American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

1. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

Yang, Gene Luen., and Lark Pien. American born Chinese. New York: Square Fish, 2010. Print.


2. PLOT SUMMARY

This multi-narrative graphic novel tells the story of Jin Want, a young American Chinese boy struggling to find and reconcile his identity as both someone of Chinese descent, and as an American.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The graphic novel is illustrated in neat and well designed panels. The art is very light with bright colors and simple drawn figures. The novel is not too long, but perfect for a quick read. Many young adults will be drawn to the book for its unique voice in diversity. The three stories in the book are very easy to follow. The author takes three completely different characters and stories and connects them seamlessly by the end of the book. You do not need to be a minority to appreciate the message that your true identity is important. We do not need to change ourselves for others. This message is needed for teens, because it reminds them that it is okay to be themselves. Many minorities are not represented in books, especially graphic novels. This book is a must to complete any school or classroom library.
There is no inappropriate language or situations in the book. At times, there are offensive and aggressive stereotyping of Chinese people with the descent in the book. These moments are not taken lightly, but connect the message of the entire story. Although some situations ring false, it has to be there to expose the stereotypes are not true and sometimes hurtful.


4. CREATIVE ACTIVITY

Megan Lawrence wrote an extensive five week lesson using the graphic novel. It can be adapted to many grade levels. Check it out here.


5. RELATED RESOURCES

This video acts as a "DVD extra" for the book. The author speaks about the book to a crowd of high school students. It was posted on YouTube by Bishop O'Dowd High School.

• "Gene Yang - American Born Chinese - Monkey King Extras." YouTube. N.p., 01 May 2015. Web. 01 Aug. 2017. <https://youtu.be/mbbztB3WStA>.

Joshua Barajas, with KeraTV, interviews the author about the book and about racial issues. Read it here.

• Barajas, Joshua. "This Chinese-American cartoonist forces us to face racist stereotypes." PBS. Public Broadcasting Service, 30 Sept. 2016. Web. 01 Aug. 2017. <http://www.pbs.org/newshour/art/this-chinese-american-cartoonist-forces-us-to-face-racist-stereotypes/>.

6. PUBLISHED REVIEW

This is a Publisher's Weekly Review over American Born Chinese. Find it here.

• "Fiction Book Review: American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang, Author . First Second $12.95 (233p) ISBN 978-1-59643-152-2." PublishersWeekly.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Aug. 2017. <https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-59643-152-2>.

Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek by Maya Van Wagenen

1. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

Wagenen, Maya Van. Popular a Memoir: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek. New York: Dutton Juvenile, 2014. Print.


2. PLOT SUMMARY

Maya is about to start her eighth grade year at the bottom of the social ladder. After receiving a book written by 1950's model Betty Cornell, Maya decides to follow the archaic advice for popularity to see if it applies in today's world.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The memoir is so well written that I would forget that the words were written by someone in their youth. Young adults and middle school children will relate the comedic voice of the author. Maya Van Wagenen is a talented writer that carefully tracked her experiment in popularity. Maya bravely decided to test the limits of middle school by seeing if advice from 60 years ago can make her popular today. There were times that I had to remind myself that Maya is real. She is so kind and fearless in her adventures.  She walks into with weird hair and strange outfits. I could not have been so brave when I was in middle school. I believe that many readers will be able to understand the need to become popular. Although much of the advice in the book did not make her popular, the change she made within herself did change our others viewed her. Maya concentrated on a different chapter a month and tracked if her popularity was any different.
The book is unique because it is a book for middle schoolers written by a middle schooler. The book contains real feelings and real situations. The book connects best with middle schoolers, but I believe that anyone of any age can enjoy this book. You will remember the terror of middle school and the need to fit in. As an adult, I found myself wanting to try many of the techniques that Maya tried. I also dusted off my own pearl necklace and found that it does go well with every outfit. Thank you Betty Cornell!


4. CREATIVE ACTIVITY

Jefferson County Public School system released a lesson plan for middle school teachers called Teaching Students To Read & Write A Memoir. This unit combines a group of lessons designed to teach students the skills and strategies involved in writing a memoir and reading a variety of literary works. The unit was designed for middle school students, but lessons can easily be adapted for use with younger or older students. Check it out!


5. RELATED RESOURCES

This video shares the author's experiences with her experiment. Maya Van Wagenen is on a news station talking about her novel.

• "Maya Van Wagenen: Living like a girl in the 50's." YouTube. N.p., 15 May 2014. Web. 22 July 2017. <https://youtu.be/A17Cl86e79s>.

Teenager Maya Van Wagenen has landed a film deal with Steven Spielberg after he bought the rights to her diary.

• "Steven Spielberg signs teen 'geek' for diary film." YouTube. N.p., 17 May 2014. Web. 22 July 2017. <https://youtu.be/JxeMTvU7ltU>.

Check out the book poster that I created for this book. Find it here.

6. PUBLISHED REVIEW

This is a Kirkus Review over Popular. Find it here.

• Wagenen, Maya Van. "POPULAR by Maya Van Wagenen." Kirkus Reviews. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 July 2017. <https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/maya-van-wagenen/popular-vanwagenen/>.

The Martian by Andy Weir

1. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

Weir, Andy. The Martian: a Novel. New York: Broadway , 2016. Print.


2. PLOT SUMMARY

Mark Watney has been abandoned on Mars and must learn to survive to be rescued.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Mark Watney is an engineer and botanist on a mission on Mars. The character has a sense of humor, despite being in constant danger of dying from everything. Watney has many things to worry about. Does he proper pressure? Does he have air to breathe? Is he breathing too much CO2? Does he have enough water? How long will his food last? Unlike other disaster books, there is not a chance of being saved any time soon. It would take a minimum of four years for him to be rescued. Come on, it's Mars, people! Despite all of this, Watney will keep you laughing with each page turning.
You do not need to be a science expert to enjoy the book. The book is so well written that I think I am significantly more intelligent now than I was before I started reading. Andy Weir explains everything very clearly. Young adults will have no issues understanding the book and its concepts. There is not one negative thing to say about this book. It was so engrossing that I did not put it down once I started. I read the entire book in one glorious day. I had seen the movie first, but like always - The book is always better! ; )
There is a bit of language in the book, but it is used in a respectable amount. The words are used to explain the circumstances, like "I'm going to science the **** out of this."
This book is a must read for anyone who likes disaster stories. This quickly became one of my favorite books.


4. CREATIVE ACTIVITY

The National Educational Association gives detailed lesson plans for teachers of any age group. I love websites that are very clear and well organized. The ages for each of the lesson plans are in bold next to each lesson so you know which is more appropriate for you. Find it here.

•  Nast, Phil. "The Martian." NEA. National Educational Association, n.d. Web. 11 July 2017. <http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/63667.htm>.

5. RELATED RESOURCES

I am a huge fan of  Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Anyone else in love with Cosmos??? This is a live interview with Andy Weir on the show Star Talk. They really talk about the science of the book. This is an audio podcast that has been uploaded to youtube.com. Don't miss this great interview!

• "Startalk Radio - Surviving on Mars, with Andy Weir - Neil deGrasse Tyson talk." YouTube. YouTube, 05 Dec. 2016. Web. 11 July 2017. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydJPlKpxMgA>.

If you have been living under a rock, then you might not know that this award winning book has been made into an award winning movie!

• "The Martian | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX." YouTube. N.p., 19 Aug. 2015. Web. 11 July 2017. <https://youtu.be/ej3ioOneTy8>.

The author, Andy Weir, explains his next book.

• "Andy Weir (THE MARTIAN) talks about his new book ARTEMIS." YouTube. N.p., 08 May 2017. Web. 11 July 2017. <https://youtu.be/Jf0-zPMhDA4>.

6. PUBLISHED REVIEW

This is a Kirkus Review over The Martian. Find it here.

• "THE MARTIAN by Andy Weir." Kirkus Reviews. N.p., 8 Dec. 2013. Web. 10 July 2017. <https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/andy-weir/the-martian/>.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

1. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

Niven, Jennifer. All the Bright Places. New York, NY: Random House Childrens, 2016. Print.


2. PLOT SUMMARY

Niven's website describes the book as: An exhilarating and heart-wrenching love story about a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The book has two main characters that narrate the story, Violet and Finch. The view point switches between the two characters. The book begins grimly with both characters connecting over sharing similar suicidal thoughts. Violet is struggling over the loss of her older sister, Eleana, in a car accident. Finch struggles with depression and has behavior issues in school. The unlikely pair become partners in a class project and grow closer as the school year progresses. Finch's joy in living present each day is infectious for Violet as well as the reader. I envisioned myself wandering around Texas with someone and experiencing all that the state has to offer. Everyone has experienced moments of darkness and depression, especially as a teenager. Young adults will sympathize with the struggles of the characters as they battle depression and learn to live through love. The novel gives equal attention to the happy times as well as the bad. Jennifer novel is very honest about the struggles that teens go through. I felt like the subject was too dark for me, but this book is going to speak to many young adults for years to come.


4. CREATIVE ACTIVITY

Penguin Random House gives a great PDF file with a lesson plan for All the Bright Places. Wandering, the act of traveling without forethought,  is a very important part of the book. Violet and Finch have to visit many of the unique places in their home state and write a project about it. I really like the pre-reading discussions about what the student's would do if they were given the same assignment. This file is filled with many great activities, check it out!

• "All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven." PenguinRandomhouse.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2017. <http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/237456/all-the-bright-places-by-jennifer-niven/9780385755917/>.

5. RELATED RESOURCES

The book is being made into a movie with Elle Fanning. The video contains spoilers for the story, so do not watch it if you have not read the book yet, unless you don't mind knowing before you read the book.

• "All The Bright Places Trailer #1 2017 Elle Fanning Movie HD [SPOILER]." YouTube. YouTube, 03 Aug. 2016. Web. 10 July 2017. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6VXNwe5LXs>. CONTAINS SPOILERS!

This interview talks about how Jennifer Niven created the story and what inspired. Don't miss this in-depth interview with the author.

• TheABSCBNNews. "All the Bright Places: Author recalls inspiration for writing story." YouTube. YouTube, 26 May 2016. Web. 10 July 2017. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GUDTnHzjjk>.

6. PUBLISHED REVIEW

This is a Kirkus Review over All the Bright Places. Find it here.

• "ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES by Jennifer Niven." Kirkus Reviews. N.p., 1 Oct. 2015. Web. 10 July 2017. <https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jennifer-niven/all-the-bright-places/>.

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

1. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

Ng, Celeste. Everything I Never Told You. Leicester: Thorpe, 2014. Print.


2. PLOT SUMMARY

Lydia, a mixed race Chinese American teenager in 1977, is dead. The story weaves around the past and the present to uncover the secrets of her death.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The first line of text sets the tone for the entire book, "Lydia is dead." The question of the reader is - Why? The journey to the secret of sixteen year old Lydia's drowning is captivating. The morning after I read the book, I told my mother to only read the first paragraph. I received a call THAT NIGHT from my mother to talk about the book because she had finished. Once you begin, you will not be able to put the book down until you uncover the mystery.
The story acts as a window into the sad past where racism is an acting force in the decisions of the characters. Despite her death, Lydia is a constant image in the book. Her voice carries through the pages. Young adults will sympathize with the Lydia's struggles to maintain the expectations of her parents. The racial tones of the book mirror societal issues of today. Ng created characters that breathe life within the story. The people were so real that I questioned if any of the book was connected to struggles that the author may have faced in her youth. Lydia's father, James, struggles to lose all of his Chinese heritage to fit in with. Young adults will connect with James in the desire to conform while also connecting with Nathan and Lydia in the need to be independent.
Athough the thriller is mature in some of the sections of the parents, there are no explicit scenes that would be inappropriate for a high school student.


4. CREATIVE ACTIVITY

The historical setting of the book highlights the racial issues that were prevalent, even within a family. The Institute of Humane Education offers activities that explore prejudice and discrimination. Some of the activities described include Dare to Be Different, Judge Not, Lest Ye Be Judged, More Than a Label, Racism Alphabet, and Where are People Like Me.

• "6 Activities Exploring Prejudice and Discrimination." Institute for Humane Education. N.p., 08 June 2017. Web. 03 July 2017. <https://humaneeducation.org/blog/2014/6-activities-exploring-prejudice-discrimination/>.

5. RELATED RESOURCES

There is a video with the author, Celeste Ng, that youtube.com describes as "Celeste Ng speaks at the First-Year Experience® 2016 Conference in Orlando, FL. She reflects on how her own childhood experiences inspired the major themes featured in her book." Do not miss this video about reflecting on cultural identity, racism, and family.

• Ng, Celeste. "Reflecting on Cultural Identity, Race, and Family | Author Celeste Ng." YouTube. YouTube, 16 May 2016. Web. 03 July 2017. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVuEL_0YGkE>.

This interview talks about how she created the story. Don't miss this in-depth interview with the author.

• Eikenburg, Jocelyn. ""Write What Terrifies You": An Interview with Celeste Ng." Hippo Reads. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 July 2017.

6. PUBLISHED REVIEW

This is a Kirkus Review over Everything I Never Told You. It was originally published on June 24, 2014. It was put online May 21, 2014. Find it here.

• "EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU by Celeste Ng." Kirkus Reviews. N.p., 21 May 2014. Web. 30 June 2017. <https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/celeste-ng/everything-i-never-told-you/>.

Looking for Alaska by John Greene

1. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

Green, John. Looking for Alaska. Farmington Hills, Mich: Large Print Press, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning, 2016. Print.


2. PLOT SUMMARY

Miles "Pudge" Halter, a teenage boy, enrolls in a boarding school to find the something more than he had found in his home state of Florida. At his new school, Miles meets an adventurous prankster named Alaska who changes his life forever.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Miles Halter is young teen that had not experienced much of the world. He had no ties to friends or school. Miles decides to follow in his father's footsteps and moves to Culiver Creek in the muggy heat of Alabama. Inspired by his high school experiences, John Green's first novel is an honest portrayal of the teenage experience. This book does not promote the typical tech obsessed teen. Miles is an intelligent student and values his education. His passion for learning famous last words lends Miles to reading a lot of biographies. Quickly into his journey into a new school, Miles meets Alaska. Eccentric, beautiful, moody, and fierce Alaska. She brings him into a new group of friends that are not afraid to break the rules. He is able to juggle this new world of studying while exploring smoking, drinking, pornography, and pranking. His desire to be near Alaska as more than a friend keeps him close to a girl can never have. Young adults will find much of themselves in the experiences of Miles, like first relationships, making new friends, schoolwork, and wanting someone you cannot have.
The book has a mood that is foreboding due to the countdown. The book is broken into two parts: the before and the after. Each chapter of the book is counting down to a life changing event. The audience is left to wonder if the wonderful times will continue or will it come to an end?
There are some mature scenes in the book that are described in detail. I feel like despite the mature content, the book is important for teens because it speaks to making mistakes with the consequences and how to the search for forgiveness.


4. CREATIVE ACTIVITY

The book is separated into two sections: the before and the after. The activity I believe should be split up the same way.

Before:
The first part of the book concentrates on adventure and learning new things. One of the things that is new to Miles is pranking people. The students will plan and design a prank toward someone. The rules of the prank will be strict: no violence, no destruction, and there need to be only smiles when it ends. The students can present their prank to the class in a visual representation of their ideas. The assignment can also be done in groups to collaborate and make the harmless prank even better.

After:
Miles has a love for anyone's last words said in this life. The second portion of the book is not fun and full of adventure as the first part. With this sorrowed mood in mind, what would the student's want their last words to be and why? What can they say that would sum up the bulk of their lives to those who live?
I enjoy posting my student's work in my class or in the hallway. I would give the student's time to design a small poster of their last words to share with all of my classes.


5. RELATED RESOURCES

Looking for Alaska has had controversy over the books material and relevant to young adults. This is a great article that fights for Free Speech. The article features the author, John Green, speaking about his book and about censorship. Find it here.

• Flood, Alison. "US battle over banning Looking for Alaska continues in Kentucky." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 28 Apr. 2016. Web. 26 June 2017. <https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/apr/28/battle-keep-looking-for-alaska-kentucky-school-curriculum-john-green-ya>.

This article explains why a county in Tennessee banned Looking for Alaska. John Green also has a video posted in the article with the powerful message, "I am not a pornographer." Find it here.

• Nazaryan, Alexander. "Tennessee county bans YA novel "Looking for Alaska" because of oral sex scene: This is not Steinbeck, school officials say." NY Daily News. N.p., 09 May 2012. Web. 26 June 2017. <http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/pageviews/tennessee-county-bans-ya-alaska-oral-sex-scene-not-steinbeck-school-officials-blog-entry-1.1638256>.

6. PUBLISHED REVIEW

This is a Kirkus Review over Looking for Alaska. It was originally published on March 5, 2005. It was put online June 24, 2010. Find it here.

• "LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green." Kirkus Reviews. N.p., 24 June 2010. Web. 26 June 2017. <https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/john-green/looking-for-alaska-2/>.

The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst

1. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

Durst, Sarah Beth. The Queen of Blood. New York, NY: Harper Voyager, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2017. Print.


2. PLOT SUMMARY

Daliena is born with a magical ability to control spirits. In a world where spirits have the desire to kill humans, the talent sets her apart from her family and village. She sets off for training at an academy for those gifted with affinity to spirits and does not know the adventure that is in store.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The main character, Daliena, is a strong female role model. She does not let any stones in her path to slow her down. She does not doubt her self worth. A young girl often struggles with their image and with their feeling of self worth. Daliena knows that she is not as talented as other students in the academy. Many people tell her that she might as well quit the program. Daliena's hard work and dedication never falter and shows the audience that hard  work pays off. The book connects to young adults when Daliena is thrust into a world she was not prepared for. The readers can sympathize with having a sudden responsibility that you are not ready or prepared for. Daniela has to make decisions that not only affect her family, but her entire country. Young adults are also making decisions that can affect their lives, like choosing a right college or trade school. The character ages through the book from a young child to an adult and can connect with readers of many ages.
Some of the troubles I had with the book was the time it took to introduce the new world. There are many rules in this fantasy universe and it takes the entire book to lay a foundation for the series to come.  The book on its own does not tell a complete story. This introduction has to be immediately followed by the sequel to find out what happens to Daniela. I am excited to keep reading, but do not start the book if you are not willing to continue with more books.
There are some adult situations mentioned briefly in the book. Durst does not describe the romantic moments, but does no hide that they happen either. Be aware of the maturity level of the reader before suggesting this novel to a teenager. The book was written as an adult novel, but the themes connect to young adult readers.


4. CREATIVE ACTIVITY

Maker Monday's are very popular with our public library. Many of the events are themed toward a piece of literature. The book is based on more adult themes and would fit best with high school students. The book concentrates on the spirits that control nature. Without the spirits, the water would not flow. The fire would not burn. The birds would not fly. Nature is a dynamic force in the book.
On a Maker event, we could highlight nature by making an art piece. The library is currently taking old electronics and turning them into art sculptures. We can take parts of nature to create the art for the teens. Using dirt, twigs, fire (if you're brave enough), and other elements of nature can be used to create natural colors on a piece of paper or canvas. You are only limited to your imagination on the possibilities of how to bring nature into art. Maybe even giving the teens a chance to collect their own materials would be exciting.



5. RELATED RESOURCES

Barnes and Noble interviewed Sarah Beth Durst about the creation of the final cover art for the novel. You generally do not think about what it takes to decide on a visual representation of your work. Despite what the saying says, we do judge books by the covers. Find it here.

• "Making of a Cover: The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst." The B&N Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog. N.p., 29 Apr. 2016. Web. 17 June 2017.

The School Library Journal has a great section on their site called Adult Books 4 Teens. Since The Queen of Blood is an adult fantasy that connects with teens, the list finds other great books to suggest after you have finished the two books released in the Queens of Renthis series currently.

• "Adult Books for Teens." School Library Journal. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2017.

6. PUBLISHED REVIEW

This is a Kirkus Review over The Queen of Blood. It was originally published on September 20, 2016. It was put online August 17, 2016. Find it here.

• "THE QUEEN OF BLOOD by Sarah Beth Durst." Kirkus Reviews. N.p., 17 Aug. 2016. Web. 17 June 2017.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

1. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. New York: Bradbury Press, 1987.


2. PLOT SUMMARY

After his parent's divorce, thirteen year old Brian is flying on a bush plane to see his father when the pilot suddenly has a heart attack and dies. Brian survives the plane crash. With only a hatchet at his side, Brian must learn to survive in the wilderness.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Although it is regarded a classic, I do not sense that the text is dated. The book feels modern because the action takes place in the wilderness, where time does not change its dangers.  The universal concern of being alone and weak makes this book timeless, because you can sympathize at any historic period. A strength of the book is the length because it is a quick read. It is suitable for young ages who are ready for adventure chapter books. The vocabulary is very simple and stays at an elementary grade level. The audio book was a little under four hours long. The book itself is an amazing piece of literature.  It is equally enthralling for adults to read as it is for children. The length is a weakness for older readers because you do not wish the story to end.
The main character is relatable to both boys and girls. The only thing you need to love, to enjoy this book is action and adventure.
Brian struggles with his parents' divorce in many stages. He blames his parents for his situation because if "the secret" had not happened Brian would not have been stranded in the first place. The novel connects with students on a social level who may also be dealing with the separation of a family unit. The students can connect with Brian on an emotional level by his complete isolation from his parents and society. Brian has to learn to be self sufficient and I believe that readers of all ages can connect with need to take care of yourself.
This book has a wonderful place in young adult literature because it's naturalism in character and plot transports the reader to the wilderness with only a hatchet and a need to survive.


4. CREATIVE ACTIVITY

A fun activity to engage readers is to have a team building exercise that highlights creativity. This lesson can be done different ways depending on what kind of supplies you have. The goal is for students to work in teams to build a strong shelter with only a few materials. What is so hard about that? The best part is the students will need to stay completely silent. Brian did not have a chance to communicate when he was stranded and he built a protective structure. Can your student's do the same?
This can be done with a variety of supplies. A popular choice is pretzels and marshmallows because there is a possibility of snack time. I have seen this used successfully by also adding paper to the small structures, but make sure to be very clear about not eating paper. ; )  If food is not the best option for you, there is nothing better than the classic: newspaper. Give the students newspaper and tape and let them use their imagination on a much larger scale. The activity not only helps build relationships, but also builds an understanding for the plight of Brian.


5. RELATED RESOURCES

National Geographic has a lot of intriguing videos on their youtube.com page. This video is a survival story on a different terrain: ice. If the story urges to look for something factual, then this video is for you: Alone on the Ice: The Best Survival Story You've Never Heard

• Roberts, David . "Alone on the Ice: The Best Survival Story You've Never Heard | Nat Geo Live." YouTube. National Geographic, 08 Apr. 2013. Web. 05 June 2017. <https://youtu.be/7lkS5psgo6Q>.

Continue down the rabbit hole that is known as the internet search with this interesting find. The article details ten children who survived against all odd. Read it here: 10 Kids Who Survived in the Wilderness

• Mom.me, K. Thor Jensen for. "10 Kids Who Survived in the Wilderness." Mom.me. N.p., 12 Feb. 2014. Web. 05 June 2017. <https://mom.me/lifestyle/11106-10-kids-who-survived-wilderness-themselves/>.

6. PUBLISHED REVIEW

Kirkus Review over Hatchet. It was originally published on August 15, 1987. It was put online October 18, 2011. Find it here.

• "HATCHET by Gary Paulsen." Kirkus Reviews. Bradbury, 15 Aug. 1987. Web. 05 June 2017. <https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/gary-paulsen/hatchet/>.

Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Tan, Shaun. Tales from Outer Suburbia. New York: Scholastic Press, 2008.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

From Shaun Tan's website: "Tales from Outer Suburbia is an anthology of fifteen very short illustrated stories. Each one is about a strange situation or event that occurs in an otherwise familiar suburban world; a visit from a nut-sized foreign exchange student, a sea creature on someone’s front lawn, a new room discovered in a family home, a sinister machine installed in a park, a wise buffalo that lives in a vacant lot. The real subject of each story is how ordinary people react to these incidents, and how their significance is discovered, ignored or simply misunderstood."


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

There is not one central character in the book. Each story has a unique and distinct character. The illustrations are dark. The creepy and strange artwork supports the text in aiding with the imagination of this surreal world. The pictures are humorous and otherworldly. The graphic novel is not what I expected. My impression of a graphic novel is an extremely long comic book. This book is more like a grown up picture book than a comic book. The text passages are not short paragraphs, but complete fantasy short stories that can span a few pages with pictures there to aid in the storytelling.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

 Ditmar Award for Best Artwork 2009

Matt Berman from Common Sense Media: "And now for something completely different -- again. With his previous book, The Arrival, author/illustrator created something new: a wordless graphic novel dense with visual metaphor."

David Fickling from The Guardian: "It's an extraordinary image, surprising yet inevitable, resonant with all sorts of metaphorical possibilities. And yet it's beautifully grounded in the rivalry of sibling hood, in which winning or losing an argument with your brother counts for more than discovering that the world really is flat after all. That kind of moment is what Shaun Tan excels at, and that's what makes this collection so charming, and so memorable."


5. CONNECTIONS

Other Books by Shaun Tan:
The Playground    ISBN 9783037644546
The Lost Thing     ISBN 978171632354
The Red Tree     ISBN 9780734401724
The Arrival     ISBN 9780439895293

Lesson Plans:The publisher, Scholastic Inc., has a great resource lesson plans. All of the plans located on this site are for 6th grade students and up. Find it here: Scholastic Plan

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stiefvater, Maggie. The Scorpio Races. New York: Scholastic Press, 2011.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

From Scholastic Press: "It happens every November — the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live; many die. At nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He’s a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen."


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is a magical and bloody ride. The two main characters begin to circle each others stories like water flowing down the drain. The island described is small, with the only strangers described are the tourists. Despite the size, Puck and Sean have not ever met or heard of each other. Both are enduring a dangerous training that is guaranteed to end in blood. As the days draws closer to the race, the pair also draw closer to each other. Each character is a mirror image of the other. Both Sean and Puck are smart and strong willed. The characters have a great love for the animals in their care. The text expertly describes the experience of riding a horse and the experience of training a horse for a race. The texts switch from Puck and Sean's point of view. I enjoyed that the romance aspects of the book were barely a side note in the greater adventure of the race. The book holds a strong stance of women's empowerment in male dominated sports, like equestrians. The book is set just before women's suffrage movement in America. The island of Thisby is close to "the main land" of England. There is an American character that comes to visit the island for the races that shows the financial differences between the tourists and the island locals.
The Scorpio Races was an exciting read that was difficult to put down. Once the book ended, I immediately looked for the next book. Sadly, Stiefvater has no current plans to write a sequel... but we can always hope. :)

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

New York Times Notable Children's Book 2011

Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year 2011

School Library Journal Best Books of the Year 2011

A Horn Book Fanfare Book 2011

A Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book 2011

ALA Notable Children's Books 2011

Michael L. Printz Honor Book 2012

Jennifer Hubert Swan from The New York Times: "Stiefvater not only steps out of the young adult fantasy box with The Scorpio Races but crushes it with pounding hooves... If The Scorpio Races sounds like nothing you've ever read, that's because it is."

From Publisher's Weekly: "A study of courage and loyalty tested... utterly compelling."

From Horn Book: "Stiefvater's novel, inspired by Manx, Irish, and Scottish legends of beautiful but deadly fairy horses that emerge from the sea each autumn, begins rivetingly and gets better and better... all the way, in fact, to best."

From Kirkus Reviews: "Masterful... like nothing else out there now."

From Booklist: "A book with cross-appeal to lovers of fantasy, horse stories, romance, and action-adventure, this seems to have a shot at being a YA blockbuster."

From School Library Journal: "Upon the sea-battered and wind-swept isle of Thisby, fall brings the famed and feared capaill uisce, or water horses, and with them, death... The author takes great liberties with the Celtic myth, but the result is marvelous."

Darienne Stewart from Common Sense Media: "Maggie Stiefvater serves up a terrific mix of action, magic, and romance that defies neat categorization into any one genre."


5. CONNECTIONS

Other Books by Maggie Stiefvater:
Shiver      ISBN 9781741697551
Linger     ISBN 9788184776188

Forever      ISBN 9788817058780

Sinner     ISBN 9781407145754

Lesson Plans:
The above link is also a great lesson plan from the publisher's. See it again here: Discussion Guide

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2008.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Nobody Owens is a normal boy, except that he has been raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is brutally murdered.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Neil Gaiman first caught my eye with his Sandman comic books.  It was not until researching this book that I realized that I was already a secret fan of his work. I have seen may of the movie adaptions of his work. I have always been attracted to the strange and creepy, but I do not like to be scared. The Graveyard Book is very humorous and smart. Although there are moments of suspense and adventure, it is not a horror novel. The fantasy leads the reader from the boy being found as a toddler to growing up to adulthood in a graveyard. The book is full of vibrant and lively characters... for the dead. The values and humor of the ghosts span across generations and centuries. As Edinger stated in her New York Times article in 2009, Gaiman writes with a sophistication without talking down to children. The ghosts all have a unique sense of humor and emanate history with every interaction with Nobody Owens. The morbid contents of the books are not depressing, but instead intriguing. I believe that both young audiences and old will feel a fascination for the inside down world of the graveyard within the world of the dead. I chose to listen to the book as it was orally read by the author, Neil Gaiman. I believe the mixture of a well written story told by a charismatic author made the story come to life even more. I know that the base of the story is a complete fabrication, but the dead seemed so alive to me. The troubles of this new kind of family kept me listening for more. Gaiman was able to bring the characters to life with different voices and accents.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

Cybils Awards for Fantasy and Science Fiction 2008

John Newbery Medal 2009

Hugo Award for Best Novel 2009

Locus Award for Best Young-Adult Book 2009

Carnegie Medal 2010

SFX Award for Best Novel 2010

Matt Berman from Common Sense Media: "It may seem odd to say it, but this is a lovely book. Suspenseful, yes, and a bit creepy, but lovely nonetheless."

Monica Edinger from The New York Times: "The story’s language and humor are sophisticated, but Gaiman respects his readers and trusts them to understand."


5. CONNECTIONS

Other Books by Neil Gaiman:
The Sandman     ISBN  9781840231649
Neverwhere     ISBN 9783641038649
American Gods     ISBN 9780061122910

Stardust     ISBN 9789756902509

Coraline     ISBN 9780439576888

Good Omens     ISBN 9781473214712
The Ocean at the End of the Lane     ISBN 9782846268035

Lesson Plans:

Novel Ties offers an in depth lesson plan for the novel. I love anything that gives me worksheets that are ready to print! Work smart, not harder! Find it here: Lesson Plan

Harper Collins, the publisher, has a YouTube.com page called "Harper Kids." They have all eight chapters of the book read by Neil Gaiman, the author. Gaiman has an amazing talent in oral story telling. A separate link can be found Harper Kids

The Game of Silence by Louise Erdrich

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Erdrich, Louise. The Game of Silence. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2005.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

The book is the second book to a planned nine-book series that highlights one year in the life of Omakayas, a young native girl. There are only four book released as of April 2017.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Omayakas is a nine year old girl in the Ojibwe tribe. The book takes place one year in the life of the girl. The story follows the big and small events that happens as the seasons change. The area around Lake Superior in the mid 19th century is explained as the tribe moves to different homes depending on the season. As Omayakas explains, their language is not written down and it is hard to define exactly what year it is. They describe time through memories and weather. For example, Omayakas is nine winters old. The white man or non-Indians, called chimookoman, have been around for three generations. There are over one hundred Ojibwe words throughout the book that are explained in a glossary, though most can be inferred from context. Many members of her family and tribe are described in length. A small problem is introduced in Summer that is not pressing to the characters, but is dooming for the readers who know Native American history. By the end of Spring, the tribe is being pushed out of their lands. There is a sense of foreboding while reading the novel knowing the tragedies that will eventually the Native Americans in our history.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

2006 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

Matt Berman from Common Sense Media: "Louise Erdrich writes in a flowing, seamless style, and liberally salts her story with Ojibwe words. An Ojibwe herself, she writes with the confidence and authority of an insider."

From Kirkus Review: "Eager readers beguiled by her sturdy and engaging person will scarcely notice that they have absorbed great draughts of Ojibwe culture, habits and language."


5. CONNECTIONS

Other Books by Jim Murphy:
The Birchbark House     ISBN: 9781504759229
Grandmother's Pigeon     ISBN: 9780786821372
The Range Eternal     ISBN: 9780786802203
The Porcupine Year    ISBN: 9780006393917
Chickadee     ISBN: 9780060577902
Makoons     ISBN: 9780060577933

Lesson Plans:
Chelsea Brolsma, Stephanie Kuzyk, Stephanie Lueck, and Brent Stinson created a lesson plan together. It is meant for middle school grades. Lesson Plan

The publisher offers a great Teacher's Guide for all of the books available in the series. Harper Collins Study Unit

Paperboy by Vince Vawter

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Vawter, Vince. Paperboy. New York: Delacorte Press, 2013.


2. PLOT SUMMARY

The story is of a young boy struggling with stuttering while having to converse with people on his paper route.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The voice of the book is a highly intelligent boy who struggles with speaking because of stuttering. The book is being written and told by the boy. He explains in the very beginning that he chooses not to use certain grammar symbols. The format of the novel is very unique because the boy does not like to use commas or quotation marks. Once the reader has become accustomed to the style and structure his words, you immediately become engrossed in the historical fiction as it unfolds like a memoir. The story is set in the late 1950's in segregated Memphis, Tennessee. The boy is called Little Man by Mam, the woman who is hired to care for him and clean the house. In the eyes of Little Man, there is no one more important than Mam. The boy struggles to even say his own name so the reader is left in the dark on what to call him, besides what Mam has lovingly nicknamed him. Little Man does not have an understanding for many rules of society during the time and loves Mam with no consideration of skin color. While helping his friend Rat, Little Man meets many interesting characters on his borrowed paper route. Each person is the catalyst for change before the month is over. The book acts like an explanation for the man that this boy will one day become. It was an amazing read that truly paints every corner of the boys life.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

2014 Newbery Honor Book

ABC New Voices Pick

Amazon Spotlight Pick of the Month

From Booklist: "The well-crafted characters, the hot Southern summer, and the coming-of-age events are reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird. But this has added dimension in the way it brilliantly gets readers inside the head of a boy who stutters."

From Publisher's Weekly: "[A] tense, memorable story."

From Kirkus Reviews: "Carefully crafted language, authenticity of setting and quirky characters that ring fully true all combine to make this a worthwhile read... An engaging and heartfelt presentation that never white watches the difficult time and situation as Little Man comes of age."

From School Library Journal: "Vawter portrays a protagonist so true to a disability that one cannot help but empathize with the difficult world of a stutterer. Yet, Victor's story has much broader appeal as the boy begins to mature and redefine his relationship with his parents, think about his aspirations for the future, and explore his budding spirituality."

Jane Fraser from the Stuttering Foundation of America: "Paperboy offers a penetrating look at both the mystery and the daily frustrations of stuttering. People of all ages will appreciate this positive and universal story as I did, but it will be particularly meaningful to anyone who has ever struggled with stuttering."


5. CONNECTIONS

Lesson Plans:
Bookrags offers a very comprehensive plans for teachers to modify for many grade levels. Find it here: Paperboy Lesson Plans

The author, Vince Vawter, gives a guide for teachers on his website. Find it here for FREE: Educator's Guide

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Giff, Patricia Reilly. Lily's Crossing. New York: Yearling, 1997.


2. PLOT SUMMARY

The book is about Lily, a young girl learning about friendship and the consequences of lying during a war torn summer.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Lily Mollahan never stops lying. She exaggerates every story to anyone that will hear. After meeting Albert, a Jewish immigrant escaping from the Nazis, Lily realizes that her lies could have dire consequences. Set in 1944, Lily and her grandmother have to struggle with Lily's father, Poppy, leaving to help the war efforts in Europe. Their summer is spent in turmoil because they does not know where Poppy is or if he will be okay. A slow friendship begins to blossom with the new, strange boy, Albert, in the beach town of Rockaway as the news of D-Day reaches the States. The town is very near the port where the grand ships leave for the fight in Europe. Readers can sympathize with the reason that Lily lies, but not the outcome. The historical fiction shows the value honesty in building friendships and in life.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

1998 Newbery Honor Book

S. K. List from Common Sense Media: "Giff slowly and persistently connects her readers to the heroine, and, as with friendships in real life, makes the friendship that is at the core of this novel heartfelt. Young readers will recognize this honesty at once and will take to this book with devotion."

From Publisher's Weekly: "...has all the ingredients that best reward readers."

From Kirkus Reviews: "Much of the plot, characters, and premise is conventional, but Giff really pulls readers' heartstrings with Albert's memories of his family, the loss of Margaret's well-liked brother in the war, and Lily's joyful reunion with Poppy."


5. CONNECTIONS

Other Books by Patricia Reilly Giff:
Pictures of Hollis Woods    ISBN: 9780439579315
Nory Ryan's Song     ISBN: 9780756913045
Maggie's Door     ISBN: 9780375890390
All the Way Home     ISBN: 9780756913755

Lesson Plans:
This PDF is everything amazing in just 33 pages. I feel like you could do an entire semester with this one file alone. I always appreciate worksheets that are ready to be printed it off. Immediately start here: Lily's Crossing: A Study Guide

Bright Hub Education supplies some interesting journal prompts and a short two day lesson. See it here: Lesson Plan

Blizzard! by Jim Murphy

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Murphy, Jim. Blizzard!. New York: Scholastic Inc, 2000.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

The book is about a terrible storm that hit north western America and lasted from March 10, 1888 to March 14, 1888. It is estimated that more than one thousand people died in the storm.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Murphy tells a chilling tale of the storm that changed America. The author's representation of the history is somber during the tales of death and destruction. The images that are used in the book are pulled directly from the newspapers and articles of the time period. Each picture is accompanied with a sidebar detailing the significance of the illustration or photograph. Readers will trek the journey as they discovers the triumphs and failures of the citizens in and around New York City. Sadly, many people were lost due to the fear of unemployment or a feeling of obligation. Murphy pulls his information from a variety of primary sources like biographies, diaries, and letters to keep an honest history. He is able to directly quote survivors of the time. To those who sadly passed in the storm, Murphy takes a little artistic license to give a voice to those who did have a chance to share their pain. These instances keep young readers interested in the narrative as well as acknowledge their passing.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

Robert F. Sibert Award Honor Book

ALA Notable Children's Book

ALA Best Book for Young Adults

From Publisher's Weekly: "With a confident and sometimes matter-of-fact tone, Murphy describes how all citizens from all walks of life in Manhattan, New Jersey and Connecticut were impacted by the devastating cold and snow. Accounts of survivors and victims provide a captivating blend of gravity, immediacy and drama. Murphy's well-rounded information about the various circumstances that worsened the effects of the storm make the tale both more fascinating and more tragic."

From Children's Literature:  "Murphy provides the personal touch with his accounts of individuals; some survived the storm and others did not. His clear and even-handed approach to describing the details makes this a page-turner. He never sensationalizes."


5. CONNECTIONS

Other Books by Jim Murphy:
The Great Fire   ISBN: 9780312423582
The Boys' War: Confederate and Union Soldiers Talk about the Civil War   ISBN: 9780590456043
The Long Road to Gettysburg  ISBN: 9780395559659
Across America on an Emigrant Train    ISBN: 9780395764831
A Young Patriot: The American Revolution as Experienced by One Boy   ISBN: 9780395605233

Lesson Plans:
Scholastic, who is also the publisher, offers a great lesson that correlates with the book. It is for middle school students. Find it here: Blizzard! Lesson Plan

Scholastic offers a great lesson plan for young elementary students to help introduce nonfiction or information books. Check it out: 5-Day Unit Plan for Introducing Nonfiction

Hitler Youth by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow. New York: Scholastic Inc., 2005.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

The book is about the young boys and girls who devoted their lives to the Hitler Youth organization. It is important to realize that the book is not about Hitler, but about the young generation that served him.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The image on the cover of the book of a young boy in uniform being held by a half seen Hitler says it all: This book is not about Hitler. If the image was not a clear indication, the introduction to the book is. The author wants you to understand that although Hitler is mentioned in the book, he is in no way the main subject. The book begins with a pictorial introduction to all of the youths that are highlighted in the book. Bartoletti bombards the readers with information with each paragraph, like the battle of Normandy. This onslaught of history is honest and sometimes brutal. Bartoletti paints such a vivid picture of the lives of the young ones who were brainwashed by their government. She does not sugar coat history for young children, but she also does not over indulge in the monstrosities of war either. She delicately explains the torture and destruction in a way for a child to understand without being horrified of the gore. The readers will find themselves engrossed with the lives of the children who find themselves in a dangerous world without freedom. There is not a page turn without a historical image with a curious sidebar to accompany it. Bartoletti expertly spans across two generations and a war. Readers will find themselves deeply moved by the book. The book concludes with many useful references. The epilogue gives a detailed history of all the survivors of the story. A timeline is given on one page, starting in the year 1926 and ending in 1945. The book completes with multiple pages of references chronicling photographs, quote sources (AMAZING!), and her bibliography.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

2006 John Newberry Medal Winner

2006 Sibert Medal Nominee

From Publisher's Weekly: "Bartoletti offers a unique and riveting perspective on WWII by focusing on the young people who followed Hitler from 1933-1945….Bartoletti's portrait of individuals within the Hitler Youth who failed to realize that they served “a mass murderer” is convincing, and while it does not excuse the atrocities, it certainly will allow readers to comprehend the circumstances that led to the formation of Hitler's youngest zealots."

From Booklist: The handsome book design, with stirring black-and-white historical photos on every double-page spread, will bring in readers and help spark deep discussion..."

From School Library Journal: "Hitler's plans for the future of Germany relied significantly on its young people, and this excellent history shows how he attempted to carry out his mission with the establishment of the Hitler Youth....Bartoletti lets many of the subjects' words, emotions, and deeds speak for themselves, bringing them together clearly to tell this story unlike anyone else has."

From Kirkus Reviews: "Case studies of actual participants root the work in specifics, and clear prose, thorough documentation and an attractive format with well-chosen archival photographs make this nonfiction writing at its best….Superb."

From Horn Book: "With clarity and apt quotation (scrupulously sourced), Bartoletti takes readers from the prewar beginnings of Hitler Youth, through its significant role in gaining Hitler the government, to its ultimate position as a feeder for the German war machine….The power of the account is matched by the many period candid and propaganda photographs, well-married to the text by strong captions and placement and an unobtrusive but period-evocative Art Deco page design."


5. CONNECTIONS

Other Books by Susan Campbell Bartoletti:
They Called Themselves the KKK: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group   ISBN: 9780544225824
Black Potatoes: The Story of the Great Irish Famine, 1845-1850    ISBN: 9780618002719
Kids on Strike!    ISBN: 9780618369232
Growing Up in Coal Country    ISBN: 9780395979143

Lesson Plans:
This lesson is more geared for older readers, but it seems like a very fun and visual lesson. See it here: Exploring Nazi Propaganda and the Hitler Youth Movement

The Family Romanov by Candace Fleming

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Fleming, Candice. The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia. New York: Schwartz and Wade Books, 2014.


2. PLOT SUMMARY

The book centers on Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, his family, and the revolt that lead to their demise in the beginning of the twentieth century. The family included Empress Alexandra, Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Marie, and Anastasia, and the only son, Tsarevich Alexei. Candace Fleming expertly brings us into the world of the royal family and the turmoil of the Russian people during the tragic fall of Imperial Russia.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

If your only experience with the Romanov family is from the movie Anastasia, Fleming's accurate portrayal of the demise of the royal family will prove that the movie was merely fiction compared to what really happened to the young Empress. Fleming's intense research into the history of Russia expands from early life of Tsar Nicholas II in 1864 to the end of World War II. To simply say that the book is only about the family would be a lie. Fleming has an amazing talent in keeping the reader interested in the historical tale by changing the narrative every few pages. The Russian people have a strong voice in the book as Fleming highlights the stories of peasants, workers, guards, nobleman, diplomats, and holy men. The tales of hardship for the Russian people strongly contrast with the families stories of playing in the garden. As time progresses, the reader is able to understand how the pieces fell into place in the puzzle of the tragic deaths of the Romanov family. Fleming uses the diary entries of everyone in the book to give an accurate voice and to help paint a picture that spans across all view points. The front cover especially shows the differences between royals and peasants, as one is jewels and the other in dirty rags. The pictures in the middle of the book entices young readers to find the truth as well as aid in remembering that the book is not a work of fiction by showing real people. The pictures in the back of the book show what happens after the textual history was completed. The end leaves you immediately wanting to research what has happened from the books release in 2014 until now.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

2015 Golden Kite Winner for Nonfiction

Andrea Beach from Common Sense Media: "This is an engaging, often-riveting, detailed look into the lives of the last royal family of Russia as well as the social and political upheaval in the empire at the turn of the 20th century."

From Goodreads: "Using captivating photos and compelling first person accounts, award-winning author Candace Fleming deftly maneuvers between the imperial family’s extravagant lives and the plight of Russia's poor masses, making this an utterly mesmerizing read as well as a perfect resource for meeting Common Core standards."

Abby McGanney Nolan from The Washington Post: "Elements of an overheated dystopian thriller — political repression, malevolent figures, a protracted war, endangered children — but no prospect of a triumphal ending."


5. CONNECTIONS

Other Books by Candace Fleming:

Young adult books
The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary  ISBN: 9780375836183
On the Day I Died: Stories from the Grave    ISBN: 9780375867811

Middle Grade
Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart   ISBN: 9780375945984
The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum   ISBN: 9780375841972
The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School   ISBN: 9780440422297
The Fabled Fifth Graders of Aesop Elementary School   ISBN: 9780375871870

Young Readers
Oh, No!   ISBN: 9780375842719
Clever Jack Takes the Cake   ISBN: 9780375849794
Imogene's Last Stand   ISBN: 9780385386548


Lesson Plans:
Discovery School, created by the Discovery Channel, has an in depth lesson plan about the Romanovs for high school students. It can be modified for younger grades, as well. Check it out here: The Russian Revolution: The Fate of the Romanovs

Joanne Aboud, Loredana Di Marco, Katie Loncar and Raymond Zeaiter are a group of third year BT/BA students at ACU Strathfield. They created an intricate lesson that includes worksheets, note templates, and a powerpoint. Find it here: The Rise and Decline of the Romanovs

The site, The Romanov Curse, offers a week long lesson plan. I am very jealous of her site layout. See it here: Cursed?

Dark Emperor by Joyce Sidman

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sidman, Joyce, and Rick Allen. Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night. New York: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2010.


2. PLOT SUMMARY

The twelve poems are about different nocturnal animals. Each poem has large illustrations and factual information to accompany the featured subject.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The lyrical poems are long rhyming couplets that create a sing song sound when reading the poems aloud. The words are made to be read aloud and enjoyed with the detailed illustrations. The artwork is dark with intricate line work. There are bold words found throughout the work. The definitions can be found in the glossary in the back of the book. The vocabulary allows that the book to pair well with cross curriculum lesson plans. The information about the nocturnal animals gives the reader's a greater understanding of the subject of the poems. The art work aids in the imagination of the words of the poems. I enjoyed how the illustrations were dark to show the night while containing curiously muted reds, oranges, and brown to show the life that can be found when the rest of the world is sleeping.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

2011 Newbery Honor from the American Library Association

Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Book

Horn Book Award Honor Book

From Common Sense Media: "Allen's striking linoleum cut prints work perfectly with the text as they somehow manage to be both scientific and magical."

From Publisher's Weekly: "In Sidman's delicious poems, darkness is the norm, and there's nothing to fear but the rising sun."


5. CONNECTIONS

Other Books by Joyce Sidman:
Eureka!: Poems about Inventors. Illustrator K. Bennett Chavez. ISBN 9780761316657
The World According to Dog: Poems and Teen Voices. Illustrator Doug Mindel. ISBN 9780618174973
Song of the Water Boatman: Pond Poems. Illustrator Beckie Prange. ISBN 9780618135479
Meow Ruff: A Story in Concrete Poetry. Illustrator Michelle Berg. ISBN 9780618448944
Red Sings From Treetops: A Year in Colors. Illustrator Pamela Zagarensky. ISBN 9780547014944
Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature. Illustrator Beth Krommes. ISBN 9780547315836

Lesson Plans:
Joyce Sidman offers resources for her books on her website. This PDF is a reader's guide that contains guiding questions, read aloud activities, writing prompts, and science activities. Find it here: Reader's Guide