BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gantos, J. (2011). Dead end in Norvelt [Audiobook]. New York: Square Fish.
PLOT SUMMARY
Melding the entirely true and the wildly fictional Dead End in Norvelt is a novel about an incredible two months for a kid named Jack Gantos, whose plans for vacation excitement are shot down when he is "grounded for life" by his feuding parents, and whose nose spews bad blood at every little shock he gets. But plenty of excitement (and shocks) are coming Jack's way once his mom loans him out to help a feisty old neighbor with a most unusual chore--typewriting obituaries filled with stories about the people who founded his utopian town. As one obituary leads to another, Jack is launched on a strange adventure involving molten wax, Eleanor Roosevelt, twisted promises, a homemade airplane, Girl Scout cookies, a man on a trike, a dancing plague, voices from the past, Hells Angels . . . and possibly murder.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a story that kids can relate to when it comes to learning lessons, chores, and being grounded. Although the setting and recreation of the times are very apparent throughout, the theme of the story is still relevant today. The various bits of history come out in rather clever ways as the protagonists shares newspaper articles, books read, and obituaries written. Each quirky obituary is infused with a bit of Norvelt's history, providing insightful postwar facts. Readers will find the characters witty and hilarious at times, making for an enjoyable look into history. The concept of bartering can be seen throughout, as well as a bit of autobiography.
Listening to the audiobook was pleasantly surprising. The male reader had a subtle yet deep voice that seemed to fit the character perfectly. There were only slight pitch changes for the various characters that suited the story just fine. This format along with the content of the book made for a quick and interesting read.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist (August 2011 (Vol. 107, No. 22))
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.
Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2012)
There's more than laugh-out-loud gothic comedy here. This is a richly layered semi-autobiographical tale, an ode to a time and place, to history and the power of reading.
AWARDS
• ALA Notable Children's Books, 2012
• Horn Book Magazine, 04/01/12
• Horn Book Magazine starred, 09/01/11
• Kirkus Reviews starred, 08/15/11
• Library Media Connection, 11/01/11
• Newbery Medal, 2012
• Publishers Weekly starred, 07/25/11
• School Library Journal, 09/01/11
• Wilson's Children, 10/01/12
• Wilson's Junior High School, 10/01/12
CONNECTIONS
· Timeline: this book has many historical events and people mentioned within the story, have students create an ongoing timeline while they read, or have them search for the clues within the text to create a timeline of all the historical events or information about people mentioned. This would create a wonderful visual of all the facts they acquired while reading this book.
· Birthday history: many of the historical events were brought out through Miss Volker’s obituaries or Jack’s favorite newspaper column; have students research important events that took place on their birthday and create a list of shared events.
Gantos, J. (2011). Dead end in Norvelt [Audiobook]. New York: Square Fish.
PLOT SUMMARY
Melding the entirely true and the wildly fictional Dead End in Norvelt is a novel about an incredible two months for a kid named Jack Gantos, whose plans for vacation excitement are shot down when he is "grounded for life" by his feuding parents, and whose nose spews bad blood at every little shock he gets. But plenty of excitement (and shocks) are coming Jack's way once his mom loans him out to help a feisty old neighbor with a most unusual chore--typewriting obituaries filled with stories about the people who founded his utopian town. As one obituary leads to another, Jack is launched on a strange adventure involving molten wax, Eleanor Roosevelt, twisted promises, a homemade airplane, Girl Scout cookies, a man on a trike, a dancing plague, voices from the past, Hells Angels . . . and possibly murder.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a story that kids can relate to when it comes to learning lessons, chores, and being grounded. Although the setting and recreation of the times are very apparent throughout, the theme of the story is still relevant today. The various bits of history come out in rather clever ways as the protagonists shares newspaper articles, books read, and obituaries written. Each quirky obituary is infused with a bit of Norvelt's history, providing insightful postwar facts. Readers will find the characters witty and hilarious at times, making for an enjoyable look into history. The concept of bartering can be seen throughout, as well as a bit of autobiography.
Listening to the audiobook was pleasantly surprising. The male reader had a subtle yet deep voice that seemed to fit the character perfectly. There were only slight pitch changes for the various characters that suited the story just fine. This format along with the content of the book made for a quick and interesting read.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist (August 2011 (Vol. 107, No. 22))
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.
Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2012)
There's more than laugh-out-loud gothic comedy here. This is a richly layered semi-autobiographical tale, an ode to a time and place, to history and the power of reading.
AWARDS
• ALA Notable Children's Books, 2012
• Horn Book Magazine, 04/01/12
• Horn Book Magazine starred, 09/01/11
• Kirkus Reviews starred, 08/15/11
• Library Media Connection, 11/01/11
• Newbery Medal, 2012
• Publishers Weekly starred, 07/25/11
• School Library Journal, 09/01/11
• Wilson's Children, 10/01/12
• Wilson's Junior High School, 10/01/12
CONNECTIONS
· Timeline: this book has many historical events and people mentioned within the story, have students create an ongoing timeline while they read, or have them search for the clues within the text to create a timeline of all the historical events or information about people mentioned. This would create a wonderful visual of all the facts they acquired while reading this book.
· Birthday history: many of the historical events were brought out through Miss Volker’s obituaries or Jack’s favorite newspaper column; have students research important events that took place on their birthday and create a list of shared events.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Velchin, E. (2011). Breaking Stalin's Nose. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.
PLOT SUMMARY
Sasha Zaichik has known the laws of the Soviet Young Pioneers since the age of six:
The Young Pioneer is devoted to Comrade Stalin, the Communist Party, and Communism.
A Young Pioneer is a reliable comrade and always acts according to conscience.
A Young Pioneer has a right to criticize shortcomings.
But now that it is finally time to join the Young Pioneers, the day Sasha has awaited for so long, everything seems to go awry. He breaks a classmate's glasses with a snowball. He accidentally damages a bust of Stalin in the school hallway. And worst of all, his father, the best Communist he knows, was arrested just last night.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This fast-paced story discusses issues of freedom, paranoia, and innocent, blind loyalty. It has simple text for children who are age appropriate and ready for this subject matter. Although, readers will likely benefit from prior knowledge of life in Stalinist Russia in order to fully appreciate its purpose. Its theme and plot remind me of John Boyne’s The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
The monochromatic illustrations match the sullen mood of this very thoughtful work. Its setting and plot vividly reflect the time period from which the story occurs. Young readers may not relate with the overlying theme, but it could be an eyeopener to past that once was.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2012)
Although the story takes place over just two days, it is well paced, peeling off the layers of Sasha's naiveti. Appropriately menacing illustrations add a sinister tone.
Kirkus Reviews (August 1, 2011)
A story just as relevant in our world, "where innocent people face persecution and death for making a choice about what they believe to be right," as that of Yelchin's childhood.
Publishers Weekly (August 1, 2011)
Readers will quickly pick up on the dichotomy between Sasha's ardent beliefs and the reality of life under Stalinism, and be glad for his ultimate disillusion, even as they worry for his future. An author's note concisely presents the chilling historical background and personal connection that underlie the story.
AWARDS
• ALA Notable Children's Books, 2012
• Booklist, 10/15/11
• Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 11/01/11
• Horn Book Magazine, 04/01/12
• Horn Book Magazine starred, 09/01/11
• Kirkus Reviews, 08/01/11
• Library Media Connection, 01/01/12
• Newbery Honor, 2012
• Publishers Weekly, 08/01/11
• School Library Journal, 08/01/11
• Wilson's Children, 10/01/12
• Wilson's Junior High School, 10/01/12
CONNECTIONS
· Research: being that students will not be too informed on Stalin and his regime, a research project may be a great way for them to be enlightened.
· Chapter discussion: because the topic is unfamiliar to most young readers, a chapter discussion could be a good way to keep the readers involved and interested in the chapters to come. They may require a deeper understanding of the times.
Velchin, E. (2011). Breaking Stalin's Nose. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.
PLOT SUMMARY
Sasha Zaichik has known the laws of the Soviet Young Pioneers since the age of six:
The Young Pioneer is devoted to Comrade Stalin, the Communist Party, and Communism.
A Young Pioneer is a reliable comrade and always acts according to conscience.
A Young Pioneer has a right to criticize shortcomings.
But now that it is finally time to join the Young Pioneers, the day Sasha has awaited for so long, everything seems to go awry. He breaks a classmate's glasses with a snowball. He accidentally damages a bust of Stalin in the school hallway. And worst of all, his father, the best Communist he knows, was arrested just last night.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This fast-paced story discusses issues of freedom, paranoia, and innocent, blind loyalty. It has simple text for children who are age appropriate and ready for this subject matter. Although, readers will likely benefit from prior knowledge of life in Stalinist Russia in order to fully appreciate its purpose. Its theme and plot remind me of John Boyne’s The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
The monochromatic illustrations match the sullen mood of this very thoughtful work. Its setting and plot vividly reflect the time period from which the story occurs. Young readers may not relate with the overlying theme, but it could be an eyeopener to past that once was.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2012)
Although the story takes place over just two days, it is well paced, peeling off the layers of Sasha's naiveti. Appropriately menacing illustrations add a sinister tone.
Kirkus Reviews (August 1, 2011)
A story just as relevant in our world, "where innocent people face persecution and death for making a choice about what they believe to be right," as that of Yelchin's childhood.
Publishers Weekly (August 1, 2011)
Readers will quickly pick up on the dichotomy between Sasha's ardent beliefs and the reality of life under Stalinism, and be glad for his ultimate disillusion, even as they worry for his future. An author's note concisely presents the chilling historical background and personal connection that underlie the story.
AWARDS
• ALA Notable Children's Books, 2012
• Booklist, 10/15/11
• Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 11/01/11
• Horn Book Magazine, 04/01/12
• Horn Book Magazine starred, 09/01/11
• Kirkus Reviews, 08/01/11
• Library Media Connection, 01/01/12
• Newbery Honor, 2012
• Publishers Weekly, 08/01/11
• School Library Journal, 08/01/11
• Wilson's Children, 10/01/12
• Wilson's Junior High School, 10/01/12
CONNECTIONS
· Research: being that students will not be too informed on Stalin and his regime, a research project may be a great way for them to be enlightened.
· Chapter discussion: because the topic is unfamiliar to most young readers, a chapter discussion could be a good way to keep the readers involved and interested in the chapters to come. They may require a deeper understanding of the times.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, K. (2002). Matilda Bone. New York, N.Y.: Dell Yearling.
PLOT SUMMARY
Orphaned Matilda is not at all pleased when she arrives at Blood and Bone Alley to become an assistant to Red Peg the Bonesetter. She is a religious, well-educated girl who can't picture herself doing dirty chores or helping sickly patients. Each day is very different from her former quiet life. Matilda's not used to being around so many people who are coming and going, laughing and eating. Not one of them seems interested in prayer or study. Self-centered Matilda thinks no one understands her. But Peg does, and gives her time to get used to this new way of life and teaches her through kindness and friendship. Matilda is as surprised as anyone when she begins seeing the world around her in a different way.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Readers get a lesson in the world of early medicine. Cushman tells a feminist story set in medieval times. She includes contemporary lessons about being female through a historical context. She trickles in historical details of the medicinal ways that are fascinating and informative, but without weighing the story down. It's impossible to predict the turns of scene, what will happen next, or how the story will end. Her characters are funny and endearing. Matilda is sometimes obnoxious and snobby, but not so much that she deters you from reading the story. I can see using Matilda Bone in my library as a starting point for historical research.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publishers Weekly (September 4, 2000)
Orphaned 13-year-old Matilda becomes apprenticed to Peg, a bonesetter in medieval times. "Matilda is less winning than her supporting cast. Fiery Peg, her witty husband and her circle of friends will be the characters readers remember," wrote PW
School Library Journal (September 2000)
Readers witness her spiritual and emotional growth as she blossoms from a self-centered "nincompoop" to a compassionate, competent assistant. Cushman's character descriptions are spare, with each word carefully chosen to paint wonderful pictures. This humorous, frank look at life in the medical quarters in medieval times shows readers that love and compassion, laughter and companionship, are indeed the best medicine
AWARDS
· Book Links, 11/01/06
· Book Report, 10/01/00
· Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 12/01/00
· Choice, 01/01/01
· Horn Book Magazine, 11/01/00
· Kliatt starred, 09/02/00
· Publishers Weekly, 09/04/00
· School Library Journal starred, 09/01/00
· Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), 12/01/00
CONNECTIONS
· Pre-Reading Activity:
Discuss as a class the differences between medicine today and in medieval England. Possible topics for discussion:
What are the changes in diagnosing and treating illnesses? (e.g., the invention of penicillin)
What are the roles of women in medicine today?
· Good vs. Evil:
Matilda wants to say to Father Leufredus, “All my life you have stood between me and a world you say is dangerous and evil.” (p. 2) Discuss evil as seen through the eyes of Father Leufredus. How might Red Peg and the other residents of Blood and Bone Alley define evil? Discuss whether Matilda’s idea of evil changes by the end of the novel.
· Have students research medieval clothing styles. Then ask them to make a poster that compares the clothing worn by the wealthy and the clothing worn by the poor.
· Encourage students to make note of unfamiliar words and try to define the words using clues from the context of the novel. Such words may include blasphemy (p. 18), heretical (p. 19), ominous (p. 21), propitious (p. 27), scullion (p. 33), cassock (p. 42), apothecary (p. 73), repentance (p. 79), tincture (p. 111), putrefaction (p. 117), and decoction (p. 130).
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schmidt, G. D. (2007). The wednesday wars. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
PLOT SUMMARY
In this Newbery Honor-winning novel, Gary D. Schmidt offers an unforgettable antihero. The Wednesday Wars is a wonderfully witty and compelling story about a teenage boy's mishaps and adventures over the course of the 1967-68 school year in Long Island, New York.
Meet Holling Hoodhood, a seventh-grader at Camillo Junior High, who must spend Wednesday afternoons with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, while the rest of the class has religious instruction. Mrs. Baker doesn't like Holling--he's sure of it. Why else would she make him read the plays of William Shakespeare outside class? But everyone has bigger things to worry about, like Vietnam. His father wants Holling and his sister to be on their best behavior: the success of his business depends on it. But how can Holling stay out of trouble when he has so much to contend with? A bully demanding cream puffs; angry rats; and a baseball hero signing autographs the very same night Holling has to appear in a play in yellow tights! As fate sneaks up on him again and again, Holling finds Motivation--the Big M--in the most unexpected places and musters up the courage to embrace his destiny, in spite of himself.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story is one that students can relate to in many ways. Although it takes place in 1967-68, many of the situations that Holland is experiencing are ones that kids can see happening today. His perception of his teacher, Mrs. Baker, is fitting of perceptions of today’s kids. However, it’s a nice touch to see how they both grow to care for each other. Mrs. Baker using Shakespeare to mold her student into one she can be proud, of is something to admire, intentional or not.
There are moments of history embedded throughout the story that play an important role in the growth of each character. Some lessons of transformation, the power of literature, and love and friendship are universal themes that can be relevant today. The style of writing is one that can be enjoyed by both young and old, as it captures the flavor of the times to create a humorous coming of age tale.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist starred (June 1, 2007 (Vol. 103, No. 19))
Seamlessly, he knits together the story’s themes: the cultural uproar of the ’60s, the internal uproar of early adolescence, and the timeless wisdom of Shakespeare’s words. Holling’s unwavering, distinctive voice offers a gentle, hopeful, moving story of a boy who, with the right help, learns to stretch beyond the limitations of his family, his violent times, and his fear, as he leaps into his future with his eyes and his heart wide open.
Horn Book Guide starred (September, 2007)
Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Schmidt's novel rises above its conventions through memorable, believable characters.
Publishers Weekly (April 16, 2007)
Unlike most Vietnam stories, this one ends happily, as Schmidt rewards the good guys with victories that, if not entirely true to the period, deeply satisfy.
AWARDS
· ALA Notable Children's Books, 2008
· Book Links starred, 09/01/07
· Booklist starred, 06/01/07
· Horn Book Magazine starred, 07/01/07
· Kirkus Reviews starred, 05/15/07
· Newbery Honor, 2008
· Publishers Weekly starred, 04/16/07
· School Library Journal, 07/01/07
· Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), 06/01/07
CONNECTIONS
• Plot Diagram:
A common use for Storyboard is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and help students develop greater understanding of literary structures. Students can create a Storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a work with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
• Figurative Language:
Holling uses many instances of figurative language when recounting his story in The Wednesday Wars. Many of his exaggerated claims or dramatic comparisons lend humor to his tale. Storyboards can be a helpful way for students to explore these figurative meanings. Have students search for examples of metaphor, simile, personification, idiom, or hyperbole in the text. Next, ask them to depict each example and explain its meaning and significance below.
• Character Map:
As students read, a storyboard can serve as a helpful character reference log. This log (also called a character map) allows students to recall relevant information about important characters. When reading a novel, small attributes and details frequently become important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
Schmidt, G. D. (2007). The wednesday wars. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
PLOT SUMMARY
In this Newbery Honor-winning novel, Gary D. Schmidt offers an unforgettable antihero. The Wednesday Wars is a wonderfully witty and compelling story about a teenage boy's mishaps and adventures over the course of the 1967-68 school year in Long Island, New York.
Meet Holling Hoodhood, a seventh-grader at Camillo Junior High, who must spend Wednesday afternoons with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, while the rest of the class has religious instruction. Mrs. Baker doesn't like Holling--he's sure of it. Why else would she make him read the plays of William Shakespeare outside class? But everyone has bigger things to worry about, like Vietnam. His father wants Holling and his sister to be on their best behavior: the success of his business depends on it. But how can Holling stay out of trouble when he has so much to contend with? A bully demanding cream puffs; angry rats; and a baseball hero signing autographs the very same night Holling has to appear in a play in yellow tights! As fate sneaks up on him again and again, Holling finds Motivation--the Big M--in the most unexpected places and musters up the courage to embrace his destiny, in spite of himself.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story is one that students can relate to in many ways. Although it takes place in 1967-68, many of the situations that Holland is experiencing are ones that kids can see happening today. His perception of his teacher, Mrs. Baker, is fitting of perceptions of today’s kids. However, it’s a nice touch to see how they both grow to care for each other. Mrs. Baker using Shakespeare to mold her student into one she can be proud, of is something to admire, intentional or not.
There are moments of history embedded throughout the story that play an important role in the growth of each character. Some lessons of transformation, the power of literature, and love and friendship are universal themes that can be relevant today. The style of writing is one that can be enjoyed by both young and old, as it captures the flavor of the times to create a humorous coming of age tale.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist starred (June 1, 2007 (Vol. 103, No. 19))
Seamlessly, he knits together the story’s themes: the cultural uproar of the ’60s, the internal uproar of early adolescence, and the timeless wisdom of Shakespeare’s words. Holling’s unwavering, distinctive voice offers a gentle, hopeful, moving story of a boy who, with the right help, learns to stretch beyond the limitations of his family, his violent times, and his fear, as he leaps into his future with his eyes and his heart wide open.
Horn Book Guide starred (September, 2007)
Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Schmidt's novel rises above its conventions through memorable, believable characters.
Publishers Weekly (April 16, 2007)
Unlike most Vietnam stories, this one ends happily, as Schmidt rewards the good guys with victories that, if not entirely true to the period, deeply satisfy.
AWARDS
· ALA Notable Children's Books, 2008
· Book Links starred, 09/01/07
· Booklist starred, 06/01/07
· Horn Book Magazine starred, 07/01/07
· Kirkus Reviews starred, 05/15/07
· Newbery Honor, 2008
· Publishers Weekly starred, 04/16/07
· School Library Journal, 07/01/07
· Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), 06/01/07
CONNECTIONS
• Plot Diagram:
A common use for Storyboard is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and help students develop greater understanding of literary structures. Students can create a Storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a work with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
• Figurative Language:
Holling uses many instances of figurative language when recounting his story in The Wednesday Wars. Many of his exaggerated claims or dramatic comparisons lend humor to his tale. Storyboards can be a helpful way for students to explore these figurative meanings. Have students search for examples of metaphor, simile, personification, idiom, or hyperbole in the text. Next, ask them to depict each example and explain its meaning and significance below.
• Character Map:
As students read, a storyboard can serve as a helpful character reference log. This log (also called a character map) allows students to recall relevant information about important characters. When reading a novel, small attributes and details frequently become important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
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