Historical Fiction

ONE CRAZY SUMMER

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Williams-Garcia, Rita.  2010.  ONE CRAZY SUMMER.  New York, NY.  Amistad-Harper Collins Publisher.  ISBN: 978-0060760892

2.    PLOT SUMMARY

Williams-Garcia skillfully shares a story of three young sisters who are forcefully sent to California, to spend the summer with their mother, who abandoned them since an early age.  When they arrived in California from Brooklyn, they quickly realized they were not going to have the great summer they had dreamed about.  Cecile, the mother, made the girls care for themselves and obligated them to attend the Black Panther summer camp and obtain their own meals.  It is there that the three sisters learn about the Civil Rights movement and to stand up for what they believe in.  

 

3.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

ONE CRAZY SUMMER is told from the view point of Delphine, an eleven-year-old girl.  She tells the story of a summer she and her two sisters spent in California with their mother who selfishly abandoned them years before.  Williams-Garcia does a magnificent job presenting Delphine’s character as strong, smart, responsible, and funny.  Through Delphine’s narration, readers are able to understand other characters in the story, including the mother and the political setting during that time.  The sisterhood between the girls is inspiring, due to Delphie’s maturity and role of big sister, as well as her attempt to understand her mother.  These challenges could easily be seen in recent times, and the author clearly provides an opportunity for readers to relate to the characters and their issues. 

This book is intended for young readers, and having a youthful character narrating the story, allows them to find their similarities and differences with the characters naturally.  Although this story contains a painful family situation, it also has a light and comical feel.  Heartbreakingly, the girls had to endure the hardship of their mother’s unsympathetic feelings towards them.  Cecile says, “I didn’t send for you.  Didn’t want you in the first place.  Should have gone to Mexico to get rid of you when I had a chance.”  Clearly their mother’s bitterness along with their Summer was nothing close to their Hollywood or Disneyland dream they expected to have.

The setting takes place during the Civil Rights period, and the story’s historical features are accurately depicted and documented.   Well known personalities are mentioned in the story to provide historical and cultural context.   For example, Muhammad Ali, Tina Turner, the Supremes, and even Huey Newton and Bobby Seale (Black Panther leaders). The language and character’s ethnicity support the story’s time frame properly. 

In the Acknowledgements section of the book, it becomes clear Williams-Garcia’s work of fiction is based on people and influences she had in her personal life.  She credits the publication Black Panther Intercommunal News Service by David Hilliard for providing the viewpoints and environment of that era, demonstrating authentic research.  This book clearly captures the author’s view towards the Civil Rights era with all its powerful characters and events represented.  The author uses descriptive language that is interesting to read.  I highly recommend this book to young readers, because it is pack with an abundance of details of life during this time period.

4.    REVIEW EXCERPTS

2010 Weekly Best Children’s Books of the Year for Fiction

2010 Texas Library Association Best Book for 2010

2011 Newbery Honor

2011 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

2011 Coretta Scott King Award

New York Times Editor’s Choice

2010 Spring Junior Library Guild Selection

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “This vibrant novel shows the subtle ways that political movements affect personal lives; but just as memorable is the finely drawn, universal story of children reclaiming a reluctant parent’s love.”

Starred review in HORNBOOK: “The setting and time period are as vividly realized as the characters, and readers will want to know more about Delphine and her sisters after they return to Brooklyn.”

Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Each girl has a distinct response to her motherless state, and Williams-Garcia provides details that make each characterization crystal clear.  The depiction of the time is well done, and while the girls are caught up in the difficulties of adults, their resilience is celebrated and energetically told with writing that snaps off the page.”

5.    CONNECTIONS

*Students may read this book in connection to a Social Studies lesson on civil rights movement.

*Give students the opportunity to write about their most memorable summer.

*Other books by Rita Williams-Garcia:

LIKE SISTERS ON THE HOMEFRONT.  ISBN 0140385614

BLUE TIGHTS. ISBN 0140380450

CATCHING WILD WAIYUUZEE.  ISBN 978-141696413

JUMPED.  ISBN 0060760915

THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushman, Karen.  1995.  THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE.  New York, NY.  Harper Trophy.  ISBN: 0-06-440630-X

2.    PLOT SUMMARY

THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE is a historical fiction novel about a young orphan girl who has been abandoned and finds herself apprentice to a harsh village midwife, Jane.  A girl so lonely and without a trace of background or history, she doesn’t even have a name.  Through desperation and determination, the girl begins to find self-esteem and learns the midwife’s skills as she helps the strong tempered Jane deliver babies.   She obtains knowledge and confidence, which makes her decide to persevere and seek her place in this world.

3.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Cushman offers a short and powerful story with an intricate character that readers can identify with.  The young girl is believable and lacks self-confidence, something we often see in adolescent girls today.  The author does an amazing job telling the story of the girl’s transition through life, and tying it in with the changes the girl undergoes with her name.  She first started as ‘Brat’, which leads to believe it was a brutal name she probably was called when she was a little girl.  Then it moves to ‘Dung Beetle’ and ‘Beetle’, representing the midwife’s insignificant feelings towards her.  Later she was called ‘Alyce’, a name she got on her own when she was finding courage to stand up for herself.  Equivalent to Alyce, the cat also obtains a name and identity after being tortured in life, Purr.

The story is set on the medieval times in England.  The setting is imperative because it sets a framework for the actions of all the characters.  Cushman demonstrates her research of the time period, depicting the life of a peasant as hard and with a likelihood of starvation.  The young girl sleeps next to the dung heap and is constantly teased and belittled by boys, something that is was not unusual women and children, during this period.  For example, when the boys call her “Dung beetle! Dung beetle!  Smelly old dung beetle sleeping in the dung” in the first chapter, it demonstrates how the boys did not know the girl, and yet without thinking began calling her names without fear of consequences.     

As noted in the Author’s Notes, midwives were often seen as witches during medieval times, and with the herbal knowledge and superstition ability, they were considered valuable.  Cushman’s list of facts at the end provided a great background information into the history of midwifery, giving this book authenticity.  

The theme of this book is to find your purpose in life, because everyone is worth something.  Once Alyce began to believe in herself, she found determination to discovery her identity and be true to herself.  Children today, need to build self-esteem as well as be resilient and face their obstacles.  At the end of the story Alice returns to the midwife, and tells her, “I will try again and again…and not give up.  I will not go away.”  

I recommend this book to young adults who are interested in medieval life.  This is an enjoyable book that will provide historical information as well as entertain readers with a heartfelt story. 

4.    REVIEW EXCERPTS

1995 School Library Journal Best Books of the Year

1996 ALA Notable Children’s Book

1996 ALA Best Books for Young Adults

1996 Newbery Award

Booklist Editor’s Choice

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Earthy humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children’s literature.”

BOOKLIST: “This is a world, like Chaucer’s, that’s neither sweet nor fair; it’s rough, dangerous, primitive, and raucous.  Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she’s not ugly or stupid or alone.”

5.    CONNECTIONS

*Use with Social Studies Medieval Unit lessons.

*Use with discussions of the roles of midwives throughout history.

*Other books by Karen Cushman:

THE LOUD SILENCE OF FRNCINE GREEN.  ISBN 0375841172

THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE.  ISBN 0064406849

MATILDA BONE.  ISBN 0440418224

TURTLE IN PARADISE

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer L.  2010.  TURTLE IN PARADISE.  New York, NY.  Random House.  ISBN: 978-0375836886

2.    PLOT SUMMARY

Money and Jobs are scarce; therefore, Turtle and her cat Smokey are sent to an aunt’s house in Key West after her mother takes a job as a housekeeper with a lady who does not like children.  Turtle spends her days with her cousins who are part of a group called the Diaper Gang and run a baby-sitting business.  She discovers a treasure map, so she and her group go on an adventure hunting for the buried treasure.  When Turtle’s mom returns, Turtle begins to believe Hollywood endings can be real, but ends up learning a hard lesson after Archie (Her mom’s fiancée) steals from them and goes away.  Turtle and her mom begin a new life in Key West and realize that family is better than a Hollywood ending. 

3.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Holm’s TURTLE IN PARADISE, is a historical fiction novel narrated by the 11-year-old character, Turtle.  Holm created the character to be believable and true to the period, the Great Depression era.  During this time, life is hard and there is a minimal amount of money, which is evident in the story.  Hard work with little pay was portrayed throughout the novel, as well as trading of services for goods.       

Turtle is a bubbly and cheery young girl, despite having to adjust to her new life in Key West.  She is a character with personality traits that make her easy to relate and are relevant to today’s readers.  Factual details like, the food, speech, and even nicknames, make Holm’s novel feel authentic to the era.  The relationship she has with the rest of the characters along with her sharp humor, allows readers to understand how Turtle tries to find happiness even in the most tough times.    

The setting is visualized and portrayed in detail.  Turtle’s accounts of Key West are magnificent and allows the readers to experience the scenery during the Great Depression.  Turtle states, “The place looks like a broken chair that’s been left out in the sun to rot.”  This gives the feeling of a place that is not at its best and in hardship.  This setting is centered around the author’s great-grandmother’s life, therefore the author has a well understanding knowledge of the environment.  

The theme of this novel centers around family.  The story reinforces the meaning of family and the ability of discovering joy during adversity.  Turtle never gave up on her family, instead they grew stronger together as time passed.  This message is timeless and pertinent today as it was back then.  Children can learn from this moral and be more conscientious of what they have and appreciate what is valuable to them.  TURTLE IN PARADISE is an excellent book for young adult readers who would like to further their knowledge and experience the era of the Great Depression.

An Author’s Note is included at the end, and it gives readers an indication of the research that was made to write this book.  She includes information on Key West and other real-life events that are represented in the story, leading to a balance of fact and fiction without stereotyping.  Holm includes photographs from the time period and a list of resources used in the writing of the novel.  She provides a list of websites as well to further the reader’s knowledge of the history of Key West.          

4.    REVIEW EXCERPTS

2011 Newbery Medal

2011 ALA Notable Books for Children

2011 Golden Kite Award

Starred Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This richly detailed novel was inspired by Holm’s great-grandmother’s stories.  Readers who enjoy melodic, humorous tales of the past won’t want to miss it.”

Starred Review in PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “This humorous adventure effectively portrays Turtle as caught between her mother’s Hollywood-inspired dreams and the very real family…that offer a different kind of paradise.”

Starred Review in BOOKLIST: “Turtle is just the right mixture of knowingness and hop; the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with a dollop of adventure.”

5.    CONNECTIONS

*Other books by Jennifer Holm:

OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA.  ISBN 978-0064408561

PENNY FROM HEAVEN.  ISBN 978-0375836893

THE TROUBLE WITH MAY AMELIA.  ISBN 978-1416913740

*Take your students on a tour through Key West using Google Maps.

*This is a terrific book to incorporate while studying The Great Depression in Social Studies.

BREAKING STALIN’S NOSE

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Yelchin, Eugene.  2011.  BREAKING STALIN’S NOSE.  New York, NY. Henry Hold and Company.  ISBN: 978-0805092165

2.    PLOT SUMMARY

BREAKING STALING’S NOSE is a story of how a Sasha Zaichik, a young Soviet boy, is about to join the Young Pioneers (a youth organization under Stalin), until one day his life changes.  His father gets arrested, and it this makes Sasha question everything he has ever been taught and looked forward to. In the course of two days, a series of events shake the young boy’s faith in Communism and towards his country.

  

3.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Eugene Yelchin, first published book is a noteworthy historical fiction novel.  BREAKING STALING’S NOSE is told from the point of view of a young 10-year-old boy.  It is narrated suitably for pre-teen readers and set in the Soviet Union with a convincing plot that reflects authenticity of its time.  Readers will feel empathy towards Sasha’s abrupt need of matureness and comprehension.  Sasha’s world is stirred when his father gets arrested, then his aunt refuses to take him in, and later he accidently brakes the nose of the statue of his country’s leader, Stalin.  Yelchin, displays historical facts about Russia during Stalin’s regime, without the need to be explicit with his words.  The author effortlessly describes the lives of Soviet Union citizens.  There is a section where Sasha describes his living quarters as “We live here as one large, happy family:  We are all equal; we have no secrets”, then the illustration showcasing over a dozen pots on a cooktop, a clothesline across the living area and several families gathered in one room allows the reader to visually connect to Sasha’s life in his communal apartment. 

Yelchin’s text and illustrations complement each other, particularly in respect to the setting.  The setting is fundamental to the plot of the story.  The citizen’s limited living conditions, food scares, school scenery, wintry weather and monuments represent the life conditions Russia was going through under Stalin.  The black and white and the larger than life illustrations, allow the readers to feel the power of the State Security officers, Nina Petrovna (teacher), and even the principal (whom we later know is actually a physically short and person), have over Sasha.      

The author interlaces themes of loyalty and patriotism throughout the story.  Communism appears in the book constantly and it is displayed as a respectful, yet dangerous element.  In the Author’s Note, Yelchin explains, “I set this story in the past, but the main issue in it transcends time and place”, and this could not be further from the truth.  When Sasha says, “The statue is made of from steel of fighter planes and stands taller than any building.  You can see it from every window in Moscow”, it lets the reader know how powerful Stalin was.  For some, especially kids, the massive statue might have been impressive and grand, but for others it embedded fear. 

Although the characters are not real, the setting, place, and time, are all authentic to the circumstances of the time in the USSR, as documented by Yelchin, where he relates his personal life experience in Russia with the comparable situation of the main character.

It is a compelling book that represents life in an undemocratic government.  This book is appropriate for children ages 10-13, and has a great balance between fiction and reality.

4.    REVIEW EXCERPTS

2012 Newbery Honor Book

Hornbook Best Books of 2011

The Washington Post Best Children’s Book of the Year

ALA Notable Children’s Book

Booklist Top Ten Historical Fiction Book for Youth

Junior Library Guild Selection

Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choice

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Yelchin skillfully combines narrative with dramatic black and white illustrations to tell the story of life in the Soviet Union under Stalin.”

HORN BOOK: “This brief novel gets at the heart of a society that asks its citizens, even its children, to report on relatives and friends.  Appropriately menacing illustrations by first-time novelist Yelchin add a sinister tone.”

5.    CONNECTIONS

*Other books illustrated by Eugene Yelchin:

HEART OF A SNOWMAN. ISBN 978-0061259265

THE NEXT DOOR BEAR.  ISBN 006125925X

GHOST FILES: THE HAUNTING TRUTH.  ISBN 978-0061283956

*Sis, Peter.  THE WALL: GROWING UP BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN.  ISBN 978-0374347017

*Use the author’s website to extend the lesson of Breaking Stalin’s Nose and go into Sasha’s world. http://www.eugeneyelchinbooks.com/breakingstalinsnose/index.php