Module 15 - Draw Me a Star by Eric Carle

Carle, E. (1992). Draw me a star . New York: Philomel Books.

Genre Category: Picture Book
Age Range: Ages 7 to 10
Assessment of the book’s quality: beautiful, vibrant and large illustrations with simple story line.
Assessment of the book’s potential use: It is a great book to share with children; it can also be used to inspire and teach children to draw and create stars in the library during a special arts and crafts program.

Summary:
The story follows the journey of an artist, who draws a star which then dictates the drawing of another image, allowing that image to dictate what would come next, and so on in a circular pattern. This circular process includes the interesting process of watching the artist grow from a young boy to an old man and to observe how the star he draw as a child progressed and now was different from the one he drew later. Although overtly not stated, but there is the possibility that the story line conveys the biblical story of creation, as a Booklist review also mentions that "there are biblical undertones" (1991). This religious undertone is best observed in the section were the sun asks the artist to draw a tree and the tree then (after being "created") asks the artist to draw a woman and a man. And this is where the controversy and disturbing elements in book arise, as the creator of the book, Eric Carle - draws nude man and woman with pretty much graphic description of their sexuality. This element in the book made reviewers to raise the age group from four years old to seven as they did not find the nude images of the couple appropriate for that age group.

Reaction and Impressions:
The book would have been a great source and more appropriate for younger children given its simple and humble text line and large and vibrant illustrations. I believe it was a mistake on behalf of the author to include the nude illustrations. If the story conveys the biblical version of the creation story, then at least the bodies could have been covered with fig leaves as is in the bible.

"... Carle here creates a world pulsating with life and color-a world that bursts forth from a good star sketched by a young artist. This kaleidoseopic pentagram requests a sun from the artist's pen; the sun asks for a tree, and so on until a man and woman are living happily among Carle's characteristic collages-flora and fauna of all shapes, sizes and vivid hues. Meanwhile the artist, now a bearded old man, continues to draw and create. This unusual, practically plotless work seems to embody a personal scenario close to the artist's heart. His unadorned language, pulsing with a hypnotic rhythm, adroitly complements the familiar naive artwork. Though some may be disturbed by similarities between Carle's evolving world and the biblical creation story (the unclothed male and female figures, for example), this tale of imagination and creativity pays homage to the artist within all of us-and may well fire youngsters' imaginations."_Publishers Weekly, 1998.


"The artist starts out as a toddler drawing the star, and matures through the book. This unique version of the creation story can be interpreted on many levels. Carle's painted tissue paper collages are, as always, brilliant. "_ Children's Literature, 1998.

Module 14 - Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars: Space Poems and Paintings by Douglas Florian

Florian, D. (2007). Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars: Space Poems and Paintings. Orlando: Harcourt.

Genre Category: Poetry
Age Range: Ages 4 to 12
Assessment of the book’s quality: Simple, humorous, short and lyrical poems accompanied by vibrant illustrations of paintings and collage. Contains a glossary and a bibliography
Assessment of the book’s potential use with children: In a library setting, the book can be used as a display to showcase poetry week. It can also be used for storytime.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: Appealing for children interested in space and discovery, and poetry.

Summary:
This book contains twenty amusing poems about space and the universe. There are short poems from the moon to the stars, about the planets, celestial objects, and celestial surroundings.

Reaction and Impressions:
Easy to remember, memorize and recite. Addictive, fun and amusing poems, each one touching on the subject of the planets, comets or the universe in a very easy flow that will appeal to younger children.  What really stands out in this book of poems is the outstanding illustrations and cut outs with vibrant colors and shapes that show glimpses of the next page.  Each poem touches My overall favorite is “A Galaxy” which twirls into a spiral. Included with the book is a “Galactic Glossary” and “Bibliography and Links to Further Reading"


"Nothing gladdens the heart of believers in good poetry for children more than a new collection by Florian, whose verses and paintings consistently capture the essence of his featured themes. This one literally sings the music of the spheres. Twenty playfully lyrical poems treat topics such as the universe, the individual planets, constellations, and black holes. Each selection is presented on its own spread and adorned with a magical painting done in gouache, collage, and rubber stamps on brown paper. Circles abound in the artwork, and many pages have round cut-outs that lead into the next picture. For example, "the earth" ("Two-thirds water./One-third land./Valleys deep./Mountains grand") is illustrated with a colorful globe decorated with circled collage prints of animals and plants. A smaller orb appears nearby, made from a cut-out circle that reveals part of the illustration for the next selection, "the moon." Some of the paintings incorporate mythological names and images. The pleasing blend of faded shades and brilliant colors, of old-fashioned prints and fanciful sketches, makes the illustrations seem both antique and high-tech. An appended "Galactic Glossary" provides additional information. In both language and artwork, Florian strikes the perfect balance between grandeur and whimsy. Like Myra Cohn Livingston and Leonard Everett Fisher's Space Songs (Holiday House, 1988; o.p.), this book is a work of art worthy of the vastness of its subject." _ School Library Journal

"Stunning mixed-media illustrations accompany a series of poems that celebrate the wonder and mystery of space. From the universe, the sequence narrows its focus to the galaxy, the solar system and then each body in turn, from the sun to poor demoted Pluto, and beyond. The verse is characteristically playful, wrapping itself around astronomical facts with ease. Readers will learn about the temperature and size of the sun, our moon's phases and Voyager 2's discovery of Neptune's rings. Delightful as the poems are, however, it's this volume's illustrations that surpass. Bright gouache on brown paper bags lend texture to each spread; stamped words allow the illustrations to incorporate such details as names of moons and "sun" in several different languages; collage elements add further whimsy to the whole. To top off this feast for the eyes, occasional die-cuts provide telescopic windows onto adjoining spreads, firmly establishing for the reader the truth that space is a vast continuum, with new surprises in every corner of the sky. Each poem receives a thumbnail gloss at the end, offering additional facts or extending the information presented earlier. Glorious." _ Kirkus Reviews

Module 13 - The Odyssey by Gareth Hinds

Hinds, G. (2010). The Odyssey: a Graphic Novel. Somerville, Mass.: Candlewick Press.

Genre Category: Graphic Novel
Age Range: Ages 10 and up.
Assessment of the book’s quality: A classic tale told through conversation and illustration, which are very classic in style and serve a great deal in telling the story, at times standing alone, without text to tell the story.
Assessment of the book’s potential use with children: The book can be used for pleasure reading or can serve as a good source for teaching classical literature and Greek mythology. Librarians can suggest this book to children who want to learn about classical Greek literature and mythology.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: Appealing for children interested in mythology and classical literature. The book can also very much appeal to reluctant or struggling readers to encourage them to read and learn about Greek mythology and classical literature.


Summary:
The Odyssey is the retelling, in comic strip format, of the ancient classical, Greek tale of Ulysses' voyage back to his home, to his wife Penelope and son Telemachus in Ithaca, after the war in Troy. The dangerous adventures of Ulysses are told in colloquial and conversational manner. The story stars with a small piece of poetic narrative and then moves straight on to conversation. In fact, the entire book is told in conversations and the only time narrative is used is through Odysseus' own voice as he recounts brief parts of his journey. Story is told through illustrations which may occupy a whole page without any text, in a way that the text is not left to carry the plot. In the story Ulysses angers the God Poseidon by blinding the Cyclops and must pass through numerous dangerous trials and adventures to get home. So, with the support of the Olympian Gods, he finally does find his way home. There he finds his city and home in turmoil. It is filled with suitors and charlatans who lived off his land and courted his wife wanting to marry her. And she humbly and patiently, not losing any hope and belief waits for her husband's return. Ulysses takes vengeance upon these suitors and restores peace.

Reactions and Impressions:
This graphic novel is very unique in its style of illustrations, use of font and language. Illustrations are in classic style, soft color watercolor paintings. The text is in a very simple, not-crowded and clear font and not typical to the usual graphic all-capital-letter format. Illustrations do indeed play a huge role in telling the story. There are many wordless sections and these illustrations move the tale along. They are also specifically and intentionally used to show the violent elements of the epic tale. In addition, it is well researched and the high level vocabulary of the original text is maintained, even though the language is modernized.


"As the proliferation of recent Odyssey graphic novelizations approaches the record held by Shakespeare adaptations, it is perhaps appropriate that Hinds, the Bard’s premiere sequential adapter, should produce the most lavish retelling of Homer yet. Showing great artistic evolution since his rough-and-tumble Beowulf (2007), Hinds lets the epic story take its time, with a slow build and pages that aren’t afraid to alternate packed dialogue with titanic action. The sumptuous art, produced with grain, texture, and hue, evokes a time long past while detailing every line and drop of sweat on Odysseus’ face and conveying the sheer grandeur of seeing a god rise out of the ocean. Teens may be baffled by the hero’s commitment to the same pantheon of gods who heap trouble in his path, but they will not lose touch with the universal qualities of steadfastness that Odysseus still embodies. The mythic trials have seldom felt more grueling or genuine, and this makes a perfect pairing with Tim Mucci and Ben Caldwell’s adaptation for a slightly younger audience from the All-Action Classics series, affording a chance to see how an archetypal story can function so powerfully at both the realistic and the stylized ends of the artistic spectrum. A grand example of Hinds’ ability to combine historical adventure with human understanding." _ Booklist

Module 12 - Confucius: The Golden Rule by Russell Freedman

Freedman, R. (2002). Confucius: the Golden Rule. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books.

Genre Category: Biography
Age Range: Ages 9 and up
Assessment of the book’s quality: Conversational style story; Simple syntax and classical sentence structure, engaging and concise text, along with short sections; detailed description of references and sources used at the end of the book.
Assessment of the book’s potential use: The book can be used for pleasure reading as its vast number of skillfully incorporated quotations in a dialogue form makes the biography a natural story like. It can be recommended to be used in school curriculum and research as it provides information not only about Confucius but also general history, such as the invention of paper and fortune cookies.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: Appealing for children who like to read about philosophy, ancient history, Chinese culture and ancient thought and its affects on modern thought and history.

Summary:
The book is divided into eight short sections, where different areas are explored – his early life, his dangerous ideas, his travels, his golden rule, his final years, and his legacy. The sections are listed as they appear: 1.Confucius: The Golden Rule – introduction to the book; 2. A Life of Joy – introduction to Confucius; 3. At fifteen I Set My Heart on Learning - his early life; 4. Dangerous Ideas – his dangerous and revolutionary ideas; 5. Travels in the Middle Kingdom - his travels; 6. The Golden Rule - his golden rule, teachings and ideas; 7. The Unicorn Returns – his final years and death; 8. The Spirit of Confucius – his legacy. It provides information not only about Confucius, his teachings and philosophy, but also general history, such as the invention of paper and fortune cookies. For instance, in the last section of the book titled The Spirit of Confucius, we read, “We know for a fact that the first Emperor of Qin did die in 210 BC and was succeeded by a weakling son. The brutal Qin dynasty lasted just fifteen years before it was overthrown by a rebellion in which the surviving Confucian scholars played a prominent role” (p.37). The author goes on to explain later developments of Confucianism, how it has inspired the creation of temples and shrines throughout China, Confucius’ influence on Western thought and the Western world in general, and how his philosophy and ideas influenced Thomas Jefferson’s democratic ideals, and finally, how later and modern scholars credited him with works he did not say and misinterpreted his sayings to fit their needs. The wide scope of the book invites young readers to study the topic further. In conclusion Freedman offers some insight into his research (Author’s Note) and makes suggestions for further reading and research (A Note on Sources). The text is accompanied by ancient illustrations of Confucius and China, which appear on almost every folio. There is no table of contents and no index. Also there is no separate list of sources used or bibliography. Sources used for this book appear in the section titled A Note on Sources.


Reaction and Impressions:
One impressive characteristic of the book that I liked very much is that the story is written in a conversational style, which is full of history, mystery, intriguing biographical details, quotes from the Analects, and fascinating fun facts. Right on the first page, for example, Freedman skillfully informs his readers that tidbits of Confucius's wisdom have even made their way into American fortune cookies. He writes: “It’s true that he had a sense of humor. He would probably laugh out loud to find that snippets of his “wisdom” are stuffed into fortune cookies, which were invented in America and have never been popular in China”(p.5).


"Freedman delves deep into Chinese history in his intelligent, comprehensive biography of the 5th-century B.C. philosopher Confucius, whose teachings have influenced the development of modern government and education in both China and the West. Freedman draws on stories, legends and collected dialogues from The Analects of Confucius, written by his students, to reveal a man of deep perceptions as well as great humor. "_ Publishers Weekly


"In writing this biography, Freedman faced two obstacles: a distorted popular idea of Confucius, and a paucity of data about the real man. He directly addresses the first, and his engaging book beautifully compensates for the second. He sets his subject in the context of strife-torn China, since Confucius was a radical reformer whose ideas had political applications. Politics, education, spirituality: the philosopher has something to say in all these areas, and Freedman compellingly conveys the profundity of his thoughts."_ School Library Journal

Module 11 - What if You Met a Pirate?: an Historical Voyage of Seafaring Speculation by Jan Adkins

Adkins, J. (2006). What if You Met a Pirate?: an Historical Voyage of Seafaring Speculation. Brookfield, Ct.: Roaring Brook Press.

Genre Category: Informational Book
Age Range: Ages 8 to 13
Assessment of the book’s quality: Well researched, with a pirate glossary and bibliography in the back accompanied with real like illustrations.
Assessment of the book’s potential use: The book can be suggested to teachers and students to use it on a project or research on pirates.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: Appealing for children interested in leaning about pirates, sea, sea battle, treasure and everything that is connected to pirates.

Summary:
"You know all about pirates. They were big guys with fancy hats, silk jackets, peg legs, and parrots cursing on their shoulders. They sailed big ships with brass guns and made lubbers walk the plank . . . right?  Wrong. . . . " _ From the book's jacket cover.

The book is an informational book about the history of pirates. The book answers many questions as who pirates were, how did piracy begin, why so many people turned to piracy and became pirates, what was life like on the ship and the everyday life of pirates what they did all day on ship, what did they eat and dress, what sorts of weapons they had, what strategies they used to attack other ships, then what stuff they stole and did what they did with the plunder, and how they were punished when caught, as well as the sort of punishments pirates had. The author also writes about the seadogs, freebooters, buccaneers and famous and prominent pirates. At the end the book has an index and a small but useful glossary of pirate words. The book is full of illustrations with captions providing additional information and explanations (i.e. what does the term "jolly roger" come from, that Sir Francis Drake was called queen Elizabeth's dragon and that his name Drake actually means "dragon", etc.)


Reaction and Impressions:
The book discredits the image of the stereotype pirate that a child is usually familiar with. For example, when it comes to the old and "favorite" walking the plank section, the author straightforwardly states that it never existed, furthermore, he was one of the artists responsible for its creation, from imagination. It gives very helpful, easy to remember historical events and facts. The book, though nonfiction and informational, is very engaging and interactive. The only negative element of the book is that it lacks bibliography. I am glad I read it.

"Adkins rejects the conventional glamorous image of the pirate to construct a scruffier, though only slightly less romanticized, one in this sweeping history of privateers, buccaneers, freebooters, and similar nautical nogoodnicks. Though he may characterize them as "violent, wicked criminals," he downplays the more lurid tales of their bad behavior, focusing instead on generalities about their habits, hygiene ("Most pirates had bad teeth, and not very many of them"), and seamanship. He also introduces Sir Francis Drake, William Kidd, Henry Morgan, and other piratical luminaries-often so that he can go on about their bad ends. Scattering loosely drawn but practiced vignettes of men and ships around snippets of historical fact, Adkins offers nothing new beyond a distinctly personal tone, but the topic is hot just now, and there's enough about ships and sailing here to draw more than narrowly focused pirate fans."_ Kirkus Reviews.


"Can it be that walking the plank was a fictional punishment invented by illustrator Howard Pyle? In this appealing book, Adkins gives readers the lowdown on what life under the pirate flag was really like. After setting up the conventional portrait of swaggering, singing sailors in colorful duds, he replaces it with a more realistic picture of hard-working sailors who "might swashbuckle just a few hours each month" and bathed considerably less. Yet this realistic portrayal of pirates and their activities is even more intriguing than the romanticized version he debunks. Adkins strikes just the right note in the text, always informative and frequently entertaining as well. Bright with color washes, the excellent, energetic drawings show pirates engaged in a variety of activities, from pumping out the bilge to braiding each other's hair to using the open-air bathroom at the front of the ship. In a send-up of current book marketing, the back cover carries appreciative comments by the likes of Queen Elizabeth I and Leonardo da Vinci. Where pirate fever runs high this spirited presentation will find an enthusiastic audience. For more titles, see the Read-alikes, "Ship Ahoy!" _ Booklist - Carolyn Phelan

Module 10 - Goin' Someplace Special by Patricia McKissack

McKissack, Pat. Goin' someplace special . New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 2009. Print.

Genre Category: Picture Book/Historical Fiction
Source: Coretta Scott King, 2001
Age Range: Ages 4 to 9
Assessment of the book’s quality: The text and artwork work beautifully together to tell a straightforward story with emotional depth and a strong message.
Assessment of the book’s potential use The book can be used especially for Black History Month as a valuable source to introduce children about the segregation and racial prejudice that existed not so long ago. It can also be used to bring history lessons to life. It can be used for storytime with games played at the end to allow children to feel and experience prejudice themselves (i.e. kids who can hold their breath longer will get to be the first in line, will be the first to choose art materials for arts and craft, etc.)
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: Appealing for children who like to know more about the history and stories from other cultures; and for kids who have friends or come from families who have experienced racial prejudice.

Summary:
Goin' Someplace Special takes place in the south, in Nashville, around 1950's, at the time of segregation. The story is about a young black girl named Tricia Ann who lives with her grandmother. She is ready to that Someplace Special in the city all by herself. So she begs her grandmother to allow her to go. The grandmother lets her go with these parting words: "You are somebody, a human being - no better, no worse than anybody else in the world". And so she takes this journey all by herself through several tough situations while going to her someplace special. When she gets on the bus, she knows that she must sit in the back, behind the Jim Crow sign, because blacks aren't allowed in the front. At another place she sits on a bench to rest which has again has a sign: "Whites only". Then she is swept into the White’s only Southland Hotel where she is told, “No colored people are allowed!” Feeling the bitterness of injustice and bigotry, in tears, she escapes to a church ruin, now a quiet garden where, an elderly white woman advises her to listen close for her grandmother’s voice. “Getting’ someplace special is not an easy route. But don’t study on quittin’...,” she hears in her heart. On her way, she confronts more signs of prejudice, but courageously Tricia Ann makes it to her Someplace Special, a big white stone building with "Public Library: Everyone Welcome" carved on the facade of the library above the welcoming doorway - a place that accepts all people equally.


Reaction and Impressions:
The book has powerful messages and themes. One outright message is the message of racial injustice, which is presented in a smooth and humble way shows the unfairness of the Jim Crowe laws. I very much like how McKissack makes Tricia Ann go through the experiences of this racial injustice, as she would have in real life - truly not being able to choose what comments would have been made to her that day or what sort if injustices she saw. I love the message at the end of the book as it shows that libraries are a place for everyone to feel welcome and safe.


"McKissack and Pinkney strike just the right balance in a picture book for young readers and listeners: informative without being preachy; hopeful without being sentimental.”_ Horn Book, 2001.


'Tricia Ann endures the indignities of segregation in the 1950s South, fortified with the love of her family and friends. As a Negro, she must sit at the back of the bus. Because of Jim Crow laws, she can only sit in the back of the balcony at the theater."_Children's Literature, 2001.

"Pinkney’s... luminescent watercolors evoke the ‘50s, from fashions to finned cars, and he captures every ounce of ‘Tricia Ann’s eagerness, humiliation and quiet triumph at the end.”_ Publishers Weekly, 2001.

"Every plot element contributes to the theme.... A natural for group sharing; leave plenty of time for the questions and discussions that are sure to follow.”_ Kirkus Reviews, 2001.

Module 9 - Cam Jansen: The Mystery of the Babe Ruth Baseball by David Adler

Adler, D. A. (1982). Cam Jansen and the mystery of the Babe Ruth baseball . New York: Viking Press.

Genre Category: Mystery, chapter book
Age Range: Ages 4 to 8
Assessment of the book’s quality: Short chapters with wide spacing between the lines and accompanying illustrations that facilitate and help the comprehension of the context for younger, beginning readers. Context is simple and tempting, and text is easy to read.
Assessment of the book’s potential use: It is a great book to recommend to beginning readers or struggling and reluctant readers.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: The book will appeal to kids who like mystery, finding clues and solving problems; as well as to kids who are struggling or reluctant readers.

Summary:
The story begins with Cam and her friend Eric attending a community hobby show, where her parents have an exhibition of circus posters. There they find a baseball exhibit including collection of baseballs, posters and cards, all dedicated to the famous and loved baseball player, Babe Ruth. The exhibit belonged to an old man named Mr. Baker. Here Cam shows off her amazing and extraordinary photographic memory, attracting a crowd of viewers. First she looks at something, then says, "Click" and can accurately remember every thing she has seen. It is at this time that Mr. Baker shouts that a baseball autographed by Babe Ruth disappeared. Cam and Eric tell the security guard about the incident. At this exact moment, a boy in a green jacket sees them talking to the guard and and begins to run. They run after him, chasing him to the playground, where they finally find him quietly sitting on a bench, content with himself. They find a baseball in his pocket, which is not the ball they are looking for. So they let him go. The security guard, unconvinced that it's been stolen goes back to the exhibit, leaving the mystery to Cam and Eric to solve and find the valuable baseball. They find another suspect, only learning that she is not the thief. They go back to the park and observe kids playing, when they notice kids playing with baseball. Incidentally, they throw it too far. A boy picks it up, and throws another ball back to the kids taking it out of his own pocket. Cam and Eric follow him to an apartment building. Is he the one who stole the baseball...?

Reaction and Impressions:
I found the book to be especially fantastic for children who are beginning readers and want to finish a whole chapter book. The language and text are simple and easy to understand. The plot and the story are very interesting and attractive having the ability to keep the child hooked on the book, leaving him/her with the curiosity of knowing to learn what happens next.


"What wrongdoer is any match for Cam Jansen, the girl with the amazing photographic memory?"_ Booklist


"An uncluttered plot, a clever heroine, clear language, and a dash of humor make for a zestful mystery."_School Library Journal

Module 8 - The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

DiCamillo, K. (2006). The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane . Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press.

Genre Category: Fantasy
Age Range: Ages 7 to 12
Assessment of the book’s quality: The book is accompanied by lovely black and white illustrations. The writing is succinct and simple with no "fancy" vocabulary used. Chapters are short and line spacing is almost double-spaced
Assessment of the book’s potential use: The book is fantastic to use for summer reading program and for pleasure reading, providing the opportunity to read about a journey that teaches ethical dilemmas and values and allowing children to experience it themselves.

Assessment of the book’s child appeal: Appealing for children interested in fantasy and who would like to know what their toys feel!


Summary:
The story is about a china toy rabbit, named Edward Tulane, who for the first time experiences his "first genuine and true emotion" as he sinks into the deep ocean, away from his mistress, eleven year old Abilene, who loved and cared for him very much. The rabbit was a specially commissioned gift to Abilene on her seventh birthday from her grandmother. When Abilene's family prepares to leave for England, the grandmother, old Pellegrina, tells a bedtime story to Abilene and Edward about a beautiful princess who had no feelings and who cared less and is turned into a warthog by a witch. Edward waits an waits for Abilene to come and rescue him from the bottom of the sea and recalls Pellegrina's story comparing him with the princess. And only on the 297th on the ocean's depths a big storm lifts him from the ocean floor and he is caught into a fisherman's net. So for a time being he lives with the fisherman and his wife in their cozy cottage. But again something terrible happens and this time Edward is thrown into a trash heap where he remains until a hobo and his dog find him and take him with them on their journey. And so goes from hand to hand, ending up being a scarecrow, and belonging to a girl, Sarah Ruth, very ill with pneumonia and his brother, Bryce. Who love him and he reciprocates her love. So, on his long journey, Edward learns the unfairness and unkindness of life, his heart grows and grows and learns that it's not only through the comfort of life that one learns and appreciates life but through life's challenges, too. He learns what love is. And perhaps a quote from the end of the book best completes this summary: "If you have no intention of loving or being loved, then the whole journey is pointless." At the end Edward finds himself in a doll shop and is purchased by already grown Abilene for her five year old daughter

Reaction and Impressions:
This is a the type of story that you don't want to end and want Edward's journey to continue on and on. The novel has short chapters and simple font and wide spacing between the lines, making it an easy and enjoyable read especially for struggling readers or children who have difficulty reading (such as dyslexia). The story can easily gravitate young readers to find out what happens next. It's a great story of love and affection.

"Somewhere between fairy tale and fable, DiCamillo spins the tale of Edward, transformed by the lives he touches. The reader will be transformed too. Sumptuous gouache illustrations complement the old-fashioned, dramatic narrative. Keep the tissues handy for this one. Ages 7+"_Kirkus Reviews.

"There will be inevitable comparison of Edward Tulane to The Velveteen Rabbit, and Margery Williams's classic story can still charm after 83 years. But as delightful as it is, it can't match the exquisite language, inventive plot twists, and memorable characters of DiCamillo's tale." _ Publishers Weekly


"The tender look at the changes from arrogance to grateful loving is perfectly delineated. Ibatoullines lovely sepia-toned gouache illustrations and beautifully rendered color plates are exquisite. An ever-so-marvelous tale." _ School Library Journal - Allison Gray


"...DiCamillo tucks important messages into this story and once more plumbs the mystery of the heart--or, in this case, the heartless. Edward Tulane is a china rabbit with an extensive wardrobe. He belongs to 10-year-old Abilene, who thinks almost as highly of Edward as Edward does of himself. Even young children will soon realize that Edward is riding for a fall. And fall he does, into the sea, after mean boys rip him from Abilene's hands during an ocean voyage. Thus begins Edward's journey from watery grave to the gentle embrace of a fisherman's wife, to the care of a hobo and his dog, and into the hands of a dying girl. Then, pure meanness breaks Edward apart, and love and sacrifice put him back together--until just the right child finds him. With every person who taouches him, Edward's heart grows a little bit softer and a little bit bigger. Bruised and battered, Edward is at his most beautiful, and beautiful is a fine word to describe the artwork. Ibatoulline outdoes himself; his precisely rendered sepia-tone drawings and color plates of high artistic merit are an integral part of this handsomely designed package. Yet even standing alone, the story soars because of DiCamillo's lyrical use of language and her understanding of universal yearnings. This will be a pleasure to read aloud."_Booklist - Ilene Cooper

Module 7 - Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Draper, Sharon M.. Out of my mind . New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2010. Print.

Genre Category: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Age Range: Ages 9 and up
Assessment of the book’s quality: Written in clear and simple text, in a poetic language that can easily appeal to young readers.
Assessment of the book’s potential use: The book is a valuable source to be used to allow children to read about the life, thoughts and feelings of a severely disabled child and to allow these young readers to form objective and non-biased understanding towards these children who may be their classmates or neighbors. The book can also be used for free voluntary and pleasure reading, providing the opportunity to face and understand the world of disabled children as well as to develop their own value system. It can also be used as a good source to prevent bullying, judgment, prejudice, and bigotry against children who are physically disabled.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: Appealing for children who have disabled friends or siblings, who want to learn about the world of a disable child, and who wants to answer and solve such ethical questions and dilemmas.

Summary:
The novel begins with Melody’s words: “with Melody's strong, smart voice: "I'm surrounded by thousands of words. Maybe millions. Cathedral. Mayonnaise. Pomegranate. Mississippi. Neopolitan. Hippopotamus. Silky. Terrifying. Iridescent. Tickle. Sneeze. Wish. Words have always swirled around me like snowflakes - each one delicate and different, each one melting, untouched in my hands. Deep within me, words pile up in huge drifts." This is a realistic novel about an eleven year old girl, named Melody who is born with cerebral palsy. She is trapped in her own body, unable to perform most of the basic physical functions that the rest of us take for granted. But her mind is completely normal - she thinks, feels, and understands. As a matter of fact, her mind is significantly above normal; she is the smartest kid in her whole school. She also has a wondrous ability to see colors when listening to music. But the greatest tragedy and the problem is that no one knows it. No one realizes that she has a functioning mind and intellectual capabilities. She is enrolled in special education program in her school, Spaulding Street Elementary School where, she is in a goup with other with "what they call 'disabilities'." They're put in a group from ages 9-11 and they're "learning community" has been together from the beginning of school. (pg.29). But her teachers (with the exception of one) don’t think she’s capable of learning, treating her like a baby, as her schoolwork and instructions consist of listening to the same preschool-level alphabet lessons again and again and again. Even the classroom is decorated suitable for preschool age children and definitively not for nine to eleven year old children, where wall are covered with "dozens of flowers...smiley faces", and "painted with happy bunnies, kittens, and puppies."[pg.30:] Of all the teachers Mrs. Billups was the worst who made these kids sing nursery rhyme songs (i.e. “Old McDonald had a farm”) and recite the alphabet every single day with them.

Melody proves everyone wrong when she is able to “speak” and express her thoughts out loud with the help of a device, through a computerized voice. People are shocked that she is like anyone else. Yet they are not ready to accept it. They still are filled with prejudice and judge her unable to accept the fact that she is normal and smart. One girl name Claire in the book puts it like this:"I'm not trying to be mean--honest--but it just never occurred to me that Melody had thoughts in her head"(pg.143). So when Melody finally can do something, can even speak for the first time, can express what’s in her mind, can even make the academic team of her schand get her team to the championship match - why do people still look at her as helpless and weak and think that she is “dumb”?

Reaction and Impressions:
This is a wonderful book that can changed the way people view the world, others, and people with disabilities. It changed the way I view the world. My daughter's music teacher's daughter (about the same age as Melody) had a similar disability, being bound to her wheelchair, unable to move her hands or feet, drooling constantly and unable to speak. At least to me and others. She mumbled and spoke indistinctly. But, lo and behold her mother understood her every word! In fact, she was the only one who could understand her. Therefore, this book was a revealing and an eye opening as well as fulfilling read. I am glad I read it. For it teaches not to judge or prejudge people just because they are different and do things differently and that a wheelchair is a defining limit and thus assume that that person is not smart and incapable of any sort of intellectual understanding and thinking. Even though this is not a topic we like to discuss, thinking that reading it can make us feel guilty or depressed, it was different and worth the reading.



"This book is rich in detail of both the essential normalcy and the difficulties of a young person with cerebral palsy."_Kirkus Review.

"Starred Review. Uplifting and upsetting, this is a book that defies age categorization, an easy enough read for upper-elementary students yet also a story that will enlighten and resonate with teens and adults."_Booklist.

"Draper's book is distinctive for the way she traces Melody's journey and her attempts to communicate from as far back as she can remember. In often poetic language, Melody describes how early on she "began to recognize noises and smells and tastes. The whump and whoosh of the furnace coming alive each morning.... It's impossible to close this book without thinking about the world differently."_Publishers Weekly, January, 2010

Module 7 - Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

DiCamillo, K. (2000). Because of Winn-Dixie . Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press.

Genre Category: Contemporary Realistic Novel
Source: Newbery Honor, 2001.
Age Range: Ages 7 to 13
Assessment of the book’s quality: The book is significant for its use of simple and succinct writing and for its straightforward plot.
Assessment of the book’s potential use with children: The book can be used for free voluntary and pleasure reading, providing the opportunity to face ethical dilemmas as well as to develop their own value system.

Assessment of the book’s child appeal: Appealing for children interested in animals and friends, answering or solving ethical questions and dilemmas in addition to modern day problems facing children today such as divorce or loss of a parent.

Imagine finding an ugly, skinny but smiling, happy and friendly dog in your local Ralph’s Supermarket and naming him Ralphs - after the supermarket! This book - Because of Winn Dixie - is a delightful and poignant tale of everyday life through the eyes of a tender and fun ten-year-old girl and her constant companion dog, Win Dixie whom she finds in a supermarket store and gives him the supermarket’s name. Why? That you’ll find out in the book!

The story is filled with universal themes such as hope, sorrow, friendship, accepting others for who they are, and new beginnings. Not surprisingly, one of the most interesting themes in the book is that it really takes courage to see another person for who they truly are, and to admit what you see if it isn't what everybody else sees. This ten-year-old girl in the story, who has recently moved to Naomi, Florida, finds out through her conversations with her newly made friends of all ages (grown-ups and children her age and much younger) that these other people have endured pain and loneliness just as she has and that they are not what they appeared to be or others believed them to be in the first place. Through her search of some answers – such as who her mother is (trying to learn 10 things about her mother), why did she leave her and her preacher father – she finds answers about herself and her place in the world and learns to let go of some of the sadness left by her mother's abandonment - and this of course, with the help of Winn Dixie!

Reaction and Impressions:
The novel is written in first-person narrative from a child’s perspective. The book is very easy to like. Some of the characteristics of the book (funny, sad, and encouraging), can easily gravitate a young reader to reading books due to the more involved interest in the characters and better and more complete use of imagination. The book is relatively short with short chapters and simple print, where lines are almost double-spaced with generous margins. The writing is simple and succinct and does not include “fancy”, difficult-to-understand vocabulary, making this an easy read in general. The grammar is deliberately imperfect ("I washed him good", "Me and the preacher went off..."), more fitting to the language palate of a ten-year-old child.

"Brush strokes of magical realism elevate this beyond a simple story of friendship to a well-crafted tale of community and fellowship, of sweetness, sorrow, and hope. And it's funny, too. A real gem." _ Kirkus Book Reviews.

"A gentle book about good people coming together to combat lonliness and heartache--with a little canine assistance." _ The Horn Book

"Take one disarmingly engaging protagonist and put her in the company of a tenderly rendered canine, and you've got yourself a recipe for the best kind of down-home literary treat. Kate DiCamillo's voice in Because of Winn-Dixie should carry from the steamy, sultry pockets of Florida clear across the miles to enchant young readers everywhere." _ Booklist

"Exquisitely crafted first novel. Each chapter possesses an arc of its own and reads almost like a short story in its completeness; yet the chapters add up to much more than a sum of their parts. . . This bittersweet tale of contemporary life in a small Southern town will hold readers rapt." _ Publishers Weekly

"...The quick beginning, an essential feature of well-written children's books, carries Because of Winn-Dixie forward quite effectively. The stage is set in the first sentence: "My name is India Opal Buloni, and last summer my daddy, the preacher, sent me to the store for a box of macaroni-and-cheese, some white rice, and two tomatoes, and I came back with a dog." Ten-year-old Opal then proceeds to tell the funny story of a stray dog found in the produce department of the Winn-Dixie grocery store, where she calls him as if he were her own in order to save him from the pound. Because of Winn-Dixie is indeed a dog story, but it is also the story of a child, lonely yet resourceful, who has just recently moved to Naomi, Florida, with her father. It is the story of a motherless child, who longs for the love and comfort that a mother could provide. It is the story of a character finding her way in the world, a character seemingly tentative, yet as starkly defined as her red hair and the big, ugly, smiling stray dog she takes home, washes, and makes her own. And it is the story of Opal's developing friendships with distinctive, well-drawn characters—old Gloria Dump, who is almost blind; the librarian, Miss Franny Block; shy Otis at the pet store—encounters made possible, one way or another, because of the dog, Winn-Dixie."_ Five Owls

Module 6 - Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

Willems, Mo. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus . New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2003. Print.

Genre Category: Picture Book
Source: Caldecott Honor Book, 2004
Age Group: Ages 2-4
Assessment of the book’s quality: The book uses simple line drawings in light pastel colors and has a very humorous and engaging text that invites the child to respond to it.
Assessment of the book’s potential use: It can be recommended for pleasure and leisure reading as well as during storytime for preschoolers and toddlers.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: The rather plain presentation will hold the child's interest and help him/her concentrate on the subject, as the characters - the pigeon in this case is looking at the reader when he talks. Children will also be attracted to the humorous and funny arguments in the book.

Summary: 
"Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" is a humorous and amusing story about a naughty and cajoling pigeon who uses every technique to persuade the reader to let him drive the bus. But when the bus’s driver leaves the bus, he gives the reader just one instruction: "Don't let the pigeon drive the bus". But this particular pigeon will try every trick to get in the driving seat. He whines and fibs and flatters: “"Your MUM said that I could...", "I'll give you five pounds!"

Reaction and Impressions:

It’s interactive and makes children to respond and talk aloud. It’s humorous and makes children laugh. And children easily relate to the pigeon character, because the pigeon uses the same techniques as a preschooler would use to convince his parents or friends to let them do something.

" A brilliantly simple book that is absolutely true to life, as anyone who interacts with an obdurate three-year-old can attest. The bus driver has to leave for a while, and he makes one request of readers: "Don't let the pigeon drive the bus." It's the height of common sense, but the driver clearly knows this determined pigeon and readers do not-yet."_ School Library Journal

Module 5 - My People by Langston Hughes (ill by Charles R. Smith)

Hughes, L., & Smith, C. R. (2009). My people . New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers/ginee seo books. 

Genre Category: Picture Book
Source: Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, 2010
Age Range: Ages 4 and up
Assessment of the book’s quality: Beautiful and dramatic illustrations in realistic photographs that agreeably accompany the text of the poem.
Assessment of the book’s potential use: The book is especially a good
source to be used during Black History month in celebrating the black race. It can also be used as a display/showcased in the library setting during that month or read during storytime.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: The book is a great way to share a different culture or race.

Summary:

This is a re-imagined publication of Langston Hughes' poem, My People, using photography to grasp the celebration of African Americans, capturing them laughing, gazing, and being deep in thought. With depiction of the diverse shades, ages, and shapes of African Americans he praises and honors the black race. He places photos of people with dark skin next to the word, "night" and lighter tones of skin next to the word, "sun." 

Reaction and Impressions:
It is undeniably amazing how these beautiful and dramatic photos are used to more describe the poem and to show the beauty and soul of black people. In short, this is a book of love, respect, honor and celebration. This is the kind of a book that can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages. The poetry and beauty of these photographs in this book are a great way to share a different culture and race.

"Dramatic sepia portraits of African Americans-ranging from a cherubic, chubby-cheeked toddler to a graying elder whose face is etched with lines-are bathed in shadows, which melt into black backgrounds. The 33 words are printed in an elegant font in varying sizes as emphasis dictates. In order to maximize the effect of the page turn and allow time for meaning to be absorbed, the short phrases and their respective visual narratives often spill over more than a spread. The conclusion offers a montage of faces created with varying exposures, a decision that provides a light-filled aura and the irregularities that suggest historical prints."_School Library Journal

"Bold photographs that joyfully celebrate the diversity of African-American culture bring this simple text to life once again. Faces of various skin tones and ages, and both genders, explode from the black background of each page, all reproduced in faintly antiqued sepia tones that both befit the Jazz Age origins of the poem and give glorious depth to the faces depicted. The image that illustrates "The stars are beautiful" is of hair ornaments in deep, rich, black hair; light-bathed faces look up into an implied "sun." Smith's eye for detail and his extraordinary photographs eloquently express the pride and love the poet felt for his people, capturing equally the curiosity and excitement of youth and the experience and wisdom of elders. The simple yet brilliant photographs fully occupy the page; filmstrip-like thumbnails at the edges provide a visual rhythm. All together, they are the perfect accompaniment to the classic poem and create a complex work of art that any age can relish."_ Kirkus Reviews

Module 5 - Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes

Montes, Marisa. Los gatos black on Halloween . New York: Henry Holt And Company, 2006. Print.

Genre Category: Picture Book
Source: Pura Belpré, 2008
Age Range: Ages 8 to 12
Assessment of the book’s quality: Introduces spooky arrays of Spanish words; truly frightening and creepy, detailed illustrations accompanied with spooky rhyming text.
Assessment of the book’s potential use with children: The book is a perfect source to be used during the Halloween period for storytime, read aloud and as a display in the library. It can be encourage to be checked out for pleasure reading as well, as it has the potent capability to create that spooky Halloween aura.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: Appealing for children who love Halloween picture books and poems on ghouls and ghosts, werewolves and witches, and all things scary.

Summary:
The story is about a black cat who walks around on Halloween night and sees all sorts of spooky creatures fit for Halloween - ghosts and ghouls, witches and vampires, more cats, werewolves and corpses - all gathering for their yearly bash at the local haunted house as midnight strikes. They dance and cavort until they are frightened by children the the scariest monsters of all who come trick-or-treating at the door. The story is told in equally spooky rhyming text, incorporating Spanish words for the spooky words (i.e. los fantasmas (ghosts), los esqueletos(skeletons).

Reaction and Impressions:
The illustrations are really marvelous. Their emphasis is on dead - skeletons, ghosts and gouls - are really scary and create an authentic aura for Halloween. They so scary that may not be appropriate for children under 8. For older children however, this can be a thrill as it really serves the spookiness of Halloween. There is significant Mexican influence and elements in the paintings and the story such as Day of the Dead Celebration. This smooth incorporation of Spanish spooky words into the text is also amazing as it not only adds a zest and spice to the story but also in a natural way forces children to learn and memorize Spanish words.



"A cat's green eyes stare out from the book's cover. Inside, there are more of los gatos--as well as las brujas (witches), los fantasmas (ghosts), and los esqueletos(skeletons looking like they have come from a Dia de los Muertos celebration. The pithy, rhyming text tells a frightening, if familiar, story. The ghosts and ghoulies are off to a Monsters' Ball at Haunted Hall, and though there's plenty of scary stuff around, the guests are most frightened by the children who come knocking at the door for trick-or-treat. Montes' evocative poem deserves exceptional artwork, and Morales obliges. Her soft-edged paintings glow with the luminosity of jewels, and her witches, werewolves, and corpses are frighteningly executed. Therein lies what may be a problem for preschoolers. These fiends aren't particularly kid-friendly; they are dead-eyed, Day of the Dead folk who scare. For slightly older children, however, this spookiness is what Halloween is all about. The Spanish is neatly integrated into the text, but for those who need clarification, a glossary is appended." _ Booklist - Ilene Cooper


"[Montes]composes serviceable stanzas, using English and Spanish words as synonyms: "Los gatos black with eyes of green,/ Cats slink and creep on Halloween." This dual-language approach can be redundant ("At medianoche midnight strikes..."), yet Morales (Harvesting Hope) holds readers' attention with surreal, faintly macabre spreads in dim turquoise and clay-brown hues, illuminated by fuschia and flame orange."_ Publishers Weekly.

Module 4 - Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

MacLachlan, Patricia. Sarah, Plain and Tall . Large print ed. Waterville, Me.: Thorndike Press, 2005. Print.

Genre Category: Historical Fiction
Age Range: Ages 7 to 12
Source: Newbery medal, 1986

Assessment of the book’s quality: Written in short chapters, in a clear and non-fancy language, appropriate for its age group. It is a short, simple and humble novel for younger children is a history lesson in disguise which gives children a glimpse into the past, in a simple and uncomplicated manner.
Assessment of the book’s potential use: The book can be used for pleasure reading and most importantly it can be used to encourage reluctant and struggling readers to read and enjoy chapter books.

Assessment of the book’s child appeal: Appealing for children who like family stories, who have experienced a loss in the family(i.e. lost a parent) or have friends who have experienced such loss. The book is also appealing to kids who want to read about how people lived during the time when there were still no cars and airplanes, and people had to make their own cloths. It can also be appealing for children who are struggling or reluctant readers.

Summary:
Sarah Plain and Tall takes place in the late 19th and early 20th century, in a rural area on the prairie and is the story of a nice and loving family that has lived a great loss. The story is written in Anna’s voice – a twelve year old girl who lives with her sever year old brother, Caleb and father, Jacob, on the prairie. Their mother died at childbirth, when delivering Caleb. The book begins with Caleb asking Anna a question about his mother which he asks over and over again. Through asking this question about his mother, Caleb wants to create her image in his mind, to learn as much as he can about her, because he was only a day old when she died. Anna, on the other hand, remembers and misses her mother and this is how she expresses life after her mother died: “And then the days seemed long and dark like winter days, even though it wasn’t winter. And Papa didn’t sing.” The reader is also informed how hard it was for Anna to love Caleb, although she very much cares for him now, because she considered him the reason for her mother’s dead.  Their father, Jacob, puts an ad in the paper to find a wife and a mother for the children. Soon he gets a response from Sarah from Maine. After a dozen or so letter correspondence between Sarah and the children, she arrives and is to be one to fill the emptiness in their hearts and the silence in their home. But the children are constantly scared that Sarah might not like them or their house, or their father and might leave them, leaving them yet with another big loss.


Reaction and Impressions:
This short, simple and humble novel for younger children is a history lesson in disguise which gives children a glimpse into the past, in a simple and uncomplicated manner. Through this book children will learn about how people lived their life during this time. They will learn that people made their own cloths (instead of buying them ready-made, as Sarah wore plain cloths made by herself), used a plow pulled by a donkey to turn the fields, and how important farm animals were for families during this period.  It also talks about the role of the children in the household and its chores, how they had to do chores around the farm to help their parents. For example, they have to get up and help milk the cows, feed the animals, cook and maintain the house.

It leaves children with valuable lessons and questions to ask: why does Sarah come all the way from Maine to live with this strange family and why are the children constantly worried that Sarah may leave them. It also teaches its young readers that there are always possibilities of new beginnings and that one should never loose hope; as Sarah becomes a new beginning for the family. Another important central theme valuable for young readers is the emphasis and the importance of family, which is presented as a nurturing, loving and a safe place, even though there may be natural disasters and loses.

“A book that is filled with wisdom, gentle humor and the practical concerns necessary for a satisfying life. Terse writing and poetic rhythm flow to create a tender story about the fragile beginnings of a family relationship on its way to permanence.” _ School Library Journal

Module 4 - Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

Creech, Sharon. Walk Two Moons. New York: Harper Trophy, 1996. Print.

Age Range: Ages 9 and up
Source: Newbery Medal, 1995
Assessment of the book’s quality: The book unique in that it has two plots combines: it is a story inside a story
Assessment of the book’s potential use: The book can be used for independent, leisure reading. It can also be used in a classroom for book report, character and plot analysis projects.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: This book will appeal children with interests in realistic novels.

Summary:
The plot of Walk Two Moons is very interesting based on real life problems and experiences, with a wonderful balance of humor and sadness and is a poignant and compelling story about danger, mystery, death, teenage love, and teachers with sometimes thoughtless assignments (when assigning students to write journals and reading out loud from those journals in front of the whole class).   The story is about a thirteen-year-old ordinary girl named Salamanca Tree Hiddle, who gets on a journey from Ohio to Kentucky in search of her mother, whose absence has turned the girl’s life upside down. The story begins with Sal’s emotionally painful move from their farm and house in Bybanks, Kentucky to a new house in Euclid, Ohio, which is a “little white house with a miniature patch of green grass in front of it” with a “tiny living room” and a “miniature kitchen”, “pint-sized and pocket sized bedrooms”, and a “tall wooden fence around the yard” (p.10). It is here that she meets and befriends Phoebe Winterbottom, whose story helps her discover and understand her own. Her grandparents decide to take her on a six day, two thousand mile trip from Euclid, Ohio to Lewiston, Idaho to visit her mother, “who was resting peacefully” there, and during this time Sal tells them the story of her friend Phoebe whose mother has left unexpectedly and suddenly (p.5). This interweaving story of two girls with missing mothers runs parallel throughout the book, with mysteries to be only discovered at the end of the story. In this story the reader not only sees painfully realistic reactions of these children to their parent’s leave and absence but they also are given the opportunity to see families that are rock solid in their love and devotion, such as Sal's grandparents that are taking the trip to Idaho with her and Sal’s friend Mary Lou’s family, which is cheerful, noisy, disorderly with lots of children and non-matching plates, but always affectionate and welcoming.


Reaction and Impressions:
The book is a pleasure to read because its author has a unique and balanced style of incorporating humor into her writing which makes the reading fun and engaged for young readers. In addition, has short chapters, simple and not sophisticated vocabulary and simple sentence structure. The short chapters are especially convenient and contagious inviting to continue reading. There is also the incorporation of strong folkloric elements and idioms used in the book characteristic to that part of the country. Another unique characteristic of the book is that it is written in the first person narrative in Sal’s voice and has the use of story within the story, which is meant to reveal different layers of understanding.

The novel also has several important themes that run through the story, one of which is the error of prejudging, and another is the maturation process as a journey. This theme is overtly expressed by the repetitive quote in the story “Don't judge a man until you've walked two moons in his moccasins." This is without a doubt an unforgettable theme and a life-long lesson.



"[This] engaging story of love and loss, told with humor and suspense...[is] a richly layered novel about real and metaphorical journeys."_ School Library Journal.
"The struggle of thirteen year old Salamance (Sal) to understand and deal with her mother's disappearance unfolds while on a cross-country trip with her eccentric grandparents. Sal tells them the story of her friend Phoebe whose mother has also left home, but in reality it is her own story. A funny, mysterious, and touching novel. Newbery Award winner."_Children's Literature

"The book is packed with humor and affection and is an odyssey of unexpected twists and surprising conclusions."_1995 Newbery Award Selection Committee.

Module 3 - One Fine Day by Nonny Hogrogian

Hogrogian, N. (1986). One fine day . New York: Macmillan.

Genre Category: Folk tale, Picture book
Source: Caldecott Medal, 1971
Ages Range: 2-6
Assessment of the book’s quality: The story is lyrical and fun, and is written in a simple and repetitive language, complimented with similarly simple illustrations carefully matching the words on each page, .is simple so you will find this book helpful in assisting your
Assessment of the book’s potential use with children: The book can be used as read-aloud during story time to train the memory and common sense in younger children. It can also be used to assist a child to learn to read.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: The book will appeal to younger children because of its simple
and familiar use of vocabulary and simple and repeated syntax.

Summary:

"One fine day a fox traveled through a great forest. When he reached the other side he was very thirsty. He saw a pail of milk that an old woman had set down while she gathered wood for her fire.' 'Before she noticed the fox, he had lapped up most of the milk.' 'The woman became so angry that she grabbed her knife and chopped off his tail": This is how this folk tale begins. It is the retelling of an Armenian traditional folk tale and is about a gluttonous fox who steals a peasant woman's milk and drinks it and as a result looses its tail. He then goes through a numerous negotiations to regain his tail back. First, the old woman demands that the fox shall give her milk back in order to get his tail back. So, the fox goes to see the cow to get milk to give to the old woman to get his tail back. He now has to negotiate with the cow who demands grass for his milk. And so the fox goes to the field to ask for grass... and so continue the negotiations with the fox spending a day, encountering many obstacles trying to get his tail sewn back on.

Reaction and Impressions:
This is an exceptional tale and a fable for the moral it tells, and the dynamic and colorful illustrations that turn the fox's frustration into an adventure for the reader. It is very interactive and is best if read aloud (silent reading does not have the same taste or effect), and very successfully engages children in telling the story due to its logical repetitive theme. This element is very helpful in assisting younger children to learn to read and to train their memory.

"A delightful telling makes this story of a greedy fox's adventure as catchy as a nursery rhyme. Crisp, happy pictures add to the fun. Inspired by an Armenian folktale, the rhythmic, cumulative text will have small listeners "reading along" and matching words to pictures well before the story is ended." _ Editorial Review

"One fine day a fox traveled through the great forest. When he reached the other side he was very thirsty." The jaunty red fox stole milk from an old farm woman, lost his tail under the annoyed woman's knife, and spent the day bargaining to get it back. This humorous retelling of a favorite Armenian folktale is a story small children will follow and "read along" with ease." _ Publisher's comments.

Module 3 - Grandfather's Journey by Allen Say

Say, A. (1993). Grandfather's journey . Boston: Sandpiper.

Genre Category: Contemporary realistic fiction/Picture book
Source: Caldecott Medal, 1994.
Age range: Ages 5 to 9

Assessment of the book’s quality: Told by a young boy, the book stands out for its exquisite and realistic watercolor paintings and for its simple and direct narrative written with a sense of realism and authenticity.
Assessment of the book’s potential use: The book can be suggested to be potentially used as a curriculum support in a classroom setting to teach about immigration, Japanese-American culture, and transportation, where they can share their stories and locate destinations on the map.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: A story for looking at the family links with the past and present and the future, which realistically portrays multiculturalism and immigration, inviting children to ask parents about their journeys and ancestors, struggling with leaving their home country to adopt a life in another country.

Summary:
The story is about bi-cultural conflicts and is about this Japanese boy’s (the author) grandfather who leaves Japan as a young boy and comes to America on a steamship across the Pacific Ocean. With realistic and colorful illustration, his visit to the US is described in two perspectives: 1) everything that he sees is new to him and 2) American natural beauty and traditions are rendered and introduced in the book. He sees fields and mountains (Grand Canyon and corn/wheat/agricultural fields are referred). He also sees various people. Then his visit to California is presented which he likes the best. He loved the ocean. Then he returns to Japan, marries and comes back to California with his wife. While in Japan, he misses California. And while in California he misses Japan but cannot be in two places at once. So he keeps songbirds to remind him of his homeland – Japan. After his years of stay in California he moves back to Japan with his family and keeps songbirds in Japan to remind him of California. He tells stories about California to his grandson and wants to visit California again. But a breakout of a war does not permit him to and he never sees California again. He also does not want to keep songbirds anymore. When his grandson, Allan Say grew up, he visited California and loves it as his grandfather did. Unlike his grandfather, however, he stays and marries in California. And like his grandfather, he visits Japan and misses California and while in California misses Japan.

Reaction and Impressions: 
The book is a good source to learn about a different culture and their experiences as immigrants into a new culture. This picture book especially stands out for its exquisite and realistic watercolor paintings and for its simple and direct narrative written with a sense of realism and authenticity.


Gr 3 Up-A personal history of three generations of the author's family that points out the emotions that are common to the immigrant experience. Splendid, photoreal watercolors have the look of formal family portraits or candid snapshots, all set against idyllic landscapes in Japan and in the U.S. (Sept., 1993)" _School Library Journal

Module 2- Madeline's Rescue by Ludwig Bemelmans

Bemelman, L. (1951). Madeline's Rescue (copy 2) . New York: The Viking Press.

Genre Category:
Age Range: Ages 4 to 10

Source: Caldecott Medal, 1954
Assessment of the book’s quality: Artistically beautiful with an effectively incorporated expressive and energetic line drawings with the occasional full-color painting.
Assessment of the book’s potential: The book is wonderful for storytime.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: Appealing for young children interested in animals and friends or who have experienced the feelings of sadness that follow the loss of a special pet.


Summary:
The story begins with the description of the school and Madeline - how brave and mischievous she was and how she could scare Miss Clavel the best. Until, one day she falls into a the River Seine is nearly drowned when a dog rescues her. They keep the dog, feed him (with beef and buscuits) and love him. Genevieve (that's how Madeline names the dog) accompanies her to everywhere she goes - to her music lesson, to school and on daily walks. Until one winter day the board of trustees comes for their annual school inspection. When they discover the dog lives there, they forbid for "this creature of undisgraceful race" to stay and kick her out, despite Miss Clavel's pleas. Genevieve gets lost. The girls and Miss Clavel go out to look for her almost everywhere. They even ask a gendarme (the police) if he had seen the dog. But then one night "Miss Clavel turned on the light and said that something is not right". The dog returns, girls cheer and once again argue who gets to keep Genevieve by her bed. It seems that one dog is not enough for twelve girls, until Miss Clavel, for the third time that night, turns on her light and finds many "hounds to go around."

Reaction and Impressions:

The artistic, beautiful and childlike illustrations are truly captivating. I am sure it would be appealing to kids to see images that are not always colored within the lines, or a round face with dotted eyes.  These illustrations accompany the rhyming text beautifully and tell more than the text does allowing the child to tell her story!  And the character Madeline with her mischief and eclat, is truly hard not to like! 

"Yes, it will sell:- (1) because it is Ludwig Bemelmans and a beautiful book; (2) because Bemelmans' sense of humor tickles the risibilities of adults and they buy books. Children may like the absurdities, but actually, the appeal is not juvenile. The charm of the pictures (other than the coloring itself) lies in the identification with familiar and recognizable objects. And the text is not keyed to the interests or understanding of the average child. _ Kirkus Reviews

Module 2 - Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. Shiloh . New York, N.Y.: Aladdin Paperbacks, 2000. Print.

Genre Category: Contemporary Realistic Novel
Source: Newbery Medal, 1992.
Age Range: Ages 9 to 12
Assessment of the book’s quality: The book is significant for its use of colloquialism and the employment of dialect and spelling and for its straightforward plot.
Assessment of the book’s potential use: The book can be used for free voluntary and pleasure reading as part of summer reading program, providing the opportunity to face ethical dilemmas as well as to develop their own moral skills.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: Appealing for children interested in animals and animal abuse, answering or solving ethical questions and dilemmas, in addition to getting acquainted with the colloquialism and cultures of the south.

Summary: 
The story takes place in a rural community in West Virginia. It is the story of a boy and someone elses dog that the boy ends up saving. Marty, a ten year old boy finds a mistreated beagle on his way down the fishing road.  Since he found the dog on Shiloh road, he names him Shiloh. Marty knows that he can't keep the dog as they are poor. His father knows who the dogs owner is and demands that Marty returns it to him, Judd Travers, a hunting man with dogs. When Marty takes the dog back, he finds out that Judd harshly abuses his dogs and Shiloh is no exception. The next day, Shiloh runs away from Judd, back to Marty's house. This time Marty decides to keep the dog secretly. He builds a pen for the dog, and sneaks food out from his home to feed the dog. Thus, in order to keep the dog and its location secret, Marty finds himself telling lie after lie: he lies to his sister Dara Lynn, telling her there’s a snake in the hills, in order to get her to leave him alone, he lies to his parents about eating his dinner, he lies to Mr. Wallace, the store clerk, about buying the expired food, and he lies to Judd Travers. But then one day when Shiloh is attacked by a german shepherd and severely injured, the secret comes out, and Marty bravely decides to tell Judd Travers that he is not going to return the dog. So on his way to confront Travers, Marty witnesses Travers shooting a deer out of season, and realizes that he can use this information against Travers to let him keep the dog (for which Marty feels guilty later on). Travers agrees to give up Shiloh, in one condition if Marty will “earn” the dog by working on Travers’ farm. And so, desparte and determined to get Shiloh back, the Marty is ready to do anything. He goes through many situations where he must question himself and the morals and values he has been taught. The story ends with a good moral, Marty teaching Judd about kindness. 

Reaction and Impressions:
I found many powerful and good messages and lessons, but there is one that I liked the most and that is the value of truth telling: For example, even though Marty is forced to lie in order to keep Shiloh safe, at the end, he comes to value truth-telling more, when he recognizes Judd Travers’ deception.  The story provides young readers with the opportunity to develop their own moral skills along with Marty's character.

"...Without breaking new ground, Marty's tale is well told, with a strong emphasis on family and religious values. This heartwarming novel should win new fans for the popular Naylor." _Publishers Weekly

"...Honesty and personal relations are both mixed into the story. Naylor has again written a warm, appealing book. However, readers may have difficulty understanding some of the first-person narration as it is written in rural West Virginian dialect."_School Library Journal

Module 1 - The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Silverstein, Shel. The Giving Tree. New York: Harper & Row, 1964. Print.


"The Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein's classic parable of selfless love and devotion originally published in 1964, is now available in a larger-size edition." _ Publisher's Weekly, 2003.


Summary:
Silverstein's The Giving Tree is a story about a tree and a little boy who love each other. When the boy is young (and innocent) he very much enjoys playing under the tree's shade and tree enjoys the boy's company and it makes her content and satisfied to make the boy happy. But as the boy gets older (gradually losing his innocence) he turns colder towards the tree and his visits to the tree lessen and his demands for her increase. Despite this fact, the tree is still happy to receive him and to fulfill the boy's desires and wants. However, as the boy's desires increase the damages to the tree also increase and his visits become costly for the tree.  In the beginning the tree gives him her apples for him to sell and get money, than she gives him her branches to build a house than she gives him her trunk to eventually build a boat and sail away. And so he does not return for a long and when he returns to the tree he is an old man. By this time it seems the tree has nothing left to give him anymore. However, the old man (the boy) still wants something from her: a place to sit and rest! That the tree has: She offers him her trunk and the story ends with the tree and the old man happy together. 


Reaction and Impressions:
This is a great story that teaches altruism and important differences between individuals: some are givers and some are takes; some are always willing to give and some are always ready to take without a thought of giving something back in return.  This story is a wonderful lesson of one's unselfish concern for the welfare of others. 


The book is a wonderful source to be used for story time followed by arts and crafts activities about trees, friendship (bracelets) and love.