For Every One by Jason Reynolds Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books - April 10, 2018 I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Again; Jason Reynolds does it again. What writer can effortlessly move between genres and still maintain a level of consistency with which readers can identify no matter their background and life experiences?! This book is a shining example of why Jason Reynolds is, and always will be, one of my favorite authors. This book is a letter written in poetry to “The Dreamers.” Jason Reynolds begins the book by giving the background of this piece, then immediately diving into an approximately 100 page poem that plays with spacing, format, and font. It is a love letter written by someone chasing their dreams, encouraging others to do the same. It is beautifully written, with such vivid imagery that I felt like I could see my own dreams running ahead of me, calling to me to be chased. For Every One reminded me of my own dreams, hopes, and fears, and left me inspired “jump anyway.” Here is just one of my favorite poems from this title: “Dreams don’t have timelines, Deadlines, And aren’t always in Straight lines.” This was a very quick and empowering read. It would make a fantastic inspirational gift for a graduation, new baby, or just for a friend who needs a pick-me-up. It is perfect for school and public libraries, and I plan to add several copies to my own shelves as soon as it is released. I was incredibly lucky to pre-read this book through an eARC provided by NetGalley. It will officially be released on April 10, 2018.
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Bibliography Jenkins, Steve and Robin Page. 2003. What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. ISBN 9780547255552 Plot Summary This interactive guessing book encourages readers to explore the amazing things animals can do with their noses, ears, tails, eyes, mouths, and feet. Readers of all ages will enjoy guessing the animals and how they use their specialized extremities to stay cool, protect themselves, find food, etc. Critical Analysis In this eye-catching nonfiction book about animals and their specialized body parts, Steve Jenkins and Robin Page create an interactive learning experience for young readers. Both Jenkins and Page, who frequently collaborate (and are also husband and wife!), are well-known for providing accurate, entertaining informational books for younger readers. This particular title was a Caldecott Honor Book in 2004 and remains on numerous list of exemplary nonfiction titles for children. This informational text is organized in a way that encourages the reader to guess what animal each body part belongs to and how they use it. The authors include normal adaptations that are easily recognizable, as well as more jaw-dropping adaptations like a cricket with ears on its knees and a horned lizard that squirts blood out of its eyes. These interesting facts will engage young readers and provide that “wow” factor that is likely to encourage further nonfiction reading. The book follows a clear sequence, showing a snapshot of the body parts with a question like, “What do you do with a nose like this?” Readers will excite in guessing each animal and how they use their nose, ears, tail, eyes, mouth, and feet. The illustrations add to the book by providing accurate pictures that are still accessible for younger readers. Even though they are cut-paper collage and not actual photographs, the authors have taken care to ensure that each animal is accurately represented as it looks in nature. One of the most important features of What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? is the brief explanation of each animal at the end of the book. The authors dedicate the last four pages to a picture dictionary explaining more about each of the animals presented and the specialized way they use their body parts. Overall, this book is entertaining and fun while remaining clear, concise, and scientific. It is truly a gem of nonfiction that young readers will enjoy interacting with and learning from time and time again. Response I have always loved Steve Jenkins and his wonderful works of nonfiction. I found this title to be particularly enjoyable, especially when shared with my young readers. The students I shared the story with (ages 5-8) greatly enjoyed guessing what each animal was and how it used that particular body part. They also enjoyed reading more about each animal at the end of the book, and had many more questions to ask that we are now researching. This title is a great work of nonfiction that encourages young readers to enjoy and, hopefully, continue reading nonfiction in the future. Honors 2004 Caldecott Honor American Library Association Notable Children's Book 2004 Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year 2003 National Council for Teachers of English Notable Children's Book 2004 Reviews “Jenkins, this time in collaboration with his wife, has created yet another eye-opening book. Children will learn that lizards can completely break off their tail as a defense and that it will grow back. And, they'll find out that crickets' ears are on their knees. Most fish have two eyes, but some have four, the better to see above and below the water at the same time. These are just a few of the fascinating facts of nature dangled out front to draw readers into this beautifully illustrated book. On each spread, five different animals' tails, ears, eyes, or other body parts, done in vibrant cut-paper collage, appear with a simple question ("What do you do with a- like this?"). The next spread shows the five creatures in their entirety and offers a brief explanation. For example, "If you're an elephant, you use your nose to give yourself a bath." The back pages offer more information for older or more curious readers. This is a great book for sharing one-on-one or with a group.” –School Library Journal “Here's another exceptional cut-paper science book from Jenkins, this time put together with a partner, and like previous books, it's a stunner. An opening page, clearly explaining how to use the book, is followed by a double-page spread picturing the mouths of several different animals, accompanied by the question, "What do you do with a mouth like this?" The next spread shows each animal in full, explaining in a few simple words how the part functions. Tail, ears, nose, and eyes are covered in the same manner. A picture glossary at the back shows each animal again, postage-stamp size, with an informative note elaborating on the creature's special adaptation. The notes also neatly answer questions that might arise during a reading (Why do horned lizards squirt blood out their eyes?) and add to the interactive aspect of the book. A variety of animals is represented--some (elephant, hippo, chimp) will be comfortably familiar; others (four-eyed fish, blue-footed booby) are of interest because of their strangeness. Jenkins' handsome paper-cut collages are both lovely and anatomically informative, and their white background helps emphasize the particular feature, be it the bush baby's lustrous, liquid-brown eyes or the skunk's fuzzy tail. This is a striking, thoughtfully created book with intriguing facts made more memorable through dynamic art.” – Booklist, starred review Connections
Other Notable Books by Jenkins:
Bibliography Kerley, Barbara. 2014. A Home for Mr. Emerson. Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780545350884 Plot Summary The great writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, longed for a simple life in the country surrounded by the things he loved. In this picture book biography, the story of Ralph’s life in Concord is beautifully told and illustrated, along with an event that almost took his home away forever. Readers of all ages will enjoy learning more about the life of this inspiring and historically important American writer. Critical Analysis This award winning book about Ralph Waldo Emerson highlights his desire for a home and community that supported freedom of thinking, creativity, and friendship. Written by Barbara Kerley, this title focuses on the home that Emerson loved and the people that filled it. Kerley is known for her nonfiction/informational picture books and has won numerous awards for them. She uses careful research to develop her story and cites her sources at the end of the book. Kerley also includes an author’s note where she discusses Emerson’s life and the history around it in a succinct and easy to understand way. This biographical story is organized in picture book format. It feels more as if you are reading a story than a biography, which is engaging for younger readers. The story follows a clear sequence starting when Emerson was a young boy, to finding his home again after a devastating fire. The timeline is logical, easy to follow, and tells the story concisely in an entertaining way. The illustrations, done in digital media by Edwin Fotheringham, are fun, entertaining, and complex. Each illustration has emotion, color, and even some fantastical elements that play perfectly with Emerson’s personality and life. The illustrations really bring the story to life and make it that much more fun to read! Another feature of the book that was interesting was the use of quotes from Emerson inside the front and back cover. The quotes provide another way for readers to connect with Emerson and his life’s story. A Home for Mr. Emerson is entertaining and educational. It focuses on an important aspect of Emerson’s life; his home, family, and community. Readers of all ages will connect with Emerson’s love of the simple things in Kerley’s well-written and entertaining biography. Response I really enjoyed this nonfiction/biographical story! I have to admit that Ralph Waldo Emerson is not a writer I knew much about. After reading this book, I felt motivated to learn more about his life and his writing. Readers will easily connect to Emerson’s love of family and home, which come alive through Fotheringham’s entertaining illustrations. The illustrations were one of my favorite parts of story; each time I read it, I noticed a new detail in the pictures. This story was an enjoyable read that I will enthusiastically share with young readers. Honors A Junior Library Guild Selection 2014 Parents’ Choice Gold Award NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book 2014 Oregon Spirit Book Award for Nonfiction Best New England Books 2014, The Boston Globe Gold Award Winner, National Parenting Publications Awards “Trailblazers” Seasonal Showcase, The Children’s Book Council 2015 International Literacy Association Teacher’s Choices Reading List 2015 “Must-Reads” Picture Books, Massachusetts Center for the Book Reviews “This introduction to the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson will help readers begin to understand the thoughts and values of this great American thinker. Emerson grows up in Boston, but yearns to make a life closer to nature where he can surround himself with books and friends. He finds a perfect home in Concord, Massachusetts, where he and his wife raise a family. Emerson eagerly becomes a part of the community, even playing the role of hog reeve, gathering up the town's runaway pigs. After collecting his thoughts in journals, Emerson begins traveling across the country to lecture, attracting visitors from around the world to his doorstep. A house fire later in his life devastates Emerson, but allows the town to demonstrate their affection for him as they rebuild his home. Emerson, who is likely little known to younger students, is brought to life in an approachable biography. The colorful depictions of Emerson are warm, cheerful, and full of movement. Children will love the cartoonlike illustrations that make Emerson seem like a superhero as he dives into oversized books and flies through the sky on another giant tome. Quotes from his writings are liberally used to illuminate moments of his life, allowing readers to get to know the man through his own words. The author's note provides further information about Emerson and his philosophy of thought. An eye-catching, kid-friendly biography that is a wonderful addition to any collection.” – School Library Journal “Kerley and Fotheringham are known for their upbeat picture books about famous historical figures. This work about Ralph Waldo Emerson—someone who is probably not known to many children—is a tale of deep love for his home and community in Concord, Massachusetts. After a fire destroys Emerson’s house, neighbors rally around him, returning some of the generosity and affection received from his family over the years. This has the same format and style of Kerley and Fotheringham’s earlier works, with colorful illustrations featuring cartoon-style figures in a pleasing, open layout. The brief text focuses on the story of Emerson’s community life and doesn’t bother much with why he was famous, which works well for the storytelling even as it may leave some readers wondering just who he was. Some of his famous quotes are placed in the endpapers and woven into the story. Back matter includes a helpful author’s note and a page of suggestions to encourage readers to examine their own lives and values.” -- Booklist Connections
Other Notable Books by Kerley:
Bibliography Bartoletti, Susan C. 2010. They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780618440337 Plot Summary Following the Civil War, six young Confederate war veterans started a club, the Ku Klux Klan, which quickly grew from their small town of Pulaski, Tennessee to encompass and enflame the passion of men across the South. This nonfiction title tells the tale of the K.K.K. from its modest beginnings to the widespread terrorist organization it became. With vivid accounts of actual events taken from oral histories, diaries, and Congressional documents, this book takes readers on a ride through history with the most chilling of details. Critical Analysis “Boys, let us get up a club.” With those seven words, an organization bent on terrorizing minorities and restoring the South to its former glory was born. In her vivid, chilling, and detailed informational book, Bartoletti uses personal accounts of actual events and actions of the Ku Klux Klan taken from oral histories, diaries, newspapers, magazines, and government documents. Bartoletti cites all of her sources, including documentation for each quote she uses at the end of the book. She also documents her trip to Pulaski, the birthplace of the K.K.K. and includes an extensive bibliography and source notes. A Civil Rights Timeline and Index further help the reader confirm and review important events, people, laws, etc. passed during this tumultuous time. Bartoletti is known for her accurate, unbiased representation of historic events from multiple time periods. She is also known for her dedicated research and immersion into the important events, people, and actions during that particular event. Some of her other well known works are listed below in “Connections.” Bartoletti meticulously documents all of her sources and research to present the best, most accurate version of history to her readers. Also included in this book are political cartoons, photographs, documents, and other images that enhance the text and add depth to the story being told. Each image is documented and has notes accompanying it that describe and detail its significance to the story. The story is organized into chapters which are presented in the Table of Contents at the beginning of the book. There is also an epilogue that addresses how the struggle for freedom continued for the freedmen through the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and beyond. Each chapter is noticeably titled with a quote from one of the histories presented in the chapter. The quotes are vivid and summarize the content of the chapter in an engaging and memorable way. They Called Themselves the K.K.K. is written in a style that is story-like. It engages the reader by feeling as if you are reading a story, not a piece of nonfiction or informational text. The way the text and graphics are laid out is interesting, adds to the flow of the story, and gives the reader breaks in the text with pictures, quotes, and documents. There is a lot of important information included in this book. This information could be overwhelming, especially to young adult readers. It is presented in a way, however, that is interesting, readable, and aesthetically appealing. The information, though intense and deep, is engaging and encourages the reader to think deeply about his/her own feelings and knowledge of cultural/racial history. It is obvious through Bartoletti’s writing, and through her bibliography and source notes at the end of the text, that she takes creating an accurate historical and informational text very seriously. This book is engaging, educational, and thought-provoking. It is truly an eye-opening read that will captivate readers and provide a window into the past. Response This title was engaging, thought-provoking, and at times difficult to read due to the intensity of its subject. The honest way in which Bartoletti writes, including vivid and accurate details of the experiences of those during this time, can be overwhelming at times, but in a good way. Bartoletti does an amazing job of communicating the past accurately, but in a way that feels as if you are reading a story, not a nonfiction text. I enjoyed reading this book and will be book talking it with my high school students in the near future. Honors 2011 NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Finalist Junior Library Guild Selection Kirkus Best Books for Teens 2010 ALA Notable Title CCBC Choices 2011 Title Publisher’s Weekly Best Children’s Book of the Year 2010 School Library Journal Best Children’s Book of the Year 2010 Reviews “Balancing the stories of the Klan and the former slaves’ determination to remake their lives, Bartoletti makes extensive use of congressional testimony, interviews, journals, diaries and slave narratives to allow the players to speak in their own voices as much as possible. Documentation is superb, and even the source notes are fascinating. An exemplar of history writing and a must for libraries and classrooms.” – Kirkus Reviews “[A]nother stand-out contribution to youth history shelves. . . . It’s the numerous first-person quotes, though, that give the book its beating heart, and her searing, expertly selected stories of people on all sides of the violent conflicts will give readers a larger understanding of the conditions that incubated the Klan’s terrorism, how profoundly the freed people and their sympathizers suffered, and how the legacy of that fear, racism, and brutality runs through our own time. . . . [T]his lucid, important title . . . should be required reading for young people, as well as the adults in their lives.” – Booklist “This richly documented, historically contextualized account traces the origin and evolution of the Ku Klux Klan . . . Bartoletti effectively targets teens with her engaging and informative account that presents a well-structured inside look at the KKK, societal forces that spawn hate/terrorist groups, and the research process.” – School Library Journal ”In this comprehensive, accessible account, Newbery Honor author Bartoletti (Hitler Youth) draws from documentary histories, slave narratives, newspapers, congressional testimony, and other sources to chronicle the origins and proliferation of the Ku Klux Klan against the charged backdrop of Reconstruction politics and legislation . . . Copious photos, engravings, and illustrations provide a hard-hitting graphic component to this illuminating book. And while Bartoletti notes that contemporary “hate groups wield none of the power or prestige that the Ku Klux Klan held in earlier years,” her account of attending a Klan meeting while researching the book is chilling to the core.” – Publisher’s Weekly Connections
Other Notable Books by Susan Campbell Bartoletti:
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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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