Book Review: THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY) by Barbara Kerley

Bibliography

Kerley, Barbara. THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY). Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic Press, 2010. ISBN 0545125086.

Plot Summary

Bothered that so many people knew her father without really knowing her father, Susy Clemens decided to write his biography herself. Most people know Mark Twain as a humorist, but his 13-year-old daughter wanted others to know that he was more than just a funny person. In THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY), author Barbara Kerley gives a history of the renowned Mark Twain, as told by his daughter, Susy, in her journal.

Critical Analysis

The prose of author Barbara Kerley and illustrator Edwin Fotheringham, tell the story, THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY), with vibrant illustrations, flowing text, and lively font choices. The addition of handwritten entries from Susy’s actual journal are displayed in a type of book-within-a-book format where there are separate, smaller pages attached to the book’s larger pages. Impeccably, the text flows with Susy's chronicled details of Mark Twain’s private life and work during his most fertile years. 

Fotheringham’s inventive illustrations are dynamic and tell the story along with the text. Kerley includes a guide to writing biographies that could be valuable in teaching elementary and middle school students about biographies. The book is organized like a picture book, though the author has provided a list of sources of for the quotes used in the text, a time line, and an author's note that explains Kerley’s interest in Mark Twain lead to learning about Susy’s journal, which lead to writing this book.

Review Excerpt(s)

2010 CYBILS Nonfiction Picture Book Award

NCTE Orbis Pictus Recommended Book

From School Library Journal

“A delightful primer on researching and writing biographies, and a joy to peruse.” Sara Paulson-Yarovoy

From Booklist

“Though a story about someone writing a book sounds a bit static—and it sometimes is—Kerley manages to bring Susy and her famous father to life using plenty of household anecdotes.” Carolyn Phelan

Book Connections

Other books written by Barbara Kerley:

WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE?: HOW ALICE ROOSEVELT BROKE THE RULES, CHARMED THE WORLD, AND DROVE HER FATHER TEDDY CRAZY!, ISBN 0439922313.

A HOME FOR MR. EMERSON, ISBN 0545350883.

THOSE REBELS, JOHN AND TOM, ISBN 0545222680.

Other biographies about Mark Twain:

Rasmussen, R. Kent. MARK TWAIN FOR KIDS: HIS LIFE & TIMES, ISBN 1435261046.

Fleischman, Sid. THE TROUBLE BEGINS AT 8: A LIFE OF MARK TWAIN IN THE WILD, WILD WEST, ISBN 0061344311.

Burleigh, Robert. THE ADVENTURES OF MARK TWAIN BY HUCKLEBERRY FINN, ISBN 0689830416.

Activities for THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY):

• After reading THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY), use the author’s guide for writing biographies included near the end of the book to help students learn the elements of a biography.
• Read THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY), create a graphic organizer of what students learned about Mark Twain. Then read aloud or have students read one of Twain’s books and revisit the graphic organizer. Discuss with students their thoughts and perceptions about Twain before and after reading one of his books.

Book Review: ALMOST GONE: THE WORLD’S RAREST ANIMALS by Steve Jenkins

Bibliography

Jenkins, Steve. ALMOST GONE: THE WORLD’S RAREST ANIMALS. New York: HarperCollins Publisher, 2006. ISBN: 0060535989.

Plot Summary

Belonging to the Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science Series, ALMOST GONE: THE WORLD’S RAREST ANIMALS is a brief and colorful book about twenty-eight endangered or extinct animals from around the world. The facts presented are interesting, such as the coelacanth is considered a living fossil or the Abington Island tortoise is the rarest animal on earth with “Lonesome George” being the possible last tortoise living on earth. The short paragraph about each animal include a reason or theory about why the animals are endangered or extinct.

Critical Analysis

In ALMOST GONE, readers learn basic, yet interesting facts about rare and endangered animals like the giant stick insect, the world’s rarest insect, which is estimated to have fewer than ten left in nature. The Steve Jenkins’ illustrations of the animals are accurate and help provide details that the single paragraphs of text is not able to deliver fully. The organization is modest and flows from section to section, without the aid of a table of contents or index. The book’s Introduction briefly introduces the reader to the subject of the main section, endangered animals. The shorter final two sections are about extinct animals and endangered animals that are recovering. A map at the end of the book provides the locations of all the animals.

The colorful cut-paper collage illustrations are striking, especially the Abington Island tortoise and the Golden Lion tamarin. The layout of text and illustrations is appealing and easy to read. The style of the text is simple yet informative. Though maybe not the best choice for deep research, this book could lead the reader to further research the topic of endangered and extinct animals. ALMOST GONE helps open discussion for young readers about the earth they will inherit and the things they can do to help now.

Review Excerpt(s)

From School Library Journal

“This engaging title is informative as well as visually stunning.” Gloria Koster

From Booklist

“As usual, Jenkins' artwork is fascinating. His papers, apparently handpainted, are carefully matched to catch subtle variations of an animal's skin or a sense of the shagginess of its coat.” Stephanie Zvirin

Book Connections

Read other books by Steve Jenkins:

THE ANIMAL BOOK: A COLLECTION OF THE FASTEST, FIERCEST, TOUGHEST, CLEVEREST, SHYEST—AND MOST SURPRISING—ANIMALS ON EARTH, ISBN 054755799X.

ACTUAL SIZE, ISBN 0547512910.

EYE TO EYE: HOW ANIMALS SEE THE WORLD, ISBN 0547959079.

Activities for ALMOST GONE: THE WORLD’S RAREST ANIMALS:

•  Have students mark the locations of the rare animals on a globe using the map in ALMOST GONE as a reference.
•   Research the habitats for each of the animals. Have students create a poster or use a Web 2.0 tool to create a presentation for each animal and habitat and present them to the group. Display the information for others to view.
•   Compare and contrast the causes of endangerment and the different habitats using graphic organizers. 

Book Review: KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD’S STRANGEST PARROT written by Sy Montgomery

Bibliography

Montgomery, Sy. KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD’S STRANGEST PARROT. Ill. by Nic Bishop. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2010. ISBN 0618494170

Plot Summary

In the interesting informational text, KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD’S STRANGEST PARROT, author Sy Montgomery and nature photographer Nic Bishop tell the story of efforts in New Guinea to save the kakapo, a rare flightless and unusual bird. On Codfish Island, the National Kakapo Recovery Team works to save the dwindling population of the kakapo. Given special permission to learn more about the kakapo, Montgomery and Bishop set out on a ten day expedition to Codfish Island to observe and learn about the kakapo and what scientists are still doing to save the parrots. KAKAPO RESCUE gives the story of their journey with these wonderful and trusting birds.

Critical Analysis

KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD’S STRANGEST PARROT is based on the firsthand experiences of the author and photographer and is part of the nonfiction series, SCIENTISTS IN THE FIELD. An author’s note states that most research for the book was done onsite, though further research was conducted and a bibliography was provided. The text and photographs are correct and enlightening. The text is enhanced with color photographs taken by well-known nature photographer Nic Bishop and provide further detail and information to the story. 

KAKAPO RESCUE is organized in a logical manner with chapters and an index to help readers find specific information in the text. The few sidebars in the book give readers more information and facts about the topic. The style of the text demonstrates Montgomery’s passion for the kakapo and for saving the species from extinction. At the end of the book, information is provided about how readers can help save the kakapo as well. The story encourages advocacy and curiosity. The design of the book is attractive with large color photographs and readable text. Photographs are almost on every page, which younger and older readers should both enjoy and appreciate. The story is inviting and even provides moments that tug at the reader’s heart, especially dealing with the deaths of the kakapo. 

Review Excerpt(s)

Winner of the Robert F. Sibert Medal for the most distinguished nonfiction children's book of 2010.

From School Library Journal

            “Excellent photos and a readable, conversational text provide an intimate look at a concerted effort to save a drastically endangered species unfamiliar to most of the world outside Down Under.” Patricia Manning

From Booklist

“As usual, Montgomery's delight in her subject is contagious, and throughout her enthusiastic text, she nimbly blends scientific and historical facts with immediate, sensory descriptions of fieldwork.” Gillian Engberg

Book Connections

Other books by Sy Montgomery:

SAVING THE GHOST OF THE MOUNTAIN: AN EXPEDITION AMONG SNOW LEOPARDS IN MONGOLIA, ISBN 0547727348.

THE QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA, ISBN 054724892X.

CHASING CHEETAHS: THE RACE TO SAVE AFRICA’S FASTEST CAT, ISBN 0547815492.

Other books with pictures by Nic Bishop:

NIC BISHOP SNAKES, ISBN 0545206383.

BACKYARD DETECTIVE: CRITTERS UP CLOSE, ISBN 0439174783.

FOREST EXPLORER: A LIFE-SIZED FIELD GUIDE, ISBN 0439174805.

Activities for KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD’S STRANGEST PARROT:

•  As part of an animal conservation unit, read this story as well as other books in the SCIENTISTS IN THE FIELD SERIES to learn more about endangered animals and how people are helping. Have students come up with their own ideas for rescuing endangered animals.
• Have students create a “Did You Know?” bulletin board display for the library about the kakapo parrot and other endangered animals. Make sure to include information about conservation efforts as well.
• After reading KAKAPO RESCUE, have students create science journals that explain what a kakapo is, how they live, what they eat, and other interesting facts.
• Brainstorm with students to get ideas for a kakapo service learning project and implement some of the ideas, such as a letter-writing campaign or fundraising.

Book Review: DOODLE DANDIES: POEMS THAT TAKE SHAPE by J. Patrick Lewis

Bibliography

Lewis, J. Patrick. DOODLE DANDIES: POEMS THAT TAKE SHAPE. Ill. by Lisa Desimini. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1998. ISBN 068981075X.

Plot Summary

A book of shape poems, DOODLE DANDIES includes a variety of fun and funny poems with beautiful and vivid illustrations. In the first poem, “First Burst of Spring,” the words crawl along the page and burst forth to represent the first bud of spring. In the cute poem, “Dachshund” the words of the poem form the sweet shape of “a dog like a sausage.” In “Mirror,” the words of the poem are arranged on one page and reflected on the adjacent page as if reflected in a mirror. The poems presented in DOODLE DANDIES are varied and cover a range of emotions and subjects from nature to sports.

Critical Analysis

J. Patrick Lewis uses simple yet descriptive words that fit the subject of each poem. The arrangement of the words and illustrations support the meaning behind the words and delight the eye of the reader. Each poem has a unique rhythm and arrangement that conveys the meaning and emotion. Some poems use rhyme while others do not, but when rhyme is used it is effective and matches the tone and voice for the poem. A large part of the imagery involves the shape of the poem. The shape of each poem provides significance, which could be lost if arranged in more traditional lines and verses. 

Each poem delivers a different emotion from playful to silly and hopeful to secretive. Emotion is captured naturally and successfully. The variety of poems included in this book are interesting and would appeal to wide audience of all ages. The only thing each poem seems to have in common is the fact that they are all shape poems and all attractively illustrated. Lisa Desimini’s mixed media illustrations, from the doodles on endpapers to the amusing details on the inner pages, magnify the experience of the reader. Many teachers would find this book useful when teaching and motivating students to write their own shape poetry.

Review Excerpt(s)

From Publisher’s Weekly

"The interplay between words and pictures effectively conjures images from seasons, to sports, to the jungle. From endpaper to doodled endpaper, this mix of clever language and visual delights makes a dandy treat for all ages."

From School Library Journal

“Every page of this book is well designed, creating words and images that work together in harmony.”

From Booklist

“The history of poems shaped on the page goes back at least to the seventeenth-century poet George Herbert, and certainly Lewis Carroll used it well in Alice. Desimini and Lewis take that tradition to rowdy new heights.”

Book Connections

Other books written by J. Patrick Lewis:

POEM-MOBILES, ISBN 0375866906.

PLEASE BURY ME IN THE LIBRARY, ISBN 0152163875.

COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER: A POEM FOR EVERY DAY OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, ISBN 0316020893.

Other books illustrated by Lisa Desimini:

MY BEAUTIFUL CHILD, ISBN 0439738695.

MY HOUSE, ISBN 0805055169.

MOON CHILD, ISBN 1562824635.

Other books of shape poems:

Graham, Joan Bransfield. SPLISH SPLASH, ISBN 0618111239.

Janeczko, Paul B. A POKE IN THE I: A COLLECTION OF CONCRETE POEMS, ISBN 0763623768.

Roemer, Heidi. COME TO MY PARTY AND OTHER SHAPE POEMS, ISBN 0805066209.

Activities for DOODLE DANDIES:

• As a group, write a shape poem. Decide together the shapes and words for the poem.
• As a group, discuss the different shapes used and how making the words the outline of the shape is different than making the words create the actual shape, such as in the poems, “Giraffe” and “Dainty Lady."
•  Assign each student a shape and have them think of a poem that fits the shape. Present and display the poems.

Book Review: RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS: A YEAR IN COLORS by Joyce Sidman

Bibliography

Sidman, Joyce. RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS: A YEAR IN COLORS. Ill. by Pamela Zagarenski. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009. ISBN: 0547014944

Plot Summary

Told in seasonal poems, RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS brings color to life in words and illustrations. In spring, red sings from the treetops, while “green peeks from buds” and “white sounds like storms.” In summer, red runs along a little finger with ladybug feet, while “yellow melts everything it touches.” In fall, “green is tired” so brown takes over, and red hangs from trees in the shape of juicy apples. In winter, the white of snow, “whispers, floats, clumps” while black emerges in the bare branches of the trees. Even in winter, red sings from the treetops with the throat of a cardinal.

Critical Analysis

In RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS, color dances throughout the seasons and pages with delightful verse and illustrations. Each word and arrangement of the verses seems carefully chosen to express the joy of the seasons through color. The words and mixed media illustrations make color come to life as the character of a girl and her little dog walk through each page and season. The colorful and playful illustrations of Pamela Zagarenski add meaning for the reader and enhance the poem. The rhythm of Joyce Sidman’s poem flit gaily across the pages and the mouth like a bird flying from tree to tree. 

Sidman uses brilliant action words to describe color, like “green drips,” and “yellow shouts” in spring, or “purple pours” and “white clinks” in summer. In fall, “brown rustles” and “orange ripens,” while “blue breathes” and “pink prickles” in winter. Even without the aid of the illustrations, Sidman’s words create vivid mental pictures for the reader. The emotion portrayed is natural, not forced. While reading, I felt carefree like the words were fluttering in my heart while they danced off my tongue. The illustrations add to this light and childlike feeling. This would a great book to share with young children when discussing seasons and colors.

Review Excerpt(s)

2010 Caldecott Honor Book

From Horn Book

"Sustaining the playfulness of the text and its sense of awe, mystery, and beauty, the illustrations contribute gracefully to the celebration."

From Kirkus

"A charming inspiration to notice colors and correlate emotions"

Book Connections

Read other books by Joyce Sidman:

WINTER BEES & OTHER POEMS OF THE COLD, ISBN 0547906501.

BUTTERFLY EYES AND SECRETS OF THE MEADOW, ISBN 0618563135.

DARK EMPEROR AND OTHER POEMS OF THE NIGHT, ISBN 0547152280.

Other poetry books that are Caldecott Medal Winners:

Myers, Walter Dean. HARLEM, ISBN 0590543407.

Thayer, Ernest. CASEY AT BAT: A BALLAD OF THE REPUBLIC SUNG IN THE YEAR 1888, ISBN 1929766009.

Willard, Nancy. A VISIT TO WILLIAM BLAKE’S INN: POEMS FOR INNOCENTS AND EXPERIENCED TRAVELERS, ISBN 0812404661.

Activities for RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS: A YEAR IN COLORS:

• As a group, write a class poem about the colors found in the school and classroom. Assign individuals pages to illustrate. Publish the poem book and place in school library or classroom library.
• Study other books of poems by Joyce Sidman and use graphic organizers to compare and contrast the elements of poetry used by the poet in each book.
• Read RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS before showing the pictures. Page by page, have students visualize and guess what is being described. Then using a document camera, show the illustrations and reread the poem. Discuss the illustrations and how they compare with the poem.

Book Review: THE SURRENDER TREE: POEMS OF CUBA’S STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM written by Margarita Engle

Bibliography

Engle, Margarita. THE SURRENDER TREE: POEMS OF CUBA’S STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2008. ISBN 0805086749.

Plot Summary

Cuba's three wars for independence raged on as Rosa la Bayamesa, a nurse and former slave, tended to the sick and the injured. Using medicines she makes from local plants, she helped the Cuban rebels, the children, even the Spanish soldiers who fought for the other side. 

THE SURRENDER TREE speaks of the struggles Cubans faced for their freedom from slavery and from Spain.  The story unfolds in a series of poems told mainly from the perspective of Rosa, though some are from the point of view of slave hunter Lieutenant Death, Rosa’s husband and helper Jose, and orphan Silvia. 

Based on actual events and people, this verse novel follows Rosa's life from 1850 to 1899. While being pursued by her nemesis, Lieutenant Death, Rosa and Jose help those in need, until Spain is defeated, with the assistance of the U.S. Rough Riders.

Critical Analysis

With beautiful imagery, Margarita Engle’s words paint rich pictures of the jungles of Cuba and the daily struggles faced by those fighting for freedom and hoping for peace. The language of THE SURRENDER TREE is authentic and meaningful. 

In one of the poems in Jose’s voice, he describes how, “Sometimes war feels/like a lonely child’s game/one that explodes/out of control.” This verse spoke to me and grabbed my heart. The poems make the reader feel the sorrow and despair caused by the death and destruction of war. 

While reading the perspective of Rosa, I almost could feel the physical weight of the burden she faced trying to care for those who were injured. The slight changes in rhythm help develop the different voices of each character that is important in the telling of the story. 

The poems together tell a hauntingly beautiful story, though each poem can still be appreciated individually. After reading THE SURRENDER TREE, I felt the desire to read more poetry by Margarita Engle and learn more about the history of Cuba.

Review Excerpt(s)

2009 Newbery Honor Book

2009 Pura Belpre Medal for Narrative

2009 Bank Street - Claudia Lewis Award

2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year

From School Library Journal

“The Surrender Tree is hauntingly beautiful, revealing pieces of Cuba's troubled past through the poetry of hidden moments such as the glimpse of a woman shuttling children through a cave roof for Rosa's care or the snapshot of runaway Chinese slaves catching a crocodile to eat.” Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

From Booklist

“Many readers will be caught by the compelling narrative voices and want to pursue the historical accounts in Engle’s bibliography.” Hazel Rochman

Book Connections

Other books by Margarita Engle:

THE POET SLAVE OF CUBA: A BIOGRAPHY OF JUAN FRANCISCO MANZANO, ISBN 0312659288.

THE LIGHTNING DREAMER: CUBA’S GREATEST ABOLITIONIST, ISBN 0547807430.

THE FIREFLY LETTERS: A SUFFRAGETTE’S JOURNEY TO CUBA, ISBN 0805090827.

Other poetry verse novels:

Havill, Juanita. GROW: A NOVEL IN VERSE, ISBN 1561455751.

Alexander, Kwame. THE CROSSOVER, ISBN 0544107713.

Creech, Sharon. HATE THE CAT, ISBN 0606147713.

Activities for THE SURRENDER TREE:

·         As part of a poetry study, compare and contrast the types of poetry, specifically verse novels, use graphic organizers to map your thinking.

·         Working in groups, have students brainstorm and write a verse novel. Using Web 2.0 tools, have student publish and present their poetry.

·         Use graphic organizers to map out the different elements of poetry like rhythm and emotion, plus the story elements like plot and setting, included in THE SURRENDER TREE.