Friday, October 11, 2019

A Big Mooncake for Little Star is a wonderful fantasy book. Lin won numerous awards for her book including the 2019 Caldecott Honor, ALSC Notable Children’s Book, as well as eight other awards (Junior Library Guild, 2018). This book is a simple fantasy story. The characters are stars who make and eat the moon that they call a Mooncake. The cover uses bold colors, with a diverse female protagonist. The night sky shines brightly compared to the cake. This book was also appropriate for elementary school age. Lin’s book is perfect for elementary, telling a story, connecting with students, and reaching all younger students.

Evaluation of book:

Lin uses black and yellow to tell her story. The colors she chose mirror the night sky. Even the color of the outfits shows the mom and daughter in star outfits. The black background looks like the night sky. The crumbs of the mooncake look like the stars far away. She uses the bright contrast to mirror the night sky. This use of color allows the reader to envision a little star eating the moon. This bold contrast draws the readers eye in.

As Little Star sneakily eats the moon cake you can see the phases of the moon. Lin uses shape to show the progression. At the beginning of the story the moon is full and a circle. As she eats the moon begins to wane. Eventually there is no moon left. The story is circular so both end pages show a round moon cake being made. At the beginning of the story there are circles around Little Star. This circle represents the full moon cake. As the moon cake is eaten the circles disappear.

Lin uses a lot of details in her illustrations. These subtle details extend and develop the plot. On the first page there is picture of a clock with the lunar cycle. There are also some bears that mirror the constellations. After her mom hangs the moon up you can see the sun behind Little Star. As Little Star eats the moon cake the phases of the Moon become visible. At the end of the book her mom states that she “ate the moon cake again” (Lin, 2018). This tells the reader that this process happens regular and that the mom expects her daughter to get up and sneak nibbles of the moon cake.

Response:

(a) When ever you look up at the sky people look for the moon. This year was the 50^th anniversary of the moon landing. This book is a story that explains the moon and why it is there. This book is fiction however it is a sweet story and explanation. It is fitting that it won the Caldecott Honor award this year. Students also learn that the moon is in the sky and has different phases. This book is great introduction to teach the moon phases. (f) The book itself is also, beautiful. The end pages show a dark night sky and a kitchen. Inside there are blues and the bright yellow mooncake. The circular moon image is shown throughout the book when Little Star is going to bed, to the moon, and finally back the end pages. The details are also symbolic. For example, the flour bag has an archer. There is a box with Leo the lion. There is a Pegasus key chain. The simple illustrations are breathtaking. The contrast helps to draw the reader in and to tell the story. (d) It is also important to notice that the characters were not white. It is important for diverse characters to be featured in books. Students need to see themselves in what they are reading. The illustrations do a great job of showing the diversity of the characters.

Conclusion:

Grace Lin deserved the acclaim she has received for her book. Through her use of color, shape, and details she can tell a story about the night sky. This book would pair perfectly with a non-fiction text on constellations, the moon, or the night sky. The details in this book are well planned out. It is important to notice the protagonist is a minority and the book is told by looking at a child. This book would be perfect for the classroom, library, and bedtime.

Works Cited

Alsc. (2019). Awards, Grants & Scholarship. Retrieved from Association for Library Service to Children : http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants

Junior Library Guild. (2018, October). A Big Mooncake for Little Star. Retrieved from Junior Library Guild: https://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/book/landing/detailedview?itemcode=9780316404488J

Lin, G. (2018). A Big Mooncake for Little Star. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

Texas Library Association. (2019). Reading Lists. Retrieved from TLA Texas Library Association: https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/

Tunnell, M. O., Jacobs, J. S., Young, T. A., & Bryan, G. (n.d.). Children's Literature, Briefly. Pearson.

Williamson, O. M. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm

Katherine Johnson Book Review

Katherine Johnson by Thea Feldman Illustrated by Alyssa Petersen

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Genre: Non-Fiction

Introduction and Justification:

Young African Women need icons they can look up to. After the release of the movie Hidden Figures books have come out describing these wonderful women. This biography or informational book discusses the life of Katharine Johnson. The introduction of the book relates to students by asking them what their favorite subject in school was. They then related it to the book by describing why Katharine Johnson liked math. This book is important for so many girls to see that they can succeed, math is not just for boys, and that you can accomplish amazing feats. This book also has multiple text features for students to use and identify. It has learning extensions, and career opportunities listed in the back.

Evaluation of book:

The illustrations reinforce the text. Each picture aligns with the text. For instance, when the family moved the reader sees a picture of the family belongings in a truck. When discussing how her parents firmly believed in their kids getting an education there is a labeled picture of her parents. This helps the reader understand they were a loving couple who made sacrifices for their daughter. The illustrator shows her graduating which was a big accomplishment for African Americans. In the 1950s computers looked differently then they do currently. The picture with her next to a computer helps give the readers schema on what the computers were like and the magnitude of them.

While the book deals with a time of racial turmoil the author uses understatement to express the situations. The author also uses understatement to discuss the scope of her accomplishment’s and the very different technology. The book is able get its point across without going into too much depth and detail. For instance, the author talks about how they had to eat separately, and the picture shows how it is just African American Women eating separately (Feldman, 2017, p. 22). The text also shows her concern when it says “Katherine admitted to being concerned about the return flight” (Feldman, 2017, p. 33). This shows how important she was to the mission. Her numbers were responsible for making sure that the astronauts got to space and returned home safety.

This book was written for young children in mind. The author uses precise vocabulary. The precise vocabulary helps the book to be child friendly without being condescending or written over the readers head. This takes a lot of skill. This nonfiction text is filled with information about Katharine Johnson, her life, and her accomplishments. The book is positive using terms like “Katherine’s persistence paid off” and “it could not have been possible without Katherine’s help” (Feldman, 2017, pp. 30,31). These clear simple sentences make a point without overwhelming the reader. They allow the reader to see she had to work hard and change the expectations and that she was a critical member of the team. The book discusses the sacrifices of her family as well. The way that her mom took her kids to another town so they could have an education. The way this was written models how hard it was for her parents to get her an education and how important her education was.

Response:

(c) This book was very informational. The book taught me a lot about Katherine Johnson, such as her upbringing, careers, and what missions she worked on. It gave me a better understanding of her accomplishments. “She became a college freshman at fifteen” (Feldman, 2017, p. 13). That alone is an impressive accomplishment. (d) This book is important for young women to read. It shows that women can do amazing things in the world of STEAM and mathematics. Young girls need positive academic role models to look up to. It is also important to note that Katherine Johnson was always humble. This will mean a lot to African American ladies. (f) The simple text and matching illustrations help the reader to understand the text. The book gave a lot of good information without being condescending or overwhelming. Younger students could read and benefit from this book. The illustrations and beautiful as well. They are done in clear calming colors. Each picture appears to be painted to be a mixture of realistic and cartoon. The pictures also show excitement on Katherines face in every picture. This just demonstrates her spirit.

Conclusion:

Thea Feldman is a talented author. She brings to life an important figure in a simple non-fiction text. She highlights the major accomplishments of Katherine Johnson without losing Katherine Johnsons persona. She uses the illustrations to reinforce the text, understatement, and precise vocabulary to teach about this historical figure and role model. Katherine Johnson is an inspiration for African Americans, women, and anyone else who needs a reminder to believe in themselves. She is humble and can teach a lot of people about being humble and doing your best to succeed.

Works Cited

Feldman, T. (2017). Katherine Johnson. New York: Scholastic.

Tunnell, M. O., Jacobs, J. S., Young, T. A., & Bryan, G. (n.d.). Children's Literature, Briefly. Pearson.

Williamson, O. M. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Me and My Fear Book Review

Me and My Fear by Francesca Sanna

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Genre: Fiction

Introduction and Justification:

There was an amazing librarian named Cindy Walker who retired in 2019. Every year she would host two trainings. Normally the library trainings would be only available to librarians however these trainings were book talks that she would do for anyone interested. She had a gift for choosing amazing book and recommending books that will stay with the reader forever. Last year she recommended a book called Me and My Fear. This easy picture book puts fear in perspective. Her simple two-minute book talk had me hooked. I knew I would need to get this book, read it, and share it with everyone. This book was the first book purchased. It has been read and passed around from teacher to teacher. It was even shared with the school librarian. This book is a wonderful picture books that everyone can benefit from.

Evaluation of book:

Me and My Fear uses understatement to express its point. This understatement can be seen in the illustrations. In the beginning of the book she looks like she is playing with fear. Both seem happy to have each other. This is not what most people expect when they think about fear. As the girl moves fear protects the girl more and more stifling her. The writer uses fear to show the girls emotions. When the teacher says the girls name wrong fear becomes upset and angry. This is the authors way of saying the girl is upset and angry. When the little boy calls to the girl she does not hear because she is looking away. Fear however, sees the boy approaching her and trying to bond with her. Sometimes, we miss what is in front of us because we are distracted. This simple image describes so much. She is missing out because she is not seeing what is around.

This book is full of unexpected insights. When people view fear, they see a different mental image. Maybe, a horror movie, or someone screaming comes to mind. In this book fear is a caregiver. It is trying to keep her safe. The book shows that a little fear is healthy. It also, shows that everyone is afraid. Students and even adults sometime need this reminder. It is easy to feel like you are all alone. It is easy to isolate yourself and not let others in. The boy spends about half the book trying to get past fear to welcome the girl. Sometimes, we must get past another people’s fear so they can let us in. This book would be meaningful with those who have mental health issues and even depression. Fear is holding them back and they need someone strong enough to find a way in. The book also does not say that we must fight fear. Instead it lets us know that it will shrink as we feel safe.

The composition of the book is beautiful. Its soft lines and curves. Its use of soft varied colors. This book was designed to instill a sense of piece. The color white was chosen to represent fear. This is not a standard choice, but it helps fear to feel less threating and more like a friend. The composition also shows a diverse class, modeling what more students see in their classrooms. The illustrator also included a lot of detail work. In one of the pictures there are posted showing ways to conquer your fears, and how to be brave. Fear is carrying the girl past these signs never giving her a chance to look and read them. Each detail helps to complete the story and tie it together. From the dog at the beginning of the story to the dog at the end.

Response:

(a) The past two years have been full of fear and self-doubt. I am not a baby person yet have a baby and I changed jobs and districts. Both things made me really think. How do we view fear, do we welcome it, or run away from it? This book was meaningful to me. It gave me a new perspective on fear. Fear is something to keep you safe, but you cannot let it control you. Both big changes in my life are blessings. This book let me realize that. (b) I used to view fear as something that stopped you from doing things. Fear was something scary and dark. This book brought light into fear. Fear should be embraced, and everyone has fears. This changed my view on fear. (f) The book is also a work of art. Each illustration could be framed and hung in a house. Her simple pictures flow and are tranquil and soothing. It was refreshing and not the typical art work found in books today.

Conclusion:

This book is a necessity in every school library. We all have fears and it is important to embrace them and keep them small. It is also important to see everyone has feats as well. No one is in an island. This picture would benefit those with mental health issues, those who struggle with fear, and those who love beautiful enriching art. The author uses understatement, unexpected insights and a great composition of art to tell a wonderful story.

Works Cited

Sanna, F. (2018). Me and My Fear. London: Flying Eye Books .

Tunnell, M. O., Jacobs, J. S., Young, T. A., & Bryan, G. (n.d.). Children's Literature, Briefly. Pearson.

Williamson, O. M. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm

Beneath the Bed and Other Scary Stories

Beneath the Bed and Other Scary Stories by Max Brallier illustrated by Letizia Rubegni

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Genre: Fiction

Introduction and Justification:

When reading horror, I am a chicken. I get scared easily and have lots of nightmares. When looking for a horror book I was apprehensive. I spent hours looking for a horror book that will not be too scary. Then I found one called Beneath the Bed and Other Scary Stories. This book is an Acorn book. Acorn books are designed for end of first grade and second grade students. Due to the age of the book it seemed like a safe horror book. This story tells scary stories in a child friendly method.

Evaluation of book:

The dark colors mixed with red help to establish the mood of the book. The front cover shows a box and a dead rat. There is also a note that accompanies it. Everything looks old tattered and worn. The use of muted tones sets a creepy tone. As the book goes you can see the old house, juxtaposed to a brighter colored building. The characters face are frightened. Their eyes are unusually large as they peer at the creepy house. As the siblings explore the house it looks broken down, everything appears damaged. Even the pictures are eschewed.

The author and illustrator are a team in this book. Together the pictures help to extend or develop the plot. Each picture gives depth to the words. The words are simple, yet the pictures help to tell the story. Each picture matches the words and adds details. As the children go up the stairs the illustrator shows a picture of the kids going up the stairs. There are even instances where the illustrations where the pictures say what the words do not say. When Oliver is in his room the picture of the toys marching in slowly is scary (Braillier, 2019, p. 44). Even the picture on the last page with the claw marks gives the reader freedom to use their imagination with the text and picture clues.

The last page of each story uses the illustrations to reinforce the text. As the kids go up and see the eyes. The doll is the picture you see with the line “it is just the three of us” (Braillier, 2019, p. 14). This tells the reader that the doll is talking. When the boy has the hair down the throat the doctor holds up the rat (Braillier, 2019, p. 22). The face of the statue and the blanket also help to show the story. The statue is scary. The text does not give the reader a clear mental image. When looking that book though it is clear to see his scary appearance and overwhelming size. The words themselves are simple. They do not invoke fear but paired with the pictures they become a scary combination.

Response:

(e) This book is a good introduction to the horror genre. It is scary without being inappropriate for younger audiences. The text and illustrations mirror each other to make the reader think but it does not allow for the imagination of the reader to go too far. The author keeps the age range of the students in mind. (g) This book did give me some nightmares. It is not a book that I would normally read without encouragement. It is a great book. Students who want horror books with love it and their parents will be alright with the content. This is a book that would be shelved in the library and featured around Halloween. © This book did a great job of showing that horror could be written for young children. When students asked for scary books in the library it seemed like an impossible task to find them. This book is perfect. It also, encouraged me to think what other genres could be included in the library for elementary students that would be on their level yet not condescending.

Conclusion:

Beneath the Bed and Other Scary Stories is a wonderful, spooky read. The illustrations and words pair perfectly. It is wonderful having a horror book written for young children. The illustrations set the mood, reinforce the plot, and develop the plot. Each story comes to life in this 54-page book. This book would be a good starting point when recommending horror books to those who are interested in them.

Works Cited

Braillier, M. (2019). Beneath the Bed and Other Scary Stories . New York: Scholastic .

Tunnell, M. O., Jacobs, J. S., Young, T. A., & Bryan, G. (n.d.). Children's Literature, Briefly. Pearson.

Williamson, O. M. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response: http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm