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. 

Poetry Friday: Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars (by Douglas Florian):

Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars (by Douglas Florian):

As with many of Florian’s other books, this space-themed collection incorporates science facts with the  rhyme, rhythm, and imagery of poetry.  The illustrations are a wonderful blend of painting, collage, text, and simple die cut shapes.  The collection begins with general poems about the universe and our solar system.  Next, each planet has its own poem.  Other space elements are covered, such as moon, comets, constellations, black holes, and the great beyond.   The “galactic glossary” explains in prose format, that both compliments and expands the poems, more about each of the objects. 

This collection is ideal for educators and parents teaching about the solar system.   Children get a fun introduction or reinforcement of facts.   They can be challenged to create their own space poems using information that an adult provided or that the children researched.  The illustrations could be used as a spring board for child-created painting/collage depictions of our solar system.   For other solar system books and activities, visit my Pinterest collection. 

“Venus”

Scalding-hot surface,

Nine hundred degrees.

Nothing can live there,

No creatures,

No tree.

Poisonous clouds

Of acid above.

Why was it named for

The goddess of love?

“The Comet”

Ice, rock, dirt,

Metal and gas—

Around the sun

A comet may pass.

A dirty snowball

Of space debris.

The biggest snowball

That you’ll ever see.

Check out other great poems and poetry anthologies at Random Noodling in honor of Poetry Friday.  

Pirate Nap (by Danna Smith)

Summary of Pirate Nap: A Book of Colors (by Danna Smith):

Two energetic and mischievous preschoolers attempt to avoid naptime.  Together, they experience a pirate adventure by imaginatively turning household objects into colorful pirate treasures and objects.  Eventually, their mother successfully corrals them into bed for a nap, but not before they “stash their treasures” and “stow their swords.”   The snappy rhyming text is sure to draw young readers. 

Another clue.  Blow me down!

A treasure chest!  Wooden. BROWN.

Pirate’s luck.  The treasure’s big.

Yo ho ho!  The pirates dig. 

Evaluation:

Author Danna Smith has created a fun rhyming adventure that effectively teaches the early learning concept of color identification while celebrating imaginative play.  The colors words are a natural part of the text.  The object in question is the focal point through brighter colors that contrast with more muted tones, position on the page, and/or the action of the story.  The color name is always bold and in the color in question, ideal for teaching youngsters visual recognition and allowing them to “read” along.   While color identification is taught, it is down in a more subtle way than most concept books.  The focus of the text and illustrations is on childhood play and nap time.

Artist Valeria Petrone does a wonderful job with the accompanying illustrations.  Her animated pictures add to the text rather than just mimic it.  For instance, the text states:  “Hear a scream.  What could it be?  A purple monster from the sea!”  The illustrations show a younger sister (dressed in purple) who has taken the necklace from her siblings and run off. 

Pirate Nap will quickly become a pre-naptime favorite.  I recommend the book for ages 3 months to 4 years old.

Picturebook Author Spotlight: Jan Thomas

I was so delighted with The Doghouse by Jan Thomas that I was inspired to check out her other books.  I find myself frequently revisiting and sharing them with others.   My local library recently added her latest book, prompting me to share some of my favorites with my fellow picturebook lovers on the blog-o-sphere.

Jan Thomas has a charming style which is both memorable and interactive.   Children (and adults) are drawn to the simple illustrations and reoccurring characters—animals and dust bunnies.  These characters are often emotionally charged with cheerful excitement or playful fear.  The simple vocabulary, rhyming words, and repetition are ideal for building early reading skills and for practicing early readers.  Her stories often have an ironic twist or humorous situations.   Best of all, the books make the readers and listeners feel like important participants in the story experience.  Check these books out on your next trip to the library or the bookstore. 

Rhyming Dust Bunnies

Four adorable dust bunnies—Ed, Ned, Ted, and Bob love to rhyme all the time!  While the other three are distracted with their exuberant rhyming game, Ed tries to warn them of impending danger.  Instead of listening to him, they correct him.  For instance, they inform him:   “No, Bob…’Look!’ does not rhyme with car!”  Even when he finally gets his whole message out (“Look out! Here comes a big scary monster with a broom!”), the others still do not understand…that is until they see it coming toward them!   They are not out of danger yet though.  Kids will want to rhyme right along with these original characters while enjoying the fun plot turns. 

Here Comes the Big, Mean Dust Bunny!

When the rhyming dust bunnies meet Big, Mean Dust Bunny, they ask him to join their rhyming game.  He declines.  They urge him on anyway.  The Big Mean Dust Bunny lives up to his name…he makes every rhyming round an opportunity to bully the others.  Until, the big fat cat “spats” him.  The others come to his aid (while maintaining their rhyming game), warming his heart and winning him over.  The end pages have a cute twist…and a possible clue for a sequel. 

What Will Fat Cat Sit On?

The book begins with the question, “Will Fat Cat sit on…the cow?”  The concerned cow replies, “Moo?”  The next page reveals, “No!  Fat Cat will not sit on Cow!”  The question continues in a similar fashion with each of the animals until the mouse helps find a solution.  With that resolved, the next question is, “What will Fat Cat have for lunch?”  This query prompts the animals to all flee.  I love the playful banter between the animals, the melodramatic looks, and the exaggerated suspense.  Children are sure to have a blast with this question and answer book. 

Can You Make a Scary Face?

A cheery ladybug invites readers/listeners to join in a game of pretend.  They are asked to imagine there is a tiny bug on their nose, in their mouth, and on their shirt (among other things).  When that pesky bug refuses to come off (even after a round of the chicken dance), the ladybug asks readers/listeners to pretend a giant hungry frog is coming to eat the pest.  An unexpected visitor arrives, so she pleas to the participants to make a scary face!   That scary face has a surprising outcome!  Not only does this book encourage interaction, it is sure to elicit giggles and grins.

Let’s Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy

Out on the prairie, the cowboy tells two cute little cows it is “Time to hit the hay.”  Looking sleepy and content, they listen as the cowboy sings:

It’s time

for little cows

to rest their head.

It’s time

for little cows

to go to bed.

It’s time

for little cows

to sleep so tight.

It’s time

for us to say…

On the next page, the cowboy shrieks, “Eeeeek!”  He sees a shadow and thinks it is a huge hairy spider.  The cows show him it is only a flower.  They try the lullaby again.  Each time, the cowboy becomes frightened by something that turns out to be nothing scary at all.  Until a big giant wolf shows up.  It is okay though.  He LOVES lullabies too.  They all sleep happily ever after.  Kids will love to read a long with this bedtime story, which reassures them there is nothing to fear.  

Martin de Porres: The Rose in the Desert (Gary D. Schmidt)

Summary of Martin de Porres: The Rose in the Desert (Gary D. Schmidt):

Martin de Porres was born with seemingly everything to his disadvantage.  He was the son of an African slave mother and a Spanish noble father, making Martin a mixed race child.  His early years were spent in extreme poverty.   Despite these economic and cultural obstacles, his mother called him “The Rose in the Desert.”  When he was eight years old, his father took him from the stink, cold, and hunger of the barrios.  He gave Martin and his sister his name—which was frowned upon by both the royals and the clergy.  Later, Martin was apprenticed out to become a healer and later came to live with the Dominican priests.  He overcame great racial and economic prejudice to become highly respected and sought after for his ability to heal and to show compassion to both people and animals, yet he always lived humbly among those he served until his death.

Evaluation:

Like most people, I love success stories.  Martin de Porres’ story is definitely such a story—but not at all in the typical sense.  He is not a man who overcomes to be rich and famous, but rather to remain poor and humble.  Through his work, he ministers to many and alleviates great suffering.  There are many recorded miracles attributed to him which led the church to eventually canonize him into the sainthood.   Whether you believe in miracles or not, Martin’s service and compassion for others stands as a testament to the greatest that humanity can achieve despite immense odds. 

Author Gary D. Schmidt records this story in beautiful poetic language.  For instance, I love the lines, “Hunger lived in their home.  Illness was their companion.”  This description aptly captures the oppressive nature of his early surroundings.  Another favorite section is:  “After thirteen years, every soul in Lima knew who Martin was:  Not a mongrel.  Not the son of a slave. ‘He is a rose in the desert,’ they said.”   In addition, artist David Diaz expertly illustrates the text.  I love the muted tones with splashes of color that captures the life and the culture of this beloved saint. 

While Martin de Porres: The Rose in the Desert is a story worthy of sharing for any occasion, it is noteworthy to include in a study of the Renaissance, South American/Spanish culture, and saints/religious figures.  Of course, it is a study of positive character qualities, such as perseverance, humbleness, and compassion.  I recommend this book for ages 7 and up.   

For other outstanding non-fiction selections, check out the Non-Fiction Monday round up at Wendie's Wanderings.  

Watsons Go to Birmingham (Christopher Paul Curtis)

Summary of The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 (by Christopher Paul Curtis):

Kenny and his family of “weird” Watsons live in Flint during the tumultuous civil rights era.  In their middle class, black community in Michigan, they are insulated from much of the tension and violence.  The novel focuses on their everyday lives and relationships, which ranges from humorous when Byron gets his tongue stuck to the car mirror during a winter storm to endearing as the family sits around listening to music on their new car record player to reflective as Kenny learns how to be a friend to the neighborhood newbies.  The family decides to take a trip down to Birmingham, Alabama to visit extended family.  During their stay, they experience a racial terrorist attack on a church in the community they are visiting. 

Evaluation: 

I had a fond recollection of this middle grade novel after reading it several years ago, but I had honestly forgotten how endearing the voice and timeless the story until I recently reread it.  Author Christopher Paul Curtis so beautifully captures the perspective of a 9 year old boy, Kenny.  He has an innocence about him that tempers the tragedy and tension, which is ideal for young readers.  Kenny, also, has a mischievous-side, bringing about much of the humor and lightness in the novel. 

I love the family dynamics.  There is sibling rivalry—particularly between Kenny and his older brother Byron--but it is clear the boys love each other.  Kenny looks up to his brother, known the “juvenile delinquent,” even though Byron often torments him.  Also, Byron saves Kenny physically and emotionally during the course of the story.  The parents have a strong, through not overbearing, presence in their children's lives.  The youngest child plays the smallest role in the action, mostly that of a tattle tale and conscious to the two older boys.  Each person, including the parents, is flawed, but ultimately, they all look out for each other and love each other. 

Kenny is often naive and immature in social situations.  Throughout the novel, he grows as a friend, family member, and person.  The most significant growth comes after their visit to Birmingham which causes him to face his own mortality as well as that of his younger sister and his community.  Back in Flint, it takes him several weeks to go though a healing and mourning process.  Just as everything is not clear and neatly tied up in life, so is Kenny still left with some uncertainty even has he moves forward with hope. 

The author does an excellent job with the historical time period and tragic bombing.  Much of the oppressive and dangerous backdrop is understated, which works well for the child perspective and reader.  At the same time, the events are ideal for discussions on recent tragedies and dangers that young readers are familiar with (or may even have some first hand experience). 

Christopher Paul Curtis is an impressive and memorable writer.   He has two other middle grade novels that tackle issues that are unique to the African-American culture while transcending it with characters and experiences that are universal (Bud, Not Buddy and Elijah of Buxton).  All three books have been awarded the Newbery or Newbery Honor award, which is quite an impressive feat.  In addition, he has published a couple middle grade mysteries.  I had the pleasure of hearing him speak and meeting him at a conference.  He was warm and friendly as he met his many fans as well as entertaining and engaging as a speaker--all qualities that come through his writing.  For any middle grader reader or fan, he is a must read! 

I recommend The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 for ages 9 and up.  It is also ideal for classroom and home schooling curriculums because of the outstanding characterization, excellent literary qualities, and connections to a pivotal historical era.

Teaching Opportunities:

• History:  read during a unit study on the 1960’s and/or civil rights movement
• Music:  Kenny has a favorite song he loves to listen to over and over again; play it and discuss why he might be so drawn to it; then, listen to other popular songs of the era and discuss
• Biography:  read about famous civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks
• Compare/Contrast:  discuss similarities and differences in Kenny’s life and that of contemporary middle graders
• Character Education: discuss the qualities of a good friend; apply the list to Kenny to evaluate if he would be  a good friend and to selves
• Similes and Metaphors:  have the students pick a character or conflict in the book; next, ask them to pick an animal or thing to describe the person or conflict and explain why they chose it; write similes and metaphors using the animals or things
• Picturebook Literature:  read other experiences during this historical era such as Ruth and the Green Book, Back of the Bus, Grandma's Pride, When Grandma Sings, and Goin' Someplace Special. 

Visit Shannon Messenger, the hostess of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, for other great middle fictions.

Delirium (by Lauren Oliver)

Summary of Delirium (by Lauren Oliver):

Lena Haloway is content in the government-managed society she lives in.   The reality that everything is neatly laid out for her—career, husband, life—makes her look forward to her “cure” and the future.   Despite the tragedy of her mother’s suicide and the whispers of the “invalid” community, Lena believes the government knows what is best for its people.   As she dabbles in investigating the forbidden parts of society, she begins to realize the government and the cure are not really about her best interests.  Instead, she will seal for herself a future that is grey and dreary—if she submits.   Lena realizes it is better to love and to live—even if it means feelings of pain and loss.  She must make an important, and possibility dangerous, decision before it is too late. 

Evaluation:

I have seen the Delirium series and Lauren Oliver on many favorites’ lists.  I took the plunge and began reading Delirium at the beginning of the week…I could not put it down.  I was enraptured in the plot immediately!  Ms. Oliver’s language is often poetic.  Her storytelling keeps a steady pace, each new event driving me to find out what will happen to Lena, Hana (her best friend), and Alex (her first love). 

The characterization is well done.  One of my favorite parts is the relationship between Lena and Hana.  There is an innocence in their friendship as they savor the last days of their youth and life with emotions.  They are fiercely loyal and devoted to each other.  Lena starts off as an obedient, though internally conflicted, protagonist.  As the story progresses, she grows bold, confident, and independent—willing to risk everything for truth, freedom, and love.  Alex is protective, loving, and strong.  They appear to be a good, healthy match.    

Since they are living in an oppressive society, it is natural to cheer them on as they defy social and government expectations.  On the other hand, I always feel a sense of conflict as teens’ rebel in novels.  I realize a certain amount of stepping out from parents is healthy and necessary, but I don’t believe it has to be under of cloud of deception and rebellion.  Lena lies and sneaks around a lot--though it is understandable to a degree in her extremely rigid society because there is no other recourse, ever.  I hope young adult readers will not view their own seemingly “oppressive” lives as an excuse to do the same.  This story (like other dystopian novels) should be a cautionary tale of allowing the government too much control over our lives.  Hopefully, it will prod young people to seek out representatives that fight for individual autonomy rather than government control--no matter how enticing the freebies may seem.

There are, also, a handful of profanities and some mild sexual content.  For instance, a scene is briefly described where Alex gazes at Lena with no shirt on.  They also have a night alone sleeping together.  Lena does not feel ready for sex. Alex respects her decision with grace.  Of course, there are many references to kissing.   

The novel prompted me to think about the age-old dilemma of emotion vs. reason.   I think we are so drawn to emotions as humans because they, along with their cohorts passion and  love, are not something we can readily control.  Sometimes we don't want to.  Other times we want or need to, but feel we cannot.  This situation could spur a lively discussion on the role of passion and emotions as well as reason and control in our lives.

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed this dystopian novel.  I have the next one, Pandemonium, on reserve.  I look forward to reading the other books in the series.  I recommend Delirium for ages 14 and up.