Module 6: Thunder-Boomer!

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Summary

The book Thunder-Boomer! is about a a young family who encounters a thunderstorm. The family immediately begin seeking shelter all the while the reader is able to hear the sounds from different forms of onomonopia. For example, the sounds of the storm are heard on the roof and outside in the form of words such as, "Zzzzt!, C-r-a-a-a-ck!, and Swish-wack!" Finally, after the whole family are safe inside the storm clears out. The family reemerges to the outdoors to everything back to normal except a new family pet, which in turn receives the name Thunder-Boomer. 

APA Reference
Crum, S. (2009). Thunder-boomer! New York, NY: Clarion Books.

My Impressions
My favorite parts of Thunder-Boomer! are the animals in the illustrations. The wide variety of animals on the farm include a dog,  a kitten, and a chicken surprisingly comes into the house during the storm, balks and all. Kids will love the page in which dad's underwear go flying out into the storm. Honestly, the illustrations alone make the book. The rain, flying debris, and worried expressions on the character add to the realistic moment in the heat of a storm.

Professional Review

One hot day, a farmer plows while his wife, children, and dog sit beside the pond. When a thunderstorm threatens, they hurry home, gather the laundry in off the line, bring a pet chicken into the house, and settle in to watch the lightning flash and feel the thunder shake the house. Hail threatens the corn and the metal roofs, but soon the storm ends. Going out to assess the damage, they find a wet kitten shivering near the shed and decide to give him a home. The evocative text and expressive illustrations work well together here, creating a strong sense of the storm sweeping across the land and an even stronger sense of how this good-natured family handles challenges and surprises. Opening the story in eight wordless pictures before the text begins, Thompson uses watercolor, gouache, pastel, crayon, and collage to create scenes charged with energy and human interest. This fine-tuned, occasionally funny picture book re-creates the satisfying drama of a summer storm.

— Carolyn Phelan

Phelan, C.(2009). Booklist. 

Library Uses
Thunder-Boomer! is a great opportunity to show students how to use onomonopia in their on individual writing. 

Module 5: Ship Breaker

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Summary

Nailer, the main character in Ship Breaker lives in what we would call the future. This is a time where oil is scarce and everyone wants it. In fact, this is Nailer's job. He goes into old oil tankers and searches for pockets of oil that can be retrieved and given to his leader. Nailer later is left after a hurricane hits the area and has to make a choice to rescue a survivor or take the treasure for his own. 

APA Reference

Bacigalupi, P. (2009). Ship Breaker. New York, NY: Hachette Book Group.

My Impressions

I don't understand what makes this book a young adult book other than the characters are young adults. There are lots of mature ideas, not bad ideas or not suitable for young adults necessarily. But, even though I greatly enjoyed the book I don't see a young adult loving it as much as me. Futuristic books are a hit these days, such as The Hunger Games Trilogy. It's definitely a good read, and I would recommend this!

Professional Review

This YA debut by Bacigalupi, a rising star in adult science fiction, presents a dystopian future like so many YA sf novels. What is uncommon, though, is that although Bacigalupi’s future earth is brilliantly imagined and its genesis anchored in contemporary issues, it is secondary to the memorable characters. In a world in which society has stratified, fossil fuels have been consumed, and the seas have risen and drowned coastal cities, Nailer, 17, scavenges beached tankers for scrap metals on the Gulf Coast. Every day, he tries to “make quota” and avoid his violent, drug-addicted father. After he discovers a modern clipper ship washed up on the beach, Nailer thinks his fortune is made, but then he discovers a survivor trapped in the wreckage—the “swank” daughter of a shipping-company owner. Should he slit the girl’s throat and sell her for parts or take a chance and help her? Clearly respecting his audience, Bacigalupi skillfully integrates his world building into the compelling narrative, threading the backstory into the pulsing action. The characters are layered and complex, and their almost unthinkable actions and choices seem totally credible. Vivid, brutal, and thematically rich, this captivating title is sure to win teen fans for the award-winning Bacigalupi.
— Lynn Rutan

Rutan, L. (2010). Booklist.

Library Uses

This book would be good for researching the use of oil and its use as a natural resource. Why is it so important that we have it? Why would it be so valuable if we were to run low on it.

Module 5: The Blacker the Berry

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Summary

The Blacker the Berry is a book of poems related to different types of berries and how they can be compared to different shades of skin. Each poem features a berry and a shade of skin. The Blacker the Berry has won The Coretta Scott King Award.

APA Reference

Thomas, J.C., & Cooper, F. (2008). The blacker the berry. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.

My Impressions

The poems in The Blacker the Berry seem to cover every berry possible as well as every shade of African-American skin tone. I can see where this book could be loved by those who have different colors of skins tones. Children can be so cruel these days, and this would be a great way to show the diverse populations among our nation. In fact, when I set this book aside during our library time to check it out later, one of my students saw it and snagged it before I could. 

Professional Review
Black comes in all shades from dark to light, and each is rich and beautiful in this collection of simple, joyful poems and glowing portraits that show African American diversity and connections. In the title poem, a smiling girl says, “Because I am dark, the moon and stars shine brighter.” Other pages have fun with terms, such as skin deep andnight shade. A grandma turns “Coffee will make you black” from a warning into something great. A boy is proud to be raspberry black as he reads his great-great-grandmother’s journal about her love for her Seminole Indian husband. A girl says she is “cranberry red” from her father’s Irish ancestry. In the final, joyful double-page spread, the kids celebrate their individual identities and laugh together. Many families will want to talk about this and their own family roots: “We count who we are / And add to all who came before us.” — Hazel Rochman


Rochman, H. (2008). Booklist.
http://www.booklistonline.com/The-Blacker-the-Berry-Joyce-Carol-Thomas/pid=2497065

Library Uses
The Blacker the Berry would be an excellent choice during Black History month to read to students. A discussion as to why we celebrate it could also evolve from the conversations. Students could then write there own poem related to their own skin tone.

Module 4: Dead End in Norvlet

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Summary

Dead End in Norvelt revolves around a young buy, Jack Gantos. He lives with his family in the town of Norvelt. Jack has found himself grounded for the entire summer as he shot his father's Japanese war gun without permission and also cut down his mother's corn field at his father's request. Jack's mother was always up to finding something for him to do. Norvelt was full of elderly people one in particular, Miss Volker. Miss Volker has a horrible case of arthritis and is in charge of writing the towns obituaries. Therefor, Jack's mom see's him fit to help her out. In the end, Jack learns a lot about the town of Norvelt and even has Miss Volker cure Jack of his nose bleeds. Jack learns how to be a man from his elderly friend. 

APA Reference

Gantos, Jack ( 2011). Dead end in Norvlet. HArrisonburg, VA: D&M Publishers, Inc. 

My Impressions

I enjoyed this book. I love books that show children with good character. Yes, sometimes Jack would break the rules, but he was always respectful to the adults in his life. Even on Jack's birthday he could have disappointed in not getting much for his birthday, but he didn't. He appreciated that his parents wanted to show him how to be a better person. The time period was not usual in most books a kid reads these days. It takes place after the war when times are tough. Jack always finds a way to get by. 

Professional Review

Looks like a bummer of a summer for 11-year-old Jack (with a same-name protagonist, it’s tempting to assume that at least some of this novel comes from the author’s life). After discharging his father’s WWII-souvenir Japanese rifle and cutting down his mom’s fledgling cornfield, he gets grounded for the rest of his life or the rest of the summer of 1962, whichever comes first. Jack gets brief reprieves to help an old neighbor write obituaries for the falling-like-flies original residents of Norvelt, a dwindling coal-mining town. Jack makes a tremendously entertaining tour guide and foil for the town’s eccentric citizens, and his warmhearted but lightly antagonistic relationship with his folks makes for some memorable one-upmanship. Gantos, as always, deliver bushels of food for thought and plenty of outright guffaws, though the story gets stuck in neutral for much of the midsection. When things pick up again near the end of the summer, surprise twists and even a quick-dissolve murder mystery arrive to pay off patient readers. Those with a nose for history will be especially pleased.

— Ian Chipman

Chipman, I. (2011). Booklist. 

Library Uses

This book reminds me some of another popular book released in 2011, Okay for Now. I think students could make a comparison with Okay for Now and Dead End in Norvelt. Both are about a boy finding himself in a small town. 

Module 4: Moon Over Manifest

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Summary
Moon Over Manifest is a story told by a two different characters. Abilene is the main character. She is a young girl who starts out on a train to Manifest, Kansas. Her Father sent her there to live with his friends while he worked. Abilene was curious to find out what her fathers connections were in Manifest. The 1930's were hard times in Manifest and the town had obviously been influenced by many people back in 1917 and 1918 and Abilene was determined to find out what the big secrets were. Her answers came from an unexpected source, the towns diviner. As it turns out, a young boys trickster mind helped to save the town. The question is, will Abilene learn of her fathers past and reconnect with him at the end of the summer?


APA Reference


Vanderpool, C. (2010). Moon over manifest. New York, NY: Delacorte Press.


My Impressions
I personally loved this book as I particularly enjoy historical fiction novels. Clare Vanderpool details the life of those in small town in Kansas during the hard times of The Great Depression as well as World War I. I particularly enjoy books that tell a story within another story from history. The mystery of who Abilene's father held through to the end. Of course, I had my guesses, but certain details made me question if my predictions were true. This book won the Caldecott Award for 2011, and rightfully so. I have already been recommending this book to the older students in my school. I would love to see this story made into a movie!


Professional Review

MOON OVER MANIFEST (reviewed on September 15, 2010)

Kirkus Review

Retrieved from : http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/claire-vanderpool/moon-over-manifest/#review

When 12-year-old Abilene jumps off the train in Manifest, Kan., in 1936 to stay with her father’s boyhood friend, little does she know her sojourn will take her back, via mesmerizing tales, newspaper clippings, curious mementoes and World War I letters, to Manifest as it was in 1918—and into the life of the mysterious boy nicknamed Jinx. This young con man effected extraordinary change in the lives of the mostly immigrant residents and the fortunes of the mining town in that year. Abilene and readers get so caught up in the past in this richly detailed, splendidly written novel that they easily make the transition between the Depression and WWI eras and long to learn more about the town that once was. Readers will love guessing how Abilene’s dad fits into all the stories and townspeople’s memories. The absolute necessity of story as a way to redemption and healing past wounds is at the heart of this beautiful debut, and readers will cherish every word up to the heartbreaking yet hopeful and deeply gratifying ending. (author’s note)  (Historical fiction. 10-14)

 Library Uses

Moon Over Manifest would be a great recommendation for students interested in reading books during the time of The Great Depression or World War I. If students are researching the era, this book would help them understand what it was like in a small town during the era. 

Module 3: A Ball for Daisy

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Summary

A Ball for Daisy is a wordless book for younger readers. It is about a dog named Daisy who loves her red ball. The story begins with Daisy playing with her red ball. She loves it so much she snuggles up to it when she sleeps. Daisy also likes to take her red ball to the park, until it goes over a fence and another dog begins to play with it. To Daisy great misfortune the ball is popped by the other dog. She goes home without her favorite red ball. Next time Daisy goes to the park, the other dog's owner has brought daisy a new ball, only this time it is a bright blue color. 

APA Reference

Raschka, C. (2011). A ball for daisy. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. 

My Impressions

 The story of A Ball for Daisy is the latest Caldecott Winner (2012). The author does a superb job of showing the emotions and play of the little dog, Daisy only through pictures. You can feel the puppy's emotions through her facial expressions and mannerisms. Chris Raschka makes it look as if watercolor paints were used to make this book a winner! The watercolor look gives it a young and childlike feel, but has the sophistication of a true artist. This will be a favorite of all young readers who have a love for dogs. 

Professional Review

This story about loss (and joy) is accomplished without a single word, which is perfect—it puts you directly in the head space of its canine protagonist. The title tells us her name is Daisy, but she is a pretty anonymous little thing, drawn by Raschka as just a few indistinct yet somehow expressive squiggly lines. What’s clear is that she loves playing with her ball, both indoors and out, until the fateful moment that another dog bites too hard on the ball and deflates it. In a heartaching series of nearly identical paintings, Daisy slumps into a sofa as depression overtakes her. Dogs, of course, don’t know that there are more balls in the world, which makes her glee at the end of the book all the sweeter. Raschka uses fairly sophisticated comic-book arrangements—long, narrow, horizontal panels, and so forth—but masks them with soft watercolor edges instead of sharp corners. The result feels like something of pure emotion. Pretty close approximation of what it’s like to be a dog, probably.

— Daniel Kraus

Kraus, D.(2011). Booklist.

Library Uses

Though, this would be difficult to read aloud to students in a library, it would be a great opportunity for students to write the story in words for the author. 

Module 3: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

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Summary

Sylvester is a young donkey who finds a pebble that is capable of granting wishes. In order to have your wishes granted you must actually touch the pebble. Sylvester begins making wishes as soon as he figures out it can help him in times of need such as a rain storm. Later, Sylvester is frightened by a lion and wishes for the rock to disguise him. Unfortunately, this puts him in a rather depressing predicament. Sylvester must find a way to get back to his parents through the magical pebble. 

APA Reference

Steig, W. (1969). Sylvester and the magic pebble. New York, NY: Windmill Books, Inc. 

My Impressions
This is an older book, but it is still a good one. It has a magical message and reminds me a bit of a version of Aladdin with the genie in a bottle. This book was awarded the Caldecott Award which is known for it's illustrations. The animals had cute features and were imaginary of course, as most of the four legged creature stood on their hind legs on a regular basis. The colors are bright and appealing to the eye. The clothing on the animals is a bit on the comical side in my opinion. Obviously, animals don't wear clothing, but in Steig's story they would look funny without clothing being on their hind legs all the time. 

Professional Review
William Steig's Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Children's book review by Steve Barancik
Ages 4-8
When I began reading Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, I quickly checked back for the copyright date. 1969.
That's because I noticed immediately that it didn't read like a contemporary picture book. There were more words. Modern picture books have about 1000. I haven't counted, but I'd guess this one has more like 3000.


I'm pleased to report that the number of words is the least of what sets Sylvester apart from more recent books. The most remarkable aspect of this book is where Steig takes us with those words.
The nature of fiction is that it enables us (and our children) to experience another character's highs and lows. A book with a happy ending is sure to have had a less happy middle.
For whatever reason, the lows in picture books have been getting less low over time. The old fairy tales featured children being eaten by wolves! These days a story's low might be that a child doesn't get his favorite toy...until the end.
I find it ironic. As TV and the internet expose our kids to ever more disturbing information at ever earlier ages, our inclination is to shield them more and more in the material we present to them.
I think it lessens our credibility. As they graduate from a world in which we control their information flow to a life in which they (and their peers) do, we must seem sadly out of the loop. No wonder it's they who end up shielding us from what's really going on!
That's why Sylvester and the Magic Pebble so refreshed me. There is very real, very pronounced sadness in this book. It still has a happy ending though!
Sylvester is an only child. He likes to collect unusual pebbles. But talk about unusual; the one he finds this day grants wishes, so long as you're holding it. It's all great fun...until a hungry lion appears. Sylvester wishes he could become a rock. Lions, after all, don't eat rocks.
Unfortunately, rocks don't hold pebbles. Sylvester can't wish himself back.
As a rock, he's still sentient, just not animate, and Steig does a brilliant job of conveying the abject sadness of that - one aspect being how badly he misses his parents.
His parents become incredibly sad too as they start to realize Sylvester isn't returning home. Steig doesn't hold back here. Mom and Dad are as bereft as you would expect real parents to be whose child has mysteriously disappeared, and whom the police hold out no hope of finding.
(A crazy aside here. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble was banned in some schools and libraries when it was first published, because the police were depicted as pigs. Absurd. Sylvester and his parents are donkeys - that is,asses - and their next door neighbor is a female pig - clearly not a policeman. The police are depicted as sympathetic, not buffonish. I refuse to believe Steig was trying to make any kind of political statement.)
Now, I don't want to give away the clever ending, but it is nearly miraculous and - here's the important part - more joyous as a result of the depths of sadness that preceded it.
Steig won the Caldecott Award for illustration for Sylvester, but 40 years on it's the story that stands out.
It seems every day there's a missing child case blaring from the TV. Parents, eventually some of that slips through (and then, later on, all of it is going to slip through). Instead of pretending you can hide your kids from the real world, it might be better to simply try to moderate the dosage.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is the picture book version of a missing child case, with the elation of a picture book ending. When the real world starts slipping through and reaching your child, I'll think you'll be glad you had this one on your shelf.

Barancik, S. (2012).  Retrieved from: http://www.best-childrens-books.com/sylvester-and-the-magic-pebble.html.


Library Uses
If there is an art exhibit on campus, Caldecott winning books can be of great use win art exhibit come to the school. Students can learn how art is everywhere even in books.