Module 15 - The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Thingss

Book
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things
Written by Carolyn Mackler

Citation
Mackler, C. (2003). The Earth, my butt, and other big round things. Cambridge [Mass.]: Candlewick Press.

Summary
Virginia Shreves has issues. Issues with her weight. Issues with her parents. Issues with her siblings. Issues with boys. Issues with everything every teenager has issues with. Doing the right things and fitting in sometimes takes priority over doing what is right and making your parents happy - this, Virginia knows, firsthand. Trying to fill footsteps while trying to be your own person; being who your parents want you to be while trying to be who you were meant to be: it can be so consuming and confusing. Virginia finds her way but at what cost?

Reviews
Horn Book starred (Spring 2004): When Virginia's brother, whom she worships, is found guilty of date rape, she finally begins to acknowledge her picture-perfect family's dysfunctions. An insecure girl desperate for the approval of her weight- and appearance-obsessed family, Virginia believably transforms into a confident young woman. Mackler does a fine job introducing girls to a very cool chick with a little meat on her bones.

Library Media Connection (February 2004): This is not your average, "fat girl finds faith in herself" story. Virginia has her own code of conduct, her own supportive teacher, and a real will to sort out the difference between the expectations of others and Virginia's expectations of herself to be happy. Common elements in many young adult novels are here: a recently moved best friend, an ambiguous romantic relationship with a male classmate, and the sense of being the "imperfect" child. Virginia's mother is a fascinating character study-the famous teen psychologist whose relationship with her teen daughter is mediocre at best. Readers will empathize with very real affronts to Virginia's sense of self and her own internal battle with her weight versus using food to cope with stress and disappointment. There are refreshing twists to this novel. One twist-original, daring, and very believable-is the fallout from her college student brother's accusation of date rape on campus. Not only did he commit the date rape and move back home, but also Virginia has to rewrite how she views each member of her family because of it and actually meets the victim. Multifaceted, buoyant, and consistent, this solid young adult novel is a must purchase. Highly Recommended

Suggested Use
This novel would be perfect for a small group for girls. Using journals, book study leaders could engage the girls in questions that get them talking about issues and struggles they face everyday. The journals could be kept confidential or shared; discussion topics could be predetermined or spontaneous. Working through each chapter, highlighting the major events, thoughts, and feelings, participants could create movie trailers or videos that depict their responses.

Impression
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I identified in so many ways with the main character. The humor and realistic depictions of conversations, thoughts, and feelings made the book come alive. I couldn't put it down. I think every high school aged girl could identify with some aspect of the novel.

Module 14 - Here in Harlem: Poems in Many Voices

Book
Here in Harlem: Poems in Many Voices
Written by Walter Dean Myers


Citation
Myers, W.D. (2004). Here in Harlem: Poems in many voices. New York: Holiday House.



Summary
A neighborhood described in verse, Here in Harlem could be any black community in the nation. The author paired his memories of people from his life with his vivid description in poem-form. Characters speak of character flaws, cultural victories, and the way things were back then. Each perspective is given a name, a profession, and an age to guide the reader into understanding a little more where the vantage point stems from. A narrator, of sorts, through Clara Brown, the collection of poems highlights people and their dreams from the sidewalk out front.

Reviews
Booklist starred (November 1, 2004 (Vol. 101, No. 5)): Gr. 7-10. In the introduction, Myers writes that he was inspired by Edgar Lee Masters'Spoon River Anthology, in which the people who live in a fictional town tell their stories in verse, and by his love of the Harlem community where he grew up. In each poem here, a resident of Harlem speaks in a distinctive voice, offering a story, a thought, a reflection, or a memory. The poetic forms are varied and well chosen. While some are formally expressed free-verse poems, others use the rhythm and rhyme of early blues songs or the graceful, informal cadences of conversational speech. Expressive period photos from Myers'collection accompany the text of this handsome book. Rather than illustrating specific poems, they help to create the look and feel of the time and place. Six vivid prose statements, called "Clara Brown's Testimony,"appear throughout the volume and reflect different stages of her life. The rest of the pieces are poems revealing the experiences and personalities of 53 people, from student to retiree, from hairdresser to hustler, from live-in maid to street vendor-guitar player. Some of the individual poems are exceptionally strong and memorable. Collectively, they offer a colorful and warmly personal portrayal of Harlem. Whether used as a performance piece or read from cover to cover, this unusual book will be long remembered.

Library Media Connection (March 2005): Readers are treated to a Spoon River Anthology-styled poetry collection set in the Harlem of Myers' youth; "the characters in this book all represent people I have known or whose lives have touched mine." From ages 12 to 87, over 50 characters speak their minds and hearts with honesty, dignity, and unique perspective. We hear from laborers, the unemployed, jazz artists, students, veterans, and an intriguing variety of others. Equally captivating is the b&w photos scattered throughout the pages of people that have a story all their own-one that might not match the adjacent poem. This amazing collection covers themes of daily struggles at once unique to the time and place, as well as reflecting problems and feelings readers can relate to today. Brilliant in both content and delivery, this is a collection that can spark many discussions and creative writing assignments. Recommended.

Suggested Use
The author mentions in his author's note that the photographs added to the book are not meant to match the poems; that they are only included because the author liked them. However, students could read the collection and pick a favorite person depicted in a poem, or a person who "speaks" to them. Then, students can illustrate through drawing, painting, sculpting, etc. what the person looks like based on the poem. Students will be free to express their ideas through whatever artistic medium they choose, other than those based in technology. An art gallery could be developed to go along with the poems for an Art Night.

Impression
The poems painted such vivid pictures in my mind of the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them, as that is what I did while reading this collection. I would recommend this collection of poems for an upper-level student as the content can, at times, be more advanced than is appropriate for a younger audience. The photographs were interesting, though I found it hard to remember that they were not necessarily placed to match the poems; that they were placed within the books because the author liked them. I am considering purchasing this book for my personal literature collection as it spoke on things foreign to me but allowed me a glimpse into a life I know nothing about.

Module 13 - The Baby-Sitter's Club: The Truth About Stacy, A Graphic Novel

Book
The Baby Sitter's Club: The Truth About Stacy, A Graphic Novel
Adapted by Raina Telgemeier
Written by Ann M. Martin


Citation
Telgemeier, R. (2006). The Baby Sitter's Club: The truth about Stacy, a graphic novel. New York: Graphix.



Summary
Based on the series novel, The Truth About Stacy takes on graphic novel form to find out the mystery surrounding Stacy McGill. Stacy was inducted as treasurer of The Baby Sitter's Club but has been keeping her secret from her friends. However, her secret - that she deals with the challenges of having the disease Diabetes - has started to cause trouble, making her miss many meetings of The Baby Sitter's Club. The other members of the club, her friends Mary Ann, Claudia, Kristy, and Dawn get tired of covering for her and take her absences from meetings as signs that she doesn't want to be in the club or friends, for that matter, anymore. Stacy has to make the decision to fess up to her secret or continue on as it with the possibility that her friends let her go.

Reviews
Horn Book (Spring 2007): While the club runs into a larger babysitting agency (run by older students more interested in money than in children) that threatens to put Kristy et al. out of business, club member Stacey comes to terms with overprotective parents, lost friendships, and her diabetes. No-frills dialogue and dynamic black-and-white panel illustrations skillfully convey sympathetic characters and an array of well-realized conflicts.

School Library Journal (March 1, 2007): Gr 5-7-Stacey is the new girl in town. She has made three good friends in a babysitters club but her memories of her old friends still haunt her. Many of them, including her best friend, Laine, ditched her after she was diagnosed with diabetes. Her parents aren't much help; they keep dragging her from doctor to doctor looking for a miracle cure. All Stacey wants to do is manage her condition on her own terms. An impending trip back to New York and a rival babysitting club has Stacey confused and nervous. Will she be able to reconcile with Laine? Will this new group, complete with sitters who can stay up late, end the club for good? The graphic adaptation of the hugely popular series has as much heart as the original. The girls' dedication to the kids they care for and to their friendship never comes off as hokey. The black-and-white cartoons capture each character's personality; the facial expressions say a lot. Each girl has her own style. The outfits have been updated but the skirts haven't gotten shorter. A solid purchase for both school and public libraries.

Suggested Use
Using the graphic novel concept, students can use cartoon boxes to express something they find hard to admit or share, like Stacy did with the disease she struggles with. Teachers can provide a cartoon template or allow students to create their own. Give students a chance to share out their graphic expression at the end of the creative time.

Impression
I adored The Baby Sitter's Club series when I was a child. Having the series adapted into graphic novel form meets the unique needs of today's young readers. I appreciate the attention to detail to show character expression throughout the book. I think upper elementary and middle school-aged students will get a kick out of the series because of its new and improved format.

Module 12 - Ain' Nothing But a Man: My Quest to Find the Real John Henry

Book
Ain't Nothing But a Man: My Quest to Find the Real John Henry
Written by Scott Reynolds Nelson
with Marc Aronson

Citation
Nelson, S. R. (2008). Ain't nothing but a man: My quest to find the real John Henry. Washington D.C.: The National Geographic Society.

Summary
Using clues from songs about the legend John Henry, author Scott Reynolds Nelson embarks on a journey to find the "real" John Henry. His adventure is depicted in this biography, highlighting the ups and downs of research and discovery. At times, Nelson hit dead ends. At times, he put clues together quickly. Each road led to another which eventually led to another. In the end, the reader learns who the "real" John Henry is, his life as a railroad worker, and several surprises along the way.


Reviews
Horn Book (January/February 2008): The author of an award-winning adult book on John Henry joins with a notable writer of young adult nonfiction to lead readers through a search illuminating the mystery of history. Though sometimes temporarily stymied, Nelson follows clues, from song lyrics to census data, engineering reports, and prison records, tracking a folk hero who originated in the reality of 1870s racial injustice. Sepia historical photographs on buff paper, with scarlet captions and occasional overlays, depict the setting and cast for this gripping saga. We learn the likelihood that John Henry was a convict who might have died from a heart attack after his famous duel with a steam engine but more probably succumbed to the rock-dust-induced lung disease silicosis, after which he was secretly buried along with hundreds of other incarcerated African Americans hired out for railroad work. Given the dramatic role that photographs play in identifying the "white house" of the song (Nelson believes it was a reference to the Virginia Penitentiary), it is curious that there is no description of the process by which he discovered what may be an actual photograph of John Henry, but Nelson's archival sleuthing is otherwise meticulously documented. Appendices add background and suggest research guidelines, while a bibliography, source notes, and index support further investigation.

Publisher's Weekly (December 24, 2007):Nelson (Steel Drivin' Man: John Henry, The Untold Story of an American Legend) offers a highly accessible version of his research into whether or not the John Henry of folksong fame was a real person. Piecing together a panoply of facts and personal anecdotes that go back to his boyhood, the author models the study of history as an active and passionate pursuit: "For years I had been following a trail, and it was stone cold.... And then... I suddenly saw it, the clue that changed everything." This cliffhanger at the end of the first chapter draws readers into Nelson's journey through the song lyrics, old prison documents, maps, photographs and other primary and secondary sources. From "trackliners" (workers, often African-American, who aligned rails) to steam drills to Civil War history, the first-person narrative follows Nelson as he plays detective. Seemingly diverse information presented in each of nine chapters becomes knit together by the conclusion, and visually unified by an aesthetically pleasingly layout that features a reddish brick palette with tinted photos and prints. One graphic--and telling--photo reveals the remains of two African-African men discovered on the grounds of a Virginia prison: John Henry, posits the author, was part of a huge prisoner work force hired out to tunnel through mountains for the railroad companies. Convincing and dramatic, this volume makes a good case that history is a living science. Ages 10-14.

Suggested Use
The treasure hunt of finding information about John Henry points the reader in the direction of how to do relevant research. Using Ain't Nothing But a Man, students are introduced to the research process, critical thinking skills needed to assess retrieved information, and the thought-processing skills necessary to piece together clues to create a picture of the past. Teachers can send students on an information treasure hunt, requiring students to find answers to specific questions about people or subjects. Multi-step research can add to the dimension of the activity.

Impression
Disney produced a movie on common Legends - John Henry is one of the legends sung about in the movie. I was immediately interested in this book as it guided me through the author's adventure of finding out more about this legend. There was enough mystery involved which kept me engaged. The facts and photo captions were also beneficial. I enjoyed this book very much.

Module 11 - The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors

Book
The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors
Written by Chris Barton
Illustrated by Tony Persiani

Citation
Barton, C. (2009). The Day-Glo brothers: The true story of Bob and Joe Switzer's bright ideas and brand-new colors. Watertown [Mass.]: Charlesbridge.

Summary
From start to finish, The Day-Glo Brothers gives information regarding how Day-glo, or neon, colors came to be and how they are used because of their unique qualities. Through the trials of a failed science experiment to the life-saving uses, this picture, informational book gives factual evidence that not all fads begin and end quickly. Beautifully illustrated with neon colors, the story is stunning in facts, underlying character-building depictions, and colorful pictures.

Reviews
School Library Journal (August 1, 2009): Gr 4-6-Before 1935, fluorescent colors did not exist. Barton discusses how two brothers worked together to create the eye-popping hues. Joe Switzer figured out that using a black light to create a fluorescent glow could spruce up his magic act, so the brothers built an ultraviolet lamp. They began to experiment with various chemicals to make glow-in-the-dark paints. Soon Joe used fluorescent-colored paper costumes in his act and word got around. Through trial and error, the brothers perfected their creation. The story is written in clear language and includes whimsical cartoons. While endpapers are Day-Glo bright, most of the story is illustrated in black, white, gray, and touches of color, culminating in vivid spreads. Discussions on regular fluorescence and daylight fluorescence are appended. This unique book does an excellent job of describing an innovative process.

Kirkus Reviews starred (June 15, 2009):The Switzer brothers were complete opposites. Older brother Bob was hardworking and practical, while younger brother Joe was carefree and full of creative, wacky ideas. However, when an unexpected injury forced Bob to spend months recovering in a darkened basement, the two brothers happened upon an illuminating adventure--the discovery of Day-Glo colors. These glowing paints were used to send signals in World War II, help airplanes land safely at night and are now found worldwide in art and advertisements (not to mention the entire decade of 1980s fashion). Through extensive research, including Switzer family interviews and Bob's own handwritten account of events, debut author Barton brings two unknown inventors into the brilliant light they deserve. Persiani, in his picture-book debut as well, first limits the palette to grayscale, then gradually increases the use of color as the brothers' experiments progress. The final pages explode in Day-Glo radiance. Rendered in 1950s-cartoon style, with bold lines and stretched perspectives, these two putty-limbed brothers shine even more brightly than the paints and dyes they created. (author's note, endnotes) (Picture book/biography. 4-8)

Suggested Use
This story lends itself to the content area of science. Using The Day-Glo Brothers as a jumping off point, teachers can introduce the science fair, pointing out that the Switzer brothers wanted different things, had different gifts, talents, and abilities and were able to combine these things to create something wonderful.

Impression
I found this informational book thrilling and easy to follow, unlike some informational books. I thought the wording of the story kept the flow going while still including interesting facts and tidbits of science and entertainment that information seekers would like. The colors of the illustrations are perfect in that they allow the reader to experience and understand what Day-Glo and its evolution looked like.

Module 10 - The Hallelujah Flight

Book
The Hallelujah Flight
Written by Phil Bildner
Illustrated by John Holyfield

Citation
Bildner, P. (2010). The hallelujah flight. New York: The Penguin Group.


Summary
The Hallelujah Flight chronicles the flight of the first African American to complete a transcontinental flight. The pilot, James Banning, has very little money but much drive and perseverance to complete this monumental event. He relies on the good will of others at each stop to provide food, money, airplane parts, gas, prayers, and support. Banning, in exchange for these things, offers each good Samaritan a space on his plane's wings for which to autograph. The bumps and bruises of the flight are depicted within the pages, wrapping up with a homecoming of many supporters, an airplane covered with signatures of the good people of the United States, and a internal fire to accomplish anything.

Reviews
Library Media Connection (March/April 2010): This book tells the story of the first African-American aviator to fly cross country. James Banning and co-pilot Thomas Allen set out with a beat up old plane that could barely make it off the ground, and, once in the air, it could barely stay up. Banning had an interesting method of getting spare parts, food, and gasoline. Anyone who helped them with these items could sign their names on the wing of the aircraft. When they finally reached New Jersey 21 days later, they received a hero's welcome in Harlem. Unfortunately, their place in history has been lost. Author Phil Bildner has tried to fill that gap and bring them back into our history books. This book is informative and humorous. The illustrations complement the text well and capture the mood of the journey. Due to its subject matter, this book belongs in every library, and it may inspire more in-depth research into the subject matter. Highly Recommended.

Kirkus Reviews (December 1, 2009): Pioneering aviator James Banning dreamed of becoming the first African-American to fly across the country, though his biplane was old and worn. Co-pilot Thomas Allen relates how that dream came true in 1932 thanks to the help of people across the country, who contributed encouragement and practical support and wrote their names on the airplane's wings to be part of the adventure. Based on both fictional and nonfiction sources, the story is briskly told in Allen's voice, with plenty of imagined dialogue. Holyfield's gorgeous oil paintings are done on textured backgrounds in a palette of blues and browns. Occasional double-page spreads emphasize the breadth of Banning's vision, while the majority of scenes show events along the way: their tiny biplane above the Grand Canyon; angry white townspeople refusing to serve them food; a ferocious storm in Pennsylvania. Naysayers called them the "Flying Hoboes" but they called it "The Hallelujah Flight." Hallelujah, indeed, to Bildner for finding and telling this story. Pair with Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride, by Pam Muñoz Ryan and illustrated by Brian Selznick (1999), to illustrate the excitement of early flight. (Picture book. 5-8)

Suggested Use
Because the picture book is based on the story of an airplane flight that spans the entire United States, pairing this book with a letter-writing activity seems appropriate. Picking one school from each state in the Union, students practice their letter-writing and interviewing skills to illicit responses from other students around the country. As responses come in, allow students to mark on a large map where each response came from.

Impression
I have loved this book from the moment it arrived in my Scholastic Book fair in the fall of 2010. I love the historical element depicted in the story and am enthralled with the author's note at the beginning, sharing that the author had never heard of James Banning, a real pilot from the early 1920s before he walked into a craft store near his home in Brooklyn. I was able to meet the author at a library convention and have, just recently, hosted the author at a school visit. The story and the author are true legends.

Module 9 - Dollhouse Murders

Book
The Dollhouse Murders
Written by Betty Ren Wright

Citation
Wright, B.R. (1983). The dollhouse murders. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

Summary
Amy Treloar's aunt lives in the family house which hold the answer to a family tragedy that killed Amy's grandparents. Guilt and fear drive Amy's aunt to stay away and forbid Amy to continue down the path of revealing what the attic holds. However, a childhood toy, Amy's aunt's dollhouse, seems to be speaking to Amy, begging to share what insights and secrets it has kept hidden within its walls for so long. Amy, although scared, is determined to find out what the dollhouse is trying to tell them, even against her aunt's wishes to stop the research and investigation. The truth is upstairs in the attic, within the dollhouse - Amy is sure of that. But, can she find the answers before its too late?

Reviews
Publisher's Weekly (1999): Wright's taut, suspenseful novel proves a solid choice to kick off the Live Oak Mysteries audio series. The attic is always a great place to look for nuggets of one's family history, but when 12-year-old Amy explores her great-grandparents' attic, she uncovers clues to a chilling family secret. As Amy and her Aunt Claire sift through clothes, trinkets and other memorabilia, Amy comes across Aunt Claire's long-forgotten dollhouse, a finely crafted replica of the house they are in. Aunt Claire seems unusually distressed about the dollhouse and Amy is determined to find out why. The real fun begins when Amy learns that the dolls in the dollhouse move of their own will and that they seem to be trying to tell her something. After a little sleuthing at the local library, Amy learns that her great-grandparents were murdered years ago and that Aunt Claire's fiance? (who died in a car accident that same night) was the prime suspect in the unsolved case. Before long, Amy unravels the mystery, helping Aunt Claire to resolve her feelings about the past. A subplot about Amy's relationships with her parents, younger sister and best friend adds depth and warmth to this crisply paced tale. Stewart handles the narration with aplomb, using her voice to give listeners a hint of each character's personality. Her portrayal of Aunt Claire, who delivers a few chillingly snappish retorts to Amy, is particularly strong. Ages 8-up.

School Library Journal (1999): Grade 4-6-This scary mystery by Betty Ren Wright (Holiday, 1983) is sure to keep the interest of students, mainly girls. Narrator Carol Jordan Stewart does an excellent job. Her diction, pacing, and characterization are well-done. Twelve-year-old Amy is having difficulties at home being responsible for her brain-damaged sister, Louann. While visiting her Aunt Clare at the old family home, she discovers an eerily-haunted dollhouse in the attic-an exact replica of the family home. Whenever she sees it, the dolls, representing her relatives, have moved. Her aunt won't listen to Amy's claims that the dolls are trying to tell her something. This leads Amy to research old news reports where she discovers a family secret-the murder of her grandparents. The two sisters unravel the mystery. Amy grows to accept her sister and to understand that Louann is more capable than she had first thought.

Suggested Use
Because of the mysterious nature of the book, allowing students to create book trailers that show other students the highlights of the plot, give rise to the clues that help the mystery along, and, in general, get students excited about checking this book out of the library.

Impression
I have read this book aloud to my fourth grade students for years. I love the several chapters that have on-the-edge-of-your-seat moments when something big is about to happen! The descriptions lend a movie-like mental image, engaging readers and listeners for the duration of the book. The ending is satisfying for even the most picky mystery reader.