Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sones, Sonya. 1999. Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060283874

PLOT SUMMARY

This collection of poems is based on the poems Sones wrote when she was thirteen and her sister was hospitalized after a mental breakdown.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Throughout the collection, Sones poems are arranged in a variety of ways.  Lines are of varying lengths.  For example, “my boyfriend / watching me / through the feathery leaves of the willow / click” (125).  Sones also does not use a rhyming pattern in her poetry.  The flow of the poems seems natural and the rhythm does not feel forced.  The language of the poem is also simple and natural. 

The collection is based on Sones’s journal as a teenager and while reading it, the reader gets the distinct impression that they are reading a personal journal.  The poems are very introspective.  Sones arranges the language of her poems in a very meaningful way.  The reader gets the impression that words were chosen very deliberately.  Sones excels in creating imagery of the poem.  For example, “We ride the subway / over to the hospital. / John jumps / when the heavy iron door of the ward locks / KACHUNGGGG /  behind us” (129).  

Of all of the evaluation criteria, Sones is best at creating emotion with her writing.  The reader can feel the emotional toll that her sister’s hospitalization has on the narrator.  The poems are so personal that it is nearly impossible to not identify with them in some way.

This collection is lengthy at 145 pages.  Although it is not a short read, the length allows Sones to share the progression of her sister’s hospitalization.  The poems are more powerful when read together than individually.  The arrangement of the poems encourages the reader to be drawn in to the story like they might if they were reading fiction prose.  As a true story, the content is even more powerful.  Based on the content, this book would be most appropriate for teenagers. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist:  “Based on Sones' own family experience, this debut novel shows the capacity of poetry to record the personal and translate it into the universal.”

School Library Journal:  “An unpretentious, accessible book that could provide entry points for a discussion about mental illness-its stigma, its realities, and its effect on family members.”

CONNECTIONS

As suggested in the School Library Journal review, this book would be an excellent starting point for a discussion of mental illness. 

C is for City

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Grimes, Nikki. 1995. C is for City. Ill. by Pat Cummings. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard. ISBN 0688118097

PLOT SUMMARY

Grimes presents an alphabet vocabulary rhyme that doubles as a vocabulary-increasing game.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

C is for City is an engaging and fun picture book for young children.  Each letter of the alphabet includes a verse that is packed with other vocabulary that starts with the letter.  For example, “B is for butcher / or breakfast with bagels / or block-party bands / out on hot summer nights” (3).  By including vocabulary unfamiliar to many children, Grimes is likely to increase her reader’s vocabulary.  The content of each stanza is varied and reflects different things that might be found in a large city.  Many of these things will be unknown to young children and may require more explanation, such as “Hasidim in black hats” (10).  In addition to varying content, the rhythm of each verse is varied as well.  Even though the rhythm is varied, it is done in a way that seems natural.  The flow of the poems seems very natural.  Grimes’s rhyming pattern is fun and adds another engaging layer to the book.  The rhymes will appeal to young readers.

 

Illustrator Pat Cummings does an excellent job of adding to the imagery of the poem.  With each verse, Cummings has created an illustration that includes several items beginning with the appropriate letter.  Some items are included in the accompanying text and some that are not.  The illustrations are bright and detailed.  The illustrations can also be used as a game for children to see how many of the items they can find in the illustrations.  A key is included in the back of the book that tells what items are in each picture.

This book is most appropriate for young children who are learning the alphabet, though the text is fun for older readers as well.  The length is typical of picture books.  Although the city specific vocabulary may be unknown to some readers, it provides a great opportunity to increase vocabulary.  The illustrations do not overpower the poems, but add to it nicely.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book Guide: “Both the text and the art create a finding game in this cleverly conceived book.”

School Library Journal: “. In addition to the letter-specific items mentioned, others are incorporated into the pictures for sharp-eyed viewers to find.”

CONNECTIONS

C is for City would be an excellent book for use in a library program on the alphabet.

Other alphabet poetry books include:

Hopkins, Lee. Alphathoughts: Alphabet Poems. ISBN 1563979799 

Rosen, Michael. Alphabet Poem. ISBN 1840593938

Birmingham, 1963

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Weatherford, Carole Boston. 2007. Birmingham, 1963. Honesdale, Pennsylvania: Wordsong. ISBN 1590784405

PLOT SUMMARY

The poem picture book gives an account of the Birmingham church bombings from the perspective of a fictional ten year-old witness.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Weatherford’s words seamlessly evoke emotion appropriate to the tragedy of the Birmingham bombings.  By writing from the perspective of a child, Weatherford not only makes the book more appropriate for a child, but also seems to make the tragedy even more devastating.  As a reader, I found the concept that the narrator was not naïve to such evil in the world to be very powerful.  It is quite apparent that the narrator could be any girl.  “But Mama allowed me my first sip of coffee / And Daddy twirled me around the kitchen / In my patent-leather cha-cha heels” (10).  Weatherford’s language allows the reader to identify with the narrator.  The words are simple, yet deliberate and strong.

Although Weatherford does not employ a rhyming pattern, the book flows beautifully.  At the end of the book, Weatherford has written short, poetic biographies of each bombing victim.  Although the entire book evokes emotions, the poems at the end have even more impact.  Weatherford is able to capture the personality of each girl.  For example, Cynthia Weasley “Who sang soul music and sipped sodas / With friends in the backyard” (32).   Beyond the emotional impact of this book, the imagery that Weatherford creates is very compelling.  She creates a vivid mental picture for the reader.  The photographs only add to the imagery created for the reader.  The use of photographs was an effective choice as it adds another personal element to the poems.  The color palette of the book consists of grays, black, and white, with red accents scattered throughout.

Birmingham, 1963 is organized in such a way that the poem is broken up into shorter stanzas.  This allows the reader to process each stanza carefully before moving on.  Despite not connecting directly to each stanza, the full-page photos on every other page appear purposefully chosen.  The photographs relate indirectly to the stanzas and complement each stanza superbly.

This book would be appropriate for older children (ages 10 and up).  Young children might find the topic to be scary.  The length of 40 pages is ideal.  It is long enough to fully cover the topic and be engaging, without being cumbersome. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

School Library Journal:  “An emotional read, made even more accessible and powerful by the viewpoint of the child narrator.”

Starred review in Kirkus: “It’s a gorgeous memorial to the four killed on that horrible day, and to the thousands of children who braved violence to help change the world.”

CONNECTIONS

This book would be ideal for a Civil Rights unit or program.  Other appropriate books include:

Curtis, Christopher Paul. The Watsons Go To Washington – 1963. ISBN 044022800X

Weatherford, Carole Boston. Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins. ISBN 0142408948

Dust Devil

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Isaacs, Anne. 2010. Dust Devil. Ill. by Paul Zelinsky. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 0375967221

PLOT SUMMARY

In this tall tale, author Anne Isaacs continues the story of Angelica Longrider, first introduced in Issacs’s Caldecott Award Honor Book, Swamp Angel.  

This exaggerated narrative is set in Montana during the first half of the 19^th century.  The story attributes buttes, the Grand Canyon, geysers, and other natural features to Angelica’s larger-than-life antics.  In addition to her other accomplishments, Angelica tames a wild horse named Dust Devil.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Dust Devil is a perfect example of a tall tale.  It contains an extravagant main character, hilarious activities, and engaging dialogue.  Angelica is a heroic character who represents goodness.  Although there are several conflicts throughout the story, the main conflict consists of Angelica attempt to rescue the town from villain Backward Bart and his Flying Desperadoes.  

The setting of the story is identified as Montana, but little description is provided beyond that.  Like other tall tales, Dirt Devil has the message of good triumphing over evil and explains the origins of features that are well known to many (the Grand Canyon, for example).  Isaacs’s writing style gives a decidedly Old Western feel to the story.  The text will remind the reader of the narration of an Old Western movie.  This book is most appropriate for ages 5-9.  Younger children will be overwhelmed by the detailed story.

Paul Zelinsky’s illustrations were painted in oils on cedar, aspen, and maple veneers.  The hyperbolic illusrations match the hyperbolic nature of the story.  Zelinsky’s illustrations of the Desperadoes are especially amusing as he is able to make them incredibly ugly.  Children will enjoy looking at Zelinsky’s inclusion of even the smallest details.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in Booklist:  “[A] handsomely designed, thoroughly entertaining stand-alone sequel.”

Starred review in Publishers Weekly:  “Will have kids howling.”The New York Times Book Review:  “Precise and witty illustrations.”

CONNECTIONS

This book would be a perfect introduction to a geography or history lesson on Montana or Western expansion.

Jack and the Giant Barbecue

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kimmel, Eric. 2012. Jack and the Giant Barbecue. Ill. by John Manders. Las Vegas: Amazon Publishing. ISBN 0761461289

PLOT SUMMARY

After his father’s death, Jack learns that a giant stole his father’s prized barbecue recipe.  With this information, Jack begins an expedition to rescue the recipe.  Along the way, he encounters a helpful jukebox. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This variation of the traditional “Jack and the Giant Beanstalk” story is set in Texas.  The main character, Jack, is a typical hero who saves his father’s barbecue book.  The other characters consist of Jack’s mother and the giant.  This fairy tale features a “happily ever after” ending typical to the genre.  

The story contains other characteristics typical to the genre as well.  For example, Jack has a definite quest (rescuing his father’s recipe) and is able to resolve the conflict easily.  The theme of good triumphing over evil is also very prevalent in this story.  

John Manders has created a set of alluring illustrations using gouache and colored pencil.  He uses bright colors which renders an entertaining feel to the pictures.  His illustrations support the whimsical and silly aspects of the story.   

Kimmel’s style honors the original story, but he is puts his own uniquely Texan spin on it.  The setting of this story is crucial to the subject matter.  A story about barbecue set in Maine just would not have the same effect.  Young Texan children (and their parents) will enjoy being able to relate to the decidedly Texan feel to the book.  There are many references throughout the story that will go over children’s heads.  For example, the jukebox in Jack’s restaurant at the end of the story plays “Hank, Patsy, Willie, and all the greatest country hits.”  Nevertheless, children will enjoy the story and their parents will too!

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

School Library Journal:  “[Children] will enjoy the vivid language and larger-than-life elements.”

Booklist: “The story is made for reading aloud and sharing the giggles.”

CONNECTIONS

Other variations of traditional stories include:

Kimmel, Eric. The Three Little Tamales.  ISBN 0761455191

Ward, Jennifer. There Was an Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish.  ISBN 0761461965

Huff & Puff

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Rueda, Carol. 2012. Huff & Puff. New York: Abrams Appleseeed. ISBN 1419701702

PLOT SUMMARY

In this story, Rueda retells the traditional story of “The Three Pigs” with a sweet twist at the end.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Rueda’s version of “The Three Pigs” is a simplified and engaging story for young readers.  Rueda has eliminated extraneous narration and provides an abridged version of the story.  The focus of this book is the illustrations.  Because so much of the text has been removed, the reader must get most of the information from the illustrations on each page.  For example, Rueda does not explicitly tell what each house is being built from, but the reader can identify the building materials from the page. 

Although the wolf is mentioned in the text, he is not included in the illustrations.  The illustrations were created with pen, ink, and watercolor on paper.  In addition to the black of the ink, Rueda mostly uses the colors tan and pink, with blue and yellow accents throughout.  Rueda’s strong use of lines gives movement and shadows to the pictures.  The pigs are quite adorable and endearing. 

The most unusual aspect of this story is the hole on the pages where the wolf is huffing and puffing.  This feature creates an interactive reading experience.  Young children will enjoy blowing through the hole to blow the house down – my daughter definitely did!

Overall, this book is a great introduction to the original tale.  It is very simplified and perfect for very young children (2-5 years).

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist:  "Simple but wonderfully expressive.”

Kirkus Reviews:  “A good chance for youngsters to relish enacting the wicked role while still getting a friendly reconciliation at the end.”

School Library Journal:  "Very young readers will get a kick out of taking the wolf’s part, and their parents will appreciate that the scariest bits of the original tale have been omitted."

CONNECTIONS

Other books involving the story of “The Three Pigs” include:

Gay, Marie-Louise. The Three Little Pigs.  ISBN 088899639X

Wiesner, David. The Three Pigs.  ISBN 0618007011

The Poky Little Puppy

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lowrey, Janette Sebring. 1942. The Poky Little Puppy. Ill. by Gustaf Tenggren. New York: Golden Books. ISBN 0375839207

PLOT SUMMARY

Lowrey tell the tale of a family of naughty puppies who are constantly digging under a fence, much to their mother’s chagrin. One puppy is out exploring the world and misses the punishment that the other puppies receive. Although it seems as if his behavior is being rewarded, his poky behavior catches up with him by then end.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Lowrey’s puppies are fun and engaging characters in this classic fable. The personification of the puppies allows most children to be able to relate to the puppies’ behavior. The order of the story is repetitive and children can predict what will happen next. Lowery’s writing style is fun and will appeal to young readers when she uses phrases such as “roly-poly, pell-mell, tumble-bumble.” Lowery seamlessly weaves story of morality into an entertaining and charming story.

As a popular Golden Book illustrator, Gustaf Tenggren applies his expertise to the illustrations of The Poky Little Puppy. Even though the illustrations are simple, Tenggren is able to show movement which gives the puppies a playful appearance. The pictures use bright colors and match the playful quality of the text of the book.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Amazon.com: “The Poky Little Puppy has sold nearly 15 million copies since 1942, making it one of the most popular children’s books of all time.”

CONNECTIONS

In addition to the overreaching moral themes, Lowery’s story provides the opportunity for young readers to identify items in nature as well as the opportunity to practice simple counting skills.

The Poky Little Puppy would be a good starting point for a talk about the importance of listening to your parents.

Golden Books are renowned for their simple stories with positive themes. Other Golden Books could provide similar discussion topics.

A Ball for Daisy

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Raschka, Chris. 2011. A Ball for Daisy. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 0375858611

PLOT SUMMARY

Raschka uses his illustrations to wordlessly tell the story of a dog, Daisy, and her ball. Raschka details Daisy’s sense of loss when her beloved ball is destroyed.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this wordless picture book, Rashcka has created swirling, watercolor illustrations that are engaging for young readers. The illustrations of this book create this charming story and are able to stand on their own without prose to accompany them. The lack of words gives children the opportunity to create their own story. The graphics are arranged like a photostrip which facilitates narration of the story even more. Additionally, children will be able to relate to the theme of love and loss of a beloved toy. The repeated setting of the park is also familiar to most children. This book is recommended because the story and artwork will both appeal to young children.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2012 Caldecott Medal Award Winner

Starred Review in School Library Journal: "Raschka’s genius lies in capturing the essence of situations that are deeply felt by children."

Starred Review in Horn Book: "a story that is noteworthy for both its artistry and its child appeal."

Starred Review in Kirkus Reviews: “Rarely, perhaps never, has so steep an emotional arc been drawn with such utter, winning simplicity.”

CONNECTIONS

Although this book has several applications as a literary tool for older children, it would best serve younger readers as a starting point for a discussion on feelings of loss and the rewards of altruistic sharing.

Other wordless picture books include:

Pinkney, Jerry. The Lion and the Mouse. ISBN 0316013567

Wiesner, David. Flotsam. ISBN 0547759302

Should I Share My Ice Cream?

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Willems, Mo. 2011. Should I Share my Ice Cream? New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 1423143437

PLOT SUMMARY

In this delightful story, Willems brings back two known characters, Elephant and Piggie.  Elephant struggles with a big decision regarding his treasured ice cream cone.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Award winning author and illustrator, Mo Willems, has created yet another charming book for young readers.  The characters, Elephant and Piggie have personalities that are quite likeable.  If children are familiar with the other books featuring these two characters, the personalities will become even more obvious.  As an easy reader book, the text is simple, but conveys a meaningful message of the importance of sharing.  

The vocabulary is simple and appropriate for beginning readers.  This is not to say that the book will not appeal to children of all ages.  All children will be able to relate to the story.  Willems is able to quickly create a significant, concise plot that is quickly resolved.  Willems uses thought bubbles throughout the story because there is not much dialogue between characters.  The majority of the story focuses on Elephant’s thought process and it feels like he is speaking to the reader.

As an expert illustrator, Willems’s illustrations develop the story even further.  In addition to using thought bubbles to convey meaning, Willems has shaped the thought bubbles into easily recognized shapes.  There is a lot of white space around the illustrations which allows the reader to focus on the pictures.  The cartoon-like characters are endearing.  Willems also uses strong lines to express movement, emotion, and thought processes.  The illustrations in this story do not stray from the style in Willems’s other books.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book:  “A familiar problem, a satisfying resolution, and Willems's friendly illustrations and book design are just what new readers crave.”


School Library Journal:  “Willems's simple text allows beginning readers independent success, although the text and illustrations also work well as a read-aloud…Another winner.”

CONNECTIONS

Other picture books covering the theme of sharing:

Reiss, Mike. The Boy Who Wouldn’t Share.  ISBN 0060591323

Stein, Mathilde. Mine!  ISBN 1590785061