Sees Behind Trees

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Dorris, Michael.1996. Sees Behind Trees. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 978-078681357-5

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Near sighted Walnut can't shoot or hunt, but he can see what isn't there due to his other senses.  This earns him the name Sees Behind Trees.  His new skills and "powers" will be put to the test as he helps Gray Fire find his way back to a magical place and his own way home.
 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Sees Behind Trees is a simply written tale of a young Powhatan boy on the cusp of manhood.  The novel centers around Walnut who is renamed Sees Behind Trees after a special test of manhood where he demonstrates his ability to see what isn't there by using his heightened sense of hearing.  Sees Behind Trees takes on a test to help Grey Fire find a magical place of his youth.  The journey is a life altering experience for the young man and provides an insight into the transition from boy to man. 

Author Michael Dorris paints an authentic picture of life among the Powhatan people.  Simple inclusions of information allow the reader to have a true idea of the looks, sounds, and smells of the village.  Everyday cooking smells of pemmican, venison, and fish are included giving the reader an entry into the home life of Sees Behind Trees and his village.  Interwoven into the simple text are aspects of village life such as descriptions of clothing, bows and arrows, bluebird feathers in headdresses, and belief systems that include superstition.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
starred review- Publishers weekly- "thrilling"
starred review- Booklist- "Brilliant and deeply humane"
Kirkus- "Dorris has captured the angst that is part of the invisible doorway between childhood and adulthood"

School library journal best book 1996
Publishers weekly best book of 1996
Book Links best book of 1996

5. CONNECTIONS

Learn about the Powhatan Indians at http://www.bigorrin.org/powhatan_kids.htm
Powhatan Indians are famous for their interaction with the Jamestown settlers.  Explore their village life at http://ab.mec.edu/jamestown/powhatan.html
The Powhatan Indians are one of the First Peoples of Virginia.  They lived in log and birch houses and traveled by canoe.  Have children create a canoe out of construction paper.

Rain is not my Indain Name

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Smith, Cynthia Leitich. 2001. Rain is not my Indian Name. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 978-0-688-17397-5

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Depressed since the death of her best friend, Rain struggles to find her footing and happiness again by acting as the photographer for the local paper covering a Native American summer camp. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The story, told in nonlinear format, delves deep into the rediscovery of self from loss.  With the loss of her best friend Galen, Rain loses herself in grief.  Aunt Georgia's Indian Camp is not something that  Rain wants to do during the summer.  With only a few Native American families in town Rain often feels the burden of being different.  She rediscovers her identity and that of her culture through the lens of a camera and time with others who share her difference.

Smith uses stereotypes within the novel to breach truths.  For example, when Rain things about Indian Camp she says it will probably be "a bunch of probably suburban, probably rich, probably white kids tromped around a woodsy park, calling themselves 'princess,' 'braves,' or 'guides'"(p. 12). 

Journal excerpts scattered throughout the novel bring in an element of personal monologue to a character who is too distraught in her grief to share her feelings.  They allow an insight into who Rain is and who she is letting everyone see. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2001 Writers of the Year in Children's Prose by Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers.

RAIN was also a finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award

Featured at the Second National Book Festival, the Texas Book Festival, the St. Petersburg Times' "You Gotta Read This Book Club," 

Included in GREAT BOOKS FOR GIRLS by Kathleen Odean.

"A wonderful novel of a present-day teen and her 'patch-work tribe." (School Library Journal )

“Rain's observations are appealingly wry, and readers …will find food for thought in this exploration of cultural identity. ” (The Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books )

Kirkus Reviews: "Tender, funny, and full of sharp wordplay..."

 

5. CONNECTIONS

Students can check out an interview with the author and other items at http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com

Photography plays an important role in the novel.  Have students create a photo collage depicting who they are as a person.

The children of the summer camp build a bridge.  Have students build toothpick bridges and see whose design is sturdier.

Read other literature by author Cynthia Leitich Smith including:

JINGLE DANCER by Cynthia Leitich Smith, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu (Morrow/HarperCollins, 2000)(ages 4-up).

INDIAN SHOES by Cynthia Leitich Smith (HarperCollins, 2002)(ages 7-up).

SANTA KNOWS by Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, illustrated by Steve Björkman (Dutton, 2006)(ages 4-up).

TANTALIZE by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Candlewick, 2007, 2008)(ages 14-up).

ETERNAL by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Candlewick, 2009, 2010).

HOLLER LOUDLY by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Dutton, 2010).

The Wild Book

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Engle, Margarita. (2012). The Wild Book. New York: Houghlin Milcourt. ISBN 978-0-547-58131-6
B. PLOT SUMMARY
A novel in verse about a young girl growing up in turn of the century Cuba who struggles to overcome her dyslexia or word blindness.
 C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Margarita Engle paints a picture of turn of the century Cuba and her granmothers life as a girl in this dangerous time in beautiful verse.  Fefa who struggles with dyslexia uses a blank book given to her by her mother and time and patience to slowly overcome her learning disability.  Scattered throughout the story of Fefa's frustrations with words is a history of violence and fear suffered by the people of Cuba.  Engle enbodies the love of verse from this time period with poems such as "Fly to the Truth of Dreams". 

......

I don't understand

the whole thrilling verse,

but I love the way poetry

turns ordinary words

into winged things

that rise up

and soar (lines 11-17)

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS

"A beautiful tale of perseverance."—Kirkus, starred review
"Readers will be enchanted."—VOYA

"[A] lyrical glimpse of early twentieth-century Cuba."--Booklist

"Engle’s writing is customarily lovely."--Publishers Weekly

"The idea of a wild book on which to let her words sprout is one that should speak to those with reading difficulties and to aspiring poets as well."--School Library Journal

"[A] remarkable, intimate depiction of Fefa's struggle with dyslexia; Engle is masterful at using words to evoke this difficulty, and even those readers unfamiliar with the condition will understand its meaning through her rich use of imagery and detail."--Bulletin

E. CONNECTIONS

Children can investigate the work Margarita Engle at her website:
http://margaritaengle.com/index.html
Read other wonderful books by M. Engle including The Poet Slave of Cuba and The Surrender Tree.
Listen to the author read a sample of the book at http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=7874&a=1

History connection:
Explore Cuban history, especially Race War of 1912 at http://www.historyofcuba.com/history/race/RaceWar1.htm

English connection:
Students can write a story in verse

Geography connection:
Make a map of Cuba.  Have students label elements from the book.

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.

The Afterlife

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Soto, Gary. (2005). The afterlife. Orlando, Fl: Harcourt. ISBN 978-0-15-205220-1


B. PLOT SUMMARY
Is death the end of everything?  After taking a knife in the ribs Chuy's life or rather afterlife begins to get interesting and complicated.

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Gary Soto 's novel The Afterlife is the story of the life, or rather the death, of Chuy.  Chuy was an ordinary young man who was stabbed to death in the bathroom of a club while combing his hair.  Soto manages to make Chuy' death appear to be the horrible crime that it is as well as allowing it to be a strong catalyst for a novel which tells the tale of a young Hispanic man who was just coming into his life when it was cut short.  Soto's tale if further enriched by the introduction of Crystal, a beautiful young woman who seemingly had it all but chose to end her own life.  Chuy's tale of his afterlife and the slow disintegration of his spirit take the reader on a journey through life's possibilities even through death. 

The interweaving of Spanish throughout the text gives Chuy's voice a cultural authenticity as it reflects the speech patterns seen of many Hispanic youth. "At my parents house, there would be others to lament my death at such a young age.  Angel, mi carnal, would be there, with cement bags of guilt on his shoulders." (p. 14) Further enhancing the cultural authenticity of the novel is the different experiences of Chuy and Crystal during their lives.  This contrast of life and death help to place each within their cultural boundaries while allowing the reader to experience both in a way that is satisfying.

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS

"Soto writes with a touch as light as Chuy's ghost and with humor, wonderment, and generosity toward life."--Kirkus Reviews

"Sweet and sarcastically funny."--YM

starred review - Booklist

"After a strong start, The Afterlife seems to become a series of brief images that drift off as though in a dream."- School Library Journal

ALA quick pick for reluctant young adult readers

Booklist Editor's Choice

---

E. CONNECTIONS

Read an interview with the author about The Afterlife http://www.harcourtbooks.com/authorinterviews/bookinterview_Soto.asp

Geography connection:
Have students create a map of Chuy's travels

English connection:
Have students create their own obituary.

Social Studies connection:
Different cultures view death differently.  Have students research how death is viewed in different parts of the world.

Art connection:
Have students create a Dia de los muertos display that represents Chuy or Crystal.

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

The First Part Last

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Johnson, Angela. 2003. The First Part Last. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-1-4424-0343-7
B. PLOT SUMMARY
Bobby is a single father to a beautiful baby girl.  Instead of shooting hoops with his friends he is sitting up at night with a newborn.  His life has changed forever.  How did he get here and where does he go from here?  He wants to do what's right.  But what is that? 

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Angela Johnson has a gift for giving voice to young African Americans.  Set in the inner city, Bobby and Nia face a choice that many young people will have to face before they are ready.  Do we keep the baby or give her up for adoption?  How do we know?  The reader is transported into Bobby's world of art, school, family, and diapers.  But where is Nia in all of this?  Told in both present tense and through the wonderfully well done use of flashbacks, Johnson manages to tell the story of two young people in love and the life they created. 

Cultural markers used throughout the book provides for a wonderfully authentic experience.  Language choices reflect the education level, age, and location of the characters.  Family dynamics play out in real time with true to life interaction.  There are no false moments where the reader is sure everyone will live happily ever after.  Johnson manages to weave reality, hope, and uncertainty into each page.
D. REVIEW EXCERPTS AND AWARDS

U.S. News and World Report Johnson has carved a niche writing realistically about young people's issues.

SLJ, starred review Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting.

Publishers Weekly, starred review Readers will only clamor for more.

Booklist, starred review Poetry

 

ALA Michael L. Printz Award,

Abraham Lincoln Book Award Master List (IL),

ALA Best Books For Young Adults

ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

Alabama Author's Award

Booklist Editors' Choice

CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book

Charlotte Award Suggested Reading List (NY)

Coretta Scott King Award (ALA)

Florida Teens Read Master List

Garden State Teen Book Award Nominee (NJ)

Gateway Readers Award Nominee (MO)

Georgia Peach Book Award Master List

Green Mountain Book Award Master List (VT)

Gryphon Award for Children's Literature

Iowa Teen Award Master List

IRA Young Adults' Choices

Rosie Award Nominee (IN)

Sequoyah Young Adult Master List (OK)

South Carolina Book Award Nominee

Volunteer State Book Award Master List (TN)

YARP Award Master List (SD)

---

E. CONNECTIONS

Look for these other books for young adults by Angels Johnson:

Songs of Faith (1998)

Heaven (1998)

The Other Side, The Shorter Poems (1998)

Toning the Sweep (1993)

Gone From Home: Short Takes (2001)

Humming Whispers (1995)

On The Fringe

Running Back to Ludie (2002)

A Cool Moonlight (2003)

Have students explore teen pregnancy statistics at http://www.cdc.gov/TeenPregnancy/AboutTeenPreg.htm

Language Arts Connections:
Everyone has goals.  How would these goals and life dreams change if you suddenly had to care for an infant?

Health Education Connection:
Use in conjunction with your states sex education curriculum.

Art Connection:
Bobby is an artist.  His preferred method is spray paint.  This is commonly called "tagging".  Have students create a "tag" design.