MOON OVER MANIFEST by Clare Vanderpool

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Vanderpool, Clare. 2010. MOON OVER MANIFEST. United States: Delacorte Press. ISBN 9780385738835

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Vanderpool’s debut novel is a story of loss and redemption.  Abilene Tucker has been sent on a train to the town of Manifest, Kansas to stay with an old friend for the summer while her dad works.  Abilene feels abandoned having only a few possessions she exits the train in hopes of learning about her father’s earlier years.  When she arrives she is disappointed since the town is old and worn down; however, her disappointment quickly turned to excitement when she finds a hidden cigar box full of mementos and clues of the past.  After discovering interesting letters Abilene and her friends go on a journey to find the truth even though they were warned to “Leave Well Enough Alone”.  Finding Miss Sadie, who tells her stories and secrets of the past, only makes her more determined to find out more about her father. 

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Vanderpool’s writing is a charming novel full of historical mystery and enticing characters.  Her use of characters, style, and setting definitely are deserving of the Newbery Medal.  Vanderpool’s moves back and forth into time with her use of stories, newspaper articles, and letters to tell the story.  The different writing styles keep the reader interested and wanting more.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

*Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Readers will cherish every word up to the heartbreaking yet hopeful and deeply gratifying ending.”

*Starred review in PUBLISHER WEEKLY: “Replete with historical details and surprises, Vanderpool’s debut delights, while giving insight into family and community.”

*Starred review in BOOKLIST: “With believable dialogue, vocabulary, and imagery appropriate to time and place, and well developed characters, this rich and rewarding first novel is “like sucking on a butterscotch.  Smooth and sweet.”

*Newbery Medal- 2011

5.  CONNECTIONS

*Clare Vanderpool’s web site- http://www.clarevanderpool.com/
This website offers an abundance of resources including reviews and teacher resources. 

*Readers Guide Discussion Questions- http://www.midwestbooksellers.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/MoonManifest_MidCon_ReadGd_WEB.pdf

*The Classroom Bookshelf- http://classroombookshelf.blogspot.com/

Look here for ideas and suggestions for incorporating MOON OVER MANIFEST into the classroom.

*The Classroom Bookshelf Blog- http://classroombookshelf.blogspot.com:

Visit this blog for book reviews, teaching invitations, critical literacy, activities, and additional books.

*Check out the list of “Sources and Suggestions for Further Reading” located at the back of the book.

ELIJAH OF BUXTON by Christopher Paul Curtis

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Curtis, Christopher. 2007. ELIJAH OF BUXTON. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439023443

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Elijah an eleven year old boy who was born into freedom lives near the American border in Buxton, Canada.  He and his family live in a settlement of runaway slaves.  As a young boy he made a great impression on Frederick Douglass, but things change when a former slave steals money from his friend.  Elijah discovers for himself what his parents went through to become free as he begins a journey to find to the thief.  Knowing only what it feels like to be free Elijah finds himself trying to gain the courage for the journey back home where he will always have freedom.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story of hope and determination is heartbreaking, exciting, and humorous it will keep its reader interested.  Curtis’s style shows through his use of dialect throughout the book, “Then cold as maple sap on a cold day, I started sliding my eyes off to the left…” and “The noise commenced again, sounding like someone fishing ‘round trying to figure which song they were ‘bout to hum”.  ELIJAH OF BUXTON’s setting is explicit and vividly describes the settlement as if the reader were there.  Each character has their own personality and is well developed allowing the reader to understand every character.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

*CHILDREN’S LITERATURE- “Christopher Paul Curtis knows how to write characters so engaging and believable you want to meet them in person.”

*Coretta Scott King Award- 2008

*Newbery Honor Book- 2008

*Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Central to the story, these scenes show an emotional range and a subtlety unusual in children’s fiction.”

*ALAN REVIEW: “Though written in modified dialect, the language flows and rolls off the page like poetry.”

*KIRKUS REVIEW: “…a setting so thoroughly evoked, with characters so real, that readers will live the story, not just read it.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

*The Underground Railroad www.nationalgeographic.com/railroad:

Have the students take a virtual journey of the Underground Railroad.  Also have the students research the Underground Railroad and report interesting facts to the class.

*Writing- Have the students write a letter to Fredrick Douglass from the perspective of Elijah Freeman about his experiences as the youngest conductor on the Underground Railroad.

*Scholastic: The Underground Railroad http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/bhistory/underground_railroad/:

This is a great resource for exploring the Underground Railroad.  This web site also has teachers guides, activities, resources, and much more.

LILY’S CROSSING by Patricia Reilly Giff

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Giff, Patricia. 1997. LILY’S CROSSING. Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0440414539

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Lily would spend her summers at her family’s summer house by the Atlantic Ocean in Rockaway; however, the summer of 1944 was much different.  World War II changed everyone’s life even Lily’s.  Her best friend moved away so her father could work in a wartime factory town, and even more devastating her father was headed overseas to war.  Lily meets a refugee from Hungary, Albert, which has a secret sewn in his coat.  Over time the two become friends both of which have secrets and both have told lies.  One of Lily’s lies could cost Albert his life.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Giff’s story of friendship will keep its young reader interested for hours.  With the story being of war and how it affects kids and their family’s readers will gain a deeper understanding of what families go through during this time.  Readers will get a true picture of what is like during this time through the descriptions of the setting.  The powerful themes of this story come out through the power of friendship.  The readers will also be able to relate to these characters and some parts of their lives.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

*Starred review in THE HORN BOOK: “Details…are woven with great effect into a realistic story.”

*Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  “Giff’s well-drawn, believable characters and vivid prose style make this an excellent choice.”

* Booklist: “With wry comedy and intense felling…Giff gets across a strong sense of what it was like on the home front during World War II….The friendship story is beautifully drawn.”

*Kirkus Review: “[A] deftly told story”

*Newbery Honor Book – 1998

*ALA Notable Children’s Book

*Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book

5.  CONNECTIONS

*Pre-Reading Activity- Have the students research and find articles in news magazines about the 50^th anniversary celebration of D-Day.  The students will present their findings to the class especially any unusual facts or moving stories.

*Language Arts (writing)- Have the students write a journal entry from Lily’s perspective on the day her father leaves for war.

* Language Arts (reading)- Have the students compare and contrast the feelings of Lily, Margaret, and Albert as well as how each of the characters dealt with their feelings.

*Social Studies- Have the students research which supplies were rationed during this time and the impact it had on society.

* Future Reading:

-Maclachlan, Patricia. JOURNEY. ISBN 0385304277

-Lowry, Lois. NUMBER THE STARS. ISBN 0440227534

-Freedman, J. STARRING SALLY. ISBN 0440482534

BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST by Steve Jenkins

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jenkins, Steve. 1995. BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0395861365

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Through this informative book you gain the knowledge of fourteen animals that hold “world records”.  Some of the records include the smallest, largest, slowest, fastest, strongest, best jumper, and many more.  Readers can see the animals size in relation to something they know.  Take a journey into the lives of these fourteen animals! 

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Jenkins’ writing is simple yet informative.  The facts are just one sentence long for the most part however in the bottom corner of the page further explanation is given.  Not only does he give an explanation but an actual comparison, “It weighs as much as a Ping-Pong ball.” and “It weighs 1/30 of an ounce—less than a dime.”  These explanations and comparisons allow the reader to truly understand the record these animals hold.  The chart located in the back of book allows the reader to see the record, size, diet, and range of the animal at a glance.

Jenkins’ full color paper collage illustrations bring these animals to life.  He is able to capture the different shades of the elephant and the vibrant colors of the hummingbird.  His use of black ink for the comparisons at the bottom of the page, such as the comparison of the human hand to the spider and the electric eel to five light bulbs, allows the reader to visualize the record held by the animal.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

*Starred review in BOOKLIST: “The facts are amazing.  Their juxtaposition make you gasp, not just about size and speed but about comparative wonders.”

*Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  “Large, clear print; fascinating facts; and beautiful, detailed, cut-paper collages make this excellent title a delight.”

*Starred review in Booklist, ALA: “Here’s proof that power isn’t just about size and that science can be a lot of fun.”

*THE HORN BOOK: “A book that will stimulate thought and discussion about animals, art, and comparisons.”

*Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children, National Science Teachers Association—Children’s Book Council

*BOOKLIST Editor’s Choice

5.  CONNECTIONS

* Predictions - Have the students look at the book’s cover, think about the title, then predict what the book will be about.

*Question Strategies - As the teacher reads the book aloud he/she will model what asking question during reading looks like.  For example read to the giraffe page and read “The tallest animal is the giraffe.” the teacher will stop and think aloud “I wonder how tall giraffes are” then he/she will model writing that question on a sticky note and place it on the page.  Next the teacher will continue reading and when the question is answered model writing the answer on the sticky note.  Continue reading the book and model asking and answering your questions.  Have the students practice this strategy at read to self time.

*Become an Animal Expert: Divide the students into groups and have each group choose an animal from the book.  Have the students research facts about their animal and become an animal expert.  Include information such as the animal’s habitat, characteristics, food web, etc.  Students may choose to create a poster, diorama, or a slideshow presentation.  Students will present their findings to the class.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE by James Deem

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE. Illus. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 9780439922313

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Theodore Roosevelt had a small problem…his daughter, Alice.  She wanted to do things her way, go places, and meet people.  Nothing was too big or too small for Alice she wanted to enjoy all life had to offer.  Whether it was teaching herself, getting piggyback rides, traveling, or entertaining visitors with her pet snake she enjoyed it all.  Alice called it “eating up the world.”  She did not let any obstacle get in her way!

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this book Kerley’s writing is informational yet entertaining.  Readers of all ages will enjoy getting a glimpse inside of the White House.  This story is of a young girl who let nothing stop her, not even her mother’s death or leg braces, nothing could slow this determined girl down.  This is a great story to teach children about an American heroine, determination, and good will.  

Fotheringham illustrations compliment this intriguing style of writing.  The colors are magnificent, the font and size interesting, and the designs impeccable.  The words match what is going on in each and every page.  Readers will be drawn to read this book. 

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

*Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Irrepressible Alice Roosevelt gets a treatment every bit as attractive and exuberant as she was…The large format gives Fotheringham, in his debut, plenty of room for spectacular art.”

*Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  “Kerley’s text gallops along with a vitality to match her subjects antics, as the girl greets White House visitors accompanied by her pet snake, refuses to let leg braces cramp her style, dives fully clothed into a ships swimming pool, and also earns her place in history as one of her fathers trusted advisers.”

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

*Starred review in HORN BOOK: “This sassy biography of Alice Roosevelt Longworth validates President Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quip about his oldest child: ‘I cannot possibly do both.’  With a palette that emphasizes Alice Blue, her signature color, the illustrations often match Alice’s spirit with zigzag streaks, circular pieces of spot art, and slanting figures.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

*Character Traits- Have the students create a character map of Alice’s traits

*Have the students choose a different first daughter to research.  The students will conduct their research and then compare and contrast the lives of the two children. 

*Other books about Theodore Roosevelt and family:

Kent, Zachary. THEODORE ROOSEVELT. ISBN 0516013548

St. George, Judith. YOU’RE ON YOUR WAY, TEDDY ROOSEVELT. ISBN 0399238883

Fritz, Jean. BULLY FOR YOU, TEDDY ROOSEVELT. ISBN 039921769

Parks, Edd Winfield. TEDDY ROOSEVELT, YOUNG ROUGH RIDER. ISBN 0689713495

BODIES FROM THE ICE by James Deem

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Deem, James. 2008. BODIES FROM THE ICE. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 9780618800452

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Most of us probably do not think of mummies or dead bodies when we think of glaciers.  As a husband and wife went for a climb they stumbled upon something which ended up being a human corpse near the surface of a melting glacier.  It is truly amazing that science can take you back 5,300 years.  Take a journey from South America’s Andes Mountains to the European Alps to Asia’s Himalayas where glaciers are rapidly melting.  As the melting occurs new discoveries are made.  From rocky terrain to bodies of people who died in the glaciers.  With the help of scientists we learn more about the past of our world dating back thousands of years.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Deem’s writing brings a level of interest that any reader can enjoy.  The facts are amazing for the simple fact we are learning what earth was like thousands of years ago.  This well organized table of contents will guide the reader through this book with ease.  There are seven informative chapters with some being Iceman of the Alps, Dragons in Ice, Frozen Children of the Andes, and Saving the Past.

Deem’s use of access features including both visual and verbal make this book easier to understand and interpret.  He uses almost every feature to capture the true beauty of the glaciers and their finds.  Maps show specific locations, sidebars provide information you probably wouldn’t have knowledge of, photographs show the glaciers and the bodies, and their captions explain in much detail.  With over 65 photographs in color and black-and-white and many of them being rare the reader is able to get an accurate understanding of the glaciers and their findings.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

*BOOKLIST: “There are books about melting glaciers and books about frozen bodies, but this attractive offering combines the topics in a way that will intrigue readers.”

*Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  “With its extensive bibliography, suggested websites, and a listing of glaciers to visit, Bodies is a fantastic resource.  Deem superbly weaves diverse geographical settings, time periods, and climate issues into a readable work that reveals the increasing interdisciplinary dimensions of the sciences.”

*THE HORN BOOK: “Glaciers—and the preserved past they off up—give us an intriguing peek into various cultures, yielding information on everything from human sacrifice to occult superstition to sporting endeavors.”

*Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “An intriguing read, complementing the author’s highly commended BODIES FROM THE BOG (1998) and BODIES FORM THE ASH (2005), with a bonus environmental message”

*The Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

5.  CONNECTIONS

*Check out the glaciers to visit and suggested websites on page 54 for more information of BODIES FROM THE ICE.

*Visit James Deem’s website (http://www.jamesmdeem.com/) for additional information.

* Other books about mummies:

-Dubowski, Mark. ICE MUMMY THE DISCOVERY OF A 5,000 YEAR OLD MAN. ISBN 0679856471

-Deem, James. HOW TO MAKE A MUMMY TALK. ISBN 0395624274

-Wilcox, Charlotte. MUMMIES, BONES, AND BODY PARTS. ISBN 1575054280

-Markle, Sandra. OUTSIDE AND INSIDE MUMMIES. ISBN 0802789676