We've Got a Job to Do

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Levinson, Cynthia. 2012. We've Got a Job to Do: The 1963 Birmingham Children's March. Atlanta: Peachtree. ISBN 978-1-56145-627-6

2. PLOT SUMMARY

    

We've Got a Job to Do: The 1963 Birmingham Children's March by Cynthia Levinson is the true story of the 1963 childrens march on Birmingham.  Included within the text are stunning photographs which help to tell the story.  The book includes chapters on important players in the march, before and after effects of the march and the march itself.
 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

 

 We've Got a Job to Do: The 1963 Birmingham Children's March is incredibly well researched and written.  This is especially true considering the explosive nature of the content.  The civil rights era is still a hotbed topic for many Americans.  Cynthia Levinson manages to convey the events on the march and the feelings of the children and adults involved without being preachy or finger pointing.  The facts are clearly laid out and historical photographs are incorporated in a way that enhances the work and information. 

The selected participants give a human face to what is often overlooked or incorporated as one giant civil rights movement.  Often we forget that a movement has individuals with names and faces and stories. 

We've Got a Job to Do: The 1963 Birmingham Children's March  is not only the story of Birmingham, but also the story of many towns in the south.  However, the events of the first week of May 1963 are clearly detailed and the events of that week would help shape and change a nation.
 

4. AWARDS and INFORMATION

• -Starred review from Booklist
• YALSA award for excellent in nonfiction finalist 2013
• Starred review from Publishers Weekly
• Publishers Weekly best books of 2012
• Starred review from Kirkus

Accompanying website:  http://www.wevegotajob.com/index.html

Yum!

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Mora, Pat. (2007). Yum! MmMm! Que'Rico! New York: Lee & Low Books. Ills. by Rafael Lopez. ISBN 978-1-58430-271-1
B. PLOT SUMMARY
A collection of 14 haiku on native foods of the Americas.
 C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Pat Mora manages to combine many elements in this book of 14 haiku.  Each two page layout is comprised of one haiku about a specific food native to the Americas as well as a brief history of the food.  Further, she combines Spanish and English within the 17 syllables of several of the poems in a way that brings the native origin to the forefront.

Adding to the whimsical feel of each poem is a brilliantly colored two page spread created by Rafael Lopez which perfectly accompanies both the selected food item.  The bright colors and pictures created in the style of traditional Mexican murals enchant readers of all ages.

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS

"This inventive stew of food haiku celebrates the indigenous foods of the Americas." --Booklist

"Mora's descriptive poetry features wonderful word choices and gets it right to the essence of each food...Perfect for sharing as part of the curriculum or just for fun." --Book Links

"Teachers will find this a welcome addition to their social-studies units, but it should also win a broad general audience for its inventive, fun-filled approach to an ever-popular topic: food." --School Library Journal

"In this cross-curricular treat, imaginative...acrylic illustrations...are paired with playful haiku's and a paragraph of information to introduce 14 foods indigenous to the Americas..." --SLJ Curriculum Connections

 

Amérias Award for Children’s Literature, 2008, Consortium of Latin American Programs

Texas Bluebonnet Award (TBA) Master List, 2008-2009

ALA Notable, 2008

Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books, 2008

Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year, 2008

Lasting Connections, Book Links, 2007

Great Lakes Great Books Award master list, 2008/2009

E. CONNECTIONS

Children can investigate the work of Pat Mora and Rafael Lopez at their websites:
http://www.patmora.com/book_pages/yum.htm
http://www.rafaellopez.com/#/editorial/

Health Connections:
Serve foods created from the native foods highlighted within the poetry of the book.

Math Connections:
Schedule a trip to the grocery store.  How much would it cost to buy one of each of the 14 foods in the book?

Art Connection:
Have students create a collage of their favorite foods.

English Connection:
Have students write their own haiku.

We Are The Ship

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nelson, Kadir. 2008. We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. Ill. Kadir Nelson. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 978-078680832-8

2. PLOT SUMMARY
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball is a wonderful telling of a historic event in both African American and American history.  Kadir Nelson's text and illustrations provide a historical and emotional journey for the reader through the magic of Negro League Baseball.  This often overlooked league was pivotal in the furthering of Baseball as the nation's pasttime.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball is written in the voice of an unnamed baseball player narrator giving the nonfiction text the element of having a conversation with an old timer of the league.  This narrative style allows the reader to assimilate knowledge in a non threatening environment on a personal level.  The book is divided into innings instead of chapters further pulling in the reader into a mythical game of baseball history. 

Each two page spread contains at least one magnificent oil painting and one full page of text.  Each oil painting depicts Negro League giants who were pivitoal in the development of the game.  Intermittent two page illustrations are placed throughout the work lending power to the work without the interruption of words.  Kadir Nelson's text is magnified by the strength of the illustrations.  Even if the reader does not love the game of baseball, he or she will be able to connect through the power of Nelson's paintings. 


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(s)
Coretta Scott King Book Award
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award
The Robert F. Sibert Medal

L.A. Times Book Review- "ostensibly, a children's book. But author-illustrator Kadir Nelson's text is so engrossing -- and his oil paintings so evocative -- that the rubric is inadequate. Nelson's soulful work about this long-neglected brand of our national pastime deserves -- nay, demands -- an all-ages audience."

Horn Book starred review-"His grand slam, though, is the art: Nelson’s oil paintings have a steely dignity, and his from-the-ground perspectives make the players look larger than life"

Library media connection starred review- "One need not be a baseball fan to enjoy this book, because it's more than a sports story. It's a story of real people enduring more than many of us can imagine, playing a game they love."

Kirkus starred review- "Along with being absolutely riveted by the art, readers will come away with a good picture of the Negro Leaguers' distinctive style of play, as well as an idea of how their excellence challenged the racial attitudes of both their sport and their times."

School Library Journal starred review-"It is an engaging tribute that should resonate with a wide audience and delight baseball fans of all ages"

Booklist starred review - "And while this large, square book (just a shade smaller than a regulation-size base) succeeds as coffee-table art, it soars as a tribute to the individuals"

5.  CONNECTIONS

http://www.kadirnelson.com/

http://www.wearetheship.com/

www.baseballhallorg



This is a wonderful book to use throughout an American History class. 

Other books written by Kadir Nelson:

Nelson, Kadir. 2005. He's Got the Whole World in his Hands. New York: Dial

.....2011. Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans. New York: Balzer and Bray

Alvin Ailey

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pinkney, Andrea Davis. 1995. Alvin Ailey. NewYork: Hyperion. Ill. by Brian Pinkney. ISBN 978-078681077-2

B. PLOT SUMMARY
This narrative biography tells the story of Alvin Ailey and his journey from small town Texas to one of the greatest dancers and choreographers of the 20th century.
C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Andrea Davis Pinkney manages to tell the story of the development of Alvin Ailey as a dancer and person through her simple yet compelling narrative of his life.  Information taken from interviews is interwoven with created dialogue to provide readers with a sense of who Ailey was as well as how he became that person.  Pinkney creates a sense of African American culture from the beginning of the book through the use of church and music.  She continues the journey by providing the reader with a glimpse of the racism and segregation which existed during Ailey's childhood.

Andrea Davis Pinkney receives a great deal of help in depicting the culture of Alvin Ailey with the wonderful illustrations of her husband Brian Pinkney.  Brian Pinkney's illustrations depict African American people of strength and dignity.  A strong sense of movement is created through the use of hash marks which present the illusion of dance from the flat pages of the book.  Further, Mr. Pinkney's use of period appropriate clothing within his illustrations help to place the reader in the proper mindset to properly appreciate the barriers faced by Alvin Ailey in his quest to become a dancer.

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS

'lending it appeal for those previously unacquainted with the legendary artist as well as for young fans eager to learn how Ailey launched his impressive career." - Publishers Weekly

 

"the book is both informative and inspiring and will make an excellent addition to most collections" - School Library Journal

 

"Moving with the rhythm of repeated lines and strong compositions, the scratch board and oil pastel illustrations create a vivid sense of dance and capture Ailey's vibrancy" - Booklist

 

"will leave readers hungry for more" - Kirkus

 

Horn Book Fanfare 1994 for nonfiction 

---

E. CONNECTIONS

Children can investigate the work and legacy of Alvin Ailey by visiting
http://www.alvinailey.org/
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/freetodance/biographies/ailey.html

Visit youtube and watch the AAADT in action

Look for these other books for young people about Alvin Ailey and dance:

A Young Dancer: The Life of an Ailey Student by Gladstone
Beautiful Ballerina by Marilyn Nelson
Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen
Alvin Ailey by Gitenstein

Lincoln...the jokester?

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen, and Paul Brewer. 2010. Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country). Ill. by Stacy Innerst. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 09780152066390

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country) tells the life story of America's 16th president from the perspective of his sense of humor.  This juvenile biography provides a humorous look at a man who was president during a serious and trying time in American history.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country) is a juvenile biography of the 16th president of the United States.  The life of Lincoln is told by the authors using humor as the driving force.  This beginner biography is full of commonly known information about Lincoln scattered with quotes and jokes which the authors note are second-hand and further removed. 

This basic biography does provide initial information about Lincoln and would make an excellent choice to read aloud to young children as an introduction to Abraham Lincoln.

Stacy Innerst's illustrations were done in acrylics on illustration board.  The book is one large illustration which complements the text and provides a much needed visual.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Children will be drawn in by the straightforward prose, and librarians will enjoy sharing the book aloud. - starred review - School Library Journal

...a positive portrait that humanizes the lionized man for whom it was “a love of laughter that kept him going.” - Booklist

"Readers will smile, too, at this lighthearted look at Lincoln and the many droll quotations attributed to him."
-Publishers Weekly, starred review 

Smithsonian's 2010 Notable Books for Children


5. CONNECTIONS
* Have children share their favorite jokes. 
www.kathleenkrull.com
www.palbrewer.com
www.stacyinnerst.com

* Watch the illustrator talk about the book:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm1RwIHMiKM&noredirect=1

*Explore other famous presidents
*Read the book aloud with a partner who will "be" Lincoln by reading all of his quotes.

Oh, Rats!

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Narrin, Albert. 2006. Oh, Rats! The Story of Rats and People. Ill. by C.B. Mordan. New York: Penguin. ISBN 0525477624

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Oh, Rats! The Story of Rats and People is the history of rats and their relationship with people.  From the rats giant beginnings roaming the earth with dinosaurs to it's current incarnation as a domesticated pet and laboratory test subject, Narrin tells the fascinating story of the rat and the people they live with. 
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Oh, Rats! The Story of Rats and People provides a great deal of information in 9 short chapters.  Narrin provides information that is both scientific as well as cultural in nature.  The rat is examined for physical characteristics, intelligence, cunning, emotions, and taste.  Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the rat and it's involvement with people.  Blocked side notes provide additional information of interest and are highlighted by a bold red background.

The author includes a bibliography from which he drew his information.  Also included are a list of related rat texts that may be of interest to young readers.

Complementing the information provided by Narrin are illustrations by C.B. Mordan.  Each illustration is done with the use of only black, white, and red.  The lines in each drawing are deliberate and stark and are reminiscent of old newsprint. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Emphasizing the animal's capabilities for survival, Marrin offers both anecdotal accounts of human/rat encounters and impressive statistics. - Starred review, School Library Journal

This book makes a pleasantly icky additional purchase. - Starred review, Booklist

5. CONNECTIONS
Author suggestions:
Conniff, Richard. 2002. Rats! The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. New York: Crown.
Legg, Gerald, et al. 2003. Rats (Scary Creatures). New York: Franklin Watts.

Read the poem Rat for Lunch by Jack Prelutsky
Explore a work of fiction that features rats such as Mrs. Frisby and the Rats on NIMH by O'Brien or A Rat's Tale by Seidler.

Heart and Soul

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nelson, Kadir. 2011. Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans. Ill. Kadir Nelson.
     New York: Balzer & Bray. ISBN 9780061730740

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans is an eloquent rendition of the history of America as it pertains to the history of African Americans from the colonial period through the civil rights movement and up to the election of President Obama.  Kadir Nelson's text and illustrations work together to provide a historical and emotional journey for the reader.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans is written in the voice of an unnamed female narrator giving the nonfiction text the element of friendly conversation.  This narrative style enables the reader to connect with the information on a personal level.  Each chapter of the book details a major historical time period or event that directly effected both America and the lives of African Americans, enabling the reader to create an understanding that the history of one is directly connected to the history of the other. 

Each two page spread contains one magnificent oil painting and one full page of text.  Each oil painting depicts either an important event or African American.  Intermittent two page illustrations are placed throughout the work lending power to the work without the interruption of words.  Kadir Nelson's text is magnified by the strength of the illustrations. 

Following the author's note is a timeline which begins in 1565 with the arrival of African American as slaves on Spanish ships and continues through January 20, 2009 with the inauguration of President Obama.  The text also contains a one page bibliography and a thorough index of subjects.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(s)
Coretta Scott King Book Award
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award
Jane Addams Honors Book
Provocative and powerful - Starred review- School Library Journal
Nelson…adds to his notable titles with this powerful view of African American history - Starred review- Booklist
The dramatic oil paintings heighten the dignity of this story - Starred review- Kirkus
Creates a voice that is at once singular and representative - Starred review - Horn Book

5.  CONNECTIONS

http://www.kadirnelson.com/

Listen to a recording of the author explaining why he wrote the book via http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=7259&a=1

This is a wonderful book to use throughout an American History class.  Use individual chapters that correlate to state standards to enhance textbook reading.

On page 36 of the book is a painting of a freedom quilt.  Have students research freedom quilts.  Then have them create their own out of cloth or construction paper.

Other books about African American history:

Grady, C. 2012. I lay my stitches down: Poems of American Slavery. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books.

Hill, L.C. 2010. Dave the potter: Artist, poet, slave. New York: Little Brown & Co

 

Hopkinson, D. 1993. Sweet Clara and the freedom quilt. New York: Random House.

Levine, E. 2007. Henry’s freedom box: A true story from the Underground Railroad. New York: Scholastic.

Other books written by Kadir Nelson:

Nelson, Kadir. 2005. He's Got the Whole World in his Hands. New York: Dial

.....2008. We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. New York: Hyperion.