Hiroshima by Laurence Yep

Bibliography

Yep, L. (1995). Hiroshima. Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0590208322

Plot Summary

It all begins as a normal day for Riko and Sachi, two sisters who make their way to their schools as usual. Except today, they will not be working in their classrooms, but at their public service jobs. Riko relays messages for the army while Sachi helps tear down houses to prevent the spread of fire should the city be bombed. Recently, surrounding cities have been bombed by the United States due to World War II. Meanwhile, the pilots aboard a United States fighter jet secretly make their way to Japan searching for the best spot to deploy their weapon upon their enemy. By chance, the clouds over Hiroshima have parted and it becomes the perfect target. Riko and Sachi have no idea that their lives are about to be changed forever. 

Critical Analysis

Author Laurence Yep chronicles the terrible day that the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. This historical fiction is told through two opposing viewpoints, that of two young girls living in Hiroshima and the U.S. pilots flying the fighter jet soon to drop a bomb on Japan. Through the harrowing experience of Sachi, readers are thrown into the chaos that ensues after the atomic bomb is dropped on her home. From death and devastation, Sachi becomes an outcast in her society due to facial scarring from that horrible day. She soon becomes one of the chosen Hiroshima Maidens to travel to the United States to receive plastic surgery to help heal her wounds. Although Sachi is not a real person, Yep has created her in the image of many other young children who suffered as a result of the atomic bomb. He also incorporates other factual information into the story including statistical numbers of those who perished, the effects of radiation on people and plant life, and deals made between countries to disarm and destroy their nuclear weapons. Although tragic, this historical fiction story provides readers with a cautionary tale of hope and courage among the tragic.

Review Excerpt(s)

“This powerful chronicle ensures that what was done on that awful day will remain in readers' memories for a very long time.” - Publisher's Weekly Review

“His words are powerful and compelling, and the facts he presents make readers realize the horrors of that day and its impact beyond.” - School Library Journal Review

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Help readers by discussing everything they may already know about Hiroshima or World War II in Japan. 

• Discuss big ideas or themes students noticed and learned from the reading. 

• Readers will analyze key ideas from books to help make sense of the reading. Today you will write down your thoughts about the following quotes from the book: 

• “Rest in peace for the mistake shall not be repeated” (pg. 46)

• “The atom bomb is too terrible a weapon. It must not drop again” (pg. 49).

** Answer some of these questions: 

• Do you agree with the quotes? Disagree? 

• Was this a mistake? 

• Would there ever be another time when a country should drop an atom bomb? Explain. 

Scholastic. (n.d.). Guided Reading Lesson Plan (Levels M-Z) - Hiroshima. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/769901/Hiroshima_Level_S.pdf 

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• My Hiroshima by Junko Morimoto
• Sadako of Hiroshima by Manorama Jafa
• The Peace Tree from Hiroshima: The Little Bonsai with a Big Story by Sandra Moore and Kazumi Wilds

 Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Bibliography

Cline-Ransome, L. (2018). Finding Langston. Holiday House. ISBN 9780823439607

Plot Summary

Life is hard enough as a young boy of color in 1946, but Langston finds himself in the worst situation he’s ever been in. After his mother passes away, his father moves them from the countryside of Alabama to the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois. Away from all his family, friends, and all that’s familiar, Langston is more lonely than ever. With his father working long hours and a bully at school who picks on him for being a country boy, Langston becomes miserable. That is until he happens upon a library that welcomes patrons of color. Although all of his troubles don’t disappear right away, finding this haven full of books will be a turning point that will help Langston feel at home again. 

Critical Analysis

Lesa Cline-Ransom creates an unforgettable historical fiction novel beginning post-World War II. Set in 1946 amid the Great Migration in Chicago, Illinois, readers become immersed in a fictional tale about a young boy. Grieving silently from the loss of his mother, day-to-day life with an emotionally distant father, having moved from the country to the city, and a bully from school constantly taunting him, the main character Langston struggles to find his way in life. Soon, however, Langston mistakenly finds the neighborhood library and it quickly becomes his refuge. The author’s use of language captures the speech patterns used during that time from those of the deep south. Additionally, the incorporation of the George Cleveland Hall Branch of the Chicago Public Library, adds to the authenticity of the story. Readers will become absorbed in this genuine, heartfelt tale of a young boy who learns to find his way and the feeling of home through poetry. 

Review Excerpt(s)

"An engaging, quick, and relatable read that skillfully incorporates themes of race, class, post-war American life in the North and South, and a bit of Langston Hughes' poetry. This is a story that will stay with readers long after they've finished it."—School Library Journal

"The impact on the reader could not be more powerful. A memorable debut novel."—Booklist

"A fascinating work of historical fiction . . . Cline-Ransome at her best."—Kirkus Reviews

A Junior Library Guild selection!

A CLA Notable Children's Book in Language Arts

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year, with 5 Starred Reviews

A School Library Journal Best Book of 2018

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Read the article about the Great Migration on the following website: blackpast.org/aah/greatmigration-1915-1960. Then read aloud “One–Way Ticket” by Langston Hughes: http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/ows/seminars/tcentury/gmigration/Hughes_OneWayTicket.pdf). Discuss with students how this poem reflects the feelings of the people who left the South during the Great Migration. 

• Social Studies/Writing—Ask students to use books in the library or sites on the Internet to research the Harlem Renaissance. The following sites are helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWMus4KHKx4 (for younger students) https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/145704/an-introduction-to-the-harlem-renaissance (for older students). Then have them write a newspaper feature for Black History Month that discusses the importance of this cultural movement. Remember to include who, what, when, where, and how. 

• Language Arts/Writing—Langston’s father likes blues songs. He later thinks that the poems of Langston Hughes are similar to the blues. Read about Langston Hughes and the blues on the following website: http://bbkingmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/L.-Hughes-and-theBlues.pdf. Allow students to work with a partner and consider the main character of the novel and his sadness about living in Chicago. Then have them write a blues song or poem called Langston’s Chicago Blues. 

Scales, P. (n.d.). Finding langston educators guide - holiday house. Holiday House. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://holidayhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Finding_Langston_Educators_Guide_Updated.pdf 

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• Leaving Lymon (The Finding Langston Trilogy) by Lesa Cline-Ransome
• Being Clem (The Finding Langston Trilogy) by Lesa Cline-Ransome
• The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

 Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

Bibliography

Holm, J. L. (2010). Turtle in Paradise. Random House. ISBN 9780375836886

Plot Summary

During the Great Depression, life is tough, but so is a girl named Turtle. Receiving her name due to her realistic approach to life, Turtle is often the one to pick up the pieces for her mother when things don’t go as planned. When her mother gets a job cleaning house for a rich woman, room and board are included, but not for children. Turtle’s mother decides it's best to send Turtle to live with relatives in Key West, Florida. The only catch is….she’s never met them. Coming from New Jersey, Key West is far different from what Turtle is used to - humidity and heat, unruly cousins, and unique Cuban culture. Turtle’s in for an adventure and soon comes out of her tough shell. She begins to understand why everyone in Key West has a nickname, why no one ever wears shoes, and how the city became a tourist destination and a place to search for pirate treasure! More importantly, Turtle finds out why her mother has hidden so much about their family in Florida from her and the inner workings of the Curry clan. 

Critical Analysis

Set in Key West, Florida in 1935, author Jennifer Holms presents a historical fiction story readers will relate to. The Newbery Honor novel, Turtle in Paradise, presents a young girl whose realistic outlook on life is the opposite of her mother's. Turtle’s practical ways and attitude help her cope with events in her life that are beyond her control. Being sent to live with her extended family while her mother works back home during the Depression provides Turtle with unique experiences. During this time, readers are given specific details related to Key West during the Great Depression and an idea of what life was like. Her uncle worked out of town to help provide for his family while her aunt stayed home and did laundry for others to make ends meet. The main character also makes many references to iconic characters at the time like Shirley Temple and Little Orphan Annie. Author, Jennifer Holms, makes use of many of her childhood memories and stories told to her by her grandmother, who immigrated to Key West in the late 1800s. She also incorporates many aspects of the Florida Keys during the Depression such as public relief, the search for real pirate treasure, iconic places and people (Ernest Hemingway), and a hurricane that hinders the economy. Readers will be captivated by this story of perseverance, hope, disappointment, and learning the true meaning of family. 

Review Excerpt(s)

“Sweet, funny and superb” - Kirkus 

"Turtle is just the right mixture of knowingness and hope; the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with a dollop of adventure." - Booklist

"This richly detailed novel was inspired by Holm’s great-grandmother’s stories. Readers who enjoy melodic, humorous tales of the past won’t want to miss it." - School Library Journal

Newbery Honor Book

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

**Activities can be found at https://images.randomhouse.com/promo_image/9780553510362_3414.pdf

• Students select and create a character outline that includes physical descriptions as well as specific traits. 

• Identify an overall theme or message in the story, such as identity, independence, struggle, or change. Discuss by describing how the writer develops this theme throughout the novel, and how it is relevant today.

• Discussion: Turtle and her mama have very specific dreams regarding the house they want to own. What does it symbolize to them? Does the dream change? Does the dream become a reality? Why, or why not?  

Silverman, E. R., Kennedy, S., & Adamczyk, M. (n.d.). Three Time Newbery Honor-Winning Author Jennifer L. Holm. Educators’ guide - penguin random house. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://images.randomhouse.com/promo_image/9780553510362_3414.pdf 

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
• Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk
• Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk

 War and Millie McGonigle by Karen Cushman

Bibliography

Cushman, K. (2021). War and Millie McGonigle. ALFRED A KNOPF. ISBN 9781984850102

Plot Summary

One would think living on Mission Beach in San Diego, California would be a dream, and for the most part, there’s no other place Millie would rather be. However, since the start of World War II, Millie has been feeling the effects of the Great Depression. Her sunny days are gloomier than ever, especially after her best friend moves and Gram is no longer around to cheer her up. With her father struggling to find work, her mother scrimping pennies together to buy food, her “pill” of a sister who’s always the center of attention due to being ill, and a rowdy little brother, Millie struggles to understand herself and the world around her. It becomes difficult for her to “remember the good things in this world, the things you care about”, as Gram says. Soon, unexpected friendships and situations help Millie realize just that. 

Critical Analysis

Karen Cushman creates another award-winning historical novel by providing readers with the perspective of a tween, Millie, growing up during World War II. Set on the sunny beaches of San Diego, California in 1941, Cushman masterfully weaves a story of a young girl managing the loss of her grandmother and best friend during a frightening time in history. Readers will relate to the young girl’s trials and tribulations of being a preteen along with arduous family dynamics. Cushman flawlessly incorporates details of the effects of the Great Depression and the fear of the West Coast being attacked during WWII within the storyline, providing readers with a real sense of day-to-day angst and worry. The inclusion of the bombing of Pearl Harbor brings the plot to its climax as Millie and her family prepare for the worst. Cushman’s portrayal of this historical time (men being drafted for war, racism towards Japanese residents, societal response to aid wartime) shows evidence of great research and adds to the authenticity of the novel itself. 

Review Excerpt(s)

"Transforms grim history into a light for dark times." —Kirkus Reviews

“A lively choice for historical fiction fans.” —Booklist

“Newbery Medalist Cushman melds historical detail and generous humor in this gently paced novel of family travails and sociopolitical tensions set in 1941 California.” —Publishers Weekly

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

**Activities can be found at https://images.randomhouse.com/promo_image/9781984850102_7693.pdf

• Millie and her mother are good at writing jingles. Take a look at the gallery of World War II propaganda posters on this website: 

history.com/news/world -war-ii-propaganda-posters-photos-united-states -home-front. 

Select one poster and write a jingle that Millie might write to support the message of the poster.

•  View and discuss the photographs of San Diego on this website: sandiegohistory.org/journal/1978/april/wartime. 

• Discuss together what it would have been like to be a child or teenager growing up during the depression and WWII. Compare and contrast to how children grow up today. 

Scales, P. (n.d.). The War and Millie McGonigle Educator's Guide. TeachingBooks. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://images.randomhouse.com/promo_image/9781984850102_7693.pdf

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• Making Bombs for Hitler by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
• Hunger Winter: A World War II Novel by Rob Currie
• 47 Days: The True Story of Two Teen Boys Defying Hitler's Reich by Annette Oppenlander

Quest for the Tree Kangaroo

 

Bibliography

Montgomery, S. (2009). The quest for the tree kangaroo. HMH Books. 

Plot Summary

Come along on an extraordinary expedition to a place few have been. Researcher Lisa Dabek is devoted to observing and learning as much as possible about a very rare, endangered animal, the tree kangaroo. Journey with her and her team of scientists through the primitive territory on their expedition through the mountainous region of Papua New Guinea. Along the way, you will meet local villagers, view the picturesque flora and fauna of the region, and you may just spy that elusive tree kangaroo too!

Critical Analysis

Author Sy Montgomery and photographer Nic Bishop's collaboration is a superbly crafted piece of nonfiction work. Montgomery engages the reader through a descriptive account of the expedition to the mountainous region of New Guinea in search of the tree kangaroo. She eloquently describes the exotic journey, balancing her account between scientific work, interactions with local villagers, and the flora and fauna of the fascinating location. The photographer, Nic Bishop, captures the expedition through magnificent photography. The addition of these breathtaking photos adds to the awe-inspiring journey this team embarks upon. Readers will become engrossed in the journey they take along with these scientists. Complete with maps of the expedition area, advice for young animal lovers, and information about the language of the locals in New Guinea, this book is one that will provide an experience for the reader like no other. 

Review Excerpt(s)

Montgomery gives an unusually strong, visceral sense of the work and cooperation fieldwork entails and the scope and uniqueness of this particular mission. She also communicates the thrill of studying animals in the wild, making observations, and discovering new information. As usual, Bishop’s color photographs are exemplary and extend the excitement in close-ups of creatures and of the team at work.”—Booklist

“Bishop’s photography is stunning portraiture… the tree kangaroo is marketably adorable…

… There’s plenty of evocative description of their habitat, thoughtful exploration of the role the locals play in conserving the animals and revealing information about the rigors of this kind of scientific project… Personal focus and as-it-happens eventfulness will absorb young animal lovers.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

A 2007 Sibert Honor Book 

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Discuss & Write: What would YOU pack on an expedition to New Guinea? Make a list of the stuff you use daily, starting with when you get up in the morning. Which of these items would you want to bring to PNG? What would you leave behind? What would you substitute? And what would you need for an expedition that you don’t normally use? Compare with your classmates. (Now, can you carry that uphill for three days?)

• Group Activity - How would you go about studying that animal? Break your class up into teams. Each team will be studying one animal. Then work out among yourselves: who would be the artist? Who would be the photographer? Who would be the translator? Who would be the field coordinator? Who would be the writer? The veterinarian? Make a list of the responsibilities for each job, what each person would find out, and what his or her daily duties might be.

• Questions for the Scientist - Do you have questions for Kuna, James, Joel, or Margit? Write up those questions interview style. Then have the class weed out the duplicates. We’ll try to forward those questions to them for answers via email. Send them to authorwire.com and we’ll send them on.

**Activities listed above were found on the Sy Montgomery Class Activities Website 

http://symontgomery.com/class-activities/?_ga=2.203209681.1918489986.1657479157-754849900.1657479156

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• The Tarantula Scientist by Sy Montgomery
• The Hive Detectives: Chronicle of a Honey Bee Catastrophe by Loree Griffin Burns
• The Frog Scientist by Pamela S. Turner

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras

 

Bibliography

Tonatiuh, D. (2015). Funny bones: Posada and his day of the dead calaveras. Abrams Books for Young Readers. 

Plot Summary

The award-winning nonfiction book, Funny Bones, was created by author & illustrator, Duncan Tonatiuh. The life of Mexican artist Jose’ Guadalupe Posada (1952-1913) is told through the use of Posada’s art - Calaveras. As a young boy, Posada learned the art of printing using a multitude of techniques. This became the beginning of a lifelong career that would make him famous post-mortem. Today, Posada’s calavera art is collected and on display in many museums. His artwork has become so famous that it is associated with el Dia de Muertos activities and decorations. 

Critical Analysis

Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh brings to life the famous calavera artist, Jose’ Guadalupe Posada (1952-1913). Through the use of vibrant, original artistry and the display of Posada’s work, the author chronicles the life of the artist and his humble beginnings. Readers can easily follow along and understand Spanish wording included within the text due to definitions provided along with the content. Tonatiuh takes the time to engage the reader and think critically about what message Posada was trying to create when generating his pieces of art. A glossary is also provided at the end of the book for reference as well. Additional information is provided at the end of the book to inform the reader about the history of El Dia de Muertos. 

Review Excerpt(s)

"Playful but informative, this picture book offers a fascinating introduction to the artist and his work."―Booklist

"Tonatiuh skillfully blends his own distinctive style of digital collage and hand drawings not only to highlight events in Posada's life but also to add whimsical elements by introducing contemporary calaveras. He incorporates amusing, thoughtful exercises for young readers into the narrative, prompting them to interpret the messages behind Posada's artwork... Tonatiuh further marks himself as a major nonfiction talent with this artistically beautiful and factually accessible offering that effectively blends artistic and political content for young readers."―Kirkus Reviews

"A wealth of biographical and contextual information... it’s a valuable introduction to Posada that will leave readers thinking about the process of creating art and the social impact it can have."―Publishers Weekly

A ​New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2015

A Robert F. Sibert Award Winner

A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book

An ALA/ALSC Notable Children's Book

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Students will use KWL Chart to support their learning throughout the study of Day of the Dead. KWL Charts are graphic organizers that are used to organize information about a topic. Students are to determine what they already Know about a topic, what they Want to know, and in the end, what they Learned. Depending on the level of support provided by the teacher, this activity is adaptable for grades K-8.

• Students will learn about the Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada and mimic a printmaking technique that Posada used. Students will create original pieces depicting a skeleton doing daily activities. 

• Students will be able to identify, understand, and recall the meaning of words that are read in text. Students will use a graphic organizer map to visually display the meaning-based connections between a word and related concepts or words.

**Activities listed above were found in “An Educator’s Guide to Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras” Produced by CLAS Vanderbilt & Compiled by Lisa Finelli

https://as.vanderbilt.edu/clas-resources/media/Final%20Funny%20Bones%20Educator%20Guide.pdf

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh
• Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford
• Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull

Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea

 

Bibliography

Jenkins, S. (2009). Down, down, down a journey to the bottom of the sea. Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt Publishing.  ISBN 9780618966363

Plot Summary

Take a journey down, down, down to the deepest depths of the sea! Explore each zone of the briny deep and discover fascinating creatures that live in each section one by one. As you travel to the deep, you’ll learn about teeming life that can only by a microscope to sea animals three times the size of a standard bus! The journey doesn’t end there though. Soon you’ll reach the deepest depths of the ocean to see creatures of the deep that illuminate themselves to attract prey or squirt bright goo in defense against a predator. This will be an unforgettable journey to the deepest part of the sea. 

Critical Analysis

Author and illustrator, Steve Jenkins creates a children’s nonfiction book that readers can’t put down. Complete with fascinating facts about the depths of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit each of them, Jenkins continues to engage the reader with his artfully crafted illustrations. Brilliantly cut and torn paper collages construct each animal and add to the mystifying appeal of each section of the sea. In addition to the information presented within each sector, Jenkins provides a diagram for each segment of the book. Here readers are able to easily identify each creature portrayed within the text and compare its size to a human hand or body. 

Review Excerpt(s)

"In this plunge into the deep, Jenkins displays his usual keen awareness of what is fascinating about biology and imparts it without sensationalism—the facts speak for themselves . . Sophisticated cut- and torn-paper collage-work fit the alien qualities of the subjects well; it’s equally at home capturing the tiered needlepoints of lizardfish teeth as it is delivering an impressive and illuminating display of bioluminescence."--Booklist

“Browsers will be delighted by the variety of species, shown in their appropriate colors although not to scale. Backmatter provides some information about the animals pictured, including sizes compared to a human body or hand, although the bibliography does not seem to include the sources used for those facts. Once again, Jenkins provides an almost irresistible entry into our natural world for the youngest readers.”--Kirkus Reviews

"Jenkins takes his signature collage to the oceans, sinking readers from the surface of the Pacific Ocean down nearly 11,000 meters to the bottom of the Marianas Trench. His style works well here: with passage into each zone (from the surface to the sunlit zone to the twilight zone, etc.), the blue backgrounds shade darker and murkier, which allows the intricate cut-paper animal illustrations to pop."--Horn Book

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Children can make a paper collage of various animals presented in the book. 

• Learn more about ocean zones with this fun activity. Click on this link for the activity: https://www.kcedventures.com/blog/layers-of-the-ocean-under-the-sea-science-activities

• Craft a whale from a paper plate. Click on this link for the activity: 

http://krokotak.com/2014/07/a-paper-plate-whale/

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• Where the Weird Things Are: An Ocean Twilight Zone Adventure by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
• Ultimate Oceanpedia: The Most Complete Ocean Reference Ever (National Geographic Kids) by Christina Wilsdon
• Alien Deep (Premium Edition): Revealing the Mysterious Living World at the Bottom of the Ocean Paperback by Bradley Hague

What to Do About Alice?

 

Bibliography

Kerley, B. (2008). What To Do About Alice? Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439922319

Plot Summary

One would think a President’s daughter would be prim and proper, as a young lady of importance should be. However, Alice wanted to “eat up the world” and she did just that! Alice, being very unconventional for her time, drove her father (President Theodore Roosevelt) crazy with her silly antics. As Alice grew older, despite being as eccentric as she was, she soon became known as one of the President’s most trusted advisors. Being born into politics and marrying a congressman, Alice continued to find herself associated with the political elite. Taking advantage of such, throughout her lifetime, Alice Roosevelt continued to push aside social barriers and soon become known as “The Other Washington Monument”. 

Brimming with affection and wit, this spirited biography gives readers a peek at family life inside the White House. Prose and pictures spring, gambol, and two-step across the pages to celebrate a maverick American heroine.

Critical Analysis

Presenting an entertaining biography of a young girl, Barbara Kerley superbly depicts the quirky, eccentric Alice Roosevelt and her escapades to readers. Full of sass, unconventional thinking, and rowdiness, this biography gives readers a glimpse into the life of a White House family. Children will revel in delight and appreciate how a seemingly pristine family is actually quite normal…especially with Alice. Illustrations by Edwin Fotheringham add to the dynamics of this entertaining biography. Brightly colored drawings help engage the reader and elicit mood and meaning from the text. This will be one biography children will want to read again and again. 

Review Excerpt(s)

"It's hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume serves young Alice Roosevelt... Debut illustrator Fotheringham creates the perfect mood from the start... Kids will embrace a heroine who teaches her younger stepsiblings to sled down the White House stairs, entertains dignitaries with her pet snake, and captivates a nation with pranks and high jinks." -- Publishers Weekly

"Theodore Roosevelt's irrepressible oldest child receives an appropriately vivacious appreciation in this superb picture book... Taking her thematic approach from Alice's own self-description, Kerley's precise text presents readers with a devilishly smart, strong-willed girl who was determined to live life on her own terms and largely succeeded... The illustrator takes every opportunity to develop Alice's character further... It's a gleeful celebration of a fully, unapologetically led life." -- Kirkus Reviews

A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book

A Sibert Honor Book

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Read the selection as a Readers Theater piece. Click the link here for the activity: 

http://www.thebestclass.org/uploads/5/6/2/4/56249715/what_to_do_about_alice.pdf

• Have children brainstorm about what it must be like to be a child/teenager living in the White House. List the pros and cons. Tell children about other White House children.

• Ask the following questions: What did she do that was different from other girls her age? How did her actions possibly affect today’s youth?

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• Brave Girl: Clara Lemlich and the Shirtwaist Makers by Michelle Markel
• The Story of Jane Goodall by Susan B. Katz
• The Story of Ruby Bridges by Arlisha Norwood Alston PhD

Follow Follow

Bibliography

Singer, M. (2013). Follow follow. Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780803737693

Plot Summary

Some say there are two sides to every story - this book of poems proves it. Read through cleverly crafted poetry based on classic fairytales and fables. You may be surprised to find an opposing point of view when reading the poem in reverse!

Critical Analysis

Marilyn Singer has done it again - brilliantly creating another book of reverso poetry. A companion to Mirror Mirror, Follow Follow contains classic fairytales and fables with a twist. Using the perspective of a character, Singer crafts a poem only to reverse it, changing punctuation and capitalization, to create an all-new perspective. Illustrations from Josée Masse add to the brilliance of this reverso poetry book. Brightly colored artwork depicts two points of view and adds to the majesty of this collection of poems. 

Review Excerpt(s)

“Singer and Masse’s companion to Mirror Mirror is just as inspired as its predecessor.” – Publishers Weekly

"Masse’s two-sided illustrations capture the changes in point of view, tone, and color...Singer’s reversos present lyrical and evocative moments that will surprise and delight children and provide them with opportunities for critical discussion." – School Library Journal

Connections

For additional activities related to the book:

• Have children try to create their own reverso poem

• Have children illustrate their favorite reverso poem from the book 

• Discuss different poetic elements used by the writer and what makes a reverso poem so unique

Other recommended books if you liked this one: 

• Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reverso Poems by Marilyn Singer
• Echo Echo: Reverso Poems About Greek Myths by Marilyn Singer