Inclusive Literature - Module 6

Bibliography

Polacco, Patricia. 2009. In Our Mothers’ House. New York: Philomel Books: ISBN 9780399250767

Plot Summary

In Our Mothers’ House is the story of a non-traditional family and the love that is shared among the three adopted children. Same-sex parents provide a loving home and life filled with memories for their African American daughter, Asian American son, and Caucasian daughter in a neighborhood that is, for the most part, very supportive of their chosen lifestyle.

Critical Analysis

The story of how Meema and Marma came to be parents is told from the perspective of their oldest daughter who is African American. She shares the story of her adoption and that of her Asian American brother, Will, and Caucasian sister, Millie. Recalling all of the times her mothers were present for important events in her life, and how they each continuously showed their love by cooking, or sewing, or even wearing dresses to a special event helps the reader to see the level of nurturing provided by both parents. Daily events in this household take place just as if they were taking place in any other household with the exception of occasional confrontation by a neighbor, Mrs. Lockner, who does not approve of “what Meema and Marma are”. Meema and Marma simply tell their children that she is “full of fear and doesn’t understand us”.
Although direct references to lesbian relationships are not included in the text, they are implied in a way that children can understand that the author wants to convey the message that having a different family structure doesn’t mean that something is wrong with a family. There is much more that makes up a family than a mom, a dad, children, and pets. Pollaco does a wonderful job in conveying this message through her choice of words in the text and the beautiful illustrations that include a wide range of facial features and characteristics in the extended family members, friends and neighbors.

Review Excerpts

“The eldest of three siblings (each a different race) adopted by a lesbian couple recalls an idyllic childhood. The heavy-handed message is that same-sex parents are just like everybody else, but what real family is this perfect? The nostalgic adult tone and dearth of actual plot severely limit the child appeal of this well-intentioned story played out in Polacco's recognizable illustrations.” Horn Book

“Over the years Patricia Polacco has graced us with many delightful stories of family relationships and special friendships. This title is just such a story, but with a twist. Three children from different parts of the world are adopted by two married women. Although words such as gay, lesbian, sexuality, or same-sex marriage are never used, the reader will make the connection as the story unfolds. The mothers are always there for special moments in the lives of their children, and readers see glimpses of a nurturing extended family and friends. One mother in the community is not so friendly, but Polacco handles this moment in a careful, studied, and easy way, as if hatred and bigotry do not exist. The three children celebrate many happy moments in their family home, and all three return regularly after they are grown. After the death of both mothers, the son and his family move into the house. The writing style is truly Polacco and the colorful illustrations are warm and loving. This is a strong and memorable story of a peaceful, devoted family unit.” Library Media Connection

Connections

Young readers and others selecting books for reading aloud might consider other books conveying the message of family diversity by reading these selections:

Garden, Nancy. Molly’s Family. Ill. Sharon Wooding. ISBN 9780374350024
Newman, Leslea. Daddy, Papa, and Me. Ill. Carol Thompson. ISBN 9781582462622
Parr, Todd. The Family Book. ISBN 9780316738965

Inclusive Literature - Module 6

Bibliography

Budhos, Marina Tamar. 2006. Ask me no questions. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-1416903512

Plot Summary

Fourteen year old Nadira and her family left their home country of Bangladesh eight years ago and came to America on tourist visas. Even though their visa expired, they stayed and tried to lead a life undetected. In the aftermath of 9-11 they find themselves a target of the many new registration laws and possible deportation so they flee to Canada to seek asylum only to find that life takes an unexpected turn. Quiet Nadira will be tested as she and her older sister, Aisha are separated from their parents.

Critical Analysis

Budhos gives readers a new perspective in this novel that chronicles the lives of the Muslim immigrant family (The Hossains) from Bangladesh. Throughout the book numerous cultural markers appear in the form of the clothing worn by members of Nadira’s family and extended family including, Ma’s shalwar kameez, and Ali-Uncle’s long kurta. Taslima, Nadira’s cousin also refers to their brown skin color, “all brown people are the same to them”, she said to her father referring to the difference between them and Pakistani people.

As a result of their outward appearance, the Hossain family is racially profiled and Nadira’s father is detained at the Canadian border pending possible deportation. After numerous failed attempts to gain citizenship prior to 9-11, it seems hopeless for Nadira’s family. Her sister, Aisha, who is set to graduate from high school and possibly be named valedictorian, loses her strength and will to fight the overwhelming battle with the government. Nadira continues to heed the words of her father and maintain a slow, calm pace as she begins to put together a strong case to defend her family’s innocence. Nadira’s patience and perseverance pay off and her father is released and given the opportunity to appeal for residency.

Review Excerpts

“Budhos's moving, quietly powerful novel explores the post-9/11 pressures on fourteen-year-old Nadira's Muslim family, Bangladeshi immigrants who have lived productively but illegally in New York for eight years. When they seek asylum in Canada and her father is detained at the border, Nadira realizes it is up to her to prove his innocence and hold her family together.” Horn Book starred review

“Illegal immigrant sisters learn a lot about themselves when their family faces deportation in this compelling contemporary drama. Immigrants from Bangladesh, Nadira, her older sister Aisha and their parents live in New York City with expired visas. Fourteen-year-old Nadira describes herself as "the slow-wit second-born" who follows Aisha, the family star who's on track for class valedictorian and a top-rate college. Everything changes when post-9/11 government crack-downs on Muslim immigrants push the family to seek asylum in Canada where they are turned away at the border and their father is arrested by U.S. immigration. The sisters return to New York living in constant fear of detection and trying to pretend everything is normal. As months pass, Aisha falls apart while Nadira uses her head in "a right way" to save her father and her family. Nadira's need for acceptance by her family neatly parallels the family's desire for acceptance in their adopted country. A perceptive peek into the lives of foreigners on the fringe.” Kirkus Review

Connections

Young adult readers selecting books on the topic of immigration might consider these titles:

Alvarez, Julia. Return to Sender. ISBN 9780375858383
Kheridian, David. Asking the River. Ill. Nonny Hogrogian. ISBN 9780531054833
Littman, Sarah. Life After. ISBN 978054515443

Inclusive Literature - Module 6

Bibliography

Niner, Holly L. 2004. Mr. Worry: A Story about OCD. Ill. by Greg Swearingen, Morton Grove, IL: Whitman. ISBN 978-0807551820

Plot Summary

Young Kevin’s day, and part of his night, is filled with routines. His routines are not like most children’s routines though. His routines are very repetitive and orderly. These routines are part of Kevin’s life because he is so worried that he will forget to do something important. Kevin even becomes worried over things that he knows can never happen, but he worries that they “might” happen, and then, how will he deal with it? After observing Kevin’s overactive worrying, his parents help him find a solution that makes his life much more enjoyable.

Critical Analysis

Niner provides an author note about her own experience parenting a son with Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Her note gives readers information about the disorder and how it affects children. Her insider perspective adds a level of authenticity to the book that treats the main character and the disorder with the proper care and respect deserved. As discussed by the author, the main character in the book, Kevin, is obsessed with repeating numerous tasks each day until each of them are completed with perfection. This includes tasks at school and at home. Even when Kevin knows the answer to questions before he asks them, he asks anyway as a form of reassurance. His imagination also causes him to think his mother could become a blue alien, and lights could appear under his bed each night. Kevin begins to feel that his parents will think he is crazy if he tells them the thoughts going through his head. They reassure him that he is not crazy and make him an appointment with a counselor. The counselor explains how the worries affect Kevin’s brain, much like a telephone call to his brain with a worry on the other end on the phone line. Kevin has to make the choice to not answer the call. Eventually, Kevin begins hanging up on the little “Mr. Worry” character that appears when he thinks he should check something. One by one, the repetitive routines lessen as Kevin practices hanging up. This practice along with his new medication help to make his life more enjoyable without “Mr. Worry” around.

Review Excerpts

“After Kevin begins seeing a therapist, he learns that his worries and odd behavior are called obsessions and compulsions. The story is obvious and agenda driven, but anthropomorphizing obsessive-compulsive disorder as a little man who keeps calling Kevin with worries may be helpful to young sufferers. Pleasant illustrations and a note to parents and teachers accompany the text.” Horn Book

“Kevin does a lot before he goes to sleep: line things up neatly, push in the desk chair, ask his mom the same questions over and over. If he doesn't do those things "his mind gets sweaty,"and he is afraid to tell his parents. What if his mom's an alien? (The picture of Kevin and Mom both riding bikes, in which she turns blue with pointy ears, is actually quite funny.) Kevin's parents take him to see a doctor who talks to people all day about their worries. Dr. Fraser teaches Kevin techniques on how to "hang up" on worry messages as if they were wrong numbers, and she gives him medication. Soon Kevin, who has named his OCD Mr. Worry, is managing his fears better. The airbrushed illustrations, which tend toward realism, have a certain blandness, but there's humor in them as well. This picture book for older readers is useful bibliotherapy that will no doubt comfort many kids.” Booklist

Connections

Young readers and others selecting books for reading aloud might consider other books that teach children how to cope with disorders such as OCD, ADHD, and Autism.

Pollack, Pam and Meg Belviso. I Can’t Sit Still!: Living with ADHD. Ill. Marta Fabrega ISBN9780764144196
Lears, Laurie. Ian’s Walk: A Story about Autism. Ill. Karen Ritz. ISBN 9780807534816
Talley, Leslie. A Thought is Just a Thought: A Story of Living with OCD. ISBN 9781590560655

Asian Pacific Literature - Module Five

Bibliography

Lin, Grace. 2006. The Year of the Dog. 2006. New York: Little Brown. ISBN 9780316060004

Plot Summary

Grace (Pacy, to her family & friend Melody) tries to find herself and determine what she wants to be when she grows up during the New Year of luck, the “Year of the Dog”. Being of Taiwanese-American heritage, Pacy is thrilled when Melody, also Taiwanese-American becomes a student at her school. They become the best of friends and together they endure life at school where many do not understand that even a Taiwanese-American girl could play the part of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz if given the chance. Although this dream does not come true for Pacy, she does become a winner in a prestigious writing contest which helps her to decide she should write books when she grows up.

Critical Analysis
Grace Lin uses the “story within the story” approach to share the life of Pacy, her parents, and two sisters. Embedded throughout the main story are shorter stories shared mainly by Pacy’s mother that help her to understand her Taiwanese heritage. Cultural markers are evident as the family participates in traditional celebrations like the “Red Egg” party for the birth of cousin Albert, when everyone in the family joins together in traditional clothing to shower the newborn child with red envelopes filled with money. Chinese New Year brings a plethora of food choices for Pacy’s family that are very traditional including: roasted duck with the head still on, fried rice with pink shrimp, jade green cabbage, brown dumplings, and seaweed, and a not so traditional item appears on the New Year tray: M & M’s.

The child-like illustrations almost give the book a look of a diary or journal belonging to the main character. The pencil drawings reflect the current happenings and add a bit of humor and whimsy to the book.

Review Excerpts

“For Taiwanese-American Pacy, sorting out her ethnic identity is important, and she wonders what she should be when she grows up. Writing and illustrating a book for a national contest makes her think that perhaps she can become an author of a "real Chinese person book." Lin offers both authentic Taiwanese-American and universal childhood experiences, told from a genuine child perspective.” Horn Book starred review

“A lighthearted coming-of-age novel with a cultural twist. Readers follow Grace, an American girl of Taiwanese heritage, through the course of one year-The Year of the Dog-as she struggles to integrate her two cultures. Throughout the story, her parents share their own experiences that parallel events in her life. These stories serve a dual purpose; they draw attention to Grace's cultural background and allow her to make informed decisions. She and her two sisters are the only Taiwanese-American children at school until Melody arrives. The girls become friends and their common backgrounds illuminate further differences between the American and Taiwanese cultures. At the end of the year, the protagonist has grown substantially. Small, captioned, childlike black-and-white drawings are dotted throughout. This is an enjoyable chapter book with easily identifiable characters.” School Library Journal

Connections

Young readers will also enjoy these novels by Grace Lin:

Lin, Grace. The Year of the Rat. Little Brown. ISBN 9780316033619
Lin, Grace. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. ISBN 9780316114271

Asian Pacific Literature - Module Five

Bibliography

Say, Allen. 1993. Grandfather’s Journey. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780395570357

Plot Summary

Japanese-American author Allen Say tells of his grandfather’s journey to America and his return to Japan. His grandfather experienced feelings of homesickness for his “other” country no matter where he was residing. Later, Say has the same feelings as he leaves his home in Japan to journey to California. To satisfy his longing for home, he returns to Japan to see the mountains and rivers. It is then that he feels he truly knows his grandfather.

Critical Analysis

In Say’s Caldecott Award winning book, the insider perspective provides the reader with authentic representation of the Japanese culture through realistic illustrations rather than text. The character’s facial features, skin tones, and hairstyles each help to define their cultural identity. In addition, the architecture, landscape, and clothing styles (kimonos) that are shown when grandfather returns to Japan are culturally authentic. This story of journeying to a new world and longing for home is beautifully captured through watercolors illustrations reminiscent of a family photo album covering three generations. A beautiful story of the internal struggle and yearning “to belong”.

Awards
Caldecott – 1994

Review Excerpts

“Say's grandfather travels throughout North America as a young man but, unable to forget his homeland, returns to Japan with his family, where the author is born. Say now lives in California and returns to his native land from time to time. "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other. I think I know my grandfather now." The immigrant experience has rarely been so poignantly evoked as it is in this direct, lyrical narrative, accompanied by soft-toned watercolors.” Horn Book starred review

“A personal history of three generations of the author's family that points out the emotions that are common to the immigrant experience. Splendid, photoreal watercolors have the look of formal family portraits or candid snapshots, all set against idyllic landscapes in Japan and in the U.S.” School Library Journal

Connections
Young readers and others selecting books for reading aloud might consider other books by Allen Say including:

Say, Allen. Kamishibai Man. ISBN978-0618479542
Say, Allen. Tea with Milk. ISBN9780547237473
Say, Allen. Tree of Cranes. ISBN978-0547248301

Asian Pacific Literature - Module Five

Bibliography
Choi, Yangsook.2006. Behind the Mask. New York: Farrar, Strauss and Giroux. ISBN 9780374305222

Plot Summary

Halloween is fast approaching and Korean American Kimin isn’t sure what costume he will wear for the celebration. After encouragement from his mother, Kimin explores the boxes of family treasures that once belonged to his grandfather. Upon opening the boxes a flood of memories overcome Kimin as he recalls seeing his grandfather for the last time and how he was frightened by his gruesome face. After exploring the contents of the boxes, Kimin learns that his grandfather was a famous mask dancer. Kimin decides to dress as his grandfather for Halloween since it is also a time to honor the dead. The children who are trick-or-treating are amazed by his costume and dancing skills, but when Kimin trips on his robe and scratches the mask, the fun ends. After returning home, his mother is pleased that he has worn his grandfather’s costume and Kimin’s friends visit to bring him an important paper that fell from his mask. The note, written to Kimin in Korean, is from his grandfather who wishes him to have the mask and know that his spirit will always be with him.

Critical Analysis

Choi gives readers the inside perspective as details of the Korean culture are shown through the illustrations depicting the masks, or Tal, worn by the dancers. The scene from Kimin’s memory of seeing his grandfather in Korea also shows traditional clothing and furnishings such as the rice paper door and writing on the paneled screen. The end papers of the book include a variety of masks expressing different emotions.

The author’s note providing information on the Talchum, or mask dance help the reader to understand more about the traditional Korean folk dance.

Review Excerpts

“Korean theater traditions meet American Halloween customs in Choi’s satisfying tale. When Kimin gets ready to choose a trick-or-treat costume, his mother brings him two red boxes from his late grandfather, "a famous dancer in Korea." Kimin feels ambivalent because his grandfather once startled him with a white-eyebrowed, white-bearded face. But inside the boxes, he finds family photos and the "gruesome" face-a stylized performance mask. This discovery transforms Kimin's negative memory and becomes a perfect Halloween outfit, although it gets a little scuffed. Choi's text-and-image layouts and cross-generational subject matter recall Allen Say's work on heritage.” Publisher’s Weekly

“On Halloween, Kimin sneaks out of the house wearing his grandfather's Korean dancing costume and tal (mask). When he falls and scratches the mask, he worries about his mother's reaction. The story realistically reflects Kimin's fears and struggles. The muted autumnal illustrations move seamlessly between depictions of traditional Korean culture and those of modern-day America, invoking both solemnity and humor.” Horn Book

Connections
Young readers and others selecting books for reading aloud might consider other books by Yangsook Choi including:

Choi, Yangsook. The Name Jar. ISBN978-0440417996
Choi, Yangsook. New Cat. ISBN0374355126
Choi, Yangsook. Peach Heaven. ISBN978-0374357610

Native American Literature - Module Four

Bibliography

Retold by Bruchac, Joseph. 1993.The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story. Ill. by Anna Vojtech. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803713312.

Plot Summary

When the world was new, man and woman were made at the same time so they would not be lonely. After marrying each other, they lived together happily until the man came home from hunting one day to find his wife gathering flowers instead of preparing their meal. The man became angry and asked if he was supposed to eat flowers. This made the woman angry because she had picked the flowers to share with her husband. Since he hurt her feelings with his angry words, she decided she would no longer live with him and she set out walking through the plain. Her husband tried to catch up with her but he was unable to match her quick steps. His voice calling her name went unanswered because she could not hear him. Unable to catch up with his wife to apologize, the husband finds help in the form of the sun who tries to distract the woman by having berries grow instantly near her feet as beams of sunlight shine down. Her anger dwells inside and she walks past the raspberries, blueberries, and even the blackberries. The sun tries one last time to slow the woman's stride as it shines the strongest beam of light right in front of her feet to make strawberries appear. Glowing like fire, the woman cannot resist and she stops to pick one to eat. The sweetness reminds her of her husband and his love so she gathers the strawberries to share with him only to find him standing behind her asking for forgiveness. Together they eat the sweet strawberries that symbolize the need for kindness and respect for one another. According to the Cherokee, this is how strawberries came into the world.

Critical Analysis

The author's note mentions the origin of this story being found in James Mooney's Myths of the Cherokee, published in 1900. Bruchac, who is of Abenaki heritage, first heard the story from Mary and Goingback Chiltoskey, Cherokee elders from North Carolina. The story is simple and clearly written with no indications that it would be a story specific to the Cherokee culture other than the source notes from the author, and the title. It does reveal closeness to the Earth and nature.The soft watercolor illustrations present few motifs specific to that of the Cherokee culture. Noticeable motifs include the clay pottery, basket shapes, and the rectangular mud hut dwelling. Other than these motifs, the other illustrations could be included in many books about Native Americans. The skin tones, hairstyles, buckskin clothing, and moccasins seem to reflect a monoculture, which does not exist. It would be nice to see more specific details in the illustrations that reflect the Cherokee culture since the origins of this story are from that culture.


Review Excerpts

“This legend explains the origins of strawberries, grown by the sun to help the first man and woman patch a quarrel. ‘Spare text, an uncomplicated story line and gentle illustrations keep this quiet but resonant tale accessible to even the youngest child.’ ” Publisher’s Weekly

“A gentle story of the Sun's healing of marital discord by a gift of ripe strawberries that magically grow at the feet of an angry woman as she flees her husband's harsh words, thus halting her departure long enough for him to catch up and make amends. Thereafter, the story concludes, whenever the Cherokee eat strawberries, they are reminded to be kind to one another. Quietly luminous watercolors capture details of dress, dwelling, implements, flora, and fauna against an open landscape of rolling hills. Small touches dramatize the story's moods: a bouquet of brown-eyed Susans flung to the ground in anger; an empty nest in a pine tree as the woman disappears behind the western hills; the glimmer of a single firefly as man and wife are reconciled. Complete harmony of text and pictures: altogether lovely.” Kirkus Review

Connections

Other Native American stories to enjoy by Joseph Bruchac include:

Bruchac, Joseph. The Earth Under Sky Bear’s Feet. Ill. Thomas Locker. ISBN 9780140564099
Bruchac, Joseph. Between Earth & Sky: Legends of Native American Sacred Places. Ill. Thomas Locker. ISBN 9780152020620
Bruchac, Joseph and James Bruchac. How Chipmunk Got His Stripes. Ill. Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. ISBN 9780142500217

Native American Literature - Module Four

Bibliography

Retold by Ross, Gayle. 1995. How Turtle's Back Was Cracked: A Traditional Cherokee Tale. Ill. Murv Jacob. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803717288

Plot Summary

Possum and turtle are best friends. Each day they share their love of persimmons by eating them together. Possum climbs the persimmon tree and hangs by his tail. He swings out on the limb, grabs a juicy persimmon and tosses it down into the waiting mouth of turtle, who is standing on his hind legs with his eyes closed and his mouth wide open. The next persimmon is enjoyed by possum, and then the routine continues. One day a wolf happens to watch the twosome’s game of eating and decides he will get an easy snack. When possum realizes the wolf is taking turtle’s persimmon, he gets angry and throws the biggest persimmon he can find down wolf’s mouth. This causes wolf to choke and die. Turtle finally opens his eyes after waiting so long for a persimmon and finds a dead wolf next to him. He quickly claims the death of the wolf for himself and proceeds to brag about his bravery. He cuts of the wolf’s ears, makes wolf-ear spoons and takes out to visit everyone he knows. Word of his boasting gets back to the wolf pack and they decide the turtle must die. After capturing the turtle, the wolves plan to cook him in a pot of boiling water, but the turtle cleverly talks the wolves into throwing him in the river, a much worse death. However, turtle’s escape plan of swimming away in the river is marred as he crashes into a rock on his way into the water. Even to this day, we still see the lines where cracks appeared on turtle’s back caused by the fall into the river.

Critical Analysis

Author, Gayle Ross, a direct descendent of John Ross, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation during the "Trail of Tears", shares that the source of this variant is found in James Moody's Myths of the Cherokee, published in 1900 by the Bureau of American Ethnology. Source notes in the book on the Cherokee Nation state that their clan was one of a strong hunter-warrior tradition. This hunter motif is displayed through the actions and illustrations of the turtle in the story, as turtle quickly claims the death of the wolf for himself and cuts off the wolf's ears as a customary tribute to the capture of the animal's spirit. After making wolf-ear spoons, turtle begins to visit everyone and enjoy the traditional corn soup which, as part of the Cherokee custom, is reserved for visitors. The taste of the soup is made only sweeter by the use of his wolf-ear spoons.Murv Jacob is of Kentucky Cherokee and European heritage and resides in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the home of The Cherokee Nation. Jacob uses acrylics on watercolor paper to produce the brightly colored patterned drawings incorporating Cherokee motifs in the page borders, fringed belts, buckskin clothing, and pottery that is authentic to the Cherokee culture.

Review Excerpts

“Gathering persimmons together, friends Possum and Turtle are joined by a thieving wolf who chokes to death on their fruit. Turtle, foolishly believing that he has killed the wolf, shows off the deed by making wolf-ear spoons and eating with them publicly. When the other wolves catch Turtle, they vow to kill him by roasting, boiling, or drowning him. He responds with, "Oh, no, not the river! Anything but the river." When they throw him in, he lands upside down on a rock, cracking his shell. He survives, but that's why the Turtle has cracks on his back today. Despite its echoes of the more familiar Brer Rabbit story ("born and bred in the briar patch"), this Cherokee pourquoi tale has a flavor all its own. Ross notes that she remembers the tale from her childhood, found a written source, and developed it through storytelling to its present form. Jacob's distinctive acrylic paintings illustrate the story's dramatic moments in scenes rich in colors and patterns. An entertaining picture book to read aloud.” Booklist

“Wolves capture Turtle, planning to punish him for bragging. He convinces the indecisive wolves that the worst punishment would be to throw him in the river; thus turtle escapes, but not without permanent damage to his beautiful shell, which cracks on a rock. The earth-toned palette complements the Cherokee pourquoi tale. Source documentation and a note about the Cherokee Nation are included.” Horn Book-Starred Review

Connections

Young readers and others selecting books following traditional Native American tales might consider these books:

Bruchac, Joseph. Turtle's Race with Beaver : A Traditional Seneca Story. Ill. Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. ISBN 9780803728523
Ross, Gayle. How Rabbit Tricked Otter and Other Cherokee Trickster Stories. Ill. Murv Jacob. ISBN 9780060212858
Begay, Shonto. Máii and Cousin Horned Toad: A Traditional Navajo Story. ISBN9780590453912

Native American Literature - Module Four

Bibliography

Smith, Cynthia Leitich. 2000. Jingle Dancer. Ill. by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu. New York: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 0688162428.

Plot Summary

Young Jenna dreams of the day she will jingle dance at powwow just like her Grandma Wolfe. But Jenna has a problem. She does not have jingles for her dress and she must have four rows in order for her dress to sing at the upcoming powwow. Jenna sets out to visit four women in her life to ask to borrow enough jingles to complete a row on her dress. Each woman gladly loans Jenna the jingles and asks that she dance in the powwow for them. After collecting enough jingles to make four rows on her dress, she and Grandma Wolfe carefully stitch the jingles in place so the dress may sing. At powwow, Jenna danced for all the women who helped her make her dream come true.

Critical Analysis

Smith gives the “insider” perspective as she tells the contemporary story of young Jenna and her desire to jingle dance. Jenna borrows only enough jingles from the women in her life so as not to have their dresses “lose their voice”. She carefully practices her “bounce steps” while watching her Grandma Wolfe on video tape as her heart beats “brum, brum, brum” to the powwow drum, and she breathes every “hey-ah-ho-o of a powwow song.”
The author’s note and glossary provide some historical background on the Muscogee Creek and Ojibway, including the fact that the Ojibway women were credited as being the first jingle dancers. A detailed description of how the jingles are made and the significance of the regalia worn during powwow lead readers to a greater understanding of the authenticity depicted through the story of Jenna and her need for four rows of jingles. Due to the symbolic nature of the number four, Smith uses it throughout the story as Jenna visits four women, and collects jingles for four rows for her dress.
The watercolor illustrations in the book nicely portray the contemporary and traditional lives of Jenna, her Grandma Wolfe, Aunt Sis, Mrs. Scott, and cousin, Elizabeth. The contemporary lifestyle is shown through the environmental surroundings of each home which are very modern, as well as the clothing worn by each character. The traditional aspect is shown through the artistic rendition of the jingle dresses with attention to detail such as the shape of the bells and solid fabric color choices which reflect that of the culture. The hairstyles of the jingle dancers also reflect authentic traditional styles as do the conch belts, scarves, boots, beaded moccasins, and hand-held feathers.

Review Excerpts

“This contemporary Native American tale highlights the importance of family and community through a young girl's dream of joining the dancers at the next powwow. Jenna is a girl of Muscogee (Creek) and Ojibway (Chippewa/Anishinabe) descent. She has practiced the steps for the jingle dance by following her grandmother's moves on a video. Now she must get enough jingles (traditionally made of tin, aluminum, or gold canning lids rolled into cones) to sew on her dress to make a satisfying "tink, tink" as she dances. The way Jenna gathers her jingles (borrowing enough to make a row, but not so many that the lender's dress will "lose its voice"), and her promise to dance for the women who cannot dance for themselves illustrate the importance of family and community ties. The colorful, well-executed watercolor illustrations lend warmth to the story. A note explaining Jenna's heritage and a brief glossary are appended.” Booklist

“Jenna, a young Native American of Muscogee and Ojibway heritage, longs to dance the jingle dance at a powwow. This dance, in which females dance with jingling cones on their dresses, is authentically depicted by Smith, who is herself a member of the Muscogee Nation. Jenna repeatedly watches her Grandma Wolfe dancing on a VCR tape and wishes for a dress full of the jingling cones. Unfortunately, there is no time to order the tin to be rolled into jingles before the powwow. Jenna needs four rows of jingles for her dress, so she borrows jingles from other female family members and friends, taking only one row from each woman because she doesn't want their dresses to "lose their voices." Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu provide warm watercolor illustrations. This book would be a welcome addition to any elementary library.” Library Talk

Connections

Other books available for an author study of Cynthia Leitich Smith include:

Smith, Cynthia Leitich. Rain is Not My Name. ISBN 9780688173975
Smith, Cynthia Leitich. Indian Shoes. ISBN 9780060295318

Bibliography

Mora, Pat. 2005. Doña Flor: A Tall Tale About a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart. Ill. by Raul Colón. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375923373

Plot Summary

Dona Flor is a large woman with a kind heart. As a child her mother sang to her which caused her to grow beyond measure. Now she too has the same magical powers to make things grow large like the plants and flowers that surround her adobe. Her size enables her to hug the wind, sleep on a bed of clouds, and cradle the villagers and animals in her arms. Even her hand-made tortillas serve as rooftops and pond floats for the villagers. She speaks the languages of all people and animals which is very helpful when she tries to find the big "gato" that has frightened everyone with it's load roar. Terrified that the puma will attack their pueblo, the villagers rely on Dona Flor to protect them. It is only when she solves the mystery of the "gato" that the villagers can live in peace.

Critical Analysis

Pat Mora brings her insider perspective to the tale of Dona Flor, one that is rich in supportive relationships, care, and friendship much like that of the Hispanic American culture. The sprinkling of Spanish terms, in the ethnocentric manner, lends a hint of Hispanic flair to the tale without overloading it for the non-Spanish readers who have no glossary or translation to consult. It is this interlingual text that sets this tale aside from being a generalized tale for any culture.

Paul Colon's Pura Belpre Award winning illustrations, in the muralist fashion, include cultural markers that link it to the Hispanic culture. Readers will notice the skin color of Dona Flor and her hair color, as well as that of her neighbors. Beyond the physical appearance of Dona Flor, Colon creates the loving character that shows care and concern for others as she cradles the animals in her arms, takes children to school riding on her back, and reads books to the villagers outside the library. Attention to detail in the architecture of the buildings accurately reflects that of a pueblo in the southwest desert area.

Awards
Pura Belpre Award-Illustrations - 2006

Review Excerpts

“A charming tall tale set in the American Southwest. Dona Flor, a giant, is a benevolent presence in her pueblo. While at first kids teased the young and large Flor, she quickly became an asset to them, whisking them off to school when they were running late or making tortillas big enough to be used as rafts on the river. The action starts when a puma is heard howling in the vicinity; the villagers are terrified and even Dona Flor can't find it. The animals know where the gato is so she follows their advice and the situation is delightfully resolved. Colon uses his signature mix of watercolor washes, etching, and litho pencils for the art. There is great texture and movement on each page in the sun-baked tones of the landscape. With Spanish words peppered throughout, this is a welcome entry to the canon that includes other heroines like Sally Ann Thunder and Thunder Rose.” School Library Journal

“Most tall tales were written long ago and featured men as main characters. This book is an excellent exception. The author and illustrator who created Tomas and the Library Lady (Knopf, 1997) have produced an easy-to-read story about a giant named Dona Flor. Her size is attributed to her mama's singing that made the corn grow as tall as trees and caused her daughter to grow and grow and grow. While Dona was teased when she was young because of her size, her willingness to help others soon turned her tormentors to fans. Her strong work ethic helps her build her own house and provide for all the animals and birds that come to her. Dona's selfless nature leads her to make tortillas every day to feed her many neighbors. When a mountain lion threatens the valley, Dona once again tames the beast and saves her people. The watercolor, etching, and pencil drawings complete a nice presentation of a new tall tale.” Library Media Connection


Connections
Readers might also consider these books by Pat Mora when conducting an author study:

Mora, Pat. The Rainbow Tulip. Ill. by Elizabeth Sayles. ISBN 978-0142500095
Mora, Pat. Tomas and the Library Lady. Ill.by Raul Colón. ISBN 978-0375803499
Mora, Pat. Birthday Basket for Tia .Ill. by Cecily Lang. ISBN 978-0689813283

Hispanic American Literature - Module Three

Bibliography

Alvarez, Julia. 2001. How Tía Lola Came to Stay. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375902155

Plot Summary

After moving to Vermont from New York after his parent’s divorce, Miguel is finding hard to fit in at school. While the kids ask if he is Indian, or just very tan, he isn’t sure how to answer them. He’s still finding it frustrating that they’ve nicknamed him Gooseman and quack at him, because they are unable to pronounce his last name, Guzmán. Now to add to his stress, his Aunt Lola is coming for a visit. Tía Lola is from the Dominican Republic and doesn’t speak any English. She wears brightly colored clothes, red lipstick and her black hair stacked on top of her head. All Miguel wants to do is hide her from everyone. It is Tía Lola who helps to turn life around for Miguel as she helps to form a baseball team in his own backyard. Tía Lola’s friendly personality, stories, and magic potions work their way into the hearts of everyone in the little Vermont town which prompts her to turn her visit into a stay.

Critical Analysis

Alvarez does a wonderful job naturally filling this book with cultural markers reflecting the Hispanic American culture. Miguel encounters many problems as he moves from his only home of New York City to the farm lands of Vermont where he is questioned about his skin color, and teased about his name. He refuses to learn Spanish or have anything to do with his Hispanic American heritage. While speaking to his father, Miguel expresses his frustration with being teased at school and having Tia Lola there for such a long visit. His father assures him that even though the kids at school think he is different and they can’t pronounce his name, he will endure the rough times and “you will grow into that pride the older you get”. This pride is that of his cultural heritage. Tia Lola spreads her heavy Dominican Republic accent around town in an almost comical way and everyone becomes enchanted with her. Each phrase she speaks is translated within the text so readers can fully understand the advancing story. As Tia Lola tries to learn English so she can stay in the country and be of help to her family, Miguel begins to learn Spanish. He often speaks in Spanglish to Tia Lola, English with a sprinkling of Spanish which is commonly practiced in the Hispanic American culture. Also noted is Tia Lola’s religious practice. She is a Santera and believes her food brings magical powers.

When Tia Lola takes the family to visit the relatives in the Dominican Republic, they are not sure how to act as their customs are very different. This story beautifully translates the messages of acceptance, diversity and tolerance.

Review Excerpts

“Young Juanita and Miguel's mother is in the process of divorcing her husband. She takes a new job and moves herself and the children from New York City, where they had many friends and were part of the Hispanic community, to Vermont. To Miguel, Vermont is an alien place-his brown skin sticks out among all the white faces. He has difficulty making friends and doesn't fit in. Then the children's aunt, Tia Lola, who used to take care of their mother, arrives from the Dominican Republic. She's charismatic and dresses flamboyantly, and even though she speaks very little English (a source of humor in the story); she becomes friends with people in the town. Tia Lola works her magic and Miguel learns not to be embarrassed by his colorful aunt. She helps him become part of his new community, and his self-confidence increases. This book succeeds in teaching readers to be more understanding of differences in others, and does so without preaching.” Library Talk

“When Miguel's Spanish-speaking Dominican aunt comes to visit his newly divorced mother in their new home in Vermont, her colorful ways at first embarrass him, then eventually endear her to him. What the story lacks in a clear central conflict, it makes up for with vivid characterization and evocative imagery. Dominican Spanish words flavor the narrative like so many of Tía Lola's spices.” Horn Book


Connections

Readers might also consider these books about family relationships.

Garza, Carmen Lomas. In My Family/En Mi Familia. ISBN 978-0892391387
Hays, Joe. Watch Out for Clever Women. Ill.by Vicki Trego Hill. ISBN 978-0938317203
Ryan, Pam Munoz. Esperanza Rising. ISBN 978-0439120425

Hispanic American Literature - Module Three

Bibliography

Soto, Gary. 1994. The Skirt. Ill. by Eric Velasquez. New York: Yearling. ISBN 0440409241

Plot Summary

Fourth grader, Miata Ramirez is excited to tell her father, José that she made an “A” on her spelling at school on Friday, but it is what happened on the way home from school that is much more interesting. It seems that Miata left a very special piece of clothing on the school bus; the skirt she is to wear to church on Sunday as she joins her dance troupe to dance folklórico. If only Miata weren’t so forgetful. Her mother was always scolding her for losing things but this loss could be the greatest. This isn’t just any skirt. It is the skirt that belonged to Miata’s mother when she was a little girl in Hermosillo, Mexico. Miata recruits her best friend, Ana as she develops a plan to save herself and her family from embarrassment on Sunday. Together they sneak into the locked school yard and break into the bus to retrieve Miata’s skirt. To their surprise Miata’s father was asked to repair one of the buses. The girls quickly break away from the school yard in time to hang the skirt on the clothesline for some fresh air. On Sunday morning Miata’s mother surprises her with a new skirt. Miata feels sorry for her mother’s old worn skirt and returns the surprise by wearing it underneath her new skirt as she dances.


Critical Analysis

Strong family bonds are evident in this book by Gary Soto. With the natural use of Spanish language sprinkled throughout the book, the story advances while adding cultural authenticity. No glossary is given, nor are the words or phrases translated within the text to slow native speakers down. Non-native speakers are able to use context clues to determine the meaning of these words and phrases.

Miata uses kinship terms often found in the culture when she speaks to her father, “Papi.” In turn, her father addresses her as “Mi’ja” thus showing the emotional closeness between Latino family members.

As the family gathers for a meal of “steak, frijoles, and papas fritas”, they discuss the upcoming celebration and their excitement for Miata as she prepares to dance folklórico at the family’s church on Sunday. This cultural marker is one of celebration with the traditional Mexican folk dances.

Velasquez uses pencil drawings to illustrate the book depicting a few cultural markers such as the Aztec painting in the family’s dining room, the traditional folklórico skirt, and the folklórico dance celebration.

Review Excerpts

“Described by PW as a ``spunky and imaginative'' heroine, Miata comes up with a clever plan to retrieve her beloved folklórico dance skirt.” Publishers Weekly

“In this cheery snapshot of a Mexican-American family in California, Miata attempts to retrieve from her schoolbus the folklórico skirt she left behind. There is just enough suspense in the spare story line to hold the attention of readers new to chapter books.” Horn Book starred

Connections

Readers might also consider other books by Gary Soto for an author study. Some of his books are shown below:

Soto, Gary. Baseball in April and Other Stories. ISBN 0152025677
Soto, Gary. Taking Sides. ISBN 0152840761
Soto, Gary. Buried Onions. ISBN 978-0152062651

African American Literature-Module Two

Bibliography

Bryan, Ashley. 2003. Beautiful Blackbird. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689847319.

Plot Summary

Based upon an adaptation of a Zambian tale, the colorful birds of Africa are envious of the blackbird because his feathers reflect all of the colors when he is in the sun. No longer are the solid colored birds happy with their feathers. Although blackbird tells all the birds that “color on the outside is not what’s inside…” they still insist on receiving a stroke from his feather brush which has been freshly dipped in his gourd of black paint. After receiving their own distinguished black marks, they begin to circle around blackbird and sing, “Oh beautiful black, uh-huh, uh-huh/Black is beautiful, uh-huh!” as blackbird’s feathers reflect the colors of all of the birds.

Critical Analysis

Ashley Bryan, Coretta Scott King Award winning illustrator (Let It Shine) 2008, brings the feathered friends to life in his colorful collage pages of Beautiful Blackbird. The solid colored, scissor snipped birds seem to fly across the double-page spreads once they receive their special black marks from blackbird’s gourd of paint. A touch of black is all it took to make everyone feel beautiful. It seems that Bryan has taken a homogeneous approach toward linking this Zambian tale with African American cultural markers. By allowing blackbird to give all the birds black markings similar to his own, they each appear to be in harmony with themselves and each other because they feel there is a unifying bond between them; the color black. The story subtly conveys a message of tolerance and self-love.

Review Excerpts

“In this simple adaptation of a tale from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia, the message is clear: "Black is beautiful."Once upon a time, Blackbird was the only bird of Africa who wasn't brightly colored. When Ringdove asks who is the most beautiful bird, the other birds name Blackbird. At Ringdove's request, Blackbird brings blackening from his medicine gourd to decorate Ringdove's colored neck; the other birds also want trimming, so Blackbird paints dots and brushes lines and arcs until his gourd is empty. Using a more vivid palette than usual, Bryan employs boldly colored, cut-paper artwork to dramatize the action. The overlapping collage images fill the pages with energy as the songlike responses of the birds tap out a rhythm punctuated with "uh-huhs." Booklist

“Here's a life-enhancing folktale from Zambia--how birds got their black markings--and a simple, scissors-and-brush way of using collage. Silhouetted birds, in shades of violet, yellow, green, blue, are oddly drab without markings. Ringdove asks Blackbird, the most beautiful, to paint him a necklace of black; Blackbird complies, then promises the others touches of black, too. In sum, we can all partake of the beauty of black.” Horn Book starred

Connections

Readers might also consider other books showcasing diversity as in these titles below:
Adoff, Arnold. Black is brown is tan. Ill. Emily Arnold McCully. ISBN 9780064432696
Sims, Lesley. How Zebras Got Their Stripes: A Tale from Africa. Ill. Laure Fournier. ISBN 9780794525255

African American Literature Reviews-Module Two

Bibliography

Pinkney, Gloria Jean. 1994. The Sunday Outing. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803711999.

Plot Summary

Young Ernestine was born in North Carolina near her aunt and uncle’s farm. She now lives in Philadelphia with her parents but she longs to “go back home” to visit family members she vaguely remembers. Her hopes of returning to the family farm are relived each Sunday afternoon when she and her great Aunt Odessa ride the trolley to the North Philadelphia Station to watch the trains traveling south. As she and her aunt eat their lunch and watch the passengers come and go, Ernestine tries desperately to think of ways to save her parents money so they can afford her train ticket. After everyone in the family chooses to make sacrifices, a ticket for Ernestine is purchased and she is filled with excitement about her train ride. Her days of watching the trains pass by are now over, she will be a passenger going back home.

Critical Analysis

In this prequel to Back Home, the Pinkneys gather their talents to showcase African American cultural markers throughout the text and illustrations. The colored pencil and watercolor paintings depict an array of brown skin tones in the characters of the book. Attention to detail is given with regard to the hairstyles of the neighborhood children with their ponytails and braids as well as the hats worn by great Aunt Odessa. Ernestine is referred to as “youngun” by great Aunt Odessa, and Ernestine’s birth place is considered, “down home”. These are just a few forms of dialect represented in the book. Riding trolley cars, playing games of hopscotch, and listening to the Sunday Gospel Hour on the radio validate the authenticity of the time period. The Pinkneys portray a loving, supportive family in the text and illustrations as they all make sacrifices for Ernestine’s dream to come true. Together they take Ernestine to the station to catch the train to North Carolina. Her great Aunt Odessa even packs a boxed lunch for her journey. These are the family bonds that align with strong family bonds often seen in the African American culture.

Review Excerpts

“In Back Home (1992), Ernestine visited an aunt and uncle down South; this book explains how that journey came to happen. Ernestine loves to go to the North Philadelphia station with her great-aunt to see the North Carolina train. One Sunday, she and Aunt Odessa discuss Ernestine's wish to take the train to the farm. Tickets are expensive, and Mama and Daddy are saving to buy a house; but Aunt Odessa suggests bargaining with them by finding ways to save money….The author captures the family's warm solidarity in a likable narrative that has a good number of casually mentioned period details. Jerry Pinkney's splendid watercolors, too, richly evoke the early 1950s, with main characters springing to life in glowing color against more muted and impressionistic backgrounds painted with extraordinary delicacy and skill. A welcome companion to Back Home.” Kirkus Review starred

“When Ernestine confides to her great-aunt how much she wishes her parents could afford to send her by train to visit her North Carolina relatives, Aunt Odessa advises her to find a way to make up the fare by saving her parents some money. In this prequel to Back Home (Dial), Gloria Jean Pinkney's quiet story and Jerry Pinkney's illustrations provide a loving portrait of an African-American family working to make a dream come true.” Horn Book starred

Connections

Readers might also consider other books with characters experiencing travel, or strong connections to family ties and the sharing of family history as in these titles below:

Flournoy, Valerie. Tanya’s Reunion. Ill. Jerry Pinkney. ISBN 9780803716049
McKissack, Patricia C. Goin’ Someplace Special. Ill. Jerry Pinkney. ISBN 9781416927358
Pinkney, Gloria Jean. Back Home. Ill. Jerry Pinkney. ISBN 9780140565478

African American Literature Reviews - Module Two

Bibliography

Johnson, Angela. 2004. Bird. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 0803728476.

Plot Summary

Thirteen year old, Bird, from Cleveland takes a bus to the rural town of Acorn, Alabama in hopes of locating her step-father, Cecil, who left her family. She takes up residence in a shack, outside a family’s farmhouse and gets to know the members of the farm family as she watches them from afar. When she sneaks into the family’s farm house every Sunday morning, after they leave for church, to have some leftover breakfast and a bath, she notices a familiar smiling face in the family photos and begins to make connections between her step-father and the farm son’s Uncle C.L. After finally beginning to trust the farm son, she and Ethan become friends, although she is reluctant to share her history with him. Bird soon meets Jay, Ethan’s fourteen year old neighbor, who is trying to make sense of his older brother’s sudden death and the fact that someone is walking around with his brother’s heart in their chest. Bird enjoys the happiness she observes in the lives of the people in Acorn. It isn’t until she gets to know the people personally that she understands she is not the only one dealing with a broken heart and a feeling of loneliness. As the narrative voices of Bird, Ethan, and Jay interconnect, the stories of finding forgiveness, love, and contentment prevail.

Critical Analysis

Angela Johnson’s story, told in three voices, is subtly infused with a few cultural markers found in African American literature; however her book, Bird, could easily be filled with characters of any color or ethnicity. The few culture markers noted include those references to the hairstyles of Jay’s mother, “her beaded braids”, and the braids of Bird. Bird’s skin color is mildly referenced after a red-dust storm “turns my skin more brown than black”. Various foods prepared by the farm family’s mother are reminiscent of traditional African American flare and include pork chops, cabbage greens, butter beans, black-eyed peas, grits, stew and cornbread. The farm family spends 3 ½ hours at church each Sunday which often includes a picnic following church services. During this time, Bird takes advantage of the empty farm house where she soaks in the claw-footed bathtub full of bubbles, and then naps quietly while her clothes dry in the family’s dryer. Then, she quietly returns to the shack outside to wait patiently for her chance to speak to Ethan’s uncle, C.L.

It appears that Uncle C.L. has been a part of Bird’s past and she wants to know if he has any intention of reuniting with her and her family. She misses her step-father Cecil (Uncle C.L.) deeply and longs for his love and attention. After watching him for weeks, she finally realizes that he will continue to be a free spirit and live his own life, here and there, with no real strings attached. In her own broken heart, Bird realizes it is not her step-father she really wants, but her father that was taken from her by death that she misses the most.

Johnson’s approach to this book and its recurring theme of the need for love, forgiveness, and contentment from all three narrative voices seems to have been written in a manner to show that human emotion and interaction of this type can happen between characters of any color or ethnicity rather than one culture.


Review Excerpts

“Bird confronts friendship, family, and human limitations in this poignant tale. Thirteen-year-old Bird has run away from her Ohio home to search for her vanished stepfather. Hiding in a shed in Acorn, Alabama, Bird dances by moonlight and tries not to be too lonely. She can't help but get involved with the people she meets: Ethan, a boy whose life was saved by a heart transplant; Jay, whose brother died suddenly; and old Mrs. Pritchard, who used to bake peach cobbler before she lost her husband. Bird covetously observes the happy families of Acorn, but doesn't see that everyone has grief and tragedies to bear. Told through the alternating voices of Bird, Jay, and Ethan, this moving journey follows four lonely people as they touch each other's lives.” Kirkus Review starred

“Thirteen-year-old Bird has traveled from Ohio to Alabama in search of her stepfather; Ethan has had a heart transplant; Jay is mourning the death of his brother (who was Ethan's donor). The lives of each of these three teen narrators intersect, under unusual circumstances and with lasting effects. Johnson's prose is eloquent and poetic in this spare, powerful novel about matters of the heart.” Horn Book starred

Connections

Readers might also consider other books with main characters experiencing absent parents, broken families, or foster care situations as in these titles below:

Creech, Sharon. Walk Two Moons. ISBN 0060233370
Curtis, Christopher Paul. Bud, Not Buddy. ISBN 9780440413288
Grimes, Nikki. The Road to Paris. ISBN 0399245375

International Literature Reviews - Module One

Bibliography
Fox, Mem. 1989. Koala Lou. Ill. by Pamela Lofts. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace. ISBN 0152005021.

Plot Summary
As first-born child, Koala Lou enjoys a special love filled bond with her mother, she begins to doubt her mother’s love as her brothers and sisters are born and consume her mother’s time and attention. Seeking that once familiar phrase, “Koala Lou, I DO love you”, that she so often heard from her mother, Koala Lou sets out to win the gum climbing event in the Bush Olympics. Knowing that a win would ensure a hug and her favorite words, she is heart broken when she places second in the contest. In the end, Koala Lou learns that it doesn’t take a first place medal to win her mother’s love which is always there.

Critical Analysis
This children's picture book has a heart warming theme of a mother's love for her child. This theme is a universal theme found in many children's books either through the use of animals, or people as the main characters. The few cultural markers that are present include the native Austrialian animals, the gum trees, and the terminology for the "Bush Olymplics". The native language dialect expressed by Koala Lou's mother, "How're ya goin', blosom?" also indicates this book has a degree of cultural authenticity.

The colorful illustrations with highlighted hues of purple portray the Austrialian animals and their native surroundings with a hint of whimsy.

Review Excerpts
"Lofts' colored pencil drawings in Koala Lou are soft and realistic. . . . Koala Lou is most likely to appeal to younger children, who especially treasure physical expressions of affection." Booklist

"A loving, warm story. . . . Fox brings out the best in her characters, and also conveys an important message about competition without being strident or didactic. Lofts' illustrations are realistic, whimsical, and almost textured; she gives an additional depth to the animal characters by making their faces (especially the eyes) so expressive. Her colors are bright, vivid, and almost exotic; however, the vibrant tones contrast sharply against the soft and gentle story, and jar readers from Fox's semi-cocoon like setting. While it is unfortunate that the color tone doesn't match the mood of the story, the book as a whole is enjoyable." School Library Journal

Connections
Young readers and others selecting books for reading aloud might consider other books conveying the message of endearing love between parents and their children such as:
Emmett, Jonathan. I Love You Always and Forever. Ill. Daniel Howarth. ISBN 9780439916547
McBratney, Sam. Guess How Much I Love You. Ill. Anita Jeram. ISBN 9781890409302
Munsch, Robert N. Love You Forever. Ill. Sheila McGraw. ISBN 9780920668368

International Literature Reviews - Module One

Bibliography
Kochka, and Sarah Adams. 2006. The Boy Who Ate Stars. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781416900382.

Plot Summary
Twelve year old Lucy is eager to reach her goal of meeting every neighbor in her new apartment building at 11 Rue Merlin, as she is intrigued by all of the foreign-sounding names on the mailboxes. However, her goal is immediately changed when she meets 4 year old Matthew, a boy with autism that lives upstairs. She and her best friend Theo set out to learn more about autism as they try to understand Matthew and his mysterious actions. They enlist the help of Franҫois, a dog belonging to the neighbors, Mr. & Mrs. Marotte de Montigny, or the Maroettes for short.

Critical Analysis

The only book written by author, Kochka, who was born in Lebanon to a French father and Lebanese mother, has many cultural markers. She now resides in France and many of the French influences are depicted throughout this novel which approaches the topic of autism from the viewpoint of a young French girl named Lucy and her best friend Theo as they desperately try to understand the reason for 4 year old Matthew’s actions as he spins himself into his own world. The two girls make use of a neighbor’s house dog that is treated like a “fashion accessory” by his owners. The dog and Matthew form a bond and the bond allows Lucy and Theo to observe more of Matthew’s actions in hopes of him experiencing some interactions with people other than his unusual infatuation with women’s hair that he feels he must twist and twirl with his hands. The four go on adventures to notable places in France and visit sidewalk cafés, and bakeries to purchase their family’s daily baguette, which is reminiscent of the culture in France. Never far behind is Matthew’s nanny, Maugo who is from Russia and speaks no French.

Lucy is intrigued by Maugo and her innate ability to understand Matthew without being able to speak the language of Matthew’s mother, Marie. Lucy compares Maugo to her own Russian matryoshka doll that is made of many layers. Maugo also has many layers including her own cultural connection through the food she serves to Matthew and his mother, and the rugs that she displays in the family’s home.

The author looks at autism through an open lens. Matthew’s disabilities are real and their severity, at times, is intense. It leaves Lucy and Theo frightened and unsure about how to handle him although they quickly begin to explain to the customers in a bar they visit that he has autism, and they explain what autism is and why Matthew reacts in a certain manner. In this case, Lucy and Theo are fortunate that the French people are open minded and willing to overlook his behavior.

In the end, Matthew’s connection with Franҫois turns out to be a huge awakening. When Franҫois runs away, it is Matthew’s instinct to return to a familiar place they had each visited in the past. Once there, he began to tap his drum. The sound led Franҫois back to Matthew, Lucy, and Theo. After this common link was connected, Lucy decided that she wanted to grow up and teach children with autism. Her goal was to banish the world from preconceived ideas about the disorder and those affected by it.

Awards
Nominee - Rennes Prize, France


Review Excerpts
“In this French import, twelve-year-old Lucy's goal is to learn about every neighbor in her family's new apartment building. Lucy is particularly intrigued by four-year-old Matthew, who is autistic, and she makes friends with his mother, Marie, so she can be closer to him. Lucy and friend Theodora's new mission is to understand autism (the dictionary definition of "a pathological withdrawal into an interior world" doesn't cut it) by getting to know Matthew.” Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“This stunning first novel is an eloquent meditation on autism, love, and courage. Having just moved to a Paris apartment, 12-year-old Lucy can't wait to meet her neighbors. She encounters Marie, the loving mother of autistic four-year-old Matthew, and Maougo, their silent Russian nanny. The description of autism is mysterious and elusive. Matthew is characterized as a small independent planet spinning inside of himself, and as an extraterrestrial who feels reality intensely. The celestial imagery continues as Lucy, seeing the boy's fascination with a jar of sparkling marbles, observes that he "eats stars as he goes to sleep." School Library Journal

Connections
Look for these books as resources for young readers to learn more about autism:
Coe, Julie L. The Friendship Puzzle: Helping Kids Learn about Accepting and Including Kids with Autism. ISBN 9780978918248
Ely, Lesley. Looking After Louis. ISBN 9780807547465
Band, Eva B. Autism Through a Sister's Eyes: A Book for Children about High-Functioning Autism and Related Disorders. ISBN 9781885477712

International Literature Reviews - Module One

Bibliography
Stolz, Joëlle., and Catherine Temerson. 2004. The Shadows of Ghadames. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0385731043

Plot summary
In the late 19th century, Malika, the eleven year old daughter of a traditional Muslim mother and father, begins to wonder what life would be like beyond the rooftops of Ghadames where she will soon be confined. Once she reaches the age of twelve her life will change. These changes, which are steeped in deep Muslim tradition, begin to be questioned by Malika when a mysterious guest arrives at her home.

Critical Analysis
This book is written by an outsider from the culture depicts many of the Muslim traditions and customs. The physical attributes of the women, some having tattoos with secret meanings, and the skin color of the men in the book are described along with details of the men and women’s clothing and jewelry. Each of these details led to authentic representation of the culture.

As Malika learns more about navigating the city’s passageways in the dark, and the rituals that take place at the palm grove, she learns that she is being prepared for a new life. This new life will confine her to the rooftops of Ghadames where she will communicate with the women of the city, attend the market bazaars, and keep her ear tuned for the latest gossip, while the men of the city roam the street below and conduct business and lead a life very different than the women. Malika wishes for many more things like the ability to read and write like her brother, but this is something that is not permitted in her culture.

When the stranger is taken in to her house to be nursed back to health, she is given this opportunity. This small window of learning has opened a new level of hope for Malika. Unfortunately, we are left to wonder what becomes of her.


Awards
Winner 2005 – Mildred L. Batchelder Award Winner
Winner 2005 – ALA Notable Children’s Book

Review Excerpts

"In this novel translated from the French, the wealth of cultural detail is sometimes distracting, and the author is too obvious in her selection of a gift for Malika from her father: a telescope, to see beyond. But then Stolz's whole story, which is steeped in the syncretic Islam of Ghadames, revolves around changing visions of people and places." The Horn Book

“This quiet story is notable for the intimate picture of the traditional Muslim world that it conveys; unfortunately, not until the author's note at the end is the time period made evident. The imprecise use of language may make it difficult for readers to visualize this distant world and to understand the characters' motivations. Still, this novel would be useful in schools studying this part of the world.” School Library Journal

Connections
Readers interested in learning more about the Muslim world and its traditions might want to explore these books:
Budhos, Marina. Ask Me No Questions. ISBN 9781416903512
Ellis, Deborah. The Breadwinner. ISBN 0888994192