BUD, BUD NOT BUDDY
Module 3
SLIS 5420/Module 3/ June 21-27
Book for this module
BUD, BUD NOT BUDDY by Christopher Paul Curtis
Bibliographic
Curtis, Christopher. (1999). Bud, not Buddy. New York, NY: Random House Inc.
Summary
Bud, Not Buddy is about a little orphan boy who has set out to locate his father. He literally will stop at nothing to find him. He sleeps under trees and in the library, and hides a lot of different places not to be taken back to his former orphanage home. His only companion appears to be an old suitcase that doesn't easily depart from Bud.
My Impression
This book is full of suspense the reader never knows what comes next. It keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat. Being a mother it's hard to imagine any child having to endure what Bud experienced. This did have realistic scenes that many children are faced with today. It was sad and encouraging all at the same time. The boldness that Bud displayed being so young would inspire people of all ages. He wasn't afraid and was full of determination. The pocket knife he carried was his little secret weapon and usually kept it handy. A knock to him was just another stepping stone that thrust him closer to his destination.
Reviews
School Library Journal
Gr 4-7 When 10 year old Bud Caldwell runs away from his new foster home, he realizes he has nowhere to go but to search for the father he has never known: a legendary jazz musical advertised on some old posters his deceased mother had kept. A friendly stranger picks him up on the road in the middle of the night and deposits him in Grand Rapid, MI, with Herman E. Calloway and his jazz band, but the man Bud was convinced was his father turns out to be old, cold, and cantankerous. As the story progresses Bud finds out that Herman E. Calloway is his grandfather and the room he has been sleeping in belonged to his mother. Curtis gives a fresh, new look to a traditional orphan-finds-a-home story that would be a crackerjack read-aloud. Kathleen Isaacs, Edmund Burke School, Washington DC Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
Use in Library Setting
This book can be used to introduce shelters and how some individuals live and struggle with daily habitation. It can also be used to teach priority and thankfulness. Various objects can be supplied and students will choose what they feel is most important to place in their brown paper bags used as a suitcase. Discussion time can be provided for students to explain why they chose what they placed in the bags and its significance.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Before We Were Free
Module 3
SLIS 5420/Module 3/June 21-27
Book for this module
Before we were Free by Julia Alvarez
Bibliographic
Alvarez, Julia. (2004). Before we were Free. New York, NY: Random House, Inc.
Summary
Before We Were Free is a story of a family living life under a tyrant. The family had several relatives who successfully made their way to the United States. Anita is trying hard to understand why people are moving away and what is taking place around her. At some point her home is invaded by the SIMS a secret service group, and they stake out her home for days at a time. The family members move cautiously throughout the home sleeping in the same room. The question still remains what is going on and why? Anita's father and other members who attempt to overthrow the government in an attempt to create a better life are captured and killed. Anita and her mother eventually move to the United States where they are free, but a part of them still remains back home in the Dominican Republic, and although people call her father a hero there still remains an emptiness that will never be filled. Freedom to them would be a whole lot better if dad was still around.
My Impression
The book was well written and easy to follow. Young teenage girls will easily relate to this book in the area of Anita's body going through changes as she becomes a young woman. This book opened up my eyes in many ways of a better understanding of lengths that individuals go through to obtain freedom. Sometimes what we take for granted Before We Were Free gives a quick jolt of how many people are still living under a cruel dictatorship in 2010. This book had my emotions going in alot of different ways with an overwhelming sense of compassion. This book brings a sense of appreciation and a wake up call to freedom that we sometimes forget that we have and need to be reminded. Anyone who reads this book will appreciate the author's work and the realistic viewpoints.
Reviews
Publishers Weekly
In the 1st YA novel Alvarez (How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents) proves as gifted at writing for adolescents as she is for adults. Here she brings her warmth sensitivity and eye for detail to a volatile setting the Dominican Republic of her childhood, during the 1960-1961 attempts to overthrow Trujillo's dictatorship. The story open as 12 year-old narrator Anita watches her cousins, the Garcia girls abruptly leave for the U.S. with their parents: Anita's own immediate family are now the only ones occupying the extended family's compound. Alvarez relays the terror of the Trujillo regime in a muted but unmistakable tone; for a while Anita's parents protect her both from the ruler's criminal even murderous ways and also from knowledge of their involvement in the planned coup d', tat. Later as Anita understands the adults conversation and what is going on her father and uncle are arrested and she and her mom go into hiding at a friend's home living out of a closet. Alvarez conveys the hopeful ending with as much passion as suffuses the tragedies that precede it a stirring work of art. Ages 12-up.
Use in Library Setting
This book could be used as a short history lesson on freedom. Granted it is fairly long but with well thought out segments and examples it could definitely be done. This is a book that could be a part of a reading book club, and after the completion of the book the students could turn parts of it into a play. This book covers cause/effect, tyranny and dictatorship that should be covered in a history class.
SLIS 5420/Module 3/June 21-27
Book for this module
Before we were Free by Julia Alvarez
Bibliographic
Alvarez, Julia. (2004). Before we were Free. New York, NY: Random House, Inc.
Summary
Before We Were Free is a story of a family living life under a tyrant. The family had several relatives who successfully made their way to the United States. Anita is trying hard to understand why people are moving away and what is taking place around her. At some point her home is invaded by the SIMS a secret service group, and they stake out her home for days at a time. The family members move cautiously throughout the home sleeping in the same room. The question still remains what is going on and why? Anita's father and other members who attempt to overthrow the government in an attempt to create a better life are captured and killed. Anita and her mother eventually move to the United States where they are free, but a part of them still remains back home in the Dominican Republic, and although people call her father a hero there still remains an emptiness that will never be filled. Freedom to them would be a whole lot better if dad was still around.
My Impression
The book was well written and easy to follow. Young teenage girls will easily relate to this book in the area of Anita's body going through changes as she becomes a young woman. This book opened up my eyes in many ways of a better understanding of lengths that individuals go through to obtain freedom. Sometimes what we take for granted Before We Were Free gives a quick jolt of how many people are still living under a cruel dictatorship in 2010. This book had my emotions going in alot of different ways with an overwhelming sense of compassion. This book brings a sense of appreciation and a wake up call to freedom that we sometimes forget that we have and need to be reminded. Anyone who reads this book will appreciate the author's work and the realistic viewpoints.
Reviews
Publishers Weekly
In the 1st YA novel Alvarez (How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents) proves as gifted at writing for adolescents as she is for adults. Here she brings her warmth sensitivity and eye for detail to a volatile setting the Dominican Republic of her childhood, during the 1960-1961 attempts to overthrow Trujillo's dictatorship. The story open as 12 year-old narrator Anita watches her cousins, the Garcia girls abruptly leave for the U.S. with their parents: Anita's own immediate family are now the only ones occupying the extended family's compound. Alvarez relays the terror of the Trujillo regime in a muted but unmistakable tone; for a while Anita's parents protect her both from the ruler's criminal even murderous ways and also from knowledge of their involvement in the planned coup d', tat. Later as Anita understands the adults conversation and what is going on her father and uncle are arrested and she and her mom go into hiding at a friend's home living out of a closet. Alvarez conveys the hopeful ending with as much passion as suffuses the tragedies that precede it a stirring work of art. Ages 12-up.
Use in Library Setting
This book could be used as a short history lesson on freedom. Granted it is fairly long but with well thought out segments and examples it could definitely be done. This is a book that could be a part of a reading book club, and after the completion of the book the students could turn parts of it into a play. This book covers cause/effect, tyranny and dictatorship that should be covered in a history class.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
BOXES FOR KATJE
BOXES FOR KATJE
Module 2
SLIS 5420/Module 2/June 14-20
Book for this module
BOXES FOR KATJE by Candace Fleming
Bibliographic
Fleming,. (2003). BOXES FOR KATJE. Canada: Douglas & McIntyre Ltd..
Summary
Boxes for Katje is a story of a young girl and her family's survival after the war. The devastation from the war left everyone very poor and with little to work with and rebuild. American children back in the states begin to pull resources together and sent it to the children in Dutch. Katje was a recipient of a box and begin to develop a relationship with her American friend. They communicated by letter and many people begin to give donations to Katje's friend, and the American girl would send over all the boxes. These boxes sustained this Dutch community during the hard times and later when Katje could repay her, Katje and her mom sent as a gift to America tulip bulbs from Katje.
My Impression
Boxes for Katje reminds me of the Samaritan Purse of children from American collecting items and sending them to other children around the world. In the book Boxes for Katje a relationship is built and lives are changed and sustained in a time that is critical for even the smallest individual to survive. The book is a reminder that we can still help others whether big or small. I love the impact this book made on me letting me know that if I am willing I can make a change whether big or small.
Reviews
From Booklist
K-Gr. 3. In May 1945, a Dutch girl named Katje is thrilled to receive a letter and a package of socks, soap, and chocolate from Rosie, a girl she doesn't know who lives in Mayfield, Indiana. The kids start to exchange letters, and when Rosie's family member learn of Holland's severe post-war deprivations, they enlist Mayfield residents to send food and clothes to Katje, who generously shares the gift with others in her community. The sense of suffering isn't strong here, in part because the Dutch townspeople are almost always depicted as smiling about the packages. But the story is still moving, and Dressen-McWueen's lively illustrations, in colored pencil, oil pastel, and acrylic, pack lots of color, pattern and historical details onto every expansive page. Fleming based the book on her mother's experience, which she describes in an author's note; in the real-life story, however, adults, not children, orchestrated the events, a finding that may be a little disappointing to kids who took the book, with its specific dates, town names and heroic, generous children, as straight fact. Kathleen Odean Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved.
Use in Library Setting
This book can be use to explain a history lesson of how other people live in other parts of the world and the cause and effect on war. It can also be a great discussion for items that we take for granted how others can benefit from them.
Module 2
SLIS 5420/Module 2/June 14-20
Book for this module
BOXES FOR KATJE by Candace Fleming
Bibliographic
Fleming,. (2003). BOXES FOR KATJE. Canada: Douglas & McIntyre Ltd..
Summary
Boxes for Katje is a story of a young girl and her family's survival after the war. The devastation from the war left everyone very poor and with little to work with and rebuild. American children back in the states begin to pull resources together and sent it to the children in Dutch. Katje was a recipient of a box and begin to develop a relationship with her American friend. They communicated by letter and many people begin to give donations to Katje's friend, and the American girl would send over all the boxes. These boxes sustained this Dutch community during the hard times and later when Katje could repay her, Katje and her mom sent as a gift to America tulip bulbs from Katje.
My Impression
Boxes for Katje reminds me of the Samaritan Purse of children from American collecting items and sending them to other children around the world. In the book Boxes for Katje a relationship is built and lives are changed and sustained in a time that is critical for even the smallest individual to survive. The book is a reminder that we can still help others whether big or small. I love the impact this book made on me letting me know that if I am willing I can make a change whether big or small.
Reviews
From Booklist
K-Gr. 3. In May 1945, a Dutch girl named Katje is thrilled to receive a letter and a package of socks, soap, and chocolate from Rosie, a girl she doesn't know who lives in Mayfield, Indiana. The kids start to exchange letters, and when Rosie's family member learn of Holland's severe post-war deprivations, they enlist Mayfield residents to send food and clothes to Katje, who generously shares the gift with others in her community. The sense of suffering isn't strong here, in part because the Dutch townspeople are almost always depicted as smiling about the packages. But the story is still moving, and Dressen-McWueen's lively illustrations, in colored pencil, oil pastel, and acrylic, pack lots of color, pattern and historical details onto every expansive page. Fleming based the book on her mother's experience, which she describes in an author's note; in the real-life story, however, adults, not children, orchestrated the events, a finding that may be a little disappointing to kids who took the book, with its specific dates, town names and heroic, generous children, as straight fact. Kathleen Odean Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved.
Use in Library Setting
This book can be use to explain a history lesson of how other people live in other parts of the world and the cause and effect on war. It can also be a great discussion for items that we take for granted how others can benefit from them.
PINK and SAY
PINK and SAY
Module 2
SLIS 5420/Module 2/June 14-20
Book for this module
PINK and SAY by Patricia Polacco
Bibliographic
Polacco,. (1994). Pink and say. New York, New York: Philomel Books.
Summary
Pink and Say is a story about two young men fighting in the Civil War. These young men paths cross when one is combing the area and finds the other who is injured lying in a pasture. The injured one is white and his newly found friend is black. Pink the African American carries Say to his mom's house who lives near by to re cooperate and Moe Moe Bay is extremely excited to see her son Pink and shows unconditional love to Say. Moe Moe is under the impression that her son Pink is home for good since everyone else has abandoned her; however by the boys staying with her places them in grave danger. In the process of the boys leaving, the Marauders visited Moe Moe's property and kills her, and after the boys buried Pink's mom they are caught during their travel and separated. Say is spared but Pink murdered. Now the story is told by Say throughout his generation and eventually the story is captured by author Patricia Polacco who is part of this linage and writes the book called Pink and Say.
My Impression
This book was a heart wrenching story of two men of different colors but who desired the same thing. Both races desire to be loved, make a positive impact on society and live a normal life. This book illustrated and brought the realization alive of some of the realities that took place during this era.
Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 4 Up - This picture book set during the Civil War is a departure for Polacco in terms of content and audience. It is certainly the deepest and most serious book she has done. Polacco's artwork in fact has never been better. She uses dramatic perspectives, dynamic compositions, and faces full of emotion to carry her powerful tale. History comes to life in this remarkable book.
Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Use in Library Setting
Although this book is geared toward ages 4-8 it can be used as a supplement for the content area of the Civil War. It's a wonderful book full of illustrations that paint pictures for older children that will help them grasp the basic concept and reality of the Civil War.
Module 2
SLIS 5420/Module 2/June 14-20
Book for this module
PINK and SAY by Patricia Polacco
Bibliographic
Polacco,. (1994). Pink and say. New York, New York: Philomel Books.
Summary
Pink and Say is a story about two young men fighting in the Civil War. These young men paths cross when one is combing the area and finds the other who is injured lying in a pasture. The injured one is white and his newly found friend is black. Pink the African American carries Say to his mom's house who lives near by to re cooperate and Moe Moe Bay is extremely excited to see her son Pink and shows unconditional love to Say. Moe Moe is under the impression that her son Pink is home for good since everyone else has abandoned her; however by the boys staying with her places them in grave danger. In the process of the boys leaving, the Marauders visited Moe Moe's property and kills her, and after the boys buried Pink's mom they are caught during their travel and separated. Say is spared but Pink murdered. Now the story is told by Say throughout his generation and eventually the story is captured by author Patricia Polacco who is part of this linage and writes the book called Pink and Say.
My Impression
This book was a heart wrenching story of two men of different colors but who desired the same thing. Both races desire to be loved, make a positive impact on society and live a normal life. This book illustrated and brought the realization alive of some of the realities that took place during this era.
Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 4 Up - This picture book set during the Civil War is a departure for Polacco in terms of content and audience. It is certainly the deepest and most serious book she has done. Polacco's artwork in fact has never been better. She uses dramatic perspectives, dynamic compositions, and faces full of emotion to carry her powerful tale. History comes to life in this remarkable book.
Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Use in Library Setting
Although this book is geared toward ages 4-8 it can be used as a supplement for the content area of the Civil War. It's a wonderful book full of illustrations that paint pictures for older children that will help them grasp the basic concept and reality of the Civil War.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden
Module 1
SLIS 5420/Module 1/June 7-13
Book for this module
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Bibliographic
Burnett,. (1994). The Secret Garden. New York: Playmore Inc., Publishers and Waldman Publishing Corp.,.
Summary
This book was about a selfish little girl who became an orphan after the death of her parents and was sent to live with an uncle that was well off. Mary's heart was hardened against people in general since her parents and other people never paid her any attention. Although Mary was cared for by an assigned nurse the nurse provided Mary with everything she requested. The only and most important thing was love that she longed for. Mary was labeled as difficult and hard to get along with child, but after arriving at her uncle's place she begin to settle in but with much curiosity. She was provide with an individual to meet her needs but who also provide her with a taste of reality, meaning everything did not evolve around her. She eventually made friends with children her age and helped a locked away child believe in life again. Mary's soured uncle eventually came around and begin to learn how to love his son whom had been locked away from birth after his wife's death.
My Impression
The Secret Garden to me is a book about second chances. Many times our story plot is not what we wish it to be, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Mary was divinely placed in her situation to eventually help people who needed her the most, although she was extremely selfish she was able to overcome that and teach another child through her experience. Based on how she interacted with Mr. Craven's son made her a mender for the entire family. I loved this book because it's amazing what a change of attitude and faith will do for anyone.
Reviews
Bowker's Books in Print Professional
Following Sterling's spectacularly successful launch of its children's classic novels (240,000 books in print to date), comes a dazzling new series: Classic Starts. The stories are abridged; the quality is complete. Classic Startstreats the world's be loves tales (and children) with the respect they deserve--all at an incomparable price. The discovery of a neglected garden transforms the life of a sullen and unloved little girl-and everyone around her, too. When the newly orphaned Mary Lennox leaves her native India and arrives at the uncle's mansion in Yorkshire, everything seems strange to her. The Mary hears of a mysterious garden where no one has set foot in 10 years. With the help of some new friends, she plans to uncover its secrets...and make it blossom once again.
Use in Library Setting
This book could be used to talk about selfishness and gardening. With older students we can discuss ways that we can miss out if we continue to operate in selfishness, and if we want something to grow we must tend to it like a garden. After reading such a book an activity could be to plant flowers and see what happens if we neglect them or take care of them.
Module 1
SLIS 5420/Module 1/June 7-13
Book for this module
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Bibliographic
Burnett,. (1994). The Secret Garden. New York: Playmore Inc., Publishers and Waldman Publishing Corp.,.
Summary
This book was about a selfish little girl who became an orphan after the death of her parents and was sent to live with an uncle that was well off. Mary's heart was hardened against people in general since her parents and other people never paid her any attention. Although Mary was cared for by an assigned nurse the nurse provided Mary with everything she requested. The only and most important thing was love that she longed for. Mary was labeled as difficult and hard to get along with child, but after arriving at her uncle's place she begin to settle in but with much curiosity. She was provide with an individual to meet her needs but who also provide her with a taste of reality, meaning everything did not evolve around her. She eventually made friends with children her age and helped a locked away child believe in life again. Mary's soured uncle eventually came around and begin to learn how to love his son whom had been locked away from birth after his wife's death.
My Impression
The Secret Garden to me is a book about second chances. Many times our story plot is not what we wish it to be, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Mary was divinely placed in her situation to eventually help people who needed her the most, although she was extremely selfish she was able to overcome that and teach another child through her experience. Based on how she interacted with Mr. Craven's son made her a mender for the entire family. I loved this book because it's amazing what a change of attitude and faith will do for anyone.
Reviews
Bowker's Books in Print Professional
Following Sterling's spectacularly successful launch of its children's classic novels (240,000 books in print to date), comes a dazzling new series: Classic Starts. The stories are abridged; the quality is complete. Classic Startstreats the world's be loves tales (and children) with the respect they deserve--all at an incomparable price. The discovery of a neglected garden transforms the life of a sullen and unloved little girl-and everyone around her, too. When the newly orphaned Mary Lennox leaves her native India and arrives at the uncle's mansion in Yorkshire, everything seems strange to her. The Mary hears of a mysterious garden where no one has set foot in 10 years. With the help of some new friends, she plans to uncover its secrets...and make it blossom once again.
Use in Library Setting
This book could be used to talk about selfishness and gardening. With older students we can discuss ways that we can miss out if we continue to operate in selfishness, and if we want something to grow we must tend to it like a garden. After reading such a book an activity could be to plant flowers and see what happens if we neglect them or take care of them.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Runaway Bunny
Module 1
SLIS 5420/Module 1/June 7-13
Book for this module
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
Bibliographic
Brown,. (1942). Runaway Bunny. New York, NY: HarperCollins
Publishers.
ISBN: 0-06-443018-9
Summary
A little bunny kept desiring to run away from his mommy to various locations. It may be that he would run away to a trout stream and his mom would say I'll be a fisherman and fish for you, or the little bunny desired to be a bird and fly away, and the mom would say I'll become a tree so you can fly home to me.
My Impression
This book really shows the unconditional love that parents can have for their children allowing them space to grow and being there for them and encouraging them along the way. It's not uncommon for some children to think about runaway for whatever reason but redirecting them very cleverly like the little bunny would possibly make them rethink their decision.
Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Since its publication in 1942, The Runaway Bunny has never been out of print. Generations of sleepy children and grateful parents have loved the classics of Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd, including Goodnight Moon. The Runaway Bunny begins with a young bunny who decides to run away: "If you run away,' said his mother, 'I will run after you. For you are my little bunny. "And so begins a delightful, imaginary gamed of chase. No matter how many forms the little bunny takes--a fish in a stream, a crocus in a hidden garden, a rock on a mountain--his steadfast, adoring, protective mother finds a way of retrieving him. The soothing rhythm of the bunny banter--along with the surreal, dream-like pictures--never fail to infuse young readers with a complete sense of security and peace. For any small child who has toyed with the idea of running away or testing the strength of Mom's love, this old favorite will comfort and reassure. (Baby to preschool) --This text refers to the Board Book edition.
Use in Library Setting
This is a great book to present during story time for preschooler up to kindergartens. This is a wonderful book to read when discussing feelings and how some situations make them feel. This will allow the smaller children to open up and possibly act out some feelings and how their mom or parent may feel and work to cheer them up.
SLIS 5420/Module 1/June 7-13
Book for this module
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
Bibliographic
Brown,. (1942). Runaway Bunny. New York, NY: HarperCollins
Publishers.
ISBN: 0-06-443018-9
Summary
A little bunny kept desiring to run away from his mommy to various locations. It may be that he would run away to a trout stream and his mom would say I'll be a fisherman and fish for you, or the little bunny desired to be a bird and fly away, and the mom would say I'll become a tree so you can fly home to me.
My Impression
This book really shows the unconditional love that parents can have for their children allowing them space to grow and being there for them and encouraging them along the way. It's not uncommon for some children to think about runaway for whatever reason but redirecting them very cleverly like the little bunny would possibly make them rethink their decision.
Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Since its publication in 1942, The Runaway Bunny has never been out of print. Generations of sleepy children and grateful parents have loved the classics of Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd, including Goodnight Moon. The Runaway Bunny begins with a young bunny who decides to run away: "If you run away,' said his mother, 'I will run after you. For you are my little bunny. "And so begins a delightful, imaginary gamed of chase. No matter how many forms the little bunny takes--a fish in a stream, a crocus in a hidden garden, a rock on a mountain--his steadfast, adoring, protective mother finds a way of retrieving him. The soothing rhythm of the bunny banter--along with the surreal, dream-like pictures--never fail to infuse young readers with a complete sense of security and peace. For any small child who has toyed with the idea of running away or testing the strength of Mom's love, this old favorite will comfort and reassure. (Baby to preschool) --This text refers to the Board Book edition.
Use in Library Setting
This is a great book to present during story time for preschooler up to kindergartens. This is a wonderful book to read when discussing feelings and how some situations make them feel. This will allow the smaller children to open up and possibly act out some feelings and how their mom or parent may feel and work to cheer them up.
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