Module 8: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

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• Book Summary: Edward Tulane is a beautiful china rabbit doll that is well loved and well taken care of by Abilene, the little girl that he belongs to. Despite the adoration he receives, Edward thinks only of himself and is very pretentious. When a tragic event leads to Edward being separated from Abilene, he embarks on a long journey that includes coming in contact with many people, some mean and some nice. Edward learns many lessons along the way that slowly soften his heart with each new experience. The surprising twist at the end is sure to leave readers feeling warm and filled with thoughts on love and redemption.    

• APA Reference of Book: DiCamillo, K. (2009). The miraculous journey of edward tulane. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

• Impressions: The first experience I had with this story was listening to the audiobook version about seven years ago with my then 5 and 11 year-old children. I thought it was such a poignant story and was excited to revisit it for the fantasy genre. This book contains all the characteristics of well written fantasy according to the textbook, Young Adult Literature (Bucher & Hinton, 2014, p. 200). While it has been compared to Velveteen Rabbit and Pinocchio, other stories of inanimate objects getting a "soul", it has an originality that makes it enjoyable as a read-aloud to younger children as much as for older children. I love how the story spanned so many years and with each interaction Edward had with each new character introduced, the reader sees transformation in Edward that builds up to the traits in his final character revealed at the end.   

• Professional Review: *Starred Review* Gr. 2-4. As she did in her Newbery Medal Book, The Tale of Despereaux (2004), DiCamillo tucks important messages into this story and once more plumbs the mystery of the heart--or, in this case, the heartless. Edward Tulane is a china rabbit with an extensive wardrobe. He belongs to 10-year-old Abilene, who thinks almost as highly of Edward as Edward does of himself. Even young children will soon realize that Edward is riding for a fall. And fall he does, into the sea, after mean boys rip him from Abilene's hands during an ocean voyage. Thus begins Edward's journey from watery grave to the gentle embrace of a fisherman's wife, to the care of a hobo and his dog, and into the hands of a dying girl. Then, pure meanness breaks Edward apart, and love and sacrifice put him back together--until just the right child finds him. With every person who touches him, Edward's heart grows a little bit softer and a little bit bigger. Bruised and battered, Edward is at his most beautiful, and beautiful is a fine word to describe the artwork. Ibatoulline outdoes himself; his precisely rendered sepia-tone drawings and color plates of high artistic merit are an integral part of this handsomely designed package. Yet even standing alone, the story soars because of DiCamillo's lyrical use of language and her understanding of universal yearnings. This will be a pleasure to read aloud.

Cooper, I. (2006). [Review of the book The miraculous journey of edward tulane, by K. DiCamillo]. Booklist Online. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com/The-Miraculous-Journey-of-Edward-Tulane-Kate-DiCamillo/pid=1574791.

• Library Use: This book would be ideal to use to do a character study. Discussing how a character changes throughout a story; have groups of students make an anchor chart with beginning, middle, and end labeled. Identify the main character’s (Edward) strengths and weaknesses, events that occur that cause the character to think differently about life, and how the character shows growth.

Reference:
Bucher, K., & Hinton, K. (2014). Young adult literature: Exploration, evaluation, and appreciation (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Module 7: Paper Towns

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• Book Summary: Margo Roth Spiegelman and Quentin Jacobsen, 'Q', grow up neighbors in a suburb of Orlando, Florida. Although as young children, they experience an event that binds them, they grow apart through the years and it isn't until one month before high school graduation that the two reunite. Margo crawls into Q's bedroom window in the middle of the night to elicit his help in a plan she has devised to seek revenge on all of the people she feels have wronged her throughout her high school career. Once Margo's mission is completed, she disappears, leaving Q wondering if she committed suicide, wants to be found, or ran away to remain gone forever. He finds signs that he perceives as clues left by Margo that lead him on a journey to discover the truth. Along the way, his obsession with Margo becomes stronger but in the end, he learns that things aren't always as they seem. 

• APA Reference of Book: Green, J. (2008). Paper towns. New York, NY: Penguin Group. 

• Impressions: I can see how this story would be very popular with the high school crowd. The characters are relatable, the themes are recognizable and the plot has just enough mix of fantastical events and things that could actually happen that make it interesting and might make the reader wonder "what if"? The dialogue between the characters was quite humorous at times. Reading about Ben’s obsession with prom and reading the conversations he had with his friends about it were definitely entertaining. I read this story with my 18-year-old daughter and although she enjoyed it, she said it was kind of "cheesy". Overall, I think John Green knows the formula for YA literature and will continue to have books published successfully should he choose.

• Professional Review: Gr 9 Up-- Quentin has been in love with Margo for years, so when she includes him in a madcap night of escapades and then disappears, he feels compelled to search for her and to learn why she is so unhappy. This suspenseful and emotionally taut story of self-discovery and compassion is laced with smart-aleck humor and graceful prose.

Curriculum connections. (2009). [Review of the book Paper towns, by J. Green] School library  journal. page 56.

• Library Uses: Create a book trailer. Have students find real locations or create their own. 

Module 6: Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

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• Book Summary: Lilly is a precocious little girl that loves school and especially loves her teacher, Mr. Slinger. She spends her days trying to emulate him and aiming to please him. One day, she brings a new purse to school and despite Mr. Slinger's directive to put it away until sharing time, Lilly can't help but keep it out and she ends up distracting the day's lessons to the point of having it taken away. She retaliates by composing a mean letter to her teacher and leaving it for him to find. Her decision, however, leads to an event that leaves her feeling remorseful and she quickly learns a lesson learned in forgiveness and kindness. 

• APA Reference of Book: Henkes, K. (1996). Lilly's purple plastic purse. New York, NY: Harper Collins. 

• Impressions: Kevin Henkes is one of my favorite authors because of his ability to create such relatable themes for the early childhood audience. This story in particular captures the attention of readers with an exhuberant talking mouse character illustrated in great detail. Henkes' style of writing from a child's perspective makes the story not only enjoyable to hear, but enjoyable to read as a teacher. His use of onomotapeaia and speech bubbles lends itself to using lots of expression while reading. I love using this book at the beginning of the year while setting routines and procedures for the class. Children in my class are always so excited to bring things to school that using this story is a perfect springboard to talk about our policy for sharing items from home.

• Professional Review: PreS-Gr 2- Lilly loves everything about school-even the squeaky chalk and cafeteria food. But most of all, she loves her teacher, Mr. Slinger, who is a sharp dresser and greets his students with an uncharacteristic "Howdy." The little mouse will do anything for him-until he refuses to allow her to interrupt lessons to show the class her new movie-star sunglasses, three shiny quarters, and purple plastic purse. Seething with anger, she writes a mean story about him and places it in his book bag at the end of the day. But when she looks in her purse, she discovers that he has written her a kind note and even left her a bag of treats. Filled with remorse, Lilly sets out to make amends. Rich vocabulary and just the right amount of repetition fuse perfectly with the watercolor and black-pen illustrations. With a few deft strokes, Henkes changes Lilly's facial expressions and body langauge to reveal a full range of emotions. When she realizes how unfair she has been, Lilly shrinks smaller and smaller. When all ends well, she leaps for joy in her familiar red boots right out of the picture's frame. Clever dialogue and other funny details will keep readers looking good and laughing. As the cover and end papers attest, Lilly emerges once again a star.   

Saccardi, M. (1996). Preschool and primary [Review of the book Lilly's purple plastic purse, by K. Henkes]. School library journal, 42(8), p122.

• Library Uses: Perfect read-aloud to introduce Keven Henkes as an author study.  His writing style, characters, and themes can all be compared and anchor charts can be created to illustrate observations. 

Module 5: The Crossover

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• Book Summary: Author Kwame Alexander tells the story of JB and Josh Bell, twin brothers that both excel on the basketball court. The story is written in verse from the perspective of Josh. Their father, Chuck, a retired player from the international circuit, shares their passion for the game and to the dismay of their mother, gets too passionate at times. When JB becomes interested in a girl, Josh has to learn how to navigate his life without his brother being the same constant presence he has been accustomed to. Tack on the declining health of Chuck, and it's impact on the brothers and the story has the reader on the edge of his seat until the very last page.  

• APA Reference of Book: Alexander, K. (2014). The crossover. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin.

• Impressions: An engaging and fast moving story, this book would appeal to middle school aged boys, particularly athletes. With the use of verse, reluctant readers might find it easier to read and finish compared to traditionally written chapter books. Some of the pages are shape poems that allow the reader to almost see the ball bouncing or passing across the court while reading. The relationship between Josh, Jordan and their dad is beautifully detailed through Josh's narration. Although written with very few words, the author does a fantastic job of creating dynamic characters that adolescents can relate to and understand. More than just a sports theme, the story has a strong family theme and does a magnificent job of revealing the message that through all of life's perils, siblings should stick together.  

• Professional Review: Basketball-playing twins find challenges to their relationship on and off the court as they cope with changes in their lives. Josh Bell and his twin, Jordan, aka JB, are stars of their school basketball team. They are also successful students, since their educator mother will stand for nothing else. As the two middle schoolers move to a successful season, readers can see their differences despite the sibling connection. After all, Josh has dreadlocks and is quiet on court, and JB is bald and a trash talker. Their love of the sport comes from their father, who had also excelled in the game, though his championship was achieved overseas. Now, however, he does not have a job and seems to have health problems the parents do not fully divulge to the boys. The twins experience their first major rift when JB is attracted to a new girl in their school, and Josh finds himself without his brother. This novel in verse is rich in character and relationships. Most interesting is the family dynamic that informs so much of the narrative, which always reveals, never tells. While Josh relates the story, readers get a full picture of major and minor players. The basketball action provides energy and rhythm for a moving story. Poet Alexander deftly reveals the power of the format to pack an emotional punch. (Verse fiction. 9-12)

(2013). [Review of the book The crossover, by K. Alexander], Kirkus Review. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kwame-alexander/the-crossover/. 

• Library uses: When new vocabulary is introduced, the author dedicates an entire page to the new word, including pronunciation, meaning, and examples of how to use the word in a sentence; all tied to the plot of the story. This would be perfect way to introduce dictionary skills to a class. 

Module 4: Number the Stars

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• Book Summary: Annemarie Johansen is a young girl growing up in German occupied Denmark during World War II. When her parents decide to help the Jews, including her best friend's family, Annemarie has an opportunity to show bravery to assist in leading them to safety. She aides in a mission to get their family, among others, to a boat that will take them to Sweden. It is not until near the end of the story that Annemarie fully realizes just how courageous and wonderful the achievement was.   

• APA Reference of Book: Lowry, L. (1989). Number the stars. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin 

• Impressions: From Annemarie's point of view, this story gives young readers a realistic account of what it was like living in Nazi occupied territories during WWII. It is written appropriately for the developmental level of the audience, not getting too graphic with the true horrors that were experienced during the holocaust. I think many upper elementary aged students are curious about the events, yet are not mature enough to handle the gruesome details. Lowry does an excellent job of describing the setting in a way that readers get a sense of the the fear that was experienced yet won't have lasting haunting visuals. This book is a great complement to a history unit on WWII.  By having students read and be able to connect with a child from that era, I think the historical events from their history text would be more meaningful. 

• Professional Review:The gripping story of a ten-year-old Danish girl and her family's courageous efforts to smuggle Jews out of their Nazi-occupied homeland to safety in Sweden. Reader's are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.

     [Review of the book Number the stars, by L. Lowry]. (1989). School library journal. 35(16). p39

• Library Uses: Set up centers around the library and divide the students into groups, with each group using an ipad. Each center will have a QR code to scan with different information given at each station. One center will have a Google map showing where Denmark is located with geographic questions to answer about the country. Another center will have information about the Holocaust and a form with questions for the students to fill out by reading the information provided. The third center will have the book The Diary of Anne Frank, with information for the students to compare and contrast about the two stories. 

Module 3: The Snowy Day

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• Book Summary: The Snowy Day follows the story of Peter, a boy that wakes up one morning to discover that his world is covered in snow. He spends the day exploring and discovering all the wonders that snow brings; watching his feet make tracks in the snow, hitting a tree and watching the snow fall from the branches and making a snowman and snow angels. Peter ends his day telling his mother all about his adventures and then reminiscing about the day. 

• APA reference of Book: Keats, E.J. (1962). The snowy day. New York, NY: Viking Press.

• Impressions: Keats inclusion of an African-American character was an historical event in the history of multicultural literature. No books prior to this one featured an African-American character. How exciting it must have been in the 1960's for students in the African-American community to have a character to relate to in the books they were exposed to. I have always loved including this book in my winter themed units not just for the multicultural aspect but for the unique illustrative style that Keats used to complement the story.     

• Professional Review: The author brought bold, bright color and collage to the forefront of children's literature, winning the Caldecott Medal and introducing children to a young African American protagonist named Peter who romps in the snow in this first book and who appears in subsequent stories set in an urban neighborhood.             

Munsen-Benson, C. (2006). [Review of the book A snowy day, by E.J. Keats]. Book Links, 15, page 68. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/197205143?accountid=7113.

• Library Uses: Set up centers around the library where students learn more about the illustrative style of collage. One center has art books about collage on display for them to read. Another center has paper out for them to create their own collages. Another center has photos of snow scenes for them to study.  

Module 2: The Very Busy Spider

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• Book Summary: The Very Busy Spider tells the story of a spider that decides to spin her web near a farm. The illustration of the web is made with a texture that the reader can feel raised from the page. All of the farm animals try to engage her with suggestions to participate in their favorite past-times but she ignores each of them as she continues to busily spin her web. The web becomes more and more complex as the story unfolds and the day progresses.  Finally, a rooster asks the spider if she would like to catch a pesky fly, which she does and then falls asleep before being able to answer the Owl's request to know who built the beautiful web.

• APA Reference of Book: Carle, E. (1984). The very busy spider. London: Penguin Group USA. 

• Impressions: I have always loved this book for the many concepts it can introduce. It can be used in October, during a science unit on spiders or it can be used in the spring, during a unit on farm animals.  Both language arts and science lessons can be enhanced with the addition of this book to the lesson. With the author's use of repetition on every other page, "The spider didn't answer. She was very busy spinning her web.", the book can be used with younger, or newer, readers to help them gain confidence in their reading ability. The illustrations are tactilely engaging and encourage the reader to want to read the story over and over again. With each repeat reading, there are new concepts to explore. From the rhythmic language of the farm animals, to the labeling of the action words (verbs) that each animal introduces into the plot, this book can be enjoyed by multiple age groups.  

• Professional Review: Preschool-Gr. 1. The farm animals approach a spider as she's spinning her web and ask if she'd like to play. The spider doesn't answer, continuing to spin her web until it's finished. This is a good title to use when first starting to play stories. Playing Tip: The child playing the spider can use a long piece of string or yarn to spin a web on the floor.                                                                

Locke, J., & Ossont, S. (2007) Books that Play Well. [Review of the book The very busy spider, by E. Carle]. Book Links, 16. page 44. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/197217160?accountid=7113.

• Library Uses: The book can be used to teach students where to find non-fiction books about spiders, using the Dewey Decimal system.