Willow Run

Willow Run by Patricia Reilly Giff

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 2005. Willow Run. New York: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN 0385730675

PLOT/SUMMARY

Meggie’s world is turned upside down. Her brother, Eddie, is off fighting in World War II and her father has announced they are moving to Willow Run, Michigan to do their part in the war working in a factory building bombers. Meggie convinces her German grandfather to stay in Rockaway partially for his safety and partially because she is embarrassed by him with his German surname and mixing up his v’s and w’s. When Meggie arrives and meets some of her neighbors in Willow Run, we witness even more the sacrifice that families and individuals made for the war effort, “for the duration”, way back when. This is ultimately a well written story of bravery, and not just Meggie’s.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Giff has a talented way of weaving together story lines in this work. We are immersed in the tense climate that is the United States during World War II, where anyone might be a spy or a Nazi according to some. Meggie’s family moving to Michigan introduces other families fighting the same fight and making sacrifices for the good of their country. From troublesome Harlan who lost his uncle in the war to Ronnelle, waiting anxiously for her husband to return so he can meet his daughter we see how the cast of characters support each other and band together during a very difficult and uncertain time. When Eddie goes Missing In Action, Meggie and her family are surrounded by strangers who have become family. There is no sugar-coating of the loss of life or how deep the hurt when the news from the warfront is not positive, but the author keeps the setting very simple and understated to match the bare bones atmosphere they lived in. Meggie’s father summarizes the theme perfectly when, together, they go out searching for an open field and something growing…”We have to keep thinking of places like this,” he said. “Things growing, reaching for the sky, instead of being torn down.”

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars , Jul. 1, 2005 ; American Library Association; United States
Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2005 ; American Library Association; United States
Children's Books 2005: One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2005 ; New York Public Library; United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, September 15, 2005 ; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Ninth Edition, 2006 ; H.W. Wilson Company; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2006 ; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Teachers' Choices, 2006 ; International Reading Association; United States:

Mitten Award, 2005 Honor Book Fiction Michigan

Kirkus Starred Review…” This is a rare, vivid glimpse of the wartime sacrifices of American families who stayed behind during WWII. Eleven-year-old Meggie Dillon's story begins in 1944 in Rockaway, N.Y., just as her family's moving to Michigan's Willow Run so her father can work in a B-24 bomber factory. Meggie imagines a great adventure, but without the accompanying trauma.”

The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Starred Review…” The Dillons’ sacrifices soon pale in comparison to the news that Eddie is missing in action, and although the novel ends without word of Eddie’s fate, Grandpa rejoins the family at Willow Run to offer the support they desperately need. Giff pays equally respectful attention to the grating annoyances, comical childhood obsessions, and heartbreaking uncertainty that fill Meggie’s stay at Willow Run, and readers can be confident that the Dillons are strong enough to weather whatever the War sends them.”

VOYA Starred Review…” Her prose is sparse yet vivid, and the poverty and transience of Meggie's world is palpable. Meggie is as intriguing as Lily and matures quietly and emotionally, coming to realize what courage really is by looking within herself. Inspired by the hope in those around her, Meggie is finally able to offer hope to others. Hers is the story of the sacrifices made back home, where the battle is ultimately won.”

CONNECTIONS

*Read the companion book, Lily’s Crossing (ISBN 0440414539), also by Patricia Reilly Giff and compare Meggie’s and Lily’s experience.

*Study more about World War II and the sacrifices people of the country made “for the duration” in order to support the soldiers. Take note of which ones were mentioned in the book.

*Meggie writes letters to Eddie, her grandfather, Lily, and various other folks. Have students imagine they are one of the other characters in the book (perhaps Harlan, Patches, Rollie, or the ice cream man). Have them write a letter to someone and tell about life from their perspective.

Turtle in Paradise

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer. 2010. Turtle in Paradise. New York: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN 0375836888

PLOT/SUMMARY

It’s the Great Depression, and work is hard to find. When 11 year old Turtle’s mother does find work as a housekeeper, it’s for a woman who doesn’t like children. Turtle is shipped off to Key West, Florida to live with an aunt that doesn’t even know she’s coming. Disappointment and hard times are mixed with adventure, family, and nicknames for all as Turtle, Beans, Buddy and the Diaper Gang make the best of what they’ve got.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Based on the life of her great-grandmother, Jennifer Holm includes many references to people and local culture that are true to those times. Turtle, herself, is a tough character that deals matter of factly with being shipped off from her mother to live with family. Her Aunt and cousins are gruff, hardscrabble people which has as much to do with the era as it does the actual personalities. Throughout the course of their adventures, as we learn more about each of the characters and their motivations, the reader sees the love shine through and the theme that family takes care of family. The setting is well described in its detail, with the author including actual photos from that era in her notes at the back of the book. The reader gets a sense of how hard it is to get by during this time, and sees it reflected on the faces of the people in her photographs. When Turtle’s mom comes for her with Archie, who ultimately bails on them, we see again how even in the toughest time your family is always there for you. The author’s note at the end provides even more history about Key West, actual photos and anecdotes, and closes Turtle’s story out nicely.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

John Newbery Medal, 2011 Honor Book United States

Best Children's Books of the Year, 2011 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars , Apr. 15, 2010 ; American Library Association; United States
Booklist Editors’ Choice: Books for Youth, 2010 ; American Library Association; United States
Booklist Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth, 2011 ; American Library Association; United States
Choices, 2011 ; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Kirkus Best Children's Books, 2010 ; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, April 15, 2010 ; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2011 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, May 3, 2010 ; United States
Smithsonian Notable Book for Children, 2010 ; Smithsonian Magazine; United States

Golden Kite Award, 2011 Winner Fiction

Children’s Literature Starred Review…” Turtle’s shipped off to Key West, Florida, to stay with her aunt whom she’s never met, whereby hangs a tale of a wild, free childhood in a hardscrabble time. Florida too, is a sweet, wild sort of place, to which Holm (Our Only May Amelia, Babymouse, and others) brings her characteristically deft touch and trademark humor.”

Kirkus Starred Review…” It's 1935, and the enterprising boys offer baby care to exhausted mothers in exchange for candy because no one has any money to spare. Glimpses of Southern decay and charm add to the sense of otherness that Turtle finds in the heat, the occasional scorpion, the windfall fruit and the hint of Bahamian and Cuban roots. Her encounters with the cantankerous invalid grandmother she never knew and with Slow Poke, a sponge fisherman whose gray eyes match her own, hint at the importance of this homecoming. Turtle's discovery of the charms of family is as valuable as the pirate treasure the children weather a hurricane to find. Holm's voice for Turtle is winning and authentic—that of a practical, clear-eyed observer—and her nimble way with dialogue creates laugh-out-loud moments.”

Library Media Connection Starred Review…” This book is based on the life of Jennifer Holm’s great grandmother. The characters in the story are realistic, and readers will find themselves and their friends reflected in these pages. Turtle is sent to live with relatives in Key West, Florida, while her mother works in New Jersey. She quickly becomes a member of her aunt’s household. Much of the story is placed in the context of the Great Depression, including references to historical facts and personalities. Although it is unlikely that readers will be able to make those connections, there are notes, resources, and a list of websites to use as references.”

CONNECTIONS

*Have the students write a letter home to Mom at different points of the story. What would Turtle say about what’s going on at that point of the story? What would she have to share?

*Expand on and study any of the cultural references mentioned in the story, including the Great Depression, Little Orphan Annie, or Shirley Temple. This is a great opportunity to include more background information into the unit.

*Read other novels that deal with the Great Depression. These might include…

Leo and the Lesser Lion by Sandra Forrester ISBN 0375856161

The Wonder of Charlie Anne by Kimberly Newton Fusco ISBN 0375861041

The characters in these books and in Turtle in Paradise are feisty, strong characters. Compare and contrast their personalities and their situation in life.

*Have students devise, in small groups, a reader’s theater presentation from one of the scenes in the story. This might be any one of their adventures, from Aunt Minnie getting stung by the scorpion to their riding out a hurricane on the island.

Elijah of Buxton

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. Toronto: Scholastic Canada. ISBN 0439023440

PLOT/SUMMARY

Elijah, being the first free-born child in the Buxton settlement of Canada, has no concept of the wounds and scars left by slavery. In his first person story-telling, we are treated to a glimpse of life in Buxton for freed slaves, their families, and the escaped slaves that they welcome into their community. Elijah’s mistrust of the local preacher proves to be well founded when the preacher skips town with the money Mr. Leroy had been saving to buy his family’s freedom. Chasing after the preacher with Mr. Leroy will have him crossing the border into Michigan, and risking his own freedom by doing so. Meeting a captured slave family changes his outlook permanently, but also gives him a chance to be the hero he longs to be.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author writes in the style which the characters spoke, thus adding to the realistic mood of the book. “I ain’t meaning to be unhumble, but you know they tastes better’n they smells, ‘Lijah. Come on in the kitchen and pick you one” says one of the characters passing a pie to Elijah to take home to his family. Telling the story from the perspective of a 12 year old we view slavery through someone not truly old enough to understand some of the harsh realities of the world around him, and we watch as he navigates around and interacts with the various adults in his life. There are several descriptions of the brutality of slavery and, while not sugar coated by any stretch, they are not going to turn away readers with its rendering. The setting of Buxton is beautifully described as a safe haven for those lucky enough to have escaped the ugliness of slavery. Here everyone lifts the other families up, welcoming in every new family that has made the journey to freedom and ushering them into their new, free life. It is this theme that is most present…family and supporting those around you. The author’s notes at the end of the story give more personal information on the settlement of Buxton, how it functioned, and its current state today. Acknowledging that some aspects are fictionalized, the author points out the many parts of the story that are based in reality. This includes the Liberty Bell, Frederick Douglass visiting Buxton, and one member of the community escaping to freedom on her second trip to Detroit with her mistress (as Elijah’s mother did). Curtis has successfully woven an important, accurate account of what life was like for those escaping slavery along the Underground Railroad and those who were there to welcome them.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

John Newbery Medal, 2008 Honor Book United States

Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2008 ; Canadian Children's Book Centre; Starred Selection; Canada
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2008 ; National Council for Social Studies; United States

Book of the Year Award for Children, 2008 Winner Canada
Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, 2008 Winner Canada
Governor General's Literary Awards, 2007 Finalist Children's Literature (Text) Canada
IODE (National Chapter of Canada) Violet Downey Book Award, 2008 Short-List Canada
Prix TD De Litterature Canadienne Pour L'Enfance et la Jeunesse, 2008 Winner English Language Canada
Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award, 2008 Shortlist Young Adult/Middle Reader Canada
TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, 2008 Finalist Canada
TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, 2008 Winner Canada

Resource Links Starred Review…”Elijah of Buxton is an excellent story, funny, suspenseful, and horrifying. The historical background is brought to life with great attention to detail and accuracy, while Elijah's role as a narrator examining himself and his world allows the unfamiliar to be explained in a natural and unobtrusive way. Elijah is a very realistic eleven-year-old who goes from being an ordinary boy dealing with everyday problems to a person facing a situation in which even an adult would have found himself helpless to do more. Though he calls himself fragile for his overwhelming emotional reactions to events, Elijah's courage, resilience and determination make him a hero.”

CM Magazine Starred Review…” Elijah is a boy's boy, an adept, mischievous, yet respectful child whose story will be welcomed by both boys and girls as they watch him learn to see through into the adult world and emerge a hero. Curtis's worthy goal of highlighting the time in Canadian life when some Canadians rose up to help Black slaves shines through his brilliant writing.”

Canadian Children’s Book News Starred Review…” In his latest novel, the Newbury Award-winning author Christopher Paul Curtis paints a memorable picture of life in 1849 in the black settlement of Buxton, Ontario. The reader follows the humorous yet suspenseful adventures of the gullible 11-year-old narrator, Elijah, in the newly formed community that was a sanctuary for southern American slaves. Related in a vivid, comical dialect, Elijah’s everyday routine exposes the relationships, personalities and values of the people of Buxton whose commonality is surviving slavery.”

CONNECTIONS

*Study any of these websites for information regarding the Underground Railroad, perhaps study certain routes on the Underground Railroad, and see which stops are close to Buxton.

www.blackhistoricalmuseum.com/history.htm The official site of the North American Black Historical Museum which makes a connection between Canadian Black History and Black History of the United States.

http://www.undergroundrailroadconductor.com/ Shows various routes on the Underground Railroad.

www.nps.gov/archive/frdo/freddoug.html The official site for the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.
http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/ Website for the Buxton Museum, which celebrates the Underground Railroad and black settlements in Canada

*Have the students write a letter to Frederick Douglass as if they were Elijah describing his journey into Michigan, what he did, and how this changed his life.

*Allow the students, either as an entire class or in smaller groups, to plan and perform the Liberty Bell ceremony that might take place when Elijah returns to Buxton with Hope.

*The link from Scholastic Books, http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/elijah-buxton-discussion-guide, provides excellent reinforcement for teachers looking to teach this book to their class. There are pre-reading activities and discussion questions that can be utilized.

Walt Whitman: Words For America

Walt Whitman: Words For America

By: Barbara Kerley

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. 2004. Walt Whitman: Words For America. Ill. Brian Selznick. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439357918

PLOT/SUMMARY

This biography of a poet who changed the course of American poetry is not a complete birth through death informational book. Rather, it details defining moments or events in Walt Whitman’s life that helped define his style and focuses, in particular, on his time spent comforting injured soldiers during the Civil War and his fascination with Abraham Lincoln. Weaving his poetry throughout the gloriously illustrated pages teaches us not only about the great poet himself, but also the story of a nation at war with itself.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This picture book biography is buoyed equally by the easy tone of the author, the utilization of Whitman’s own words to tell his story, and the incredible illustrations of Brian Selznick. Accuracy is present in the extensive endnotes covering the finer details of Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, and the Civil War as well as the complete version of many of his poems. What the author conveys with a graceful style of writing in the pages of the book itself are concisely stated in greater detail in the endnotes along with source notes, right down to the fact that the text type was set in 12 point Scotch Roman because this was Walt Whitman’s favorite typeface and the one he used in the original edition of Leaves of Grass. Selznick’s contribution cannot be overstated as his illustrations, varying from full page format to smaller inset photo with surrounding, empty white space meant to simulate isolation or distress. Upon the death of Lincoln, we are given a visual of Whitman’s grief as the facing pages are black and there is an illustration of Whitman with his back to us, accompanied by the words to “O Captain! My Captain!” The design and style of this biography stylishly share an important portion of Walt Whitman’s life with readers and will undoubtedly encourage them to study him in greater depth.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

Beacon of Freedom Award, 2007 Nominee United States
California Book Awards, 2005 Silver Medal Juvenile United States
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year, 2004 Winner United States
Parents' Choice Award, 2004 Silver Non-Fiction United States
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2005 Honor United States

Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Capitol Choices, 2005 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Editor's Choice, 2004 ; Kirkus Reviews; United States
Children's Literature Choice List, 2005 ; Children's Literature; United States
Choices, 2005 ; Cooperative Children’s Book Center; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2005 ; American Library Association ALSC; United States
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books , 2004 ; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Best Books, 2004 ; Cahners; United States

Children’s Literature Starred Review…”In extensive author and illustrator notes, both creators reveal the sources of their inspiration, cover more completely the trajectory of Whitman's life, and give the reader a deeper sense of Whitman's admiration for Lincoln. It is especially telling to see what Selznick drew upon to create his powerful images and montages and children will look again with deeper appreciation after reading these notes.”

Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices Starred Review…”Barbara Kerley quickly sums up the details of Whitman’s young life, demonstrating his love affair with language and poetry, his fascination with the common people, and his passionate appreciation for the potential of America. She then focuses on the period of his life during which he made the most contributions to his country, both in words (his poetry) and in deed (his actions during the Civil War).”

Library Media Connection Starred Review…”With large, vivid illustrations, the book makes an excellent picture book to read aloud to a group or to be used for meaningful individual reading. Selections of Whitman's poetry can be found within the text and following the author's and illustrator's notes at the end of the book. Highly Recommended.”

CONNECTIONS

*For a class activity relating to one of Walt Whitman’s poems, use one of his more popular poems “I Hear America Singing.” Lead a discussion as to what each line of the poem means, how these people mentioned are “singing”. What do they think that means…to “sing” in their job? Then, have the class compose a group poem called “I Hear the Classroom Singing”. Each student contributes a line about themselves “I hear (---) singing , as he/she (does something they are good at/love to do)”.

*Study Walt Whitman’s poems that refer to Abraham Lincoln, “O Captain, My Captain” and “When Lilacs Last In the Dooryard Bloom’d”. What are the emotions present in these poems, and what phrases/words does he use to express his deep feelings?

*Depending on the age of the class, you can begin a study on the Civil War. Which states were the Union states, and which were the Confederates? Since the book covers the period of Walt Whitman’s life wherein he served as a nurse to wounded soldiers, students can research more about the conditions in these hospitals, how the soldiers and nurses interacted, and compare to how soldiers are taken care of in the present day.

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared To Dream

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared To Dream

By: Tanya Lee Stone

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stone, Tanya Lee. 2009. Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared To Dream. Somerville, Mass.: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763645028

PLOT/SUMMARY

This photo essay book lays the backdrop for the NASA program and details the struggle that women had in becoming a part of it. Here is the story of Randolph Lovelace’s Project WISE (Women In Space Earliest), during which 13 talented female pilots went through the same rigorous physical and mental challenges as their male counterparts. Though they would perform as well as or better than the men, they were ultimately denied the honor of being an astronaut due to the sexism and prejudice of the people who were in charge. Though the Mercury 13, themselves, did not reach the title of astronaut, they did begin the conversation about allowing female astronauts and inspire countless women to reach beyond what was expected of them for the time into what they truly aspired to be.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author has crafted an exceptionally inspiring book that inspires and infuriates at the same time. Organized to focus primarily on the Lovelace Project and the ensuing debate, the author then completes the book by highlighting how women have since progressed and broken boundaries in all forms of aviation and space exploration. From the first female Thunderbird pilot (Nicole Malachowski) to the first female commander of a space shuttle crew (Eileen Collins), the author ends the informational book on a high and uplifting note. The design of the book makes for an easy read, and a page-turning one at that. The chapters are short and concise, with friendly language that is not overly scientific in nature. The abundant pictures from the NASA vaults showing astronauts going through the various stages of testing give a highly visual explanation of what the readers are taking in. A nice touch is the fact that the older pictures are black and white and, obviously, the more recent pictures are in color. The author has certainly done her research. There are suggestions for further reading, a “webliography”, and source notes for almost every page of the book. The index makes it user-friendly for anyone looking for a specific person or topic, but the reader will gain a more privileged understanding by reading the entire work.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, 2009 Honor Book Nonfiction United States
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2010 Winner United States
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults, 2010 Finalist United States

Best Children's Books of the Year , 2010 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Choices, 2010 ; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2010 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2010 ; National Science Teachers Association; United States
Smithsonian Notable Book for Children, 2009 ; Smithsonian Magazine; United States
Teachers' Choices, 2010 ; International Reading Association; International
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2010 ; American Library Association; United States

Booklist Starred Review…”This dramatic, large-size photo-essay covers their stories, along with the exciting politics of the women’s liberation struggle in the 1950s and ’60s (“What is a woman’s place?”) and the breakthrough science and technology surrounding space exploration, including details of the would-be astronauts’ tests and training. The chatty, immediate style (“Picture this”) and full-page photos make for a fast read, and the crucial civil-rights history will stay with readers. The long, spacious back matter is part of the story, with detailed chapter notes and a bibliography.”

Library Media Connection Starred Review…”This is the compelling story of 13 women who set out to prove they were just as brave, strong, and smart as any man competing for the coveted role of astronaut. Tanya Lee Stone does a phenomenal job of exploring NASA from its origin to the present, noting the changes made as these 13 remarkable women persevered. The author’s use of black and white photographs presents the reader with further proof of the journey these women made and of those who followed in their footsteps. The appendix includes more facts about women who have taken part in the space program.”

National Science Teachers Association Review…”The 13 women described by the author were all accomplished pilots, many with more flight hours than the men who eventually took their positions. Regulations, media bias, and even the federal administration all worked against their success. This NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for 2010 provides a great way to introduce students to systemic gender bias and to begin a discussion of what it really takes to succeed in a career in science and technology. The text is supplemented by an author's note, an appendix, a "webliography," sources, and source notes.”

CONNECTIONS

*As you are reading, compile a list of requirements for astronauts during the 50’s and 60’s when events in this book were occurring. Compare a woman’s role then to a woman’s role in the present day, and make a Venn Diagram to illustrate how some requirements or perceptions have changed or stayed the same.

*Research women who were pioneers in other fields and successfully broke the gender/color barrier to participate where women were previously denied access. Make a poster or pamphlet depicting this person and share important facts regarding this woman.

*Create a timeline for the history or space travel to map what significant events have occurred over the years.

*Find the distance between the Earth and the sun or various planets. Calculate how long it would take to drive there if you are traveling at 70 miles/per hour.

*Write a persuasive letter to Vice President Johnson or Jackie Cochran that expresses your opinion on the issue of women being allowed to train as astronauts. Be sure to give at least three reasons why you feel the way that you do on the issue.