Module 13: Junie B. Jones Aloha Ha Ha

Summary: 
Junie B. is thrilled to learn that she will be acommpanying her parents on a trip to Hawaii (without Ollie!). She even gets to ride on an airplane. When she shares this news with her class, she receives some bad news- homework! Her teacher, Mr. Scary assigns her a different type of journal to use during her trip, a photo journal. As Junie B., Delores (her hula Barbie), and Phillip Johnny Bob (her elephant), set off for the islands, Junie B. realizes that taking the perfect photo for her journal might be tougher than she thought. Her first try on the airplane ends with the cranky ladies sitting around her. Her next few include the too small swim ring she HAD to have, which is now stuck around her waist. Even a bus trip (with old people!) to see beautiful flowers can't provide the perfect picture, instead it ends with a bird caught in her overly flowered hair. Luckily, once she recovers from the traumatic incident she finally snaps a photo worth showing her class, and heads home to tell everyone about her trip to Hawaii.

My Thoughts:
I am a HUGE fan of Junie B., ever since my first purchase in college. Each year I read the series to my class as an after recess cool down time. Kindergartners and first graders alike have loved Junie B. and her craziness! Aloha Ha Ha was no exception. The Junie B. photos and her thoughts on travel are just too funny for words. I especially enjoyed the plane trip, as I can relate to both Junie B. and those sitting around her. As compared to the rest of the series, this is not one of my top three, but I do enjoy seeing Junie B. out of her traditional settings. One thing I will say about the Junie B. series as a whole is that her language and behavior can sometimes be quite over the top. When reading to my class, I often sensor what she says, and even make up discipline from the adults. It seems that although Junie B. is 5 or 6, these books my best be enjoyed around the 2nd grade age when a student is able to read for themselves, and can also determine what not to emulate about the characters. For the younger set they can still be enjoyed, but require more adult discussion and explanation.

Their Thoughts:
Excerpt from Julia Beiker's Children's Literature Review-
"The unique and adorable voice of Junie B. delights her audience as she bubbles over with excitement about going on a vacation. She finds herself in quite the pickle when her teacher asks her to keep a picture journal of her trip to Hawaii. It seems simple to Junie B. She clicks off pictures and puts them in the picture diary. Well, Mr. Scary makes it a little complicated when he expects her to write simple captions under the pictures. Junie B. can handle that until her adventure in Hawaii starts with her being stuck between two grouchy ladies on the airplane. It has to get better, but it doesn’t. One picture after another and Junie B. still is not having her dream vacation, until her new friend, Don, takes her family into the wilds of Hawaii where Junie B. becomes everyone’s hero. Again Barbara Park takes her wonderful Junie B. character and shows her young readers how to make a vacation fun and educational."

Awards and Accolades-
Buckeye (Ohio) Children's Book Award, 2008
Colorado Children's Book Award, 2008

My Ideas:
I once used a tri-fold board to create a display on Barbara Park, and would love to do so again. While many students may love the Junie B. series, it is easy for them to outgrow her humor by second grade. By using a tri-fold board topped with a larger than life Junie B., I can grab the readers attention using a familiar character. In the display, there would be a collection of Junie B., but also other novels written by Barbara Park for the readers to try. While the typical patron may not know of Skinnybones, I know they will appreciate the author's writing style just as much as in the Junie B. series.

Module 12: Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini

Summary:
In Escape, Sid Fleischman, a magician and long time Houdini fan, presents the life story of the famous magician. Despite his claims otherwise, Houdini was born in Hungary during the late 1800's. Erich, as Houdini was named, eventually emigrated to Appleton, Wisconsin, and would come to claim it as his birthplace- his first illusion. Fleischman follows Erich as he completes a number of odd jobs to scrape by, running away from home, and eventually beginning to study magic, particularly the magic of the famous French illusionist Robert Houdin. Harry took on the name of his idol, and began perfecting his craft, with dangerous escapes getting top billing in his show. He promoted himself with daring jail breaks across the United States, but knew that there was more he could do. While the time may have seemed right for Houdini to become as famous as he thought himself to be, it seems that America was not ready for him after all. Harry and Bess (his wife) headed to Europe, and with the help of a savvy manager, secured a great paying position in London. Houdini slowly but surely moved up the bill, and soon found himself as the main draw. Harry traveled through Europe perfecting his routine of escapes and tricks, making more money than he thought possible. Eventually, at the urging of Bess, the Houdini's returned to the United States. Ever the self promoter, Houdini used his European fame to promote his traveling US show. The Houdini's kept a grueling pace, traveling from city to city, reinventing the show to keep the interest of the people. Eventually, Houdini turned his attention away from his own magic, and on to the outright tricks of others. He focused on exposing the trickery of psychics and healers that were popular at the time. He showed audience after audience the ways that were being used to deceive them, which of course angered many in the field. Even going into death, Houdini found ways to prove the so called mediums wrong. He and Bess made a plan, a special code that would be said when one of them passed to the other side. Little did he know that passing would come sooner than anyone thought. Houdini, self-promoting again of course, invited a few local boys to test his strength. One of the boys delivered several particularly hard punches straight to Houdini's stomach. Not wanting to show weakness, Houdini took the blows and even went on to perform a show that night. Sadly, those blows would eventually cause Houdini's death. As was his MO, Harry was too proud to admit defeat, and sought treatment for the blows too late to be saved. After his death Bess tried on several occasions to contact Harry, always remembering the special words they had planned to say from the other side. As was suspected, those words never came. Even in death Houdini was able to make a statement, which is surely what he would have wanted.

My Thoughts:
I checked out this book in the audio version, but quickly picked up the paper version as I wanted to see the pictures that went along with the story. (My favorite was the "Sea Monster" that Houdini sewed himself inside. Ew!) Not knowing much of anything about Houdini to begin with, I found this book quite interesting. The author did a wonderful job of telling his life story in a way that was as exciting as the man himself, and with just as much flair. I appreciated the reverence that the author seemed to have for Houdini, wanting to protect the air of mystery that Houdini worked so hard himself to protect. However, I also felt at times that the author had a slightly patronizing tone, talking about some of the illusions as if they took little talent, requiring more flare than ability. At points I thought the author's passion for the subject was an essential part of the story, while at other points I felt the author was too close to the subject to be objective. (Particularly when he made up conversations that never occurred.) While I did go back and forth on my feelings for the book, overall I think it was enjoyable. More importantly, I think it will be enjoyed by children- particularly young male reluctant readers.

Their Thoughts:
Excerpt from Kirkus Reviews, June 2006-
"What sets this biography apart from and above others is the author's personal involvement with his subject; it's a mesmerizing configuration of both lives. When Fleischman found a forgotten box of photos of the magician that Houdini's wife had personally given him, they ignited his curiosity-could he unveil the illusions of the great man? Cunning chapter titles, spacious format and the black-and-white photos that profile the man's unique mystique are tied together like a string of silk scarves spilling from a sleeve that fascinate, intrigue and amaze. What do you get when you put two prestidigitators, one a spellbinding escape artist, the other a magician with words, into a black hat and wave the wand? Abracadabra-a feat that's pure magic."

Awards and Accolades-
5 State List Selections
YALSA Best Book for Young Adults 2007
Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year 2006
Booklist's Top 10 Youth Biographies 2007

My Ideas:
I would love to incorporate Escape as part of a grouping for a themed month, "Magical March." Children of every generation have been infatuated by magic, and the current generation is no different. A biography such as this would go well with other books on the subject, both fiction and non-fiction. The main focus of the display would be biographies such as this and how-to books like the popular Klutz series. A wikipage would also be created to link excellent online resources on the subject. Speakers and presenters would be brought in as the budget allows to demonstrate some basic magic skills and to talk about the profession. The month would culminate in a student run magic show using skills learned from books displayed, presentations, and listed websites. Even reluctant readers would magically appear for this group of programming!

Module 12- Journal

Choose 2 books about the same character, a picture book biography and a biography for older readers--one or both can be from the reading list and books you read for the module. How does the content differ between the two books. What is left out of the picture book biography compared to the biography for older readers? Are both age appropriate? What would you like to see changed in the content of these biographies--if anything--and why? What is your overall evaluation of the two books?

My books of choice were:
Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport (A picture book biography for younger readers.)
M.L.K. Journey of a King by Tonya Bolden (A juvenile biography for middle school readers.)

Martin's Big Words was a beautiful award-winning picture book that tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr. in a way that is simple enough for younger readers to comprehend. Young readers will enjoy seeing Martin as a young boy, just like them, with big dreams. The pictures and words throughout the story are simple, yet inspiring. The struggle of MLK is evident, but not overwhelming. The violence surrounding the work of Dr. King is mentioned, but not presented as the focus. This story focuses on how King was able to use words to make a difference, with peace being the main priority. While his assassination is mentioned, it is done so carefully, and almost in passing, allowing the focus to remain on the words of MLK. Some other civil rights related events were also touched on, but again, not pushed as the focus of the biography.

Journey of a King, however, provides a great deal more detail into the more difficult or trying aspects of the life of Martin Luther King Junior. Actual photographs (rather than illustrations) provide a more intimate look at the violence, protests, and anguish surrounding the civil right movement. When children are able to connect real people to the events, the story is significantly intensified. Additionally, this book details the more violent events such as bombings, arrests, and attacks. While not mentioning all the gory details, the book pulls no punches when discussing the ramifications of the actions. (For example, the book is frank when discussing the bombing of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, explaining the number of people that died and showing an injured girl, but is brief in the overall discussion.) On multiple occasions the book discusses the racist language, violent actions, and hateful feelings of those fighting against the work of King. The book even tackles controversial issues such as King's intense faith and the desire of some African Americans for reverse discrimination. However, like Martin's Big Words, Journey of a King gives little detail or information about the assassination of Dr. King. Even less is said regarding the personal life of King, with only a single mention of down times in his marriage.

In my opinion, both books were appropriate for the age intended. Both books focused on the legacy and effort of Dr. King, rather than on controversy or his personal life. As children, it is important for readers to learn of the work Dr. King did, and all that we have today due to his efforts. Each book was able to do this on a level that allows the reader to synthesize the information without overwhelming them with gritty details above their level of comprehension. With that being said, there is nothing I would change about either book. I think that the number of awards given to each book are telling that they are quality biographies for children. Are all this way? Of course not, but the two I chose happen to be outstanding examples. Overall, I enjoyed both books a great deal. With Journey of a King, I even found myself learning things I never knew! I see myself using Martin's Big Words in my classroom this year, and in the library for many years to come.

Module 11: Luba, The Angel of Bergen-Belsen

Summary:
Luba, The Angel of Bergen-Belsen tells the story of Luba Tryszynska-Frederick and begins as she lies awake in her concentration camp bunk. Luna was taken from her home by Nazi soldiers, sent to Auschwitz first, where she lost her husband and son, and then to Bergen-Belsen. Luba hears the cries of children, calling out for their mothers. However, the rest of the ladies pass her off as another crazy, suffering from the loss of her own child. Upon further investigation Luba finds a group of 54 children huddling together in the cold night air, just outside of her bunk house. Although she is risking death, Luba decides to bring the children into her bunk, and begins to care for them as her own. Because the Nazi soldiers believe Luba is a nurse, she is able to have freedom in the camp that other prisoners are not allowed. Although dangerous, Luba uses this freedom to obtain the things the children need to survive. She gets break from the bakery, meat from the butcher, and soup from the cook- all without having her secret discovered. The children loved Luba, and waited for her to return each night. They even gathered enough to trade for a scarf to give Luba for her birthday, a gift Luba would treasure always. Luba cared for the children when they were sick, fed them when she good, and loved them always. One day, Luba heard the sound of freedom, tanks coming through the gates. They were free! They had been rescued, and the Nazis defeated! Thanks to the dedication of Luba, all but two children made it through the war alive, and were given a second chance at life.

My Thoughts:
I had never heard of this story, or of Luba, so I found the book quite compelling. I enjoyed the author's prologue and epilogue, giving background and follow up information. I particularly enjoyed getting to see the reunion photo of the survivors. I also liked that this was an appropriate story to share with even young children regarding the holocaust. It expressed the turmoil of daily life, without being too graphic for young children. However, I disliked the blurry style of the illustrations, and the fact that the author took liberties in changing bits of the story for the purpose of the book. I feel that better illustrations would have served the book well, doing it more justice than the current set. I also feel that the story was powerful enough on it's own, and did not need the author's creative license to alter it in any way. It made me wonder what those involved felt about the retelling.

Their Thoughts:
Excerpt from Hazel Rochman's Booklist Review-
"Just when it seems a nonfiction Holocaust book can't tell us anything new, along comes a story like this one, an inspiring, upbeat, true rescue account that is essential to the history. In the last few months of the war, Luba Trysznka, a young Polish Jewish woman, saved more than 50 Dutch Jewish children who had been abandoned in a snowy field behind her barracks in Bergen-Belsen. She sheltered the children, scavenged and stole for them, and cajoled food scraps, medicine, and wood to keep the children alive. McCann's third-person account is based on interviews with Luba, who now lives in the U.S., and Marshall's handsome accompanying art, in oil paint and collage, is radiant. There are also occasional photos, including one of the survivors 50 years later when their brave rescuer was honored."

Awards and Accolades-
Amelia Bloomer Project Award 2004
Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year 2004
Assoc. of Jewish Librarians Best of the Bunch 2003
Special Interest Group of the Int. Reading Assoc. Notable Books for a Global Society 2004

My Ideas:
This story would work well as a read aloud for students beginning to study World War II, particularly in the 4th to 5th grade age range. I would collaborate with teachers to find out when they were studying the topic, and would present this book to the classes within that time frame, providing a different perspective on the lives of children during this time period.

Module 10- Journal

Choose a historical time period that you are interested in reading about. Read a picture book, a chapter book for older elementary/middle school, and a book for young adults or adults that is appropriate for young adults. What differences to you see in how the subject is handled? What about accuracy? (some or all of these books can be from this week's reading). Make sure that the books are fiction.

As mentioned in my book blog for The Book Thief, one period of time I have always been interested in is the period of World War II. As a child I did a good deal of reading (fiction and non-fiction) from books with a child's perspective (Anne Frank, Number the Stars, etc.), and have continued reading about this subject as an adult. There are historical fiction books available about this subject for all levels, many of which successfully deal with the sensitive issue in a way that makes sense to the target audience.

A picture book dealing with World War II is The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco. Polacco's picture books are written for a slightly older audience than the traditional picture book, and she deals with many tough subjects in her works. In The Butterfly she tells the story of a little girl named Monique, who discovers that a Jewish family is hiding from the Nazis in her house. When a neighbor spots Sevrine, the young girl of the family, the Jewish family must flee. The sighting of a butterfly helps Monique to feel the Sevrine is safe. This story serves as a great introduction into the horrors of the Jewish round ups in Europe. It can open doors for discussion on why they had to hide, and why some people disliked them simply because of their religion. However, the story is still "safe" enough to be appealing to the young reader. While we know happy endings in stories like this were unlikely, this book was able to tie the story up with the neat bow that young readers crave as solutions. The story is based on a family member of the author, and provides some degree of accuracy. The author's notes explain in more detail the people and events surrounding the story.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a chapter book for older elementary readers dealing with the same subject. This book deals with the round up of Jews in Denmark, and the family of Annemarie who risk their lives to save their friends from certain death. Unlike in The Butterfly, the girls in this story have direct contact with the German soldiers- searching the house, opening the package, coming to the funeral, etc. The threat is presented as more real, and the situation is more dangerous. While the ending is generally positive, there are still lives lost and people missing, much like would have actually happened during the time period. This book begins to give more details about the brutality of the regime and the imminent danger faced by Jewish families and those that help them to escape. However, it does not go so fully into the horrors of the holocaust that a young reader would be scarred from the story. While accurate as far as the time period and the feelings of the people in Denmark as the war progressed, the story and characters itself are fictitious.

For teens, an example of an appropriate book would be The Boy With the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne. In this novel we have the story of Bruno who's father is a soldier in the German army. As a young boy he arrives home from school and is given the news that they are moving. They move to a place he is not familiar with that borders a farm. The workers on the farm, and one boy in particular catch his interest. As a reader, we know that what Bruno believes to be a farm is actually a concentration camp, we know that the Fury is actually Hitler, and out-with is the death camp of Auschwitz. However, Bruno has no clue of all of this, right up to the time where he is killed with his friend. This book does an excellent job of portraying the horrors of the holocaust as well as the devastating effect that ignoring those atrocities could have on adults. This book is much more intense than the previous entries for younger children, but does the best job at accurately representing the finality of the decisions made during this time. The accuracy of the story itself is slim to none. It is highly unlikely, bordering on absurd really, that the son of the camp's director slipped unknowingly into a chamber and died. However, it is the emotional impact and the lack of knowledge (by omission or denial) that remain as the truths in this book.

Because this is such a difficult subject, I think it is important that readers and their parents are aware of their maturity level and what they can handle when selecting a book on this WWII/The Holocaust. In this case, reading out of a safe zone could have lasting effects on a child. There are plenty of books for each age group available, but I suggest that parents read the books prior to their children or along with their children to ensure that the child understands the accuracies and inaccuracies in each story. A balance of fiction and non fiction on the subject would also be beneficial.

Module 10: The Book Thief

Summary:
Death narrates as we find our main character, Liesel, on an eventful train trip to the home of her new foster parents. The train trip is confusing and difficult, and somewhere along the way her brother dies as Liesel looks on. While her brother is being buried in the next town, she commits her first act of theft, stealing The Gravedigger's Handbook that fell from the pocket of the young apprentice. Liesel and her mother continue to a small town outside Munich, and Liesel kisses her mother goodbye for the last time. Life with her new family, the Hubbermans, is tough, rations are meager and Liesel is expected to pitch in and help Mama (a crass lady with a vulgar mouth) with laundry duties. She is placed in a young class at school because, although she loves books, she can not read them. When Papa comforts her after a nightmare, things begin to change. Papa finds Liesel's stolen book, and with only a elementary education himself, he begins to teach her to read, with lessons occurring after Liesel's reoccurring nightmares. While attending a celebration for the birthday of Adolf Hitler, as a Hitler Youth no less, Liesel steals again, this time rescuing a book from the pile of ashes on the square. A book about a Jew, a forbidden book. As she begins to work through her new book with her Papa, the son of an old friend of the families comes to collect on a favor. His father saved Papa in the war, and now he needs a place to hide. He is Jewish. The family hides Max in the basement, taking all steps to make sure the secret is kept. Although Liesel wants to tell her friend Rudy, she wants to tell the Mayor's wife as she reads in the library, she wants to tell someone- she does not. Liesel grows to love Max, and Max loves Liesel. He makes her books, autobiographical books, as they share their dreams with each other. When the Nazis begin to search the neighborhood, and bombs begin to fall, the Hubbermans realize Max is no longer safe in the basement, and send him to find a new place. When they fail to hear from him, Liesel realizes she has yet again lost someone she loves. To console herself she continues to steal, food, books, anything, it becomes a sport. She particularly enjoys stealing from the library of the mayor, even if her presence is more welcomed than she lets on to Rudy. Her books, from the cemetery, from the mayor, from her Papa, from Max- these become her greatest treasures. She has harnassed the power of words. These words are the things she chooses to take to the bomb shelter when the sirens are heard. One day however, the sirens are not heard. The planes strike without warning. Her family, her friends, everyone on Himmel street is reduced to rubble. Except for Liesel, who as luck would have it, was working on writing her own story in the basement. Yet again, Liesel finds herself alone. Somehow though, she manages to carry on with those she does have, the Mayor and his wife, Rudy's father, and even Max who was freed from Dachau. Liesel gains a life, and a family, but doesn't find her true family again until the spirit of death she has seen around her many times finally comes for her.

An excellent "trailer" or visual representation I found on YouTube-


My Thoughts:
As far as historical fiction goes, this is the time period I find most interesting. Even as a child, I found myself wanting to know more about how something as tragic as the Holocaust could have occurred. As an asult now living in Germany I continue to read about the matter, now seeing it from a different view. Walking the halls of Dachau, reading the press releases of the Nazis, walking through the gas chamber, it really gives you a different outlook. Because of this experience, I find myself more critical of books dealing with the subject. While I enjoyed the story as a whole, I found the narration very distracting. The narrator telling the end, then reverting to the beginning, then describing the middle- at times it was just too much. I know that it is well like for its innovation in this arena, but I found that, for me, it took a great deal away from the power of the story. I also disliked how it portrayed the reactions of the townspeople to the crimes committed against the Jews. Only the maniacal shopkeeper was touted as a dedicated Nazi. From what I know, it is much more likely that Liesel's family's views would have been the out of the ordinary thoughts. The majority of German's at the time would have leaned toward support of the regime, or claimed a lack of knowledge of the entire process, supporting the regime through turning a blind eye. At the time, it was thought that the camps were for criminals, and were helping to progress a Germany without riff raff. For the author to suggest otherwise is disturbing to me. Was it deplorable to have such thoughts? Yes. Should we attempt to cover it up? No. I suppose it is fiction, and he has a right to do what he pleases, but I feel that this inaccuracy should be noted for readers who lack the discernment to know fiction from fact.

Their Thoughts:
Excerpt from Claire Rosser's KLIATT Review-
"This extraordinary book defies summary or categorization. Usually when we review YA fiction, we know the perimeters that define the genre. The Book Thief doesn’t fit within any of those perimeters, yet I’m quite sure there are YA readers who will consider it one of the most amazing books they have ever read. For starters, the narrator is a Being who is with humans at the moment of death, who carries their souls away. This narrator has a detached view of human nature, but he is captivated by a young girl, Liesel, who is trying to wend her way in the madness that is Nazi Germany. It’s a busy time for the narrator, of course, in the middle of a world war, with bombing, the concentration camps, and all the death and destruction. But he sees Liesel steal a book from the gravesite of her younger brother at the beginning of this story, and from then on, he watches her with interest. Why would she steal a book when she can’t even read? She continues to steal books, and eventually does learn to read, even reading aloud to keep her neighbors in the bomb shelter sane during bombing raids."

Awards and Accolades-
YALSA Best Books for Adults 2007
Publisher's Weekly Book of the Year 2006
School Library Journal Book of the Year 2006
Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book 2007
Parent's Choice Award 2006
ABBY Award 2007
14 State Reading List Entries

My Ideas:
This book would be a great example when giving a lesson on perspective. As this book is written from the perspective of death, quite an unusual choice, reading even the first few lines can help readers to see that writing need not only come from a singular human voice. Other examples used would be books with dual story lines (anything Christopher Pike), books in third person (Olive's Ocean), traditional first person narration (Penny from Heaven), stories shown by two perspectives (Twilight/Rising Sun), collective first person narrators (Virgin Suicides), narrators with unknown real identities (Life of Pi), etc. This lesson will also help students when writing creative essays or projects, helping them to step out of the box and view a situation from another perspective.