Module 13: The Plain Janes

Module 13: (November 15-21)

Castellucci, C. (2007). The Plain Janes. New York, NY: DC Comics.

Summary: The story starts with a bang—literally—as the large city where Jane lives has a section of it blown up by a terrorist. After the attack, Jane’s parents move her to the “safe” suburbs, but formerly shallow Jane is utterly changed by the event, and finds herself an outcast. She eventually befriends three other girls with various versions and spellings of the name “Jane,” and the foursome create a secret group that goes around the town creating “art” in the forgotten places of the city to make the town pay attention to often humanitarian, environmental, or philosophical issues.

My Impressions: I was really shocked by how much I enjoyed this graphic novel! I didn’t know what the plot was when I started it, but I was almost immediately sucked into the story and the main character’s life as I began to read. I loved the messages of identity and beauty, as well as the questions raised about what could be called “art,” and the idea that we can’t let our fear of what “might happen” keep us from living. I just discovered there is a sequel to this graphic novel, and I will definitely be reading it to find out what happens to the Plain Janes!

Reviews: “Castellucci gives each girl a distinct personality, and spirited, compassionate Main Jane is especially captivating. Rugg's drawings aren't in superhero or manga style, but resemble the more spare, clean style of alternative comics creators such as Dan Clowes and Craig Thompson. A thoughtful look at the pressures to conform and the importance of self-expression, this is also a highly accessible read. Regular comics readers will enjoy it, but fans of soul-searching, realistic young adult fiction should know about it as well.—Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY. School Library Journal. http://www.amazon.com/Plain-Janes-Minx-Cecil-Castellucci/dp/1401211151/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290929817&sr=1-1

“The premise is intriguing, relevant, and disturbing, even as the resolution leaves more questions. When is an art attack sabotage, graffiti, or vandalism? How can people reinvent their lives despite fear? DC's new Minx line promises eclectic, real-world stories that honor girls' intelligence and assertiveness, and this title delivers.”—Library Journal. http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2548/merge_shared/details/RecordDetails.asp?item_uid=65157782&viewItemIndex=0&navPage=1&FullText=&BipAlertQueryString=&BipAlertDisplayQText=

Library Use: I think this graphic novel would be great for a book talk on socially aware graphic novels. The talk might also include the graphic novels Maus, Persepolis, and Pyongyang, all to show that despite the misconceptions by the masses, graphic novels are at times both highly sophisticated in content and illustrations, and are certainly more than just “comic books.” This type of book talk might be ideal for not only skeptical teens, but also parents, teachers, and perhaps even some librarians who are unfamiliar with the genre.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Plain-Janes-Minx-Cecil-Castellucci/dp/1401211151/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290838224&sr=1-1

Module 12: Nevermore: A Photobiography of Edgar Allan Poe

Module 12: (November 8-14)

Lange, K. E. (2009). Nevermore: A Photobiography of Edgar Allan Poe. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.

Summary: This “photobiography” illustrates the life and career of Edgar Allan Poe from his tragic youth and his ill-fated marriages and relationships, to his career highs and lows, as well as his increasing descent into madness and addiction, all through photos, illustrations, and letters from his life.

My Impressions: I didn’t really know what to expect when I started reading this book, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying myself! Based on my limited reading of Poe, I could have guessed that he had a dark, tragic background, and this book confirms that. Besides that, I was interested to learn that he was also an addict, alcoholic, and suffered from mental illnesses (it seems like all of the best authors and poets usually have at least one of these problems!). The photos, letters, and illustrations really help, rather than detract from the text as well. I wanted to go out and read some of Poe’s works after this!

Reviews: “The drama of Poe's tortured life unfolds in accessible prose. Textual information is interspersed with photos, artistic interpretations, and revealing quotations presented in script…. This volume offers a fairly complete and thoroughly readable description of Poe's life and his importance to literature. His writing is shown to have grown from his troubled, largely dark, lifetime experiences and the constant longing for connection and love. In addition to his creative writing, Lange discusses popular psychological interpretations of Poe's work and credits him with creating new literary genres such as the detective story and the horror story. The book's brevity and format render it a good addition for reports and background for an author study.”—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ. School Library Journal. http://www.libraryjournal.com/slj/printissue/currentissue/857197-427/grades_5_amp_up.html.csp

“Illustrated with many period photographs as well as pictures of Poe-related places and artifacts, the book has varied, spacious page layouts in which shades of turquoise add color to some of the illustrations and backgrounds. The jacket art, which features a photo of Poe’s face, overlaid with lines of manuscript, peering outward with haunted eyes, will draw both fans of Poe and a new audience. A chronology and lists of quote sources, books, articles, Internet sites, and historical sites conclude this handsome introduction to an American original.”—Carolyn Phelan. Booklist. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/142630398X/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

Library Use: You could use this in a “horror” display (we usually put one up in October for Halloween at my library), or you might also do a display for poets, or an entire display on Poe if there were enough materials, which might include the movies based on his stories, as well as the audio versions. Now that I know we have this book at my library I will recommend it for the photos alone for any students doing projects on Poe!

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Nevermore-Photobiography-Edgar-Allan-Photobiographies/dp/142630398X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290838198&sr=1-1

Module 11: What the World Eats

Module 11 (November 1-7)

D’Alusio, F. (2008). What the World Eats. Berkeley, CA: Tricycle Press.

Summary: The authors of this book wanted to chronicle the food eaten in a week for various families in over 21 different countries, including the United States, Mongolia, Greenland, Bhutan, and Chad. With each family’s section, there is a portrait of all the food that family will eat for the entire week, and the comparisons are startling. Also included are quick facts about each country profiled, as well as a recipe from each family.

My Impressions: This book is all at once incredibly fascinating, incredibly beautiful, and incredibly sad. How lucky we are in the United States and other more “Westernized” nations is undeniable as you flip through this book, and the heartbreaking circumstances of many of the families in this book is at times hard to look at. It is simply amazing how hard some of these families must work each day just to provide food and water for their families. This book gives us things to think about, and hopefully encourages us to do whatever we can to help those around the world in need.

Reviews: “Intended to inform middle-schoolers of the wide variety of food traditions as well as discrepancies in access to adequate nutrition, this collection of photos, essays and statistics will require thoughtful concentration….The plentiful photos are fascinating, offering both intimate glimpses of family life and panoramic views of other lands. Whether used for research or received as a gift from socially conscious adults, this version offers children plenty to chew over—but it’ll take them some time to truly digest.”—Kirkus Book Reviews. http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/childrens-books/faith-daluisio/what-the-world-eats/

“The main narrative presents friendly, multigenerational portraits of each family, with meals and food preparation an avenue toward understanding their hopes and struggles. A wealth of supporting information—lush color photographs, family recipes, maps, sidebars, etc.—surrounds the text (superb design accomplishes this job harmoniously) and implies questions about global food supplies…. Engrossing and certain to stimulate.”—Publisher’s Weekly. http://www.amazon.com/What-World-Eats-Faith-DAluisio/dp/1582462461/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290928756&sr=1-1

Library Use: During the discussion boards, one of my classmates mentioned that they used this book as part of a large display at their library that included large poster-sized versions of some of these family portraits, as well as facts about the nations in the books. I thought this was a fantastic idea! If there was a space, it might also be interesting to recreate the amount of food eaten by one of the American families as part of the display, for more of a tangible comparison.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/What-World-Eats-WHAT-WORLD/dp/B001TKYWQI/ref=sr_1_28?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290838147&sr=1-28

Module 10: The Yellow Star: the Legend of King Christian X of Denmark

Module 10: (October 25-31)

Deedy, C. A. (2000). The Yellow Star: the Legend of King Christian X of Denmark. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.

Summary: This story is a legend based on the events of Nazi occupation during World War II in Denmark. King Christian X was real, though we learn that there is no proof he ever wore the Star of David as he did in the story. In the book, he does this after all the Danish-Jews are ordered to start wearing the star, and his act soon encourages the rest of Denmark to wear the star, showing that they are not divided by religious or ethnicity; they are all Danes.

My Impressions: I haven’t read many (if any) picture books on the Holocaust before, but I think books like these would be a great way to introduce such a dark time in recent history to young readers. Like Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars, this book focuses on the events in Denmark, though I think the latter really shows the depth of their efforts better than this book. They have different audiences, but I kind of wish this book had focused more on what the Danes actually accomplished in their efforts to smuggle their Jewish citizenry to safety over this legend, though I do appreciate the themes of community against inhumane treatment.

Reviews: “This fiction picture book makes clear that the legend about the King of Denmark wearing a Jewish star never happened. Her focus is on the country's wise, beloved king and his support of the Jews. When the Nazis order the Jews to wear yellow stars, the king rides out on his horse wearing a star. Then the Danish people wear stars, "And once again, in the country of Denmark, there were only Danes." Sorensen's large, double-page paintings, close-up portraits and street scenes, express the strong individuality and the community of the Danish people and their bond with their leader. Henry Sorensen's pictures dramatize the confrontation between the Nazi commander and the king, as sepia scenes show the terror that is happening in Poland and elsewhere. In contrast are depictions of the warmth and strength of the Danish people going about their business. Deedy's author's note is an essential part of the book, as it distinguishes legend from fact and states the moral issue for discussion: "What if we could follow that example today against violators of human rights?" –Hazel Rochman. Booklist. http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2548/merge_shared/details/RecordDetails.asp?item_uid=48415879&viewItemIndex=0&navPage=1&FullText=&BipAlertQueryString=&BipAlertDisplayQText=

Library Use: I don’t know if it would be possible, but it would be really cool to take this book and do some kind of multi-generational library program, or more feasibly a display on World War II. If the program was possible, it would be really interesting to have a presenter come in and talk about World War II for adults and older kids, while younger kids might be read this story. If doing the display, this book, along with Lowry’s Number the Stars, Bartoletti’s Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler’s Shadow, and books on various aspects on the war, including the internment of Japanese-Americans in America could be displayed, as well as movies and documentaries on the subject. If there was a lot of space and materials available, it would be great to include various items or photos from that time period as well.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Star-Legend-Christian-Denmark/dp/1561452084/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290838041&sr=1-1

Module 9: The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery

Module 9: (October 18-24)

Springer, N. (2006). The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

Summary: In this first book of the Enola Holmes mystery series, we meet young Enola Holmes (the much younger sister of Sherlock), as she tries to solve the mystery of her own mother’s disappearance. Her mother, a burgeoning suffragette of the time taught Enola to be independent, and much to the shock of her elder brothers, a she is now a rather “unladylike” young lady. Faced with a “proper” boarding school, Enola sets out on her own just like her mother before her and creates a life for herself in the crime-riddled Victorian London. Luckily, she has inherited her brother’s skill at detective work and deductive reasoning!

My Impressions: I am not much of a mystery reader usually, but I have always loved historical fiction so this series seemed like a good foray into the mystery genre for me. I love Enola’s spunk and intelligence, but if Sherlock is actually as bossy as he sounds in this book, I think I can skip the Doyle originals! Enola has just the right mix of historical detail, intriguing plot, and well-drawn characters to keep me invested in the story. One day (in my spare time, ha!), I intend to continue reading this series.

Reviews: Nancy Springer has fashioned a courageous, intelligent, resourceful, and utterly unforgettable heroine for this enticing series…. All of the stories are well-plotted, fraught with danger and suspense, and peopled with intriguing characters....Enola is a fully realized character with a convincing and thoroughly entertaining narrative voice. Slightly self-deprecating and always honest, the first-person telling percolates with a winning blend of insight, naiveté, humor, and dazzling moments of self-discovery....Starring a strong, take-charge female heroine, Springer’s books provide a clever twist on the Sherlock oeuvre. Though just as intelligent, daring, and driven as her celebrated older brother—and as willing to jump into the fray—Enola also has an awareness of the intricacies of the secret world of women, and thus possesses knowledge beyond his ken....Her character continues to grow and mature through the various installments of the series, and the combination of self-discovery and whodunit will keep readers returning for more.—School Library Journal. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6712719.html

Library Use: Enola might be a great introduction for young readers for this type of detective mystery, including the Doyle originals. There are actually numerous juvenile series doing “re-imagined” Holmes stories, or even showing him as a young teen, as he first began to solve crimes. You could probably create a nice list of these series for young readers. Another idea might be to have a “mystery night” program for teens or middle schoolers, where they could talk about mysteries they like, and perhaps solve a mystery or two posed by the librarian. They could also play the murder mystery game “Mafia” where two “detectives” have to figure out who is “murdering” the other “participants” using clues and asking questions.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Case-Missing-Marquess-Holmes-Mystery/dp/B000TWIPDI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290838004&sr=1-7

Module 8: The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Module 8: (October 11-17)

Ryan, C. (2009). The Forest of Hands and Teeth. New York, NY: Delacorte Press.

Summary: In this post-apocalyptic future we find a small village surrounded by a fence, which is in turn surrounded by the aptly called “forest of hands and teeth” which is full of “the Unconsecrated,” aka zombies. Mary, the main character, and her fellow villagers believe they are the only human survivors left in the world—a lie perpetuated by the controlling Sisterhood of the village. However, once the town is overrun by the Unconsecrated, Mary and five other survivors must try to make their way through fence-lined paths in an attempt to make it out of the forest alive—or otherwise become Unconsecrated themselves.

My Impressions: I chose to read this book because the title intrigued me, and I almost didn’t keep reading it after about page three when I realized it was about zombies! It wasn’t that I thought I was “above” the subject; mostly I was just a bit freaked out by the concept. I never read anything this scary, and it got pretty creepy at times considering I was reading it late at night in an empty house. The author did such a good job with her descriptions and the building of suspense that I had to leave the light on for awhile before going to sleep! Fans of zombies or other horror novels will probably love this.

Reviews: “Mary’s detached, often pensive narration makes the graphic, gory details all the more biting in a complex story of isolation, longing, perseverance, and survival that ends with a glimmer of hope.”—School Library Journal. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6699411.html

“In this sci-fi/horror novel, the suspense that Ryan has created from the very first page on entices and tempts readers so that putting the book down is not an option. The author skillfully conceals and reveals just enough information to pique curiosity while also maintaining an atmosphere of creepiness that is expected in a zombie story. Some of the descriptions of death and mutilation of both the Unconsecrated and the living are graphic. The story is riveting, even though it leaves a lot of questions to be explained in the sequel.”—Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA. School Library Journal. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0385736827/sr=1-1/qid=1290931345/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books&qid=1290931345&sr=1-1

Library Use: I actually used this as part of the book talk I did for our teen library volunteers yesterday! The title of my talk was “YA Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Horror.” This book was definitely one of the books I talked about in the horror section! I think girls and boys alike would like this book, though if they are scaredy cats like me, they might not want to read it late at night!

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Forest-Hands-Teeth-Paperback/dp/B003EGGLAU/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290837951&sr=1-12

Module 8: The Lightning Thief

Module 7: (October 11-17)

Riordan, R. (2005). The Lightning Thief. New York, NY: Miramax Books.

Summary: Percy Jackson thinks he is just your average ADD, dyslexic, human 12-year-old. However, on a field trip his whole life begins to change, and puts him on a path to realize that he is, in fact, not completely human at all, but is actually a demi-god. His mother is human, but is father is Poseidon—that’s right, the Greek god of the sea. He must go to Camp Half-Blood, where he and other young demi-gods get trained to protect themselves from dark forces. Then, he is sent on a quest to clear his father’s name and must face all sorts of mythological evils he had only read about in textbooks.

My Impressions: This series has been wildly popular for some time now, so I was really excited to finally start it! I was certainly not disappointed! Riordan and Percy aren’t quite as amazing as Rowling and Harry, but the formula of “normal” kid discovering his true magical/mythical identity and the whole cast of characters that must inevitably follow is still a winner in my book! I will definitely finish the rest of this series, asap!

Reviews: “"Without sacrificing plot or pacing, Riordan integrates a great deal of mythology into this tale and believably places mythical characters into modern times, often with hilarious results.”—Publisher’s Weekly*

“Riordan's fast-paced adventure is fresh, dangerous, and funny. Percy is an appealing, but reluctant hero, the modernized gods are hilarious, and the parallels to Harry Potter are frequent and obvious. Because Riordan is faithful to the original myths, librarians should be prepared for a rush of readers wanting the classic stories.” –Chris Sherman, Booklist*

*(Both reviews from this site). http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2548/merge_shared/details/RecordDetails.asp?item_uid=80627560&viewItemIndex=0&navPage=1&FullText=&BipAlertQueryString=&BipAlertDisplayQText=

Library Use: Although I heard the movie version of this book wasn’t fantastic, I still think this is a good candidate for a movie night after reading the book. Sometimes a less-than-satisfying movie version actually makes for a better discussion. You might also have the kids play some kind of board/jeopardy game to match gods and goddesses with their “power,” like mythology trivia. You could also incorporate this book with non-fiction books about Greek and Roman mythology for a display to promote the program.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Thief-LIGHTNING-THIEF-Paperback/dp/B002VGZDYY/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290837476&sr=1-9