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

Module 7: Clementine

Module 7 introduced us to the wonderful world of realistic fiction.  Realistic fiction can be defined as books about things that could actually happen.  Children and adults alike are drawn to these books because they represent people, places, and experiences that are familiar to us.  One of the books I read for this module was Clementine, by Sara Pennypacker.

Image credit: http://www.sarapennypacker.com/pennypacker-clementine.htm

Clementine is the story of, well, Clementine - she narrates her life living in an apartment building, telling stories about her experiences at school (where she is often in trouble for not paying attention, despite the fact that she is paying attention, just not to the teacher!) and home.  The first in a series, Clementine is a fresh and funny realistic fiction book for elementary aged students, many of whom can probably relate to Clementine's antics and experiences with authority figures.

Carolyn Phelan of Booklist reviews Clementine:
"Clementine observes in the fresh, funny, first-person narrative. Frazee's expressive ink drawings capture every nuance of the characters' emotions, from bemusement to anger to dejection. Sometimes touching and frequently amusing, this engaging chapter book is well suited to reading alone or reading aloud to a roomful of children."

Since Clementine has to write in a journal for school, this book could easily be incorporated into a similar activity in a school classroom or even a book club setting at a public library.  As the kids read through the book, they can journal about their thoughts relating to Clementine, express their thoughts about the world around them, and perhaps even draw pictures to go along with their stories to mirror the drawings included in the book.

References:
Pennypacker, S.  (2006).  Clementine.  New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
Phelan, C.  (2006).  Clementine.  Booklist, 103(4), 55.

Module 6: Llama Llama Mad at Mama

Module 6 focused on picture books for children.  I read many great books in this module, including Owl Moon, Scaredy Squirrel, and Bats at the Library - which you can find trailers for in earlier posts on my blog.  Another great book from this module was Llama Llama Mad at Mama, written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney.

Image credit: http://www.us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780670062409,00.html?strSrchSql=llama+llama+mad+at+mama/Llama_Llama_Mad_at_Mama_Anna_Dewdney#

Llama Llama Mad at Mama is the tale of Lllama and his mother, who go on a grocery shopping trip.  Little Llama is in a terrible mood, and goes on to throw a tantrum, as most moms have probably experienced.  In the end, Llama's mom calms him down, they finish their shopping trip and then go out for a treat.

I thought this book was very well-written and illustrated.  It is a very relatable story, both for parents and children, and the illustrations make it very clear how Llama feels about being dragged through the store - his facial expressions are recognizable even though he is not human, and little kids would find this very funny, I think.

I think this story is best suited to a traditional story time program, where parents and their young children (2-5) could come and listen to the story.  Afterward the kids can draw pictures of a time when they were upset because their mom (or dad) was making them do something they didn't want to do - parents can help their younger kids by drawing what they describe, or helping them remember a time when they were upset.

One reviewer wrote about Lllama Llama Mad at Mama:
"Dewdney creates a touching resolution to an all-too-familiar parental predicament. The well-told story, along with the bold colors of the illustrations and the precisely rendered expressions on Llama Llama's face—from dismay at having to put away his toys to go shopping, to rage as he throws his temper tantrum, to chagrin in its aftermath, to pure delight as he enjoys his ice cream cone—make this a perfect choice for preschool read-alouds."

References:

Dewdney, A.  (2007).  Llama Llama Mad at Mama.  New York: Viking.

Dewdney, Anna: Llama Llama Mad at Mama.  (2007).  Kirkus Reviews, 75(15).  From Literature Resource Center. http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA169083453&v=2.1&u=txshracd2679&it=r&p=LitRC&sw=w