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.  

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