Module 14

Module 14
April 26 – May 2

This is Just to Say by Joyce Sidman

Sidman, Joyce. This is Just to Say. Houghton Mifflin Company. 2007. ISBN: 0618616802

A Version of the World:
This book of poems is apologies and their responses from a fictional classroom of children. They send their classmates apologies for everything that a young child can do and what is important in their world. The second half of the book includes the responses to the apology poems. The respondees are everyone from the teacher, their classmates, and parents.

My Version of the World:
This is a very entertaining book of poems. The author’s forward mentions that she got the idea when her class helped her write an apology poem to her mother. Sidman wondered what responses would look like if apology poems were actually sent. She wrote a very entertaining book with apologies for hitting too hard in dodgeball to wondering if putting a dog to sleep is okay. From the serious to the hilarious, this book of poems should be a good read for all.

*Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee

Book Reviews:
For a poetry unit, a fictional sixth-grade class writes 'sorry" poems. They like their poems so much they decide to put them together into a book and then add a second?nbsp;section with responses from the recipients of the 'sorry" poems. The result is a captivating anthology of short poems in various styles touching on different aspects of life. Some poems are humorous, some are sad; some poets are deeply sorry, some aren't; and some kids are forgiven,?nbsp;whileothers are not. Topics include such things as rough play in dodgeball,?nbsp;stealing brownies, breaking a cherished item, and the death of a pet. The quirky illustrations, created with a variety of media, collage, and computer graphics, give a lighthearted feel to the anthology. The fictional authors of the poems are featured in various activities relating to the subject of the poems and provide a very pleasant balance to the text. Children will find much to identify with in the situations presented in the apology poems, and they'll appreciate the resolutions given in the responses. May 15, 2007. Booklist.

Mrs. Merz assigns her sixth-grade students to write poems of apology, and what emerges is a surprising array of emotions, poetic forms, and subjects from dead pets and biting hamsters to angry siblings and betrayal of trust. The children decide to create their own book of these poems, complete with an introduction and occasional notes by editor Anthony K. Fast-talking Thomas writes a humorous poem patterned after William Carlos Williams's "This Is Just to Say," apologizing to Mrs. Garcia in the office, for stealing the jelly donuts in the teachers' lounge: "Forgive me/they were delicious/so sweet/and so gloppy." Mrs. Garcia's response poem says, "Of course I forgive you./But I still have to call your mother." A more serious concern emerges in "Next Time," written by Jewel: "Please, please come back./Don't leave me spinning alone,/like a slow, sad tornado./I'm sorry, Daddy./Next time I'll be/perfect." In the response poem, Jewel describes her father's wrenching reply telling her that, "None of the stupid things/I have ever done/are even close to being your fault." Sidman's ear is keen, capturing many voices. Her skill as a poet accessible to young people is unmatched. Zagarenski's delicately outlined collage drawings and paintings are created on mixed backgrounds-notebook paper, paper bags, newspaper, graph paper, school supplies. This is an important book both for its creativity and for its wisdom.-Lee Bock, May 1, 2007. School Library Journal.

In My World:
I would use this to introduce a poetry unit. The author employs several different types of poems with explanations of each at the bottom of the page. It can help teach students that poetry goes beyond rhyming. I would read it aloud within the library to begin a poetry unit. It could also prompt discussion into relationships and when apologies are appropriate or needed.

Module 13
April 19 – 25

Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare
By Darren Shan

Shan, Darren. Cirque Du Freak. Little, Brown, & Company. 2002. ISBN: 031604184X

Synopsis:
Darren Shan is a teenager whose best friend is Steve Leonard. Darren and Steve sneak out one Saturday night to go see a real freak show, where the freaks are absolutely genuine. During the show, Darren becomes completely fascinated Mr. Crepsley and his spider, Madame Octa. Darren hides after the show and learns that Steve believes that Mr. Crepsley is a vampire. Steve also wants to become a vampire, but Crepsley tells Steve that no because Steve will be evil. Darren becomes scared and runs away. A day later, Darren manages to steal Madame Octa. Madame Octa is very poisonous, but Darren learns to control her. However, Steve wants to play with her too, and Madame Octa bites him. Steve will die if Darren doesn’t get an antidote to her poison. Mr. Crepsley has an antidote, but he will only give it if Darren becomes his assistant. Becoming a vampire’s assistant means that Darren would become part vampire himself, he would have to appear to die to his family and leave home. To try to save Steve’s life, Darren agrees to the bargain. The book ends when Crepsley digs Darren out of his grave. Steve is there and promises Darren that there will come a day when they will meet again. Steve is going to kill him on that day because he feels that Darren stole the life that he wanted for himself.

My Version of the World:
This is a different take on the world of vampires. Crepsley says that he treasures human life. The majority of the plot comes the very tense relationship between Darren and Steve. Steve always seems on the verge of being unable to control his violent tendencies. The end leaves the reader wondering what can come next in this world. Darren is now a half vampire with Steve vowing revenge. It is a very adventurous and entertaining book.

Book Reviews:
In his introduction, 12-year-old Darren claims that this is a true story, though the names have been changed and the country (obviously England) kept secret. When a bizarre-sounding freak show comes to town, he and his friend Steve sneak out to attend, and Steve recognizes one of the performers-as a centuries-old vampire. Darren decides he must steal the vampire's performing, poisonous spider. The theft is successful, and he learns to control Madam Octa with a combination of flute music and ESP-until she bites Steve. Darren must then sell himself into vampire slavery to get the cure to the spider's poison. This volume is neither as well written nor as compulsively readable as the "Harry Potter" books (Scholastic), though surely J. K. Rowling's endorsement on the cover will win it a few fans. Most of the characters aren't developed much beyond their names and a brief description. The slowness of the plot in the beginning might turn some readers off, but once the supernatural enters, they will be hooked. The fun here is in the details and in the uniqueness of the non-evil vampire monster. Several volumes of the series are already out in England, and the movie rights have already been purchased, ensuring that this title and probably its sequels will be in demand. By Timothy Capehart, May 2001, School Library Journal.

With strong sales overseas and a movie deal in the works, book one in The Saga of Darren Shan series is poised to capture a wide audience of series horror readers. After a rather slow buildup, a boy with the same name as the author sneaks out with best friend Steve to an illicit freak show, and his life becomes entangled with a vampire spider-wrangler, Mr. Crepsley. "This is a true story," writes Shan. "In real life, bad things happen. People die. Fights are lost. Evil often wins." The scenario is compelling, and the author mines the exploitative history of early 20th-century sideshows to create an artfully macabre "Cirque du Freak." But Darren's actions are often undermotivated: "I can't explain why Madam Octa [the spider] meant so much to me, or why I was placing my life in such danger to have her. Looking back, I'm no longer sure what drove me on." Also his intermittent attraction to and repulsion by the vampire is never fully explored. His behavior may be explained in the sequel, The Vampire's Assistant (due in Sept.), but the open ending leaves so many loose ends that readers may leave more frustrated than intrigued, especially since the characters' wooden dialogue drains them of personality ("I'm upset," says Steve. "It hurt, what Mr. Crepsley said, and you ignoring me at school... If you break up our friendship, I don't know what I'll do"). Readers interested in boys becoming vampires would be better served by M.T. Anderson's Thirsty and those fascinated with freaks by Iain Lawrence's Ghost Boy. February 19, 2001. Publisher’s Weekly.

In My World:
I would use this book as a read aloud in the library. It could prompt some research into types of spiders. Generally though, this would be an entertaining and good read for middle school students. It could also prompt conversation about friendships and the need for honesty in them.

Module 12

Module 12
April 12-18

Bill Pickett: Rodeo Ridin' Cowboy
By Andrea D. Pinkney

Pinkney, Andrea D. Bill Pickett: Rodeo Ridin' Cowboy. Guilliver Books. 1996: ISBN: 0152021035

Synopsis:
Bill Pickett was born the second-oldest child of former slaves, who lived north of Austin, Texas. Fascinated with cowboys, Pickett invented the sport of bulldoggin’ at a young age. Pickett grew up to work as a ranch hand and then began his career at the rodeo. He became known as the Dusky Demon, and everyone wanted to see him bulldoggin’. He eventually retired from rodeo life and worked simply as a ranch hand at the 101 Ranch. He helped to make calf-roping the sport that it is today.

My View of the World:
This is a wonderful book with excellent illustrations. This tells the story of Bill Pickett, who was one of the first famous African American cowboys. Son of freed slaves, Pickett invented the sport of bulldoggin or calf-roping at the rodeo. This book tells an interesting piece of history of which many children are not aware. Pickett is not very well-known now but has left his mark, particularly in Texas history. This should be fascinating for children.

Book Reviews:

Bill Pickett, one of 13 children born to parents who were freed slaves, grew up in Texas watching the cowboys drive cattle along the Chisholm Trail. Observing a bulldog manage a cow by biting and holding on to the beast's lip, young Bill discovered he could do the same thing. He became an accomplished horseman with a range of tricks, but it was "bull-doggin'" that brought the crowds to their feet throughout his long career. The story is told with verve, relish, and just enough of a cowboy twang, with Pinkney giving an excellent overview of the history of rodeos and black cowboys in a closing note. Husband Brian Pinkney's pictures, in his typical scratchboard technique, are well suited to the story, their lines and colors swirling with movement and excitement on the deep black surface. --Susan Dove Lempke. November 1, 1996. Booklist.

Bill Pickett was a rodeo cowboy in the days when black men were not allowed to do much of anything that wasn't menial or demeaning. Pickett, however, followed his dream. As a young boy, he would watch cowboys herd cattle past his parents' farm and dream of becoming a cowboy. One day, Bill helped some cowboys bulldog a calf they were having trouble branding. They were suitably impressed with his skills, and there was no stopping him after that. By the age of 15, he had left home to work on ranches throughout Texas. His fame grew steadily, and eventually he was offered a job in a rodeo. After just a few years, he was famous throughout the country, even riding in Mexico, South America, and England. His fame not only helped popularize rodeo, but helped to give attention to a black man in a very racist time. This is a brilliantly done tribute to an unjustly forgotten pioneer. The text is fascinating, and the oil paintings on scratchboard are full of energy and motion, matching the book's powerful mood. A wonderful choice for any collection. Melissa Hudak. October 1, 1996. School Library Journal.

In My World:
This book would be wonderful as a read aloud. It could prompt conversation about Reconstruction and what it was like in Texas versus the rest of the United States. It could also be used in February with Black History Month. It could also be used to open a unit on slavery and what life was like after it was abolished in the United States.

Module 11

Module 11
April 5 to 11

Julia Morgan Built a Castle
By Celeste Davidson Mannis

Mannis, Celeste Davidson. Julia Morgan Built a Castle. Viking. 2006. ISBN: 0670059641

Synopsis:
Julia Morgan dreamed of begin an architect and building beautiful structures in the late 1800s when women didn’t have professional jobs. Her inspirations were her father and her cousin, both of whom were architects. She attended college at University of California at Berkley and was eventually one of the first women accepted into Ecole des Beaux-Arts, a prestigious school for architecture in France. Julia eventually built San Simeon for Mr. William Randolph Hearst. San Simeon was intended to be Mr. Hearst’s home in California. It is still on display as a museum today.

My View of the World:
This book tells an interesting tale of a woman who had to pioneer her way into her career. Although the book tells very little about her difficulties, Miss Morgan must have faced significant opposition in her desire. The illustrations give life to the buildings that inspired her and that she built. The story is inspiring, and it leaves the reader wanting to see in person some of Miss Morgan’s creations, especially San Simeon.

Book Reviews:
The fruits of architects' labors--from pyramids to skyscrapers--have been celebrated more frequently in picture books than architects themselves. Mannis' choice of subject, the first female graduate of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, fills this void nicely, as the little something Morgan built for William Randolph Hearst on a California hilltop anchors the life story in a lavish project that will snare children's imaginations. The lively narrative crystallizes the struggles against the gender bias Morgan encountered and brings the details of a large-scale building site to a child's level, such as the movie screenings that entertained the castle's live-in construction crew. The book's large format and Hyman's full-bleed paintings capture the grandeur of both Morgan's aspirations and the dramatic landscapes in which she worked. A concluding photo of the finished structure would have been nice, as would notes about the provenance of material in quotations, but the unsung heroine and the handsome, engaging presentation counterbalance these missteps. --Jennifer Mattson, November 15, 2006. Booklist.

This picture book is a wonderful way to introduce young readers to a groundbreaking female architect. Luminescent illustrations, created using soft pastels and pencils in a golden-peach palette, appear to glow with the light of California and France, both seminal locations in Morgan's life. Informed by architecture, the paintings evoke C?zanne's attention to form: the folds of dresses, the curve of a mountain, a shadow over a hat. The opening spread shows a youngster constructing a geometric sandcastle while the text quietly states: "Julia Morgan loved to build." The book highlights other significant moments: young Julia visiting construction sites with her engineer father; being the only woman in her engineering class at UC Berkeley in the 1890s; her pride at receiving a certificate in architecture from Paris's ?cole des Beaux-Arts; her return to San Francisco and early career. The last half of the book is devoted to the construction of William Randolph Hearst's San Simeon. Mannis points out that Morgan's creations are solidly built and noted for their enduring beauty. Filled with rich vocabulary, the narrative employs scrumptious architectural terms such as "Baroque," "flying buttresses," and "teakwood cornice." An inspiring tale and encouragement for someday builders.-Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti. November 1, 2006. School Library Journal.

In My World:
This books would be fantastic as a read aloud to springboard study into life during the early 1900’s, women liberation, or architecture. This could also prompt students to do research into their ancestors. This would be a fabulous book to use within a library for several different purposes.

Module 10

Module 10

March 30 – April 4

Elijah of Buxton

By Christopher Paul Curtis

Curtis, Christopher Paul. Elijah of Buxton. Scholastic Inc. 2007. ISBN: 0439023459

Newbery Honor Book

Coretta Scott King Award

Synopsis:

Elijah is the first African who was born free in the town of Buxton, Canada, which is a town formed for freed and runaway slaves from America. Every person there works for their living on a farm. Elijah has many run-ins with a man whom he calls Preacher. However, Preacher usually does things that seem a bit suspicious to Elijah. However, he was taught not to question a preacher. Elijah works with Leroy on most days. Leroy is finally able to get enough money to buy his son, wife, and daughter back from a slaver in America. However, Leroy is too anxious to wait for a representative from the Underground Railroad to help him. Instead, he sends Preacher and another man from town to get his wife and children. Preacher takes the money for himself. In a desperate attempt to try to free his wife, Leroy goes back into America to find Preacher and takes Elijah with him. Leroy is killed in this attempt, and Elijah is left on his own. He sees slaves and slavers for the first time there before he is able to get home.

My Version of the World:

This is a wonderful book. It is all told from the viewpoint of Elijah. Although, slavery is spoken of often and something that Elijah hears about, he is very insulated from the idea of slavery. He doesn’t really understand what it looks like or means. This book follows his path to a realization of the tragedy of slavery and how he can help.

Book Reviews:

11-year-old Elijah is the first child born into freedom in Buxton, Canada, a settlement of runaway and freed slaves, in Christopher Paul Curtis's Newbery Honor book (Scholastic, 2007). When money that Elijah's friend has been saving to send to America to buy his family's freedom is stolen, Elijah crosses the border into Detroit on a dangerous mission to help recover it. Narrated by Elijah, the horrors of slavery are revealed. This engrossing tale is read by Mirron Willis who effortlessly varies his rich, textured voice to make each character unique. This story will captivate listeners.-Karen T. Bilton, Mary Jacobs Memorial Library from July 1, 2008. School Library Journal.

Elijah is eleven years old and the first person born into freedom in Buxton, a small Canadian settlement of runaway slaves. Elijah attends school, enjoys time with his loving parents, and loves fishing. His carefree life in 1859 changes when he is seen catching fish by throwing rocks rather than using a fishing pole. A local preacher, who is anything but religious, tries to exploit this talent by using him at a carnival. Elijah begins to mature as he realizes that people are not always who they appear to be. His maturation continues as he welcomes runaway slaves to town and reads a letter to a family friend about the death of her husband who was a slave. He understands through these experiences that, although he is free, slavery greatly affects his life. Elijah later decides to travel across the Canadian border to track down a thief who had stolen money that was to be used to buy a settlement member's family out of slavery. This task becomes more complicated than Elijah expected as he gets a glimpse of what slavery is really like. Curtis creates an absolute gem of a novel. It is both humorous and heartbreaking and full of crisp dialogue that propels this character-driven story. Elijah is a funny but flawed character who is wholly original and wonderfully dynamic. Curtis does what is so difficult to do in young adult fiction-convincingly show the maturation process of an adolescent without making him seem like a completely new character or like an adult at the conclusion of the novel. A fascinating portrayal of history, a strong first-person narrative, and a most remarkable main character make this work perhaps the author's finest to date.-Jeff Mann. December 1, 2007. Voice of Youth Advocates.

In My World:

I would use this book with a unit about history in the United States prior to the Civil War. It gives excellent descriptions of the reality of slavery and what life for slaves in American was like for slaves. It could also be used with Black History month or as a read aloud. It would appeal to many students, especially African-Americans.