What's it all about?

I originally created this blog in partial fulfillment of class requirements for my Children's and Young Adult Literature class. However, it was a lot of fun, and I think you'll enjoy reading some of my comments. The choices of books were class-related (one from Column A, another from Column B), and some weren't my cup of tea. But that's literature for you!

There's a formulaic approach to the posts which becomes apparent after reading about 2 of them. Future posts won't necessarily follow this style, and will mostly be books I choose because ... I like them. What a concept.

Module 10: Captain Underpants

Summary. In this "third epic novel" of the series, the title says it all: Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies from Outer Space (and the Subsequent Assault of the Equally Evil Lunchroom Zombie Nerds). This tale of action, adventure, and potty humor has an unlikely superhero (the principal, who yanks off his clothes and saves the world in his underwear and a polka-dot cape), aliens trying to take over the world by emulating the lunch ladies, kids turned into zombie nerds, the school cafeteria -- I shall say no more on this one, and innocent school children just trying to make it through the day without getting zapped. Add in the cartoon-style illustrations which George and Harold create to explain the zany transitions from one story element to another, and you have a recipe for Second Grade Boy Ecstasy.

Citation. Pilkey, Dav. Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies from Outer Space (and the Subsequent Assault of the Equally Evil Lunchroom Zombie Nerds). New York: Scholastic, 1999. Print.

My Impressions. Replete with "Tons-O-Fun" and "Flip-O-Rama," the dynamic duo of George and Harold are at it again. I was thankful for the brief recap of previous adventures provided in the "informative pamphlet" called Wedgie Wars that precedes the main story. How else would I know that the kids had hypnotized the principal and caused him to become the superhero of the story? In any case, this series has been the topic of controversy since its introduction in 1997. Criticism ranges from "anti-family content,” "sexually explicit," “insensitivity,” and “encouraging children to disobey authority,” to "Why do they have to talk about poop, wedgies and farts so much?" The popularity of the Captain Underpants franchise speaks for itself: Wikipedia estimates 27 million copies sold as of this year. Adults beware: potty humor sells. Underpants are funny. And kids would like to make adults in authority look silly. Let's not fight it, let's just get on with life.

Library Uses. This concept -- using CU in a library program -- gives the straight-laced library lady a sudden desire to run the other way. I have a vision of farting, burping, silly young boy pandemonium. So as a compromise, we could invite author Dav Pilkey to speak at the library and let HIM deal with the chaos. Or we could show the Flip-O-Rama guide and then quickly change directions and do a program on flip animation... I'm just not cut out for this one.

Reviews. (Booklist) Gr. 4-6. In their third "epic" adventure, George and Harold show just what you get when you expect fourth-graders "to sit still and pay attention for seven hours a day." An introductory cartoon strip, "Wedgie Wars," takes parody and bad spelling to new depths. Mr. Krupp, the principal, still turns into Captain Underpants at the snap of a finger--and gains new superpowers before the end of the book. And there are fart jokes, dead jokes, the "Toilet Paper of Justice," sly references to everything from Batman to the Wizard of Oz, and a "Flip-O-Rama" featuring "incredibly graphic violence" (not really). What can you say about a book in which space aliens are named Zorx, Klax, and Jennifer? Or about the incredibly tasteless cafeteria lady jokes? And what can you say about the next in the series, which will feature a character named Professor Poopypants? You know how many copies you'll need to buy. --GraceAnne A. DeCandid. Sep 15, 1999. 96:2, 261.

(Library Journal) Gr 3-6. Captain Underpants is back (and stronger than ever thanks to some "extra-strength super power juice"). Jerome Horwitz Elementary School is invaded by three "incredibly naughty cafeteria ladies" who are really hideously evil aliens in disguise. Their dastardly plan is to take over Earth by turning its inhabitants into giant zombie nerds starting with the children of Piqua, OH. Harold, George, and Captain Underpants once again save the day with quick thinking and Wedgie Power. Pilkey's hilarious black-and-white pencil cartoons complement the comic humor of the text. Added to the fun are the ever-present Flip-O-Rama pages and a zany Captain Underpants comic. Whether first-time readers of this series or avid fans, children will enjoy this outrageously funny adventure.-Krista Grosick, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH. Nov. 1999. 45:11, 163. Cahners Business Information.

Module 10: Amulet: the Stonekeeper

Summary. After their dad dies in a tragic car accident, Emily and her brother, Navin, move with their mom to their great-grandfather's ancient house. Neighbors claim the place is haunted, but Mom is determined that this will be their new home. As they struggle to clean up the mess, Emily wanders off and finds Grandpa Silas' library ... and then discovers a small and beautiful amulet. Soon afterward, strange creatures (which the reader has seen inhabiting the house) kidnap Mom. Emily and Navin, determined to save her, take instruction from the strange and powerful amulet as to what they must do. Thus begins their daring adventure into the unknown.

Citation. Kibuishi, Kazu. Amulet, Book One: The Stonekeeper. New York: Graphix/Scholastic, 2008. Print.

My Impressions. It looks like the kids are going to have to save the world, with the help of a talking stone, a rabbit-like creature named Miskit, and a lot of luck and daring. I'm not a fan of the graphic novel genre, but to me this one has all the classic comic book style hallmarks: lots of action (complete with "Zap!" and "Skree!"), monsters and other strange creatures, heroic protagonists with a life-or-death mission, and of course Good Versus Evil. There's a lot of unexplained background in this story that I suppose will be covered in upcoming installments of the series. Personally, I won't be going back to the series to find out what happens. Grades 4 and up.

Library Uses. I'd have the kids read the book ahead of our program, then choose from many puppets the library owns to create a puppet show for upper elementary age kids. They'd have to figure out how to stage the action, and how to fit everything on the (small) puppet stage, plus how to adapt the language and condense the story to accommodate a half-hour show format. I think they'd have fun!

Reviews. (Publisher Weekly) Almost too clever and poignant, Amulet is, on the surface, about navigating the murky waters of adolescence and, beneath that, an exploration of abandonment and survival. Emily and Navin are lost children, literally lost in a dark, new world and struggling to save their mother, who has been kidnapped by a drooling, tentacled beast. With stellar artwork, imaginative character design, moody color and consistent pacing, this first volume's weakness lies in its largely disjointed storytelling. There is the strong, young, heroine; cute, furry, sidekicks; scary monsters-all extraordinary components, but pieced together in a patchwork manner. There is little hope in his dark world as Kibuishi removes Emily and Navin's frame of safety. Their hopes rest in a magic amulet that seems to be working in the interest of the children-until it suddenly isn't. The most frightening element of Amulet is the sense of insecurity we feel for Emily, fighting her way through uncharted terrain with no guide and no support system. This first volume of Amulet isn't a disappointment, but it does feel like a warmup to the main event. If anything, it's a clear indication that Kibuishi has just begun skimming the surface of his own talent. (Jan.) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

(School Library Journal) Gr 4 Up. Hurrying to pick up her brother, Emily and her parents have a tragic accident, and her father dies. After this dark beginning, the story skips forward two years to when the remaining family members are forced to move to an ancestral house in a small town. Rumored to be haunted, it is unkempt and forbidding. The first night there, Emily's mother goes down to the basement to investigate a noise and doesn't return. The kids search for her and discover a doorway into another world, where their mother has been swallowed by a monster and is being taken away. An amulet that Emily found in the house tells her that together they can save her, but her brother isn't so sure that this voice can be trusted. Still, what other choice do they have in this strange place? Gorgeous illustrations with great color bring light to this gloomy tale. Filled with excitement, monsters, robots, and mysteries, this fantasy adventure will appeal to many readers, but it does have some truly nightmarish elements. Dawn Rutherford, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA. Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.

Module 9: Cool Salsa

Summary. This poetry anthology is subtitled: "Bilingual Poems on Growing up Latino in the United States." Poets cited have family connections to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. Taken as a whole, the collection tries to paint a broad picture of life in the Latino community. There are poems depicting school, home, hard times, party times, memories and the future. Many of the poems depict the difficulties of life with brown skin, of language barriers, of gangs that seek only violence, and of families that have various success with staying united in an unwelcoming society. Some are purely happy, excited, loving, and free, but the majority show angst and fear about what life is going to bring. The focus is on issues of importance to teens, such as romantic love, identity, and family.

Citation. Carlson, Lori M., ed. Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States. New York: Henry Holt, 1994. Print.

My Impressions. As a gringa, I feel Cool Salsa did a good job of helping me to see life through the eyes of someone whose ancestors', parents', or personal journey originated in a Spanish-speaking country. There is a heavy accent on what Oscar Hijuelos (author of the book's Introduction) calls "second classness" associated with being Latino, but perhaps this is warranted. Editor Lori Carlson has provided translations so each poem can be enjoyed in either Spanish or English; she did some of the translation work herself and used translations by the poem's author or other Latinos where available. There are poems here by the big names in Latino YA writing: Gary Soto, Pat Mora, and Sandra Cisneros, for example. Carlson also amply represents lesser-known and unknown poets. For the five poems that were originally written in both languages, the readers' aids in the back of the book include a glossary of Spanish words. I was unable to verify the reviews this collection has gotten from the Latino community, although it was on a list of recommended books by REFORMA, an ALA group.

Library Uses. I would love to see Latino teens in our city read two or three of these poems aloud and comment on the content of the poem and its relation to their lives. This could either be included in a multicultural "poetry slam" at the library, or just an opportunity for many teens to share their poetry regardless of ethnicity. Boise is a very white city, and we easily overlook the difficulties of minority groups, so I would favor the multicultural approach. If we were to focus particularly on Latino culture, we could have not only poetry, but music, food and traditional dancing: a real fiesta!

Awards. American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults; American Library Association Quick Picks for Young Adults; Americas Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, Commended, Poetry; NCSS-CBC Notable Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies; Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Blue Ribbon Award; Horn Book Magazine Fanfare List; School Library Journal Best Books of the Year.

Reviews. (School Library Journal) Gr 8-12-Whether discussing the immigrant's frustration at not being able to speak English, the violence suffered both within and outside of the ethnic community, the familiar adolescent desire to belong, or celebrating the simple joys of life, these fine poems are incisive and photographic in their depiction of a moment. Some of the poets are well-known, others are not, but all contribute to the whole. The Spanish translations capture the sense of the English so well that without the translator's byline one would be hard pressed to discern the original language. The same is true for those few poems translated from Spanish to English. This is a must for multicultural collections, and excellent enrichment material for literature courses.-Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA

(Publisher Weekly) As hot as jalapenos and as cool as jazz, this collection serves up "ingles con chile'' and Spanish that "you feel in the blood of your soul.'' Lyrical, traditional poems share space with street-smart free verse, and works by the likes of Sandra Cisneros and Gary Soto are juxtaposed with entries from lesser-knowns. Illustrating the "beat and pulse'' of generations of U.S. writers of Latin American heritage, the poems are presented both in the original and in translation; poems making use of both languages are easily accessible to English-only readers by virtue of an appended glossary of Spanish terms. In his introduction, Hijuelos ( The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love ) focuses on the "unrelenting, unending sense of second classness'' that his parents experienced as Cuban emigrants and explains how this "sense'' affected his uses of English and Spanish. The political agenda is not hidden, but the potency of the volume lies in Carlson's eclectic selection of voices--her volume approximates what one poet here calls "a Mixtec chant that touches la tierra and the heavens.'' Ages 12-up. (July)

Module 9: Being Dead

Summary. Seven short stories, each featuring a ghost or a haunting of some sort, about what "being dead" means to those who are dead and those left behind. The stories vary in length from 5 to 65 pages. In one, a teen is haunted by a young girl no one else can see. The surprising reason for the visitations is revealed at the end. Another tale is about a cruel husband whose dead wife invites him to dance ... forever. Some are told in first person, others are simply observed in third-person form. In the final story, the interaction is between a cancer-stricken teen who knows she is going to die and a boy who died in the historic home where she is a docent. The dark stories are more suspenseful than horror-driven, and keep the reader riveted to the page.

Citation. Vande Velde, Vivian. Being Dead. New York: Harcourt, 2001. Print.

My Impressions. I don't often read horror or ghost stories, so I have very little with which to compare Being Dead, but to me it was a fascinating collection of studies into the lives of those affected by death. Vande Velde includes a variety of perspectives, topics, story lengths, and tone (how dark or angry the characters seem). One is told from the perspective of a ghost, the others from the living. One of my favorite stories told of a teen's confusion when she is chosen as the victim of a haunting, why her waterbed houses a ghost, why her clothes and room are being ruined. She finally realizes why SHE was chosen and what she has to do. I would readily recommend this short story collection to students in grades 6 and up.

Library Uses. With a teen group, we could read one of the shortest stories aloud, and compare it to other ghost stories with which the students are familiar. I could also select a very short ghost video and use it for comparison. This program for teens might be particularly apropos at Halloween. Or, with permission, the longer stories could be translated into a Reader's Theater production with the students taking various roles.

Reviews. (School Library Journal) Gr 7 Up-Horror fans will love these seven deliciously creepy tales featuring ghosts, cemeteries, suicides, murders, and other death-related themes. Most of the selections deal with everyday teens in seemingly ordinary situations; readers will settle in, confident that they know what to expect, only to receive a spine-tingling jolt as they hit one of the collection's many gruesome twists and turns. The first story, "Drop by Drop," shows the author's macabre imagination at its best. Sixteen-year-old Brenda is understandably disgruntled when her parents whisk her away from her friends and her life in the city. Worse, their new house in a small town appears to be haunted. In one shivery scene, a disembodied hand touches her through her waterbed mattress, and Brenda spends the night on the couch. Clues turn up: a missing little girl, a foul smell from the woods, a dripping ghost. But just when it seems that Brenda will solve the mystery, the truth comes out-and most readers will be reeling with shock. In another story, a boy killed in Vietnam returns to haunt the father who forced him to enlist-or does he? In "October Chill," a terminally ill girl falls for the ghost of a teen from Colonial times. None of the stories are gory, but they are all quite dark. Recommend this title to teens who don't want happy-ever-after endings.-Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

(Booklist) Gr. 7-10. Seven stories, ranging in length from just a few pages to more than 60, comprise this collection, with a ghost in every one. In "Drop by Drop," sullen teen Brenda loathes the rural house her parents have moved to from Buffalo, but her sulking turns to fear when a wet and bloody child that no one else can see keeps turning up in the new house at the sound of a bicycle bell. Emily has a brain tumor that she knows will kill her, but she finds a queasy tenderness in eighteenth-century ghosts at the historical site where she works in "October Chill." Vietnam casts a ghost in "Shadow Brother" and a young newsie in October 1930 doesn't lose his insouciance even when he's dead. Vande Velde has a sure hand, and these spirits are destined to find their audience. --GraceAnne A. DeCandido, Sept. 2001

Module 8: The London Eye Mystery

Summary. Ted, Kat, and their mom are touring London for just one day before cousin Salim and Aunt Glo leave for New York. Why not do something fun and ride the famous tourist attraction, "The London Eye?" And then it happens. Salim rides the Eye alone: "He went up on his own at 11.32, 24 May, and was due to come down at 12.02 the same day." But he never comes down. Somehow, in half an hour, within the sealed capsule of the Eye, he vanishes. Ted, whose brain "has a different operating system than other people's," tries to make sense of it all. Ted is a budding meteorologist, has Aperger Syndrome, and becomes an amateur detective as he searches for cluse to his cousin's disappearance. Grades 5 and up.

Citation. Dowd, Siobhan. The London Eye Mystery. Oxford: David Fickling Books, 2007. Print.

My Impressions. London Eye has it all: great characters, missing persons desperately sought by loved ones, a fabulous setting, and best of all, the point of view we never expected: a teen dismissed by everyone tells the story. I learned a lot about what it might be like to have a disorder like Asperger Syndrome (AS) as I tried to outthink our amateur detective, Ted. How would I react when everyone tells me to just go away and let the grown ups figure it out? But the grownups, the 'normal people' can't figure it out at all. Ted uses his amazing powers of reasoning as well as his knowledge of meteorology to figure out what happened. The story has a resemblance to The Curious Case of the Dog in the Night-time, but that won't take anything away from this enjoyable tale.

Library Uses. This book could start a discussion with teens on varying abiities among people, especially people we live and work and go to school with. It could also lead to an activity where the teens are called on to solve a mystery in a short period of time.

Awards. Rotherham Children’s Book Award 2009, Bisto Irish Book of the Year Award 2008, Redhouse Children’s Book Award 2008, Southwark Schools Book Awards 2008, Doncaster Book Award 2008, TES Special Educational Needs Children’s Book Award 2007, Coventry Inspiration Book Award 2009, 2008 Cybils Young Adult Bloggers Award, 2008 Essex Book Awards, Salford Children’s Book Award 2009, Stockport Short Novel Award 2009, and many other notable mentions and starred reviews!

Reviews. (Publisher Weekly) A 12-year-old Londoner with something like Asperger's syndrome narrates this page-turner, which grabs readers from the beginning and doesn't let go. As Ted and his older sister Katrina watch, their visiting cousin Salim boards a "pod" for a ride on the London Eye, a towering tourist attraction with a 360-degree view of the city-but unlike his fellow passengers, Salim never comes down. He has vanished. At the outset Ted explains that he has cracked the case: "Having a funny brain that runs on a different operating system from other people's helped me to figure out what happened." The tension lies in the implicit challenge to solve the mystery ahead of Ted, who turns his intense observational powers on the known facts, transforming his unnamed disability into an investigative tool while the adults' emotions engulf them. Dowd ratchets up the stakes repeatedly: is a boy in the morgue Salim? Has he drowned? Been kidnapped? Katrina and Ted work together to solve the puzzle, developing new respect for each other. The author wryly locates the humor as Ted wrangles with his symptoms (learning to lie represents progress) but also allows Ted an ample measure of grace. Comparisons to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time are inevitable-this release was delayed when Mark Haddon's book (from the same publisher) became a bestseller-but Dowd makes clearer overtures to younger readers. Just as impressive as Dowd's recent debut, A Swift Pure Cry, and fresh cause to mourn her premature death this year. Ages 8-12. (Feb.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

(School Library Journal) Gr 5-8-Ted and Kat lose their cousin Salim at the London Eye sightseeing attraction, "the largest observation wheel ever built." Given a free ticket by a stranger, Salim enters the ride, but he never emerges. Guilty about their part in the bungled outing, the siblings trace scraps of information that illuminate the boy's disappearance. Ted, who is something of an enigma himself, narrates the story. He has a neurological cross wiring that results in an encyclopedic brain and a literal view of the world. He finds it hard to read motivations and emotions, but excels at clue tracing and deduction. Kat, his older sister, deplores his odd behaviors but relies on his analytic brain while she does the legwork. The result is a dense mystery tied together with fully fleshed out characters and a unique narrator. Good mysteries for kids are rare, and this offering does the genre proud. London Eye is the best sort, throwing out scads of clues for discerning readers to solve the mystery themselves. Add to that Ted's literal translation of our world, his distanced view of an alien landscape of human interactions, and the ways he gains a better understanding of that world through the course of the novel, and the story is even more noteworthy. Suggest this as a read-alike to fans of Blue Balliett's Chasing Vermeer (Scholastic, 2004) or Lauren Tarshis's Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree (Dial, 2007).- Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information

Module 8: The Not-So-Jolly Roger

Summary. "I looked over at Sam and Fred, swaying in the tops of the two coconut trees next to mine." As this tale opens, three boys are wondering where in the world they are this time. The combination of magic,The Book, and an unknown element are the key to unexpected adventures for Sam, Fred, and Joe. When the infamous pirate, Blackbeard, appears below them and buries treasure on the island of the coconut trees, the boys have no intention of calling attention to themselves, much less ending up on a pirate ship during a deadly battle. When these well-intended plans fail, the Time Warp Trio are off on a rollicking adventure on the high seas.

Citation. Scieszka, Jon. The Not-So-Jolly Roger. Illus. Lane Smith. Time Warp Trio series 2. New York: Puffin Books, 1991. Print.

My Impressions. A fast-paced story with historical overtones, Book 2 of the 'Time Warp Trio' series is a silly, entertaining adventure that kids will love. Author Jon Scieszka (pronounced SHES-ka and rhymes with "Fresca" according to www.teachingbooks.net/pronunciations.cgi) has created a tale that will have readers wanting more. And they won't be disappointed: not only are there over a dozen books to choose from in the original series, but there is a spinoff TV series (Discovery Kids Channel) and a second series based on the TV show.

Library Uses. After reading two to three chapters of this zany book aloud, we could think aloud about unusual times and places The Book might send the trio of elementary school heroes. This could lead into a lesson on history or storytelling. Another possible use would be to have the group participants read the book before the program, and create a cartoon-style synopsis with drawings of the boys and comic-book talk bubbles.

Reviews (Kirkus Reviews) A second "Time Warp Trio'' story, only slightly less clever than the first. The boys now find themselves on a desert island. Blackbeard comes to bury treasure--and his two helpers; he catches the boys and takes them to the pirate ship (Israel Hands is among those aboard). There's some suspense, more slapstick, and the singing of some fine chanteys before the boys are again saved by The Book. Smith's funny/wicked pirates make an excellent contribution. "Historical afterword'' on Blackbeard; another (tongue firmly in cheek) on the boys. Ages 8-12. May 01, 1991

(Amazon review) Much fun for little boys. My two sons (ages 6 and 8) and I had much fun reading this--they were already fans of pirate lore with pirate Legos and who love to dress up and play pirates in the braken. You'll love it too, and besides, boys need more literature with fun, fantasy, silliness, and adventure! Reviewed by "A Customer," 10/1999

Module 7: Actual Size

Summary. This large picture book provides insight into what it would be like to see many different creatures, large and small, up close and personal. From the pygmy shrew (2" long) and the pygmy mouse lemur (the smallest mammal at 2.5" long and weighing less than an ounce) to the Goliath frog (almost three feet long, and requiring a triple page spread) and the giant Australian Gippsland earthworm (also maxing out at around 3'), the biggest and the smallest are all here. Wording with each picture is clear, brief, and to the point. The colorful and detailed torn paper collage artwork makes this book great, and four pages of extensive notes on each creature round out the work. Ages 3 and up.

Citation. Jenkins, Steve. Actual Size. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2004. Print.

My impressions. I was very taken by the artwork in this picture book, but torn paper collage is a medium that really impresses me. I loved the concept as well, showing page-size portions (or, in several instances, multi-page portions) of large creatures, and juxtaposing those with tiny creatures for contrast. My favorite spread might be the Goliath frog. I have a hard time imagining a frog that is three feet from nose to toes when fully extended! But I also loved the roaring Siberian tiger for colorful, eye-popping artwork. I'd definitely recommend "Actual Size" to young animal lovers. It's not with a particular animal book in the 599's, but rather with the "Animals" works in 591.

Library Uses. A great book for preschool storytime! You don't even need to read the words to create the impressions. But reading some of his relevant facts would definitely enhance the learning experience. I'd use it with 3-5 year olds, or even early elementary. This would also be a great book to show for a collage program. I would show 6-8 of the pictures, and then let the students experiment with torn paper collage.

Reviews. (Booklist) Gr. 1-3. As in many of his previous bestiaries, including the Caldecott Honor Book What Can You Do with a Tail Like This? (2003), Jenkins' newest presents a parade of cut-paper animals, each accompanied by a pithy line of text. The difference here is the scale: everything appears at actual size. Jenkins' masterstroke, though, is his inclusion of creatures both great and small, so while petite critters fit comfortably within 12-by-20-inch spreads, larger ones appear as evocatively cropped bits and pieces: a gorilla's massive hand; a Siberian tiger's snarling mug; the unnerving, basketball-size eye of a giant squid. The resulting juxtapositions will leave children marveling at one species' daintiness, then shuddering as they mentally sketch in the unseen portions of more formidable beasts. Jenkins' artwork is gorgeous (a gatefold of a frog in midleap is particularly memorable), and, at the end of the book, thumbnail images of the featured animals paired with information about habitat and behavior put the piquant visuals into a broader context. An unusual, unusually effective tool for connecting children to nature's astonishing variety. --Jennifer Mattson Copyright 2004 Booklist

(School Library Journal) PreS-Gr 5-In striking torn-and-cut paper collages, Jenkins depicts 18 animals and insects-or a part of their body-in actual size. One illustration compares an atlas moth with a 12-inch wingspan to a dwarf goby fish, which is 1/3-inch long. The eye of a giant squid, at a foot across, occupies a spread to terrific effect; only the snout and tongue-curling its two-foot length across two pages and littered with termites-are visible in the picture of the giant anteater. The hand of a gorilla fills a page opposite the entire pygmy mouse lemur with its tiny human-fingertip-sized palm. The saltwater crocodile grows to 23 feet, so tremendous that its head occupies a three-page foldout. On the reverse side is the rat-eating Goliath frog, a staggering 36 inches long in full hop. One or two lines of text briefly introduce each animal and give specific measurements, e.g., the gorilla stands 5 1/2 feet tall and weighs 600 pounds, while the mouse lemur is 2 1/2 inches tall and weighs 1 ounce. The end matter offers full pictures of the creatures and more details about their habitats and habits. Mixing deceptive simplicity with absolute clarity, this beautiful book is an enticing way to introduce children to the glorious diversity of our natural world, or to illustrate to budding scientists the importance of comparison, measurement, observation, and record keeping. A thoroughly engaging read-aloud and a must-have for any collection.-Dona Ratterree, New York City Public Schools Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Module 7: Owen and Mzee

Summary. The first sentence reads, "This is the story of two great friends: a baby hippopotamus named Owen, and a 130-year old giant tortoise named Mzee." Sound crazy? Yes, but in a heart-warming way that many animal lovers will appreciate. A pod of hippos were in the path of a tsunami; all were killed, except one stranded baby hippo struggling to survive. Humans, many of whom had been devastated by the storm as well, worked tirelessly to save him; they named him after one of his rescuers, Owen Sobien. He was taken to an animal refuge where he met a giant Aldabra tortoise named Mzee. Mzee spent most of his time alone, and didn't like much of anyone, either animal or human, until he met Owen. The lonely, desperate little (600 lb.) Owen adopted this "mama-sized" tortoise and soon they were inseparable. The last sentence tells it all: "Our most important friends are sometimes those we least expected."

Citation. Hatkoff, Isabella and Craig, and Paula Kahumbu. Owen and Mzee: the true story of a remarkable friendship. Photography by Peter Greste. New York: Scholastic. 2006. Print.

My Impressions. I don't know what I like best about this book. The writing is clear and uplifting, it tells the story of these two creatures in faraway Africa without bogging down in detail or glossing over difficulties. The photography, by a BBC photojournalist, is stunning, and shows more than the words could tell. The story itself is unexpected, has many twists and turns, and has a happy ending. There is information about geography, biology, ecology, veterinary science, wildlife preservation ... the list goes on and on. All I can say is, "How did it take me this long to read this book?"

Awards. American Library Association Notables (2007); School Library Journal Starred Review (2006); Publishers Weekly Best Books (2006); Publishers Weekly Starred Review (2006); American Booksellers Association Book Sense Children's Picks (Summer 2006), Orbis Pictus recommended reads, and several state book awards.

Library Uses. I've seen this book performed as a puppet show for preschoolers, and it was great. As a discussion starter for elementary aged children, it could be read aloud before asking some questions about animals, friendship, kindness, or ecology. One could even show just one or two photos from the book and have young children make up a story about why the picture is that way (the hippo is going to eat the tortoise, they met in the jungle, whatever).

Reviews. (Publisher's Weekly) Remarkable" seems too tame a word for this memorable book about a friendship between two wild creatures. Its genesis lay in Greste's photo of a baby hippo snuggling with a giant tortoise, which appeared in newspapers the month after the cataclysmic 2004 tsunami. Craig Hatkoff and his then six-year-old daughter, moved by that image and by the accompanying article, decided to learn more about these animal companions-and to write their story. They do so succinctly and smoothly, ably aided by Kahumbu, manager of the Kenyan animal sanctuary, Haller Park, where the two creatures now live. Greste's crisp, closely focused photos will instantly endear the title characters to readers. When the tsunami struck Kenya, Owen was separated from his mother and the rest of their pod and became stranded on a coral reef. Several spreads chronicle the hippo's difficult rescue and transport to the sanctuary. Once set loose, he immediately scrambled toward Mzee (the Swahili term for "wise old man"), a 130-year-old Aldabra tortoise: "Owen crouched behind Mzee, the way baby hippos often hide behind their mothers for protection." The unadorned text allows the facts themselves to move readers, making clear how the improbable bond between the now inseparable mammal and reptile has helped resilient Owen recover from his traumatic ordeal. ("Most [wildlife experts] have never heard of a mammal... and a reptile... forming such a strong bond.") Priceless images document the pair swimming together or nuzzling, their rough skins complementing each other. In several of Greste's photos, the two creatures appear to have genuine smiles on their faces. Readers will have the same. Ages 4-8. (Feb.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

(School Library Journal) K-Gr 5-When the six-year-old contributor to this book saw the photograph documenting the extraordinary friendship between a baby hippo (Owen) and a 130-year-old giant tortoise (Mzee), she persuaded her father to help tell their story. Originally an e-book, the hardcover version begins with images of the duo, whetting readers' appetite and providing reassurance as the potentially disturbing plot unfolds. After a scene depicting a pod of hippos near the Sabuki River in Kenya, the text describes the 600-pound baby's displacement and separation from the group during the 2004 tsunami. Children witness the challenging rescue and meet the knowledgeable staff at an animal sanctuary. From Owen's first approach for protection to Mzee's unexpected tolerance, the photographs, mostly by BBC photojournalist Greste, capture the pair eating, swimming, snuggling, and playing together. Their contentment and peace are palpable. Because it is sensitively structured, with careful choices about what is emphasized and illustrated, the situation does not overwhelm readers. The text and the back matter are brimming with information about the animals, their caregivers, and the locale. This touching story of the power of a surprising friendship to mitigate the experience of loss is full of heart and hope. A worthy complement is Ann Morris and Heidi Larson's glimpse at a human family's loss and recovery in Tsunami: Helping Each Other (Millbrook, 2005).-Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Module 6: Goin' Someplace Special

Summary. Twelve year-old 'Tricia Ann finally made it: she's going alone to her favorite place. Mama Frances had worried and fussed about her granddaughter being out in the city all by herself, but finally gave permission. Now it's up to 'Tricia Ann to remember to sit behind the sign on the bus that says COLORED SECTION. Not to sit on the bench by the fountain because it's FOR WHITES ONLY. Jimmy Lee tells her "not to let those signs steal yo' happiness," but it's hard. At the Southland Hotel, while exchanging friendly words with Mr. Willis, 'Tricia Ann gets swept up in a crowd of excited fans and ends up in the grand lobby of the hotel. She's humiliated to be singled out and ordered to leave this place where only whites are allowed. Fortunately, an old woman helps her remember her mission, and before she knows it, she's there. Someplace Special. The Nashville Public Library, surmounted by the inscription: ALL ARE WELCOME.

Citation. McKissack, Patricia C. Goin' Someplace Special. Illus. Jerry Pinkney. New York: Atheneum, 2001. Print.

My Impressions. What a beautiful story. From cover to cover, we're rooting for 'Tricia Ann to make it to her favorite place. Someplace Special. She faces so many obstacles just heading downtown for a library book. Oh, the things we take for granted. My favorite quote comes from the slightly odd lady in the garden: "You are a somebody, a human being -- no better and no worse than anyone else in this world. Gettin' someplace special is not an easy route. But don't study on quittin', just keep walkin' straight ahead -- and you'll make it." I love Pinkney's 'Tricia Ann, the beautiful fountain she admires, the friendly people she meets. He captures the essence of what she sees on the trip. Together, he and Ms. McKissack paint a believable picture of Nashville, TN, in the 1950s. Her story, she recalls in the Author's Note. This was her world, and she tells the story well. I can't categorize this picture book for one age group; I could imagine reading this with preschoolers, school age kids, and even high school students.

Awards. Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, 2001.

Library Uses. This book would make an excellent discussion starter for talking about post WWII America, especially as related to Jim Crow in the south. It's also a jumping off point for the question: What is the role of the public library in a community? What makes it Someplace Special?

Reviews. (Booklist) Ages 5-8. Tricia Ann excitedly gets her grandmother's permission to go out by herself to "Someplace Special" --a place far enough away to take the bus and to have to walk a bit. But this isn't just any trip. Tricia's trip takes place in the segregated South of the 1950s. That means Tricia faces sitting at the back of the bus, not being allowed to sit on a whites-only park bench, and being escorted out of a hotel lobby. She almost gives up, but a local woman who some say is "addled," but whom Tricia Ann knows to be gentle and wise, shows her how to listen to the voice inside herself that allows her to go on. She arrives at her special destination--the public library, whose sign reads "All Are Welcome." Pinkney's watercolor paintings are lush and sprawling as they evoke southern city streets and sidewalks as well as Tricia Ann's inner glow. In an author's note, McKissack lays out the autobiographical roots of the story and what she faced as a child growing up in Nashville. This book carries a strong message of pride and self-confidence as well as a pointed history lesson. It is also a beautiful tribute to the libraries that were ahead of their time.--Denise Wilms. Booklist. 1 Aug. 2001: Research Library, ProQuest. Web. 12 Jul. 2010.

(School Library Journal) Gr 3-5-'Tricia Ann's first solo trip out of her neighborhood reveals the segregation of 1950s' Nashville and the pride a young African-American girl takes in her heritage and her sense of self-worth. In an eye-opening journey, McKissack takes the child through an experience based upon her own personal history and the multiple indignities of the period. She experiences a city bus ride and segregated parks, restaurants, hotels, and theaters and travels toward "Someplace Special." In the end, readers see that 'Tricia Ann's destination is the integrated public library, a haven for all in a historical era of courage and change. Dialogue illustrates her confidence and intelligence as she bravely searches for truth in a city of Jim Crow signs. Pinkney re-creates the city in detailed pencil-and-watercolor art angled over full-page spreads, highlighting the young girl with vibrant color in each illustration. A thought-provoking story for group sharing and independent readers.-Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.1 Sep. 2001: Research Library, ProQuest. Web. 12 Jul. 2010.

Module 6: Chains

Summary. The year is 1776, and Isabel and Ruth are young slaves in Rhode Island. Their freedom was promised when their mistress passed away, but a greedy heir ignored the promise and sold them. Now living in New York, the girls try as best they can to follow the rules. Ruth, age 5, is "simple," and afflicted with seizures, both of which annoy the all-powerful Madam Lockton. Isabel tries mightily to do the right things, but can never seem to please her owners. Will she help the rebel Americans, who promise to reward her loyalty? If her Loyalist owners ever found out, what would happen to her? And more importantly, what would happen to Ruth, whom she has sworn to protect?

Citation. Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2008. Print.

My Impressions. This is my first experience reading about the lives of slaves in the north, particularly as early as the American Revolution. Anderson does a great job of weaving in details about the history of New York during this tumultuous year with her moving tale. Isabel's life of abject imprisonment is the antithesis to what we might like to envision during this time of fighting for liberty for all. Will she involve herself in the politics that spin and crash around her, or will she care only for herself? I loved the quotations inserted at the beginning of each chapter from people as diverse as George Washington and Rev. D. George, a former slave. The books's characters are believable, although the evil characters are quite uniformly evil we accept that as their personality. I was disappointed that the ending was truncated to allow for the sequel, "Forge," due out later this year.

Library Uses. A book discussion could focus on any of various aspects of the novel. What is liberty, and what are the limits of liberty in our society today? Are people still enslaved in America today? What did you learn about the American Revolution? Anderson's notes at the conclusion of the book provide much discussion matter as well.

Reviews. (Booklist) *Starred Review* In the spring of 1776, Isabel, a teenage slave, and her sister, Ruth, are sold to ruthless, wealthy loyalists in Manhattan. While running errands, Isabel is approached by rebels, who promise her freedom (and help finding Ruth, who has been sent away) if she agrees to spy. Using the invisibility her slave status brings, Isabel lurks and listens as Master Lockton and his fellow Tories plot to crush the rebel uprisings, but the incendiary proof that she carries to the rebel camp doesn't bring the desired rewards. Like the central character in M. T. Anderson's Octavian Nothing duet, Isabel finds that both patriots and loyalists support slavery. The specifics of Isabel's daily drudgery may slow some readers, but the catalogue of chores communicates the brutal rhythms of unrelenting toil, helping readers to imagine vividly the realities of Isabel's life. The story's perspective creates effective contrasts. Overwhelmed with domestic concerns, Isabel and indeed all the women in the household learn about the war from their marginalized position: they listen at doors to rooms where they are excluded, and they collect gossip from the streets. Anderson explores elemental themes of power (She can do anything. I can do nothing, Isabel realizes about her sadistic owner), freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story. The extensive back matter includes a documented section that addresses many questions about history that readers will want to discuss.--Engberg, Gillian Copyright 2008 Booklist (November)

(School Library Journal) Gr 6-10-Set in New York City at the beginning of the American Revolution, Chains addresses the price of freedom both for a nation and for individuals. Isabel tells the story of her life as a slave. She was sold with her five-year-old sister to a cruel Loyalist family even though the girls were to be free upon the death of their former owner. She has hopes of finding a way to freedom and becomes a spy for the rebels, but soon realizes that it is difficult to trust anyone. She chooses to find someone to help her no matter which side he or she is on. With short chapters, each beginning with a historical quote, this fast-paced novel reveals the heartache and struggles of a country and slave fighting for freedom. The characters are well developed, and the situations are realistic. An author's note gives insight into issues surrounding the Revolutionary War and the fight for the nation's freedom even though 20 percent of its people were in chains. Well researched and affecting in its presentation, the story offers readers a fresh look at the conflict and struggle of a developing nation.-Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information (October)

Module 5: Ender's Game

Summary. Andrew Wiggins, known as Ender to all, is thrust into a position in history and society that he never desired. At age six, he is commissioned to Battle School and trained to lead Earth's armies against the wicked buggers. Twice Earth has almost been defeated by the buggers in enormous galactic battles, and the Third Invasion is imminent. Ender was bred to lead, but he is despised for his youth and inexperience, as well as for being a “third” – his society only allows families to raise more than two children under extraordinary circumstances. Ender must battle his way through life, confronting family, schoolmates, adults in charge of his training, even the few friends he makes. But will he be able to train fast enough to save his home planet, Earth?

Citation. Card, Orson Scott. Ender's Game. New York: Tor Books, 1985. Print.

My Impressions. This action-packed novel about the near-ending of Earth as we know it was a marvellous read. It is very difficult at times: we grow to like Ender, and the awful life he must lead in order to train quickly is almost unbearable. Commentary within the dialogue illuminates Card's messages about children, adults, those in power, the possibility of understanding one another, and the way we view our own planet. Very worthwhile.

Library Uses. Used as a springboard for a Teen Group book discussion, "Ender" could be analyzed in any number of ways. What do you think of the society in which he lives? Are parents and society's leaders justified in their decisions? Is this society abusive? What defines abuse?

Awards. Hugo Award 1986; Nebula Award 1985. Both awards are given for best fantasy/science fiction title in the preceding year.

Reviews. (Library Journal) A space-age Lord of the Flies thrill ride (sans the psychological couch trip), this follows six-year-old Ender Wiggin's odyssey from being the smartest, smallest boy in Battle School to savior of humankind. To prepare for an upcoming war with a devastatingly murderous insectoid race (the "formics," aka "buggers"), select earth children are trained on "the Battle Game." Aptest pupil ever Ender quickly rises to the top of Battle School, which has twice the nasty of any boarding school and all the charms of a snake pit (Battle School dude factors are endless). Many Card novels are spun outward from this tale, including the recent Ender in Exile. Dude factor: While these works can be enjoyed individually, they tend to enhance one another. For example, reading Ender's Shadow, which focuses on the fascinating and tragic character of Bean, is heightened by knowing all about Bean's hyperdevotion to (and competition with) Ender. The chronological details of various books remain in neat order, with some entries complementing others during simultaneous time frames and others serving as prequels or sequels. Also fascinating is the shift between the blunt action of Ender's Game and its two immediate sequels, Speaker for the Dead and Xenocide; these are completely different in style, yet similarly captivating on a philosophical plane.Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information. (taken from commentary on an audio version)

(School Library Journal) Gr 7 Up-This new young adult edition of the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning classic sci-fi novel by Orson Scott Card, winner of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for outstanding lifetime contribution to writing for teens, includes an original postscript by the author in which he discusses the origins of the novel. is all about leadership. The novel asks: What does it take to successfully lead men into battle? The buggers have invaded Earth twice. The last time mankind survived only because of the brilliance of Mazer Rackham, commander of the International Fleet. Years later, a third invasion is feared and a new commander is sought. Ender Wiggin is only six years old when he is plucked to succeed Rackham and sent to the space station Battle School. He is isolated, ridiculed, bullied, and persecuted-but he survives and thrives. Using his astonishing intelligence, the boy learns to be a top-notch solider and, despite his youth and small stature, is quickly promoted up the ranks. By the age of 12, Ender learns the art of command and earns the respect and fear of his fellow soldiers. Despite Ender's age, this is not a children's novel. Its profound themes (and mild profanity) call for intelligent teens who appreciate a complex novel.-Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow,OK. Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information

Module 5: Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians

Summary. Alcatraz Smedry has an important talent: breaking things. He dismisses this as a personal failing until the day his grandfather, Leavenworth Smedry, shows up. He's late, of course. Grandpa Smedry is always late. That's HIS valuable talent. He can show up late to his own death, for instance, which often comes in handy. Once they've gathered their team of warriors, including a 300-lb. Mokian named Sing Sing and 13 year-old Bastille, their knight, they set out on their quest. They must recover Alcatraz's birthday present, the Sands of Rashid, from the Evil Librarians who stole it. If they fail, the Librarians will be able to rule the entire world. Fortunately, there are some talking dinosaurs in the downtown library that ... oh, no, I'm not going to spoil it. If this sounds convoluted, it is. But zany, hilarious, tongue-in-cheek, and eminently enjoyable.

Citation. Sanderson, Brandon. Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians. NY: Scholastic, 2007. Print.

My Impressions. I love this book. Not everyone will appreciate Sanderson's brand of humor, but I do. It's a great spoof on the world of libraries, information, quests, technology ... you name it. You have to enjoy the language for it to be fun; I would recommend reading pages 1-2 to decide if it appeals. Sanderson inserts comments from Alcatraz spoken directly to the reader throughout; this, he claims, is just one more way that authors can torture their audiences. "The simple truth is that authors like making people squirm" (p. 166). Not your typical fantasy quest, to be sure, but one that will have appreciative readers begging for more. Ages 9 and up.

Library Uses. This tale could be the opener for a discussion of humor and uses of language. I'd love to see kids create a comic-strip version of a scene they like. It could also be part of a discussion on what librarians can and can't do, what information allows us to "know" or "understand," and whether dinosaurs really ARE extinct.

Reviews. (School Library Journal) Gr 5-8-The conventional trappings of the middle-school fantasy get turned upside down in this zany novel. Alcatraz is a 13-year-old boy with hidden powers, but his talent is "breaking things." The powerful object he must find is a bag of sand, he battles monsters made of paper, and his arch nemeses are evil librarians. It all sounds ludicrous, but there is actually some consistent logic that makes the adventures engaging, as well as silly. Seemingly random insertions, such as a bunch of very civilized dinosaurs that speak with English accents, later play key roles in the plot development. Alcatraz opens nearly every chapter by addressing readers directly, and frequently interrupts the narrative, a technique that adds to the enjoyable bizarreness. He reflects flippantly upon writing techniques, gives broad hints about what may happen next, and even tells outright lies about his own story. It takes a while to adjust to this intentionally chaotic narration, but it ultimately becomes quite effective. The details of this fantasy world, where librarians dominate "Hushlanders" by withholding information about many things, including the existence of three other continents, make just enough sense to frame the sometimes frantic plot. Though there's intentionally more humor than drama, Alcatraz becomes a more complex figure by the time his adventure is through as he discovers the value of friendship, courage, and family. Readers who prefer fantasy with plenty of humor should enjoy entering Alcatraz's strange but amusing world.-Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

(Publisher's Weekly) ...On his 13th birthday, Alcatraz Smedry receives an unusual "gift" in the form of a bag of sand said to be the inheritance of his long-dead parents. The boy soon discovers his very gnarled family tree-and the reason why he and his relatives are in a battle with the evil librarians of Hushland (aka the United States), who selectively dole out and distort information to keep Hushlanders in the dark about the "real" world. The quirky characters (many named after famous prisons), the bursts of derring-do and absurd twists make good fodder for a fast-paced outing. But these elements come embedded in a text that depends on a series of asides to lampoon writing styles and devices of better-known works. ... Those wanting a linear tale are out of luck, although the snarkier set, among them Lemony Snicket fans, may want to hang on for the ride. Ages 9-up. Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information (excerpted from review of audio version)

Module 4: Paper Towns

Summary. Quentin (Q.) and Margo Roth Spiegelman have been friends since they were two years old. When they were nine, they shared a traumatic event. Now they are high school seniors. It's almost the end of the last year before they go off to college and never see each other again. And then comes the night when Margo slips into Q's room and requires his presence for a night of vandalism and revenge. Quentin is dubious, then enthusiastic, then ecstatic. But the next morning at school -- Margo is gone. Where is she? Quentin begins a journey of enquiry into her life, her aspirations, trying to imagine where she has gone. The journey takes him into Walt Whitman's poetry, abandoned buildings, strange missing towns, and the big questions of life.

Citation. Green, John. Paper Towns. New York: Dutton. 2008.

My Impressions. Green's writing style is, as usual, fully of snappy dialogue and clever situations. His characters are generally likeable, the humor is well-written. The probing questions Quentin asks and ponders are worth consideration. However, I must say that Green's morals and worldview bother me personally. Teens are generally unsupervised by adults. Adults are impotent and disconnected overall. Teens frequently defy authority with very little in terms of consequences, either personal or legal. His tales often end in a way that doesn't give the reader much hope that anything will get better within the difficult situations that have been addressed. Definitely realistic, but perhaps too much so for my taste.

Library Uses. I would see this book as something that a group could discuss, dissect, and work with over an extended set of sessions (perhaps 3-4 sessions of an hour or so).

Awards. 2009 Edgar Award for best Young Adult novel

Reviews.*Booklist Starred Review* Quentin or Q. as everyone calls him has known his neighbor, the fabulous Margo Roth Spiegelman, since they were two. Or has he? Q. can't help but wonder, when, a month before high-school graduation, she vanishes. At first he worries that she might have committed suicide, but then he begins discovering clues that seem to have been left for him, which might reveal Margo's whereabouts. Yet the more he and his pals learn, the more Q. realizes he doesn't know and the more he comes to understand that the real mystery is not Margo's fate but Margo herself enigmatic, mysterious, and so very alluring. Yes, there are echoes of Green's award-winning Looking for Alaska (2006): a lovely, eccentric girl; a mystery that begs to be solved by clever, quirky teens; and telling quotations (from The Leaves of Grass, this time) beautifully integrated into the plot. Yet, if anything, the thematic stakes are higher here, as Green ponders the interconnectedness of imagination and perception, of mirrors and windows, of illusion and reality. That he brings it off is testimony to the fact that he is not only clever and wonderfully witty but also deeply thoughtful and insightful. In addition, he's a superb stylist, with a voice perfectly matched to his amusing, illuminating material.--Cart, Michael Copyright 2008 Booklist

(School Library Journal) Gr 9 Up-Quentin Jacobsen, 17, has been in love with his next-door neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman, for his entire life. A leader at their Central Florida high school, she has carefully cultivated her badass image. Quentin is one of the smart kids. His parents are therapists and he is, above all things, "goddamned well adjusted." He takes a rare risk when Margo appears at his window in the middle of the night. They drive around righting wrongs via her brilliant, elaborate pranks. Then she runs away (again). He slowly uncovers the depth of her unhappiness and the vast differences between the real and imagined Margo. Florida's heat and homogeneity as depicted here are vivid and awful. Green's prose is astounding-from hilarious, hyperintellectual trash talk and shtick, to complex philosophizing, to devastating observation and truths. He nails it-exactly how a thing feels, looks, affects-page after page. The mystery of Margo-her disappearance and her personhood-is fascinating, cleverly constructed, and profoundly moving. Green builds tension through both the twists of the active plot and the gravitas of the subject. He skirts the stock coming-of-age character arc-Quentin's eventual bravery is not the revelation. Instead, the teen thinks deeper and harder-about the beautiful and terrifying ways we can and cannot know those we love. Less-sophisticated readers may get lost in Quentin's copious transcendental ruminations-give Paper Towns to your sharpest teens.-Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Module 4: Because of Winn-Dixie

Summary. India is her given name. Opal is what her father calls her. She thinks of him as “the preacher” rather than “Dad;” he pastors a church in town. Her mother left them when Opal was small, so she and her father try to make sense of the world as a twosome. New to town and knowing no one, Opal is lonely and wonders how to meet people. Then she finds a shaggy stray wandering the aisles of the grocery store. On an impulse, she takes the mutt home and dubbs him “Winn-Dixie,” in honor of the place of their meeting. Over time, Winn-Dixie becomes more than just a pet to Opal. He is her entree into the town. Winn-Dixie wins the hearts of both old and young, and gives Opal hope for her future.

Citation. DiCamillo, Kate. Because of Winn-Dixie. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 2000. Print.

My Impressions. Opal's feelings of isolation and loneliness will resonate with anyone who's moved to a new town, started a new school, or lost a parent to death or divorce. Her improvised solution to that problem, taking in a stray mutt, is not something she planned out but rather just something that happened along. As it turns out, Opal discovers a wealth of friends in the oddballs of the town that she'd overlooked or dismissed. And all this because Winn-Dixie loves everyone and gets into all sorts of predicaments. Grades 4-6.

Library uses. "Winn-Dixie" would be a great book for a book discussion group, due to its friendly outlook, appealing characters, and almost universal theme of wanting to fit in. It could also be used by counselors in a school setting who are brainstorming with kids who feel isolated as to what they can do to improve their situation.

Awards. 2001 Newbery Honor award, Josette Frank Award from the Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College of Education.

Reviews. (Booklist) Like Kimberly Willis Holt's When Zachary Beaver Came to Town (1999), this novel joins the long tradition of fiction exploring a small southern town's eccentric characters. It's summer, and 10-year-old India Opal Buloni moves with her preacher father to tiny Naomi, Florida. She's lonely at first, but Winn-Dixie, the stray dog of the title, helps her befriend a group of lovable, quirky locals, eventually bringing her closer to her father and the truth about her mother, who left the family when India was 3. Told in India's sensitive, believable voice, the story is most successful in detailing the appealing cast of characters, including Otis, an ex-convict, musician, and pet store manager; Miss Franny, a Willie Wonkaesque librarian whose "Litmus Lozenges" candies taste like sorrow; and nearly blind Gloria Dump, whose tree hung with empty liquor bottles reminds her of "the ghosts of all the things I done wrong." While some of the dialogue and the book's "life lessons" can feel heavy-handed, readers will connect with India's love for her pet and her open-minded, free-spirited efforts to make friends and build a community. --Gillian Engberg. Booklist, May 2000,96.17:1665.

(School Library Journal) India Opal Buloni, 10, finds a big, ugly, funny dog in the produce department of a Winn-Dixie grocery store. She names him accordingly and takes him home to meet her father, a preacher. Her daddy has always told her to help those less fortunate, and surely Winn-Dixie is in need of a friend. Opal needs one, too. Since moving to Naomi, FL, she has been lonely and has been missing her mother more than usual. When she asks her father to tell her 10 things about her mother, who left the family when Opal was three, she learns that they both have red hair, freckles, and swift running ability. And, like her mother, Opal likes stories. She collects tales to tell her mother, hoping that she'll have a chance to share them with her one day. These stories are lovingly offered one after another as rare and polished gems and are sure to touch readers' hearts. They are told in the voice of this likable Southern girl as she relates her day-to-day adventures in her new town with her beloved dog. Do libraries need another girl-and-her-dog story? Absolutely, if the protagonist is as spirited and endearing as Opal and the dog as lovable and charming as Winn-Dixie. This well-crafted, realistic, and heartwarming story will be read and reread as a new favorite deserving a long-term place on library shelves.-Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.School Library Journal, 46.6:143.

Module 3: Trumpeter of Krakow

Summary. It is midsummer of the year 1461, and Krakow is a center of culture in eastern Europe. The trumpeter at the Church of Our Lady Mary is a timekeeper and watchman over this important commerce center. Two hundred years prior, a trumpeter had kept his oath to play the “Heynal,” the hymn used to mark the hours throughout the day and night, during an attack by marauding Tartars. He paid for this loyalty with his life. Now Joseph Charnetski and his parents arrive in Krakow after their home was destroyed by a band of Cossack robbers. Joseph is taught to play the “Heynal” by his father, the new trumpeter of Krakow. As the family tries to escape detection and deliver their precious cargo in the city, Kelly is able to describe the life of medieval folk in all their joys and miseries.

Citation. Kelly, Eric P. The Trumpeter of Krakow. New York: Aladdin. 1928. Print.

My Impressions. This work of historical fiction is valuable for those wanting to learn about life in the middle ages. I think many kinds of readers would find this book appealing. For those who like adventure, there are battles and power struggles, Cossacks, alchemists, and good-versus-evil. For those who gravitate to well-developed characters, I was impressed how nimbly Kelly defines many of the characters. Not just the male characters, as often happens in adventure offerings, but females too. Not just the children but the adults as well. There are good and bad aspects to each of the main characters' motivations, which makes them very believable. Overall, a good read. Grades 5 and up.

Library Uses. Whether in a study of the middle ages, of Eastern European customs, or just as an example of a Newbery winning book, I think this tale could be a good assignment with crossover connections in a school setting for either history or English.

Awards. Newbery Award winner 1929.

Reviews. Reviews for this older book were difficult to find, so they are from "unusual" sources. (weRead.com) by Julie (weRead user; published 2009-02-07.) This book was the 1929 Newbery Medal winner. Set in 1461 the story begins as a father tells his son the story of the trumpeter of Krakow. The latter died at the hands of the Tartars while playing his piece from a church tower. This proves to be the inspiration for the young boy as he and his father are pursued by a ruthless mercenary. Some of the descriptive writing was very enjoyable at first and the telling of the original legend promised much. However my interest then waned and despite some interesting descriptions of a number of cultural aspects along with the story surrounding the Crystal that the boy and his father were guarding this was not a Newbery winner I would wholeheartedly recommend.

(http://www.librarything.com/work/34652) This was a well realized historical story of medieval Krakow. I enjoyed the legend/history of the trumpeter role of watchman and herald and found the story of the Tarnov Crystal interesting as well. Other points of interest included descriptions of the what the city was like during those time, cultural issues such as threat of fire, medieval witchcraft and the state of science. tjsjohanna (Jan 1, 2009)

Module 3: Crispin, Cross of Lead

Summary. Crispin is the more formal name of Asta's son, a fatherless nobody raised in a tiny village in medieval England. Until his mother dies, he lives the formulaic life of all the serfs in his village, working on the land to raise crops for the Lord Furnival. Everything changes when Asta dies and leaves her son alone. As he journeys far from his village to seek safety, he meets Bear, an itinerant performer who takes him as an unwilling apprentice. Soon Crispin discovers this relationship will mean the difference between life and death: will he be able to keep the relationship intact?

Citation. Avi. Crispin, Cross of Lead. New York:Hyperion, 2004. Print.

My Impressions. A Newbery Award winner, this tale is an excellent read with a good mix of historical overtones and action. The characters are, to me, the high point of the book. As a reader, I really wanted to know who Crispin was, and what his mother died for. It's obvious from early on that he is destined for great things, but circumstances are all against his success. I hadn't read much by Avi before reading "Crispin," but now I'll make sure to read more. Grades 6 and up.

Library Uses. This would make an excellent addition to a middle school unit on medieval history, as a discussion starter about class and status in that society. I could also see it as a book discussion topic, looking at the changing roles of children from medieval times to the present.

Awards. 2005 Newbery Award winner, 2005 PNLA Young Reader's Choice award nominee, Rhode Island Children's Book award nominee, Nene Award nominee.

Reviews. (Publisher Weekly) Set in 14th-century England, Avi's (The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle) 50th book begins with a funeral, that of a village outcast whose past is shrouded in mystery and whose adolescent son is known only as "Asta's son." Mired in grief for his mother, the boy learns his given name, Crispin, from the village priest, although his presumably dead father's identity remains obscure. The words etched on his mother's treasured lead cross may provide some clue, but the priest is murdered before he can tell the illiterate lad what they say. Worse, Crispin is fingered for the murder by the manor steward, who declares him a "wolf's head" wanted dead or alive, preferably dead. Crispin flees, and falls in with a traveling juggler. "I have no name," Crispin tells Bear, whose rough manners and appearance mask a tender heart. "No home, no kin, no place in this world." How the boy learns his true identity (he's the bastard son of the lord of the manor) and finds his place in the world makes for a rattling fine yarn. Avi's plot is engineered for maximum thrills, with twists, turns and treachery aplenty, but it's the compellingly drawn relationship between Crispin and Bear that provides the heart of this story. A page turner to delight Avi's fans, it will leave readers hoping for a sequel. Ages 8-12. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

(School Library Journal) Gr 6-9-As with Karen Cushman's The Midwife's Apprentice (Clarion, 1995), the power of a name is apparent in this novel set in 14th-century England. "Asta's son" is all the destitute, illiterate hero has ever been called, but after his mother dies, he learns that his given name is Crispin, and that he is in mortal danger. The local priest is murdered before he can tell him more about his background, and Aycliffe, the evil village steward for Lord Furnival, declares that the boy is a "wolf's head," less than human, and that he should be killed on sight. On the run, with nothing to sustain him but his faith in God, Crispin meets "Bear," a roving entertainer who has ties to an underground movement to improve living conditions for the common people. They make their way to Great Wexley, where Bear has clandestine meetings and Crispin hopes to escape from Aycliffe and his soldiers, who stalk him at every turn. Suspense heightens when the boy learns that the recently deceased Lord Furnival was his father and that Aycliffe is dead set on preventing him from claiming his title. To trap his prey, the villain captures Bear, and Crispin risks his life to save him. Avi has done an excellent job of integrating background and historical information, of pacing the plot so that the book is a page-turner from beginning to end, and of creating characters for whom readers will have great empathy. The result is a meticulously crafted story, full of adventure, mystery, and action.-Cheri Estes, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.