THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman

Bibliography

Gaiman, Neil. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. Ill. By Dave McKean. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN: 9870060530921

Plot Summary

THE GRAVEYARD BOOK is a coming of age story for Nobody “Bod” Owens. He learns the dangers of talking to strangers, of disobeying parents and gardians, and how to deal with bullies. Of course his lessons are far from ordinary. Growing up in a graveyard and being raised by ghosts has its own challenges as well such as ghouls, witches and murderous bad guys.

Critical Analysis

-          Characters

Bod is a regular boy who encounters many of the same difficulties growing up as most people, just perhaps in different ways. For example, Bod learns not to talk to strangers by talking with ghouls and getting kidnapped and taken through a ghoul gate. Bod is not perfect and he makes mistakes. This makes him identifiable to younger readers who might be going through the same problems.

-          Plot

The plot centers around Bod growing up. Each chapter is like individual short stories until the climax where Bod’s family’s killer finally finds him. Each chapter resolves itself, but they all add up to a larger plot where Bod finds himself and discovers that although he was raised differently, he should be proud of who he is.

-          Setting

For the majority of the novel, the setting is in the graveyard. Descriptions vary depending on what part of the graveyard is being described. It is eerie and foggy, but that’s just how Bod likes it. He can hide in the mist and this comes to be very important later. Bod uses his familiarity with the graveyard to keep himself safe.

-          Theme

The theme of the story is about growing up. Bod grows up a little differently than most children, but the lessons are the same. Bod has to deal with bullies and being accepted by his peers. As he grows, Bod learns to accept that he is different than most people and the people he has grown up with.

-          Style

Gaiman’s style has a twinge of dark humor to it. Setting a novel for children in a graveyard has the potential to be too scary, but the author adds humor in unexpected ways that gives the reader a sense of comfort. For example when Bod is kidnapped by the ghouls, he is tossed around like a ball in a game of “keep-away.” Normally being kidnapped is a frightening experience, but the imagery and style that Gaiman exhibits makes the situation humorous.

Review Excerpts

• Newbery Medal
• ALA Notable Childrens Book
• ALA Best Book for Young Adults
• American Bookseller Association's "Best Indie Young Adult Buzz Book"
• Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (Vermont)
• Chicago Tribune Young Adult Literary Prize (for body of work)
• Audio Publishers Association Audie Award
• Audiobook of the Year
• "Thriller/Suspense" and "Children's Titles for Ages 8-12" categories
• IndieBound Award
• Horn Book Honor
• Burr Worzolla Award
• Midwest Booksellers Choice Award
• Locus Award (Young Adult)
• Hugo Award - "Best Novel"
• Booktrust Teenage Prize

Connections

A good discussion for this book is to draw similarities from THE GRAVEYARD BOOK and THE JUNGLE BOOK. Bod is raised by a graveyard of ghosts as Mowgli was raised by a jungle of animals. There is also the fact that each boy is hunted by a murderous bad guy.

RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE by Shannon and Dean Hale

Bibliography

Hale, Shannon and Dean. 2008. RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE. Ill. By Nathan Hale. New York: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 9781599902883

Plot Summary

Rapunzel grows up a privileged if not sheltered life in a villa with her mother, Gothel. When Rapunzel one day climbs the wall of the villa, she learns the truth. The woman she thought was her mother is an evil witch and her real mother is a slave. Gothel locks Rapunzel up in a tree for four years. Rapunzel escapes and goes on a mission to save her real mother and put an end to Gothel’s reign. With a little help from a new friend, Jack, she helps a lot of people suppressed by Gothel along the way.

Critical Analysis

-          Characters

The main characters, Rapunzel and Jack, are multidimensional and the reader roots for them through each of their trials. They are funny and charming. Rapunzel starts out as a clueless girl who has lived a sheltered life. She is not sure of herself or others around her. As the story progresses, she learns to trust others and trust in her own abilities. Jack on the other hand, learns the difference between right and wrong. He is used to stealing to survive, but when he joins forces with Rapunzel, he learns that he can earn his way instead of just taking what he wants/needs. They both slowly become friends and develop feelings for each other.

-          Plot

The plot is rather straight forward. Rapunzel has to make her way back to Gothel’s villa in order to save her mother. Along the way, Rapunzel and Jack find themselves in other difficult situations either to stop wrongdoings or to help others in trouble. This is where the plot twists and turns. It keeps the reader entertained and involved in the story from beginning to end.

-          Setting

Most of the setting seems to be in the old west. Rapunzel and Jack ride horses through the desert and visit small towns. There are gunslingers and lassos. Rapunzel’s outfits range from a peasant girl with stockings, to a cowgirl with fringe to a southern bell dress. Even the dialogue has a southern twist to it.

-          Theme

The theme of the story is about believing in oneself and trusting others. Rapunzel is unsure of herself in the beginning, but she knows that she has to do the right thing. As the story progresses, she learns that she has to trust Jack even though he is not the most reliable, trustworthy person. Also, she starts to trust herself and what she is capable of. She can lasso bad guys, snap away their guns, and overcome the most powerful witch in their world.

-          Style

The author’s style is fun and engaging. Throughout the book, there is humor even though the underlying situation is tragic. Gothel has surprised an entire country, and Rapunzel and Jack are on their way to stop her. They see the mistreatment and the destitute the surrounding towns have experienced, and yet they keep their sense of humor. This keeps the reader interested and engaged. Also, there is a western style throughout the book. This can be seen in the illustrations, the dialogue, and the narrative.

-          Illustrations

The illustrations are colorful and engaging. A lot of them depict the countryside more than the characters. The characters are drawn as if seen from a distance. There are however times when the frame is drawn with a close up of the character’s faces. Since these moments are rare, the details and the emotion depicted in them are powerful. This is a testament to the skill and talent of the illustrator.

Review Excerpts

*Positive Review from SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

*Positive Review from BOOKLIST

Connections

A good connection would be to explore other fairytales such as Jack and the Beanstalk and the original Rapunzel. This would provide background knowledge for the graphic novel. Also, children could make their own wanted posters of themselves or of other relatives just like the wanted posters of Rapunzel. 

SCORPIO RACES by Maggie Stiefvater

Bibliographic

Stiefvater, Maggie. 2011. THE SCORPIO RACES. New York: Scholastic. ISBN: 9780545224901

Plot Summary

This novel follows two main characters, Sean Kendrick and Kate “Puck” Connolly. They live on an island that is inhabited by dangerous, flesh eating Capaill Uisce, or water horses. Once a year, a race is held where the citizens of the island ride the Capaill Uisce. Both Sean and Puck enter the races for different reasons, but they are drawn together by their love for their island and their horses.

Critical Analysis

-          Characters

The two main characters of the story are credible and have viable reasons for braving the races. Each lost their parents in tragic ways which makes the reader want both of them to win the Scorpio Races, but only one can. Sean is quiet and brooding, but the reader can see his inner struggle and his wish for freedom. Puck wants to keep her family together. Both of the characters grow and learn something about what they want out of life, while at the same time falling in love with each other.

-          Plot

The plot of the story all leads to the races. The twists in the story have to do more with the characters and their inner struggles. Puck’s storyline is one of bravery and self-discovery. Sean’s plotline is about his yearning for freedom.

-          Setting

The setting of the story is on a lonely little island called Thisby. It is misty and humid, but the mystery of island lends ancient beauty. The island is just as important to the story as the characters. The details are beautiful and creepy at the same time. They paint a picture in the reader’s mind.

-          Theme

The theme of this novel has to do with freedom, love, and loyalty. Sean has ridden and won the past four Scorpio Races on the same Capaill Uisce. He wants to be free of his employer, but he doesn’t want to leave the island or his horse. He is torn, but by the end he sees true love and loyalty. Puck wants to keep her failing family together, but she soon realizes that she can’t. She also has to find the balance between freedom, loyalty, and love.

-          Style

Stiefvater’s style in this low fantasy is unique and believable. There is no explanation as to why the Capaill Uisce come ashore in the fall and only seem to come ashore on their island. Also, there is not a clear reason as to why the citizens of Thisby feel the need to race these dangerous water horses each year. Instead of hampering the believability of the story, the lack of explanation actual lends to the mystery of it. The island and its beliefs are ancient and the reasons for some of the rituals are long forgotten (such as the ritual of standing on a stained rock and cutting ones hand in order to enter the races.) The fantasy of the novel is just accepted.

Review Excerpts

*Positive reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and School Library Journal

*2011 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Winner

Connections

Connecting this story with other Celtic myths involving the Capaill Uisce will provided more background for the story and will bring the legend to life. Also, a movie about horse racing (like Hidalgo) could be shown to provide a fun way to picture the Scorpio races.  

GREEN GLASS SEA by Ellen Klages

Bibliography

Klages, Ellen. 2006. THE GREEN GLASS SEA. New York: Penguin. ISBN: 978-0-14-2411490

Plot Summary

Set during World War II in the 1940s in a town that does not exist, two girls deal with the difficulties of growing up. They struggle to fit in with their peers, they have to deal with loss and tragedy, and they are often left alone while their parents work. While they are dealing with their inner struggles, the war is raging and the atomic bomb is being built in their own backyard. The perspective of the girls through this time is very interesting and shows that growing up is never easy.

Critical Analysis

-          Authenticity

There are several important scientists and researchers mentioned in the novel such as Richard Feynman, Ernest Rutherford, Marie Curie and many others. The children growing up within the city hear the names, and know the people, but they do not know the final goal they are all working towards. Also, the dialogue of the time is authentic and can sound a little funny, but just lends to the authenticity of the novel.

-          Characters

Dewy and Suze are two very different girls growing up in a difficult time. Dewy, a smart introverted girl who just wants to be with her father. Suze is a girl who just wants to be accepted by her peers. She is lonely because her parents are busy making the weapon that will end the war. Neither one of them really fits in with their friends, but they come to terms with who they are and become friends.

-          Plot

This is a story of growing up. No matter what the setting, this story is about the struggle of being accepted by peers, coming to terms with who you are, and accepting love.

-          Setting

The setting of the story is during World War II in a town in New Mexico that doesn’t truly exist at the time. There are soldiers that guard the city and rules that must be followed in order to keep the city safe and secret. This setting is very unique and the eyes it is seen through is even more so.

-          Theme

The theme of the story is about growing up and coming to terms with who you are. Suze wants to have friends and be accepted by her peers. Dewy just wants to be with her father, but she has to deal with loss. She has to learn to trust those around her and lean on others for support. Even though the two girls are growing up in a different time, both of their themes transcend time.

-          Style

Klages’s style stays true to both the setting of the story and the view point of the two young girls. There is no sugar coating, but there is a lack of understanding. Neither one of the girls know what is being built in their backyard. They don’t understand the importance except that it will end the war. They also don’t understand the consequences of the bomb being dropped. To them, the war is something far away and not very relevant to them. For example, at the end of the novel the radio starts to report on the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima, but they click off the radio saying that they will hear about it later.

Review Excerpts

*Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

*Winner of the New Mexico Book Award

* A Book Sense #1 Children’s Selection, Winter 2006/2007

Connections

A connection with this novel would be to build a radio over the time period it takes to read the book. Simple models can be found on the Internet that can be put together. One example is: http://sci-toys.com/scitoys/scitoys/radio/ten_minute_radio.html

Another connection would be to assign research projects to the important scienctists and researchers mentioned in the novel such as: Richard Feynman, Ernest Rutherford, Albert Einstein, and Marie Curie.

A SINGLE SHARD by Linda Sue Park

Bibliography

Park, Linda Sue. 2001. A SINGLE SHARD. New York: Random House. ISBN: 0-440-41851-8

Plot Summary

Around the 12^th century an orphan boy named Tree-ear lives in a Korean potter’s village that is renowned for their clear-green glazed pots. After accidentally breaking a clay box made by Master potter Min, Tree-ear beings working off his debt by helping Min. The work is hard, but Tree-ear does it willingly with the hope of one day creating his own pot out of clay. When a royal ambassador come looking for a new royal potter, Min sends Tree-ear on a journey that will change his life and those around him.

Critical Analysis

-          Authenticity

In the back notes, Park tells that every piece of pottery that is mentioned in the novel is real and can be seen in museums and other collections. Also, in the back notes, Park gives a brief outline of what life would be like in 12^th century Korea, from how the potters worked together to how unusual it would be for Tree-ear and Crane-man to live under a bridge.

-          Characters

Tree-ear is an orphan, but he is honorable and trustworthy. He does not steal because “work gives a man dignity, stealing takes it away” (pp. 6). He tries his best to do the right thing and works hard at the tasks given to him. He also feels disappointment and anger, he just chooses to do the right thing. Children can identify with Tree-ear and they can see by his example what doing the right thing can result in.

-          Plot

This story has heart break and disappointment that is not sugar-coated. For example, Tree-ear’s dream is almost impossible in that most apprentices are sons of potters. Tree-ear is an orphan and merely working off a debt. Normally he would not be able to work for Min. Min even tells Tree-ear that he will not teach Tree-ear the pottery trade because he is not his son. This breaks Tree-ear’s heart and hope. Through this disappointment, Tree-ear still volunteers his services to Min and Min’s wife. This shows the strength of will and sense of honor Tree-ear possesses.

-          Setting

The setting is 12^th century Korea. There are dirt roads and push carts. People did not travel very far. Crane-man tells Tree-ear that he should take the opportunity to see the world because he won’t have many opportunities in his life time. The setting is also among the poor. Although Tree-ear and Crane-man live under a bridge and struggle to survive, they are not bitter with their lot in life. They are happy and they take care of each other.

-          Theme

The theme of this novel is about realizing your dreams. Tree-ear’s dream is to use the pottery wheel to create a pot of his own. Min’s life-long goal is to earn a royal commission that will take care of his family. The theme is to never give up hope on your dreams. Reaching them may be difficult, but not impossible.

-          Style

Park’s style is true to the Korean culture. Tree-ear demonstrates the importance of respect and honor. Even when he is being yelled at, Tree-ear shows restraint and clear thinking. For example, Min yells at Tree-ear because he did not complete the task of chopping the firewood and putting it away. Tree-ear feels both ashamed and angry because he had done as Min had requested, but he felt as if he should have known to put the chopped wood away too. He does not yell back or argue this point with Min. He just bows his head in agreement. Tree-ear’s voice is unique due to the time and place of the setting of 12^th century Korea.

Review Excerpts

*2002 Newbery Medal for most distinguished American children’s book

Connections

As a connection, the librarian can show pictures and videos of the pottery mentioned in the book. Also, there could be photos of Korea in the 12^th century.

Another connection could be a pottery lesson. Little clumps of clay could be molded while the story is being read. Children would also be interested in trying the pottery wheel for themselves.

BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY by Ruta Sepetys

Bibliography

Sepetys, Ruta. 2011. BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY. New York: Penguin. ISBN: 9780142420591

Plot Summary

Lithuania is invaded by the Soviet Union. Lina and her family are arrested by the Soviet Union’s secret police. They are dragged from their homes and shoved onto cramped trains to travel all the way to Siberia where they are forced to work on farms. They are starved, beaten, and abused. Through all of this Lina never gives up hope of finding her father and being set free. She communicates this hope through her drawings and art.

Critical Analysis

-          Authenticity

BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY is based off the historical events of the invasion of Lithuania by the Soviet Union. The characters in the story are fictional, but there are still facts within the pages. People of importance in Lithuania were indeed rounded up and sent to worker camps. Between June and July 1941, over 40,000 Lithuanians were deported to Russia. According to 000, half of those deported did not survive. In the novel, many people died, but Lina kept their hope burning. Through these horrible circumstances, everyone had to have strength in order to survive.

-          Characters

Despite the extreme circumstances, Lina is a normal teenage girl. She has dreams of becoming an artist and falls in love with a young man who is also a prisoner. She feels anger and disgust at the people who are doing this to her and her family. She feels fear and yet act bravely to make sure her family survives.

Another notable character throughout the book is Lina’s mother. Her mother is Lina’s strength throughout the book. She keeps the group calm and is the voice of reason. She encourages Lina, but does everything in her power to protect both her children. Near the end when the mother loses hope, Lina is the one that picks up the role. This shows Lina’s own strength and her growth throughout the novel.

-          Plot

The plot of the novel is one of growing up strong despite difficult situations. Lina is beaten, she is ridiculed, she is used, and she is starved. She is forced to witness unspeakable crimes and she herself commits crimes that she never would have otherwise. And yet, Lina grows. She becomes a young woman who falls in love. She shows her bravery and strength over and over again. She never gives up hope.

-          Theme

The theme of the novel is centered around survival and strength. Lina and her family struggle throughout the book. They are subjected to abuse and starvation. They are forced to work all day for one portion of bread in the evening. They are driven to steal what they can to survive. Under normal circumstances, theft is a bad thing, but Lina steals food and wood for warmth. She keeps secrets from the police and lies to the authorities. Lina gains strength throughout the book as she works to keep her family and friends alive.

-          Setting

The setting for this novel is horrific. I almost didn’t want to read it, but I am glad I did. It was eye opening to see what people went through during that time. The saddest part was that not many people knew where they were or how to help others. Lina was very brave in trying to reconnect her family by sending messages to her father. She also kept a recorded history of what happened to her and the other Lithuanians who were also arrested. The setting for this novel, although sad and disturbing, was a learning experience of how much pain and suffering these people went through just for being who they were.

-          Style

Sepetys does a very good job in portraying this horrible time in history. She doesn’t dwell on the horrible acts that are done to Lina and her family. She states everything from Lina’s point of view and it is told like it is fact; like it just happens. For example when Ona l goes into hysterics and is shot, Lina describes it in detail but there is a sort of detachment, like she is in shock. This style is impressive and gives the story a realistic feel.

Review Excerpts

*Publishers Weekly Best Book

* A School Library Journal Best Book

*A Reader’s Choice Nominee in Germany

*An ALA Notable Book

Connections

In the back of the novel there is a discussion guide that includes questions such as: “Though Ona’s baby is a newborn, she is still considered an enemy of the state due to the actions of her father. What can be understood about the government’s policy?” and “Lina unflinchingly shares the nature of the condition in which she and the other prisoners are forced to live. What feelings does this candor evoke in you?”

Another good connection would be researching the Lithuanian invasion in order to gain background knowledge for the book. This is a different side to World War II then most children are aware of, but no less tragic.  

Book Review: WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? by Barbara Kerley

Bibliography
Kerley, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic. ISBN: 978-0-439-92231-9

Plot Summary
WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE is the story of Alice Lee Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt's first daughter. Alice was a free spirit tat wanted to "eat up the world." She had braces on her legs when she was younger, she had a pet snake, she traveled the world, and had many, many adventures throughout her life.

Critical Analysis
WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE follows the rambunctious life of Alice Lee Roosevelt. The accuracy of this biographical storybook is evident in the author's note. Kerley not only leaves a bibliography of the resources that when into the storybook, she discusses Alice's outlandish behavior and the possible reasons behind it. She also puts a disclaimer saying that all quotes from the book were found in several different biographical texts.
As for the style, WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE is set up in the form of a biographical storybook. There are illustrations that show Alice and Theodore Roosevelt and the story follows a straight timeline through Alice's life.
The illustrations add to the story and Alice's character. They depict Alice walking straight and proud as she sets off on new adventures. She is confident and fun loving and everyone else is scrambling to keep up with her. After Googling images of the real Alice, I noticed that her chin was always in the air, and she had a look of confidence. She was comfortable in her skin and did what she wanted.

Review Excerpts
*Starred review from KIRKUS
*Starred review from BOOKLIST
*starred review from SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Connections
A good connection would be to pair this book with another book about Theodore Roosevelt and his own exciting life. Another connection could be to find another book about the times that Alice lived in to show how different she was to everyone else. It would be interesting to see if children recognize how unique Alice was.