Listen, Slowly (Thanhha Lai)

Title: Listen, Slowly

Author: Thanhha Lai

Target Age: 8 and up

Awards: New York Times Book Review Notable Book and a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

Publisher Summary:  “A California girl born and raised, Mai can’t wait to spend her vacation at the beach. Instead, she has to travel to Vietnam with her grandmother, who is going back to find out what really happened to her husband during the Vietnam War. Mai’s parents think this trip will be a great opportunity for their out-of-touch daughter to learn more about her culture. But to Mai, those are their roots, not her own. Vietnam is hot, smelly, and the last place she wants to be. Besides barely speaking the language, she doesn’t know the geography, the local customs, or even her distant relatives. To survive her trip, Mai must find a balance between her two completely different worlds.”

Evaluation: Listen, Slowly is a profound story celebrating family, cultural diversity, and friendship. I listened to it via audio book on Hoopla, a free service through my public library.

Listening to multi-cultural audio books adds an extra layer to the storytelling.  For instance, most of the story takes place in Viet Nam. There are many words and sentences in Vietnamese. If I were reading the text, I would have glossed over them. Hearing the language being spoken though made it much more immersive. The storyteller does an excellent job changing her voice for the various characters, adding to an already engaging story.

Lai has created a memorable cast of characters.  Unlike many middle grade stories, adults—both family and friends—have a vital role. The Viet Nam setting provides an excellent contrast to the Western world.  I enjoyed learning about life there. 

There are several motifs to consider and to discuss.

• Family:  The heart of the novel is family—immediate, extended, and cultural.  They are so much part of Mai’s life that at times she is longing for her own personal space. 
• Teen Crushes:  Mai has a huge crush on “him,” a boy she has barely spoken to.  At first, she is so consumed with spending the summer at the beach—hopefully, getting to know “him”—that she has a negative attitude about going to Viet Nam for 6 weeks.
• Love:  Ba, Mai’s grandmother, is the reason for the trip.  Her husband went missing in action during the war.  She goes back to her homeland in search of answers. Ba shares stories of their courtship and love.
• War: Growing up, Mai always heard the stories of her parents fleeing during the war, but they did not have any real meaning to her life. Spending time in Viet Nam with Ba and the people in her home village allows her to begin to understand the significance and impact of the war on her family. Some details about the war are relayed, but it is all age-appropriate.
• Life/Death:  Ba comes to terms with her husband’s death and learns to let go.  She teaches Mai to cherish life and all the moments people tend to take for granted.
• Identity:  Mai has always identified with her American culture.  During her stay, she gains a connection with her Vietnamese heritage, even learning the language and appreciating the customs. 
• Friendship:  There is a sharp contrast between her best friend, Montana, in America and the friendships she begins to develop in Viet Nam. 
• Cross-Cultural: Riding mopeds through Saigon, washing each others hair monthly to protect from lice, gathering as a community of women to learn how to stitch, taking long naps in the afternoon, learning a new language, and eating big feasts with the entire village are just a few events Mai experiences.  

Through all of these areas, Mai goes through transformations of varying degrees.  Ultimately, she learns to appreciate her bi-cultural heritage and her family. 

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Compare and contrast suburban America with modern-day Viet Nam.
• Have a Vietnamese feast.
• Create a PowerPoint of pictures from modern-day Viet Nam.
• Bring in a speaker who lived in Viet Nam to share his/her experiences.
• Research the Viet Nam War.
• Practice some greetings or basic words in Vietnamese.
• Visit LibrisNotes for an excellent discussion of the novel.

Visit Ramblings of a Wanna Be Scribe for more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday novels. 

The Crossover (Kwame Alexander)

Title

The Crossover

Author

Kwame Alexander

Ages

Middle Grade and Teens (YA)

Sample Poem

“Conversation”

Dad, this girl is making

Jordan act weird.

He’s here, but he’s not.

He’s always smiling.

His eyes get all spacey

whenever she’s around,

and sometimes when she’s not.

He wears your cologne.

He’s always

texting her.

He even wore loafers to school.

Dad, you gotta do something.

Dad does something.

He laughs.

Filthy, talking to your brother

right now

would be like pushing water uphill

with a rake, son.

This isn’t funny, dad.

Say something

to him. Please.

Filthy, if some girl

done locked up JB,

He’s going to jail.

Now let’s go get some doughnuts.

Publisher Summary

"A bolt of lightening on my kicks...

The court is sizzling.

My sweat is drizzling.

Stop all that quivering.

Cuz tonight I'm delivering.

raps basketball phenom Josh Bell.  Thanks to his dad, he and his twin border, Jordan, are kings on the court, with crossovers that make even the toughest ballers cry.  But Josh has more than hoops in his blood.  He's got a river of rhymes flowing through him--a sick flow that helps him find his rhythm when everything's on the line.

As their winning season unfolds, things begin to change.  When Jordan meets the new girl in school, the twins' tight-knit bond unravels.  In this heartfelt novel, basketball and brotherhood intertwine to show Josh and Jordan that life doesn't come with a playbook and, sometimes it's not about winning.

The Good

Alexander creates life-like characters that middle grade readers can connect to.  Josh (Filthy) and Jordan (JB) are typical seventh graders dealing with love, friendship, school, and family issues. They have sensible parents who are devoted to each other and the boys.  Much of the novel involves positive interactions between the parents and the twins. 

Rather than chapters, the narrative is broken into four quarters and overtime. The text is in mostly free style poetry, but there are some rhyming ones as well. Most of the poems are written like short vignettes or as conversations. Sometimes the narrator muses on intriguing words or basketball rules. While some figurative language is incorporated, overall the poems are highly accessible to the target audience. 

While Josh's love for basketball comes to the forefront as the novel begins, I quickly realized he is not a flat character.  He is smart, loyal, and sensitive. Words fascinate and delight him. Josh is devoted to his family, especially JB. There is much more to discover about him.  

The Bad

My attitude. Well, at least at first. After several recommendations, I started listening to the audio book. I will keep it 100%. I rolled my eyes with all the basketball talk and wondered if I could make it through it.  I do not regret sticking it out.  The Crossover defies expectations.

The only “bad” about the text is a couple subtle references to the parent’s sex life. Very subtle, but creeped me out anyway.  No young person wants to put parents and sex together in the same thought.  At least I hope not! 

The Brilliant
The significance of the title is what stands out most to me.  The crossover is a basketball move that Josh is known for.  The books is about basketball, so at first it seems that is the reason for the title.  However, I found that is much more.  First, the boys are crossing over into adolescence.  With that crossover, comes hormones and girls.  JB’s relationship with a girl comes between the brothers.  They are moving into a new phase of their lives and relationships.  Another crossover is in Josh’s attitude.  He begins a bit flippant and arrogant, which leads to a bad decision.  Fortunately, he has good parents and coaches.  Their consequences prompt him to reflect and to grow into maturity.  Finally, a character crosses over into death, impacting the lives, growth, and attitudes of Josh and others.  The multiple layers are rich for discussion and reflection.

Even though I am not a sport’s fan, many tweens and teens are. There is a huge enthusiastic audience for this type of book. Whether a sports lover or not, I cannot more highly recommend this Newbery and Coretta Scott King winning novel.  

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.  Hop on over to Shannon Messenger's blog for other middle grade recommendations.

Locomotion (Jacqueline Woodson)

Title

Locomotion

Author

Jacqueline Woodson 

Summary from the Book Jacket 

When Lonnie Collins Motion "Locomotion" was seven years old, his life changed forever. Now he's eleven, and his life is about to change again. His teacher, Ms. Marcus, is showing him ways to put his jumbled feelings on paper. And suddenly, Lonnie has a whole new way to tell the world about his life, his friends, his little sister Lili, and even his foster mom, Miss Edna, who started out crabby but isn’t so bad after all.

Favorite Passage/Poem

“Mama”

Some days, like today

and yesterday and probably

tomorrow—all my missing gets jumbled up inside of me.

You know honeysuckle talc powder?

Mama used to smell like that. She told me

honeysuckle’s really a flower but all I know

is the powder that smells like Mama.

Sometimes when the missing gets real bad

I go to the drugstore and before the guard starts

following me around like I’m gonna steal something

I go to the cosmetics lady and ask her if she has it.

When she says yeah, I say

Can I smell it to see if it’s the right one?

Even though the cosmetics ladies roll their eyes at me

they let me smell it.

And for those few seconds, Mama’s alive

again.

And I’m remembering

all kinds of good things about her like

the way she laughed at my jokes

even when they were dumb

and the way she sometimes just grabbed me

and hugged me before

I had a chance to get away.

And the way her voice always sounded good

and bad at the same time when she was singing

in the shower.

And her red pocketbook that always had some

tangerine Life Savers inside it for me and Lili

No, I say to the cosmetics lady. It’s not the right one.

And then I leave fast.

Before somebody asks to check my pockets

which are always empty ’cause I don’t steal.

Evaluation

Locomotion is written in free verse poetry through the eyes of a fifth grade boy who is living in a foster home after the sudden death of his parents. I was drawn into this story immediately!  Lonnie’s voice grabs you and does not let go until the last line. 

The story often flashes back to shed light on Lonnie’s life before living with Mrs. Edna while also progressively revealing the mystery of his parents' death. Much of the story takes place in the present as he develops familial ties with Mrs. Edna’s family, connects with his little sister living with another family, and navigates school and friendships. 

There are the layers of his experience that will be enlightening to some children while many will empathize with other parts. Lonnie is African-American and a foster child.  He struggles to fit in at school and to deal with loss.  Fortunatley, Lonnie is able to create new family and community ties which help him with his struggles. 

Woodson does an amazing job capturing this young character’s middle grade experiences.  There are heart-breaking and heart-warming moments.  Overall, I thoroughly enjoy this story. 

Among Locomotion’s numerous honors, it was National Book Award Finalist and a Coretta Scott King Honor winner. I recommend this book for ages 9-13.  However, it is a story that teens and adults will enjoy as well.

For teachers, here is a Literature Circle Guide.

Visit Ramblings of a Wanna Be Scribe for more Marvelous Middle Grade recommendations.  

Navigating Early (by Clare Vanderpool)

Summary of Navigating Early (by Clare Vanderpool):

Jack Baker is suddenly uprooted from his Kansas home after his mother dies.  He transfers to a Maine boarding school while his father, a military officer, finishes serving at the close of World War II.  Early Auden, the strangest of boys, is also an outsider who has faced great loss.  The two boys forge a friendship that takes them on a quest in search of the Great Appalachian Bear.   Along the way, Early tells Jack of the fictional story of Pi which parallels their own physical and, often, personal journeys toward facing the loss and pain in their lives.  A colorful cast of characters help make their quest memorable and poignant. 

Evaluation:

I read Vanderpool’s debut (and Newbery winning) novel, Moon Over Manifest, so when I saw this new book on a couple other blogs, I knew I had to read it.  Vanderpool has a gift for creating unforgettable characters and parallel multi-layered story lines.  Navigating Early showcases both of these features.

Jack is a sort of “every boy.”  He struggles with fitting in and finding his place in school, in his family, and in life.  Early, on the other hand, is rare and unforgettable.   Jack commonly calls him “the strangest of boys” because Early’s behaviors were not understood in that era.  Though Early is highly intelligent and functional, he appears to be on the autism spectrum.   His mannerisms and personality are endearing and, at time, humorous.  I could not help loving him. 

The main story line is Jack and Early’s quest.  Early creates a story to parallel the numbers in the mathematical pi.  Pi, like Jack and Early, must go on a quest to earn his name.  As Pi learns what it means to be a man and deal with loss and hardship so do Jack and Early—each in a different way.  Even the minor characters they encounter have their own intertwined and satisfying stories. 

Middle grade readers will be drawn to the boys’ journey to find the Great Appalachian Bear.  They will relate to Jack’s and Early’s characters as well as enjoy the fascinating other characters.  I highly recommend Navigating Early for ages 8 and up. 

Check out other excellent Middle Grade Fictions at Shannon Messenger's blog. 

Before I Fall (Lauren Oliver)

I just finished listening to Lauren Oliver’s Before I Fall on audio.  When I first began the book, I was tempted to stop it.  The characters came across arrogant, superficial, and immoral.  All qualities I hate to see in anyone, but especially as models for teens.  Because of the countless rave review I have encountered over the past couple years on the book (and because I enjoyed one of her other books, Delirium), I plunged forward.   I am glad I did. 

Plot:  Oliver takes the familiar “groundhog day” plot, but she makes it feel fresh.  Seventeen year old Sam keeps living the day of her death over and over for a total of 7 days.  The first few days she is only interested in finding a way out.  She is also still stuck in her immaturity, prejudices, and shallow teen self.  With each effort to make a significant change, Sam slowly sees the day (and much of her life) through a 360 degree lens.   The multi-layered plot has a steady pace that kept me wanting to come back to hear more.

Characterization:  At the opening of the book, I disliked all the characters.  I grew to like Sam and the others. Even the fiercest character, Lindsey, earned my sympathy. They each illustrated in different ways that people are much more than they seem. The popular people are often some of the most broken, always looking to cover up their hurts, habits, and failings. Sam, also, learns how her actions impact others, often in unexpected and devastating ways. The circumstances, I hope, will prompt young adults to consider their choices more carefully.

Motifs: There are so many great motifs.   First, the story focuses on the bullying of one innocent classmate, Julia.  As she lives out each day, Sam feels the weight of her group’s actions toward this particular peer as well as a few others.  The message about the impact of bullying is real and relevant.  Next, I love how Sam begins to appreciate the people and the world around her.  Unfortunately, she only has a short time to revel in it, but readers will definitely be challenged to “love deeper” and “speak sweeter.” Finally,  illusions play a significant role. Sam lives in an illusion—until that fateful day of her death. She struggles at first to see others and herself for what they are in reality.  As she peels back the onion layers of that day and her life, she gains a greater understanding of herself and those around her.

Language: I love Oliver’s often lyrical and beautiful use of language and metaphor.  Her dialogue comes across genuine and realistic.  The one aspect I did not enjoy is the frequent cursing.  Two of the most common words—sh*t and b**ch—are used more excessively than I prefer, especially for young people. Yes, I know that many do curse—and do it often—and most people cuss on occasion.  For many, this issue will not bother them.  To me, cursing is the crutch of those who lack imagination and/or vocabulary to express themselves another way.  For these teen characters, it is likely the case. 

Sexual Situations:  I was especially saddened by Sam’s initial desire to have sex for the first time with a boy she had mediocre feelings with to “get it over with.”  Fortunately, this attitude does eventually mature.  Also, Sam is flirty with one of her teachers.  On the day she decides to “live it up” since everything will be reset the next day anyway, she becomes sexually aggressive with the instructor, leading to some intense physical contact.  This scenario is a HUGE pet peeve of mine in young adult fiction.  Fortunately, Sam becomes repulsed by the event in retrospect.  With each fictional or real occurrence of the inappropriate teacher-student relationship, I feel it becomes less shocking and, slowly, becomes seen less and less as immoral or wrong—which I believe is a sad commentary on our times.  Overall, the girls approach sex is playful and fun. They are described draping themselves all over guys who appear to have little respect for them.  One of their favorite sayings is “No glove.  No love.”  If they are going to have sex, I appreciate that they at least advocated condom use.  Like many contemporary youth fictions, the seriousness of sex as an extension of maturity and commitment and love is completely absent.

After finishing the book, I believe it was likely the author's purpose to begin with the superficial, popular "mean girls" and turn the stereotype upside down--which she did accomplish.  I recommend Before I Fall for ages 15 and up.  

The Fault in Our Stars (John Green)

Summary of The Fault in our Stars (by John Green):

Sixteen year old Hazel is clinically depressed after three years of fighting off terminal cancer. The doctors have found a way to keep the cancer from spreading (for the time being), but she has limited lung capacity.  To help her deal with her illness and (hopefully) make friends, her parents bring her a weekly support group.  When charismatic and witty Augustus Waters begins to attend, Hazel finds a kindred spirit who not only understands her situation but is also her intellectual equal.  Through their relationship, Hazel begins to experience life more fully. 

Evaluation:

Insightful:  Author John Green has drawn authentic characters who offer insights not only in what it means to live and to fight off illness but also on what it means to be young, in love, and dealing with loss.  I loved the playful banter between the characters (especially Augustus and Hazel).  The often poetic way that a situation or idea is described is brilliant and wonderful.  I thoroughly enjoyed Green’s use of language and metaphor. 

Bold: The author does not belittle those with terminal illness, but he does not romanticize the fight of cancer patients either.  The characters themselves comment on the common stereotype of the “heroic” fighter.   They illustrate in their lives that even the “best” of people and fighters are not always graceful and brave. 

Irreverent:  Hazel has no idealistic notions of the world, God, or the afterlife.  She believes in a vague “universe” that she eventually concludes “wants to be noticed.”  Her attitude towards traditional religion and beliefs is impertinent.   While Augustus has a sense of wanting to make a difference in the world and of a “something” beyond, Hazel does not see the purpose.  She shames him for believing his position is more enlightened, and he caves.  Hazel is content to just be part of her small circle, eventually dying and being forgotten.  While this aspect of the novel is realistic and reflective of many people’s beliefs, I found it disappointing and depressing.

Raw:  Green reveals the harsh reality and difficult setbacks of his characters.  The characters get angry, yell, and, even, break things. They occasionally use raw language and profanities.  Parents sometimes showed their weakness in dealing with their sick children.  Some of the more heart-wrenching moments are when Hazel is desperate to find out what happened to the mother in her favorite novel (An Imperial Affliction), and her fears on what will happened to her parents (especially her mother) after her death. 

Overall, I genuine enjoy The Fault of our Stars.  I cried.  I laughed.  I smiled (especially when Augustus was “in the picture”).  I recommend this book for ages 14 and up. 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (by Sherman Alexie)

Brief Summary:

Arnold Spirit (nicknamed Junior) is a 14 year old Native American boy, living on the Spokane Reservation. He comes into the world with lots of disadvantages—beginning with fluid on this brain which prompted some physical issues.  His family (like most of the others on the reservation) is extremely poor.  Arnold  is a budding cartoonist and stellar student.   He attends an Indian school with outdated textbooks and poor resources.  A teacher urges him to pursue his education in the white community, which leads to complications and obstacles—such as getting to and from school each day (often he must walk miles), being further ostracized by his native community (including his only friend), and learning to fit in his new environment. Through it all, Arnold learns about himself, his culture, and his community (both his white school and his Indian homeland).

Evaluation:

Sherman Alexie has created an amazing voice in Arnold.  I was immediately sucked into his story and his world.  First, I was intrigued by his early life and, then, the story of his dog just got me!  I could not put this book down!  I really felt for Arnold.  He is bullied.  He is poor.  He is largely alone.  Despite all of it, his spirit overcomes even as he deals with personal challenges, family difficulties, and tragic loss.  His depiction of Native Americans is raw but moving. 

Another dimension to the narrative is Arnold’s drawings, which are a creative and emotional outlet for him.  They often reveal further insights into his world and his feelings.   The cartoons also epitomize his character.  Sometimes they are funny.  Other times touching, revealing his tender heart.  They are always honest and entertaining. 

Several complex issues are dealt with, such as alcoholism, poverty, bullying,  and death.  With those awful and often heartbreaking matters, there is always a sense of hope and humor. A couple controversial issues may turn some people off.  There is some occasional profanity.  The biggest concern for many will be the references to physical arousal and self-pleasuring.  They are not graphic and only sporadic.  I would have preferred them not to be a part of the narrative, but I guess it is not entirely out of place since they are facts of life and reflective of the age of the protagonist. 

Despite a handful of unpleasant words and references, I highly recommend The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian for mature audiences (15 and up).  The story prompts insight and compassion.   You will not soon forget Arnold or his friends and family members. 

Middle Grade Reader: Mockingbird (Katherine Erskine)

For Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, I am thrilled to share one of the best books I have read in a while, definitely one of the best middle grade reads I have encountered.   I believe I first came across it at another middle grade blog a while back, but not sure which one (sorry!).    

  

Summary of Mockingbird (by Kathryn Erskine): 

(from School Library Journal)

From inside Caitlin's head, readers see the very personal aftermath of a middle school shooting that took the life of the older brother she adored. Caitlin is a bright fifth grader and a gifted artist. She also has Asperger's syndrome, and her brother, Devon, was the one who helped her interpret the world. Now she has only her father, a widower who is grieving anew and whose ability to relate to his daughter is limited. A compassionate school counselor works with her, trying to teach her the social skills that are so difficult for her. Through her own efforts and her therapy sessions, she begins to come to terms with her loss and makes her first, tentative steps toward friendship.

Evaluation:

Mockingbird immediately grabbed me and did not let go until the last page was turned—even then, it still held my heart-strings.  I was absolutely fascinated with Caitlin’s thought-processes and the way she saw the world.  I laughed—a lot.  I was on the verge of tears—many times.  The characterization broadened my perspective on people in general, but most specifically, people who have disabilities.  Kathryn Erskine has written a novel that maintains that delicate balance of being relevant and engaging for middle graders while also being thought-provoking and timeless for all readers.  I, especially, recommend this book for teachers because it humanizes and illuminates those students we often misunderstand.  Mockingbird is a book that will not be soon forgotten.   

Check out the Marvelous Middle Grade Round Up at Ramblings of a Wanna Be Scribe.  

Middle Grade Reader: Zoe the Fearless (by Joachim Masannek)

Summary of Zoe the Fearless (by Joachim Masannek)
Zoe longs to shed her frilly girl soccer team to play “real” soccer with the boys.  Just as she gets an offer from the boys’ team to play, her father moves the family across the country.  Zoe deals with conflicting feelings about the move, the affects of her mother’s recent passing, and her dreams of playing pro soccer.   When Zoe gets the opportunity to try out for an all boys soccer team—the Wild Soccer Bunch—in her new town, she is thrilled.  When her try out is sabotaged by the girl-biased boys on the team, she is discouraged and angry.  Her father and grandmother help her come up with a plan for a rematch with the Wild Soccer Bunch boys.  Zoe learns some valuable lessons about fear, friendship, and family.


Evaluation

Zoe the Fearless is the third book in the popular The Wild Soccer Bunch series (see review of books #2 Diego the Tornado).  Zoe defies traditional gender roles.  She loves to dress in soccer jerseys and athletic shoes.  She longs to play rough and tumble soccer with the boys.  Her big dream is to be a professional athlete.  Her grandmother tries to coerce her into femininity but to no avail.   Not only does Zoe have to counter the rigid expectations her grandmother has for her behavior, she has to grapple with gender-bias from the boys her age.  The Wild Soccer Bunch is convinced she cannot keep up with them because she is a girl.  Later, another group of boys bullies her for her boyish clothes while trying to force her to kiss one of them.  Author Joachim Masannek captures in the small microcosm of Zoe's world the prejudices and harassment that young girls often face. Zoe, with some guidance from her family, navigates through the tumultuous waters of pre-adolescence with courage and dignity.

Zoe is a bit rough around the edges as the novel opens.  She comes across arrogant, sassy, and stubborn.  The circumstances of her story prompt her to become more humble, teachable, and caring.  One of the best lessons of the book is Zoe's realization that revenge can be sweet, but it is lonely.  People and friendship are far more important than showing off or winning.  

Unlike so many children's books, this series has parents/adults who are primarily depicted as involved and caring.  Even though they often help positively influence the choices of the characters, their role is not obtrusive.  The focus is on the children making choices and interacting with their peers.  The reader walks away with the sense that adults can be trusted and helpful.  

Zoe the Fearless will no doubt appeal to young readers (and especially soccer fans)--both boys and girls.  There is lots of thrilling action for the tween reader along with some worthwhile moments highlighting interpersonal relationships and overcoming obstacles.  The big print, line spacing, short chapters, and sporadic pictures make the book ideal for reluctant readers who get overwhelmed with many chapter books.  I recommend Zoe the Fearless for ages 8-12.  

This post is linking up with Marvelous Middle Grade Monday at Ramblings of a Wanna Be Scribe.  

Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of Zoe the Fearless from the publishers in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.

Oh, No! Where Are My Pants? and Other Disaster Poems (Lee Bennett Hopkins)

I will be honest.  I am not naturally a poetry lover. It has been an acquired taste for me, but one I am still particularly selective on.  This week’s anthology—Oh, No! Where Are My Pants? and Other Disaster Poems—is one of my favorite children’s poetry collections to date.  It has a wide range of poems that aptly capture, with humor and grace, many of the difficult and embarrassing moments in life.  Children of all ages will be able to relate to these experiences.  Some are more trivial, and even humorous, like “Oh, No!”  

“Oh, No!”  (by Katie McAllaster Weaver)

Hello apple!

Shiny red.

CHOMP.  CHOMP.

Hello worm.

Where’s your head?

Other poems tackle more serious life events and changes, like “My Friend is Gone.”

“My Friend is Gone” (by Lillian M. Fisher)

A hug, a tear, and you are gone.

Your swing is missing from the lawn.

Your house is silent, dark and lone.

Your window says no one is home.

I tried hard not to cry

When you waved a last good-bye.

How will I face each empty day

Without my friend who moved away?

There are 14 poems in this collection compiled by Lee Bennett Hopkins.  Other experiences depicted are the death of a beloved pet, stage fright, first day of school, away at camp, missing a ball during an important play, a scary experience at the fair, and much more.  

These poems can be enjoyed for the sheer amusement they prompt and the familiar experiences they illustrate.  They can also be beneficial for learning.  Using the first-hand experiences of fictional characters, parents can talk to their children about their fears and insecurities or discuss the importance of empathy for others.   I recommend Oh, No! Where Are My Pants? and Other Disaster Poems for ages 5 and up.  

This post is linked up with Poetry Friday hosted by Dori Reads.  Click HERE to check out all the posts for this week.  

Picture Book: Always and Forever by Alan Durant

Summary of Always and Forever:  

A group of animals—Fox, Otter, Mole, and Hare—live together in a house in the woods.  Each member has a special role to play in the family.  They dearly love one another.  During the autumn months, Fox falls ill.  He grows thin and pale.   One day, he goes out alone, but he does not come back.  His family finds him still and cold beneath a tree.   The trio bury him under his favorite willow tree.  A wintery sadness consumes their once happy home.   There is an emptiness where Fox once dwelled—physically and emotionally.  The little family is silent and heart-broken.  As spring begins to peak out, the trio gets a visit from Squirrel who reveals that their other friends miss them.  Mole tells him they have been too sad to go out.  Squirrel urges them that life has to go on.  Otter asks, “How can it, without Fox?”  Despite their sorrow, they ask Squirrel to stay for dinner.  Preparing a meal together, they fondly recall what a terrible cook Fox was.   While doing the dishes, they remember other comical stories about him.  Soon, the house is filled again with laughter.  The animals use their talents to build a special place under the willow tree where they remember their beloved friend and companion. 

Evaluation:

Always and Forever is a touching story.  Author Alan Durant depicts the stages of grief and a healthy recovery after a tragic loss.  The sweet pictures by Debi Gliori are a beautiful companion to the text.  This story could be therapeutic for young people who have lost a loved one because they often believe no one understands how they feel.  Always and Forever is an ideal narrative to begin talking about grief.  The animals start to heal when they remember amusing stories about their friend and when they create a special memorial for him.   Constructing a special place or memorial as well as talking about the lost loved one can help children to heal.  Even if a child is not dealing with a loss, reading and discussing different situations help to build empathy or tools for later life experiences. 

Though this story is not necessarily one for educational instruction, I want to include books like this for families or educators who need to help children through emotionally trying situations.