SLIS 5420 Module 5 Sept. 28-Aug. 4

Chicka Chicka
Boom Boom


by
Bill Martin Jr.
and
John Archambault




Summary



In this rhyming book for young children, each letter of the alphabet races up a coconut tree with a fun rhythm- chicka, chicka, chicka. Will the tree hold all of the letters? What do you think? Boom, Boom!

My Thoughts

I enjoyed Chicka Chicka Boom Boom for its wonderful rhyming and bold colors. I think small children would really enjoy this book because of the bright, colorful pages and the silly words used in the rhymes. I also think it would give young children a sense of accomplishment to be able to participate in storytime by using their knowledge of the alphabet to help the story progress.

Reviews

Children will revel in seeing the familiar alphabet transported into this madcap adventure.
-Publishers Weekly


Suggested Activities

I would suggest making a large coconut tree maybe on a felt board, or even a three dimensional tree and colorful letters. Children could attach letters during the reading of the story. It would be great if the tree were actually flexible and could be tipped lower and lower with each letter.
I would also suggest a coloring page with the parts of the tree separate, so the children could color the different parts and glue them together to make their own tree. I would also provide outlines of letters on colored paper the children could attach to their finished tree.

SLIS 5420 Module 4 Sept. 21-27

Rabbit Hill


by
Robert Lawson

Summary


A group of animals nervously awaits the arrival of a new family to the home that sits in the middle of their field. Each animal has his own personality and own idea about the new folks that are are coming. The animals share their fears and excitement, but all are pleasantly surprised when the new folks seem very animal friendly. Some in the animal community have their doubts about the new inhabitants when one of their own is injured by an automobile and disappears. In the end, however, the animals learn to work together and trust in the humanity of their new neighbors.



My Thoughts


I wasn't looking forward to this book mainly because it seemed very old fashioned judging by it's cover and the first couple of pages. I still can't say that it is one of my favorites, but it does have many nice themes that are still relevant today. Rabbit Hill was published in 1944, a turbulent time in the world, much like current times. I can see several issues which could be addressed in this book. The fact that the animals are all very different, but manage to work together for the good of all is definitely a lesson for children and adults alike. I could see a nice lesson for children with the character of Uncle Analdus, who mistrusts the human family even after he has seen proof of their goodness. His negative attitude also influences some of the other animals until even Uncle Analdus can't deny what the humans have done for the animals. We have started a new program this year in my school district really emphasizing respect and understanding among teachers and students. While I don't know that my high school students would be convinced to read Rabbit Hill, I think it could be a nice teaching tool for upper elementary students. I'm glad I decided to go ahead and read the book after my initial reaction because I would like to suggest it to some teacher friends who have younger students.


Reviews


"With a skillful blending of humor and whimsy, Robert Lawson has given a distinct personality to each animal, not only by his exquisitely fine drawings but by word pictures as well. Recommended for every library." - Library Journal

Awards / Honors

Newbery Honor Book


Suggested Activities


Rabbit Hill could be used for a discussion for children about working together for a common goal.


It could also be an opportunity for children to study and research the different animals and their eating habits.


If possible, it might be a nice project to have the children attempt a small seed garden.













The First Part Last

by
Angela Johnson


Summary

Bobby is a teen who finds himself in the position of having to tell his parents that his girlfriend is pregnant on his sixteenth birthday. Due to a tragic event, Bobby becomes a full time single parent to his new baby girl. He juggles school, caring for his daughter, and the emotional ups and downs that come with this enormous task. Bobby's life changes completely as he learns his new role. This powerful story shows the rarely seen side of teen pregnancy, that of the young father.

My Thoughts

I thought The First Part Last was a great way to see teen pregnancy from the male point of view. The tender moments that Bobby spends with his baby are touching, and they show a side of teen boys that we sometimes forget young men possess. I like the fact that he takes responsibility, but we still see the times when he doubts himself or utterly fails. I think this would be a great book for teen boys and girl. It is a true portrayal of how one's life is never his own again after bringing a child into the world. I wish the book had been less vague about Nia's illness. It just seemed to be an abrupt, cloudy explanation.

Reviews

"A combination of meditation and mystery...Angela Johnson conveys delicately the workings of a community of grief" -Chicago Tribune

"The novel's strong sense of place and of familial relationships provides readers with some solid ground from which to make connections or gain insights." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Awards

Michael Printz Award

Suggested Activities

I just think this would be a great opportunity to read The First Part Last with teens and discuss all the aspects of teen pregnancy, especially the effects on teen boys.
If I were to do a book talk with this book, I think it would be powerful to have a teenaged girl and boy who have experienced the birth of a child. It would be good for the other kids to hear about the challenges and how drastically life changes after having a child. I also looked on YouTube and found a number of videos with teens sharing their perspective on parenthood, which would also work to show to the reading group.

SLIS 5420 Module 3 Sept. 14-20

Flotsam

by David Wiesner

Summary

A young boy is playing on the beach when an old, underwater camera washes on shore. The boy finds a roll of film in the camera and takes it to be developed. He is shocked to find pictures of mysterious creatures under the sea doing all kinds of strange activities. The last picture he sees is the image of a girl standing on the beach holding a photo. The young boys notices that the photo the girl is holding is a picture of a boy who in turn is holding a photo of another girl. The young boy who found the camera inspects the photograph under magnification to discover a history of children who have found this same camera. He then sets about adding himself to the group before returning the magical camera to the sea.

My Thoughts

I absolutely love this book! The best part of the book is that it tells a very complex story with only the use of pictures. The book has no dialogue, yet tells a magical and intriguing story. I'm not sure that young children would be able to follow the story without the help of a parent, but I think older children would love it. It is a beautiful book with great illustrations. Each page tells its own story and the reader can find something new each time the book is "read".

Reviews

"Wiesner offers another exceptional, wordless picture book that finds wild magic in quiet, everyday settings." -Booklist, ALA, Starred Review

"New details swim into focus with every rereading of this immensely satisfying excursion." -Publishers Weekly, Starred

"A mind-bending journey of imagination." -School Library Journal, Starred

Awards / Honors

Caldecott winner 2007

Suggested Activities

In preparation for storytime, the librarian could fold sheets of art paper into six or eight squares. After reading Flotsam, the children would each get a sheet of paper and unfold it. The librarian would have the children try to tell a story by drawing a part of the story in each box using no words to help explain what is going on.

Esperanza Rising

by

Pam Munoz Ryan

Summary

The journey of a young Mexican girl begins as Esperanza Ortega is six years old, growing up in a life of privilege on El Rancho de las Rosas in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The story follows the many sad and tragic turns that occur in Esperanza's life beginning with the murder of her father. She goes from a pampered, secure girl to a fearful young lady who must struggle to help her family survive in a new unfamiliar country. Along the way, Esperanza learns that while a privileged life is an easy life, the love of family and friends provides true riches.

My Thoughts

I was so happy to have taken the suggestion of one of my students to read Esperanza Rising. It is a story that so many can relate to their own lives. We all have times when we are fearful of new things and we all have times of tragedy that we must not only endure but use to propel ourselves to a new life. I think so many of us dream of the life that Esperanza had as a young child. We dream of what it would be like to be rich and to have people wait on us. It is always a good reminder that riches are found so many times in relationships and not in possessions.

Reviews

"A lyrical...robust novel." -Publishers Weekly

"Easy to booktalk, useful in classroom discussions, and accessible as pleasure reading, this well-written novel belongs in all collections." -School Library Journal, starred review

Awards / Honors

Pura Belpre Award

ALA Best Books for Young Adults

Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist

Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year 2000

Smithsonian Notable Books for Children 2000

Suggested Activities

This would be a great novel to use as a springboard for adolescents to find out about their heritage. Pam Munoz Ryan would not have been able to write Esperanza Rising if she had not listened to the stories of her grandmother's childhood. During the course of reading the novel, I would have students interview a grandparent or other relative to find out the differences and similarities of a child's life in the past and the life of the student today. I would have students share their stories with others in the reading group. It would also be great to actually have one of the grandparents come to share their own story.

SLIS 5420 Module 2 Sept. 7-13

Slake's Limbo

by

Felice Holman

Summary

Aremis Slake is a young boy living in New York who has experienced many difficulties in his short life. He has been passed from relative to relative and has suffered from abuse, neglect, and constant hunger. Slake is constantly bullied at school and seems to have no safe place to turn. He always keeps a subway token handy in case he has to flee his attackers. One fateful day while running from bullies, Slake rides the subway until he is too far from home to return and does not have any tokens left. He sneaks back into the subway terminal but is seen by the change booth attendant. Before he can be caught, Slake jumps from the platform into the dark subway tunnel. While feeling his way through the dark tunnel, Slake discovers a small opening with leads to a small "room" within the tunnel walls. This becomes his home for the next 121 days. Slake's journey of survival eventually becomes one of self discovery.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book even though it did not at first sound appealing. I seem to constantly be telling my students to be grateful for the things they have, and I also have to remind myself sometimes, as well. The poignancy of this book is that we never know what may be going on in someone else's life, and we should always try to find compassion instead of making quick judgments of others. Part of the appeal to me is that I also had moments in my childhood when I felt alone and neglected, and like Slake, I discovered at a young age that you sometimes only have yourself to depend on. Slake's discovery that he can care for himself better than the adults in his life have cared for him gives him a sense of power. However, at what would seem the most difficult situation of his life, he discovers that there are adults in the world who will watch out for him. When Slake discovers the joys of a full stomach and not having to look over his shoulder in fear constantly, he is able to make a home out of the most unlikely place.

Reviews

"...utterly convincing in its detail and moving in its concern and admiration for the stubborn, human will to survive."

New York Times Book Review

Awards / Honors

An ALA Notable Book

A YASD Best Book for Young Adults

Winner of the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award

Suggested Activities

This would be a great book to read with middle schoolers. I might have students do some research about the subway system in New York before beginning the book. I think this would be helpful for students in Texas to be able to fully visualize Slake's surroundings.

This book would also be a great way to open a discussion about bullying in school and its effects on the victim. The librarian should be prepared to discuss the causes and effects and ways to prevent bullying.

George and Martha Round and Round

by James Marshall

Summary

George and Martha Round and Round is a collection of five short stories for children. Each story focuses on the ups and downs of the friendship between two hippos named George and Martha. These two seem to always be up to some mischief with one another, but they always find a way to make things right and remain the best of friends.

My Thoughts

While reading George and Martha Round and Round I was drawn to the fact that the books seems that it would definitely appeal to children, but many of the situations seem especially written to appeal to an adult sense of humor. I think this a trait of a good children's book because the parent and child can both enjoy the book at the same time. The stories have a good message for children about the enduring nature of true friendship, and as an adult I enjoyed some of the sarcasm and irony between the two main characters.

Reviews

"If you and your children have not met George and Martha yet, you are in for a real treat!"

"James Marshall has become one of the children's book superstars in recent years."

Stephen Frasier , Senior Editor , Weekly Reader Books

"The dear, ditzy, down-to-earth hippos bring serious pleasure to everybody.

Maurice Sendak

Suggested Activities

These stories would be great for a discussion with young children about friendship. Children could share stories of occasions when they weren't getting along with a friend and how they eventually resolved the problem.

For Story Number Three - The Artist, the children could be given paper and art supplies and asked to each draw the same picture as described by the librarian. When the children are finished they can compare how each picture is very different even though they were given the same instructions. The librarian can point out the different styles and what makes each piece of art special. This will tie in well with the story because George and Martha both had extremely different approaches to painting the same scene, and each thought his was the best. This would be a great opportunity to discuss art on a level children can understand. It might also work well for the librarian to have examples of two famous works of art in which a similar subject is portrayed in two completely different styles.