One Crazy Summer

Kathey Smith- Book Review

Bibliograpy- Williams-Garcia, Rita, One Crazy Summer, Amistad, New York: 2010 ISBN 978006076885

Plot Summary-  One Crazy Summer tells the story of an eleven year old African American by the name of Delphine who is sent to Oakland CA from Brooklyn she also has two sisters who go alone with her to visit their mother who abandoned them.  In 1968 the girls father sent the girls to visit their mother. Their mother does little to embrace them and sends them to a camp ran by a Radical group the Black Panthers where they learn new prespectives. Delphine shows her mature skills by watching over her sisters and handling her mothers unwelcoming attitude. "Just like I know how to lift my sisters up, I also knew how to needle them just the right" Delphine has perfected her lifestyle of rearing herself and her silblings.

Critical Analysis- The author did a great job at setting the scene in the late 1960's  by using a main focal point of that era that affect the African American culture.  This book was an easy reader with bold titles for each section the presented  the reader with a great clue of what was up coming. 

Excerpt (s)/ Award (s)

"It's a must for library"- Children's Literature

"She's created a small masterpiece of middle-grade novel that will have broad child appeal- CCBC

This depiction of time is well done, and while the girls are caught up in the defficulties of adults, their resilience is celebrated and enegetically told with writting that snaps off the page- Kirkus Reviews

National Book Award 2010

Parent's choice Award 2010

Audie Award 2011

Coretta Scott King Book Award 2011

Connections- Activities- encourage student to interview family members of friends of the family to reveal who remember activities or participated in activiies of a particular era such as the march with Martin Luther King, The Black Panter rallies.

Related Books- Holm, Jennifer L., Turtle in Paradise, ISBN 0375836886

Vanderpool, Clare. Moon Over Manifest ISBN 0385738838



Hattie Big Sky

Kathey Smith- Audio Book Review

Bibliography- Larson, Kirby., Hattie Big Sky, Delacorte Press, New York: 2006, ISBN 9780385735957

Plot Summary-  Imagine being sixteen and moving from one place to another never really having a place to call home.  The young lady in the book Hattie Big Sky was faced with  this challenge.  Hattie Brooks an sixteen old german orphan in 1918 during world war one has gotten her fill of moving from one place to another. Hattie sats out to Montana to work a homestead left to her by her uncle.  Hattie meets people who helps her find herself and understand the true meaning of friendship.

Critical Analysis- This audio book was eight hours and thirty one minutes long, this is a book for an older student.  The author does a good job presenting the feelings of Hattie just listening to the story you can imagine what Hattie is going throgh and feel the relief when she gets help and realizes the home is what you make it.  " Neither here nor there" gives the listner a clue that Hattie wants more but knows it has not been in her past. 

Excerpt (s) / Award (s)
This  fine offering may well inspire readers to find out more about their own family histories- Kirkus Reviews.
" She creates a richly textured novel full of memorable characters-  Booklist
"This is a delightful and empowering book for young women who will enjoy some of the eccentric Montant characters"-  Children's Literature
Cybil Award 2006
John Newbery Medal 2007
Montana Book Award 2006

Connections- Activities- encourage students to trace their family history and write about it.

Related books- Larson, Kirby. The Dear America: The fences Between Us the Diary of Piper Davis. ISBN 0545224187

Laeson, Kirby. The Friendship Doll. ISBN 0385737459

Catherine Called Birdy

Kathey Smith - Book Review

Bibliography- Cushman, Karen, Catherine Called Birdy, Harper Trophy, New York, 1995. ISBN 0788795201

Plot Summary- A thirteen year old girl in the medieval era does not feel very happy about her life.  She understands that it is custumary for young girls to be married off and is not happy about it.  She fights against her fathers plans to marry her off by drooling, dressing out of charcter and making herself unattractive to prospective suitor.  Catherine writies in her diary things she likes and dislikes.  Catherine presents behaviors of a typical teenager.  Catherine shows her strong will to her family by honoring her father and marring but choosing to make the best out of  the sitiuation and staying real to herself and her idenity.

Critical Analysis- The audio format of this book is good, and able to keep the listener engaged, however at a point I wished I had the book to follow along.  The narrators voice was fitting for this story.  The audio was over six hours long so time should be planned well to enjoy this piece of art.  The author capatured todays teen in several aspects "I loathe my life" said Catherine which is compatible to today's teen statements such as "I can do nothing" or " I hate it here".  even the bad behavior to foil her parents plans for her, as well as shoeing the teens special talant that she wants to explore.   

Excerpts- This book is a peek into the private thoughts of a 13 year old ,somewhat privileged girl, living in the 13th century - Children's Literture

Using diary format, we learn of life, family, joys, and tribulations of a young woman born to title but not wealthy circumstances- Children's Literture

Readers will learn much about the historical time period- KLIATT Review.

Far ahead of her time, she is both believable and lovable  Superb historical fiction - School Library ournal, Starred Review.

Connections- Enrichment activities-

•  Compare and Contrast today's teens to Catherine
•  Discuss diary writting and practice
•  Cause and Effect of Catherines behavoir

Our Eleanor - Book Review

Kathey Smith

Bibliograph- Fleming, Candace. 2005. Our Elenor: A Scrapbook at Eleanor Roosvelt's Remarkable Life. New York: Atheneum Book for Young readers. ISBN 9780689865442

Plot Summary-  Fleming presented a great biography scrapbook style piece of work.  Roosvelt's life is presented from beginning to end.  The photos are in good taste and plenitful, notes ,sketches, and letters help keep intrest flowing.  One question question presented in the book was " Was she or wasn't she" plays a part in keep the readers interest.  This book is full of information not only about but a bit of information about her husband as well which may be a good resource for middle schoolers and high schoolers.  Unfortunately this book did not appear very attractive which may not encourage children to willingly read.

Critcal Analysis- This book is made up with a scrapbook appearance and detailed photos VOYA "each page is indulgently browsable, with well-chosen photographs pulling the reader's attenton from one snippet of text to the next".  There are personl items displayed in the book about the subject and things she created herself such as notes, list, letters, sketches, and photos.  Information about Eleanor Roosevelt's life was very detailed  from beginning to end. 

Review Excerpts-

Publishers Weekly- "Fleming allows readers to draw their own conclusions; they will come away with an understanding of a woman who shaped her times and left a lasting imprint on the future.

School Library Journal "Pages are jam-packed with information in varying fonts and formats, yet still manage to remain clearly and logically laid out."

Kirkus " had Eleanor Roosevelt kept a scrapbook an incredibly well-organized and thorough scrapbook- this is how it might feel to look through it"

Connections-

This book may be fine to use with other resources about Roosevelt for a social studies project or research paper. Other books and websites that are related biographys

Fleming, Candace. Ben Franklin's Almanac:Being a True Account of the Good Gentleman's Life. ISBN 0689835493 

Freedman, Russell. Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery. ISBN 0395845203

Website- http://www.biography.com/famous/index.jsp

http://www.famouspeople.co.uk/

Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past- Book Review

Kathey Smith - Book Review



Bibliography- Deem, James. 2008. Bodies from the ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the past. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780618800452

Plot Summary-  This book is a show stopper. Deem creativly provides information about glaciers and what happens to people who were involved in unforseen accidents and bodies are consumed by the ice and found many many years later.  Deen uses nice colorful photos and paintings.  The descriptive text "The children were selected for the Capacocha or sacrifical, ceremany apparently based on their perfect looks".  The boy, about seven years old, wore a red wool tunic.  His face was predded so tightly into his kness that his nose had become flattened" flows well with the nice photos and paintings and helps keep the reader engaged.  The factual information may allow this book to be a great source for book reports or research papers for student in middle or high school.

Critical Analysis-  This book is full of photographs and paintings of people, glaciers, outher element activities.  Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices "Facinating photographs complement the captivating narrative".  There are also a list of glaciers and  website that offers more information.  This book provides prehistoric information as well as aide in science activities.

Review Excerpt-  Kirkus: "Photos of skulls, mummified bodies and artifacts will fascinate readers"
Library Media Connection: " This book is a treat to look at, but is also chock-full of enough text and factual information to be a great resource for research reports"
Science Books and Film: " The book is small, but accurately portrays the process of science from discovery to investigation".

Connections- Students may use this book as a resource for a research paper.  The list of glaciers and the websit information could be very helpful for learning experiences.
Other books about elements.
Deem, Steve. Bodies from the Bog. ISBN 618354026
Deem, Steve. Bodies From the Ash: Life and Death in Anicent. ISBN 9780618473083
Freedman, Russell. Who Was First?: Discovering the Americas. ISBN 9780618663910

Biggest, Strongest, Fastest - Book Review

Book Review

Bibliography- Jenkins, Steve. 1995. Biggest, Strongest, Fastest.  New York: Ticnor & Fields Books for Young Readers.  ISBN 139780395697016

Plot Summary- Often we think of people accomplishing or setting various records however author Jenkins captured the records sat by a few nonhuman creatures. In his book Biggest, Strongest, Fastest he revealed records that are held by the African elephant, cheetah, anaconda the etruscan and more.  Jenkins provides infomation about the special talents of these animals and more.  The factual data is presented in short simply sentences with bold colorful pictures.  " The bee humming bird is an acobatic filier".  The picture of the humming bird strongly reflects the words as do the etruscan shrew laying in a spoon reprsenting the smallest of mammal.  Steve Jenkins uses both science and art in a very creative manner to provide information to children K-5.

Critical Analysis- This book is a picture book with a double page spread.  There are extra facts about the animals at the bottom of the page which are easy to understand. Jenkins keeps the reader interested by placing part of the animal on one page and the other part on the next page revealing  the animial's idenity after a hint. There's a chart at the back of the book that shows the recordes, diets, sizes, and rangers.

Review Excerpt(s) -

 Booklist Review " preschoolers can enjoy the one sentence descriptions in large type,  the cheetah can ran faster than any other animal.... The flea is very small, but it is the world's best jumper"

Children's Literature - " For kids who ask those impossible questions what animal is the biggest, or smallest, longest or shortest, and so on Jenkins has created a delightful series of answers using full color cut paper collage illustrations" .

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books-" Clear factual tidbits are accessible to young children  the etruscan shrew, the world's smallest mammal, could sleep is a teaspoon"

Connections- The mathematical information may be of intrest to the older students.   This book may also be used as a source to a science or  an art unit .

 Other books with animals facts for children

•  Jenkins, Steve.  What Do You Do with a Tail Like This .  ISBN 0618152431
• Jenkins, Steve. What Do You Do when Something Wants to Eat You? ISBN 0618152431                                                                                                                                                        

Diamond Willow

Kathey Smith
Book Review

BIBLOGRAPHY- Frost, Helen. 2008. DIAMOND WILLOW. NewYork: Farrar,Straus and Giroux
ISBN: 100374317763

PLOT SUMMARY- Willow is a young girl who live in Alaska and helps her father with taking care of their dogs.  Willow is not very happy, she feels that she is not getting the attention she thinks she deserves.  Willow sometimes wants to be in the company of the dogs alone.  Willow loves her family but do not think much about herself "I'm skinny and ordinary like a stick".  When her blind dog Roxy look as if she will not be useful and Willows parents want to put her away, Willow leaves with her to go to her grandparents she encounters a terrible storm where she needs help. Willow finally gets the attention from her family but not sure if this  is what she wants.


CRITICAL ANALYSIS-  This is an interesting book with diamond shaped poems.  Regular size font was used by Frost but the diamond shape format is invitig to the reader.  There are no pictures but there are bold words within each poem to reveal a message.  Willow has hidden feelings through out the poem that reveals how she feel about herself " Why don't people like me" "people scare me" "shouldn't someone be mad at me".  This book is full of emotions for Willow from the way she feels about herself and the expereince of her dog she dearly love being hurt.


REVIEW EXCERPT(S) - KIRKUS REVIEW: "Flawed, but not fatally" Willow's story.
BOOKLIST:  " this story is in east to read verse blends exciting survival adventure"
CHILDREN"S LITERATURE: " this book could serve as a postive introduction to a belief systen of Alaska"

CONNECTION: This book could be a good classroom reader to discuss self-esteem.  This book can be a good souce to use for value systems as well as culture.  After reading this book students can be challeged to come up with their own view of a value system. (writing exercise)

Poetry Review

Kathey Smith
Book Review

BIBLIOGRAPHY- Grimes, Nikki. 2006 THANKS A MILLION. Ill. by Cozbi A. Cabrera. New York: Greenwillow books. ISBN: 10068817292

PLOT SUMMARY-  A colorful book full of things to be thankful for. A book, weekends, family, candy, a flower, and creative ways to say thank you such as a Homemade Card, and Lunch Box Love Notes.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS- The fomat and font used in this book is very simple but valued.  Grimes used long words, short words, rhyming words, pictures, numbers, and letters in a creative manner to say thank you "want 2 thank U".  Grimes uses life situations happy or sad and find the thank you in it
in SHELTER Grimes displays her talent of making sad situation into a thankful one "I wish these walls  were ours.  I wish this bed were mine. that dinnertime meant just us three. my brother, mom, and me". just by reading this the reader can picture a family of three that does not have their own home and are possibly sharing living quartes with others.  The design of the book is an attractive and well formated without the words taking over the page.  Cozbi did an awsome job macthing the pictures with the authors words for the poem SHELTER Cozbi painted the perfect scene of a mother and her two children sitting on a bed with several beds around them that were empty gives the reader a clear image of  type a shelter.  Cozbi use alot of browns and tans which may imply that the chacters are very diverse.  The wonderful art for this book alone say inviting and the creative messages keep readers engaged.
REVIEW EXCERT(S)- BOOKLIST: "Children struggling to articulate gratitude will find numerous ways to draw upon this - some may memorize or copy out favorite poems to pass along.  CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: " Simple, beutiful pictures surrounded by simple, dazzling words make this a wonderful book to share with young and old alike".  COOPERATIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK CENTER CHOICE:  "Thank you is a seed I plant in the garden of your heart"  Nikki Grimes offers a varieth of reasons for giving thanks.
CONNECTIONS: This book can be to teach children about gratitude, to help children with behavior issues, or just used to help children feel better about themselves.  This is also a great social skills resource.

Poetry Book View

Kathey Smith
Book Review

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 -  Schertle, Alice. 2008.BUTTON UP. Ill. by Petra Mathers

Olando, Fla: Harcourt. 9780152050504

PLOT SUMMARY- In this very colorful picture book of poems the author does a great job of usings small critters to talk about outfits, Schertle use undies, hats, pjs, shoelaces, and more and all the items a engaging in activies "we'er hang looose laces and we don't do bows!" this was from BERTIE'S SHOELACES.  Schertle cleverly brings life to the outfits and critters.

CRITICAL ANAYSIS-  Schertle's writing has a bits of rhyming by using rhyming words on every other line in many of the poems "Bob climbs hills. Bob does wheelies. Bob takes spills." other poems may not rhyme but display the use of opposites " we like to be wet, we don't like dry" WANDA'S SWIMSUIT  Schertle's displays fun and alot of imaganary information in the piece of  work. Petra Mathers's watercolors make all of the critters come to life as they wear  the outfits that have voices.  Mathers defines the sky, water, and rocks by using pale blues, greens, and browns.  Mathers gives the titles of each poem personality by using colorful paint for the letters.

This book is a great for preschooler thru sixth, even if the younger children  can not read the material they would enjoy this book being read to them.  The  use of many verbs used by the clothes and the critters make the entire book   come to life.

REVIEW EXCERPT (S)-  Starred review in BOOKLIST:" Schertle's poetry is reminiscent of  A.A. Miline and begs to be read aloud" CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: "Rollicking poems told in the "voices" of  articles of clothing make up this fun collection"  KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Schertle pulls it off admirably , in a simple, straight forward manner."

CONNECTIONS-    This is a good book to use for teaching young children colors, opposits, and   about articles of clothing.  This book may be  read all at once, or a poem or two at a time.   Other books for children about cloths  Barrett, Judi. ANIMALS SHOULD CEFINITELY NOT WEAR CLOTHING. ISBN 0689708076  Lester, Helen. THE SHEEP IN WOLF'S CLOTHING. ISBN 100618868445