Jenkins, Steve. 2004. ACTUAL SIZE. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN # 0618375945
This is an oversized picture book which shows children, through jolting illustrations, just how small or large various animals are. Each double page spread includes an eye-opening illustration along with specific information on the featured animal. The illustrations are skillfully created through cut and torn textured paper. Many of the featured animals are so large that only a portion can be shown in the illustration. The saltwater crocodile is cleverly done by one page doubling out, which allows for a three page spread. The giant squid focuses only on the huge eye which is a foot across and the great white shark shows only a portion of the giant mouth with a page of enormous jagged teeth. The text on the pages is minimal which allows the reader to focus on the visualization of the actual size of the creatures. This book ends with a section which includes a smaller, full body illustration of the animals along with a paragraph of additional interesting information. This is a very visually shocking choice and children will be intrigued while learning about the interesting facts included in this book.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Review: BEACHCOMING: EXPLORING THE SEASHORE, Module 8, Informational Books
Arnosky, Jim. 2004. BEACHCOMING: EXPLORING THE SEASHORE. New York: Dutton Children’s Books. ISBN # 0525471049
This informational book is full of facts about many things which can be found while beachcombing at the seashore. The book begins with good advice on how to prepare and begin searching for treasures. The book is then divided into double page spreads of different categories of items which can be discovered at the beach. Some of the items which are highlighted include seashells, crabs, jellyfish, and even shark teeth. Each section includes many beautiful pastel paintings which are labeled and include specific facts and interesting information. The author states that he has gathered his information from personally beachcombing on 26 beaches along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. This is a great choice for children to learn about our beaches and to identify items which they may find or have found. The book ends with an author’s note about how the information was gathered and a list of more books for children who wish to explore this topic further.
This informational book is full of facts about many things which can be found while beachcombing at the seashore. The book begins with good advice on how to prepare and begin searching for treasures. The book is then divided into double page spreads of different categories of items which can be discovered at the beach. Some of the items which are highlighted include seashells, crabs, jellyfish, and even shark teeth. Each section includes many beautiful pastel paintings which are labeled and include specific facts and interesting information. The author states that he has gathered his information from personally beachcombing on 26 beaches along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. This is a great choice for children to learn about our beaches and to identify items which they may find or have found. The book ends with an author’s note about how the information was gathered and a list of more books for children who wish to explore this topic further.
Review: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS, Module 8, Informational Books
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS. December 2007.
National Geographic Kids is a fun magazine for boys and girls alike. The magazine is full of interesting facts, stories, games, activities, and jokes. This particular issue included articles about the rescue of a snow leopard, how science is involved in popular technological toys, behind the scenes of new hot movies, and how kids have gotten up close to dangerous animals such as sharks and rhinoceros to capture their photographs. Also included were pages of jokes, fun facts, puzzles, and a family project on making a gingerbread village. An index with pictures and a quick summary of major articles is available on the first page. All the articles include many attention grabbing photographs. The text is broken up into sections which can be easily browsed through. Children will find the reading relaxing and fun. With the variety articles and activities this magazine will surely enable most any child to find something which excites him or her.
National Geographic Kids is a fun magazine for boys and girls alike. The magazine is full of interesting facts, stories, games, activities, and jokes. This particular issue included articles about the rescue of a snow leopard, how science is involved in popular technological toys, behind the scenes of new hot movies, and how kids have gotten up close to dangerous animals such as sharks and rhinoceros to capture their photographs. Also included were pages of jokes, fun facts, puzzles, and a family project on making a gingerbread village. An index with pictures and a quick summary of major articles is available on the first page. All the articles include many attention grabbing photographs. The text is broken up into sections which can be easily browsed through. Children will find the reading relaxing and fun. With the variety articles and activities this magazine will surely enable most any child to find something which excites him or her.
Review: ODD BOY OUT: YOUNG ALBERT EINSTEIN, Module 8, Informational Books
Brown, Don. 2004. ODD BOY OUT: YOUNG ALBERT EINSTEIN. New York: Houghton Mifflin Books. ISBN # 0618492984
ODD BOY OUT is the story of the early life of Albert Einstein. This story lets readers know that even though Albert Einstein was a genius; his life was not always easy. While growing up he felt different than other children. He had different interests, he was not good at sports, and even had difficulties in school. This biography shows children that the world is made up of assorted personalities. Despite these differences young Albert grew up to become a husband, father, and very famous. The illustrations are interesting and help the reader visualize the story. They have dull tan overtones and young Albert is often shown as an outsider and/or unhappy. The book ends with an author’s note which gives further more technical information about Albert Einstein’s famous accomplishments. Finally a bibliography is included. This is an interesting story which lets the reader know about Albert Einstein from a more personal view.
ODD BOY OUT is the story of the early life of Albert Einstein. This story lets readers know that even though Albert Einstein was a genius; his life was not always easy. While growing up he felt different than other children. He had different interests, he was not good at sports, and even had difficulties in school. This biography shows children that the world is made up of assorted personalities. Despite these differences young Albert grew up to become a husband, father, and very famous. The illustrations are interesting and help the reader visualize the story. They have dull tan overtones and young Albert is often shown as an outsider and/or unhappy. The book ends with an author’s note which gives further more technical information about Albert Einstein’s famous accomplishments. Finally a bibliography is included. This is an interesting story which lets the reader know about Albert Einstein from a more personal view.
Review: THE DINOSAURS OF WATERHOUSE HAWKINS: AN ILLUMINATING HISTORY OF MR. WATERHOUSE HAWKINS, ARTIST AND LECTURER, Module 8, Informational Books
Kerley, Barbara. 2001. THE DINOSAURS OF WATERHOUSE HAWKINS: AN ILLUMINATING HISTORY OF MR. WATERHOUSE HAWKINS, ARTIST AND LECTURER. Ill. by Brian Selznick. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN # 0439114942
Waterhouse Hawkins lived over 150 years ago at a time when little was known about dinosaurs. This biography tells of his studies and work in first making dinosaurs come to life for all people. As a boy he was an artist who spent many hours drawing and sculpting but as an adult he actually built, for the first time, life sized models of dinosaurs. This story tells of his achievements, the great difficulties, and even failures which he encountered. The story is divided into three ages. The first tells of his beginnings in London, the second his difficulties and accomplishments in America, and finally the story ends back in England where he settled into old age and continued to broaden his knowledge. This is a large book with vibrant illustrations which utilize bold colors. The illustrations have an old fashioned look which helps the reader to get a feel for the time. At the back an extensive section on the author’s and illustrator’s notes are included. This section gives additional background and insight into this story. The book ends with pictures of Hawkins’ interpretations of how dinosaurs looked alongside pictures of what today’s scientists believe dinosaurs to have looked like. When comparing the pictures it is quite interesting to see the similarities and differences. This is a great book for dinosaur lovers. It will give readers insight on how scientists go about learning and sharing what they know about the past.
Waterhouse Hawkins lived over 150 years ago at a time when little was known about dinosaurs. This biography tells of his studies and work in first making dinosaurs come to life for all people. As a boy he was an artist who spent many hours drawing and sculpting but as an adult he actually built, for the first time, life sized models of dinosaurs. This story tells of his achievements, the great difficulties, and even failures which he encountered. The story is divided into three ages. The first tells of his beginnings in London, the second his difficulties and accomplishments in America, and finally the story ends back in England where he settled into old age and continued to broaden his knowledge. This is a large book with vibrant illustrations which utilize bold colors. The illustrations have an old fashioned look which helps the reader to get a feel for the time. At the back an extensive section on the author’s and illustrator’s notes are included. This section gives additional background and insight into this story. The book ends with pictures of Hawkins’ interpretations of how dinosaurs looked alongside pictures of what today’s scientists believe dinosaurs to have looked like. When comparing the pictures it is quite interesting to see the similarities and differences. This is a great book for dinosaur lovers. It will give readers insight on how scientists go about learning and sharing what they know about the past.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Review: FASHION KITTY, Module 7, Fantasy
Harper, Charise Mericle. 2005. FASHION KITTY. New York: Hyperion Paperbacks for Children. ISBN # 0786851341
Kiki Kitty comes from a family who encourages her to be independent and individualistic. On her birthday a pile of fashion magazines accidentally falls on her head transforming her from regular Kiki Kitty to Fashion Kitty. Fashion Kitty uses her super powers to help others with their fashion problems and, in the process, builds their self esteem and social skills. Fashion Kitty is a fun character which will help children consider relevant issues such as fitting in and bullying. The illustrations are cartoon style. They are done in grays and pinks and include dialogue and expression. The illustrations and large and the text is minimal. There is even a section where the reader can manipulate the pages to create their own fashion combinations. This selection is a fun choice with substance.
Kiki Kitty comes from a family who encourages her to be independent and individualistic. On her birthday a pile of fashion magazines accidentally falls on her head transforming her from regular Kiki Kitty to Fashion Kitty. Fashion Kitty uses her super powers to help others with their fashion problems and, in the process, builds their self esteem and social skills. Fashion Kitty is a fun character which will help children consider relevant issues such as fitting in and bullying. The illustrations are cartoon style. They are done in grays and pinks and include dialogue and expression. The illustrations and large and the text is minimal. There is even a section where the reader can manipulate the pages to create their own fashion combinations. This selection is a fun choice with substance.
Review: A WRINKLE IN TIME, Module 7, Fantasy
L’Engle, Madeleine. 1962. A WRINKLE IN TIME. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books. ISBN # 0440498058
Meg Murry is an awkward teenager who doesn’t seem to quite belong anywhere. Her father has been absent for over a year on a secret mission. One stormy night three strange old women approach Meg, Charles Wallace, her intelligent younger brother, and Calvin OKeffe, an acquaintance from school. These women send the children off on an incredible journey through the universe utilizing a tesseract, the fifth dimension. This mission reveals a black shadow that is overshadowing the Earth. The children face evil in the form of IT, a being that controls every aspect of his followers. The followers of IT have no free will or choice. Meg and the others soon learn that IT has Meg’s father in his grasp. Through hope, faith, and love Meg is able to free her father and give the human race a chance at a bright future. This is a magical story in which characters are transformed and travel is miraculous. Good triumphs over evil. Meg grows from an insecure girl to a competent and resourceful young woman. This story will entertain children as it explores the possibilities of our universe.
Meg Murry is an awkward teenager who doesn’t seem to quite belong anywhere. Her father has been absent for over a year on a secret mission. One stormy night three strange old women approach Meg, Charles Wallace, her intelligent younger brother, and Calvin OKeffe, an acquaintance from school. These women send the children off on an incredible journey through the universe utilizing a tesseract, the fifth dimension. This mission reveals a black shadow that is overshadowing the Earth. The children face evil in the form of IT, a being that controls every aspect of his followers. The followers of IT have no free will or choice. Meg and the others soon learn that IT has Meg’s father in his grasp. Through hope, faith, and love Meg is able to free her father and give the human race a chance at a bright future. This is a magical story in which characters are transformed and travel is miraculous. Good triumphs over evil. Meg grows from an insecure girl to a competent and resourceful young woman. This story will entertain children as it explores the possibilities of our universe.
Review: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Module 7, Fantasy
Rowling, J. K. 1997. HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE. New York: Scholastic. ISBN# 059035342X
Young Harry Potter is orphaned at the age of one and forced to live a Cinderella like existence with his human (Muggle) Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin. He is given a cupboard under the stairs to sleep in while his cousin enjoys the luxury of two rooms. When Harry is about to turn ten he is deluged by strange letters inviting him to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here Harry learns about his true heritage. He enters the world of witches and wizards. After years of abuse he is finally encouraged and respected. He enjoys grand surroundings and treats such as chocolate frogs and Bertie Bots Every Flavor Beans which include all possible varieties, even an occasional vomit and ear wax. At the school he teams up with two other loners and they become fast friends who support each other in any circumstance. They learn of magic, spells, flying and transfiguration. Harry is even recruited to play the complicated and revered sport of quidditch, at which he excels. At the school the children, like many, are involved in mischievous behavior. These behaviors include sneaking around unauthorized areas of the campus with the help of an invisibility cloak. These frequent romps lead to information which facilitates the children in solving the mystery of the sorcerer’s stone and ultimately pit Harry against the murderer of his parents. This is a story of magic, friendship, and personal growth. It will entertain and exercise the imagination.
Young Harry Potter is orphaned at the age of one and forced to live a Cinderella like existence with his human (Muggle) Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin. He is given a cupboard under the stairs to sleep in while his cousin enjoys the luxury of two rooms. When Harry is about to turn ten he is deluged by strange letters inviting him to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here Harry learns about his true heritage. He enters the world of witches and wizards. After years of abuse he is finally encouraged and respected. He enjoys grand surroundings and treats such as chocolate frogs and Bertie Bots Every Flavor Beans which include all possible varieties, even an occasional vomit and ear wax. At the school he teams up with two other loners and they become fast friends who support each other in any circumstance. They learn of magic, spells, flying and transfiguration. Harry is even recruited to play the complicated and revered sport of quidditch, at which he excels. At the school the children, like many, are involved in mischievous behavior. These behaviors include sneaking around unauthorized areas of the campus with the help of an invisibility cloak. These frequent romps lead to information which facilitates the children in solving the mystery of the sorcerer’s stone and ultimately pit Harry against the murderer of his parents. This is a story of magic, friendship, and personal growth. It will entertain and exercise the imagination.
Review: THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, Module 7, Fantasy
Lewis, C. S. 1950. THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN # 0590254766.
Narnia is a fantasyland that is under the spell of an evil witch who has stopped time in eternal winter. It is up to four human children to leave their world and travel through a simple wardrobe, which is the magical entrance to Narnia. Once in Narnia all realities change. Anything is possible. These children work with the Great Lion, Aslan, to sacrifice everything to free their people. This is a magical story in which good verses evil. Characters encompass a variety of beings and animals. They include the good, which are Aslan’s people, such as tree women, centaurs, giants, unicorns, great dogs, and eagles. The evil winter witch’s people are comprised of such creatures as ghouls, boggles, ogres, minotaurs, and peoples of the toadstools. These characters naturally portray good and evil and are well suited to battle one another. As in many tales good does overcome evil. Narnia is saved and as a result winter turns to Spring. In the end the children return through the secret wardrobe passageway to their normal existences. This story will grab its reader and lure them into the fantasy that lies beyond the wardrobe. Readers will be happy when the final words promise that this is only the beginning of the adventures of Narnia.
Narnia is a fantasyland that is under the spell of an evil witch who has stopped time in eternal winter. It is up to four human children to leave their world and travel through a simple wardrobe, which is the magical entrance to Narnia. Once in Narnia all realities change. Anything is possible. These children work with the Great Lion, Aslan, to sacrifice everything to free their people. This is a magical story in which good verses evil. Characters encompass a variety of beings and animals. They include the good, which are Aslan’s people, such as tree women, centaurs, giants, unicorns, great dogs, and eagles. The evil winter witch’s people are comprised of such creatures as ghouls, boggles, ogres, minotaurs, and peoples of the toadstools. These characters naturally portray good and evil and are well suited to battle one another. As in many tales good does overcome evil. Narnia is saved and as a result winter turns to Spring. In the end the children return through the secret wardrobe passageway to their normal existences. This story will grab its reader and lure them into the fantasy that lies beyond the wardrobe. Readers will be happy when the final words promise that this is only the beginning of the adventures of Narnia.
Review: ARTEMIS FOWL, Module 7, Fantasy
Colfer, Eoin. 2001. ARTEMIS FOWL. New York: Talk Miramax Books. ISBN # 0786817070
Artemis Fowl is all that is left of his family of legendary criminals. He does have his mother but she has been incapacitated by grief at the loss of his father. Artemis is left to carry on with the help of his sidekicks, Butler and his sister Juliet. Artemis is only twelve years old but this does not stop his brilliant mind from plotting to relieve the world of fairies of a large portion of their gold. The fairies live underground away from human knowledge. They do come to the surface but in secret, although a favorite place to be in full view is in Disneyland; here they can blend right in. Artemis has come up with an intricate plan to kidnap a fairy and hold her for ransom. Unfortunately he gets himself in quite deep when his hostage ends up being Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon police. This is a tale of a fierce battle between Artemis and the fairies, goblins, leprechauns, and dwarfs. This story is reminiscent of tales of the past but is full of fantasy and the latest technology. There is a great deal of action and adventure which will entertain fans of fantasy and folklore alike.
Artemis Fowl is all that is left of his family of legendary criminals. He does have his mother but she has been incapacitated by grief at the loss of his father. Artemis is left to carry on with the help of his sidekicks, Butler and his sister Juliet. Artemis is only twelve years old but this does not stop his brilliant mind from plotting to relieve the world of fairies of a large portion of their gold. The fairies live underground away from human knowledge. They do come to the surface but in secret, although a favorite place to be in full view is in Disneyland; here they can blend right in. Artemis has come up with an intricate plan to kidnap a fairy and hold her for ransom. Unfortunately he gets himself in quite deep when his hostage ends up being Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon police. This is a tale of a fierce battle between Artemis and the fairies, goblins, leprechauns, and dwarfs. This story is reminiscent of tales of the past but is full of fantasy and the latest technology. There is a great deal of action and adventure which will entertain fans of fantasy and folklore alike.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Review:NUMBER THE STARS, Module 6, Historical Fiction
Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing. ISBN # 0440403278
Number the Stars is a testament to the heroics and bravery of the Danish people in 1943 during World War II. This story is told through the eyes of ten-year-old Annamarie Johannesen. Her family is living through the war in occupied Copenhagen, Denmark. Life is uncomfortable. There are curfews and most of life’s little pleasures are gone, even the most basic of items such as butter and sugar are unattainable. Leather is not even available for shoes, people have to be creative, they fashion shoes out of fish scales. In this tale the uncomfortable situation becomes desperate when it becomes known that all Jewish peoples will be rounded up and relocated. Annamarie and her family become a driving force in helping her Jewish friend and others escape Denmark to Sweden. They risk their lives to ensure the freedom of others. The reality of this serious situation is made clear in the afterward in which the author explains the facts which the fictional story was based on. Readers will learn just how desperate this time was and just how unselfish and incredible humanity can be.
Number the Stars is a testament to the heroics and bravery of the Danish people in 1943 during World War II. This story is told through the eyes of ten-year-old Annamarie Johannesen. Her family is living through the war in occupied Copenhagen, Denmark. Life is uncomfortable. There are curfews and most of life’s little pleasures are gone, even the most basic of items such as butter and sugar are unattainable. Leather is not even available for shoes, people have to be creative, they fashion shoes out of fish scales. In this tale the uncomfortable situation becomes desperate when it becomes known that all Jewish peoples will be rounded up and relocated. Annamarie and her family become a driving force in helping her Jewish friend and others escape Denmark to Sweden. They risk their lives to ensure the freedom of others. The reality of this serious situation is made clear in the afterward in which the author explains the facts which the fictional story was based on. Readers will learn just how desperate this time was and just how unselfish and incredible humanity can be.
Review: AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS, Module 6, Historical Fiction
Choldenko, Gennifer. 2004. AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS. New York: G. P. Putnam Sons. ISBN # 0399238611
This story follows the life of young Moose Flanagan and his family as they live a contained military family style life. Mr. Flanagan has taken a job as a prison guard near San Francisco at the prison at Alcatraz Island. Twelve-year-old Moose has moved from his home and friends with his family and autistic sister, Natalie. Here at Alcatraz he is almost exclusively in charge of the care of his sister. Even though criminals, such as the notorious Al Capone, are in close proximity, life is quite safe for these families. Moose, Natalie, and the other children are mostly free to entertain themselves as long as they stay away from the prison areas. Here the children enjoy an environment that is contained and safer than the nearby city of San Francisco. Readers will enjoy the mischief which the children get into when let by the wardens daughter, Piper. She is full of schemes, such as when she plans to earn money by collecting laundry from her San Francisco classmates to be washed by Al Capone and the other convicts. Close friendships are formed and the children grow and mature. For the first time Natalie is able to lead some semblance of a normal life and she and the other children blossom. This story will give the readers a view of life in 1935 at Alcatraz Island through the eyes of an active adolescent. It is also a touching story of one family’s dealings with autism. An author’s note at the end will further inform the readers about relevant facts about this piece of our history.
This story follows the life of young Moose Flanagan and his family as they live a contained military family style life. Mr. Flanagan has taken a job as a prison guard near San Francisco at the prison at Alcatraz Island. Twelve-year-old Moose has moved from his home and friends with his family and autistic sister, Natalie. Here at Alcatraz he is almost exclusively in charge of the care of his sister. Even though criminals, such as the notorious Al Capone, are in close proximity, life is quite safe for these families. Moose, Natalie, and the other children are mostly free to entertain themselves as long as they stay away from the prison areas. Here the children enjoy an environment that is contained and safer than the nearby city of San Francisco. Readers will enjoy the mischief which the children get into when let by the wardens daughter, Piper. She is full of schemes, such as when she plans to earn money by collecting laundry from her San Francisco classmates to be washed by Al Capone and the other convicts. Close friendships are formed and the children grow and mature. For the first time Natalie is able to lead some semblance of a normal life and she and the other children blossom. This story will give the readers a view of life in 1935 at Alcatraz Island through the eyes of an active adolescent. It is also a touching story of one family’s dealings with autism. An author’s note at the end will further inform the readers about relevant facts about this piece of our history.
Review: ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS, Module 6, Historical Fiction
O’Dell, Scott. 1960. ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS. New York: Dell Publishing. ISBN # 04440439884.
The Island of the Blue Dolphins is an amazing story of survival. In 1835 the island is being evacuated of its few residents. Karana, a 12 year old girl, jumps ship at the last minute when she realized her younger brother, Ramo, is still on the island. This effort turns out to be in vain. Ramo is soon killed by wild dogs and Karana is left alone on the island. This is her story of personal triumph as she tames wild dogs, hunts for food, builds shelter, and evades enemies. She survives alone for an incredible amount of time, eighteen years. This story unfolds beautifully as Karana learns to coexist with nature. Readers will cheer and be astonished at her fantastic feats, personal growth and maturation. An author’s note at the end of this story lets the reader that there was a real life Karana who was left behind because, as in this story, she was trying to save her brother. She was discovered alone on the island eighteen years after she was left. This note makes the story all the more amazing.
The Island of the Blue Dolphins is an amazing story of survival. In 1835 the island is being evacuated of its few residents. Karana, a 12 year old girl, jumps ship at the last minute when she realized her younger brother, Ramo, is still on the island. This effort turns out to be in vain. Ramo is soon killed by wild dogs and Karana is left alone on the island. This is her story of personal triumph as she tames wild dogs, hunts for food, builds shelter, and evades enemies. She survives alone for an incredible amount of time, eighteen years. This story unfolds beautifully as Karana learns to coexist with nature. Readers will cheer and be astonished at her fantastic feats, personal growth and maturation. An author’s note at the end of this story lets the reader that there was a real life Karana who was left behind because, as in this story, she was trying to save her brother. She was discovered alone on the island eighteen years after she was left. This note makes the story all the more amazing.
Review: WEEDFLOWER, Module 6, Historical Fiction
Kadohata, Cynthia. 2006. WEEDFLOWER. New York: Atheneum Books. ISBN # 0689865740
After the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, life in America changed drastically for many of its citizens. The Japanese Americans became suspect and were not trusted. Sumiko, a 12-year-old Japanese-American lived through this difficult time in American History. Her family was uprooted from their peaceful flower farm in Southern California and forced to live in a barren relocation camp in the hot and dry Desert of Poston, Arizona. Once in the camp Sumiko realizes that the Japanese Americans are not the only people affected by the war. The camp is built on Native American Land and the camp and its inhabitants are not welcomed by the Native Americans. As the story unfolds it becomes apparent that the free Native Americans are in as desperate of a situation as the imprisoned Japanese. This is a story of two peoples whom were treated with prejudice and terrible unjustness. It is a story of survival and of the underdogs supporting each other. Readers will gain an understanding of this portion of our history as they see and feel life through the eyes of Sumiko. This novel is made more relevant and reliable when the back jacket reveals that the author’s father was an actual survivor of the prison camp at Poston.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, life in America changed drastically for many of its citizens. The Japanese Americans became suspect and were not trusted. Sumiko, a 12-year-old Japanese-American lived through this difficult time in American History. Her family was uprooted from their peaceful flower farm in Southern California and forced to live in a barren relocation camp in the hot and dry Desert of Poston, Arizona. Once in the camp Sumiko realizes that the Japanese Americans are not the only people affected by the war. The camp is built on Native American Land and the camp and its inhabitants are not welcomed by the Native Americans. As the story unfolds it becomes apparent that the free Native Americans are in as desperate of a situation as the imprisoned Japanese. This is a story of two peoples whom were treated with prejudice and terrible unjustness. It is a story of survival and of the underdogs supporting each other. Readers will gain an understanding of this portion of our history as they see and feel life through the eyes of Sumiko. This novel is made more relevant and reliable when the back jacket reveals that the author’s father was an actual survivor of the prison camp at Poston.
Review: ALL THE WAY HOME, Module 6, Historical Fiction
Giff, Patricia Reilly. 2001. ALL THE WAY HOME. New York: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN # 0385322097
Mariel is an intelligent young girl who has survived polio. She has survived but she is left deformed and self conscience. The disease has not only taken her proportionate body but she is also left without her birth mother. Brick is a farmer’s son who is struggling to hold on to his family’s dream of success. These two young people are put together through unusual circumstances. This is a story of friendship, cooperation and loyalty and how polio and apple picking are tied together. It is through this friendship that each character is able to realize their dream. This historical fiction novel is set in 1941 and there are many details which let the reader feel a part of this time. Benny the ragman travels with his horse and rag wagon daily. Mariel’s adoptive mother, Loretta, is careful to care for the points of her required nursing cap. Dodger’s games blare from radios throughout town to let readers know the importance of American Baseball. Readers will enjoy this story of two children who face and conquer challenges using their intelligence and drive while learning about life in 1941 America.
Mariel is an intelligent young girl who has survived polio. She has survived but she is left deformed and self conscience. The disease has not only taken her proportionate body but she is also left without her birth mother. Brick is a farmer’s son who is struggling to hold on to his family’s dream of success. These two young people are put together through unusual circumstances. This is a story of friendship, cooperation and loyalty and how polio and apple picking are tied together. It is through this friendship that each character is able to realize their dream. This historical fiction novel is set in 1941 and there are many details which let the reader feel a part of this time. Benny the ragman travels with his horse and rag wagon daily. Mariel’s adoptive mother, Loretta, is careful to care for the points of her required nursing cap. Dodger’s games blare from radios throughout town to let readers know the importance of American Baseball. Readers will enjoy this story of two children who face and conquer challenges using their intelligence and drive while learning about life in 1941 America.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)