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.

Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed

Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed

By: Sally M. Walker

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Walker, Sally. 2010. Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books. ISBN 1580136079

PLOT/SUMMARY

This fascinating book about the world’s least known continent delivers a history of the exploration of Antarctica, along with the difficulties associated with such exploration. Readers will be treated to an in-depth study of the conditions that make Antarctica such a challenging climate to research and the special accommodations that are required to exist in such an environment. Numerous ongoing projects are described which have led to discoveries in the fields of geology, natural history, fossils, climatology, and biology to name a few. A rich book, full of accessible and understandable information will also provide gateways to more learning with the extensive source notes, bibliographies, and suggested further reading and websites.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author has written a quality book that is thorough and full of information and, yet, accessible and easy to read. Beginning with a history of the continent itself and continuing with early exploratory expeditions, the author sticks to what the continent is all about…ice. In the context of this icy continent, we are treated to various projects and discoveries both above and below the ice, along with a working knowledge of the difficulties associated with studying this climate. Additionally, there is information regarding and a discussion of the effects of global warming for Antarctica. The author is able to write about this without being judgmental. The pictures on every page are eye catching and allow the reader to pause and connect the picture with what they are reading about. While the main text is contained in boxes on nearly every page, there are additional sidebars full of extra information. This form of graphic presentation will appeal greatly to all ages of readers, and the pictures will grab even the earliest readers. Including some of the earliest black and white photos all the way up to stunning pictures taken from orbit is a treat for the reader. The author put thought into designing the layout of the book, and it shows in how the text does not fill up every page, but the illustrations, maps, and pictures are allowed to do some of the “talking”. This book will appeal to readers and researchers of every level, and the extensive source notes, glossary, bibliography, suggested further reading and websites listed will enable enthusiasts to continue learning more about this intriguing continent.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

Best Children's Books of the Year, 2011 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States

Children’s Bookwatch Starred Review…”Illustrated with full-color photography on almost every page Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed is a beautiful book written for teenagers and young adults yet accessible to readers of all ages, about the scientific mysteries hidden within Antarctica. From the geologic history of the continent, to the tenacious natural life that survives upon it, to the work scientists do at research stations, Frozen Secrets goes into a wealth of meticulously researched detail without being dry.”

Children’s Literature Starred Review…”Beginning with the first black-and-white images from 1910 to modern images taken from space, the awesome photographs capture a bit of the wonder of the landscape and what it is like for the explorers and scientists who live and work there. The main text is offset in an icy blue bubble for easy reading while photos, graphs, diagrams, maps and charts accent the text and give additional information. There is an index, glossary, listing of source notes and bibliography and a list of books and websites for further reading. This is a beautiful book, perfect for classrooms or cold-climate enthusiasts.”

Kirkus Starred Review…”The text succinctly discusses complex discoveries made in such fields as biology, climatology, geology, oceanography and paleontology and the implications these discoveries have on understanding the planet as a whole. Attention is also given to the difficult, often dangerous conditions under which scientists must live and work. Photographs, maps and other illustrations, many in color, appear on every one of the attractively designed pages. Informative, insightful and engaging, this is an exceptional introduction to our southernmost continent.”

CONNECTIONS

*Read an interview with the author, Sally Walker. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/newsletters/newsletterbucketcurriculumconnections/887056-442/sally_m._walker_a_modern-day.csp Discuss her thoughts on Antarctica and how she is led to write about certain subjects.

*Research more closely the topic of climate change and how it affects Antarctica, in particular. Discuss the different methods scientists use, whether land based or with the help of animals, to keep track of patterns pertaining to Antarctica.

*Discuss the significance of the Antarctic Treaty. What does is spell out, specifically, and what does this mean for us?

*Visit some of the websites listed in the back of the book, including ANDRILL (www.andrill.org/eduction), U.S. Antartic Program: The Antarctic Sun (www.antarcticsun.usap.gov), or U.S. Ice Drilling Program (www.icedrill.org). Let the students work in small groups or pairs to study one of the many suggested websites to find more interesting information about this continent, which they will then share with the class.