Lincoln- A Photobiography
by Russell Freedman – 1987
New York, N.Y.: Clarion Books
ISBN 0-89919-380-3
This book take you on a journey of Lincoln’s life, his childhood, his education, his job ventures, his political adventures and struggles which led him to become the sixteenth president of the United States. You get to know why he was called Honest Abe and why the people loved him so. The book touches the main issues he had to face as he explores the opportunities that made him the man he became. The book is easy to read and the photos have been placed very strategically as it helps to compliment the writing.
Analysis
Freedman writes this book about Lincoln with great care. He chronologically tells about a farm boy who takes learning seriously and teaches himself to read, ventures off to seek his destiny and becomes one of the greatest presidents of the United States. Freedman’s style of writing shows his passion for his work. He presents the facts in a very interesting way that you feel you know Lincoln by his choice of words. The fact that Lincoln did not like the nickname Abe was something I did not know. The many facts that Freedman presented in the book about Lincoln will keep anyone reading. The photo he used and artwork all compliment his telling to the story makes you think it belongs there. Readers will enjoy knowing personal facts about this president, that he did get into a few scuffles by hand wrestling, chopping wood with his axe in competition and that he showed his love of reading books.
At the end of the book, Freedman’s synapses of Lincoln’s footsteps, and other books about Lincoln are good information to extent the reading. It is an easy read and the students will be able to make connections with Lincoln’s antics.
Reviews
Relying on the recent scholarly biographies that have argued that many famous Abraham Lincoln stories are myths, Freedman carefully introduces a more realistic portrait than is usually found in juvenile biographies. The well-loved tales of Abe (a nickname he hated) courting Anne Rutledge, splitting rails in New Salem, or walking miles to obtain books are put into perspective with a few sentences.
Lincoln comes alive as a conscientious lawyer who put clients at ease with stories but was a hopeless slob with files and papers. Freedman also offers a concise but excellent picture of Lincoln's struggle with the ethics and the politics of slavery, as well as his frustrating search for the right general to lead the Union troops. The 90 black-and-white photographs are highlighted by fine book design and by Freedman's comments about the nature of photography in the mid-1800's. While the photographs contribute much, it is Freedman's talent for putting the right details in uncomplicated prose that provides a very sharp focus for this Lincoln portrait. Appendixes include Lincoln quotes from 1832-1865, a description of Lincoln sites, notes on materials consulted, and an index. This is a necessary purchase for all collections--and an opportunity for librarians to scrutinize earlier biographies on Lincoln that have long occupied their shelves.
Kirkus
This work is perhaps the most complete and enjoyable children's book ever written about one of the nation's most fascinating and important figures, Abraham Lincoln. Russell Freedman covers Lincoln's life and career in a balanced treatment that is enhanced by period photographs and drawings. The book won the Newbery Medal, the Jefferson Cup Award and the Golden Kite Honor Book Award, and earned a citation as School Library Journal Best Book of the Year.
Amazon.com
This Newbery Award-winning study of our 16th president is highly readable and meticulously organized. In a boxed review, PW hailed it as a "superb, encompassing account" of "an intriguing, recognizable human being ambitious but modest, folksy, sensible and witty, a doting parent, a determined and compassionate leader.
Publishers Weekly
Grade 5 Up Few, if any, of the many books written for children about Lincoln can compare with Freedman's contribution. More than 80 photographs and prints illustrate the crisp and informative text. The pictures have been well-placed to coordinate with the text; captions have been written with care as well. While many of the photographs are well-known, many less familiar pictures are also included. Freedman begins by contrasting the Lincoln of legend to the Lincoln of fact. His childhood, self-education, early business ventures, and entry into politics comprise the first half of the book, with the rest of the text covering his presidency and assassination. Freedman's extensive research is apparent in the liberal use he makes of quotations from original sources (letters, contemporary newspaper articles, etc.). Freedman makes clear the controversy and vilification that Lincoln engendered and endured during his presidency. A listing of historic sites open to the public and a sampler of wise and witty excerpts from Lincoln's writings complete the book. Well-organized and well-written, this is an outstanding example of what (juvenile) biography can be. Like Lincoln himself, it stands head and shoulders above its competition.
School Library Journal
"A realistic, perceptive, and unromanticized photobiography of Lincoln, including a sampler of quotations from his writings and speeches."
Booklist
Connection
This website has some really good ideas like the ones below.
http://www.nlsd.will.k12.il.us/~gfahey/novellist/lincolnphoto.htm
Introduce your new unit about Abraham Lincoln by creating a word web of facts. Have your children brainstorm what they already know and organize their knowledge on a large sheet of butcher paper.
Next, have your class read this book together. Save your discussion about the book until you've finished.
After introducing and reading this book, have your children brainstorm all of the new facts that they've learned about Lincoln from this story. Using a different colored magic marker, add the new facts on the word web. Children enjoy comparing and contrasting which facts they knew initially to those that they discover as the unit progresses. Using different colored magic markers helps the children see their knowledge growing!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Genre 4 Nonfiction and Bio Mruphy
The American Plague
Written by Jim Murphy 1947
New Yoir, N.Y. Clariron Books
ISBN 0395776082
This is the story of the outbreak of the Yellow Fever Epidemic in 1973. Murphy has written in details the event of this outbreak and all those involved or affected by this dreadful disease that you can almost sense being there. As doctors and other medicine folks tried many remedies, the ordeal of trying to combat an invisible culprit was deadly. At the same times, President Washington was trying to avoid having to become allies with France in a war with Britain but with the epidemic all around him, he was forced to take refuge away from Philadelphia in order to assure his survival. The heroism of many people including the Black Free Society, who volunteered to help but only to be treated with injustice when all was well. In the aftermath of this outbreak, Congress was forced to look into setting new laws for better sanitation, a better way to handle government issues and a continue search for a cure. This is a good book for young adults, it is an easy interesting read.
Analysis
This book reminds me of the disaster of Hurricane Katrina, though it wasn’t a disease that send hundreds of people to seek safety, but the common element of survival, the chaotic evacuation and the displacement of people. The author gives detail information about the conditions of Philadelphia for that time period in history with all its inhabitants. A lot of political and important figures are mention as history has it this was where the President George Washington and Congress made the laws. The author concludes the book with listing of the resources he used to document his writing. The illustrations notes helps to reinforce the idea to the reader of all the research that had to take place in order to write such riveting and precise knowledge of the outbreak and those involved. Young adults will enjoy reading this book with some prior knowledge activities to bring out the many aspects of society in time of crisis. Murphy provides valuable information for research for those who would like to know more about the time period and other diseases or plagues that have occurred.
Reviews
From the Publisher
1793, Philadelphia. The nation’s capital and the largest city in North America is devastated by an apparently incurable disease, cause unknown . . .
In a powerful, dramatic narrative, critically acclaimed author Jim Murphy describes the illness known as yellow fever and the toll it took on the city’s residents, relating the epidemic to the major social and political events of the day and to 18th-century medical beliefs and practices. Drawing on first-hand accounts, Murphy spotlights the heroic role of Philadelphia’s free blacks in combating the disease, and the Constitutional crisis that President Washington faced when he was forced to leave the city—and all his papers—while escaping the deadly contagion. The search for the fever’s causes and cure, not found for more than a century afterward, provides a suspenseful counterpoint to this riveting true story of a city under siege.
Thoroughly researched, generously illustrated with fascinating archival prints, and unflinching in its discussion of medical details, this book offers a glimpse into the conditions of American cities at the time of our nation’s birth while drawing timely parallels to modern-day epidemics.
The Washington Post
Nobody does juvenile nonfiction better than Murphy. Here, in his usual transparently clear and well-paced prose, he tells the story of the yellow fever outbreak that paralyzed Philadelphia in 1793, when that city was the nation's capital. There are enough gruesome medical details to satisfy even the most ghoulish tastes, but also plenty of serious history, including a moving account of the largely unappreciated volunteer work of members of the Free African Society (Murphy calls them a "battalion of heroes").
School Library Journal
This book tells the story of the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia and its effect on the young nation. Students will become immersed in the dramatic narrative as they read how fear and panic spread throughout the country's capital. The author masterfully weaves facts and fascinating stories in describing the course of the disease and the heroic roles played by a few doctors and the free African-American citizens of the city. Black-and-white reproductions of period paintings, maps, and news articles enhance this absorbing title.
Kirkus Reviews
A mesmerizing, macabre account that will make readers happy they live in the 21st century. The yellow fever epidemic of 1793 snuck up on the people of Philadelphia during the hot summer; by the end of the year, some 10 percent of the city’s population lay dead. Drawing heavily on primary sources, Murphy (Inside the Alamo, p. 393, etc.) takes readers through the epidemic, moving methodically from its detection by the medical community; through its symptoms, treatment, and mortality; its effects on the populace, and what Philadelphia did to counter it. Individual chapters recount the efforts of the heroes of the epidemic: the quasi-legal committee of 12 who took over the running of the city government; the country’s preeminent physician, Dr. Benjamin Rush; and the Free African Society, whose members toiled valiantly to ease the victims’ pain and to dispose of the dead. Powerful, evocative prose carries along the compelling subject matter. Even as the narrative places readers in the moment with quotations, the design aids and abets this, beginning each chapter with reproductions from contemporary newspapers and other materials, as well as placing period illustrations appropriately throughout the text. The account of Philadelphia’s recovery wraps up with a fascinating discussion of historiography, detailing the war of words between Matthew Carey, one of the committee of 12, and Absalom Jones and Richard Allen, the leaders of the Free African Society--interesting in itself, it is also a valuable lesson in reading and writing history.
Connection
History
The book An American Plague fits well into a history class in discussion
of earlier American politics. One key element is to discuss the importance of Philadelphia in the late 1700’s and when the capitol city was moved to Washington D.C. A geography lesson could also be incorporated in relevance to the eastern portion of the country. Information can be found at http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761576320_4____7/Washington_D_C.html#s7
Language Arts:
Class discussions covering the elements of fiction, point of view, and theme take place as a class and in small group discussion. Book reports, reviews, and booktalks offer a variety of insight into the novel. The book itself is a vital resource for any project as are the author’s influence in the literary world. The author can be studied in more detail at http://www.jimmurphybooks.com/about.htm.
Science
Disease Study by reading the book An American Plague to any science class. The element of medical advancements, medical training, funding, and the basic diseases themselves including origin, spread, treatment and cures can play well into the field for discussion. Classes can research the disease of Yellow Fever. http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/yellowfever.htm.
Math A math class could very easily dive into the population and economy of United States in 1793 and compare and contrast it with the population and economy of today. From there, information could be presented in many forms including pie graphs and charts. As mentioned in a previous unit, pie graphs and charts can be taught as a separate lesson or in a direct link to this unit. More information can be found at http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/index.asp?ID=845D4DDDA92CD816E.
Written by Jim Murphy 1947
New Yoir, N.Y. Clariron Books
ISBN 0395776082
This is the story of the outbreak of the Yellow Fever Epidemic in 1973. Murphy has written in details the event of this outbreak and all those involved or affected by this dreadful disease that you can almost sense being there. As doctors and other medicine folks tried many remedies, the ordeal of trying to combat an invisible culprit was deadly. At the same times, President Washington was trying to avoid having to become allies with France in a war with Britain but with the epidemic all around him, he was forced to take refuge away from Philadelphia in order to assure his survival. The heroism of many people including the Black Free Society, who volunteered to help but only to be treated with injustice when all was well. In the aftermath of this outbreak, Congress was forced to look into setting new laws for better sanitation, a better way to handle government issues and a continue search for a cure. This is a good book for young adults, it is an easy interesting read.
Analysis
This book reminds me of the disaster of Hurricane Katrina, though it wasn’t a disease that send hundreds of people to seek safety, but the common element of survival, the chaotic evacuation and the displacement of people. The author gives detail information about the conditions of Philadelphia for that time period in history with all its inhabitants. A lot of political and important figures are mention as history has it this was where the President George Washington and Congress made the laws. The author concludes the book with listing of the resources he used to document his writing. The illustrations notes helps to reinforce the idea to the reader of all the research that had to take place in order to write such riveting and precise knowledge of the outbreak and those involved. Young adults will enjoy reading this book with some prior knowledge activities to bring out the many aspects of society in time of crisis. Murphy provides valuable information for research for those who would like to know more about the time period and other diseases or plagues that have occurred.
Reviews
From the Publisher
1793, Philadelphia. The nation’s capital and the largest city in North America is devastated by an apparently incurable disease, cause unknown . . .
In a powerful, dramatic narrative, critically acclaimed author Jim Murphy describes the illness known as yellow fever and the toll it took on the city’s residents, relating the epidemic to the major social and political events of the day and to 18th-century medical beliefs and practices. Drawing on first-hand accounts, Murphy spotlights the heroic role of Philadelphia’s free blacks in combating the disease, and the Constitutional crisis that President Washington faced when he was forced to leave the city—and all his papers—while escaping the deadly contagion. The search for the fever’s causes and cure, not found for more than a century afterward, provides a suspenseful counterpoint to this riveting true story of a city under siege.
Thoroughly researched, generously illustrated with fascinating archival prints, and unflinching in its discussion of medical details, this book offers a glimpse into the conditions of American cities at the time of our nation’s birth while drawing timely parallels to modern-day epidemics.
The Washington Post
Nobody does juvenile nonfiction better than Murphy. Here, in his usual transparently clear and well-paced prose, he tells the story of the yellow fever outbreak that paralyzed Philadelphia in 1793, when that city was the nation's capital. There are enough gruesome medical details to satisfy even the most ghoulish tastes, but also plenty of serious history, including a moving account of the largely unappreciated volunteer work of members of the Free African Society (Murphy calls them a "battalion of heroes").
School Library Journal
This book tells the story of the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia and its effect on the young nation. Students will become immersed in the dramatic narrative as they read how fear and panic spread throughout the country's capital. The author masterfully weaves facts and fascinating stories in describing the course of the disease and the heroic roles played by a few doctors and the free African-American citizens of the city. Black-and-white reproductions of period paintings, maps, and news articles enhance this absorbing title.
Kirkus Reviews
A mesmerizing, macabre account that will make readers happy they live in the 21st century. The yellow fever epidemic of 1793 snuck up on the people of Philadelphia during the hot summer; by the end of the year, some 10 percent of the city’s population lay dead. Drawing heavily on primary sources, Murphy (Inside the Alamo, p. 393, etc.) takes readers through the epidemic, moving methodically from its detection by the medical community; through its symptoms, treatment, and mortality; its effects on the populace, and what Philadelphia did to counter it. Individual chapters recount the efforts of the heroes of the epidemic: the quasi-legal committee of 12 who took over the running of the city government; the country’s preeminent physician, Dr. Benjamin Rush; and the Free African Society, whose members toiled valiantly to ease the victims’ pain and to dispose of the dead. Powerful, evocative prose carries along the compelling subject matter. Even as the narrative places readers in the moment with quotations, the design aids and abets this, beginning each chapter with reproductions from contemporary newspapers and other materials, as well as placing period illustrations appropriately throughout the text. The account of Philadelphia’s recovery wraps up with a fascinating discussion of historiography, detailing the war of words between Matthew Carey, one of the committee of 12, and Absalom Jones and Richard Allen, the leaders of the Free African Society--interesting in itself, it is also a valuable lesson in reading and writing history.
Connection
History
The book An American Plague fits well into a history class in discussion
of earlier American politics. One key element is to discuss the importance of Philadelphia in the late 1700’s and when the capitol city was moved to Washington D.C. A geography lesson could also be incorporated in relevance to the eastern portion of the country. Information can be found at http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761576320_4____7/Washington_D_C.html#s7
Language Arts:
Class discussions covering the elements of fiction, point of view, and theme take place as a class and in small group discussion. Book reports, reviews, and booktalks offer a variety of insight into the novel. The book itself is a vital resource for any project as are the author’s influence in the literary world. The author can be studied in more detail at http://www.jimmurphybooks.com/about.htm.
Science
Disease Study by reading the book An American Plague to any science class. The element of medical advancements, medical training, funding, and the basic diseases themselves including origin, spread, treatment and cures can play well into the field for discussion. Classes can research the disease of Yellow Fever. http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/yellowfever.htm.
Math A math class could very easily dive into the population and economy of United States in 1793 and compare and contrast it with the population and economy of today. From there, information could be presented in many forms including pie graphs and charts. As mentioned in a previous unit, pie graphs and charts can be taught as a separate lesson or in a direct link to this unit. More information can be found at http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/index.asp?ID=845D4DDDA92CD816E.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Genre 3 Frost
Keesha’s House
Written by Helen Frost – 2003
New York, N.Y.: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ISBN-10: 0374340641
ISBN-13: 978-0374340643
It is a book written about seven teenagers facing problems of pregnancy, homosexuality and abuse, much like a soap opera, but they find refuge in Keesha’s House. The storyline of each individual is written in chapters as Part I, Part II, etc. and within each Part each situation of each individual has their own title. It reflects the turmoil and hardships that each one is facing and the everyday tasks of trying to survive. Keesha having run away from her abusive alcoholic father, has found refuge at Joe’s house. Joe having a big heart and a huge house provided Keesha with a roof over her head and a new start in life. As Keesha meets other teens in trouble, she offers them a place to stay until they can work out their problems, as Joe had provided for her.
Analysis
Keesha having been a runaway finds ways to repay Joe for what he had taught her. A place to stay may be the one thing one needs in times of trouble to figure out what to do. The people she meets are teens like herself that have found themselves in situations that may need some guidance. Though, Keesha’s way of helping might not be the conventional way a state deals with runaways, she feels the need to help these individuals as much as possible. Stephanie is a pregnant young girls, Dontay, who is a foster care runaway, and Harris, who is trying to deal with his homosexuality and the family not accepting his decision. Frost uses the characters as we see kids in our everyday life. The characters seem so real because these are the kind of situations that students can make connections with and finds a unique and passionate voice for each character. Her usage of sestina and/or sonnet forms has a flowing poetic style and easy to read. Though, there are not any conversations monologues when characters are speaking to each other, at times it makes if difficult to know when they are talking to one another. As the story progresses through sestina writing, the fate of each character builds up for the last Part, but it might not be the ending one hopes for, but when is life fair. I would recommend this book for young adults.
Reviews
Revealing heartbreak and hope, these poems could stand alone, but work best as a story collection. Teens may read this engaging novel without even realizing they are reading poetry.
School Library Journal
. . .this moving first novel tells the story in a series of dramatic monologues that are personal, poetic, and immediate. . . characters, drawn with aching realism. . .speak poetry in ordinary words and make connections.
Booklist
. . .sestinas and sonnets. . .prove an . . .effective format for this poignant contemporary book. . ..Each [character] grows and learns. In the final chapter each is hopeful for the future....[Frost] is a published poet and has written many nonfiction books. This is her first novel. I hope it won't be her last.
Children's Literature
. . . in Frost's multi-voiced story of teens struggling to find their way in the world. . . Frost underplays her virtuosity to let readers focus on the characters and their plight. . . .In a surprisingly rigid format, the poems manage to seem spontaneous and still carry the plot easily. With a number of threads to follow, no one character is at the center, but there is great satisfaction in seeing the narratives gradually mesh as the isolation recedes and support is given. Impressive.
Kirkus
. . .artfully revealed. . . Frost makes her characters and their daily lives seem relevant and authentic...Making the most of the poetic forms, the author breathes life into these teens and their stories, resulting in a thoughtfully composed and ultimately touching book.
Publisher's Weekly
. . the final section is a crown of sonnets narrated by the teens, poignantly suggesting that the development of their own adult voices depends on the interconnectedness of their lives. . .the voices are authentic and complex; there is much potential for sophisticated analysis of both form and content.
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books:.
Connection
Helen Frost website: http://home.att.net/-frost-thompson/poetry.html
She has provided some good activities.
Language Arts: read the novel and discuss the used of the poetic forms sestina and
sonnet.
Drama: Use excerpts from the book for nonlogues or act out the whole book as
a play.
Psychology: Discuss how Keesha has provided a safe haven for these teens.
Other websites:
http://inspired2write.com/wordweave/exers/sestina.html
http://www.baymoon.com/-ariadne/form/sonnet.html
Written by Helen Frost – 2003
New York, N.Y.: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ISBN-10: 0374340641
ISBN-13: 978-0374340643
It is a book written about seven teenagers facing problems of pregnancy, homosexuality and abuse, much like a soap opera, but they find refuge in Keesha’s House. The storyline of each individual is written in chapters as Part I, Part II, etc. and within each Part each situation of each individual has their own title. It reflects the turmoil and hardships that each one is facing and the everyday tasks of trying to survive. Keesha having run away from her abusive alcoholic father, has found refuge at Joe’s house. Joe having a big heart and a huge house provided Keesha with a roof over her head and a new start in life. As Keesha meets other teens in trouble, she offers them a place to stay until they can work out their problems, as Joe had provided for her.
Analysis
Keesha having been a runaway finds ways to repay Joe for what he had taught her. A place to stay may be the one thing one needs in times of trouble to figure out what to do. The people she meets are teens like herself that have found themselves in situations that may need some guidance. Though, Keesha’s way of helping might not be the conventional way a state deals with runaways, she feels the need to help these individuals as much as possible. Stephanie is a pregnant young girls, Dontay, who is a foster care runaway, and Harris, who is trying to deal with his homosexuality and the family not accepting his decision. Frost uses the characters as we see kids in our everyday life. The characters seem so real because these are the kind of situations that students can make connections with and finds a unique and passionate voice for each character. Her usage of sestina and/or sonnet forms has a flowing poetic style and easy to read. Though, there are not any conversations monologues when characters are speaking to each other, at times it makes if difficult to know when they are talking to one another. As the story progresses through sestina writing, the fate of each character builds up for the last Part, but it might not be the ending one hopes for, but when is life fair. I would recommend this book for young adults.
Reviews
Revealing heartbreak and hope, these poems could stand alone, but work best as a story collection. Teens may read this engaging novel without even realizing they are reading poetry.
School Library Journal
. . .this moving first novel tells the story in a series of dramatic monologues that are personal, poetic, and immediate. . . characters, drawn with aching realism. . .speak poetry in ordinary words and make connections.
Booklist
. . .sestinas and sonnets. . .prove an . . .effective format for this poignant contemporary book. . ..Each [character] grows and learns. In the final chapter each is hopeful for the future....[Frost] is a published poet and has written many nonfiction books. This is her first novel. I hope it won't be her last.
Children's Literature
. . . in Frost's multi-voiced story of teens struggling to find their way in the world. . . Frost underplays her virtuosity to let readers focus on the characters and their plight. . . .In a surprisingly rigid format, the poems manage to seem spontaneous and still carry the plot easily. With a number of threads to follow, no one character is at the center, but there is great satisfaction in seeing the narratives gradually mesh as the isolation recedes and support is given. Impressive.
Kirkus
. . .artfully revealed. . . Frost makes her characters and their daily lives seem relevant and authentic...Making the most of the poetic forms, the author breathes life into these teens and their stories, resulting in a thoughtfully composed and ultimately touching book.
Publisher's Weekly
. . the final section is a crown of sonnets narrated by the teens, poignantly suggesting that the development of their own adult voices depends on the interconnectedness of their lives. . .the voices are authentic and complex; there is much potential for sophisticated analysis of both form and content.
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books:.
Connection
Helen Frost website: http://home.att.net/-frost-thompson/poetry.html
She has provided some good activities.
Language Arts: read the novel and discuss the used of the poetic forms sestina and
sonnet.
Drama: Use excerpts from the book for nonlogues or act out the whole book as
a play.
Psychology: Discuss how Keesha has provided a safe haven for these teens.
Other websites:
http://inspired2write.com/wordweave/exers/sestina.html
http://www.baymoon.com/-ariadne/form/sonnet.html
Monday, June 29, 2009
Genre 3 Poetry Grimes
Aneesa Lee and the Weaver’s Gift
Written by Nikki Grimes – 1999
Illustrated by Ashley Bryan
New York, N.Y. – Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books
ISBN 0-688-15997-4 ISBN 0-688-15998-2
The book of poems is about a young girl that has been given the gift of weaving. It is about her love for weaving the colors of threads into beautiful pieces of tapestries. The art of weaving has been handed down from her mother and it becomes a family affair as they all join in to gather the flowers, berries, roots, dandelions, nettles, and all sorts of mother nature’s creations to create different colors for Aneesa’s tapestries. The love put into every strand of thread, the planning for her creations and the moments she spends working the loom to create cloth can be seen in the words. How this art of weaving bring the whole family together as Aneesa shares her gift.
Analysis
These thirteen interrelated poems and the many radiant illustrations in tempera and gouache creates rhythm and flow as it is read. The imagery of the language used in the poems is helped by the vivid ancient art illustrations provided by Ashley Bryan. It has an appealing rhyme that children will enjoy. The poems have a lot sensory words that you can visually see the pictures of the events. The book is just long enough to be enjoyed in one sitting as it tells a story, even though each poem has a different title. You can see the love Aneesa has for weaving “Twist,twirl/Twist,twirl/,The spinning wheel whirls, all time forgotten/As, magically, once gossamer stuff/Becomes through her fingers sturdy enough/For weaving cloth that is sure to last/At least one hundred years”, is a good example of gift. Students will find this and easy read and enjoyable book.
Reviews
“In a series of thoughtful, interlocking poems, Grimes skillfully uses the metaphor of weaving to explore the world of a talented girl… The poet reveals Aneesa Lee’s life and thoughts through the intricate patterns of her work (herringbone of sadness,/threads of anger and gladness;” “Her yarns express her deepest thoughts/in variegated tints:)….A list of terms integral to the craft will aid novices. For adult weavers, the book will be a treasure, and for children, it serves as a glimpse into the intricacies not only of weaving, but the patterns of daily life.
Publishers Weekly
…”Decorative borders reflect the artistic unity of words and illustrations. A glossary of “Weaving Words” and a picture of a fully labeled loom precede the poems. This sensitive tribute to an ancient art may best be appreciated by those who pursue the craft themselves.”
Library Journal
“13 poems about the art of weaving, literally and figuratively. The poems describe the art and the craft of weaving including gathering natural materials for making dyes, spinning yarn, warping the board, dressing the loom, and completing the tapestry….The illustration of Aneesa, her family, and the weaving process contain bright threads of unexpected color, creating another kind of tapestry. Some pictures achieve a shimmering intensity: those created for “Sunset” and “Once” are so full of motion, they harly lie still on the page.”
Kirkus
Connection
Pre – reading by showing students an example of a tapestry.
Discuss color the artist in the book chose, design and texture. Talk the book.
Knowledge of words and comprehension by describing Aneesa Lee in your own words.
Http://www.nikkigrimes.com/teacher/aneesatgl/html
Use other books about weaving
Abuela’s Weave by O. Castaneda
Agatha’s Feather Bed by C. Deedy
Amos’ Sweater by Lunn and LaFave
Granpa Bear’s Fantastic Scarf by G. Heal
Lyddie by K. Paterson
The Legend of the Persian Carpet by T. De Paola
Written by Nikki Grimes – 1999
Illustrated by Ashley Bryan
New York, N.Y. – Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books
ISBN 0-688-15997-4 ISBN 0-688-15998-2
The book of poems is about a young girl that has been given the gift of weaving. It is about her love for weaving the colors of threads into beautiful pieces of tapestries. The art of weaving has been handed down from her mother and it becomes a family affair as they all join in to gather the flowers, berries, roots, dandelions, nettles, and all sorts of mother nature’s creations to create different colors for Aneesa’s tapestries. The love put into every strand of thread, the planning for her creations and the moments she spends working the loom to create cloth can be seen in the words. How this art of weaving bring the whole family together as Aneesa shares her gift.
Analysis
These thirteen interrelated poems and the many radiant illustrations in tempera and gouache creates rhythm and flow as it is read. The imagery of the language used in the poems is helped by the vivid ancient art illustrations provided by Ashley Bryan. It has an appealing rhyme that children will enjoy. The poems have a lot sensory words that you can visually see the pictures of the events. The book is just long enough to be enjoyed in one sitting as it tells a story, even though each poem has a different title. You can see the love Aneesa has for weaving “Twist,twirl/Twist,twirl/,The spinning wheel whirls, all time forgotten/As, magically, once gossamer stuff/Becomes through her fingers sturdy enough/For weaving cloth that is sure to last/At least one hundred years”, is a good example of gift. Students will find this and easy read and enjoyable book.
Reviews
“In a series of thoughtful, interlocking poems, Grimes skillfully uses the metaphor of weaving to explore the world of a talented girl… The poet reveals Aneesa Lee’s life and thoughts through the intricate patterns of her work (herringbone of sadness,/threads of anger and gladness;” “Her yarns express her deepest thoughts/in variegated tints:)….A list of terms integral to the craft will aid novices. For adult weavers, the book will be a treasure, and for children, it serves as a glimpse into the intricacies not only of weaving, but the patterns of daily life.
Publishers Weekly
…”Decorative borders reflect the artistic unity of words and illustrations. A glossary of “Weaving Words” and a picture of a fully labeled loom precede the poems. This sensitive tribute to an ancient art may best be appreciated by those who pursue the craft themselves.”
Library Journal
“13 poems about the art of weaving, literally and figuratively. The poems describe the art and the craft of weaving including gathering natural materials for making dyes, spinning yarn, warping the board, dressing the loom, and completing the tapestry….The illustration of Aneesa, her family, and the weaving process contain bright threads of unexpected color, creating another kind of tapestry. Some pictures achieve a shimmering intensity: those created for “Sunset” and “Once” are so full of motion, they harly lie still on the page.”
Kirkus
Connection
Pre – reading by showing students an example of a tapestry.
Discuss color the artist in the book chose, design and texture. Talk the book.
Knowledge of words and comprehension by describing Aneesa Lee in your own words.
Http://www.nikkigrimes.com/teacher/aneesatgl/html
Use other books about weaving
Abuela’s Weave by O. Castaneda
Agatha’s Feather Bed by C. Deedy
Amos’ Sweater by Lunn and LaFave
Granpa Bear’s Fantastic Scarf by G. Heal
Lyddie by K. Paterson
The Legend of the Persian Carpet by T. De Paola
Genre 3 Poetry Florian
Insectlopedia
Written and illustrated by Douglas Florian – 1998
New York, N.Y. – Harcourt Brace & Company
ISBN 0-15-201306-7
This is a collection of insect poems. The poems are funny and they have a nice rhythm to them. The wording is such that you learn about the insects as you read each poem. Some of the poems have a creative text format that make it easy and fun to read, like in the Inchworm. The illustrations are very creative collages, almost childlike paintings. Students will be able to make connections with the book in various ways, especially for those students interested in insects.
Anaylsis
This book tends to blend science in a very informative way with wordplay. This wonderful book of poems captures the youthful joy and enchantment of the insect world that would equate in a child’s point of view. The arrangement of the words, accompanying the illustrations are unique and whimsical complementing the poems, take the “Praying Mantis,” for example: “upon a twig/I sit and pray/For something bigot wend my way: A caterpillar,/Moth,/or bee--/I swallow. This type of poems would be considered a Topical Collection of poems that have a visual appeal to both adults and children. This book of poems is illustrated by using watercolor paints and collages on primed brown paper bags.
Reviews
“The silly, imaginative verses about whirligig beetles and waterbugs (almost) match the exquisite pictures in playfulness and wit. The result is downright stunning,”.
Publishers Weekly
…The design adds to the overall appeal. Each selection is given its own page, allowing for the use of large type and plenty of glossy white space, and paired with a full-page watercolor with a neat border of white. These portraits building on the imaginatively integrated realistic and anthropomorphic images created in the text. There are other books of poetry about insects and lots of collections of humorous verses about animals but none match Insectlopedia.
School Library Journal
…..The clever artwork, deftly constructed, and the entertaining collection of insect and arachnid verse it illustrates will delight readers.
Booklist
Connection
Insectlopedia Book Activities
· Choose your favorite poem and illustrate it.
· Write and type your own book of poems about your favorite type of animal.
· Find an example of a poem that uses the shape of the writing to convey a
message. Write your own.
· Make a spreadsheet on the computer keeping track of the number of times you
see different insects this summer. Make a graph when you are finished.
Written and illustrated by Douglas Florian – 1998
New York, N.Y. – Harcourt Brace & Company
ISBN 0-15-201306-7
This is a collection of insect poems. The poems are funny and they have a nice rhythm to them. The wording is such that you learn about the insects as you read each poem. Some of the poems have a creative text format that make it easy and fun to read, like in the Inchworm. The illustrations are very creative collages, almost childlike paintings. Students will be able to make connections with the book in various ways, especially for those students interested in insects.
Anaylsis
This book tends to blend science in a very informative way with wordplay. This wonderful book of poems captures the youthful joy and enchantment of the insect world that would equate in a child’s point of view. The arrangement of the words, accompanying the illustrations are unique and whimsical complementing the poems, take the “Praying Mantis,” for example: “upon a twig/I sit and pray/For something bigot wend my way: A caterpillar,/Moth,/or bee--/I swallow. This type of poems would be considered a Topical Collection of poems that have a visual appeal to both adults and children. This book of poems is illustrated by using watercolor paints and collages on primed brown paper bags.
Reviews
“The silly, imaginative verses about whirligig beetles and waterbugs (almost) match the exquisite pictures in playfulness and wit. The result is downright stunning,”.
Publishers Weekly
…The design adds to the overall appeal. Each selection is given its own page, allowing for the use of large type and plenty of glossy white space, and paired with a full-page watercolor with a neat border of white. These portraits building on the imaginatively integrated realistic and anthropomorphic images created in the text. There are other books of poetry about insects and lots of collections of humorous verses about animals but none match Insectlopedia.
School Library Journal
…..The clever artwork, deftly constructed, and the entertaining collection of insect and arachnid verse it illustrates will delight readers.
Booklist
Connection
Insectlopedia Book Activities
· Choose your favorite poem and illustrate it.
· Write and type your own book of poems about your favorite type of animal.
· Find an example of a poem that uses the shape of the writing to convey a
message. Write your own.
· Make a spreadsheet on the computer keeping track of the number of times you
see different insects this summer. Make a graph when you are finished.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Genre 2 Traditional Literature Folktale Retold
Iktomi and the Boulder
Written and Illustrated by Goble, Paul – 1988
New York, NY: Orchard Books
ISBN-10:083356861, ISBN-13:978-0833568670
This story is about a mischief Indian named Iktomi. He gets dressed in his best clothes and goes to the next village to visit relatives and friends. As he is walking and the sun rises higher in the sky, it begins to get hot and realizes that he put on too many clothes. He decides to take his blanket off and give it to the rock, thinking he will not need it. But a storm comes and he takes the blanket off the rock and puts it over himself to keep from getting wet. This angers the boulder. Soon the rain stops but he feels the earth shake and a thump – crash - bump. Wondering what it could be he notices, that it is the boulder that is following him. He runs here and there trying to get away, but to no avail he gets trapped under the boulder. He yells for help, tries to get all different kinds of animals to push the boulder but nothing happens. Darkness comes, he see the bats, in order to get the bats to help he plays a trick on the bats, by saying that the boulder rude remarks about them. The bats get angry and begin to dart this way and that way at the boulder until there was nothing left but little chips all over the ground.
Now Iktomi was able to get up and walk away. The legend has it that how come the bats have flattened faces and why there are many rocks scattered all over the Great Plains.
Analysis
For the illustrations Paul Goble uses India ink and watercolor, reproduced in combined line and halftone. His illustrations are simple the background depict the time of day without it being mentioned much. Portraying Iktomi as a trickster, the children are able to relate to such trickery. It is such a universal behavior that children will be intrigue waiting to find out how he gets out of his situation. The idea of the reason why bats have flat faces will continue to make the children wonder.
Reviews
“Iktomi and the Boulder” is the first in a series of stories about the trickster of the Lakota retold and illustrated by Paul Goble. The trickster is a universal character in North American myths and legends, known by different names in different parts of the country…Goble usually asks a question that puts Iktomi’s actions in a different light or point out his, inconsistencies (e.g., animals are almost always laughing at Iktomi). Goble actually wants listeners to make rude remarks about Iktomi, to really get into the spirit of the story. He also point out that at some point the storyteller should lift their forefinger for silence so that they can go on with the story.
School Journal
“A memorable picture book…A wonderful read-aloud for school-age children.”
Booklist 8/88
“Deadpan asides and playful watercolors enliven this trickster tale take from Sioux lore…”
San Francisco Chronicle 11/27/88
Connection
- Use the subject of bats to introduce science. For example, Sway’s Bats: Mammals that Fly examines how bats fit in with other creatures in the animal kingdom and how they relate to other mammals. The scientific name for bats is Chiroptera, meaning “handwing,” and students will be fascinated to see how the “fingers” in a bat’s wings really do resemble hands.
- All bats can be divided into two categories: megabats and microbats. Have students look at what characteristics differentiate the two categories.
- Half of the species in the United States are endangered; invite students to research endangered species.
Written and Illustrated by Goble, Paul – 1988
New York, NY: Orchard Books
ISBN-10:083356861, ISBN-13:978-0833568670
This story is about a mischief Indian named Iktomi. He gets dressed in his best clothes and goes to the next village to visit relatives and friends. As he is walking and the sun rises higher in the sky, it begins to get hot and realizes that he put on too many clothes. He decides to take his blanket off and give it to the rock, thinking he will not need it. But a storm comes and he takes the blanket off the rock and puts it over himself to keep from getting wet. This angers the boulder. Soon the rain stops but he feels the earth shake and a thump – crash - bump. Wondering what it could be he notices, that it is the boulder that is following him. He runs here and there trying to get away, but to no avail he gets trapped under the boulder. He yells for help, tries to get all different kinds of animals to push the boulder but nothing happens. Darkness comes, he see the bats, in order to get the bats to help he plays a trick on the bats, by saying that the boulder rude remarks about them. The bats get angry and begin to dart this way and that way at the boulder until there was nothing left but little chips all over the ground.
Now Iktomi was able to get up and walk away. The legend has it that how come the bats have flattened faces and why there are many rocks scattered all over the Great Plains.
Analysis
For the illustrations Paul Goble uses India ink and watercolor, reproduced in combined line and halftone. His illustrations are simple the background depict the time of day without it being mentioned much. Portraying Iktomi as a trickster, the children are able to relate to such trickery. It is such a universal behavior that children will be intrigue waiting to find out how he gets out of his situation. The idea of the reason why bats have flat faces will continue to make the children wonder.
Reviews
“Iktomi and the Boulder” is the first in a series of stories about the trickster of the Lakota retold and illustrated by Paul Goble. The trickster is a universal character in North American myths and legends, known by different names in different parts of the country…Goble usually asks a question that puts Iktomi’s actions in a different light or point out his, inconsistencies (e.g., animals are almost always laughing at Iktomi). Goble actually wants listeners to make rude remarks about Iktomi, to really get into the spirit of the story. He also point out that at some point the storyteller should lift their forefinger for silence so that they can go on with the story.
School Journal
“A memorable picture book…A wonderful read-aloud for school-age children.”
Booklist 8/88
“Deadpan asides and playful watercolors enliven this trickster tale take from Sioux lore…”
San Francisco Chronicle 11/27/88
Connection
- Use the subject of bats to introduce science. For example, Sway’s Bats: Mammals that Fly examines how bats fit in with other creatures in the animal kingdom and how they relate to other mammals. The scientific name for bats is Chiroptera, meaning “handwing,” and students will be fascinated to see how the “fingers” in a bat’s wings really do resemble hands.
- All bats can be divided into two categories: megabats and microbats. Have students look at what characteristics differentiate the two categories.
- Half of the species in the United States are endangered; invite students to research endangered species.
Genre 2 Folk Literature Collection
Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales
Written by Phillip, Neil and illustrated by Mair, Jacqueline – 2003
New York, N.Y. – Houghton Mifflin Co.
ISBN – 0-618-19463-0
A collection of wonderful folktales set with in a Mexican Cultural with the artistic illustration of Mexican folk art. These tales sound familiar to some of the American Classic folktales, like “Cinder Juan” and “The Seven Oxen”. The magic in these stories plays a big part in the magical setting. Roman Catholic imagery creates the Mexican flavor that is common in the country. It makes for a lively storytelling of these little known body of folk literature.
Analysis
These stories from “Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales are tales of beast, trickster tales and fairy tales in it’s own flavor of Mexican religion and art. The unique motifs used in the illustrations helps to set the mood in the Mexican cultural. It encompasses the rituals, customs, superstitions, and manners of a particular group that are passed orally or in writing from one generation to the next. “Cinder Juan”, “ The Two Marias “ and the “Seven Oxen” all depicts the struggle of good versus evil as traditional folktales do.
The illustrations of primitve acrylics by Mair helps in telling the story by the use of vibrant color, that is common in the Mexican Art. By using these motifs and the recurring patterns, (three sister, three challenges) all very significant in the folktales.
Reviews
The themes of these tales range from foolishness (“The Mule Drivers Who Lost Their Fee”) to brotherly rivalry (“Cinder Juan”). The end notes provides information about the origin and collection of each add much information for the serious student of folklore. An interesting collection that will attract some readers because of the origin of the tales (and the usefulness of the origin notes) but the collection lacks the spice necessary to make it a first choice.
Kirkus
“A fine gift of storytellers looking for new material, for educators concerned with cultural transmission, and for anyone interested in folklore.”
The Horn Book Magazine
“Watch storytellers and other students of American folklore in seach of fresh material fall on it with glad cries.”
ALA Booklist
Connection
-Have students research the Mexican Art technique and provide mediums to use in the creation of Mexican Art.
-Class Room Activity
Ask students to conduct research in the library and on the Web to find images and artifacts that suitably represent Mexico. Students can choose to research a piece of art, music, dance, literature, or food. Challenge students to think beyond stereotypical images of Mexico and Mexican-American culture (such as tacos, chihuahuas, and sombreros), and look for objects and icons with a deeper and more substantial meaning. Start your students’ research with a brainstorming session which can include:
· Artists such as Diego Rivera
· Ancient Mexican peoples, such as the Aztecs
· The history of the Mexican state of Puebla
After students have completed their research, have them create a presentation that highlights something interesting, beautiful, significant, or amazing about their choice—and share the information with the class.
Readwritethink.org
-Study the contribution of art influenced by the Aztecs and Mayan Indians.
-Timeline illustrations of Mexican History.
Written by Phillip, Neil and illustrated by Mair, Jacqueline – 2003
New York, N.Y. – Houghton Mifflin Co.
ISBN – 0-618-19463-0
A collection of wonderful folktales set with in a Mexican Cultural with the artistic illustration of Mexican folk art. These tales sound familiar to some of the American Classic folktales, like “Cinder Juan” and “The Seven Oxen”. The magic in these stories plays a big part in the magical setting. Roman Catholic imagery creates the Mexican flavor that is common in the country. It makes for a lively storytelling of these little known body of folk literature.
Analysis
These stories from “Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales are tales of beast, trickster tales and fairy tales in it’s own flavor of Mexican religion and art. The unique motifs used in the illustrations helps to set the mood in the Mexican cultural. It encompasses the rituals, customs, superstitions, and manners of a particular group that are passed orally or in writing from one generation to the next. “Cinder Juan”, “ The Two Marias “ and the “Seven Oxen” all depicts the struggle of good versus evil as traditional folktales do.
The illustrations of primitve acrylics by Mair helps in telling the story by the use of vibrant color, that is common in the Mexican Art. By using these motifs and the recurring patterns, (three sister, three challenges) all very significant in the folktales.
Reviews
The themes of these tales range from foolishness (“The Mule Drivers Who Lost Their Fee”) to brotherly rivalry (“Cinder Juan”). The end notes provides information about the origin and collection of each add much information for the serious student of folklore. An interesting collection that will attract some readers because of the origin of the tales (and the usefulness of the origin notes) but the collection lacks the spice necessary to make it a first choice.
Kirkus
“A fine gift of storytellers looking for new material, for educators concerned with cultural transmission, and for anyone interested in folklore.”
The Horn Book Magazine
“Watch storytellers and other students of American folklore in seach of fresh material fall on it with glad cries.”
ALA Booklist
Connection
-Have students research the Mexican Art technique and provide mediums to use in the creation of Mexican Art.
-Class Room Activity
Ask students to conduct research in the library and on the Web to find images and artifacts that suitably represent Mexico. Students can choose to research a piece of art, music, dance, literature, or food. Challenge students to think beyond stereotypical images of Mexico and Mexican-American culture (such as tacos, chihuahuas, and sombreros), and look for objects and icons with a deeper and more substantial meaning. Start your students’ research with a brainstorming session which can include:
· Artists such as Diego Rivera
· Ancient Mexican peoples, such as the Aztecs
· The history of the Mexican state of Puebla
After students have completed their research, have them create a presentation that highlights something interesting, beautiful, significant, or amazing about their choice—and share the information with the class.
Readwritethink.org
-Study the contribution of art influenced by the Aztecs and Mayan Indians.
-Timeline illustrations of Mexican History.
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