Mar 23, 2010

Nonfiction & Biography Book Reviews

Nonfiction
Bibliography:
Nelson, Kadir. 2008. We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786808322

Summary:
A look back into the history of the Negro Baseball League, and the role of the African American in baseball.

Critical Analysis:
Kadir Nelson’s, We Are the Ship, takes the reader into a time when black men were not allowed to play alongside white players in Major League Baseball. Presented in the first person from the viewpoint of a Negro player during the 1920s and 1930s, We Are the Ship is an inspirational look back at the history of baseball in America. Chapters are organized into innings and separate the different milestones for black men in baseball. During the early 1900s, players were segregated not only in baseball, but from hotels, restaurants and bathrooms. We learn that at times players would have to travel several hours out of their way to find a hotel to put them up or a diner to feed them. Many times these players were treated poorly by white managers and field owners. Several men, such as Rube Foster (the inspiration for the title of the book), promoted blacks in baseball. The birth of the Negro Baseball League and their key players is presented in conjunction with exquisite paintings based on photographs from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the Negro Baseball Museum. Famous for his illustrations, Nelson doesn’t disappoint. Several pages fold out to reveal portraits of black men who made their mark on baseball. These men are portrayed as strong and resilient. Nelson is respectful in the telling of this important story. His facts are paired with footnotes and based on published resources. The forward by the legendary Hank Aaron is touching and is a perfect way to set up the story. An index is provided for a quick reference to the men who changed baseball in America. We Are the Ship belongs in every library in any community.

Awards:
Starred Review, School Library Journal
Starred Review, Booklist
NYT Best Illustrated Children's Books, 2008
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, 2009
Silbert Medal, 2009

Reviews:
“Social studies teachers and baseball fans of all ages will covet this delightful winner of the 2009 Coretta Scott King author award and illustrator Honor award.” School Library Journal

“The powerful pictures bring the players right off the pages, including a six-panel fold out of the ‘First Colored World Series’ teams, and will pull readers of all ages back to the book repeatedly. As recreational nonfiction for the very young or nonreader and a motivating start for the advanced reader wanting to learn more, the book is a captivating centerpiece for multiple age and culture displays.” VOYA

Connections:
Shange, Ntozke. 2004. Ellington Was Not a Street. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, ISBN 0689828845

Levine, Ellen, Nelson, Kadir. 2007. Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad. ISBN 043977733X


Nonfiction
Bibliography:
Jenkins, Steve. 1999. The Top of the World: Climbing Mount Everest. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395942187

Summary:
Describes what it takes (and what to take) to reach the summit of the highest mountain on Earth.

Critical Analysis:
The Top of the World offers a brief history of the highest point on the planet along with the many dangers it poses for mountaineers. Jenkins doesn’t make light of the hazards and sometimes perilous events for the climbers. Frostbite and lack of oxygen are serious concerns for any hiker, and Jenkins offers short, clear explanations of the dangers. Jenkins also touches on the surrounding people (Sherpas) and the sacred view they hold for the mountain. He details what every climber needs for the trek (jumar, ropes, and ice ax) and what to expect along the way (wildlife, icefall, and vegetation). Illustrations are cut paper collages and sometimes you forget that you aren’t looking at a painting. The billowy clouds on the cover convey the cold and high altitude well. Any youngster will find this picture book informative and fascinating.

Awards:
Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, Non-Fiction, 1999
A Horn Book Fanfare Best Book, 2000
ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2000
ALA Notable Children's Book, 2000

Reviews:
“A windfall of facts about Everest and the daring mountaineers who have attempted to reach its summit. Breathtaking cut-paper collages capture the dramatic vistas and the frightening realities of high-altitude climbs.” Library Journal

“Addressing readers as would-be Everest explorers, Jenkins's book is a compendium of historical info and practical tips, illustrated with stunning cut-paper collage.” Publisher’s Weekly

Connections:
Jenkins, Steve. 2009. Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 0618966366

Discuss what you would take for an adventure to the summit of Mt. Everest.

Find some information on climbers who have succeeded trekking to the summit of Mt. Everest. What kind of people are they? Men? Women? From what contries?


Biography
Bibliography:
Krull, Kathleen; Morales, Yuyi. 2003. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 0152014373

Summary:
A biography of Cesar Chavez, from his early years living with his family in Arizona, to his days marching for farm worker rights in California.

Critical Analysis:
Cesar Chavez was 10 years old when his family lost his 80 acre ranch in Arizona due to horrible drought conditions. They relocated to California and were succumbed to horrible working conditions. By the time Cesar was in eighth grade (his last formal year of schooling) he had attended 35 schools. As a young man in his 20s, Cesar began to rally people together for a change in their work conditions and the overall mentality of farm workers. He founded the National Farm Workers Association with just a handful of people. At the age of 38, thousands of people marched with Cesar to Sacramento in order to gain the government’s attention and aide. The march was a success, and Cesar signed a contract between land owners and the National Farm Workers Association. This was the first contract between farm workers in American history. Krull’s choice of dates and details makes this picture book biography fascinating for young readers. Children will identify with his struggles in school and being teased for not speaking English. Adults and children alike will appreciate the underlying ‘hero factor’ and understand that not all heroes wear capes. Morales’s acrylic paintings compliment the story well with earth tone colors and illustrations of Cesar’s heartbreak. Cesar is depicted as a cool and calm person having to deal with harsh prejudices. The paintings reinforce his peaceful demeanor, and children will be left with a message that violence is never the answer. Krull and Morales make a great attempt of making the farm worker rights interesting.

Awards:
Christopher Award, 2004
Jane Addams Book Award, 2004
Pura Belpre Honor for illustration, 2004
CCBC Choices Selection, 2004
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2004
The National Council for Social Studies, 2004
Blue Bonnet Award Nomination, 2004

Reviews:
"One person can make a difference is a message that resonates throughout Krull's stirring biography..." San Francisco Chronicle

“Krull and Morales introduce a long-neglected figure from recent history to a new audience in an informative, eye-catching manner.” A notable achievement. Kirkus Reviews

“A fine addition to any collection.” School Library Journal

Connections:
Krull, Kathleen. 2000. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 0152020985

Visit www.yurimorales.com for lesson plans, study guides, and family activities that support Harvesting Hope.

Mar 8, 2010

Poetry Book Reviews

Poetry Picture Book
Bibliography:
Florian, Douglas. 2007. Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars. Harcourt. ISBN 0152053727

Summary:
Take a ride into space with planets, paintings, and poems.

Critical Analysis:
What can you make with rubber stamps, brown paper bags, paint, and clever rhymes? A poem picture book of course! Outer space isn’t a dark and cold place according to Florian’s illustrations and whimsical rhymes. Each poem is double-paged and filled with bold, vibrant colors. Also, pictures are enhanced with well placed die-cuts that give a sneak peek into the next poem. Small details such as, names of the planetary moons may go unnoticed to a child, but the adult reader will appreciate the detail. Challenging words are few, and Florian is kind enough to add a simple explanation in parentheses - zoology (each cat and dog and bumblebee). Florian’s poem about the “firing” of Pluto as a planet is especially humorous. It is a simple, understandable explanation for a young reader. A Galactic Glossary of space terms is also provided for a quick reference. Comets is visually interesting and will hold the attention of any reader, regardless of age.

Awards:
Kirkus Reviews: Best Children's Books, 2007
South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominee, 2008-2009
A Horn Book Fanfare Best Book, 2007

Reviews:
“The poet-painter’s latest book brings warm wit to the outermost reaches of cold, dark space. . . . Florian’s illustrations depict the marvels of space with luminous texture and detail.” The New York Times Book Review

In both language and artwork, Florian strikes the perfect balance between grandeur and whimsy.” School Library Journal, 2007

Connections:
Fisher, Aileen Lucia, Thompson, Karman. 2003. Sing of the Earth and Sky: Poems about Our Planet and the Wonders Beyond. Boyds Mills Press. ISBN 1563978024

Livingston, Myra Cohn. 1998. Space Songs. Holiday House. ISBN 0823410293

Plan a trip to a local planetarium.


Poetry Collection
Bibliography:
Wong, Janet S. 1999. Behind the Wheel: Driving Poems. Margaret K. McElderry. ISBN 0689825315

Summary:
A collection of poems about the troubles and thrills of driving.

Critical Analysis:
Whether it’s the anxiety of taking the driving test for the first time or the frustration of seeing a young child out of a car seat, Wong’s 36 poems about driving are reminders of the joys and sorrows of life behind the wheel. In free verse form, this compilation (at times) serves as a metaphor for life, “My parents are like seatbelts/ They’re always around me….they’re like airbags/in your face.” While most of the poems are light and care-free, a few take on a more serious tone. For instance, the poem OK about a drunk driver, and Grandmother’s Car about a boy having to escort his grandmother on the bus every day. While I appreciate the sensitive tone of Grandmother’s Car, the poem OK seems too heavy and a bit out of place. I suddenly felt like I was to learn a universal life lesson, and no other poem in the collection brought the same feeling. Overall, a good addition to a middle school or high school collection.

Awards:
American Booksellers Association Pick of the Lists
Booklist Star
ALA/YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant YA Readers

Reviews:
Wong's brief, clear lines will be accessible even to the most reluctant poetry readers, and readers of all ages will be moved by the intersection of poignancy and humor as she describes the thrilling freedom of the car and an emerging adult's awareness that, although she's traveled, her road still leads to home. Booklist, 1999.

By turns cautionary and carefree, biting and affectionate, Behind the Wheel imagines an exciting driving life. After reading this slim volume, teens will not look at driving or poetry in the same way again. VOYA, 1999.

Connections:
Write from the perspective of a car or other mode of transportation.

Smith, Timothy C. 2006. Crashproof Your Kids: Make Your Teen a Safer, Smarter Driver. Fireside. ISBN 0743277112.

Strauss, Jennifer. 1981. Winter Driving: Poems. Sisters. ISBN 0908207328


Poem in Verse:
Bibliography:
Frost, Helen. 2008. Diamond Willow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 0374317763

Summary:
Young Diamond Willow is a lonely teenager in rural Alaska. After convincing her parents that she is able to mush for hours on her own, she travels to her grandparent’s house for the weekend. On her return trip, she is sledding too fast to notice fallen branches along a twisted path. Her father’s prized lead dog, Roxy, is badly injured. What will be the fate of Roxy? Will Diamond’s father ever forgive her?

Critical Analysis:
After Roxy, her father’s prized lead dog, is injured in a sledding accident at the hand of Diamond Willow, tensions mount at home. The bond between Roxy and Diamond grow strong after learning that her father wants to put Roxy down. Without permission, Diamond and her only friend Kaylie decide to save Roxy and take her to Diamond’s grandparent’s house to live. During their trip they hit a bad snow storm and the dogs take the girls down the wrong trail. While lost, Diamond’s ancestors (in the form of a fox, hen, dog, and mouse) guide her through a cold night in the wilderness. When safely home, Diamond learns that she had a twin sister who died days after being born. The relationship between Diamond and Roxy is no ordinary pet/owner relationship. They have a bond that goes back to before either one of them was born. Frost presents this novel in verse form from the perspective of Diamond and a few of her distant relatives. Diamond’s dialogue is presented in the shape of a diamond, and the ancestors are in a more traditional paragraph form. Embedded in the story are words in bold that form an additional phrase. These phrases emphasize thoughts and feelings of Diamond. They are often feelings that Diamond isn’t aware of. Diamond Willow would be a great companion to a family history lesson at any age. The family relationships in this book are positive, supportive, and provide an opportunity to dialogue about family traditions in a child’s household. There is a lot happening on each page (hidden messages and different shaped paragraphs), but everything fits easily together. I don’t think it would be as good of a story without these elements. The story takes shape very quickly, and readers will have a hard time putting the book down - unless they are retrieving a tissue.


Awards:
Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, 2009
Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry Honor Book
An Indie Next Kids' List Great Read
Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
CCBC Choice (Univ. of WI)
Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award
Capitol Choices Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens
North Carolina Children's Book Award Master List
Texas Lone Star Reading List
Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Master List

Reviews:
This complex and elegant novel will resonate with readers who savor powerful drama and multifaceted characters. School Library Journal, 2008.

Give this to fans of dog stories and to readers who liked Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet. Booklist, 2008.

This delightful novel is a must-read. VOYA, 2008

Connections:
If your family ancestors could come back and help you, what shape would they take? An animal? Something else?

Conner, Leslie. 2008. Waiting For Normal. Katherine Tegen Books. ISBN 0060890886