POETRY #3

Book Review For:

 

 

Frost, Helen. 2008. DIAMOND WILLOW. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 9780374317768

            DIAMOND WILLOW is a verse novel about a lonely twelve-year-old Alaskan girl named Willow, who struggles to be more independent and prove her worth. She makes plenty of mistakes and learns more about herself while trying to save the life of her dog, Roxy. She inadvertently discovers a family secret and contributes toward the healing and renewed closeness of her family.

            On each page written from Willow’s point of view, the verse poetry is written in the shape of a diamond, with key words typed in bold near the center of the diamond to reveal a shortened synopsis of the entry or a clue as to what Willow is secretly thinking. The diamond shape is connected to how she got her name and the family “secret”. (I don’t want to give it all away!) Other chapters tie in more closely to her heritage and are written in prose from the viewpoints of her (and other characters’) deceased ancestors who currently reside in the form of an animal that observes or partakes of Willow’s adventures.

            Symbolism is spread throughout the story, like how it was a specific spruce tree that she camped under and provided her shelter and in sentences such as on page 65:

“All my doubts come circling in as soon as I’m alone. It’s like I’m a mouse and they’re hawks that have been watching, out of sight, and now they see their chance to swoop down on me.”

            The chosen language is highly poetic and vivid. “The THWACK of Grandpa’s ax”, “Grandma listens with her hands and ears and eyes”, and “clear pure brown, shining like the sun itself” are a few examples. Thus, it is a delightful read, almost like an intriguing puzzle.

 

            DIAMOND WILLOW has won numerous awards (Honors and Awards for DIAMOND WILLOW):

·         Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award in 2009

·         Mitten Award--Michigan Library Association in 2008

·         The Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry - A 2009 Honor Book

·         Winner of Best Books of Indiana, Children and Young Adult Book in 2009

·         CCBC Choices List in 2009

            I would suggest educators follow this story with having children explore different shapes and styles of poetry. Social Studies lessons can tie in to the culture and heritage of Alaska, and artwork of sled teams could be studied.

References

 

"Honors and Awards for Diamond Willow." Helen Frost: Poet, playwright, children's writer., accessed October 9, 2013, http://www.helenfrost.net/item.php?postid=25.

POETRY #2

Book Review For:

 

 

Sidman, Joyce. 2007. THIS IS JUST TO SAY: POEMS OF APOLOGY AND FORGIVENESS. New York: Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 9780618616800

 

            THIS IS JUST TO SAY: POEMS OF APOLOGY AND FORGIVENESS is a topical anthology containing apology-related poems by sixth grade students and the poetic responses they received from others. The quaint, colorful illustrations, sometimes decorated with typed words, draw the reader in right away. On the front cover, a girl releases a bird carrying a letter from a cage, symbolizing the release of the apology and the bad feelings associated with it, and the drawn binding and stitches indicate that talented novices created this special book.

            The introduction by one of the sixth grade students informs readers of the context in which the book was made, and the classic poem THIS IS JUST TO SAY by William Carlos Williams is presented to indicate the example apology poem that the students used as a springboard for their own poems.

            I thought it was unfortunate that the book was divided into two parts: the first for apologies and the second for the responses. I had to flip back and forth to find out how the apology was received. Nonetheless, the variety of poem types, from haikus to two-part poems, and the many different subjects were highly entertaining. This book of poetry is likely to hold children’s attention, and since it was written by children, they will be able to identify with the situations and subjects.

            One poem, BROWNIES – OOPS!, uses phrases like “a wafting wave of chocolate-ness” and “thick brick of brownies” in a poem of smooth flowing couplets.

 

            The essence of the book is about the expression of feelings to others. If an educator/teacher of children notices a common difficult issue that children are struggling with, it may be beneficial to have them write their own poems on that topic, which would provide a time of reflection. Reciting and performing their poems in front of the group may then lead to interactive discussions and provide closure, healing, a bonding of sorts, or needed skills to deal with the selected topic. What a wonderful way to communicate, understand, and connect with other individuals!

            It is no wonder that this book of poems received glowing reviews from the School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, and Booklist!

POETRY #1

Book Review For:

Florian, Douglas. 2007. COMETS, STARS, THE MOON, AND MARS: SPACE POEMS AND PAINTINGS. Orlando: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 9780152053727

            COMETS, STARS, THE MOON, AND MARS is a bright and colorful collection of poems about outer space by Douglas Florian. Each poem and its illustrations cover two pages, sprawling out in an imitation of space itself. Cut out circles and other shapes invite readers to touch the pages. Painted strokes create a wispy sky or space, and scattered here and there are digital-like pictures, cut and pasted in. The table of contents and titles are in a more bold print, which makes it easy to read. It is truly a visual feast for the eyes.

            Douglas Florian describes the planets and other space-related things with comparisons to items and concepts children are familiar with here on earth, making them understandable and not so distant after all. THE BLACK HOLE poem, for example, mentions “black ink” and “lumps of coal” for imagery and “giant…broom”, which are familiar, concrete items that children can relate to. Florian adds one last comment to the poem: “Wish I had one in my room”, creating a mental image in readers’ minds of a black hole sucking up the mess of objects in their rooms. The rhyming is comforting and the sound of “wish” after the mention of the broom is reminiscent of the sound a broom makes while sweeping. Thus, a fun, light, participatory mood is created throughout the whole delightful book.

            Children could recite the poetry with volunteers reading a line or two, or the children’s painted space artwork, complete with added cut out, printed pictures, could be displayed around the room or on a refrigerator at home. Connections to science vocabulary would be beneficial, as well as following up with a field trip to a planetarium.

Historical Fiction #1

Book Review For:

Holm, Jennifer L. 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. 1^st ed. New York: Random House.
         ISBN 9780375836886

 

Turtle is a smart, tough cookie who is sent to live with her aunt in the Florida Keys during the depression. On top of missing her mother, everyone living there has an odd nickname, all her cousins are boys, her four-year-old cousin is always running around without his pants on, and no one wants to go near her grandmother because it’s rumored that she hates kids. Turtle, her cousins, and their friends experience a true adventure when they follow up on a lead to buried treasure. In the end, Turtle learns more than she ever thought she would about family and the ties that bind.

With names like “Beans”, “Pork-Chop”, and “The Diaper Gang”, this story is highly entertaining while including factual elements of the times as well. Families are large and often broken up when one has to go to work elsewhere to make ends barely meet, and tired, overworked mothers result in the older children taking care of the younger children. However, humor is spread liberally throughout, and kids won’t want to put this book down.

After reading this story with children, an educator could tie in a study of the Depression era, a study of real, historical pirates, a geographical study of Florida, or a cultural study of the Southeast during the depression. A fun, written activity could be assigned about a time when the children had to stay with other family members. If they didn’t have an experience like that, they could make one up.

TURTLE IN PARADISE is a 2011 Newbery Honor Book, a 2011 Texas Bluebonnet Book, a New York Times Bestseller, an ALA Notable Book, a Booklist Editor’s Choice Book, a Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Book of 2010, and a Spring 2010 Junior Library Guild Selection Book (“Turtle in Paradise”, n.d.). Also, the Kirkus Reviews labeled it as “Sweet, funny and superb” and the Booklist described it as “…a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with a dollop of adventure (“Turtle in Paradise”, n.d.).”

 

References

 

“Turtle in Paradise.” Jennifer L. Holm, Author, Accessed November 12, 2013,

        http://www.jenniferholm.com/p/novels.html

Historical Fiction #2

Book Review For:

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 1997. LILY’S CROSSING. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN
        9780385321426

 

Lily is a headstrong, realistic young girl who sometimes fibs, doesn’t get good grades, and will do whatever she can to avoid practicing the piano. During the summer on the coast of New York, Lily, her friends, family, and neighbors try to live somewhat normal lives while worrying about loved ones that are carried off to war, dealing with separation from them, and wondering what the future will bring. When Lily’s own father goes overseas to fight during WWII, her growing friendship with Albert, a Hungarian refugee, helps her to cope, learn about the devastating effects that fibs can have, and experience a true, lasting friendship.

 

The author includes details like how the headlights of vehicles were painted over the top half with black paint so that enemy planes couldn’t view them from overhead and how fresh dairy products were hard to come by. Albert’s speech is stilted authentically, like a typical English Second Language learner’s would be, and Lily teases him about how he pronounces “barnacles”. All these things make this a realistic, enjoyable story that children can comprehend.

After reading this story with children, an educator could segue into studying the WWII requirements for U.S. citizens living on the coasts and the reasons behind them, invite a guest speaker to come discuss what it was like for them to live on the U.S. coast during this time, or compare Lily’s feelings with those of today’s children who have a family member stationed in the Middle East.

 

LILY’S CROSSING is a 1998 Newbery Honor Book, an ALA Notable Book, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book (“Lily’s Crossing: Praise & Awards”, n.d.). Also, the Horn Book Magazine states, "Details...are woven with great effect into a realistic story," and the New York Times Book Review claims it is “Brilliantly told (“Lily’s Crossing: Praise & Awards”, n.d.).”

References

 

“Lily’s Crossing: Praise & Awards.” Random House, Accessed November 12, 2013,

           http://www.randomhouse.com/book/59841/lilys-crossing-by-patricia-reilly-

           giff#praise&awards

Historical Fiction #3

Book Review For:

Williams-Garcia, Rita. 2010. ONE CRAZY SUMMER. 1^st ed. New York: Amistad. ISBN

       9780060760885

 

Standing up for and taking care of her sisters is nothing new for Delphine, and in the summer of 1968, while staying with their estranged mother, Cecile, in Oakland, California, she has to learn how to survive and function in a totally different environment than they are used to. In order to have breakfast and stay out of their mother’s hair, Delphine and her sisters, Vonetta and Fern, start attending a Black Panther’s informal school for children. Being the strong character that she is, Delphine reads the newspapers, pays attention to what people say, and eventually gathers enough information to form her own opinions on what is taking place around her. She and her sisters begin to understand bits and pieces of their emotionally-distant mother and her strange life, and a miraculous, unusual family bond is formed.

Readers are authentically placed in the realm of a young African-American girl, who automatically counts how many people with and without Afros are in a room and who gets treated differently because of her skin color. Children with non-traditional families and broken families will easily be able to relate to Delphine, as well as those with siblings. Additionally, the author’s inclusion of sibling bickering and details like slowing down the go-kart by dragging sneakers on the cement make this story totally believable and entertaining.

After reading this story with children, an educator could tie in social studies or history about Civil Rights and the 1960’s. Reading poetry out loud from this time period could initiate meaningful discussions, or they could write their own poetry about family. Inviting an African-American guest speaker who had lived during this time period to come talk with students would be a great idea, particularly if they have a background in education or working with children.

ONE CRAZY SUMMER has won the 2011 Coretta Scott King Award, 2011 Newbery Honor, 2011 Scott O’Dell Prize for Historical Fiction, 2010 National Book Award Finalist, Junior Library Guild Selection, and the 2010 Texas Library Association Best Book (“One Crazy Summer”, n.d.). Also, a SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review states, “This book is a pleasure to cast your eyes over,” and a Kirkus Starred Review confirms this by saying, “The depiction of the time is well done, and while the girls are caught up in the difficulties of adults, their resilience is celebrated and energetically told with writing that snaps off the page (“One Crazy Summer”, n.d.).”

References

“One Crazy Summer.” Rita Williams-Garcia, accessed November 12, 2013,

        http://www.ritawg.com/one-crazy-summer/

Young Adult Fantasy #1

Book Review For:

Yang, Gene Luen. 2006. AMERICAN BORN CHINESE. 1^st ed. New York: First Second.
        ISBN 9781596431522

Three separate stories are introduced: one with the Monkey King, one with Jin Wang, and one with Danny. All three characters deal with prejudice and struggle to become secure with their own identity. Because of the Monkey King, the deities, and supernatural abilities, this novel would be considered a Young Adult Fantasy. Teens can likely relate to Jin Wang, who doesn’t quite fit in and awkwardly makes a fool of himself whenever the girl that he has a crush on is around, and to Danny, who is embarrassed to no end about his Chinese cousin who comes to visit. Teens may not have a Chinese cousin, but there is usually something that they feel insecure and embarrassed about.

Yang has created colorful graphic strips that include sounds and terrific expressions on the characters’ faces. There is also plenty of action and humor, like when Jin Wang uses the bathroom soap to wash his stinky armpits and then gets up his nerve to put his arm around the girl at the movies, only to discover that he’s left pink bubbles on her shoulder. The way that the three branches of the story are woven together at the end is truly a work of art that will stimulate brains everywhere.

After teens have read this story, educators could lead discussions on prejudiced assumptions that teens have personally witnessed and how individuals can make a difference by accepting others who are different or by speaking up. Additionally, Venn diagrams could be used by small groups of teens to compare and contrast the three different branches of the story. This could be done as a fun competition to see which group came up with the most accurate similarities and differences for certain branches of the story.

AMERICAN BORN CHINESE has won awards for the 2007 Michael L. Printz Award, the 2007 Eisner Award, the Best Graphic Album, and the 2006 National Book Award Nominee (“Gene Luen Yang: American Born Chinese”, n.d.). A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review also praises this graphic novel, stating “…this novel explores the impact of the American dream on those outside the dominant culture in a finely wrought story that is an effective combination of humor and drama”, and a BOOKLIST review praises the depth of the themes by saying, “The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects — shame, racism, and friendship — receive thoughtful, powerful examination” (“Barnes & Noble: American Born Chinese”, n.d.).

 

References

"Barnes & Noble: American Born Chinese." Barnes & Noble, accessed November 30, 2013, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/american-born-chinese-gene-luen-yang/1100351546?ean=9780312384487

“Gene Luen Yang: American Born Chinese.” Gene Luen Yang: Humble Comics.com,

        accessed November 30, 2013, http://geneyang.com/american-born-chinese