Bibliography Bell, Cece. 2014. El Deafo. Ill. by Cece Bell. New York: Amulet Books. ISBN 9781419712173 Plot Summary In this poignant graphic novel memoir, Cece struggles to make friends and be like the other kids due to her hearing loss. Her Phonic Ear, which gives her the power to hear at school, also gives her superpowers, at least in her mind. Cece tells the story of her hearing loss, making friends, and becoming “El Deafo, Listener for All” along the way. Memorable, fun, and entertaining, this a great graphic novel for adults and children alike. Critical Analysis With any graphic novel, the first details you notice are in the artwork. Bell does a fabulous job of creating characters that are appealing, funny, and engaging for readers, richly colored by David Lasky. The art is appropriate for the target audience of children 8-12 years old, and conveys the book’s message clearly through text and graphics. The text and art work together to tell the story and are not overwhelming. They complement each other and are of an adequate size and font to be easily read. The page layout is effective, the art is extraordinary, and it all works together to create an amazing autobiographical story. The characters in the story are all adorably cute rabbits. Cece is especially endearing, with her love of wearing her swimsuit and her initial dislike of the un-cute hearing aid. Cece’s parents, sisters, friends, neighborhood kids, and teachers all add to the story. Cece adds in her note at the end of the novel that some of the characters are accurate, while others are a combination of people that she knew. This adds to the relevancy of the story and creates a further connection to the characters. The story takes place in the 1970’s, which is depicted throughout the story in the setting, and especially in what Cece, her family, and her friends watch on television. The music is also accurate to the time. From the neighborhood, to the school, and even to the ASL classes her mother forces her to take, the setting in illustration complements the text. The major theme of El Deafo is that “Our differences are our superpowers.” When Cece sees a deaf child in an after-school movie called “Deafo” in a derogatory manner, she finds it humorous and decides to embrace it as her alter ego, “El Deafo;” a superhero. She begins to imagine herself in different situations as “El Deafo,” fighting for what she wants, planning retaliation, and searching for a true friend. This is a theme that anyone can identify with in some way. Even though the reader may not be deaf, we all have differences, and embracing those are what makes us truly special. Bell’s writing style is fresh, youthful, and inspiring. It really feels like Cece is telling the story and it is done in a way that even elementary aged students could read and understand. It is refreshing to see an author take on a topic that can be sensitive, use their personal experience, and create a story that is engaging, relevant, and has a great lesson for readers of all ages. One especially nice feature is Bell’s note at the end describing why she wrote the book and sharing facts about the deaf community. This graphic novel is in an incredibly touching memoir that could be used in a variety of ways. Readers of all ages will enjoy this colorful, vibrant story of Cece Bell’s childhood. Response I had a deep personal connection to this story. One of my closest friends is deaf and lives just down the street. As I read this graphic novel, I showed it to her and we discussed. She also had a Phonic Ear growing up, learned to read lips, and struggled to find friends who understood her. I am not usually a graphic novel reader. In fact, I can’t remember the last graphic novel I read! This book, however, has changed my perception of graphic novels with its biographical content, rich illustrations and coloration, and heartfelt story. I love that it teaches an important lesson from a child’s perspective and encourages the reader to look at disabilities in a new light, as a superpower. Honors 2015 Newbery Honor 2015 Eisner Award 2014 Kirkus Prize Finalist Reviews “Cece loses her hearing from spinal meningitis, and takes readers through the arduous journey of learning to lip read and decipher the noise of her hearing aid, with the goal of finding a true friend. This warmly and humorously illustrated full-color graphic novel set in the suburban '70s has all the gripping characters and inflated melodrama of late childhood: a crush on a neighborhood boy, the bossy friend, the too-sensitive-to-her-Deafness friend, and the perfect friend, scared away. The characters are all rabbits. The antics of her hearing aid connected to a FM unit (an amplifier the teacher wears) are spectacularly funny. When Cece's teacher leaves the FM unit on, Cece hears everything: bathroom visits, even teacher lounge improprieties It is her superpower. She deems herself El Deafo! inspired in part by a bullied Deaf child featured in an Afterschool Special. Cece fearlessly fantasizes retaliations. Nevertheless, she rejects ASL because it makes visible what she is trying to hide. She ventures, "Who cares what everyone thinks!" But she does care. She loathes the designation "special," and wants to pass for hearing. Bell tells it all: the joy of removing her hearing aid in summer, the troubles watching the TV when the actor turns his back, and the agony of slumber party chats in the dark. Included is an honest and revealing afterword, which addresses the author's early decision not to learn ASL, her more mature appreciation for the language, and her adage that, "Our differences are our superpowers." – School Library Journal “When Cece is 4 years old, she becomes “severely to profoundly” deaf after contracting meningitis. Though she is fitted with a hearing aid and learns to read lips, it’s a challenging adjustment for her. After her family moves to a new town, Cece begins first grade at a school that doesn’t have separate classes for the deaf. Her nifty new hearing aid, the Phonic Ear, allows her to hear her teacher clearly, even when her teacher is in another part of the school. Cece’s new ability makes her feel like a superhero—just call her “El Deafo”—but the Phonic Ear is still hard to hide and uncomfortable to wear. Cece thinks, “Superheroes might be awesome, but they are also different. And being different feels a lot like being alone.” Bell (Rabbit & Robot: The Sleepover, 2012) shares her childhood experiences of being hearing impaired with warmth and sensitivity, exploiting the graphic format to amplify such details as misheard speech. Her whimsical color illustrations (all the human characters have rabbit ears and faces), clear explanations and Cece’s often funny adventures help make the memoir accessible and entertaining. Readers will empathize with Cece as she tries to find friends who aren’t bossy or inconsiderate, and they’ll rejoice with her when she finally does. An author's note fleshes out Bell's story, including a discussion of the many facets of deafness and Deaf culture.” – Kirkus, starred review “A bout of childhood meningitis left Bell (Rabbit & Robot: The Sleepover) deaf at age four, and she was prescribed a Phonic Ear, with a receiver draped across her chest and a remote microphone her teachers wore. Her graphic memoir records both the indignities of being a deaf child in a hearing community (“IS. THAT. AAAY. HEAR-ING. AAAID?”) and its joys, as when she discovers that the microphone picks up every word her teacher says anywhere in the school. Bell’s earnest rabbit/human characters, her ability to capture her own sonic universe (“eh sounz lah yur unnah wawah!”), and her invention of an alter ego—the cape-wearing El Deafo, who gets her through stressful encounters (“How can El Deafo free herself from the shackles of this weekly humiliation?” she asks as her mother drags her to another excruciating sign language class)—all combine to make this a standout autobiography. Cece’s predilection for bursting into tears at the wrong time belies a gift for resilience that makes her someone readers will enjoy getting to know.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review Connections
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Bibliography Gaiman, Neil. 2008. The Graveyard Book. Ill. by Dave McKean. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780060530945 Plot Summary Nobody Owens, better known as Bod by the inhabitants of the small graveyard, is a normal boy whose life is anything but normal. As a toddler, Bod escapes his family’s home as a ruthless killer murders his family. He unknowingly finds safe harbor in the old cemetery under the care of the graveyard’s inhabitants, particularly Mr. and Mrs. Owens. As Bod grows older, it becomes more and more difficult for him to stay confined within the walls of the cemetery, even though the world outside still isn’t safe for him. Will Bod be able to face the real world and find out the truth about his family before the killer finds him? Critical Analysis In his award winning novel, Gaiman, with help from illustrator David McKean, tells the fantastic tale of Nobody Owens, better known as Bod. From the first sentences of the book, the reader feels a deep connection with the toddler as he escapes death and finds a safe haven in the the graveyard on the hill. Just like the graveyard inhabitants who care for Bod, as the story progresses, the reader also feels the dangers that surround Bod and hope deeply for his safety. As he navigates the world of the undead, werewolves, ghouls, and other fantastical beings, there is a kinship created that pulls the reader into the story. The other characters in the story, like Silas and Mr. and Mrs. Owens, truly care about Bod and take teaching him skills to survive very seriously. All of the characters are unique, interesting, engaging, and of course, fantastical! They are described with a clarity that creates a strong mental picture. Gaiman even uses language and word patterns from long ago to strengthen the characters and make them even more realistic. The graveyard where Bod lives, the town nearby, and even the other worlds that Bod visits are all vividly described by Gaiman. These worlds add to the story and create depth to the plot as Bod learns more about his past and future. One of Gaiman’s greatest talents is the use of details. From the gravestones, to the weather, to the abilities of the graveyards inhabitants, the details create a setting that is vibrant and engrossing for the reader. Even though The Graveyard Book is a fantasy story all of the elements come together to create a story that is consistent and believable. The journey that Bod takes to find out what happened to his family and finally gain his freedom into the real world is interesting, full of obstacles, and has one very menacing villain. It is so full of creativity and action it is difficult to put down. This story has so many themes, one of the main ones being the classic tale of good versus evil. Death is another major theme of the story, as the living and dead interact and Bod decides to seek the end of his confinement by finding out the truth in his family’s death. The great sense of community that Bod grows up in through the graveyard is also another theme. The community that surrounds Bod teaches him, mentors him, strengthens him, and guides him. The last pages of the book reflect on another major theme: family. As Bod says goodbye to his ghostly parents, it becomes clear that family is a major element of the story that grows under the surface throughout the novel. Gaiman’s writing style is clear, crisp, and distinct. He effortlessly creates the fantastical world of the graveyard and the inhabitants who keep Bod safe. He also uses language in the characters’ dialogue that is accurate to the historical time in which they lived. This use of language, vivid imagery, and fantasy elements creates a story that is not easily forgotten. Response I am not usually a reader of fantasy, but this book had me from the first pages. I could barely put it down! Gaiman has a way of vividly creating a world that is totally believable, yet total fantasy. The characters were engaging and creative, the story was complex, yet easy to follow, and the setting was so clear and striking; it is not difficult to see why this book won so many awards. This is a book that continues to live on through new adaptations into a graphic novel, and will continue to be a recommended title for young adult and adult readers alike. Honors 2009 Newbery Medal 2010 Carnegie Medal 2009 Hugo Award for Best Novel 2008 Cybils Award for Fantasy & Science Fiction 2009 Locus Award for Best Young-Adult Book 2010 SFX Award for Best Novel Reviews “While a highly motivated killer murders his family, a baby, ignorant of the horrific goings-on but bent on independence, pulls himself out of his crib and toddles out of the house and into the night. This is most unfortunate for the killer, since the baby was his prime target. Finding his way through the barred fence of an ancient graveyard, the baby is discovered by Mr. and Mrs. Owens, a stable and caring couple with no children of their own—and who just happen to be dead. After much debate with the graveyard’s rather opinionated denizens, it is decided that the Owenses will take in the child. Under their care and the sponsorship of the mysterious Silas, the baby is named “Nobody” and raised among the dead to protect him from the killer, who relentlessly pursues him. This is an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters. There is plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming. Although marketed to the younger YA set, this is a rich story with broad appeal and is highly recommended for teens of all ages.” – Booklist, starred review “Wistful, witty, wise—and creepy. Gaiman’s riff on Kipling’s Mowgli stories never falters, from the truly spine-tingling opening, in which a toddler accidentally escapes his family’s murderer, to the melancholy, life-affirming ending. Bod (short for Nobody) finds solace and safety with the inhabitants of the local graveyard, who grant him some of the privileges and powers of the dead—he can Fade and Dreamwalk, for instance, but still needs to eat and breathe. Episodic chapters tell miniature gems of stories (one has been nominated for a Locus Award) tracing Bod’s growth from a spoiled boy who runs away with the ghouls to a young man for whom the metaphor of setting out into the world becomes achingly real. Childhood fears take solid shape in the nursery-rhyme–inspired villains, while heroism is its own, often bitter, reward. Closer in tone to American Godsthan to Coraline, but permeated with Bod’s innocence, this needs to be read by anyone who is or has ever been a child.” – Kirkus, starred review Connections
Other Titles by Neil Gaiman:
Bibliography
Ruby, Laura. 2015. Bone Gap. New York: Balzer + Bray. ISBN 9780062317629 Plot Summary When Roza disappears just as mysteriously as she arrived, the people of Bone Gap are not surprised. Finn, however, knows the truth. He knows that Roza was taken by a dangerous man with a face he can’t remember. It is up to Finn to find and save Roza, before it’s too late. Laura Ruby seamlessly blends elements of contemporary realistic fiction and fantasy in this mesmerizing and beautiful novel. Critical Analysis Finn, better known as Spaceman, Sidetrack, Moonface, Pretty Boy, Loner, and Dude, is the kind of character readers of all ages can relate to. As Finn navigates through the loss of Roza and his attempts to find her, he must also deal with an aloof older brother, writing college essays, and finding love for the first time. As the story progresses, Finn’s characterization grows and you find yourself rooting for him, even as fantastical things happen that cannot be explained. Finn speaks like a teenager, acts like a teenager, loves like a teenager, and has a tenacity that draws the reader to him. Another characteristic of Finn that stands out is his inability to recognize faces. This plays a major role in the disappearance and hunt for Roza. Finn is not the only engaging character in the story. Roza, whose story unfolds in the chapters she narrates, is so full of emotion and strength. Her character plays an important part in Finn’s discovery of his own strength and in the repair of his relationship with his brother. Petey, the bee charmer, is Finn’s first love, who helps him discover what makes him different than the others. Even the crazy townsfolk, Charlie Valentine, Finn’s friend Miguel, the Rude brothers, and Petey’s mother, create a memorable cast of characters that elevate the story and make it that much more memorable. Bone Gap is a small town full of “talking” corn (at least Finn and Miguel think so), mysterious gaps in reality, and gossipy residents. It is much like any small town initially, as Finn deals with normal teenage angst, including the Rude brothers, five of them, who like to beat him up. Anyone who grew up in a small town will quickly make connections to people they knew, but all readers will recognize the setting and its importance as the story delves into the realm of fantasy. Where Bone Gap differs from other current fiction is in its blending of realistic fiction and fantasy. While most of the story is contemporary and realistic, as Finn dives into the journey of finding the missing Roza, fantasy elements are seamlessly blended into the story line. What is most amazing about this blending is that, as the reader, the transition between reality and fantasy is so smooth, you do not even question what is happening. From the appearance of the horse and goat in the barn, to Roza’s experiences in captivity, to Finn’s encounter with the dangerous man as he attempts to rescue Roza, reality and fantasy blend so well, it only adds to the plot of the story. The theme of Bone Gap is two fold. Finn begins to understand who he truly is and accept himself. He, and several of the other characters, also finally find where they belong, another strong motif in young adult fiction. A thematic characteristic of this novel that stood out to me was that all of the characters experience these two themes in their own unique ways. For example, Petey, Finn’s love interest, finally begins to see that she is beautiful and that with Finn she will always have a place to belong. Likewise, Roza discovers that she is strong in ways she didn’t know and that she has a home and safe haven with Finn and Sean. The themes are strong, and well written into the storyline. Ruby’s use of varying story perspectives gives the reader a multi-dimensional look at the story. Although most of the story is told through Finn’s perspective, Roza and Petey, also get in on the action of sharing their perspective and experience in the plot line. Even with the changing point of view, the story does not get overloaded, it only accentuates the development of the story. There is also a nice balance between Finn’s male perspective and the female perspectives of Roza and Petey. One of the most important factors in this story is that, after Finn completes his journey, there is a happy ending for all of the characters. Bone Gap definitely stands out as a blended genre novel that will engage readers of all ages and satisfy them with a wonderful story. Response Bone Gap is by far my favorite work of young adult fiction this year. I became so engrossed in the characters’ lives and challenges, I had difficulty putting it down. I still think about this book everyday and use it as a marker for judging other young adult books! One of my favorite elements of the story was the development of the relationship between Finn and Petey. Writing haikus, discovering other-worldly places, and each other, their relationship draws on the feelings any reader had the first time they fell in love. Another element of Bone Gap that I found incredibly interesting was Finn’s condition, prosopagnosia, or face blindness. This is something I had never heard of, but, of course, is very real. Its effect on Finn throughout his life, and throughout the story, is incredible, interesting, and eye-opening. Overall, this is one book that will remain on my booktalk and recommended shelf for a long time to come! Honors 2016 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature National Book Award Finalist Reviews "One part magical realism and two parts fantasy, Bone Gap is a story of whispering corn, buzzing bees, and glimpses of magic in parallel universes...Like in so many classic small-town stories, the town of Bone Gap becomes an integral character. Its collective judgment influences each main character; its magic is both the question and the answer to this very complex, emotional puzzle...The real magic in Bone Gap is the discovery of love, an idea many stories misrepresent but Bone Gap explores with the utmost honesty and truth." —Voya, starred review "It is a rare book that sits comfortably on the shelf with the works of Twain, McCullers, Conroy, Stephen King, and D'Aulaires' Greek Myths—rarer still that a novel combines elements of these authors together. Bone Gap does just this, to superb effect. We start with a boy named Finn and his brother, Sean. Sean is the classic hero: strong, silent, great at everything he does. Finn is a pretty boy whose otherworldly goofiness has earned him the nicknames Spaceman, Sidetrack, and Moonface. Along comes Roza, a beautiful and damaged young woman, fleeing from some unknown evil. When she disappears, only Finn witnesses her abduction and he is unable to describe her captor. He is also unsure whether she left by force or choice. The author defies readers' expectations at every turn. In this world, the evidence of one's senses counts for little; appearances, even less. Heroism isn't born of muscle, competence, and desire, but of the ability to look beyond the surface and embrace otherworldliness and kindred spirits. Sex happens, but almost incidentally. Evil happens, embodied in a timeless, nameless horror that survives on the mere idea of beauty. Ruby's novel deserves to be read and reread. It is powerful, beautiful, extraordinary." —Nina Sachs, School Library Journal "Bone Gap marks Laura Ruby as one of fiction's most original voices. She is capable of moving you to tears, terrifying you on deep and dream-like levels, and making your heart shout with happiness. This book is magic realism at its most magical." --E. Lockhart, author of The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks and We Were Liars "Ruby's enigmatic novel weaves together the brutal realism of small-town cruelties and sexual violence with the best kind of dreamlike folk magic, inflecting the hard parts with fairy tale softness...and shimmering, hopeful mysticism. With rich characters, captivating world building, and a stunning secret at its heart, Bone Gap is utterly bewitching." —Booklist, starred review Connections Other Blended Genre Young Adult Titles:
Other Young Adult Titles by Laura Ruby:
Bone Gap Book TrailerBibliography Schmidt, Gary D. 2007. The Wednesday Wars. Read by Joel Johnstone. New York: Sandpiper. Audiobook. Plot Summary Holling Hoodhood is a seventh grader at Camillo Junior High School in Long Island, New York. Each Wednesday, Holling’s Catholic and Jewish classmates spend their afternoons at their respective churches in religious instruction. Holling, however, is a Presbyterian, meaning he is doomed to spend each Wednesday afternoon with his teacher, Mrs. Baker. Initially, he believes she “hates his guts.” Mrs. Baker has him reading Shakespeare, cleaning erasers, and writing essays. However, as Holling finds the “Big M” (motivation), he learns more from Mrs. Baker than he could have ever imagined. This coming of age tale combines the feelings of early adolescence with the political and social uproar of the 1960’s seamlessly. You will find yourself rooting for Holling, laughing with (and at him at times), and losing yourself in the feelings of young Holling as he grows up before your eyes. Critical Analysis The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt is one of those great works of historical fiction that truly reads as fiction with history happening in the background. Schmidt is known for seamlessly combining fictional events into an accurate historical context. That is exactly the case in this book. Holling Hoodhood is your typical seventh grade boy, navigating friendship, family, first love, and school. Holling is funny, sincere, caring, athletic, smart, and loyal. His character is well developed and has the ability to make the reader laugh and cry, sometimes in the same chapter! Any middle school age reader, especially boys, will be able to identify with and relate to Holling. Mrs. Baker also plays a key role in the book, helping Holling learn important life lessons and providing a different perspective to the story. Through the context of the story, Mrs. Baker becomes one of those once-in-a-lifetime teachers that motivates Holling and provides him with amazing opportunities (like playing ball with members of the New York Yankees!). The other characters in the book are just as interesting and engaging as Holling. There’s Mr. Hoodhood, Holling’s conservative, successful father, his sister, Heather, a peace loving “flower child,” and Mai Thi Huong, a Vietnamese refugee in Holling’s class. These characters build the context around Holling that make the story come to life. Holling’s first love, Meryl Lee, and his friends Doug and Danny are all characters that complement Holling and bring to life the social relationships of middle school students. Holling lives in a small community on Long Island. Schmidt vividly describes the small town feel from the school, to the community, to Holling’s “perfect” home. At one point in the story, Mrs. Baker shows Holling parts of the town with some historical background that changes the way he, and the reader, view it. Even though the setting is in the 1960s, the picture that is painted is so clear, readers of all ages will have no difficulty imagining what it was like to live in that time. This story is truly a coming of age story for Holling. Within the main plot of the story, however, there are several subplots that draw the reader in. The Vietnam war and the implications it had on the cultural and society of the 1960s is a big part of the subplots. Friendship and navigating junior high issues is another major subplot. Even with multiple story lines weaving in and out together, the story holds firm and is interesting, funny, relatable, and educational for the reader. The Vietnam War and growing up in this time of social upheaval is depicted so brilliantly, you find yourself lost in that time. One interesting piece to story is Schmidt’s interjection of Shakespeare into the narrative. Holling and Mrs. Baker read and study Shakespeare together. Holling even performs The Tempest in the local theater. They both use Shakespeare as an outlet for expressing their feelings, connecting to each other, and describing the world around them. The themes of this story really tug at the reader’s emotions. The Vietnam War and its effect on the culture of he 1960s is a huge theme of The Wednesday Wars. Schmidt does an excellent job providing multiple perspectives from multiple characters to really help the reader feel what the characters felt during that time. Another major theme was, of course, growing up. Holling’s character changes and matures throughout the story, finding himself and realizing he’s stronger than he thought he was. One of the most emotional themes in the story was that of family. Holling realizes through the actions of his father and his relationship with his sister what family and love really means. Overall, this book is a well-written piece of historical fiction that tells the tale of Holling Hoodhood, a seventh grader during the 1960s, in a way that reflects the voices of seventh graders everywhere. It is seamless, interesting, and a great read to engage readers in a text that they can connect with and learn from in many different ways. Response This book was a gem! I enjoyed listening to it in audiobook format, with Joel Johnstone providing wonderful narration. I usually find myself “zoning out” during audiobooks, but Johnstone’s narration really made the story come to life. Seeing Holling’s relationships change over time was incredibly interesting and engaging. I especially loved the relationship between Holling and Mrs. Baker. When Holling describes Lieutenant Baker’s return at the end of the story, I found tears in my eyes, as I did when Mrs. Baker took Holling around their town and showed him the landmarks in a way he had never seen them before. This story touched on so many feelings, emotions, and stages of growing up. I couldn’t help but love it! This is a title I will recommend for years to come! Honors 2008 Newbery Honor Book Reviews “Johnstone brings to life one of the most endearing characters to come along in some time. Holling Hoodhood is starting seventh grade in 1967. It is a time of change, not just for Holling as he begins his journey into adolescence, but for the world around him as well. The war in Vietnam is raging and the deaths of Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy hang heavy on the American consciousness by the end of the school year. And for Holling, the world of nascent relationships lies before him, not to mention, baseball, camping and the constant excitement, wonder and terror of being 11 at such a volatile time. Johnstone's first-person narration perfectly captures Holling's progression from an angst-filled yet innocent boy, to a wiser, self-aware young man. His reading is touching, funny and insightful; he manages to bring the listener back to a time—real or nostalgically re-imagined, at least—when the crack of a bat against a ball in Yankee Stadium or sharing a Coke with a girl at the Woolworth's counter was all any boy could want. This is a lovely, heartfelt novel, read with as much care as the author used to create it.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review (audiobook) “On Wednesday afternoons, while his Catholic and Jewish schoolmates attend religious instruction, Holling Hoodhood, the only Presbyterian in his seventh grade, is alone in the classroom with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, who Holling is convinced hates his guts. He feels more certain after Mrs. Baker assigns Shakespeare's plays for Holling to discuss during their shared afternoons. Each month in Holling's tumultuous seventh-grade year is a chapter in this quietly powerful coming-of-age novel set in suburban Long Island during the late '60s. The slow start may deter some readers, and Mrs. Baker is too good to be true: she arranges a meeting between Holling and the New York Yankees, brokers a deal to save a student's father's architectural firm, and, after revealing her past as an Olympic runner, coaches Holling to the varsity cross-country team. However, Schmidt, whose Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy (2005) was named both a Printz and a Newbery Honor Book, makes the implausible believable and the everyday momentous. Seamlessly, he knits together the story's themes: the cultural uproar of the '60s, the internal uproar of early adolescence, and the timeless wisdom of Shakespeare's words. Holling's unwavering, distinctive voice offers a gentle, hopeful, moving story of a boy who, with the right help, learns to stretch beyond the limitations of his family, his violent times, and his fear, as he leaps into his future with his eyes and his heart wide open.” – Booklist, starred review (audiobook) Connections
Other Notable Books by Gary D. Schmidt
Bibliography Schlitz, Laura A. 2015. The Hired Girl. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763678180 Plot Summary Joan Skraggs, a fourteen-year-old farm girl in Pennsylvania dreams of a better life. After her mother passes away, Joan is left to care for her insensitive and slovenly father and brothers. She does all the work without even a thank you, let alone any pay. Joan finds herself escaping through books, which her father burns as punishment, forcing Joan to make a dramatic choice about her future. Surely life as a hired girl for six dollars a week is better than the life she is destined to on the farm! So, she runs away, lies about her age, and becomes the new hired girl in a Jewish household in an upscale Baltimore neighborhood. Joan must learn to navigate her newfound home, the culture within it, and her changing attitudes and feelings as she grows up to become a young woman. Joan tells her story through her journal, giving the reader and inside look at her thoughts, feelings, and heart, as she writes about her life as the hired girl. Critical Analysis The Hired Girl, from Newbery medalist, Laura Amy Schlitz, follows the life of fourteen-year-old Joan Skaggs through her journal over the summer of 1911. Joan longs to educate herself and make a better life than what she had on her family’s farm in rural Pennsylvania. After a confrontation with her father, which results in the burning of her beloved books, Joan makes the dramatic decision to leave home and run away to be a hired girl. Readers will identify with Joan’s desire to make a better life for herself and follow her dreams. Joan’s character traits, along with her true-to-life emotions, makes her vividly real to the reader. Throughout Joan’s journal, the reader is able to see her becoming a young woman. Her thoughts, attitudes, and ideas mature and change throughout the book. The other characters in the book, although minor to Joan, play a major part in the development and realism of her character. The Rosenbachs, the Jewish family who hire Joan, influence her to better herself, grow up, and force her to face some of the harsh realities of the times. Malka, the cranky, old house maid she is hired to help, even plays a major role in Joan discovering and bettering herself. Even though the characters are from another time and may be from a culture unfamiliar to readers, Schlitz does an excellent job of describing their traits, clothing, and attitudes, as well as using authentic dialog that supports their realism. From Joan’s rural Pennsylvania farm, to the lavish home of the Rosenbachs, Schlitz does a wonderful job of creating vivid imagery that makes the setting come to life. The activities, social functions, and cultural expectations add to this imagery. Joan’s journal, and the plot of the story, are not too complex but are able to deftly deal with some major themes and social conflicts of the time. Joan’s naiveté, intelligence, and wit are well written and the dialog between characters reflects the cultures and traditions within the story. The Jewish culture plays a major role in the book. Schlitz does a wonderful job of using Jewish sayings, Hebrew words, and describing Jewish customs through Joan’s voice in a way that is realistic, yet easily understood by the reader. She avoids stereotyping, and does a remarkable job of describing the way Jewish people were treated during this period in American history. Joan learns about anti-Semitism, and sees it reflected through the culture of her own religion. This book explores different religions and viewpoints respectfully, providing a historical background for the feelings of each. The themes of this book are deep, yet easily recognized, throughout the story. One of the major themes is that of growing up and following your heart. Joan experiences this as she steps out in the world and makes a life for herself. She also encourages this in the other characters in the story, especially in her encouragement of the two Rosenbach sons to follow their dreams and stand up for themselves. Another theme that readers will engage with is the persecution and oppression of those who are poor or different. The anti-Semitism discussed in the book, along with the working class conditions of time, will help readers reflect on the current social and cultural climates in which we are living. The theme of the importance of education resonates throughout the book, as well. Joan’s desire to read, learn, and become a teacher, along with Mr. Rosenbach’s encouragement of his own children and his building/founding of a new school in Baltimore bring to light the importance education has in overcoming social and class barriers. This book accurately portrays the social and cultural conditions of the early 1900’s and is written in a way that reflects the voice of the people during that time. The characters are easy to identify with and root for, and all of this is woven together in a rich, engaging story that will leave you satisfied and happy for all of the characters and their outcomes. This wonderful piece of historical fiction is sure to be an instant favorite with young adult and adult readers alike! Response The characters in this story are so well written and engaging! As a reader, I found myself instantly sympathizing with Joan and rooting for her to escape and make a better life for herself. Each member of the Rosenbach family was memorable, well-developed, and added to the fabric of the story. And, of course, dear old Malka, the elderly housemaid, as grumpy as she was, could not help but be loved as she began to care for and mentor Joan. One of my favorite aspects of the book, besides the history behind it, was that it centered on Joan bettering herself. What a great theme for readers of all ages! Joan’s determination and intense desire to create the life her mother dreamed she would have is touching, engaging, and admirable. Joan makes mistakes and learns, she grows up, and she makes herself a better person. What’s not to love about that? The journal format of the story makes it easy to read and provides an insight to the thoughts, feelings, and heart of Joan. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down! Honors 2016 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction 2016 Association of Jewish Libraries Sydney Taylor Award Winner 2016 National Jewish Book Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature Reviews “Written as a diary, the first-person narrative brings immediacy to Joan’s story and intimacy to her confessions and revelations. The distinctive household setting and the many secondary characters are well developed, while Joan comes alive on the page as a vulnerable, good-hearted, and sometimes painfully self-aware character struggling to find her place in the world. A memorable novel from a captivating storyteller.” – Booklist, starred review “The diary format allows Joan's romantic tendencies full rein, as well as narrative latitude for a few highly improbable scenarios and wildly silly passion. Tons of period details, especially about clothing, round out a highly satisfying and smart breast-clutcher from this Newbery-winning author.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review “The book is framed as Joan’s diary, and her weaknesses, foibles, and naiveté come through as clearly—and as frequently—as her hopes, dreams, and aspirations...by the end readers feel as if they’ve witnessed the real, authentic growth of a memorable young woman.” – The Horn Book, starred review “Coming-of-age drama and deeper questions of faith, belonging, and womanhood are balanced with just the right blend of humor. A wonderful look into the life of strong girl who learns that she needs the love of others to truly grow up.” – School Library Journal, starred review “An enlightening portrayal of a young girl’s struggle to assert herself at a time when women’s rights were just beginning to be established...Joan’s strength and determination, despite the expectations of a young woman’s attitude and behavior at the time, are inspiring to young readers. Readers of all ages will find her an appealing heroine.” – VOYA Connections
Other Notable Books by Laura Amy Schlitz
Bibliography Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife’s Apprentice. New York: Sandpiper. ISBN 9780547722177 Plot Summary A young homeless girl, known only as Brat, finds herself without a family, home, or future in medieval England. She is hopeless until one day she stumbles upon the ill-tempered midwife, Jane, and finds herself thrust into a world she knows nothing about; being a midwife’s apprentice. As Brat’s fortune changes, she finds confidence and a new name, Alyce, as well as the courage to dream of something more for herself. Her dream of “a full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world,” set against the colorful backdrop of an English village, will tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, and bring a tear to your eye as Alyce finds exactly what she dreams of. Critical Analysis The first feature of this story that draws the reader in is the main character, Brat. Brat finds herself staying warm in a pile of manure, avoiding the teasing and torture of the village children, and eating whatever scraps she can find. She is an orphan who has no memory of her mother or where she came from. This realization is startling to the reader. How can a child this young live on his/her own without shelter, food, and care?! You feel an instant protection over Brat, who becomes known as Beetle, when the midwife takes her under her wing. The reader sees Beetle enjoying childlike activities, making friends with a cat, and doing whatever it takes to make Jane the midwife happy so that her survival can continue. The development of Beetle’s character as she becomes Alyce (the new name she chooses for herself), demonstrates the theme of growing up, finding yourself, and beginning to think for yourself, as well. Readers can relate to Brat/Beetle/Alyce, and root for her to succeed and find her way. The story takes place in medieval England in an ordinary village. The dialect, language, jobs, living conditions, and clothing are all authentic to the time period. Cushman includes a note at the end discussing midwifery in medieval England, demonstrating her research and commitment to accurately portraying Brat/Beetle/Alyce’s situation and living conditions. Even though the story takes place in a time that may be unfamiliar with most readers, Cushman does an excellent job of using vivid imagery to bring the scene to life. The characters, setting, and events are all described with detail, creating a fictional atmosphere that pulls the reader in and immerses them in the sights, smells, and sounds of the village. The underlying themes of the story will be familiar and relevant to readers of all ages. Alyce’s struggle to find her place in the world and realize her dreams is relatable and admirable. Her struggle to achieve this creates an emotional bond with the reader, who may feel an almost protectiveness over the character. Alyce’s desire to be valued is a trait that most readers will relate to, and one that makes her that much more realistic. The balance of fact and fiction, the vivid and engaging portrayal of Alyce (and all the characters), as well as the detailed medieval imagery create a work of historical fiction that easily captivates readers and has them hoping and dreaming alongside Alyce. Response This book truly captivated me! From the first paragraph to the last, I felt an intense engagement with the character of Brat/Beetle/Alyce. Her character was well developed and reflected a childlike innocence, paired with an immense amount of bravery and determination. Alyce’s character also called to me with her “cheekiness,” (e.g. creating the Devil tracks) and her fierce loyalty to those she cared for. The setting was vivid and memorable, as was the plot of the story. I truly rooted for Alyce to find her place and succeed in her hopes and dreams. The author’s note at the end confirmed the authenticity of the story, as did my research into the author’s background. Cushman is known for her excellent works of historical fiction and this book meets the mark, as well. This is an excellent read with a wonderful balance of history and fiction! Honors Newbery Medal ALA Best Book for Young Adults ALA Notable Book for Children Booklist Editors' Choice Horn Book Fanfare Selection School Library Journal, Best Books of the Year ALA Best Book for Young Adults Hungry Mind Review Book of Distinction Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts Not Just For Children Anymore! Selection (CBC) Parenting Magazine Reading Magic Awards Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Readers Choice Award Short List Parents' Choice Gold Award American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists" New York Public Library, 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing ABC Children's Booksellers Choice Award NYPL Books for the Teen Age List Reviews "This novel is about a strong, young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home. ... Kids will be caught up in this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone." -- Booklist, starred review "With simplicity, wit, and humor, Cushman presents another tale of medieval England. Here readers follow the satisfying, literal and figurative journey of a homeless, nameless child called Brat. ... Earthy humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children's literature." -- School Library Journal, starred review “Having focused on a well-born young heroine in her Newbery Honor debut novel, Catherine, Called Birdy, Cushman returns to a similar medieval English setting, this time to imagine how the other half lived. The strengths of this new, relatively brief novel match those of its predecessor: Cushman has an almost unrivaled ability to build atmosphere, and her evocation of a medieval village, if not scholarly in its authenticity, is supremely colorful and pungent. The protagonist here first appears asleep in a heap of dung; the "rotting and moiling" of the refuse give forth heat enough to compensate for the stench. Homeless and nameless, she can remember no time when she did not wander from village to village. She is rescued from the dung heap by a sharp-tongued local midwife, who feeds her in exchange for work. Gradually the girl forges an identity for herself and learns some timeless truths.” – Publisher’s Weekly Connections
Other Notable Titles by Karen Cushman
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AuthorMy name is Mrs. Scott and I'm a secondary Media Resource Specialist (librarian) in Texas. This blog was created as part of my graduate coursework at Texas Woman's University. All reviews and opinions are my own.
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