Wednesday, October 22, 2014

RODZINA by Karen Cushman


1.  BIBLIOGRAPHYCushion, Karen 2003. RODZINA. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0-618-13351-8

2.  PLOT SUMMARY
Rodzina is about a burly, bitter Polish-American girl. After the death of her parents she is sent west from Chicago and is forced to board the Orphan Trains. The setting takes place in Chicago and ends in California in 1881. This story is told in the first person and therefore makes it believable. Rodzina is twelve-years old but looks older and therefore fears that no one will want her as a daughter but as a servant. One can only feel empathy for Rodzina when she fears she may become someones servant. Rodzina is one of twenty-two orphaned children on the train to California. One of the characters on the train is Lacey, a pretty little orphan girl who attaches herself to Rodzina.  Rodzina is well rooted in her Polish heritage which keeps her strong in her faith. She encounters conflicts when she is placed with different families. Rodzina runs away from each family until she encounters “Miss Doctor” from Mr. Bumble the School of Orphan Care who Rodzina sees as a physician and is the protector of the group. Miss Doctor comes across and cold and uncaring. However,  Miss Doctor sees through Rodzina’s tough exterior and enlists her to help care for the orphans. This open-ended book is a gem to read to students.


3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS
 Written  mostly for upper level elementary and middle school students the author does a great job relating beliefs, values to and attitudes of characters to to the present. One can only imagine the feeling of abandonment and loneliness for the children. Cushman was successful in capturing Rodzina’s voice from the first-person aspect. The dialogue throughout the book is easy to understand. I can’t wait to read Karen Cushman’s other books!
An important theme is that anyone can overcome obstacles even if you are a child.
I like that Cushman shares stories of the others on the train and not just Rodzina. She builds a sense of authenticity with her word choices. A joy to read!
The authenticity is in the author’s notes. Cushman provides additional information on the origin of orphanages, orphan trains, and a bibliography of selected resources for students to read or view. She also included Polish culture and customs throughout the story. A glossary of Polish words and pronunciations is also provided. Cushman’s background in museum work gives her novels authenticity of the feel in the 1880s.


4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S) AND AWARDS:


*SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The first-person narrative captures the personality and spirit of  
  a child grieving for her lost family, yet resourceful and determined to make her own way.

*Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2004;

*Bank Street College of Education The Children’s Literature Choice List, 2004

*Editors’ Choice: Books for Youth, 2003; American Library Association-Booklist

*Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth, 2003;American Library Association-Booklist

*Society of School Librarians International Book Awards, 2003


5.  CONNECTIONS
*Create a plan on “How to overcome an Obstacle” using different scenarios.

*Help children understand empathy by creating a “ What would you do...?”

*Continue reading and research about the Orphan trains and how it affected children.

*Become pen pals to children from other countries

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