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 

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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

Feathers and Fools

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Fox, Mem.2000. Feathers and Fools. Orlando, FL: Harcourt. Ill. by Nicholas Wilton. ISBN 0-15-202365-8

B. PLOT SUMMARY

Set in a beautiful garden and on a clear blue lake, Feathers and Fools is the story of an ostentation of peacocks and a flock of swans who develop a fear of each other due to their differences.  The fear grows to a panic which eventually causes the birds to destroy one another. 

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)

Written by Australian author Mem Fox and illustrated by6 Nicholas Wilton, Feathers and Fools is an allegory about the foolishness of prejudice and war.   The symbolism presented through the use of two beautiful species of birds who have more in common than in their differences presents a poignant picture of how fear of the unknown can lead to disaster and destruction.  With each species creating a hoard of ever growing weapons the fear and distrust grows until war is inevitable.  Fox shows that peace can prevail with the birth of two chicks who have not been taught to fear the other and choose instead a path of friendship and togetherness.

Intense acrylic illustrations lend to the beauty of both sets of birds while bringing forth a feeling of growing fear with strong brushstrokes and sharpening angles. 

Due to the violent nature of the book, I would not recommend this book for very small children.  The material is better suited for older children in spite of the picture book format.

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS

"Turns Fox into a contemporary Aesop."—Kirkus Reviews
"Powerful...The text's pointed poetry will sink directly into children's hearts."—Publishers Weekly
"This allegory is alive with symbolic references and ideas....Vivid."—School Library Journal

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E. CONNECTIONS

Look for these other books by Mem Fox:

The Little Dragon April 2011                                                    Let’s Count Goats! October 2010

A Giraffe in the Bath  April 2010                                              Hello Baby! 2009

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes 2008                             Where The Giant Sleeps 2007

A Particular Cow 2006                                                              Hunwick’s Egg 2005

Where Is The Green Sheep? 2004                                            The Magic Hat 2002

Harriet, You’ll Drive Me Wild! 2000                                         Sleepy Bears 1999

Whoever You Are 1998                                                             Boo to a Goose 1996

Wombat Divine 1995                                                                Tough Boris 1994

Sophie 1989                                                                              Shoes from Grandpa 1989

Feathers and Fools 1989                                                          Night Noises 1989

With Love, at Christmas 1988                                                  Koala Lou 1988

Guess What? 1988                                                                   Goodnight Sleep Tight 1988

A Bedtime Story 1987                                                               The Straight Line Wonder 1987

Sail Away: The Ballad of Skip and Nell 1986                            Just Like That 1986

Hattie and the Fox 1986                                                           Zoo-Looking 1986

Arabella: The Smallest Girl in the World 1986                         Possum Magic 1983

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge 1984

 

Check out the authors website:  http://www.memfox.net/welcome.html

Civics connection:  Students can be introduced to the concept of war.  Have students list ways in which the birds were similar and different.  Compare and contrast the lists.  Are the differences more important than the similarities?  Are any of the perceived differences harmful or threatening to the other group?

Have children read other fables. 

Discuss the use of color throughout Feathers and Fools.  Do the colors change to reflect the thoughts and feelings of the birds?

The Thief Lord

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Funke, Cornelia.2001. The Thief Lord. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 0-439-40437-1

 

B. PLOT SUMMARY

Prosper and Bo have run to the magical city of Venice, Italy to escape the clutches of their cruel Aunt and Uncle who have hired Victor, a local private investigator to find them.  The brothers fall in with a group of child thieves who live in an abandoned theater and are led by the mysterious "Thief Lord".  Scipio (the Thief Lord) is hired by the Conte and his sister, Morosinato to steal a magical wing which belongs on a merry go round that can turn those who ride it either younger or older.  The boys must decide where their fate lies and whom to trust as the mysteries of the merry go round unfold. 

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)

Written by a German author and set in Italy, The Thief Lord fits the bill for international literature.  The Italian city of Venice serves as a fitting backdrop for the mystical nature of the story.  The twisting and turning streets of the city mimic the twists and turns of the plot of the novel.  Also interwoven through the story are snippets of the Italian language which helps to lead to the authenticity of the characters and setting. For readers not familiar with the language there is a glossary of terms at the back of the book.  

Common customs are also included such as spitting in the canal for luck.  Scipio is often seen wearing a simple beaked carnivale' mask to help hide his identity.  These masks are for sale year around in all parts of the city.  

Although the reader is aware of the modern setting of the novel by the use of such items as cellular phones, the feeling of the story is authentic due to cultural markers which reflect the day to day life of Venetians.  Throughout the novel the characters travel by foot through the streets and over the canals of the city.  If not traveling by foot they take a boat.  Pedestrian travel is the preferred mode for those who live in and visit Venice. 

The characters within the novel are fairly well developed.  The love between Prosper and Bo is evident and their bond as brothers is exceptionally well written.  The story is realistic in nature with the exception of the magical merry-go-round, which has the feeling of being inserted into the story simply to enable a conclusion.

Several universal themes run throughout the book.  The first is a sense of belonging to family.  This theme is explored within the relationship between Prosper and Bo and also through the interaction of the orphan children with each other and with Victor.  Also, the themes of trust and friendship are present through the relationships between the children and their growing relationship with certain adults. 

Each chapter includes a pen and ink drawing done by the author of a place or item in the city of Venice.  The drawings help the reader to understand the layout and nature of the golden city on the water. 

 

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS

The Zurich Children's Book Award (2000);
The Children's Book Award from the Vienna House of Literature (2001).

2003 Mildred L. Batchelder Award

2002 New York Times Notable Book

Winner of the 2005 Young Readers Choice Award (Senior Division)

"Harrowing and comical escapades abound....Funke delights readers in the feelings of childhood....Although the core of this tale is heartwarming, the merry-go-round...hints at darkness, leaving its riders and the novel's readers changed forever." Kirkus Reviews

"There are shards of wonderful stories in this ambitious narrative....Funke beguiles young readers as she paints the city of Venice in exquisite strokes; the affection between the brothers is sweetly rendered." GraceAnne DeCandido, Booklist

"Funke brings together a large but not indigestible array of adults and children....It's a compelling tale, rich in ingenious twists, with a setting and cast that will linger in readers' memories." School Library Journal

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E. CONNECTIONS

Look for these other books by Cornelia Funke:
Dragon Rider (2004)
Igraine the Brave (2007)
Saving Mississippi (2010)
Ghost Knight (2012)
Reckless (2010)
Fearless (2012)
Inkheart (2003)
Inkspell (2006)
Inkdeath (2008)

 

Children can view a slide show of the Italian Carnival here: http://www.hellokids.com/c_14357/reading-online/holidays/carnival/carnival-of-venice

 

Have children explore the country of Italy through lessons in Geography and art. 

 

Explore author Cornelia Funke's website:  http://corneliafunke.com/

Check out Scholastic's page about the author and her work:  http://www.scholastic.com/corneliafunke/bio.htm

Migrant

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Trottier, Maxine. 2011. Migrant. Berkeley, CA:
     Groundwood Books. Ill. by Isabelle Arsenault.
     ISBN 978-0-88899-975-7

B. PLOT SUMMARY
Every spring Anna and her family travel from Mexico to Canada searching for work on farms.  Anna feels like a bird flying north for the spring, or a kitten curled up with her sisters, and wonders what it would feel like to be a tree with deep roots. 

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Anna's story offers cultural markers which connect the plight of the migrant worker to stationary society. Use of imagery and metaphors conveys a child's perception of life and sense of longing for stability and continuity.  The author's comparison to of the life of a migrant child to animals and common plants brings the life of migrant farm workers into an understandable place which all can draw comparisons.  Language differences are addressed through the common experience of shopping for groceries and the sounds of raised voices are compared to a chorus of crickets chirping different songs.

Illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault help to depict cultural differences.  The traditional clothing of the Mennonites are starkly different from those of the stationary citizens of the town to which Anna and her family travel.  And the colors and patterns of the landscape and animals mimic the traditional and old fashioned quality of Mennonite quilts. 

The plight of the migrant farm worker is presented in a manner which allows others to correlate the experiences in a way that is meaningful to them on a personal level.  The presentation of feelings and questions throughout the text forces the reader to put themselves in the place of Anna and imagine the differences in lifestyle.

D. REVIEW EXCERPTSGovernor General's Award: Illustration, 2011, Short-listed, Migrant.

New York Times Best Illustrated, 2011, Commended, Migrant.
ALA Notable Chilren's Books List, 2012, Commended, Migrant.
2012 USBBY Outstanding International Book, 2012, Commended, Migrant.
2012 Notable Books for a Global Society Book Award , 2012, Winner, Migrant.
Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award Honour Book, 2012, Winner, Migrant.
6th Annual ReadBoston Best Read Aloud Book Award., 2012, Short-listed, Migrant.
Ruth and Syliva Schwartz Children's Picture Book Award, 2012, Short-listed, Migrant.

The words and images could stand alone as feats of artistic excellence. Together, they form a package that should become a staple for kids learning about Canada’s diverse population.

- Quill & Quire, starred review

Without a heavy message, this sensitive offering captures a small child’s experience of constant upheaval as she flies like a feather in the wind.

- Booklist

"...moving, inventive and thoughtful..."

- Kirkus Reviews

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E. CONNECTIONSChildren can investigate the life of migrant farm workers through internet and government resources.
http://www.ncfh.org/?sid=34
http://www.doleta.gov/msfw/

Science connection:  students can learn about migratory patterns of birds.

Art connection: Have students make a "flying geese" quilt http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/flying-geese-variation-quilt-block.htm

Look for these other books for young people about migrant farmworkers:
Atkin, S.B. (2000). Voices from the Fields : Children of Migrant Farmworkers Tell Their Stories.  ISBN 978-0316056205
Dorros, A. (1997). Radio Man. ISBN-13: 978-0064434829

Buirski, N. (1994). Earth Angels: Migrant Children in America. ISBN-13: 978-0876540732

Look for this other books about Mennonites:
Hiebert, C. (2003). Us Little People. ISBN 978-1550462722

Looking for Alaska

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Green, John. 2005. Looking for Alaska. New York: Penguin. ISBN 0-525-47506-0

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Miles is obsessed with famous last words and bored with life.  He goes out to find the "Great Perhaps".  Along the way he meets Alaska, who like her name is full of wild unknown.  How much can one person change another persons life?

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Looking for Alaska is divided into two parts: before and after.  The chapters are a countdown to and from Alaska's death and the questions it presents.  This book is definetely not for children and should be read by a more mature teen audience.  The novel contains acts of smoking, drinking, profanity and sexual content.  However, the characters are well developed even if Miles is reminiscent of Holden Caufield in The Catcher in the Rye.  Green presents the death/possible suicide of Alaska as an unanswered question that the other characters are left to unravel.  This is much how death occurs in life.  The living are left to sort out the reasons for death.  The fact that the answer is unkown and the characters that remain have to find meaning makes the novel a more satisfying and rewarding read.  The setting is ripe for the type of activities which the characters engage in as it presents minimal adult supervision.  Overall, a well written novel.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Winner, 2006 Michael L. Printz Award
Finalist, 2005 Los Angeles Times Book Prize
2006 Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults
2006 Teens’ Top 10 Award
2006 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
A Booklist Editor’s Choice Pick
Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Selection
Borders Original Voices Selection

“Green…has a writer’s voice, so self-assured and honest that one is startled to learn that this novel is his first. The anticipated favorable comparisons to Holden Caufield are richly deserved in this highly recommended addition to young adult literature.”
-VOYA
“Like Phineas in John Knowles’ “A Separate Peace,” Green draws Alaska so lovingly, in self-loathing darkness as well as energetic light, that readers mourn her loss along with her friends.”
-School Library Journal, Starred Review
“The spirit of Holden Caulfield lives on.”
-KLIATT

 

5. CONNECTIONS
Other works by John Green:
An Abundance of Katherines
Paper Towns
The Fault in Our Stars
Will Grayson, Will Grayson

visit the authors website: http://johngreenbooks.com/
Investigate a famous person's last words
Ask students to write their own obituary and include and explain their last words.

Babymouse

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Holm, Jennifer & Matthew Holm. 2006. Babymouse: Heartbreaker. New York: Random House. ISBN 978-0-375-83798-9

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Babymouse really wants a date for the Valentine's Day Dance.  But when no one asks her, what is a mouse to do?  Go by herself of course!  Could love be waiting for her on the dance floor?
 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The Babymouse series by Holm and Holm is obviously marketed and written for young girls.  The graphic are simple with a limited color palette of pink, black, and white.  The limited text is presented in traditional speach bubble format with small block accents.  The storyline is simple and fit for emergent readers. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
positive review- Kirkus  "emergent readers will cheer 'Babymouse!'"
Positive review- The Bulletin "A new hero emerges in...Babymouse."

5. CONNECTIONS

Check out the Babymouse website http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/babymouse/homepage.htm

Make your own comic strip at http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/comic/index.html

Explore and read all the Babymouse books

Read The Lunch Lady series by Jarrett Krosoczka

Read Captain Underpants

When You Reach Me

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stead, Rebecca. 2009. When You Reach Me. New York: Random House. ISBN 978-0-385-73742-5

2. PLOT SUMMARY
After Miranda's best friend Sal gets punched by a kid for no reason their relationship changes.  Miranda is now without her best friend. To make matters worse she begins to receive strange notes from the future which make her believe that she is the only one that can stop the death of her friend. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
When You Reach Me is the 2010 Newbery Medal Winner.  The novel is fast paced with enough suspense and questions to make it an interesting and entertaining read.  Miranda is a likable character who develops as the narrative progress.  The big kid who punches Sal is Marcus.  He becomes a pivotal plot element that is essential to understanding the space/time element of the story.  The use of three overlapping storylines helps to propell the plot forward.  Miranda's mother appearing on the $20,000 Pyramid, Sal not speaking to Miranda and the friends she makes because of it, and the appearance of a strange homeless man all work together to bring about an unexpected resolution.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, June 1, 2009:"teen readers will circle back to the beginning and say,'Wow ... cool.'" Starred Review, Booklist, June 1, 2009:"[T]he mental gymnastics required of readers are invigorating;"
Starred Review, The Horn Book Magazine, July & August, 2009:
"Closing revelations are startling and satisfying"Starred Review, School Library Journal, July 2009:"This unusual, thought-provoking mystery will appeal to several types of readers."Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, June 22, 2009:"It's easy to imagine readers studying Miranda's story as many times as she's read L'Engle's, and spending hours pondering the provocative questions it raises."

WINNER 2009 Kid's Indie Next List "Inspired Recommendations for Kids from Indie Booksellers"WINNER 2009 New York Times Notable BookWINNER 2009 Kirkus Reviews Best Children�s BooksWINNER 2009 Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the YearWINNER 2009 School Library Journal Best Book of the YearWINNER 2009 Booklist Children's Editors' Choice WINNER 2009 Horn Book FanfareWINNER 2009 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Gold AwardWINNER 2009 Parents' Choice Gold AwardWINNER 2009 Book Links Lasting ConnectionWINNER 2010 Newbery Medal WinnerWINNER 2010 ALA Notable Children's BookWINNER 2010 ALA Best Books for Young Adults Top 10WINNER 2010 NCSS/CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social StudiesWINNER 2010 Cooperative Children's Book Center ChoicesWINNER 2010 NCTE Notable Children's Trade Books in the Language ArtsWINNER 2010 IRA Children's Book Award for Older Readers

5. CONNECTIONS

Other Books about time travel:

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

The Time Travelers (Gideon Trilogy) by Linda Buckley-Archer

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

 

Explore time travel with Nova and PBS- http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/time/

Go see "A Wrinkle in Time" performed at the Dallas Children's Theater in 2013

 

 

Discuss symbolism and the symbols present in the novel.  Have students bring in something that symbolizes them and present it to the group.