" accompanied by a drawing of hatchlings of the "quiet" egg illustrated on the first page. (This ending line really should have been rephrased, since it's the newborns that are peeping, not the broken eggs.) In between, some characteristics of eggs are noted (e. g., they are colorful and textured), and adaptations, such as being speckled or "pointy," are briefly explained. The hand lettered text is richly garnished by over 100 ink and watercolor illustrations of eggs (and many of the adults that produce them) of a rather eclectic array of species, all identified by common names. As is to be expected, birds make up the majority (75%) of the animals pictured, but insects (1,586), crustaceans, fish, reptiles, and amphibians are represented as well. No part of the book has gone unillustrated; even the front and rear endpapers (pastedowns) are decorated with the shell pattern of one of the eggs. This book is visually pleasing, educational, and utilitarian—destined to be a "keeper" in many homes. A child who might have had it read to him or her as a preschooler could use it several years later to identify an unknown egg found on a field trip.”-Robert E. Knowlton

Knowlton, R. (2006). An egg is quiet (book review). Science Books and Films, 42(4). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

Library Setting: During the Spring this would be a great book to start off a series of several library programs. The programmer could read the book and the patrons could make their own eggs out of paper and watercolors. In addition, using the names of the eggs, the programmer and patron could learn about the animals from which the eggs come from.

Module Seven: 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy; Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

Summary: In this picture book, the Maasai tribe is devastated to hear about the tragedy that the America people faced during 9/11.  They take it upon themselves to offer something to the America people. The gather the most sacred thing in their tribe, the cow.  These cows will always be protected by the Maasai people. They invite the United States ambassador to their village to offer their gift.

Citation: Deedy, C.A. (2009). 14 cows for america. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers.

Impressions: This book represents the best of human kindness and generosity through the Maasai people.  It is much more than a picture book itself.  I especially appreciate the authors notes in the back of the book. These notes take a deeper look into the importance of the cow to the Massi people.  This is a lovely book that should be read to all ages.

Reviews:

"What can the Maasai do to help thousands of souls lost? Unlike in the picture book Muktar and the Camels (2009), also set in East Africa, the tone here is too reverential, and the characters have little individual identity. But based on Naiyomah’s true experiences, the words and the glowing mixed-media illustrations show empathy and connections across communities, with close-up portraits of the Maasai on the savannah at work with their cows under the open sky, their rituals, their sorrow for New York’s tragedy, and their heartfelt generosity. In a reversal from the usual international aid story, here it is the U.S. that gets help from a developing country as the villagers donate 14 sacred cows to America."-Hazel Rochman

  

Rochamn, H. (2009).14 cows for america (book review). Booklist, 105(21). Retrieved from Children’s Comprehensive Literature Database.

"To the Maasai, the cow is life.” The nomadic life of these once feared warriors depends on their cows as the herds sustain their survival. In this collaboratively told true story, the cow also represents hope for post 9-11 America as the Maasai people share their grief and give 14 cows as their symbol of comfort, peace, and life."-Janelle B. Mathis

  

Mathis, J. (2010).14 cows for america (book review). WOW Review: Reading Across Cultures, 2(2). Retrieved from Children’s Comprehensive Literature Database

Library Setting: In the library, there are several different programs that could be presented.  Children or students could make traditional Maasai jewelery from beads and string. A programmer could also present a special presentation about the Maasai people. This would entail the importance of the color red, cows, and community to this people group.  This would also be a great book to read during a study of other cultures in a classroom setting.

Module Six: Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco

Summary: This book tells the story of two Civil War soldiers.  They are just boys themselves who find one another in the agony of war.  One boy is African American and the other Caucasian.  Though they are different they learn how to depend on each other during a brutal time in American History.  This book tells of life during the Civil War era.

Citation: Polacco, P. (1994). Pink and say. New York: Philomel Books.

Impressions: This is a beautiful book. I enjoyed that this was a true story that had been passed down from generation to generation in the Polacco family.  It is very sad but accurate in the depiction of life in through the Civil War era.  The pictures are beautiful throughout the story.  The use of hands in the illustration is important to show how these two individuals were a support for one another.

Book Reviews:

“Hands and gestures have always been important in Polacco’s work. Here they are at the center of a picture book based on a true incident in the author’s own family history. It’s a story of interracial friendship during the Civil War between two 15-year-old Union soldiers. Say, who is white and poor, tells how he is rescued by Pinkus (Pink), who carries the wounded Say back to the Georgia home where Pink’s black family were slaves. In a kind of idyllic interlude, Pink and his mother nurse Say back to health, and Pink teaches his friend to read; but before they can leave, marauders kill Pink’s mother and drag the boys to Andersonville prison. Pink is hanged, but Say survives to tell the story and pass it on across generations. The figure of Pink’s mother borders on the sentimental, but the boys’ relationship is beautifully drawn. Throughout the story there are heartbreaking images of people torn from a loving embrace. Pictures on the title and copyright pages show the parallel partings as each boy leaves his family to go to war. At the end, when the friends are wrenched apart in prison, the widening space between their outstretched hands expresses all the sorrow of the war. Then, in a powerful double-page spread, they are able to clasp hands for a moment, and their union is like a rope. Say once shook Lincoln’s hand, just as Say held Pink’s hand, and Say tells his children, who tell theirs, that they have touched the hand that touched the hand.” -Hazel Rochman

Rochman, H. (1994). Pink and Say. Booklist Online, 91(1). Retrieved from Children's Literature Comprehensive Database.

"Unglamorized details of the conventions and atrocities of the Civil War target readers well beyond customary picture book age."-Elizabeth Bush

Bush, E. (1994). Book review: pink and say. The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 48(1). Retrieved from Children's Comprehensive Literature Database.

Library Settings: Though this is a picture book, this book is very deep.  It depicts the inequalities of life for African Americans during the Civil War.  I think this would be great for a book discussion of middle school students.  The characters in the book are not very old so I think that audience could relate.  This would be a great time to have some creative writing time as well.  Have the kids or students write a letter as if they were Pink or Say.  Ask them what they would miss? Have them describe some of the things they may have seen or experienced. 

Module Six: Tomas and the Library Lady by Pat Mora

Summary: This is true story about a young boy named Tomas. His parents are migrant farmers and they spend their winters in Texas and their summers in Iowa. Tomas has a love for stories that has been passed down by his grandfather. In Iowa, Tomas discovers the library and the all the magic it holds.

Citation: Mora, P. (1997). Thomas and the library lady. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf.

Impressions: I enjoyed this book because it depicts how important role models can be in life. Tomas has two very important role models in his life, his grandfather and the librarian. These adults helped foster a love for reading and stories in Tomas. I also enjoyed the use of Spanish sprinkled throughout the book.

Reviews:

"From the immigrant slums of New York City to the fields of California, it's an elemental American experience: the uprooted child who finds a home in the library. Mora's story is based on a true incident in the life of the famous writer Tomas Rivera, the son of migrant workers who became an education leader and university president. Far from his home in Texas, the small boy is working with his family picking corn in Iowa. Inspired by the Spanish stories his grandfather (Papa Grande) tells, Tomas goes to the library to find more stories. The librarian welcomes him into the cool, quiet reading room and gives him books in English that he reads to himself and to his family. He teaches her some Spanish words. Then, as in so many migrant stories, the boy must leave the home he has found. He has a new, sad word for her, "adios. It means goodbye." Colon's beautiful scratchboard illustrations, in his textured, glowingly colored, rhythmic style, capture the warmth and the dreams that the boy finds in the world of books. The pictures are upbeat; little stress is shown; even in the fields, the kids could be playing kick ball or listening to stories. Perhaps the most moving picture is that of the child outside the library door, his face pressed against the pane. In contrast is the peaceful space he finds inside, where he is free to imagine dinosaurs and wild adventure."-Hazel Rochman 

  

Rochman, H. (1997). Tomas and the library lady. Booklist, 93(22). Retrieved from Children’s Comprehensive Literature Database. 

"What packs a powerful punch is the fact that this story is inspired by the real life story of Tomás Rivera who eventually became the chancellor of the University of California at Riverside (according to the appended note), so we see that Tomás' departure in August with "a shiny new book, a present from the library lady" was just the beginning. This is a warm and attractive tribute to the power of libraries and librarians, but it may be a bit too stodgy to evoke a response in young readers."- Pat Matthews

  

Matthews, P. (1997). Tomas and the library lady (book review). The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 51(2). Retrieved from Children’s Comprehensive Literature Database.

   

Library Setting: In a library setting, a progammer could use this book to learn some basic Spanish words. The porgrammer could passout index cards to each of the patrons. The programmer would instruct the kids to write a Spanish word on one side and the English word on the other. The patrons could then quizone another with these cards. The patrons could also take these home. This would also be a good way to teach patrons some new study skills!

Module Five: Smells like Dog by Suzanne Selflors

Summary: Homer Pudding wants to a famous treasure hunter just like his uncle and not live on the goat farm forever. One day, his uncle Drake disappears and he, his sister Gwendolyn and Dog are left to solve the mystery. Together they search the world away from their farm and find an unexpected treasure. They all discover that their Dog has a secret talent.
 
Citation: Selfors, S. (2010). Smells like dog. New York, NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Impressions: This is an adorable book. Homer is a great character who is a bit shy. This book is also hilarious. I was literally laughing out loud while I was reading it! I love how the kids went to the city called simply City. This is a great book to read to a group aloud. Though it is for younger readers I definitely think anyone would love this book. It also a great way to introduce kids into mystery books.

Reviews:
“Full of fantasy, fun, and humorous dialogue, this will attract dog lovers, mystery enthusiasts, adventure addicts, and reluctant readers. A thoroughly enjoyable read.”- Susan Allen

Allen, S.(2010). Smells like dog (book review). VOYA, 33(2). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

"Starting with an author’s note featuring a “no dead dogs” guarantee, this tale opens with 12-year-old Homer Winslow Pudding receiving a basset hound with a special coin hiding in his collar. Bequeathed by the boy’s uncle Drake, a famous treasure hunter who was killed by a man-eating tortoise, Dog accompanies Homer as he leaves his family’s goat farm in Milkydale and begins an odyssey into the city to find the real cause of his uncle’s demise, solve the mystery of his uncle’s most prized possession, and locate a missing pirate’s map. While the momentum begins to slow toward the end, a cast of eccentric characters—including a budding taxidermist sister, an evil museum director, a pink-haired orphan, and a cloud-copter pilot with Indian roots—continue the fun as the boy battles his way through an evil lair and discovers a secret society of lost treasure hunters.”- Angela Leeper

Leeper, A. (2010). Smells like dog (book review). Booklist, 106(17). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

Library Setting: In the library, a programmer could have a treasure hunt. The programmer would create several clues that the patrons would have to follow. Of course, the group would do the task, working together, to find the treasure. This would assist with reasoning skills and the young patrons would really enjoy it. Different clues could be hidden in shelves, books or under chairs.

Module Five: The Coming of the Dragon by Rebecca Barnhouse

Summary: Rune is found swept to shore with only a sword and pendant. Many people thought him to be unlucky but, King Beowulf did not. He gave him to Amma who lived in the countryside. Amma and Rune both have great respect and admiration for the King. Rune deals with his own insecurities when a dragon enters the kingdom threatening everyone. He discovers that he can be brave and fight in the name of his king, Beowulf.

Citation: Barnhouse, R.(2010). The coming of the dragon. New York, NY: Random House.

Impressions: This is a mystical book about kingdom's and dragons. I would recommend this book to anyone who interested in fantasy novels. The book moved a little slow for me. I did like the fact that it was tied to the poem Beowulf. I however did not like the main character Rune. He was a bit annoying from time to time about the subject of his own courage. I was ready about half-way through the book for the story to end. I thought it was much to long.

Reviews:
“Shaping her novel around the last part of Beowulf, Barnhouse ponders the question of good leadership in a violent age. When the infant Rune washes up on the shores of Geatland, many see him as cursed, but the aging King Beowulf spares him and places him in the care of Amma, a wisewoman, who raises him with the ancient lays. When the dragon of the poem lays waste to the countryside and kills many, including Amma and much of the guard that are not off defending against the ever-threatening Shylfings, the now-teenage Rune seeks to prove himself and avenge Amma. In a gutsy move, the author locates the climactic battle with the dragon in the center of the novel, forcing Rune and the Geats to cope with life in a post-Beowulf world and imagine new paths to prosperity. Much of this part of the narrative and the characterization seem more informed by 21st-century sensibilities than ancient Scandinavian ones, but within the framework of the likable Rune's coming of age it works, providing readers with much food for thought—and some hope.”- Kirkus

Kirkus.(2010). The coming of the dragon (book review). Kirkus Reviews, 78(19). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

“Rune has never known his parents, and the villagers who raised him are not completely convinced he isn’t cursed by the gods. But when King Beowulf is in direst need, only Rune stands by his side, finally able to claim his destiny. Barnhouse takes the final section of Beowulf, which focuses on the story of young Wiglaf, and weaves an absorbing tale of a young man finding his courage. Told as a straight narrative, descriptions of settings and plot elements reflect back to the epic itself. Although few characters are fully developed, Rune and the woman who raised him—as well as King Beowulf—emerge as rounded characters. This is a great bridge book to use in a classroom either before or after broaching the Beowulf story. An author’s note clearly indicates which bits of the novel have been fabricated and which are drawn directly from the poem.”- Cindy Welch

Welch, C. (2010). The coming of the dragon (book review). Booklist, 107(4). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

Library Setting: In the library, patrons could make dragons themselves. The programmer would need egg cartons, paint, feathers, sequins and art supplies. By cutting the egg cartons in two, you have dragon bodies. The patrons are free to decorate and the dragons however they choose. In addition, have the patron describe what their dragons special skill is. Have the patron share this with the group.

Module Four: Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes

Summary: Martha is a young girl who dreams of being a writer. One day, she is given a diary entry from a young girl in her class who has passed away. Olive spends the rest of her summer, vacationing at her grandmother's house on the beach, trying to discover why Olive had to die, boys and her desire to write.

Citation: Henkes, K. (2003). Olive's ocean. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.

Impressions: Henkes has a written a very profound book concerning the realities that a child must face in learning to deal with death. Martha's character is growing up in this very novel. She is discovering romantic relationships and her special relationship with her grandmother. Olive's death marks an end to Martha's childhood as she attempts to understand death. I really enjoyed this insightful book about coming of age. The short chapters would make it easy to follow for younger readers.

Reviews:
“He [Henke] brings to his story the same bedrock understanding of the emotional realities of childhood that he regularly displays in his paradigmatically perfect picture books. This isn't big and splashy, but its quiet art and intelligence will stick with readers, bringing them comfort and reassurance as changes inevitably visit their own growing-up years.”-Michael Cart

Cart, M. (2003). Olive’s Ocean (Book Review). Booklist, 100(1). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

“Henkes’ use of short chapters, many less than a page long, present much of the story in sensory poetic vignettes that limn the plot with a contemplative stillness; readers with a view toward the delicate melancholy of growing up, and the even more profound melancholy of not growing up, will find emotional affirmation here.” –Karen Coats

Coats, K. (2003). Olive’s Ocean (Book Review). The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 57(1). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

Library Setting: In the library, I would try to do something lively concering the beach. The programmer could collect baby food jars and peel the labels off. Using different colored sands, pour layers upon payers in the baby food jar to make your own little piece of art. Have the patrons tell the group someone special in their life that they could present the sand to. It could be a granmother, aunt, father or friend. The patrons are free to take their masterpiece home.

Module Four: Solace of the Road by Siobhan Dowd

Summary: Holly is living life with no mother and no place to go. She has been chosen to be put into a foster home with nice people but, who lack parenting skills. She is often down and faced with very difficult situations about how she will live her life. She finds herself on a journey to her homeland, Ireland, to reunite with her birth mother.

Citation: Dowd, S. (2009). Solace of the road. New York, NY: David Fickling Books.

Impressions: This was a very difficult book for me to read. In the beginning, I was very confused to where Holly was and who she was with. The chapters seem to jump a little to much for me. This is by no means one of my favorite books from the selections but, it does have important messages. There are situations in Holly's life where she must make some pretty tough decisions. She is a strong character though she has little to no people in her life to draw strength from. I did leave this book with a better understanding of homelessness and what a foster child must go through.

Reviews:
“Holly Hogan is a 14-year-old with a whole host of problems. She is to be lodged in a new foster placement, with the bourgeois and highly organized Ray and Fiona Aldridge. There is nothing terribly wrong with Holly’s foster home, except that it feels as if ‘a nail bomb is about to go off’ in her head. Holly finds a blonde wig, a relic of the period when Fiona was being treated for cancer. With the wig, Holly dons a new persona, Solace, and heads off to Ireland where she believes her biological mother is still waiting for her and will greet her with open arms. Solace has a series of frightening adventures en route to the ferry port at Fishguard – some of which could have been described more concisely. Once on the boat she suffers from memory flashbacks that tell her the past is not quite what she believed. Her anguish is portrayed with conviction, a highly credible aftermath of all she has endured.”- Rebecca Butler

Butler, R. (2009). Solace of the road (Book Review). Books for Keeps, 175. Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database. 

“The journey is well told, tightly plotted and well written. One of Dowd’s strength’s as a writer is her plot mastery.”- Celia Keenan

Keenan, C. (2009). Solace of the road (Book Review). Inis- The Children’s Book Ireland Magazine, 27. Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

Library Setting: In the library, have a booktalk with about Solace of the Road. Remind the patrons that there are many people in this area who are without homes or families. As a group, make a special "field trip" where patrons can volunteer at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Volunteering their time is way of giving back to the community and understanding different people. This could also be a family project as well.

Module Three: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Summary: Miranda is a young girl growing in New York City. Her best fiend Sal is no longer talking to her and she has no idea why. One day, she begins to find notes throughout her belongings that make no sense. She has made friends with a bully, Marcus, who has a deep interest in time travel. Miranda is going through trial and tribulations with her friends and family all while she is trying to discover author of the mysterious notes. In the end, all the events of Miranda's school year began to come together to make perfect sense.

Citation: Stead, R. (2009). When you reach me. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books.

Impressions: This was a very interesting book. Stead has done a fine job of creating a novel concerning time travel that is easy to understand. It is not very clear in the beginning that time travel will play a large role in the literature. Stead's children characters a very well developed. The only thing I felt lacking was the development of the adult characters. Most of the adult characters play a large role but, Stead has not given much information about them.

Reviews:

“If this book makes your head hurt, you’re not alone. Sixth-grader Miranda admits that the events she relates make her head hurt, too. Time travel will do that to you. The story takes place in 1979, though time frames, as readers learn, are relative. Miranda and Sal have been best friends since way before that. They both live in a tired Manhattan apartment building and walk home together from school. One day everything changes. Sal is kicked and punched by a schoolmate and afterward barely acknowledges Miranda. Which leaves her to make new friends, even as she continues to reread her ratty copy of A Wrinkle in Time and tutor her mother for a chance to compete on The $20,000 Pyramid. She also ponders a puzzling, even alarming series of events that begins with a note: “I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own . . . you must write me a letter.” Miranda’s first-person narrative is the letter she is sending to the future. Or is it the past? It’s hard to know if the key events ultimately make sense (head hurting!), and it seems the whys, if not the hows, of a pivotal character’s actions are not truly explained. Yet everything else is quite wonderful. The ’70s New York setting is an honest reverberation of the era; the mental gymnastics required of readers are invigorating; and the characters, children and adults, are honest bits of humanity no matter in what place or time their souls rest. Just as Miranda rereads L’Engle, children will return to this." — Ilene Cooper

Cooper, I. (2009).When You Reach Me. Booklist Online, 17(4). Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com/When-You-Reach-Me-Rebecca-Stead/pid=3389749

"The prose is streamlined and easygoing, while Miranda’s New York life is richly peopled and authentically urban; touches of quirky humor add energy to a subtly constructed story of individual growth. Offer this to kids who appreciate daily-life stories that reveal the unexpected."-Deborah Stevenson

Stevenson, D. (2009). Book review: when you reach me. The Bulletin of the Center for Children, 63(1). Retrieved from Children's Comprehensive Literature Database.

Library Setting: In the library, a programmer could create a trivia game, much like the $20,000 dollar Pyramid from the book.  This trivia game could be made of different questions pertaining the book. In addition, the programmer could ask children to create their own time travel machine. What would it look like? What materials would be needed? Where would you travel? These are just a few examples of questions. They could create time machines out of craft materials and write a small prompt about the machine. After they have done the project, display the time machines and writing prompts so that other patrons may observe.

Module Three: Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

Summary: This book is the story of a young girl, Billie Jo.  She is growing up in the panhandle of Oklahoma during the dust bowl of the Great depression.  Her and her father are tying to make a life for themselves after the death of her Ma and baby brother.  She must learn to forgive herself, how to grow, and how to overcome the many trials she faces.

Citation: Hesse, K. (1997). Out of the dust. New York: Scholastic Press.

Impressions: I love the way Hesse has used poetry and prose to write the story of Billie Jo during the Great Depression.  It is written as if Billie Jo is speaking directly to the reader.  It is a wonderful book discussing some of the issues concerning the dust bowl.  I almost felt like I was choking on dust by the descriptions on the prairies in this book.  This is one of the best books I have read. I would recommend it to anyone.

Reviews:

"The story is bleak, but Hesse’s writing transcends the gloom and transforms it into a powerfully compelling tale of a girl with enormous strength, courage, and love. The entire novel is written in very readable blank verse, a superb choice for bringing out the exquisite agony and delight to be found in such a difficult period lived by such a vibrant character. It also spares the reader the trouble of wading through pages of distressing text, distilling all the experiences into brief, acutely observed phrases. This is an excellent book for discussion, and many of the poems stand alone sufficiently to be used as powerful supplements to a history lesson.”- Susan Dove Lempke

Dove Lempke, S. (1997) Out of the dust. Booklist Online, 4(3). Retrieved from             http://www.booklistonline.com/Out-of-the-Dust-Karen-Hesse/pid=1022730

“Set in the drought-stricken dust bowl of Oklahoma of the 30s, written in free verse, told by as memorable a heroine as you will meet in YA literature, Out of the Dust will wrench your gut. You will meet fifteen-year-old Billie Jo, not yet defeated by the Grapes of Wrath kind of poverty that grinds families to the very dust that ruins them; she is helped in her resolve by her mother. But then in a bizarre accident, one Billie Jo played an innocent but deadly part in, her mother is killed. Her father cannot cope, and Billie Jo is left with just her own personal resources. These, however, are considerable. Please read this book. You will agree with me (and with the committee which selected it for the 1997 Newbery Medal) that it is a distinguished novel, richly meriting as wide a readership as possible among teens, among adults. It is very good.”

Hipple, T. (1998). Out of the Dust. The ALAN Review, 25(3). Retrieved from Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

Library Setting: A good way this book could be used in the library setting would be when discussing history.  The images in this book are amazing for readers who may not fully understand the severity of the Great Depression and dust bowl. A programmer could have students read books from concerning United States history.  This would help students become more interested in historical fiction.