CONTEMPORARY REALISTIC AND FANTASY FICTION BOOK REVIEWS

CONTEMPORARY REALISTIC AND FANTASY FICTION BOOK REVIEWS

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Medina, Meg. 2018. MERCI SUAREZ CHANGES GEARS.  Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763690496

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This is a heart-warming story about a sixth-grade girl named Mercedes Suarez. Merci as she is known by everyone lives at what she calls Las Casitas.  Las Casitas is three small pink houses where her and her extended Latin family live.  Merci navigates between two worlds, school and home.  She attends an exclusive private school where she is on scholarship and lives in a neighborhood that is very different from the one her school is located in.  With the love and guidance of her family and the support of her friends, Merci soon discovers that she can accomplish anything.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Meg Medina writes a contemporary realistic fiction novel that revolves around a Latin family in Florida. The story gives a peak inside life for a hard-working Latin family who value each other.   She writes about the foods, television shows, holidays, celebrations and music that they love. In Merci’s family every Sunday they have what they call” Sunday Dinner”.  The author writes from Merci’s point of view “It’s almuerzo cena, which I think should be called lunner or dinch, because we eat at around 3’oclock -and just have a snack before bed.”  The dialogue is written in both English and Spanish.  The characters speak English and then say some words or phrases in Spanish if they are speaking to another Spanish speaking individual.   The author also switches from English to Spanish in the narrative when describing some family gatherings such as “almuerzo cena”and “Noche-buena party”.

In this story the main character Merci struggles to find her role in her extended family.  She feels that she is not a little kid any more and yet at times her family treats her like one.  Merci’s grandfather “Lolo” has been doing strange things and no one would explain why.  When she finds out that he has Alzheimer’s she is very upset because she felt that they were keeping it from her because she is too young. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Newberry Medal Book

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The realistic portrayal of a complex young Latina’s life is one many readers will relate to as she discovers that change can be hard, but it’s the ride that matters.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST review: “Medina capably gets to the heart of middle school experiences in this engrossing story of a kid growing into herself.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students should spend time exploring the Alzheimer’s web site  www.alz.org to learn more about the disease that the character Lolo suffers from. 

*Other heart-warming books from the author about Latin families:

Medina, Meg.  MANGO, ABUELA, AND ME.  ISBN 9780763695132

Medina, Meg. TIA ISA WANTS A CAR.  ISBN 9780763641566

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alexander, Kwame. 2014. CROSSOVER.  Prince Frederick, MD:  Recorded Books.  ISBN 9781490627571

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Twins, Jordan (also known as JB) and Josh (also known as Filthy Mc Nasty) love the game of basketball.  Coached by their father Chuck “Da Man” Bell, a former professional basketball player, the twins are all consumed by the game.  Both boys are excellent athletes who lead their team to victory after victory.  Over the course of the season they face challenges in their family that for the twins are hard.  Those challenges bring about big changes but the one thing that does not change is their love for the game.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The CD format audiobook is unabridged. The story is narrated by a single gentleman in a clear distinct voice.  No background sounds were present.  The narrator Corey Allen changes his voice with each character.  This contemporary realistic novel written in verse is brought to life by Allen as he keeps in rhythm and rhyme with the flow of the words on every page.  In “Dribbling” the first poem of the book, Alexander uses descriptive verbs to describe Josh’s game on the court and Allen narrates it beautifully.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Coretta Scott King Honor Book

Newberry Medal Book

Starred review in BOOKLIST review: “The impact on the reader could not be more powerful. A memorable debut novel.”

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Alexander has crafted a story that vibrates with energy and heat and begs to be read aloud.  A slam dunk.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students should research basketball terms used in the book and demonstrate. 

*Other realistic fiction books about basketball include:

Alexander, Kwame. REBOUND. ISBN 9780544868137

Myers, Walter Dean.  GAME.  ISBN  9781410407245

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Krosoczka, Jarrett J.   2014. LUNCH LADY AND THE SCHOOLWIDE SCUFFLE. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 9780385752794

2.  PLOT SUMMARY                                                             

Several of the teachers and staff have been let go at Thompson Brook School including lunch lady and Betty.  The Breakfast Bunch notice that they are replaced with some unsavory characters.  They look to Lunch Lady and Betty for help. 

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is the tenth in this popular series.  It is a fantasy graphic novel of a super hero lunch lady and her side kick Betty.  Ultimately this is a classic tale of the strong saving the weak however in a surprising turn the weak which are the students of the school become very determined and can help save themselves.

The author writes in a comic book style incorporated with pictures and conversation bubbles.  Right before the big fight between the evil school staff and the lunch lady crew the author draws a sequence of pictures showing clocks in each panel depicting the passing of time and what is going on at that time showcasing one of the evil school staff members.  Then the last panel in the sequence shows Dee and she says “Ready, set…” starting the fight.  This more than predictable story ultimately depicts the battle of good versus evil and good ultimately triumphs.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The only downside to this book is that it’s the last in the series.”

 

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*After reading the book, students should read other books in this book series and look for similarities and differences between them.

*Other books in this book series include:

Krosoczka, Jarrett J.  LUNCH LADY AND THE VIDEO GAME VILLIAN. ISBN 97803007980793

Krosoczka, Jarrett J.  LUNCH LADY AND THE MUTANT MATHLETES. ISBN 9780375870286

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Telgemeier, Raina.  2010. SMILE.  New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 9780545132053

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Raina is a sixth grader who has an overbite and needs braces.  Before she can get her braces, she has an accident that changes her smile forever.  This is the story of the evolution of that smile. 

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This realistic graphic novel is technically not fiction.  It is the story of the author’s life from middle school to high school.  She tells the tale of how loosing her front teeth changed her.

The illustrations show detail of expressions and emotions.  The author also describes the setting of the story quite well.  The reader can imagine what it is like to go through the various experiences with the orthodontist appointments, the relationships with family and friends and what it is like to live in San Francisco.  The author gives a vivid depiction of a San Francisco earthquake.  The illustrations along with the dialogue allow the reader to see the emotions and physical actions that one experiences during an earthquake.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award

Eisner Award

Kirkus Best Book

Honor Book: Boston Globe-Horn

ALA Notable Children’s Book

Maine Student Book Award

KIRKUS review: “Telgemeier has created an utterly charming graphic memoir of tooth trauma, first crushes and fickle friends, sweetly reminiscent of Judy Blume’s work.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “In Smile she uses her own history to talk to young teens and by doing so, creates a level of authenticity which is hard to match.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students should discuss a time in their life when they had an accident and how it affected them.

* The companion realistic graphic novels to SMILE include:

Telgemeier, Raina.  SISTERS. ISBN 9780545540599

Telgemeier, Raina.  Share Your Smile: Raina's Guide to Telling Your Own Story.  ISBN 9781338353846

Historical Fiction Book Review

HISTORICAL FICTION BOOK REVIEWS

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushman, Karen. 1996. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE.  Prince Frederick, MD: Recorded Books. ISBN 9781402523205

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Set in medieval England, this is the story of a young homeless teenager with no family and no name.  Only known as “Brat” she happens to meet a midwife in the dirtiest of places and convinces her to let her do some work for food.  The midwife agrees and takes her own as her “apprentice”.  This is the story of the transformation of the girl called Brat, then Beetle and then finally Alyce.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The unabridged audiobook in CD format was narrated by Jenny Sterlin.  Sterlin spoke distinctly with a theatrical voice that changed in style and tone from character to character.  The recording was clear with no background noise or static.  There were no sound effects only the voice of Sterlin. 

The author gave vivid details setting the scene of the day.  She described the landscape and homes in vivid detail so that the reader could mentally picture the setting.  The actions of the characters were described so well that the reader can picture movements and facial expressions.

One such captivating part of the book was when Alyce helped a woman in an inn deliver her baby.  The author captured the emotions Alyce was feeling as well as the emotions of the others in the inn who were helpless in assisting Alyce.  The reader could feel the fear from the pregnant woman, Alyce and everyone else.  The narrator captured the emotion of the authors words well.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Newberry Medal Book

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Earthly 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 into a world seldom seen in children’s literature.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST review: “Kids will be caught up in this story, fast- paced narrative about a hero who discovers she is not ugly or stupid or alone.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students should spend time exploring more books about medieval England. 

*Other historical novels about medieval England include:

Mattern, Joanne.  MEDIEVAL TIMES: ENGLAND IN THE MIDDLE AGES.  ISBN 9781433350054

Schlitz, Laura Amy. GOOD MASTERS!  sWEET LADIES!:  VOICES FROM A MEDIEVAL VILLAGE.  ISBN 9780763615781

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cline-Ransome, Lesa. 2018. FINDING LANGSTON.  New York, NY:  Holiday House.  ISBN 9780823439607

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Langston and his father set out to make a new life for themselves.  After the loss of their beloved mother and wife they struggle to make their way in the world.  Langston soon discovers a poet by the same name and other African American poets who ultimately help him, and his dad find some comfort.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author does an outstanding job depicting the setting.  It is 1946 and Langston and his father are apart of The Great Migration.  The author explains that during this time in history many African Americans left the south and migrated to the north, particularly to Chicago where they were able to find work.  The author describes vividly the conditions of the Chicago surroundings vs the surroundings from the main characters hometown in Alabama.  Readers who ever had to change schools and move away from the only home they ever knew will feel sympathy to the plight of the 11-year-old Langston. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Coretta Scott King Honor Book

Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

Starred review in BOOKLIST review: “The impact on the reader could not be more powerful. A memorable debut novel.”

KIRKUS review: “A great migration novella with a vivid, believable protagonist.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*A discussion should be had about The Great Migration and why it occurred. 

*Other historical fiction books about African Americans include:

Duncan, Alice Faye. MEMPHIS, MARTIN, AND THE MOUNTAIN TOP:  THE SANITATION STRIKE OF 1968. ISBN 9781629797189

Curtis, Christopher Paul. THE JOURNEY OF LITTLE CHARLIE. ISBN 9780545156660

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer L.   2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 9780375836886

2.  PLOT SUMMARY                                                             

It is 1935 and Turtle is sent to live with relatives she has never met before down south in Key West, Florida.  She embarks on many adventures with her new relatives and a cast of characters with unusual names and unusual actions.  Turtle learns a lot about everything during this time.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The story is so captivating.  The author does an amazing job setting up life in Key West, Florida.  The language and culture of this time period in this part of the United States is hilariously explained.  They use words like alligator pear, conch and rumrunner.   There are people who go by names like Beans, Pork Chop, Slow Poke, Pudding, Jelly and Johnny Cakes. 

Readers who are the only child in a single parent home will relate to Turtle’s relationship with her mom and the rest of her family.  The book explores the love of an extended family.  There are also lessons on tolerance and forgiveness. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in KIRKUS review: “Sweet, funny and superb”

Starred review in BOOKLIST review: “Turtle is just the right mixture of knowingness and hope; the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with a dollop of adventure.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*After reading the book, students should reflect on Turtle’s actions and write an essay on how to get along with difficult relatives. 

*Other books for young readers by this author include:

Holm, Jennifer L.  FULL OF BEANS. ISBN 9780553510398

Holm, Jennifer L.  PENNY FROM HEAVEN. ISBN 9780375836879

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hiranandani, Veera.  2018. THE NIGHT DIARY.  New York, NY: Kokila. ISBN 9780735228511

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Twins Nisha and Amil embark on a journey with their family to a new home.  In 1947 India is freed from British rule and splits into two countries, Pakistan and India.  The family must leave the India they knew now called Pakistan and move to an India that they do not know. 

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author tells the story in Nisha’s point of view through journal entries that the character writes to her deceased mother.  Telling the story through the eyes of a twelve-year-old gives an interesting perspective on the historical contents of the book.  A child sees these things quite differently from an adult.  Young readers will appreciate this point of view.

The Indian culture comes alive in the descriptions of the food, clothes and religious practices of the time.  The main character Nisha loves to cook so in her journal entries she describes in detail how a meal is prepared and the best way in her opinion to prepare it.  During the journey, Nisha explains how she could not tell if one was Hindu, Sikhs or Muslim because the clothes were so dirty, ragged and worn that traditional dress was unrecognizable.  Throughout the novel she explains religious practices by her Grandmother Dadi who is Hindu and by her cook Kazi who is Muslim.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in KIRKUS review: “Believable and heartbreaking… A gripping nuanced story of the human cost of conflict appropriate for both children and adults.”

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “This rich, compelling story, speaks to the turbulence surrounding India’s independence and to the plight of refugees, should be in all libraries.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*After reading this novel, a discussion about having to leave your home and migrate to another place can be had.  Some students may be willing to share their own experience of migrating to this country.

* Other novels by this author include:

Hiranandani, Veera.  THE WHOLE STORY OF A HALF GIRL. ISBN 9780385741286

Hiranandani, Veera.   LUNCH WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. ISBN 9780448466953

Nonfiction Book Reviews

NONFICTION BOOK REVIEWS

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. 2008. What to do about alice? Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham.  New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439922319

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

A picture book biography about the first-born daughter of Theodore Roosevelt.  Alice Roosevelt Longworth was quite the high spirited, outgoing sweetheart of the nation.  The book tells of what her life was like before during and after the Whitehouse.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The book starts at the beginning of Alice’s life and continues into adulthood.  The author makes note of the fact “From the time she was a little girl, Alice ate up the world.”  Kerley did her due diligence to make sure that this biography was as accurate as possible.  There are notes from the author in the back of the book as well as a list of references of other books and newspaper articles that were used to obtain quotes and information.  The author even gives special thanks to the fact checker of the text and artwork in the book. 

Edwin Fotheringham made his debut as an illustrator with this book showing off his beautiful drawings of the spirited “Princess Alice”.  The illustrations along with the unique font used to capture the meaning of the text is eye catching and clearly adds to the flow of the book.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in BOOKLIST review: “Irrepressible Alice Roosevelt gets a treatment every bit as attractive and exuberant as she was...”

Starred review in KIRKUS review: “Kerley’s precise text presents readers with a devilishly smart, strong willed girl who was determined to live life on her own terms-and largely succeeded.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students should create a poster of interesting facts about Alice Roosevelt Longworth including pictures, words and symbols. 

*Other biographies form the same author include:

Kerley, Barbara.  THE DINOSAURS OF WATERHOUSE HAWKINS. ISBN 9780439114942

Kerley, Barbara. WALT WHITMAN: WORDS FOR AMERICA. ISBN 9780439357918

                                                                                     

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Young, Ed., & Koponen, Libby. 2011. the house baba built. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 9780316076289

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This biography picture book is about a father who built a house of love, safety, adventure and laughter.  The author tells the story of his wonderful childhood amid war, safe and secure in “the house Baba built”.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author tells of his childhood during war time in Shanghai, China.  At the end of the book the author provides a time line of the events described in the book as well as author notes in which he explains how the book came about.  Young describes a trip to China in 1990 with his sister Fifi where they revisited “the house Baba built”.  Young goes on to say that “Seeing it, however, triggered long-forgotten memories in both of us.”  The author acknowledges relatives and friends who were able to provide him with old maps and photographs from that time that contributes to the accuracy of his own life story.

The many visuals throughout the picture book are amazingly beautiful and bring Young’s memories to life.  There are colorful drawings mixed with black and white photographs, full color photographs, cut out images, maps and sketches of floor plans of the house that are intricately woven throughout the book to present this loving family.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: “Young set the course of his life by his father’s words.  It’s history at its most personal.”

KIRKUS review: “Sophisticated, inventive art invites close viewings for patient readers in this unusual family story.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*After reading this book have students sketch their own childhood home or the home of a relative where they feel the safe. 

*Other books that have a similar theme include:

Nivola, Claire. ORANI: MY FATHER’S VILLAGE. ISBN 9780374356576

Tonatuih, Duncan. DIEGO RIVERA: HIS WORLD AND OURS. ISBN 9780810997312

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Murphy, Jim, & Blank, Alison.   2012. invincible microbe: tuberculosis and the never-ending search for a cure. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 9780618535743

2.  PLOT SUMMARY                                                             

This book is about the history of tuberculosis otherwise known as TB. For approximately half a million years people have been looking for a cure.  This microbe is indeed hard to eradicate.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This informational nonfiction book tells the sequential history of the microbe.  The book contains a table of contents and ends with proof of extensive research on the topic including acknowledgements, a bibliography, source notes and picture credits.  The authors use medical terminology that is defined and explained through out the text.  They do a good job of defining words that would be unfamiliar to young readers however I do believe that this book is more geared towards more advanced readers.  The author explains how the disease does not discriminate and took the lives of many different races, cultures, young, old, rich, poor and even details famous literary artists who succumb to the disease including Edgar Allan Poe, John Keats, Paul Laurence Dunbar, the Brontë sisters Emily and Charlotte. 

Throughout the book the authors insert various pictures and photographs to illustrate the search for the cure of this debilitating disease.  The visuals are appropriately placed to help give a clear understanding of the text.  These images take the reader back in time to visualize the way of life of the people who were affected by the disease.

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4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in KIRKUS review: “Who knew the biography of a germ could be so fascinating?”

Starred review in BOOKLIST review: “Wide ranging in breadth, yet always well focused on the topic at hand, this fascinating book offers a sharply detailed picture of tuberculosis throughout history.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*After reading the book, readers can create their own poster advertising why people should get checked for TB.

*Other nonfiction books for young readers by Jim Murphy include:

Murphy, Jim. AN AMERICAN PLAGUE: THE TRUE AND TERRIFYING STORY OF THE YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC of 1793. ISBN 9780395776082

Murphy, Jim. BREAKTHROUGH!: HOW THREE PEOPLE SAVED "BLUE BABIES" AND CHANGED MEDICINE FOREVER. ISBN 9780547821832

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell 2010. they called themselves the K.k.k.:  the birth of an american terrorist group. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780618440337

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This book describes how one of the most notorious terrorist groups in American history came to be and why.  From the end of the civil war to present day, the Klu Klux Klan has existed in one form or another.  Over time, the organization has lost power.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author presents the reader with historical facts allowing the reader to examine the information for themselves.  In a note to the reader at the beginning of the book, the author explains that there is no censorship of images or historical statements preparing the reader for possible discomfort in reading this book. There are disturbing images and language throughout the book that may not be appropriate for some readers.  Included in the book is an extensive bibliography and source notes to prove accuracy of the historical accounts.

Bartoletti attempts to humanize the organization when she states, “Today psychologists explain that people who join groups such as the Klu Klux Klan are insecure and feel a need to belong to something that makes them feel powerful or superior.  Perhaps W.E.B. DuBois, historian and civil rights leader understood Klansmen best: ‘These human beings at heart are desperately afraid of something.’…”

Black and white photographs and images from various sources depicting life as it was in the south during reconstruction and the years that follow are present throughout the book.  They enhance the text on the pages surrounding them.  In chapter 3 the author explains how the southern states were divided into five military districts and places an image of a map of the continental United States showing how they are divided.  Some of the most inspiring photographs were those of former slaves that were interviewed many decades after they were emancipated with a quote from their interview about their life experiences.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in KIRKUS review: “An exemplar of history writing and a must for libraries and classrooms.”

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Bartoletti effectively targets teens with her engaging and informative account that presents a well structured inside look at the KKK, societal forces that spawn hate/terrorist groups, and the research process.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students could create a timeline of the Klu Klux Klan’s pivotal historical moments throughout the book. 

*Other nonfiction historical books by this author include:

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. HITLER YOUTH:  GROWING UP IN HITLER’S SHADOW. ISBN 9780439353793

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. TERRIBLE TYPHOID MARY:  A TRUE STORY OF THE DEADLIEST COOK IN AMERICA. ISBN 9780544313674

Poetry Book Reviews

POETRY BOOK REVIEWS

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Grimes, Nikki. 2006. THANKS A MILLION. Ill. by Cozbi A. Cabrera.  New York, NY: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0688172938

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The 2006 NCTE Poetry Award winner writes a beautiful collection of poems that say “thank you” in different ways for many different reasons. Each poem describes a situation from the point of view of a young person in which they express gratefulness.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The book exhibits different forms of poetry to convey the message of “thanks”.  In the poem “Even the Trees” the author writes a haiku which personifies the gratitude trees demonstrate.  There was a riddle in the poem titled “Mystery”.  In case the reader could not guess the answer to the riddle, it is written at the bottom of the page upside down.  The poem titled “Homemade Card” is written in the form of a rebus which is illustrated beautifully with pictures of animals, objects, numbers and letters as well to convey the meaning of the poem. 

The illustrator uses acrylic paints to display the multicultural, multiracial characters in the book.  Everyone everywhere has something to show gratitude for, and the book demonstrates that.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “K-Gr 4-Sixteen thoughtful poems about being thankful for everyday things.”

KIRKUS review: “Gratitude for simple pleasures and small kindnesses is the theme of Grimes’s newest collection of poems.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*Children should be encouraged to think about something or someone that they are thankful for then write a poem in one of the forms used in the book. 

*Other books of poetry by this author include:

Grimes, Nikki.  THE WATCHER. ISBN 978-0802854452

Grimes, Nikki. a dime a dozen. ISBN 978-0-8037-2227-9

                                                                                     

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Florian, Douglas. 2010. POETREES. New York, NY: Beach Lane Books. ISBN 9781416986720

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

A book of poems all about trees.  This book explains the growth, function and development of different types of trees. If you are unfamiliar with the terms used in the poems, there is a “Glossatree” in the back of the book to help.

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3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The text and images in this book are displayed in a very interesting way.  The entire book must be read in the vertical orientation. In the poem titled “The Seed” the words are typed in an infinity symbol to display the continuation of the life cycle.  “Roots” is a poem that arranges the letters for the words “down” and “pours” in a vertical pattern to illustrate the meaning of the words.  The organization of this book is unique and intriguing.

Douglas Florian shows his love for trees in these beautiful illustrations of watercolor paints, oil pastels, colored pencils, rubber stamps and collage form primed on brown paper bags.  These illustrations create a visual that matches with the words of each poem but the words alone, in their unique visual display could stand alone to convey the same imagery.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

KIRKUS review: “Trees receive a witty and informative rhyming appreciation...”

BOOKLIST review: “Starting with the book’s title and ending with a final ‘glossatree’, the world play in Florian’s latest poetry collection provides plenty of fun...”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*After reading this book have students choose their favorite poem from the book and create their own illustration for that poem. 

*Other books of tree poems:

O’Connell George, Kristine. OLD ELM SPEAKS:  TREE POEMS. ISBN 0395876117

Hutchens, Verlie. TREES. ISBN 1481447076

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Woodson, Jacqueline. 2014. BROWN GIRL DREAMING. New York, NY: Nancy Paulsen Books. ISBN 9780399252518

2.  PLOT SUMMARY                                                             

A free verse biographical poetry book that describes a young girl’s life in two worlds, Greenville, South Carolina and Brooklyn, New York.  The author explains how the experiences in the two worlds ultimately shape her future that is to come.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This captivating book begins with a diagram depicting three generations of Woodson’s family tree.  This visual is necessary to understand the dynamic of the characters in the poems.  Organized in chronological order, each poem tells a story of the author’s past.  There are a series of haiku poems titled “How to Listen”. There are 10 of them throughout the book, strategically placed provoking thought on a topic already mentioned in a previous poem.  At the end of the book, the author includes photographs of her family.  Although the poems are full of language that evoke the emotions conveyed, the photographs add more of an emotional attachment to the story for the reader, seeing the real-life people mentioned in the poems reinforces the imagery in the language of the poems.  Readers can find at least one experience in this book that they can relate to. 

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4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2014 National Book Award Winner for Young People’s Literature 

2015 Coretta Scott King Award

2015 Newbery Honor Award

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The emotions and high-quality writing make it a book well worth recommending.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST review: “A memorable affecting novel about the sustaining power of love and friendship.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*After reading the book, readers can discuss relationships with family members and the emotions behind the dynamics of those relationships.

*Other books by Jacqueline Woodson that include poetry:

Woodson, Jacqueline. LOCOMOTION. ISBN 9780142415528

Woodson, Jacqueline. THE OTHER SIDE. ISBN 9780399231162

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Garcia McCall, Guadalupe. 2011. UNDER THE MESQUITE. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books Inc. ISBN 9781600604294

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This is the story of a young immigrant girl named Lupita.   She must take on responsibilities that she does not want due to a family crisis. Once the crisis is over, Lupita must decide what her path in life will be.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This beautiful novel in verse is written in only one point of view, that of the main character. The poems use similes and metaphors to describe emotions and actions throughout.  The poem “Swimming the Rio Grande” uses several metaphors and similes to describe the actions of the family out for a swim.  The language is captivating.  There is no need for illustrations, the author uses vivid descriptive adjectives to make the novel come alive.  The reader can close their eyes and get a mental picture of the action described in the poems. 

The book concludes with a reference section.  This section helps the reader define Spanish terms used in the book.  It includes correct pronunciations to help the reader get a feel for the way the language is spoken by those who live in this region of Texas where the setting of the novel takes place.  This reference section helps the reader better understand the culture.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2012 Pura Belpré Author Award

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “This novel rightfully won Pura Belpré Author Award and it deserves wide exposure.”

BOOKLIST review: “The close-knit family relationships, especially Mami and Lupita’s, are vividly portrayed, as is the healing comfort Lupita finds in words, whether written in her notebooks or performed on stage.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students could choose their favorite poem from the novel and perform it as a dramatic reading. 

*Other novels in verse about immigrant families include:

Lai, Thanhha. INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN. ISBN 9780061962783

Thompson, Holly. ORCHARDS. ISBN 9780385739788