BIBLIOGRAPHY
Johnson, Angela. 2003. THE FIRST PART LAST. New York: Simon Pulse. ISBN 0689849230
PLOT SUMMARY
Johnson tells the story of a young 16 year old boy, Bobby, struggling to raise his infant daughter. The chapters alternate between before and after the baby, Feather, was born. Bobby is absolutely exhausted balancing home and school but is dedicated to being the best father he can be to his little girl. Towards the end of the novel, it is revealed the couple planned to give the baby up for adoption. However, when Nia dies during childbirth, Bobby decided he would raise the baby himself.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Even though Bobby is only 16, his days of childhood are over with the arrival of his newborn daughter. Plot is simple with the focus on Bobby’s growing maturity as he honors his commitment to be a father. The audience is thrown for one big twist midway through the novel when it is revealed the mother was left in a vegetative state in childbirth.
Johnson does a wonderful job giving justice to the hardship and pains of teen pregnancy. She emphasizes how judgmental and harsh the outside world can be. By using a teen father instead of a mother as a primary caregiver, she transcends stereotypes.
Her now/then style builds great suspense. The audience is left trying to figure out how things came to be and is eager for more details to fill in the blanks.
I appreciated how this book gives voice to the tireless efforts of teen parents. I think it will give audiences more compassion for these situations.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Michael Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature
SCHOOL LIBARRY JOURNAL: “Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting, this gem of a novel tells the story of a young father struggling to raise an infant.”
BOOKLIST: “Johnson makes poetry with the simplest words in short, spare sentences that teens will read again and again.”
CONNECTIONS
*Halfway through the story have readers predict why Nia is not around. After it is revealed that Nia is in a coma, lead a discussion regarding the student’s initial judgments and if her condition came as a surprise to them.
* Have students write their own short narrative following Johnson’s Now/Then style.
*Other books to share by Angela Johnson HEAVEN ISBN 144240342X, LOOKING FOR RED ISBN 0689863888
Friday, April 30, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
THE ARRIVAL
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Tan, Shaun. 2006. THE ARRIVAL. New York: Levine Books. ISBN 0439895294
PLOT SUMMARY:
Tan’s graphic novel brilliantly tells the story of a man immigrating to a new land. From leaving home to wandering the streets of the foreign land, the panel illustrations strongly express emotion to the reader. Aspects of fantasy such as different creatures and unique buildings assist in emphasizing how bizzare the world feels to the man.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
From the beginning Tan makes the audience feel for the main character through powerful illustrations depicting the man's pain of saying goodbye to the family he adores. The audience immediately understands this a beloved man and naturally cares about his journey.
The plot while infused fantasy is believable at the core. Many people will be able to relate to going off to a foreign land where everything was odd and seemed fantasy like.
Tan’s illustrations convey emotions in a way that words are not capable of. Readers will find the setting mesmerizing. The sepia coloring creates an old photograph feel that adds to the enchantment.
Tan’s ability to combine reality with fantasy is spectacular. His use of fantasy helps convey to the audience how strange life must feel to an immigrant.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Tan captures the displacement and awe with which immigrants respond to their new surroundings in this wordless graphic novel.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Recipient of numerous awards and nominations in Australia, The Arrival proves a beautiful, compelling piece of art, in both content and form.”
CONNECTIONS:
*Lead a discussion about immigration. Ask students if they have any stories they would like to share.
* Have students create their own short graphic novels.
*Other great books by Shaun Tan: TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA ISBN 0545055873, FLINCH ISBN 0977562832
Tan, Shaun. 2006. THE ARRIVAL. New York: Levine Books. ISBN 0439895294
PLOT SUMMARY:
Tan’s graphic novel brilliantly tells the story of a man immigrating to a new land. From leaving home to wandering the streets of the foreign land, the panel illustrations strongly express emotion to the reader. Aspects of fantasy such as different creatures and unique buildings assist in emphasizing how bizzare the world feels to the man.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
From the beginning Tan makes the audience feel for the main character through powerful illustrations depicting the man's pain of saying goodbye to the family he adores. The audience immediately understands this a beloved man and naturally cares about his journey.
The plot while infused fantasy is believable at the core. Many people will be able to relate to going off to a foreign land where everything was odd and seemed fantasy like.
Tan’s illustrations convey emotions in a way that words are not capable of. Readers will find the setting mesmerizing. The sepia coloring creates an old photograph feel that adds to the enchantment.
Tan’s ability to combine reality with fantasy is spectacular. His use of fantasy helps convey to the audience how strange life must feel to an immigrant.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Tan captures the displacement and awe with which immigrants respond to their new surroundings in this wordless graphic novel.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Recipient of numerous awards and nominations in Australia, The Arrival proves a beautiful, compelling piece of art, in both content and form.”
CONNECTIONS:
*Lead a discussion about immigration. Ask students if they have any stories they would like to share.
* Have students create their own short graphic novels.
*Other great books by Shaun Tan: TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA ISBN 0545055873, FLINCH ISBN 0977562832
Friday, April 23, 2010
JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Gantos, Jack. 2000. JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. ISBN 0374399894
PLOT SUMMARY:
In Ganto’s sequel, Joey Pigza goes to visit his father for the first time in his life. The summer is full of excitement and struggles as both dad and son suffer from ADHD. The pair bond over baseball where Joey shows great potential. However, trouble arises when the father convinces Joey to go off his medicine, and Joey truly loses control.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Readers will absolutely adore Joey Pigza. Although often in trouble, he is a sweet and fun loving kid. By making audiences privy to Joey’s thoughts, they come to understand how good his intentions really are despite the mess that often results.
The storyline is lively and believable with lots of humor. The scene where Joey puts a big hoop earring in his chihuahua’s ear is sure to leave audiences laughing. There is a nice balance of dialogue and narration allowing the story to progress at a fairly quickly pace that keeps readers engaged.
The book is set in current day America and deals with many issues kids struggle with growing up. From misunderstandings with parents to coping with a disorder, Gantos presents several themes young readers will be able to relate with. These themes do not detract from the enjoyable nature of the story.
AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
Newberry Honor Book
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Readers will be drawn in immediately to the boy's gripping first-person narrative and be pulled pell-mell through episodes that are at once hilarious, harrowing, and ultimately heartening as Joey grows to understand himself and the people around him.
BOOKLIST: “Ganto's skillful pacing, sly humor, and in-depth characterization make it a truly memorable read.”
CONNECTIONS:
*Lead a discussion about ADHD so that students can better understand the disorder.
*Invite students to share about their summer vacations to visit relatives.
*Pair this book with its predecessor JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY ISBN: 0064408337
Friday, April 2, 2010
NIGHTJOHN
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Paulsen, Gary. 1993. NIGHTJOHN. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0385308388
PLOT SUMMARY
After making his way to freedom in the North, Nightjohn comes back to the South to teach slaves to read. He is sold to the plantation where a young girl Sarny lives. Not fearing brutal punishment, Nightjohn teaches Sarny to read and write one letter of the alphabet at a time. When the master catches Nightjohn, he cuts off his toes. However, Nightjohn escapes only three nights later. He establishes a school where slaves can learn in secret during the night.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Readers will quickly connect to the Paulsen’s main character, Sarney, though the honesty and humility which she utilizes in her narration. Completely unguarded, she openly shares her thoughts and opinions about life on the plantation. The vivid details of routine beatings, dog attacks, and unthinkable brutality depicted in the book will leave readers shocked and heart wrenched.
Paulsen carries several universal themes throughout the novel. Having a spirit that never gives up and a willingness to take risks for the greater good are especially emphasized by Nightjohn. With Paulsen’s superb use of diction and brisk writing style, readers are sure to be enthralled.
In the beginning of the text, Paulsen includes the statement “Except for variations in time and character placement, the events written in this story are true and actually happened.” The realization that these events really occurred adds significantly to the power and impact of the book.
Although the graphic details are hard to bear, people will appreciate the truthfulness of Paulsen’s writing. However, because of the gruesome nature of the times, in my opinion, the story should only be shared with older readers. Although history cannot be ignored, younger readers are not yet ready to be exposed to such horror.
AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERTP(S)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “This impeccably researched novel sheds light on cruel truths in American history as it traces the experiences of a 12-year-old slave girl in the 1850s…graphic depiction of slavery evokes shame for this country's forefathers and sorrow for the victims of their inhumanity”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “The anguish is all too real in this brief, unbearably vivid book.”
CONNECTIONS
*Have students share their reactions to slavery depicted in the novel. Point out that all of these events are true and actually happened.
*Lead a discussion about the power of literacy. Show students a map of the world that lists illiteracy rates (http://www.mapsoftheworld.com/).
*Continue to follow Sarny in Gary Paulsen’s book SARNY. ISBN 0440219736
Paulsen, Gary. 1993. NIGHTJOHN. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0385308388
PLOT SUMMARY
After making his way to freedom in the North, Nightjohn comes back to the South to teach slaves to read. He is sold to the plantation where a young girl Sarny lives. Not fearing brutal punishment, Nightjohn teaches Sarny to read and write one letter of the alphabet at a time. When the master catches Nightjohn, he cuts off his toes. However, Nightjohn escapes only three nights later. He establishes a school where slaves can learn in secret during the night.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Readers will quickly connect to the Paulsen’s main character, Sarney, though the honesty and humility which she utilizes in her narration. Completely unguarded, she openly shares her thoughts and opinions about life on the plantation. The vivid details of routine beatings, dog attacks, and unthinkable brutality depicted in the book will leave readers shocked and heart wrenched.
Paulsen carries several universal themes throughout the novel. Having a spirit that never gives up and a willingness to take risks for the greater good are especially emphasized by Nightjohn. With Paulsen’s superb use of diction and brisk writing style, readers are sure to be enthralled.
In the beginning of the text, Paulsen includes the statement “Except for variations in time and character placement, the events written in this story are true and actually happened.” The realization that these events really occurred adds significantly to the power and impact of the book.
Although the graphic details are hard to bear, people will appreciate the truthfulness of Paulsen’s writing. However, because of the gruesome nature of the times, in my opinion, the story should only be shared with older readers. Although history cannot be ignored, younger readers are not yet ready to be exposed to such horror.
AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERTP(S)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “This impeccably researched novel sheds light on cruel truths in American history as it traces the experiences of a 12-year-old slave girl in the 1850s…graphic depiction of slavery evokes shame for this country's forefathers and sorrow for the victims of their inhumanity”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “The anguish is all too real in this brief, unbearably vivid book.”
CONNECTIONS
*Have students share their reactions to slavery depicted in the novel. Point out that all of these events are true and actually happened.
*Lead a discussion about the power of literacy. Show students a map of the world that lists illiteracy rates (http://www.mapsoftheworld.com/).
*Continue to follow Sarny in Gary Paulsen’s book SARNY. ISBN 0440219736
THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 1995. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395692296
PLOT SUMMARY
A young girl who has never had a home keeps warm by a dung pile when a lady approaches her and inquires whether the girl is alive. The lady, a heartless midwife, sees she could benefit from the girls labor and offers her a position as an apprentice. Throughout the seasons, the girl builds esteem and decides to take on the name Alyce. Although the midwife is very cruel and does not willingly share her knowledge, Alyce gradually picks up some skills. People in the town take notice, and Alyce is called on to deliver a baby. She is unable to bring forth the child and runs away do to her failure. At the end, she comes back and serves alongside the midwife.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Cushman does an impeccable job of creating an approachable and nonthreatening character within a historical setting that is often thought of as scary and daunting. Children will become instant fans of Alyce rooting her on against the cruel nature of the time. Although the filth and harshness of Alyce’s life is shocking, the simple childhood adventures of running from boys and picking apples will be easy for children to relate to. Cushman’s language is simple and enjoyable to read, adding a light and airy touch to balance out the dark time.
The setting dictates the story as Alyce struggles with homelessness and hunger are brought on by the times. Children today would not experience such torment. Throughout the story there is a theme of becoming someone despite the odds. At the end of the story, Alyce is amazed at how far she has come. The story presents the message that no matter how cruel the world is, opportunities will arise, and it is important to seize them.
Cushman’s writing is delightful and intriguing. I personally couldn’t put the book down and read it all in one sitting. While the heart of the book is the story line, I was impressed at the amount of history Cushman was able to weave in naturally.
At the end of the novel, Cushman includes an excerpt where she explains her resources for the historical information she imbedded. However, there are not explicit citations. Overall, I was extremely impressed in Cushman’s ability to craft a delightful novel in period of time often avoided by authors due to its grim nature.
AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERTP(S)
Newberry Medal
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “With simplicity, wit, and humor, Cushman presents another tale of medieval England. Here readers follow the satisfying, literal and figurative journey of a homeless, nameless child called Brat. . . . Earthy humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children’s literature.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “This novel is about a strong, young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home. . . . Kids will be caught up in this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone.”
CONNECTIONS
*Lead a discussion about medieval times. See what information students already know they can share with the class. Have students to explore the website http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/medieval/
*Share with students books about medieval culture by Lynn Elliot
MEDIEVAL MEDICINE AND THE PLAGUE (MEDIEVAL WORLD). ISBN 0778713903
FOOD AND FEASTS IN THE MIDDLE AGES (MEDIEVAL WORLD). ISBN 0778713806
*Other books authored by Karen Cushman set in the Middle Ages
MATILDA BOONE. ISBN 0440418224
CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. ISBN 0064405842
Cushman, Karen. 1995. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395692296
PLOT SUMMARY
A young girl who has never had a home keeps warm by a dung pile when a lady approaches her and inquires whether the girl is alive. The lady, a heartless midwife, sees she could benefit from the girls labor and offers her a position as an apprentice. Throughout the seasons, the girl builds esteem and decides to take on the name Alyce. Although the midwife is very cruel and does not willingly share her knowledge, Alyce gradually picks up some skills. People in the town take notice, and Alyce is called on to deliver a baby. She is unable to bring forth the child and runs away do to her failure. At the end, she comes back and serves alongside the midwife.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Cushman does an impeccable job of creating an approachable and nonthreatening character within a historical setting that is often thought of as scary and daunting. Children will become instant fans of Alyce rooting her on against the cruel nature of the time. Although the filth and harshness of Alyce’s life is shocking, the simple childhood adventures of running from boys and picking apples will be easy for children to relate to. Cushman’s language is simple and enjoyable to read, adding a light and airy touch to balance out the dark time.
The setting dictates the story as Alyce struggles with homelessness and hunger are brought on by the times. Children today would not experience such torment. Throughout the story there is a theme of becoming someone despite the odds. At the end of the story, Alyce is amazed at how far she has come. The story presents the message that no matter how cruel the world is, opportunities will arise, and it is important to seize them.
Cushman’s writing is delightful and intriguing. I personally couldn’t put the book down and read it all in one sitting. While the heart of the book is the story line, I was impressed at the amount of history Cushman was able to weave in naturally.
At the end of the novel, Cushman includes an excerpt where she explains her resources for the historical information she imbedded. However, there are not explicit citations. Overall, I was extremely impressed in Cushman’s ability to craft a delightful novel in period of time often avoided by authors due to its grim nature.
AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERTP(S)
Newberry Medal
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “With simplicity, wit, and humor, Cushman presents another tale of medieval England. Here readers follow the satisfying, literal and figurative journey of a homeless, nameless child called Brat. . . . Earthy humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children’s literature.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “This novel is about a strong, young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home. . . . Kids will be caught up in this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone.”
CONNECTIONS
*Lead a discussion about medieval times. See what information students already know they can share with the class. Have students to explore the website http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/medieval/
*Share with students books about medieval culture by Lynn Elliot
MEDIEVAL MEDICINE AND THE PLAGUE (MEDIEVAL WORLD). ISBN 0778713903
FOOD AND FEASTS IN THE MIDDLE AGES (MEDIEVAL WORLD). ISBN 0778713806
*Other books authored by Karen Cushman set in the Middle Ages
MATILDA BOONE. ISBN 0440418224
CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. ISBN 0064405842
Thursday, April 1, 2010
THE RIVER BETWEEN US
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Peck, Richard. 2003. THE RIVER BETWEEN US. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 0803727356
PLOT SUMMARY
The novel opens in 1916 with a teenage boy, Howard, telling of his road trip to visit the four people who raised his father. Upon arrival in Grand Tower, Illinois, the narrator switches to Howard’s grandmother Tilly as she recounts life as a girl during the Civil War. Tilly’s mother takes in two mysterious girls who arrive on steamboat from New Orleans. One of the girls, Delphine, dresses in fancy clothing while the other, Calinda, wears a bandana and tends to serve on Delphine raising suspicions that she is a slave. Tilly’s brother, who Delphine falls in love with, Noah is sent to war for the North. During the war, Noah fights against his father who is on the side of the South, killing his father and losing an arm himself. At the end, Howard finds out that his father was actually the son of Delphine and Noah but was given to his grandparents, Tilly and the doctor, to raise.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Peck presents everyday characters trying to get by one day at a time. They are not perfect and often are confused by which direction to turn making it very easy for the reader to relate to them despite the time difference. Peck gives justice to the period detailing the raw and uncomfortable nature of war yet using language that a young audience can understand.
From the fresh egg broken in the radiator to seal the leaks to the gruesome scene in Cairo, Peck provides his readers with impressive details of the history. Readers will enjoy the authenticity Peck’s writing brings. The historical setting dictates and drives the plot providing momentum and interest to the story.
A strong theme of life not being black and white is carried throughout the story. Characters struggle to know what side of the war they should choose. This is emphasized by Delphine who although she is part black, would be better off if the South won the war, and by Noah and his father who fight on opposite sides. Peck’s description of Delphine brings a unique New Orleans flavor to the story.
The plot is fairly complicated, so this book will best be appreciated by advanced readers. However, the complexity is necessary for the degree of mystery Peck intertwines. When the reader discovers all the fascinating details at the end, he will come to appreciate the structure of the book.
Peck provides an excerpt at the back of the novel explaining where he found his historical information. He acknowledges several people who assisted him with data collection. THE RIVER BETWEEN US will not only educate readers but take them along a captivating journey of discovery.
AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERTP(S)
BOOKLIST: “It's a riveting story that shows racism everywhere and young people facing war, not sure what side to be on or why.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “In this thoroughly researched novel, Peck masterfully describes the female Civil War experience, the subtle and not-too-subtle ways the country was changing, and the split in loyalty that separated towns and even families. Although the book deals with some weighty themes, it is not without humor.”
CONNECTIONS
*Discuss with students their thoughts about families being split in the Civil War. Ask if they have any stories from their family they would like to share.
*Share with students nonfiction books detailing the history of gens de couleur in New Orleans
*Other books authored by Richard Peck which won Newberry awards
A YEAR DOWN YONDER. ISBN 0142300705
A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO. ISBN 0142401102
Peck, Richard. 2003. THE RIVER BETWEEN US. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 0803727356
PLOT SUMMARY
The novel opens in 1916 with a teenage boy, Howard, telling of his road trip to visit the four people who raised his father. Upon arrival in Grand Tower, Illinois, the narrator switches to Howard’s grandmother Tilly as she recounts life as a girl during the Civil War. Tilly’s mother takes in two mysterious girls who arrive on steamboat from New Orleans. One of the girls, Delphine, dresses in fancy clothing while the other, Calinda, wears a bandana and tends to serve on Delphine raising suspicions that she is a slave. Tilly’s brother, who Delphine falls in love with, Noah is sent to war for the North. During the war, Noah fights against his father who is on the side of the South, killing his father and losing an arm himself. At the end, Howard finds out that his father was actually the son of Delphine and Noah but was given to his grandparents, Tilly and the doctor, to raise.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Peck presents everyday characters trying to get by one day at a time. They are not perfect and often are confused by which direction to turn making it very easy for the reader to relate to them despite the time difference. Peck gives justice to the period detailing the raw and uncomfortable nature of war yet using language that a young audience can understand.
From the fresh egg broken in the radiator to seal the leaks to the gruesome scene in Cairo, Peck provides his readers with impressive details of the history. Readers will enjoy the authenticity Peck’s writing brings. The historical setting dictates and drives the plot providing momentum and interest to the story.
A strong theme of life not being black and white is carried throughout the story. Characters struggle to know what side of the war they should choose. This is emphasized by Delphine who although she is part black, would be better off if the South won the war, and by Noah and his father who fight on opposite sides. Peck’s description of Delphine brings a unique New Orleans flavor to the story.
The plot is fairly complicated, so this book will best be appreciated by advanced readers. However, the complexity is necessary for the degree of mystery Peck intertwines. When the reader discovers all the fascinating details at the end, he will come to appreciate the structure of the book.
Peck provides an excerpt at the back of the novel explaining where he found his historical information. He acknowledges several people who assisted him with data collection. THE RIVER BETWEEN US will not only educate readers but take them along a captivating journey of discovery.
AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERTP(S)
BOOKLIST: “It's a riveting story that shows racism everywhere and young people facing war, not sure what side to be on or why.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “In this thoroughly researched novel, Peck masterfully describes the female Civil War experience, the subtle and not-too-subtle ways the country was changing, and the split in loyalty that separated towns and even families. Although the book deals with some weighty themes, it is not without humor.”
CONNECTIONS
*Discuss with students their thoughts about families being split in the Civil War. Ask if they have any stories from their family they would like to share.
*Share with students nonfiction books detailing the history of gens de couleur in New Orleans
*Other books authored by Richard Peck which won Newberry awards
A YEAR DOWN YONDER. ISBN 0142300705
A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO. ISBN 0142401102
Monday, March 22, 2010
THE WALL
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sis, Peter. 2007. THE WALL: GROWING UP BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN. New York: Frances Foster Books. ISBN 0374347018
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Sis provides readers with an intimate, inside perspective to the Iron Curtain. He powerfully communicates his message through drawings that illustrate events that happened as he grew up in Soviet ruled Czechoslovakia. While captions are provided to detail the scenes, the meaning lies in the images. Strategic use of color and font create powerful moods unifying the images. Sis’s work emphasizes the dreams that could be found in the west combined with the despair that was present in the tightly controlled east.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Based on his own experience, Sis does not use sources to aid his book. Therefore, there is no bibliography. The book is primarily comprised of important historical events. Having lived through the time, readers will appreciate the personal perspective and details Sis can give to the situation.
This nonfiction work is untraditional in structure as it relies heavily on drawings with very little text. There is a brief yet consistent storyline throughout that follows a chronological format. Although there is not a reference aid, given the style of the book, it is not necessary.
The style is highly unique yet moving. On some pages, the design can seem a little busy at times as the reader is presented with many images at once. The lack of text encourages the audience to think.
Although this book is brief with lots of illustrations, it is not appropriate for young children. They do not have the critical historical knowledge necessary to appreciate the book. As a result, they would not understand many of the messages and probably find the book quite boring.
4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Honor Book
Robert F. Sibert Medal
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Throughout, terrific design dramatizes the conflict between conformity and creative freedom, often through sparing use of color; in many cases, the dominant palette of black, white, and Communist red threatens to swallow up young Peter's freely doodled, riotously colored artwork.
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Complex, multifaceted, rich in detail . . . [Sís’s] concluding visions of freedom are both poignant and exhilarating.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Lead a discussion about the Iron Curtain. Explain to the students about the USSR.
* Have students create drawings detailing historical events that happened in their lives.
* Share other books written by Peter Sis
The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin ISBN: 0374456283
Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei ISBN: 0374470278
Sis, Peter. 2007. THE WALL: GROWING UP BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN. New York: Frances Foster Books. ISBN 0374347018
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Sis provides readers with an intimate, inside perspective to the Iron Curtain. He powerfully communicates his message through drawings that illustrate events that happened as he grew up in Soviet ruled Czechoslovakia. While captions are provided to detail the scenes, the meaning lies in the images. Strategic use of color and font create powerful moods unifying the images. Sis’s work emphasizes the dreams that could be found in the west combined with the despair that was present in the tightly controlled east.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Based on his own experience, Sis does not use sources to aid his book. Therefore, there is no bibliography. The book is primarily comprised of important historical events. Having lived through the time, readers will appreciate the personal perspective and details Sis can give to the situation.
This nonfiction work is untraditional in structure as it relies heavily on drawings with very little text. There is a brief yet consistent storyline throughout that follows a chronological format. Although there is not a reference aid, given the style of the book, it is not necessary.
The style is highly unique yet moving. On some pages, the design can seem a little busy at times as the reader is presented with many images at once. The lack of text encourages the audience to think.
Although this book is brief with lots of illustrations, it is not appropriate for young children. They do not have the critical historical knowledge necessary to appreciate the book. As a result, they would not understand many of the messages and probably find the book quite boring.
4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Honor Book
Robert F. Sibert Medal
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Throughout, terrific design dramatizes the conflict between conformity and creative freedom, often through sparing use of color; in many cases, the dominant palette of black, white, and Communist red threatens to swallow up young Peter's freely doodled, riotously colored artwork.
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Complex, multifaceted, rich in detail . . . [Sís’s] concluding visions of freedom are both poignant and exhilarating.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Lead a discussion about the Iron Curtain. Explain to the students about the USSR.
* Have students create drawings detailing historical events that happened in their lives.
* Share other books written by Peter Sis
The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin ISBN: 0374456283
Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei ISBN: 0374470278
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