Module 7--Mysteries and Series

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd is set in London, England in the present day. Ted, who has a special kind of brain, and his sister Kat are expecting a visit from their cousin Salim. The three are waiting in line to board the London Eye, the large ferris wheel in the city. Salim is offered a free ticket and a jump to the front of the long line. He takes the ticket and boards which is an action Salim, Ted and Kat come to regret because Salim does not get off the Eye. Ted is left wondering what happened to Salim and eventually is able to solve the mystery, quicker than the police. But, is it too late for Salim?

The action in this story moved a little slow for my taste, but it was a good just the same. Ted and his literal translation of words made for quite humorous moments. I would like to read another book by this author to get a better idea of her style.

Review: This is a well-constructed puzzle, and mystery lovers will delight in connecting the clues, but what makes this a riveting read is Ted's voice. He is bright, honest, brave and very funny about his "syndrome" (his teacher has given him a cartoon code for recognizing the five basic emotions). The message, grippingly delivered, is that kids, even differently abled ones, are worth paying attention to. (Fiction. 9-14) (Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2007)

The language in this story would be perfect to study. Ted’s character does not understand metaphors, colloquialisms and slang. What a perfect opportunity for all learners to explore these literary elements more.

Module 6--Historical Fiction

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko is a tale of Moose and his family who happen to live in an extraordinary place: the infamous Alcatraz. Moose’s father works at the prison and his whole family is moved to live on the island with the prisoners. This story chronicles Moose, his autistic sister Natalie, his new found friends and their adventures living with some of the most notable criminals of the 1930’s.

I was surprised about many of the facts that are contained in this book. I never knew that prison guards, workers, and their families were required to live on Alcatraz Island. The setting made the story more interesting. Moose and his adventures with his friends would not have been so memorable, but add in Natalie, and the story comes alive. Autism was a misunderstood disease and is finally being more widely studied and researched now. It is interesting to see how children with that disease were thought of and cared for at that period of history.

Review: With its unique setting and well-developed characters, this warm, engaging coming-of-age story has plenty of appeal, and Choldenko offers some fascinating historical background on Alcatraz Island in an afterword. -- Ed Sullivan (BookList, 02-01-2004, p976)

This is another story that would work well with non-fiction texts. This young adult story contains many avenues for research. Research could be done on Alcatraz, the criminals that were housed there, the Great Depression and even autism.

Module 5--Fantasy and Science Fiction

Surviving Antartica Reality TV 2083 by Andrea White explores the future of our society, education and entertainment. Five teenagers are chosen to explore Antarctica in order to re-enact the 1910 journey to the South Pole by Robert Scott. These teenagers soon realize in order to survive; they must rely on themselves and work together as a team. They feel all alone in the frozen tundra, but secretly a Department of Edutainment employee is working to ensure their safety.

I loved this book. I bonded with the characters and rooted them on every step of the way. I thought it was insightful and a little scary. Reality TV is becoming a mainstay of the American television market. This book, in a clever way, explores the problematic question of how “real” reality tv needs to be. Combined with the fact that television was required viewing because it was education adds to the problem.

Review: Brisk action, interesting characters, and intriguing (sometimes gruesome) details make this a compelling story, while television's pervasive presence in our lives and the undeniable popularity of the “reality” format give a rather frightening timeliness and believability to the tale.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library --Mara Alpert (Reviewed July 1, 2005) (School Library Journal, vol 51, issue 7, p110)

This young adult novel can be paired with non-fiction texts about Robert F. Scott, his crew, and his expedition to the South Pole from 1910-1913.

Module 4--Realistic Fiction

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo is a precious glimpse into the life of India Opal Buloni. She has moved to a small Florida town with her father, a local preacher. One day in the Winn-Dixie, she claims a stray dog who she swears, smiles. Follow the adventures of India Opal as she learns more about the townspeople and herself.

I thought this story was charming. India Opal was a wonderful character that brought you into her world. This book is a great read for elementary aged students.

Review: “Do libraries need another girl-and-her-dog story? Absolutely, if the protagonist is as spirited and endearing as Opal and the dog as lovable and charming as Winn-Dixie. This well-crafted, realistic, and heartwarming story will be read and reread as a new favorite deserving a long-term place on library shelves.” -Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

This is another great book to study characterization. The characters, such as Otis and Gloria Dump, are well-developed. The story can also be used for teaching voice and writing skills.

Module 3--Picture Books

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is a picture book for young children. The reader is taken in by the little caterpillar that eats multiple items each day of the week until he gorges himself on the last day before he becomes a chrysalis. The children love to watch the beautiful butterfly emerge.

This book is a well-loved classic of many pre-school and young school children. The vivid illustrations of Eric Carle evoke wonderful memories from adults, too. The way the book is constructed is also unique and adds more information and interest to the story.

Review: “Carle's classic tale of a voracious caterpillar who eats his way through the days of the week and then changes into a beautiful butterfly has been reissued in a sumptuous twenty-fifth anniversary edition with a shiny, silver-coated cover and wonderfully thick, durably pages.”
-The Horn Book Guide Volume VI, Number 1 July-December 1994

There are endless ways this book can be used in a library setting. It is a wonderful read-aloud. It also teaches vocabulary, sequencing, math, science and nutrition. The book is perfect for acting out or Reader’s Theater.

Module 2--Award Winners

The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman, is the story of Nobody Owens. Nobody would seem to be a regular boy with the exception of being raised in a graveyard. This tale is one of friendship, mystery, and things of the dead. Nobody has been given the “freedom of the graveyard” and can interact with all of its inhabitants.

I personally was weary of the book during the first two pages. As a mother, I was disturbed. But by taking the time to read on, I felt an attachment to Nobody. I took him in like his graveyard family. I think this might be a difficult read for my K-4 students. There were references to mythical creatures and bits of history that young elementary children might have trouble with. However, I would recommend this book to older children. The audience is listed for 10 and up. I thought the violence depicted on the first few pages was well-written. Even though the subject matter was disturbing, it was not graphic. The statements were succinct and to the point.

Review: Gaiman has created a rich, surprising, and sometimes disturbing tale of dreams, ghouls, murderers, trickery, and family.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library --Megan Honig (Reviewed October 1, 2008) (School Library Journal, vol 54, issue 10, p144)

I would use this book in an intermediate or middle school. I think this would be a good book to study character development or imagery. Nobody’s character and those around him became vivid in my mind. The author made the images of the graveyard and its inhabitants jump off the page. Students could use the author’s work as an example of good writing.

Module 1

Ramona Quimby, Age 8, is about a typical third grade girl. However, her life is about to change. Her father is going off to college to follow his dream and her mother is having to get a job to help support the family. Ramona is forced to become independent. With independence comes responsibility.

I thought this book was a little dated but Ramona’s thoughts and feelings could stand up with today’s readers. Ramona is a timeless character that is loved and remembered by decades of readers.

Review: As always, Ramona's thought processes are amusing, touching, and revealing. Once more, Cleary shows us life through Ramona's eyes and shows her young readers that they are not alone. (Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 1981)

This book can be used in a library setting to teach character development. It would be interesting for a book club to read all of the Ramona books and see her development over time.