ALMOST
ASTRONAUTS: 13 WOMEN WHO DARED TO DREAM
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
2. PLOT
SUMMARY
3. CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Stone
provides black and white and some color photographs of astronauts, the “Mercury
13” women, politicians, and political documents, along with a caption for each
photo to enable comprehension and knowledge of the individuals or artifacts. The book contains twelve chapters which makes
it easy for readers to locate a particular subject or topic throughout the
book. It details the struggles women had
to sustain before, during, and after being able enter the male-dominant world
of NASA. Stone exhibits how Lyndon B.
Johnson, was opposed to having women enter the space program, from an interview
she had with Cobb. Jerry Cobb told Stone
L.B. Johnson had once told her, “Jerrie, if we let you or other women into the
space program, we’d have to let black in.
We’d have to let Mexican American in, and Chinese Americans. We’d have to let every minority in, and we
just can’t do it.”
Stone
provides an Author’s Note, which provides a detail explanation of how she
decided to write this book, as well as suggestions for further reading, like
the poems she wrote about the women in “Mercury 13”. The book includes an Appendix, Further
Reading, Webliography, Sources & Notes, Photography Credits, an Index, and
Acknowledgements at the end of the book which assist the readers to easily and
quickly find information within and about the book. ALMOST ASTRONAUTS: 13 WOMEN WHO DARED TO
DREAM, induces critical thinking and encourages older elementary or middle
school age children to learn more about women’s rights, particularly women in
space.
4. REVIEW
EXCERPTS
5.
CONNECTIONS
NEVER
SMILE AT A MONKEY: AND 17 OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
2. PLOT
SUMMARY
3. CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
The
book can be read from beginning to end, or can be skipped around. Each animal stands alone, and it does not
matter the order in which it is read.
The use of alliteration like, “Swim with a Squid”, “Cuddle a Cub”,
“Harass a Hippopotamus”, and “Pet a Platypus”, among many more, make this book
fun to read. Vocabulary played a key
factor in the storyline of this book.
Children are exposed to amazing verbs.
What a great teachable moment, to have the opportunity to incorporate
grammar, and discuss words such as, “jostle”, “clutch”, “poach”, and
“antagonize”.
Illustrations
from this book are in typical Jenkin’s style, and are attractively arranged in
each page. Some animals are placed in a
single page, and others are more impressive in a double spread. The vibrant colors of the animals against the
white background of the pages, make the artwork pop out, as if they are three
dimensional. By far, my favorite illustration is the monkey, and not just
because it is in the cover. The monkey’s
glaring eyes and sulked face, changes my perspective of thinking this animal as
charming and cute. Nonetheless, Jenkins
made sure every animal in this book projected a sense of realism and familiarity,
while representing as threat at the same time.
At the end of the book, Steve Jenkins offers
supplementary facts of each animal, as well as a list of other books children
could read if they want to further their knowledge of animals. Children of all ages will enjoy reading and
learning from this book. With animals
introduced with a warning catch phrase, there is no doubt this book will get
everyone’s attention, especially inquisitive adults like me. I will definitely be looking at these animals
in a different way. I cannot wait to
read this book to my children, and see their expressions and listen to their
thoughts. I know I might have a few
terrified and others in shock, but I know it will be a great tool to teach kids
not to judge a book by its cover. If you
don’t have this book as part of your classroom library, go to your favorite
bookstore and get yourself a copy. Steve
Jenkins has done it again. Simply amazing!
4. REVIEW
EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “With his trademark cut-paper technique,
Jenkins proves there may not be a texture that he can’t mimic on the page. The high-interest marriage of animals and
danger, along with large vibrant visuals, makes this a prime candidate for
group sharing, and additional details and artwork at the end will flesh out
some of the finer points for older children.”
KIRKUS REVIEW: “Another stunning environmental lesson
from an aficionado of animal behavior.”
5.
CONNECTIONS
BECOMING
BEN FRANKLIN: HOW A CANDLE-MAKER’S SON HELPED LIGHT THE FLAME OF LIBERTY
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
2. PLOT
SUMMARY
3. CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
The
amount of facts and details embedded, and the use of illustrations
complementing the text, make this biography appealing and not dreary. I really appreciate how Freedman cited the
illustrations and original documents throughout the book. The graphics are both showcased in black and
white and in color. For instance, one
illustration portrays Franklin in a reception at French court, appearing with
his plain attire, compared to the other people in the reception. This image
helps readers distinguish Franklin as a person that was his own self and most
importantly, modest.
The
author’s use of Franklin’s own text from his autobiography, communicates the
authenticity of the writing and exhibits Franklin’s character. Ben Franklin said, “As we enjoy great
advantages from the inventions of others…we should be glad of an opportunity to
serve others by any invention of ours, and this we should do freely and
generously.” What a remarkable man
Benjamin Franklin was, and what an amazing job
4. REVIEW
EXCERPTS
5.
CONNECTIONS
*Barretta,
Gene. NOW AND BEN: THE MODERN INVENTIONS
OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. ISBN
978-0312535698
THE
HOUSE BABA BUILT: AN ARTIST’S CHILDHOOD IN CHINA
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
2. PLOT
SUMMARY
4. CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
The illustrations were
done using a multimedia combination of real photographs, collages, sketches,
and double spread page images and alternating single and fold out pages. This use of unique illustrations hi
corresponding text, allow the readers to actively participate in the
story line. His images and photographs
showcasing the friends and family members, each have their names next to them,
facilitating the reader to connect with his relatives.
Every time Young mentioned the house, he
referred to it as, “The house Baba built”, which displayed the respect he had
towards his father and how appreciate he was of the house. The author visibly demonstrates his love for
his family with this scrapbook style autobiography. For instance, when the author states, “That’s
just what we did. Of all the picnics we
ever had, that was my favorite: the whole family, including our dog, Jolly, by
the pool behind the house Baba built.”, it expresses that no matter how bad the
situation may be, as long as they were all together, everything would be just
fine. The book includes a Timeline for
easy recall of important event of the family and an Author’s Note providing a
glimpse of the author’s life after leaving Shanghai, and his process of writing
the autobiography. This memoir is inviting
and simple to read.
5. REVIEW
EXCERPTS
6.
CONNECTIONS
NEVER
SMILE AT A MONKEY: AND 17 OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jenkins,
Steve. 2009. NEVER
SMILE AT A MONKEY: AND 17 OTHER
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER. Boston,
MA: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.
ISBN: 9780618966202
2. PLOT
SUMMARY
NEVER SMILE AT A MONKEY, provides
vital facts about animals that many might not contemplate to be dangerous. With his characteristic cut and torn paper
collage, Jenkins illustrates this Non-Fiction book. In brief paragraphs, the book reveals 18
animals and their defensive mechanisms.
Correspondingly, it gives suggestions as to what to avoid if encountered
with one. A detailed description of each
animal is provided at the end of the book.
3. CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Steve
Jenkins presents this extraordinary factual book written in a manner that
leaves the reader asking for more. It is
written with informational text that captivates the reader’s attention. Who doesn’t want to know what animals could
possibly kill you? Jenkins did an
amazing job implanting the curiosity bug in all of us. The word “Never” is ingeniously printed in
large letters before each warning against the wild animals.
The
book can be read from beginning to end, or can be skipped around. Each animal stands alone, and it does not
matter the order in which it is read.
The use of alliteration like, “Swim with a Squid”, “Cuddle a Cub”,
“Harass a Hippopotamus”, and “Pet a Platypus”, among many more, make this book
fun to read. Vocabulary played a key
factor in the storyline of this book.
Children are exposed to amazing verbs.
What a great teachable moment, to have the opportunity to incorporate
grammar, and discuss words such as, “jostle”, “clutch”, “poach”, and
“antagonize”.
Illustrations
from this book are in typical Jenkin’s style, and are attractively arranged in
each page. Some animals are placed in a
single page, and others are more impressive in a double spread. The vibrant colors of the animals against the
white background of the pages, make the artwork pop out, as if they are three
dimensional. By far, my favorite illustration is the monkey, and not just
because it is in the cover. The monkey’s
glaring eyes and sulked face, changes my perspective of thinking this animal as
charming and cute. Nonetheless, Jenkins
made sure every animal in this book projected a sense of realism and familiarity,
while representing as threat at the same time.
At the end of the book, Steve Jenkins offers
supplementary facts of each animal, as well as a list of other books children
could read if they want to further their knowledge of animals. Children of all ages will enjoy reading and
learning from this book. With animals
introduced with a warning catch phrase, there is no doubt this book will get
everyone’s attention, especially inquisitive adults like me. I will definitely be looking at these animals
in a different way. I cannot wait to
read this book to my children, and see their expressions and listen to their
thoughts. I know I might have a few
terrified and others in shock, but I know it will be a great tool to teach kids
not to judge a book by its cover. If you
don’t have this book as part of your classroom library, go to your favorite
bookstore and get yourself a copy. Steve
Jenkins has done it again. Simply amazing!
4. REVIEW
EXCERPTS
Society of Illustrators Original Art Show
Junior Library Guild Fall 2009 Selection
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “ Steve Jenkins taps into the
faux pas of the natural world giving us his standard cut paper lusciousness
alongside a text that is funny, furious, and furry all at once. As good advice goes, Never Smile at a Monkey
turns out to be just the tip of the iceberg.”
BOOKLIST: “With his trademark cut-paper technique,
Jenkins proves there may not be a texture that he can’t mimic on the page. The high-interest marriage of animals and
danger, along with large vibrant visuals, makes this a prime candidate for
group sharing, and additional details and artwork at the end will flesh out
some of the finer points for older children.”
KIRKUS REVIEW: “Another stunning environmental lesson
from an aficionado of animal behavior.”
5.
CONNECTIONS
*Other books by Steve Jenkins:
Jenkins,
Steve. ACTUAL SIZE. ISBN 9780547512914
Jenkins,
Steve. CREATURE FEATURES. ISBN 978-0544233515
Jenkins,
Steve. BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST. ISBN 978035861363
*Additional books
on Animals and Survival:
Davies,
Nicola. DEADLY! THE TRUTH ABOUT THE MOST DANGEROUS CREATURES
ON EARTH (ANIMAL SCIENCE). ISBN 978-0763679712
Arnosky, Jim.
CREEP AND FLUTTER: THE SECRET WORLD OF INSECTS AND SPIDERS. ISBN 978-1454919100
*Have students
make an animal collage using magazines and newspapers.
*Group students and
have them discuss an animal of their choice and brainstorm the animal’s
defensive mechanism.
BECOMING
BEN FRANKLIN: HOW A CANDLE-MAKER’S SON HELPED LIGHT THE FLAME OF LIBERTY
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Freedman,
Russell. 2013. BECOMING
BEN FRANKLIN: HOW A CANDLE-AKER’S SON HELPED LIGHT THE FLAME OF LIBERTY. New York, NY. Holiday House. ISBN: 978-083423743
2. PLOT
SUMMARY
Russell Freedman tells the life of
Benjamin Franklin in chronological order, from his young years in Boston where
he grew up to the many events that led him to become a printer, editor,
publisher, statesman, inventor and even one of the four Founding Fathers. His contributions to society and the
community are highlighted in this biography.
3. CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Freedman’s
interest and expertise in United States history is clearly demonstrated in this
engaging biography of Benjamin Franklin.
With many awards under his belt, Freedman writes about Franklin’s life
and accomplishments in an inviting and readable format adequate for upper grade
elementary readers. The biography is
written in chronological order and organized into nine chapters. Freedman includes a practical Timeline,
Source Notes, Picture Credits, Selected Bibliography, and a detailed Index at
the end of the book.
The
amount of facts and details embedded, and the use of illustrations
complementing the text, make this biography appealing and not dreary. I really appreciate how Freedman cited the
illustrations and original documents throughout the book. The graphics are both showcased in black and
white and in color. For instance, one
illustration portrays Franklin in a reception at French court, appearing with
his plain attire, compared to the other people in the reception. This image
helps readers distinguish Franklin as a person that was his own self and most
importantly, modest.
The
author’s use of Franklin’s own text from his autobiography, communicates the
authenticity of the writing and exhibits Franklin’s character. Ben Franklin said, “As we enjoy great
advantages from the inventions of others…we should be glad of an opportunity to
serve others by any invention of ours, and this we should do freely and
generously.” What a remarkable man
Benjamin Franklin was, and what an amazing job
Russell Freedman did with this clear and
fascinating biography.
4. REVIEW
EXCERPTS
Booklist 2013 Lasting Connections,
Social Studies
Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s’ Books
of 2013
School Library Journal’s Best Books
of 2013
ALA 2014 Notable Children’s Books
NCTE Orbis Pictus Award Recommended
Book 2014
Starred Review in BOOKLIST: “The
well-chosen color illustrations include period paintings, prints, and
documents. Handsomely designed, solidly
researched, and beautifully written, this is the go-to biography of Franklin
for young people.”
Starred Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY
JOURNAL: “Biographers make decisions about what to leave out as much as what to
put in, but Freedman is consistent in connecting his discussion to primary
sources. The result is an account that
examines the whole of Franklin’s remarkable life but does not overwhelm
readers.”
5.
CONNECTIONS
*Social Studies
lesson on American Inventors.
*Social Studies
lesson comparing biographies using a Venn Diagram.
*Zuckerman,
Elizabeth. ALL ABOUT BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
ISBN 978-1681570921
*Barretta,
Gene. NOW AND BEN: THE MODERN INVENTIONS
OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. ISBN
978-0312535698
THE
HOUSE BABA BUILT: AN ARTIST’S CHILDHOOD IN CHINA
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Young,
Ed. 2011. THE HOUSE BABA BUILT: AN ARTIST’S CHILDHOOD
IN CHINA. New York, NY. Little, Brown and
Company. ISBN: 978-0316076289
2. PLOT
SUMMARY
3. Ed
Young’s picture book autobiography, THE HOUSE BABA BUILT, pays homage to his
father and the beautiful designed house built for his family to be safe during
World War II in Shanghai, China. Baba
makes a deal with a landowner that will allow Baba and his family to build the
safest house in his land and allow them to live in it for 20 years, and after
the war is over the landowner will keep the house. The author recollects his childhood memories
and nostalgic anecdotes in the house that Baba built.
4. CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Caldecott
Medalist, Ed Young, reminisces his early years in Shanghai, China, in this
exceptionally written and illustrated book.
The organization of the book is clear, beginning when World War II
began, followed by a recollection of events during the war, and ending when the
war was over and Baba had to keep his promise and leave the house. Young beautifully tells the story making the
reader feel as if they as well lived and underwent the experience of residing
in the house.
The illustrations were
done using a multimedia combination of real photographs, collages, sketches,
and double spread page images and alternating single and fold out pages. This use of unique illustrations hi
corresponding text, allow the readers to actively participate in the
story line. His images and photographs
showcasing the friends and family members, each have their names next to them,
facilitating the reader to connect with his relatives.
Every time Young mentioned the house, he
referred to it as, “The house Baba built”, which displayed the respect he had
towards his father and how appreciate he was of the house. The author visibly demonstrates his love for
his family with this scrapbook style autobiography. For instance, when the author states, “That’s
just what we did. Of all the picnics we
ever had, that was my favorite: the whole family, including our dog, Jolly, by
the pool behind the house Baba built.”, it expresses that no matter how bad the
situation may be, as long as they were all together, everything would be just
fine. The book includes a Timeline for
easy recall of important event of the family and an Author’s Note providing a
glimpse of the author’s life after leaving Shanghai, and his process of writing
the autobiography. This memoir is inviting
and simple to read.
5. REVIEW
EXCERPTS
2011 PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY Best
Illustrated Books
2012 ALA Notable Children’s Book
BOOKLIST top 10 Art Books for Youth
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Flashes of
multi-media brilliance illuminate this darkly colored, leisurely paced memoir...Those
waning historical or cultural background will need supplements. Sophisticated, inventive art invites close
viewings for patient readers in this unusual family story.”
NEW YORK TIMES: “THE HOUSE BABA BUILT is as intricately constructed as his father’s
house, with pages that extend and open to reveal additional detail and
memories.”
6.
CONNECTIONS
*Other books by Ed
Young:
Young, Ed. LON PO PO.
ISBN 978-0399216190
Young, Ed. SEVEN BLIND MICE. ISBN
978-0399222610
*THE HOUSE BUBA
BUILT’s website: http://www.thehousebababuilt.com/, which offers and
Educator’s Guide and extra resources.
*Say, Allen. DRAWING FROM MEMORY. ISBN 978-0545176866
