An Egg Is Quiet
Module 7
SLIS 5420/Module 7/July 18-25
Book for this module
An Egg Is Quiet by Dianna Aston
Biblographic
Aston,. (2006). An Egg Is Quiet. San Francisco, California: Chronicle Books LLC
Summary
This book simply shows every shape and size egg imaginable. This book captures its audience with its colorful illustrations and the wonderful explaination of what animal is residing in each egg. This book provides information on why a egg may lay a certain way or why it has such a pointed tip. Some eggs for examples are deposited on a cliff and could roll down the hill, but by it having a pointed tip prevents that from happening. This book is very informative and educational.
My Impression
I learned more that I ever desired to know about eggs but feel knowledgeable about the inside and outs of a egg. I sometimes will take nature walks and will find an egg. Now I will probably stop and examine the eggs more closely.
Reviews
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2-An exceptionally handsome book on eggs, from the delicate ova of the green lacewing to the rosy roe of the Atlantic salmon to the mammoth bulk of an ostrich egge. Aston's simple, readable text celebrates their marvelous diversity, commenting on the size, shape, coloratin, and where they might be found. The author occasionally attibutes sensibilities to eggs (An egg is clever, for example). Still, her quiet descriptions of egg engineering and embryo developmnet (no mention of mating) are on the mark, and are beautifully supported by Long's splendid watercolor depictions of a wide varitey of eggs. (One teeny carp-Steller's jays are not spelled with an ar, though they are stellar performers when wheedling for your lunch at a campsite!) A beautifule guide to the unexpected panoply of the egg.
Use in Library Setting
This book could be read to a group of preschoolers and after the discussing of the book we could make a craft dealing with eggs. Colorful construction paper could be cut up along with solid colors paper. Easter eggs can be supplied along with glue sticks. The eggs which should probably be the largest size can be covered with paper of the child's choosing and they can discuss maybe what kind of egg they have made. This is an activity that the parents would assist with since the childern would need some help.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
OWEN & MZEE
OWEN & MZEE
Module 7
SLIS 5420/Module 7/July 18-25
Book this module
OWEN & MZEE by Isabella Hatkoff
Bibliographic
Hatkoff,. (2006). OWEN & MZEE. New York, NY: Scholastic Press
Summary
This is a true story about a hippo and a tortoise becoming best friends. At some point the hippo was separated from his herd and needed to be rescued, but the hard job was finding a place for this hippo to take up residency. The baby hippo could no longer be placed back into its normal habitat because it would be killed. The rescuers placed Owen who is the hippo in the same area with Mzee the tortoise who attempts to keep Owen away from him, but no matter how hard he tried Owen would still snuggle up to Mzee. Well, needless to say they became best friends. Quiet unusual for such a large animal to become so attached to a animal such as Mzee.
My Impression
I loved this story! It made me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside to see and know that these animals would come together and not harm one another. I believe since the hippo was a baby at first probably played a huge role in this relationship. I also believe this companionship saved Owen's life. We have no way of knowing but it's very possible that Owen could have died if it were not for Mzee's presence.
Reviews
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 5 When the six-year-old contributor to this book saw the photograph documenting the extraordinary friendship between a baby hippo (Owen) and a 130-year-old giant tortoise (Mzee), she persuade her father to help tell their story. Originally an e-book, the hardcover version begins with images of the two, whetting readers appetite and providing reassurance as the potentially disturbing plot unfolds. After a scene depicting a pod of hippos near the Sabuki River in Kenya, the text describes the 600-pound baby's displacement and separation from the group during the 2004 tsunami. Children witness the challenging rescue and meet the knowledgeable staff at an animal sanctuary. From Owen's first approach for protection to Maee's unexpected tolerance, the photographs, mostly by BBC photojournalist Greste, capture the pair eating, swimming, snuggling, and playing together. Their contentment and peace are palpable. Because it is sensitively structured, with careful choices about what is emphasized and illustrated, the situation does not overwhelm readers. The text and the back matter are brimming with information about the animals, their caregivers, and the locale. This touching story of the power of a surprising friendship to mitigate the experience of loss is full of heart and hope.
Use in Library Setting
This book can be used with some of our presenters who come to the library and read stories to the children. There are several presenters who bring in various insects and animals that include turtles. This would be an awesome time to show which animals seem to pair up well with each other. The students with be allowed to come up and touch them and talk in detail with the presenter.
Module 7
SLIS 5420/Module 7/July 18-25
Book this module
OWEN & MZEE by Isabella Hatkoff
Bibliographic
Hatkoff,. (2006). OWEN & MZEE. New York, NY: Scholastic Press
Summary
This is a true story about a hippo and a tortoise becoming best friends. At some point the hippo was separated from his herd and needed to be rescued, but the hard job was finding a place for this hippo to take up residency. The baby hippo could no longer be placed back into its normal habitat because it would be killed. The rescuers placed Owen who is the hippo in the same area with Mzee the tortoise who attempts to keep Owen away from him, but no matter how hard he tried Owen would still snuggle up to Mzee. Well, needless to say they became best friends. Quiet unusual for such a large animal to become so attached to a animal such as Mzee.
My Impression
I loved this story! It made me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside to see and know that these animals would come together and not harm one another. I believe since the hippo was a baby at first probably played a huge role in this relationship. I also believe this companionship saved Owen's life. We have no way of knowing but it's very possible that Owen could have died if it were not for Mzee's presence.
Reviews
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 5 When the six-year-old contributor to this book saw the photograph documenting the extraordinary friendship between a baby hippo (Owen) and a 130-year-old giant tortoise (Mzee), she persuade her father to help tell their story. Originally an e-book, the hardcover version begins with images of the two, whetting readers appetite and providing reassurance as the potentially disturbing plot unfolds. After a scene depicting a pod of hippos near the Sabuki River in Kenya, the text describes the 600-pound baby's displacement and separation from the group during the 2004 tsunami. Children witness the challenging rescue and meet the knowledgeable staff at an animal sanctuary. From Owen's first approach for protection to Maee's unexpected tolerance, the photographs, mostly by BBC photojournalist Greste, capture the pair eating, swimming, snuggling, and playing together. Their contentment and peace are palpable. Because it is sensitively structured, with careful choices about what is emphasized and illustrated, the situation does not overwhelm readers. The text and the back matter are brimming with information about the animals, their caregivers, and the locale. This touching story of the power of a surprising friendship to mitigate the experience of loss is full of heart and hope.
Use in Library Setting
This book can be used with some of our presenters who come to the library and read stories to the children. There are several presenters who bring in various insects and animals that include turtles. This would be an awesome time to show which animals seem to pair up well with each other. The students with be allowed to come up and touch them and talk in detail with the presenter.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Other Side
The Other Side
Module 6
SLIS 5420/Module 6/July 12-17
Book for this module
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
Bibliographic
Woodson,. (2001). The Other Side. New York: New York: Putnam Sons
Summary
This story reflection of children desiring to get to know each other but because of the racial tension in the town and between parents the children try to stay to themselves. When the children are at home a white fence is the only thing separating the two, and they usually spend more time staring and watching each other through the fence. As time progress on the little white girl sits on the fence and the little black girl joins her. They both came to the conclusion that their parents never said anything about not sitting on the fence to talk which leads to their bonding.
My Impression
The Other Side shows that children's desire to learn about each other and play is a natural thing, and parents can crush this by putting up barriers and creating racial tensions among the much younger generation. I personally believe racism is taught because when children see other children like them meaning size, age and height they are able to get along and look past the difference.
Reviews
The Other Side
School Library Journal
GR 1-4 A story of friendship across a racial divide. Clover, the young African-American narrator, lives beside a fence that segregates her town. Her mother instructs her never to climb over to the other side because it isn't safe. But one summer morning, Clover notices a girl on the other side. Both children are curious about one another, and as the summer stretches on, Clover and Annie work up the nerve to introduce themselves. They dodge the injunction against crossing the fence by sitting on top of it together, and Clover pretends not to care when her friends react strangely at the sight of her sitting side by side with a white girl. Eventually, it's the fence that's out of place, not the friendship. Woodson's space text is easy and unencumbered. In her deft care, a story that might have suffered from heavy-handed didacticism manages to plumb great depths with understated simplicity. In Lewis care accompanying watercolor illustrations, Clover and her friends pass their summer breath a blinding sun that casts dark but shallow shadows. Text and this art work together beautifully.
Use in Library Setting
This book is a great one to use on segregation and division. After reading this book students can retrieve material that will allow them to construct barriers that will not allow other students to cross. They can also develop consequences for breaking this made up law. Questions and answers will follow to get a feel of what students learned and how they plan to make people who are different feel comfortable by eliminating any preconceived ideas.
Module 6
SLIS 5420/Module 6/July 12-17
Book for this module
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
Bibliographic
Woodson,. (2001). The Other Side. New York: New York: Putnam Sons
Summary
This story reflection of children desiring to get to know each other but because of the racial tension in the town and between parents the children try to stay to themselves. When the children are at home a white fence is the only thing separating the two, and they usually spend more time staring and watching each other through the fence. As time progress on the little white girl sits on the fence and the little black girl joins her. They both came to the conclusion that their parents never said anything about not sitting on the fence to talk which leads to their bonding.
My Impression
The Other Side shows that children's desire to learn about each other and play is a natural thing, and parents can crush this by putting up barriers and creating racial tensions among the much younger generation. I personally believe racism is taught because when children see other children like them meaning size, age and height they are able to get along and look past the difference.
Reviews
The Other Side
School Library Journal
GR 1-4 A story of friendship across a racial divide. Clover, the young African-American narrator, lives beside a fence that segregates her town. Her mother instructs her never to climb over to the other side because it isn't safe. But one summer morning, Clover notices a girl on the other side. Both children are curious about one another, and as the summer stretches on, Clover and Annie work up the nerve to introduce themselves. They dodge the injunction against crossing the fence by sitting on top of it together, and Clover pretends not to care when her friends react strangely at the sight of her sitting side by side with a white girl. Eventually, it's the fence that's out of place, not the friendship. Woodson's space text is easy and unencumbered. In her deft care, a story that might have suffered from heavy-handed didacticism manages to plumb great depths with understated simplicity. In Lewis care accompanying watercolor illustrations, Clover and her friends pass their summer breath a blinding sun that casts dark but shallow shadows. Text and this art work together beautifully.
Use in Library Setting
This book is a great one to use on segregation and division. After reading this book students can retrieve material that will allow them to construct barriers that will not allow other students to cross. They can also develop consequences for breaking this made up law. Questions and answers will follow to get a feel of what students learned and how they plan to make people who are different feel comfortable by eliminating any preconceived ideas.
MISTER AND ME
MISTER AND ME
Module 6
SLIS 5420/Module 6/July 12-17
Book for this module
MISTER AND ME by Kimberly Willis Holt
Bibliographic
Holt,. (1998). MISTER AND ME. New York, New York: Penguin Putnam
Summary
MISTER AND ME is a story about a little girl who is very close to her mother and can only recall very little about her father who passed when she was young. Well, Jolene has resentment towards a gentlemen named Leroy who is trying to date her mom and she destroys an item and calls him MISTER trying to get her point across, but that does not work. Eventually Jolene's mom and Leroy get married and with time this young lady comes to like Mr. Leroy and welcomes him into the family.
My Impression
This book is great for any child experiencing a mom or dad who is dating; whether it maybe after losing a parent to death or divorce. This book may actually help a child develop a relationship with this individual and things may work out if the child is willing to open up, and get to know them.
Reviews
School Library Journal
Grade 4-6 In this touching short novel set in 1940's logging Community, Jolene Jasmine Johnson is perfectly content with her close little family made up of just herself, mommy and Grandpa. Then along comes Mister Leroy Redfield, a logger who spoils everything by distracting her mother and wheedling his way into the family with his charm. Although she has no memory of her father, the girl clings to the idea of him, providing her with one more reason to resent the new comer's intrusion despite her efforts to make Mister disappear. Jolene misdeeds only seem to strengthen his resolve to win her approval and become a permanent fixture in her life. Separate seating areas in the movie theater and her mother's part-time work serving for white women make it clear that the story takes place in a racially segregated town, but these references are not fully explained. The focus of the story is Jolene's emotional growth and her eventual acceptance of this man whose love and patience allow her to expand her notion of family.
Use in Library Setting
This book can be used to discuss sharing and the feelings that are experienced when they have to share a love one. This could be mom, dad, a sibling or a friend with a friend. Alot of times students will say I'm not your friend anymore to entice someone to be their friend. We can role play or create a skit about sharing. Students will come up with ideas to share and act this out.
Module 6
SLIS 5420/Module 6/July 12-17
Book for this module
MISTER AND ME by Kimberly Willis Holt
Bibliographic
Holt,. (1998). MISTER AND ME. New York, New York: Penguin Putnam
Summary
MISTER AND ME is a story about a little girl who is very close to her mother and can only recall very little about her father who passed when she was young. Well, Jolene has resentment towards a gentlemen named Leroy who is trying to date her mom and she destroys an item and calls him MISTER trying to get her point across, but that does not work. Eventually Jolene's mom and Leroy get married and with time this young lady comes to like Mr. Leroy and welcomes him into the family.
My Impression
This book is great for any child experiencing a mom or dad who is dating; whether it maybe after losing a parent to death or divorce. This book may actually help a child develop a relationship with this individual and things may work out if the child is willing to open up, and get to know them.
Reviews
School Library Journal
Grade 4-6 In this touching short novel set in 1940's logging Community, Jolene Jasmine Johnson is perfectly content with her close little family made up of just herself, mommy and Grandpa. Then along comes Mister Leroy Redfield, a logger who spoils everything by distracting her mother and wheedling his way into the family with his charm. Although she has no memory of her father, the girl clings to the idea of him, providing her with one more reason to resent the new comer's intrusion despite her efforts to make Mister disappear. Jolene misdeeds only seem to strengthen his resolve to win her approval and become a permanent fixture in her life. Separate seating areas in the movie theater and her mother's part-time work serving for white women make it clear that the story takes place in a racially segregated town, but these references are not fully explained. The focus of the story is Jolene's emotional growth and her eventual acceptance of this man whose love and patience allow her to expand her notion of family.
Use in Library Setting
This book can be used to discuss sharing and the feelings that are experienced when they have to share a love one. This could be mom, dad, a sibling or a friend with a friend. Alot of times students will say I'm not your friend anymore to entice someone to be their friend. We can role play or create a skit about sharing. Students will come up with ideas to share and act this out.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Night Tourist
Night Tourist
Module 5
SLIS 5420/Module 5/July 5-11
Book for this module
Night Tourist by Katherine Marsh
Bibliographic
Marsh,. (2007). Night Tourist. New York: Hyperion Books for Children
Summary
This book is about a young man name Jack who is the main character in the story. He was hit by a car and his father a professor at the university eventually sends him to visit a friend doctor in New York and while on this trip he is separated from a tour group that he joined. He runs into a little girl named Euri who becomes his tour guide in New York City. Euri is dead and turns out that she is a ghost and they set out to find Luke's mom. Eventually they locate her and come to find out his mom was a ghost that his dad met years ago bringing her to our world and they marry. Luke is now able to put to rest that his mother really did not leave him, and with the happiness she experiences she is able to move on to her resting place.
My Impression
This book provided alot of twist and turns from the very beginning with people leaping out of office windows and Luke trying to figure things out if he is dead or not. Night Tourist really stretches the mind and imagination and a good book to read for someone who is interested in the after world and ghosts.
Reviews
Booklist
Ninth-grade classics-prodigy Jack Perdu is a loner, but his lonely life soon changes after he is struck by a car and suddenly thrust into the underworld beneath New York-the world of the dead. The story can be interesting to follow but presents a fairly easy reading style.
Use in Library Setting
We can talk about safety issues and how important it is to understand your surroundings. We can have a question and answer session to find out if anyone has been injured before, and if so how did they feel, and if anyone has been injured to the point of encountering close death, or do they know anyone that experienced this.
Module 5
SLIS 5420/Module 5/July 5-11
Book for this module
Night Tourist by Katherine Marsh
Bibliographic
Marsh,. (2007). Night Tourist. New York: Hyperion Books for Children
Summary
This book is about a young man name Jack who is the main character in the story. He was hit by a car and his father a professor at the university eventually sends him to visit a friend doctor in New York and while on this trip he is separated from a tour group that he joined. He runs into a little girl named Euri who becomes his tour guide in New York City. Euri is dead and turns out that she is a ghost and they set out to find Luke's mom. Eventually they locate her and come to find out his mom was a ghost that his dad met years ago bringing her to our world and they marry. Luke is now able to put to rest that his mother really did not leave him, and with the happiness she experiences she is able to move on to her resting place.
My Impression
This book provided alot of twist and turns from the very beginning with people leaping out of office windows and Luke trying to figure things out if he is dead or not. Night Tourist really stretches the mind and imagination and a good book to read for someone who is interested in the after world and ghosts.
Reviews
Booklist
Ninth-grade classics-prodigy Jack Perdu is a loner, but his lonely life soon changes after he is struck by a car and suddenly thrust into the underworld beneath New York-the world of the dead. The story can be interesting to follow but presents a fairly easy reading style.
Use in Library Setting
We can talk about safety issues and how important it is to understand your surroundings. We can have a question and answer session to find out if anyone has been injured before, and if so how did they feel, and if anyone has been injured to the point of encountering close death, or do they know anyone that experienced this.
Among the Hidden
Module 5
SLIS 5420/Module 5/July 5-11
Book for this module
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Bibliographic
Peterson,. (1998). Among the Hidden. New York: Simon & Schuster.
Summary
Among the Hidden is about a boy named Luke who lived in the attic always avoiding being seen by the Population Police. At night he is confined to the attic since the shades in the house are sheer and shadows can be seen and people possibly counted. Later on as Luke looks from the attic he discovers a hidden child such as himself. At first he thought he was seeing things until he watched constantly to confirm what he saw was real. Luke's dad was really over the top and forbid him to go anywhere in the house, look out the window; help out around the house or cook.
My Impression
This book was sad to me since this child was not allowed to live like a human being. Luke should have been a piece of furniture since he was not allowed to do anything a normal person could do. I did enjoy this book but moved by the young man's emotions and determination to please his family and live at the same time.
Reviews
School Library Journal
Grade 5-8 Born third at time when having more than two children per family is illegal and subject to seizure and punishment by the Population Police, Luke has spent all of his years in hiding. His parents disobeyed once by having him and are determined not to do anything unlawful again. At first the woods around his family's farm are thick enough to conceal him when he plays and works outdoors, but when the government develops some of that land for housing, his world narrows to just the attic. Gazing through an air vent at new homes, he spies a child's face at a window after the family of four has already left for the day. Is it possible that he is not the only hidden child? Answering this question brings Luke greater danger than he has ever faced before, but also greater possibilities for some kind of life outside of the attic. This is a near future of shortages and deprivation where widespread famines have led to a totalitarian government the controls all aspects of citizens lives. When the boy secretly ventures outside the attic and meets the girl in the neighboring house, he learns that expressing divergent opinions openly can lead to tragedy. To what extent is he willing to defy the government in order to have a life worth living? The law of free will is the fundamental theme of an exciting and compelling story of one young person defying authority and the odds to make a difference. Readers will be captivated by Luke's predicament and his reactions to it .
Use in Library Setting
This could be used as a great icebreaker discussing peer pressure, low self-esteem, and develop a skit for children to act out with a child being present but everyone overlooks. This could then be followed up with questions and answers.
SLIS 5420/Module 5/July 5-11
Book for this module
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Bibliographic
Peterson,. (1998). Among the Hidden. New York: Simon & Schuster.
Summary
Among the Hidden is about a boy named Luke who lived in the attic always avoiding being seen by the Population Police. At night he is confined to the attic since the shades in the house are sheer and shadows can be seen and people possibly counted. Later on as Luke looks from the attic he discovers a hidden child such as himself. At first he thought he was seeing things until he watched constantly to confirm what he saw was real. Luke's dad was really over the top and forbid him to go anywhere in the house, look out the window; help out around the house or cook.
My Impression
This book was sad to me since this child was not allowed to live like a human being. Luke should have been a piece of furniture since he was not allowed to do anything a normal person could do. I did enjoy this book but moved by the young man's emotions and determination to please his family and live at the same time.
Reviews
School Library Journal
Grade 5-8 Born third at time when having more than two children per family is illegal and subject to seizure and punishment by the Population Police, Luke has spent all of his years in hiding. His parents disobeyed once by having him and are determined not to do anything unlawful again. At first the woods around his family's farm are thick enough to conceal him when he plays and works outdoors, but when the government develops some of that land for housing, his world narrows to just the attic. Gazing through an air vent at new homes, he spies a child's face at a window after the family of four has already left for the day. Is it possible that he is not the only hidden child? Answering this question brings Luke greater danger than he has ever faced before, but also greater possibilities for some kind of life outside of the attic. This is a near future of shortages and deprivation where widespread famines have led to a totalitarian government the controls all aspects of citizens lives. When the boy secretly ventures outside the attic and meets the girl in the neighboring house, he learns that expressing divergent opinions openly can lead to tragedy. To what extent is he willing to defy the government in order to have a life worth living? The law of free will is the fundamental theme of an exciting and compelling story of one young person defying authority and the odds to make a difference. Readers will be captivated by Luke's predicament and his reactions to it .
Use in Library Setting
This could be used as a great icebreaker discussing peer pressure, low self-esteem, and develop a skit for children to act out with a child being present but everyone overlooks. This could then be followed up with questions and answers.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Frindle
Frindle
Module 4
SLIS 5420/Module 4/June 28-4
Book for this Module
Frindle by Kevin Henkes
Bibliographic
Henkes, Kevin. (2003). Olive's Ocean. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
Summary
Frindle was about a boy named Nick who was a fifth grader that was pretty much a goof off. He was good at stalling time, side tracking teachers and simply wasting time for the class. Nick tried this with his fifth grade teacher and asked a question that his teacher sent him home to research. Since that point Nick found a pen and created a new word called frindle that replaced the word for pen. All the students picked up on it and the local newspaper was involved and with the persistent of not backing down the word frindle was eventually added to the dictionary.
My Impression
I was glad to see Nick take a chance and prove his teacher's theory on how words are added to the dictionary. I can also understand his teacher getting upset, but before long she must have realized that she had someone special in her class whom she had to admire, and by the letter he opened at a much later time in life proved to be the case.
Reviews
Booklist
Gr. 3^-6. Ten-year-old Nick Allen has a reputation for devising clever, time-wasting schemes guaranteed to distract even the most conscientious teacher. His diversions backfire in Mrs. Granger's fifth grade class, however, resulting in Nick being assigned an extra report on how new entries are added to the dictionary. Surprisingly, the research provides Nick with his best idea ever, and he decides to coin his own new word. Mrs. Granger has a passion for vocabulary but Nick's (and soon the rest of the school's) insistence on referring to pens as "frindles" annoys her greatly. The war of words escalates --resulting in after-school punishments, a home visit from the principal, national publicity economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and eventually inclusion of frindle in the dictionary. Slightly reminiscent of Avi's Nothing but the Truth (1991), this is a kinder, gentler story in which the two sides eventually come to a private meeting of the minds and the power of language triumphs over both. Sure to be popular with a wide range of readers, this will make a great read-aloud as well. Kay Weisman--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Use in Library Setting
After reading this book students could conduct a survey to see who would be interested in changing the name of an object. They could continue to follow the usage if it caught on or not. We could come back and have a Q & A session to provide feedback on how well they thought it went, and if they felt this change would really take place.
Module 4
SLIS 5420/Module 4/June 28-4
Book for this Module
Frindle by Kevin Henkes
Bibliographic
Henkes, Kevin. (2003). Olive's Ocean. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
Summary
Frindle was about a boy named Nick who was a fifth grader that was pretty much a goof off. He was good at stalling time, side tracking teachers and simply wasting time for the class. Nick tried this with his fifth grade teacher and asked a question that his teacher sent him home to research. Since that point Nick found a pen and created a new word called frindle that replaced the word for pen. All the students picked up on it and the local newspaper was involved and with the persistent of not backing down the word frindle was eventually added to the dictionary.
My Impression
I was glad to see Nick take a chance and prove his teacher's theory on how words are added to the dictionary. I can also understand his teacher getting upset, but before long she must have realized that she had someone special in her class whom she had to admire, and by the letter he opened at a much later time in life proved to be the case.
Reviews
Booklist
Gr. 3^-6. Ten-year-old Nick Allen has a reputation for devising clever, time-wasting schemes guaranteed to distract even the most conscientious teacher. His diversions backfire in Mrs. Granger's fifth grade class, however, resulting in Nick being assigned an extra report on how new entries are added to the dictionary. Surprisingly, the research provides Nick with his best idea ever, and he decides to coin his own new word. Mrs. Granger has a passion for vocabulary but Nick's (and soon the rest of the school's) insistence on referring to pens as "frindles" annoys her greatly. The war of words escalates --resulting in after-school punishments, a home visit from the principal, national publicity economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and eventually inclusion of frindle in the dictionary. Slightly reminiscent of Avi's Nothing but the Truth (1991), this is a kinder, gentler story in which the two sides eventually come to a private meeting of the minds and the power of language triumphs over both. Sure to be popular with a wide range of readers, this will make a great read-aloud as well. Kay Weisman--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Use in Library Setting
After reading this book students could conduct a survey to see who would be interested in changing the name of an object. They could continue to follow the usage if it caught on or not. We could come back and have a Q & A session to provide feedback on how well they thought it went, and if they felt this change would really take place.
A Step From Heaven
A Step From Heaven
Module 4
SLIS 5420/Module 4/June 28-4
Book for this Module
A Step From Heaven by An Na
Bibliographic
Na, An. (2001). A Step From Heaven. Ashville North Carolina: Front Street.
Summary
A Step From Heaven was about a Korean girl named Young Ju who's family moved to the United States in search of a better life; however this Americanized life was far from a better one. Young Ju's mother was expecting and they tried to fit in and do what the Americans did. The father became insecure and begin to drink, beat his wife and Young Ju. After her brother was born and a little older, daddy would abuse him as well.
The only friend Young had was a girl named Amanda and her father forbid her to see Amanda, and Young begin to live behind a tale of lies. From being dropped off at a house where she did not live or supposedly spending excessive amounts of time at the library. Although Young was a smart girl she desired the life of Amanda since hers was very dysfunctional.
My Impression
This book displays a fairly realistic view of children living with alcoholic parents whether immigrants or not must learn to cope the best way possible. Constantly living under embarrassment and torn between divulging the truth or living their life as a terrible dream.
Reviews
School Library Journal
Grade 8 up-An Na's 2002 Printz winning novel (Front St., 2001) is brought to full effect in this reading by Jina Oh. Young Ju emigrates from Korea with her parents when she is four a few months later they live in a shabby apartment in Southern California, and the family expanded to include a newborn baby boy. The parents work long hours at multiple jobs, and Young Ju struggles first to understand what is going on in school and then to be permitted to participate in typically American schoolgirl activities. The pressures of immigration, language difficulties, and oppositional cultural expectations lend Young Ju's father to become bitter and often a drunk man, physically abusive of his wife and, eventually his daughter. The stresses of the disintegrating family work on each of its member sending Young Ju's mother into a religious foray and her brother into a middle school truancy. By the time Young Ju is ready to leave for college her father has returned to Korea and her mother has been able to establish the family in their own American home. Each of the chapters in this emotionally succinct novel might be read as a short story, although the plot-the acclimation of one young girl to a new culture and to her own family is steady and at times suspenseful.
Use in Library Setting
This book could be used to inform students what to look for in case they feel someone may be in trouble and need assistance, but unsure how to reach out. Inviting speakers in to give professional advice on what signs to look for and how to handle it will be good. Also, a speaker who has experienced this type of abuse could come and have a short talk with the readers.
Module 4
SLIS 5420/Module 4/June 28-4
Book for this Module
A Step From Heaven by An Na
Bibliographic
Na, An. (2001). A Step From Heaven. Ashville North Carolina: Front Street.
Summary
A Step From Heaven was about a Korean girl named Young Ju who's family moved to the United States in search of a better life; however this Americanized life was far from a better one. Young Ju's mother was expecting and they tried to fit in and do what the Americans did. The father became insecure and begin to drink, beat his wife and Young Ju. After her brother was born and a little older, daddy would abuse him as well.
The only friend Young had was a girl named Amanda and her father forbid her to see Amanda, and Young begin to live behind a tale of lies. From being dropped off at a house where she did not live or supposedly spending excessive amounts of time at the library. Although Young was a smart girl she desired the life of Amanda since hers was very dysfunctional.
My Impression
This book displays a fairly realistic view of children living with alcoholic parents whether immigrants or not must learn to cope the best way possible. Constantly living under embarrassment and torn between divulging the truth or living their life as a terrible dream.
Reviews
School Library Journal
Grade 8 up-An Na's 2002 Printz winning novel (Front St., 2001) is brought to full effect in this reading by Jina Oh. Young Ju emigrates from Korea with her parents when she is four a few months later they live in a shabby apartment in Southern California, and the family expanded to include a newborn baby boy. The parents work long hours at multiple jobs, and Young Ju struggles first to understand what is going on in school and then to be permitted to participate in typically American schoolgirl activities. The pressures of immigration, language difficulties, and oppositional cultural expectations lend Young Ju's father to become bitter and often a drunk man, physically abusive of his wife and, eventually his daughter. The stresses of the disintegrating family work on each of its member sending Young Ju's mother into a religious foray and her brother into a middle school truancy. By the time Young Ju is ready to leave for college her father has returned to Korea and her mother has been able to establish the family in their own American home. Each of the chapters in this emotionally succinct novel might be read as a short story, although the plot-the acclimation of one young girl to a new culture and to her own family is steady and at times suspenseful.
Use in Library Setting
This book could be used to inform students what to look for in case they feel someone may be in trouble and need assistance, but unsure how to reach out. Inviting speakers in to give professional advice on what signs to look for and how to handle it will be good. Also, a speaker who has experienced this type of abuse could come and have a short talk with the readers.
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