Module 6: Fiction, Fantasy, & Graphic Novels


1. BIOGRAPHY
Telgemeir, Raina. 2014. SISTERS. NewYork: Scholastic Graphix. ISBN 978-0-54060-5

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT
Raina has longed for a little sister, nevertheless, when her sister finally arrives, it is nothing like she had expected.  Furthermore, living in a small apartment does not help the relationship between Raina and Amara.  Amara is cranky, likes to play alone and is difficult to get along with.  Their relationship does not improve over the years, but when a baby brother enters the picture and something does not seem right between their parents, the sisters realize they must figure out how to get along.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Telgemeier's graphic novel, Sisters, is full of humor and everyday charm and draws readers with her characteristic colorful pictures that are easy to absorb and understand. In this narrative, Telgemeier uses humor in perfectly placed flashbacks to tell the story of her relationship with her younger sister, Amara, which become difficult when both take a long road trip from their home in San Francisco to a family reunion in Colorado. Additionally, the author is able to illustrate the characters' emotions in a fun and playful way that is relateable about siblings, family life and growing up. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

*School Library Journal
(STARRED REVIEW)
Telgemeier has returned with a must-have follow-up to Smile (Scholastic, 2010) that is as funny as it is poignant, and utterly relateable for anyone with siblings.  This realistic graphic memoir tells the story of Raina; her sister, Amara; and her brother, Will, as they take a road trip with their mother from California to Colorado to join a family reunion.  The author's narrative style is fresh and sharp, and the combination of well-paced and well-placed flashbacks pull the plot together, moving the story forward and helping readers understand the characters' point of view.  The volume captures preadolescence in an effortless and uncanny way and turns tough subjects, such as parental marriage problems, into experiences with which readers can identify.  This ability is what sets Telgemeier's work apart and makes her titles appealing to such a wide variety of readers.  Not only does the story relay the road trip's hijinks, but is also touches on what happens with the advent of a new sibling and what it means to be truly sisters.  Fans of the graphic novelist's work will be sure to delight in this return to the Telgemeier's family drama.--Krishan Grady, Darien Library, CT

*Horn Book

(STARRED REVIEW)

Fans of Telgemeier's graphic-novel memoir Smile will be smiling all the way through this companion book, an often bittersweet but amusing told story about Raina's intense and difficult relationship with her younger sister, Amara.  The summer before Raina starts high school, she and Amara, their younger brother, and their mom take a road trip from California to Colorado for a family reunion.  As in Smile, sepia-toned ages mark the frequent flashbacks, which fill readers in on the evolution of this battle of the sisters, mainly involving Amara's outsized personality, her love of drawing (art had always been Raina's thing), and her love of snakes (Raina is terrified of them).  In one crucial flashback Raina receives a Walkman for Christmas, and from then on, she's able to tune out all the yelling (both happy and angry) in their small house.  The walkman also proves invaluable on the road trip--unitl frustrated Amara informs Raina that not only has she tuned out all signs of their parents' troubled marriage, she's completely tuned out Amara.  The story ends with a solidly believable truce between the warring siblings, who, one suspects, will continue to both annoy and support each other.  Telgeimeier's art humorously captures fourteen-year-old Raina's range of emotions, easily drawing readers into the story, which doesn't depend on having read the first book.  The jacket art, however, cleverly ties this book to its predecessor: Simile's yellow smiley face with braces now also sports headphones, while a second (not-so-smiley) face glares angrily at the first Jennifer m. brabander

5. CONNECTION

Books Connected to Sisters

*Libeson, Terri. 2008. JUST JAIME. ISBN 9780062851062

*Libeson, Terri. 2017. INVISIBLE EMMIE. ISBN 9780062682239

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ryan, Pam Munoz. 2015. ECHO. Ill by Mirtalipova, Dinara. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 978-0-439-87402-1

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT
Young Otto is lost and alone in the desert while playing hiding go seek and there he meets three mysterious sisters tangle in a prophecy, a promise to help them and harmonica.  Decades later, Friedrich from Germany, Mike from Pennsylvania and Ivy Lopez from California share the same harmonica and challenged to keep their families together, safe and out of danger.  Yet they all have something in common a Harmonica and the love of music and being a member of the Orchestra.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Echo is a young adult historical fiction novel written by Pam Munoz Ryan.  Set in Germany and America, it is a magical story that tells of how a mysterious harmonica and the music it makes ties together the lives of three children: Friedrich from Germany, an intern at the Hohner factory; Mike Flannery, an orphan in Philadelphia; and Ivy Maria Lopez, the daughter of migrant farm workers, as they are faced with injustices and dark times.  This book can be great lesson for students to discuss in class about injustices, hope and how music can bring life back even through the darkest times.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2016 Newbery Award

"The story of Otto and the cursed sisters honor timeless and traditional folktales (and) Ryan has created three contemporary characters who, through faith and perseverance, write their own happy endings, inspiring readers to believe they can do the same."  ---School Library Journal, starred review

*A grand narrative that examines the power of music to inspire beauty in a world overrun with fear and intolerance." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

5. CONNECTION
Books related to Echo
*Ryan Munoz, Pam.  2010. THE DREAMER. ISBN 9780439269704
*Ryan Munoz, Pam. 2004. BECOMING NAOMI LEON. ISBN 0439269970

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. Ill by McKean, Dave. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 978-0-06-053092

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT
A young adult fantasy novel, written by Neil Gaiman, is a story about a boy called Nobody Owens, "Bod" for short, who arrives at a graveyard after the murder of his family.  Bod is raised by the ghosts of the graveyard.  Bod slowly learns about the outside world.  Eventually he is forced to face Jack, the man who killed his family, and still wants to murder Bod.  Jack is beaten with help from Bod's friends, and Bod is ready to leave the protection of the graveyard and begins his life in the world of the living.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The Graveyard book is thriller and suspense book with several short stories about the main character named Bod Owens.  Each chapter in the story is a new episode in Bod's life from his being a toddler to his teenage years.  There are several themes of discussion from this book like death, community, good and evil, etc.  Gaiman also used several allusions in the book like ABC's book and the Cat in the Hat" reference to Dr. Suess, Robinson Crusoe as the lost man at sea who no one knew anything about to Bod not knowing where he came from.  There are so many lessons that can be taught with this fantasy book from themes, allusions and Literary Analysis.

The illustrator creates wonderful black and while illustrations throughout the book from the beginning of the story where the killer has his weapon (knife) and blood dripping from it, to the arrival of Bod in the cemetery and the whole cemetery scene Bod gets to explore in the graveyard.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"Lucid, evocative prose and dark fairy-tale motifs imbue the story with a dreamlike quality.....This ghost-story-cum-of-age-novel as readable as it is accomplished.--Horn book (starred review)

"This is utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters.  There is plenty of darkness, but the novel's ultimate message is strong and life affirming.... this is a rich story with broad appeal.---Booklist (starred review)

5. CONNECTION
Books connected to this style of stories
*Kang, Lydia. 2018. THE IMPOSSIBLE GIRL. ISBN-10: 15039303389
*Gaiman, Neal. 2009. ANANSI BOYS. ISBN- 13: 9780061794971

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Telgemeier, Raina. 2016. GHOST. Scholastic Graphix. ISBN 97805455460612

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT
Cat and her family are leaving their hometown to Bahia De La Luna, California for better healthier living conditions to accommodate her younger sister Maya who has Cystic Fibrosis.  While on their new town, Cat and Maya are out exploring their new neighborhood and they discover an abandoned arcade near the boardwalk where ghost live, according to their neighbor.  Cat's little sister Maya is determined and excited to meet a ghost, but Cat is not convinced at all.  It is there that they learn about EL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, where people and the souls of the dead reunite to celebrate their love ones

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This graphic novel touches many themes from the importance of family, caring for a family member with an illness, learning about the traditions (El Dia De Los Muertos) and discovering one's self.  Although it is a fictional story, it touches many of the issues and traditions families experience throughout their lifetime.  These themes can be a great topic of discussion with children at home or at school.  For example; what are some challenges families are faced with when a family member is struck with an illness?  What are some of the challenges families who relocate to new city because of loved one? How would you feel if you were Cat and all the attention was given to the sibling that needs caring for?


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Telgemeier has her finger on the pulse of middle-grade readers, and this might be her best yet."--Booklist, starred review

" Telgemeier's bold colors, superior visual storytelling, and unusual subject matter will keep readers emotionally engaged and unable to put down this compelling tale." ---Kirkus Reviews, starred review

5. CONNECTION
Other books connected to Ghost
*Telgemeier, Raina. 2019. GUTS. ISBN 0545852536
*Telgemeier. Raina. 2014. SISTERS. ISBN-13: 9780545540605

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Module 5: Historical Fiction

  

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cline-Ransome, Resa. 2018. FINDING LANGSTON. NewYork: Holiday Publishing Housr Inc. ISBN 9780823439607

2.PLOT DEVELOPMENT

After the death of his mother, Langston and his father leave their beloved home of Alabama to start a new life in Chicago.  Langston life in the new city was not easy.  He felt that he did not fit in and was constantly teased by school bullies who called him "Country boy."  He soon discovers a public library whom welcome everyone, something he did hot have back home.  There he found a hiding place and the love poetry from famous African American poets.

3. CRITICAL DEVELOPMENT

Cline-Ransome historical fictional book illustrates a glimpse of the life of African-American

people who had to endure injustices during the 1940's.  "Finding Langston." is a story that touches the lives of families who have experienced  the death of a loved one.  There are many topics of discussion to address with this book; for example, Langston and his father relocation after the loss of his mother was a very difficult time in their lives.  Not only was leaving their home a difficult decisions, but trying to deal with grief in an unknown city with no place for support.  Dealing with a significant loss can be one the most difficult and traumatic times for any child and finding support through various avenues is valid.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Coretta Scott Award Nominee

"An engaging, quick, and relatable read that skillfully incorporates themes of race, class, post-war American life in the North and South, and a bit of Langston Hughes' poetry.  This is a story that will stay with readers long after they've finished it." --School Library Journal, Starred Review

"Finding Langston is about cultural heritage and personal growth  and , at its heart, about finding home whenever you land."--Shelf Awareness, Starred Review

5. CONNECTON

Other books connected to this book are;

*Cline-Ransome, Leesa. 2020. LEAVING LYMON. ISBN 978082344427

*Cline-Ransome, Leesa. 2020. OVERGROUND RAILROAD. ISBM 9780823438730

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Brubaker Bradley, Kimberly. 2015. THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE. Narrated by Jayne Entwhistle et al., Audible. 2015. Audiobook


2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT

Young Ada has never know the felling of being outdoors.  For years she has been forbidding to stay indoors because her mother is ashamed of her daughter's cripple foot.  One day her brother is to be shipped out to London to escape the war and Ada plans to go with him too.  Ada and her brother meet Ms. Smith the lady who would care for them.  Ada soon learns how to do many things on her own that she couldn't do before, like ride a pony, learns to read, watches German spy movies and finds a friend in Ms. Smith.  The dilemma of returning home after the war.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This historical book allows readers to see the point of view of a young girl living through so much drama and pain during WWII.  Moreover, having to make a difficult decision to flee with her younger brother after years of physical and mental abuse by her mother.  After fleeing she is having to learn to accept unconditional love from others.  There are many themes that can be covered and discussed in school classrooms: abuse, living with disability and illness, overcoming challenges, foster care, WWII, challenges of family and the concept of accepting oneself.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2016 Newbery Honor Book

" Ada's voice is brisk and honest; her dawning realization are made all the more poignant their simplicity.... Things come to an explosive head, metaphorically and literally, ignorance and abuse are brought to light, as are the healing powers of care, respect and love.  Set against a backdrop of war and sacrifice, Ada's personal fight for freedom and ultimate triumph are cause for celebration."--The Wall Street Journal

5. CONNECTION

Other books connected to this book are the following:

*Lai Thannha. 2013. INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN. ISBN 10:0061962791

*Bradbaker, Bradley, Kimberly. THE WAR I WON. ISBN 10: 0147516811

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cuschman, Karen. 1995. THE MIDWIFE"S APPRENTICE. NewYork: Clarion Books. ISBN 0-395-69229-6

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT

A small pale girl, with no mother or a place to call home.  Brat was her name and she wandered through the streets hungry and alone hoping for a place to keep her safe.  Everyone teased her as she begged for work and scarcity of help was experienced.  Brat was discovered in a village somewhere in England asleep in a dung heap by a women named Jane the Midwife.  She was homeless and now becomes the Midwife's apprentices.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author creates a story of a young girl who struggles to find her identity as she is ridiculed, taken for granted as she finds ways to valued her worth.  There are several literary analysis that can be discussed with this book.  For example, students are able to work with a partner or in a group to discuss and identify the plot of the story, characterization, theme, setting, symbolism ans style of the book.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

John Newbery Medal

"WIth simplicity, wit, and humor, Cushman presents another tale of medieval England.  Here readers follow the satisfying, literal and figurative journey of a homeless, nameless child called Brat...Earthly humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascination mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delighted introduction to a world seldom seen in children's literature.-- School Library Journal, starred review.

" This novel is about a strong, young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home. ... Kids will be caught up in this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she' not ugly or stupid or alone.----Booklist, starred review

5. CONNECTION

Other books connected to this book are:

*Blos, Jane.  1999. GATHERING OF DAYS: A NEW ENGLAND GIRLS JOURNAL 1630-32. ISBN 0689829914

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kelly, Jacqueline. 2009. THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE. NewYork: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 10: 0-8050-8841-5

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT

"Callie Vee," as she liked to be called, but little did she know that her real name was Calpurnia. Her named stood for something more than just a name, after hearing her granddaddy's talk about it.  Although Callie wasn't too fond of her grandfather due to his cranky personality, she soon build a close relationship with him after hearing he was an avid naturalist.  They spent a lot of time together exploring the world around them.  Growing up in the late 1800's, Calpurnia's mother did not think this lifestyle was suitable for a girl whose duties was to find a suitable husband and tend to home duties.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Kelly's introduces us to a young girl who lived during the late 1800's.  Calpurnia was not lie any other girl, she was different from other girls her time.  She was in fact a very curious young girl who enjoyed exploring and learning new things and hoping to attend a university and become a naturalist and scientist.  Some of the topics of discussion students can talk about are compare and contrast a girl like Calpurnia in the late 1800's to a girl of today with the same dreams.  Students can also discuss choices of attending a university as compared to Calpurnia during her time.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is the most delighted historical novel for tweens in many many years.... Callie's struggles to find a place in the world where she'll be encouraged in the gawky joys of intellectual curiosity are fresh, funny, and poignant today." ---The New Yorker, "Book Bench" section

" In her debut novel, Jacqueline Kelly brings to vivid life a boisterous small-town family at the dawn of anew century.  And she especially shines in her depiction of the natural world that so intrigues Callie... Readers will want to crank up the A. C. before cracking the cover, though.  That first chapter packs a lot of summer heat." ---The Washington Post

5.CONNECTION

Books connected to this type of story are:

*Kelly, Jacqueline. 2017. THE CURIOUS WORLD OF CALPURNIA TATE. ISBN-13:978125011627

*Kelly, Jacqueline. 2017. COUNTING SHEEP. ISBN 1627798709

Module IV: Non Fiction/Biography

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nelson, Kadir. 2011. HEART AND SOUL. NewYork: HarperCollins Children's Book. ISBN 978-0-06-173079

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT
This historical nonfiction book describes the story of African American during the early 1600's of slavery. Many of the voices used in this story focus on the viewpoints of African American women of all ages describing African American people past and present.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Heart and Soul author Kadir Nelson captures the early years of slavery, Martin Luther King civil right movement, and President Barack Obama's election. It is a remarkable story told by African American women young and old sharing their perspective of their own history. In this Nelson used a simple and easy format to organize the text so that young readers are able to grasp information much easier.  By including many dramatic illustrations throughout the book, Nelson is able to assist young readers to fully comprehend important text and history of African Americans.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD(2012)

"Porvocative and powerful, this book offers a much-needed perspective for individuals of all ages seeking to understand America's past and present."--School Library Journal starred review

"Nelson  effectively creates a voice that is at once singular and representatives.  A tour de force in the career of an author/artist who continues to outdo himself." --The Horn Book starred review

5. CONNECTION
Other books related to the Heart and Soul
*Dela Pena, Matt. 2011. A NATION'S HOPE: FINDING THE LIGHT TO FREEDOM. ISBN 1596435380


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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kerly, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE?. Ill by Fortherigham, Edwin. NewYork: Scholastic Press. ISBN 13: 978-0-439-92231-9

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT
After the death of his wife, Alice, Theodore Roosevelt was left with a broken heart and a child to care for.  Alice became the rambunctious and spirited young girl who wanted to explore the world around her. Being the oldest daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, she held her ground to what she believed made her happy despite the objection of her father.  She loved fer freedom and soon won the hearts of many, including her father.  She soon became her father's confident in the White House and helped entertain guest as well.  Through this biography, we get a glimpse of the life of Alice Lee Roosevelt and how she captivated everyone around her.

3.CRITICAL DEVELOPMENT
This biography picture book is written in a simple prose for young readers. The language used in this book draw young readers to her humorous behavior from wanting her father to give her a piggyback ride down the stairs every morning as a youngster to wanting to won a pet monkey and ware pants.  This book truly captures Alice's carefree and spirited life which helped shape the woman that she came to be.
The lively illustrations by Edwin Fotheringham captures Alice's persona as the child who wanted to "eat up the world."  Alice never stopped being her fun self through her younger years to her adulthood.  Kerly's book truly gives us a sight of what is to be the president's daughter.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"starred Review, Kirkus, February 1, 2008
/u0022 Theodore Rooselvelt/u2019s irrespressible oldest child receives an appropriately vivacious appreciation in this superb picture book..... Kerly/u2019 precise text presents readers with a devilishly smart, strong-willed girl who was determined to live life on her own terms--and largely succeeded./u0022

" Starred Review, School Libraray Journal, March 2008
/u0022Kerly/u2019s text gallops along with a vitality to match her subject/u2019s antics, as the girl greets White House visitors accompanied by her pet snak, refusis to let leg brace cramp her style, dives fully clothed into a ship/u02019 swimming pool, and also earn her place in history as one of her father/u2019 trusted advisers.  Fotherigham /u2019s digitally rendered, retro-style illustrations are a superb match for the text. /u0022

5. CONNECTION
Read other books about Alice
Cordery, Kasey. 2008. ALICE: ALICE ROOSELVELT LONGWORTH FROM WHITE HOUSE PRINCESS TO WASHINGTON POWER BROKER. ISBN-10: 0143114271
*Thorton, StePhanie Marie. 2019. PRINCESS ALICE: A NOVEL OF FIRST DAUGHTER ALICE ROOSELVELT. ISBN-10:0451490902



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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jenkins, Stevens. 2010. BONES. NewYork, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 978-0-545-04651-0

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT
The book BONES gives us an overview of the different shapes and sizes of human and animal bones.  It is a good book that educates children of the human anatomy through visual drawings and facts.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jenkins uses simple words to explain how each bone in a human and animal body works.  This nonfiction book is a great way to show young readers fun facts about how bones in humans are compared to those of animals.  Reading this book aloud in class and showing a Youtube video about bones can help young readers better understand the functions of each bone in humans as well as animals.
The images Jenkins uses in his book help young readers get a better view of the actual size and shape of bones in the human body and that of animals.  This book will get young readers excited about learning anatomy.

4. EXCERPT(S)
CALDECOTT HONOR AWARD

"Starred Review.  Grade 3-6 From the life-sized human skull grinning out from the brick-red cover to a complete skeleton waving goodbye from a gate-fold late in the book, bones are given an entertaining and fresh treatment.  Beginning with the opening spread of life-sized animals bones, human bones are quantified and qualified.  Hands, feet, femurs, rubs, spine, and skull are shown and compared to other species.  Symmetry and joints as well as adaptations for survival are introduced.  Humor abounds in the illustrations as well as in subheading such as, That's a Handful, Big Foot, and Head Case.  Readers will be lured in by interactive touches like What bone is this? and the Some
Assembly Required spread with all 206 adult human bones unlabeled and grouped by body area.  Displayed against a navy-blue background, the spread opens to the burnt sienna gate-fold mentioned above.  Two additional gate-folds include a small python (200 rubs) and a collection of skills.  Jenkins's characteristics cut-paper collages in mottled creams and grays are perfectly suited to the topic and contrasted against solid jewel-tone, full-bleed backgrounds.  The precise and scaled representation (many life size) are clearly labeled.  Text, other than a opening page, is limited and supports the highly visual and sophisticated treatment A More About Bones spread completes the book with a hodgepodge of fascinating facts.  With applications that range from anatomy to evolution and mathematics, this book will find a place in every collection.  Carol S. McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI Copyrights Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.  All rights reserved.-- School Library Science

"One of the foremost illuminations of the animal kingdom here takes a peek beneath the skin.  He begins with a single human finger bone, then shows where it fits in the hand, then attaches the arm bones and sets it aside the forelimbs of a mole, spider monkey, gray whale, turtle, and fruit bat to illustrate how they all share the same basic structure.  Similar comparisons take a look at feet, legs, rig cages, necks, and heads, almost always using a consistent scale to display the relative size of elephant and stork legs or a giraffe and human neck.  Jenkins provides concise chunks of text alongside his always impressive cut-paper collages, which are a little more understated than in some of his other dynamic books (the color scheme ranges from ashy white to dusty gray, with a few touches of calcified yellow).  But the clean designs of the intricate skeletons set against solid background colors is striking and provides a wonderful visual introduction to what keeps us all upright.  Thoughtful back matter probes deeper into bone-related science concepts."  Grades 2-5.--Ian Chipman- Booklist Reveiw

5. CONNECTION
Other books related to BONES
* Jenkins, Steven. 2011 ACTUAL SIZE. ISBN-10: 9780547512914
*Jenkins, Steven. 1997. BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST. ISBN-10: 0395861365


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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Greenberg, Jan; Jordan Sandra. 1993. THE SCULPTOR'S EYE. NewYork, NY: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0-385-30902-3

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT
The Sculptor's Eye is a nonfiction book that introduces young readers to the artistic representation of artists sculptures from all around the world.  Not only do we learn about what an artist truly is but also about the artistic skills artist possess and what the sculptures mean.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The author gives us an insight of the many inspiring and exquisite sculptures created all over the world and what makes them so unique.  There is no piece of art that is the same.  Every artist creates his or her own style of sculptures, whether they are displayed in a museum or outdoors, the art work represented by each artist is ordinary and open to many interpretations.  By the interviews done by Greensburg and Jordan, we learned that art is everything to the artist no matter what some of us might think about their sculptures or artwork.  For example, the image that is displayed in this book by artist Claes Oldenburg shows a misshapen Floor Cone (Giant Ice-Cream) as his model work.  Many of us might think that a piece of art work needs to look a certain way but this artist insist that "anything can be a subject for art, even fast food."  I found this information book to be very interesting and I feel that  older readers can benefit form it as well as be inspired to tap into their own artistic side.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
" A companion to The Painter's Eye (1991, ALA Notable) that's equally enriching, intelligently organized, and provocative.  Again taking a conceptual approach--with chapter on subject, the use of space, and media--the author illustrate their ides with an excellent range of works.  Ten sculptors are quoted extensively in interviews remarkable for individually and the lucidity with which the artists express their aims and themes.  The authors, too, share insights with marvelous clarity and enthusiasm (simplicity of form does not necessarily mean simplicity of experience"; " All works of art are about ideas and feelings") building to their generalizations with specific analysis of the choices artists have made and the ways their works engage the viewer.  In addition to color photos of the art, there are b&w photos of the artists at work.  Handsome and inspiring--with a useful essay on contemporary art movements; 24 biographical notes on the sculptors; excellent four-page glossary with reference to works cited; full citations for the art; list of sculpture gardens; bibliography (sources); index. (Nonfiction. 10+) ---Kirkus Review

5. CONNECTION
Nonfiction Books
*Faraut, Phillipe. 2004. PORTRAIT SCULPTING: ANATOMY & EXPRESSIONS IN CLAY. ISBN 13:9781600609893
*Shroader, Alan. 2014. IN HER HANDS: THE STORY OF SCULPTOR AUGUSTA SALVAGE. ISBN 13: 9781600609893

                                         

  Module III: Poetry

1. BIOGRAPHY

Weatherford, Carole Boston. 2015. VOICES OF FREEDOM: FANNIE LOU HAMER SPIRIT OF CIVIL RIGHT MOVEMENT. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 978-0-7636-6531-9

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT

Fannie Lou Hamer was the twentieth child born to a family of Mississippi sharecroppers.  She came into the world because a plantation owner paid her mother fifty dollars to produce another field hand.  Despite all the hardships in her life, like having her reproductive organs removed by a doctor without her knowledge of consent.  Fannie Lou Townsend never stopped fighting for her freedom and the freedom of many other black people.  Due to Fannie Lou being tired of how she and her ancestor had been treated for hundreds of years, she helped organize a civil rights movement.  Fannie Lou was humiliated, kicked around by the police for protesting.  Fannie Lou became a political activist and the leader of the 1964 Democratic National Convention to fight for the representation of black people.  She is remember for her strength, courage, hope and determination for injustices of black people.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The poems in this book describe the events and feelings throughout Fannie Lou Hamer's life.  The emotions and the first-person language of the poems are what moves the readers emotions.  The reader can visualize and feel the struggles of Hamer in her childhood.  Your heart aches for her as she fights for the right to vote, and your anger is ignited as you hear the awful ways she was treated.  The personal stories from these poems depict a tumultuous period in the life of many black people.  This book is quite moving, with poetry that creates an atmosphere of emotion and engages the reader in learning about the history of Hamer and the Civil Rights movement.

The illustrations portrayed in the this book celebrates the life of Fannie Lou Hamer from a young girl working in the fields to the political activist in the human right movement.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2016 Caldecott Award

" This welcome biography brings to light one of the civil rights movement's most inspiring leaders.  The youngest of 20 children, Fannie Lou Hamer grew up in the family of sharecroppers in the Mississippi Delta.  Forced to leave school after sixth grade, she joined the rest of her family in the fields picking cotton.  Hamer still hungered for knowledge, however, and she found strength in the love of her family and through her Christian faith.  Weatherford describes the hardship that Hamer endured.  For instance, in 1961, while she was having a small tumor removed, a doctor performed a hysterectomy on her without her consent; at the time, Mississippi law allowed poor women to be sterilized without their knowledge.  Hamer was in her 40s when young activists spoke at her church; until that point, Hamer hadn't known that she could vote, and she volunteered to register.  Though she faced threats and in 1963 was brutally beaten, she spent the rest of her life rallying others.  Told in the first person from Hamer's own perspective, this lyrical text in verse emphasizes the activist's perseverance and courage, as she let her booming voice be heard.  Homes's beautiful, vibrant collage illustrations add detail and nuance, often depicting Hamer wearing yellow, which reflects her Sunflower County roots and her signature song,  "This Little Light of Mine."  Pair this title with Don Mitchell's The Freedom Summer Murders (Scholastic, 2014), which features a short chapter on Hamer,  for a well-rounded look at this tumultuous, turbulent era.  VERDICT Hamer's heroic life story should be widely known, and this well-crafted work should find a place in most libraries.-- Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA" -- School Library Journal starred reveiw

" Weatherford's latest picture- book biography (Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, rev. 11/06; I, Matthew Henson, rev. 3/08; among many others) chronicles the life of civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer, from her beginnings as the youngest child of Mississippi sharecropper, through the evolution of her political awareness, to her lasting impact on the civil rights movement.  Weatherford incorporates direct quotes (indicated by italics and sourced in the endnotes) into her free-verse text, using a conversational, colloquial voice that makes the transitions seamless.  The book tackles complex ans little-addressed aspects of life under Jim Crow (such as Hamer's forced sterilization under a Mississippi law) and of the civil rights movement (such as the battle she waged at the 1964 Democratic convention against proposed compromises that would have weakened the movement).  Artist Holmes, in her children's literature debut, elevates an already excellent narrative with richly colored pages illustrations that layer meaning upon meaning with scraps of historical photos, newsprint's, maps, musical scores, and more.  Using shadows, patter, and alternative vast and intimate perspectives, she adds emotional heft to the contrast between Hamer's public stature and personal experiences.  This majestic biography offers a detailed, intelligible overview of Hamer's life while never losing the thread of her motivations, fears, and heroic triumphs, and places the civil rights movement in personal, local, national, and international contexts.  An extensively detailed timeline, and author's note, source notes, and a bibliography are appended. claire e. Gross"--Horn Book starred Review

5. CONNECTION

Fighting for injustices

* Ada, Krull, Morales. 2003. HARVESTING HOPE: THE STORY OF CESAR CHAVEZ. ISBN0152014373

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sidman, Joyce. 2007. THIS IS JUST TO SAY. Ill Zagarenski, Pamela. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN-13:978-0-618-61680-2

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT

Mrs. Merz asked her class to write poems of apology and forgiveness.  Since the students enjoyed and liked the poems they decided to put them into a book.  Students wrote to people they felt they owed an apology and forgiveness for something they thought they had done.  Not only did her students were able to write poems, but also they person they wrote to responded with their own poem.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The theme Forgiveness in Joyce Sidman's  book and the creation of heartfelt apologies written by 6th graders has engaged many readers in the ability to visualize the heartfelt "sorry" expressed in these poems.  The poems convey varied student perspectives all around asking for an apology from a parent, sibling, friends, teachers.... In the book, the poems are largely free-versed and feature poetic in visualizing the written words expressed in the poems and create stronger relationships and a powerful connections among parents, friends, teachers, and others.

The illustrations created in this book made the book fun to read.  The pictures truly resemble what a middle school students will draw in their journals. This poems is a great way to motivate young readers to express their feeling and thoughts with this type of writing and illustrations.

4.REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

" Providing a surprisingly effective story arc, this series of poems was inspired by William Carlos William's famous poem of the same title regarding a theft of plums.  Anthony, one of the students in Mrs. Merz's class, becomes the editor because it was his idea to make the poems into a book and to include any responses they get to their apologies.  There's range of topics and ability in the poems, from the "Roses are red / Violets are blue / I'm still really / pissed off at you" in the responses section to the difficult form of a pantoum in "Spelling Bomb."  A collage-like look and to the illustrations captures the child-like quality in sprightly composition, but the conceit that these are the artwork of one the students doesn't quite ring true.  At one point, Anthony claims to have edited for language, bu other poems have some words that are realistically uncensored.  Despite a slight uneven quality or perhaps because of it the whole is far more captivating than expected.  Packed with the intensity of everyday pain and sorrow, kids and adults exchanged the words that convey grief, delight, love, and acceptance of themselves and others. (Poetry. 8-12)--Kirkus Review

"Sidman's ear is keen, capturing many voices.  Her skill as a poet accessible to young people is unmatched... This is an important book both for its creativity and for its wisdom. " School of Library Journal starred reveiw

" The concepts of Sidman's book is an original entertaining, using a fictional classroom to bring to group of poems and their elementary school authors to life... a fabulous book to show students the many forms that poetry can take and to inspire them to write their own "sorry poems." -- Book page

5. CONNECTION

* This is a great lesson activity to teach students  about Apology and Forgiveness

*Whitman, Walt. 2019. OH CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN. ISBN 9781419733581

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Grimes, Nikki. 2017. ONE LAST WORD. Ill by Cabrera, Cozbi. New York: Bloomsbury USA Children. ISBN 1619635542

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT

Nikki Grimes uses words from other famous poets of the Harlem Renaissance to express her words through poetry.  She does this by combining their work with her own original poetry.  Through her poems, Grimes message to young black adults is to never lose faith, work hard, and always be yourself.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Grimes' poems are depicted from the early Renaissance poets.  She uses her poems to express the injustices she her people endured.  But she also uses poetry to encourage young black people to stay strong and never lose faith despite struggles they are faced with.

Some of the  illustrations are part of the original artwork in full-color by many know African american illustrators.  The pictures represented in each page are bold and beautiful pieces of artwork that truly represents each poem that is included in the book. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

" Timely and thought-provoking, Grimes collection transports young readers through the enduring expressiveness of the Harlem Renaissance, juxtaposing classic poems of the era with her own original work and full-color art by contemporary African-American illustrators.  Grime's choice of from, the Golden shovel poem\, does the magic of weaving generations of black verbal artistry into a useful, thematic, golden thread.  A challenge indeed, the structure demands taking either a short poem in its entirety or a line from that poem, known as a "striking line," in order to serve as the foundation for a new poem in which each line ends with one word from the original.  With this , the classic opening line of Jean Toomer's "Storm Ending" (Thunder blossoms gorgeously above our heads") is reinvigorating within new verse as Grimes reminds young readers that  "The truth is, every day we rise is like thunder__/ a clap of surprise.  Could be echoes of trouble, or blossoms / of blessings."  Grimes joins the work of historic black wordsmiths such as Georgia Douglas Johnson, Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, plus the less-anthologized yet incredibly insightful Gwendolyn Bennett and Clara Ann Thompson, with her contemporary characters and thematic entanglements to bring forth a Harlem Renaissance that is as close to the present as the with of injustice and unfulfilled promise that they spoke through.  This striking, passionate anthology reminds young readers and adults fans of poetry alike that while black life remains "no crystal stair," there remains reason to hope and reserve of courage from which to draw.---Kirkus Reveiw, starred review

"Between the covers of this compact volume lies artistic, literary, social cultural, and curricular gold. Taking Inspiration from the poets of the Harlem Renaissance and her poetic form from a method first developed to honor Gwendolyn Brooks, Grimes offers an introduction and a homage to these strong African -American voices.  After providing brief author's notes on the Harlem Renaissance and its role in inspiring her own work, she describes and demonstrates the Golden Shovel form, wherein a poet takes the words form a line or several lines of an existing poem, places them vertically against the right margin, and crafts anew poem around them.  Working with powerful yet child-friendly poems by the luminaries of  of the period as well as lesser-known poets such as Gwendolyn Bennett and Clara Ann Thompson, Grimes then organizer her own poems, alongside the originals, into thematic strands that remain hauntingly relevant to contemporary experiences.  Her riffs not only honor but also interpret the poems she has chosen, building stories and drawing thematic and internationalization connections through the creation of narrative voices of different ages.  Mothers and elders exhort and reflect while young boys and girls plead and dream, reimagining the sorrows and dreams of the legendary wordsmiths into scenarios involving superheroes, bullies, peer pressure, poverty, and prom dates that young readers will relate to.  This is simply essential for both personal and classroom collection.---Bulletin for the Center of Children Books, starred review

5. CONNECTION

Message of hope

* Angelo, Maya. 1978. AND STILL I RISE. ISBN0394502523

*Dickenson, Emily. 2019. HOPE IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS. ISBN9781423650980

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Garcia McCall, Guadalupe. 2011. UNDER THE MESQUITE. Lee & Low Books Inc. ISBN9781600604294

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT

At a young age, Lupita and her family arrive to Eagle Pass, Texas from Mexico.  Being the eldest of eight children, Lupita is faced with the challenge of taking care of her family when her mother is stricken with cancer and absent from the responsibilities of raising children.  Knowing that her mother has cancer and the possibility of death is there, Lupita and her mother do not speak of their worries out loud; Lupita has be bear her worries alone.  Poetry help Lupita deal with the chaos and challenges of providing care for her family and the possibility of losing her mother.  While dealing with the family struggles, Lupita confides in her drama teacher.  It is he who encourages Lupita to use her pain in her acting class.  In her senior year of high school, Lupita mother succumbs to cancer; Lupita is by her side during the final moments.

2. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The theme in this book is maintaining family bonds in spite of adversity.  Lupita is high school junior, when her mother is diagnosed with cancer.  She has to step up and take care of her family while her mother is going though treatment. Lupita is resilient and family minded as she works hard to keep her family together.  The mesquite tree in this story symbolizes strength, resilience, and overcoming obstacles.  Lupita sits many days under the mesquite tree to write about her thoughts and feelings.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

" His autobiographical novel in verse chronicles Lupita's coming of age set against the backdrop of her mother's cancer diagnosis.  I love the way the author begins with the diagnosis, and then follows up with the section of poems about her memories go growing up.  She then returns to the present, and the final section deals tenderly with the loss of her mother, and the way her father helps the family through the crisis with quiet strength.  I particularly appreciate the glossary of names, Spanish words, and cultural references, which ties readers to the world of South Texas and the Latino culture that is so prevalent in that region."---School Library Journal

"The close-knit family relationship, especially Mami and Lupita's are vividly portrayed, as is the healing comfort Lupita finds in words, whether written in her notebooks or performed on stage."--Booklist Reveiws

5. CONNECTION

Staying strong despite unfortunate circumstances after losing a loved one.

*Miyazawa, Kenji. 2008. STRONG IN THE WIND: SELECTED POEMS. ISBN10:1852247819

Module II:Traditional Literature

Module II Traditional Literature

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Teague, Mark. 2013.  THE THREE LITTLE PIGS AND THE somewhat bad wolf.  Ill by David Saylor and Charles Kreloff.  New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 978-439-91-501-4

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT
In this version of the three little pigs, after being evicted from the farm house the pigs go out to the country in search of supplies and materials for their houses.  Ofcourse, the wise and smart little pig uses all her savings to build the strongest and sturdiest brick house in her town, while the other two pigs spend their money on junk food and ise cheap material to build their houses.  Then one day, a not so bad wolf is strolling down the city looking for something to eat.  No food is found!  Upset and frustrated that he couldn't find something to eat, he tries to blow the two not so sturdy houses.  The two pigs swiftly escape and run to the smart, and wise little pig's brick house.  After no luck finding food,  the wolf goes to the last house made out of brick and huffed and puffed until he collapsed on the ground.  Curious about the wolf, the three little pigs rush out to find the poor exhausted wolf on the ground.  They quickly befriended the wolf and take him inside the brick house to feed him.  The three little pigs and wolf enjoy life togther.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Teague's follows the traditional story line, but adds a twist at the end of the story by making it humourous and enjoyable for children.  Students who have read the old version of the three little pigs will probably enjoy this book as well.  He uses this traditional little pig tale to make it into a more compassionate and peaceful ending, especially when the three little pigs go out to see if the wolf is okay and invite him in for a meal.  I suprisingly like this ending and I think students of all ages would find this book intriguing.  A lot can be learned from this story, for example, building character, gender analysis, spending money wisely, making wise choice, being comapssionate towards others, healthy eating choices and following rules and expectations.

Teague's oil painting illustrations are very well detailed in the book.  It is incredible how he is able to add a little spark in each of the pig's personality from the beginning of the story to the end.  First, we see the two pigs bathing in the mud while the other pig is reading a book, but as the story progresses, their attitude and personality continues to remain the same.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"The classic fairy tale gets an update with a subtle message about healthy eating and a happy ending for the hungry wolf."--Kirkus Review

"Simply irresistable."--The New York Times

5. CONNECTION
* If you want to teach children about being compassionate and friendly to others this a great book to read.
* Other books about compassion:
* Levin, Gail Carson. 2005. BETSY WHO CRIED WOLF. ISBN 0064436403
* Kasza, Keiko. 2003. MY LUCKY DAY. ISBN 0399238743


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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Taback, Simms. 1999. JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT. New York: Peguin Group. ISBN 0-670-87855-3

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT
In this story Joseph, a Jewish farmer, has a little overcoat.  This overcoat eventually gets old and worn out but Joseph finds many different ways to resuse it.  This novel is centered around Joseph using what he already own to make something new.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Taback's writing is simple and easy to understant.  The text in this picture book is limited to one sentence in each page but the abundance of details makes this picture book come to life.

The illustrations are eye catching which can easily captivate and intrigue the young readers to get their attention.  Taback's idea to use cutouts and collage illustrations no only foreshadows what will happen in the story but it will also create a sense of enjoyment for the young reader.

4. REVIEW EXCERP(S)
*Award-Caldecott Medal
* "Pre-Grade 3-A book bursting at the seams with ingenuity and creative point.  When Joseph's overcoat becomes "old and worn," he snips off the patches and turns it into a jacket.  When his jacket is beyound repair, he makes a vest Joseph recycles his garments until he has nothing left.  But by trading in his scissors for a pen and paintbrush he creates a story, showing "you can always make something out of nothing."  Clever die-cut holes provide clues as to what Joseph will make next: windowpanes in one scene become a scarf upon turning the page.  Striking goauche,  watercolor, and collage illustrations are chock-full of witty details-letters to read, proverbs on the walls, even a fiddler on the roof.  Taback adapted this tale from a Yiddish folk song and music and  English lyrics are appended.  The rhythm and repetition make it a perfect storytime read-aloud." --School Library Journal

5. CONNECTION
*Importance of finding ways to reuse old items.
* Bergen, Lara. 2009. DON'T THROW THAT AWAY. ISBN-13:9781416975175
*Ashburn, Boni. 2001. I HAD A FAVORITE DRESS. ISBN13: 978-1419700163

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Morales, Yuri. 2008. JUST IN CASE. New York: Roargin Brook Press. ISBN-13: 9781596433298

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT
Senor Calavera was eager to attend Grandma Beetle's birthday party just like any other year.  While riding through the neighborhood, he was stopped by Zelimiro the Ghost.  Senor Calavero is reminded of a gift to take to Grandma Beetle, Senor Calavera takes a gift from every letter of the alphabet just in case.  Little did he know that he brought Grandma Beetle the gift that she wanted the most, Zelmiro the Ghost.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Morales picture book is warm and beautiful. It teaches us that material things mean absolutely nothing when you rather have your loved ones by your side.  I loved the way she used the "loteria" picture cards in her book to illustrate the alphabet in Spanish and English which can help students learn new words in both languages.  This book absolutely brings wonderful memories  to those of us who were brought up in the Mexican culture. Playing "loteria" at a family gathering continues to a tradition in many Mexican/American cultures today.  Seeing Grandma Beetl's expression a the end of the story shows the love Grandmothers have for their family.

Morales easily captives her readers attention with the warm and illuminating colors she illustrates in the story by bringing it back to life. She truly showcases her culture through the use of the illustrations and choice of colors.

4. REVEIW EXCERPT(S)
"Richly hued and filled with action, the illustrations capture the tales humor and Latin flavor perfectly, leading on to an entirely logical, hilarious and heartwarming suprise at theend.  As gifted and artist as she is a storyteller, Moreles is in top from here".--Kirkus Review, starred review

" A breezly told tale, rich in Spanish vocabulary and Mexican atmosphere.  The alphabetically ordered collected presents are cleverly integrated into the double pages, each witha different color background.  Each spread includes amusing details to study in the fantasy-like but clearly painted illustrations." --School Library Journal

5. CONNECTION
* Love for family
* Other books related to this topic are:
*Morales, Yuri. 2016. LITTLE LIGHT/NOCHESITA. ISBN 1596430885
* Soetoro Ng, Maya. 2011. LADDER TO THE MOON. ISBN 0763645702

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Taback, Simms. 1999. IKNOW AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY.  New York: Penguin Books. ISBN 0590632647

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT
This story begins with, "there was and old lady who swallowed a fly I don't know why she swallowed the fly" and it continues with the lady eating animals that get bigger and bigger in size until they get too big for to consume.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This catchy story will have children laughing their hearts out.  Kids will enjoy reading along with the repeated rhyming phrases.  Taback also uses sequencing in the story which is a great way for children to remember the animals in order but to also think about the different sizes from a small fly, to a huge horse.

The art work is colorful, expressive and radiant with so many details.  This book will probably have kids laughing and wondering how this old lady could swallowed how this old lady could swallowed so many animals from the smallest one to the largest.

4. REVEIW EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Honor Book 1998

"From cover to moral (never swallow a horse), this cleverly illustrated version of an old folk favorite will delight children.  Each page is full of details and humorous asides from the spectating animals.  As for the old lady, with her toothy grin and round bloodshot eyes, she looks wacky enough to go so far as to swallow a horse. A die-cut hole allows readers to see inside her belly, first the critters already devoured and, with the turn on the page, the new animals that will join the crowd in her ever-expanding stomach." -- School Library Journal


5. CONNECTION
*Other Books simiar to this one are...
*Garriel, S. Barbara. 2012. I KNOW A SHY FELLOW WHO SWALLOWED A CIELO. ISBN 1590789466
*Colandro, Lucille. 2019. THERE WAS AN OLD ASTRONAUT WHO SWALLOWED THE MOON. ISBN 9789338325072
*Ward, Jennifer. 2011 THERE WAS A COYOTE WHO SWALLOWED A FLEA. ISBN-10: 0545342651

Module : Picture Books

Module 1: Picture Books

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Eastman, P.D. 1998. ARE YOU MY MOTHER. Ill by P.D. Eastman. New York: Random House.  ISBD 0-679-89047-5

2. PLOT DEVELOPMENT

 In this story a hatch-ling bird jumps out of the nest in search for his mother who has left the nest site to look for food.  Determined to find his mother, the young bird asks every animal and machine that it comes across the same question, "ARE YOU MY MOTHER?"  The young bird's confidence and determination paid off a the end.  Mother and baby bird are finally reunited. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Eastman's writing is written in large print which makes it easy to read.  Moreover, the illustrations in this book reflect the baby bird's emotions well.  First is his determination to finding him mother.  Then the frustration when he asks countless of animals and machines; "Are you my Mother?"  After that, is the fear of not finding his mother.  Finally, the contentment in finding his mother was well worth the effort.  The author focuses on a mother and son/daughter relationship.. This story reassures  the baby bird as well as children that a mother will always be there for them even if they are out of site.

The illustrations are highlighted in brown and warm colors. The colors yellow and red stand out making it the focal point of the story. Even the most simple illustrations, can clearly create a well crafted story.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT (S)

"Named the book one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children." Based on 2007 online poll." National Book Association

"It was one of the "Top 100 Picture Books" of all time in 2012 poll." School Library Association

5. CONNECTIONS

* Teachers and parents can lead a well crafted discussion about what a parent means to you.

*Other books that talk about Mother and Child relationships are the following:

Baker, Lisa. I LOVE YOU BECAUSE YOU'RE YOU. ISBN 978545029315

Church, Caroline Jayne. I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER. ISBN 9780545942003

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lowery, Janette Sebring. 1970. THE POKY LITTLE PUPPY. Ill by Gustaf, Tenggren. New York, NY: Golden Books. ISBN 0-307-106026-2

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This story is about five little mischievous puppies who ventured out into the world enjoying nature when all of a sudden one little puppy gets separated from the rest.  They looked for the lost little puppy, but he was nowhere to be found.  While sniffing for their lost little sibling, the puppies smell delicious rice pudding and off to home they went.  Their mother was very disappointed  with the little puppies for digging a hole under the fence so she made them go straight to bed without any taste of the rice pudding.  Nonetheless, the lost puppy, Poky Little Puppy, came home and enjoyed all the rice pudding while the other little puppies went straight to bed.  The five little puppies continued to defy their mother.  Even though, Poky little puppy also challenges his mother, he is not caught until he attempts to sneak back into the yard not knowing that the other puppies had covered the hole and he is forced to squeeze between the fence boards since the hole has been filled.  The mother realizes what Poky Little Puppy has been doing and rewards only his brothers and he is sent straight to bed without a meal.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author creates a story about life choices and the consequences for disregarding authority.  Children can even talk about their own experiences when ignoring rules and the results of their choices.  Repetition of words and numbers counting is a major factor in the story which can be an advantage for children to practice and learn their numbers and words.

The book illustrations are very colorful and vibrant. Based on the story and colors illustrated, the bright blanket drawn on the four puppies represent obedience while the Poky Little Puppy's pale and dirty blanket symbolizes refusing to abide authority.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT (S) 

"The Poky Little Puppy is the all- time bestselling children's hardcover book in English." Publishers Weekly

5. CONNECTIONS

* Student can create a Venn Diagram by listing the Cause and  Effect of the story.

* A class discussion about Rules and Consequences 

* Other picture books about choices and consequences:

Christelow, Eileen.  FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS JUMPING ON THE BED. ISBN 089919768

Javernick, Eleen. WHAT IF EVERYONE DID THAT?. ISBN-13 978503948952

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lewin, Betsy. 2015. GOOD NIGHT, KNIGHT. Ill by Lewin, Besty. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0-679-89047-5

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Knight has dream about finding golden cookies.  He wakes up his friend the Horse in search of his vision of the golden cookies.  As they travel along the country site, they look inside of a tree, some bushes and a stream of water and the golden cookies were nowhere to be found.  Tired from the day's adventure, Knight falls asleep and is later woken up by Horse who remembers that there is a jar of cookies in the house. Knight and Horse ate all the cookies from the jar and went to sleep again.  While they sleep, Horse too has a dream of his own and wakes up Knight to join him on the quest for some golden apples.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Lewin's writing is simple and easy to understand.  The author includes sight words and the use of repetitive words and phrases in the story which can aide a beginning reader to go about reading the story on their own or with a parent/teacher.

The high quality water color illustrations used by Lewin assist with the comprehension of the story.  As the story progresses, the multitude of funny pictures of Knight and Horse will keep young readers engaged.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT (S)

"The loony plot and the spirited pen-and-ink-and-watercolor illustrations elevate this book above most for emerging readers....Clear text, amusing illustrations, and a captivating easy-to-read story make this a winner." Kirkus Review

5. CONNECTIONS

* This book will lend to a discussion about following your dreams

* Other books about following dreams:

Garland, Michael. FISH HAD A WISH. ISBN 0823423948

Long, Ethan.  PIG HAS A PLAN.  ISBN 0823424286

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

De la Pena, Matt. 2015. LAST STOP TO MARKET STREET. Ill by Christian Robinson. New York: G.P. Putnam's. ISBN 9780399257742

2. PLOT SUMMARY

A young boy named CJ and his Nana go on a journey across town on the city bus.  As CJ and Nana walk along the bus stop, CJ wonders and complains about the things that he doesn't have. But he is only met with words of encouragement from his Nana; it is then that he learns to see the blessing and beauty around him.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book shares a wonderful experience between a grandmother and her grandchild.  Children of all ages can relate to De la Pena's story.  Stories like these make real world connections with children pf all ages whether it is read in the classroom or at home.  De la Pena uses many sensory details throughout the story which helps create a vivid experience for the reader.  Teachers and parents can create real life lessons in class or at home by sharing their own personal experiences about their grandparents with the students/children.  This story can truly be a memorable experience for everyone.

Illustrations represented in this story are lively, engaging and so colorful.  It is an eye-catching story that can easily be understood and enjoyed by many readers.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT (S)

"Bright colors and streamlined shapes, keep the urban setting and its denizens cheerful, emphasizing the positive message." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Book.

"The urban setting is truly reflective, showing people with different skin colors, body types, abilities, ages and classes in a natural and authentic manner... A lovely title." School Library Journal

5. CONNECTION

* Deep bond shared between a grandmother and her grandchild

* Wonderful and meaningful memories to share with your love ones.

* Other books about grandparents and grandchildren's relationship:

Harker, Jill. I LOVE YOU GRANDMA. ISBN-13; 9781680524253

Mayer, Mercer. JUST GRANDMA AND ME. ISBN-13; 9780808580669