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.

Book Review: BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY by Melissa Sweet

Bibliography
Sweet, Melissa. 2011. BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
ISBN: 978-0-547-19945-0

Plot Summary
BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY is a informational storybook of Tony Sarg, the first puppeteer of Macy's Parade. It shows the evolution of the parades high flying balloons. Tony made mistakes along the way, but he always found a solution that eventually led to the modern Macy's parade.

Critical Analysis
BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY is filled with historical facts. The inside cover of the book is an actual advertisement of the parade from 1933. The author's note has quotes and research facts that lend accuracy to the story. The book is organized in the style of the storybook, following the evolution of the parade, starting from when Tony made his first puppet at the age of six to the modern day parade balloons.
The illustrations are colorful and filled with interesting bits of information. The drawings are almost simplistic as if they had been quickly sketched. This follows the fast pace of the story and mimics the quick problem solving skills Tony had.
The book is presented in the style of a storybook which makes it enjoyable and less like a history lesson.

Review Excerpts
*An ALA notable book
*A Junior Library Guild Selection
*Winner of the Robert F. Sibert Medal

Connections
BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY starts with a six year old Tony Sarg making marionettes. As a connection, kids can make their own puppets out of brown paper bags.

Book Review: WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU? by Steve Jenkins

Bibliography
Jenkins, Steve. 1997. WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU? New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 0-618-15243-1

Plot Summary
WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU is an informative book on certain animals' survival techniques. Some of the highlighted animals are the puffer fish, the hog-nosed snake, and the Javanese leaf insect.

Critique Analysis
WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU is an introduction to adaptability among animals. The accuracy of the book is easily tested from Google or Encyclopedia (does a puffer fish truly puff itself up to seem bigger and scary?). Overall there does not seem to be an order that the animals appear, but there is organization. Each animal receives two pages. The first page shows the animal about to be eaten, and then the next page shows how it escapes. The reader has to turn the page each time to see what happens to the victim animal which adds a touch of suspense.
Te design of the illustrations look as if the animals were cut out and pasted on top of the background. This creates the illusion of multi-demensions.
The style of this book creates wonder and excitement. There is suspense in finding out what happens next for the poor animal about to get eaten.

Review Excerpts
*Booklist Editors' Choice
*A NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children

Connections
The last page of the book asks "what would YOU do if something wanted to eat YOU?" Children could raise their hands and answer the question with how they would adapt.
Also, they could cut and paste (in Steve Jenkins style) their favorite victim animal (either from the story or their own cool animal). This introduces children to research and they get to show their family what they learned.

Book Review: BOOKSPEAK! by Laura P. Salas

Bibliography
Salas, Laura P. 2011. BOOKSPEAK! Ill. by Josee Bisaillon. New York: Clarion Books.
ISBN: 978-0-547-22300-1

Plot Summary
BOOKSPEAK is a collection of poems by Laura P. Salas. This collection is centered around books ranging from the stories inside books to the book's perspective of someone falling asleep on it.

Critique Analysis
Each of Salas' poems are unique and fun to read. It is easy to envision reading this collection to a group. The poems are centered around books, but the perception changes. There is a poem about the steps it takes to publish a book. There is another poem with the "Beginning," "Middle," and "End" arguing who should come first in a story. This book is a wonderful example of an introduction to children's poetry.

Review Excerpts
*Positive review from Booklist
*Positive review from School Library Journal

Connections
BOOKSPEAK! is a great introduction to children's literature. Children can read the poems in a chorus or in groups. They can share poetry out loud or even try to write their own poems about books.

Book Review: MIRROR MIRROR by Marilyn Singer

Bibliography
Singer, Marilyn. 2010. MIRROR MIRROR. Ill. by Josee Masse. New York: Penguine.
ISBN: 978-0-525-47901-7

Plot Summary
MIRROR MIRROR is an individual poet compilation by Marilyn Singer. The entire book is set around a fairy tale theme with stories such as Rapunzel, Beauty and the Beast and Jack and the Beanstalk. The interesting thing about this collection is that the poems are reversible, meaning each poem is written twice on each page, but the meanings are different.

Critique Analysis
Before reading MIRROR MIRROR, I had never heard of reverse poetry. It's fascinating to see how a poem's meaning and perspective can change by reading the poem backwards and upside down. For example in the poem "The Sleeping Beauty and the Wide-Awake Prince" one poem is from Sleeping Beauty's perspective of sleeping and waiting for her prince, while the reverse poem is from the grumpy Prince who is tired of doing all the work while his princess sleeps.
Also the illustrations add to the different perspectives the poems present. Each illustration is divided in half, one side depicts one half of the story and the other side depicting the other half of the story.
Overall this was a very interesting and entertaining collection of poems that children and adults could enjoy.

Review Excerpts
*An ALA notable book
*WASHINGTON POST Top Children's Book of the Year
* New York Public Library's Best Children's Book of the Year
*Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books 2010

Connections
One connection would be to have two children each read a side of the poem. Also, they could try writing their own reverse poems and sharing them with the group.

Book Review: HURRICANE DANCERS by Margarita Engle

Bibliography
Engle, Maragarita. 2011. HURRICANE DANCERS. New York: Henry Holt.
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9240-0

Plot Summary
HURRICANE DANCERS is a verse novel about a ship wreck on the coast of an island, presumably Cuba. The story is told by short poems from four different characters: Quebrado (a young ship slave), Bernardino de Talavera (the first pirate of the Caribbean Sea), Alonso de Ojeda (the pirate's hostage and a brutal conquistador), Narido (a young Ciboney Indian fisherman), and Caucubu (a young daughter of a Ciboney chieftain). Quebrado, Talavera, and Ojeda are shipwrecked on an island during a hurricane. They meet Narido and Caucubu, who are star-crossed lovers. Quebrado tells the villagers of all the wrongs Talavera and Ojeda did, and Quebrado finds himself in charge of deciding their fate.

Critique Analysis
HURRICANE DANCERS is written completely in flowing verse. Each chapter has a unique thought process that distinguishes them. For example Ojeda is haunted by the victims of his past and speaks of them as if they are real and can help him escape the island.
The poems invoke pity, hatred, longing and peace depending on the character you are currently reading. The novel does not say certain information outright, there seems to be missing scenes, but this just leaves room for the reader to interpret from the poems. As a whole, this novel is exciting and thought provoking.

Review Excerpts
*Pura Belpre Honor Book

Connections
A good connection with this book would be to pair it with a non-fiction book about the Spanish conquest of Cuba, or early Spanish pirates. This builds a back story for the HURRICANE DANCERS. Also, the students might like to play the ball game (like the Mayans used to play) that decides the fate of the pirate and the conquistador.

Book Review: RAPUNZEL by Paul O. Zelinsky

Bibliography
Zelinsky, Paul O. 1997. RAPUNZEL. New York: Puffin. ISBN: 978-0-14-230193-7

Plot Summary
A pregnant woman gets a craving for the plant rapunzel. Her husband sneaks into a sorceress's garden and steals an armload of the plant. When the sorceress catches him, the husband promises to give her anything as long as his wife gets the plant to satisfy her craving. The sorceress lets the man go, but when the baby is born, the sorceress takes her as payment. The sorceress names the child Rapunzel and locks her in a tower. One day a Prince wonders by the tower and hears Rapunzel singing. He falls in love. After he witnesses the sorceress climbing into the tower by Rapunzel's hair, the Prince tries it later that night. The Prince confesses his love and the secretly marry. Every night the Prince visited Rapunzel until one day the sorceress finds out that Rapunzel is pregnant. She makes Rapunzel leave the tower. When the Prince comes later that night, the sorceress tricks him and throws him out the window. The Prince is struck blind. He wonders blindly until he hears Rapunzel singing. The two of them are reunited and live happily ever after.

Critical Analysis
Paul Zelinsky's version of Rapunzel is targeted more toward older readers. There are parallels throughout the story, but these would be missed by younger readers. The story is a little more grim then younger children's storybooks. There is not any retribution to the sorceress who ruined Rapunzel's life, the Prince does not make Rapunzel a princess, and Rapunzel's parents never see her again. The ending doesn't feel like a true fairy tale happy ending. The deeper meanings embedded within the story would be missed by younger children.
Even the illustrations are more sophisticated. Instead of cutesy cartoons, Zelinsky's art has more of a Victorian, Romantic period style. The character Rapunzel is very beautiful, but not in the way Disney has conditioned us to think of her. Again, the art is better appreciated by an older audience.

Review Excerpts
*Winner of the Caldecott Medal
*Starred reviews from BOOKLIST, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, and THE HORN BOOK

Connections
Since this book is targeted toward older kids, I would suggest making this a creative writing exercise. The children can come up with their own versions of the story and how they would change the ending to make it more satisfying.

Book Review: LITTLE RED HOT by Eric A. Kimmel

Bibliography
Kimmel, Eric A. 2013. LITTLE RED HOT. Ill. by Laura Huliska-Beith. Las Vegas: Amazon Publishing. ISBN:9781477816357

Plot Summary
Little Red Hot loves hot peppers. One day her grandmother sends word that she is not feeling well. So Little Red Hot bakes her a hot chili pepper pie. On her way to grandma's house, Little Red Hot runs into Pecos Bill and his cowboys who tell her that Senior Lobo is out making trouble. A little while later, Little Red Hot stumbles across Senior Lobo himself. She inadvertently tells him where she is going. Senior Lobo beats her to grandma's house and chases grandma away. Senior Lobo takes grandma's place to trick Little Red Hot. Instead, Little Red Hot tricks the wolf into tasting a bite of her hot chili pepper pie. Senior Lobo can't take the heat and is skyrocketed out of the house. Grandma comes back and she and Little Red Hot share the pie.

Critical Analysis
LITTLE RED HOT is a southwestern variant of Little Red Riding Hood. The plot of the two stories are similar, except Little Red Hot as a bit more spunk then the original Little Red. The Southwest is represented in the story through both the dialogue ("where ya goin?") and through different encounters with southern folk tale heroes such as Pecos Bill and his cowboys. Even the big bad wolf represents the south with his Spanish name, Senior Lobo.
The illustrations in LITTLE RED HOT are bright and colorful to capture the readers' attention. Instead of being set in the forest like the original tale, the pictures show Little Red Hot crossing the desert on her pony in order to get to grandma's house. Also, the illustrator captured Little Red Hot's sassy personality through her facial expressions.
Overall this was a very good representation of Little Red Riding Hood with a southwestern twist.

Review Excerpts
*Positive reviews from SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
*Positive reviews from BOOKLIST

Connections
Eric Kimmel has written other traditional tales with a southwestern twit. The THREE LITTLE TAMALES is a variant of the Three Little Pigs, also starring Senior Lobo. This would be an interesting connection for the children to see if they can recognize the same characters in different books. Also, children can make their own hot chili pepper pie by coloring different peppers. The librarian can cut out the peppers and help the children glue it on a pie drawing.

Book Review: THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG by Eugene Trivizas

Bibliography
Trivizas, Eugene. 1993. THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG. Ill. by Helen Oxenbury. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN: 979-0-689-81528-7

Plot Summary
THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG is a variant of The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf except the character roles are reversed. The three little wolves set out on their own and decide to build a house made of bricks. Once it is completed, the big bad pig comes along to "huff and puff" their house down. When that didn't work, the pig smashes it down with a sledge hammer. The wolves build their next two houses out of even stronger materials, and still the big bad pig manages to knock their house down. Finally the three little wolves build their house out of flowers. The big bad pig comes around to knock it down, but instead the flower's scent changes the big bad pig into the big GOOD pig. The three little wolves and the pig live together happily ever after.

Critical Analysis
This is a charming variant of the three little pigs classic tale. The character roles have been reversed and it seems like the three little wolves are a tad smarter then the three little pigs. The wolves start out by building their house out of strong materials. The plot and the theme of THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES is the same as the original story, but the ending is happy for both the pig and the wolves. I think this story is enjoyable to adults and children, except the story is more fun if the original is known. For example the surprise of the big bad pig blowing up the little wolves' house does not have same effect if the original "huff and puff" story is not  familiar.
Also, the illustrations were big and took up a lot of the space on the pages. This captures the readers' attention. The illustrations also helped move the story along and add drama to the story.

Review Excerpts
*A BOOKLIST Editors' Choice
*A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Best Book
*A PARENTS' Choice Honor Book

Connections
For children who have not read the original tale,I would suggest reading the Three Little Pigs first so they have a platform for THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG. As an arts and crafts project, children can make their own flower pinwheel out of colored paper. This way they can show their parents how they can too huff and puff.

Book Review: TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY by Pat Mora

Bibliography
Mora, Pat. 1997. TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY. Ill. by Raul Colon. New York: Random House. ISBN: 978-0-679-80401-7

Plot Summary
Tomas is the son of farm workers who travel between Iowa and Texas throughout the year. During a season in Iowa, Tomas is allowed to go to the library for the first time. There he befriends the librarian. She brings him books that interest him and helps his love for stories to grow. In return, Tomas teaches the librarian how to speak Spanish. At the end of the story, Tomas has to leave for Texas. He is sad to leave the library, but he has gained a love for reading.

Critical Analysis
TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY is based on the true story of Tomas Rivera, a very prominent man in the literary world. This storybook is a good introduction to both stories based on the truth and examples of  different cultures. I for one had no idea that farm workers traveled between states so they could work year round. I thought this was very interesting and shows that adults can still learn from children's books.
TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY also introduces a multilingual family. The story has both English and Spanish words and phrases in the book. This helps children who are a part of a dual language household relate to the story, and it also shows children who are not multilingual what it would be like to switch back and forth from Spanish to English.
Also, the illustrations represent the Spanish culture. The art is rough and scored as if they were painted on something other than paper or canvas. The way the illustrations are drawn makes one think of the beautiful murals on the sides of buildings in Mexico.

Review Excerpts
*An International Reading Association Teachers' Choice
*Winner of the Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award
*A Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee

Connections
For the connections, the library can have pre-made booklets for the children so they can create their own story and share it with their family, just like Tomas. Also, the librarian can teach the children some Spanish words that are associated with the story like the spanish word for "dinosaur" or "tiger" or "library" or "book".

Book Review: ELOISE by Kay Thompson

Bibliography
Thompson, Kay. 1955. ELOISE. Ill. by Hilary Knight. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN: 978-0-671-22350-2

Plot Summary
ELOISE shows a busy day in the life of a six year old girl who lives in the Plaza Hotel. From Eloise's point of view, she has her hands full helping those in the Plaza when in fact she is causing trouble for the adults around her.

Critical Analysis
From a child's point of view, ELOISE is a fun story about a very active little girl causing trouble in the Plaza Hotel where she lives. Eloise's dramatic, over the top imagination comes to life in the illustrations as does her shenanigans. Children laugh at Eloise as she make the Plaza's staff unbearable.
From an adult's perspective, one can almost feel sorry for Eloise. She is over the top and flamboyant, but with only a nanny as a friend, Eloise might just be trying to get attention. Her missing parents and lack of discipline also explains Eloise's bad behavior. Eloise also repeats very grown up phrases such as "for Lord's sake" and "charge it please and thank you very much." You almost get a sense of what Eloise's absent mother is like through Eloise's dramatic behavior.
I see this story in two different ways. It is really fun and silly and children will enjoy it. At the same time, I think that this storybook is an example of a children's book aimed at adults. Some of the phrases and quotes that Eloise repeats would go over children's heads.

Review Excerpts
*Many positive editorial reviews from Times, New York Times, Judy Blume, and Susan Sarandon.

Connections
Children can interact with Eloise by repeating many of her favorite quotes such as "charge it please and... (the kids can finish the rest of the sentence) THANK YOU VERY MUCH" or "Oooooooo I absolutely LOVE THE PLAZA" or "me ELOISE." After the story, the children can make their very own Eloise out of construction paper. The librarian cuts out the different parts of the paper doll (yellow strips for the hair, little black skirt and a white shirt for her body, and her mischievous face). The kids then get to help glue Eloise together.

Book Review: THIS IS NOT MY HAT by Jon Klassen

Bibliography
Klassen, Jon. 2012. THIS IS NOT MY HAT. Somerville, MA: Candlewick. ISBN: 978-0-7636-5599-0

Plot Summary
THIS IS NOT MY HAT is told from the first person view of a little fish who stole a hat from a much bigger fish. As the little fish narrates his daring escape, the illustrations show the progression of the bigger fish as he gives chase. The end of the story is ambiguous when the big fish enters the little fish's hideout and then emerges alone with his hat back.

Critical Analysis
Although a simple plot, this storybook is filled with tension and excitement. The narration from the little fish contradicts what the illustrations show of the big fish. This adds suspense to the story because the reader knows more than the cocky little fish. For example: "And even if he does notice that it's gone, he probably won't know it was me who took it" (Klassen, 2012). This line is followed by the big fish narrowing his eyes.
The illustrations add to the story just as much as the narration. Without them, the story's ending is completely different. According to the text, the little fish gets away with stealing the hat! In reality, the big fish shows his side of the story through the art and this is what give the story a thrilling atmosphere.

Review Excerpts
*Winner of the Caldecott Medal, 2012
*A Junior Library Guild Selection

Connections
This picture storybook is an excellent example of how to involve children in the storytelling process. After each page, the reader can pause and point out the picture of the big fish and ask what the children think is going to happen next. Also, since the ending is open ended, the children can make assumptions on what happened to the little fish.
As an end of the day activity, children can color their own "stolen" hat. After they have finished coloring, the librarian or parents can help them cut it out and attach a headband to the drawing so the children can where their hat as they leave the library.