Module 15: Cencorship Issues

Module 15/SLIS5420

The Adventures of Captain Underpants

By  Dav Piley

Summary:

The adventures of Captain Underpants is a chapterbook and comic book roled into one following the imagination of two students George and Harold as the battle the mean principal Mr. Krupp.  Similar to Wiley Coyote and the ACME box, they get a ring with special powers that hypnotizes their principal changes into Captain Underpants.  The rest of the book follows the adventures and hilarious things that happen with the boys and Captain Underpants

Citation:

Pilkey, D. (1997). The adventures of Captain Underpants: An epic novel. New York: Blue Sky Press

Beyond and Between:

The Adventures of Captain Underpants is one book of a series of books following Captain Underpants.  It is an easy mix between print and comic book type style storytelling.  As a story it is hilarious and very funny, however the pictures of Captain Underpants, the disobedience of the two boys in the story, and the sometime crude humor has been known to cause offense.  Additionally, some parents have seen this book as inappropriate for its age group.  Following the reading level and comic like illustrations the book comes off as an easy reader book for second to fourth graders.  It would be a big draw to boys and reluctant readers because of the style and format of the story.  Additionally, while the book does encourage acting out, it also shows an expression of imagination which for a child is a good thing to cultivate.  Over all I would have this book on my shelves at the library.

Reviews:

Booklist

(3) New ed. (1997). Captain Underpants series. This edition of book one in the series now features watercolor blues, greens, yellows, purples, and reds. For the most part, the color doesn't compete for attention with the text. That said, hardly an inch of blank space remains, especially in the comics that George and Harold draw. The effect is now more splashy Sunday comics than sketchy drawn-by-kids serial. Review 11/13. erg

Younger Fiction. (2014, Spring). The Horn Book Guide to Children's and Young Adult Books, 25, 58-65.

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4--Pilkey plays with words and pictures, providing great entertainment. The story is immediately engaging--two fourth-grade boys who write comic books and who love to pull pranks find themselves in big trouble. Mean Mr. Krupp, their principal, videotapes George and Harold setting up their stunts and threatens to expose them. The boys' luck changes when they send for a 3-D Hypno-Ring and hypnotize Krupp, turning him into Captain Underpants, their own superhero creation. Later, Pilkey includes several pages of flip-o-ramas that animate the action. The simple black-and-white illustrations on every page furnish comic-strip appeal. The cover features Captain Underpants resplendent in white briefs, on top of a tall building. This book will fly off the shelves.

Hopf, M. M. (1997). Preschool to grade 4: Fiction. School Library Journal, 43(12), 99.

Suggested Uses:

When it comes to using this book in a library, especially because of its sensitive nature, I don’t know if I’d do a book talk on it.  This is something I’d have to think about.  However, I would use this book for a humor genre display and/or a display of books that “Your neighbors enjoy”.  In this way, I would be sharing the book in the library with other similar books.

Module 14: Poetry and Story Collections

Module 13/SLIS5420

The Wonder Book

By  Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paul Schmid

Summary:

The Wonder Book is a compilation of poems, short stories, palindromes, classic and original with beautiful black and white eye catching illustrations by Paul Schmid.  The concept behind the book is shared beautifully from the beginning, encouraging readers to wonder and exploring that wonder through all these poetry and story forms.

Citation:

Rosenthal, A. K., & Schmid, P. (2010). The wonder book. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

Beyond and Between:

The Wonder Book is a perfect engaging read for parents and children.  It has the classic’s like Mary had a little lamb and then it has new original poems written  or collected by the author.  The simple illustrations perfectly tie into the poem or story and often creating laughter opportunities or questions to help the reader ‘wonder’ too.  For example, in one little poem of truth was so funny, but at the same time totally engaging to children (most likely boys).  The poem was about the reality of how children pea in the water while swimming,  slightly disturbing to an adult, but delightfully funny to the little boys I read this too.  The little poem had 5 lines, but it was the picture of the little boy in the water, almost looking proud that made the poem so funny.

Reviews:

Kirkus

An uneven collection of poems and witticisms, the very best of which evoke Shel Silverstein. Several poems are takes on old standbys, such as "It Could Be Verse": "Eeny Meeny and Miney Moe / Caught a tiger with their tow / The tiger hollered; they wouldn't let go / No more Eeny Meeny or Miney Moe." Others are short and super silly: "Tinkle / Tinkle / In the sea / Don't look under / While I pee…" Some of the most successful pieces are those in which Schmid's black-and-white drawings are integral to the poem's meaning. In the palindromes section, for example, "Won ton? Not now," is illustrated with a picture of a little girl offering a won ton to a boy who is hanging upside down while being squeezed by a large snake. Even when they are not absolutely necessary to the meaning of the poems, the illustrations, dynamic and expressive, lend a degree of charm and whimsy to a serviceable, often funny, collection. (Poetry. 8-12)

The Wonder Book. (2010). Kirkus Reviews, 78(5), 209.

Publishers Weekly

This waggish collection combines poems, wordplay, and black ink illustrations to Silversteinian effect. Familiar nursery rhymes are comically recast ("This little piggy played the stock market"), puns run rampant, a poem about a "backwards prince" is meant to be read backwards itself, and there are some winning palindromes ("Was it Eliot's toilet I saw?"). An occasional gag falls flat ("I wonder why people don't replace them when they take showers?"), but the sheer diversity of silliness ensures that there is something (funny) for everyone. Ages 5-10. (Mar.)

The Wonder Book. (2010). Publishers Weekly, 257(6), 48.

Suggested Uses:

As a whole book of collected poems, I don’t know if I would use it all at one time.  However, picking a poem and using it in story time would be something I would do.  Or I could create a palindrome myself for a display and share this book/other poem books as examples of other poetry formats.  In both these ways I would use The Wonder Book in my library.

Module 13: Graphic Novels

Module 13/SLIS5420

The Skeleton Key

By  Anthony Horwitz

Summary:

The Skeleton Key is the third book in the Alex Rider series following the adventure of the orphaned teenager Alex Rider and teenage spy.  In this book Alex is once again needed by MI6 and the CIA.  Through a series of events he ends up at Skeleton Key Island where he ends up fighting to stop Alexei Sarov from trying to unleashing a nuclear bomb. 

Citation:

Horowitz, A., Johnston, A., Damerum, K., & Takasaki, Y. (2009). Skeleton Key: [the graphic novel]. New York: Philomel Books.

Beyond and Between:

When it comes to the graphic novels of actual books, it is hard to do justice to a graphic novel review when you liked the actual novel so much more.  However, for reluctant readers this graphic novel of The Skeleton Key will keep their attention as it moves quickly, gets the plot line going with typical conversation bubbles, and graphic color pictures following each action and reaction in the book.  In graphic novels, where you can’t spend a paragraph detailing the emotions, scenery, and action/reactions of the main character, you have to rely on the visual cues.  Overall, this graphic novel tells the story of The Skeleton Key in the typical engaging comic book read.  With the main character being a teenage boy and the action/suspense storyline this book is sure to be popular with the boys.

Reviews:

Children’s Literature

This graphic novel adaptation of one of Anthony Horowitz's popular "Alex Rider" series books finds British teen spy Alex working with American spies in Cuba to hunt down an insane Russian general, who has deadly plans for a nuclear bomb. But as Alex gets closer to his target, he learns the general has additional plans to adopt Alex and make him part of his new world order. Though popular among kids, this particular Alex Rider book is littered with unflattering caricatures and stereotypes of various ethnic groups and cultures--especially the Russian general, whose overwhelming hatred of American capitalism would be laughable if it were not so offensive. Other countries do not fare much better as the CIA spies Alex works with are arrogant and condescending, while virtually all the Cubans are cast as the villains' mindless cronies. Even the British end up looking foolish for trusting a young teen like Alex--who constantly runs stupidly into dangerous situations and blurts out sensitive secrets under the threat of torture--with such important missions. While some readers may be able to suspend their disbelief long enough to be entertained by the story's action, the poorly-drawn characters and paper-thin plot make most James Bond movies seem like Oscar-worthy dramas by comparison. 2009, Philomel Books/Penguin Young Readers Group, $14.99. Ages 8 to 12.

Michael Jung, PH. D (2013). The Skeleton Key Review.  Children Literature Comprehensive Database, Retrieved from the University of North Texas  from http://www.clcd.com/

School Library Journal

Gr 5-10- Alex is back for the third time in Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider Adventure Series (Philomel, 2003) as the reluctant 14-year-old spy, getting into his share of James Bond-like adventures. This time he travels to Wimbleton and dodges an evil-doer in the strawberry refrigerator, then to the coast of Cornwall for some surfing and bad-guy avoiding, and finally to the Cuban island of Skeleton Key, as the son of two CIA operatives who are investigating a Russian general's planned nuclear comeback. Following in the tradition of his uncle, the famous spy, Alex wholeheartedly takes command of his adventures and manages to save the world, yet again. Reluctant readers, particularly boys who can't find anything that interests them, will flock to this audiobook. Simon Prebble's reading is flawless; we forget we're being read to, and we find ourselves on the Cornwall coast with Alex. He moves between characters easily, and listeners won't find his British accent bothersome. There is all of the requisite spy intrigue and adventure, even a beautiful young lady as Alex's admirer (sans the frequent sexual encounters). The excitement easily equals a Bond story.

Evarts, L., & Mandell, P. (2003). Skeleton Key. School Library Journal, 49(9), 76.

Suggested Uses:

Depending on your library, graphic novels may be shelved in a different area then the original book. For this graphic novel I would like to start monthly by pulling both versions of the novel out for the teens to see.  Likewise, in the book club offering either version to be read.  This accomplished two things, first it brings in the reluctant readers, but then in the book club it can reveal difference between the original the graphic novel adaptation of the book.

Module 12: Biography and Autobiography

Module 12/SLIS5420

The Lincolns: a scrapbook look at Abraham and Mary

By  Deborah Hopkinson

Summary:

The Lincolns is a beautiful pictorial and essay focused biography of Abraham and Mary Lincoln.  The format is like a scrapbook broken up between pictures, stories, and newspaper like articles following the Lincoln’s life and relationship as a couple.

Citation:

Fleming, C. (2008). The Lincolns: A scrapbook look at Abraham and Mary. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books.

Beyond and Between:

Once again the book industry has found a way to convey historical information in an engaging and accurate fomart.  The Lincolns, chronologically and thematically follows Abraham and Mary through their life, Abraham’s career, United States war, and so forth.  The reader easily can just browse where interested or get in depth and follow the book as if reading a school text.  At the back of the book the reader can follow the author’s research through the end notes and or look for specific information from the index.  However, because of the nature of the written text, long paragraphs, more text then pictures, and a higher level reading level this text would be more appropriately fit for high school aged readers.

Reviews:

Kirkus Reviews

The Lincolns was five years in the making and it shows. Candace Fleming's book exudes an easy familiarity with Abraham and Mary's lives and times due to her choices of telling details and the merry pleasure of its design. "The scrapbook technique…remains fresh and lively," wrote Kirkus, "a great way to provide a huge amount of information in a format that invites both browsing and in-depth study." The sweep of graphic material is impressive and beguiling--photographs, engravings, documents, posters--while antique typefaces lend a period quality to the proceedings, which extend to Mary's death. Fleming's comfort with the material comes from more than pure research. "This summer I returned to central Illinois and my hometown fair," she says. "As I strolled along the midway, I glanced down, and there lay a stone marker, reading 'The spot where Lincoln debated Douglas, September 18, 1858.' I grinned. As a child, I played in his parents' log cabin, slept in his bedroom and lived in a house on the Lincoln Heritage trail. Mr. Lincoln had simply been a natural part of my everyday life. So, I wasn't surprised to bump into him at the fair. I was, however, delighted. I felt as if I'd just run into an old friend."

The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary. (2008). Kirkus Reviews, 76(23), 6.

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-- Through sound scholarship and engaging storytelling, Fleming presents side-by-side portraits of the famous first couple, combining telling anecdotes and large and small details to reveal aspects of the Lincolns' personalities and temperaments. Primary sources and high-quality archival photos and reproductions add significantly to this impressive American scrapbook. BOOK

The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary. (2009). School Library Journal, 5527.

Suggested Uses:

This book would be a good book to use for a school library session about research and information, because of its visual appeal and unique way of writing the book would be good to present to a class of 15- 20 to show elements to look for in a research project.  If this type of opportunity is not available,  having a display with other biographies marked with sticky notes to point out key information and sources for research would be a neat way to use it in the library.  Maybe even tie in the online databases/journals for the students to find more information.

Module 11: Informational Books

Module 11/SLIS5420

Titanic: Voices from the Disaster

By  Deborah Hopkinson

Summary:

Titanic: Voices from the Disaster is an informational chapter book with a unique perspective on the events leading up to the sinking of the Titanic.  It follows unique historical accounts of different passengers that were on the Titanic when it sunk, including upper class, lower class, servants, and boat employees.  All given in a chronological manner that allows the reader to follow the timeline of what happened to the Titanic

Citation:

Hopkinson, D., & Scholastic Press. (2012). Titanic: Voices from the disaster. New York: Scholastic Press

Beyond and Between:

This was an amazing informational book. From the bat I would suggest this book for older readers 5^th to 7^th because it had fewer pictures and maps that younger grades are drawn towards.  However, this book is a real informational resource with proper indexes, statistics, timeline of events appendix, and a list of research resources so the reader can do their own research.  Also, due to the fictionalized style of writing, along with the historical accounts, the book is an easier read then compared to a lot of informational books that I’ve read in the past.  It was easy to follow the storyline and yet get accurate information at the same time.

Reviews:

Booklist

(1) 4-6 Hopkinson provides young readers with a basic introduction to the event without overdramatizing, drawing unwarranted conclusions, or prolonging the ordeal. Her "characters," real survivors whose voices relay many of the subsequent events, include crew members as well as travelers in first, second, and third class. Chapter notes, sources, archival photos, a timeline, short biographies of those mentioned, and more are included. Bib., glos., ind. Review 3/12. bc

HISTORY. (2012, Fall). The Horn Book Guide to Children's and Young Adult Books, 23, 179-185. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1111788652?accountid=7113

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-Hopkinson offers a thorough account (Scholastic, 2012) of the April 15, 1912 sinking of the Titanic. Background information is interspersed with stories of survivors and witnesses, including primary source quotes. The author weaves together the voices of children, passengers in all classes, the captain, and crew members to provide a unique account of the tragedy. What makes this chronicle of events unique is the direct quotes from survivors which are seamlessly inserted throughout and successfully handled by talented voice actors Mark Bramhall, Peter Altschuler, and others. Listeners will be enthralled by the effective use of personal details. Have the print version available so listeners can peruse the photos, art work, diagrams, and maps.

Medinsky, M. (2012). Titanic: Voices from the Disaster. School Library Journal, 58(12), 77.

Suggested Uses:

I would love to use this book as a tie in to current events.  For example, that boat that crashed this last month in South Korea.  Having a current events webpage/ mini display in the non-fiction including similar events in the past.  In this case using the Titanic information books, with other books about ship sinkings, including the current sinking of the passenger boat in Korea.  This would help bring the present and the past together and hopefully bridge a gap between books that students don’t identify with present events that they do connect to.

Module 10: Historical Fiction

Module 10/SLIS5420

Henry’s Freedom Box

By  Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson

Summary:

Henry’s Freedom Box is a fictionalized story of a historical slave named Henry Brown.  It follows Henry from a young age, where he was separated from his family when he was sold.  Years go by and he dreams and he sings and he gets married. However, things quickly change when his wife and children are sold and he is left alone never to see them again.  Thanks to a bird and a friend he chooses freedom with the idea of mailing himself to a state where slavery is not allowed.  So this book ends with Henry’s freedom and his new name “Henry Box Brown”

Citation:

Levine, E., & Nelson, K. (2007). Henry's freedom box. New York: Scholastic Press.

Beyond and Between:

This is a poignant picture book that accurately shares the story of Henry Brown.  The illustrator uses deep colors oil painted colors to share the picture story while Levine does a wonderful job of narrating the story. Each page is filled with large illustrations and one to two paragraphs of text.  However, because of the historical nature of the text the reading level is higher than the picture book may suggest.  The neatest thing about this book is the historical tie in at the end explaining where the historical figure “Henry Box Brown” came from.  This also gives older readers a place to start researching if this book was read for a school project.

Reviews:

Booklist

In a true story that is both heartbreaking and joyful, Levine recounts the history of Henry “Box” Brown, born into slavery. Henry works in a tobacco factory, marries another slave, and fathers three children; but then his family is sold, and Henry realizes he will never see them again. With nothing to lose, Henry persuades his friend James and a sympathetic white man to mail him in a wooden box to Philadelphia and freedom. Levine maintains a dignified, measured tone, telling her powerful story through direct, simple language. A note at the end explains the historical basis for the fictionalized story. Accompanying Levine’s fine, controlled telling are pencil, watercolor, and oil paint illustrations by Kadir Nelson that resonate with beauty and sorrow. When Henry’s mother holds him as a child on her lap, they gaze out at bright autumn leaves, and the tenderness is palpable, even as she calls to his attention the leaves that “are torn from the trees like slave children are torn from their families.” There is no sugarcoating here, and Henry is not miraculously reunited with his wife and children; however, the conclusion, as Henry celebrates his new freedom, is moving and satisfying. S.D.L.

  

Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story From the Underground Railroad. (2008). Booklist, 104(13), 18.

Booklist Review

Artful iconography showcases Kadir Nelson’s outstanding illustrations in this 2008 Caldecott Honor book that tells the story of runaway slave Henry Brown. The camera focuses on soulful facial expressions as emotionally laden music provides a backdrop. After his family is sold, Henry’s despair lifts when he realizes a crate might be his vehicle to freedom. The clever slave is packed into a box and mailed to Philadelphia. Animated birds fly above the trees, tracing Henry’s uncomfortable and dangerous voyage by train and steamboat. When the parcel arrives, those welcoming the crate politely knock before jubilant singing reflects Henry’s wondrous and happy emergence. This captivating production combines Nelson’s textural drawings, Jerry Dixon’s poignant narration, and composer David Mansfield’s atmospheric mood music. Includes an interview with author Ellen Levine and a “read-along” feature that captions the text. Also available as a book and CD package ($29.95) and CD ($12.95). —Nancy McCray

McCray, N. (2009). Henry's Freedom Box. Booklist, 105(19/20), 91.

Suggested Uses:

Historical books always beg for reality tie ins, especially for younger readers. It allows for higher level grades to use the book and yet apply it to everyday homework.  For this book I like the idea of a Timeline type book display, following the beginning of the historical person to other library sources and eventually this fiction book itself.  Maybe involving a history class to create the display for an extra credit assignment.  Thus not only displaying the book, but also engaging the readers.

Module 9: Mystery

Module 9/SLIS5420

The Face on the Milk Carton

By  Caroline B Cooney

Summary:

The Face on the Milk Carton is a young adult book that asks the question- what would you do if you saw your face on a milk carton?  Jennie Spring is just an average 15 year old in highschool with a group of good friends.  However, it all starts to change when she recognizes her own face on the back of a milk carton.  The book follows Jennie as she starts trying to figure out if she was kidnapped, deal with the questions should I ask my parents, struggles with the conclusive proof that the picture on the milk carton is indeed her.  Everything culminating with a call to “her real mom’?

Citation:

Cooney, C. B. (1990). The face on the milk carton. New York: Bantam Books.

Beyond and Between:

Caroline Cooney does a great job at writing about the realities of dealing with the question ‘was I kidnapped as a kid?’  The mystery, the hurt feelings, the desire to know the truth, but still love her “parents” who raised her.  After reading this book, the reader almost wants to ask themselves, would I ever really want to find out my parents are not really my parents??  The realities of teenage life, school, and friends makes this book feel real and you cannot help but relate to Jennie’s struggles.  Though, this book has a clear female main character, the issues of belonging, family relationships, and friendships makes this book engaging for guys and girls to read.

Reviews:

School Library Journal

FR 7-10- The message on the milk carton reads, “Have you seen this child?” Three year old Jennie Spring was kidnapped 12 years earlier, but Janie Johnson, looking at the photo, suddenly knows that she is that child. Fragments of memory and evidence accumulate and when she demands to know about her early childhood years, her parents confess what they believe to be true, that she is really their grandchild, the child of their long-missing daughter who had joined a cult.  Janie wants to accept this, but she cannot forget Jennie’s family and their loss. Finally, almost against her will, she seeks help and confides in her parents. Her mother insists that she call the Spring family, and the book ends as she calls them. Many young people fantasize about having been adopted or even kidnapped but the decisions Janie must face are painful and complex and she experiences denial, anger, and guilt while sorting her way toward a solution. Janie’s boyfriend- sensible, funny, with problems of his own- is an excellent foil for her intensity. Their romance is natural and believable. Cooney again demonstrates an excellent ear for dialogue and a gift for portraying responsible middle-class teenagers trying to come to terms with very real concerns. A good choice for readers of Norma Fos Mazer’s Taking Terri Muller (Morrow, 1983). – Tatiana Castleton, Stockton- San Joaguin County Public Library, CA

Castleton, T. (1990). The Face on the Milk Carton (Book). School Library Journal, 36(2), 109.

Booklist Review

Cooney, Caroline. Face on the Milk Carton. 1990. Delacorte, $15.95 (0-385-32328-X); paper, $5.50 (0-440-22065-3).

Gr. 6-9. In a book that generated several sequels and a television movie, 15-year-old Janie sees a picture of her younger self, identified as a kidnapped child, on the side of a milk carton and is forced to seek the truth of her past.

Zvirin, S. (2001, May 1). Face on the Milk Carton. Booklist, 97(17), 1610.

Suggested Uses:

This book would be perfect for an interactive book display where the teens are encouraged to “name that book” based on the clues given in the display.  I one regard this display will be about mystery books, but on the other hand the students would be engaged in figuring out what the book titles are. For example, for this book I would get a milk carton with a face on the back of it.  Of course, the item itself being the clue to what the book title is and at the same time hopefully causing curious minds to want to read the book as well.