Because of Winn-Dixie

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo is the story of ten year-old India Opal Bulone’s struggle to make friends after her preacher father moves them Naomi, Florida. A simple errand to the grocery store ends with Opal rescuing a dog about to be sent to the pound. She names the dog Winn-Dixie. Winn-Dixie eases Opal’s loneliness as she meets an interesting array of unique people in Naomi, including Miss Fanny Block, the librarian, Otis, the guitar playing criminal, and Gloria Dump, an old woman the kids believe is a witch.

Opal is a strong character with problems that face many young children today; mainly she misses her mother. Although a sad topic, it is dealt with in a positive and hopeful manner offering readers inspiration. The author shares Opal’s situation allowing readers a window into coping with daily life. The dog, Winn-Dixie permits readers to connect and perceive possible solutions to their problems. It is easy to understand how Winn-Dixie is a Newberry Honor Book and an ALA Notable Children’s Book. A dog and child story, this book offers incite to the many situations facing young people today. I was captivated by Opal when she announced she didn’t need the dog, he needed her. How can you resist logic like that?

I would recommend this book for students in grades 3-6.

Keywords: friends, alcoholism, love, acceptance, coping, differences

The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker

The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker by Cynthia DeFelice is the story of a twelve-year old losing his family to consumption in 1849. After burying his mother next to the rest of his family Lucas wanders the countryside for days, finally ending up south of his home at Doc Beecher’s house. The doc is looking for an apprentice and Lucas meets all his requirements. Working for Doc Beecher Lucas’ education begins; he faces the effects of consumption again, deals with his grief, and returns home to settle questions in his mind about the possibility of a cure for consumption.

The author of this fast paced story offers enough historical facts of the time, mixing it with an interesting story, to make digging up the dead seam reasonable. The presentation of consumption (tuberculosis), in this book is as harsh and unforgiving as the disease was. The lack of medical understanding adds to the believability of the story and of Lucas’s frustration. The suffering of Lucas immediately drew me into the story and kept my attention as he struggled to deal with the blows consumption had dealt him.
This book was a 1997 Parent’s Choice Award, an ALA Notable Book in 1996, and School Library Journal Best Book of the Year 1996.

I would recommend this book for students in grades 3 –5.
Keywords: apprentice, orphan, physician, consumption, grief, microscope, suspense

Speak

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is the emotional story of Melinda Sordino’s freshman year of high school. After calling 911 at an end of the summer party Melinda becomes an outcast her first year in high school. She retreats into herself, talking only when absolutely necessary. Her only solace during this period in her life is art. Working on her assigned “tree” provides distraction, comfort, and a voice while she works through her personal crisis.

Speak tackles an emotional and controversial topic with sensitivity and wit. Dividing the book into school marking periods with grades and adding details such as the mascot dilemma, lunchroom difficulties, and a “know-it-all” coach all enhance the realistic setting of this emotional situation without ever stating what the problem is. The social scene of high school is used to further Melinda’s feeling of isolation. The suspense of not knowing for sure what had happened to Melinda kept me entranced through the book. I thought this a very delicate yet baldly truthful handling of an emotional topic. This book has received the Golden Kite Award, State Awards in Kentucky, New Jersey, and Oklahoma, and was a Michael J Printz Honor Book.

I would recommend this book for students in grades 9 and above.
Keywords: rape, depression, emotional problems, coping, high school, cliques,

Ella Enchanted

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine uses the Cinderella story to tell Ella’s struggle to free herself from a “blessing” given to her at birth. Ella’s “blessing” is obedience to follow any order given to her. Life was good for Ella and her mother for years. When Ella was almost fifteen she and her mother became sick; Ella recovered, her mother did not. This is when Ella’s “blessing” really became a curse. Ella’s father, a trader, had financial difficulties and remarries to solve them. One of Ella’s new stepsisters discovers Ella’s curse and uses the knowledge to make life miserable. The bright spot in Ella’s life is her friendship with Prince Char, the heir to the throne. Ella journey to happiness leads her to a finishing school, elves, ogres, giants, and working as a scullery maid. Ultimately, Ella is able to break the spell to protect her friend, Char.

Ella is an expanded Cinderella fairy tale. The twist (plot) to this story, Ella breaking the curse, kept me captivated throughout the book. The themes of perseverance and rewarded kindness are contained within this story. This story contains the cruel stepmother, the good princess, and an earnest hero. The plot is simple and the conclusion follows the climax immediately. These elements of traditional fantasy are basic to this new tale of Cinderella. This book was honored with state awards in Alabama, Arizona, California, and Iowa and was an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book in 1997.

I would recommend this book for students in grades 4 – 8.

Keywords: enchanted, fairy, obedience, sacrifice, determination, imagination, fantasy

Cindy Ellen - A Wild Western Cinderella

Cindy Ellen - A Wild Western Cinderella by Susan Lowell takes Cinderella to the wide-open range of the west. In typical Cinderella fashion Cindy Ellen must do all the work. In this story, however, it is mending fence and tending cows. The handsome prince is the son of the biggest cattle king for miles around and the ball is a two-day celebration with a rodeo and square dance. Cindy Ellen’s fairy godmother has a pistol, not a wand and not only gives her fancy duds to wear but gumption. Cindy Ellen loses a diamond spur and Joe Prince, the rancher’s son, finds it. His search leads to the traditional Cinderella ending of happily ever after.

The traditional fantasy elements are present in this story. The simple and direct plot in a western setting with cowboy slang gives new life to the Cinderella story. The cruel stepmother and stepsisters are present to ensure Cindy Ellen is mistreated. Enhancing the western slang, the detailed illustrations bring life to the western setting and characters. The somewhat untraditional fairy godmother is an added treat in the story. The author, Susan Lowell, has used a western setting to retell “The Three Little Pigs” as “The Three Little Javelinas” also. I have used Cindy Ellen as a read-aloud and students love hearing the Cinderella story set in the west. They understand all the activities in the story and love comparing them to the original.

I would recommend this book for students in grades K-3.

Keywords: gumption, perseverance, western, kindness, jamboree, rodeo, cowgirl, stagecoach

The Talking Eggs

The Talking Eggs retold by Robert D. San Souci tells the story of a mean mother and two daughters, Rose; mean and spiteful like her mother and Blanche; kind and thoughtful. The mother and Rose mistreat Blanche. One day Blanche runs to the woods for solace and meets an old lady. The old lady treats the girl with kindness and rewards her behavior with riches. Upon Blanche’s return home, Rose and her mother want the same riches that Blanche has. Rose is sent into the woods to find the old lady, but does not treat the old lady kindly and is rewarded accordingly.

This folktale from the south offers fairy tale elements. The plot is fast paced and the setting timeless. The conclusion immediately follows the plot climax. The universal theme of rewarding good and punishing bad is conveyed in this book. This book was honored as an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, a Randolph Caldecott Honor Book, and Colorado and Delaware State Awards. The engaging illustrations provide story detail and capture the readers’ imagination. I love the expressive illustrations in this book. They tell the story with memorable detail. The characters and setting of this book could be changed and the story would still be meaningful.

I would recommend this book to students in grades K –4. This would make a great read aloud book.

Keywords: imagination, poverty, spirit, promise, honor, wicked

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble is the story of a girl who loved horses. She tends to them and understands them. She spends her days with them as they graze in the meadow. One day a storm comes and frightens the horses. As the horses begin to flee the storm, she mounts one. She cannot get the horses under control and they gallop until they are lost. The next morning a wild stallion welcomes the girl and her horses to his range. Eventually she is found and returned to her people. Upon returning to her people she becomes ill and her family realizes her heart is truly with the horses she loves so much.

The theme of this story is a girl loving horses. This story could be about any girl anywhere, not just a Native American. The story crosses all cultural lines. All the actions in this book are presented in a positive fashion. The fine detailing of the pen and ink and watercolor illustrations tell the story visually. This book was a Randolph Caldecott Award winner, an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, and a Notable Children’s Trade Book in the National Council for the Social Studies. I’m an old girl who loves horses so I found the story as enchanting as the first time I read the book.

I recommend this book to students in grades 2-4.

Keywords: wild horses, Indians, weather, freedom, love

Tornadoes

Tornadoes by Seymour Simon describes how tornadoes develop, where and when they are likely to strike, the destruction, measurement tools, and safety precautions needed to survive them. It also covers the scientist that study them and the best protection from tornadoes.

This is the latest in Seymour Simon’s series about natural disasters. This topic is riveting to many young readers and this book enables students to not only read relevant facts about tornadoes but also view captivating full-color photos of them and the destruction they leave behind. Tornadoes was a National Science Teachers Association winner in 1999. This is a fascinating and factual book about nature at its worst. I enjoyed the pictures, it was like watching The Weather Channel.

I would recommend this book for students in grades 3-7 for independent reading. Younger children will love the photos alone.

Keywords: tornadoes, supercell, Doppler radar, Fujita-Pearson Tornado Intensity Scale, meteorologists, destruction

Cowboys of the Wild West

“I want to be a cowboy!” Cowboys of the Wild West by Russell Freedman tells how it really was to be a cowboy long ago. The book explores the life of cowboys. Apparel, tack, open range roundups, trail life, ranch life, and old-time cowboys are the topics covered. Hard work, danger, and loneliness were all part of a cowboy’s daily life. Interesting tidbits are interspersed with other more common information about cowboys. Excerpts from old-time cowboys are used throughout the book.

Whether handling contrary cattle, bronco busting, surviving the extreme weather, or coping with loneliness the author reveals the reality of a cowboy’s life through interesting text and fascinating black and white pictures. The pictures and drawings enhance the credibility of the text. The life of the cowboy is told truthfully with both good and bad aspects included. The skill needed to be a top hand is offered along with the dangers those skills brought to the cowboy. The adventure of the open range and trail drive is exciting to read. The author also shares the hazards faced daily on the trail drives continuing to bring the topic alive. The book is easy to read and when finished the reader has a whole hatful of knowledge. The American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, National Council for the Social Studies, and School Library Journal Best Books honored Cowboys of the Wild West in 1985. I grew up on ranch and this book thoroughly captivated my attention. I especially liked the photos.

I recommend this book to students in grades 3-8.


Keywords: cowboys, vaqueros, longhorns, independent, skill, risk, respect, freedom

MEET DANITRA BROWN

This is my best friend and I love her is the theme of Meet Danitra Brown by Nikki Grimes. Zuri Jackson is proud of her friendship with Danitra Brown and wants everyone to know her. A collection of thirteen independent poems conveying different aspects of their life are shared by Zuri with exuberance. Poems about teasing, personal quirks-Danitra’s, playing, family, betrayal- (Zuri tells Danitra’s secret), dreams and hopes tell about not just Zuri’s and Danitra’s friendship, but good friendship in general.

The theme of this book is the sharing of friendship. The first poem sets the tone for the rest of the poems. Zuri introduces Danitra as the most “splendiferous girl.” What makes Danitra wonderful is that she is Zuri’s friend. This is a total feel good book. It is about friendship, given, taken, appreciated, and wallowed in as only young girls can. The illustrations enhance and support the feelings shared in the poems. The girls are the featured in the illustrations. The double page spreads offer a backdrop of inner city grimness to these poems creating a contrast between everyday realities and the optimism of youth.

I would recommend this book for students in grades 2-4.

Keywords: friendship, optimism, reality, dreams, inner city

LOVE THAT DOG

LOVE THAT DOG, a novel by Sharon Creech is story about a boy’s (Jack) reluctance to participate in poetry writing activities at school and his love for his dog. The boy resists and the teacher, Miss Stretchberry, gently insists, repeatedly. By continually sharing poetry with the class and allowing Jack to respond with his true feelings in his journal Miss Stretchberry eventually gets Jack to writing poetry, anonymously. Jack’s writing growth is shown in the length and content of his poems. One poem in particular inspires Jack and he models a poem about his dog after it. The story culminates with a school visit from Jack’s favorite poet and Jack’s thank you.

“I don’t want to” A bald statement that says exactly what Jack feels. On the first page of his journal Jack leaves no doubt this is not something he is going to willingly participate in. The author has grabbed the reader with a negative statement. The author uses free verse to tell the story of Jack’s reluctance to poetry writing to his growing confidence in his abilities and appreciation of poetry. The format is a student’s journal entries. This allows the date to show the time line. Use of blue ink reinforces the boy’s perspective. Italics, font type, and size are used to highlight Jack’s responses in his journal. Short entries convey the caring of the teacher and Jack’s hesitant (at the beginning) efforts. The author makes you feel Jack’s love for his dog and the pain he feels from his death. At the same time she allows you to share Jack’s growing excitement about poetry. The author includes the actual poems alluded to throughout the story at the end of the book.

I would recommend this book for students in grades 3-7.

Keywords: poetry, reluctance, acceptance, persistence, love, grief

A suitcase of seaweed and other poems

A suitcase of seaweed and other poems by Janet S. Wong is a collection of poems reflecting on the author’s life as an American of Korean and Chinese heritage. The poems illustrate the effect differing cultures have on a young person while growing up in yet another culture. The poems are divided into Korean, Chinese, and American sections. The author’s mother is Korean and her father is Chinese. At the beginning of each section the author tells a little about her parents. She talks about herself in the American section. Food is the basis for most of the poems in the Korean and Chinese sections. The American section mainly reflects on family life in America with Korean and Chinese influences.

The author uses free verse to create a collection of poems that allow reflection on multi-cultural family life. The author divides the book into three sections to maintain focus on one culture at a time. The poems are simple, short and concise, telling about life in that culture. The American part expresses how the author combines the two cultures that are her parents into her American culture. Illustrations are only at the beginning of the sections allowing the reader to create his own visual interpretation of the poems. This book leaves a sense of strength with the reader.

I would recommend this book for students in grades 3-7.

Keywords: culture, customs, Korean, Chinese, heritage