Stella’s Starliner (by Rosemary Wells)

Summary of Stella's Starliner

Stella lives in a camper-type trailer (referred to as a Starliner) with her parents.  Life is simple but full for them.  They do typical things like go to the market, check out books at the library, and read them together.  Stella is happy and content until she meets a trio of weasels.  They refer to her home as a “tin can” and call her poor.   Their words sting Stella’s heart.  

Feeling shame and sadness, she keeps the incident to herself.  Her mother senses there is something wrong, so she gently coaxes Stella to reveal what occurred.   They cuddle together as their little home travels to a new location. 

When they arrive at their new destination, Stella meets some new friends.   Instead of seeing her little home as a disadvantage, they are fascinated by it.  They think she is a “zillionare” because she lives in a silver home.  Stella and her new friends explore and play in the Starliner. 

Evaluation

I am a fan of Rosemary Well’s characters and stories.  Her characters tend to be sweet animals experiencing childhood dilemmas.  In Stella’s Starliners, she uses an adorable family of foxes as the main characters.  Stella’s friends are cute little bunny rabbits.  What child doesn’t love fuzzy foxes and bouncy bunnies?   The pictures are animated and active, reflecting the words on the page well, but do little to add to the story content.

The story is relevant and meaningful.  Many children have had experiences similar to Stella where they are marginalized and demeaned for something superficial—appearance, clothes, home, socioeconomic class, and so forth.  This story can be used to discuss the acceptance of others based on the content of their character rather than their material possesses or outward appearance.  In addition, the incident with the weasels can be used to explore how to deal with those who say hurtful words. 

The only part of the story that seemed odd to me is that Stella’s father left for the week to go to work (as he always does).  However, on the evening Stella reveals the bullying incident, her father is driving them to a new place.  She does not realize it though until her mother tells her to look out the window.  Her mother states that her father is “flying [them] far away through the night.”  An illustration shows them literally flying. 

The next page, however, is back in reality with a neat ending.  Now don’t get me wrong, I am fine with Stella having a foil experience to that of the weasels to affirm her and end on a positive note.  Clearly, in reality children have contrasting experiences depending of the circumstances and people they encounter.  The sudden moving to a new location with no explanation and no knowledge comes off as incongruent though.  I think even a small child would know the difference between her home sitting still and it driving on the freeway.  It would have been better if they went to a park or public place and met some other children. 

Other than that little snafu in the narrative, the book is a good read.  The characters are endearing. The story teaches children to be accepting of both themselves and others.  As a result,  I recommend Stella’s Starliner for ages 3-9.  

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. 

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.

Picture Book: How the Moon Regained Her Shape by Janet Ruth Heller

Summary of How the Moon Regained Her Shape:    

Inspired by Native American folktales, How the Moon Regained Her Shape personifies the moon as “round and full, proud of her gentle light.”  She is fearless and lively.  One day as she dances across the sky, the sun demeans her.  The moon stops dancing because she is tormented by the sun’s words.  Slowly, her body dwindles until she is just “a sliver of her former self.”  Comet notices the changes in his friend, so he visits her.  He urges her to visit a woman named Round Arms.  The moon is warmly welcomed and comforted in the Native American woman’s hut.  Round Arms leads the moon around to various places and people who value her light and force.  At the final stop, a hundred women are dancing and singing:

We sing to the moon, our sister,

Who pulls the seas to the sands,

Who changes her shape like a magician,

Who lights our paths at night. 

Return to the sky, our sister,

For we miss your gentle beams

And your loving smile.

Her eyes sparkling with joy, the moon returns to the sky.  Even though she still wanes when someone insults her, she always “regains her strength and fullness” because she remembers her crucial job and caring friends.   

Evaluation: 

How the Moon Regained Her Shape is a brilliant example of how ancient people created stories to help them understand the world around them.  The eye-catching illustrations in neutral and muted colors (by Ben Hodson) accompany the stellar storytelling (from Janet Ruth Heller).  The book is a creative way to introduce a lesson or discussion on the lunar phases.  

In addition, the power of words and the effects of bullying are depicted in a powerful but hopeful manner.  Though the moon feels hurt and discouraged, she learns to appreciate her unique value—something everyone needs to learn.  As a result, she is able to overcome adversity.  I highly recommend How the Moon Regained Her Shape for ages 6-11.   Publisher Sylvan Dell has compiled a 38-page Teacher's Guide and other web resources to help build your lesson plans and extension activities around.  

Teaching Oppoturnities:

Create a Moon Poem

Moon Observation Calendar

Moon Observation Journal

Moon Phase Website


Oreo Cook Moon Phases (Pinterest and Science Bob's Blog)

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. 

Picture Book: Mean Soup by Betsey Everitt

Summary of Mean Soup: 

Horace has had a bad day at school.  He is so frustrated when he arrives home that he stomps on a flower.  When his mother greets him, he hisses and growls.   His mother acts silly to cheer him up, and she suggests they make some soup together.   After filling a pot with water, she fancifully throws some salt in.   Then, she adds the ingredients!  Taking a deep breath, she screams into the pot.  She tells Horace, “Your turn.”  He stands on a stool and screams too.  His mother screams louder, and Horace growls and bares his teeth.  As the water starts to boil, they repeatedly stick out their tongues.  Horace bangs on the pot with a spoon and breaths his best dragon breath.  Finally, they both smile.   Horace wants to know the name of the recipe.  His mother reveals it is called, “Mean Soup.”  Side by side, they stir the bad day away.   

Evaluation:

The whimsical illustrations add to the tone and the characterization in Mean Soup (by Betsy Everitt). Horace’s feelings of embarrassment and anxiety are depicted as well as the mother’s free-spirited and quirky response.  For instance, she puts spoons up by her ears and dances around as Horace angrily lies on the ground. The simple text portrays a common childhood struggle of dealing with emotions. I have a child who sometimes gets emotionally worked up like Horace.  I appreciate how the mother finds a creative and positive way to deal with her son’s emotions.  Sometimes children are too worked up to talk about their feelings or to reason with.  I was inspired by Mean Soup to come up with imaginative ways to help my children when they are feeling frustrated or angry.  Use this book as a springboard to talk to your children (or students) about ways to deal with intense emotions or to brainstorm ways you can help your children when they are having a rough day.  Chances are, they can help you come up with a recipe for your own "Mean Soup."

Picture Book: Mole's in Love by David Bedford

Story Summary of Mole’s in Love: 

Morris, the mole, enthusiastically peeps out of his hole.  Yippee! It’s spring.   Morris is ready to find someone to love.   He doesn’t see well though.  To find a mate, he decides to look for similar physical qualities as his own.   First, he resolves to find an animal with “luscious shiny black fur.”  Finding it, he instantly falls in love!  Unfortunately, Morris has not found another mole, but rather a large black horse—that quickly knocks him into a pile of leaves.  No one comes to see if Morris is all right, making him feel glum.   The smell of colorful spring flowers cheers him up and prods him on.  Next, he decides to look for a “pretty pink nose.”  Once again, Morris thinks he is in love as he hugs the pretty pink nose. The nose belongs to a pig—that pushes Morris away, landing him in some mud!  Nobody comes to see if he is all right, so he feels sad.  The sound of birds singing makes him joyful again.  He continues his search to find someone to love.  This time, he decides to look for “gorgeous big wide feet.” He comes across a pair, falling in love again. Unluckily, the feet belong to a white duck—that tickles Morris with his feathers, resulting in him falling on a sharp thistle.  Nobody comes to see if he is all right.   Downtrodden, Morris goes back to his molehill, where he contemplates all the qualities he has sought.  He does not understand why he has not found love yet.  Suddenly, he hears a tiny voice, “You have not looked hard enough!” Someone reaches over, gives him a present, and asks if he is all right. Morris isn’t looking for love anymore.  Love has found him…in the form of a sweet female mole.

Evaluation:

Morris the mole is absolutely precious!  The illustrations are wonderful.  Mole’s in Love is a perfect Valentine’s Day story.  First, it celebrates spring.  Children can discuss the signs of spring illustrated in the book as well as other ones.  Also, this book could accompany a unit on farms or animals.  Moles are interesting animals to study or to research.  They can cause havoc on farms or yards though.  There are some opportunities for making predictions.  As Morris comes across each physical characteristic, only a part of the animals is shown.  Younger students can predict (using the descriptive words, pictures, or both) what type of animal he finds.  Of course, the topic of love can be discussed—what does it mean to love someone (parents, siblings, friends), how can we show love, what types of characteristics do animals or people look for in a mate, and so forth.   Other possible motifs are friendship and helping others. 

Christmas Fiction: Santa's Helpers (Reindeer)

The books about Santa are seemingly endless.  As a result, I am breaking them up into smaller groups.  These are the best books about Santa’s reindeer helpers. 

Where’s Prancer? (ages 3-7) by Syd Hoff (Beginning Reader) 

Santa returns to the North Pole after giving out presents.  He goes inside to warm up with a cup of tea.  When he ventures outside to give his reindeer a treat, he realizes that Prancer is missing.  Santa is on edge, thinking every phone call or knock on the door is his faithful, missing reindeer.  He finally remembers that the last place he saw Prancer was Philadelphia.  Santa and the seven remaining reindeer go back the city of brotherly love to look for him.  The group finds Prancer looking into a window.  He stayed back because he “wanted to see how people looked on Christmas Day.”  Santa and the reindeer enjoy observing the “many happy faces.”  They are “glad they had helped make them that way.”   Everyone returns home safely.  Where’s Prancer? can be read independently by beginning readers. 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (ages 3-8) by Robert L. May

Rudolph is used to being berated for his nose “red as a beet” which is “twice as big” and bright.  On Christmas Eve it is so foggy out that Santa has difficulty navigating, until he visits Rudolph’s home where he sees that “the lamp wasn’t burning; the light came, instead, from something that lay at the head of the bed.”  It is Rudolph’s nose!  Santa asks him to help deliver the presents.  Rudolph proudly assists Santa that night.   When they return to the North Pole, Santa praises Rudolph for his bravery and brilliance in front of the other reindeer.   Rudolph humbly accepts the compliments and admiration of the others.  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is written in rhyming couplets. 

Rudolph’s Second Christmas (ages 4-9) by Robert L. May 

After a vacation in the South Pole, Santa returns to find his house full of thank you letters.  He enlists Rudolph to help him open and read them.  Rudolph comes across one that brings him to tears.  Two children did not get a visit from Santa because they move so much with the circus.  Rudolph sets out to find them.  He learns that the circus is so poorly received that it only stays in a town for one day.  On his way home, he comes across a group of misfit animals—a canary that talks, a parrot that sings, a cat that barks, a dog that meows, a hare that is slow, and a turtle that is fast.  They feel lonely and ostracized from others.  Santa and Rudolph work together to help these animals become the stars of the circus—which now is so popular is stays in one place for months!  Santa has no problem finding the two circus children the next Christmas.  They even get an extra present at Christmas to make up for the previous year. 

Reindeer Christmas (ages 4-9) by Mark Kimball Moulton 

One snowy winter night, a family comes across a weak and tired reindeer.  They bring him inside their home where they make a comfortable place for him by the fire and put out some oats and fruit for him to eat.  When they wake up the next morning (Christmas Eve), the reindeer is gone.   On Christmas day, they find an extra present under the tree…from Santa Claus.  He thanks the family for taking care of Donner, who accidently got separated from them while they put stars on the trees, because there would have been no Christmas without him to help pull the sleigh.  In return for their kindness to Donner and all the forest animals they care for, the family is given a single magical wish.  They selflessly use it to wish peace, happiness, and love to others the whole year through.  Reindeer Christmas is written in poetic form, including rhyme, alliteration, and rhythm. 

How the Reindeer Got Their Antlers (ages 5-9) by Geraldine McCaughrean

As soon as the animals were created, some of them began to argue who should be king.  An angel gives each one a crown and sends them to different places to “reign.”  Before the reindeer is given a domain, he journeys and hides in the coldest, most desolate part of the world because he is embarrassed by his crown of antlers.  When Santa calls out for help one Christmas Eve, only the reindeer are willing to help him.  It is their crown of antlers that save Santa and Christmas.  Santa assures the reindeer that they are “the best, most handsome animals in the world.”  In return for their assistance, they reindeer are given the gift of flight each year for “one simple magical night of soaring over desert, woods, and fields.”  Now, young reindeer look forward to growing their own crown of antlers. 

Honorable Mention:

Who’ll Pull Santa’s Sleigh Tonight? (ages 4-8) by Laura Rader 

When the reindeer come down with colds right before Christmas, Santa tries out different plans to for how to get the toys to all the boys and girls. He finds that the simplest one, though, is most effective.