Nonfiction- "Destination Space"

Bibliography

Simon, Seymour. Destination Space. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2002.

Plot Summary

Seymour Simon allows the reader to view some of the amazing pictures and discoveries that have been made by the Hubble Space Telescope.  He teaches the reader about Mars, Saturn, Supernovas, the collision of galaxies, the life cycle of stars and much more.  He uses common Earth distances to try and help the reader understand what ten billion light years is.  Simon even leaves the reader with thoughts of the new discoveries yet to be made.

Critical Analysis

The pages are split with one side filled with images from the Hubble Space Telescope and the other with text.  Simon explains what the reader is seeing in these images and refers to them throughout the text.  The information in the text relates directly to the images from the Hubble Space Telescope and appears to be well researched.  The style of the book is perfect for middle school students, as it gives enough information to explain the concept on the page, but not too much to confuse the reader.  In this book there are no chapters or an index.  The pages are not even titled.  The book itself will draw interest as the pictures draw the reader in and make him or her want to investigate what he or she is looking at.   

Review Excerpts

KIRKUS REVIEWS:  “It will leave even readers who are not scientifically inclined with both a clearer understanding of modern astronomy's frontiers, and an enhanced sense of wonder at the starscape's vast, turbulent beauty.”

BOOKLIST: “An attractive, informative addition to a fine series.”

Connections

After reading “Destination Space” students could research new findings in space and create their own narrative of their findings.

This book would be a great introduction to an astronomy unit.  The students could continue with the rest of the series.

Nonfiction- "The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain"

Bibliography

Sís, Peter. The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain. New York: Frances Foster Books, 2007.

Plot Summary

In this biography, Peter Sís takes the reader through his experiences of growing up in Soviet controlled Berlin throughout the Cold War.  Sís shares the restrictions and freedoms that he was denied through text and illustrations.  For instance, he could only read and draw what he was told to and had to report any of his parents’ anti-communist sentiments to the authorities. 

Critical Analysis

The style of this biography is well suited for younger readers.  The illustrations accompanied by captions explain the circumstances he faced growing up in Communist Berlin.  Sís acts as the narrator and writes simple sentences that address how he personally was affected during this turbulent time.   For the most part, the illustrations are black and white with red accents representing the Communist influence.  Some pages are filled with color to express happier times when restrictions were lifted.  The Wall is an incredible resource to teach younger readers what life was like in Berlin during the Cold War.  Sís even includes dated entries from his personal journal throughout the book to help the reader better understand the implications on the people based on what was happening. 

Awards Won and Review Excerpts

The Robert F. Sibert Winner
Caldecott Honor Book

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Complex, multifaceted, rich in detail, this book shares the artist's specific heritage while connecting to universal longings.”

BOOKLIST: "But this will certainly grab teens—who will grasp both the history and the passionate, youthful rebellions against authority."

Connections

The Wall would fit in well with a social studies unit on Communism or The Cold War.  Students could write their own biography based on their real-life experiences. 
Students could keep a journal for a set period of time and include world events and news as well as the events of their daily life.  The students could show how the happenings in the world affect their personal lives.

Poetry- “Swimming Upstream: Middle School Poems”

Biography

George, Kristine O'Connell. Swimming Upstream: Middle School Poems. New York:
     Clarion Books, 2002.

Plot Summary

Kristine O’Connell George tells the story of a girl and the events and issues she faces during her first year in middle school.  George does this through poetry. The poems allow the reader to follow the main character through her first year of middle school.  Each poem addresses common middle school problems and issues.  Locker troubles, notes and gossip, crushes and homework are some of the many topics covered that the reader will immediately relate to. 

Critical Analysis

George uses a variety of poetic forms to fill this book and tell the unnamed main character’s story in a single voice.  The poems are mostly short and as this sixth grader moves through her first year of middle school, the poems offer a positive conclusion and hope for the future.  Debbie Tilley is the illustrator and while the illustrations are few and far between they do a tremendous job of bringing the poems and story to life. They almost leave the reader wanting more as they reveal these middle schoolers catching glimpses of their first crush, experiencing mishaps in band practice and eating lunch envying their friends sushi.  The poems illicit feelings of nostalgia and middle school aged kids will immediately relate to the events told throughout the book. 

Review Excerpts

BOOKLIST- “There’s a running thread about practicing the flute until at last she can make something like music. Sweet and on key.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL- “Students will relate to this voice navigating "upstream," while they try to find their own place in the middle-school wilderness.”

Connections

Sixth graders who are new to middle school can read this collection of poetry and begin to write their own based on their middle school experiences.
Students can try to identify the different poetic forms George uses throughout the book: rhyme, free verse, acrostic and haiku.

Poetry- “Spinning Through the Universe”

Bibliography

Frost, Helen. Spinning Through the Universe. New York: Frances Foster Books, 2004.

Plot Summary

Helen Frost delivers poetry in different poetic forms to the readers in this verse novel.  Each poem is written from the perspective and story of a fifth grade class in room 214.  The subject matter goes from the serious: child abuse, racism and homelessness, to lighter subjects like recess and new kittens.  Even the teacher’s story is told from this fifth grade class. 

Critical Analysis
Frost uses the students’ stories to create poetry in order to tell their stories.   The book is divided into two parts: Great Explorers and Elm Trees.  The language of each poem is written as if a particular fifth grader or the teacher was the author, even their names are given at the beginning of each.  The reader gains some insight into the happenings of the lives of this fifth grade class, both their home life and school life.  Throughout “Spinning Through the Universe” are poems by the student, Naomi.  They are short insightful poems that make the reader think Naomi is sitting by a classroom window, looking out at nature and the happenings outside.  Frost not only uses different poetic forms, but she explains these forms and how she chose which one to use in the “Notes on Forms and Acknowledgments” section. The reader will actually feel as if they know the students and teacher in classroom 214 when they finish with "Spinning Through the Universe".

Review Excerpts

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Interwoven dramatic stories and interesting poetic patterns give this book extra appeal.”

BOOKLIST: “Here the poems provide a glimpse of a greater diversity of characters.”

Connections

After sharing this book of poetry to students, they can begin to form their own poetry about the events of their lives. 
Students can use these poems as examples to see that poetry does not have to follow one specific form.  Spinning Through the Universe is an excellent way to expose kids to different poetic forms.

Poetry- “Knock on Wood”

Bibliography

Wong, Janet S. Knock on Wood: Poems about Superstitions. New York: Margaret K.
     McElderry Books, 2003.

Plot Summary

“Knock on Wood” is filled with poetic explanations to well known and some not so well known superstitions.  These include: knocking on wood (of course), four leaf clovers, salt and not opening umbrellas indoors.  It also includes potatoes being a cure for rheumatism and using keys to help you find your way.  These short poems offer explanations and readers can find out where these strange beliefs came about.  Janet Wong explains the history of the superstitions at the end of the book. 

Critical Analysis

This book of poetry resembles a poetry picture book and each poem is arranged alphabetically with superstitions from all over the world.  The illustrations by Julie Paschkis completely fill the pages and surround the poems.  They are colorful and depict the details of the superstitions in a whimsical manner.  The language is simple enough for young children, but because they are based on superstions, the poetry itself will appeal to both children and adults.  Wong supplies the results of her research on each of the superstitions to further hook the reader.  Some of the rhymes are a little awkward, but because of the subject matter, audiences of all ages will be interested in this book.

Review Excerpts

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “There is much to ponder in both words and pictures.”

BOOKLIST: “Filled with mystery, magic, and hidden worlds, these are poems to liven up language arts classes and to spark discussions about personal beliefs.”

Connections

This book would be a great tie in to Halloween.
Students could create their own superstitions and follow up with their own poetry.
Students could act out the superstitions from “Knock on Wood”.

Traditional Literature- "Schoolyard Rhymes"

Bibliography

Judy Sierra, Schoolyard Rhymes. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. ISBN: 978-0375825163

Plot Summary

Judy Sierra selected many children’s favorite rhymes that they sing and recite on the playground.  As the reader goes through the colorful pages, she  will be delighted to remember these rhymes and learn new ones.   Some of these include: “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me”,  “Shimmy, shimmy, coca pop” and  “Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack”.   The reader will find herself singing along as the melody pops in her head. 

Critical Analysis

While many of the phrases and rhymes may not make sense, the reader will giggle at its silliness.  The illustrations completely fill the pages and are the perfect backdrop for these rhymes and poems.  Even as the animals jump rope, the rope consists of words from the rhyme. 

Review Excerpts

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This is a definite winner, as it will be enormously popular with children."

BOOKLIST: “A great choice for back-to-school displays.”

Connections

Students, after reading “Schoolyard Rhymes,” can write their own rhymes.  Students can then perform their rhymes by singing it or even jumping rope to them.  The rhymes also can be compared to poetry.

Other books include:

“Anna Banana: 101 Jump Rope Rhymes” by Joanna Cole

“Miss Mary Mack and Other Children’s Street Rhymes by Stephanie Calmenson and Joanna Cole

Traditional Literature Reviews- "All Our Relatives: Traditional Native American Thoughts about Nature"

Bibliography

Goble, Paul. All Our Relatives: Traditional Native 
     American Thoughts about Nature. Bloomington:
     World Wisdom, Inc., 2005. ISBN: 978-094153277.

Plot Summary

“All Our Relatives” discusses different folklore and legends of Native Americans regarding nature.  Goble shares different stories, songs, and phrases, each relating to an animal or part of nature and how the Native Americans have learned and benefitted from each.  He shares a legend of how the crow becomes black, how a woodpecker saved a man from a bear, and how magpies saved the humans from being eaten by buffalo.  Throughout the stories and legends are morals that demonstrate the need to respect and learn from the animals and nature in general.

Critical Analysis

Throughout “All Our Relatives” the reader is shown the beauty and the knowledge that nature provides us.  Goble explores the belief that Native Americans had that people and nature need to live a balanced, respectful relationship.  Excerpts of Native American stories and tidbits of knowledge support each story.  The illustrations, also by Goble, are basic and somewhat reminiscent of cave drawings.  They hold true to the nature of Native Americans and help bring the stories to life.  Goble’s illustrations give the reader a glimpse into the mind of Native Americans.

Review Excerpts

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURANL: “Black Elk, Standing Bear, Brave Buffalo, and others observe the importance of various animals and the sacred qualities of all living things.”

KIRKUS REVIEW: “The stories and the wisdom are strong, and occasionally enchanting.”

Connections

Have the students write and share their thoughts regarding nature.  After the students examine their beliefs, ask them if they think their beliefs align with the Native Americans.

“Sneve's Enduring Wisdom” by Virginia Driving Hawk

“North American Myths & Legens” by Phillip Ardagh

“Native American Mythology A-Z” by Patricia Ann Lynch