Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Taylor, M. (1976). Roll of thunder hear my cry. New York: Dial Books.  ISBN 0803726473. 276 p.

 

SUMMARY

The year is 1933, and the story begins in a small rural town in Mississippi.  Young Cassie Logan and her three brothers are walking to school in their best clothing since it is the first day of the school year, but they cannot keep themselves clean for various reasons. As Cassie tells the story of her daily life, she becomes suddenly and sometimes painfully aware that the community she lives in does not treat everybody equally.  In Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Cassie begins to notice that African-Americans tend to have a different lifestyle in comparison to the white families.  This unfair treatment takes place not only in her town but in neighboring towns as well.  Even though slavery was abolished seventy years ago, Cassie learns that a declaration in words does not always change other people’s thoughts and actions.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Mildred D. Taylor shares an historical fiction story set during the Depression.  Written through the eyes of the young main character, Cassie, Mildred Taylor uses language true to the time period and describes the hardships and good times that the Logan family experiences.  Basing some of the scenes from stories told by her own ancestors, Taylor succeeds in creating a novel filled with believable characters, conditions, and problems.  Readers will experience various emotions as Cassie relates some humorous, serious, and painful events.  They will learn about problems that African-Americans faced within this country even many years after the abolition of slavery.  Winner of the 1977 John Newbery Medal, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, is a wonderful, quick-to-read story suitable for middle school and high school students.

Spinster Goose Trailer

Wheeler, Lisa. 2011. Spinster Goose: Twisted Rhymes for Naughty Children. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781416925415

Nation by Terry Pratchett

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pratchett, Terry. 2008. Nation. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN 9780061433023

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Mau, a young native islander, is the sole survivor after an enormous wave hits his island. At the same time, Daphne, a dignified young lady from England, finds that she is the only one alive after her boat crashes into the forest of Mau’s island. Together Mau and Daphne, two people from such different lifestyles and native tongues, try to form a new life. As survivors from different islands gradually land ashore in desperate need, Mau and Daphne struggle to feed, house, and heal the people, and at the same time, they try to unite and create a new nation. It also proves to be a time for personal turmoil as Mau struggles to understand the faith and spirituality that he has grown up with. Amidst such serious issues and additional problems, Terry Pratchett manages to intertwine bits of humor throughout the story. Readers will find themselves laughing at the description of Mau trying to milk a pig and the birds that continuously regurgitate. Nation is a unique book that is engaging and hard to put down.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In Nation, author Terry Pratchett creates two very strong main characters, Mau and Daphne. This aspect alone will appeal to both males and females since they can identify with one or the other. He continues to vividly describe other pertinent characters as they are introduced. The theme of survival and personal struggles are effectively portrayed through each scenario. Pratchett carefully creates a story of such a serious nature but manages to incorporate humor as well, and the result is an irresistible read. His text is easy to read, the setting is believable, and the dialogues are enjoyable. He uses everyday language and brings out a myriad of emotions. These two young people create a new nation, and the descriptions of all that they must undertake is done beautifully.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: Starred Review – “Quirky wit and broad vision make this a fascinating survival story on many levels.”
KIRKUS: Starred Review – “A searching exploration of good and evil, fate and free will, both as broad and as deep as anything this brilliant and, happily, prolific author has produced so far.”
THE HORN BOOK: “The unique pleasure of this story is that all the serious subjects and juicy ethical questions, such as the dilemma of the compassionate lie, are fully woven into action and character.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The main characters are engaging and interesting, and are the perfect medium for the author's sly humor.”
Michael L. Printz Award, 2009 Honor Book United States
Odyssey Award, 2009 Honor
Locus Award, 2009 Finalist
School Library Journal Battle of the (Kids') Books, 2009 Nominee

5. CONNECTIONS
• Other good survival stories are:
O’Dell, Scott. ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS. ISBN 9780547424835
Paulsen, Gary. HATCHET. ISBN 0689840926
Pfeffer, Susan. LIFE AS WE KNEW IT. ISBN 0152058265
• More teen books written by Terry Pratchett:
Pratchett, Terry. THE AMAZING MAURICE AND HIS EDUCATED RODENTS. ISBN
006001234X
Pratchett, Terry. THE WEE FREE MEN. ISBN 0060012366

Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gantos, Jack. 2000. Joey Pigza Loses Control. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 0374399891

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Joey Pigza is going to spend a few weeks with his father for the first time in many years. He’s excited about the idea but a little apprehensive too. Joey’s mother said that his father, Carter, is a bigger version of himself. Joey has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and apparently, his father does too. Joey has learned that life is very good as long as he wears his medicine patches, but Carter has a different opinion. Joey Pigza experiences some very good times with his father especially when it comes to baseball, but he experiences some bad bouts as well. Life with his Dad is like a roller coaster of extreme emotions and things become too scary.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Using every day language, Jack Gantos writes a story that is not only believable but also one that many individuals can understand through their own experiences. A large number of people today know somebody who has ADHD, and this story may offer some insight in regards to potential complications. Gantos creates vivid character personalities, realistic settings, and employs a host of emotions. Parts of the story will make the reader smile, frown, laugh, cringe, worry, and hope. Joey tries so hard to keep in control of his own outbursts but has to dig deep within himself to overcome his father’s bad choices.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: Starred Review – “Ganto's skillful pacing, sly humor, and in-depth characterization make it a truly memorable read.”
KIRKUS: Starred Review – “A tragic tale in many ways, but a triumph too.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Readers will be drawn in immediately to the boy's gripping first-person narrative and be pulled pell-mell through episodes that are at once hilarious, harrowing, and ultimately heartening as Joey grows to understand himself and the people around him.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Like its predecessor, this high-voltage, honest novel mixes humor, pain, fear and courage with deceptive ease.”
John Newbery Medal, 2001 Honor Book
Parents' Choice Award, 2000 Gold Fiction
Parents' Choice Award, 2003 Gold Best 25 Books in 25 Years

5. CONNECTIONS
• Other “Joey Pigza” books include:
Gantos, Jack. JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY. ISBN 9780374336646
Gantos, Jack. WHAT WOULD JOEY DO? ISBN 9780374399863
Gantos, Jack. I AM NOT JOEY PIGZA. ISBN 978-0-374-39941-2
• Other young adult fiction with ADHD characters include:
Rue, Nancy. MOTORCYCLES, SUSHI & ONE STRANGE BOOK. ISBN 9780310714842
Guest, Jacqueline. RACING FEAR. ISBN 1550288393
Harrar, George. PARENTS WANTED. ISBN 1571316337

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krosoczka, Jarrett. 2009. Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 9780375846830

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Lunch Lady seems to be an ordinary school cafeteria worker, but students Hector, Dee, and Terrence find out that she is so much more than she appears to be when they follow her one day after school. The Lunch Lady grows suspicious of a substitute teacher that is filling in for Mr. O’Connell who has never missed one day in his twenty years of teaching. As she studies the substitute teacher, the Lunch Lady acts on her hunches and emerges as a crime fighter. She is fully equipped with James Bondish gadgets made by her sidekick Betty. Readers will delight in the lunch tray laptop, milk carton camera, “Spatu-copter,” and other clever culinary devices. Readers will enjoy this mystery and may be a little surprised at the conclusion of the story.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Using simple dialogues and simple illustrations, Jarret Krosoczka creates a very entertaining story. The illustrations throughout the book are black, white, and yellow in color, and they appear in different sizes. The cartoonish pictures of key characters are easy to recognize once they are introduced, and details that appear throughout the books add meaning to the story. Labeled gadgets and fun sound effects add a healthy dose of humor. With a handful of characters and a familiar setting, a mystery unfolds. Readers will follow the Lunch Lady heroine as she unravels the mystery of the odd substitute and the missing teacher. Readers will not be disappointed in this humorous crime fighter story.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “This tongue-in-cheek super heroine graphic novel will hit the spot for chapter-book readers.”
KIRKUS: “Filled with goofy puns and grayscale art with cheery yellow accents, this is a delightfully fun escapist read.”
Children's Choice Book Awards, 2010 Winner

5. CONNECTIONS
• Other Lunch Lady graphic novels include:
Krosoczka, Jarrett. LUNCH LADY AND THE SUMMER CAMP SHAKEDOWN. ISBN 9780375860959
Krosoczka, Jarrett. LUNCH LADY AND THE AUTHOR VISIT VENDETTA. ISBN 9780375860942
Krosoczka, Jarrett. LUNCH LADY AND THE LEAGUE OF LIBRARIANS. ISBN
9780375846847
• Other school theme junior graphic novels:
Meister, Cari. BUS RIDE BULLY. ISBN: 9781434220592
Zidrou. THE CLASS STRUGGLE. ISBN 9781849180313

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. Chains. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781416905851

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The year is 1776, and Isabel and her little sister find themselves in a difficult situation. In the beginning of the story, Isabel, who is thirteen years old, and Ruth, her younger sister with special needs, are attending the funeral of Miss Finch who used to own both girls. Miss Finch had told the girls that upon her death, they would be set free as she had stated in her will. Unfortunately, a distant and unknown nephew decides to ignore his Aunt’s will and sells the girls as slaves to a family living out of state. Author Laurie Halse Anderson tells a heart wrenching story about Isabel’s struggle to take care of her little sister and her hope for their once promised freedom. As the Revolutionary War begins, Isabel strives to survive in a world full of pain, abuse, betrayal, and torture.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Ever mindful of the time period, Laurie Halse Anderson wrote a well crafted historical fiction novel. Written with Roman numerals, every chapter of Chains is dated so that the readers are aware of the amount of time passing. In addition, every chapter is preceded with an historical quote from a variety of historical documents or people. There are quotes taken from personal letters, newspapers, pamphlets, petitions, summons, journals, and other written documents. Some of those quotes were penned by George Washington, Phillis Wheatley, John Adams, Abigail Adams, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, and other historical figures. The story is told with a setting and dialog that is true to the time period. A great deal of research had been performed in the writing of this story as depicted in the questions and answers featured in the eleven page appendix.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: Starred Review – “Anderson explores elemental themes of power (“She can do anything. I can do nothing,” Isabel realizes about her sadistic owner), freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story.”
KIRKUS: Starred Review - “Anderson brilliantly recreates New York City in the summer of 1776, viewed through the eyes of a remarkable heroine.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Well researched and affecting in its presentation, the story offers readers a fresh look at the conflict and struggle of a developing nation.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “this gripping novel offers readers a startlingly provocative view of the Revolutionary War”
Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, 2009
Parents' Choice Award, 2008
Cybil Award, 2009
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2009

5. CONNECTIONS
• After reading Chains, read the companion novel:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. FORGE. ISBN 9781416961444
• Other historical fiction books written by Laurie Halse Anderson:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. FEVER 1793. ISBN 9780689848919
Anderson, Laurie Halse. ASHES. (To Be Released October 2011)
• Other historical fiction novels of the Revolutionary war:
Collier, James Lincoln. MY BROTHER SAM IS DEAD. ISBN: 0027229807
Myers, Anna. SPY! ISBN: 9780802797421

The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife’s Apprentice. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0395692296

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This story takes place in a small village in England during the fourteenth century. The main character is a female about twelve or thirteen years of age. She doesn’t have a name but will respond to “Brat.” She has been homeless since her earliest memories, and for that reason, she is accustomed to being dirty, hungry, and unloved. One morning Brat is awakened from her temporary sleeping spot upon a dung heap by a stern woman who resides in a cottage nearby. The woman, a Midwife named Jane, decides to hire Brat as a helper and thus, begins a new chapter in Brat’s life. Although the Midwife is far from friendly and the local boys tease Brat to no end, she slowly begins to enjoy a sense of continuity in her life. She works, has a home, gets to know the villagers, and slowly becomes one of them. Just as things become somewhat comfortable, Brat experiences a setback which causes her to run. Author Karen Cushman tells the poignant story of a young lady’s determination for acceptance and a sense of self.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The Midwife’s Apprentice is a beautifully written piece of historical fiction. The descriptions of the characters, clothing, and scenery all consistently reflect the intended fourteenth century England. Readers will find clearly written sentences that are easy to understand but may also find themselves looking up terms like wimple, whiffler, and Walpurgis Night that are words typical of that time period. Also noteworthy are the interesting medicinal practices of the midwife. Jane would use leek and mallow juice to aid in the birthing process as well as crane’s blood and the roots and flowers of birthwort. Karen Cushman successfully writes an historical fiction novel that is entertaining and informative and at the same time interlaced with humor.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone.”
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “Cushman writes compellingly, deftly weaving the language of that period with its beliefs.”
KIRKUS: “a gripping story about a time, place, and society that 20th-century readers can hardly fathom.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children's literature.”
John Newbery Medal, 1996 Winner
Parents' Choice Award, 1995

5. CONNECTIONS
• Other historical fiction novels written by Karen Cushman:
Cushman, Karen. RODZINA. ISBN 0739385739
Cushman, Karen. ALCHEMY AND MEGGY SWANN. ISBN 9780547231846
Cushman, Karen. MATILDA BONE. ISBN 0395881560
Cushman, Karen. THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE. ISBN 0395728061
Cushman, Karen. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. ISBN 0395681863
• The Midwife’s Apprentice could be used to introduce a history unit focusing on the fourteenth century or as a follow up to it.