HISTORICAL FICTION 1: THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND

1. Bibliography
Speare, Elizabeth George. 1958. The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395071143

2. Plot Summary
A young girl, Kit, arrives to live with her aunt in Puritan Connecticut from Barbados after her grandfather dies in the late 1600's. Having not been accustomed to the stringent religious philosophy of her remaining family members, Kit's outspokenness and free spirit quickly cause some residents to suspect her of being a witch. To make matters worse, she curiously befriends a lonesome, elderly lady that is already known as a "witch."

3. Critical Analysis
Written in 1958, The Witch of Blackbird Pond is still an all-absorbing tale that captures the historical nature of early Colonialism. It is a wonderfully crafted romance set amidst the fevered political lines drawn between England's early rule and those with a visionary alliance to the New World. Speare uses meticulous details in describing the tone and personalities of each character and uses just enough thee's, thou's and thy's to remember the setting.

"To work in?" Disappointment had put an edge to Judith's tongue.
'Tis all I have,' retorted Kit. "Give me something of yours then."
Judith's cheeks went scarlet. "Oh, wear that one. You can help Mercy with the carding. You won't dirty yourself at that."

Each character is fully developed throughout the story with hints of their natures hidden in some of their names--Mercy, the paralyzed cousin; Patience, the little girl learning to read; old Goodwife Cruff, accusatory and overbearing. Some of the names mentioned are of real citizens in New England history, as stated in the author's notes, such as Sir Edmond Andros, the royal governor, and Eleazer Kimberley, the schoolmaster.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond gives readers a glimpse into Old World religious doctrines from the eyes of a naive outsider who is forced to decide if she can conform to such strict behaviors or if she can choose to return to her beloved Barbados. Worthy of winning the Newbery Award a half-century ago, Speare's ingenious account of Puritanism and witchcraft is, indeed, a classic.

4. Review Excerpt(s) Taken from Back Cover
HORN BOOK: "The New England of colonial times . . . is realistically drawn as background for a solidly written character study."
NEW YORK TIMES: "The book has a lively plot and excellent characterizations. The background has every dimension of reality."

5. Connections
*Books on the Puritans
Stille, Darlene R. 2006. Anne Hutchinson: Puritan Protester. ISBN 0756515777
Slavicek, Louise Chipley. 2001. Life Among the Puritans. ISBN 1560068698
Fraustino, Lisa Rowe. 2004. I Walk in Dread: the diary of Deliverance Trembley, witness to the Salem Witch Trials. ISBN 0439249732

*A sound recording
Reese, Celia. 2001. Witch Child. In 1659, fourteen-year-old Mary keeps a journal of her voyage from England to the New World. ISBN 080720627X
Website for Witch Child and the author. http://www.witchchild.com/

NONFICTION REVIEW: ER VETS: LIFE IN AN ANIMAL EMERGENCY ROOM

1. Bibliography
Jackson, Donna M. 2005. ER VETS: LIFE IN AN ANIMAL EMERGENCY ROOM. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618436634

2. Summary
A comprehensive survey book, detailing life in an animal emergency room at Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Multitudes of photos, that show actual animals being treated for a wide array of maladies, accompany stories about the pets, their owners, and the loving staff that care for them.

3. Critical Analysis
Donna Jackson's unparalleled sense of visual display, combined with emotional dialogue captures the interest of readers wanting to find out what it takes to be a veterinarian at one of the nation's leading veterinary teaching hospitals. "'Vets solve the mysteries of an animal's illness," says ER nurse, Sue Mordi, opposite a picture of her assisting an Irish setter recovering from back surgery. Interesting facts, terminology, and histories make this an all-encompassing book, rich with useful information. Jackson has included a table of contents that separates each story in a chapter style. An index and glossary help readers focus on much narrower topics and are useful tools for student investigation. Source notes, websites, and photo credits all add to the authenticity of Jackson's superb research.

4. Review Excerpt(s)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Well researched and well-written"
THE HORN BOOK: "bright, colorful design and 'aww'-inspiring photographs"

5. Connections
*Visit the websites included in the book
American Veterinary Medical Association http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/default.asp
Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine http://www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu/
Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital http://www.csuvets.colostate.edu/

*Make posters of information in book
*Invite a speaker from an animal hospital
*Make a promotional display with career books
*Have students bring pictures of their pets to share

NONFICTION REVIEW: WINTER ACROSS AMERICA

1. Bibliography
Simon, Seymour. 1994. WINTER ACROSS AMERICA. New York, NY: Hyperion. ISBN 0786800194

2. Summary
Winter Across America is an impressive photo display of wintery, snowy scenes from different parts of the United States. Interesting facts about the animals and wildlife of corresponding regions are added to complement the pictures, such as a baby gray whale riding alongside its mother on a 10,000-mile journey.

3. Critical Analysis
Simon's selection of stark photographs that cover each page make this book worthwhile. Although some of the photos are his, many have been credited to other photographers. Simon's accompanying text brings the photos to life and light up the imagination of the reader as if you are standing behind the camera. Colorful pastel backgrounds of lavender and blue, dotted with small, inconspicuous snowflakes, frame the photos and text. Given Simon's background in science, no research references are needed. Simon's well-chosen words feel as if he is reading the lines to you in his voice--"winter is a time of earth sounds: the creaking of bare trees blowing in the chill wind, the howling of a blizzard, the crunch of snow underfoot." An enjoyable book, from a renown and respected author.

4. Review Excerpt(s)
BOOKLIST: "Excellent color photographs, often breathtaking scenes of landscapes and animals"
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Simon teams his flowing, poetic narrative style with superb full-color nature photographs"

5. Connections
*have other books on winter available
Berger, Melvin. What Do Animals Do in Winter? ISBN 1571020551
Sunders-Smith, Gail. Winter. ISBN 1560657847

*other books on seasons, some by Seymour Simon
Simon, Seymour. Autumn Across America. ISBN 1562824678
Simon, Seymour. Spring Across America. ISBN 0786800690
Burton, Jane. The Nature and Science of Summer. ISBN 0836821890

*Could include this with a science lesson on winter, botany, or animals
*Could also research some of the animals in the book such as musk ox, chickadee, owl, whooping cranes, etc.

POETRY REVIEW 2: THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

1. Bibliography
Prelutsky, Jack. 1984. THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK. Ill. by James Stevenson. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0688022715

2. Summary
Prelutsky compiles numerous poems of his own creation to give an indication of his humorous style. Titles such as "Alligators are Unfriendly" and "An Unassuming Owl" give a glimpse of the nature of Prelutsky's gleeful writing.

3. Critical Analysis
Prelutsky's poems have an easy rhyming scheme that begs to be read aloud. "When Tillie ate the chili, she erupted from her seat, she gulped a quart of water, and fled screaming down the street" and other memorable chants are sure to become favorites to young and old jokesters. James Stevenson's simple caricatures reinforce the whimsical relevance of each page.

4. Review Excerpt(s)
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "His rhymes are infectious, his verses ineradicable"

5. Connections
*Visit http://www.jackprelutsky.com/
to learn more about him, and as of 6/25/2008, enter his poetry contest.
*other books by Jack Prelutsky
IT'S RAINING PIGS & NOODLES. ISBN 9780060291945
THE FROGS WORE RED SUSPENDERS. ISBN 9780688167196
A PIZZA THE SIZE OF THE SUN. ISBN 9780688132354

TRADITIONAL REVIEW: MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD world folktales for strong boys

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Yolen, Jane. 2003. MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD world folktales for strong boys. Ill. by Raul Colon. ISBN 0152163913

2. SUMMARY
A collection of folktales from around the world focusing on short stories that subtly inform the reader that a little knowledge can overcome adversity when carefully thought out. Fourteen countries are represented in this anthology where heroes are unveiled by using their wits rather than their might. Tales from Afghanistan, England, Norway, and Finland are but a few. You may recognize some, such as "Jack and His Companions," an Irish tale based on the Brothers Grimm story, "The Bremen Town Musicians." However, Yolen has added some of her own touches and explains why in an addendum in the back pages.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jane Yolen has carefully selected tales that show the central character to be smart enough to outwit the antagonist in the story. She includes a foreword that explains that the book is written in part to guide her sons into making good decisions. Listen to the stories with that in mind to pinpoint the turn of events in each case. This book is for an older reader, indicated as ages 8 to 12 on the cover. Yolen's superb research notes on each story help to place the reader in a different time, place, and culture as each page is turned. She includes a bibliography of references to authenticate the reliability of this set of works.

Raul Colon's excellent choice for illustrating the jacket cover is taken from the tale "The False Knight on the Road." It exemplifies the central theme of the book by showing a young boy, who is carrying books, conversing with an armored knight displaying a larger-than-life sword. It gives clever clues to make the reader pull meaning from the title of the book.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "a stellar read-aloud volume"
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "these stories are lively, expressively written"

5. CONNECTIONS
*focus on one country at a time and locate other folktales from that country
*read other Jane Yolen books
ALL THOSE SECRETS OF THE WORLD. ISBN 0316968919
THE BALLAD OF THE PIRATE QUEENS. ISBN 0152007105
NOT ONE DAMSEL IN DISTRESS: WORLD FOLKTALES FOR STRONG GIRLS. ISBN 0152020470
*view other Raul Colon books
*find other versions of the same tale and compare

TRADITIONAL REVIEW: ANANSI GOES FISHING

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
ANANSI GOES FISHING. Retold by Eric A. Kimmel. 1992. Ill. by Janet Stevens. New York, NY: Holiday House. ISBN 082340918X

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In Kimmel's retelling of the African folktale based on Anansi the spider, Turtle plays the part of the trickster who cajoles Anansi into making a net for catching fish. When Anansi realizes what Turtle has done, he wants justice and goes to Warthog, the mediator. Warthog doesn't believe Anansi, who is left with no fish of his own.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Kimmel's simple and direct dialogue between Turtle and Anansi is easy to follow and easy to listen to. This traditional African folktale tells why spiders weave their webs all over the world--typical of pour quoi tales. Kimmel keeps the flow of this tricky tale short and illustrative, which is sure to capture the attention of all ages.

Janet Stevens' initial portrayal of Turtle carrying a fish along a stream is not to be overlooked. It leads the reader into the first pages of the story.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "humorous details and lively dialogue"
BOOKLIST: "children able to comprehend the wordplay will be delighted"

5. CONNECTIONS
*other Anansi readings and sound recordings by Eric Kimmel, plus make a spider out of pipe cleaners and craft pompoms. ANANSI GOES FISHING could also be a skit with three players.
ANANSI AND THE MAGIC STICK. ISBN 0823414434
ANANSI AND THE MOSS-COVERED ROCK. ISBN 082340689X
ANANSI AND THE TALKING MELON. ISBN 0823411044

TRADITIONAL REVIEW: ADELITA: A MEXICAN CINDERELLA STORY

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
De Paola, Tomie. 2002. ADELITA: A MEXICAN CINDERELLA STORY. New York, NY: G.P Putman's Sons. ISBN 0399238662

2. PLOT SUMMARY
After the death of both her mother and father, Adelita is left under the charge of her wicked stepmother and two jealous stepsisters, following the traditional fairy tale of Cinderella. Instead of a fairy godmother, Tomie de Paola includes a loving live-in helper, Esperanza, who is banished from the household by the mean stepmother. When a rich rancher's son returns home, a celebration is held with all the area's eligible women in attendance, except for Adelita, who is not allowed to go. Watchful Esperanza visits just in time to dress Adelita in a beautiful gown that was left in the upstairs attic by Adelita's mother. Instead of a glass slipper, as in the popular version of Cinderella, Adelita wears a uniquely embroidered shawl which she hangs out her window to guide the rancher's son to her door.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
As with most traditional tales, de Paola's story begins with the ever-present "once upon a time, long ago" theme. She has included a number of cultural indicators that children of Mexican heritage can relate to when reading, hearing, or viewing de Paola's version. There are candles, crucifixes, tortillas, and peppers drawn and verbalized in the pages of ADELITA. De Paola chose to intersperse Spanish translations of some of the dialogue, making the rhythm and flow of the story a bit distracting. The illustrations and background colors show authentic adobe walls and clay pots, gaucho attire for the rancher's son, and popular adobe kitchens and houses. Overall, this is a delightful rendition of a familiar folktale that children of all cultures will enjoy.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST: "De Paola ...[gives] this version a realistic patina that in no way diminishes listening enjoyment."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "Cinderella fans will find much to like in de Paola's original twist, infused with Mexican warmth and color."

5. CONNECTIONS
* Include other cultural Cinderella stories to compare versions of the prince, setting, party, slipper, and godmother types. Listeners can then write their own Cinderella story.

de la Paz, Myrna J. ABADEHA: THE PHILIPPINE CINDERELLA. An Adaption. ISBN 1885008171
Coburn, Jewell Reinhart. ANGKAT: THE CAMBODIAN CINDERELLA. ISBN 1885008090

*Other Tomie de Paola writings and illustrations can be viewed, enticing readers to make her one of their favorite authors:

ANGELS, ANGELS EVERYWHERE. ISBN 0399243704
THE ART LESSON. ISBN 039921688X
THE BABYSITTER. ISBN 0399229086

PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: TALKING WITH ARTISTS

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cummings, Pat. 1999. TALKING WITH ARTISTS: VOLUME THREE. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395891329

2. PLOT SUMMARY
TALKING WITH ARTISTS is a compilation of interviews with various children's book illustrators, arranged alphabetically. Each short interview poses the same set of questions to each artist about their day, their families, and their first book. A photograph of the artist as a child and as an adult is included in the interview, and also a drawing they did as a child. The pages offer individual examples of artwork published after the illustrator became successful in their career.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book can be a beneficial resource for use in a vocational class that includes budding artists. The interviews are short--only a few pages each--and gives some description of how to get an artist's work known to publishers. The artist's' answers to the interview questions gives a glimpse into their worlds and their personalities. The inclusion of an illustration example from each artist shows the talent each has and the range of styles.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST: "Beautifully designed to draw readers, this book will inspire many children..."

5. CONNECTIONS
*This book would work well being used over a period of time, highlighting the work of one illustrator on any given day and adding some of the additional works by them on the same day.
*Children could have a drawing activity and then look at the "first drawings" of the artists Cummings included in TALKING WITH ARTISTS.

PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: SO YOU WANT TO BE PRESIDENT?

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
St. George, Judith. 2000. SO YOU WANT TO BE PRESIDENT? Ill. by David Small. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN 0399234071

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Rather than being a book with a climactic plot, SO YOU WANT TO BE PRESIDENT? goes through a list of past American presidents and some of their ordinary, often hilarious, traits. These zany, true characteristics cause the reader to believe that it is possible to lead our nation even if we hate eating broccoli or despise taking out the trash. Fat presidents, skinny presidents, tall presidents, handsome presidents are all treated equally in Judith St. George’s accounting of many well-known and not so well-known tidbits of information. A chronological list of U.S. presidents with a one-sentence summation of their tenure is included on the back page.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book appeals to readers young and old. It peaks the reader’s curiosity of what presidents are like as human beings. Young readers will relate to those presidents that had pets and to the antics of presidential children. Serious factual information is accompanied by somber illustrations of facial expressions, indicating some of the drawbacks of being president. This is an excellent choice for cross-curricular study of history, art, English, and vocational guidance classes.

David Small’s whimsical watercolor caricatures of U.S. Presidents bring St. George’s Each page has a backwash of muted color, preventing the figures from becoming too cartoonish. If you are unable to distinguish who each drawing represents, don’t worry. Small has included a guide to the illustrations with corresponding page numbers in the back of the book.
commentary to life.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This title will add spark to any study of this popular subject.”
THE HORN BOOK: “The conclusion . . . is positively inspiring.”
BOOKLIST: “Thoughtful composition and layout”

5. CONNECTIONS
*This book can be used with other “when I grow up” books:
McNoughton, Colin. WHEN I GROW UP. ISBN 9780763626754
Wells, Rosemary. WHEN I GROW UP. ISBN 0786807318
Kittinger, Jo S. WHEN I GROW UP. ISBN 0516236113

* Other United States history picture books can be utilized, and an activity of making an American flag can follow readings:
Taylor-Butler, Christine. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. ISBN 9780531126295
Murphy, Patricia J. ELECTION DAY. ISBN 0516226630

PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: MOSES

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Weatherford, Carole Boston. 2006. MOSES: WHEN HARRIET TUBMAN LED HER PEOPLE TO FREEDOM. Ill. By Kadir Nelson. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786851759

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The story begins in the phase of Harriet Tubman’s adult life as a slave, with her praying to God to be freed from this type of harsh existence. God subsequently answers Tubman throughout her journey as she makes decisions to continue onward to a safe haven with the guidance of other anti-slavery sympathizers. Tubman reaches the freedom of Philadelphia, and then is guided through her strong belief in God, to assist others as part of the historical Underground Railroad movement. Her convictions are likened to that of the biblical Moses, as he followed God’s commands to free an enslaved people to a free land.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In a mixture of first-person narrations and third-person description of movements, Weatherford brings the reader into the time and place of Harriet’s trials within herself. We can imagine being there, alongside Harriet, in the swamps and in the wagons, hiding with her, while she prays to God for guidance.

Kadir Nelson’s dark blues and browns translate into somber images on pages showing Harriet traveling in fear and anxiety. In contrast, pages related to Harriet’s freedom are bright with joyous hues of gold. The large, double pages allow for distant viewing, making this a good book to share at story times.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Tubman’s religious faith drives this handsome, poetic account of her escape to freedom and role in the Underground Railroad.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “In this gorgeous, poetic picture book, Weatherford (The Sound that Jazz Makes ) depicts Harriet Tubman's initial escape from slavery and her mission to lead others to freedom as divinely inspired, and achieved by steadfast faith and prayer.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Additional books and accompanying recordings can be found on slavery, Harriet Tubman, or the Underground Railroad, such as:
Lawrence, Jacob. HARRIET AND THE PROMISED LAND. ISBN 0671866737 (poetry)
Carlson, Judy. HARRIET TUBMAN: CALL TO FREEDOM. ISBN 0449903761 (biography)
Levine, Ellen. HENRY’S FREEDOM BOX. ISBN 0439777733X (Illustrated by Kadir Nelson)
Nolen, Jerdine. BIG JABE. ISBN 0688136621 (Illustrated by Kadir Nelson)