THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book. Illus. Dave McKean. New York: Harper Collins, 2008.ISBN 0060530928.

 PLOT SUMMARY
 This is a fantastic story about a family that is murdered  by a man named Jack. The family’s toddler escapes to the graveyard where ghosts argue if they can raise a baby. He is then adopted by a dead couple, Mr. And Mrs. Owens. He is named  "Bod" (short for Nobody) because of nobody knowing his name. His ghost parents tell him that if he leaves the grave yard they cannot protect him. His adventures take him in and out of the graveyard but grows up within the graveyard as he learns to read, write and how to behave. This is a story about Good vs. Evil. We see ghosts as the good guys where they typically have a reputation of bad behavior. On the other hand the bad guys are Jack and Maureen Quilling who in this case are the bad guys. A great twist to a conventional story of ghosts, ghouls and werewolves. It makes me think if Maureen is just mean and not evil!? Even though most of the ghosts are identified, Silas(Bod's guardian) has a mystery and secrecy that children love and can possibly relate to. Silas isn't dead or alive. While thinking of Silas I can’t help but recall the book ,” Interview with a Vampire”. When it is revealed through hints such as:”Something huge was flying through the air […] something bigger and darker than the biggest bird. Something man-size that flickered and fluttered as it moved, like the strobing flight of a bat.” (6.268) that he is a vampire. Great clues for children to guess as it is an attention grabber. One theme of this novel that can help children relate to is about working and studying hard for all the necessities of life. As this story progresses Bod grows and loses his freedom of the graveyard with big dreams.  The ending of this great novel leaves you wanting more.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Gaiman’s descriptive and imaginative world was wonderful. It encompasses a world of mystery and creepiness. Kids will love this novel as they get lost in a world of wonderful characters in incredible adventures with lots of mystery. The language is very simple to understand and yet could be scary for the young reader. Through the illustrations Gaiman paints a picture in my mind. There are several  themes established in this story. One is about community, "It takes a village to raise a child" and indeed we have a graveyard raising Bod and they learn about compassion and forgiveness through raising him. It makes me think if it is possible to forgive someone who has murdered your family and wants to murder you? These are issues that can be discussed in a book talk session with children( Out of the mouth of babes). After reading this book it shows that graveyards don’t always hide evil ghosts but friendly ones. This novel is also available in audio book.

AWARDS and  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
* 2009 Newberry Medal and the 2009 Hugo Award.

*2009 Locus Poll Award

*2010 Carnegie Medal
“Gaiman writes with charm and humor, and again he has a real winner.”
— Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (Starred Review)

* “The Graveyard Book confirms what I’ve always thought: Neil Gaiman is a literary genius!”
— James Herbert, author of The Secret of Crickley Hall

CONNECTIONS
*Book talking about their favorite part of the story.

*Discussion about forgiveness and “what would you do...?”

*Write a sequel with a buddy and display.

THE ODYSSEY by Gareth Hinds

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hinds, Gareth. 2010. THE ODYSSEY. Based on Homer's epic poem. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 978076364268

SUMMARY
Hinds brings to life this young adult novel of Homer’s original epic poem. Odyssey, wants to return home to Ithaca after battling the Trojan War and into the arms of his wife, Penelope from his triumphs of the Trojan war cannot because he has angered the gods of the sea. Poseidon, god of the sea blows Odyssey off course for many years into the violent storms of the sea. Odyssey then battles sea creatures, monsters, supernatural sirens and sorceresses only to come home and fight for his throne and his beloved wife Penelope. While stranded Odysseys is unaware of those trying to take away his wife and kingdom. This is an exciting action packed story of good verses evil.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Hinds watercolor choices brings to life this story that is normally difficult for children to understand. His watercolors bring out the imagination of a child and leaves nothing hanging. His details are amazing and makes the reader want more. Since children are more inclined to read stories that have illustrations with bright colors they will find Gareth Hinds book hard to put down. Homer’s version is packed with action and so Hinds brings that action to life with its stunning water scenes. A child will know that this is a tale of love, bravery and adventure. Children will get lost in the plot of this story because of its dialogue which will make each page fly by quickly as it did while reading it. Cannot wait to read it to my students! I love how he gives a modern twist with words and still offers another feeling of place and time. Another very important theme in this story is of perseverance, especially in today’s life with the many demands upon children. They will be able to relate when confronted with obstacles in their lives.


AWARDS and REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
*Junior Library Guild Selection

*An American Library Association Great Graphic Novel for Teens

*Best-of 2010 lists including Booklist, Kirkus, Roger Sutton, Monica Edinger, and by many libraries.

*The Odyssey has received four starred reviews, from Booklist, The Horn Book, Kirkus, and BCCB.

*The Horn Book- A timeless long-ago past comes alive in these images of gods and heroes, monsters  and enchantresses

*Publisher's Weekly-Hinds has created a work that both honors the epic's long tradition and helps readers see these characters in a new light.

*School Library Journal-Hinds’s work will be a welcome addition for fans of Homer’s original work and for newcomers to this classic story. –Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library.


CONNECTIONS
* Watercolor their own creatures, name them and write a short story about their own creation.

* Using web 2.0 tools create a new creature and present to class.

* Research other types of creatures such as: Loch ness monster.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green

 BIBLIOGRAPHY
John Green, 2012  New York : Dutton Books.  ISBN-13: 9780525478812

 PLOT SUMMARY
This  contemporary realistic fiction for young adults is a beautiful yet sad novel Green has written. It is about a young girl named Hazel who is in stage IV thyroid cancer. She is sixteen years old and has obviously accepted her cancer and attends a support group for children living with cancer at the behest of her parents. Phalanxifor, the drug that has kept her alive is only an experimental drug that will have consequences for her later on. At her support group she meets Augustus, another boy who has lost a leg to cancer. They become friends and eventually romantic with each other. After sharing a book and writing to the author of “An Imperial Affliction” they decide to go to Amsterdam to meet the author. While in Amsterdam their relationship blossoms. They finally meet Peter Van Houten the author of the book they read. As it turns out Van Houten is rude to both Hazel and Augustus. It is not until towards the end of the story that it is revealed why Van Houten is so mean. Their lives are changed and the author gives an insight that because Hazel is terminal she will be the first to die, however the plot gives a twist at the end of the story and leaves even the most hardened reader crying, especially if the reader can relate to it.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Green does a good job with symbolism's in this novel. For example: Augustus putting cigarettes in his mouth but doesn’t light up was quite clever.  Here we have Augustus finally having power over his body and what can kill him. The essence of this is of being a love story however, Green sweetens it by bringing in “True” friendship between friends.
A theme of this story is one of mortality in that everyone no matter who they are will eventually pass on. No one is immune to diseases, not even the most innocent. When the focus of mortality is upon us we begin to find our identity. Hazel seeks her identity and finds that at the end she is happy. Green displays his writing talents and helps find a way to make things meaningful from something in life the is frightening. The characters are believable as his tone is quirky, something kids can relate to.

AWARDS and REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
 * 2006 Michael L. Printz Award

 * 2009 Edgar Award

* TIME Magazine’s #1 Fiction Book of 2012!
“The Fault in Our Stars is a love story, one of the most genuine and moving ones in recent American fiction, but it’s also an existential tragedy of tremendous intelligence and courage and sadness.” —Lev Grossman, TIME Magazine

*“Green’s best and most ambitious novel to date. In its every aspect, The Fault in Our Stars is a triumph.” -Booklist, starred review

*A blend of melancholy, sweet, philosophical, and funny. Green shows us true love…and it is far more romantic than any sunset on the beach.” -New York Times Book Review

*“A pitch-perfect, elegiac comedy…it will linger long and hard in the minds of teens and former teens.” -USA Today

*“Green writes books for young adults, but his voice is so compulsively readable that it defies categorization. The Fault in Our Stars proves that the hype surrounding Green is not overblown.” -NPR 

CONNECTIONS
*Write letters to children with cancer at the same time teach literary elements that go into “How to write letters”.

*Healthy choices for the prevention of cancer.

*Students can encourage parents to donate to Candlelighter's.

Actual Size by Steve Jenkins

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jenkins, Steve. 2004. Actual Size. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0547512910

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book is geared for grade 2 but will attract children of all ages. Many animals displayed in this book give the actual size with some facts, weight and length. Many children are not fortunate to see actual sizes of several of the animals displayed in this book in a zoo. Thanks to Jenkins he shows wonderful collage illustrations and children will compare themselves in size to the animals displayed. Jenkins displays a shark’s mouth over two pages with its serrated teeth. Many children will not understand what serrated means but when shown their comprehension will build. One interesting layout that Jenkins shows is when he compares two different animals in size and weight. A way to grab the attention of children is to show a fascinating animal visual on the front cover the book . Here the author grabs the readers attention by showing  a contrasting picture of two animals on the cover page. Some animals are small for the page depicting the size such as the pigmy shrew or the dwarf goby. The author goes to extremes in sizes to show a larger than life world, its beauty and an appreciation for all living things.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
When reading children’s nonfiction about animals I think about all the literary elements. This book speaks to children in the lower grades. Each page displays a life size of an animal described and at times part of the animal. Jenkins uses collage to bring out the extraordinary illustrations of each animal. Children will be absorbed in each page not only with the illustrated collages but also with the detailed information on each of the represented animals. Children at the lower grades cannot fully  picture the true size of certain animals but Jenkins illustrates many up to scale. Powerful vocabulary is important to children, here we see the word “serrated”. Just by reading that sharks have serrated teeth one does not need to explain what it means. Therefore giving children a sense of seeing the actual animal in real life. The fold out page of the crocodile and the frog give children a concrete picture of both. Graphics are very appealing to a child’s eye and will wow at each page. This non-fiction book is simple yet powerful to children of all ages.

4. AWARDS, HONORS
 
 Books of the Year Winner 2004 Ages 2 to 4 United States

 Editors' Choice Top of the List Winner 2004 Youth Nonfiction United States
 
 Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Honor Book 2005 United States

5. CONNECTIONS
*Children will write about which animal they liked best in the book and illustrate it.
*Visit the library and check out books of any animal they like and write an acrostic of the animal they chose and display products.

Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country) by Kathleen Krull

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen, & Brewer, P. 2010. Illustrator: Stacy Innerst. Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country). New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. ISBN: 9780152066390.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
We always think of Abraham Lincoln as a serious president with serious issues at hand, but never as a president with a sense of humor. This complete biography shows Mr. Lincoln in a humorous light. Krull and Brewer make light of Lincoln’s life and shows how he overcame many obstacles in his life through humor. Lincoln lived in a bleak log cabin where his bed was made of corn husks and had a strict father. Because Lincoln could read and write his neighbors would hire him to write letters for them. Lincoln loved to read so much which is why his speeches were brilliant. He was a master of grammar. While in office people did not take him seriously because of his humor. The war had begun and Lincoln continued his humor. He said laughter kept him going through tough times. It is said that even in his last moments of life Lincoln was laughing. Lincoln is considered one the best presidents because he kept a nation from breaking apart.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In the last page of the book Krull has notes about her accuracy and its sources. She has a link to his famous serious words, www.lincolnbicentennial.gov/lincolns-life/words-and-speeches. “Lincoln tells a joke” is chronologically organized. Krull begins Lincolns life when he was just a little boy, he then joined the army for three months, attends school to become a lawyer, marries Mary Todd, becomes president and is assassinated.
Its design is very appealing to young readers. Illustrations show the funny side of Lincoln with his quotes in bigger text. Children need to see that quotes must be surrounded by quotation marks to stress dialogue. Illustrations are appropriate and complement the text.
Krulls style is all her own when on each page she begins the first few words of almost every page in big bold print words.This strategy helps to grab the reader in finishing the reading of each page. Again, her quotes are in cursive to give a sense of giving Lincoln a more personal approach. What I noticed is that Krull uses appropriate language for children to easily understand Lincoln’s personality traits.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
* Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, 2010
* School Library Journal Book Review Stars, 2010
* "Laughter is not only good medicine. It can also be a political tool, human motivator, and saving   grace, as the authors show in this upbeat overview of Lincoln’s life. Moving through the sixteenth president’s many challenges, from family deaths to lost elections to fighting slavery, the text emphasizes how Lincoln coped with a joke on his tongue and a smile on his lips."  Booklist (February 15, 2010 (Vol. 106, No. 12))

5. CONNECTIONS
* Invite students to write their own jokes.
* Teach about quotations and students can write a dialogue within pairs of students.
* Create a compare and contrast with Lincoln and their(student) own life.

Every Day's a Dog's Day: A Year in Poems by Marilyn Singer

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Singer, Marilyn. Illus, by Miki Sakamoto. 2012. Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated  ISBN 978-0-8037-3715-0

2.  PLOT SUMMARY
 In these very humorous poems are four dogs: Fizz, Rosalie, Buddy and Barkley who experience times of the year from the their viewpoint.  Their experiences are different from humans. Spring is about being mischievous and not about flowers. It is written from rhymed couplets to haiku. These dogs see holidays different from humans. They don’t really understand some holidays but they seem to feel it. Fizz shares his experience during Fourth of July when he is not to bark. One particular comical poem takes place during Halloween when the dogs cannot tell the real cats from their costumes. Hilariously funny!

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Singer writes this book in rhymed couplets to haiku. She uses short lines to create a rhythm in her poems. She seems to create this intentionally for smooth rhythm.
Her poems rhyme in a comical way. She also creates imagery in which she states,
 “Though you’re fast, you’ll come in last,
     ’cause that cat will set the pace.
  Still, you’ve won because the fun
     is not the finish–IT’S THE CHASE!”
I can’t help but think about a dog running fast, but not as fast as a cat! What a powerful mental image for children. I imagine the the dog running after the cat but he won’t catch it because the cat is too fast. There is a plethora of imagery in this book of poems. Children need to create images in their minds to build understanding and this is a great book to read to them. Her balance of poems are well organized throughout the book. It’s a great way to see the world through the eyes of a dog.
This book of poems is geared for children 3-6 but will entertain any dog lover. Illustrations are appealing to the audience. The dogs always look like they are having mischievious fun with their owners. The thirty poems created by Singer are creative and hilarious to read. Great for a classroom collection. A must read book for all dog lovers.


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
* Parents' Choice seal; Dog Writers Ass'n. of America award for Best Children's Book, 2012
* Publishers Weekly Reviews : PW Reviews 2012 February #4 - Sakamoto creates blissful scenes of cartoon dogs engaged in familiar behaviors like digging, snoozing, and relating to the kids that love them.
* Booklist Reviews : Booklist Reviews 2012 April #1-The playful rhymes are very simple and filled with physical action, and the rhythm in the words will have young preschoolers joining in ("I must dig a hole / to look for a mole / to bury a bone / to be all alone").

5. CONNECTIONS
*http://www.poetry4kids.com/poem-269.html#.UdOKIlOg6sI
   “My Dog likes to Disco”
*http://www.poetry4kids.com/poem-269.html#.UdOKIlOg6sI
    My Dog does my homework
*http://www.poetry4kids.com/poem-492.html#.UdOK9lOg6sI
    My Dog plays invisible frisbee

Crossing Stones by Helen Frost

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Frost, Helen. Crossing Stones. New York: Frances Foster Books, 2009. 
ISBN 9780374316532

2.  PLOT SUMMARY
Frost creates this beautiful free verse novel to entertain the young reader. It is about two Michigan families who live across each other in Crabapple Creek. Setting takes place during WWI.  Both families suffer many struggles that show the events of history. Such as, WWI, influenza outbreak of 1918 and Women’s suffrage. The main character is Muriel Jorgensen. She is outspoken and fights for social justice through her opinions which create conflict against the norm. Muriel becomes friends with Frank Norman who is part of the family that lives across the creek. Because it is during a time when women did not have the same rights as men Muriel finds herself in trouble for speaking her mind. She becomes upset and questions why “boys” are being sent to fight the war. Muriel becomes upset when Ollie ( Muriel’s sibling) enlists after lying about his age. The story ends when Ollie comes home traumatized  and loses an arm. Unfortunately, Frank never comes home and Muriel is heartbroken.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Frost created a unique poetic structure in this free verse in using a “stepping from one stone to the next."  She uses the middle rhyme of one sonnet  as the outside of the next. The 7th and 8th lines of  Emma’s poems rhyme with the first and last lines of Ollie’s poems. The 7th and 8th lines of Ollie’s poems rhyme with the first and last line of Emma’s poem. Helen Frost brilliantly creates Muriel’s free style verse like a creek running over stones. Ollie and Emma are like the stones. From the use of the vivid images one tends to feel the pain these characters are experiencing.  Students from middle and high school can relate to this coming-of-age historical fiction.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
*Kirkus Reviews "The Best Young Adult Books of 2009"
*Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Choices 2010
*Booklist Editors Choice
*Booklist Top Ten Historical Fiction for Youth
*Lee Bennett Hopkins Award, Honor Book
*YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2010
*2010 Amelia Bloomer List (Recommended Feminist Literature for Birth - 18)
*Book Links Lasting Connections

5. CONNECTIONS
*Use as a read aloud and discuss rhyme, rhythm, and alliteration.
* Discuss the feelings of the characters.
* Social studies unit highlighting women’s suffrage.