LSSL 5360 Book Reviews

This post is going to be very, very long. This is the warning for any non MLS student readers who may be checking out my blog. 

The Children's Literature course that I've been taking this semester from SHSU has several large final projects that I've been working on throughout the semester, with this blog post being one. This blog post is the accumulation of reviews that I've been keeping as I've read through the required books for the class. I've really enjoyed most of the books I've read this semester and I hope that you'll find something in this list to add to your Christmas break reading list!

Appelt, K. (2008). The underneath. NY: Simon and Schuster.

Set in the bayous of Western Louisiana at the border with Texas, The Underneath is a moving story about love and family. A calico cat finds an unlikely friend in a hound dog named Ranger who is chained to a run down house owned by the antagonist, Gar Face. A second story is woven into the plot as well. Also woven into the narrative is a folktale like story of an ancient snake who has been trapped in a jar for a thousand years and what she chooses to do when she finds herself freed from her prison. The story wanders a bit and is sometimes paced slow but the characters and the third person voice lead you on to a somewhat expected yet satisfying end.

Bartoletti, S. (2005). Hitler Youth. NY: Scholastic.

The Hitler Youth was the most successful youth program in the world. Bartoletti gives a complete look at the movement and the children it impacted through the stories of youth who were in the Hitler Youth, those who wanted to join but were unable and those who resisted joining. Historical photographs and excerpts from diaries give insight to how Hitler was able to rally the youth of Germany to stand behind him and his ideology. The book also puts emphasis in how important the economic and political climate of post World War I Europe made it easier for Hitler to sell his promises to a group of young citizens who were facing an uncertain future. The process used by the Hitler Youth to recruit and maintain their ranks should be studied by all young adults as it is one which was highly effective and could be repeated by other groups seeking to add the support of the next generation to their cause. 

Bishop, N. (2007). Spiders. NY: Scholastic.

With beautifully detailed photographs and highly accurate descriptions, Bishop's Spiders will attract budding arachnologists as soon as they see the front cover. This book is full of interesting facts and gruesomely up close photos. This book is a fantastic science based picture book that will fascinate the 1st-3rd grade reader. 

Bragg, G. (2011). How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous. NY:

Walker

How They Croaked describes the demise of nineteen famous historical figures in great detail. Quirky, shiver inducing drawings accompany this hilarious piece of scientific history. Readers who are interested in a well researched book about the human body, the history of medicine or just plain gore will enjoy reading this. 

Cleary, B. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. NY: Morrow.

Leigh Botts is just a regular kid with a regular assignment to write to an author. When he begins writing to Mr. Henshaw, he doesn't realize just how much their correspondence will change him, as a young man and as an author in his own right. Dear Mr. Henshaw is told through a series of letters and diary entries written by 6th grader Leigh as he deals with his inconsistent father, divorced and struggling mother and a lunch box thief. Almost every reader in the upper elementary grades will connect with Leigh and his frustrations and triumphs.

Curtis, C. P. (1995). The Watsons go to Birmingham, 1963. NY: Delacorte.

The Watson family is weird. That's how Kenny sees it and he would know, since he is one. At 10 years old, Kenny is the middle child in a family of five. His big brother Byron does what he can to make Kenny's life pretty miserable. As By's bullying and general miscreant behavior escalates, Momma and Dad decide the best thing to do is send him away to live with Grandma in Alabama for the summer. While they are visiting, a tragedy strikes Grandma Sands' church and Kenny's eyes are opened to the terrible truth of extreme racism. Injustice, hatred, and how people react in the face of terrible knowledge all intertwine in this book set against the backdrop of real events from 1963. Kenny's eye opening experiences will resonate with readers who struggle with bullying and the way he deals with the trauma of the horrendous acts in the book can show all readers that it is possible to rise above and face the world with hope. 

Deedy, C. A. (2007). Martina the beautiful cockroach. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.

Vibrant, colorful illustrations and down-to-earth voice make this Cuban based folktale feel absolutely authentic. It is time for Martina to choose a husband, but how can she be sure she chooses the right partner? Leave it to Abuela to have a plan. Deedy's storytelling is charming as she draws from her Cuban roots to weave a delightful tale. 

dePaola, T. (1983). The legend of the bluebonnet. NY: Putnam.

The Legend of the Bluebonnet is a retelling of a Commanche legend about a girl who sacrifices the only thing she has left for the greater good. A drought has plagued Texas and She Who Is Alone has been left orphaned. When the Great Spirits demand a sacrifice, she is the one willing to step up and give her precious warrior doll so that the rains may come again. Her courage and selflessness is rewarded by a special gift that can still be seen today. DePaola's extensive research pays off in the style of the book which hearkens back to the oral traditions of Native American tribes. 

Draper, S. (2010). Out of my mind. NY: Atheneum.

The plot of Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper engages the reader immediately. As Melody’s ability to communicate increases, her confidence and interactions with others do as well. The way the story builds draws the reader into Melody’s world, even when she is unable to truly interact with her own. When she finally is able to share her thoughts and intelligence with the world, the climax of the book reaches out and grips the reader, first in heartache and then in triumph. The theme of this book is complex and incredibly important. The experiences of Melody and her struggles are a glimpse into a life unlike that of most readers. The idea of personhood extending beyond what can be immediately determined is an issue that is relevant in society today. This book was the most powerful one I've read all year and brought me to tears multiple times both in sadness and triumph.

Gaiman, N. (2008). The Graveyard Book. NY: HarperCollins.

I was pleased to see this book on my reading list for this class, as I am a huge Neil Gaiman fan and first listened to the audio book version a few years ago. Based loosely on Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, The Graveyard Book follows the life of young Nobody Owens, who escapes a mass murderer as a toddler and is raised in a cemetery by its ghostly residents. Highly imaginative, this dark fantasy novel twists and turns as it draws you into Bod's world. Readers who enjoy Eoin Colfer's Artemis Fowl or Rick Riordan's Greek or Egyptian series will dive right into Gaiman's creative novel.

Garza, C. L. (1999). Magic windows. San Francisco, CA: Children’s Book Press.

Celebrating the beauty of cut-paper art, Magic Windows is a bilingual glimpse of the author's life, history and culture. The English and Spanish text accompanies each delicate illustration. The bold color contrasts and interesting scenes introduce the reader to the use of color and negative space in art. Readers who show interest in books about drawing or other art forms may be interested in learning in a different and fascinating way to create pictures.

Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. NY: Holt.

Brian Collier's beautiful collage and paint illustrations accompany a telling of the Rosa Parks Montgomery bus incident and the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. The pictures are rich and set the mood for the story. Giovanni's text begins with Rosa's story but then gives historical context for the events that were to bring about great social change. 

Hale, S. (2008). Rapunzel’s revenge. NY: Bloomsbury.

You may think you know Rapunzel, but in this graphic novel adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Rapunzel is no damsel in distress. Set in the American West, Rapunzel must triumph over the evil greed of Mother Gothel to set her real mother free and right the wrongs that have been done in the land. Rapunzel is smart, capable and courageous throughout her journey. Girls are the primary audience but the book will appeal to both boys and girls. 

Harris, R. (1999). It’s So Amazing. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

The birds and bees conversation can be awkward but this book makes it easy to provide accurate information to young readers about human reproduction. The book progresses naturally with clear illustrations and text. The book provides the language children need in order to ask questions and become knowledgeable about their bodies while injecting enough humor to make it an enjoyable read.

Holm, J & M. (2005). Babymouse: Queen of the World! NY: Random House. 

This graphic novel stars Babymouse as its heroine. Girls and boys who like Captain Underpants will also be drawn to the humor, bold illustrations and spunky attitude in Babymouse. Babymouse goes through the same things every elementary student does, from dealing with the popular crowd to missing the school bus but throughout it all Babymouse remains true to herself. 

Kinney, J. (2007). Diary of a Wimpy Kid. NY: Amulet Books.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid was first published as an online serial on www.funbrain.com in 2005. After it proved to be immensely popular, a print version was created and sequels quickly followed. The story is in the form of a journal written by Greg and its realistic and humorous depiction of middle school life resonates with readers who may be going through a similar stage in their lives. 

Klassen, J. (2012). This is Not My Hat. Boston, MA: Candlewick.

I initially found and fell in love with this book in 2012 when I found it in a local Target store. The simple illustrations and hilarious text means this book begs to be read aloud. The dark pages make the characters stand out as the unrepentant little fish confidently takes his newly stolen hat and makes a run for it. The big fish quietly tracks him down and the end of the book leaves the confrontation between the two up to the reader's imagination. 

Krocoszka, J. (2009) Lunch lady and the Cyborg Substitute. NY: Random House. 

Just what does the lunch lady do when she's not dishing up trays of school lunches? Krocoszka has the answer. She's a bad guy stomping, mystery solving crimefighter. The bold illustrations and tongue in cheek cafeteria humor will draw readers in and keep them engaged all the way to the very end, where kids just like them stand up for themselves against school bullies. 

Landry, D. (2007). Skulduggery Pleasant NY: HarperCollins.

Harry Potter meets film noir detective films in this book by Derek Landry. When Stephanie's uncle dies and she is attacked in his home, a hero in disguise swoops in to help. Skulduggery is his name and he's a skeletal mage who fights evil. Stephanie has to decide if she is strong enough to team up with Skulduggery and leap into a life of adventure and danger. The action sequences and humor will make this book a great choice for readers who enjoy fantasy and detective novels. 

Lord, C. (2008). Rules. NY: Scholastic.

The characters in Rules are real and multifaceted. The way the characters interact with each other drives the story forward, from Ryan’s insensitive behavior toward David, Catherine’s irritation with her father and her love and exasperation with her brother. The story is driven by Catherine’s journey of self-discovery as her relationship with Jason grows and the way that relationship forces her to examine other parts of her life. The theme of looking beyond a difference or disability to see the beauty is gently introduced and reinforced throughout the book. Another theme in the book is having the courage to step out and do what is right despite fear of rejection or ridicule. This theme is very meaningful to middle school readers who may be experiencing similar dilemmas in their own lives.

Nelson, K. (2008). We are the Ship. NY: Hyperion

In the 1800s, non-whites were not allowed to play in professional baseball leagues. However, this did not stop those who loved the game from forming teams and playing games. By 1920, the golden age began with the first season of the Negro National League. We Are The Ship tells the story of the Negro Leagues from 1920 until its decline in the late 1940s when Jackie Robinson became the first player to move from the Negro Leagues to the majors. Narrated by an unknown player, the book tells of the triumphs and challenges the players, owners and fans encountered as they slowly changed the world through their love of baseball. The beautiful oil paintings immerse the reader into the world of the Negro League and the heroes of the era. Sport aficionados will devour page after page of stories that are told in a way that makes you feel like you are listening to an old family friend telling you about their life. Those who have heard of Jackie Robinson will find that there were so many others who worked to pave the way for equality and will learn of the hardships they faced while doing so.

Paterson, K. (1972). Bridge to Terabithia. NY: Crown.

Bridge to Terabithia is set in the small town of Lake Creek which is clearly in the south as indicated by the dialogue. The book splits much of the action between the town’s school and the rural and wooded area near both Jess & Leslie’s homes. The setting creates the tension within the story, as Leslie and her parents clearly bring with them a different culture than that which exists in Lake Creek. In addition, Terabithia is the world created by the characters and represents the magic of friendship and imagination. The gender and culture of the respective characters is also important. The book focuses significantly on the way secondary characters view Jess’ relationship with Leslie and the way Leslie pushes the societal boundaries of Lake Creek by racing the boys and wearing pants instead of dresses.

Schlitz, L. A. (2007). Good Masters, Sweet Ladies. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

Being in a play is so much more fun when you are the star. Laura Schlitz's Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! makes sure everyone gets a chance to shine while learning about medieval history in a up close and personal manner. This collection of scenes set in a village during the medieval era gives the reader a fairly detailed glimpse of what life was like for people of that time. Each scene features a character whose voice is believable and varied - the cast of includes adolescents from many different walks of life. The characters will resonate with preteen and teenage readers who are just beginning to find their own place in the world. Read aloud or acted out, Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! is engaging and satisfying as each person in a classroom or group gets to have a lead role. Those interested in learning what life was like before modern conveniences will also enjoy reading the book cover to cover in one sitting.

Selznick, B. (2007). The Invention of Hugo Cabret. NY: Scholastic.

Alternating between an engaging narrative and beautiful drawings, The Invention of Hugo Cabret tells the story of a boy who lives in a train station where he keeps all of the clocks running. His father has died, but left a legacy for Hugo in the form of a damaged automaton that Hugo become obsessed with fixing. Entwined with Hugo's story is that of Georges Melies, a famous movie director and producer who has faded to obscurity once the era of silent films ended. Together, the stories draw to their conclusion like the threads of a complicated tapestry. 

Sendak, M. (1963). Where the Wild Things Are. NY: HarperCollins.

One of the most read and iconic pictures books ever written, Where the Wild Things Are is a richly illustrated tale of imagination. When Max is sent to his room for misbehaving, his imagination carries him away to an island inhabited by wild things. Max becomes their king by showing them how tough he is and joins in their delightful rumpus. Eventually, Max decides to sail back home and finds a warm supper waiting for him. 

Singer, M. (2010). Mirror, Mirror. NY: Dutton.

This book of poetry takes classic fairy tales and flips them upside down, literally. Each page is a poem based on a well known fairy tale. The next page is the same poem, written in reverse. Amazingly, both poems work for each story and the flipped poem gives a different perspective. The bold illustrations add to the cleverness of this book with slight changes in color and background making each illustration match the poems. 

Smith, L. (2011). It’s a Book. NY: Roaring Brook.

It can't tweet or blog or even text. The donkey in this story isn't sure what to make of a book but finds himself drawn in, despite his confusion and slight disdain for this object that won't let him scroll or make the characters fight. The simple drawings and color coded fonts make it easy to tell who is talking and how they are feeling as the story progresses. This book is great for older elementary readers who have been raised with technology in hand and will love the sense of humor that Smith brings to the pages.

Sweet, M. (2011). Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's

Parade. NY: Houghton.

Balloons over Broadway beautiful illustrations, collage and sketches to make this book feel like a mini museum in your hands. The story tells of the history of the Macy's Day Parade and the man who designed the balloons, Tony Sarg. Originally a puppeteer, Sarg finds himself tasked with making the Macy's parade extra special and comes up with the design for the familiar balloon parade that is now a Thanksgiving tradition. 

Wiesner, D. (2001). The Three Pigs. NY: Clarion.

The Three Pigs begins just the way you'd think it should, with three pigs using various building materials to build their homes. Soon, the story's perspective changes as the pigs escape the pages of the book and come alive. The pigs set off an adventure that is atypical for their tale and soon the reader is immersed in their world, complete with rescuing dragons and flying into other stories. 

Willems, M. (2013). A Big Guy Took My Ball! NY: Hyperion.

From the Elephant and Piggie series comes a tale that teaches the reader that it is all relative. Piggy says that someone has stolen his ball and Gerald decides to help. When he finds that the ball has been taken by a really big whale, his courage falters. Then the real theme of the story emerges. To the whale, the big ball is a really little ball, and just because he's big it doesn't mean he's scary. This book reminds the reader to look beyond first impressions and perfect for the younger elementary reader.