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.

Amelia Lost by Candace Fleming

1. Bibliography
Fleming, Candace. 2011. AMELIA LOST: THE LIFE AND DISAPPEARANCE OF AMELIA EARHART. New York, NY: Schwartz & Wade. ISBN 0375841989.

2. Plot Summary
In this book, Candace Fleming tells the story of the life of Amelia Earhart, the most famous American female pilot. Throughout the book, Fleming alternates between the events and happenings that occurred in Earhart's fateful last flight and the story of her life. The book is also equipped with pictures, maps, and notes written by Earhart herself to complement the story as it is told.

3. Critical Analysis
     Fleming is known for her biographical works on legendary historical figures such as, President Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Benjamin Franklin. Therefore, she is a trusted author when it comes to writing accurate information about a public or historical figure. She provides adequate source citation of her discovered information in the back of the book. From the language usage in her book, Fleming depends highly on facts about Earhart and not so much on theory (of course, there have been theories regarding Earhart's disappearance, yet Fleming consistently points them out to be the theories that they are). Her languages usage is also very pointed and simple to understand, void of stereotypes. The illustrations and text are highly consistent with the information presented.
     The layout of the book is more creative than logical. As mentioned in the plot summary, Fleming alternates between the events taking place during the course of Earhart's last flight and the story of her life. This major characteristic of the book makes it a lot like watching a movie. What the book does have is a clear sequence which begins from her birth and childhood up to her last flight. A clear sequence like this is very important in a biography.
     The style of this book may not necessarily be lively, but it is clear and interesting enough to hold the attention of a young reader. This book does not, however, do much to reveal the author's passion and enthusiasm about Earhart. It tends to keep an objective view of her with appropriate vocabulary that does not include down-talk to the reader. What Fleming may be guilty of in writing this book is making it resemble too much like a textbook. It includes many "informational boxes of an overload of information" that the reader is most likely to ignore. Also, Fleming could have done more to encourage critical thinking skills in this book.

4. Review Excerpts
Kirkus Reviews-"Handwritten notes, photos, maps, and inquisitive sidebars complete this impeccably researched, appealing package."
Horn Book Magazine-"The book's structure and scope, along with the story's inherent drama, provide a taut, cinematic backdrop for the history of Earhart's doomed flight."

5. Connections
Students (Grades 3 and up) may be encouraged to do a book report and/or create a poster about what they learned or gathered from Amelia Earhart's life and journey. Students may also be encouraged to look up the websites located in the section in the back of the book titled, "Finding Amelia on the Web."

Other great books written by Candace Fleming on extraordinary Americans may include:

• Fleming, Candace. BEN FRANKLIN'S ALMANAC: BEING A TRUE ACCOUNT OF THE GOOD GENTLEMAN'S LIFE. ISBN 068983593.
• Fleming, Candace. OUR ELEANOR: A SCRAPBOOK LOOK AT ELEANOR ROOSEVELT'S REMARKABLE LIFE. ISBN 0689865449.
• Fleming, Candace. THE GREAT AND ONLY BARNUM: THE TREMENDOUS, STUPENDOUS LIFE OF SHOWMAN P.T. BARNUM. ISBN 0375841970.

Hurricanes by Seymour Simon

1. Bibliography
Simon, Seymour. 2007. HURRICANES. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0061170712.

2. Plot Summary
This book clearly defines and explains what hurricanes are, when they occur, where they take place, how they occur, and the lasting impact of them on people, places, and things. To complement this factual information are real-life photos that illustrate the formation of hurricanes and the devastation that they leave behind.

3. Critical Analysis
     Given Seymour Simon's credentials as a noted children's science book author, the accuracy of this book is its major advantage. However, what the book may be lacking is a clear bibliography or list of sources cited to specify where the information in this book may have stemmed from. On the other hand, Simon succeeds in avoiding stereotypes in his language use in the book as well as in differentiating facts from theory. The illustrations in the book are a clear and truthful representation of the facts provided in the book.
     The organization of the book is equipped with a logical layout and a clear sequence. This sequence consists of the following concerning hurricanes: a basic introduction to what hurricanes are and the types that exist, how they form, some background history on past hurricanes, how hurricanes are broadcast, and what to do in a hurricane. The book seems to follow a pattern of providing more general than specific information, which is a key advantage in attracting its targeted audience--children in intermediate elementary grades (Grades 3-5). One of the best characteristics of the book is its inclusion of a glossary that defines specific terms related to hurricanes such as: atmosphere, mudslide, orbit, and storm surges.
     The print in the book is inviting and readable because the wording is presented in bold type and is evenly spaced. The style of the book's language may not be necessarily lively, but it is clear and interesting. However, it does not do much to reveal the author's passion or enthusiasm about the subject. Yet, it does use appropriate vocabulary. It provides useful information without talking down to the reader, especially, when it gives tips on what do in the event of a hurricane. The book is written in a way as to not overwhelm the reader with information; however, Simon probably could have written the book in a way that further encourages critical thinking among his targeted readers.

4. Review Excerpts
Kirkus Reviews-"Simon may have done more than any other living author to help us understand and appreciate the beauty of our planet and universe."
Booklist- "The lack of an index or further resources may hamper assignment-driven children, but like most of Simon's other work, this is unsurpassed for kindling interest in a scientific subject and communicating an understanding of its scope and significance."


5. Connections
     On Simon's website (www.seymoursimon.com), educators are allowed free membership that allows them to have access and download teacher guides and other resources to use in activities with children in relation to any of his books.
     One particularly interesting activity is one called the "Hurricane Hall of Fame." In this activity, children will use the Internet or other library resources to find out about a famous hurricane whose name is retired. They are to investigate the year in which the hurricane occurred, its rating on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, its top wind speeds, the number of casualties it caused, and the path in which it traveled. Then the children will create a poster about this hurricane that includes photos and share with others.

Other great weather-related books written by Seymour Simon include:

• Simon, Seymour. Earthquakes. ISBN 0060877154.
• Simon, Seymour. Lightning. ISBN 0060877154.
• Simon, Seymour. Tornadoes. ISBN 0064437914.

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones

1. Bibliography
Sones, Sonya. 2004. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES.  New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division. ISBN 0689858205.

2. Plot Summary
This book is narrated by the protagonist, a fifteen-year-old girl named Ruby Miliken whose mother has just died and she is forced to move across the country to live with her estranged father who is a well-respected movie star. Throughout the book, Ruby describes her experiences of missing her deceased mother and her friends and aunt she left behind, adjusting to the Hollywood lifestyle, and dealing with a father that she hates.

3. Critical Analysis
This book flowed very well in language and tone. What readers may generally sense from reading this book is a feeling that Ruby is having a one-to-one conversation with them. Overall, it contains elements of life and struggle that many may have experienced in life: death of a loved one, drastic change, adjustment to drastic change, infatuation, heartbreak, homesickness, anger, resentment, forgiveness, and acceptance. There is something that Ruby projects in her story that everyone can relate to which makes this verse novel a great read.  What should also be noted about this book is the fact that it is a fast read. That is a major advantage for the young adult readers of today who would much rather utilize the latest technological gadget than read a book. It definitely holds readers' attention while taking them on a journey through Ruby's experiences as she grows and learns from every life situation that she faces.

4. Review Excerpts
Amazon.com Review-"She [Sonya Sones] has the good sense to avoid the platitudes of the tearjerker, focusing not on the melodrama of death but on the grieving process of a feisty teen--sometimes even with humor."
School Library Journal-"Despite several predictable particulars of plot, Ruby's story is gripping, enjoyable, and memorable."

5. Connections
An activity that readers (grades 7 and up) may engage in after reading this book is create a journal or diary written in the same verse format as One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies to communicate their thoughts and experiences in their own language and choice of words.

Other great verse novels written by Sonya Sones include:

• Sones, Sonya. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW. ISBN 0689855532.
• Sones, Sonya. STOP PRETENDING: WHAT HAPPENED WHEN MY BIG SISTER WENT CRAZY. ISBN 0064462188.
• Sones, Sonya. WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN'T KNOW. ISBN 0689876033.

Hopscotch Love by Nikki Grimes

1. Bibliography
Grimes, Nikki. 1999. HOPSCOTCH LOVE. by Melodye Rosales. New York, NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books. ISBN 0688156673.

2. Plot Summary
This book is a collection of poems about love and their different forms: puppy love, romantic love, neighborly love, and love between family members.

3. Critical Analysis
The poems in this book illustrate love from an African-American point-of-view. In this book, the reader will see many aspects of love like heartbreak ("Hopscotch Love"), infatuation ("Sweet Tooth" and "Why I Hate Jamel"), compassion ("Uncle Willis"), and kindness ("Mr. Lester). The language in this book is very easy and understandable for its targeted audience--preteens (6th grade and up). This book of poems does not seem to possess any intellectual or educational value, but it does harbor much emotional value. Its tone and colorful illustrations make it a good book for those wanting to read it for recreation or to give to someone as a gift.

4. Review Excerpt
School Library Journal- "This small treasury will lift readers' spirits and touch their hearts."

5. Connections
After reading these poems, young readers (grades 6 and up) may be encouraged to write similar poems about their own feelings regarding different types of love.


Other great works written by Nikki Grimes include:

• Grimes, Nikki. BRONX MASQUERADE. ISBN 0756929326.
• Grimes, Nikki. GIRL NAMED MISTER, A. ISBN 0310723132.
• Grimes, Nikki. JAZMIN'S NOTEBOOK. ISBN 0141307021.