ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Williams-Garcia, Rita. 2010. ONE CRAZY SUMMER. New York: HarperCollins/Amistad. ISBN 9780329859367

PLOT SUMMARY

Three sisters, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern, travel to Oakland, California to visit their mother who left them after Fern was born.  Set in the summer of 1968, the girls struggle to understand the mother they have never known as well as encounter new experiences.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The historical aspects of this story are well-established and accurately portrayed.  Though intended for young readers, the plot’s heavy civil rights theme is honest and bold.  Cecile, the girls’ mother depicts the typical characters at the Black Panther meeting center, as “nothing but black folks in black clothes rapping revolution and a line of hungry black kids.”  The story also references a shoot-out and Little Bobby being in his underwear, surrendering and shot anyhow by the police.  Language in the story supports the time and the ethnicity.  “I don’t like him. Surely don’t.” and “We made it down sure ’nuf” are a couple of examples.  The girls call their Grandma, “Big Ma” and many well-known names are used such as Cassius Clay, Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Tina Turner, and the Supremes. 

The story is told through the eyes of Delphine who is eleven.  She keeps a constant, watchful eye on her two younger sisters and must deal with trying to understand her mother and sorting her feelings about the Black Panther party.  Delphine is the same age as the intended reader and she is relatable.  Readers can imagine adjusting to a difficult situation and the innate desire to be loved and held by a mother.  Many African-American readers will be able to relate to her ethnicity and role with the Black Panthers. 

Author Rita Williams-Garcia has won many awards for her work in children’s literature.  She also researched many books, articles, and interviews in order to get the time period correct.  In addition, she cites using David Hilliard’s The Black Panther Intercommunal News Service.  

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Publisher’s Weekly – “Delphine's growing awareness of injustice on a personal and universal level is smoothly woven into the story in poetic language that will stimulate and move readers.”

Starred Kirkus Review - “The depiction of the time is well done, and while the girls are caught up in the difficulties of adults, their resilience is celebrated and energetically told with writing that snaps off the page.”

Newbery Honor Book

Coretta Scott King Award

National Book Award Finalist

CONNECTIONS

*Also available in audiobook form, students might enjoy listening to the story.

*After learning about civil rights, students could read the story as well as research the role of the Black Panthers party during the 60s and 70s.

*In small groups where trust has been established, students could identify and share a difficult relationship that they have been a part of or have witnessed.  This would be a good pre-reading activity.

*Students could watch a movie about kids in the same time period and compare and contrast the movie’s character with Delphine or any other character from the book. 

*Listen to music from the time period.

PENNY FROM HEAVEN by Jennifer L. Holm

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer L. 2006. PENNY FROM HEAVEN. New York: Random House. ISBN 037583687X

PLOT SUMMARY

Penny is an eleven-year-old girl living in New Jersey in 1953.  Though her father died mysteriously when she was young, his large Italian family remains close to her.  Penny spends the summer working with her favorite cousin Frankie, listening to the Dodger’s games, and dealing with her mother’s new boyfriend.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The main character in this story, Penny, most young adults can relate to as she deals with typical dysfunctional family members, a mother who drives her crazy at times, and the usual qualms of growing up.  She seems believable and if they have not already figured out, readers will learn at the end that Penny was a real person who dealt with similar happenings. 

The language of the Italian family, the New Jersey location, and the post WWII era can be found throughout the book in phrases like, “how ya doin’ doll?” and “I tell ya, if I ran into a Jap or a Nazi, I’d use a bazooka gun on him! Bam!”  Names like Nunzio, Paulie, Dominic, Ralphie, Frankie, Joey, Angelo and others are indicators of the family heritage as well. 

Newbery Honor- Winning Author, Jennifer L. Holm, has additional awards to her name.  For this story, she gathers information from her own family and Italian community.  Holm also consulted associations (National Italian American Foundation and others) and historian Lawrence DiStasi for information for this book.    

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Kirkus Review - “Holm has crafted a leisurely, sprawling period piece, set in the 1950s and populated by a large cast of offbeat characters.”

Publisher’s Weekly – “Holm includes telling historical details, including information about WWII Italian internment camps and how Penny's mother will not allow her to swim in a public pool or visit a movie theater because of the risk of polio. Readers will enjoy observing Penny's growth, how she mediates a peace among her family members and offers a glimmer of heaven.”

Newbery Award Book

CONNECTIONS

*In the story we are given a reason for why the character is called Penny and at the end in the Author’s Note we are told the true newly-realized reason.  Students could conduct a name study of their own on their own name and find out why they were named that, where the name comes from, what does it mean, and how it would be said in other languages.  In a class I took in high school, we had to choose a name other than our own that we would have liked to have been named if our current name was not the choice.  This was a lot of fun!  Students could do this as well and find a name that is reflective of their own heritage and ethnic roots.  It is also fun to illustrate it in some way.

*Create a classroom blog and post critical-thinking questions related to the story and/or your content and have students reply to the questions.

THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE by Karen Cushman

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushman, Karen. 1995. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. New York: Clarion. ISBN 0395692296

PLOT SUMMARY

Set in the early fourteenth century, a girl named Brat, with a past worth forgetting and no prospect of a better future, finds herself taken in by a Jane, the town midwife.  When circumstances change, so does the girl until she finally finds a place where she’s needed. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The main character in this story, Brat, is a young adult with a difficult situation.  She is alone, poor, dirty, and unwanted but she is also kind, hardworking, and curious.  This story evokes empathy and the reader will want to befriend her.  The setting of the story is the early 1300s and the language and details are consistent with the time period.  Language such as “wimple,” “spat,” “bedevil,” “this wag grows boresome,” and “Walpurgis Night” are examples of the time period.  Details early in the story also support the time period; Brat sweeps the cottage floor, sprinkles it with water, and stamps it to keep it packed. 

The history within the plot is an accurate depiction.  Animal and human labor was done at home (or in the barn), with the help of home remedies and things like “goose greese ointment.”  Electricity was not available and homes had dirt floors.  This was also a time when unusual occurrences were thought to be caused by witches or the devil, “the priest decided that Wat’s gluttony and deceit were the fault of the Devil.” 

While sources are not cited, author Karen Cushman’s reputation from previous work and awards stand for the authenticity of the story.  Though few young people are assisting midwives, the theme of the story is something most readers can relate to; finding a place in this world and learning who you are in it.        

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Starred Kirkus Reviews - “From the rebirth in the dung heap to Brat's renaming herself Alyce after a heady visit to a medieval fair, this is not for fans of historical drama only. It's a rouser for all times.”

Publisher’s Weekly – “The force of the ambience produces more than enough momentum to propel the reader from start to finish in a single happy sitting.”

John Newbery Medal winner

CONNECTIONS

*Have students write a modern day version of this story being sure to focus on current language, events, and dress in order to show the time period.

*Read the story with other picture books or nonfiction books from that time period.

*Write a character analysis on Brat.

BOOTLEG: MURDER, MOONSHINE, AND THE LAWLESS YEARS OF PROHIBITION by Karen Blumenthal

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Blumenthal, Karen. 2011. BOOTLEG: MURDER, MOONSHINE, AND THE LAWLESS YEARS OF PROHIBITION. New York: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 9781596434493

PLOT SUMMARY

In this historical attention getter, Blumenthal explains the sequence of events leading up to prohibition, the activity during that time, and our nation’s return to being “wet.”      

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Karen Blumenthal is a journalist whose books have been noticed and awarded over the years.  Credible reviewers from The Horn Book, School Library Journal, and additional publications have added to her popularity with reviews for this book as well as several others.  A bibliography of source notes and source notes by chapter are available at the end of the story as well as an index and a glossary of terms related to the topic. 

The story is written in nine chapters and a contents page is located at the front.  The pages are full of text and geared more towards a young adult reader.  Though heavy with content, the pages of text are spaced and give the reader the freedom to read and comprehend.  The story is written in a way that the reader can be drawn in with topics like “gangsters,” “illegal liquor,” and “massacre of seven men.”  The story, so well researched, is full of higher-level vocabulary and sentence structure.  It's readability may be difficult for the average reader to comprehend.  The photographs are the real thing which adds a sense of novelty.  The photos are amazingly vibrant and each one, with its caption, holds a period of time and a piece of priceless history. 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Starred Kirkus Review - "When Congress passed the 18th Amendment, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of alcohol, supporters were convinced it would create a stronger, more moral nation. Instead, it ushered in an era of corruption and lawlessness, here brought to life with a fast-paced, gripping narrative and period photographs."

The Horn Book - "With an ambitious scope that includes anecdotes, quotes, statistics, photographs, and illustrations to complement the larger story, Blumenthal makes the subject matter relevant for modern readers."

Goodreads Review - "Filled with period art and photographs, anecdotes, and portraits of unique characters from the era, this fascinating book looks at the rise and fall of the disastrous social experiment known as Prohibition."

CONNECTIONS

*Students can read the book and take a stance by conducting philosophical chairs.  Students can take turns persuading others to join their side.

*Similarly, students can take a stance on whether alcohol should currently be illegal or remain the way it is.  Students can make a case in the form of an essay, philosophical chairs, speeches, or other projects.

*A local small county has been trying for years to become “wet” again.  The class could compare and contrast the benefits of remaining dry and could even conduct local research on accidents and events that have occurred as the result of alcohol abuse.

*Students could read an article about the banning of candy or cokes on school campuses.  Some articles highlight the establishment of student and even parent bootleggers of candy to schools with the ban.  Students could then compare and contrast the two situations.  For schools where students talk openly about the desire for marijuana to be legalized, this topic could also be brought into discussion… especially for older students. 

CHARLES DARWIN by Kathleen Krull

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Krull, Kathleen. 2010. GIANTS OF SCIENCE: CHARLES DARWIN. Ill. by Boris Kulikov. New York: Penguin. ISBN 97806700633352

PLOT SUMMARY

A biography about scientist Charles Darwin, this story personalizes him by revealing who he was as a child, a young man, and his battles and victories throughout adulthood.   

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this story about Charles Darwin, Krull immediately personalizes him as a little boy curious about worms.  She continues to highlight interesting tidbits, funny stories, quirks, ailments, family, education, travel, tragedy, and scientific findings as she journeys through his life.  “He rode another one [tortoise] like a horse, rapping on the shell to get it going” is just one unusual event associated with Darwin.  Krull sites her sources in a bibliography, both books and websites, at the back of the book.  The sources are credible and most are related to research, museums, history, and science.  Krull has received many honors such as 2011 Children's Book Guild Nonfiction Award and many of her books have received multiple awards such as ALA Notable Book, Outstanding Science Trade Book, Booklist Editor’s Choice, and Parents’ Choice Award. 

She makes it clear to the reader that his theories have never been proven.  She also adds that Darwin and other scientists with similar thoughts had supporting details to back up their theory.  While studying animals of all sorts including rabbits, turtles, gorillas, worms, ducks, cattle, and more, he concluded that, “There must be some law that whatever organization an animal has, it tends to multiply and IMPROVE on it.”    

This biography is written in sequential order as the story begins with Darwin’s birth and continues with his death.  It goes on to the events and controversy that continue today.  The text is easy to read and can be read in one or a few sittings.  While the text is interesting and informative, it is not an overload of facts.  It includes a table of contents as well as sources and an index in back.  The cover and other illustrations are peculiar and grab the reader’s attention. 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

School Library Journal – “Krull does a fabulous job of making Darwin real, from boyhood to adulthood.”

Children’s Literature – “In this presentation, Darwin is a kind, curious misfit.  Born to privilege but a non-conformist, the brilliant scientist struggles until he finds his calling.”

CONNECTIONS

*In a private Christian school setting, students could study controversial figures such as Darwin and this book would be a good introduction to the subject.

*In schools where teaching evolution is permitted, students could read and follow up with a lesson on natural selection and the-strongest-survive theory [my title]. 

*For 10^th grade World History, the teacher could read this story before learning about Lucy – the humanlike, fossilized skeleton.  Students could discuss the impact that finding Lucy had to Darwin’s theory.

 

QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA by Sy Montgomery

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Montgomery, Sy. 2006. QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA. Photographs by Nic Bishop. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780618496419

PLOT SUMMARY

In this delightful story about Matschie’s Tree Kangaroos, a research team sets out to explore the cloud forest of Papua New Guinea.  Scientist Lisa Dabek takes this trek through the forest every year in order to learn more about her favorite animal and encounter some others as well. “Here you’ll find birds that grow as tall as a man. Cassowaries remind you of dinosaurs.  They sport helmets of bone growing up from their blue and black heads.”  Author, Sy Montgomery, and Photographer, Nic Bishop, follow along the difficult but rewarding and exciting journey.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The first impression for readers is a large book with a cover of color and a fuzzy creature.  Upon opening the book, one sees large and small colorful photos of the native people, the jungle, the animals, and so much more.  Each photograph ties in with the text.  They are so alive and intriguing that they really leave you begging for more.  Their placement on the pages is inviting and has good use of variety as far as size, color, and photo bleeding.  Though entrenched with good material, the text is not overly small and the headings are large and colorful.

The text follows a sequential order.  It is dynamic and includes interest, personal stories, and factual information. The book also includes a list of words from the local language of Tok Pisin.  Readers can refer to the list of “Tree Kangaroos near You” in order to experience the joy of seeing one in person. The author and field researcher are both women with credible backgrounds.  Montgomery is an award-winning author who experiences her writing first-hand by traveling around the world.   Dr. Lisa Dabek worked at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island as the zoo’s director of conservation and research. 

This story can be read by people of many ages and is interesting to all!  The text is clear, readable, and lively.  As you begin the story, you will be immediately drawn into the events and you will celebrate when Lisa and the team make the discoveries that they do.  “That is the miracle of doing work here,” Lisa says. “They are so elusive.  And then you finally find them.  The whole field season is riding on these moments.”

REVIEW EXCERPTS

STARRED KIRKUS REVIEW – “From the maps in front to the concluding suggestions for young enthusiasts, information about the language, and index, this is another commendable title from an experienced team.”

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE REVIEW - “Much information is provided about the singular island of New Guinea with beautiful photographs of parrots, snakes, waterfalls, and tropical flowers. Yes—the team finds the tree kangaroos, way up high at 80 feet in the forest canopy.”

Received “The Robert F. Sibert Honor Book” Award.

CONNECTIONS

*View video of Dabek by national geographic at the following site:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/field/projects/bioblitz/bioblitz-kangaroos/

*Incorporate critical thinking questions:

What question or issue is the researcher investigating?

What challenges does the researcher face?

What tools are researchers using to gather geospatial data?

What impact might the researcher have on the issue being researched?

*Conduct a field study of your own.  Have the class make flip books with each page having an area of study such as habitat, food, body parts necessary for their environment, and other categories.  Choose animals available in your area to study and arrange for students to leave the classroom in order to do this.

*This book could be an activity to lead into endangered and extinct animals.  Lists of these can be found online.

*For language arts classes, have students write about what they can do to help.  How can they help protect animals from becoming endangered?  How can they help Dr. Dabek with her work?