Young Adult: AMERICAN BORN CHINESE

1. Bibliography: Yang, Gene Luen. 2007. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second. ISBN#: 978-1-59643-152-2.

2. Plot Summary: Three stories of characters that appear to be unrelated, come together in a surprising conclusion. Dissatisfied with his position as kung fu master and king of all monkeys, Monkey King feels he is worthy to rule among the higher gods. However, the gods are unaccepting and in his arrogance, Monkey King finds himself buried under a mountain of rocks for the next five hundred years. Jin Yang's is the story of a Chinese American who moves to a new neighborhood. Jin immediately feels out of place and friendless in a school of white Americans until Wei-Chen arrives. Comfortable in his Chinese heritage, Wei-Chen does not understand Jin's desire to conform to American culture, eventually driving the two friends apart. Finally, Chin-Kee embodies the characteristics of a negative Chinese sterotype. His American cousin Danny suffers the humiliation of his behaviors to a breakage point that results in an unexpected turn of events that binds these three characters' lives.

3. Critical Analysis: Gene Luen Yang is adept at weaving three story threads, seemingly independent of each other, into a storyline that addresses a serious theme through humor and vivid graphic art that will allure young adults. The tales of Monkey King, Jin Yang, and Chin-Kee unfold in small chapters, building to an ultimate climax that reveals the relationship between three characters that come to embrace and accept themselves in their diversity. A deeper look into American Born Chinese addresses the personal and outside pressures characters face because of their cultural and ethnic differences. This is illustrated in the case of the Monkey King's discontent among the monkeys and desire to be accepted among the more powerful deities, in Jin Yang's feelings of unworthiness in winning the affections of a popular Americal girl, and in Danny's embarrassment of his cousin, Chin-Kee. The comic book feel of this novel is key to the light-hearted delivery and understanding of the common theme. Represented as a graphic novel with strong character appeal, American Born Chinese is an unintimidating read for young adults with a message that can be taken to heart.

4. Review Excerpts:

• Booklist: With vibrant colors and visual panache, indie writer-illustrator Yang (Rosary Comic Book) focuses on three characters in tales that touch on facets of Chinese American life. Jin is a boy faced with the casual racism of fellow students and the pressure of his crush on a Caucasian girl; the Monkey King, a character from Chinese folklore, has attained great power but feels he is being held back because of what the gods perceive as his lowly status; and Danny, a popular high-school student, suffers through an annual visit from his cousin Chin-Kee, a walking, talking compendium of exaggerated Chinese stereotypes. Each of the characters is flawed but familiar, and, in a clever postmodern twist, all share a deep, unforeseen connection. Yang helps the humor shine by using his art to exaggerate or contradict the words, creating a synthesis that marks an accomplished graphic storyteller. The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects--shame, racism, and friendship--receive thoughtful, powerful examination.


• Library Media Connection: In this graphic novel, three humorous and seemingly unrelated stories keep the reader's attention until they come together at the end. The first story concerns a Chinese-American boy trying to fit in. The second is a retelling of the Chinese fable of the monkey king. Those familiar with the anime/manga Saiyuki will immediately recognize the characters of the monk, water sprite, and boar in the Journey to the West. The third story involves a Chinese cousin who visits an American boy each year. The depiction of the cousin is so painfully stereotypical that you feel guilty laughing. In each story, the central character is unsatisfied with who he is and goes to great lengths to be someone else-with humorous results. The reader might be puzzled as to how the three stories are connected until the conclusion. It's a nice combination of a fable and contemporary stories to convey the wonderful lesson of accepting one's culture and identity with pride. A quick read, this title has engaging art, and at times, funny dialogue. There are some mild sexual references. One of my students, an active graphic novel reader, pronounced it, "Really funny with good characters."

5. Connections:

• Develop a cultural awareness unit. Students may share experiences, traditions, and stories about their own cultures. If possible, invite parents and/or grandparents to visit and share cultural stories and experiences with the class.


• Share literature about children from other cultures living in America and discuss their thoughts.

Fantasy - THE FIELD GUIDE, BOOK 1 OF THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES

1. Bibliography: DiTerlizzi, Tony and Holly Black. 2003. The Field Guide. New York: Scholastic. ISBN#: 0-439-59740-0.

2. Plot Summary: Jared, Simon, and Mallory Grace move with their mother, amidst a divorce, to the old family estate of Spiderwick where strange things begin to happen. Together the three children uncover a field guide of fantasy creatures thought to exist only in the imagination. Finding courage and strength in each other, Book 1 of the Spiderwick Chronicles is just the beginning of the siblings' exciting adventures.

3. Critical Analysis: Authors Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black enlist essential literary elements such as strong characterization and an exciting plot in their creation of the Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1. The book begins with a map of Spiderwick and a letter from the authors about how The Field Guide came into their possession, inviting the reader to "open your eyes" to "an invisible world around us." Set in contemporary times, we are introduced to three children contending with many of the issues facing today's families - parental divorce, sibling rivalries, and feelings of isolation. Children who have found themselves touched by issues such as these will relate to Jared Grace's feelings of anger and resentment, and his need to find confidence and worth in himself.

As the plot develops, a mystery unfolds as does the surprising addition of fantastical creatures like the household boggart, a humorous but pesky creature that "delight[s] in tormenting those they once protected and will cause milk to sour, doors to slam, dogs to go lame, and other malicious mischief." The discovery of the boggart and the secret book he protects, however, is only the beginning of a bigger mystery that may only be revealed in the next Chronicle installments, leaving the reader eager for more. Further enticing are short glimpses at the troll and Hogsqual, creatures to be featured in Book 2. Black and white ink drawings of these creatures, along with other illustrations throughout the book, add to the classic and intriguing appeal of The Field Guide while lending guidance to the readers' understanding.

4. Review Excerpts:

• Bookhive: Jared and Simon (9-year-old twins), their 13-year-old sister Mallory, and their mom move into great-aunt Lucinda’s huge, old house. Even before bedtime on their first day there, the kids don’t think they are alone in the house, because they keep hearing strange noises. Jared is the first to find out what is making them. Adventure, mysteries, secret rooms, strange messages, and a hint of danger— this book has them all!


• Children's Literature: The Field Guide is Book 1 in a new series of books about twins, Jared and Simon Grace, who along with their sister, Mallory, and their mom move into the rundown Spiderwick Estate of their great-aunt Lucinda after their father leaves them. Upon seeing the shabby old Victorian, Mom says it is just like she remembers it. "Only crappier," adds Mallory. That night, strange things happen which lead Jared, Simon, and Mallory to believe they are being tormented by fairies and brownies. The children find a secret room, an odd book (which turns out to be a field guide to fairies), and eventually a little house brownie named Thimbletack who is about the size of a pencil and talks in rhyme. Readers who like the Unfortunate Events series will probably enjoy this series--"The Spiderwick Chronicles." Detailed illustrations help bring the strange world of Spiderwick alive.

5. Connections:

• For younger readers, develop a map activity using the Spiderwick Estate map found at the story's beginning. Using a teacher-created mapquest, students can use cardinal and intermediate directions to locate places on the map.


• Gather available books from this series for students to check out for independent reading.


• Have students create their own fantasy creature that may be found in The Field Guide. Use this in a creative writing activity to introduce and describe characteristics of their creature.

Realistic Fiction - HOOT

1. Bibliography: Hiaasen, Carl. 2002. Hoot. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN #: 0-375-82916-4.

2. Plot Summary: Being the new kid in town is never easy and Roy Eberhardt knows this from experience. Coconut Cove, Florida is the tenth town Roy has lived in; Trace Middle is his sixth school. He has become accustomed to sitting alone at lunch and dealing with the bullies on the bus. The routine seems to be the same in Coconut Cove until he becomes involved in the scandalous mystery surrounding a construction site for Mother Paula's All-American Pancake House. With the help of a tough soccer player and her eccentric stepbrother, Roy sets out to save the burrowing owls whose lives and homes are in danger.

3. Critical Analysis: A well-measured blend of quirky characters, intrigue, and conspiracy combine to make Hoot an irresistible read. Carl Hiassen creates a trio of unlikely outcasts, yet relatable heroes in Roy, Beatrice, and Mullett Fingers. The author's use of subtle humor in characters such as the school bully, Dana Matherson; the seemingly incompetent Officer Delinko; and the rutherless developer, Chuck Muckle are just as essential in the construction of a dynamic, yet realistic storyline. The mystery unfolds as Roy uncovers an illegal construction site atop a nest of burrowing owls, intertwining this tale with a theme of environmental consciousness. Hiassen manages to deliver a message that even the most unlikely heroes can and should make a difference, and accomplishes this in a manner that is unbelittling to the audience. Told in a third person narrative, Hoot will inspire and empower young readers to take a stand for what they believe in and take responsibility for the world around them.

4. Review Excerpts:

• Booklist: It seems unlikely that the master of noir-tinged, surrealistic black humor would write a novel for young readers. And, yet, there has always been something delightfully juvenile about Hiaasen's imagination; beneath the bent cynicism lurks a distinctly 12-year-old cackle. In this thoroughly engaging tale of how middle-schooler Roy Eberhardt, new kid in Coconut Cove, learns to love South Florida, Hiaasen lets his inner kid run rampant, both the subversive side that loves to see grown-ups make fools of themselves and the righteously indignant side, appalled at the mess being made of our planet. When Roy teams up with some classic children's lit outsiders to save the home of some tiny burrowing owls, the stage is set for a confrontation between right-thinking kids and slow-witted, wrongheaded civic boosters. But Hiaasen never lets the formula get in his way; the story is full of offbeat humor, buffoonish yet charming supporting characters, and genuinely touching scenes of children enjoying the wildness of nature. He deserves a warm welcome into children's publishing.


• The ALAN Review: Roy Eberhardt's most recent move has taken him from the mountains of Montana to the flatlands of Florida. "Disney World is an armpit," he states unhappily, "compared to Montana." On the first day of school, he meets Dana Matherson... rather he meets Dana's fist during a bus ride brawl. While pressed against the school bus window, Roy spots a running boy. This boy is carrying no backpack, and oddly enough, is wearing no shoes! Desperate to find some action in Florida, Roy trails the barefoot runner. As a friendship with the mysterious boy develops, Roy becomes involved in an attempt to save a colony of burrowing owls from the construction of the new "Mother Paula's All-American Pancake House." In his telling of Roy's story, popular author Carl Hiassen creates a character who is not only believable, but extremely likeable. The story is told in a way that gives the reader insight into Roy's thoughts, actions, and rationale. Hiassen captures our interest as he manages to show how young Roy can be obedient, caring, and unconventional -- all at the same time.

5. Connections:

• Brainstorm local conservation concerns and discuss ways in which the students may get involved.


• Learn more about the burrowing owl and discuss the impact of a growing world on these and other animals.


• Create environmentally conscious signs and posters to hang in the school and local businesses.

Historical Fiction: ELIJAH OF BUXTON

1. Bibliography: Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN #: 0-439-02344-0.

2. Plot Summary: Elijah Freeman is an adventurous young boy living in Buxton, Canada, a free settlement developed by runaway slaves. Elijah has already made a name for himself in his community as the first free child of the settlement and for his embarrassing encounter with Frederick Douglass for which he cannot seem to live down. In a grave turn of events, Elijah gets caught up in a dangerous hunt for the self-proclaimed Preacher of Buxton who steals the hard-earned money of Mr. Leroy, intended to buy his family out of slavery. Trailing Preacher to Michigan, Elijah finds himself looking in the face of slavery, changing his outlook on the freedoms he has taken for granted.

3. Critical Analysis: A light-hearted story with historical significance, Elijah of Buxton is sure to become a favorite. Told in first person narrative, eleven year old Elijah Freeman tells this story with a depth of character that will capture the hearts of readers. As the first free child born in Buxton, Elijah is somewhat sheltered from the desolate life his parents left behind. This is apparent in the innocence and humor with which Elijah approaches situations. Often reprimanded by his mother for being too "fra-gile", believing too much of what he hears, leaves Elijah wondering why "I got to respect everything what growned folks say and the next minute she's wanting me not to believe some of the things the same growned folks tell me." Yet Elijah's innocence is shattered and his courage put to the test when he encounters captured slaves and risks his life to follow his heart. Though this meeting is brief, young readers will sense the depth of emotion and obtain a brief glimpse into the grimness of slavery as Elijah does, in an experience that changes his life.

Set in these times, the author portrays the trials, strength, and determination of former and escaped slaves as they work to build their lives in Buxton. Gifted in storytelling, Christopher Paul Curtis relays a story with language and detail that is genuine and worthy of its Newbery Honor. His integration of a humorous character infused with a storyline that addresses the darkness of slavery, successfully creates a novel that young readers will find approachable. Adding to the story's authenticity, is Curtis' use of historical figures like Reverend William King, original founder of Buxton, and Frederick Douglass. The Author's Note following the story closing enhances understanding of the true settlement of Buxton, how it came to be and its existence today.

4. Review Excerpts:

• Booklist: After his mother rebukes him for screaming that hoop snakes have invaded Buxton, gullible 11-year-old Elijah confesses to readers that “there ain’t nothing in the world she wants more than for me to quit being so doggone fra-gile.” Inexperienced and prone to mistakes, yet kind, courageous, and understanding, Elijah has the distinction of being the first child born in the Buxton Settlement, which was founded in Ontario in 1849 as a haven for former slaves. Narrator Elijah tells an episodic story that builds a broad picture of Buxton’s residents before plunging into the dramatic events that take him out of Buxton and, quite possibly, out of his depth. In the author’s note, Curtis relates the difficulty of tackling the subject of slavery realistically through a child’s first-person perspective. Here, readers learn about conditions in slavery at a distance, though the horrors become increasingly apparent. Among the more memorable scenes are those in which Elijah meets escaped slaves—first, those who have made it to Canada and, later, those who have been retaken by slave catchers. Central to the story, these scenes show an emotional range and a subtlety unusual in children’s fiction. Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at other moments, moved to tears. A fine, original novel from a gifted storyteller.


• Kirkus: Eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman is known for two things: being the first child born free in Buxton, Canada, and throwing up on the great Frederick Douglass. It's 1859, in Buxton, a settlement for slaves making it to freedom in Canada, a setting so thoroughly evoked, with characters so real, that readers will live the story, not just read it. This is not a zip-ahead-and-see-what-happens-next novel. It's for settling into and savoring the rich, masterful storytelling, for getting to know Elijah, Cooter and the Preacher, for laughing at stories of hoop snakes, toady-frogs and fish-head chunking and crying when Leroy finally gets money to buy back his wife and children, but has the money stolen. Then Elijah journeys to America and risks his life to do what's right. This is Curtis's best novel yet, and no doubt many readers, young and old, will finish and say, "This is one of the best books I have ever read."

5. Connections:

• Extend the book by providing background information on Frederick Douglass. What would he think about the possibility of an African American president in the upcoming elections?
• Use this novel to establish a segway to studies of the Underground Railroad. Discuss the dangers involved in offering shelter to slaves, as well as for those trying to escape. Students will visit the following National Geographic website to gather more insight: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/railroad/.
• Gather literature on the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman, a major contributor to the cause, for class perusal and discussion.

Historical Fiction - THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE

1. Bibliography: Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife's Apprentice. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN#: 0-395-69229-6.

2. Plot Summary: Karen Cushman paints the tale of Beetle, a young, homeless and orphaned girl living in the medieval times of England. Taken in by the village's midwife, Jane Sharp, and named for the dung beetle that lives in the dung heap in which she was found, Beetle begins to learn not only the skills of the practice, but also develops pride and confidence in herself. Seeing herself in a new light, Beetle gives herself a proper name, Alyce, and begins to think about her future, the choices at hand, and what life may hold for her. Alyce's successes and failures contribute to a story of triumph and courage to start anew.

3. Critical Analysis: Upon first glance, The Midwife's Apprentice would appear to be the sad story of a homeless, orphan girl who "dreamed of nothing, for she hoped for nothing and expected nothing." Yet as the story progresses so does Beetle, developing into a character of self-worth and courage, even choosing the new name Alyce because it "sounded clean and friendly and smart. You could love someone named Alyce." Guiding Alyce's evolution, albeit unknowingly, is Jane who takes her on as an apprentice. Jane's harsh and unfeeling character, however, are the driving force behind Alyce's transformation, slowly pushing her beyond her boundaries of comfort. Set in 14th century England, author Karen Cushman is adept at establishing an environment typical of the period. Using language and imagery, the reader accompanies Alyce as she gets a sense of life as a member of a village and factual details of midwifery as it was practiced in these times. The knowledge gained by Alyce in her work with Jane are crucial in developing Alyce's confidence in her ability to learn and become a useful and functioning member of society. Though she is not always successful, Alyce finds in herself, the strength and confidence to "try and risk and fail and try again and not give up."

4. Review Excerpts:

• Booklist: Like Cushman's 1994 Newbery Honor Book, Catherine, Called Birdy, this novel is about a strong, young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home. Of course, it's a feminist story for the 1990s, but there's no anachronism. This is a world, like Chaucer's, that's neither sweet nor fair; it's rough, dangerous, primitive, and raucous. Cushman writes with a sharp simplicity and a pulsing beat. From the first page you're caught by the spirit of the homeless, nameless waif, somewhere around 12 years old, "unwashed, unnourished, unloved, and unlovely," trying to keep warm in a dung heap. She gets the village midwife, Jane Sharp, to take her in, befriends a cat, names herself Alyce, and learns something about delivering babies. When she fails, she runs away, but she picks herself up again and returns to work and independence. Only the episode about her caring for a homeless child seems contrived. The characters are drawn with zest and affection but no false reverence. The midwife is tough and greedy ("she did her job with energy and some skill, but without care, compassion, or joy"), her method somewhere between superstition, herbal lore, common sense, and bumbling; yet she's the one who finally helps Alyce to be brave. Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone.
• Hornbook: In a sharply realistic novel of medieval England by the author of 'Catherine, Called Birdy' (Clarion), a homeless, hungry orphan girl called Beetle is taken in by the village midwife. As Beetle grows and learns, she begins to gain some hard-won self-esteem, and a satisfying conclusion conveys the hope that the self-reliant girl will find her place in life. The graphic and convincing portrayals afford a fascinating view of a far distant time.

5. Connections:

• Read Catherine, Called Birdy, also by Karen Cushman, and compare the lives and characteristics of these two main characters.
• Research and study the Medieval Times through web and book sources. Discuss what it might be like to live during this historical era.
• Develop and perform a Readers' Theater of an important scene from the book.

Historical Fiction - THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND

1. Bibliography: Speare, Elizabeth George. 1958. The Witch of Blackbird Pond. New York: Dell Publishing. ISBN#: 0-440-90051-4.

2. Plot Summary: Left without a guardian at her grandfather's death, Kit Tyler leaves the familiarity and independence of her Barbados home and sets sail aboard the Dolphin to live with relatives living a Puritan life in Connecticut Colony. Kit struggles to adjust to the rigor of her new life despite feelings of loneliness and rejection that leave her longing for escape. Her only source of solace is The Great Meadow near Blackbird Pond where Kit befriends fellow outcast, Hannah Tupper, an old Quaker woman dubbed a witch by the community. When illness breaks out among some of the children, the colonists are quick to blame Hannah and soon accuse Kit of witchcraft, as well. Faced with these accusations, Kit must rely on the faith of her new family and friends to save her.

3. Critical Analysis: Kit Tyler is a typical teenager - rebellious, longing for acceptance, and all the while desiring her freedom. Yet Kit is not living in present day times, but colonial times in a Puritan community. Forced to sail to America after the death of her grandfather, Kit arrives unexpectedly at the door of an aunt, uncle, and two cousins only to find that life in Connecticut Colony is much different from her life in Barbados. Her independence and strength of will are immediate sources of tension between Kit and her uncle. While these characteristics continue to cause her trouble throughout the story, they are also Kit's savior - giving her the strength to face the obstacles of misguided love, to nurse her cousins out of near-fatal illness, as well as empathy for those who are as ostracized as she. With Kit's help, Hannah Tupper, accused witch of Blackbird Pond; and Prudence Cruff, the daughter of abusive and vindictive parents, are freed of the town's bonds of prejudice, and Kit finally earns the respect of her family. Adding to the character conflicts in the story are the political unrest of colonists desiring to break free of England's rule and mounting suspicions of witchcraft, representing an historical perspective that makes Kit an even more dynamic character. The Witch of Blackbird Pond will spark young readers' interests in these turbulent times when non-conformers may find themselves as Kit - meeting the faces of accusatory neighbors and townspeople. This is accomplished by Speare at an introductory level that is appropriate for young readers. Further enhancing the authenticity of the novel is the author's use of language that is true to the period without distracting from the intended story. Elizabeth George Speare successfully captures the essence of a time period while presenting the story of a character with a message that is transferrable to any era.

4. Review Excerpts:

• Bookhive: Can you imagine growing up on the tropical island of Barbados, living in a beautiful plantation house, and having servants do everything for you? This is the life that sixteen-year-old Kit Tyler has led with her grandfather since her parents died when she was a baby. Then, in 1687, her grandfather dies, leaving Kit all alone in the world, with only an aunt in Connecticut. Join Kit as she sails to Connecticut to meet her aunt and see how she saves lives, faces a witch trial, and makes a life for herself in this strange, new land.
• School Library Journal: The setting is the Colony of Connecticut in 1687 amid the political and religious conflicts of that day. Sixteen-year-old Kit Tyler unexpectedly arrives at her aunt and uncle's doorstep and is unprepared for the new world which awaits her. Having been raised by her grandfather in Barbados, she doesn't understand the conflict between those loyal to the king and those who defend the Connecticut Charter. Unprepared for the religious intolerance and rigidity of the Puritan community, she is constantly astounding her aunt, uncle, and cousins with her dress, behavior, and ideas. She takes comfort in her secret friendship with the widow, Hannah Tupper, who has been expelled from Massachusetts because she is a Quaker and suspected of being a witch. When a deathly sickness strikes the village, first Hannah and then Kit are accused of being witches. Through these conflicts and experiences, Kit comes to know and accept herself. She learns not to make hasty judgments about people, and that there are always two sides to every conflict. There are several minor plots as well, including three romances, which help to bring this time and place to life.

5. Connections:

• Read about victims of the Salem witch trials and discuss. Could such a thing happen today? Why were these people singled out as witches?
• The Witch of Blackbird Pond carries themes of the consequences of prejudice and the courage of standing up for yourself. Discuss with students how these messages are still applicable today.
• Research the historical significance of the setting. What were the conditions of life under the King of England that led colonists to desire the freedom to create their own government.

Nonfiction - HITLER YOUTH

1. Bibliography: Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. 2005. Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow. New York: Scholastic. ISBN#: 0-439-35379-3.

2. Plot Summary: Hitler Youth is a chilling account of one aspect of Adolf Hilter's reign often overlooked. Following twelve German teenagers living during this era, Susan Bartoletti delves into the disturbing realities of the youth that followed Hitler and even some who resisted the movement. These are the stories that shape the face of a generation of young Germans through their stories of deception by the Nazi Party, the guilt and betrayal felt among former Hilter youth upon learning of the war's atrocities, and the courage of those who did not yield to the pressures of Hitler's rule.

3. Critical Analysis: A gripping work by Susan Bartoletti, Hitler Youth is worthy of its Newbery and Robert F. Sibert Honors. Elaborately detailed, Bartoletti includes brief introductions and pictures of the twelve featured youth that immediately create a connection between the reader and the subject matter, followed by a foreword that reinforces the focus toward the young people affected by Hitler's reign. In closing, an epilogue revisits each of the twelve youth post war, a timeline traces the formation of the Hitler youth group, and an Author's Note describes the research methods of Bartoletti. Background of the photographs used in the book, Quote Sources, and a bibliography also establish accuracy of the text. Each two page spread reveals historical photographs depicting the devastation and horrors of war along with images of the faces of lost innocence. The book's progression follows the rise and ultimate demise of the Hitler Youth while intergrating personal stories and perspectives of the twelve teens. Their stories are heart-wrenching, beginning with the death of Herbert Norkus, a member of the Hitler Youth whose murder was sensationalized in order to draw more members, and ending with the guilt-stricken former former Hitler Youth, such as Alfons Heck. Inspiring are the accounts anti-Nazi activists Helmuth Hubener, Karl-Heinz Schnibbe, and Rudi Wobbe. Throughout Bartoletti's book is the recurring theme of the power of a nation's youth as demonstrated by teens at both ends of the spectrum - those that gave their lives to Hitler, and those that sacrified their lives in rebellion against his oppression. Finally, Bartoletti ends with a powerful question to the reader and those who wonder if this could ever happen again, "What are you willing to do to prevent such a shadow from falling over you and others?"

4. Review Excerpts:

• Kirkus: Formed in 1926, the Hitler Youth involved seven million boys and girls by 1939 and was instrumental in Hitler's rise to power. Bartoletti makes it clear what appealed to youth: "Excitement, adventure, and new heroes to worship," hope, power, and the "opportunity to rebel against parents, teachers, clergy, and other authority figures." She covers Hitler Youth, the resistance movement among young people and the de-Nazification process after the war in this study of Hitler's horrifying 12 years and the courageous moral stance of those who resisted. Case studies of actual participants root the work in specifics, and clear prose, thorough documentation and an attractive format with well-chosen archival photographs make this nonfiction writing at its best. Essential for WWII collections as well as teaching units on conformity, peer pressure and resistance. Superb.


• Horn Book: With clarity and apt quotation (scrupulously sourced), Bartoletti's tracing of the Hitler Youth movement particularizes the events of Nazi Germany from rise to fall and is given further specificity by her recurring attention throughout to several individual young people. Many period candid and propaganda photographs are well married to the text by strong captions and placement.

5. Connections:

• This book would make an excellent addition to a unit on World War II, including its causes and effects on lives, economics, and government.
• Read excerpts from the book to prompt discussions with students on Hitler's deception of the German youth and why they were targeted.
• Continue the unit by reading books or accounts of other youth during this era, for example, The Diary of Anne Frank.

Nonfiction - THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET

1. Bibliography: Krull, Kathleen. 2004. The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss. New York: Random House. ISBN #: 0-375-82298-4.

2. Plot Summary: Just who was Dr. Suess? Kathleen Krull examines the answer to this question in The Boy on Fairfield Street. From childhood to young adulthood, Krull traces the events that shaped Ted Geisel into the well-known and beloved children's author known as Dr. Suess.

3. Critical Analysis: Children around the world are familiar with the rhymes and unusual characters of Dr. Suess' books; few, however, know the story behind this author. Kathleen Krull presents a story of the life of Ted Geisel in a narrative fashion that will interest and entertain the reader. Beautiful paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher add to this story's appeal and a better understanding of the times through vividly detailed illustrations. Each new page of text is ordained with a familiar Dr. Seuss character that readers will delight in trying to match with a known book. Krull is adept at creating a tale of an author with historical significance in children's literature that is relatable to the audience, especially those that may often feel ostracized as Geisel did as a child. Finally, The Boy on Fairfield Street closes with a short examination into the background behind Dr. Suess' best known tales, as well as an extensive list of books by the world renowned author and illustrator, and additional book and website resources for extension.

4. Review Excerpts:

• Horn Book: With additional illustrations by Dr. Seuss. This affectionate survey centers on Geisel's boyhood, plus a bit on his brush with higher education, concluding with the first months of his career. The high points are summarized, but the real story here is of a boy who couldn't stop doodling. Krull does a good job of linking such early propensities with what turned up later in Geisel's books. Nostalgic full-page paintings nicely recall illustrations of the period.


• Library Media Connection: Kathleen Krull presents a touching view of the life of Ted Geisel from early childhood visiting the zoo to his young adult years at Dartmouth College, as well as the poignant events that shaped his life. Geisel's unique view of the world while growing up in Springfield, Massachusetts marked him by many members of the community as a dreamer, but his imagination and supportive German-immigrant parents enabled him to create fanciful creatures that reflected positive and negative human behaviors. Although most teachers and peers considered him a mediocre student, he proved to his detractors that he could be a successful author and illustrator, which encouraged children to read. The book is liberally peppered with illustrations of the whimsical characters found in many of his children's books, as well as beautifully soft images portraying Geisel's personal life. At the book's conclusion, an addenda includes a biographical sketch providing additional information for older readers who want more detail about Seuss' life. A list of books by Dr. Seuss is provided, as well as a brief bibliography and six pertinent Web sites featuring this beloved author. This book would be a wonderful addition to a library program celebrating the "Seussentennial" and beyond.

5. Connections:

• Gather books by Dr. Suess, including some of those less well known. Invite studetns to practice and then create a dramatic reading of their favorite.


• Visit some of the book's recommended websites, such as http://www.seussville.com/ or http://www.eseuss.com/. Students can devise questions from these sources that classmates may answer through a student created webquest.


• Have a Dr. Suess Day where studetns can dress up as their favorite Dr. Seuss character.

Nonfiction - ACTUAL SIZE

1. Bibliography: Jenkins, Steve. 2004. Actual Size. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN: 0-618-37594-5.

2. Plot Summary: An informational book for the young reader, Actual Size will delight and awe. Author Steve Jenkins examines the comparative size of eighteen creatures ranging from the dwarf goby, a fish one-third of an inch long, to the African elephant that can stand up to thirteen feet tall and weigh as much as 14,000 pounds.

3. Critical Analysis: Award-winning informational author Steve Jenkins successfully creates an accurate resource for young readers seeking animal facts or simply a fun read. Short, precise text makes this book an excellent choice for the reluctant reader with further information provided about each featured animal at the end of the book. Even more appealing are the colorful collage illustrations of creatures (or parts of creatures, in some instances) at their actual size. A two page spread of a giant squid's eye demonstrates a radius of twelve inches. Readers will certainly be impressed by a fold out page of the head of a salt water crocodile and the body of the Goliath frog that can reach a length of 36 inches. Try not to be startled when you turn the page and find yourself staring into the mouth of four inch long teeth belonging to a great white shark! Children will love the chance to compare their hand size against that of a gorilla, as well. An additional feature is the inch ruler on the inside jacket cover, providing a true scale for comparison. Jenkins' book is a joy to share as a read aloud or as in independent read. The author's style of eye-catching illustrations coupled with brief, informational text make Actual Size an excellent introduction to beginning readers of nonfiction.

4. Review Excerpts:

• Bookhive: Did you ever wonder just how big a gorilla’s hand is or how small the tiniest fish is? Come face to face with some amazing creatures in this creative book that shows us the actual size of certain animals. Whether it is the fold-out page with a 36 inch frog stretched across or a squid eye as big as your head peering out at you, Jenkin’s collage of cut and torn paper gives a wonderful perspective of how big and small certain animals are. Brief, interesting facts and physical dimensions accompany each animal along with more descriptive information at the end of the book. Check out this book and “see how you measure up” to these wild animals.


• Children's Literature: In his trademark paper collage, Jenkins has explained the concept of size in the animal kingdom to children who will pore over these extraordinary illustrations. From tarantulas to frogs, each page is intriguing in what it reveals. In addition to the accurate size and weight of the animal, the illustration brings it alive before your eyes. Pull-out pages of the saltwater crocodile and Goliath frog are particularly amazing in their scope. As usual, Jenkins includes more detailed information on each of the represented animals in the backmatter. For those little ones hungry for nonfiction, this is a particularly engaging book.

5. Connections:

• Weigh and measure students so that they can compare their sizes with those of the featured creatures, using standard or non-standard units of measurement depending on the age level.


• Create a chart to categorize animals according to their classification. Talk about what characteristics are shared within the categories and what separates them from the others. What other creatures can we add to the chart?


• Have students choose a different animal of their choice to illustrate and collect information. Collect students' work into a class book.