Fantastic People, Places, and Things

MODULE 8: FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION

October 19-25

The City of Ember

By: Jeanne DuPrau

Ages: 9-14

Summary:

Although considered a selection from the science fiction genre, this book is more than just science fiction. It is a work of fiction that could also fall into the mystery category as the two principal characters Doon and Lina, struggle to unravel the mystery of the city of Ember. The prologue gives the reader that insight that there is a set of instructions that has been misplaced. The book begins with a flash forward to the year 241. It is graduation day, and the students receive their work assignments. Doon has a fiery, passionate, and sensitive nature and strongly desires to solve the problems of Ember, while Lina begins as a happy messenger and soon learns that all is not right in Ember. They reignite their old friendship and begin working together when Poppy, Lina's baby sister, nearly destroys the old typewritten set of instructions found in Lina's closet. They slowly manage to piece together the message and discover the way out of Ember.

My Impressions:

I found this book to be very enjoyable. I really liked the characters and how they developed and grew over time. Lina and Doon were all very believable, realistic, and almost lifelike. I understood Doon's frustrations, and felt sadness for Lina when her grandmother died. Even though this is a science fiction novel, the events really seemed plausible to me. It was interesting and well written, and I found myself wondering what would happen in the future books of the series.

Reviews:

"Well-paced, this contains a satisfying mystery, a breathtaking escape over rooftops in darkness, a harrowing journey into the unknown and cryptic messages for readers to decipher. The setting is well-realized with the constraints of life in the city intriguingly detailed. The likable protagonists are not only courageous but also believably flawed by human pride, their weaknesses often complementing each other in interesting ways. The cliffhanger ending will leave readers clamoring for the next installment."-Kirkus Reviews, May 15, 2003 (Vol. 71, No. 10)

Lesson Plans:

This book provides a great opportunity to examine books and films created from books. After reading the book, students will view the movie, and determine the similarities and differences. This comparison will provide the basis for a good discussion on books and movies.

DuPrau, Jeanne. The City of Ember. New York: Random House, 2003.

Kirkus Reviews. "Children's Literature Reviews: City of Ember." Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. November 24, 2009.

Fantastic People, Places, and Things

MODULE 8: FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION

October 19-25

Princess Academy

By: Shannon Hale

Ages 9-15

Summary:

This is a timeless David and Goliath story, and reminds us that even the smallest among us can do great things. Miri is an unstoppable young girl who loves and cherishes her family and home on Mount Eskel. When prophecy declares that the next princess will be from her home, an academy is built to help prepare the mountain girls for life as royalty. All young girls must leave behind their parents and attend the academy where after a year's time the prince will visit and select his bride. Although the tutor chosen to run the academy, Olana, makes life extremely difficult for the girls, the girls recognize how significant the opportunity to become a princess is. They also appreciate the opportunity to learn. Miri, in particular, excels in her studies, and earns the honor of Academy Princess. She takes her newly learned knowledge and finds ways to make life better for her village, finds her true love, solves the mysteries in her father's heart, and discovers her purpose in life.

My Impressions:

This is a wonderful book that had me laughing at times and crying at others. I absolutely adore a good underdog story, and this is one of the best ones that I have read. I loved the way Miri is so small, and feels that she is a burden to her family and village. Yet she is the one who is able to bring more prosperity to her village because she is such an excellent student while at the academy. I love how the author reminds us that unless one makes the effort to know someone, we can never really understand their behaviors or intentions. At first Miri assumes that Britta thinks she is better than everyone else because she is a lowlander. However her opinion changes as she gets to know Britta better, and they quickly become great friends. The budding romance between Peder and Miri is a lovely part of the story as well. It is pretty clear to the reader that they both care deeply for each other at some point or another, but they seem to be clueless to how the other is feeling. This creates a sense of reader interaction because one just can't help yelling at the book, telling them to stop being so blind! This is an emotionally charged book full of great life lessons, positive messages, and universal truths.

Reviews:

"As usual, Hale ties her characters to the land in which they have been born and to Nature itself. This is an engaging, plain “good read” that just happens to be filled with life lessons about friendship, acceptance, courage, endurance, and finding the right path. Guard against dismissing this fantasy as more of the same old genre; there are a lot of fresh ideas and solid truths to be had in this finely-crafted novel." -Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature)

Lesson Plans:

This would be an excellent read aloud book for the library and the classroom. In addition, before each chapter there is a brief poem or poetic phrase that ties into the following chapter. The idea of quarry speech is a poetic form of communication, linking memories to convey messages. Students could use this book to create poetry to fit and describe each chapter or major scene or event in the book. Students could then present their poems to the class. Similarly students could create poetic memories to convey a message, students could spend a portion of class time sharing these poetic messages and seeing if anyone else is able to decipher them.



Egan, Sheilah. "Children's Literature Reviews: Princess Academy." Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. November 24, 2009.


Hale, Shannon. Princess Academy. New York: Bloomsbury, 2005.

More Real Life Tales

MODULE 7: REALISTIC FICTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS
October 12-18



Flush
By: Carl Hiassen
Ages 12-14

Summary:

This book is about a nice kid named Noah, and his equally nice sister Abbey. They represent the average youth growing up in the United States and they face problems and challenges many other ordinary kids face every day. For example, one everyday problem is that there is some tension between their parents who constantly bicker and argue over Paine's, the father's, decisions. There is even talk of divorce, but they work things out and life improves. What makes this book especially interesting is that in spite of all of the normalcy in the characters there is this incredible mystery unfolding behind the scenes. Someone is polluting the waters around Thunder Bay, and when Paine Underwood is unable to convince the community that it is Dusty Muleman, the children take it upon themselves to solve the mystery and prove that their father was right afterall. They come up with an ingenious scheme to catch Dusty red handed or fuchsia handed as they exclaim in the book, and save the day.


My Impressions:

This book was incredibly spellbinding for me. I absolutely adored the characters. I admired Noah's love for and faith in his dad. I loved how Abbey was so intelligent and spoke her mind. I agreed with the mom that the dad had gone overboard and wasn't behaving in the proper way for a husband and father. But I couldn't help talking to the pages and telling her that she needed to trust him a little more. I hated the impulsiveness of the father and wished that he would spend just a little more time reflecting and a little less time acting-but I admired his passion and moral compass. Essential as the reader, I became completely involved and emotionally connected to the characters and themes in the story. I believe that it is an excellent book and I highly recommend it to readers of all ages.


Reviews:

"In his second children's book, Hiaasen offers a great action adventure without any of the didacticism that crept into Hoot. He sets this eco-mystery in Florida and peoples it with crooks, idealists, everyday heroes, and oddball characters. While the plot offers enough twists and turns to satisfy even the most serious adventure junkies, it's the multidimensional characters who give the novel vitality. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average."-Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2006)


Lesson Plans:

This book would pair well with science lessons relating to the environment and environmental issues. Students could be encouraged to look at the issue of illegal dumping, toxic waste, and pollution and its effect on people and wildlife. Students could examine newspaper articles from the past and current events. There is also an element of mystery and suspense in this book, and students could be encouraged to write their own mysteries using elements and themes found in Hiassen's book. Several reviewers compared this book to Hiassen's first children's book Hoot, and as a critical thinking exercise students could also compare and contrast elements and themes found in both books.



Hiassen, Carl. Flush. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005.

Horn Book. "Children's Literature Reviews: Flush". Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. October 18, 2009 .

More Real Life Tales

MODULE 7: REALISTIC FICTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS
October 12-18



The Penderwicks
By: Jeanne Birdsall
Ages 9-12

Summary:

A classically written story about four girls who spend the summer having a grand time and exhilarating escapades is simply one way to describe this book. The author writes on the inside jacket "by the time I was ten or eleven, I'd run out of books to read. I promised myself that I'd become a writer someday, to give readers like me a few more books to discover and enjoy." Jeanne Birdsall lives up to her goals and creates a charmingly, lovely story about the Penderwick sisters. The oldest sister Rosalind experiences her first crush and the peaks and valleys that come with puppy love. The next sister Skye befriends Jeffrey, begins to build a relationship with her youngest sister, and stands up to Mrs Tifton and defends the honor of her family. The next sister Jane practices her soccer moves and finishes her next edition of Sabrina Starr who manages to rescue a real person this time. Finally Batty, the youngest sister, accidentally taunts a bull, befriends rabbits Yaz and Carla, and finds her little voice when she is being bullied.


My Impressions:

I was pleasantly surprised when I began to read this book. The cover is simple, reminiscent of old china, and gives off this impression of an old book. It is very deceiving, but perhaps is the image that the author intends to send. This book is written in a classic style, with a wholesome storyline, innocent characters, and a happy ending. Some reviewers liken The Penderwicks to Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. This is perhaps a good comparison because it is written in an almost old fashioned way. This style, grace, and charm is what makes this book a fantastic story. This book has become one of my all time favorites, and I am delighted that there is a sequel. One aspect of the book which I am especially impressed about is the way the author is able to make all of the girls come alive. As I began reading, I thought that one girl would emerge as the predominant charcter, perhaps Skye, because of her confidence and high self esteem. Yet I was surprised and then happy to find that all of the girls have their moments. Birdsall manages to give equal time to the development and description of each sister. She does this while still managing to keep the story interesting and the adventures interwoven into one excellently written and cohesive book.


Reviews:

"Four sisters, Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty, spend a few weeks with their father and dog at a cottage on the grounds of a stately home in the Berkshires, where they complicate the lives of a handsome gardener, a lonely boy, and the boy’s officious mother. Rosalind, Skye, and Jane, at twelve, eleven, and ten, provide the majority of the action, aided by the boy, Jeffrey, who is eleven, while Batty manages to effortlessly focus the story at a four-year-old level for brief stints, making this a prime choice for multiple-grade reading aloud. The prose is simple yet sophisticated in style, Birdsall doesn’t waste words, yet through her writing the girls (even Batty) emerge as passionate and complex people whose motherless state encourages a particularly poignant bond with one another and with their gentle, abstracted father. Though the plot formula and even in-text references tie this story firmly to the Bastable and March family dramas, this is an independent, hearty tale with recognizably modern characters. Readers will remember the antics of these four highly personable sisters, whose adventures they will want to revisit. Review Code: R -- Recommended. Grades 4-7-Timnah Card,The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, September 2005 (Vol. 59, No. 1)


Lesson Plans:

This book would be perfect for a read aloud, and would work perfectly in a setting where the educator could read a chapter or so everyday. This book could also inspire children to write a truly creative and imaginative story of their own. Students could be asked to create a wonderful summer adventure as apart of a creative writing assignment.



Birdsall, Jeanne. The Penderwicks. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005.

Card, Timnah. "Children's Literature Reviews: The Penderwicks". Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. October 18, 2009 .

Real Life Tales For Children

Module 6: REALISTIC FICTION FOR YOUNGER READERS
October 5-11




Brian's Winter
By: Gary Paulsen
Ages 13-18

Summary:

This story takes readers to an alternate universe. A universe where the well loved and familiar character, Brian from Paulsen's original story The Hatchet, is not rescued right away, and has to stay the winter in the wilderness after his plane crashes in the middle of nowhere. At first Brian breaks the first rule he has learned out in the wilderness and that is to pay attention. Slowly summer drifts to fall and winter almost creeps up on Brian unexpectedly. He realizes in the nick of time and spends the rest of his fall preparing for winter. His gun breaks, and he is forced to find other means of survival. He creates his own bow and arrows, spears, and even uses rabbit skins and other animal hides to clothe himself. This book is all about Brian's trials and errors as he struggles to survive the treacherous winter, all alone, in the wilderness.


My Impressions:

I had always loved the book The Hatchet and I was completely unaware that Gary Paulsen had continued the stories, and has made almost a sort of franchise out of the character Brian and his adventures. I was delighted to discover this option and dove right into Brian's Winter. I was not at all disappointed and completely adored this book. It was exciting and funny; full of adventure and intrigue. I was left breathless at the scene where he hunted the moose. I am greatly looking forward to exploring all of the other Brian adventure books.


Reviews:

"Paulsen describes in precise detail how Brian crafts snowshoes, makes a strong bow and arrowheads of flint, sews fur clothing and hunts game. Fans of Paulsen's tales of wilderness survival will welcome the authentic information, and Brian remains a sympathetic and believable character as he learns from his mistakes and comes to live in harmony with his harsh but beautiful environment. --Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students. Ages 13 to 18."-Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT Review, March 1998 (Vol. 32, No. 2)


Lesson Plans:

This idea of survival is very intriguing and interesting to children and youth of all ages. This book could be paired up with lessons in survival skills, safety skills, and emergency preparedness skills. Educators could present students in small groups with various scenarios and students would have to write out and even dramatize how they would survive each scenario. This book could also be paired with non fiction books depicting real life survival stories, their heros and heroines. Again safety issues, basic survival skills, etc. could be emphasized to really show the relevance of this work while still encouraging reading.





Paulsen, Gary. Brian's Winter. New York: Delacorte Press, 1996.

Rohrlick, Paula. "Children's Literature Reviews: Brian's Winter". Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. October 18, 2009 .

A Picture Tells A Thousand Words

MODULE 5: PICTURE BOOKS
September 28-October 4

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
By: Eric Carle
Ages 1-9

Summary:

This classic children's picture book describes the life of a caterpillar, from its beginnings as an egg to its transformation into a beautiful butterfly. The caterpillar is so hungry and the reader takes delight in seeing him stuff his face throughout an entire week.


My Impressions:

This is a wonderful book that children really enjoy. The illustrations are marvelous, and the story is so simple and yet teaches and explains an important part of nature, the life cycle of a caterpillar.


Reviews:

"Carle’s beautiful collages explain the scientific process of metamorphosis with bold images appropriate for children of all ages. This is a classic book that should not be missed! Category: Classics; Concept; Read Aloud. Grade Level: Toddlers; Preschool; Primary (K-3rd grade). 1969, Philomel Books. Ages 1 to 9."-Allison, BookHive (www.bookhive.org)


Lesson Plans:

This story works perfectly for a preschool story time, and should be read and re-read to children of all ages. The story pairs nicely with science lessons, and could also be used for art classes as an example of collage works and paintings. Finally the story presents educators with a good opportunity to incorporate a numbers and counting lesson into their curriculum.



Carle, Eric. The Very Hungry Caterpillar. New York: Philomel Books, 1969.

www.bookhive.org. "Children's Literature Reviews: The Very Hungry Caterpillar". Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. September 25, 2009.

Award Winning Books

MODULE 4: NEWBERY AND PRINTZ AWARD WINNERS
September 21-27





A Step From Heaven
By: An Na
Ages 12 and Up

Summary:

A Step From Heaven is a book that takes and pulls the reader into the life, mind, and thoughts of a young girl. The reader lives side by side with Young Ju, as she leaves her native land of Korea as a young child and emigrates to the United States. The reader follows as Young Ju experiences life growing up in the United States. She must learn a new language and a new culture all the while struggling with personal tragedies in her own home. One trial she is struggling with at home is living in constant poverty. Both her mother and father work multiple jobs in order to support the family and provide them with a better life. Another trial she must deal with is an abusive father who is also an alcoholic. He physically and verbally abuses all the members of her family and on a regular basis and is constantly inebriated. In addition to her more serious tribulations, the reader sees Young Ju struggle with such issues as fitting in at school, sibling rivalry, and other everyday complications. If the reader is unable to connect with Young Ju in her serious problems, the reader can relate to her everyday challenges. This is what endears her to the reader, and keeps the audience engaged and hanging onto every word.


My Impressions:

I was completely enthralled with this book, and I couldn't put it down. An Na's writing style is so pleasing and attractive. I found the words and story to be mesmerizing. I believe that Na captures the essence of both children and young adults extremely well. This is a survival story with a powerful message that says that you can do anything you put your mind to. After everything that the Park family goes through, Young Ju manages to graduate from high school and receive a scholarship, and the family is able to finally purchase a house, a home, of their own. I think that it is interesting that once the "dead weight", or the father in this case, is gone, the family is finally able to be successful. This is an important message for women to remember that sometimes it is possible to be happier and more successful on one's own.


Reviews:

"This is written in the first person present tense with no burdensome narrative, which makes it appealing for younger readers with short attention spans. The manner and sensitivity of the storytelling itself will appeal to all readers. It would work well as supplemental reading for many of the social studies in areas of culture, immigration, abuse, and poverty. We will eagerly await more from this author. (Note: Winner, 2002 Michael L. Printz Award, and an ALA Best Book for YAs.) Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults."-Ann Hart, KLIATT Review, March 2003 (Vol. 37, No. 2)


Lesson Plans:

This book provides an excellent opportunity to get students thinking about succeeding even in times of adversity. Students should create a list of the multiple problems this family experiences. On a separate list, students should write down how the situation ended. A new list of alternative solutions to these problems should then be created. For example with domestic violence and abuse, students should brainstorm ways Young Jun and her family could have received help. Examples would include calling 9-1-1, speaking with a counselor at school, moving in with their Aunt and Uncle Tim. This book also provides an opportunity to think about Asian cultures and discuss similarities and differences.


Hart, Ann. "Children's Literature Reviews: A Step From Heaven". Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. September 25, 2009 .

Na, An. A Step From Heaven. Asheville, NC: Front Street, 2001.