The next few posts will be on books that fall into the Historical Fiction genre. This is one of my favorite genres. Learning history can be boring when faced with a 20 page chapter in a textbook. However, historical fiction lets the reader learn about history through the eyes of a character living at that time. I think that when you get the know the character(s) in a book, you feel their pain and happiness and come to understand what life was like during that time period. For teachers faced with teaching both Social Studies and Language Arts, historical fiction provides a way to teach history and reading skills at the same time. The essential knowledge and skills can be blended together for a wonderful unit. For those of you who wish to choose the best in historical fiction to share with your classes, you may want to check out the award winning books for this genre.
Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction:
http://www.scottodell.com/odellaward.html
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People:
http://www.socialstudies.org/resources/notable
Jane Addams Book Award
http://home.igc.org/~japa/jacba/index_jacba.html
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Universe
Bibliography
Simon, Seymour. 1998. The Universe. New York: Harper Collins.
Plot Summary
Award winning author, Seymour Simon explores the universe from the stars to the mysterious black holes. The Universe covers concepts such as The Big Bang theory, defines light year and gives an example, explains the different types of galaxies and gives a brief overview of the planets in our solar system. Readers are left wondering if life exists on planets in distant solar systems
Critical Analysis
Seymour Simon has written a great book about the universe and all that is included. An introduction by Roger D. Launius of the National Air and Space Museum and a mission statement from The Smithsonian appear and provide proof that the information provided in this book is “supported by authoritative scholarship.” In additon, Simon provides a glossary of terms, an index and list of website for more information. Simon is well known for his many nonfiction books for children and continues to write accurate accounts of science concepts. Simon explains difficult concepts in a way that is easy to understand. For example, in an attempt to explain the universe, he gives an example of what an address might look like if someone were mailing you a letter from a distant galaxy. No zip code is available but he suggests the symbol for infinity could be used since the universe goes on forever. Simon organized the book in terms of greatest to least. He begins with information about the universe then moves on to smaller concepts such as the galaxy, solar system and the planets. One note about the information on planets: Pluto is still refered to as a planet in this book. The copyright date indicates that the book was published in 1998 prior to the change in Pluto's status. He then explains concepts such as the types of galaxies, nebulas, different classes of stars and theories about black holes. The design of the book is inviting to readers of all ages. The photography grabs your attention and adds beauty to the book. However, one particular illustration that shows a spiral of dust and gases being sucked into a black hole is a confusing. Simon clearly states that it is a drawing, but it looks like all of the photographs. When reading this book aloud to children, it is important for them to realize that is an artist’s idea of what a black hole might look like instead of an actual photograph. Photographs of nebula, stars, and galaxies are beautiful and help readers understand space better. Simon’s style is engaging and leads reader to think about the topic in new ways. The use of vocabulary is appropriate for all ages but lends particularly well to middle school students. The concepts and theories presented in this book are taught in science classrooms. However, when reading the book there does not seem to be any indication that these are truly theories and not truth. It is important to help students understand that theories can and should be challenged.
Seymour Simon has written a great book about the universe and all that is included. An introduction by Roger D. Launius of the National Air and Space Museum and a mission statement from The Smithsonian appear and provide proof that the information provided in this book is “supported by authoritative scholarship.” In additon, Simon provides a glossary of terms, an index and list of website for more information. Simon is well known for his many nonfiction books for children and continues to write accurate accounts of science concepts. Simon explains difficult concepts in a way that is easy to understand. For example, in an attempt to explain the universe, he gives an example of what an address might look like if someone were mailing you a letter from a distant galaxy. No zip code is available but he suggests the symbol for infinity could be used since the universe goes on forever. Simon organized the book in terms of greatest to least. He begins with information about the universe then moves on to smaller concepts such as the galaxy, solar system and the planets. One note about the information on planets: Pluto is still refered to as a planet in this book. The copyright date indicates that the book was published in 1998 prior to the change in Pluto's status. He then explains concepts such as the types of galaxies, nebulas, different classes of stars and theories about black holes. The design of the book is inviting to readers of all ages. The photography grabs your attention and adds beauty to the book. However, one particular illustration that shows a spiral of dust and gases being sucked into a black hole is a confusing. Simon clearly states that it is a drawing, but it looks like all of the photographs. When reading this book aloud to children, it is important for them to realize that is an artist’s idea of what a black hole might look like instead of an actual photograph. Photographs of nebula, stars, and galaxies are beautiful and help readers understand space better. Simon’s style is engaging and leads reader to think about the topic in new ways. The use of vocabulary is appropriate for all ages but lends particularly well to middle school students. The concepts and theories presented in this book are taught in science classrooms. However, when reading the book there does not seem to be any indication that these are truly theories and not truth. It is important to help students understand that theories can and should be challenged.
Review Excerpts
Horn Book
This quick tour of the universe stops at galaxies, the solar system (Pluto is still labeled a planet), nebulas, and quasars. Although the theories tend to be overstated, Simon has a unique ability to make the big and vast tangible and real. Full-page light and radio telescope images are fittingly set against white text on a black, space-like background.
School Library Journal
Simon offers what amounts to an introduction to his long running, literally and figuratively stellar series of photo-essays on matters astronomical. Matching full-color, full- and double-page-spread-sized light and radio photographs of nebulas, galaxies, and sundry deep-space phenomena with two or three paragraphs of explanatory text, he covers a wide range of topics, from the Big Bang to quasars, from star formation to extrasolar planets. Care has been taken to keep the pictures and related text close together, and the choice of detail is guaranteed to whet youngster's appetites for a more thorough, narrowly focused treatment. Asking some of the Big Questions:"Does life exist on earth-like planets in distant solar systems? Will the universe expand forever or finally stop and then collapse into a gigantic black hole?" Simon writes that "we are just at the beginning of a golden age of discovery."
Connections
This book directly deals with the Texas Essesntial Knowledge and Skill for 8th grade.
Eight Grade Science TEKS:
8.14 A: Describe characteristics of the universe such as stars and galaxies.
8.14 B: Explain the use of light-years to describe distances in the universe.
8.14 C: Research and describe historical scientific theories of the origin of the universe
Each of these TEKS is covered in this book. It is an excellent book to use to introduce students to these concepts.
Key Words/Vocabulary: atom, black hole, cosmic, gravity, light-year, matter, nebular, particle, quasar, red giant, Big Bang, universe, star, galaxy, spiral galaxy, elliptical galaxy, barred spirals, irregular-shaped galaxies, radio telescope, optical telescope, Hubble telescope
Author's Website: http://www.seymourscience.com/
European Space Agency Website offeres games, downloads and tons of information about all things in space: http://www.esa.int/esaKIDSen/SEMSZ5WJD1E_OurUniverse_0.html
PBS Deep Space : http://www.pbs.org/deepspace/timeline/index.html
More Seymour Simon books about space:
Stars ISBN: 0060890010
Our Solar System ISBN: 0061140082
Prudence Crandall
This is an addendum to the previous post. I wanted to post a couple of reviews of the poetry book suggested in the connections section of The Forbidden Schoolhouse by Suzaanne Jurman. These reviews can be found in the database: Children's Literature Reviews.Kirkus
Two years after Suzanne Jurmain's nonfiction chronicle, Forbidden Schoolhouse (2005), comes a glorious poetic celebration of the teacher and students at a Connecticut school that defied mid-19th-century convention to educate African-American girls. Divided into six sections, four sonnets in each, the voices of the 24 girls tell, one by one, the tale, from hope and excitement at the beginning of the enterprise to fear and defiance as forces both institutional and vigilante conspire to destroy Miss Crandall's School. Nelson's sonnets adhere to a strict form while Alexander's explore the boundaries of the form; each distills the powerful emotions inspired by the story. For example, "Fire from the Gods": "I didn't know how much I didn't know, / Like Brer Mosquito on Brer Elephant, / now I know my capacity for awe / is infinite. . . . " Cooper's soft pastel illustrations provide a muted counterpoint to the text, mixing depictions of school and students with images of the natural world in a lovely rhythm. A foreword provides a brief prose history of the school; a concluding authors' note explains their collaborative process.
Library Media Connection
In 1833, Prudence Crandall opened her boarding school in Canterbury, Connecticut to "young ladies and little misses of color" because the white families refused to permit their daughters to be educated along with African Americans. The townspeople tried to close the school by passing restrictive laws. When that did not work, there were ever-increasing attacks upon the property. When it was no longer possible to protect the students, Prudence closed the school. Prudence and her new husband left Canterbury and eventually settled in Kansas. The story is told through a series of sonnets. The words are powerful as they celebrate the importance of education and hardships that the students endured to achieve it. The reader appreciates the courage of these women, facing the hostilities of the townsfolk. Floyd Cooper's illustrations capture the moods of the poems and help tell the story of persecution and adversity that eventually forced the school's closure. This book celebrates the women who risked everything to improve their lives. It can serve as an example for today's youth for appreciating the opportunities for education that they have today regardless of race.
In 1833, Prudence Crandall opened her boarding school in Canterbury, Connecticut to "young ladies and little misses of color" because the white families refused to permit their daughters to be educated along with African Americans. The townspeople tried to close the school by passing restrictive laws. When that did not work, there were ever-increasing attacks upon the property. When it was no longer possible to protect the students, Prudence closed the school. Prudence and her new husband left Canterbury and eventually settled in Kansas. The story is told through a series of sonnets. The words are powerful as they celebrate the importance of education and hardships that the students endured to achieve it. The reader appreciates the courage of these women, facing the hostilities of the townsfolk. Floyd Cooper's illustrations capture the moods of the poems and help tell the story of persecution and adversity that eventually forced the school's closure. This book celebrates the women who risked everything to improve their lives. It can serve as an example for today's youth for appreciating the opportunities for education that they have today regardless of race.
The Forbidden School House: The True and Dramatic Story of Prudence Crandall and Her Students
Bibliography
Jurmain, Suzanne. 2005. The Forbidden Schoolhouse: The True and Dramatic Story of Prudence Crandall and Her Students. New York, NY. HMCo Children's Books. ISBN 0618473025
Plot Analysis
Jurmain has written an eye-opening account of a young, independent woman, Prudence Crandall, who ran a school for young women. A young African-American female who wanted to enroll in her school approached Miss Crandall . This eventually led to the closing of her original school and the opening of a school specifically for African-American females. The community of Canterbury, CT opposed the opening of the school and Prudence paid a high price for her desire to educate these women. The book details her arrest, the community's hateful treatment of her and her students and the eventual closing of the school. Fifty years later, the town apologized for their horrible treatment even offering Prudence a pension.
Critical Analysis
The Forbidden Schoolhouse: The True and Dramatic Story of Prudence Crandall and Her Students is a well written, researched account of an extraordinary woman. Jurmain backs her account with notes on her sources at the end of the story. She credits the Kansas State Historical Society, the Connecticut State Library and the New-York Historical Society who sent copies of many of the materials to help her. In addition, Jurmain provides an extensive bibliography of books and newspapers to provide documentation.
The book focuses on a period between the opening of Miss Crandall’s private academy in 1831 to the closing of her controversial school for African-American females in the spring of 1835. After the closing of her school, Prudence moved to Kansas with her husband and stepchildren. Jurmain details events that led up to 1865 when slavery was abolished and 1869 when African-Americans gained the right to vote. A newspaperman, George Thayer, interviewed Prudence Crandall and recounts what happened to her in the years that followed. Each chapter has illustrations and photographs that help the reader understand the times. A table of contents helps the reader to preview what will come next. Each chapter is titled after a quote found within the text of that chapter. Jurmain’s use of a large font makes reading the book easy on the eye and not seem too formidable to young readers. The captions under the illustrations and photographs give readers an idea of how it relates to the story. Jurmain’s style shines through with quotes in the table of contents that grab your attention. With each turn of the page, the reader is more horrified and feels the pain that racism and prejudice causes. Although the ending is not exactly happy, Prudence shows her graciousness and forgiveness when she states to Thayer “I am glad to see anyone from good old Connecticut.” The Forbidden Schoolhouse is a great read that will help readers of all ages to understand the fight for equal rights and the importance of that fight.
Review Excerpts
Kirkus
Prudence Crandall never set out to be a revolutionary-just a teacher. But when she made the bold decision to admit African-American girls to her exclusive girls' academy in Canterbury, Conn., she made a conscious decision to change her life forever. As the white parents of Canterbury would not allow their daughters to attend school with black students, Crandall closed it altogether, reopening it as a boarding school for middle-class black girls in 1833, with help from her Quaker family and William Lloyd Garrison, among others. It was a short-lived enterprise, however, as opposition both legal and vigilante finally forced her to close less than two years later. Jurmain adopts a storyteller's voice to tell the tale, lacing it with excerpts from primary sources, but always locating readers in the emotional heart of the conflict. This makes for a fast-paced read; well-placed images depict both the principal players and the interior of the Crandall school (now a museum). Closing chapters fill in the details of Crandall's later life and sketch the subsequent history of school integration . (appendices, notes, bibliography, index)
Booklist
Jurmain has plucked an almost forgotten incident from history and has shaped a compelling, highly readable book around it.
Connections
Keywords/Vocabulary: boarding school, William Lloyd Garrison, Quaker, abolitionist, affirmative action, Civil War, Fifteenth Amendment, Fourteenth Amendment
National Women's Museum Biography:
http://www.nwhm.org/Education/biography_pcrandall.html
Pair this book with a poetry book :
Miss Crandall's School For Young Ladies and Little Misses of Color: Poems
by Elizabeth Alexander and Marilyn Nelson ; pictures by Floyd Cooper. ISBN: 9781590784563
Prudence, Crandall, Teacher of Equal Rights, by Eileen Lucas, Ill. by Kimanne Smith.
ISBN: 9781575054803
Isaac Newton
Bibliography
Krull, Kathleen. 2006. Isaac Newton. Ill. by Boris Kulikov. New York: Viking. ISBN 0670059218
Plot Summary
Kathleen Krull has written about four scientists, Leonardo da Vinci, Sigmund Frued, Marie Curie and Isaac Newton in her series Giants of Science. In her biography, Isaac Newton, Krull describes all of the major accomplishments of Newton as well as information about his personal life.
Critical Analysis
Kathleen Krull is an an award winning author who has truly captured Isaac Newton in a way as never before. Krull provides an introduction that pulls the reader into the book. Take a look at the very beginning of the introduction: “Secretive, Withdrawn, Obsessive. Ruthless, bitter, perhaps in need of therapy… All these things apply to Isaac Newton. Oh, and he was one of the greatest scientific minds of all time.” Can you imagine wanting to put this book down? Neither could I. I never knew that reading a biography could be so interesting.
Krull provides several access features: illustrations, a table of contents, and extensive index. The table of contents gives readers a quick look at what the chapters contain. Want to know about “The Apple”? Turn to chapter four. How about his archenemy, Hooke? He is discussed in chapter five and beyond. Krull also provides a bibliography denoting reading that is applicable to children, and a list of websites. All of these features will help when researching this scientist, however, this book reads from cover to cover easily. A quick check of the websites listed showed that all but two were still active links. However, both of the links that were missing were easily found using a Google search: For information on The Newton Project, you can go to this link: http://www.newtonproject.sussex.ac.uk/prism.php?id=26 . The Royal Society can now be found at this link: http://royalsociety.org/ .
Krull’s lively, chatty style provides readers with a chance to learn about all of Newton’s accomplishments and what his life what like. The story read more like historical fiction and is organized much the same. She tells of his lonely childhood, his feuds with other scientists of his time and his unusual personality. With Ms. Krull to guide us, the reader sees both the good and the bad in this brilliant man. What makes this book most interesting is Krull’s treatment of Newton’s odd behaviors and personality. She states that “Some recent researcher guess that Newton may have had Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism.” She also explains, “Other scholars have suggested that Newton may have suffered from toxic metal poisoning”. And, although there is no way of really knowing if Newton suffered from autism or toxic metal poisoning, she does explain that researchers have tested a lock of his hair and “found mercury levels to be forty times higher than the expected level..” Boris Kulikov’s sketches are almost comical but focus on the “science” being discussed. For example on page 48, a full page sketch shows Newton scratching his head pondering on the force that causes the apple to fall to the ground. The apple is the prominent feature on the page-but has several large bites taken out of it. The few illustrations presented add to the delight of the book. This is a wonderful book. I look forward to reading more biographies by Kathleen Krull.
Krull provides several access features: illustrations, a table of contents, and extensive index. The table of contents gives readers a quick look at what the chapters contain. Want to know about “The Apple”? Turn to chapter four. How about his archenemy, Hooke? He is discussed in chapter five and beyond. Krull also provides a bibliography denoting reading that is applicable to children, and a list of websites. All of these features will help when researching this scientist, however, this book reads from cover to cover easily. A quick check of the websites listed showed that all but two were still active links. However, both of the links that were missing were easily found using a Google search: For information on The Newton Project, you can go to this link: http://www.newtonproject.sussex.ac.uk/prism.php?id=26 . The Royal Society can now be found at this link: http://royalsociety.org/ .
Krull’s lively, chatty style provides readers with a chance to learn about all of Newton’s accomplishments and what his life what like. The story read more like historical fiction and is organized much the same. She tells of his lonely childhood, his feuds with other scientists of his time and his unusual personality. With Ms. Krull to guide us, the reader sees both the good and the bad in this brilliant man. What makes this book most interesting is Krull’s treatment of Newton’s odd behaviors and personality. She states that “Some recent researcher guess that Newton may have had Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism.” She also explains, “Other scholars have suggested that Newton may have suffered from toxic metal poisoning”. And, although there is no way of really knowing if Newton suffered from autism or toxic metal poisoning, she does explain that researchers have tested a lock of his hair and “found mercury levels to be forty times higher than the expected level..” Boris Kulikov’s sketches are almost comical but focus on the “science” being discussed. For example on page 48, a full page sketch shows Newton scratching his head pondering on the force that causes the apple to fall to the ground. The apple is the prominent feature on the page-but has several large bites taken out of it. The few illustrations presented add to the delight of the book. This is a wonderful book. I look forward to reading more biographies by Kathleen Krull.
Review Excerpts
School Library Journal Starred Review. Grade 5-7–Krull fulfills the promise of the outstanding previous volume in this series, Leonardo da Vinci (Viking, 2005) with this follow-up. Writing in a style aptly described in the blurb as juicily anecdotal (a tone reflected in Kulikovs witty illustrations), she offers a multifaceted portrait of a genius who was both brilliant and several slices short of a loaf, capable of revolutionary insights into science but also rude, jealous, and secretive.
Booklist
Gr. 5-8. Krull's second offering in the Giants of Science series (Leonardo da Vinci, 2005) profiles Sir Isaac Newton, the secretive, obsessive, and brilliant English scientist who invented calculus, built the first reflecting telescope, developed the modern scientific method, and discerned many of our laws of physics and optics. Engaging in limited speculation about Newton's personality (Did he have Asperger's syndrome or suffer from mercury poisoning?), Krull recounts Newton's lonely childhood, his penchant for quiet reflection, and the difficulties that led to his feuding with other scientists. The lively, conversational style will appeal to readers; Newton comes off as disagreeable and difficult, but never boring. Krull also does a credible job explaining several of Newton's complex theories^B. She offers no documentation, but she appends a list of books and Web sites for those who want more facts. Kulikov's humorous pen-and-ink drawings complement the lighthearted text of this fascinating introduction, which will appeal to both would-be scientists and children in need of a quick-to-read biography.
Connections
Keywords/Vocabulary: Isaac Newton, gravity, calculus, alchemy, bubonic plague, laws of motion, London, England, physics, seventeenth century, optics
Other books in the Giants of Science:
Krull, Kathleen. Leonardo Da Vinci ISBN: 0670059202
Krull, Kathleen. Marie Curie ISBN: 0670058947
Krull, Kathleen. Sigmund Freud ISBN: 0670058920
http://www.kathleenkrull.com/ Author's website
http://www.boriskulikov.com/ Illustrator's website
This link takes you to a great pdf file which contains a timeline of Newton's life.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Nonfiction
The next few posts will be discussing nonfiction books. I have chosen Isaac Newton by Kathleen Krull, The Forbidden Schoolhouse by Suzanne Jurmain and The Universe by Seymour Simon. I enjoyed each of these books, but the one that I liked best was Isaac Newton. I was very surprised by the fact that this biography read so easily-much more like historical fiction than a true biography. However, I learned a great deal about Newton. This book gave me an idea of what the man was like-not just the science that he discovered.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Twist: Yoga Poems
BibliographyWong, Janet S. 2007, Twist: Yoga Poems. Ill. by Julie Paschkis. New York. Margaret K. McElderry. ISBN: 0689873948
Plot Summary
Janet Wong has paired up with friend and illustrator, Julie Paschkis to create a beautiful book of poems about Yoga. Wong states in the author's note that she wrote the poems for Julie, who loves Yoga. The book in not intended to teach children yoga-but to create an understanding of the poses and how they got their names.
Critical Analysis
Twist: Yoga Poems is written in free verse and captures the essence of sixteen yoga poses presented with child friendly imagery. Breathing is an essential part of the practice of yoga and is illustrated well in the poem titled Breath: Breath is a broom sweeping your insides. Smooth and slow: You pull scattered bits of dream fluff and heart dust into neat piles. Wong personifies each pose leading to more complete understanding of the yoga poses. For example, Cat/Cow illustrates the movement : "Cat drops her head down to the grass. Who would eat grass when there is milk and cream? Chills run up her hilly spine at the thought."
Twist: Yoga Poems is written in free verse and captures the essence of sixteen yoga poses presented with child friendly imagery. Breathing is an essential part of the practice of yoga and is illustrated well in the poem titled Breath: Breath is a broom sweeping your insides. Smooth and slow: You pull scattered bits of dream fluff and heart dust into neat piles. Wong personifies each pose leading to more complete understanding of the yoga poses. For example, Cat/Cow illustrates the movement : "Cat drops her head down to the grass. Who would eat grass when there is milk and cream? Chills run up her hilly spine at the thought."
Paschkis uses a two page spread for vibrant watercolor illustrations. Children of all ethnicities practice yoga poses however, the artwork and details are uniquely Indian. Rich colors of gold burgundy, deep blue and green are soothing and relaxing. Each poem and illustration is framed and accented with ancient Indian symbols such as vines, paisleys animals and flowers. The poem titled Tree shows the child in the tree pose along with tall, lean trees that "bend and sway"-which is exactly the point of the pose. Readers of all ages will enjoy this unique book of yoga poems.
Review Excerpts
Kirkus The current yoga craze insinuates its way into children’s poetry in this attractively designed volume. Sixteen poems illuminate a variety of yoga attitudes, beginning with “Breath” (“Breath is a broom / sweeping your insides”) and ending with “Twist.” A multicultural cast of happy child yogis stretches and poses its way through the collection, framed in boxes set against mandala-like backgrounds that extend the theme of each given position.
Horn Book Most of the sixteen poems in this book each focus on a particular yoga pose. Wong's verses effectively evoke their subjects, and Paschkis's elegant watercolors swirl with movement. Framed illustrations depict each pose, while animals, people, and related objects border the frame with Indian motifs. Suitable both for readers already familiar with yoga and those just getting started.
Connections
Author's website: http://www.janetwong.com/
Blue Rose Girls review and interview with Janet Wong and Julie Paschkis.
Related Books:
Storytime Yoga: Teaching Yoga to Children Through Story by Sydney Solis
ISBN: 0977706303
My Daddy is a Pretzel: Yoga for Parents and Kids by Baron Baptiste
ISBN: 1841481513
*This particular book has inspired a group of teachers to create a Yoga Club for girls. Our goal is to teach the girls yoga, build self esteem and develop relationships within the school community.
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