Curtis, Christopher Paul. ELIJAH OF BUXTON. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439023443
This is the historical fiction story of Elijah, the first free black child born in the city of Buxton, Canada. Elijah is a young, smart boy who works hard at school and at his chores. He enjoys doing things which boys enjoy such as fishing. As the story progresses Elijah learns that life is not so simple and good for all black people. He learns how dear freedom is and the tremendous price people are willing to pay to be free. This story will inform readers about this horrible, shameful period from our history. When Elijah comes across a group of captured black slaves readers will learn just how desperate the situation was. It is a very hard lesson to realize that there was absolutely no hope for these people to escape. It is also an extreme lesson to realize what a mother must do to help her daughter escape from slavery. The dialogue and setting in this story bring the reader back to this time. Children will relate to Elijah and his antics, scaring his mom with a toady frog and wanting to learn about family breeding contests, and will become moved as he learns from experience what freedom really means.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Review: The Wall, Module One, Intro to Children and their Literature
Sis, Peter. 2007. THE WALL. New York: Frances Foster Books. ISBN 9780374347017
This is the story of Peter Sis. Peter Sis grew up in Communist Czechoslovakia in the mid 1900’s. This is the story of a boy growing into his teen years who wanted to explore his personality but because of his surroundings, he was stifled. This book will make adolescents aware that many things which we take for granted are not always come by easily for everyone. In Communist Czechoslovakia many things which Americans consider basic rights are forbidden. People have to think carefully about the consequences of their actions. People are watched and only allowed to see what the government wishes them to see. Teenagers find out about current trends, such as rock and roll, but have a difficult time enjoying it due to “no records, no instruments, no stylish clothes. We have to make and invent everything. We all want to be Beatles”. The illustrations are very complementary to the story. Many of the drawings are drawn in black, white, and red. These colors bring out the sternness of the government and the seriousness of the times. In other places color and whimsy are used to portray the dreams and desires of a growing boy. This is a story which gives an awareness of different peoples in different governments. It makes us appreciate what may be easily taken for granted.
This is the story of Peter Sis. Peter Sis grew up in Communist Czechoslovakia in the mid 1900’s. This is the story of a boy growing into his teen years who wanted to explore his personality but because of his surroundings, he was stifled. This book will make adolescents aware that many things which we take for granted are not always come by easily for everyone. In Communist Czechoslovakia many things which Americans consider basic rights are forbidden. People have to think carefully about the consequences of their actions. People are watched and only allowed to see what the government wishes them to see. Teenagers find out about current trends, such as rock and roll, but have a difficult time enjoying it due to “no records, no instruments, no stylish clothes. We have to make and invent everything. We all want to be Beatles”. The illustrations are very complementary to the story. Many of the drawings are drawn in black, white, and red. These colors bring out the sternness of the government and the seriousness of the times. In other places color and whimsy are used to portray the dreams and desires of a growing boy. This is a story which gives an awareness of different peoples in different governments. It makes us appreciate what may be easily taken for granted.
Review: THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT, Module One, Intro to Children and their Literature
Potter, Beatrix. 2001. THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT. Ill. By Michael Hague. New York: SeaStar Books. ISBN 1587170523.
This is the classic tale of a little rabbit that disobeys his mother. He wanders into Mr. McGregor’s garden. He is almost caught and narrowly escapes a terrible fate which befell his father, being put into a pie. Children will enjoy this tale of Peter who does exactly the opposite of what his mother asks and wanders off on his own mischievous adventure. Peter begins this adventure pleasantly with a tasty snack but things soon turn bleak when Mr. McGregor discovers Peter and the race is on. Children will worry and cheer as Peter narrowly escapes Mr. McGregor more than once. The story ends with Peter getting medicine and an early bedtime as a consequence of his adventure.His siblings, who didn’t break any rules, receive a treat. This tale will remind children that you receive what you deserve. This version of THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT, illustrated by Michael Hague, is large and colorful. The pictures are full of detail and life. The animals are soft and realistic. Children will find much to look at and discuss as they read this version.
This is the classic tale of a little rabbit that disobeys his mother. He wanders into Mr. McGregor’s garden. He is almost caught and narrowly escapes a terrible fate which befell his father, being put into a pie. Children will enjoy this tale of Peter who does exactly the opposite of what his mother asks and wanders off on his own mischievous adventure. Peter begins this adventure pleasantly with a tasty snack but things soon turn bleak when Mr. McGregor discovers Peter and the race is on. Children will worry and cheer as Peter narrowly escapes Mr. McGregor more than once. The story ends with Peter getting medicine and an early bedtime as a consequence of his adventure.His siblings, who didn’t break any rules, receive a treat. This tale will remind children that you receive what you deserve. This version of THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT, illustrated by Michael Hague, is large and colorful. The pictures are full of detail and life. The animals are soft and realistic. Children will find much to look at and discuss as they read this version.
Review: LIBRARY LION, Module One, Intro to Children and their Literature
Knudsen, Michelle. 2006. LIBRARY LION. Ill. By Kevin Hawkes. Cambridge, MA: Caldlewick Press. ISBN 9780763622626.
This is the story of a lion who wanders into the library. His presence is larger than life and the patrons are not sure what to think about this lion. It is decided that the lion should be allowed to stay as he is not breaking any rules. The lion shows up day after day and begins to become a very helpful fixture at the library. This story gives the message that everyone is valuable and should be accepted, regardless of their appearance. People are skeptical of the lion at first but soon wonder how “they ever got along without him.” The lion looks ominous because of his size but he quickly proves his worth, he learns to follow the rules and is very helpful. He dusts encyclopedias, licks envelopes, and helps small children reach books. The lion becomes the model of a perfect library patron. The illustrations compliment the story very nicely. They are colorful and full of detail. The lion is very larger but his features are gentle. The patrons are illustrated with great facial expression and feeling. The patrons are also portrayed as individuals from different cultures. The story ends when the lion breaks a rule for a very good reason. This story teaches us that there are exceptions to the rules.
This is the story of a lion who wanders into the library. His presence is larger than life and the patrons are not sure what to think about this lion. It is decided that the lion should be allowed to stay as he is not breaking any rules. The lion shows up day after day and begins to become a very helpful fixture at the library. This story gives the message that everyone is valuable and should be accepted, regardless of their appearance. People are skeptical of the lion at first but soon wonder how “they ever got along without him.” The lion looks ominous because of his size but he quickly proves his worth, he learns to follow the rules and is very helpful. He dusts encyclopedias, licks envelopes, and helps small children reach books. The lion becomes the model of a perfect library patron. The illustrations compliment the story very nicely. They are colorful and full of detail. The lion is very larger but his features are gentle. The patrons are illustrated with great facial expression and feeling. The patrons are also portrayed as individuals from different cultures. The story ends when the lion breaks a rule for a very good reason. This story teaches us that there are exceptions to the rules.
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