Realistic Fiction: The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Green, John. (2012). The Fault In Our Stars. New York, NY: Dutton Books. ISBN 9781101569184

Summary

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green follows the teenage life of Hazel Lancaster, a sixteen year old fighting stage IV thyroid cancer. Hazel meets Augustus Waters, a handsome seventeen year old, at a cancer support group for people ages 12 to 18. Augustus and Hazel experience friendship, heartache, romance, disappointment, survival, and hope in this heart-wrenching, yet, endearing tale of true love and finding oneself.

Analysis

The Fault In Our Stars takes place in Indianapolis, Indiana and mentions real locations throughout the city, making the story more authentic to the reader. Descriptions provided of churches, homes, and hospitals are vivid, giving the reader an opportunity for realistic visualizations. The story takes us on many a roller coaster ride, with emotions teetering between excitement and frustration, tears rolling from sad to happy.  More than one climactic moment occurs, keeping the reader glued with every page turn.  

Hazel, the protagonist, is a bit of a homebody at the beginning of the story. After meeting special friends like Augustus and Isaac in the support group, she evolves into a well-rounded sixteen year old, finally finding herself among her friends and loved ones. Augustus, who becomes Hazel’s boyfriend, brings out the best in many characters. Augustus’ feelings and actions remain stagnant throughout the story, even when his circumstances change. Parents and friends of Hazel and Augustus play important roles in shaping who they are and who they become.

The most effective aspect of this book is the realness provided by the characters through Green’s exquisite writing. Throughout her struggle, Hazel talks of “cancer perks” but also recognizes the effects her illness has on others, whether it’s her parents, friends, or outsiders.  The story covers the actuality of a teenager’s life from home life to friendship to romance, yet it portrays their lives in a different light because of the sicknesses the majority of the characters face. Many times, the characters refer to things as being “side effects” whether it is to cancer, life, or death. They recognize the difficulties they face with their diseases, yet they provide us with realistic accounts of what happens in a teenager’s life, from the dynamics of friendships changing to the heartache that comes along with a break-up. Because of Green’s realistic writing, the reader can’t help but feel for each character and the struggles and triumphs they endure each day.

Dialogue between the characters is natural and mostly believable. There are points where the language used by the characters seems unrealistic, a little too advanced for sixteen and seventeen year olds, but Green’s writing reminds us of how insightful they are. Phrases like “the world is not a wish-granting factory” are repeated throughout the story. This repetitive language emphasizes the longing they have for a “normal” life. Regardless of the both triumphant and sorrowful events,   the story teaches the reader that love can get someone through the toughest of times, that there’s more to someone than just their “cancer story”, and that “grief does not change you, it reveals you.”

Personal Response

I was able to make personal connections with the setting. As previously mentioned, the book takes place in Indianapolis, where much of my family lives. Hazel talks of going to the Castleton Mall, a shopping center where my own sister works, and Broad Ripple, an area of town where a cousin of mine resides. Being able to picture these actual locations made the story all the more real to me.

Immediately after finishing the book, I felt very disheartened. I couldn’t help but feel guilty for my health that I’ve been so lucky to have. Even though these are fictional characters, I felt as if they were my friends experiencing these life changing diseases. After a few days of reflection, I was able to appreciate the literature for its realism and feel less depressed. Regardless of my sad feelings, I would highly recommend this book to others, but I’d advise them to read it with a box of Kleenex!

Reviews and Awards

Booklist starred 01/01/12

Horn Book starred 03/01/12

Kirkus Reviews starred 01/15/12

Library Media Connection starred 08/01/12

“Beautifully conceived and executed, this story artfully examines the largest possible considerations—life, love, and death—with sensitivity, intelligence, honesty, and integrity. In the process, Green shows his readers what it is like to live with cancer, sometimes no more than a breath or a heartbeat away from death. But it is life that Green spiritedly celebrates here, even while acknowledging its pain. In its every aspect, this novel is a triumph.”- Booklist

“Intelligent vocabulary, generous references to literature, and witty cultural commentary make this a delight to read and a refreshing, sophisticated addition to the field of YA literature.”- Library Media Connection

“Green seamlessly bridges the gap between the present and the existential, and readers will need more than one box of tissues to make it through Hazel and Gus' poignant journey.” –Kirkus Reviews

Connections

John Green has written several books for young adult readers. His work lends itself well to an author study.

Looking for Alaska

An Abundance of Katherines

Paper Towns

Will Grayson

There may be students within a school or nearby who are facing the same realities as the characters in the story. Cancer fighters and survivors could be invited to share their experiences with students in the school. 

Fantasy: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Stead, Rebecca. (2009). When You Reach Me. New York, Random House, Inc. ISBN 9780385737425

Summary

When You Reach Me is the tale of Miranda, a twelve year old in New York who receives mysterious letters from an unknown person from the future. As time passes and more letters arrive, Miranda loses touch with her friend Sal, harvests new friendships with Annemarie and Colin, and helps her mom practice for her appearance on “The $20,000 Pyramid”.

Analysis

When You Reach Me is set in New York City in the 1970’s. The apartment in which Miranda and her mother lived is often described as dilapidated, something that a poor, single mother and child would often experience. Miranda and her friends are very aware of their surroundings. References to the dangerous nature of the New York streets help the reader visualize the locations described. Many things take place on the corner of Amsterdam Avenue, a significant location in the story. Jimmy’s sandwich shop also plays an important role in the story.

Each character plays a very special role in the story. Our protagonist, Miranda, is an optimistic child who gives anyone a chance. She’s heartbroken when her best friend, Sal, stops speaking to her, only to learn later that he just wanted time to make more friends. In their time apart, Miranda herself makes new friends, Annemarie and Colin. Her dislike for Julia, a somewhat dislikeable character in the story, changes when she sees the longing for an old friend in Julia’s eyes, something Miranda understands. Proof that she will befriend anyone, Miranda spends some time with Marcus, a boy who unexpectedly punches Sal. She also gives the crazy “laughing man” on the corner a chance. Miranda also has endearing relationships with her mother’s boyfriend, Richard, and a girl at school named Alice who has peculiar bathroom needs.

The plot follows an interesting path. Through most of the story, the events are realistic, making it hard to grasp the idea of it being a science fiction novel. Once the letters begin to appear as if from the future, the sci-fi notion is easier for the reader to understand. The climax blows the reader away, making odd connections to events that happened throughout the entire story and tying unexpected characters together.

Miranda never gives up on her feelings about time travel, even when challenged by other characters. Their beliefs help the reader feel as if this truly could happen. Stead’s quirky writing makes the reader feel as if time travel is truly possible. Her words also make us cheer for Miranda during her triumphs and tribulations.

Miranda’s perseverance is eminent in many aspects of her life…through maintaining friendships, supporting family, and searching to find the truth to the mysterious letters. Themes of friendship and independence are also present.

Personal Response

                                                 

Because of the mostly realistic nature of the story, I had difficulties following. When the story reached the climax, I found myself looking back toward the beginning of the story, piecing together every bit of the puzzle. Although it is sometimes confusing, the endearing story would be a great read for students who are into mysterious, eventful novels.

Reviews and Awards

2010 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children's Literature Winner
2010 John Newbery Medal Winner

“Charmingly eccentric and impossible to categorize, this middle grade novel pays homage to Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time while employing many of that book's elements as it crisscrosses the boundaries between reality and fantasy, time travel and mystery.” –Uma Krishnaswami, Children's Literature

“Some might guess at the baffling, heart-pounding conclusion, but when all the sidewalk characters from Miranda's Manhattan world converge amid mind-blowing revelations and cunning details, teen readers will circle back to the beginning and say, "Wow...cool." – Kirkus Reviews

“The story's revelations are startling and satisfying but quietly made. Their reverberations give plenty of impetus for readers to go back and catch what was missed.” –Horn Book Starred

Connections

The science fiction nature of When You Reach Me stems from the time travel involved in the story. Students can be inspired to write their own tale of time travel, only they need to travel not for the benefit of themselves, but for someone else’s well being. It can be totally fictional or based on one of their own life events.

Rebecca Stead’s writing in When You Reach Me is very endearing. Students can fall in love with more of her characters by reading another one of her books:

                First Light

                Liar and Spy

Fantasy/Graphic Novel: Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett Krosoczka

Krosoczka, Jarrett J. (2009). Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute. New York: Random House, Inc. ISBN 9780375946837

Summary                                           

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute is a fanciful graphic novel illustrating the secret identity of the school lunch lady. When substitutes begin showing up at school, creating unreasonable assignments for students, the Lunch Lady digs deep to find out what’s really going on. Students named Hector, Dee, and Terrence secretly follow the Lunch Lady in hopes of finding out more about her. They learn of her secret identity and witness her heroic efforts to save the students from the evil cyborg substitutes.

Analysis

This Lunch Lady tale appropriately takes place in a school. Regular facets of a school are included, however, there is a special boiler room where the Lunch Lady and her friend and sidekick, Betty, develop their ideas and contraptions.

Characters are comical and fit the typical good vs. evil nature of comic books. Hector, Dee, and Terrence are curious schoolchildren who are fascinated by their lunch lady. Lunch Lady herself is a hilarious character, fighting crime with kitchen gadgets and puns. The cyborg, Mr. Pasteur, plays a wonderfully despised substitute, and Mr. Edison, the trickster teacher, fits the villain position well.

The story takes us through a typical plot line. After learning about the characters in the introduction, our rising action develops when the students seek information about the Lunch Lady, while Lunch Lady seeks information about Mr. Pasteur. The climax arrives when Lunch Lady discovers that Pasteur is really a cyborg developed by Mr. Edison in an effort to win Teacher of the Year. Lunch Lady destroys the cyborgs. In the falling action, normalcy is restored in the school. In the end, however, jailbird Edison has a visitor that is “ready for their next assignment”, enticing readers to move on to the next Lunch Lady book.

Krosoczka’s style of writing is kid and adult friendly. His “punny” writing entertains the reader and keeps the story focused on the fact that she works in a school cafeteria. Lunch Lady uses a lunch tray laptop, spork phone, and spatu-copter to help research her nemesis and plan her attack. Her chosen weaponry is chicken nugget bombs and fish stick nunchucks. She uses expressions like, “I’m on him like cheese on macaroni!” and “It looks like today’s special is a knuckle sandwich!”. Throughout Lunch Lady’s hilarious story line, themes of good versus evil emerge.

A final important feature of the graphic novel is the illustrations. Not every illustration is supplemented with words, so Krosoczka’s unique drawings help tell the story. Each page is colored mostly in grayscale, with touches of yellow to enhance various parts of the illustrations.

Personal Response

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute is a fun graphic novel. I can understand why students are so enthralled with not only Krosoczka’s hysterical stories, but graphic novels in general. These books are a great way to hook reluctant readers, especially boys!

Reviews and Awards

2010 Children’s Choice Award Winner

“With plenty of silliness and slapstick in the text and panel art alike, this comic should alleviate lunch-line boredom with visions of servers wielding fishstick-nunchucks and growling, "Today's special is a knuckle sandwich." – Publisher’s Weekly

“This tongue-in-cheek superheroine graphic novel will hit the spot for chapter-book readers.” -Booklist

Connections

Students can chose another important adult in the school (i.e. librarian, principal, custodian) and create an alter ego for them. They can create their own comic book adventure for their chosen character.

Jarrett Krosoczka provides wonderful presentations to students about following your dreams and never giving up. A librarian can invite him to share his stories of struggles and triumphs while evolving into an extraordinary author/illustrator. Information for school visits is available at http://www.studiojjk.com/schoolvisits.html

Historical Fiction: The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages

Klages, Ellen. (2006). The Green Glass Sea. New York, NY: Penguin Young Readers. ISBN067061344

Summary

The Green Glass Sea is a touching tale of Dewey Kerrigan, the daughter of a scientist working with the Manhattan Project. Dewey leads an interesting life as a motherless child living in a top secret military operation... developing her own gadgets and gizmos, taking a big interest in radios, and, due to government needs and a tragic accident, learns to live life without her father. Living with a classmate who doesn’t particularly like her, Dewey experiences loneliness, loss, new friendship, and new excitements as the “gadget” is created and tested in Los Alamos.

Analysis

The story takes place in Los Alamos, New Mexico, the actual location of the Manhattan Project. Klages vividly illustrates “the Hill” through the descriptions of the housing, the high security, the dump, the nothingness of the surrounding areas, and finally, Trinity, the location of the first test of the atomic bomb. The novel is sectioned by year to depict the passage of time, while keeping dates relevant to historical events. The reader is kept on the edge of their seat throughout the entire story, wondering how long Dewey and her father will be separated, as well as the excitement building as the gadget gets closer and closer to being finished and tested.

Each character has a very special place in The Green Glass Sea. The reader can’t help but feel for Dewey as she experiences one difficulty after another…moving in with a grouchy neighbor due to her nana’s stroke, unexpectedly moving to a brand new place in the world, experiencing torment from other kids, and the loss of her father. The reader also grows with Suze, another child the same age as Dewey.  Suze tends to intimidate others but deep down, has good intentions. When Dewey’s father has to leave and, unbeknownst to them at the time, will never return, Dewey moves in with Suze’s family. The girls’ relationship begins with animosity, but later, develops into a well rounded friendship. Both girls are dynamic characters, changing with the celebrations and tragedies experienced in the story. All adults referenced have great importance, but emphasis is placed on their absences due to their influence on the “gadget”.

Numbers, Greek letters, and the importance of family are all emphasized throughout the book. Dewey often refers to her special connection with her father and his love of numbers and math, particularly when we learn that her birth name is Duodecima, the Latin word for twelve. After the news of her father’s tragic death, Dewey keeps her focus on numbers, because “numbers don’t change. Numbers don’t leave. Numbers don’t die.” Suze takes an interest in Greek letters. After learning about them from her parents, Suze uses Greek letters throughout her artwork and also as a secret language in her new friendship with Dewey. Finally, the reader feels tremendous pain for Dewey when she loses her father. She learns, however, that blood related or not, family will always take care of you.

Klages writes with clear passion about the project, linking Dewey’s fascination with gadgets to the actual military operation evolving. The descriptions of ID badges, secret addresses, and messages written in code help the reader sympathize with the hardships that come with living on government property and working within top secret organizations.

The inclusion of real historical figures such as Adolf Hitler and Franklin Roosevelt combined with trips to real locations, like the visit to Trinity after the test, establish authenticity of the historical fiction element to The Green Glass Sea. In her author’s note, Klages informs the reader of the real and fictional aspects of the story, and also includes references to World War II information.

Personal Response

The Green Glass Sea began slowly in my opinion, but once Dewey’s father was back in Washington, I felt as if I couldn’t put the book down. My heart broke for Dewey many times, but I also knew that, as a strong character, she would overcome each setback. I would highly recommend the book to other readers.

Awards and Reviews

A 2007 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction Winner

A 2007 Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children’s Literature Winner

“The characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history classes.” –John Green, Booklist

“If the book is a little slow-moving at times, the author provides much insight into the controversies surrounding the making of the bomb and brings to life the tensions of war experienced by adults and children alike.”” –Publishers Weekly

Connections

This novel lends itself to many curriculum connections. Students can research more information about the Manhattan Project, the Trinity Test, or World War II in general.

Related books:

Sheinkin, Steve. (2012). Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon.

New York, NY: Flash Point. ISBN 9781596434875. 

Historical Fiction: The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman

Cushman, Karen. (1994). The Midwife's Apprentice. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395692296

Summary

               

                The Midwife’s Apprentice is a touching tale of a young, homeless girl who is taken in by a village midwife. Found sleeping in a pile of dung for warmth, the child only known as Brat is taught the ways of the strict midwife, Jane. Brat is known to Jane as Beetle, but renames herself Alyce after being mistaken for another person. Alyce works hard and does what she can to help others, but severely lacks confidence. Fear of failure overwhelms Alyce, causing her to perform poorly while a woman is birthing a child. Ashamed of her misfortune, Alyce runs away and, over time, builds her confidence to become what the midwife wanted in an apprentice, a strong and determined young woman.

Analysis

                Although she is meek and unsure of herself, Alyce is a very strong, dynamic character. The reader can’t help but feel heartbroken for her as she speaks of “[dreaming] of nothing, [hoping] for nothing, and [expecting] nothing”. She is unfamiliar with family, prayers, songs, or kind words, until unlikely friends guide her to be compassionate. The midwife’s high expectations and harsh words cause Alyce to cower under pressure, losing any bit of confidence she may have had and running off to a new place of work and home. Her dynamic nature is displayed when she delivers a baby without fear or hesitation, stands up to the midwife and proves her newfound perseverance.

                Set in medieval England, The Midwife’s Apprentice storyline is reflective of the time. The setting is an integral part of the story and the history is presented accurately. The lack of medicinal knowledge and the use of potions and various herbs in childbirth helps the reader gather what life was like as a midwife during these times, as doctors were not prevalent. The reader is taken through a traditional plot line as we learn about Alyce’s fate from a somber beginning to a climactic ending.

                A strong theme of perseverance and determination is present throughout the story. As Alyce grows into a confident young woman, she realizes that “from someone who had no place in the world, she had suddenly become someone with a surfeit of places”. Static characters note the change, wanting her to remain a part of their lives.

                Cushman’s use of language is reflective of the time period in which the story is set. While a young reader may find the language confusing and difficult to relate to, the words and voice are very powerful.  The story is told in a third-person perspective, but the feelings omitted by Alyce, as well as all the other characters, are easily interpreted.

                In an author’s note at the end of the book, Cushman proves her credibility with facts about midwifery, mostly during the medieval age. She makes connections to current times, making it easier for the reader to understand the differences between then and now. Based on the facts provided in the author’s note, the historical events in the story prove to be very authentic.

Personal Response

                I think The Midwife’s Apprentice is a wonderful historical fiction novel. It takes the reader very far into history, a time that young students may not be familiar with. The attitudes and language may be difficult for students to understand, and the content can be a bit much at times with birth descriptions and a topless female on an available cover art, however, the book would  be well suited for a mature young adult fan of historical fiction.

Awards and Reviews

A 1996 John Newbery Medal Winner

“Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone.” –Hazel Rochman, Booklist

ALA Notable Children’s Books, 1996

Booklist starred, 1995

School Library Journal starred, 1995

Horn Book starred

Connections

Karen Cushman’s novels lend themselves well to either an author study or a historical fiction genre study. Teachers and librarians can consider reading the following texts by Cushman:

Catherine, Called Birdy. (1994)

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple.(1994)

Matilda Bone. (2000)

Will Sparrow’s Road. (2012)

Historical Fiction: Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

Holm, Jennifer L. (2010). Turtle In Paradise. New York: Random House. ISBN 9780375836886

Summary

                Turtle in Paradise is the story of a spunky eleven year old girl living during the Great Depression. In an effort to find a job, Turtle’s mother takes a housekeeping job with an elderly woman who does not allow children in her home. Due to these rules, Turtle is forced to move to Key West, Florida to live with her aunt and four boy cousins, none of whom she had ever met. During this time, Turtle experiences many new things…traveling from house to house with her “diaper gang” cousins, meeting and building a relationship with her grandmother, seeking buried treasure, and surviving a hurricane.

Analysis

                Turtle in Paradise is a wonderful historical fiction read. The characters are very realistic and easily understood. Opposite from her mother, Turtle makes it clear that she lives a no-nonsense life when she says “Mama has soft blue eyes and all she sees are kittens and roses. My eyes are gray as soot, and I see things for what they are.” With this notion, the reader understands that Turtle is one tough eleven year old, while her mother lives in a Hollywood-themed fantasyland. Her cousins are made out to be exactly what one may picture young boys in the thirties to be…tough, a little messy, and downright mean. They do, however, come around and watch out for each other, and even for Turtle.

                The plot follows the traditional fiction format, however, significant historical events are included to enhance the story. In this case, several references are made to Shirley Temple and Little Orphan Annie. The struggles the adults endure are reflective of what really went on during the Great Depression. Finally, the climax of the story takes place during the “Labor Day Hurricane”, an actual significant moment in Key West history.  With all of these features included in the story, Turtle In Paradise is appropriately set. Holm did a wonderful job of incorporating significant people, events, and characteristics into her setting of Key West.

The story has an overarching theme of family and knowing where one comes from. Although Turtle is hesitant to live her new life in Florida, she is able to “come out of her shell” and grow as a person, thanks to the help of her family. Even her mother’s idealistic thoughts transform Turtle’s personality and appreciation for relatives. The ending, although momentarily heartbreaking, brings everyone together, once again, displaying the importance of family. 

                Throughout the entire story, Holm uses wonderful voice, making it easy for the reader to visualize exactly what life was like for Turtle and her family. The story is told from a first-person perspective, giving us a clear understanding of Turtle’s thoughts. The incorporation of Key West lingo makes for a very fun read. The reader learns new meaning to words like conch, which not only refers to a type of seashell, but also refers to a resident of the Florida Keys. When Turtle asks a local why everyone has strange nicknames like Pork Chop or Slow Poke, he refers to it as “the Key West way”.

                Following the story, Holm includes an author’s note that gives accurate information about the real time, location, and people involved in the story. She notes that Turtle in Paradise was inspired by her great-grandmother’s experiences in the Florida Keys. She includes real pictures to add to the authenticity of her research. She also includes a bibliographic listing of her resources, proving that the story is credible. Although the characters aren’t entirely real, the book itself is an accurate depiction of what life would be like for a child like Turtle in the 1930s.

Personal Response

                I absolutely loved Turtle in Paradise. Turtle’s thoughts were much more realistic than her mother’s, which made my heart ache for her with her lack of a carefree childhood. Holm did an excellent job of making the history come alive through her tale, creating a historical fiction piece that is sure to be loved by many readers.

Reviews and Awards

A 2011 Golden Kite Award Winner

A 2011 John Newbery Medal Honor Book

“Holm's voice for Turtle is winning and authentic that of a practical, clear-eyed observer and her nimble way with dialogue creates laugh-out-loud moments.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Infused with period pop culture references, a strong sense of place, and the unique traditions and culture of Key West natives, this humorous adventure effectively portrays Turtle as caught between her mother’s Hollywood-inspired dreams and the very real family and geography that offer a different kind of paradise.“- Publisher's Weekly

Connections

Many historical events are present throughout this book. After reading the novel, students can choose one of the significant events to research, such as the Great Depression or the Labor Day Hurricane. Students can also research more about daily life in the Keys in the 1930s.

Another historical fiction novel by Jennifer Holm:

Holm, Jennifer L. (2007). Penny From Heaven. New York, NT: Yearling. ISBN 978-0375836893

Informational Books: The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) by Barbara Kerley

Kerley, Barbara. 2010. The Extraordinary Life of Mark Twain According to Susy. Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780545125086

Summary

The Extraordinary Life of Mark Twain (According to Susy) is an out-of-the-ordinary biography of Mark Twain written from the perspective of his thirteen year old daughter, Susy.  In a biography of her own, Susy notes her father’s quirks and habits. She records bits of his early years, including his childhood and days of courting her mother. She also reveals his work habits and his narcissistic ways. Susy lovingly writes of her father and explains that people were “just plain wrong about [him]”.

Analysis

The Extraordinary Mark Twain is written as an informational picture book biography. There is a clear sequence to the story as it takes the reader through various aspects of Twain’s life from his daughter’s perceptions. Although there are no typical features of nonfiction, readers are given many facts about the humorous writer.

 Illustrator Edwin Fotheringham arranged his work in digital media, highlighting various features of the text with his creative illustrations. Every few pages, there is a small insert titled “journal” on the outside, which opens to Susy’s biography. This insert is typed in a handwriting font and displays some peculiar misspellings, similar to those of an average thirteen year old.

With enticing writing and lively illustrations, the reader can become transfixed in the life of Mark Twain. Information is presented in a literary nonfiction format, making it more appealing to the reluctant nonfiction reader. Information presented is relevant to the storyline, keeping the reader from being totally engulfed in Twain trivia.

Following the story is an author’s note describing Kerley’s knowledge of and interest in writing about Twain and Susy. Kerley also includes a guide for writing a biography, a timeline of Twain’s life, and an extensive list of sources, proving the book’s credibility. The source list is conveniently organized by the book’s chronology.

Personal Response

At first read, I had a difficult time following, jumping back and forth between story and journal entry. After rereading the story alone, then the journal entries alone, I was able to enjoy the story much more. I think that after reading this piece, a student may become more interested in the life and literature of Mark Twain. An interesting take on a biography, The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) would be a great resource for upper elementary students when learning about biographies.

Reviews and Awards

A 2011 Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Recommended Book

A 2010 Cybil Award Winner

“A heartwarming tribute to both the writing life in general and the well-loved humorist--oops, sorry Susy... ‘Pholosopher!’" –Kikus Reviews

"Kerley and Fotheringham again craft a masterfully perceptive and largely visual biography, this time about the iconnic 19th-century American writer." -School Library Journal

Connections

Students can compare the work of Kerley and Fotheringham to their first piece, What to Do About Alice.

Upper elementary/middle school students can read the works of Mark Twain, including Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.