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. 

Module 8: Fantasy and Science Fiction

Module 8/SLIS5420

Princess Academy

By  Shannon Hale

Summary:

The Princess Academy is  Fantasy book following the story of Miri.  Miri’s family and whole village is known for its quarry work that supplies the county with the special Linder stone.  However, Miri is not allowed to work in the quarry and struggles with feelings of being useless and judged by the village.  However, everything changes when it is revealed that the princes’ wife will come from her village.  Next think Miri knows, she is being taken with other girls from her village to the princess academy where maybe there she can prove to everyone she can make a difference, in the mean time dealing with a teacher who is very strict, with her emotions for a boy from the village, and an attack on the school itself. 

Citation:

Hale, S. (2005). Princess Academy. New York: Bloomsbury Children's Books

Beyond and Between:

This book is a delightful read, however because of its main characters it is definitely more a girl read type of book.  The main character Miri is fighting against her own self-doubt, the bullies at the academy, and learning how to stand up for herself, her family, and her village.  The fantasy aspect of the book is there with the possibility for Miri to learn to quarry speak, which is a way of communicating mentally through the linder stone across great distances.  However, outside of this, the book comes across as more of a realistic fiction type read where the fantasy part of the book seems to take a back seat to the rest of the story.  In the end, Miri doesn’t get the princes, but this fits the story better because she gets to use her skills and learn to value them herself in helping better her village barter with the linder tradesmen.

Reviews:

School Library Journal

Gr 5-9-- The thought of being a princess never occurred to the girls living on Mount Eskel. Most plan to work in the quarry like the generations before them. When it is announced that the prince will choose a bride from their village, 14-year-old Miri, who thinks she is being kept from working in the quarry because of her small stature, believes that this is her opportunity to prove her worth to her father. All eligible females are sent off to attend a special academy where they face many challenges and hardships as they are forced to adapt to the cultured life of a lowlander. First, strict Tutor Olana denies a visit home. Then, they are cut off from their village by heavy winter snowstorms. As their isolation increases, competition builds among them. The story is much like the mountains, with plenty of suspenseful moments that peak and fall, building into the next intense event. Miri discovers much about herself, including a special talent called quarry speak, a silent way to communicate. She uses this ability in many ways, most importantly to save herself and the other girls from harm. Each girl's story is brought to a satisfying conclusion, but this is not a fluffy, predictable fairy tale, even though it has wonderful moments of humor. Instead, Hale weaves an intricate, multilayered story about families, relationships, education, and the place we call home.

Plevak, L. L., Jones, T. E., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., & Raben, D. (2005). Princess Academy. School Library Journal, 51(10), 161

Kirkus Review

There are many pleasures to this satisfying tale: a precise lyricism to the language ("The world was as dark as eyes closed" or "Miri's laugh is a tune you love to whistle") and a rhythm to the story that takes its tropes from many places, but its heart from ours. Miri is very small; her father has never let her work in the linder stone quarries where her village makes its living and she fears that it's because she lacks something. However, she's rounded up, with the other handful of girls ages 12 to 17, to be taught and trained when it's foreseen that the prince's bride will come from their own Mount Eskel. Olana, their teacher, is pinched and cruel, but Miri and the others take to their studies, for it opens the world beyond the linder quarries to them. Miri seeks other learning as well, including the mindspeech that ties her to her people, and seems to work through the linder stone itself. There's a lot about girls in groups, both kind and cutting; a sweet boy; the warmth of friends, fathers and sisters; and the possibility of being chosen by a prince one barely knows. The climax involving evil brigands is a bit forced, but everything else is an unalloyed joy. (Fantasy. 9-14)

Princess Academy. (2005). Kirkus Reviews, 73(14), 790.

Suggested Uses:

This book would work for a fantasy book list or book club read.  However, I like the idea of including it in a planned supplemental  program for teachers/ school librarians.  To idea would be bring in professional women across a variety of roles and positions to (2-3) to talk with the school class about what they do.  Hopefully to encourage dreams of bigger things for the female students, who like Miri don’t think they can do much.  Likewise, having the switch of this type of supplemental program for the guys as well.  In all of this bringing in books like this one, to suggest to the students to read for themselves.  

Module 7: Realistic Fiction

Module 7/SLIS5420

A Dog Called Kitty

By Bill Wallace

Summary:

This book is about a boy named Ricky.  The story starts out with a big move from St. Louis to a farm in Oklahoma that his Dad just up and bought and moved the family to.  As the story moves along you meet the newest character and adorable little dog who is starving.  However, Ricky is afraid of dogs, due to a bad experience with a rabid dog.  Slowly, Ricky and the dog grow to love each other and in the processes Ricky learns to deal with fear, to trust again, and in the end to let go when the dog they named kitty died. 

Citation:

Wallace, B. (1980). A dog called Kitty. New York, NY: Holiday House

Beyond and Between:

A Dog Named Kitty is a very poignant  book that gives a look into the relational and emotional aspects of Ricky’s life, family, and fears.   It reads like a  memory, from the perspective of the older Ricky, sharing the story of the young Ricky struggling to push past his fears and love this dog that has shown up on the Oklahoma farm his family owns.  Like, Old Yeller, the ending is very sad but because the author did such a good job at bringing the reader along with Ricky and sharing in the emotional struggles, you can’t help but relate to Ricky realizing that he does love this dog, even though at first he wanted nothing to do with him.

Reviews:

School Library Journal

GR 4-7 – The relationship St. Louis born Ricky develops with an abandoned puppy on an Oklahoma farm has the power to triumph over his intense fears resulting from an attack by a rabid canine he experienced as a toddle. Ricky only acknowledges his love for the dog he names Kitty after his pet is accidentally killed at the site of an oil rig. Ricky’s telling of his childhood ordeal (a doctor administered 63 stitches) without benefit of anesthesia) is for strong stomachs, and the colloquial style features an occasional annoying sentence fragment. Nevertheless, the believable characterization of soft spoken, unpretentious Ricky makes the book work.-  Lynne D. Moose, Harmony Elementary School Library, N.C.

Moose, L. D. (1981). A Dog Called Kitty (Book). School Library Journal, 27(6), 71

Suggested Uses:

This book would be a great tie in to a “pets as your best friend” family night.  The floor would be open for children and their parents to bring their family pets to the library to share with others about who their “best friend” is.  In the program maybe having the local shelter prepare a power point of pets that need a best friend.  Of course, tying in books like “A Dog Named Kitty” to start off the evening with book characters that have had pets.  On a practical note, I would have to think through how various pets in the library would actually work.  Maybe, working with an outside partner to do this program in the community and not in the library would be better.

Module 7/SLIS5420

Hatchet

By Gary Paulsen

Summary:

Hatchet is a reality adventure story about a boy named Brian.  Brian is on his way to his Father’s home in Canada when suddenly his pilot has a heart attack.  Next thing Brian knows,  is that he is alone and in the Canadian wilds.  The book goes on to follow’s Brian’s struggles as he tries to survive with only his wits and his hatchet.  All the while, Brian tries to keep up home that he will be found and rescued.

Citation:

Paulsen, G. (1987). Hatchet. New York: Bradbury Press

Beyond and Between:

Hatchet is an intense read from the beginning Paulsen grabs your attention through his short but action compacted chapters.  Through a problem solving type writing, you see the inner thoughts of Brian as he tries to find food, start a fire, and all the while keep his focus.  It is in these inner dialogs that we meet the support cast who helps Brian survive, a key person is one of his old school teachers that reminds him to keep going on.  So while Brian is trying to survive, the books plot carries forward, but it really the struggles Brian has with being alone, pushing past fear, and not giving up on hope that makes this a good read for any age group.  However, the writing style is simple, so while Brian’s character is older, this book would probably work better for fourth to sixth grade readers.

Reviews:

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-- This model survival story of a plane crash in a lake strands 15-year-old Brian alone in the Canadian wilderness for 54 days. Emotional wounds are healed as he struggles to overcome hunger, wild animals, and a tornado. Paulsen's visual writing style and attention to detail are drawn from his own experience and affinity for the woods. Audiobook available from Listening Library.

Reutter, V. (2004). Hatchet (Book). School Library Journal, 50(5), 64.

Suggested Uses:

This book would be fun to do with a “Can you Survive in the Wilderness” theme.  Maybe working with the local Boy scouts and Girl scouts to bring in a different group of kids into the library.  Offer to have one of the boy/girl scout meetings at the library to talk about their project of the month, but also bring in the book aspect also.

Module 6: Picture Books

Module 6/SLIS5420

Llama Llama Red Pajama

By Anna Dewdney

Summary:

Llama Llama Red Pajama follows the antics of the little llama that has a hard time falling asleep in his dark room afraid of the dark and wanting him mama back.

Citation:

Dewdney, A. (2005). Llama Llama red pajama. New York: Viking.

Beyond and Between:

Llama Llama Red Pajama is an adorable read about a little Llama that is being put to bed by his mama.  Anna Dewdney does a wonderful job in showing with vibrant pictures and key emotional words the worry and anxiety that Llama goes through while being put to bed.  In one scene the whole picture is the little Llama surrounded by darkness and all you can see is his big scared eyes.  For younger children the intense emotion of the picture draws them in and is very engaging for them. 

Reviews:

School Library Journal

PreS-K-- With its sweet rendering of the trials of bedtime and separation anxiety, this book's familiar theme will be a hit with youngsters. Baby Llama, all tucked in and kissed after his bedtime story, watches his mama leave the room with a worried expression on his face. When he calls her and she does not come back immediately, he succumbs to a fit of wailing and weeping, finally bringing his panic-stricken mother at a full gallop. After her reassurance that "Mama Llama's always near, even if she's not right here," Baby Llama settles and drifts off to sleep. This story has a simple rhyme scheme, using natural language that children will enjoy. The large, boldly colored pictures have a grand and sweeping quality, extending out to the edges of the pages. Baby Llama's facial expressions capture his fear and alarm wonderfully. The contrast between light and dark enhances the drama in the story. This effective read-aloud will be a popular choice for storyhour and one-on-one sharing.

Austin, C. (2005). Llama, Llama Red Pajama. School Library Journal, 51(4), 96.

Kirkus Review

Dewdney's authorial debut is an uproariously funny tale detailing the true events that occur between lights out and when a wee one actually falls asleep. Feeling bereft after his mother leaves the room, little Llama soon calls down for a drink of water. What happens between that moment and his mom's arrival is a treat for seasoned parents and a eureka moment for young readers. With unerring accuracy, Dewdney perfectly captures the existential, pint-sized angst little ones experience after they are tucked in for the night. With dead-on comic timing, Dewdney's snappy verses convey the juxtaposition of little Llama's escalating anxiety and Mama's last minute efforts to get something done before heading back up to the room. The full-color, full-bleed illustrations are an intrinsic part of why this tale works so well. The combination of little Llama's expressions with the ever-darkening hues expertly capture his growing concerns. When Llama's worries reach their climactic peak, Mama's sensible but sensitive response soothes both her ruffled baby and young readers alike. Dewdney's tale is bound to become a comical classic oft-requested at bedtime. (Picture book. 3-7)

Llama, Llama Red Pajama. (2005). Kirkus Reviews, 73(9), 156...

Suggested Uses:

I have already used this book as a part of a ‘sleepy time’ story time with 2-6 year olds and I wouldn’t hesitate again to use this book again.  Another theme that would be neat to do would be ‘emotions’,  kids are so full of emotions that having books such as Llama Llama Red Pajama that point out emotions through pictures and words would be a great theme for the younger ages.

Module 5: Other Award Winners

Module 5/SLIS5420

American Born Chinese

By Gene Luen Yang

Summary:

American Born Chinese is a graphic novel by Gene Yang following the stories of three characters struggling in their own way to find their identity in their own social scene.  The first story follows the Monkey King, as from the Journey West Chinese folk tale, as he struggles with being kicked out of heaven and tries to figure out who he is.  The second story follows a Chinese American Jin as he deals with his heritage but still desires to be a part of the typical high school scene including maybe an American girlfriend.  The last story tells  about Danny, who all the sudden has to deal with his Chinese cousin being in school with him, which to Danny is a total embarrassment.  In each story weaves the same issues of identity, cultural understanding, dealing with acceptance, and other such issues all coming together in the end to face these difficult realities.

Citation:

Yang, G. L., & Pien, L. (2006). American born Chinese. New York: First Second.

Beyond and Between:

As a graphic novel this book was amazing detailed, yet because of the three views perspective the book moved quickly.  In a typical graphic novel, in my experience, the book moves along with action and plot line usually covering on main character.  This gives the reader time to follow the plot line, absorb the graphics and the little details that tell more of the story, and help the reader engage with the book.  However, with American born Chinese the three main characters, along with the sub-plots move so quickly that this book was a very quick read.  It became obvious that while this book is character drive, it is more theme driven with the issues all the main characters are struggling with.   If a reader is expecting to pick up this book for a light read, then this may not be the graphic novel you are expecting.  The depths of this story is definitely deeper in meaning the graphic novel format suggests.

Reviews:

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up --It's tough to talk about today's most serious issues (such as racial prejudice, self-acceptance, and spirituality) without appearing sanctimonious or sappy. But graphic artist Gene Yang deftly sidesteps that quicksand in this zippy, heartfelt tale of what it means to grow up Asian American.

American Born Chinese. (2006). School Library Journal, 5266.

Library Journal

A National Book Award finalist and ALA's Printz Award winner, this fable stars the mythological Monkey King, realistic youngster Jin Wang of Taiwanese parentage, and TV sitcom teen Danny. All three are dogged by an unwanted identity and humiliated by others' prejudice. The Monkey King trains to be a god but is unceremoniously bounced out of heaven and urged by "he who is" (the great god) to be what he is: a monkey. Jin tries to be accepted and romance a fellow student but gets picked on by classmates. Danny does well with friends until Chinese cousin Chin-Kee, a bitingly funny bundle of racist stereotypes, makes his annual visit and behaves so offensively that Danny must change schools. Finally, the three stories suddenly merge, to center on Jin coming to terms with his minority experience and moving beyond his own fear and hostility. Coalescence comes almost too quickly, but the trivision approach and treatment are unique and moving. The art is simple, colorful, and both attractive and effective. Some potty humor; recommended for teen and adult collections.

Cornog, M. (2007). American Born Chinese. Library Journal, 132(5), 54..

Suggested Uses:

This book could be on a suggested book list for school counselors to suggest to their students that maybe struggling with similar identity issues.  The easy reading graphic novel format may be more reader friendly to the students and it could be read with the counselor to help spark conversations.

Module 5/SLIS5420

The Tequila Worm

By Viola Canales

Summary:

The Tequila Worm is a story about an Mexican American highschool student names Sofia.   The story follows Sofia as she walks in the traditions of her family all the while struggling with being a Mexican-American in school. In the process she embraces her soccer skills and intelligence to show that despite her background she is more than a ‘taco head’ as some girls call her at school.  In the process a wonderful opportunity comes up for her to go to a private boarding school away from her family and friends.  The Tequila Worm follows Sofia as she learns to embrace her Mexican American background and the challenges before her.

Citation:

Canales, V. (2005). The tequila worm. New York: Wendy Lamb Books.

Beyond and Between:

From the beginning as Viola Canales shares about Sofia’s history from a storytelling family the reader is brought into the engaging vibrant life of this Mexican American family.  The story reads like a close and personal dialog and storytelling story itself sharing the traditions of Sofia’s family, such as the quinceanera, and brings in the personal touch with struggles Sofia has at school.  All through the book you sense how Sofia’s family traditions also bring strength and wisdom to help Sofia deal with her challenges at school.  However, it is Sophia’s awareness of this that grows and changes throughout the entire tale, as she learns to embrace who she is.

Reviews:

Horn Book Guide

(3) Family and storytelling have always been the two most important aspects of Sofia's life. After a childhood in the barrio, chronicled here in entertaining vignettes, she accepts a scholarship to a boarding school. She leaves home and family behind but takes the stories with her. This engaging story is humorous, vivid, and poignant. AMM

OLDER FICTION. (2006, Spring). The Horn Book Guide to Children's and Young Adult Books, 17, 88-102.

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-- Sofia, 14, lives in McAllen, TX. What she lacks in material possessions, she makes up for in personality and intelligence. When she is called a "taco head" by a student at her school, she decides to "kick that girl" by getting better grades and being a better soccer player than her tormentor. As a result of this determination, Sofia is offered a scholarship to the elite Saint Luke's school in Austin. Now she must convince her family and herself that she is up to the challenge. Canales includes vivid descriptions of life in a Mexican-American community. Her prose is engaging and easy to read, making this novel a good choice for reluctant readers. The momentum slows a bit after Sofia's arrival in Austin in contrast to the portion of the book set in McAllen. Still, the story is a good addition to most collections.

Buron, M., Jones, T. E., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., & Raben, D. (2006). The Tequila Worm. School Library Journal, 52(2), 128.

Suggested Uses:

This book covers so many things that I see much potential for its use in the library.  My first thought is that a book talk with this book and other similar minority focused books would be a good for a book talk, especially within a diverse community as found in a lot of the Dallas School system schools.  Even if there is not a dominate Mexican American population in the school/class the similar struggles of Sofia can include different family/cultural dynamics which relates to all types of children/youth.