Module 6: Poetry, Drama, Film, Response

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Sones, Sonya. 2005. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES. New York: Simon Pulse. ISBN 9781416907886

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

In this incredible verse novel, Sones uses a variety of poems to tell the story of Ruby, a typical teenage girl facing very difficult times. Some of the poems read like diary entries and others like email or letter correspondences, but all of them convey a strong dose of emotion and reality that readers will undoubtedly relate to. Ruby’s story begins on a plane as she prepares to move in with her estranged movie star father, Whip Logan, after her mother dies following a long illness. On top of dealing with the death of her mother, Ruby is struggling to cope with resentment towards her father at not being involved in her life until now and moving far away from her best friend and perfect boyfriend. Through this difficult transition in her life, Ruby discovers some surprising things about herself and others in a series of ups and downs that any teenager can relate to. This novel is touching, heartbreaking, hilarious, and surprising all wrapped up in one package. In Ruby’s character, Sones evokes the teenage voice so well that readers can easily place themselves in Ruby’s shoes and feel exactly what she is feeling. The supporting characters are also well drawn, including Ruby’s best friend, Lizzie, and “Aunt Max,” who is Whip’s “assistant slash personal trainer slash all-around lifesaver.” The verse novel format works very well here, and readers will cling to every word, eager to find out what Ruby’s fate will be. This is a story that teenagers will relish for its honesty, humor, and incredible ability to tap into the teenage soul.

CONNECTIONS:

In this book, Ruby uses a variety of communication methods to express her emotions and talk to her friends and even her dead mother, including email, letters, poems, and diary entries.

Encourage students to select a communication method, such as a poem or an email, and write from the perspective of Ruby. Have the students attempt to convey Ruby’s strong voice in their writing.

Ruby takes an interesting dream interpretation class in this story. Students might enjoy learning more about dream interpretation, or they might have fun pretending to analyze some of Ruby’s dreams (or lack of dreams at some points in the story).

REVIEWS AND AWARDS:

From BOOKLIST starred (May 2004):
“After the death of her mother, high-schooler Ruby is sent from Boston to L.A. to live with the father she has never met. It's Ruby's first-person voice--acrimonious, raw, and very funny--that pulls everything together, whether she is writing e-mails to her deceased mother, attending Dream Analysis class at a private L.A. high school, or finally learning to accept her father and embrace a new life. A satisfying, moving novel that will be a winner for both eager and reluctant readers.”

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (June 2004):
“This winning portrayal of a teenage girl's loves and losses, written in Sones's (What My Mother Doesn't Know) signature free-verse style, opens as 15-year-old Ruby is en route from Boston to L.A. Sones gives the audience clear signals of what Ruby can't allow herself to take in. Readers will accept some melodrama because, even with a few contrivances, Ruby's voice conveys genuine emotions.”

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred (August 2004):
“In one- to two-page breezy poetic prose-style entries, 15-year-old Ruby Milliken describes her flight from Boston to California and her gradual adjustment to life with her estranged movie-star father following her mother's death. Ruby's affable personality is evident in her humorous quips and clever wordplays. Her depth of character is revealed through her honest admissions, poignant revelations, and sensitive insights. This is not just another one of those gimmicky novels written in poetry. It's solid and well written, and Sones has a lot to say about the importance of carefully assessing people and situations and about opening the door to one's own happiness. Despite several predictable particulars of plot, Ruby's story is gripping, enjoyable, and memorable.”

Wilson’s Senior High School

Module 6: Poetry, Drama, Film, Response

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Hopkins, Ellen. 2004. CRANK. New York: Simon Pulse. ISBN 9780689865190

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

In this powerful and turbulent verse novel, Ellen Hopkins explores one ordinary and bright young girl’s spiraling “landslide” through drug abuse and teenage pregnancy. Hopkins uses a 15-year-old girl named Kristina to tell this tale, and interestingly, Kristina quickly develops an alter ego named Bree to relate much of the darker side of her tale. One visit to her absentee, drug addicted father changes everything as Kristina meets a boy and tries crank, “the monster,” for the first time. One encounter with “the monster” is all it takes, and Kristina/Bree finds herself on “the path to hell” as she stumbles through daily life in school and at home, confusing relationships with multiple boys, a nightmarish episode of date rape, becoming a drug dealer to support her habit, and realizing that she is pregnant. The ease with which Kristina falls down this horrible path is shocking and starkly realistic, forcing readers to ponder how easily one wrong decision can lead to a path of destruction. While the anti-drug message is clear, it is not overpowering to the story and leaves readers with something important to think about. Kristina’s character will be easy for young adults to relate to, and a number of readers may very well find themselves faced with temptations, thoughts, and pressures similar to Kristina’s. The verse novel format works exceptionally well here, and Hopkins uses a variety of distinctive poetry formats and techniques, such as concrete poems and the careful use of spacing, to add a whole new level of meaning to the text. Kristina’s confusion and struggles are evident in the poems, and Hopkins skillfully draws a distinct line between Kristina and her alter ego, Bree, through the careful construction of the poetry.

CONNECTIONS:

If students enjoy CRANK, recommend GLASS, the sequel, by Ellen Hopkins.
Other verse novels by Ellen Hopkins: BURNED and IMPULSE.

The verse novel format plays a major role in CRANK. Ask students to discuss why they think the author chose to write the novel this way (as opposed to the traditional fictional novel format).

This novel reveals a range of temptations and pressures faced by young adults today. Use Kristina’s story to begin an open discussion on the pressures and decisions facing teenagers today.

REVIEWS and AWARDS:

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (November 2004):
“Nonfiction author Hopkins pens her first novel, written in verse, introducing 15-year-old narrator Kristina, who reveals how she became addicted to crank, and how the stimulant turned her from straight-A student to drug dealer, and eventually a teen mom. Readers will appreciate the creative use of form here (some poems, for instance, are written in two columns that can be read separately or together), and although the author is definitely on a mission, she creates a world nearly as consuming and disturbing as the titular drug.”

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (November 2004):
“Hopkins writes in free-verse poems that paint painfully sharp images of Kristina/Bree and those around her, detailing how powerful the "monster" can be. The poems are masterpieces of word, shape, and pacing, compelling readers on to the next chapter in Kristina's spiraling world. This is a topical page-turner and a stunning portrayal of a teen's loss of direction and realistically uncertain future.”

Quick Picks for YA Readers

Module 6: Poetry, Drama, Film, Response

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Hale, Shannon and Dean Hale. 2008. RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE. Ill. By Nathan Hale. London: Bloomsbury. ISBN 9781599900704

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

In RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE, Shannon and Dean Hale take an old classic fairy tale and modernize it to a larger than life tale that is both captivating and wildly entertaining. Written in a graphic novel format, the comic book illustrations carry just as much weight as the often hilarious captions. The traditional Rapunzel character is transformed into a tough, brave cowgirl in this book, and readers will find this spunky girl irresistible and endearing. Rapunzel’s conversational language and humorous expressions throughout the book, such as “yep” and “I’ll be swigger-jiggered and hung out to dry,” will further endear readers to this unique character. The fast-paced and unpredictable plot is also sure to engage readers as they follow this new Rapunzel on a series of incredible adventures complete with strange creatures, villains, and unusual twists and turns. The story begins with Rapunzel trapped in her Villa, unable to leave. The person she thinks is her mother has a special “growth magic,” and Rapunzel senses something is not quite right with her life and her mother. Desperate to learn more about the world around her, Rapunzel climbs the wall keeping her in and discovers an unpleasant world on the other side where people are forced to work in “mine camps.” There, Rapunzel quickly meets a woman whom she discovers is her real mother. Similar to the original fairy tale, Rapunzel was taken from her mother as an infant by the evil Gothel as punishment for her father stealing lettuce from Gothel’s garden. When Rapunzel confronts Gothel about her deception, Rapunzel is imprisoned again, this time in a “creepy tree.” The “growth magic” of the forest causes Rapunzel’s nails and hair to grow rapidly until she is finally able to escape using her long hair as a rope and lasso. From here, the story catapults into a series of incredible adventures as Rapunzel meets a boy named Jack, who travels with her as she sets off to free her real mother and exact revenge on the evil Gothel. Nathan Hale’s illustrations are outstanding, and they brilliantly bring to life this surprising and amusing twist on an old tale. The illustrations do a great job contrasting bright, colorful, adventurous scenes with the dull and bleak scenes of the mine camps. Readers of all ages, especially fans of comics and graphic novels, will enjoy this fun ride of a book.

CONNECTIONS:

The graphic novel format is becoming increasingly popular with children and young adults. Add RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE to a display of graphic novel books in the library. Booktalk several graphic novels and encourage students to check them out.

Since RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE offers a new twist on an old fairy tale in graphic novel format, encourage students to research other classic fairy tales and transform them into “twisted” graphic novels. Students could work in groups on this project, sharing the roles of writer, illustrator, designer, editor, etc.

Have students research the origins of the original Rapunzel tale. How is it similar and different to RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE?

REVIEWS AND AWARDS:

From HORN BOOK starred (January 2009):
“In this graphic novel, Rapunzel's a spunky, hair-whip-toting cowgirl. She joins with stolen-goose rapscallion Jack to rescue her mother and end her wicked stepmother's reign. The gutsy tale is particularly well suited to its format, with illustrations mixing the familiar and offbeat. High action, sensory thrills, and the wisecracking heroes are clearly conveyed through image cropping, text placement, and facial emotional cues.”

From LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION starred (November/December 2008):
“This wonderfully illustrated graphic novel adds spark and excitement to the tale. The bright colors and duller tones distinguish between the haves and the have nots. Rapunzel and Jack are unique characters, and their dialogue allows that uniqueness to shine through. This is a fun read for all ages. Highly Recommended.”

Notable Children’s Books 2009

Wilson’s Children 2009

Module 5: History, Biography, and Nonfiction

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Sandler, Martin W. 2008. LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS: HOW PHOTOGRAPHY REVEALED AND SHAPED AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE. New York: Walker. ISBN 9780802796660

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS is not just a story revealing the incredible life of Lincoln, but it is a look at his life and history through more than 100 photographs. In the book’s introduction, Sandler describes Lincoln as “one of the most eloquent leaders the world has ever known.” Sandler skillfully takes readers on a journey through history to a time when photography was in its infancy and “Abraham Lincoln was photographers’ favorite subject.” Unlike typical biographies about Lincoln’s life, LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS draws correlations and connections between the invention and advancement of photography and Lincoln’s life and remarkable career. Sandler includes many interesting historical facts throughout the book and supports them with various photographs on every page. Mathew Brady, “America’s premier photographer” and “the man who took the most photographs of Lincoln,” is introduced in the book. Additionally, Sandler discusses how Lincoln cleverly discovered how to use photography to his advantage. LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS offers an interesting look at slavery, the Civil war, and the state of the country during this tumultuous time through Lincoln’s eyes and photographs of the time. Lincoln’s assassination and the long journey of his body by train to his home in Springfield are also discussed. While the text exploring Lincoln’s life and drawing connections to the new world of photography is superb, it is the astonishing photographs that will really draw readers in and lead them through a journey that will both educate and entertain. The appealing design of the book with text and photographs on every page will make readers feel like they are taking a stroll through a well-designed museum exhibit. In addition to the various photographs of Lincoln himself, Sandler thoughtfully includes incredible photographs of Mary Todd Lincoln and the Lincoln children as well. The book ends appropriately with a photograph of the breathtaking Lincoln Memorial. Sandler includes a list of places to visit, suggested books and web sites, sources, quotations and their sources, an index, acknowledgements, and picture credits. LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS offers a unique historical look at one of our country’s most amazing and beloved political figures. This book is highly recommended, and it offers something more than the ordinary biography on Lincoln. Readers will enjoy this outstanding tribute to Lincoln’s amazing life, and they are sure to appreciate this unique and refreshing look at one of the most important times in our country’s history.

CONNECTIONS:

Students might be interested in completing a research project on the invention and advancements of photography over time. With so many recent technological developments in this field, it would be interesting to track photography’s development over time.

LINCOLN THROUGH THE LENS discusses how Lincoln used photography to his advantage. Encourage students to explore this topic further and discuss exactly how photography might have helped him. How does it help (or hurt) political figures of today?

Encourage students to check out the Abraham Lincoln Art Gallery at http://www.abrahamlincolnartgallery.com/archivephoto.htm for some more photographs of Lincoln.

REVIEWS AND AWARDS:

From BOOKLIST starred (September 2008):
“Although it’s the pictures that provide the “wow factor,” Sandler’s perceptive words have their own elegance. Well sourced and offering numerous ways to learn more (although, surprisingly, the fine Lincoln museum in Springfield is not cited), this will be an excellent tool for history classes; and browsers, too, will be caught up in Lincoln’s story.”

From LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION starred (January/February 2009):
“This outstanding biography portrays Abraham Lincoln from several perspectives. Numerous poignant photographs reveal the visual images of Lincoln: the man, husband and father, lawyer, President. Some are familiar; some are rare. These are instructive in themselves, carefully chosen to map the route taken by Lincoln to the White House. The book also provides a revealing look, through photos, at other personalities of the time, and relevant artifacts. Readers also learn about the infancy of photography, how pictures were taken, and the effects of actually seeing the war in photos.”

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred (October 2008):“The generously sized photographs reveal Lincoln at different stages of his political career as well as on the battlefield; his family; and key figures such as Stephen A. Douglas, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, and John Wilkes Booth. Historical drawings and paintings, broadsides, and cartoons are also included. The text not only offers a fascinating updated history on the eve of the bicentennial, but also includes many colorful anecdotes and quotes about the mischievous Lincoln boys, Lincoln's beard, and Thanksgiving. This appealing, accessible title will be savored from beginning to end.”

Module 5: History, Biography, and Nonfiction

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. 2005. HITLER YOUTH: GROWING UP IN HITLER’S SHADOW. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 9780439353793

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

HITLER YOUTH tells the stories of twelve young people and their commitment to Hitler and his promises for a better life. In her foreword, Bartoletti says that this is “not a book about Adolf Hitler,” but instead it is a book “about the children and teenagers who followed Hitler and the National Socialist (Nazi) Party during the years 1933 to 1945.” Bartoletti portrays the young people as ordinary teenagers brainwashed into believing in a better life for themselves and their families, giving a sympathetic face to the group often referred to as the “Hitler Youth.” The book opens with the tragic story of one of the Hitler Youth, Herbert Norkus, being beaten to death by the Communists, or “Reds.” From there, Bartoletti shows readers the ease with which Hitler convinced these young people to join his cause. For example, Melita, a Hitler Youth, says, “I longed to hurl myself into this current…I wanted to belong to these people for whom it was a matter of life and death.” Several fascinating facts are revealed in this book, such as the fact that Hitler and the Hitler Youth even had dangerous power and control over teachers in schools. Bartoletti uses a chilling picture of teachers with very young students raising their hands in the Nazi salute to depict the Nazi control of the schools. HITLER YOUTH makes the clear connection of how unchecked power and a forceful movement eventually led to the vicious and unimaginable discrimination and persecution of Jewish people. The horrid details of the “killing centers” in German are explored. While the facts are difficult to stomach, this book offers a clear look at the frightening effects of unbridled power in the hands of one person, especially when young people are specifically targeted and recruited to serve a dictator’s agenda. The numerous black and white photographs complete with interesting and fascinating captions throughout the book offer a chilling visual portrayal of the events surrounding this atrocity. In particular, a photograph of a young boy no more than five years old wearing a Storm Trooper uniform and raising his hand in the Nazi salute is certain to draw out emotions in readers. Photographs and brief biographies of the twelve young people discussed in book are included. Additionally, a table of contents and various maps are available to assist readers with locating information. An epilogue detailing what became of the young people in the book is also included. Additional extras include a time line of the Hitler Youth, an author’s note, information about the photographs, quote sources, a bibliography, acknowledgements, and an index. HITLER YOUTH is a very thorough nonfiction piece of work, and Bartoletti carefully includes extensive documentation to support what is portrayed in the book. While the subject matter of this book is heavy, it is a fantastic depiction of the lives of the young people who followed Hitler. HITLER YOUTH is sure to “draw in readers and help spark deep discussion” according to Booklist (April 2005), and this book deserves a place in any library serving young adults.

CONNECTIONS:

The History Place offers more historical information on the Hitler Youth at http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/hitleryouth/index.html.

Encourage students to seek out other sources of information on the Hitler Youth. Students can compare facts and timelines to the ones presented in Bartoletti’s book, and students can create a research project related to the Hitler Youth.

Encourage students to discuss why they think the Hitler Youth were so eager to join the cause of the Nazi party. Were they easily brainwashed, or desperate for a better life? Can their actions be justified? Why or why not?

REVIEWS AND AWARDS:

From BOOKLIST starred (April 2005):
“The handsome book design, with black-and-white historical photos on every double-page spread, will draw in readers and help spark deep discussion, which will extend beyond the Holocaust curriculum. The extensive back matter is a part of the gripping narrative.”

From KIRKUS REVIEW starred (April 2005):
“Case studies of actual participants root the work in specifics, and clear prose, thorough documentation and an attractive format with well-chosen archival photographs make this nonfiction writing at its best. Essential for WWII collections as well as teaching units on conformity, peer pressure and resistance. Superb.”

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred (June 2005):
“Hitler's plans for the future of Germany relied significantly on its young people, and this excellent history shows how he attempted to carry out his mission with the establishment of the Hitler Youth, or Hitlerjugend, in 1926. Bartoletti lets many of the subjects' words, emotions, and deeds speak for themselves, bringing them together clearly to tell this story unlike anyone else has.”

Wilson’s Junior High School

Wilson’s Senior High School

ALA Notable/Best Books 2006

Newbery Honor Book 2006

Module 5: History, Biography, and Nonfiction

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Nelson, Kadir. 2008. WE ARE THE SHIP. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 9780786808328

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

In this beautifully illustrated tribute to Negro League Baseball, Kadir Nelson takes readers on a spectacular journey through time. The book begins with a touching and passionate foreword by Hank Aaron in which he talks about the “legends” who “paved the way” for black players like himself. Sections of the book are divided into innings, staying true to the baseball theme. Told from the perspective of “every player,” Nelson lures the reader along with the interesting facts and history surrounding the Negro League, such as the fact that the first protective gear worn in baseball was worn by Bud Fowler, a black player. In addition to interesting facts, the book also takes a fascinating look at the challenges, cruel treatment, triumphs, and determination of these players. Nelson skillfully unveils the racial tensions of the times, such as the fact that black players were not allowed to play alongside whites in many areas, through the events surrounding the beginnings of the Negro League. Nelson also discusses the significance of Rube Foster, the “brilliant” player and manager who ran the Chicago American Giants team before organizing the Negro League. The title of the book takes on noteworthy meaning as Nelson quotes Foster as saying, “We are the ship; all else the sea.” The differences in game play between the Negro Leagues and predominately white leagues are also highlighted and explained. Many extras are included in the book, such as a list of Negro Leaguers who made it to the Major Leagues, a list of Negro Leaguers in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, a bibliography, endnotes, and an index. An extensive author’s note at the end of the book describes the inspiration and research behind the book, and Nelson explains why he “chose to present the voice of the narrator as a collective voice, the voice of every player, the voice of me.” While the text is passionate, informative, and moving, it is the artwork that truly makes WE ARE THE SHIP a masterpiece. Library Media Connection (February 2008) says that Nelson’s artwork “pulses with life,” and the stunning foldouts and realistic paintings add a whole new dimension to the book. This is a nonfiction work of art that is emotional, beautiful, and filled with triumph and determination, making WE ARE THE SHIP highly recommended for all ages. In speaking of the great black players of today, the collective voice of the narrator says, “We cleared the way for them and changed the course of history. And knowing that satisfies the soul. How can you be bitter about something like that?”

CONNECTIONS:

Encourage students to visit the following website for more information on the history of Negro League Baseball: http://www.negroleaguebaseball.com/.

The artwork in WE ARE THE SHIP is truly breathtaking. Encourage students to visit Kadir Nelson’s website to look at other examples of his artwork: http://www.kadirnelson.com/.

The Michelson Museum of Art in Marshall, Texas is running a “We Are the Ship” art exhibit featuring Nelson’s artwork in the book through November 1, 2009. Visit http://www.michelsonmuseum.org/ for more information.

REVIEWS AND AWARDS:

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred (January 2008):
“Nelson's brilliant, almost iconic paintings vividly complement his account. Starting with the impressive cover painting of a proud, determined Josh Gibson, the artist brings to light the character and inherent dignity of his subjects. Hank Aaron, who started his Hall of Fame career in the Negro Leagues, contributes a heartfelt foreword. This work expands on the excellent overview offered in Carole Boston Weatherford's A Negro League Scrapbook (Boyds Mills, 2005). It is an engaging tribute that should resonate with a wide audience and delight baseball fans of all ages.”

From LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION starred (February 2008):
“Through text and artwork that pulses with life, Nelson has created a book that brings personality to the Negro Baseball League. Using the voice of "Everyman" in the league, this book will attract readers because of the full and double-page vibrant, realistic oil paintings, and immerse the reader in the compelling story being told.”

From BOOKLIST starred (February 2008):
“Nelson often works from a straight-on vantage point, as if the players took time out of the action to peer at the viewer from history, eyes leveled and challenging, before turning back to the field of play. With enormous blue skies and jam-packed grandstands backing them, these players look like the giants they are. The stories and artwork are a tribute to the spirit of the Negro Leaguers, who were much more than also-rans and deserve a more prominent place on baseball’s history shelves. For students and fans (and those even older than the suggested grade level), this is the book to accomplish just that.”

Coretta Scott King Award Winner 2009

Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner 2009

Orbis Pictus Award Honor Book 2009

Notable Children’s Book 2009

Best Book of the Year 2008

Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee 2009-2010

Wilson’s Children 2009