The Man Who Loved Libraries (Andrew Larsen)

Title:  The Man Who Loved Libraries: The Story of Andrew Carnegie

Author:  Andrew Larsen

Illustrator:  Katty Maurey

Target Ages:  5 and up

Genre:  Picture Book Biography

Publisher Summary: 

When you open the door to a library, a world of opportunity awaits.

No one believed this more than Andrew Carnegie.

Andrew Carnegie came to America as a poor, young immigrant.  He worked hard and made the most of his opportunities.  Eventually, he created a steel empire that helped shape modern America.  This made Carnegies a very rich man.  But he never forgot the important role a library played in his success.  Carnegie used his wealth to build public libraries around the world in hopes they’d help others achieve their dreams.

First Lines:

Andrew Carnegie was born in a tiny stone cottage in a small Scottish village.  A large wooden loom took up most of the ground floor.  Andrew and his family lived, ate, and slept upstairs in the attic. 

Evaluation:

Before reading this book, I was familiar with Andrew Carnegie, but I forgot most of what I learned in history class.  This book, though, gave me a deep appreciate for his many contributions to the world—especially in the creation of libraries.  

With is engaging storytelling, author Andrew Larsen focuses on three main parts of Carnegie’s life. 

First, readers are introduced to his childhood.  His parents struggled to make ends meet.  Eventually, they came to America for a chance at a better life.  Andrew worked hard in school and in his factory work.  Despite his humble beginnings and limited educational opportunities, his work ethic and innovative thinking helped him succeed.  His early life demonstrates that success is possible no matter what early opportunities a person is given. 

Next, he did not waste his earnings on materialistic and wasteful items.  Instead, he invested his money.  Small investments led to bigger ones until he made millions.  He reinvested that money into businesses, like steel.   Carnegie ended up with so much money that he did not know what to do with it all.  His early adult life illustrates the importance of saving and investing. 

Finally, he believed his riches were for sharing.  This conviction prompted him to build over 3,500 libraries worldwide.  All of his libraries provided books free of charge to community members.  Carnegie wanted all people to have the opportunity to learn and to better themselves.  He knew literacy was the way to do so.   His legacy is the importance of giving back to the community. 

Each part of his story is illuminated further with Katty Maurey’s illustrations.  She uses a neutral pallet with splashes of dusty blue, deep red, and muted yellow.  The colors further give his life a humble but dignified tone. 

The Man Who Loved Libraries:  The Story of Andrew Carnegie is an inspiring biography of a man who proved the sky is the limit—no matter what your background or privilege. 

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Writing:  Encourage students to think about how they would use their money to give back to the community if they became rich.  Younger students can fill out a simple sentence:   “If I were rich, I would use my money to ________.” Older ones can write a paragraph. 
• Math:  Either individually or in small groups, have students pick a stock.  There are many they will be familiar with like Disney, Apple, and Facebook.  The class or family can pretend to buy a set number of shares, such as 10 or 100.  Chart the stock’s progress for a month or more.  How much money did each stock earn?  Give a reward to the winning team or to the top 3 students.   
• History:  Learn about other important contributions Carnegie made like Carnegie Hall and the Golden Gate Bridge.  Connect this story to a study of the Industrial Revolution. 
• Compare and Contrast:  Possible areas to compare and contrast—school then vs. now, teen life then vs. now, and educational opportunities then vs. now.
• Geography:  Identify on a map the places listed where Carnegie opened libraries. 
• Character:  Identify and discuss habits that helped him become successful—reading, work ethic, innovative ideas, saving and investing, and so forth.
• Reading Comprehension:  Use this Reading Guide for The Man Who Loved Libraries for question ideas.

For more great picture book recommendations, visit the Perfect Picture Book Friday Round Up.

Last Stop on Market Street (by Matt De La Pena)

Title:  Last Stop on Market Street

Author:  Matt De La Pena

Illustrator:  Christina Robinson

Opening Lines:

“CJ pushed through the church doors, skipped down the steps.  The outside air smelled like freedom, but it also smelled like rain, which freckled CJ’s shirt and dripped down his nose.”

Publisher Summary:  On Sundays, CJ and his nana ride the bus across town to their stop on Market Street. But today, CJ’s not happy about it. Today, he’s wondering out loud why they have to wait in the rain and why they don’t have a car like his other friends. But it’s Nana who opens young CJ’s eyes and shows him the real beauty in the world around them—the spirit of the bustling city, the music in everyday life, and the magic of their own overlooked neighbors. 

Evaluation:

This sweet book about a boy and his nana is sure to pull on the heart strings of readers—young and old.  Nana is an amazing role model for CJ.  She smiles and greets people while expecting him to do the same.  Whenever CJ complains, she has a wise and positive answer in response.  Being kind and compassionate, she sees the beauty in all people and situations.  Her perspective influences her grandson as the story progresses.  For instance, as they walk on “crumbling sidewalks” and by “boarded-up stores,” CJ begins to see beauty in places he never thought to look. Nana does not just tell her grandson how to act; she lives and models it.

Different races and types of people are depicted and interacted with, including a blind man and a wheel-chair bound person, providing opportunities to discuss diversity and acceptance.  When CJ asks why the blind man can’t see, both Nana and the man teach him that seeing can be done with the ears and other senses. 

A musician plays his guitar on the bus, allowing CJ to use his imagination.  He sees “sunset colors swirling over crashing waves” and “butterflies dancing free in the light of the moon.”  The music gives the people on the bus a sense of peace and interconnectedness. 

Most importantly, CJ learns to be selfless.  He drops his only coin in the hat of the musician as he leaves the bus.  Seeing familiar faces at the soup kitchen, he tells Nana he is glad they came.  The twosome join others and begin serving needy people. 

Last Stop on Market Street is a fantastic book!  It won the Newbery medal, the Caldecott Honor, and Coretta Scott King Honor.   I highly recommend this book for home and classroom reading. 

Extension Activity Ideas

• Bus Ride:  If your family has never taken a city bus ride, together determine a place you want to go on the bus line.  Park and ride.  Afterwards, have children talk or journal about the experience.  Use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast with riding in a car. 
• Manners:  Whether on a bus ride or out running errands, practice smiling and greeting people as is appropriate.  Encourage children to do the same.  Educators can implement this practice in school by teaching children to greet/interact with other teachers and staff. 
• Music:  Play some instrumental music.  Allow children to respond in an age appropriate way, such as drawing, painting, journaling, or dancing/movement. 
• Volunteer:  Identify a local organization (soup kitchen, humane society, or other non-profit).  Volunteer as a class or family. 
• Writing:  Write about a memorable experience with a grandparent.  Share it with the class or family. 
• Social Studies:  Discuss what it means to be hero.  Compare/contrast Nana to the characteristics of one.  Have children write about or draw a picture of someone who is their hero. 
• Character Education:  CJ learns to be grateful.  Discuss this vital character quality.  Metro Family has some ideas for how to teach children to be grateful.

There are so many outstanding activities and ideas for lesson plans on this book around the web.  Check out the following websites: The Classroom Bookshelf, Reederama, and Carol Hurst.

Visit Suzanna Hill’s Blog for the Perfect Picture Book Weekly Round up and Multicultural Blogs for their Monthly Round up.  

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Fairy Tale Friday: The Twelve Dancing Princesses

It is Fairy Tale Friday. All bloggers are welcome to link up their fairy tale themed posts.  

The Twelve Dancing Princesses has been a beloved fairy tale for centuries.    There are a few things in common in most versions.  First, there is a male protagonist who is a commoner.  He may be a soldier coming back from war, a shepherd, or other laborer.  Generally, this man has shown himself to be worthy by being come combination of these character qualities—hard working, generous, brave, cunning, and patient.   Surely, it gives hope to the masses that they can ascend their current humble stations with the right qualities and some luck.  Luck usually comes in the form of a wise woman who has some magical powers.  She offers clever advice and a magical item (flower or cloak, for instance).  The mystery of the daughters' nightly activities is likely rooted in the universal parental experience of letting go and lacking control over what your children are doing.   It also reflects a fascination with the underworld or otherworld.  This underworld is often cursed but ironically is a source of beauty and riches.   Making a quest into the underworld goes back to ancient times when heroes like Gilgamesh and Odysseus journeyed there.   Fairy tales capture our imagination because of their ability to appeal to the collective hopes, dreams, and fears of humanity. 

The Twelve Dancing Princesses (by Marianna Mayer):

This picture book version is my favorite!  The first thing that drew me to it is the stunning paintings by K.Y. Craft that grace each page.  The text is framed with a nearly full page illustration on one side and a small window picture on the other.  A border beautifully connects everything together.   This version is the more detailed, developing the male protagonist (a former shepherd and eventual castle gardener) well and providing time for the love to grow between him and one of the princesses.  He does not reveal the secret to the king.  Instead, he willing attempts to consume the drink that will attach him to the underworld kingdom forever because he thinks it will please his favored princess. Her act of stopping him (which is an act of true love) breaks the spell.  The only part I don’t like is the addition of the fortunate teller.   Ruth Sanderson’s version is a condensed version of Mayer’s.  It is also beautifully illustrated.   

The Twelve Dancing Princesses (by Jane Ray):

The pictures in this version are also amazing, but the style is very different from Craft’s depiction.   The colors are vivid, and the details are delicate.  This version is based on the Grimm’s fairy tale.  A soldier comes upon the castle hoping to solve the mystery.  Using a cloak provided by a wise woman, the soldier solves the mystery and tells the king.  The free spirited daughters’ admit it is true.  They had been outwitted. The girls are defying their father to have fun after hours.  The narrative ends with the eldest daughter (now queen) decreeing that she and her sisters should go dancing as often and late as they wish.  There is the sense that the girls felt too confined by their father’s rules, so they were rebelling (rather than being cursed).  John Cech version is very similar.  The pictures are nicely done in more muted colors.  Background information on this fairy tale is provided on the final page.    

The Twelve Dancing Princesses (by Rachel Isadora):

This version relates the story in its simplest form, making it ideal for the youngest readers.  The text is straightforward and concise.  The African setting causes it to stand out from the others which have more of a traditional western European appeal.   The characters dress in traditional African garb.  The energetic illustrations are done with paint and collage paper, offering a distinctive look and feel.  

Fairy Tale Friday is a weekly link-up co-hosted by Literary Transgressions and Books4Learning.  Join in by clicking on the linky below.  

Middle Grade Fiction: 11 Birthdays (Wendy Mass)

Summary of 11 Birthdays (by Wendy Mass):

Ever think about what it would be like to relive your birthday, every day?  Experience what it might be like with 11 Birthdays.  

Amanda and Leo are born on the same day in the same hospital.  With a little help from “fate,” their parents meet in the hospital and again on their first birthday, leading to a close connection between the two families.   Each year, Amanda and Leo grow in their friendship and look forward to celebrating their birthday together.    Everything changes when Amanda overhears Leo saying unkind things about her to a group of boys at their 10^th birthday party.  So begins an “infamous” silent wall between them...until their 11^th birthday.  Amanda celebrates it without Leo.  When she goes to sleep that night, she is relieved it is all over.  Unfortunately, when she wakes up, her day begins EXACTLY like the day before.  At first, she thinks it is some kinds of joke, but when the bus arrives, she knows it isn’t.  Each morning after, she wakes up to find that it is still her 11^th birthday!  Sound fun?  It isn’t.   Her  11^th birthday is a disaster!  She has a miserable party without Leo, her mom gets fired, her dad is sick, she embarrasses herself at try outs, and her sister has her heart broken by a boy she likes.  After a few days, Leo reaches out to her.  He is stuck in this birthday rewind too!   The duo work together each day trying to figure out what to do to fix what went wrong the first day and to mend their friendship in the process.   They learn that the origin of the “curse” goes back to their great-great grandparents.  They must solve the mystery of that famous feud and put things right in their own lives before they can finally move forward.   

Evaluation:

Both Amanda and Leo are likable and relatable characters.  Each has fears and insecurities to overcome.  They grow in their relationship with each other and those around them.  Despite having the same day repeated, the children problem solve by using their previous experiences to change things—in most cases to make circumstances better, not only for themselves but others.   One day they skip school to live out an ideal type birthday since there are no real consequences.  While the day is mostly harmless fun, they do lie and sneak around. Another day is devoted to helping others they encounter.  Many of them are spent working to piece together what happened to their ancestors many, many years earlier in order to learn how to break the curse.  In the end, Amanda and Leo are close friends again, but they are unable to “fix” everything.  For instance, Amanda’s mother still loses her job and Kylie (Amanda’s sister) does not get the boy she seeks.  Nevertheless, the story ends with hope and optimism. 

I know there is no “perfect” book.  Kids have to do something “wrong” to have plot.  As a parent, I have a concern though.  Leo and Amanda lie…A LOT.  You may be able to argue that in some circumstances they have to.  If they tell the adults what is happening, no one will believe them.  (Amanda does try once to tell her dad with no success.)  There were other times though that they really did not have to lie for that reason.  Though Amanda expresses some guilt over lying, it does not stop them.  I do not believe the lying issue is a reason to prevent a child from reading it.  Instead, I bring it up as an opportunity for parents/teachers to discuss the issue with their children using questions like:

• Is it ever okay to lie?  If so, when?
• What are our family/school/class values on the subject of lying?
• What are possible outcomes of lying?
• Does this book illustrate “real” consequences for lying?
• Who are some other people, real or fictional, who lied? What was their outcome?

Overall, 11 Birthdays is an entertaining read for ages 8-12.  The characters and plot will definitely engage young readers.  It also offers a perfect opportunity to discuss a significant moral issue.

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

Middle Grade Fantasy: The Dragon of Lonely Island (by Rebecca Rupp)

Summary of The Dragon of Lonely Island:

Three children, along with their mother, plan to spend the summer on Lonely Island where their elderly great-aunt Mehitabel has a home.  The only current residents on this island off the mainland are Mr. and Mrs. Jones, the caretakers.  Before they arrive, the children—Hannah, Zachary, and Sarah Emily—receive a short note from Aunt Mehitabel urging them to explore Drake’s Hill and to find the Tower Room.  A key is included.  The first morning on the island, Sarah Emily and Zachary find the intriguing Tower Room with its antique toys, books of fairy tales, and a puzzle box.  Later, they enthusiastically venture out to Drake’s Hill.  The smell of cinnamon and smoke permeates the air and entices them to explore a cave in the side of the hill.  To their amazement, there is a tridrake (three-headed dragon) named Fafnyr living there.   During each visit, one of the three dragon heads is awake.  The children curl up with the mythical beast as he tells them a story.  The eldest dragon head teaches Hannah about being responsible and compassionate from the experience of Mei-lan, a young girl from ancient China.  The middle dragon head is awake on their second visit.  He illustrates for Zachary the importance of sharing and selflessness through an orphan named Jamie who was taken captive by pirates.  The youngest dragon is alert on the children’s next visit.  Fearful Sarah Emily sees through the story of her young aunt Mehitabel’s (referred to as Hitty) plane crash on an island that she needs to be more resourceful and courageous.  The final story also reveals how Fafnyr came to live at Lonely Island.   The children inherit an important job:  protector of Fafnyr’s existence.   As the summer ends, the trio are reluctant to leave, but they look forward to the next summer on the island with Fafnyr and the Joneses. 

Evaluation:

The Dragon of Lonely Island is an interesting combination of fantasy and reality. This non-linear narrative moves fluidly from present to past to present by using key repetitive phrases as a flashback begins and italics during the past encounters.  The majority of the setting is in the “real” world with the only fantastical element being the dragon encounters.  Even the flashbacks with the dragon are historical fiction accounts where the dragon meets human children and indelibly impacts them in a positive manner.  While the dragon is clearly wise from its centuries on the Earth, the flashbacks reveal that Fafnyr experienced  many of the same inner conflicts as the humans.  The tale is clearly instructional with lessons for the characters and readers in sharing, honesty, responsibility, courage, and resourcefulness.  There is also an underlying thread about the lack of compassion and understanding of humans.  For instance, in the Mei-lan story, a man shoots and injures the dragon as it benignly flies through the sky.  In addition, a few remarks are made about humans taking up all the space on the planet.  The narrative plays it safe.  Author Rebecca Rupp uses direct presentation and popular plot conventions—summer in a large, old house, a mysterious box, and a secretive place.  As a result, there is nothing profound in the plot or characterization.  Nevertheless, the realistic setting with fantastical experiences and stories will appeal to many young readers who want to escape for the afternoon.  I recommend this middle grade fantasy novel for children ages 8-11.   

Christmas Fiction: The Candy Cane

As a child, I remember loving candy canes.  I have this random childhood memory of driving home in the snow after a family holiday gathering while thoroughly enjoying a candy cane.   I used to love to steal them off the Christmas tree!   These books teach the story and meaning behind this unique candy.  The stories vary in approach and details, but the meaning is the same.  The candy cane can be used as an object lesson to teach about the meaning of Christmas and God’s love for us. 

J is for Jesus (ages 2-6) by Crystal Bowman  

On a snowy day, families gather in a candy store to sample a new treat.  The candy maker is eager to share this holiday confection with everyone.  It is a red and white peppermint stick shaped like a J to remind people the reason for Christmas:  Jesus’, God’s son, birth.  It is also shaped like a staff to represent the shepherds who were the first to hear the Good News.  The red color is for the blood Jesus shed for sinners while the white is for how believers are made holy and clean from His sacrifice.  This board book is written in rhyming couplets.  J is for Jesus is illustrated with bright, amiable pictures ideal for toddlers to early elementary school children.

The Legend of the Candy Cane (ages 5-9) by Lori Walburg 

When a stranger rides into town, he spots a lonely storefront he decides to use.  Quietly, he works long hours getting the building ready.  The townspeople hope for different things.  The mayor hopes the stranger is a doctor who can heal illness.  The young wives hope he is a tailor who can make them fine-looking dresses while the farmers hope he is a trader who they can exchange their grain for goods with.  The children have their own wishes for this new store.  One day, Lucy, a young girl, offers to help the man unpack.  She is thrilled to find that he has a multitude of confections to organize and display.  When she comes across the candy canes, the man shares their unique story.  Together, Lucy and the candy store owner travel to all the houses in town.  At each one, they leave a small gift and an invitation to the grand opening of the store.  All the townspeople come.  The mayor feels better than he has in days.  The women come dressed in gorgeous smiles.  The farmers are eager to trade their grain for candy.  Every ones hears the story of the candy cane:  “the miracle of Christ’s birth. The misery of His death. And the mercy of His love.”   The Legend of the Candy Cane is an inspirational holiday story. 

The Candymaker’s Gift (ages 6-11) by David and Helen Haidle  

A generous and gregarious candy maker wants to help the children he loves see God’s gift of Christmas.  He prayfully and thoughtfully chooses ingredients—peppermint like the wise men’s spice gifts to Jesus, white to represent the holiness of God, hard as a rock because He is the Solid Rock in times of trouble, and shaped as a “J” for the name of the savior.  When candymaker’s beloved granddaughter comes into the shop, she tells him it reminds her of “Jesus, our Good Shepherd.  A good shepherd doesn’t run away from danger, and he will do anything to save his sheep.”  Together they decide to add red stripes to remind them of Jesus’ suffering and death.  They are thankful for their inspiration as they formed a new candy that would point people to Jesus. 

Note:  At the back of The Candymaker’s Gift, there are ideas for a candy cane party, decorating with a candy cane theme, and Bible verses to accompany each part of the candy’s design. 

I have created 2 grammar practice exercises on sentence types that pair well with this topic. They are geared for middle grades and up, but upper elementary students depending on ability and/or with support can also do them. Students must identify if each sentence is simple, compound, or complex.  

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Sentence Parallelism (Christmas Themed)

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Clauses, Phrases, and Sentence Types (Christmas Themed)

Christmas Fiction: Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera

The Kringle family lives in a luxurious hotel in New York City.  Everyone in their family loves Christmas, even their family businesses have holiday names.   Their children Sophie and Chris have everything!   Regularly “schooled” in Christmas decorum, the holiday is central to their lives.  The most mysterious member of the family is Auntie Claus who disappears every year around the holidays for an extended business trip.  These stories (ideal for ages 5-10) reveal how Sophie and Chris eventually learn their family secret. 

Auntie Claus  

Sophie is in awe of her mysterious Auntie Claus.  Whenever she asks her Auntie a question about one of those mysteries, the answers are always simple but vague.  This year when Auntie Claus goes on her annual business trip, Sophie stows away.   They travel by magical elevator to the North Pole.  When they arrive, Sophie disguises herself as an elf where she works diligently with no sign of Auntie Claus anywhere.  While on a special task, Sophie sees her brother’s name is on the B-B-and-G (Bad-Boys-and-Girls) list.  Dreading his disappointment on Christmas morning, she erases his name and writes hers in its place.   Immediately, she is transported to the stage of the Grand Ballroom with Santa and Auntie Claus.   Santa praises Auntie Claus for her indispensible assistance getting everything ready for Christmas Eve each year.   Auntie Claus and Sophie are reunited, now sharing the family secret.  Santa carries Sophie in his sleigh back to her home.  Seeing her brother’s joy at all his gifts, she realizes an important lesson her aunt had been trying to teach her:  “It is far better to give than it is to receive.”  Under the tree is a special gift for Sophie, a diamond Christmas key hanging from a red ribbon—just like her Auntie Claus’. 

Auntie Claus and the Key to Christmas    

When Chris Kringle, Sophie’s younger brother and heir to the vital Santa post, begins to doubt Santa Claus’ existence, Auntie Claus determines to step it.   Chris is summoned to Auntie Claus’ suite where she warns him about becoming a member of PRUNES, Parade Rainers United National Elite Society.  Sophie tells him that if he doesn’t change his attitude, he will be on the B-B-and-G list.  Of course, he doesn’t believe either one of them.  To prove they are wrong, he does everything he can to ensure he will be on the B-B-and-G list this year.  Concerned, Sophie uses her magic key to send him to the North Pole.  Initially, he is shut out of the Santa’s kingdom, but Chris gets some first-hand experience with the PRUNES.  Using some of her Christmas magic, Auntie Claus brings him to the place where Santa, the elves, and his other family members are gathered.   Chris now knows the family secret and receives his special key…and never again does he have difficulty believing. 

Another title in this series is:

Auntie Claus, Home for the Holidays