The Odyssey by Gareth Hinds

1. Bibliography
Hinds, Gareth. THE ODYSSEY. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763642662.

2. Plot Summary
The story is about the adventurous travels of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca who gets lost miles away on a faraway sea after fighting in the Trojan War. His main goal is to get back to Ithaca to be with his wife and son, Telemachus, but he does not get there without enduring many trials. On his journey, he encounters a one-eyed man-eating monster, treacherous storms, and temptations brought on by immortal temptresses.

3. Critical Analysis
     It is hard to say whether a young reader (grades 7 & up) may be able to identify with Odysseus, the book's main character. He is a strong warrior who has triumphed over many battles. This is not an experience that many young readers have had. Yet, there is something about Odysseus's valor and strength as a character that will make the young reader want to root for him anyway. Odysseus is very cunning and mischievous in how he defeats his enemies--a trait that young readers may come to admire.
     What The Odyssey lacks in believability, it makes up for in originality and creativity for the sake of holding the reader's interest. The book takes the reader on a seemingly neverending journey that will always have them asking, "What's going to happen next?". Perhaps the strongest aspect of The Odyssey is the fact that it involves quests and journeys with tasks that Odysseus must accomplish in order to achieve his goal. On his journey back home, Odysseus encounters many obstacles, betrayals from his comrades, and villains like Polyphemus/Cyclops (the one-eyed, man eating monster) as well as his wife's suitors in order to reach a point of peace and justice.
     The strength of Hinds' illustrations help make the visuals tell the story itself. When readers look at the pictures and see how vivid, yet animated they are, it would not be unusual for them to feel as if they are watching a movie that they have become totally engrossed in.

4. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal-"Hinds's work will be a welcome addition for fans of Homer's original work and for newcomers to this classical story."
Booklist-"A grand example of Hinds' ability to combine historical adventure with human understanding."

5. Connections
     Young readers (grades 7 & up) may read this graphic novel version of The Odyssey after reading the original version by Homer, then note the comparison and contrast of both version in an extended essay.

Other great graphic novel versions of classic epic novels created by Gareth Hinds may include:

• Hinds, Gareth. BEOWULF. ISBN 0763630233.
• Hinds, Gareth. KING LEAR. ISBN 0763643440.

A Step From Heaven by An Na

1. Bibliography
Na, An. A STEP FROM HEAVEN. New York, NY: Penguin. ISBN 0142500275.

2. Plot Summary
Young Ju Park is a Korean-born American girl who tells her life story from the time she leaves Korea at the age of four throughout her childhood and adolescence. The book takes the reader on a journey with Young Ju and her family as they face many challenges and struggles that seem to them constantly as a family.

3. Critical Analysis
Young Ju is a character that is easy for young readers to identify with especially if they themselves have had to migrate to America from another country. As the reader progresses throughout the book, he or she began to feel a kinship toward Young Ju and her family to the point where he or she may genuinely care for them as if they are real people.
     The plot of this book often involves obstacles to overcome. This is especially true when it comes to physical and verbal abuse, alcoholism, financial struggles, and social status. What Young Ju seems to represent in this story is strength, fortitude, and a questioning of norms. She does not simply accept her father's abuse toward her, her mother and brother just because it is traditional or commonplace. She challenges him at the risk of her own well-being at times. This particular aspect could also be counted as the underlying theme of the book.
     The style and language is consistent and distinct for each character. An Na is effective in illustrating the presence of the Korean culture in some of the words that are spoken by the main characters, yet she makes the language "American" enough for American readers to be able to understand and relate to.

4. Review Excerpts
Booklist-"This isn't a quick read . . . but the coming-of-age drama will grab teens and make them think of their own conflicts between home and outside."
School Library Journal-"A beautifully written, affecting work."

5. Connections
The following is a great activity for young readers to participate in after reading A Step from Heaven by An Na:

Young readers may get into small groups to discuss the complex questions raised by immigration. They may answer the following questions:


What would make an individual, family, or group of people leave their homeland and seek to    establish a new life in another country?
Imagine what immigration would feel like.
What kinds of problems might be encountered in the process?


Have the young readers consider language/communication, cultural and religious differences, and ethnic and racial intolerance as potential issues while answering these questions (activity courtesy of http://www.teachervision.fen.com/fiction/asian-americans/20010.html).

Other great books with related themes may include:

• Alexie, Sherman. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN. ISBN 0316013692.
• Jaramillo, Ann. LA LINEA. ISBN 0312373546.
• Yang, Gene Luan. AMERICAN BORN CHINESE. ISBN 0312384483.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

1. Bibliography
Stead, Rebecca. WHEN YOU REACH ME. New York, NY: Random House, Inc. ISBN 0385737425.

2. Plot Summary
This book is about twelve-year-old Miranda and her group of friends in a New York City neighborhood. However, things begin to change after her best friend, Sal gets punched by a boy named Marcus. Then, he (Sal) shuts Miranda out of his life by not wanting to be around her anymore. After a while, other strange occurrences start happening. For instance, the key that Miranda's mother keeps for emergencies is stolen and Miranda keeps finding strange notes written by an anonymous person who keeps predicting the events that will change Miranda's life forever.

3. Critical Analysis
It is possible for young readers (grades 5-8) to feel a kinship with Miranda, the protagonist and narrator. Miranda is no different from the typical twelve-year-old who is just trying to make sense of the world and the reasons why people choose to do what they do. Perhaps, the most intriguing aspect that this book possesses in regards to its characters is that Miranda mirrors the disbelief of the reader, especially when a tragic event takes place involving Miranda, Sal, Marcus, and the crazy old laughing homeless man under the mailbox.
     One thing that could be said about this book is that it is original and creative enough to hold the typical young reader's interest. The language, style, and tone of the book is easy and relatable to younger readers. Miranda's voice creates a distinctive framework for the story.
     The underlying theme of this book seems to be that any person that you encounter in your life-whether you encounter in your life-whether you encounter that person every day can have a lasting impact on your life that you will never forget.

4. Review Excerpts
Kirkus Reviews-"[W]hen all the sidewalk characters from Miranda's Manhattan world converge amid mind-blowing revelations and cunning details, teen readers will circle back to the beginning and say, 'Wow...cool.'"
School Library Journal-"This unusual, thought-provoking mystery will appeal to several types of readers."

5. Connections
Here is a great activity that middle school-aged students can do after reading When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead:

Young readers can write a story in which time travel (a subject brought up pretty often in this book) takes place. First, the young reader will write a profile of three or four characters that he or she will have in his or her story. Then the young reader will consider which puzzle the story will create and how it will end up. This could also be done in groups (activity courtesy of http://textpublishing.com.au/static/files/assets/6ea3b4fa/WhenYouReachMe_TeachersResource.pdf).

Other great books with similar themes may include:

• Gantos, Jack. DEAD END IN NORVELT. ISBN 037379939.
• Lin, Grace. WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON. ISBN 0316038636.
• Vanderpool, Clare. MOON OVER MANIFEST. ISBN 0375858296.

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

1. Bibliography
Williams-Garcia, Rita. 2010. ONE CRAZY SUMMER. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0060760907.

2. Plot Summary
     This book's story is centered around eleven-year-old Delphine as she and her younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern are sent to live with the mother who abandoned them when they were younger. All of this takes place in the summer of 1968--the year of the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. The girls' mother, Cecile makes it clear that she wants nothing to do with them as she forces them to eat Chinese takeout dinners and forbids them to go into her kitchen. She also has strange visitors who wear Afros and black berets who come to her house often. Then Cecile sends the girls to a summer camp sponsored by the Black Panthers where they are exposed to a whole new radical existence.

3. Critical Analysis
     Young readers should be able to clearly identify with Delphine, especially if they have ever felt abandoned by a parent. Delphine's language, tone, and word usage are believable for an eleven-year-old, yet they are still grounded in the tone of appropriate for the targeted time period.
     The history of the Black Panthers presence during this time was presented accurately yet with the appropriateness for younger children to be able to grasp and understand. The plot is not overwhelmed by details and is realistic to the time period presented.
     The setting is an integral part of the story. The girls' trip to Oakland represents a change, not only in the girls' lives, but in society, as a whole. During this time,  many African-Americans were reaching a point where they were fighting for not only more respect, but for a radical change in their circumstances through participation in the Black Panthers Movement. Oakland was the center of this movement.
     The style of this book does not necessarily reflect the author's voice and manner, but it does capture the flavor of the times. It also captures the speech patterns of the era.
     What the book may be missing is proof of any thorough research conducted by the author. There was no bibliography or list of cited sources included in the book. Inclusion of these would have greatly improved the book's authenticity on the historical aspects presented.

4. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal-"Emotionally challenging and beautifully written, this book immerses readers in a time and place and raises difficult questions of cultural and ethnic identity and personal responsibility."
Booklist-"Set during a pivotal moment in African-American history, this vibrant novel shows the subtle ways that political movements affect personal lives."

5. Connections
One activity that young readers may do in relation to this book is the following activity:

I Wish I Had a Camera: Young readers will choose a scene in the book that they think is especially descriptive. Then, they may share with others why the scene is important in the developments of the characters, the plot, or theme (activity courtesy of http://www.viterbo.edu/uploadedFiles/academics/letters/english/UnitPlanOneCrazySummer.pdf).

Other great reads by Rita Williams-Garcia:

• Williams-Garcia, Rita. JUMPED. ISBN 0060760915.
• Williams-Garcia, Rita. LIKE SISTERS ON THE HOMEFRONT. ISBN 0140385614.
• Williams-Garcia, Rita. BLUE TIGHTS. ISBN 0140380450.

     

Hattie Big Sky [UNABRIDGED AUDIOBOOK] by Kirby Lawson

1. Bibliography
Larson, Kirby. 2007. HATTIE BIG SKY [UNABRIDGED AUDIOBOOK]. New York, NY: Random House, Inc. ISBN 0385735952.

2. Plot Summary
     Sixteen-year-old Hattie Brooks is an orphan who has been sent to live with one relative to another throughout her whole life. Then, she receives a letter summoning her to prove up on her deceased uncle's homestead claim in Vida, Montana. In Vida, she meets many interesting people who give her a true sense of family that she has never experienced before. Through the experiences that she faces in Vida, Hattie learns a lot about herself and her self-worth.

3. Critical Analysis
     The characters in this book are believable and identifiable to young readers aged 9 and up due to the fact that Hattie is an orphan who is trying to find her place in the world, and finds it through the love and kindness of others. There are many young readers who may be able to relate to these situations.
     The history of World War I (1914-1918) and the American suspicion of anyone of German descent are the historical aspects presented in this story. Larson was careful not to overwhelm the story with details. The events occurring in the book are truly realistic to the time period presented.
     Like many other historical fiction books, the different settings were integral to the story as a whole. The story begins in Iowa with her Uncle Holt and her mean and judgmental Aunt Ivy. Iowa represents a place of loneliness and a feeling of not belonging to Hattie. This is the place where Hattie solemnly refers to herself as "Hattie Here-and-There" due to being constantly shifted around among different relatives. Vida, Montana represents independence, self-worth, love, and a sense of belonging to Hattie.
     The style of this book does not reflect the author's voice and manner due to the fact that it is written in first person point-of-view from the story's protagonist. On the other hand, it does capture the flavor of the time period that it takes place in. This is evident in the speech patterns presented in the book as they clearly represent that era.
     There is a healthy balance of fact and fiction presented in this book without the use of stereotypes. However,there are no sources cited in the audiobook version of this book to support any extra information.


4. Review Excerpts
Booklist-"Writing in figurative language that draws on the nature and domestic detail to infuse her story with the sounds, smells, and sights of the prairie, she creates a richly textured novel full of memorable characters."
School Library Journal-"Larson creates a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered."

5. Connections
     Young readers of this book may learn and research the rules of homesteading in a place that they would like to live. Then they may create a chart showing the rules. (Activity courtesy of http://www.bookrags.com/lessonplan/hattie-big-sky/funactivities.html)

Other great historical fiction books written by Kirby Larson may include:

• Larson, Kirby. THE DEAR AMERICA: THE FENCES BETWEEN US. ISBN 0545224187.
• Larson, Kirby. TWO BOBBIES: A TRUE STORY OF HURRICANE KATRINA, FRIENDSHIP, AND SURVIVAL. ISBN 0802797547.

The Dragon's Child by Laurence Yep and Dr. Kathleen Yep

1. Bibliography
Yep, Laurence and Yep, Dr. Kathleen. 2008. THE DRAGON'S CHILD: A STORY OF ANGEL ISLAND. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0062018159.

2. Plot Summary
This book tells the story of ten-year-old Gim Lew Yep who has to leave his home in China to live in America with his father whom he has never met. As he meets his father, Gem Lew is overwhelmed by the American customs and ways that his father exhibits. But, perhaps what is more overwhelming to Gim Lew is leaving the only home that he has ever known to readjust his customs and ways of a land that is totally foreign and unfamiliar to him. This is particularly difficult for a young boy who has a stuttering problem and is terribly insecure about disappointing the father that he respects, yet barely knows.

3. Critical Analysis
     The characters in this book are believable and identifiable to young readers due to the fact that Gim Lew is insecure, has a severe stutter, and is going to a foreign country. Many readers who have experienced having to leave one country to live in another or have ever had a stuttering problem, may directly identify with Gim Lew.
     The best aspect of this story is that the history is accurately presented and not sugar-coated. It displays the loss of self-identity that many Chinese immigrants may have experienced while having to migrate to America for work. However, it is presented in a tone and word usage that is easy for children to understand. The plot is not overwhelmed by details. Yep saves the details of the history behind this story for the end in an added chapter, "More About Chinese American Immigration". This particular section of the book ensures the book's authenticity with thorough research and a bibliography of cited sources to support the information presented. It also demonstration a healthy balance of fact and fiction.
     Perhaps the most integral part of the story was the presentation of different settings and their impact on Gim Lew.  Each main setting represents a certain emotion for Gim Lew. For example, China represents familiarity and comfort for Gim Lew while the journey to the land of the Golden Mountain represents sadness, loneliness, and despair for him as he approaches a land and a life that is unfamiliar to him.
     The style of the book does not necessarily reflect the author's voice and manner. Instead, it captures the voice of Gim Lew, who iis the book's protagonist and narrator (the book is written in first person point-of-view).

4. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal-"Told in Gim's very convincing voice, the tale captures the profound loss he feels at leaving his home as well as his determination to make his father proud of him."
Booklist-"With family photos, a historical note, and a long bibliography, this stirring narrative will spark readers' own search for roots."

5. Connections
One great activity to have in relation to this book is to have children (ages 8 and up) compose a short story as if they are leaving their home for a new one. Tell them that they may take only one small suitcase with them. Then have them ask themselves the following questions in the short story:

• Where would you go?
• What items would you take with you?
• Who would you want to accompany you on this journey?
• Why would you want to go to this new place?
• How would you feel about leaving home?

(Activity courtesy of http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/harpercollins/dragons-child_rg.pdf)

Other great reads about the Chinese immigrants' journey on Angel Island may include:

• Currier, Katrina. KAI'S JOURNEY TO GOLD MOUNTAIN: AN ANGEL ISLAND STORY. ISBN 0966735242.
• Flanagan, Alice K. ANGEL ISLAND (WE THE PEOPLE: INDUSTRIAL AMERICA SERIES). ISBN 0756517249.
• Lai, Him Mark, et.al. ISLAND: POETRY AND HISTORY OF CHINESE IMMIGRANTS ON ANGEL ISLAND 1910-1940. ISBN 0295971096.

   

Almost Astronauts by Tanya Lee Stone

1. Bibliography
Stone, Lee Tanya. 2009. ALMOST ASTRONAUTS: 13 WOMEN WHO DARED TO DREAM. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 07636502.

2. Plot Summary
This book tells the story of thirteen women who had a desire to become astronauts and travel in outer space. These women had to undergo rigorous tests and physical examinations to prove their ability to achieve these goals. Stone elaborates on these women's perseverance in pursuit of a dream at a time when only men were allowed to be astronauts.

3. Critical Analysis
     Stone is known for writing award-winning picture books, nonfiction, and Young Adult fiction for children. So, given her reputation, she could be considered a suitable author for the subject of this book. One intriguing aspect of this book is the inclusion of opinions from a knowledgeable reviewer like Eileen M. Collins who stated that, "I hope everyone who reads this book will be inspired to experience the joy of flying and supreme honor of venturing beyond this planet." Stone does a good job of properly citing her sources on a page-by-page basis in the "Source Notes" section in the back of the book. However, her language and tone in the book could have been more objective. She seems to overemphasize the idea of femininity and uses unnecessary references from pop culture to support her stance. The illustrations are consistent with the story being told. They are realistic enough for a nonfiction piece like this book.
     The book has a logical layout and clear sequence. It starts from the beginning of the story and ends at the end. It goes from the past and gets closer and closer to the present. It follows a pattern "specific over general" and "simple over complex" in structure.
     The style of Stone's language in the book is clear, lively, and interesting. What the book lacks in objectivity and stereotypes, it makes up for in the demonstration of the author's passion and enthusiasm about the subject. It also encourages curiosity and wonder in the reader. It prompts them to ask questions like the following: Were there even more women who aspired to become astronauts that this book did not talk about? What was there struggle like? If approached creatively by a teacher or librarian, this book could be used to encourage critical thinking among young readers.

4. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal-"This passionately written account of a classic, but little-known challenge to established gender prejudices also introduces readers to a select group of courageous, independent women."
Booklist-"A vivid portrayal . . . from engrossing details of the grueling testing to passionate indictment of the social system.

5. Connections
An appropriate activity for children to participate in after reading this book would be writing a book report or creating a presentation (PowerPoint or poster) on one of the 13 women discussed in this book.

Other great related works include:

• Freedman, Russell, et. al. THE WRIGHT BROTHERS: HOW THEY INVENTED THE AIRPLANE. ISBN 08231082.
• Kettlewell, Caroline. ELECTRIC DREAMS. ISBN 0786714859.