Middle Grade Reader: Hauntings & Heists (Dan Poblocki)

I love picture books!  I read them all the time—fiction, non-fiction, poetry, fairy tales.  It does not matter.  I love them all.  I have a goal for myself though:  To read at least one chapter book a week and review it.  While at the library this week, I spotted a new Scholastic series called The Mysterious Four.   I picked up one of the titles.  Here is my review.

Summary of Hauntings and Heists (by Dan Poblocki)  

Inquisitive Viola Hart moves into a new neighborhood in Moon Hollow, New York.  She enjoys finding mystery and intrigue in every day life.  Viola quickly makes friends with three of her neighbors—Rosie, Sylvester, and Woodrow.    Their backyards meet at one point, referred to by the group as the four corners.   The three new friends quickly catch Viola’s passion for mystery and critical thinking.   They form a club they call The Four Corners Mystery Club.  Together, they tackle crimes and puzzles, both big and small, from a photograph hoax to a signature fraud to a dog knapping.  Their biggest mystery takes the entire book to unravel! 

Evaluation:

The characters in Hauntings and Heists are not complex, but they are genuinely nice and overall respectful.  Perhaps, they are more so than the typical tween, but in some ways it is refreshing.  As a parent, I cringe as a read about sassy, know-it-all kids who rarely have any consequences for their poor behaviors.  Sure, it is realistic, but should it be?   The protagonists do have minor flaws though.  The focus is on the plot, specifically the critical thinking the children do as they solve the daily puzzles they encounter.  The format of the book invites readers to make their own inferences based on the facts.  Sometimes these puzzles are simple like the snapped snake and the bully.  Others are a bit more intriquing and complex, such as the mysterious noise in the basement and "monster" in the lake.  For the most part, the mysterious are realistic.  My hope is that the books might inspire children to look carefully at their surroundings to understand others better as well as to examine events around them more closely so as to not be easily deceived.   

There are two ethic issues I think might have been glossed over a bit too neatly.  First, a father is a deceitful.  He throws away a part of the meal but allows the children to be accused for it.  After being caught, I did not see evidence of true repentance, but rather, an attempt to appease the family. The second is a bit of a larger issue.  A professor commits fraud.  He has a “good” reason for doing it, but there are no consequences.  It is assumed that the end justify the means.  I believe these are perfect opportunities to open up a discussion about morals, values, and ethics with children.


Hauntings and Heists is a high interest middle grade book with educational opportunities.  I recommend it for ages 9-12. 

Teaching Opportunities:

• The children in the book have come up with a system for identifying how challenging a mystery is to solve.  In a classroom or at home, adults can encourage their youngsters to seek to understand the world by looking at the genuine mysteries and clues around them.  Then, label them based on difficulty.         
• Read other mysteries and books together.  Prompt children to ask questions and make guesses as to what will happen next. 
• Exercising these brain muscles can be applied to looking at stories or reading passages for greater comprehension by making inferences in formal classroom assignments.

This post is linked up at Hope is the Word for Read Aloud Thursday and Marvelous Middle Grade Monday at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe.

Middle Grade Fantasy: A Tale of Two Castles

Summary of A Tale of Two Castles: 

Elodie, a 12-year old farm girl, journeys alone to Two Castles the capital of the kingdom to secure an apprenticeship.   She longs to be a mansion (actor/storyteller), but her parents want her to be a basket weaver.  On her way to the capital, she finds out that free apprenticeships are no longer available.  Alone and penniless, Elodie attempts to win over the master mansioner.  Despite her talent, she is turned down for her lack of money to pay for it.  Fortunately, a lone dragon befriends her and offers her an apprenticeship where she learns how to induct and to deduct in order to find things, read people, and solve mysteries.  Elodie is quickly swept up in solving a mystery involving a mannerly ogre, a sweet princess, a selfish king, a dashing thief, a kindly couple, and many other remarkable characters.  Her mother warns her to watch for the sepulcher, or one who seems good but is evil.  Will she find out who it is in time?  Will she finally be able to follow her dream to be a mansion?

Evaluation:

I was drawn to A Tale of Two Castles because it is written by Gail Carson Levine, author of Ella Enchanted.   Two Castles is an enchanting realm with ogres, dragons, and mystical cats, but much of the rest is reminiscent of the medieval times.  The protagonist Elodie defies traditional gender roles.  She is brave, hard-working, and determined as well as compassionate, intuitive, and generous.  While she is slightly concerned about fashion, she is far more interested in action and adventure.  Most importantly, she is on a quest to fulfill her destiny.  Elodie plays a pivot role in solving the mystery of the kingdom and in saving the lives of others.   Along the way, she learns how to use her natural gifts and her talents to do what is necessary, but she does not give up on her dreams.  Eventually, she redefines what her ambitions are as she grows as a person and in her relationships. The mythical creatures in A Tale of Two Castles are more human than beastly.  They are benign and reflective— challenging some of the common stereotypes about them.  They each help Elodie grow into maturity.  The plot is full of mystery and suspense—moving at a steady pace.  Like many middle readers, it is broken up into short chapters.  Each ends with a revelation or further layer to the mystery, prompting the reader to continue.  The novel is light and entertaining.   It does tackle the motif of prejudices and labels, but it never gets too serious or provocative. This novel is ideal for readers ages 8-12.  Parents and educators may use the novel to discuss friendship, family, trust, self-identity, dreams, stereotypes/prejuidices, fantasy, and perseverance.

Check out other middle grade books on Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.

Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Summary of Moon over Manifest: 

From Barnes and Noble website

Abilene Tucker feels abandoned. Her father has put her on a train, sending her off to live with an old friend for the summer while he works a railroad job. Armed only with a few possessions and her list of universals, Abilene jumps off the train in Manifest, Kansas, aiming to learn about the boy her father once was. Having heard stories about Manifest, Abilene is disappointed to find that it’s just a dried-up, worn-out old town. But her disappointment quickly turns to excitement when she discovers a hidden cigar box full of mementos, including some old letters that mention a spy known as the Rattler. These mysterious letters send Abilene and her new friends, Lettie and Ruthanne, on an honest-to-goodness spy hunt, even though they are warned to “Leave Well Enough Alone.” Abilene throws all caution aside when she heads down the mysterious Path to Perdition to pay a debt to the reclusive Miss Sadie, a diviner who only tells stories from the past. It seems that Manifest’s history is full of colorful and shadowy characters—and long-held secrets. The more Abilene hears, the more determined she is to learn just what role her father played in that history. And as Manifest’s secrets are laid bare one by one, Abilene begins to weave her own story into the fabric of the town.  

Evaluation:

Moon over Manifest is the winner of the 2011 Newbery Medal.   I have read many Newbery winning novels.  Nearly all of them are outstanding.  This book is no exception.  Moon over Manifest is a fascinating blend of fact and fiction.   Many of story elements are based on newspaper articles, family anecdotes, and historical happenings.  The complex and well-written story is engaging.  The narrative moves fluidly between the present (1936) and the past (1917).  The story of the town in 1917 in many ways mirrors life in 1936 which creates an added intricacy.  Author Clare Vanderpool helps to connect the two time periods using a box of mementos, letters, newspaper clippings, and storytelling, all generating allure and mystery.  Vanderpool has created some remarkable, multi-dimensional characters.  They take on a deeper significance as they are seen through both the past and the present.   As the reader, I became invested in the lives of many of the characters, such as Abilene, Jinx, Ned, and Miss Sadie.  

The main protagonist is 12 years old, but the story is as much about the teens and adults in the town.   Based on the complex non-linear plot line and story content, I recommend this book for ages 12 and up. 

Teaching Opportunities:

·         Writing—Find an interesting newspaper article (past or present); write a short story using the details as a spring board—add your own details and dialogue

·         Plot—Define linear vs. non-linear; discuss how the author uses a non-linear plot to create mystery, depth, and complexity

·         Characterization—Compare Abilene to Jinx and Miss Sadie to Ned or Parallel Abilene’s search with Miss Sadie’s

·         History—Research events mentioned in the novel, such as Bone Dry Bill of 1917, orphan trains, Spanish influenza, World War I, the Depression, and immigrants

·         Geography—Examine the geographical features of Kansas

·         Literature—Read short stories or poems written/set during 1917 and/or 1936; look for connections to the events in the story

·         Social Studies—Research mining and mining conditions

Picture Book: Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Noisy Problem by Chris Monroe

Summary of Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Noisy Problem:  

Chico Bon Bon is awakened early one morning to a loud noise somewhere in his tree house.  He jumps out of his bed, straightens his tool belt, and ventures out to discover the origin of the sound.   Chico goes around his large home—checking in the bread box, under the floor boards, in the pool, under the stairs, and many other places.  At each location, he uses his handy tools to assist him in his inspection.   Next, the clever monkey ponders what might be making the noise.  Some of his ideas are realistic, such as a woodpecker family playing a trick on him or someone chopping a tree for firewood.  Others are more imaginative, such as a spacecraft landing on the roof or a monster.  Realizing the noise could be serious, he puts on his safety goggles and continues his hunt.  When he stops to throw his hankie down the laundry chute, the “arooga, boom, boom, clang, clang” noise is even louder!   He puts on his hard hat, gets out his flashlight, and peers down the dark chute.  Something is stuck there!  With some inventiveness (and, of course, his tool belt accessories), Chico solves the problem and makes a friend.  Read Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Noisy Problem to discover who or what is stuck!  

Evaluation:

Author Chris Monroe has found a brilliant combination in a monkey and a tool belt.  The character, narrative, and pictures hold a lot of appeal for children, especially little boys.   Chico, the protagonist, demonstrates bravery, inventiveness, determination, and hospitality.  The story commences with a mystery which immediately pulls the reader in.   It is unpredictable and imaginative as it twists and turns through Chico’s investigation.   Finally, the illustrations are wonderful!   Pictures depict nearly all the action in an entertaining and creative manner.  Some of the highlights are a full examination of Chico’s tool belt and a two-page snapshot of his tree house.   I highly recommend Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Noisy Problem for ages 4-10. 

Teaching Opportunities:

·         Pause at key spots to ask the listeners to make predictions

·         Scramble the sequence of events that Chico goes through to clear the chute—they are numbered 1-12 on a two-page spread

·         Create an additional room for Chico’s tree house either two- or three-dimensional

·         Brainstorm alternate ways he could solve his problem

·         Compare and contrast Chico’s imaginative tool belt with a parent’s (or teacher’s) real tool belt

·         Discuss elements of fantasy and reality, such as possible causes of the noise

·         Identify onomatopoeia in the story and brainstorm other examples

The Luck of the Loch Ness Monster by A.W. Flaherty

I am busy working on several Thanksgiving related entries.  I am keeping is short and sweet today.  Here is a noteworthy selection I recently came across.

I picked up The Luck of the Loch Ness Monster (ages 6-11) by A.W. Flaherty when I saw it was “A Tale of a Picky Eater” in hopes of inducing my “picky eater” in to being less particular.  J   Using gray and neutral hued watercolors, the end result of children throwing out their morning oatmeal is illustrated in a whimsical manner.  The story is an interesting combination of folk tale and realism.  It provides an explanation on the Loch Ness monster sightings (and origin) that is good-humored and imaginative.  If you enjoy folk tales and myths, you will likely find this creative narrative to be amusing. 

Best Dog Picture Books (Series) for Primary to Intermediate

I wanted to put the LaRue books in my Top 5 Dog Books (series).  This series by Mark Teague has some unique qualities though that deserves its own entry.  Also, since it is geared more from older students, I am including a few other dog series for that audience. 

Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School (ages 6-12).  While Ike LaRue is in obedience school, he sends letters to his owner, Mrs. LaRue.  Each letter has a two-page spread with a black & white picture and a color picture.  Students should be challenged to critically evaluate:  Which ones do you think really portray what is going on?  How do you know? The character of LaRue is complex.  While he is clearly imaginative and clever, he is also mischievous and melodramatic.  It makes for an interesting discussion on characterization and plot.  The most common activity promoted for this book is letter writing which I have posted links for below.  It may also stimulate a discussion on article writing.  Students may practice writing an article about a real or make-believe event.  Finally, students will find it amusing to imagine an obedience school for children.  They may draw pictures of what it looks like, write a story about it, or compose a letter home about their experience.  Motifs to explore are cleverness, creativity, imagination, honesty, and persuasion.

Lesson Plan Extension Ideas & Activities for Dear Mrs. LaRue

Dear Mrs. LaRue Discussion Guide

Teaching Ideas from Scholastic

A Detailed Lesson on Letter Writing from an Education Major

Computer Activities for Dear Mrs. LaRue

Writing Lesson #1 Dear Mrs. LaRue

Writing Lesson 2: Dear Mrs. LaRue (see left-hand column)

Detective LaRue: Letters from the Investigation (ages 6-12).  This book is my favorite of the series.  Left alone while his owner is on vacation, Ike LaRue is accused of being responsible for a duo of missing cats.  Everyone thinks the cats are innocent victims, but, in fact, they are responsible for a string of disappearing small birds and critters.  Only Ike (and the reader) knows the truth...or do they? The story is told through letters, newspaper articles, and pictures.  Many educators use this book to teach letter writing to younger children.  I like this book for older children, though, because of its more complex characters and plot as well as its use of irony and humor.  Finally, use this book as a spring board (or as part of a unit) on the study of the mystery genre.  Motifs to explore are cleverness, perseverance, creativity, imagination, equality, fairness, and justice.

Lesson Plan Extension Ideas & Activities for Detective LaRue
*  Discuss the three types of irony:  verbal, dramatic, and situational.  Then, together identify examples of irony using the letters, articles, and pictures. 
*  Discuss the difference between the black & white pictures and the color pictures.  What is there purpose?  What is learned about the character and the plot through them.
*  Discuss point of view.  Who is telling the story?  How reliable is the character?  Can we trust him?  How does the point of view impact the reading of the story?  How would this story be different if it were from the cats’ point of view or police’s? 
*  Write a letter on one of the scenes from another characters’ point of view.

Detective LaRue

Teaching Ideas

Extension Activities:  Mystery Genre

Mystery Genre Activities

Exploring the Mystery Genre

Write a Mystery Workshop

Free Mystery Plans & Units

LaRue for Mayor: Letters from the Campaign Trail (ages 6-12).  In this installment in the series, Ike LaRue is up to more mischief.  To clear his name (and help out all dogs), he runs for mayor.  It follows the style of the previous books and lends to similar discussions (irony, humor, fantasy vs. reality, personification, letter writing, and so forth).  There are lots of fun activities that students can do that are specific to this book, such as making campaign posters or holding mock elections.  Also, social studies connections can be made about elections and voting.  Motifs from this book are cooperation, teamwork, leadership, honest, community, good manners, and responsibility. 

Lesson Plan Extension Ideas & Activities for LaRue for Mayor

Compare/Contrast Worksheet on Cats vs. Dogs

Links to Lesson Plans on Elections & Voting

More Links to Lesson Plans on Elections & Voting

Your Vote Counts Lesson Plan

Honorable Mention

Marley (ages 5-10).   Using inspiration from his Marley & Me books, John Grogan has written two series of picture books on his energetic dog.  The first book I read was Bad Dog, Marley. I was put off with the constant “Bad Dog, Marley” repetition.  The end turned out happily though.  I was much more delighted with the other two stories: A Very Marley Christmas and Marley Goes to School.Marley’s character is a combination of a real dog and a fictional personified one.  There are times when he is just a normal puppy, like chasing a ball or cuddling up with his owners.  On the other hand, he is unrealistically portrayed (for humor and excitement) when he uses a copy machine or lets the mice out of their cages.  Thus, this series invites the discussion of fantasy vs. reality and the use of personification.  Also, check out Marley and the Kittens and the I Can Read Marley series.

An Odorous Mention

Walter, the Farting Dog.  I was shocked to see a series on a farting (a word I hate) dog.  On the other hand, I was curious about it.   I read two books in the series so far: Walter the Farting Dog: Banned from the Beach and Rough Weather Ahead for Walter the Farting Dog.  The stories are creative and, well, interesting (though I am not sure that is the right word—LOL). Some call it immature and vulgar while others find it humorous and entertaining.  Check it out to decide for yourself.  Other titles are: Walter the Farting Dog, Walter the Farting Dog Goes on Cruise, Walter the Farting Dog and the Windy Day, and Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale.