American Born Chinese By Gene Luen Yang

1.  Bibliography
Yang, Gene Luen.  2006.  AMERICAN BORN CHINESE.  New York:  First Second.  ISBN 9781596432086


2.  Plot Summary
This graphic novel is told from three different points of view.  The first point of view is the monkey king who want to recognized has a god.  He does not want to be only a king of the monkeys.  He desires to be a god.  The second point of view is Jin Wang.  He only wants to be like every one else.  He wants to be part of the cool crowd and not be different because he is Asian.  The third point of view is Danny a white teenager who is constantly being embarrassed by his Chinese cousin who has come to visit him.   The story interweaves the three different characters and twists the story into an exciting ending with an important message.

3.  Critical Analysis
The author creates the three different characters of the novel to share the variety of  points of view of the characters.  The reader is able to relate to the characters and the struggles they are going through.  The plot takes the characters through the trials of being accepted and fitting in.   The clear and consistent point of view of each character makes the story believable. 
The illustrations in the graphic novel are colorful and bright bringing to life the world of the three characters.  The expressions are portrayed plainly on the characters faces to communicate their emotions.  The images on the pages bring to life many stero types that are debated in the book.

4.  Review Excerpts
National Book Award Finalist
Michael Printz Award
American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults, Top Ten List
Publisher Weekly Best Book of the Year
BOOKLIST Editor's Choice Book
San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year
NPR Holiday Pick
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEW:  "Enter American Born Chinese, a well-crafted work that aptly explores issues of self-image, cultural identity, transformation, and self-acceptance."
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."

5.  Connections
This graphic novel would be a good book to read and compare with other books that contain the problems of wanting to fit in.
Other graphic novels about Asian stero types:
Toyoshima, Tak.  SECRET ASIAN MAN:  THE DAILY DAYS.  ISBN 978161582807
Yang, Jeff.  SECRET IDENTITIES:  THE ASIAN AMERICAN SUPERHERO ANTHOLOGY.  ISBN 9781595583987 

Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

1.  Bibliography
Anderson, Laurie Halse.  1999.  SPEAK.  New York:  Penguin Group.  ISBN 9780142414736


2.  Plot Summary
It Melinda Sordino's first day of being a freshman.  But nothing is what it used to be.  Her friends from middle school no longer talk to her.  Has the story progresses Melinda has a tougher time speaking.  Is it because no one listens or talks to her?  Her parents are wrapped up in their own lives and everyone at school is mad at her for calling the cops during a summer party.  She is alone in this strange new world called high school with no way to communicate to the outside world.


3.  Critical Analysis
This story could take place in any present day high school.  The author tells the story from the perspective of the main character.   Melinda is in turmoil from what happened to her at the summer party.  She communicates wonderfully with the reader telling the story that fits her age with a voice of a fourteen year old.  The chapters in the book are short and introduced by the class Melinda is in or by something important that is going to happen in the story.   The author includes humorous names for the teachers to bring some humor to the book.  "Hairwoman is torturing us with essays." The events that take place in the story are about growing up and finding your voice to speak up.  The emotions and turmoil are felt by the reader has they turn the pages.  This is an emotional story that presents a real girl who has real life issues problems.  The main character could be any girl who goes to high school.  The characters are believable and relate to real life people.  The reader wants to listen to Melinda and help her solve the issues bringing her down. 

4.  Review Excerpts
A Michal L. Printz Honor Book
A National Book Award Finalist
An Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist
A Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist
Winner of the SCBWI Golden Kite Award
An ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults
An ALA Quick Pick
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Booklist Top Ten First Novel
A BCCB Blue Ribbon Book
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Horn Book Fanfare Title
A New York Times Bestseller
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller
LIBRARY JOURNAL:  “A story told with acute insight, acid wit, and affecting prose.”
THE HORN BOOK A STARRED REVIEW:  “An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.”

5.  Connections
This is a great book for a teen book club.  In the back of the book the author includes questions to discuss.
Other books by Laurie Halse Anderson.  After reading this book a person is going to want to read more by this wonderful author.
Anderson, Laurie Halse.  CATALYST.  ISBN 9780142400014
Anderson, Laurie Halse.  PROM.  ISBN 9780142405703
Anderson, Laurie Halse.  TWISTED.  ISBN 9780142411841
Anderson, Laurie Halse.  WINTERGIRLS.  ISBN 9780670011100

The Graveyard Book By Neil Gaiman

1.  Bibliography
Gaiman, Neil.  2008.  THE GRAVEYARD BOOK.  New York:  Harper Collins Publishers.  ISBN 9780060530921


2.  Plot Summary
When Nobody Owens was a baby his family was killed by a mysterious man named Jack.  The baby wanders into the graveyard and is rescued by the ghosts.  The Owen's decide to adopt the baby and raise him.  Silas is a guardian who decides he will help take care of the boy.  He is not a ghost or alive.  Nobody is given the protection of the graveyard has long as he stays within its walls.  The ghosts teach him the ways of their world.  He is granted special powers and knowledge that humans have no knowledge of.  Nobody yearns for a life outside the walls of the graveyard, but if leaves the man Jack may take his life.  "You aren't allowed out of the graveyard...because it's only in the graveyard that we can keep you safe."


3.  Critical Analysis
 When the reader opens the book to the first page they are drawn into the story.  The first sentence in the book is, "There was a hand in the darkness and it held a knife."  The author grabs the reader and propels them into the story.  The reader has to find out what is happening.  The plot created by the author is original with a spooky setting.  People have always wondered what happens after life.  This story puts a new spin on life after death.  The main character works through the issues of growing up and wanting to fit in.  The story is a universal theme that children can compare to their problems of growing up.  The setting in the graveyard is descriptive and full of ghosts from history.  This is a spooky tale of growing up and learning what is important.

4.  Review Excerpts
Newberry Award Winner
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  "Bod's love for his graveyard family and vice versa provide the emotional center, amid suspense, spot-on humor, and delightful scene-setting."

5.  Connections
Children may enjoy reading other books by Neil Gaiman and comparing them to each other.  Have a discussion and let each child tell what book was their favorite and why?
The following is a link to Neil Gaiman's site and a clip of him reading from The Graveyard Book.  The URL
 is:  http://www.neilgaiman.com/p/Cool_Stuff.  It would be fun to read the book and listen to him reading a part of the story.
Other books by Neil Gaiman:
Gaiman, Neil.  CORALINE.  ISBN 0061649708
Gaiman, Neil.  M IS FOR MAGIC.  ISBN 9780061186479
Gaiman, Neil.  THE WOLVES IN THE WALLS.  ISBN 9780380810956

Penny From Heaven By Jennifer L. Holm

1.  Bibliography
Holm, Jennifer L.  2006.  PENNY FROM HEAVEN.  New York:  Random House.  ISBN 037583687

2.  Plot Summary
It is summer of 1953.  Penny is bored out of her mind.  She lives with her grandparents and mother.  Her Dad has  passed away and no one will talk about it.  Her fathers Italian family and her mothers family do not socialize.  Penny is not allowed to do anything fun because her mother is afraid she will get sick.  She gets a summer job delivering groceries with her cousin for one of her Italian uncles. Problems begin to arise in the heat of the summer.   Her Mom starts to date the milkman.  This worries Penny she doesn't understand why her mother would want to be with this man?  Next, Penny has her arm stuck in a laundry wringer and the doctor is not sure if it well ever work properly.  The families are brought together by the tragedy and Penny begins to learn the truth of what happened between the two families. 

3.  Critical Analysis
The story is told from the perspective of an eleven year old girl. The characters of the story fit the time period with the way they speak, their clothing, and material items they possess.  "Uncle Dominic is sitting in his car."  "It's a 1940 Plymouth Roadking."  The Italian customs of the family are brought to life by the way they speak and their lively personalities.   "Frankie says, "She's pazza."  The plot of the story is believable and readers can compare the story to the adventures they have had in the summer or problems that occur within families.    The story reflects the problems of the time period.  Penny discovers that her father died due to being imprisoned because he was Italian.  Due to World War II some citizens even though they were American were considered the enemy.  The author brings the issues of the time period to life with her unique style and voice that intrigues the reader to see how a family can resolve its problems when something horrible happens to one of their loved ones.  At the end of a book their is an authors note.  This part of the book includes pictures from the time period and the  reader learns that this book was written partially from tales from the author's Italian family. 

4.  Review Excerpts
NEWBERRY HONOR BOOK
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, "Penny and her world are clearly drawn and eminently believable, made up of seamlessly interwoven details from everyday life. The period is lovingly re-created, from the fear of catching polio to Penny's use of the word swell."
BOOKLIST, "Holm impressively wraps pathos with comedy in this coming-of-age story, populated by a cast of vivid characters (a burping, farting grandpa; an eccentric uncle who lives in his car--"not exactly normal for people in New Jersey").

5.  Connections
Suggested reading age 9-12.
This book could be used for discussion to help children understand the relationships of different types of families.   Some American citizens were considered spies during this time period due to the war.
Other books with war settings:
Giff, Patricia Reilly.  LILYS CROSSING.  ISBN 978044041537
Vanderpool, Clare.  MOON OVER MANIFEST.  ISBN 9780385738835
 

Water Street By Patricia Reilly Giff

1.  Bibliography
Giff, Patricia Reilly.  2006.  WATER STREET.  New York:  Wendy Lamb Books.  ISBN 0385730683


2.  Plot Summary
The setting of the story take place in Brooklyn, 1875.  The Brooklyn Bridge is the process of being constructed.  Bird Mallon is a young girl that wants to follow in the foot steps of her mother to become a healer, but after seeing her mother care for an injured boy she is no longer sure what she wants to be.  She would like to help her older sister Annie fall in love and stop her brother Hughie from boxing for a living.  Thomas Nery moves into the apartment above Birds.  He is a quiet boy with no mother that loves to write.  His desire is to become part of a family and find a best friend.  Their friendship will help them find the answers they are looking for.


3.  Critical Analysis
This story is told from two different perspectives.  The chapters alternate between the main characters Bird and Thomas.  The characters in the story are believable and children of the present are able to identify with them.  Children want to fit in and be loved by their friends and family.  Even though this story takes place in the past it could be a story told in any time period.  The setting of the story is described with just the right amount of details for the age group of the readers and to make it believable.  The characters in the story have Irish roots.  The author brings this to life with them referring to their heritage and the customs of the family.   The author has a wonderful grasp of the exciting event of history of building the Brooklyn Bridge and combines bringing this event with the two characters learning about growing up.

4.  Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:   "A strong friendship develops between the young teens. The creation of the bridge looms as a dream that parallels the dreams of the characters."
BOOKLIST:  "A poignant immigration story of friendship, work, and the meaning of home."

5.  Connections
Suggested reading level 9-12 years old.
This books could be used in a discussion to let children take about their heritage.  Where did their families come from?  What traditions do they still celebrate from their ancestors?
Other books about Irish heritage:
Duey, Kathleen. NELL DUNNE; ELLIS ISLAND, 1904.  ISBN 0689835558
Giff, Patricia Reilly.  MAGGIES DOOR.  ISBN 9780440415817
Giff, Patricia Reilly.  NORY RYANS SONG.  ISBN 9780440418290 

Chains By Laurie Halse Anderson

1.  Bibliography
Anderson, Laurie Halse.  2008.  CHAINS.  New York:  Athenum Books For Young Readers.  ISBN 9781416905868


2.  Plot Summary
The setting of the story is at the beginning of the American Revolution.  Isabel and her young sister Ruth have lost their mother and their owner has just passed away.  Miss Mary told her lawyer to free the two girls when she died, but the man who is inheriting all of her property has different ideas and the lawyer is out of town.  He sells the girls to a wealthy Loyalist couple that reside in New York City.   Isabel meets Curzon a slave of a Rebel owner.  He convinces Isabel to spy on her owners and provide information to the Rebels.  "Lockton needed to believe I was a sleepy servant, unaware of his plans" (92).  Her owner sells Ruth due to her having a disease.   After losing her little sister Isabel does not know what to do?  She wants to be free and go look for her sister, but with the war looming she needs to decide what side she is on?

3.  Critical Analysis
This story takes place in a realistic time period of the American Revolution.  History is accurate and young readers are able to identify with the characters.  The many characters of the story all have different personalities.   Has the reader reads the story the characters speak with the accents and language of the time period.  "Much is afoot" (114).  The story is not overly descriptive, but understandable for young readers and keeps the reader wondering what is going to happen next.  The theme of the story is slavery.  How can one side want to be free, but not free their own people they consider slaves?  The main character provides a great perspective of what a slave would be going through during this time period in history.  The story is well researched.  At the beginning of each chapter a letter from the American Revolution is shared with the reader to give them a better insight on what people were feeling during this time period of history.

4.  Review Excerpts
Scott O'Dell Award For Historical Fiction
National Book Award Finalist
BOKLIST says, "Anderson explores elemental themes of power (“She can do anything. I can do nothing,” Isabel realizes about her sadistic owner), freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story."
SCHOOL, LIBRARY JOURNAL, "She chooses to find someone to help her no matter which side he or she is on. With short chapters, each beginning with a historical quote, this fast-paced novel reveals the heartache and struggles of a country and slave fighting for freedom."

5.  Connections
Suggested reading age 9-12.
After reading this book discuss how the African American slaves felt about the American Revolution.  Why should some people be free and not others?  Talk about the different reasons the American Revolution started.
More about the American Revolution:
Anerson, Laurie Halse.  FORGE (SEQUEL TO CHAINS).  ISBN 9781416961444
Lavender, William.  JUST JANE:  A DAUGHTER OF ENGLAND CAUGHT IN THE STRUGGLES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.  ISBN 0439810701
Reit, Seymour.  GUNS FOR GENERAL WASHINGTON:  A STORY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.  ISBN 9780152164355
Yates, Elizabeth.  AMOS FORTUNE, FREE MAN.  ISBN 0140341587 

Lives Of The Pirates By Kathleen Krull & Kathryn Hewitt

1.  Bibliography
Krull, Kathleen and Kathryn Hewitt.  2010.  LIVES OF THE PIRATES SWASHBUCKLERS, SCOUNDRELS (NEIGHBORS BEWARE).  New York:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.  ISBN 9780152059088


2.  Plot Summary
This book is a biography of the many pirates male and female that sailed the ocean.  There are 20 different pirates arranged chronologically.  The life of each pirate is filled with true facts of their lives and tales of their great adventures.  Grace O'Malley an Irish lady is mentioned who has the record of having the longest profession of being a pirate.  Black Bart was outfitted in the best clothes.  The truth of Long John Silver only being a character from an authors imagination.  These are just a few of the great pirates from history mentioned in this book.

3.  Critical Analysis
The book begins with a table of contents listing each pirate by name and a caption.  There is a beautiful map of the world with the location of each pirate mapped on it.  At the beginning of each pirates story is a colorful illustration of their likeness.   The pictures of each pirate are exciting and give an insight into the pirates personality.  At the end of the book is a list of books for further reading about pirates.  The authors of the book are well known and have written other books about lives famous people in history.  The book is easy to read and locate information if looking for a specific pirate. 

4.  Review Excerpt
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL remarks, "Krull vividly presents these swashbucklers and scoundrels, and their dramatic stories will excite the imaginations of listeners. A solid choice for school and public libraries."

5.  Connections
Have each child pick one of the pirates within the book.  Than have them find more information about that pirate.  Write up a report to share with the other students.
More pirate books:
Osborne, Mary Pope, Sal Murdocca, and Will Osborne.  PIRATES (MAGIC TREE HOUSE RESEARCH GUIDE).  ISBN 978375802997
Platt, Richard.  PIRATE (DK EYEWITNESS BOOK).  ISBN 9780756630058
Rose, Jamaica.  THE BOOK OF PIRATES.  ISBN 9781423606703
 

Saving The Ghost Of The Mountain An Expedition Among Snow Leopards In Mongolia Text by Sy Montgomery Phographs by Nic Bishop

1.  Bibliography
Montgomery, Sy.  2009.  SAVING THE GHOST OF THE MOUNTAIN:  AN EXPEDITION AMONG SNOW LEOPARDS IN MONGOLIA.  Ills by Nic Bishop.  New York:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.  ISBN 9780618916450

2.  Plot Summary
Snow leopards are beautiful creatures that live in the shadows and are not easily seen.  Tom McCarthy has made it his life work to track and protect this animal.  Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop embark on this adventure with Tom to bring this story to life from the cold weather of Mongolia.   They will climb the freezing ridges of the Mongolia mountains and share facts about the leopards, the history of Mongolia, the culture, and other interesting facts about their journey. 

3.  Critical Analysis
Before the adventure starts a map is shared with the reader to map out the journey and the habitat of the animals of Mongolia.  Each chapter starts with the title of its contents and a big picture of the adventure and a small cation underneath.  Every chapter is filled with fun facts and beautiful pictures.  One interesting fact within the pages of the books is, "The snow leopard is endangered, like the panda and the tiger."  Most of the pictures within the pages were taken by Nic Bishop on the journey to find the snow leopard.  The text of the book is written by Sy Montgomery which is first hand from the knowledge learned on the adventure and taught by Tom McCarthy who specializes in snow leopards.  At the end of the book is a paragraph of how to learn more about snow leopards and an index to find specific information fast and easy.  This is a beautiful book full of information and breath taking pictures of Mongolia and the snow leopard.

4.  Review Excerpts
Starred Review in School Library Jounranl:  "Children will be swept up in the buoyant account of the journey through Mongolia led by Tom McCarthy, conservation director of the Snow Leopard Trust, in search of the elusive cat known as the "ghost of the mountain."

5.  Connections
Have the children visit the suggested sites in the back of the book for more information.  The URLs are:  wwwiauthorwire.com and www.nicbishp.com.    They can explore more photos of Mongolia and read the journal of the author from the trek to find the snow leopard.
More books about snow leopards:
Hatkoff, Craig.  LEO THE SNOW LEOPARD.  ISBN 9780545229272
Johnston, Marianne.  SNOW LEOPARDS AND THEIR BABIES (ZOO LIFE BOOKS).  ISBN 9780823953172.
Shores, Ericka L.  SNOW LEOPARDS.  ISBN 9781429644839

Bodies From The Ice By James M. Deem

1.  Bibliography
Deem, James M.  2008.  BODIES FROM THE ICE MELTING GLACIERS AND THE RECOVERY OF THE PAST.  Boston:  Houghton Mifflin Company.  ISBN 978618800452

2.  Plot Summary
Everyday glaciers all over the world are melting.  A couple hiking in Italy discovered the body of a man that lived 5,300 years ago.  Has the ice disappears the rocky ground underneath displays artifacts and bodies from the past.  There are glaciers all over the world that are showing evidence from history.  Some of the people that have been found under the ice and snow are hunters, soldiers, children, travelers, shepherds, and dairymaids.  When scientists find the bodies they can study them to make discovers from the past.  The author of this book takes the reader on an adventure to explore glaciers that are melting all over the world and the ancient treasures that have been found.  Whether it is a body or the sole of a soldiers boot. 

3.  Critical Analysis
The author of the book is a college professor who has written other nonfiction titles.  He did not go on this journey of the glaciers, but researched the information for this book.  Each chapter of the book opens with a beautiful picture of the glacier being discussed on one page and text and a map of the location of the glacier on the opposite page.  The photographs in the book are big and beautiful.  Every fine detail is displayed in the images.  The pictures of  the book may be too detailed for younger children.  Some of the pictures are very graphic and emotional.  Every picture includes a caption for easy reading through the book.  The reader can use the table of contents to decide what glacier they would like to learn about.  The table of content provides the reader an easy way to find exactly what they want to read.  In the back of the book is a page suggesting websites and glaciers to visit.  There is also an index if the reader is looking for a specific topic.   The book is well organized and easy to use.  The pictures are amazing and draw the reader to read the text to understand what is happening with these melting glaciers.

4.  Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred review, "With its extensive bibliography, suggested Web sites, and a listing of glaciers to visit, Bodies is a fantastic resource. Deem superbly weaves diverse geographical settings, time periods, and climate issues into a readable work that reveals the increasing interdisciplinary dimensions of the sciences."
BOOKLIST states,"There are books about melting glaciers and books about frozen bodies, but this attractive offering combines the topics in a way that will intrigue readers."

5.  Connections
Pick important facts from each glacier in the story.  Include what the scientist found at the melting glacier and the location of the glacier.  After reading the information to the children have them form groups and pick the glacier that they found the most intriguing.  Have them research that glaciers location and the time period from where the body and artifacts are from.  Than have each group develop a poster about the information they researched to share with the class.   
Other  books by James Deem about bodies:
Deem, James.  BODIES FROM THE ASH:  LIFE AND DEATH IN ANCIENT POMPEII.  ISBN 9780618473083
Deem, James.  BODIES FROM THE BOG.  ISBN 9780618354020

Crossing Stones By Helen Frost

1.  Bibliography
Frost, Helen.  2009.  CROSSING STONES  New York:  France Foster Books.  ISBN 978374316532


2.  Plot Summary
Muriel Jorgensen is an eighteen year old girl growing up in 1917.  Her family owns property on one side of Crabapple Creek and the Normans own the other side.  The four children Frank, Emma, Ollie, and Muriel have been friends and grown up together.  The crossing stones in the creek that link the two families bring together the lives of the children.  Muriel starts to realize that she cares about Frank has more than just her best friend, but he joins the army.  She is a young woman who believes in equality for all.  Woman should have the same rights has man.  But many people don't share her opinion and advise her to not share her point of view.  "You'd better straighten out your mind young lady."   Muriel has to struggle with growing up becoming the person she is destined to be and helping her family survive the problems of war.


3.  Critical Analysis
The author has written each verse of the poem from either Muriel, Ollie, and Emma's point of view.  The words of each page are shaped in a stone or running stream depending what character is voicing their opinion.  Muriel's poems are set up in fourteen-lines, the first line rhymes with the last line, the second line rhymes with the second to last line, keeping up this pattern, with the seventh and eighth lines rhyming with each other at the middle of the poem.  The lines of Emma's poems rhyme at the end of each word and Ollie's words rhyme at the start of every line.  The reader understands the emotions and turmoil of each character has the story progresses.  To create the sense of going from a stone to another stone, she wrote a middle rhyme for one sonnet linking the outside rhyme to each other.  Linking Emma and Ollie's poems connect the characters emotionally to each other.  The poems are brought to life with the format created by the author.  The reader can feel the emotions that the characters are going through in their lives.  This is a great book to share the decisions and heartache of becoming an adult.

4.  Review Excerpt
HORN BOOK starred review:  “The distinct voices of the characters lend immediacy and crispness to a story of young people forced to grow up too fast.”
BOOKLIST starred review:  “Frost skillfully pulls her characters back from stereotype with their poignant, private, individual voices and nuanced questions, which will hit home with contemporary teens, about how to recover from loss and build a joyful, rewarding future in an unsettled world.”
Honor Book For Lee Bennett Hopkins Award For Children's Poetry.

5.  Connections
Have young adults write poems in a shape that goes with their poem.  Has the author did in this novel.
Other poems about growing up:
Shandler, Sara.  OPHELIA SPEAKS:  ADOLESCENT GIRLS WRITE ABOUT THEIR SEARCH FOR SELF.  ISBN 0060952970
Sonss, Sonny.  WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW.  ISBN 0689855532.

A Curious Collection Of Cats By Betsy Franco Illustrations By Michael Wertz

1.  Bibliography
Franco, Betsy.  2009.  A CURIOUS COLLECTION OF CATS.  Ill. by Michael Wertz.  Toronto:  Tricycle Press.  ISBN 9781582462486


2.  Plot Summary
The Franco has put together a collection of thirty-four poems about cats and their lively personalities.  Veronica Goes Wide is about a cat who is a little chunky.  The illustration is of a big cat who takes up the whole page.  The words run across Veronica's body with each word changing in size to emphasize the point of the poem.  The word plump is the largest word in the poem to make sure the reader understands how large the cat actually is.  Each poem picks a different aspect of a cats personality and their habits to bring them to life in the book.


3.  Critical Analysis
The author uses limerick, free verse, and haiku to bring the poems to life.  The words of the poems curve and wind around the pages.  The poem titled Fluff Is Polydactyl is about a cats big feet.  The words of the poem are written across her two back feet.  The reader has to follow the words along the cats large feet to read the poem.  The way the words of each poem are laid out on the page bring excitement to reading each poem from the words reading down a cats tail to being read on a toilet.  Turning each page brings a new journey of word play.
The illustrations of each poem are bright and colorful.  The cats are depicted in a cartoon format to bring hilarity to their actions and personalities.    In Shadow's Dream the illustrator uses blacks, blues, and silvers to give the viewer the images of darkness and moonlight has the cat wakes from her dream.  Each color for every illustration fits the point of the poem.  The pictures add to the fun of reading each poem has the words move around the images on the pages.

4.  Review Excerpt
BOOKLIST Review:  "Once kids get the feel of how to follow the lines—up and down or in curving jumps or around the page borders––they will have fun with the playful images."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Review:  "Franco understands the nuanced world of the fluffy, fractious, and faithful feline friend."
Honor Book For Lee Bennett Hopkins Award For Children's Poetry.

5.  Connections
Print off coloring sheets of cats doing different actions from the internet.  Than have the children color them and write their own poem on the coloring sheet.  Tell the children to have fun with the words and let each word play on the page and make it fun to read has the book was.
Other books with cat poems:
Crawley, Dave.  CAT POEMS.  ISBN 1590782879
Eliot, T.S..  OLD POSSUM'S BOOK OF PRACTICAL CATS.  ISBN 0547248271

Button Up Rhymes By Allice Schertle & Pictures By Petra Mathers

1.  Bibliography
Schertle, Alice.  2009.  BUTTON UP.  ILL. by Petra Mathers.  New York:  Harcourt Children's Books.  ISBN 9780152050504

2.  Plot Summary
This enjoyable book is told from the different types of clothing.  All of the types of clothing belong to many different kind of animals.  Violet is a bird who wears a hiking hat.  "I am Violets hiking hat."  "I live on Violets head."  Wanda is a rabbit who has a pink bathing suit.  "We like to be wet, Wanda and I, I'm Wanda's swimsuit, we don't like dry."   This collection of poetry adds a different point of view to the reader from clothing that animals wear.

3.  Critical Analysis
The author brings the words to life adding rhythm and rhyme to each poem.  In the poem Bob's Bicycle Helmet the last word on every other line rhyme.  "Bob's on his bike."  "And I'm on Bob."  "I'm Bob's helmet." "I,m on the job."   The imagery used in the poems lets the reader imaging the illustration before they see the pictures to go with the poems.  The language of the poems brings the verses to life in a playful tone that helps bring out the personality of the clothing and the animals that wear them.
The illustrator uses a variety of bright colors to bring the personality of the clothing and their owners to life.  The animals expressions fit together with the action of what they are doing in the poem.  Harvey the pig is playing in the mud with his galoshes and the excitement on his face is portrayed and the mud flying every where.   Sometimes the illustrations are on the page next to the poem and other times they are part of the poem has scenes play out with the words.  The illustrator has done a wonderful job bringing to life the personality of the clothing and animals.

4.  Review Excerpts
KIRKUS a starred review: ". . . these creatures have personality, exuberance and high style that perfectly match the verses. Loads of fun."
BOOKLIST a starred review:  "The whimsical illustrations pair perfectly with the wittiness of the text, and the whole is a clever and original poetic treat."
2010 Winner Lee Bennett Hopkins Award For Children's Poetry

5.  Connections
Read children different stories about animals.  Than have them pick their favorite animal and write a poem about it.
Other animal poem books:
Lumin, Maxine.  MITES TO MASTODONS:  A BOOK OF ANIMAL POEMS.  ISBN 0618507531
Singer, Marilyn.  LOVE POEMS FROM THE ANIMAL KINGDOM.  ISBN 0375867104 

Rapunzel By Paul O. Zelinsky

1.  Bibliography
Zelinsky, Paul O.  1997.  RAPUNZEL.  New York:  Dutton. ISBN 0525456074

2.  Plot Summary
A couple has to give there baby to a sorceress for stealing Rapunzel out of her garden.  The sorceress raises the child has her own, but when she turns twelve the child that is very beautiful is locked in a high tower,  Has time passes the child becomes a woman who is only visited by the sorceress.  Until one day a prince sees the sorceress climb Rapunzel's hair to gain entrance to the tower.   The prince calls to Rapunzel to let down her hair and climbs into the tower.  Has time passer they fall in love and Rapunzel becomes pregnant.  When the sorceress finds out she cuts off Rapunzel's hair and the prince falls from the tower.  Becoming blind from the fall and wandering the forest.  He finds Rapunzel in the forest with their children and the tears of love restore his sight.  They travel together to his castle to live happily ever after.

3.  Critical Analysis
This story is a classic retelling of the fairy tale Rapunzel the author has researched the story back to its roots from the original telling by the Brothers Grimm.  The characters of the story are normal people that want love and happiness.  The sorceress is not a crazy witch, but a mother who does not want her child to grow up and leave her.  Rapunzel is torn between her own happiness and disappointing the only person who has ever loved her.  The story shares with the reader the hardships of growing up and finding your own way in life to be happy. 
The quality of this book that separates it from other stories of Rapunzel is the illustrations.  Zelinsky portrays the story in a new light by adding elements of the Italian Renaissance to his drawings.  The backgrounds of the story take place in Italy to fit the theme of the drawings. The illustrations are created with oil paintings.  The illustrations of the story add a new beauty to the story that reflects the beauty of growing up and change.  Giving this classic tale a unique new retelling!  The author portrays this story in a new light to apply to human nature.

4.  Review Excerpts
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:  "A breathtaking interpretation gives the fairy tale new art-historical roots, with illustrations that daringly-and effectively-mimic the masters of Italian Renaissance painting."
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE:  " His Renaissance portrayal of the story glows with a richness of detailing and lighting that show a close study of the old masters."
Winner of the Caldecott Medal.

5.  Connections
Compare and contrast different stories of Rapunzel during story time.
Do a story time with fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm.
Other stories of Rapunzel:
Cech, John.  RAPUNZEL.  ISBN 1402769113
Isadora, Rachel.  RAPUNZEL.  ISBN 0399247726
Roberts, Lynn.  RAPUNZEL:  A GROOVY FAIRY TALE.  ISBN 0810942429
Storace, Patricia.  SUGAR CANE:  A CARRIBEAN RAPUNZEL.  ISBN 0786807911

The Three Horrid Little Pigs By Liz Pichon

1.  Bibliography
Pichon, Liz.  2008.  THE THREE HORRID LITTLE PIGS.  CT:  Tiger Tales.  ISBN 139781589250772

2.  Plot Summary
The three little pigs will not behave, so there mother tells them they need to move out.  Each little pig steals materials from different types of animals to build their homes.  The pigs do not know how to build their homes and each time the wolf who is a carpenter shows up to help.  The pig refuses the help and eventually the animals come to take back the materials stolen from them.  The three pigs are again left without a home, but the wolf has a nice big brick house.  The pigs decide that they want his house.  The nice wolf lets the pigs move in and teachers them how to build a house big enough for everyone.

3.  Critical Analysis
The author reverses the personality of the pigs and the wolf for a new version of this much loved classic.  The conversation between the characters bring life to the story.  The words are fun to the children and allow the children to interact with the story.  The words twist and turn on the page and change size to work with the action of the story or the tone of the character.  The reader is able to change their voice with the characters to add more life and excitement to the story.
The illustrations of the story are bright and fun.  The bold colors of the images on the pages bring to life the personalities of the three horrid pigs.  The characters become round characters due to the illustrations.  The expressions of the pigs are easy to read and see how bad they actually are.  The distress of the wolf and the animals is also very apparent.  These expressions bring more life and laughter to this classic tale with a twist. 

4.  Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review:  "If you think you can't jam another twist on a classic tale into your collection, think again."
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE:  "The parody is fun all the way through to the back end pages, which show the reformed, cleaned-up trio."

5.  Connections
This story would be fun to read with other versions of the three little pigs to let the children see the difference versions that are available.
A craft to use with a three little pig story time would be to have a cut out of a house and let the children glue different materials on it to make their own home.  For example yellow yarn to symbolize straw, red square stickers for bricks, and wood chips for wood. 
Other books with a change of characters from the original story:
Grace, Will.  THREE LITTLE FISH AND THE BIG BAD SHARK.  ISBN 0439719623
Laverde, Arlene.  ALASKA'S THREE PIGS.  ISBN 1570612293
Rubin, Vicky.  THE THREE SWINGING PIGS.  ISBN 0805073353
Trivizas, Eugene.  THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES AND THE BIG BAD PIG.  ISBN 068981528

Beautiful Blackbird By Ashley Bryan

1.  Bibliography
Bryan, Ashley.  2003.  BEAUTIFUL BLACKBIRD.  New York:  Atheneum Books For Young Readers.  ISBN 9780689847318

2.  Plot Summary
This is a retelling of a Zambia, Africa folktale.  There are many birds of all different colors living  in Africa.  The birds do not have any black on their feathers.  The only bird that was black is the blackbird.  The blackbird is voted the most beautiful bird by the other birds.  The Ringdove tells Blackbird that he should have a black ring around his neck to match his name.  The Blackbird replies that the beauty that is on the inside is what is important not outside beauty.  But he decides to help the bird by giving him black rings around his neck.  The rest of the other birds decide that they want black marks too.  Blackbird decides to mark the rest of the birds with black, but lets them know that even with markings they will still be themselves.  All of birds receive black markings on their feathers from Blackbird and everyone feels beautiful.

3.  Critical Analysis
The story starts has a normal tale being told by a narrator.  But once the characters of the book start to be introduced the words rhyme and in parts of the story are a song.  The author adds a rhythm to the words to make the birds speak with an accent since they live in Africa to collaborate with the setting of the story.  The singing and the rhythm of the text brings out the roots of where the folktale is from.  It makes the reader picture the African safari has they read the story.
The illustrations in the book are very bright and colorful.  The author uses cut-paper artwork to form the images on the pages in the book.  The birds and the background are the many colors of the rainbow.  The colors used in the story let the reader see how the birds are only filled with rainbow colors and the only color black in the story is the blackbird.
The many colors of the birds displays the uniqueness and individuality of each one adds in conveying the importance is on the inside.  Each one of us is unique and what we are on the inside is what is beautiful.  It does not matter what color we are.  This story has a great moral to share with children.

4.  Review Excerpts
Winner of the Corerra Scott King Award.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review:  "Mr. Bryan is a master of material that even the youngest child will instantly recognize:  construction paper."
HORN BOOK:  "A life enhancing folktale from Zambia."

5.  Connections
The librarian could read the book aloud and have the children repeat certain phrases in the book. 
The children could decorate their own birds of many colors for the craft during a story time.
Other African folktales:
Guthrie, Donna and Robert Roth.  NOBIAHS WELL:  A MODERN AFRICAN FOLKTALE.  ISBN 0824986229
Krensky, Stephen.  THE LION AND THE HARE:  AN EAST AFRICAN FOLKTALE (ON MY OWN FOLKLORE).  ISBN 1580138497
Smalls, Irene.  JENNY REEN, AND THE JACK MUH LANTERN.  ISBN 0689318758.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE By Maurice Sendak

1.  Bibliography
Sendak, Maurice.  1963.  WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.  New York:  Harper Collins Publishing.  ISBN 9780064431781

2.  Plot Summary
Max is a mischievous little boy who is sent to bed with no supper for being too wild.  He uses his imagination to go to the world of the wild things and become their king to be where he belongs with his bad behavior.  Max becomes tired of being wild and misses his family. He returns home to find his dinner waiting for him and realizes there is more to life than just being wild. 

3.  Critical Analysis
The authors writing is from the perspective of a young boy who a first does not realize that good behavior is important.  The story makes children realize that being wild and on their own can be lonely.  Parents make children follow rules out of love, which Max realizes when his dinner is waiting in his room even though his mom said he could not have dinner.  On the last page of the story there is no images only the final words that his dinner is still warm.  The importance of love and understanding is conveyed on the last page of the book.  Illustrations are not important at this point only the words on the final page of the story.

The illustrations of the book are colorful and bring to life the world of the wild things.  The colors on the pages are full of greens and blues to show the lush forest and sky.  Has the reader turns each page Sendak changes the sky to let the reader know what time of day is taking place in the story.  The characters and background of the story have immense detail.  The reader can see all the fine lines of hair on the wild things bodies and see every blade of grass on the forest floor.  A lot of thought and detail is put into each illustration in the story to visualize the imagination of the main character.

This is a great book to read to children about good behavior, love, and imagination.  It helps the reader see the wonder of the imagination and adventure.  But at the end of an adventure it is important to be a good person and return to the ones who love you.

4.  Review Excerpts
Caldecott Medal Winner for the most distinguished picture book of 1964.
Common Sense remarks that "Classic all ages masterpiece with a wild imagination."
School Library Journal says,"Where the Wild Things Are is a masterpiece."

5.  Connections
Schedule a family night at the library to read the book and watch the movie of WHERE THE WILDS THINGS ARE.
Other books about imagination and changing behavior from bad to good:
Donaldson, Julia.  THE GRUFFALO.  ISBN 0803723865
Willems, Mo.  YOUR PAL MO  WILLEMS PRESENTS LEONARDO THE TERRIBLE MONSTER.  ISBN 0786852941.

Pigs Make Me Sneeze By Mo Willems

1.  Bibliography
Willems, Mo.  2009.  Pigs Make Me Sneeze.  New York:  Hyperion Books For Children.  ISBN 9781423114116.

2.  Plot Summary
The pig and elephants are best friends who are trying to figure what they are going to do for the day.  The problem is that the elephant cannot stop sneezing after his friend comes to see him.  The elephant draws the conclusion from his sneezing that he is allergic to his best friend.  He goes to the doctor and is diagnosed with having a cold.  The author shares the hilarity of the characters not understanding what is wrong and the process of going to the doctor to figure out what is wrong.  It would be horrible if he could not be around his best friend ever again.

3.  Critical Analysis
The authors writing is very simple.  The text is written in balloon boxes, that are conversations between the characters.  There is no narrator in the story.  The conversations is very basic and easy to understand.  Each page only has a few sentences between the characters in the story to read.  The importance of the story is the conversation between the characters and their interactions.  The author does not want the reader to focus on anything but the interactions of the characters. 

The illustrations in the book are of the three characters in the story.  These is no background for the characters.  The pages are a white background with only the characters and their conversation bubbles for the reader to look at.  The backdrop setting is of no importance to the story.  The characters are simple drawings filled with expressions on their faces of what emotions they are conveying in their conversations has the story progresses.  The pages are very basic and easy for a child to follow the story.

This is a great book to share with young children.  It is a fast paced story that includes the action of sneezing that the children can do as the story is read to them.  It focuses on the importance of friendship and what happens when a person is sick.

4.  Review Excerpts
BOOKLIST has a starred review:  "Accessible, appealing, and full of authentic emotions about what makes friendship tick, these titles will put a contemporary shine on easy reader collections."
THE BULLETIN a starred review:  "These books will easily take their place alongside Seus and Eastman as classics in the beginning-reader genre."

5.  Connections
A great book to read to cold season or friendship story times.
Read with other books by Mo Willems with children that are learning how to read.
Set up a display to share all the adventures of Elephant and Pig by Mo Williams. 
Other books about having a cold:
Cuyler, Margery.  AH-CHOO.  ISBN 0439266181
Rylant, Cynthia.  MR. PUTTER AND TABBY CATCH THE COLD.  ISBN 0152047603.

"My Friend Rabbit" By Eric Rohmann

1.  Bibliography
Rohmann, Eric.  2002.  My Friend Rabbit.  New Milford, CN:  Roaring Book Press.  ISBN 0761315357

2.  Plot
This is a story about two best friends.  When they play together rabbit seems to always to have troubles.  Even though there are problems they can be worked out with an idea.  Some people might not agree with the idea or be happy about it but that person means well.  Sometimes there can be problems but a person can be a good friend because they try to fix the problems.

3.  Critical Analysis
 The author conveys the story of two very different animals and the problems with friendship through a simple writing style that flows has the reader turns the pages. The imagery of the story conveys the point of the story to the reader.  The point of view is told by the mouse, so that the reader understands the theme of the story.  If it was told by another character the story would not have the same impact.  The story has a climax, but ends with the same problem happening and no resolution.  This type of ending restates the authors plot of the story. 

The illustrations of the story are framed with a black border and bold graphics to keep the readers eye on the action of each scene.  Rohmann slowly reveals the rabbits plan by only showing half of the images on some of the pages to keep the reader guessing.  The characters have wonderful facial expressions and the author has illustrated their movements on the pages.  The reader can see the frustration of the mouse and the dedication of the rabbit to fix the problem. 

This is an excellent fast paced story to share with children about friendship.  When there are problems they can be solved.  Sometimes they are not fixed ,but that person really wants to help.

4.  Review Excerpts
The Caldecott Medal- The Caldecott award in 2003.
Review from SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  "He has taken a creative risk with "My Friend Rabbit."
Kirkus Raviews said,"Best known for fluid, superbly realistic oil paintings, Rohmann ( Prairie Train , 1999, etc) switches to thick-lined colored woodcuts and a simpler pictorial style for this nearly wordless, engagingly wacky episode."


5.  Connections
Great for story times about friendship and problems.  Can show the children that a friend can mean well with their ideas even if they don't work out correctly.
Some other titles about friendship and problems are:
Bruel, Robert O.  Bob And Oto.  ISBN 1596432039
Landa, Norbert.  Sorry.  ISBN 9781561486625