Summary:
Esparanza is a young girl who lives in Aquacalientes, Mexico and has her life turned upside down, literally overnight. After several unfortunate events, Esparanza must start a new life in California; she soon realizes that her old life is over forever and she must move on, and make the most of her new life, because there is no point in living in the past.
Citation:
Ryan, P. M. (2000). Esperanza Rising. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Review:
Booklist (December 1, 2000 (Vol. 97, No. 7))“Gr. 5-8. Moving from a Mexican ranch to the company labor camps of California, Ryan's lyrical novel manages the contradictory: a story of migration and movement deeply rooted in the earth. When 14-year-old Esperanza's father is killed, she and her mother must emigrate to the U.S., where a family of former ranch workers has helped them find jobs in the agricultural labor camps. Coming from such privilege, Esperanza is ill prepared for the hard work and difficult conditions she now faces. She quickly learns household chores, though, and when her mother falls ill, she works packing produce until she makes enough money to bring her beloved abuelita to the U.S.. Set during the Great Depression, the story weaves cultural, economic, and political unrest into Esperanza's poignant tale of growing up: she witnesses strikes, government sweeps, and deep injustice while finding strength and love in her family and romance with a childhood friend. The symbolism is heavy-handed, as when Esperanza ominously pricks her finger on a rose thorne just before her father is killed. But Ryan writes movingly in clear, poetic language that children will sink into, and the books offers excellent opportunities for discussion and curriculum support” (Titlewave 2011).
Impression:
This book was very engaging and hard to put down. I read it in a day and a half. I was very impressed with the way the book was written. I like the way the author divided the chapters by what was being grown on the farms. Esperanza associates the crops with her misfortunes. As a Mexican-American woman I can relate to the language in the story and some of the traditions and rituals mentioned.
I plan on reading other books by the same author.
Library SettingFor Hispanic Heritage Month, have students research Cesar Chavez, who was a huge supporter and advocate of the rights of migrant farmers and laborers and write a mini-biography with pictures or drawings that relate to him and the book.
Booklist. (2000). [Review of the book Esparanza Rising by Pam Ryan Munoz]. Booklist 97(7). Retrieved from http://www.titlewave.com/search?SID=9f59ac95e7618c3aeb31485674e8242a
Citation:
Grimes, N. (2002). Talkin’ About Bessie, The Story of Aviator Bessie Coleman. New York: Orchard Books of Scholastic, Inc.
Summary
The life of Bessie Coleman, the first female African-American aviator is told through a oral history by characters who knew her best. We learn of the obstacles she encountered and how she overcame them to fulfull her dream of becoming a pilot.
Review
Library Media Connection (January 2003)“Nikki Grimes has chosen a unique format to present the life of Bessie Coleman, a pioneer in the field of aviation. Twenty individuals reminisce about Bessie, presented through a series of one-page, first person monologues. These fictional remembrances come from a variety of characters, including family members, teachers, classmates, and finally, Bessie herself. Each testimonial covers a different aspect of Bessie's character or career. As a group they paint a vivid picture of this woman and her accomplishments. The visual layout consists of two-page spreads, with one page featuring a small portrait of the observer and accompanying text, and the facing page featuring a full-page watercolor illustration. Many of these illustrations have a muted, shadowy feel to them, appropriate to the memoir-like tone of the book. The pictures are warm and inviting, and complement the text as they present a panorama of scenes from Bessie's life. The passages don't pull any punches when it comes to relaying the obstacles that Bessie had to overcome in order to achieve her dream. These mature themes and the monologue-style suggest the book's appeal to an older audience. It can be used in language arts classes as an example of a creative way to present information. Additional applications include Black History Month, Women's History Month, and character education units. Highly Recommended. Kathleen McBroom, Media Specialist, Dearborn (Michigan) Public Schools” (Titlewave 2011).
Impression:
I actually had heard of Bessis Coleman before; she is mentioned in our Texas History book, so I wanted to learn a little bit more about her. I often read biographies written for juveniles because they are shorter and easier to read. They give me the basic information that I need to share with my students in class. This one was written as a oral history by characters that would have known Bessie Coleman. The characters range from her parents, to her siblings, to people at flight school and others. They give us a real insight to the type of person she was and the determination it took to accomplish what she did.
Library settingFor Black History Month, have students create a collage of pictures that they found on the Internet or perhaps drew themselves of influential African-Americans like Bessie Coleman, Martin Luther King, Jr., Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Oprah Winfrey, etc.
Library Media Connection. (2003). [Review of the book Talkin’ About Bessie, The Story of Aviator Bessie Coleman by Nikki Grimes]. Library Media Connection. Retrieved from
http://www.titlewave.com/search?SID=9f59ac95e7618c3aeb31485674e8242a
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Module 4: Sounder and Shiloh
Citation:
Armstrong, W. H. (1969). Sounder. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers.
Naylor, P.R. (2000). Shiloh. New York: Simon & Schuster.
Shiloh and Sounder are both stories about a boy and his dog and the love they have for each other.
Summary of Sounder: In Sounder, a young boy must watch as his father is arrested for stealing a pig to feed his family. The family dog, Sounder is almost killed trying to stop his master from being arrested. Sounder who is severely wounded disappears for what seems like forever until one day he returns to the boy who never gave up hope. Unfortunately, Sounder is never quite the same, just like when the father returns home maimed from an explosion that almost killed him. The father will eventually succumb to his wounds and Sounder dies shortly after.
Summary of Shiloh: In Shiloh, Marty befriends a dog who has wandered off from his owner and found his way to the local schoolhouse. It is love at first sight. Marty wants to keep the dog but knows his parents won’t allow it. Once the dad realizes who the owner is; he and Marty promptly return the dog to him. Marty realizes that the owner, Judd mistreats his dogs and makes it his mission to save this dog he has grown attached to. Marty does everything in his power to save the dog he has named Shiloh.
Review of Shiloh:
Horn Book starred (March, 1992)
“A young boy saves a mistreated dog by facing down a bullying adult and standing on principles he knows are right - in the face of laws that may be wrong. Narrated in a believable rural southern voice, the reminiscence engages the reader's sympathy. Credible plot and characters, a well-drawn setting, and nicely paced narration” (Horn Book, 1992).
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review“Sounder is no beauty. But as a coon dog, this loyal mongrel with his cavernous bark is unmatched. When the African American sharecropper who has raised Sounder from a pup is hauled off to jail for stealing a hog, his family must suffer their humiliation and crushing loss with no recourse. To make matters worse, in the fracas, Sounder is shot and disappears. The eventual return of a tattered and emaciated Sounder doesn't change the fact that the sharecropper's oldest son is forced to take on man's work to help support the family. His transition to adulthood is paved by the rocks and taunts hurled at him by convicts and guards as he searches for his father. But along this rough road he ultimately finds salvation as well” (Amazon, n.d.).
William H. Armstrong's Newbery Award-winning novel quickly became a classic as a moving portrayal of resilience and hope in the face of profound human tragedy. Decades later, the bittersweet story still rings true, as strong-spirited individuals continue to battle the evil of prejudice. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter
Review"The power of the writing lies in its combination of subtlety and strength." -- -- H.
"The writing is simple, timeless and extraordinarily moving. An outstanding book." -- -- Commonweal
Impression of SounderThis book almost made me cry several times. I can only imagine how that little boy felt losing his father and his dog in the same day. Both return to him but they are never quite the same. I admire the little’s boy courage and how he never gave up on his dad or his dog.
Impression of ShilohThis is my favorite book thus far in our readings. I couldn’t put it down. It took my a day to read it and I read it every chance I got. I wanted to believe that Marty and Shiloh would become a family. I kept thinking something bad was going to happen to him and was so relieved when it concluded with a happy ending. Many a time, I brought home a stray kitty or puppy and my mother always allowed me to keep them, as long as I took care of them. I can empathize with Marty and how he felt he had to save Shiloh, who hasn’t felt that way before? I think this is a book adults and children alike will enjoy.
Library Setting I would collaborate with the language arts teacher to have students keep a reading journal about both books. Since Shiloh and Sounder are both stories about a boy and his dog and the love they have for each other; I would have students use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast both books. There are several similarities between the two books. I would then have students write about their own experiences that they might have had with their own pets or animals in general.
Horn Book. (1992). [ Review for the book Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor]. Horn Book. Referenced from http://www.titlewave.com/search?SID=5096d38439b4cc3077cc944defc81541
Amazon Books. (n.d.). [Review for the book Sounder by William H. Armstrong]. Amazon Books. Referenced from
http://www.amazon.com/Sounder-William-H-Armstrong/dp/product-description/0060201436/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
Armstrong, W. H. (1969). Sounder. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers.
Naylor, P.R. (2000). Shiloh. New York: Simon & Schuster.
Shiloh and Sounder are both stories about a boy and his dog and the love they have for each other.
Summary of Sounder: In Sounder, a young boy must watch as his father is arrested for stealing a pig to feed his family. The family dog, Sounder is almost killed trying to stop his master from being arrested. Sounder who is severely wounded disappears for what seems like forever until one day he returns to the boy who never gave up hope. Unfortunately, Sounder is never quite the same, just like when the father returns home maimed from an explosion that almost killed him. The father will eventually succumb to his wounds and Sounder dies shortly after.
Summary of Shiloh: In Shiloh, Marty befriends a dog who has wandered off from his owner and found his way to the local schoolhouse. It is love at first sight. Marty wants to keep the dog but knows his parents won’t allow it. Once the dad realizes who the owner is; he and Marty promptly return the dog to him. Marty realizes that the owner, Judd mistreats his dogs and makes it his mission to save this dog he has grown attached to. Marty does everything in his power to save the dog he has named Shiloh.
Review of Shiloh:
Horn Book starred (March, 1992)
“A young boy saves a mistreated dog by facing down a bullying adult and standing on principles he knows are right - in the face of laws that may be wrong. Narrated in a believable rural southern voice, the reminiscence engages the reader's sympathy. Credible plot and characters, a well-drawn setting, and nicely paced narration” (Horn Book, 1992).
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review“Sounder is no beauty. But as a coon dog, this loyal mongrel with his cavernous bark is unmatched. When the African American sharecropper who has raised Sounder from a pup is hauled off to jail for stealing a hog, his family must suffer their humiliation and crushing loss with no recourse. To make matters worse, in the fracas, Sounder is shot and disappears. The eventual return of a tattered and emaciated Sounder doesn't change the fact that the sharecropper's oldest son is forced to take on man's work to help support the family. His transition to adulthood is paved by the rocks and taunts hurled at him by convicts and guards as he searches for his father. But along this rough road he ultimately finds salvation as well” (Amazon, n.d.).
William H. Armstrong's Newbery Award-winning novel quickly became a classic as a moving portrayal of resilience and hope in the face of profound human tragedy. Decades later, the bittersweet story still rings true, as strong-spirited individuals continue to battle the evil of prejudice. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter
Review"The power of the writing lies in its combination of subtlety and strength." -- -- H.
"The writing is simple, timeless and extraordinarily moving. An outstanding book." -- -- Commonweal
Impression of SounderThis book almost made me cry several times. I can only imagine how that little boy felt losing his father and his dog in the same day. Both return to him but they are never quite the same. I admire the little’s boy courage and how he never gave up on his dad or his dog.
Impression of ShilohThis is my favorite book thus far in our readings. I couldn’t put it down. It took my a day to read it and I read it every chance I got. I wanted to believe that Marty and Shiloh would become a family. I kept thinking something bad was going to happen to him and was so relieved when it concluded with a happy ending. Many a time, I brought home a stray kitty or puppy and my mother always allowed me to keep them, as long as I took care of them. I can empathize with Marty and how he felt he had to save Shiloh, who hasn’t felt that way before? I think this is a book adults and children alike will enjoy.
Library Setting I would collaborate with the language arts teacher to have students keep a reading journal about both books. Since Shiloh and Sounder are both stories about a boy and his dog and the love they have for each other; I would have students use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast both books. There are several similarities between the two books. I would then have students write about their own experiences that they might have had with their own pets or animals in general.
Horn Book. (1992). [ Review for the book Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor]. Horn Book. Referenced from http://www.titlewave.com/search?SID=5096d38439b4cc3077cc944defc81541
Amazon Books. (n.d.). [Review for the book Sounder by William H. Armstrong]. Amazon Books. Referenced from
http://www.amazon.com/Sounder-William-H-Armstrong/dp/product-description/0060201436/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Module 3: The Man Who Walked Between the Towers and Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
Summary: A young French street performer in New York City decides that has to walk a tight rope between the Twin Towers.
Citation:Gerstein, M. (2003). The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. New York: Roaring Book Press.
Review:
Booklist (November 1, 2003 (Vol. 100, No. 5))“PreS-Gr. 3. Here's a joyful true story of the World Trade Center from a time of innocence before 9/11. In 1974 French trapeze artist Philippe Petit walked a tightrope suspended between the towers before they were completed. Gerstein's simple words and dramatic ink-and-oil paintings capture the exhilarating feats, the mischief, and the daring of the astonishing young acrobat. He knew his plan was illegal, so he dressed as a construction worker, and, with the help of friends, lugged a reel of cable up the steps during the night and linked the buildings in the sky. As dawn broke, he stepped out on the wire and performed tricks above the city. Gerstein uses varied perspectives to tell the story--from the close-up jacket picture of one foot on the rope to the fold-out of Petit high above the traffic, swaying in the wind. Then there's a quiet view of the city skyline now, empty of the towers, and an astonishing image of the tiny figure high on the wire between the ghostly buildings we remember” (Booklist, 2003).
Impressions:
I was actually familiar with this story when I saw a documentary years ago about 9/11 and the Twin Towers. It always fascinated me and was excited when I came across the children’s book. I actually read the book to my seventh grade History classes in honor of First Responder’s Day. I wanted them to hear a story about the towers before they were destroyed. You could hear a pin drop while I read the story to them. They couldn’t believe that Petit would attempt such a feat and that he did not fall. After I read the story, we went to the computer lab and they looked up actual photos of Petit. He truly was “the daredevil in the clouds” (Lazarovic, 2002).
Lazarovic, S. (2002). The Daredevil in the Clouds. National Post Monday. Retrieved from http://www.longliveirony.com/Petit.html
Library setting::
Collaborate with teachers to use the book to engage in reciprocal teaching.
“Reciprocal teaching refers to an instructional activity in which students become the teacher in small group reading sessions. Teachers model, then help students learn to guide group discussions using four strategies: summarizing, question generating, clarifying, and predicting. Once students have learned the strategies, they take turns assuming the role of teacher in leading a dialogue about what has been read” (Reading Rockets, 2011).
Reciprocal Teaching. (2011). Reading Rockets. Retrieved from
http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/reciprocal_teaching/
Booklist. (2003). [Review of the book The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordaci Gerstein. Booklist 100(5). Retrieved from
http://www.titlewave.com/search?SID=021134f110103a1f4b7054a6a043ea37
Summary:Sylvester, who collects rocks as a hobby, comes across a small red pebble, realizes it grants wishes and decides to take it home. On the way home, he encounters a lion and in a moment of panic, wishes to be turned into a rock. Unfortunately, he has to be holding the rock in order for his wishes to be granted. He remains a rock until one day when his parents, who have accepted the fact that Sylvester is gone forever, decide to go on a picnic, find the pebble, pick it up and place it on the rock that is Sylvester and Sylvester returns to his normal self.
Citation: Steig, W. (1969). Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Impressions: There is an old Chinese proverb that states “Beware of what you wish for”; Sylvester should have heeded these words when he decided to wish himself to be turned into a rock and then couldn’t wish himself back to his normal self. His poor parents must have been going out of their mind looking for him.
Review:
Publishers Weekly (November 21, 2005)Thanks to the rediscovery of the original watercolor artwork, in preparation for an exhibit of William Steig's work (see Children's Bookshelf, Oct. 27), newly restored edition of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, complete with Steig's acceptance speech for the Caldecott Medal, makes the book look better than ever. This tale of a donkey who wishes on a magic pebble has charmed a generation of readers and will no doubt go on to attract a new one. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Library settingOne idea would be to have younger students draw a picture of a wish, then glue a ‘magic’ pebble onto their picture and write a sentence about what their wish would be (Activities and Work Samples, n.d.).
Another idea for older students could be to give a lesson on fables and proverbs and teach the one by the Chinese; “Beware of what you wish for”. This lesson could coincide with the Asian Festival hosted by the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio in late January or early February, which celebrates all Asian cultures.
Publisher’s Weekly. (2005). [Review for the book Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig]. Publisher’s Weekly. Retrieved from
http://www.titlewave.com/search?SID=021134f110103a1f4b7054a6a043ea37
Activities and Work Samples. (n.d.) Retrieved from
http://www.bridgew.edu/Library/CAGS_Projects/KGOLDNER/pebbleact.htm
Citation:Gerstein, M. (2003). The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. New York: Roaring Book Press.
Review:
Booklist (November 1, 2003 (Vol. 100, No. 5))“PreS-Gr. 3. Here's a joyful true story of the World Trade Center from a time of innocence before 9/11. In 1974 French trapeze artist Philippe Petit walked a tightrope suspended between the towers before they were completed. Gerstein's simple words and dramatic ink-and-oil paintings capture the exhilarating feats, the mischief, and the daring of the astonishing young acrobat. He knew his plan was illegal, so he dressed as a construction worker, and, with the help of friends, lugged a reel of cable up the steps during the night and linked the buildings in the sky. As dawn broke, he stepped out on the wire and performed tricks above the city. Gerstein uses varied perspectives to tell the story--from the close-up jacket picture of one foot on the rope to the fold-out of Petit high above the traffic, swaying in the wind. Then there's a quiet view of the city skyline now, empty of the towers, and an astonishing image of the tiny figure high on the wire between the ghostly buildings we remember” (Booklist, 2003).
Impressions:
I was actually familiar with this story when I saw a documentary years ago about 9/11 and the Twin Towers. It always fascinated me and was excited when I came across the children’s book. I actually read the book to my seventh grade History classes in honor of First Responder’s Day. I wanted them to hear a story about the towers before they were destroyed. You could hear a pin drop while I read the story to them. They couldn’t believe that Petit would attempt such a feat and that he did not fall. After I read the story, we went to the computer lab and they looked up actual photos of Petit. He truly was “the daredevil in the clouds” (Lazarovic, 2002).
Lazarovic, S. (2002). The Daredevil in the Clouds. National Post Monday. Retrieved from http://www.longliveirony.com/Petit.html
Library setting::
Collaborate with teachers to use the book to engage in reciprocal teaching.
“Reciprocal teaching refers to an instructional activity in which students become the teacher in small group reading sessions. Teachers model, then help students learn to guide group discussions using four strategies: summarizing, question generating, clarifying, and predicting. Once students have learned the strategies, they take turns assuming the role of teacher in leading a dialogue about what has been read” (Reading Rockets, 2011).
Reciprocal Teaching. (2011). Reading Rockets. Retrieved from
http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/reciprocal_teaching/
Booklist. (2003). [Review of the book The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordaci Gerstein. Booklist 100(5). Retrieved from
http://www.titlewave.com/search?SID=021134f110103a1f4b7054a6a043ea37
Summary:Sylvester, who collects rocks as a hobby, comes across a small red pebble, realizes it grants wishes and decides to take it home. On the way home, he encounters a lion and in a moment of panic, wishes to be turned into a rock. Unfortunately, he has to be holding the rock in order for his wishes to be granted. He remains a rock until one day when his parents, who have accepted the fact that Sylvester is gone forever, decide to go on a picnic, find the pebble, pick it up and place it on the rock that is Sylvester and Sylvester returns to his normal self.
Citation: Steig, W. (1969). Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Impressions: There is an old Chinese proverb that states “Beware of what you wish for”; Sylvester should have heeded these words when he decided to wish himself to be turned into a rock and then couldn’t wish himself back to his normal self. His poor parents must have been going out of their mind looking for him.
Review:
Publishers Weekly (November 21, 2005)Thanks to the rediscovery of the original watercolor artwork, in preparation for an exhibit of William Steig's work (see Children's Bookshelf, Oct. 27), newly restored edition of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, complete with Steig's acceptance speech for the Caldecott Medal, makes the book look better than ever. This tale of a donkey who wishes on a magic pebble has charmed a generation of readers and will no doubt go on to attract a new one. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Library settingOne idea would be to have younger students draw a picture of a wish, then glue a ‘magic’ pebble onto their picture and write a sentence about what their wish would be (Activities and Work Samples, n.d.).
Another idea for older students could be to give a lesson on fables and proverbs and teach the one by the Chinese; “Beware of what you wish for”. This lesson could coincide with the Asian Festival hosted by the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio in late January or early February, which celebrates all Asian cultures.
Publisher’s Weekly. (2005). [Review for the book Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig]. Publisher’s Weekly. Retrieved from
http://www.titlewave.com/search?SID=021134f110103a1f4b7054a6a043ea37
Activities and Work Samples. (n.d.) Retrieved from
http://www.bridgew.edu/Library/CAGS_Projects/KGOLDNER/pebbleact.htm
Monday, September 5, 2011
Module 2: Where the Wild Things Are and Old Yeller
Summary: A little boy who finds himself in trouble with his mother for acting like a “wild thing” escapes to an imaginary world inhabited by other wild things where he soon becomes king of these creatures and all is well until he finds himself longing for the comforts of home.
Citation: Senkdak, M. (1963). Where the wild things are. Harper Collins Publishers.
Impressions of the book:
The artwork is amazing. Max has quite an imagination. I have to admit this was never my favorite book even when I read it as a child. The "wild things" scared me a little, even though they turn out to be harmless.
Review: Booklist starred (November 1, 2007 (Vol. 104, No. 5))
"Preschool-Grade 2. This simply written but subtle book became a classic not only because it legitimized children’s angry feelings—and their ability to use their imaginations to deal with those feelings—but also because it showed punishment and love coexisting in a parent-child relationship. When mischievous Max, wearing his wolf suit, romps around the house and drives his mother to distraction, she calls him “Wild Thing” and sends him to bed without his supper. But in the quiet of his room, a forest grows, where claw-footed monsters with horns, Wild Things just like Max, lurk and leap. Max joins their “wild rumpus” and is made “king of all wild things,” but still he misses his home. When he finally returns, he discovers his supper waiting, and it is still hot. Where the Wild Things Are, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1964, has never gone out of print and is now available in several editions including paperback and a twenty-fifth anniversary remastered version. The year 2008 is sure to bring even more attention to this beloved children’s book: Dave Eggers will publish an adult novel based on the 338-word story at the same time that a combination live-action and animatronic movie, scripted by Eggers and directed by Spike Jonze, is released. How Jonze will translate Sendak’s exceptional crossed-hatched-watercolor artwork to the screen remains to be seen."
Booklist. (2007). [Review for the book Where the wild things are by Maurice Sendak]. Booklist. 104 (5). (Referenced from http://www.titlewave.com/search?SID=e854cf82b2b4053a0921c73e7fbd8815)
Lesson: The vivid characters and setting and the exciting plotline make Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak [HarperCollins, 1963] a great book for teachers/librarian to use to teach students about story elements. Students can read and discuss the Caldecott-winning story then use a story map to identify the book’s setting, characters, conflict, and resolution.
Sheakoski, M. (2010). Where the Wild Things Are Reading Lesson Plan: How to teach elementary students story elements using a story map. Primary School @ suite 101. (Referenced from http://megan-sheakoski.suite101.com/where-the-wild-things-are-reading-lesson-plan-a219321)
Summary: A teenage boy has to put down the dog he has grown to love when it becomes rabid with hydrophobia.
Citation: Gipson, F. (1956). Old Yeller. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Impressions of the book:
I was very impressed with the writings of Fred Gipson. I love the fact that he is from Texas and his story takes place in frontier Texas. I had not read the book before and wish I had. He really gives a clear picture of what life was like back then with lots of detail.
Reviews:
"A bestseller for generations, the combination of excellent writing and the sensitivity to human emotions places it on a shelf with the classics in juvenile literature." -- Saturday Review of Literature
Saturday Review of Literature. (n.d.). [Review for the book Old Yeller by Fred Gipson]. Saturday Review of Literature. Referenced from http://www.amazon.com/Old-Yeller-HarperClassics-Fred-Gipson/dp/0064403823
"Exciting and heartwarming indeed." -- SLJ.School Library Journal. (n.d.) [Review for the book Old Yeller by Fred Gipson]. School Library Journal. Referenced from http://www.amazon.com/Old-Yeller-HarperClassics-Fred-Gipson/dp/0064403823
Suggestions for library setting:
I think a librarian could provide a book talk on the book for students especially seventh graders who study Texas History. This will give them some insight on frontier life in Texas and also how children around their age had a lot more responsibility back then. They would also learn how hard it is to do the right thing.
Citation: Senkdak, M. (1963). Where the wild things are. Harper Collins Publishers.
Impressions of the book:
The artwork is amazing. Max has quite an imagination. I have to admit this was never my favorite book even when I read it as a child. The "wild things" scared me a little, even though they turn out to be harmless.
Review: Booklist starred (November 1, 2007 (Vol. 104, No. 5))
"Preschool-Grade 2. This simply written but subtle book became a classic not only because it legitimized children’s angry feelings—and their ability to use their imaginations to deal with those feelings—but also because it showed punishment and love coexisting in a parent-child relationship. When mischievous Max, wearing his wolf suit, romps around the house and drives his mother to distraction, she calls him “Wild Thing” and sends him to bed without his supper. But in the quiet of his room, a forest grows, where claw-footed monsters with horns, Wild Things just like Max, lurk and leap. Max joins their “wild rumpus” and is made “king of all wild things,” but still he misses his home. When he finally returns, he discovers his supper waiting, and it is still hot. Where the Wild Things Are, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1964, has never gone out of print and is now available in several editions including paperback and a twenty-fifth anniversary remastered version. The year 2008 is sure to bring even more attention to this beloved children’s book: Dave Eggers will publish an adult novel based on the 338-word story at the same time that a combination live-action and animatronic movie, scripted by Eggers and directed by Spike Jonze, is released. How Jonze will translate Sendak’s exceptional crossed-hatched-watercolor artwork to the screen remains to be seen."
Booklist. (2007). [Review for the book Where the wild things are by Maurice Sendak]. Booklist. 104 (5). (Referenced from http://www.titlewave.com/search?SID=e854cf82b2b4053a0921c73e7fbd8815)
Lesson: The vivid characters and setting and the exciting plotline make Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak [HarperCollins, 1963] a great book for teachers/librarian to use to teach students about story elements. Students can read and discuss the Caldecott-winning story then use a story map to identify the book’s setting, characters, conflict, and resolution.
Sheakoski, M. (2010). Where the Wild Things Are Reading Lesson Plan: How to teach elementary students story elements using a story map. Primary School @ suite 101. (Referenced from http://megan-sheakoski.suite101.com/where-the-wild-things-are-reading-lesson-plan-a219321)
Summary: A teenage boy has to put down the dog he has grown to love when it becomes rabid with hydrophobia.
Citation: Gipson, F. (1956). Old Yeller. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Impressions of the book:
I was very impressed with the writings of Fred Gipson. I love the fact that he is from Texas and his story takes place in frontier Texas. I had not read the book before and wish I had. He really gives a clear picture of what life was like back then with lots of detail.
Reviews:
"A bestseller for generations, the combination of excellent writing and the sensitivity to human emotions places it on a shelf with the classics in juvenile literature." -- Saturday Review of Literature
Saturday Review of Literature. (n.d.). [Review for the book Old Yeller by Fred Gipson]. Saturday Review of Literature. Referenced from http://www.amazon.com/Old-Yeller-HarperClassics-Fred-Gipson/dp/0064403823
"Exciting and heartwarming indeed." -- SLJ.
Suggestions for library setting:
I think a librarian could provide a book talk on the book for students especially seventh graders who study Texas History. This will give them some insight on frontier life in Texas and also how children around their age had a lot more responsibility back then. They would also learn how hard it is to do the right thing.
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