Nation

Author: Terry Pratchett
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins; Reprint edition (September 22, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780061433030
ISBN-13: 978-0061433030

Synopsis: Mau is just returning from his rite-of-passage voyage to his island home, Nation, when a great tsunami hits, nearly destroying everything and everyone. Caught between man and boy, Mau must struggle to keep what is left of his home together, and find more strength when he discovers he isn't the only survivor - and has somehow become their chief! Also caught up in the wave is young Ermintrude, an English girl of gentile breeding who was sailing to meet her father in his post of governor of a tropical island. Ermintrude - who rechristens herself Daphne because she hates her given name - is the sole survivor of her ship (or so she thinks) and must quickly learn a new language, a new culture and a new way of life.

Review: I could not put this book down. I've been a fan of Terry Pratchett since I read his collaboration with Neil Gaiman ("Good Omens"), but had read more of Gaiman's works than Pratchett's. The tagline on the book cover reads "When much is taken, something is gained." These wise words were spoken by an old man in Mau's village, and they set the theme for the entire novel. I heartily enjoyed everything about this book - romance, sacrifice, humor, peril, science - as well as the fact that the author states it took place in a parallel universe that had some of the same people in it as ours and many similar features, but not exactly the same. Within a few moments of opening the book, I was hooked and had suspended all disbelief. The characterizations were rich and lush. The animals and scenery were not just backdrops to the story, they were part of the fabric of the book and integral to everything in it. I recommend this book for "children" of all ages!

Awards/Reviews:

§         School Library Journal Best Book

§         Horn Book Fanfare

§         Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Book

§         Bulletin Blue Ribbon (The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books)

§         Publishers Weekly Best Book

§         Michael L. Printz Honor Book

§         ALA Notable Children’s Book

§         ALA Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults

§         ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults

§         ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice

§         Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Book

§         Chicago Public Library Best of the Best

§         Horn Book Fanfare

§         Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Book

§         Bulletin Blue Ribbon (The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books)

§         Publishers Weekly Best Book

§         Michael L. Printz Honor Book

§         ALA Notable Children’s Book

§         ALA Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults

§         ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults

§         ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice

§         Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Book

§         Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 

"The main characters are engaging and interesting, and are the perfect medium for the author's sly humor. Daphne is a close literary cousin of Tiffany Aching in her common sense and keen intelligence wedded to courage. A rich and thought-provoking read." - School Library Journal, starred review

"Critics praised Nation as a hybrid, deeply philosophical book aimed at young adults, but one likely to appeal to adults as well, much like Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy or J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. With echoes of William Defoe and William Golding, Nation takes the form of a “classic Robinsonade,” notes the Washington Post—that is, a book in which characters on a desert island recreate civilization. As his characters grapple with questions of leadership, humanity, and survival, Pratchett explores fundamental ideas about religion and culture. This might all sound rather heavy, but there is plenty of originality and humor—and cannibals, spirits, and secret treasures—to go around. In the end, Pratchett offers a vision of a deeply humane world." - Bookmarks Magazine review

"It is hard to imagine a reader who won’t feel welcomed into this nation." - Horn Book, starred review

Connections:

After reading the novel, give students print outs of Terry Pratchett's essay on the inspiration for "Nation" at http://www.harpercollins.com/author/authorExtra.aspx?authorID=7848&isbn13=9780061433016&displayType=bookessay. After reading, look up the Krakatoa and Indonesian tsunamis and compare news/history accounts with how Pratchett described it in his book. What was different? What was similar? Turn this into a journal entry.

On page 1, the fable of how Imo Made the World is told. In their journals, have students write prose or poetry of their own creation myth. What would the god(s)' name(s) be? How did the create the world? What did they put in it?

After students have done this, have them write a story of what happens in this imagined world. Is it like our world, or completely different?

Lunch Lady and The Cyborg Substitute

Author: Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (July 28, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780375846830
ISBN-13: 978-0375846830

Synopsis: Lunch Lady is not only serving up meals in the cafeteria, she's serving up justice so she can make sure the students are safe! Follow the adventures of Lunch Lady and her faithful assistant Betty, along with student sleuths Hector, Dee and Terrence as they discover there's something fishy about the new substitute, and it isn't just the daily special they're smelling!

Review: This graphic novel was a quick read, but a very fun one. As would be expected, there's lots of action and humor. I especially enjoyed all of Lunch Lady's weapons disguised as ordinary cafeteria fare and utensils! Although the only colors in the graphic novel are black, white, gray and yellow, this does not detract from the plot line in the book - in fact, it seems to point the reader to where the focus needs to be, without a lot of background "clutter" to get in the way. I especially enjoyed the cliff-hanger ending of the book, sure to send readers scrambling for the next installment.

Awards/Reviews:

- WINNER 2009 Kid's Indie Next List "Inspired Recommendations for Kids from Indie Booksellers"
- WINNER 2010 Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices

"Yellow-highlighted pen-and-ink cartoons are as energetic and smile-provoking as Lunch Lady’s epithets of 'Cauliflower!' and Betty’s ultimate weapon, the hairnet. There is a nice twist in the surprise ending, and the kids’ ability to stand up to the school bully shows off their newfound confidence in a credible manner. Little details invite and reward repeat readings with visual as well as verbal punning." - Booklist review

Connections:

Get students to make their own superhero weapon for Lunch Lady to use. Print handouts of a page from the book at  http://www.lunchladycomics.com/llfinishthestory.pdf and let students write and draw their own dialouge and superhero gadget!

Print out more gadget blueprints for students from http://www.lunchladycomics.com/bettysblueprints.pdf and let students make their own blueprints and gadgets. Then have students write a journal entry about how Lunch Lady uses the new gadget(s). If students are artistically inclined, they can write it in graphic novel form. If not, prose is fine.

Prior to using this book in class, download and peruse the teachers' resource on the use of graphic novels from Random House  http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/teachers_guides/9780375846830.pdf. There are great ideas for integrating graphic novels into the classroom!

Joey Pigza Loses Control

Title: Joey Pigza Loses Control
Author: Jack Gantos
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (March 5, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780064410229
ISBN-13: 978-0064410229

Synopsis: In the second book in this series about mixed up, tumbled-about, hyperactive Joey Pigza, Joey and his dog, Pablo, go to visit his father for the summer - A father Joey doesn't remember. Carter Pigza turns out to be just like Joey, only bigger and in denial that he has problems. Carter insists that Joey doesn't need medication to control his ADD, he just needs willpower. Just when Joey had a handle on his ADD, Carter comes into his life and flushes all Joey's medicine down the toilet. As Joey feels his control slipping away and all his old bad habits coming back, he wonders (as does the reader) if he will ever find his way back to control again.

Review:  As the parent of a child with ADHD (although not nearly as severe as Joey's), my heart hurt reading this book. Carter's insistence that all Joey needs to be "normal" is more willpower is so familiar to me. The fact that my son is medicated to help him focus has been questioned (and re-questioned ad inifinitum) by family, friends, and even people who are virtual strangers. Joey is a fully formed, multidimensional character. He practically leaps off the page; however, the same cannot be said for some of the adult characters. At times, the adults in Joey's life seem more like caricatures than real people. Because the books are aimed at middle schoolers, this is not detrimental to the story. As it should be, the main focus is on Joey and his internal dialogue. While in some parts the book was depressing, it was also by turns uplifting and hilarious.

Awards/Reviews:

 - Newbery Honor Book

 - ALA Notable Book

 - Publishers Weekly Best Book

 - School Library Journal Best Book

 - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Book

 - New York Times Book Review Notable Book

 - Booklist Editors' Choice

 - Horn Book Fanfare Book

"Hilarious, harrowing, and ultimately heartening." - School Library Journal, starred review

"A truly memorable read." - ALA Booklist, starred review

"Like its predecessor, this high-voltage, honest novel mixes humor, pain, fear and courage with deceptive ease. Struggling to please everyone even as he sees himself hurtling toward disaster, Joey emerges as a sympathetic hero, and his heart of gold never loses its shine." - Publishers Weekly

"Jack Gantos's second book about Joey Pigza is just as delightful and soulful as his first. Joey's attempts to keep the fragile peace in his life intact are touching, and his intense longing to just be normal will mirror the feelings of most preteens, whether they have ADD or not. Joey Pigza may sometimes lose control, but he never loses his heart. This is an exceptional sequel." - Amazon.com

Connections:

Read students the passage on page 52 in which Joey talks about "becoming two Joeys" — "one Joey for Mom and a different Joey for Dad."

As a class, discuss what Joey means in the above quote. Ask students: Have you ever felt this way? When? Why? They may wish to share their personal stories of feeling like two different people; for example, a student may feel like one person with their friends and a different person with their parents or teachers. What problems does this cause for you? What problems does this cause for Joey?

As a follow-up to this discussion, have students write a journal entry (prose or poetry) about a time in their lives when they felt like they had to be two different versions of themselves.

Ask students to further explore the idea of dual identities. Ask students to imagine the "two Joeys" having a dialogue or conversation. What would they say to each other? What is on the mind of "Mom's Joey"? What is on the mind of "Dad's Joey"? Make a list of the different thoughts, concerns, and opinions of the two Joeys.

Casting the Gods Adrift: A Tale of Ancient Egypt

Author: Geraldine McCaughrean
Illustrator: Patricia D. Ludlow
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: Cricket Books (May 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0812626842
ISBN-13: 978-0812626841

Synopsis: Tutmose, his brother (Ibrim) and his father (Harkut) are chosen to go work as skilled craftsmen for Akhenaten, the new Pharoah of Egypt. After only an initial reluctance based more on the thought of their father's wrath than any devotion to multiple gods, Tutmose and Ibrim willingly accept the new king's commandment to worship only one God. But Harkut, who was raised in a polytheistic society, cannot do as commanded, and begins to plot ways to kill the king. Will Tutmose and Ibrim make their father see reason, or will Harkut succeed in killing the Pharoah?


Review: For the most part this book was enjoyable, with rich details - many of which I had encountered in my previous amateur Egyptologist studies. The details are mostly rich and the characterizations of Tutmose and Ibrim are highly developed. However, the same cannot be said about the Pharoah and his family. For the most part, though, this book was highly enjoyable and provided a nice, quick interlude into the past.


Awards/Reviews:

No awards for this title

McCaughrean has told a fine story, and though the themes and vocabulary may be advanced for the intended audience, readers will most likely just enjoy the story. The characters are lively, and the plot moves nicely. Budding Egyptologists will savor this title with its historical references and detailed backdrop. - School Library Journal

McCaughrean gives readers a glimpse into Egypt's future (and a reference to an archeological find that could well pique interest in further study). - Publishers Weekly

The author's thoughtful consideration of belief systems in conflict adds depth to Tutmose's lively account of life in Pharaoh's entourage, and the development of his own religious convictions. - Kirkus Reviews

Connections:

For fun, after reading this novel, have students read "Tut, Tut" by Jon Scieszka. (Puffin, 1998). The Trio finds themselves in ancient Egypt where they must outwit the pharaoh's evil advisor. After reading, have students point out what historical elements were similar in both books, what was different, etc.

Study ancient Egyptian history, math and writing at http://www.discoveringegypt.com/hiromenu.htm. After learning about just how ancient Ancient Egypt really is, Egyptian mathematics and more. For fun, allow students to go to the site during computer time and see their name in hieroglyphics, play games and more.

Wednesday Wars, The

Title: The Wednesday Wars
Author: Gardy D. Schmidt
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Sandpiper; Reprint edition (May 18, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 054723760X
ISBN-13: 978-0547237602

Synopsis: In 1967, everyone (read: adults) has bigger things to worry about than one 7th grade boy's problems with his teacher. Holling Hoodhood is the last presbyterian left in his class. On Wednesday afternoons, when all his Jewish classmates Hebrew school to prepare for their bar- or bat-mitzvahs and the other half goes to Catechism, Holling is the only kid left in class - effectively putting a stop to his teacher, Mrs. Baker's, free Wednesday afternoons. In a move Holling is sure is prompted by Mrs. Baker's hatred for him, his teacher decides she will read the works of William Shakespeare with Holling on those Wednesday afternoons. Who knew studying The Bard would help form so much of Holling's character?

Review: There aren't enough positive things to say about this book. At turns it made me cry, laugh out loud, and get angry - sometimes within the space of a few minutes! Holling Hoodhood and Mrs. Baker are fully realized people on the page, not just flat characterizations. The events of the late 1960s are told from a fresh perspective and filtered through the mind and viewpoint of a teenaged boy. Having a teenaged boy myself, I can verify that the events Holling finds so "traumatic" are very true of real teenagers. I have already given the book to my son and told him to read it!

Awards/Reviews:

• 2008 -- Newbery Honor Book
• 2008 -- ALA Notable Children's Book
• 2008 -- ALA Best Book for Young Adults
• 2007 -- Booklist Editors' Choice
• 2007 -- National Parenting Publications Book Award
• 2007 -- NY Public Library, 100 Titles for Reading
• 2007 -- Book Sense Award Finalist

"Schmidt rises above the novel's conventions to create memorable and believable characters." Horn Book, Starred

"[An] entertaining and nuanced novel.... There are laugh-out-loud moments that leaven the many poignant ones." School Library Journal

"An accessible, humorous school story, and at the same time, an insightful coming-of-age tale." Bookpage

Connections:

Prior to reading "The Wednesday Wars", the teacher will create anticipation guides for students to complete before and contemplate during reading the book. A guide to creating anticipation guides can be found at http://novelinks.byu.edu/uploads/Novels/TheWednesdayWars/Anticipation%20Guide.pdf.

Prior to reading the novel, port a laptop to the overhead projector and go to http://jlindabu.glogster.com/The-Wednesday-Wars/. This "glog" gives a pictorial and text overview of the novel. Use to fan interest in the novel.

Read excerpts from the Shakespearian plays "Holling" reads in the book.

Compile research books on Martin Luther King, Jr., Bobby Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Nixon and other historical figures of the time. Assign students to groups and assign each group a historical figure to research and give a presentation to the class on. Students can choose to give a straight stand-up report, create a faux news interview with the historical figure, or any other number of ways to present their assigned historical figure to the rest of the class.

Invite a community member who was in middle school in the late 1960s to come talk about their experiences, what they remember about the days when King and Kennedy (both brothers) were killed and any other recollections of their childhoods in that era.

Game of Silence, The

Title: The Game of Silence
Author: Louise Erdrich
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (June 13, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780064410298
ISBN-13: 978-0064410298

Synopsis: "The Game of Silence" tells the story of the Ojibwe living on Lake Superior in the 1850s. One day, "Little Frog" (Omakayas in the native tongue) sees six dots on the horizon out on Lake Superior. Six canoes full of refugees from other Ojibwe camps come to tell a shocking story - the White People are breaking their word and forcing the Ojibwe to leave the lands the White People promised they could keep and to move to a reservation far away. The book tells the story of what happens to the tribe through the long winter as they try to get more information and decide what they must do about the White Man's breaking of his word.

Review: I really enjoyed this book, though it was so heartbreaking to me knowing the history around this and knowing already what happened to so many Native Americans during this period. There are many passages in this book that are funny, some are heartbreakingly sad and others made me so angry I wanted to hit someone. With rich characterization, factual information about the time period and historical events, Erdrich weaves a compelling tale about strength, loss and growing up.


Awards/Reviews:

- Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
- Kirkus Editor's Choice
- Horn Book Fanfare
- ALA Notable Children's Book
- ALA Booklist Editor's Choice
- New York Times Notable Book
- Parenting Magazine Book of the Year

"Memorable." - Chicago Tribune

"Full of humor, richness and heart." - Wisconsin State Journal
"This meticulously researched novel offers an even balence of joyful and sorrowful moments while conveying a perspective of America’s past that is rarely found in history books." - Publishers Weekly

"Erdrich’s captivating tale of four seasons portrays a deep appreciation of our environment, our history, and our Native American sisters and brothers." - School Library Journal

Connections:

In the story, there is a Catholic priest who works to develop a written version of the Ojibwe language. On the overhead projector ported to the laptop, go to http://www.omniglot.com/writing/ojibwa.htm and learn more about the real-life missionary who was the basis of this character, as well as see written Ojibwe language.

With computer and overhead still ported, go to http://www.tpt.org/?a=productions&id=3 to learn about Native Americans racing against the clock to save the Ojibwe language from being lost forever. After reading and studying the information about lost languages, watch the television program (on the same link) about the people fighting to keep this language from being lost.

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream

Title:  Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream
Author:  Tanya Lee Stone
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Candlewick (February 24, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0763645028
ASIN: B004AYCXCK

Synopsis: When male pilots began training for the fledgling NASA in 1958 in the hopes of becoming the nation's first men to orbit the earth, the nation could not fathom the idea of women ever becoming astronauts. But Randy Lovelace, chairman of NASA's Life Sciences Committee, felt that women were just as (if not more) capable as men to be astronauts. Without approval, Lovelace began testing women pilots to see if they could withstand the rigors of the astronaut training. In fact, he put them through tests even more intensive than those the men faced, just to prove the women were resilient enough to handle the demands of being astronauts. In many cases, the women did better than the men, with 13 women making "the cut." Sadly, the attitude of sexism in America at the time doomed the womens' dreams to failure, leaving them as only a footnote in the history of America's space program.

Review: This book is very well written and presents the story of the "Mercury 13" in an entertaining narrative that will appeal to readers. The book is highly accurrate, well designed and organized to flow well and tell the story succinctly, and the author's distinct voice is clearly heard while one reads the story. The author's sense of outrage at the blatant sexism of the time can be clearly felt by the reader. My only caution to the reader is that they not see all the character's in history in this book through the lenses of modern policy, and instead view their actions in light of the times in which they occurred. This does not make what happened any easier to stomach, but it does serve to help one see their actions in the broader framework of the times in which they lived.

Awards/Reviews:

2010 Robert F. Sibert Medal Award
YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award
Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor

NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book

Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award 

An Outstanding Science Trade Book

CCBC Choices 2010

Kirkus Best YA Books of 2009

Notable Social Studies Trade Book

Horn Book Fanfare

Amelia Bloomer List

Richie's Picks

Chicago Best of the Best Books

Smithsonian Magazine Best Books of 2009

ALA Notable

Best Books for Young Adults (BBYA)

National Science Teachers Association Recommended Book

"This passionately written account of a classic but little-known challenge to established gender prejudices also introduces readers to a select group of courageous, independent women." - School Library Journal, starred review

"The chatty, immediate style (“Picture this”) and full-page photos make for a fast read, and the crucial civil-rights history will stay with readers. The long, spacious back matter is part of the story, with detailed chapter notes and a bibliography." - Booklist

"(A) fascinating, dramatic story...the author offers great insight into how deeply ingrained sexism was in American society...this empowering, impassioned story will leave readers inspired." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Connections:

Before even showing the students the book, the teacher should conduct the pre-reading exercise outlined in http://www.tanyastone.com/assets/files/AA%20Reading%20Guide.pdf. Ask the students in the class to draw or write a description of what they think an astronaut looks like. When the students are done, go around the room and look at all their drawings/descriptions. Make a chart of how many showed/described astronauts as women and how many as men. Introduce the book.

Teachers should pass out graphic organizer worksheets to the students before they begin reading the book to help them chart the obstacles to women in space during the 1950s and 1960s.

After reading the book, have students write a letter to then-Vice-President Johnson expressing their opinion of what happened to the "Mercury 13."