June Grab Bag

National Geographic Kids Caterpillar to Butterfly

Author: Laura Marsh

Publisher: Scholastic Inc., 2012

Source: school book order

Comments: Another great informational book on butterflies.

Wildlife Conservation Society Amazing Dolphins (I Can Read Level 2)

Author: Sarah L. Thomason

Publisher: Scholastic Inc., 2007

Source: school book order

Comments: A good nonfiction book on a topic of perennial interest.

Diary of a Worm

Author: Doreen Cronin; Illustrated by Harry Bliss

Publisher: Scholastic, 2005

Source: school library

Comments: A cute and funny book with a unique perspective!

Gardening Lab for Kids

Author: Renata Fossen Brown

Publisher: Quarry Books, 2015

Source: purchased from Eric Carle Bookstore

Comments: I hate books that have too many overly complicated activities. This book is a good resource because the activities range from simple (like Lab No. 1 Seeds in a Bag) to those suited for the more ambitious gardeners (Lab No. 37 Hypertufa Planter). I have successfully tried several of these activities, both with my own children and at school and found them to be fun and pretty stress-free.

Although I am not going to list specific books, add some of Cynthia Rylant’s series books to your bag (hint: a review coming up soon!). They are very popular at school, and she has written a number of series: Henry and Mudge, Poppleton, Mr. Putter and Tabby. These are good books for early readers.

Review: Rules of Summer

Hi everyone,

Because of our author study this month, I haven’t gotten a chance to talk about many picture books!  So I wanted my last post for May to include a picture book that I’m excited to be sharing with my students now: Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan.

Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., 2013

Genre: Summer, Rules, Siblings/Brothers

Format: Hardcover

Source: Personal Collection

The rules in this picture book are important…but also imaginative and apparently random.  With a list of rules created by the older brother to help his younger sibling survive the summer, the illustrations in this book are incredibly important.  The siblings’ relationship and their creativity are developed and revealed throughout the illustrations, as the summer progresses and they continue to fight and make up, just as brothers do.  Tan’s work is soft and expressive, with a careful mix of brilliant colors and “aged,” loose technique.

I am a huge fan of Tan’s work and would highly suggest you check out some of his other books, including his picture books, The Red Tree and Lost and Found, as well as his graphic novel, The Arrival. 

For more information about Tan and his work: http://www.shauntan.net/

This is the perfect book to share in the classroom for the rapidly approaching end of the school year!  But I also wanted to let you know about a little change we’re going to be having here: for the summer months, we’re going to put Teacher Thursday on hold and try something new.  This summer, I’m going to work to complete a reading challenge – check back next week for the start of that new project!

Julia

Review: Athletic Shorts

Athletic Shorts

Author: Chris Crutcher

Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers, 1991

Source: Public library

Athletic Shorts is a collection of six short stories. As the title implies, all the stories involve sports. However, sports – whichever sport it may be – are just the tip of the iceberg. All of these stories are about far more than simply being an athlete. Crutcher deals with issues far beyond that of simply being a jock. His real issues include such topics as bigotry and stereotyping.

The first story, “A Brief Moment in the Life of Angus Bethune,” is about a very unusual young man. Besides being named for a cow, he has four parents. His two moms are married to each other; ditto his two dads. He’s also a bit larger – quite a bit – than the average kid. You might see him as a linebacker, but what about as a dancer? Warm and funny, this wonderful story teaches all of us about facing our fears.

“The Pin” is the next story in the collection, and aside from also involving a sport, it is nothing like “A Brief Moment in the Life of Angus Bethune.” It’s the touching story of a father/son relationship as the boy grows into a man. It is followed by “The Other Pin” – and another twist as we once again get something completely different.

Actually, that is what I really like about Crutcher – he provides something unique in each story. In his foreword, he wrote “There is a bit of my soul in every one…” and it shows. Each of these stories is emotionally powerful. I will be honest: I picked this book in the hope of finding some good short story reads that might appeal to boys. My mistake – these are stories that will appeal to everyone.

Barbara

Review: The Frenzy

Hi everyone,

Today I’m posting my last review of a Francesca Lia Block book for this month’s author study! This week I read Block’s YA novel The Frenzy.

The Frenzy by Francesca Lia Block

Publisher: HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2010

Genre: supernatural, romance, werewolves, family, friendship, mother-daughter, identity

Pages: 258

Format: Hardcover

Source: Borrowed from Public Library

When she turns thirteen, everything changes for Liv – mainly instigated by the sudden awakening of her werewolf abilities.  However, this is more than a story about werewolves and humans and those people somewhere in the middle.  Liv has plenty of challenges to face without magic: she feels that she must keep her relationship with her loving (aka, saintly) boyfriend hidden from her parents, fearing that they won’t accept him because of his race.  There’s tension between Liv and her parents, and even her grandfather knows something has gone terribly wrong.  Her best friend is struggling with his sexuality and finding someone to accept him.  And then there is the strange pack of boys with whom Liv feels immediately connected.

It sounds like a lot for one book, and in some ways, I think it is definitely a little too much.  Without going into any spoilers, I think my greatest disappointment about this book was that so many things felt unresolved by the end.  I also really missed the iconic Californian world that Block creates in many of her works; that’s one of my favorite things about her writing. I do have to say I preferred the other two books I reviewed earlier this month over this one mainly because I felt that the things that make Block’s work stand out to me were much less visible here.

But I do think there are a lot of redeeming features for this book.  Although I would certainly have to go back and read it again to defend this idea well, I think it could be a very strong critique of mental illness and how it’s treated and diagnosed.  Unable to tell anyone about her transformation, Liv’s “werewolf instincts” land her in therapy and heavily medicated, which ultimately doesn’t prove to be a terribly effective solution.

I also did appreciate Liv’s relationship with her boyfriend, Corey.  While I do think Corey deserves a medal for being possibly the most uncompromisingly loving and unrealistically understanding human in the world, they do face some relationship issues together that made them seem more real.  From questioning their future to openly (but not graphically – you’ll have to read Nymph for that) discussing their sexual relationship to developing their acceptance of one another outside their family expectations, they are not a perfect relationship, but somehow it seems like they’ll work out.

Overall, I would say this book packed a strong emotional punch without relying too heavily on the supernatural to either surprise or drive the story forward.  And while it’s very different from Block’s other works in both style and content, her hand is still very visible in the writing.

So that’s the end of our author study for May! If you have other authors you’d like to see “studied” over the course of a month, let us know!

Julia

Nutmeg Winners Announced

As some of you already know, the results of the Connecticut Nutmeg Awards have been announced.

Barbara:

The intermediate level winner was The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann – which just goes to show that although I am tired of dystopian series, our young readers are not! I was a bit surprised Liar & Spy ranked as low as it did. Perhaps it was a bit too realistic, as only the ending was a unique surprise.

Julia:

The elementary level winner was The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers.  I have to admit, I wasn’t at all surprised! Overall, I am pretty happy with the winning list – although I would have like to see Zita the Spacegirl just a little higher.

For a complete list of winners, go to http://www.nutmegaward.org/7101.html.

Review: Mother West Wind

Mother West Wind “Why” Stories

Author: Thornton W. Burgess

Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap, 1915

Source: Personal collection

Mother West Wind’s Children

Author: Thornton W. Burgess

Source: Personal collection

I’ve been reading and writing folk tales with my students in school the past few weeks. One day while thinking about the folk tales and short stories at the same time, I came across these two old volumes. The second one – Mother West Wind’s Children – is so battered that all of the front material is missing, so I have no exact information about the publisher or date. I believe it to be similar to that of the first book.

These stories were read to me as a child, and I read them to my own children. I love these stories for the read-aloud crowd because the language is so pleasing to listeners. Phrases and names like Old Mother West Wind, the Merry Little Breezes, foolish green flies and the Lone Little Path just roll off the tongue and invite the listener to join in the telling.

The stories often contain a quaint little homily. “And when you see mischief trotting along the Lone Little Path, if you look sharp enough, you’ll see Trouble following at his heels like a shadow.” (pg. 34, Mother West Wind “Why” Stories) That’s as true today as it was when this book was published.

The characters – Peter Rabbit, Reddy Fox, Old Grandfather Frog, Johnny Chuck – are a lovable bunch, despite their faults. Their adventures help give us a wonderful understanding and appreciation of nature.

You might wonder why I have included such old books. My copies are old – they probably belonged to my grandmother. However, these books are still available. While some libraries will have copies, you can purchase these books through the Thornton W. Burgess Museum, located in Sandwich, MA. The website gives information about Burgess and a complete list of his books, many of which are available still in both hardcover or softcover. Check out the website at http://www.thorntonburgess.org.

Review: Nymph

Hi everyone,

For today’s Francesca Lia Block book, I’m reviewing her novel, Nymph.  

Nymph by Francesca Lia Block

Publisher: Circlet Press, 2000

Pages: 127

Format: Soft cover

Source: Borrowed from public library

Firstly, I want to mention that I think I’d count this as a book of short stories, even though there is a common thread and consistent characters running through them.  I think several of them could be read as isolated units and still retain their meaning and quality.

And it definitely stays true to Block’s writing – there’s the beautiful language and particular characters and world that are quintessential to Block’s work.

But.

There is so much sex in this book that it’s a little awkward to read it in public and makes you desperately hope no one will look over your shoulder at an inopportune moment. I think I mentioned in my earlier post about Block that she’s written a range of work, including novels for adults.  I should have been a little more tipped off by the words “adult” and “erotic” on the back of this book, but I actually found it in the YA section of our local library. Since it was in the YA section, I thought it couldn’t possibly too much – and I was definitely wrong.  This is really not a book for young readers and not something I would ever expect to find in a school at any grade level.  Yes, it’s beautiful work, and it’s certainly not that I think it should be made unavailable to YA readers.  But I do think it should be carefully handled so it’s read and understood by a suitable reader in an appropriate context.

I’m interested to hear what you have to say if you’ve read it.  My mother, of course, would never approve, and you’re lucky I’m reviewing this book and not her – or else you could expect a much longer lecture about why it’s not appropriate for younger readers! 🙂 What do you think of Nymph?  Let us know!

Julia

Discussion Questions: Hatchet

Discussion Questions for Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

At my school, we often handle our discussion questions by chapter as I have done here. However, my questions are a bit broader than we usually assign as homework, as I feel that you can have more of a conversation if questions are open-ended.

Chapter 1

We learn right away that Brian’s parents are divorced. What do you think the Secret is? Are words painful?

Chapters 2 and 3

We are with Brian as he makes decisions and the plane crashes. As it goes down, his head is struck, the plane plunges into the lake, and he fights his way out of the water. He loses consciousness, and, as he does, he thinks of the Secret (beginning of Chapter 4). Why does he think of this particular memory?

Chapter 4

After surviving the crash, what is the 1^st trial or challenge that Brian faces and why is this so unexpected?

Brian thinks about whether or not he has good luck or bad luck (pg. 40).  Which type of luck do you believe he has? Why?

Chapter 5

List the problems that Brian already has to face, at least the ones which have surfaced in this chapter.

Brian thinks of his English teacher who said “stay positive and stay on top of things.” (pg. 49) Do you think Brian can stay positive and stay on top of things in this situation?

Chapter 6

Brian addresses his problems and solves two of them right away. What were they, and how did he solve them? Were they good solutions or not?

Chapter 7

After he is sick from the berries, Brian’s mind once again goes back to the Secret. With so many other problems, why does Brian think about it now?

After only three days in the woods, he begins to call his crude shelter “home.” Why do you think he does this?

In this chapter, Brian has his first encounter with a wild animal, and at first he is frozen in fear. This incident shows that Brian is changing. How has he changed?

Chapter 8

Brian has his second encounter with a wild animal, and because of this event, he learns the first rule of survival. What is it?

While sleeping, Brian dreams of his father and his friend. In the dream they are trying to give him a message. He understands the message and knows it is imperative for his survival.  What is the message and what does he accomplish?

Chapter 9

Who (or what) does Brian think of as a friend and a guard?

Chapter 10

With each chapter, Brian is changing more. Describe some of the changes that are taking place as Brian spends more time in the wilderness.

Chapter 11

Brian is now aware that he is changing and he is beginning to understand some of these changes. What does Brian notice that is different about himself?

Chapter 12

What happens when the search plane fails to find Brian?

Chapter 13

Brian has now been in the wild for 47 days. What realization comes to him as he sees the wolves?

What two truths did he discover after the search plane failed to find him?

What were some of the mistakes he made as he learned to survive?

Chapter 14

What is the “vital knowledge that drives all creatures in the forest” (pg. 129)?

What is the “second most important thing about nature” (pg. 131)?

Brian continues to make mistakes. What has he done to overcome them?

Chapter 15

How does Brian discover the “secret key” which will enable him to get meat?

Chapter 16

Two major events take place in this chapter – both of which almost kill Brian. The second incident, the tornado, destroys so much that he feels is back to square one. Is he?

Chapter 17

Brian finds that the tornado has changed more than he expected. What do you think he will find on the plane?

What about his “reverse question” (pg. 170)? How do you think he will remember these days in the wilderness?

Chapter 18

While Brian is chopping his way into the plane, he drops the hatchet. He doesn’t believe this could happen to him now. Why?

Brian manages to retrieve the survival kit from the plane, but the experience is more traumatic than he expects it to be. What helps return Brian to peace?

Chapter 19

As Brian sorts through his “treasure” – the items from the survival kit – he has mixed feelings. Why?

Just as Brian finally reaches the survival kit, he is rescued. Why do you think Paulsen chose this time for Brian to be found?

Epilogue

What changes took place in Brian? List the temporary ones and the permanent, life-long changes. List the physical ones and the emotional ones.

Why didn’t Brian ever share the Secret with his father?

Barbara

Review: Chronicles of Avonlea

Chronicles of Avonlea

Author: L.M. Montgomery

Publisher: Grosset  & Dunlap, 1973 printing

Source: Personal collection

Further Chronicles of Avonlea

Author: L.M. Montgomery

Publisher: Grosset  & Dunlap, 1970

Source: Personal collection

For my next short story collection, I’ve chosen something entirely different. Goodbye scary ghosts and ghouls; hello wholesome farm girls. Why the dramatic change? There were two reasons. First, I want to offer variety. Second, horror stories are like an amusement park ride – most fun if you know when it is time to get off.

This selection by author L.M. Montgomery is definitely a chick pick. Best known for her Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon series, Montgomery wrote many other novels, as well as over 500 short stories and poems. The short stories have been gathered into several collections and for this particular review I chose two compilations of stories that center around Avonlea, the setting for Anne of Green Gables.

I opted for these two sets of stories because I feel they represent some of Montgomery’s finest work. I’m a big fan of Montgomery. I like the way she can, with a few well-chosen words, not only bring her characters to life, but make us fall in love with them. I also like how these stories are what I like to call “layered.” There is a great story for the younger reader, but there are many deeper, more profound thoughts to be found by the older (even adult) reader. It makes a read-aloud session enjoyable for both the reader and the listener.

There is plenty of variety in Montgomery’s tales. Each volume has some love stories, though the romance is often comes about unexpected ways. Both also have a story about people who have failed, at least in the eyes of the world. There is even a ghost story, “The Return of Hester” (Further Chronicles of Avonlea).

As you read these stories, look for Montgomery’s humor. “Ismay is good at having presentiments – after things happen.” (“Aunt Cynthia’s Persian Cat”, Further Chronicles of Avonlea, pg. 11) Who doesn’t know someone like that? From “The Quarantine at Alexander Abraham’s” (Chronicles of Avonlea) we learn that “Tact is a faculty for meandering around to a given point instead of making a bee-line.” (pg. 203) The protagonist in this story has no tact, again making us smile as we identify those whom we know personally who share this trait – or lack thereof.

Although there is no poetry in these selections, Montgomery’s poetic touch is evident. “Afar out, the sea lay throbbing and purple, and the moan of the bar came through the sweet, chill spring air with its burden of hopeless, endless longing and seeking.” (“Each in His Own Tongue,” Chronicles of Avonlea, pg. 104) In “In Her Selfless Mood,” Montgomery describes the deathbed of Naomi Holland. “To Eunice, the elfin flame, which flickered gaily, seemed like an impish eye upon her…. The thin curtains at the window wavered to and fro, as if shaken by a ghostly hand.” (Further Chronicles of Avonlea, pg. 226)

I could go on and on with examples such as these. Montgomery is truly a master storyteller, and these two volumes should belong in everyone’s personal library.

Barbara

Author Study: Francesca Lia Block

Hi everyone,

Since I’m doing an author study this month, I thought it would be a good idea to let you know a little bit about the author I’m reviewing.

Francesca Lia Block

Birthday: December 3, 1962

Writing:

Block has written over 25 books and has published some of her shorter works in a variety of newspapers and magazines.  However, she doesn’t limit herself to writing the same format or genre; she’s written poetry, short stories, fiction, non-fiction, and essays. She’s well-known for her Weetzie Bat stories, in particular.  I also think some common threads across her books are fairy tales, powerful female characters, and a Californian backdrop.  Her use of language is powerful and poetic, and she’s frequently commended for the intensity and hopefulness of her writing.

For more about Francesca Lia Block, check out these sources:

http://www.francescaliablock.com/

Block’s official website, links to her blog

http://therumpus.net/2014/08/the-rumpus-interview-with-francesca-lia-block/

An interview with Block where she talks a little bit about some of her books and her writing process

And check back here for more reviews and discussion of Block’s work throughout the month!

Julia