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.  

Informational Books: Biggest, Strongest, Fastest by Steve Jenkins

Jenkins, Steve. 1995. Biggest, Strongest, Fastest. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. ISBN 9780547255576

Summary

Biggest, Strongest, Fastest is a nonfiction text that illustrates and explains superlatives in our world, the biggest, strongest, and fastest creatures. From blue whales to Etruscan shrews, cheetahs to land snails, this book give the curious mind some insight into fourteen creatures that can be found in our world.

Analysis

After visiting his website (www.stevejenkinsbooks.com), a reader can understand Steve Jenkins’ love for science. As kin of a physics professor and astronomer, Jenkins grew up loving science. While the book does not have bibliographic data, the reader can see that accuracy was key in creating this book. Jenkins displays his credibility through the straight forward text and the realistic illustrations.

Jenkins organizes his text based on the various records the animals hold. He devotes two pages to almost every creature included. The animals are not listed in any particular order. Each page begins with the name of the animal, followed by the record held.  A more specific fact associated with the record is included, as well as a small illustration that displays the animal’s size in relation to a human or a hand, making it easy for the reader to grasp the creature’s actual size. An appendix referencing each animal’s record, size, diet, and range is included in the back of the book.  

Jenkins’ illustrations are a cut-paper collage, created to be as realistic as possible.  These appealing images grasp the reader from the start and aid in understanding what each animal is like.  The illustration of the bird spider is so remarkable that the reader could almost feel the softness of the sinister legs.

According to his website, Jenkins’ inspiration for the book was his son’s inquisitiveness over which animals were the biggest, strongest, and fastest. The curiosity led to the development of this child-friendly, nonfiction concept book. The reader is given exactly what they need to understand the records held and is not overwhelmed with information about the animal. The book exquisitely conveys Jenkins’ passion for both art and science.  

Personal Response

Biggest, Strongest, Fastest is a great nonfiction piece. I found the facts and illustrations both fascinating and informative. Since it does not overwhelm the reader with facts upon facts, it would make a great piece for an introductory lesson on nonfiction text, enticing more informational book readers.

Reviews

“From the streaking cheetah on the cover to the tiny Etruscan shrew sitting on a teaspoon, readers see the animal and learn salient facts plus a few more delicious tidbits. Cleverly done and sure to appeal to both the littlest and biggest of readers.” –Marilyn Courtot, Children’s Literature

“Here's proof that power isn't just about size and that science can be a lot of fun.” -Booklist

Connection

After reading Biggest, Strongest, Fastest, students can research an animal of their choice and write and illustrate one interesting fact about the animal. Each student can contribute their animal and illustration into a class book.

Steve Jenkins' books would lend themselves well to an author study. With over 30 published books regarding science, students are able to learn many new interesting facts and see Jenkins’ noteworthy illustrations across many topics.  

Informational Books: Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

Sweet, Melissa. 2011.  Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade. New York: Houghton Mifflin Book for Children. ISBN 9780329926298

Summary

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade is an eye-catching, enjoyable story of the life of Tony Sarg. Author and Illustrator, Melissa Sweet, takes us on the journey of Sarg’s love of making things move, from pulleys in his bedroom for feeding the chickens, to whimsical marionettes, to the brilliant marionette-like balloons that are feature each year at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Sarg’s talent is brought to life through Sweet’s enchanting illustrations and storytelling.

Analysis

Balloons Over Broadway is an informational text written as a picture book biography. The sequence of events is logical, as Sweet shares Tony Sarg’s life as a puppeteer from childhood to adulthood.  The main focus of the story is his work with Macy’s Department Store. This includes his designs in their window displays, the first set of large balloons for the parade, and the improved marionette-like balloons that are still used today.

These events are spelled out in Sweet’s superb writing, which thoroughly explains Sarg’s ideas in a young reader-friendly format. Key vocabulary is defined in context. Typical features of nonfiction, such as subheadings and indexes, are not included due to the literary nonfiction format of the story. Important information about his life as a puppeteer is conveyed well and does not overwhelm the reader.

Balloons Over Broadway is eye-catching from the start. Sweet’s mixed media illustrations include watercolor pictures and collages made from papier-mâché, found objects, and fabrics. Some of Sarg’s illustrations from his work, The Tony Sarg Marionette Book, are included as primary sources, as well as advertisements and articles from the New York Times.  In an author’s note following the story, Sweet explains her illustrations were created to give the reader the feel of what life was like in Sarg’s world. Sweet hit the nail on the head with her attempt to illustrate his philosophy that “play [is] the most important element in making art” (Sweet 2011).

The combination of Sarg-inspired illustrations and bibliographic information shows Sweet’s passion for this particular topic. More information about Tony Sarg is included in her author’s note. A Thank You page credits those who helped in assembling the facts for the book. Eighteen sources are included in her bibliography, as well as four different quote sources. Photos hail from the Nantucket Historical Association, and original advertisements in the New York Times were provided by Macy’s Inc.

Personal Response

I found each page of this text fascinating. I learned much about Tony Sarg and how the Macy’s Parade originated. Having had the opportunity to participate in the parade, I found this text especially interesting. I would highly recommend this book for nonfiction lessons.

Awards and Reviews

A 2012 Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Winner
A 2012 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal Winner

A 2012 Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner

“What [Sweet] has done is make a joyous piece of nonfiction that informs and delights in equal parts.” -Ilene Cooper, Booklist

“This clever marriage of information and illustration soars high.”- Kirkus Reviews

“The rush that comes from inspiration, the cliffhanger moments of creation, the sheer joy of building something and watching it delight the multitudes-Sweet captures it all in what is truly a story for all ages.” –Publisher’s Weekly

Connections

Further research and entertainment regarding the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade can be conducted using the following books:

Corey, Shana. 2002. Milly and the Macy’s Parade. Ill. by Brett Helquist. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439297554

Grippo, Robert M. and Christopher Hoskins.  2004. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 9780738535623

Pease, Pamela. 2002. Macy’s on Parade: A Pop-Up Celebration of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Chapel Hill, NC: Paintbox Press. ISBN 9780966943320

Book Trailer: Turtle In Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

Poetry: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Applegate, Katherine. 2012. The One and Only Ivan. Ill. by Patricia Castelao. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 9780061992254

Summary

Ivan is a silverback gorilla and the main attraction at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. The natural instinct for a silverback is to protect, but Ivan has no one to protect, as he lives in a domain all to himself. That is until Ruby, a young, innocent elephant comes to live at the attraction. Ivan makes a promise to a friend to find a better life for Ruby. With the help of Julia, the maintenance man’s daughter, and the motivation from a fearless stray dog named Bob, Ivan uses his passion for art to build a better life for himself and for Ruby.

Analysis

Written as a free verse novel, The One and Only Ivan is an epic narrative formulated around a true story that took place in Washington state. While no rhyming or rhythmic patterns are detected, emotion flows freely from Applegate’s remarkable language.

The few illustrations included in the novel are filled with powerful emotions. Illustrator Patricia Castelao creatively shows exactly what the characters are thinking through her stunning, detailed sketches. 

Figurative language and wonderful imagery grace each and every page. Ivan speaks of the spectators and how they “[drift] past [his] domain like logs on a lazy river.”  At his first sight of watercolors, he describes, “When the brush meets the damp paper, pink petals of color unfurl like morning flowers.” Even Ivan’s dreams of freedom are vivid and filled with rich imagery: “the sun slices through the thick ceiling of trees and the breeze tastes like fruit.”

Applegate also infuses the realities of animals into her story. She brings to light the notion that an elephant never forgets as she describes Stella, who “remembers every moment since she was born: every scent, every sunset, every slight, every victory.” Another touching moment of animal reality is in Ivan’s delight while being groomed: “is there anything sweeter than the touch of another as she pulls a dead bug from your fur?”

Animosity towards humans is present throughout the story, as hunters and capturers placed the animals into their lonely domains. Ivan repeatedly refers to humans as “slimy chimps” as an offense to their sweaty, hairless skin. Bob, the stray dog, and Stella, the elephant, also make unenthusiastic comments about the human kind.

The reader encounters a multitude of natural emotions throughout the story, mostly feelings of heartache and sadness. Our hearts break at the unfortunate death of a favorite character, and through the threats of inhumane treatment by the mall owner. We empathize with Ivan and his longing for a better life, not only for Ruby, but also for himself. Throughout the denouement, the poignant emotions begin to subside, and feelings of relief, positive anxiousness, and happiness emerge.

Personal Response

The One and Only Ivan is a wonderful, yet heart-wrenching story. I began reading it knowing that it was a sad tale. If it weren't for the promise from a friend that there was a happy ending, I may not have been able to finish the story because of how heartbreaking it is at different parts. I am very glad that I followed my friend’s advice and finished the story, because the ending was very touching. Learning that Ivan was, in fact, a real gorilla who lived this sad life made me appreciate the story even more.

Reviews and Awards

A 2012 Newberry Medal Winner

"Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author's note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a new generation of advocates. "- Kirkus Reviews

"Applegate makes a powerful statement about the treatment of animals-especially those living in captivity-and reminds readers that all creatures deserve a safe place to call home. Castelao's delightful illustrations enhance this lovely story, and the characters will capture readers' hearts and never let go. A must-have."- School Library Journal

Connections

This book is a 2013-2014 Bluebonnet Award Nominee in the state of Texas. Students can read other books on the list and vote for their favorites.

For students in upper elementary/middle school, research can be done on the treatment of animals in small venues like the one in the story, circuses past and present, as well as in zoos. Students can present the similarities and differences within each setting and how they have changed over time. 

Poetry: The Wild Book by Margarita Engle

Engle, Margarita. 2012. The Wild Book. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing. ISBN 9780574581316

Summary

The Wild Book shares the story of a young girl’s struggle with “word-blindness”, known today as dyslexia. Based on the stories told by her grandmother, Margarita Engle takes the reader through the trials and tribulations that a Cuban family endures in 1912. The story is told from the perspective of Fefa, the suffering child. After being hostilely diagnosed with word-blindness by a doctor, Fefa’s mother gives her a book filled with blank pages and tells her to “think of it as a garden… throw wildflower seeds all over the page...let the words sprout like seedlings…watch as your wild diary grows.” Fefa’s diary fills with words…words of frustration over her dyslexia, words of fear as thieves threaten their home, words of sadness as her brother teeters between life and death, and finally, words of gladness as she overcomes her inability to read and write.

Analysis

Written as a verse novel, The Wild Book takes the reader through a collection of poems, fused together to create one epic tale. Engle organizes her work into short lines of three to five words that convey Fefa’s strong feelings. There is no rhythmic meter to the poetry, however, the separation of words between lines and the lines into stanzas display strong emotions. When Engle writes of Fefa’s slow progression, each word is placed on a different line to really transmit the struggle she endures.

The entire story revolves around the metaphor that Fefa’s book is a garden, sprouting seedlings letters that eventually grow into strong, recognizable words.  Similes are presented throughout as Fefa grows into a stronger reader and writer. At one point, Fefa describes her letters as “loopy and beautiful…like the tendrils of a garden vine as it climbs over a tall fence to go exploring.”

This poignant language is shared amongst all the pages of the novel. The reader is able to visualize and empathize with Fefa as struggles arise. When her brother is accidentally wounded at his own hand, the imagery created by Engle resonates with the reader… “I tremble and weep as Mama binds the ghastly wound in a frantic effort to slow the savage waterfall of bleeding.” This remarkable language is present from beginning to end, whether the mood is joyful or distressing.

The importance of Cuban and Nicaraguan poetry is emulated through the mother, who not only shares this poetry with her family, but names two of her sons after famous Nicaraguan poets. Poetry is shared amongst family and community members at several different points.  In the author’s note, Engle shares her inspiration for the story and mentions that, in the early 1900s, “poetry was a treasured aspect of daily life.”

Engle’s vivid language facilitates the understanding of the struggles within the family each and every day. The reader can truly comprehend each and every emotion conveyed through the writing…fear, pain, frustration, love, and happiness. A natural emotion is expressed as an overarching theme of perseverance resides.

Personal Response

The Wild Book is one of the best books I have read that rests under the large poetry umbrella. Throughout the entire story, I was entranced by Engle’s vivid language. This verse novel would be a great source for getting young readers interested in poetry, as it takes a different approach in a narrative format.

Reviews 

“Spare, dreamlike verse pairs perfectly with a first-person narrator whose understanding of written language is unique.”- Horn Book

“The author gives readers a portrait of a tumultuous period in Cuban history and skillfully integrates island flora, fauna and mythology into Fefa's first-person tale. This canvas heightens Fefa's determination to rise above the expectations of her siblings, peers and society. A beautiful tale of perseverance.” –Kirkus Reviews

Connections

The Wild Book is not only a wonderful example of quality poetry, but also a story that lends itself to discussions of the differences students have in learning capabilities. Reading this with a class or small group can build empathy within students, teaching them to understand and accept the different ways that their peers may learn. Character building is a large part of today’s education systems.

After learning about the dangers presented to Fefa’s family, students can research life in Cuba both in the early 1900s and today. They can compare and contrast what they learn, then write about how Fefa’s life would be different if she lived in present day Cuba and suffered from word-blindness.

Poetry: Doodle Dandies: Poems That Take Shape by J. Patrick Lewis

Lewis, J. Patrick. 1998. Doodle Dandies: Poems That Take Shape. Ill. by Lisa Desimini. New York: Athenum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 068981075X

Summary

Doodle Dandies: Poems That Take Shape is an entertaining and innovative collection of nineteen poem written within the shapes of the objects described. Tigers and giraffes are represented, along with weeping willows, umbrellas, mirrors, and a synchronized swimming team, to name a few. Lisa Desimini’s creative illustrations play a critical role in the story that is told within each verse.

Analysis

In this individual poet compilation, J. Patrick Lewis transfixes the reader with his ingenious approach to poetry. Each poem is written in a shape relevant to the main idea. Desimini’s mixed media illustrations are enjoyable and pleasing to the eye. They give real meaning to each poem and fit perfectly with Lewis’ extraordinary language. Each poem possesses different elements of poetry.

Rhythm and rhyme vary from poem to poem. Some follow a free verse format, while others appear lyrical. In the umbrella poem, a distinct rhythm is detected, with rhyming words on the end beats. In the butterfly poem, a single line is written, no rhyme or rhythm involved.

Assonance is an important factor in the poem about basketball, but only because of the need for an ‘O’ shape, not necessarily for the vowel repetition. The poem is illustrated in a rainbow-like arc, each line including one word with the letter ‘O’, but with a basketball drawn instead of the letter. The vowel sounds differ throughout the poem, therefore, assonance isn't in its true form.

The language within each poem is arranged in vivid meaningful ways, mostly due to the shape it is taking. The words themselves, however, are just as moving.  In “Weeping Willow”, the words are arranged in the shape of the weeping willow tree, while conveying sorrow through the words:  “In the far field of sadness stands the wee widow weeping.”

The imagery in Doodle Dandies is not limited to the illustrations. In “First Burst of Spring”, the author arranged the last word vertically to help us understand how hard the bud is trying to grow… “The day is cold, the earth is mud, but don’t let anything stop you, bud!” The poem about the dachshund does not show an actual picture of the dog, but uses the simile “like a sausage on a string” to help the reader visualize the animal.

Each poem expresses a different emotion. The reader feels hopeful for the bud trying to grow, sad for the weeping widow, and excited to see the synchronized swimmers. The reader can unquestionably derive a natural emotion as a response to each poem. Overall, readers can emanate enjoyment and appreciation for Lewis and Desimini’s ingenuity!

Personal Response

Doodle Dandies is one of the most creative poetry books I have encountered! I was impressed with each verse and illustration. Fascination struck me with each and every turn of the page!

Reviews

“From endpaper to doodled endpaper, this mix of clever language and visual delights makes a dandy treat for all ages.”-Publishers Weekly

Connections

After reading Doodle Dandies, the teacher or librarian can challenge students to come up with their own person, animal, or object, write a poem about it, and arrange the words into the shape. Each individual can contribute their shape poem to a class compilation.

Roemer, Heidi. 2004. Come To My Party and Other Shape Poems. New York: Henry Holt and Co. ISBN 9780805066203