The Dreamer By Pam Munoz Ryan & Peter Sis

1.  Bibliography
Ryan Munoz, Pam, and Peter Sis.  2010.  THE DREAMER.   New York:  Scholastic Press.  ISBN 9780439269704

2.  Plot Summary
The story begins with Neftali being a young boy who is a dreamer.  He is called sickly and weird for his habits.  He looks at the world in a unique way.  Neftali analyzes the words and objects around him.  He collects objects and words, than makes them have a meaning.  His father wants him to go to college and become a doctor or a businessman.  He does not approve of his daydreaming.  "Stop that incessant daydreaming!"  "Do you want to be a skinny weakling forever and amount to nothing"  (10).   
The story progresses as Neftali grows up and the reader learns about the experiences that shaped him into the great man he became. 

3.  Critical Analysis
The author brings to life this fictional story of Neftali a brilliant poet who grew up in South America.  The story contains a few cultural markers to show the reader where the story took place.  The first apparent cultural marker is the language and the names of the character.  The each character has a name that as a Spanish heritage.  Neftali calls his grandmother "Mamadre."  At first this might be confused with the woman being his mother.  But in the begining of the story it is told that his mom passed away.  a few Spanish words are mixed in with the text to give the reader a feel for the language.  "He waved and whispered, "Adios" (38).  "Buena suerte.  Good luck to that" (44). 
The second cultural marker is the setting of the story.  The reader is given clues that the family lives in a town, has a beach house, and there is a big forest nearby.  When Neftali wants to go to the forest to explore he provides the readers with more clues where he lives.  "...the tall pines and parrots and beetles and eagles" (45).  The author shows the reader where the story takes place with the setting and includes the things in Neftali's world that influence him and make him who he is from his culture.  These are the main cultural markers that stand out in the story and influence the characters development within his culture.
The text in the story is in green and a few illustrations are included with poems in them.  The pictures in the book look like the have been drawn by a child to give the reader a look into the journal of the main character.  The reader is provided with a better understanding of Neftali by seeing his thoughts and ideas he is putting in his journal.
The book concludes with an author's note about the main character, poems written by Neftali, and a list of sources the poetry and odes were taken from. 

4.  Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Starred Review. "Grade 4–9—Readers enter the creative, sensitive mind of Pablo Neruda, the Nobel Prize-winning poet, in this beautifully written fictional biography. Ryan artfully meshes factual details with an absorbing story of a shy Chilean boy whose spirit develops and thrives despite his father's relentless negativity."
BOOKLIST Starred Review:   "Respinning the childhood of the widely beloved poet Pablo Neruda, Ryan and Sís collaborate to create a stirring, fictionalized portrait of a timid boy’s flowering artistry."
Pura Belpre Winner

5.  Connections
This book would be excellent for children to read that are learning about the history of Chile or are studying the lives of poets.
Hispanic American Poets:
Francisco X. Alacron
Lulu Delacre
Jane Medina
Pat Mora
Gary Soto 







 

Minty A Story Of Young Harriet Tubman By Alan Schroeder/Jerry Pinkney

1.  Bibliography
Schroeder, Alan.  1996.  MINTY A STORY OF YOUNG HARRIET TUBMAN.  Ill. by Jerry Pinkney.  New York:  Dial Books For Young Readers.  ISBN 9780803718883


2.  Plot Summary
Harriet Tubman is a eight year old girl everyone calls Minty.  Most of the time she thinks about running away.  Her owners are not happy with her work and categorize her has a problem slave.  Her father teachers her how to follow the North Star, to swim, and cook a rabbit.  Even at a young age Harriet was ready to be free.  This story shows the reader how Minty became the woman she would grow up to be.

3.  Critical Analysis
The setting takes place in the South during the time of slavery.  The African American culture is brought to life in the text with the words the author uses to make the characters speak.  "There's somethin' I got to say t'you."  (9).  The reader can hear the southern accent in their mind as they read the words of the story.  The African Americans in the story are slaves during this time in history and have to listen to the commands of their owners.  The author concludes the story with an author's note of the life of Harriet Tubman to give the reader a look at who she becomes.
The illustrator Jerry Pinkney creates beautiful pictures reflecting the life of Minty.  He uses colors that fit the scenes in each picture.  The pictures are lifelike.  The viewer can see the detailed expressions of the characters faces whether it is anger or happiness.  The skin tones of the characters range from white to brown.  The clothing fits the characters of the book the owners wear beautiful clothes and the slaves are outfitted with only the basic clothes.  The pictures in the book bring the characters to life that fits the time period and setting of the book.

4.  Review Excerpts
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Award
REVIEW FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, "This fictionalized account of Tubman's childhood on a Maryland plantation provides a cruel snapshot of life as a slave and the horrid circumstances that fueled the future Underground Railroad leader's passion and determination. At eight years old, Minty (so-called as a nickname for Araminta) boils with rebellion against her brutal owners and bucks their authority whenever possible."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL SAYS, "This beautifully illustrated and moving fictional story can be used to introduce Harriet Tubman and the injustice of slavery to young audiences."

5.  Connections
*This book would be great to use in a classroom setting to read to students that are studying Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad, or slavery.
*Other books about Harriet Tubman
McDonugh, Yiba Zekdis and Nancy Harrison.  WHO WAS HARRIET TUBMAN.  ISBN 044842889
TIME FOR KIDS:  HARRIET TUBMAN:  A WOMAN OF COURAGE.  ISBN 0060576073
Weatherford, Kadir Nelson, and Carole Boston.  MOSES:  WHEN HARRIET TUBMAN LED HER PEOPLE TO FREEDOM.  ISBN 978786851751 

Feathers By Jacqueline Woodson

1.  Bibliography
Woodson, Jacqueline.  2007.  FEATHERS.  New York:  G.P. Putman's Sons.  ISBN 9780399239892


2.  Plot Summary
Frannie's teacher introduces a poem by Emily Dickson to the class about hope.  A new boy everyone calls Jesus is the new kid at school.  He is white instead of African American and the other students are confused why he is going to their school instead of the one across the tracks.  Frannie's best friend Samantha believes that the boy might actually be Jesus.  At home Frannie's brother is deaf and her mom is pregnant.  She worries that her mom will have trouble with the baby.  Through the course of the school year Frannie's perspective starts to change and she may find hope where she least expects it.


3.  Critical Analysis
The author creates a story that takes place in the 1970's.  The world is changing, but there is still segregation between the African Americans and the white Americans.  A white boy starts going to school on one side of the tracks where he is a different color from the rest of his classmates.  The African American culture is identified in this novel by the description of their skin color and hair.  Several times in the story they mention the Black Panthers and talk jive to each other.  These references help identify the culture and time period the story takes place in.
The plot of the story is intriguing and interesting to see unfold.  Everyone needs hope in their life.  Frannie sees the feather that is hope when no one else sees it.  The story has a wonderful moral and gives the reader a new look at hope too.

4.  Review Excerpts
Received NEWBERY HONORS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW, "Gr 4-7-Sisi Aisha Johnson brings to life not just the distinct characters in Jacqueline Woodson's complex coming of age story (Putnam, 2007), but its poetry as well."
PUBLISHER WEEKLY REVIEW, "Subtle changes in inflections distinguish the many characters' voices in a skillful performance that enlarges the book's already wide appeal."

5.  Connections
*This story could be used when teaching children American history from the 1970's.  They could read the book to gain a perspective of what life was like for African American children and their families.
*Other books about African Americans friendships, families and school:
Binns, B.A.  PULL.  ISBN 1934813435
Fusco, Kimberly Newton.  THE WONDER OF CHARLIE ANNE.  ISBN 0375861041
Jones, Traci L.  SILHOUETTED BY THE BLUE.  ISBN 0374369143

The Hungry Ghosts By Julius Lester Pictures By Geraldo Valerio

1.  Bibliography
Lester, Julius.  2009.  THE HUNGRY GHOSTS.  Ill. by Geraldo Valerio.  New York:  Penguin Books.  ISBN 97880803725133


2.  Plot Summary
Every night Malcolm is awakened by a cold breeze and weird noises.  A cemetery is close to his home and he wonders why ghosts would come to his room.  "Goodness my gracious my gracious goodness!"  Malcolm David exclaimed.  "What is going on?" (5).  The curious boy set his alarm clock the next night and is determined to go into the grave yard to find out what is wrong with the ghosts and to help them if he can.


3.  Critical Analysis
This book was written by an African American author.  He creates a folktale with unique characters.  The owls name is sister Owl or Miss Big Eyes and the moon is called Sister Moon.  All of the characters in the story have the title sister or brother to bring a sense of family atmosphere to the book.  There is no doubt in the story that it come from an African American background.  The main character has the name which could be related to Malcolm X.  Instead of freeing African Americans from misery the Malcolm in the story is freeing the ghosts from their suffering.  The main character also has a brown skin color to help the reader identify the presence of the African American culture in the story. 
The illustrator has created beautiful pictures that are blue, green and purples to bring life to the setting of the night in the story.  The skin tone of the main character is a light shade of brown.  His facial features are happy or scared depending on what is happening at that point in the story.  The body type and clothes of the main character are the same as any child.  The general environment of the tale is no different from any other culture.  The homes and the graveyard are very basic.  The illustrator seems to focus more on the image of the main character and other characters in the story.

4.  Review Excerpts
KIRKUS stated, "Not just for Halloween, it's a solid, not-too-scary ghost story for any season."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL says,"The story is clever and charming...rich and complex...a worthwhile purchase..."

5.  Connections
*This story would be a great tale to make into a play for children for Halloween.  It would be very easy to put the story into a play.
*Other stories about ghosts:
Ogburn, Jacqueline.  THE BAKE SHOP GHOST.  ISBN 0618445579
Quattlebaum, Mary and Patricia Castelao.  THE HUNGRY GHOST OF RUE ORLEANS.  ISBN 0375862072 

In Front Of My House By Marianne Dubuc

1.  Bibliographic
Dubuc, Marianne.  2010.  IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE.  New York:  Kids Can Press.  ISBN 9781554536412

2.  Plot Summary
The begins with a house on a hill and in front of the house is...  Has the reader turns each page they are delighted with something that is related to the image on the previous page.  The reader is taken on a journey from the house to the outer limits of space.  "Next to the stars...a full moon".  A child's imagination takes the reader on a mission to see what is really out there.

3.  Critical Analysis
The author tells the story very simply.  The journey of what is just beyond our eyes is seen on each page.  The story is told from the perspective of a child to discover what is really out there in the world.  The story makes the reader realize that everyone is connected even if we can't see the connection with our own eyes.   We are all related to each other.
The illustration of the story are colorful and simple.  The reader feels as though the child that is sharing the story has drawn the illustrations and colored them with crayons.  The images bring life to the child's imagination. 

4.  Review Excerpts
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY says, "The story's unexpected detours are often delightful ..."
2011 USBBY OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL BOOKS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL remarks that:  "The illustrations, rendered in pencil crayon, are appropriately simple. They appear first on a white ground, then on black as the journey progresses into a cave and outer space, and then on white again for the return trip. This little gem has everything: text that will keep youngsters guessing as well as making up their own places to explore, and even an opportunity to make sense of those elusive prepositions. Don't miss this journey."

5.  Connections
*This book would be wonderful to read to children and than have them create their own book with simple text and pictures in crayon with what they believe are in front of their house.  They could go own their own magic journey.
*Other books about adventures and a child's imagination:
Faller, Regis.  POLO AND THE MAGIC FLUTE.  ISBN 9781596434950
Lazi, Caroline.  SOMEDAY WHEN MY CAT CAN TALK.  ISBN 9780375837548 

Hello Baby! By Mem Fox Illustrated By Steve Jenkins

 

1.  Bibliography

Fox, Mem.  2009.  HELLO BABY!  Ill. by Steve Jenkins.  New York:  Beach Lane Books.  ISBN 9781416985136

2.  Plot Summary

The reader is asking the baby who they are with the turn of each page.  "Who are you?" (2)  "Perhaps you're an owl with a wicked wink" (26).  Each page contains a picture of a different animal doing an action that the baby is asked if they are.  At the conclusion of the story an image of each animal is shown.  The baby is asked if they are a treasure and the answer is yes.

3.  Critical Analysis

The author creates a wonderful book with text that rhymes and flows till the last page.  The child learns that their are many different types of babies in the world and that they are their parents treasure.  The author focuses on African animals to enrich a child's mind of a variety of animals from one continent.  This book has a wonderful message to share with its audience.  There are many animals in the world and it is amazing that they have things in common with humans.  It is fun and simple to read with children that are very young to preschool age children.

The illustrator creates bright vibrant images of animals through cut paper.  The media used for the pictures create an element of texture that make the animals seem real.  The reader can see how tired the hippo is and how scary the crocodile is with its serious expression.  The animals are brought to life and the reader can see how they are feeling with their great expressions.  

4.  Review Excerpts

STARRED REVIEW IN PUBLISHER WEEKLY:  "Like her Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, Fox’s newest has all the marks of a lap-sit classic. In mellifluous motherese..."
STARRED REVIEW IN KIRKUS:  "Fox’s original language offers equally strong depictions of wildlife. She all but animates the stellar illustrations: A monkey fidgets with “clever” toes, a crocodile sits “silent and scary” and an owl gives readers a “wicked wink.”

5.  Connections
*This book would be wonderful to use in a story time to introduce babies to the many different animals in Africa.  Children can see what humans and animals have in common, for example most of us yawn.  A flannel board activity could be included in the story time of each animal in the story and ask the children what the animals are as they are put on the board.  This story has many options for crafts.  A coloring sheet of any of the animals could be used with the continent of Africa in the middle to show children where the animals live.
*Other books with animals from Africa:
Hall, Michael.  MY HEART IS A ZOO.  ISBN 9780061915109
Joubert, Beverly.  AFRICAN ANIMAL ALPHABET.  ISBN 1426307810
Krebs, Laurie.  WE ALL WENT ON A SAFARI:  A COUNTING JOURNEY THROUGH TANZANIA.  ISBN 1841484784

 

The Pull Of The Ocean By Jean-Claude Mourlevat

1.  Bibliography
Mourlevat, Jean-Claude, 1999.  THE PULL OF THE OCEAN.  New York:  Delacorte Press.  ISBN 0385733488


2.  Plot Summary
Has his six older brothers are going to sleep that night the youngest hears his parents arguing.  His curiosity gets the better of him and he slips downstairs to hear what they are talking about.  He returns upstairs to tell his brothers that their Dad is planning on killing them in the morning.  The twins cannot believe it.  That night they all sneak out and begin a journey to the ocean.  The youngest brother Yann is the leader and the others follow his directions to escape their death.

3.  Critical Analysis
The author tells the story through the eyes of the different characters in the book.  The twins take turns talking and telling the reader their journey to the ocean.  But also included in the story is the perspectives of the parents and the people they meet along the way.  The many different views being told of the store shows what people that would be from a different culture or have been raised differently are thinking and feeling in the story.  They can be compared to what the boys are thinking.  The truck driver is the first person that helps the boys on their travels.  "...I said loudly "Good luck kiddos and tried to think about something else" (37).  The author brings more emotion into the story by including the many characters different perspectives has they meet the group of boys through their journey.  The reader gains more insight into the story and understand what everyone is thinking and feeling.  Has each persons recollection of the events progress the mystery of the story unfolds.  The reader is intrigued to see what is going to happen to the brothers.  Will they make it to the ocean or will the parents catch them?

4.  Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review:  "Poverty and hardship echo throughout this modern "Tom Thumb" story, but it is ultimately the spirit of brotherhood that is the highlight of this tale. It is a memorable novel that readers will find engaging and intellectually satisfying."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY remarks:  "Indeed, Mourlevat enchantingly blends the harshly real and the make-believe, with the latter tipping the balance as this effectively haunting, fluidly translated tale comes to a close."
THE BATCHELDER AWARD NOVEL

5.  Connections
*This is a great story that is comparable to the story TOM THUMB.  It would be a great activity to have young adults read both the stories and compare them.
*A classroom of young adults could watch a movie or short television show.  After watching the show they could each compose a short entry of what they saw and felt.  After everyone's writing could be put together in a book to share with all of the other students.  They could compare the differences of each others thoughts and events from the show.
*Tom Thumb Books:
Cloke, Rene.  ADVENTURE OF TOM THUMB.  ISBN 1841355453
Sullivan, George.  TOM THUMB.  ISBN 9780547182032