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.

Module 9

Module 9
March 22-29

Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Monster Movie
By David Adler

Adler, David. Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Monster Movie. The Viking Press. 1984. ISBN: 0670200352

Synopsis:
Cam, her parents, and her friend, Eric, are all at the movie. Cam and Eric pass the time waiting in line by playing the memory game. Cam has a photographic memory and can look once at a scene and remember all that she sees. The reel for the film that they are going to watch gets stolen. Then Eric and Cam go to work, using her memory to solve the case.

My Version of the World:
This is a good mystery novel for elementary aged students. It is fun to read about the interactions between Cam and Eric. It also shows adults in a good light. Cam’s photographic memory and logical deduction are the keys to solving the crime. It is definitely a good read for younger students.

Book Reviews:
In this reissue, another generation of kids will get to meet the intrepid and amazing Cam Jansen. This time the story takes place at a movie theater where the second reel of the Shoe Escape disappears. The major suspect is the owner of a competitive movie theater, but Cam with her photographic memory is able to deduce who the real thief is. Kids who dream of being detectives will enjoy the exploits of Cam and her friend Eric. Her very understanding and cooperative parents may be the only part that doesn't ring quite true. Part of the "Puffin Chapters" series. 1999 from Children’s Literature.

"An uncluttered plot, a clever heroine, clear language, and a dash of humor make for a zestful mystery." From School Library Journal

In My World:
I would use this book as a read aloud within the library for children just beginning their chapter books. It would also be excellent to use logical reasoning with the children and try to get them to follow the same clues that Cam does throughout the story.

Module 8

Module 8
March 8-14

The Hunger Games
By Suzanne Collins

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. Scholastic Press. 2008. ISBN: 0439023483

Synopsis:
Katniss lives in District Twelve with her family. She hunts illegally outside the district to keep them from starving on the poor rations that they get from the Capitol of Panem. Once a year, all twelve districts have to send two applicants each, a boy and a girl between ages twelve to eighteen, to compete in the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games are a game of survival, and the winner is the one who is alive at the end. This year Katniss’s younger sister, Prim, is chosen. To prevent her sister from going, Katniss volunteers to go in her spot. Peeta is also chosen to go as the boy from District Twelve. Both get to the Capitol and are prepared to compete in the most deadly game that they will ever see. They both soon realize that although they are given no choice in the competition they can still show the Capitol how they feel about the games in other ways.

My Version of the World:
This is a riveting book from page one. The plight of Katniss and her family are immediately endearing, and the government is horrible. When Katniss takes Prim’s place, it seems inevitable because Katniss always protects Prim. The book builds from that point in. The reader isn’t sure if Katniss will survive, how Katniss feels about Peeta, or who they should trust in this strange world that they are both thrust into. This is a surefire winner for just about anyone.

Book Reviews:

Suzanne Collins's first book (Scholastic, 2008) of a planned trilogy introduces an easy-to-imagine, cruel future society divided by wealth and obsessed with media and celebrity. The controlling Capitol broadcasts the Hunger Games, mandatory watching for all citizens of Panem. The annual event pits 24 Tributes-a girl and boy teen from each of the 12 Districts surrounding the Capitol-against one another in a desperate battle to the death. When 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her younger sister's place as District Twelve's girl Tribute, she is thrown into a media frenzy, complete with stylists and costumes, literally fighting for her life in the arena. Intense, graphic action, along with a touch of romance, makes this dystopic adventure a great choice for older reluctant readers. Although the plot mimics both Stephen King's The Long Walk (Penguin, 1999) and Running Man (Signet, 1999) as well as Koushon Takami's Battle Royale (Tokyopop, 2007), Collins creates a fascinating world and Katniss is a believably flawed and interesting character. Carolyn McCormick ably voices the action-packed sequences and Katniss's every fear and strength shines through, along with her doomed growing attraction to one of her fellow Tributes. This engrossing audiobook belongs in all public and school libraries.-Charli Osborne. April 1, 2009. School Library Journal.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen cannot believe it when her younger sister Prim is chosen as the female tribute from their district at the Reaping. In this futuristic society, each district is required to send two tributes to the Games in the Capitol where they must fight to the death while the whole country watches on live television. To protect her sister, Katniss volunteers to take her place, knowing that she will probably never again return home. Twenty-four young people are dropped off in a remote area and must fight for survival against the harsh conditions and each other. Only one is allowed to live. Katniss and Peeta, the other tribute from District 12, form an uneasy alliance that blossoms into romance amid the brutality and deprivation of the Hunger Games. Katniss and Peeta try to rebel against the Gamemakers but discover that they must play the game to its end. Collins moves up a level from the Gregor the Overlander books in this gripping story that is the first of a new trilogy. Themes of government control, big brother, and personal independence are explored amidst a thrilling adventure that will appeal to science fiction, survival, and adventure readers. The suspense of this powerful novel will keep the reader glued to the page long after bedtime.-Deborah L. Dubois. October 1, 2008. Voice of Youth Advocates.

In My World:
I would use this book as a read aloud. It could prompt discussion into current news stories such as the morality of reality television. It could also come alongside a unit on different types of government or a unit on botany. Any of these would be fantastic options with this book, but primarily, I would use this as a read-aloud.

Module 8

Module 8
March 8-14

Alcatraz versus The Evil Librarians
By Brandon Sanderson

Sanderson, Brandon. Alcatraz versus The Evil Librarians. Scholastic Press. 2003. ISBN: 0439925525

Synopsis:
Alcatraz Smedry is a boy in the foster care system when his grandfather shows up one day. Grandpa Smedry informs Alcatraz that he is caught up in a world war between the Hushlands, run by the evil librarians, and the Free Kingdoms. The Smedrys are an ancient bloodline and with that bloodline comes a special gift every generation. Alcatraz’s gift is simple. He breaks everything he touches. Alcatraz then goes with Grandpa Smedry to get back the sands of Rashid from the Librarians who stole it. With friends and family that he never knew that he had, Alcatraz is able to successfully retrieve the sands and discover a fantastical world that he never knew existed.

My Version of the World
I really enjoyed this book. It begins a journey into a fantastical world where librarians are evil, and the world as we know it is a sham. From glasses or ocular devices that see auras to cars that drive themselves, this book is a nonstop ride of fun. He has the narrator be the main character. Sanderson inserts many ironic comments that are really humorous and add to the story. The world that Sanderson invents in unlike any that I had read, and it is very unique.

Book Reviews

In Sanderson's (Elantris) children's debut, an over-the-top fantasy/adventure, librarians are evil because they control all the information in Hushland (America). They distort some facts and fabricate the rest. Alcatraz, meanwhile, is the name of the protagonist, who has been raised in a series of foster homes. As the novel opens, on his 13th birthday, he is quickly initiated into the true nature of librarians by his heretofore unmet grandfather, Leavenworth Smedry. Before long, Sanderson brings on talking dinosaurs (it's a librarian distortion that they're extinct), a parallel world, visiting villains and more. The madcap plot can seem chaotic, with action pulling Alcatraz toward new characters at a breakneck speed, but Sanderson unexpectedly draws everything together in an extravagantly silly climax. Readers whose sense of humor runs toward the subversive will be instantly captivated: not only does the author poke fun at librarians, he lampoons books (including this one) in frequent passages directly addressed to readers: "You are saying to yourself, 'The story just lost me. It degenerated into pure silliness.... I'm going to go read a book about a boy whose dog gets killed by his mother. Twice.'" Like Lemony Snicket and superhero comics rolled into one (and then revved up on steroids), this nutty novel isn't for everyone, but it's also sure to win passionate fans. Ages 9-up. November 19, 2007. Publisher’s Weekly.

The conventional trappings of the middle-school fantasy get turned upside down in this zany novel. Alcatraz is a 13-year-old boy with hidden powers, but his talent is "breaking things." The powerful object he must find is a bag of sand, he battles monsters made of paper, and his arch nemeses are evil librarians. It all sounds ludicrous, but there is actually some consistent logic that makes the adventures engaging, as well as silly. Seemingly random insertions, such as a bunch of very civilized dinosaurs that speak with English accents, later play key roles in the plot development. Alcatraz opens nearly every chapter by addressing readers directly, and frequently interrupts the narrative, a technique that adds to the enjoyable bizarreness. He reflects flippantly upon writing techniques, gives broad hints about what may happen next, and even tells outright lies about his own story. It takes a while to adjust to this intentionally chaotic narration, but it ultimately becomes quite effective. The details of this fantasy world, where librarians dominate "Hushlanders" by withholding information about many things, including the existence of three other continents, make just enough sense to frame the sometimes frantic plot. Though there's intentionally more humor than drama, Alcatraz becomes a more complex figure by the time his adventure is through as he discovers the value of friendship, courage, and family. Readers who prefer fantasy with plenty of humor should enjoy entering Alcatraz's strange but amusing world.-Steven Engelfried. November 1, 2007. School Library Journal.

In My World
I would use this book as a read-aloud within the library. It introduces new and different vocabulary for many young readers. However, it does not obviously point to a unit or a direction within the classroom other than pure reading enjoyment.

Flush

Module 7
March 1 – 7

Flush
By Carl Hiaasen

Hiaasen, Carl. Flush. 2005. Alfred P. Knopf. ISBN: 0375841857

Synopsis
Noah and Abbey Underwood are brother and sister, but their father, Paine, can get carried away. Paine really got carried away this time. Their father sunk a gambling boat because he suspected it was unlawfully dumping its waste in the Florida Keys rather than disposing of it. When Paine insists on staying in jail to support his cause and their mother begins to discuss divorce, Noah and Abbey decide that the solution to the problem is up to them. Noah and Abbey put food coloring in the sewage system of the boat. When the boat dumps its contents illegally, there is literally a trail that leads back to Dusty Muleman’s gambling boat. Their father is justified, and they are the very silent heroes of the town.

My View of the World:
This is a very interesting book that explores the family relationships of the Underwood family and the environmental impact of dumping human waste in the Florida Keys. Most likely, this book will at the very least lead to a concern for the environment. The characters are very endearing and the irony is hilarious. This will very much be a favorite for many readers.

Book Reviews:
In Flush, … Carl Hiaasen's ecological concerns focus on illegal dumping of raw sewage from a floating casino. Noah Underwood's dad has sunk the gambling ship, the Coal Queen, in protest. Now the elder Underwood is launching a media campaign from his jail cell to raise public awareness since the sewage-spewing ship will soon be back in operation. Though Noah and his younger sister Abbey believe in their father's cause, they also fear their mother will file for divorce if he continues to react so outrageously to environmental issues. After a few false starts and run-ins with the casino owner's son and the ship's hired goon, the siblings come up with a plan to use food coloring to expose the hazardous dumping. Working with Shelly, the casino's bartender, and aided by a mysterious white-haired man, Noah and Abbey set their trap, but end up adrift off the Florida Keys. Rescue and an unexpected family reunion make their successful exposure of the corrupt casino owner even sweeter. It takes a few more plot twists before the Coral Queen is closed forever, and by then Noah's parents have learned better ways to manage their marital problems. Michael Welch's narration neatly balances the protagonist's earnest youthfulness with the story's humor. In the manner of Hoot (Knopf, 2002), Hiaasen's award-winning first foray into young adult novels, Flush deals with serious ecological and personal issues. With good insight into real world relationships plus a mix of solid citizens and offbeat good guys, this audiobook has broad appeal and will be valued in middle school, high school, and public libraries. Barbara Wysocki, January 1, 2006. School Library Journal.

Hiaasen's latest plunge into the young adult literary world enables librarians to acquire a mystery marked by quality writing, humor, and suspense, but the book also avoids overbearing teen angst and does not smack of After-School-Special. Wise-beyond-their-years siblings Noah Underwood and his younger sister, Abbey, have formed a long-standing agreement that has Noah keeping an eye on his father and Abbey looking after their mother. Following the sinking of a casino yacht, Paine Underwood, Noah's father and a former fishing guide, who fearlessly challenges authority and is proud of his civil disobedience, is thrown in prison. During a Father's Day jail visit, Noah learns that the yacht's owner, slimy Dusty Muleman, had been dumping raw sewage into the water, ruining the swimming beach and endangering the breeding turf of loggerhead turtles, thus providing Paine's motivation for sinking the floating gambling hall. Exhausted by her husband's shenanigans, Mrs. Underwood threatens to end the marriage, providing added incentive for the intrepid teens to launch a hazardous plan. The son revisits the sins of the father when Noah-with steadfast assistance from Abbey-hatches a devious scheme to exonerate his father and prove beyond a doubt that the greedy Muleman really was dumping nasty waste into the bay. In this follow-up to Hoot (Knopf, 2002/VOYA October 2002), Hiaasen's mastery of droll dialogue and entertaining descriptions prevent the large cast of quirky characters from falling into stereotypical traps. The skillful pacing of the somewhat intricate plot keeps the pages turning, making this extremely amusing book a welcome addition to all teen collections. Rollie Welch. October 1, 2005. Voice of Youth Advocates.

In My World:
In the library, I would use this book for a read aloud or as a book for a book club. This would be a great opening for a discussion about the environment and pollution and can prompt research into those subjects. This can also be a wonderful addition to a unit on the flora and fauna of the Florida Keys.

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things

Module 7
March 1 – 7

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things
By Carolyn Mackler

Mackler, Carolyn. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things. 2003. Candlewick Press. ISBN: 0763620912

Synopsis:
Virginia Shreves feels like a black sheep in a picture perfect family. She is slightly overweight and seems unexceptional compared to her parents or siblings. Then Virginia’s brother, Byron, gets into trouble at college and has to move home. Virginia is plunged into the depths of depression, and she begins to question everything that she always thought was a sterling truth. With the help of her good friend, Shannon, Virginia realizes that her limits are only what she believes, and that she is beautiful just as she is.
Michael Printz Award Honor book

My View of the World:
This is a really insightful book about the thoughts of a girl who feels as though she is overweight and an underachiever. While it touches on the topics of eating disorders, self-esteem issues, adolescent sex, and date rape, it is an interesting read and definitely worth having in a library or a classroom. It celebrates teens finding their own identity apart from what popular culture would tell them that they should be.

Book Reviews:
Overweight 15-year-old Virginia Shreves is the misfit in what she perceives as her perfect, thin, good-looking, exceptional family in this novel by Carolyn Mackler (Candlewick, 2003). Her usually absent father and adolescent psychologist mother are so stifling that Virginia's older sister joins the Peace Corp to escape. Big brother Byron is universally adored by all, particularly Virginia, until halfway through the novel when he is suspended from college for date rape. Virginia slowly comes to realize that Byron is the cause of many of her insecurities, and she is the only one in the family to acknowledge and do something about the fact that he did commit this terrible crime. The absence of Virginia's best friend, romantic entanglement with Froggy Welsh, and the many casual cruelties perpetrated on her by the in-crowd cause Virginia stress and create a serious lack of self- esteem. However, once she realizes her perfect family isn't quite as flawless as she thought, Virginia is empowered to stand up to her awful but well-intentioned mother, reestablish contact with Froggy, and even do the ultimate in teen defiance-get a body piercing. Johanna Parker is a superb narrator for this first person novel. She successfully portrays the angry mother, clueless father, whiny and irresponsible brother, vapid in-girls and, best of all, the appealing main character. Pacing is excellent and Parker perfectly conveys the nuances of teen insecurity in all its painful glory. While the author tries to deal with too many issues and ends up giving many of them short shrift, teens will certainly care and root for the marvelous Virginia Shreves.-B. Allison Gray. December 1, 2004. School Library Journal.

Virginia Shreves has some serious issues with which to deal. Her body and her inferiority complex are both larger than average. Her best friend just moved away from home in New York City to Walla Walla, Washington, and just might forget Virginia completely. Froggy, her potential boyfriend, is a great kisser, but he never speaks to her outside their Monday afternoon trysts. Worst of all, she is convinced that she was switched at birth because her family is a collection of thin, bright overachievers. Her adolescent psychologist mother is a diet and exercise fanatic, and her jet-setting father openly prefers skinny women. Byron and Anais, Virginia's older brother and sister, are slim, brilliant, and successful-hard acts to follow. Subtract the oddball Virginia from the equation and this fabulous foursome equals a perfect family. At least they seem perfect until an unspeakable act and a telephone call change everything, and Virginia learns that people are not always what they seem. Mackler allows Virginia to narrate the story of her family's destruction and struggle for redemption in a voice that is dead-on, whether sassy and self-assured or agonized and self-destructive. Hilarious, insecure, hopeful, clueless-Virginia is a treasure. All readers will wish they could tell her that themselves. From the eye-catching silver foil cover, with title graphics looking like lipstick, to the upbeat ending, this novel is a required purchase for public library young adult collections. The occasional use of strong language and a few mild sexual allusions are appropriate and well done.-Jamie S. Hansen. October 1, 2003. Voice of Youth Advocates.

In My World:
I would use this book to address issues with teenagers having to do the body image and eating disorders. It cal also speak to self esteem issues and family expectations. I would use this with a select group of teen girls as a book club read to discuss in a group. This can prompt more information about what a healthy body image looks like.

Module 6
February 22 -28

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
By Jack Gantos

Gantos, Jack. Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key. 1998. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. ISBN: 0064408337

Synopsis:
Joey Pigza can’t seem to stay still in class. He can’t remember to follow the rules. His teacher, Mrs. Maxy, reminds him to follow the classroom rules, but he can’t seem to stay still. He has lived with his grandmother, but then his mother comes home to live with him. His mother has high expectations for Joey and takes him to the doctor. However, sometimes the medicine works and sometimes it doesn’t. When Joey hurts a student at school accidentally, he is sent to an alternative school to try to help him. Joey is able to begin to make better choices and get medicine to help with the fact that he can’t seem to stay still or focus. Joey goes back to school and realizes that he can do well at the end.

National Book Award Finalist

My View of the World:
This is a fantastic view into the world of a student with severe attention deficit disorder. The narrator of the book is Joey Pigza, and the chaotic pace of the narration reflects his state of mind. This is a wonderful book for teachers and students because its insight should help produce understanding among others. It is easy to see how Joey feels and to have sympathy for him. This is a must for all teachers.

Book Reviews:
You will groan and wince, but not want to stop listening to John Gantos' fast-paced narration of Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (FS&G, 1998). Joey Pigza is wired, just like his father and his grandmother. When Joey was in kindergarten, his father left and his mother followed, leaving Joey to live with his abusive grandmother. His mother is back now, and he knows she loves him and wants him to be good. Joey explains in his own voice that his medication does not last through the day, and even though he tries to follow the rules, bad things happen, like swallowing his key, sharpening his finger in a pencil sharpener and running amuck during a class trip to an Amish farm. Gantos' lively and highly emotional voice brings the supporting characters to life by adequately distinguishing them from one another, as Joey describes all of the ups and down of his days at school. Joey is fortunate to have the support of many caring adults in the Lancaster County school system. They understand that he has Attention Deficit Disorder and lead Joey and his mother toward positive solutions to his problems. There is an author's epilogue in which he describes what events led him to write the book. Listeners will empathize with Joey and his trials and tribulations, while rejoicing at his wonderful zest for life.-Jo-Ann Carhart - February 1, 2000, School Library Journal.

Joey Pigza, who lives with his hyperactive grandmother, understands that he's also "wired bad." Despite his best intentions, he can't concentrate and can't hold still. What's more, he can never resist an impulse: when his teacher assigns him to sharpening pencils to keep him from getting into mischief, he sharpens pencils, then chalk, then a Popsicle stick, and finally his own finger. He begins to settle down when his mother returns and gets him started on medication, but unfortunately, his morning pill wears off by noon every day. What makes this unusual is Gantos' sympathetic approach to all concerned. There are no bad guys among the adults, just well-meaning, occasionally exasperated grown-ups trying to help Joey get his behavior under control. Joey tells his own story, giving a vivid, keenly observed, detailed account of his actions and the reactions of others: "By lunchtime my meds had worn off again and I was spinning around in my chair like it was the Mad Hatter's Teacup ride at the church carnival." Gantos sometimes seems to be using Joey to inform readers, and occasionally makes Joey's comments seem too adult, but Joey is warm, lovable, and good-hearted, though maybe just a little too nice to be realistic. (He never even gets angry when he's deprived of the sugary treats he so craves.) Most teachers and students know at least one child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and this book will surely help them become more understanding, even as they enjoy Gantos' fresh writing style and tart sense of humor. --Susan Dove Lempke, December 5, 1998, Booklist.

In My World:
This book would be good to address issues with lack of understand of others within the classroom environment. I would use this as a read aloud within the library and follow it up with discussions about the differences between people. I would address the issue of achieving goals when we aren’t certain that we can. This is definitely a book for upper elementary, middle or high school.