Module 9: The Trouble with Chickens

Module 9: The Trouble with Chickens

Summary: J.J. Tully used to be a search-and-rescue dog. Now he lives on a farm with his owner, but the farm life is a bit boring for him. Therefore, when a chicken asks him to find her lost chicks J.J. is ready for the challenge. Vindictive house dogs and ambitious chickens lead J.J through the hoops and put in a predicament that his years of search and rescue have not prepared him for. How can he get out of the bolted cage?

Citation: Cronin, D. (2011). The trouble with chickens.  New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.

Impression: J.J. Tully is a fun character for young readers to follow. The situations are silly and fun, and easy enough for beginning readers to follow. The jokes are cute, and most young readers would pick up on the jokes easily. The illustrations are well placed and give the reader just enough help with visualizing without taking away the imagination work. This is a great series to get children started with mysteries. 

Review: Popular farmyard chronicler Cronin (Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, illustrated by Betsy Lewin, 2000, etc.) makes the jump to middle-grade fiction in this faux–hard-boiled mystery featuring talking animals. Her deadpan humor is much in evidence as she describes the circumstances under which retired search-and-rescue dog J.J. Tully undertakes the case of the missing chick. Puns abound, and J.J. is definitely not quite as clever as he believes himself to be, allowing readers to gently laugh at as well as with him. Sophisticated vocabulary and a complicated plot suggest the older range of readers as the most likely audience, but frequent illustrations and a relatively large font should make the story accessible to the younger end as well. Cornell’s black-and-white drawings extend both the humor and the action. In some pictures J.J. is slightly reminiscent of Scooby-Doo, another canine sleuth, while in others he is both distinctive and dogged in his determination to solve the puzzle. The chickens, mother and four chicks, are seriously silly looking and utterly adorable, which suits their surprisingly rounded characters just right.  Finding out how “Vince the Funnel” fits in, whether J.J. is being double-crossed by his client and how the climactic rescue will be resolved should keep readers engaged while Cronin’s constant word-play will keep them giggling. Fast and funny. (Comic mystery. 8-11)

(2011). The trouble with chickens [Book review of The Trouble with Chickens]. Kirkus Reviews.   Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/doreen-cronin/trouble- chickens/

Suggestions: This would be a great book for a book talk in an elementary school about mysteries. The book is simple enough for leisure with some dictionary worthy words to help young minds grow. 

Module 8: Insurgent

Module 8: Insurgent

Summary: In the second installment of the Divergent series, Insurgent shows Tris’ next move after the massacre and battle between the factions. Tris and Four find themselves with other factions hiding out in the Amity faction. Tris’ guilt for killing Will has left her stunned and unable to use a gun. She hides this from Four and their companions. Tensions rise between the factions as the remaining leaders struggle for control and the safety of their people. Tris and Four’s relationship becomes strained as they fight their way through the factions, traitors, and torturous experiments that Jeanine Matthews conducts on them while they are imprisoned in Erudite headquarters.

Citation: Roth, V. (2012). Insurgent. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.

Impression: Insurgent continues Tris’ story. However, Tris is no longer the same after killing her own friend and watching her parents die. This is understandable, but the frustrating aspect of Tris’ character is her lack of trust and knack for getting caught in every endeavor. The book is enjoyable, but some of Tris’ charm is lost when she loses confidence in herself and her friends. Although her self-sacrificing nature seems praise-worthy, even that is proven a lie when she realizes she doesn’t want to die and confesses she didn’t really think about death before. This book may be more suited for teenagers who will not be as frustrated with Tris’ teenage flaws, or I may just not have enough patience for this character to grow into a better protagonist.

Review: In this addictive sequel to the acclaimed Divergent (2011), a bleak post-apocalyptic Chicago ruled by "factions" exemplifying different personality traits collapses into all-out civil war.

With both the Dauntless and Abnegation factions shattered by the Erudite attack, Tris and her companions seek refuge with Amity and Candor, and even among the factionless. But the Erudite search for "Divergents" continues relentlessly. They have a secret to protect—one they fear could prove more catastrophic than open warfare; one they will slaughter to keep hidden... Rather than ease readers back into this convoluted narrative, the book plunges the characters into immediate danger without clues to their current relationships, let alone their elaborate back stories. The focus is firmly on the narrator Tris, who, devastated by guilt and grief, reveals new depth and vitality. While taking actions less Dauntless than recklessly suicidal, she retains her convenient knack for overhearing crucial conversations and infallibly sizing up others. Her romance with Tobias is achingly tender and passionate, and her friends and enemies alike display a realistic spectrum of mixed motivations and conflicted choices. The unrelenting suspense piles pursuit upon betrayal upon torture upon pitched battles; the violence is graphic, grisly and shockingly indiscriminate. The climactic reveal, hinting at the secret origins of their society, is neither surprising nor particularly plausible, but the frenzied response makes for another spectacular cliffhanger.

Anyone who read the first book was dying for this one months ago; they'll hardly be able to wait for the concluding volume. (Science fiction. 14 & up)

(2012). Insurgent [Review of the book Insurgent]. Kirkus Review. Retrieved from             https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/veronica-roth/insurgent/

Suggestion: This book would be good for a display on current book to movie releases. Although we always prefer to have the book read first, sometimes the movie inspires a reading which is still a win in my mind.

Module 7: My Name is Mina

Module 7: My Name is Mina

Summary: This book follows the life and learnings of a young girl named Mina. Mina does not fit in at school, so she gets home schooled by her mom. Along with dealing with her father’s death Mina must look inside herself to better understand the world and people around her.

Citation: Almond, D. (2010). My Name is Mina. New York: Random House Inc.

Impression: Mina’s thoughts are beautifully messy. When she thinks of a words she likes she endearingly repeats and bolds it. Every realization and wandering thought is a joy to read because her strong spirit and bright mind keep the reader guessing as to what will happen next. The book covers some deep thoughts like death and other less intense concepts such as animal watching. I enjoyed this book, but I think certain “type A” people would be frustrated by the piece by piece thought process that Mina has and the lack of a strong plot and traditional storytelling. 

Review: This is an incredible book. It isn't a story; it is a collection of thoughts and words. Most of the time I was reading it I forgot it was written by David Almond; I read it like it was Mina writing it as she was thinking it.

I would usually give an insight to the book at this point, but there is no story to this book. It is almost more like a set of thoughts and guides to get more out of life, and for that reason I love it. This is a book about Mina that what happens to her. Mina is a girl who most people think is a weirdo. But she looks at life in completely different way to everyone else – she loves words and thinks that every word has a life of its own.

(2014). My name is Mina [Review of the book My Name is Mina].The Guardian.

Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2014/feb/22/review-david-almond-my-name-is-mina

Suggestion: This book would be good for a book talk to teenage girls or students that exhibit interest in diaries or realistic fiction. Since the thoughts and feelings are all straight from Mina, I feel that girls would enjoy it more. However, I'm sure there are some boys that would enjoy reading Mina's sprawling thoughts. 

Module 6: No, David!

Module 6: No, David!

Summary: David is a mischievous young boy that gets into a lot of trouble because he plays too rough or breaks things. His mother constantly tells him no and to stop misbehaving, however she also shows her love for him.

Citation: Shannon, D. (1998). No, David! New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

Impression: This is a fun book for young children because they can see how silly David is. The bright pictures and crazy antics demonstrated by David are sure to make readers laugh. The scene in which David goes running away naked is especially funny for children.The only thing that is concerning is that children may want to emulate his behavior, but that can be prevented by an early explanation that what he is doing is not correct behavior. Furthermore, it can lead to a discussion about why his behavior is not appropriate.

Review: This autobiographical (according to the author's note) story from Shannon (A Bad Case of Stripes, 1998, etc.) features a young hellion, also named David, who is forever at the receiving end of a sharp ""No!"" Among his prime escapades: over-reaching for the cookie jar, excavating his nose, tracking mud on the carpet, pounding pots, playing with food, making a naked escape from the house--classics all. ""That's enough,"" his mother shouts, and other familiar adult admonishments show up as well--be quiet, come back here, go to your room, settle down, stop that this instant, not in the house. This last comes as David prepares for a little indoor hardball. Does he listen? Does he break a vase? Does he get sent to the corner, nose to the wall? Readers or listeners will be gripped by this episode right out of their own lives, through to the stray tear, the look of contrition, and the moment of redemption: ""Davey, come here. Yes, David . . . I love you."" The illustrations are wonderful, full of good-time trouble-making tomfoolery, borrowing on the energy of children's drawings and the determined strokes of their early attempts at lettering. David is a small, snaggle-toothed piehead whose mischief--for those who don't have to clean up after him--is nothing short of exhilarating.

No, David! [Review of the book No, David!]. Kirkus Review. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/david-shannon-6/no-david-2/

Suggestion: This would be a great book for a story time for young children and to introduce to parents to add to their night time story collections. 

Module 5: Esperanza Rising

Module 5: Esperanza Rising

Summary: Esperanza lives a pampered life in Mexico where her father is a wealthy landowner. She is the only child and receives the love and attention of her family and their servants. Tragedy strikes when bandits capture and kill her father. Then her terrible uncle burns down the house because her mother refuses to surrender to him. Therefore, Esperanza, her mother, and some servants travel to America where they are migrant workers making close to no money and treated like nothing. When Esperanza’s mother gets sick, Esperanza takes charge and works to save money to bring her grandmother to America to help aid her mother’s failing spirits. Despite the hardships and heartbreaks Esperanza faces, she realizes that as long as she has family and friends that love her she can work to make her dreams come true.

Citation: Ryan, P.M. (2000). Esperanza rising. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

Impression: This is a great coming-of-age story. Esperanza begins the story as a nice but spoiled girl. Her father’s tragic death is heart wrenching, but her uncle’s betrayal is even worse. This huge turn of events captivates the reader’s attention immediately, and the momentum of the book continues with Esperanza’s American obstacles. Against the backdrop of prejudice and racism, Esperanza’s story becomes that of many Mexican Americans in the 1930s. The deportation and poor treatment of the migrant workers is a part of history that not many of our Hispanic students are even aware of. Therefore, the book meets the need of historical education and entertainment simultaneously. The story is exciting and inspiring, but the added truth of injustice is invaluable to a generation of students that think they deserve everything for doing nothing. This story shows that people work hard for their happiness, and one should simply be happy to have found a happiness in a world that can be full of hate and despair.

Review: Esperanza Rising (2000), by Pam Muñoz Ryan, is one of the first Latina-authored children's books to use the migrant experience as an integral part of the story. Set in the same time period as Pocho, this award-winning novel is based on the life of the author's grandmother, Esperanza Ortega, who was forced by circumstances to leave her privileged life in Mexico and work in the fields of California. Readers experience with Esperanza the cruel realities of rough work in miserable conditions, and empathize with those seeking to improve conditions and also with those workers so desperate for work that they dared not support labor-organizing efforts for fear of losing the poor jobs they had. In the author's notes at the end of Esperanza Rising, Ryan discusses the Deportation Act of 1929, which resulted in at least 450,000 Mexicans and Mexican Americans being "repatriated" to Mexico.

York, S. (2002). The migrant experience in the works of Mexican American writers [Review of  the book Esperanza Rising]. Alan Review. Retrieved from             http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/ALAN/v30n1/york.html

Suggestion: Esperanza Rising would be a great book for young girls and Hispanic students to read. A book talk about historical fiction should definitely include this book especially if the library is in Texas. Hispanic students need this history and a character that they can relate to culturally. 

Module 4: The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Module 4: The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Summary: Kit Tyler grew up in Barbados with her grandfather. Free to do as she pleased and immersed in the island’s culture, Kit was shocked by her predicament when her grandfather passed away and she had to live with her Puritan uncle. Although Kit tries hard to fit in and makes friends with Nat and Prudence, she creates tension in the town when she befriends the town witch. The elderly woman is a Quaker who believes in peace and harmony, but the town’s Puritan believes has made her an outcast. Kit must find the courage to stand up for her friends and herself when the town claims she is also a witch. Proving her innocence could mean life or death, so Kit and her friends have to find a way to sway the hostile Puritan townspeople.

Citation: Speare, E.G. (1958). The witch of Blackbird Pond. New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc.

Impression: This book spreads the message of acceptance. Even with the progress society has made, many people still need books like this that show how having narrow ideas can not only hurt people but also keep society from growing. As a character, Kit is interesting to watch because she tries so hard to fit in to a place that she obviously does not like. Her good nature shines through in the worst times, and she is an example of persistence that many young readers can relate to.

Review: When young Kit Tyler comes from her Barbados home to colonial Connecticut, she is unprepared for the austerity of her uncle's home. Kit, a staunch royalist, accustomed to the easy life of a slave-manned plantation, and her fanatic Puritan uncle are instinctive antagonists. But despite her tastes for finery, Kit is possessed with courage and conviction. Her spontaneous friendship with Hannah, an old woman whose Quaker affiliations have branded her as a witch, and her secret teaching of a young child who suddenly is stricken with a strange malady, seriously threaten her safety. For the townspeople are mistrustful of this strange girl who already has startled them with her "magic" ability to stay afloat in water. Kit's vindication, her gradual integration into the community and the positive effect she has on those about her, combine here in a well documented novel to rival the author's first work, Calico Captive, which received wide acclaim as a work of "superior historical fiction".

(2012). The Witch of Blackbird Pond [Review of the book The Witch of Blackbird Pond].           Kirkus Review. Retrieved from: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/elizabeth-  george-speare/the-witch-of-blackbird-pond/

Suggestion: Librarians could use this book as a focus for anti-bullying week. She could summarize the book and put the question forth to students: is it right to force someone out of a community because of their beliefs? Then the librarian could offer other books about bullying or acceptance for children to read. 

Module 3: Owl Moon

Module 3: Owl Moon

Summary: A father and daughter go out in a snow covered forest in the middle of the night to go owling. The daughter narrates the story and exhibits great patience and self-discipline as she waits for an owl to appear.

Citation: Yolen, J. (1987). Owl Moon. New York: Philomel Books.

Impression: The book has a soothing quality with its dark illustrations of a moonlit forest. The illustrations are fantastically detailed, and the forest landscape on the page leaps from the page. Despite the darkness of the forest, there is no fear because of the soothing repetitive words and the father’s strong presence. The repetitive wording and the themes of patience add to the mood of tranquility that the illustrations and the plot creates. The little girl’s self-discipline is a great role model for children to realize that good things come to those who wait.

Review: A rare reappearance of a fine illustrator (Rascal, Julie of the Wolves), whose watercolors here follow a father and small child as they seek an owl beneath a winter moon. In Yolen's spare, graceful text, the child recounts their trudge through snow, long past bedtime, with Pa repeating an owl call until he is rewarded with a reply plus the sighting of the owl, for a minute or "maybe even a hundred minutes." Schoenherr catches the deep, misty blues and soft browns of night--contrasting them to the snow's stark white so sharply that the bite of the cold is palpable--and hides a wild creature in tree or wall in almost every vista of the farmland landscape. Yolen hints at a philosophical overtone ("When you go owling you don't need words or warm or anything but hope. . .the kind of hope that flies on silent wings. . ."), but the shared experience of the mysterious, natural night-world seems the more important message of this lovely, quiet book.

(2012). Owl Moon [Review of the book Owl Moon]. Retrieved       from: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jane-yolen/owl-moon/ 

Suggestion: Librarians could use this for a book talk about Caldecott winners and introduce other award winning books.