Module 15: The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things

Our final module was a discussion and study of censorship, selection, and challenged books.  I read The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, by Carolyn Mackler.  While I can understand why some parents or students may challenge this book's presence in a library, the reasons I imagine they would give for doing so are precisely the reasons I think that this book is important to include in a library.

Image credit: www.parentbooks.ca

This book tells the story of Virginia Shreve, an overweight girl who feels out of place in her perfect, skinny family, living in New York City.  Throughout the course of the novel, Virginia struggles with her weight, her body image, sexual experimentation, and loneliness.  Her best friend has moved to Walla Walla for the year, so Virginia feels she has no one to talk to.  Her brother gets kicked out of Columbia for date raping a girl, which shatters Virginia's beliefs about who he is.  She turns to crash dieting, self-mutilation, and teenage rebellion to try and cope with the immense emotions she is experiencing during this time.  In the end, she begins to accept herself for who she is and begins an outlet for herself and other teens at her school to express their true feelings.

Booklist reviewer Ilene Cooper says about The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things: "There's a lot going on here, and some important elements, such as Virginia's flirtation with self-mutilation, are passed over too quickly. But Mackler writes with such insight and humor (sometimes using strong language to make her point) that many readers will immediately identify with Virginia's longings as well as her fear and loathing. Her gradually evolving ability to stand up to her family is hard won and not always believable, but it provides a hopeful ending for those trying stand on their own two feet."

I felt that this book may be challenged because of the many issues the author discusses, including date rape, self-mutilation, disordered eating, confronting authority, and others.  However, I firmly believe that teens need to read books that depict situations that they may be facing in real life, and the reality is that these issues are encountered by teens every day.  Providing materials that these readers can connect to and find hope in is an important thing for librarians to do, and they should make sure that they have strong censorship and selection policies in place and a plan for handling book challenges, in order to safeguard the rights of teen readers to the books they are interested in and in need of.  For more information about censorship and other barriers to intellectual freedom in libraries, please visit the American Library Association's web page on this topic.

I think this book would be excellent for a teen girls' book club selection.  As I mentioned before, it highlights a lot of issues that teens encounter every day, from feeling alone and out of place to disliking one's body.  There is plenty to talk about in this book, and I imagine the discussion would flow pretty easily without much direction or intervention from the librarian sponsoring the group - which is important, since the teens should feel free to express their feelings and thoughts about issues that are important to them without the nay-saying or criticism of adults.
 
References:
Cooper, I.  (2003).  The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things (Book).  Booklist, 100(1), 115.
Mackler, C.  (2003).  The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things.  Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.

Module 14: Crossing Stones

In Module 14 we studied poetry and short stories for children and young adults.  One of the books I read, Crossing Stones, is a novel written in verse.  The sections go back and forth between Muriel, the main narrator (whose verses appear as a zig-zag, representing the creek near her home), and her friends and relatives (whose verses appear round, to represent the stones Muriel and her friends use to cross the creek).

I thought this novel in verse was a very interesting read.  Not only was the form and style of the book unusual and symbolic, but the topics discussed in the books will really make the reader stop and think.  The author discusses issues including the First World War, women's suffrage, and the influenza epidemic of 1918.  Each of these issues strongly impacts the lives of Muriel and her family and friends.  This book would be a great one for junior high and high school students who are interested in learning more about the era depicted in the novel.

Image credit: childrensbookalmanac.com

Muriel's neighbor, Frank, is off fighting in the war.  Her brother, Ollie, decides to enlist secretly, as he is underage.  After two tragedies occur, Muriel goes to Washington, D.C. to visit her Aunt Vera, who is fighting for women's suffrage.  When she returns home, her younger sister, Grace, has fallen ill with the influenza that is sweeping the globe.  In the end, Muriel decides who she wants to be in this world that seems so uncertain.

Gillian Enberg of Booklist writes about Crossing Stones: "Muriel’s free-flowing entries indicate her restless curiosity; Emma and Ollie’s sonnets follow complementary rhyming patterns, adding a structural link between the characters as they fall in love. The historical details (further discussed in an author’s note) and feminist messages are purposeful, but Frost skillfully pulls her characters back from stereotype with their poignant, private, individual voices and nuanced questions, which will hit home with contemporary teens, about how to recover from loss and build a joyful, rewarding future in an unsettled world."

I think this book would be well-suited to introduce students to the world of written verse, showing that poetry mustn't always rhyme or be short snippets of thoughts.  Librarians and language arts teachers can collaborate to have the students write their own shape poems, and then post them throughout the library or host a poetry reading so students can share their work with one another.  It would also be a great accompaniment to any unit on World War I and the issues surrounding that time in America.

Reference:
Enberg, G.  (2009).  Crossing Stones.  Booklist, 106(3), 42.
Frost, H.  (2009).  Crossing Stones.  New York: Frances Foster Books.

Module 13: Dragon Slayers' Academy: The New Kid at School

Module 13 focused on graphic novels as well as series for children and young adults.  One of my favorite books from this module was The New Kid at School, the first book of The Dragon Slayers' Academy series.   This book and the series are not graphic novels, but they do include some illustrations to help keep the reader's attention and highlight important parts of the story.

I thought this was a great book - it has adventure elements that will intrigue boys, but I believe girls would like the story just as much.  This is another great example of the underdog rising above his meager position in the world to become a hero, and these sorts of stories are found throughout the great literature of the world.  Even though series books are often thought to not be quality literature, I don't believe that is the case with The Dragon Slayers' Academy series - they are witty, smart, and have a lesson for everyone.

Image credit: http://www.us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780448431086,00.html?The_New_Kid_at_School_#

The New Kid at School is the story of Wiglaf, the third eldest kid out of over a dozen living at home.  Wiglaf is picked on for being small and weak.  One day, the family is traveling to the Penwick Fair, when Wiglaf spots a flyer for The Dragon Slayers' Academy.  His parents, greedy for their portion of a dragon's horde, grudgingly agree to send Wiglaf to the school.  Once he arrives, he must work in the kitchens to pay his tuition, but he becomes an excellent student.  One day, when all the older students are away on a field trip, Wiglaf and his classmate Erik are forced to go and fight a dragon.  Wiglaf learns a secret about Erik, and in the end, the dragon is defeated by Wiglaf!


John Peters of Booklist says: "McMullan launches a promising tongue-in-cheek fantasy series featuring a would-be dragon slayer with an aversion to violence; young Wiglaf of Pinwick leaves his family and with his beloved pig, Daisy, sets off to enroll in the Dragon Slayers Academy...Readers will laugh out loud at the cleverest, most manic kickoff since Scieszka's Knights of the Kitchen Table (1991)."

This book could be used as part of a reading club for elementary aged kids (grades 2-5) at the library.  Since it is part of a series, the book club could discuss a different book each month, and librarians could incorporate other activities into the meetings, such as composing your own knock-knock jokes, creating images from the book using a computer, or even creating a book trailer.

References:
McMullan, K.  (1997).  The New Kid at School.  New York: Grosset & Dunlap.
Peters, J.  (1997).  The New Kid at School.  Booklist, 94(7), 637.

Module 12: Confucius: The Golden Rule

Module 12 focused on biographies and autobiographies.  I read Confucius: The Golden Rule.  I've never learned much about Confucius, so I was very interested to read this book and see how he was described.  The book gave a good overview of his life, from birth through death.  I liked that the book included some of his famous quotations, as well as outlining some of the misconceptions about Confucius as well as Confucianism.  The illustrations also helped to enhance the story of his life.

Image credit: http://www.arthuralevinebooks.com/book.asp?bookid=6

Confucius: The Golden Rule is a brief biography of the life of Confucius.  It tells us the important details about his life, including where he was born, what he believed in, and what he did as he became a man, scholar, and teacher.  The book also helps to dispel some of the myths or inaccuracies that surround the life and person of Confucius, which I think is an important thing for any biography to do.

Kirkus Reviews said about Confucius: "This is Freedman's (In the Days of the Vaqueros, 2001, etc.) first Asian subject and his work set furthest back in history, and it is a tribute to his writing that he can make the ideas of an ancient philosopher seem so modern and fascinating to young readers. His writing is fluent, clear, lively, and specific... Clément's ancient-looking paintings are a beautiful match for the text in this handsome volume. Not a topic that will naturally draw readers, Confucius will fascinate readers who give him a try, and they may end up wiser for the effort. A must for all collections."

Librarians could incorporate this book into a display highlighting different world religious leaders.  Confucius did not set out to start a religion, but his wisdom was recognized by his students and evolved into Confucianism.  This can be compared and contrasted to stories about the life and religion of Jesus, Mohammad, Joseph Smith, and even Mahatma Gandhi or Mother Teresa.

References:
Freedman, R.  (2002).  Confucius: The Golden Rule.  New York: Arthur A. Levine Books.
(2002).  Confucius (Book).  Kirkus Reviews, 70(14), 1031.

Module 11: Bury the Dead

Module 11 focused on informational and non-fiction books.  One title that caught my attention was Bury the Dead: Tombs, Corpses, Mummies, Skeletons, & Rituals, written by Christopher Sloan.  I have always been fascinated by other cultures as well as bones, so this was a great book for me!  I remember reading a similar book when I was in fourth grade, so I think this type of book would appeal to a wide range of readers.

Image Credit: http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/product/books/kids-books-and-atlases/culture/bury-the-dead

Kirkus Reviews describes Bury the Dead by saying: "Writing in consultation with a grief specialist, the author tries for a sober, straightforward narrative tone--which falters when he mentions particularly exotic customs, such as the Yanomami practice of pulverizing and eating their dead, or has to contend with an artist's reconstruction of Scythian mourners cutting themselves, not to mention the numerous close-up photos of mummies and bones. Still, most of these illustrations and examples are striking without being sensationalistic; both thrill seekers and children seeking some perspective on death or grief will fred this rewarding reading."

I thought this was a very interesting book - it presents funerary rituals in a respectful way, without sensationalizing the less common or Western practices that children in the United States would be familiar with.  There are lots of great photographs and graphics throughout the book, but plenty of text to accompany and explain what the reader is seeing on the pages.  I liked that the book presents death rituals from ancient through modern times, highlighting some of the reasons scientists believe the facts presented in the book.  I would recommend this for readers 3rd-9th grade.

Teachers could use this book as a jumping off point for assigning a research assignment.  Students could work in groups (or individually for older students) to research one of the cultures presented in the book and their death practices, and then present their findings in a report or presentation to their class.  The book has a great bibliography in the back that the teacher (and librarian!) could use to help the students find additional resources about their topic.

References:
Sloan, C.  (2002).  Bury the Dead: Tombs, Corpses, Mummies, Skeletons, & Rituals.  Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.
(2002).  Bury the Dead (Book).  Kirkus Reviews, 70(17), 1320.

Module 10: Band of Angels

Module ten focused on historical fiction, which is a favorite genre of mine.  I read a book titled A Band of Angels: A Story Inspired by the Jubilee Singers, by Deborah Hopkinson.

Image credit: http://capitolchoices.communitypoint.org/images/resources/Book/band_of_angels_lg.gif

A Band of Angels tells the story of Ella, a young Black girl growing up in post-Civil War America.  Ella learns of a school for freed slaves in Nashville - the Fisk school, and decides that she wants to go there.  Although she starts out with only enough money for 3 weeks' tuition, she works hard in the school kitchen and cafeteria so she can continue her studies.  She then joins the school chorus, which eventually goes on tour to raise funds to keep the school from closing.  The beginning of the tour is not very successful, so one night Ella decides to start their concert with a spiritual, a song from slave times.  The audience is enchanted, and the Jubilee Singers become popular, touring the world and raising enough money to build Jubilee Hall.

I thought this was an excellent book.  Although it is historical fiction, I believe that children of all ages would be able to connect with the story - Ella experiences hard times, but rises above them in the end, inspiring her chorus and gaining the attention of people around the globe as she brings spirituals to life once again.
Publisher's Weekly wrote:
"A groundbreaking African-American chorus founded in 1871 inspires this warm and moving picture book... Hopkinson's (Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt) lilting text interweaves subtle details about racial tensions after the Civil War while emphasizing the importance of education and of being true to oneself. Colon's (My Mama Had a Dancing Heart) watercolor and colored-pencil compositions are awash in soft, golden light. His characteristic cross-hatching technique adds texture and depth to each painting, and scenes of the chorus lost in song--voices raised, eyes closed--reveal the courage and heart of these trailblazing singers."

This book would be an excellent addition to any display, book talk, story time, or other program created for Black History Month.  A story time could begin with singing or playing a few spirituals for the students, along with some background information on those types of songs, followed up with reading the story.

References:
Hopkinson, D.  (1999).  A Band of Angels: A Story Inspired by the Jubilee Singers.  New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

(1999).  Forecasts: Children's Books.  Publisher's Weekly, 246(1), 90.

Module 9: The Trouble With Chickens

Module nine was all about mystery books.  I chose to read The Trouble With Chickens because I was intrigued by the title, and once I found it on the shelf at the library I was even more interested due to the cover art.  Needless to say, I was not disappointed by this funny mystery for children.

Image Credit : Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (http://clcd.odyssi.com/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~v9CtQ8:11)

The Trouble with Chickens is the story of J.J. Tully, a former search-and-rescue dog who is now retired.  One of the chickens, who lives in his backyard, ask J.J. to help her find her missing chick - a ransom note has been found!  J.J. attempts to get to the bottom of the mystery and is surprised when one of the missing chick's siblings turns out to be working for the enemy - the dog who lives inside the house.  In the end, J.J. recovers the missing chick and narrowly escapes being taken to the vet in place of the inside dog.

This book was a humorous, light-hearted mystery, and I think kids from 1st grade through 3rd grade would especially like the story.  There are surprise twists in the plot, and the author keeps your attention by changing narrators throughout the book.

Ilene Cooper of Booklist writes:
"The plot is a bit convoluted, and when the narrator changes in the middle of the book, even experienced readers might be confused. But the noirlike detective Tully and the funny chickens running around, well, like chickens make appealing characters, especially as drawn by Cornell, who knows how to get TV cartoon–style humor out of the action. Readers can expect to see more of Tully at work in future installments of this new series."

I feel this book is best suited for individual reading, but librarians could book talk this book along with others, such as The Dragon Slayers' Academy, to get kids interested in reading series of books.  While the J.J. Tully books are solidly mysteries, The Dragon Slayer' Academy books have more adventure elements in them, so comparing and contrasting the two series would be a great way to talk up these two series.

References:
Cronin, D.  (2011).  The Trouble With Chickens.  New York: Laura Geringer Books.
Cooper, I.  (2011).  The Trouble With Chickens.  Booklist, 107(11), 80.

Module 8: Bones of Faerie

Module 8 provided an introduction to fantasy and science fiction books for children and young adults.  One of the novels I read for this module was Bones of Faerie, written by Janni Lee Simner.  This book fits firmly in the "fantasy" category, and could also be considered dystopian in nature.

Image credit: http://www.simner.com/bonesoffaerie/

Bones of Faerie is the first in a series of novels about Liza, a girl living in a seemingly post-apocalyptic town somewhere in North America.  Before Liza was born, there was a war between humans and the faeries, and ever since any person with a hint of magic about them has been killed, in order to "save" the rest of the people living there.  Liza ultimately discovers that she has magical abilities and runs away, knowing that her father will have her killed.  When she escapes, she learns that not every town is like her own, which raises a lot of questions for her.  She goes on a journey to find her mother, who ran away from home after Liza's younger sister was killed at birth for appearing magical.

This book was very interesting, and I really liked the tone and writing style employed by Simner.  I think this book would be very popular with young adult readers, since post-apocalyptic, dystopian, and supernatural elements are very hot among teens right now.  I enjoyed the fantasy elements and relationships that were included in the story because they seemed more "realistic" than other books written for this age group in recent years.

Ian Chipman of Booklist wrote the following review of the novel:
"Simner’s first novel for YAs is an attention-catching twist of two piping-hot speculative scenarios—a postapocalyptic-wasteland journey layered upon a faerie-world-intruding-upon-our-own setup... Simner’s world-building leans heavily on atmospherics in lieu of specifics, and the foggy descriptions of magic are even tougher to get a handle on. But the mood is strikingly dark, and questions regarding humankind’s tendency toward suspicion and xenophobia will loom large in readers’ minds. Much information is frustratingly withheld from both Liza and the reader, and many questions are left unanswered, but this will still garner a share of fans for its unusual and unsettling vision of a magically dystopian future.

I feel like this book is best suited for individual reading, but it could also be used in a fantasy book club setting.  I will be discussing this and the first of several other fantasy series in a book talk later this week, so I'm very interested to see what the seventh grade set will think about the story line.

References:
Chipman, I.  (2008).  Bones of Faerie.  Booklist, 105(7), 41.

Simner, J.L.  (2009).  Bones of Faerie.  NY: Random House.

Module 7: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Realistic fiction is one of the most popular genres of books for all ages.  One great realistic fiction novel for teens is The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, by Ann Brashares.

Image credit: http://www.kdl.org/categories/696/books/4328

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is the story of four teenaged girls who have been best friends since they were born.  This summer, however, they will all go on their own separate adventures.  On the eve of their separation, they find "the pants" - which seem to have the magical ability to fit and flatter each girl, although they all have very different body types.  A pact is made - the pants will travel to each girl, where she will have great adventures, and at the end of the summer they will document what has happened in the pants when they reunite.  Along the way, each of the girls experiences some relationship struggles (as all teen girls are apt to do!) and learn something about themselves.

One review of The Sisterhood reads:
"In this feel-good novel with substance, four teenage girls, friends since they were all born just weeks apart, are about to embark on their first summer as separate young women... The pants become a metaphor for the young women finding their own strength in the face of new love, unexpected friendships and death, a father's remarriage, and a reckless relationship-and without their best friends. Debut novelist Brashares renders each girl individual and lovable in her own right, emphasizing growing up without growing apart. Move over, Ya Ya Sisters."

I first read this book many years ago, when the movie first came out.  I was closer in age to the main characters of the novel then, but after re-reading it for this module, I realized that this books is very relatable to women of all ages.  I think most women have experienced close female relationships, as well as the struggles of finding oneself, navigating romantic relationships and changing family dynamics.  I think that is what makes this book so valuable - it is realistic and the descriptions of the character's emotions are spot-on.

This book would make an excellent summer book club read for a public library setting.  Getting together over the course of several weeks to discuss the novel, teenage girls can learn more about themselves, possibly find some new friends, and at the end - enjoy a "night at the movies", watching the film adaptation and some refreshments.

References:

Brashares, A.  (2001).  The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.  New York: 17^th Street Productions.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.  (2001).  Kirkus Reviews, 69(15), 1117.  From Literature Resource Center.  http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA77756727&v=2.1&u=txshracd2679&it=r&p=LitRC&sw=w