Maggie's Door by Patricia Reilly Giff

Bibliography:

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 2008. Maggie’s Door. New York, NY: Yearling. 9781439521694

Plot Summary:
In this heart wrenching novel of survival, desperation, and determination Nory and Sean share their long and treacherous journey to Maggie’s (Nory’s sister) door in New York. Nory and Sean must quickly leave Ireland, separately and alone, to avoid starvation from the Irish Potato Famine. This is the story of their miraculous and dangerous journey to America.

Critical Analysis:
Giff takes great care to introduce the reader to the reality of the Irish Potato Famine in the plot of the story by providing readers with a fictitious firsthand account of how one might survive such a large scale starvation. At the beginning of the book the author provides readers with a glossary of terms and at the end of the book the author has even provided an “Afterword” to further discuss the facts of the Irish Potato Famine.

 Throughout the entire book the narrator changes from Nory to Sean in order to magnify their trials and tribulations as they share their stories with the readers. Each story is about the narrator trying to make their way across the ocean in order to reach Maggie’s door in Brooklyn, NY. The narrators discuss the horrific living conditions they were all forced to endure while traveling on the boat heading for America. When Nory speaks of the filth on the ship she daydreams on how Brooklyn would be:

     “In Brooklyn everything would be clean, she thought. Clean straw smelling of sunny fields, clothes washed, hands washed, faces washed.” (p. 106)

The author further details the truth behind the ship’s living conditions on page 111:

     “People are going to die,” Eliza said.
     Nory glanced at Patch, his thumb in his mouth, his large eyes staring. “Don’t,” she said, angry that Eliza would frighten him.
     “Look around you,” Eliza said. “It’s not only the storm, although I think we’re in for it, but there will be fever. No air, no food, and people are coughing.” She lowered her voice, leaning forward, pointing. “They are coughing out bad spirits that swirl around us. I can feel them. They call it ship fever.”

Readers might experience emotional attachment to the main characters thanks to the fantastic way Giff presents the character’s emotions of fear, anxiety, determination; sadness and courage. Readers might find it difficult not to shed a tear during some parts of the book.

I enjoyed the way Giff described the truth behind the journey to America. Giff was honest and did not hold back on the facts in order to make the book easier to digest. As a personal note, I have done a lot of research on Irish immigrants since my great-great grandfather traveled from Ireland to New York in the late 1800's. This is the first novel I have read depicting the immigration process for the Irish and I have to say, the book really makes me appreciate the courage it takes to survive.

Recommended for ages 9 and up.

Review Excerpt(s):

• Booklist (2003) “Giff brings the immigration history to life through the heartbreaking experiences of parting, loss, and, sometimes, thrilling reunion.” 
• School Library Journal (2003) “A welcome addition to any historical-fiction collection.”

Connections:

• Pair this title with other great historical favorites such as:
         Our Only May Amilia by Jennifer Holm
         Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt
         Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
• Locate several nonfiction books which discuss the Irish Potato Famine in order for the child(ren) to gain a better understanding of this historical crisis. Before explaining to the child(ren) why the potato crops failed, generate a discussion by asking the child(ren) why they think the crops failed. Once each child has been given the opportunity to hypothesize go ahead explain why the crops failed then introduce the books to the class.
• Create or locate a map handout with Europe, the Atlantic Ocean and the United States on the map. Have the child(ren) locate Ireland, the Atlantic Ocean, and New York. Once these areas have been located have the children draw a line connecting the two and speculate the time it would take to cross the ocean. To include more historical content you could discuss the living conditions on the boat in further detail.

The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages

Bibliography:

Klages, 2011. The Green Glass Sea (audio). Narrated by Julie Dretzin. Prince Frederick, MD: Recorded Books. 9781456128630

Plot Summary:
The year is 1943 and Dewey Kerrigan, a 10 year old, science loving inventor, is heading to Los Alamos, New Mexico to live at The Hill (a place that technically doesn’t exist thanks to the military) to live with her father. Dewey’s father is working with the military to develop a secret gadget thought to help win the war (World War II). When Dewey’s father is temporarily sent to Washington Dewey is forced to stay with (and ends up making friends with) a girl who bullies her throughout most of the story. Through a sad twist of fate Dewey loses everything that is dear to her and is left ponder her future.

Critical Analysis:
The plot of this story seeks to bring readers closer to World War II in the United States and the controversy involved with the making of bombs. Klages carefully incorporates time specific facts such as clothing styles, music, and even real people like Richard “Dick” Feynman (who Dewey meets on the train) and Julius Robert Oppenheimer. Additionally, Klages carefully brings the setting of the New Mexico desert to the readers by constantly describing the weather associated with this region.

Ellen Klages spends a great deal of time on Dewey’s background so readers are able to grow attached to the girl’s hard life. A great deal of the story often seems bogged down in details, but once the events unfold the slow pace will make more sense. Readers will more than likely shed a few tears throughout this sad, but touching story.  

I chose to listen to this book in audio format as opposed to reading it since I had not yet reviewed an audiobook. The narrator, Julie Dretzin, did a fabulous job reading the story in a clear fashion and with plenty of emotion in all of the proper places. Dretzin slightly changed the sound of her voice to fit each character making it easier for readers to interpret who is who.

Admittedly, I had a hard time staying with the story because of all of the side details the author focused on and I kept asking myself throughout the whole story why the book was called The Green Glass Sea but once I got to the end of the book everything made sense and it all came together. I encourage you to stay with this book once you start it! 

Recommended for ages 9 and up.

Review Excerpt(s):

• Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction 2007 
• Booklist (2006) “the characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history classes.” 
• Publisher’s Weekly (2006) “the author provides much insight into the controversies surrounding the making of the bomb and brings to life the tensions of war experienced by adults and children alike.”

Connections:

•  Pair this title with other great historical favorites such as:
         The Game of Silence by Louise Erdrich
         Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
         Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson 
• There were several notable figures listed within this book (Madame Curie, Julius Robert Oppenheimer and many others). Provide the child(ren) with additional facts and/or books on these well known figures to encourage further learning. 
• Supply the child(ren) with a copy of the Greek alphabet and encourage them to write their names or create a secret message using these letters. Generate a discussion by asking the children to think of places they might have seen Greek letters before.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

Bibliography:
Kelly, Jacqueline. 2009. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company. 9780805088410

Plot Summary:
The year is 1899 and Calpurnia Virginia Tate, “Callie Vee” for short, should be learning to cook, clean, sew and behave like a lady, but instead prefers to spend her time indulging in the field of science. Callie Vee develops a special relationship with her science loving grandfather.  Together, the two explore the world around them in hopes of finding something that has never been discovered before. 

Critical Analysis:
The author has done a wonderful job magnifying the gender inequality issues of the times. Ladies, both young and old, were expected to act a certain way. Women were expected to know how to take care of a family and prepare for marriage. Women were not encouraged to pursue the field of science or any field outside of the home for that matter. The plot focuses on Callie Vee’s struggles within herself and society all in the name of science.

Callie Vee’s character struggles to find her place in the world around her while also trying to avoid becoming the lady her mother expects her to become. On page 195 we see one of many minor conflicts between Callie Vee and Mother when Callie Vee asks her mother what exactly a debutante was:

Mother’s eyes lit up. “It means that a girl from a good family has become a young lady and is ready to be introduced into Society. That she is ready to take her appointed place. That she can be introduced to young men from good families. It means cotillions and entertainments and a new gown for each one.”

    “How long does it last?” I said.

    “A year.”

    “A whole year?” I didn’t much care for the sound of that. “And then what happens?”

    She looked confused. “What do you mean?”

    You said it lasts for a year, and then what?”

    “Well, usually the young lady has found a husband by that time.”

    “So it’s a lot of fancy parties to marry of girls.”

    Mother clucked. “Goodness, I wouldn’t put it that way.”

    Why not? I thought. There was no disguising it…

Mother and her strong personality are always pushing Callie Vee to become a lady and trying to explain to Callie Vee why sewing is good and rock hard biscuits are bad; her mother absolutely does not approve of her only daughter attempting to become anything but a proper lady. This fact becomes evident when Mother discusses Callie Vee’s inappropriate behavior with Father (and with Callie Vee eavesdropping):

 “The boys will make their way in the world, but what about her? Your father feeds her a steady diet of Dickens and Darwin. Access to too many books like those can build disaffection in one’s life. Especially a young life. Most especially a young girl’s life.”

    I wanted to yell, We’re doing important work! There’s the plant!” (p. 219)

The characters in this story are well rounded and fit perfectly with the times in rural Fentress, Texas. From the personalities and behaviors of each person in the book it is evident the author did quite bit of research in order to accurately describe each person in the book to fit with the year 1899 and there are no accidental facts improperly placed. Calpurnia tries hard to pursue her love of science (how very un-ladylike!); Mother tries to prepare her only daughter for marriage by forcing her to learn to cook, clean and sew; Father works hard and lets his wife deal with the family matters; the boys work the family business if they are old enough; everyone has a job. Grandfather is different from the rest of the family as he spends his time in retirement experimenting in his shop (laboratory) and keeps to himself.

As serious as this story sounds readers will find quite a bit of funny parts included within. One of my favorite parts of the story is in Chapter 22 titled "Thanksgiving." Calpurnia's animal loving brother Travis was chosen to care for and feed the family's small flock of turkeys for Thanksgiving (each year the children take turns doing this job) dinner. Travis adores animals and grows attached to any animals he takes care of and ends up naming his turkey charges Reggie, Tom Turkey, and Lavinia. At one point Father realizes Travis is growing too attached to the turkeys and reminds Travis to not allow himself to get attached. Upset, Travis goes to his sister to plead his case for the turkeys:  

     "They're my friends, Callie. Why would anybody want to eat them?"
     "Travis," I said, "we always have a bird at Thanksgiving. That's what they're for. You know that."
     I thought he was going to cry. "We can't eat my friends. What am I gonna tell Reggie?"
     "I don't think you should discuss it with him," I said, "It's better that way, don't you think?"

Later in the chapter Reggie escapes and the whole family assumed Travis engineered the escape; eventually Reggie returns and the escape hole is patched up. In order to fix the situation for Travis, Calpurnia suggests trading Reggie for a neighbor's turkey of the same size so Travis is not left heartbroken over the loss of his "pet." Travis was fine with the neighbor's eating his Reggie, but his family was not allowed to do so! Although it is sad to see Travis so attached to "dinner" it was funny to see Travis referring to his turkeys as though they had feelings. It was even more funny to see the family scrambling to not break the heart of poor, animal-loving Travis nu trading off his pet only days before Thanksgiving dinner. 


Recommended for what ages 9 and up.

Review Excerpt(s):

• Newbery Honor Book (2010)
• Kirkus Reviews – given a blue star for remarkable merit – (2009) “Readers will finish this witty, deftly crafted debut novel rooting for “Callie Vee” and wishing they knew what kind of adult she would become.” 
• Booklist – starred review – (2009) “Many readers will hope for a sequel to this engaging, satisfying first novel.”

Connections:

• Pair this title with other great historical favorites such as:
         Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
         One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
         Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin
• Encourage future naturalists! Provide several books and photos on the plants and animals Calpurnia and her grandfather studied throughout the story. Encourage the child(ren) to talk about any experience they might have had regarding natural sciences.
• Plant a small native plant and encourage the child(ren) to record the plant's behavior each day. Be sure to tell the children what types of information should be included (time, date, plant name, temperature and so on) inside of the journal. If a plant is not exciting enough try using an insect instead!

The Tarantula Scientist by Sy Montgomery

Bibliography:

Montgomery, Sy. 2004. The Tarantula Scientist. Ill. Bishop, Nic. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. 9780618147991

Book Summary:

Did you know spiders smell with their feet? Did you know there are 30 species of tarantulas in the United States and 850 known species recorded all over the world? That is a lot of spiders! Author Sy Montgomery and photographer Nic Bishop take us on an educational journey through French Guiana as they follow scientist Sam Marshall on his quest to learn more about tarantulas.

Critical Analysis:

This book is 80 pages of exciting tarantula and spider related facts that reads like an action packed novel. The very style of writing aims to lure the readers in making it difficult for them to put the book down; children will want to continue reading. The vocabulary used in this informational book is simple enough for young readers, but interesting enough for older readers as well.

The photographs in this book are also worth noting as every image is clear, well focused and sharp. Each colorful photograph provides a caption which identifies the type of spider in the photo. Photographer Nic Bishop does a fantastic job of capturing the life of a spider in its natural habitat. 

The back of the book provides more information for curious readers. In the last few pages a reader can enjoy reading a list of spider statistics or learning "spider speak" (a glossary). The author has provided readers with an index and a bibliography in addition to a section which discusses how the book was researched. As if all of this were not enough, Montgomery provides tarantula and spider related websites, information on visiting French Guiana, and facts for future tarantula pet owners.

This book is recommended for children ages 10 and up.

Review Excerpt(s):

• Robert F. Sibert Honor Book (2005)
• Texas Bluebonnet Award (2005)
• Kirkus Reviews – given a blue star for remarkable merit – (2004) “crisp, detailed photographs and clear, lively prose.”
• Booklist (2004) “fascinating slice of the natural world.”

Connections:

• Pair this title with other great favorites such as:
         The Beetle Book by Steve Jenkins
         Animals Nobody Loves by Seymour Simon
         Will You Sign Here, John Hancock? by Jean Fritz and Trina Schart Hyman
• Provide a tarantula coloring sheet to the child(ren) and encourage them to draw their favorite tarantula from Sy Montgomery's book or create their own.
• Using an egg carton, pipe cleaners and googly eyes create an egg carton spider activity for the child(ren).

 

What to do About Alice? by Barbara Kerley

Bibliography:

Kerley, Barbara. 2008. What to do About Alice? Ill. Fotheringham, Edwin. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. 9780439922319

Book Summary:

Alice Roosevelt, daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, was always “running riot” and “eating up the world” from the very beginning of her life; Alice liked to do things her way. Alice wanted to wear pants, travel the world, dance and have a good time rather than learn how to be a proper lady. This wonderful nonfiction picture book describes the life of Alice Roosevelt and how she “broke the rules, charmed the world, and drove her father Teddy Crazy!”

Critical Analysis:

This carefully illustrated information book offers readers several interesting facts about the daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt while also supplying facts about Mr. President himself. The book starts off by stating, “Theodore Roosevelt has a small problem” and goes on to describe the difficult problems Roosevelt faced during his lifetime such as, “leading the Rough Riders as they charged up Kettle Hill” and “herding thousands of cattle across the Dakota badlands” then finishes by stating the problem is his daughter Alice who was “hungry to go places, meet people, do things.” Readers will not even realize they are learning historical facts about one of America’s most well-known presidents as they read about the life of his daughter, Alice.

The style in which the book is written offers a fun and exciting storytelling type quality. The information within is organized in a clear and fluent fashion, beginning with Alice's younger years on up into adulthood.

At the end of the book readers can enjoy the “Author’s Note” section which further lists interesting facts about Alice Roosevelt and her father. For instance, did you know "Princess Alice" was the nickname Alice's fans gave her? Additionally, the author provides a quick summary of Alice’s life after her marriage to Nicholas Longworth, followed by a list of sources used in order to complete the book.

The illustrations are worth noting as well! Illustrator Edwin Fotheringham carefully and delicately depicted the life of Alice Roosevelt in a frolicking and fanciful manner. Each illustration of Alice rightfully depicts Alice with her head held high, smiling and clearly on a mission to enjoy life.

This book is recommended for children ages 7 and up.

Review Excerpt(s):

• Robert F. Sibert Honor Book (2009)
• Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards nominee (2008)
• Kirkus Reviews – given a blue star for remarkable merit – (2008) “It’s a gleeful celebration of a fully, unapologetically led life.”
• School Library Journal (2008) “…a surefire antidote for any child who thinks that historical figures are boring.”

Connections:

• Pair this title with other great favorites such as:
         Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
         Lincoln Tells a Joke by Kathleen Krull
         The Extraordinary Mark Twain by Barbara Kerley
• Locate music from Alice Roosevelt's youth and use it to teach the child(ren) the turkey trot or other period dance moves. 
• Supply colored paints and ask the child(ren) to create the color 'Alice Blue.' After concocting the color 'Alice Blue' work as a group to write down objects which are 'Alice Blue.'

The Beetle Book by Steve Jenkins



Bibliography:

Jenkins, Steve. 2012. The Beetle Book. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. 9780547680842

Book Summary:

What is the smallest known beetle? Which beetle is the biggest of them all? How do beetles breathe? Answers to these questions and more can be found inside of Steve Jenkins’s book The Beetle Book which is packed full of fun and interesting beetle related facts.

Critical Analysis:

This fact-filled book, written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins, introduces children to the world of beetles using colorful illustrations, diagrams and text. All throughout the book children will find silhouettes of beetles which represent the actual size of the beetle being labeled. Large diagrams are presented with detailed explanations in order to further breakdown the makeup of a beetle’s body. What types of beetle related information can readers expect to find in this fact book? Body parts, diets, living environments, life cycles, movement, and sizes are just some of the facts children can learn about while reading this book. 

Jenkins provides beautiful illustrations of the various types of beetles using vibrant colors to allow the brightly colored beetles to stand out. The colors Jenkins used in his illustrations are bold and beautiful, but accurately depict the beetle's true markings. I found the jewel beetle to be the most beautiful beetle of them all. To me,  the frog beetle and the giraffe weevil had strangest looking bodies of all of the beetles in the book. What do you think? Which one is your favorite?

Overall, this book is well organized and even offers readers a beetle name index located in the back of the book. Additionally, a species-by-region list is available at the end of the book for viewing pleasure. One thing this book is lacking though, is a bibliography to support the facts found within this book.

This book is recommended for children ages 4 and up.

Review Excerpt(s):

• Booklist – starred review – (2012) “A richly varied and visually riveting introduction to beetles, both familiar and strange.”
• Kirkus Reviews – given a blue star for remarkable merit – (2012) “distinguished both as natural history and work of art.”

Connections:

•  Pair this title with other great favorites such as:                         
               Quest for the Tree Kangaroo by Sy Montgomery
               Weird but True by National Geographic Kids and Jonathan Halling
               Snakes! By Monica Molina
• Give the children a magnifying glass and encourage them to go outside on a beetle hunting expedition. Encourage the children to bring paper and crayons so they are able to record their findings.
• Create a beetle collage. Print out several different images of beetles (in all colors) as found in The Beetle Book. Glue or paste the images on a large postboard. This activity can be done as a prop or as a group activity.
   

Red Sings From Treetops: A Year in Colors by Joyce Sidman

Bibliography:

Sidman, Joyce. 2009. Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors. Ill: Pamela Zagarenski. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. 9780547014944


Poetry Book Summary:

This colorful poem picture book offers a whimsical explanation of the seasons of the year, in color. Together, author Joyce Sidman and illustrator Pamela Zagarenski present their idea of the four seasons and the season’s colors using harmonic words and beautiful artwork.


Critical Analysis: 

Sidman leads readers on a journey through the seasons with poetic color descriptions for each season: “Green is queen / in summer. / Green trills from trees, / clings to Pup’s knees, / covers all with leaves, / leaves, leaves! / How can Green be / so many different Greens?” Readers will not be able to help having a sense of happiness and curiosity from reading and viewing this poem picture book.  

This is yet another wonderful book of poems which begs to be read aloud to an audience full of young eyes and ears. The natural rhythmic beats of this work of art uses rhymes at the end of lines for added effect. Even without the beautiful, scrapbook-like images done by Pamela Zagarenski, the imagery in the poems speak for themselves. Each color poem paints a vivid picture of vibrant blues, reds, greens, purples, oranges and yellows in an effort to fully describe each season to the fullest. Many of the descriptions are so dramatically stated that the reader can almost imagine the smell of the season such as when the author describes spring’s white color: “White / can be quiet, too: / delicate petals fill with light / smell / White.”  

In honor of the month of October I would like to post my favorite poem taken from this beautiful book of poems. Reading this poem makes me think of pumpkin bread baking in the oven and warm apple cider on the stove. See if you can guess what the poem is describing:

(This poem is taken from the “Fall” poems section)
“Orange ripens in
full, heavy moons,
thick with pulp and seed.
Orange flickers,
all smoke and candles.
Orange eyes.
Orange cheeks.
Orange teeth.” 

Give up? It is a carved jack-o-lantern!

This book is recommended for children ages 4 and up.


Review Excerpt(s):

• Caldecott Honor Award (2010)
• Claudia Lewis Poetry Award (2010)
• Kirkus Reviews – Given a blue star for remarkable merit – (2009) “Fresh descriptions and inventive artistry are a charming inspiration.”
• Publishers Weekly (2009) "The regal elegance is sure to charm." 

Connections:

• Pair this title with other great favorites such as:
         I Am the Book by Lee Bennett Hopkins
         The Tree That Time Built by Mary Ann Hoberman, Linda Winston, and Barbara Fortin 
         Bookspeak! by Laura Purdie Salas and Josee Bisallon 
• Use a large poster board to section off four equal boxes to write the four seasons in. Write each color listed in Sidman’s book associated with each season and ask the child(ren) to list things which fit under each season’s color (under Fall and Orange they might say pumpkins, leaves, decorations and so on).
• Create a matching game! Using card stock, print pictures which are often associated with each season (for example: spring and flowers or butterflies or winter and snowflakes or scarves) and encourage the children to match the picture card to the correct season card.