1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Rosoff, Meg. HOW I LIVE NOW. New York: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 0385746776
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This is a fascinating novel about 15 year old Daisy who goes to live with her cousins in England simply to get away from all of her troubles and woes (mainly anorexia and a stepmother that she doesn’t care for). She quickly finds herself completely absorbed with her new family, especially her cousin Edmond. Her new found happy times do not last long, as her new loved ones are all too soon torn away from her by the perils of war. Daisy goes through a ton of changes both emotionally and physically all in the name of survival.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Daisy, a 15 year old Manhattanite who goes to live with her cousins in England, gives the reader a very private insight into her world as she sees it. The reader witnessed her struggles and triumphs as she grew up throughout the novel. Daisy lived through parental rejection, self centeredness, forbidden love, deprivation, loyalty, devotion, and the harsh realities and consequences of war. At first, things couldn’t be better with life with the cousins, but soon their little paradise came crashing down around them as war set in and life as they knew it was severely altered and they were all separated. Daisy found herself taking on a parental role and taking care of Piper, her younger cousin.
Phrases such as “Mum” and “And then I looked so far into her eyes that I could practically see out the back of her head” give the reader a sense of the unique culture and setting of the story. Rosoff puts her own style into the story of a 15 year old by her lack of punctuation and ramblings which can often indicate how confusing the teen years can be.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST starred review: “More central to the potency of Rosoff's debut, though, is the ominous prognostication of what a third world war might look like, and the opportunity it provides for teens to imagine themselves, like Daisy, exhibiting courage and resilience in roles traditionally occupied by earlier generations.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Though the novel has disturbing elements, Rosoff handles the harshness of war and the taboo of incest with honest introspection.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY starred review: “Like the heroine, readers will emerge from the rubble much shaken, a little wiser and with perhaps a greater sense of humanity.”
MICHAEL PRINTZ AWARD
GUARDIAN CHILDREN’S FICTION AWARD
BRANFORD BOASE AWARD
5. CONNECTIONS
*Students are able to get a sense of what living through a war has on a person emotionally as well as physically. They can keep their own personal journal of their emotions while the book is being and read and discussed.
* Other thought provoking books for young people by Meg Rosoff:
Rosoff, Meg. WHAT I WAS. ISBN 9780670018444
Rosoff, Meg. THE BRIDE’S FAREWELL. ISBN 9780670020997
Friday, April 17, 2009
CONTEMPORARY REALISTIC FICTION AND FANTASY - PRINCESS ACADEMY
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon. 2005. PRINCESS ACADEMY. New York, NY: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books. ISBN 9781599900735
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Mira, a fourteen year old girl, who lives on “her mountain” with her people soon finds herself attending a “princess academy” established by the king for all of the girls in her village. The prince himself would pick his bride from the all too eager hopefuls. Mira soon emerges as the leader on her quest of discovery to find her self-confidence, knowledge, her father’s approval , and a way to help her village.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story line of this fantasy novel can be compared to the mountains themselves, full of peaks and valleys. The tale that is weaved is one of self-discovery for Mira. Mira is an unsure 14 year old that finds herself growing up quite quickly and becomes extremely proud of her roots by the end of the story, which is evident when she chooses to stay on the mountain with her people. When the girls at the academy meet Tutor Olana, they are taken back by her rigidness and cruelness. In an attempt to survive Tutor Olana and kidnappers, Mira discovers that she has the power of “quarry speech” and draws from her internal strength to win over Olana and the rest of the girls. The reader is uniquely aware of when Mira is thinking because her thoughts occur in italics. For example, she thinks: “Step one- state the problem : Step Two – admit your own error” and then she talks out loud. Several themes are prevalent in this fantasy novel including families, education, relationships, and home sweet home.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST Review: “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale.”
HORN BOOK review: “Hale's writing is clear and her descriptions vivid. Her imaginary world, peopled by strong yet vulnerable characters, is quietly memorable.”
KIRKUS starred review: “There are many pleasures to this satisfying tale: a precise lyricism to the language ("The world was as dark as eyes closed" or "Miri's laugh is a tune you love to whistle") and a rhythm to the story that takes its tropes from many places, but its heart from ours.”
*NEWBERRY HONOR BOOK
*ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK
* BOOK SENSE CHILDREN’S PICK
*NECBA TOP 10 FALL BOOK
5. CONNECTIONS
Classroom discussions can be had over finding yourself, family connections, trade & commerce, and being true to your ancestors. Can also spark a discussion about rock quarrying.
*Books about rock quarries
Kehoe, Michael. THE ROCK QUARRY BOOK. ISBN 9780876141427
*Other fiction books about princesses
Lasky, Kathryn. BORN TO RULE. ISBN 006058761X
Gilman, Phoebe. THE GYPSY PRINCESS. ISBN 0590865439
Hale, Shannon. 2005. PRINCESS ACADEMY. New York, NY: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books. ISBN 9781599900735
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Mira, a fourteen year old girl, who lives on “her mountain” with her people soon finds herself attending a “princess academy” established by the king for all of the girls in her village. The prince himself would pick his bride from the all too eager hopefuls. Mira soon emerges as the leader on her quest of discovery to find her self-confidence, knowledge, her father’s approval , and a way to help her village.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story line of this fantasy novel can be compared to the mountains themselves, full of peaks and valleys. The tale that is weaved is one of self-discovery for Mira. Mira is an unsure 14 year old that finds herself growing up quite quickly and becomes extremely proud of her roots by the end of the story, which is evident when she chooses to stay on the mountain with her people. When the girls at the academy meet Tutor Olana, they are taken back by her rigidness and cruelness. In an attempt to survive Tutor Olana and kidnappers, Mira discovers that she has the power of “quarry speech” and draws from her internal strength to win over Olana and the rest of the girls. The reader is uniquely aware of when Mira is thinking because her thoughts occur in italics. For example, she thinks: “Step one- state the problem : Step Two – admit your own error” and then she talks out loud. Several themes are prevalent in this fantasy novel including families, education, relationships, and home sweet home.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST Review: “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale.”
HORN BOOK review: “Hale's writing is clear and her descriptions vivid. Her imaginary world, peopled by strong yet vulnerable characters, is quietly memorable.”
KIRKUS starred review: “There are many pleasures to this satisfying tale: a precise lyricism to the language ("The world was as dark as eyes closed" or "Miri's laugh is a tune you love to whistle") and a rhythm to the story that takes its tropes from many places, but its heart from ours.”
*NEWBERRY HONOR BOOK
*ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK
* BOOK SENSE CHILDREN’S PICK
*NECBA TOP 10 FALL BOOK
5. CONNECTIONS
Classroom discussions can be had over finding yourself, family connections, trade & commerce, and being true to your ancestors. Can also spark a discussion about rock quarrying.
*Books about rock quarries
Kehoe, Michael. THE ROCK QUARRY BOOK. ISBN 9780876141427
*Other fiction books about princesses
Lasky, Kathryn. BORN TO RULE. ISBN 006058761X
Gilman, Phoebe. THE GYPSY PRINCESS. ISBN 0590865439
CONTEMPORARY REALISTIC FICTION AND FANTASY - ARTEMIS FOWL
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Colfer, Eoin. 2001. ARTEMIS FOWL. New York, NY: Hyperion Paperbacks for Children. ISBN 0786817070
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Twelve year old Artemis Fowl just happens to be a genius that comes from a long line of master criminals, and through the years they have managed to dwindle the family fortune. Artemis comes up with a brilliant scheme to build back the family wealth. All he has to do catch a fairy, and trick the fairies into giving him all of their gold. He was able to obtain a copy of the fairies “BOOK” that contains all of their secrets, kidnapped a fairy, and put a plan into action. Not everything goes according to his plan, and things soon turned into mayhem.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Artemis, last in his line of family criminal master minds, acts strangely like a grown man who is stuck inside of a 12 year old boy. He was able to artfully and carefully devise a plan to capture a fairy, who just happened to be a LEPrecon (an underground female officer). In an attempt to steal her gold, she proved to be much more than what he bargained for. Throughout his quest to steal the pot of gold, Artemis became intimately aware of fairy magic, magical powers, and a whole new world that he could never have imagined. He encountered magical creatures such as the LEP commander Julius Root, and the dwarf named Mulch Diggums who expertly dug tunnels. Not your typical “Good Always Wins” type of fantasy novel, but definitely entertaining!
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST Review: “Characterizations and dialogue enhance a rollicking tale that will have readers rolling on the floor and eagerly anticipating the planned sequel as well as the movie in the works for 2002.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Review: “Fun to read, full of action and humor, this is recommended for all public libraries and to readers of all ages.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Classroom discussions (Venn Diagrams) can be had comparing the lives of “fairies” to the mud people, or their technological advances to the technology of today. Sequels can be read to keep up with the characters. Might be a stretch, but possible could be compared to the Harry Potter stories.
*Sequel Books
Colfer, Eoin. ARTEMIS FOWL: the Arctic Incident. ISBN 9780786248254
Colfer, Eoin. ARTEMIS FOWL: the Eternity Code. ISBN 9780786814930
Colfer, Eoin. 2001. ARTEMIS FOWL. New York, NY: Hyperion Paperbacks for Children. ISBN 0786817070
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Twelve year old Artemis Fowl just happens to be a genius that comes from a long line of master criminals, and through the years they have managed to dwindle the family fortune. Artemis comes up with a brilliant scheme to build back the family wealth. All he has to do catch a fairy, and trick the fairies into giving him all of their gold. He was able to obtain a copy of the fairies “BOOK” that contains all of their secrets, kidnapped a fairy, and put a plan into action. Not everything goes according to his plan, and things soon turned into mayhem.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Artemis, last in his line of family criminal master minds, acts strangely like a grown man who is stuck inside of a 12 year old boy. He was able to artfully and carefully devise a plan to capture a fairy, who just happened to be a LEPrecon (an underground female officer). In an attempt to steal her gold, she proved to be much more than what he bargained for. Throughout his quest to steal the pot of gold, Artemis became intimately aware of fairy magic, magical powers, and a whole new world that he could never have imagined. He encountered magical creatures such as the LEP commander Julius Root, and the dwarf named Mulch Diggums who expertly dug tunnels. Not your typical “Good Always Wins” type of fantasy novel, but definitely entertaining!
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST Review: “Characterizations and dialogue enhance a rollicking tale that will have readers rolling on the floor and eagerly anticipating the planned sequel as well as the movie in the works for 2002.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Review: “Fun to read, full of action and humor, this is recommended for all public libraries and to readers of all ages.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Classroom discussions (Venn Diagrams) can be had comparing the lives of “fairies” to the mud people, or their technological advances to the technology of today. Sequels can be read to keep up with the characters. Might be a stretch, but possible could be compared to the Harry Potter stories.
*Sequel Books
Colfer, Eoin. ARTEMIS FOWL: the Arctic Incident. ISBN 9780786248254
Colfer, Eoin. ARTEMIS FOWL: the Eternity Code. ISBN 9780786814930
Monday, March 23, 2009
HISTORICAL FICTION - THE RIVER BETWEEN US
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Peck, Richard. 2003. THE RIVER BETWEEN US. New York, NY: Dial Books. ISBN 0803727356
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A young boy travels to his grandmother’s house in Grand Tower, Illinois by Model T Ford with his father. His grandmother Tilly spends time retelling the story of how two women of color from New Orleans came to live with her family during the beginning of the Civil war in 1861. He learns how his father was raised by four people, the racism, the war, and all of the struggles of that time period.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Peck opens his novel in 1916, with Howard Leland Hutchings narrating the story. Howard tells of his family trip to his grandmother’s house, and is transported back in time to the Civil War where his grandmother Tilly takes over the storytelling. She tells of women of color coming to town, and folk’s reactions to them as well as to the changes that are taking place because of the war. The reader will receive an authentic portrayal of history through the timelines, details of daily life on the farm, the language being spoken, and the wardrobe of the characters. Phrases such as, “She put some starch in my spine” and “Wrinkled like a walnut” give the reader an idea of the language that was used during that particular era in history. Themes of racism, war, and family are all intertwined throughout the entire novel.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCOTT O’DELL AWARD
HORN BOOK starred review: “The harsh realities of war are brutally related in a complex, always surprising plot that resonates on multiple levels.”
KIRKUS starred review: “A rich tale full of magic, mystery, and surprise.”
PUBLISHER”S WEEKLY starred review: “Readers will find themselves turning back to the beginning of the novel to uncover how seamlessly he has laid the foundation for the connections between people and across generations.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Will easily open discussions about the relationships and hardships during the Civil war.
*Other historical fiction books during the civil war:
Reeder, Carolyn. ACROSS THE LINES. ISBN 9780380730735
Stolz, Mary. A BALLAD OF THE CIVIL WAR. ISBN 9780064420884
Peck, Richard. 2003. THE RIVER BETWEEN US. New York, NY: Dial Books. ISBN 0803727356
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A young boy travels to his grandmother’s house in Grand Tower, Illinois by Model T Ford with his father. His grandmother Tilly spends time retelling the story of how two women of color from New Orleans came to live with her family during the beginning of the Civil war in 1861. He learns how his father was raised by four people, the racism, the war, and all of the struggles of that time period.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Peck opens his novel in 1916, with Howard Leland Hutchings narrating the story. Howard tells of his family trip to his grandmother’s house, and is transported back in time to the Civil War where his grandmother Tilly takes over the storytelling. She tells of women of color coming to town, and folk’s reactions to them as well as to the changes that are taking place because of the war. The reader will receive an authentic portrayal of history through the timelines, details of daily life on the farm, the language being spoken, and the wardrobe of the characters. Phrases such as, “She put some starch in my spine” and “Wrinkled like a walnut” give the reader an idea of the language that was used during that particular era in history. Themes of racism, war, and family are all intertwined throughout the entire novel.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCOTT O’DELL AWARD
HORN BOOK starred review: “The harsh realities of war are brutally related in a complex, always surprising plot that resonates on multiple levels.”
KIRKUS starred review: “A rich tale full of magic, mystery, and surprise.”
PUBLISHER”S WEEKLY starred review: “Readers will find themselves turning back to the beginning of the novel to uncover how seamlessly he has laid the foundation for the connections between people and across generations.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Will easily open discussions about the relationships and hardships during the Civil war.
*Other historical fiction books during the civil war:
Reeder, Carolyn. ACROSS THE LINES. ISBN 9780380730735
Stolz, Mary. A BALLAD OF THE CIVIL WAR. ISBN 9780064420884
HISTORICAL FICTION - NUMBER THE STARS
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. Boston, Ma: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0395510600
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A historical fiction book that tells the story of the German resistance in Denmark during the early 1940’s from a ten year old Danish girl’s point of view. Annemarie tells the story of her family’s friendship with a Jewish family, and their bravery of helping them escape in the dark of night to the safety of Sweden.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
NUMBER THE STARS is an easy to read novel that tells of an important event (German resistance in the early 1940’s) that happened in history all through the eyes of a ten year old girl. The reader is able to quickly get into the story, and understand Annemarie and her friends quite well. They are able to feel their childhood innocence (through simple errands)and the way they are being protected from the ugliness of the situation in which they live. Annemarie grows up quickly in the story, and is able to contribute in her own special way. Lowry not only accurately portrays the significant events that happened in history, but she also inserts the bond of family, loyalty, love, and commitments in such a way that even the youngest readers will be moved.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal
ALA Best/Notable List
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie’s experience, and through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.”
KIRKUS starred review: “A deftly told story that that dramatizes how Danes appointed themselves bodyguards – not only for their king, ….but for their Jews.”
5. CONNECTIONS
· This book would help open up discussions about the German resistance in Denmark, as well as the Jews escaping to Sweden in 1943.
· Other recommended books:
Reuter, Bjarne B. THE BOYS FROM ST. PETRI. ISBN 0525451218
Matas, Carol. LISA’S WAR. ISBN 0684190109
Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. Boston, Ma: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0395510600
2. PLOT SUMMARY
A historical fiction book that tells the story of the German resistance in Denmark during the early 1940’s from a ten year old Danish girl’s point of view. Annemarie tells the story of her family’s friendship with a Jewish family, and their bravery of helping them escape in the dark of night to the safety of Sweden.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
NUMBER THE STARS is an easy to read novel that tells of an important event (German resistance in the early 1940’s) that happened in history all through the eyes of a ten year old girl. The reader is able to quickly get into the story, and understand Annemarie and her friends quite well. They are able to feel their childhood innocence (through simple errands)and the way they are being protected from the ugliness of the situation in which they live. Annemarie grows up quickly in the story, and is able to contribute in her own special way. Lowry not only accurately portrays the significant events that happened in history, but she also inserts the bond of family, loyalty, love, and commitments in such a way that even the youngest readers will be moved.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal
ALA Best/Notable List
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie’s experience, and through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.”
KIRKUS starred review: “A deftly told story that that dramatizes how Danes appointed themselves bodyguards – not only for their king, ….but for their Jews.”
5. CONNECTIONS
· This book would help open up discussions about the German resistance in Denmark, as well as the Jews escaping to Sweden in 1943.
· Other recommended books:
Reuter, Bjarne B. THE BOYS FROM ST. PETRI. ISBN 0525451218
Matas, Carol. LISA’S WAR. ISBN 0684190109
HISTORICAL FICTION - THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 1996. THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395728061
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This historical fiction novel tells a story that takes place in 1849, about a young girl named California Morning Whipple. She tells the story of how her mother moved her and her siblings from the perfect home in Massachusetts to a wild new land in California. California renamed herself Lucy, meets strange new friends, loses her brother, and longs to go back home to her grandparents. In the end, her family moves on while she chooses to stay and help “tame” the land.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Cushman weaves an irresistible novel told through the eyes of twelve year old Lucy. Lucy tells of the heartaches and struggles of adapting to a “new” land. We see the feminine side through her and her mother of taming the “wild west” in a quick thrown together town that is made up of mostly tents. The language and dialogue used throughout the novel help to develop the characters befitting of an unsettled mining town when they use sayings such as “fitted her like a shoe two sizes too small,” “Fetch us,” and “Lord-a-mercy.” Lucy grows up quite a bit by the end of the story. She goes from a girl who daydreams and writes letters of home, to a young lady who thinks of ways to better her new home with a town library. Cushman’s novel accurately portrays the time, as proven through her research that can be found at the end of the book. A classic coming of age story that will be delightful and intriguing for those who pick it up.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST starred review: “With zest and wit, Cushman gives us the domestic side of the western frontier adventure.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Cushman's heroine is a delightful character, and the historical setting is authentically portrayed.”
HORN BOOK starred review: “Her language energizes and humanizes this story of the women and children who came not to strike it rich but to tame the land for their home.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* This book can easily bridge the gap of student’s interest between the facts and statistics of history and enjoyable literature. Will help bring the Wild West alive.
* Students can create, name, and construct their own “wild west” town.
*Other books about the California Gold Rush:
Dunn, Joeming W. THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH. ISBN 9781602700765
Raum, Elizabeth. THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH: AN INTERACTIVE HISTORY ADVENTURE. ISBN 9781429601603
Cushman, Karen. 1996. THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395728061
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This historical fiction novel tells a story that takes place in 1849, about a young girl named California Morning Whipple. She tells the story of how her mother moved her and her siblings from the perfect home in Massachusetts to a wild new land in California. California renamed herself Lucy, meets strange new friends, loses her brother, and longs to go back home to her grandparents. In the end, her family moves on while she chooses to stay and help “tame” the land.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Cushman weaves an irresistible novel told through the eyes of twelve year old Lucy. Lucy tells of the heartaches and struggles of adapting to a “new” land. We see the feminine side through her and her mother of taming the “wild west” in a quick thrown together town that is made up of mostly tents. The language and dialogue used throughout the novel help to develop the characters befitting of an unsettled mining town when they use sayings such as “fitted her like a shoe two sizes too small,” “Fetch us,” and “Lord-a-mercy.” Lucy grows up quite a bit by the end of the story. She goes from a girl who daydreams and writes letters of home, to a young lady who thinks of ways to better her new home with a town library. Cushman’s novel accurately portrays the time, as proven through her research that can be found at the end of the book. A classic coming of age story that will be delightful and intriguing for those who pick it up.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST starred review: “With zest and wit, Cushman gives us the domestic side of the western frontier adventure.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Cushman's heroine is a delightful character, and the historical setting is authentically portrayed.”
HORN BOOK starred review: “Her language energizes and humanizes this story of the women and children who came not to strike it rich but to tame the land for their home.”
5. CONNECTIONS
* This book can easily bridge the gap of student’s interest between the facts and statistics of history and enjoyable literature. Will help bring the Wild West alive.
* Students can create, name, and construct their own “wild west” town.
*Other books about the California Gold Rush:
Dunn, Joeming W. THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH. ISBN 9781602700765
Raum, Elizabeth. THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH: AN INTERACTIVE HISTORY ADVENTURE. ISBN 9781429601603
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
BIOGRAPHY - HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: DREAMS TAKING FLIGHT
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen. 2008. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: DREAMS TAKING FLIGHT. Ill by Amy June Bates. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books. ISBN 9781416971290
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Hillary Rodham Clinton is not your typical biography. This book takes the reader through the life of a small girl with big dreams in a story book format. The reader becomes familiar with the high expectations as she is growing up, going to school, and becoming the First Lady of the United States.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
A very warm and inviting picture book biography where Krull portrays Clinton as somewhat of a hero who was unafraid to reach all of her goals. Each of Clinton’s life events are matched with full page spreads that Bates chose to complete in washed out watercolors and pencil sketches that give it a dated look. Every life event is matched with an inspirational saying such as, “Find heroes to lift you up” and “Dare to compete.” An aeronautical theme will keep the readers looking for the next item in the air as they turn the pages. “Flying Facts” and “Sources” both supplement the biography and can be found at the back of the book. Both can be used in conjunction with the text for the reader who would like more facts for research purposes.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “With inspiring messages sweeping across the pages (“Take the lead role in your own life”), this book champions both Clinton and hard work.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Krull incorporates imagery of flight throughout this adulatory overview of Clinton's life.”
4. CONNECTIONS
* This book offers a great introduction to First Ladies, biographies, and perseverance. Can be used in conjunction with other books about Hillary Clinton, or other First Ladies in U.S. history.
* Students can create their own biography as a supplemental project.
*Other books of Presidential First Ladies:
Mattern, Joanne. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON. ISBN 9781599287928
Gormly, Beatrice. FIRST LADIES: WOMEN WHO CALLED THE WHITE HOUSE HOME. ISBN 9780590255189
Harris, Bill. THE FIRST LADIES FACT BOOK: THE STORIES OF THE WOMEN OF THE WHIT HOUSE, FROM MARTHA WASHINGTON TO LAURA BUSH. ISBN 9781579124687
Krull, Kathleen. 2008. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: DREAMS TAKING FLIGHT. Ill by Amy June Bates. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books. ISBN 9781416971290
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Hillary Rodham Clinton is not your typical biography. This book takes the reader through the life of a small girl with big dreams in a story book format. The reader becomes familiar with the high expectations as she is growing up, going to school, and becoming the First Lady of the United States.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
A very warm and inviting picture book biography where Krull portrays Clinton as somewhat of a hero who was unafraid to reach all of her goals. Each of Clinton’s life events are matched with full page spreads that Bates chose to complete in washed out watercolors and pencil sketches that give it a dated look. Every life event is matched with an inspirational saying such as, “Find heroes to lift you up” and “Dare to compete.” An aeronautical theme will keep the readers looking for the next item in the air as they turn the pages. “Flying Facts” and “Sources” both supplement the biography and can be found at the back of the book. Both can be used in conjunction with the text for the reader who would like more facts for research purposes.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “With inspiring messages sweeping across the pages (“Take the lead role in your own life”), this book champions both Clinton and hard work.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Krull incorporates imagery of flight throughout this adulatory overview of Clinton's life.”
4. CONNECTIONS
* This book offers a great introduction to First Ladies, biographies, and perseverance. Can be used in conjunction with other books about Hillary Clinton, or other First Ladies in U.S. history.
* Students can create their own biography as a supplemental project.
*Other books of Presidential First Ladies:
Mattern, Joanne. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON. ISBN 9781599287928
Gormly, Beatrice. FIRST LADIES: WOMEN WHO CALLED THE WHITE HOUSE HOME. ISBN 9780590255189
Harris, Bill. THE FIRST LADIES FACT BOOK: THE STORIES OF THE WOMEN OF THE WHIT HOUSE, FROM MARTHA WASHINGTON TO LAURA BUSH. ISBN 9781579124687
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