Module 6 | Mr. Lincoln's Way

PLOT SUMMARY
Mr. Lincoln is viewed by most kids at his school as the coolest principal ever. Troubled kid Eugene, whose father's hate speech at home has affected his worldview, disagrees. This, however, just makes Mr. Lincoln even more determined to help Eugene, which he accomplishes by encouraging Eugene's interest in birds through the construction of an atrium.

MY IMPRESSIONS
The book deals with issues of racism ─ specifically the way in which it is passed down through generations ─ in a sensitive and realistic way. Author Patricia Polacco's calming illustrations help to move the plot along while also defusing some of the book's tense scenes. The book is a good choice for parents or teachers looking for ways to broach the topic of racism and bullying with their children.

REVIEWS
"This story is vintage Polacco: a multicultural neighborhood setting, a cast of believable characters (some larger than life), and a satisfying ending guaranteed to bring tears to even hard-boiled cynics."
Kay Weisman, Booklist, Sep. 1, 2001, Vol. 98, No. 1

"It is certainly visually appealing, with colorful, expressive illustrations that beautifully enhance the text. Personalities and changing moods are vividly presented in Polacco's signature style. The story, however, seems a bit contrived and derivative. It's a little of Make Way for Ducklings meets To Sir with Love."
Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2001, Vol. 69, No. 14

"A touching and complex story that sends a positive message to kids and creates hope for these working with kids who seem to be lost and categorized as bullies."
Marilyn Courtot, Children's Literature, 2002
Read Courtot's full review at:
http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/mai_polacco_patricia.html

USES IN THE LIBRARY
Mr. Lincoln's Way would be an excellent part of a display about multiculturalism (as would a number of other Polacco works). It could also serve as the inspiration for an exercise in which kids are invited to write about educators who have inspired them. The essays could then be posted in the library and on the library's web site; a winning entry could be selected to be framed and presented to the teacher and student.

CITATION
Polacco, Patricia (2001). Mr. Lincoln's way. New York: Philomel Books

Module 5 | Monster

PLOT SUMMARY

Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon can’t quite reconcile his picture of himself with the description provided by the prosecutor at his murder trial: "Monster." The Harlem teen is charged in the robbery and murder of a local store owner; though it’s clear he didn’t pull the trigger, Steve’s possible involvement as a lookout casts serious doubts on his innocence. The teen struggles to understand his actions and the dangerous world around him through journal entries and a screenplay he is writing about his own trial.

MY IMPRESSIONS

Truly a fantastic addition to YA literature, the Printz award winner asks fundamental questions about the nature of guilt and innocence. It’s never clear how intentional Steve’s involvement in the robbery/homicide really was, which should inspire some interesting debate among young readers. The unique way in which the book is presented, coupled with the gritty depictions of Steve’s life both in and out of prison, will make for a gripping read for teens.

REVIEWS

"The tense drama of the courtroom scenes will enthrall readers, but it is the thorny moral questions raised in Steve's journal that will endure in readers' memories. Although descriptions of the robbery and prison life are realistic and not overly graphic, the subject matter is more appropriate for high-school-age than younger readers."

Debbie Carton, Booklist, May 1, 1999, Vol. 95, No. 17

"While less experienced readers may need some guidance in picking up the clues about Steve’s involvement, the drama of the situation and the ethical questions raised will keep the audience not just reading but thinking."
Deborah Stevenson, The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, May 1999, Vol. 52, No. 9

"The journal and script techniques, distinguished by two reader-friendly typefaces, move the story along quickly. This pace, along with the casual type, courtroom drama, gritty jail descriptions, and the fate of the protagonist will make teen readers whiz through the book."
Avis D. Matthews, VOYA, August 1999, Vol. 22, No. 3

USES IN THE LIBRARY

The book would be a great jumping off point for a filmmaking exercise in which teens document their neighborhoods, which could then be made into a mini-film fest at the library. In addition, the book would be a great choice for a teen book club, with the discussion potentially making for an interesting podcast.

CITATION

Myers, Walter Dean (1999). Monster. New York: HarperCollins.

Module 5 | Remember: The Journey to School Integration

PLOT SUMMARY

Author Toni Morrison shows young readers the difficult path to integration through the use of historical photos and text that stoke intellect and emotion. She imagines the thoughts and feelings of the brave young African Americans who were the first to step through the often unwelcoming doors of previously all-white schools, a technique that provides a truly unforgettable historical lesson.

MY IMPRESSIONS

The Coretta Scott King award-winning book is a heartfelt rumination on American history, as Morrison’s text inspires a gamut of emotions from outrage to sadness to optimism. The photographs will undoubtedly fascinate children, and the book will likely inspire some lively conversation. Remember is an excellent choice to introduce young people to a tumultuous period in the history of race relations.

REVIEWS

"...Morrison's book clearly illustrates the country's emotional upheaval of the time, and yet it demonstrates to young people the impact that period has on contemporary times."

Lori Atkins Goodson, The ALAN Review, Fall 2004, Vol. 32, No. 1

"...Morrison's choice of photographic history invites viewers into an experience more visceral than anecdotal memories."
Elizabeth Bush, The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, July 2004, Vol. 57, No. 11

"Dedicated to the four children killed in the Birmingham church in 1963, the book is a 'must have' for elementary African American collections and is appropriate for any archival collection."
Laura Woodruff, VOYA, October 2004, Vol. 27, No. 4

USES IN THE LIBRARY
Creating a display out of the various photographs used in the book would be a good way to give children and adults a glimpse into the period. Kids could even write their own take on what they believe the children in the photographs were thinking, which could then be posted under the photos by library staff.

CITATION

Morrison, Toni (2004). Remember: The journey to school integration. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Module 4 | The Whipping Boy

PLOT SUMMARY
Spoiled prince Horace, whose whipping boy Jemmy must bear the brunt of his bad behavior, decides to run away from his pampered existence. Jemmy trails Horace into the "real" world, and the two are quickly confronted by a kooky cast of characters, including two thieving highwaymen, a woman and her dancing bear, and a kindly man with a cartload full of potatoes. Although friendship seems unlikely as the book opens, their adventures outside the castle result in Jemmy and Horace's newfound camaraderie, as well as a lesson or two in rat catching.

MY IMPRESSIONS
The book is slight but charming, especially in the description of its rivalry between the whipping boy and the spoiled prince. It's easy to root for Jemmy, but one of the book's greatest strengths is in the sneaky way it compels the reader to eventually root for the prince as well. The supporting characters are memorably wacky, and the ending is sweet if a bit predictable. The Whipping Boy isn't the most expertly crafted of the Newbery winners, but it's certainly a very entertaining entry.

REVIEWS
"This is a brisk and eventful tale which keeps you wondering, almost to the last episode, as to whether the capricious prince will be humanised or not. It should maintain the interest of children acquiring independence in reading, and an author's note at the end, confirming the authenticity of the whipping boy custom, should generate some passionate discussion."
George Hunt, Books for Keeps, No. 59, November 1989

"With sharp, humorous dialogue and wonderfully swift turns and twists in fortune, this is a splendid, extravagant romp just waiting to entertain young readers around the age of seven."
Jack Ousbey, Carousel: The Guide to Children's Books, No. 38, Spring 2008

"The mistaken identity plot is always a good one: children, even fairly old ones, like disguises and this kind of mix-up."
George Gleason, School Library Journal, May 1, 1986, Vol. 32, No. 9

USES IN THE LIBRARY
This would be an excellent book to use as a tie-in for an arts-and-crafts session, where kids could make everything from a shield and sword (using wrapping paper rolls and poster board) to mock stained glass (using construction paper and plastic). It would also be great for a storytelling session where the basic story is told from memory without the use of the text.

CITATION
Fleischman, Sid (1986). The whipping boy. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Module 4 | Bridge to Terabithia

PLOT SUMMARY
At first, 10-year-old Jesse Aarons' new neighbor is nothing but a wrinkle in his plan to become the fastest boy in fifth grade. But soon, Leslie Burke becomes Jesse's best friend, confidante, and reigning queen of Terabithia, a mythical world of their creation. When tragedy suddenly strikes, Jesse learns an unforgettable lesson about friendship, loss, and holding tight to your dreams.

MY IMPRESSIONS
There has been much debate recently about the inaccessibility of some Newbery winners, but Bridge to Terabithia represents everything that is right about the award. The book is a completely relatable, infinitely lovable ode to friendship and loss that appeals to readers of all ages. And there's just no way around the fact that the heartbreaking ending results in a waterfall of big, sloppy book tears (the best kind, some say).

REVIEWS
"Written by the author for her then young son whose best friend was killed by lightning, this Newbery Medal winner moves the heart and spirit with its beautiful writing, wrenching honesty, and hopeful ending."
Valerie O. Patterson, Children's Literature, 2005
Read Patterson's full review at:
http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/mai_paterson_katherine.html

"Not only is the story unusual because it portrays a believable relationship between a boy and a girl at an age when same-sex friendships are the norm but it also presents an unromantic, realistic, and moving reaction to personal tragedy."
Jack Forman, School Library Journal, November 1977, Vol. 24, No. 3 

USES IN THE LIBRARY
The book could be the inspiration for a writing contest in which kids craft essays about what qualities make for a great friend. It could even become fodder for a Best Friends Day, in which best friends pair up for activities such as board games, video games, or trivia contests.

CITATION
Paterson, Katherine (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York: HarperCollins.

Module 3 | The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

PLOT SUMMARY
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers recounts the true story of Philippe Petit, a French high wire artist who in 1974 strung a tightrope between the World Trade Center towers. To onlookers' amazement, Petit walked, danced, knelt, and rested on the rope for nearly an hour.

MY IMPRESSIONS
The book won the 2004 Caldecott medal for its brilliant illustrations by Mordicai Gerstein, some of which are full page, some panels, and some fold-out. The book's title page shows the towers under construction, which makes its final pages even more heartbreaking: "Now the towers are gone. But in memory, as if imprinted on the sky, the towers are still there. And part of that memory is the joyful morning, August, 1974, when Philippe Petit walked between them in the air." The story is a wonderful celebration of the World Trade Center, Petit's zest for life, and the weird, fantastical moments that make up our history.

REVIEWS
"Gerstein's simple words and dramatic ink-and-oil paintings capture the exhilarating feats, the mischief, and the daring of the astonishing young acrobat."
Hazel Rochman, Booklist, Nov. 1, 2003, Vol. 100, No. 5

"Readers of all ages will return to this again and again for its history, adventure, humor, and breathtaking homage to extraordinary buildings and a remarkable man."
Kirkus Reviews, Aug. 1, 2003, Vol. 71, No. 15

"The Man Who Walked Between the Towers captures the poetry and magic of [Petit's] feat with a poetry of its own: lyrical words and lovely ink and oil paintings that present the detail, the daring, and ─ in two dramatic foldout spreads ─ the vertiginous drama of Petit’s feat."
Cherry Shults, The Lorgnette: Heart of Texas Reviews, Vol. 16, No. 4
 
USES IN THE LIBRARY
The book would be an excellent choice as part of a children's display about 9/11. In addition, it would be great to incorporate the book into a story time or general discussion about amazing feats in history, which could include the Wright Brothers first flight, Annie Taylor's plunge over Niagara Falls, and Harry Houdini's various magic tricks, among others.

CITATION
Gerstein, Mordicai (2003). The man who walked between the towers. Brookfield, Connecticut: Roaring Brook Press.

Module 3 | The Little House

PLOT SUMMARY
The Little House rests comfortably on a hillside in the country, where she watches the seasons change and day turn to night. Despite her happy existence, she can't help but wonder about the faraway lights of the city. Soon enough, the city begins to surround the little house, until she is abandoned and all but forgotten between two enormous skyscrapers. Luckily, the great-great-granddaughter of the Little House's original owner stumbles across her and decides to move her back to the country, where the Little House lives quietly, peacefully, and happily.

MY IMPRESSIONS
This 1943 winner of the Caldecott Medal is incredibly moving and observant, operating as both a critique of urban sprawl and an ode to the swift passage of time. Although some might consider author and illustrator Virginia Lee Burton's work simplistic compared to modern Caldecott winners, the illustrations are more than effective in illustrating the peaceful contentedness of the Little House's life in the country and the hopelessly claustrophobic feel of her city existence. Her depictions of a bustling city are spot on, with the rich greens of the country slowly replaced by charcoal black. The Little House is a wonderful installment in the list of books that teach readers to never forget the things we value most.

REVIEWS
"Virginia Lee Burton's The Little House begins with a promise, evolves into a heart-tugging drama, and closes on a pleasing note. A simple story. A simple message."
Barbara Ellemen, School Library Journal, August 1, 2002, Vol. 48, No. 8

"I have returned to The Little House over and over, sinking into its colorful, complicated pictures all through childhood and adolescence and adulthood. First my parents read it to me; then I read it to myself. When my children came along I read it to them, and now that they've outgrown it (as if you could ever really outgrow it!), I read it again to myself."
Anne Tyler, The New York Times Book Review, Nov. 9, 1986

USES IN THE LIBRARY
The Little House could be the jumping off point for an arts-and-crafts session in which children draw or paint a picture of their dream house. It might also be fun to incorporate it into a "Caldecott Pick of the Month" selection, where kids could write or draw their feelings about each book on index cards that would then be displayed on a bulletin board, along with a photo of the book cover.

CITATION
Burton, Virgina Lee (1942). The little house. New York: Houghton Mifflin.

Module 2 | Millions of Cats

PLOT SUMMARY

A very old man and a very old woman are very, very lonely ... that is, until the old man ventures off to find the old woman a cat. But he doesn't just find one kitty companion; he finds millions and billions and trillions of cats! The enormous feline following trails him to his house, but it's the most humble of the adorable kittens who ultimately gets to call the house home.

MY IMPRESSIONS

The tale is charming in its simplicity, both in its words and illustrations. Michael O. Tunnell calls the book's rhythmic text "unforgettable," and it's easy to see why; the chanting of "hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats" is infectious fun for children and adults. Although it might not be as flashy as its modern counterparts, the book's whimsical world easily elevates this first American picture storybook to true classic status.

REVIEWS

"This Newbery Honor winner is distinguished by innovative design and a strong storyteller's cadence."
School Library Journal staff, One Hundred Books that Shaped the Century, Jan. 1, 2000

"The buried lessons in highly entertaining classics like Where the Wild Things Are and Millions of Cats ... are more engaging than those in books that explicitly exhort children to like themselves, eschew prejudice, value love over material objects and other such morals, important though they are."
Emily Jenkins, The New York Times Book Review, Nov. 11, 2007

USES IN THE LIBRARY

The book would be a great tie-in for a library pet photo contest, in which kids could bring in photos of their cats for display. It would also be a good addition to an online or in-library reading list of great American picture books.

CITATION:
Gag, Wanda (1928). Millions of cats. New York: Coward-McCann

Module 2 | The Cat Ate My Gymsuit

PLOT SUMMARY

Thirteen-year-old Marcy Lewis doesn't feel comfortable in her own skin ─ not at school, not at home, and certainly not in gym class. But this self-described "blimp" sees her confidence begin to build with the arrival of Ms. Finney, an English teacher like no other Marcy has ever encountered. Ms. Finney's encouraging demeanor and words of wisdom do wonders for Marcy and her classmates, which makes Ms. Finney's suspension, as a result of refusing to say the Pledge of Allegiance, especially devastating. However, it is this situation that allows Marcy to finally realize her full potential.

MY IMPRESSIONS

Next to Judy Blume's Margaret Simon, Marcy is one of the most achingly real young heroines in YA fiction. Author Paula Danziger delves into such painful realms as body issues, crushes, and domestic dysfunction with a frankness that young adults are sure to appreciate. A few of the characters ─ particularly Marcy's father ─ are a bit one-dimensional, but the majority of characters are easily relatable. Written more than 30 years ago, the book also offers modern preteens an interesting glimpse at life in the years following the women's liberation movement.

REVIEWS
"Written 30 years ago, this story explores a culture clash that is still relevant and meaningful. Conflicts within families and between generations never really change. Cultural changes always affect schools in many ways. This story of a young girl discovering her true worth is a modern classic."
Becky Young, The Lorgnette: Heart of Texas Reviews, Vol. 17, No. 4

"This breakthrough book has had many imitators; but this original (even with many 1970 oddities) is still outstanding."

Mary Purucker, KLIATT Review, July 2005, Vol. 39, No. 4

"In some ways the book is a painful read, because it seems so autobiographic, but the humor helps and kids will gain insights into family dynamics and come to admire Marcy."

Marilyn Courtot, Children's Literature, 1998

Read Courtot's full review at: http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/mai_danziger_paula.html

USES IN THE LIBRARY

The book is ideal as a mother-daughter book club selection, as the novel knows no generational bounds. In addition, it would be an excellent choice for a program on popular female figures in YA fiction; the discussion resulting from such a program could be good fodder for a podcast on the library's web site.

CITATION:
Danziger, Paula (1974). The cat ate my gymsuit. New York: Puffin.

Module 1 | Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies

PLOT SUMMARY

Henry is not the like the rest of the Buccaneer Bunnies aboard the The Salty Carrot. While his cohorts enjoy wreaking havoc on the high seas, Henry is more content to cozy up with a good book, a habit that inspires disdain from his fellow Buccaneers. But Henry’s love of reading ultimately saves the band of bunny pirates after they are shipwrecked on a deserted island; the knowledge he has acquired from his beloved books keeps the bunnies sheltered, fed, and abreast of boat-building techniques that eventually allow them to sail away.

MY IMPRESSIONS
The book is an admirable, if not entirely enthralling, celebration of the joys and benefits of reading. Although Henry is mercilessly mocked at the beginning of the book by his “cooler” pals, he ultimately emerges the book’s hero thanks to his insatiable reading habit. This sends a positive message to children that reading is a worthwhile hobby, which is an important message for bookworms and reluctant readers alike. The illustrations are colorful and zany, with the bunnies’ endearingly exaggerated appearances working to enhance the book’s overall appeal.

REVIEWS
"A worthy message, even though it's delivered with hull-smashing force, and less convincingly than in Judy Sierra's Wild About Books."

Kirkus Reviews, Sept. 1, 2005, Vol. 73, No. 17

"A story on the joys and usefulness of reading is nothing new, but the funny Buccaneer Bunnies should provide some interest, even to children who are not inspired by the lesson."

Todd Morning, Booklist, Dec. 1, 2005, Vol. 102, No. 7

"Readers will learn pirate slang and phrases. In addition, more difficult words like cruising, rowdy, wriggled, meteorology, blubbered, fetching, and fronds will be acquired from the context of the illustrations and text. The playful, captivating illustrations are distinctive and humorous ..."
Gay Ann Loesch, Library Media Connection, Feb. 2006

USES IN THE LIBRARY

The book could be utilized as part of a display of pirate adventures, specifically of the picture book variety. It would also be a great addition to a library’s online list of books for boys, as the pirate theme might lure reluctant readers, while also imparting the idea that reading can be fun and beneficial. Also, the book’s primary message makes it an excellent choice as part of a literacy program for young readers at school or public libraries.

CITATION
Crimi, Carolyn (2005). Henry and the buccaneer bunnies. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.