BIBLIOGRAPHY
Namioka, Lensey. 2001. The Hungriest Boy in the World. Illustrator, Aki Sogabe. Holiday House; 1st ed edition ISBN-10: 0823415422 ISBN-13: 978-0823415427
SUMMARY
A young Japanese boy named Jiro has a habit of putting everything in his mouth. He picks up a purple slimy blob and pops it in his mouth. Jiro has a hunger monster slide down his throat and now he can't get enough to eat. His sister is very observant and notices the unusual occurrences. He eats a bucket of fish guts and part of a fishing net. He even eats his blanket in his sleep. His family calls in the doctor for help but Jiro ate all the doctors' medicine. Next his father took him to the priest but he ate the priest's string of beads. The medium is called in and tells the family about the Hunger Monster. A puppeteer is called to help with the problem. The family prepares a feast that they put out for the puppet. The Hunger Monster can't resist the food and jumps into the mouth of the puppet. It falls to the floor were it is swept out the door.
CRITICAL REVIEW
The Hungriest Boy in the World is a story published in 2001 that appears to be an old time folktale. It tells the story of excess and gluttony in a humorous tale. It is an entertaining story that will be enjoyed by children.
The characters in the story wear traditional clothing and eat Japanese foods of rice balls and fish. In the story the father and his sons eat first with mother and sister eating last. The family sits on cushions on the floor at a low table. The beds are pallets on the floor with head cushions. Silk screen walls are another item that represents the Japanese culture. Jiro's family are fisherman, an occupation that is stereotypical of a Japanese family. The author is Chinese but has been married to a Japanese man for many years. The doctor visits Jiro and uses the traditional Eastern medicine technique of diagnosing with the pulse. The book is timeless. It can't be determined if the customs and traditions in the book are current for today or a hundred years ago.
Sogabes' is a Japanese artist that has lived in Seattle Washington since 1978. The illustrations are in a traditional Japanese paper cut technique with watercolor and airbrush added for color. The heavy black line is the cut paper with rice paper as a background.
REVIEWS
From Publishers Weekly
Namioka (The Laziest Boy in the World) pens another amusing original tale, this one set in Japan. Jiro's bad habit of putting everything in his mouth causes him to swallow the Hunger Monster. Suddenly the boy is ravenous, indiscriminately wolfing down everything from sushi to fishing nets ("They looked like noodles, delicious noodles, seasoned with soy sauce"), his quilt, a floor cushion--whatever comes within his reach. When a doctor is called, Jiro gobbles down all his medicines. When a medium is consulted, Jiro tries to eat her hair--though not before she fingers the Hunger Monster as the culprit. Finally, Jiro's brother suggests they call in a puppet master, who tricks the creature into leaving Jiro's stomach. Namioka's light, comic touch extends to her jaunty pacing, setting a tone that Sogabe (The Loyal Cat) extends with her stylish cut-paper, watercolor and airbrush illustrations. Set in an old-world Japan complete with kimonos and forest temples, and peopled with chunky, heavily outlined figures, her airy compositions underscore the folktale aura, while the impossibly fat-cheeked Jiro steals every scene. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
K-Gr 3-Jiro, a Japanese boy, has a bad habit. He puts everything in his mouth, be it seashells, seaweed, or sushi. When the child accidentally swallows the Hunger Monster, his troubles and readers' fun begin. Jiro's appetite runs rampant, and he consumes everything from fish guts and netting to his own bed quilt. His parents frantically seek assistance from the doctor, the village priest, and a medium, as Jiro snacks on the doctor's medicines, the priest's prayer beads, and the medium's hair. The situation eventually reaches a clever and happy solution. The story is told economically but with wit and humor. Sogabe's illustrations, created using cut paper over rice paper that has been colored by airbrush or watercolor, complement the text with their elegant simplicity. Pair this tale with Jim Aylesworth's The Full Belly Bowl (Atheneum, 1999) for a discussion of the hazards of excess, incorporate it into multicultural units, or enjoy it for sheer fun.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
CONNECTIONS
Other books by Lensey Namioka
Ties That Bind, Ties That Break. 2003. Puffin Books; New Ed edition. ISBN-10: 0141317159 ISBN-13: 978-0141317151
Half and Half Yearling. 2004. ISBN-10: 0440418909 ISBN-13: 978-0440418900
An Ocean Apart, a World Away Laurel Leaf. 2003. ISBN-10: 0440229731 ISBN-13: 978-0440229735
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
TEA WITH MILK by Allen Say
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Say, Allen. 1999. Tea with Milk Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books; 1st Ed edition ISBN-10: 0395904951 ISBN-13: 978-0395904954
SUMMARY
Tea with Milk, is the story of Say's parents Masako and Joseph. Masako was born near San Francisco and lived there until she graduated from high school. After graduating her family moved to Japan. Masako, or May for short, was considered a foreigner and didn't fit in. She had hopes of going to college but returned to high school in Japan to learn traditional things that she didn't learn in California. After her mother meets with a matchmaker and plans an arranged marriage, May decides to take things in her own hand. She goes to the city and finds a job running an elevator in a department store. When an English speaking family needs help communicating and getting directions, May is able to guide them. May is promoted to working with the customers that speak English. In her new position she meets a young businessman that was Japanese but raised by English foster parents. They become friends and discovered that they both grew up drinking tea with milk and sugar. When Joseph is transferred to another city, they decide to marry and start a new home together
CRITICAL REVIEW
Tea with Milk is a family story of a past generation. Say shares the cultural differences in the life his mother lived in California as a child before moving to Japan. In Japan she was expected to learn flower arranging and calligraphy. She was expected to wear a kimono and sit for long periods on the floor. It is interesting and shares several Japanese customs. When May is told she needs a husband she replies, "A husband! I'd rather have a turtle than a husband!" When she meets Joseph she changes her mind.
The illustrations by Allen Say are beautifully done. They resemble photographs from a family photo album. Older children and adults rather than the four to eight-year-old would appreciate the illustrations and story. The styles in the illustration are reminiscent of a time before Say was born.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Kirkus Reviews
In describing how his parents met, Say continues to explore the ways that differing cultures can harmonize; raised near San Francisco and known as May everywhere except at home, where she is Masako, the child who will grow up to be Say's mother becomes a misfit when her family moves back to Japan. Rebelling against attempts to force her into the mold of a traditional Japanese woman, she leaves for Osaka, finds work as a department store translator, and meets Joseph, a Chinese businessman who not only speaks English, but prefers tea with milk and sugar, and persuades her that ``home isn't a place or a building that's ready-made or waiting for you, in America or anywhere else.'' Painted with characteristic control and restraint, Say's illustrations, largely portraits, begin with a sepia view of a sullen child in a kimono, gradually take on distinct, subdued color, and end with a formal shot of the smiling young couple in Western dress. A stately cousin to Ina R. Friedman's How My Parents Learned To Eat (1984), also illustrated by Say. (Picture book. 7-9) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Publishers Weekly
Say's masterfully executed watercolors tell as much of this story about a young woman's challenging transition from America to Japan as his eloquent, economical prose. Raised near San Francisco, Masako (her American friends called her May) is uprooted after high school when her parents return to their Japanese homeland. In addition to repeating high school to learn Japanese, she must learn the arts of a "proper Japanese lady" flower arranging, calligraphy and the tea ceremony, and is expected to marry well. Declaring "I'd rather have a turtle than a husband," the independent-minded Masako heads for the city of Osaka and gets a job in a department store. With his characteristic subtlety, Say sets off his cultural metaphor from the very start, contrasting the green tea Masako has for breakfast in her home, with the "tea with milk and sugar" she drinks at her friends' houses in America. Later, when she meets a young Japanese businessman who also prefers tea with milk and sugar to green tea, readers will know that she's met her match. Say reveals on the final page that the couple are his parents. Whether the subject is food ("no more pancakes or omelets, fried chicken or spaghetti" in Japan) or the deeper issues of ostracism (her fellow students call Masako "gaijin"Aforeigner) and gender expectations, Say provides gentle insights into human nature as well as East-West cultural differences. His exquisite, spare portraits convey emotions that lie close to the surface and flow easily from page to reader: with views of Masako's slumping posture and mask-like face as she dons her first kimono, or alone in the schoolyard, it's easy to sense her dejection. Through choice words and scrupulously choreographed paintings, Say's story communicates both the heart's yearning for individuality and freedom and how love and friendship can bridge cultural chasms. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
CONNECTIONS
Other books by Say
Say, Allen. 1993. GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY. Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books; ISBN-10: 0395570352 ISBN-13: 978-0395570357
Say, Allen. 1998. STRANGER IN THE MIRROR. Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books; New Ed edition. ISBN-10: 039593883X ISBN-13: 978-0395938836
Say, Allen. 1989. THE BICYCLE MAN. Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books; 1st Ed edition
ISBN-10: 0395506522 ISBN-13: 978-0395506523
Say, Allen. 2005. KAMISHIBAI MAN. Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books.
ISBN-10: 0618479546 ISBN-13: 978-0618479542
*Work on a Genealogy project
Say, Allen. 1999. Tea with Milk Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books; 1st Ed edition ISBN-10: 0395904951 ISBN-13: 978-0395904954
SUMMARY
Tea with Milk, is the story of Say's parents Masako and Joseph. Masako was born near San Francisco and lived there until she graduated from high school. After graduating her family moved to Japan. Masako, or May for short, was considered a foreigner and didn't fit in. She had hopes of going to college but returned to high school in Japan to learn traditional things that she didn't learn in California. After her mother meets with a matchmaker and plans an arranged marriage, May decides to take things in her own hand. She goes to the city and finds a job running an elevator in a department store. When an English speaking family needs help communicating and getting directions, May is able to guide them. May is promoted to working with the customers that speak English. In her new position she meets a young businessman that was Japanese but raised by English foster parents. They become friends and discovered that they both grew up drinking tea with milk and sugar. When Joseph is transferred to another city, they decide to marry and start a new home together
CRITICAL REVIEW
Tea with Milk is a family story of a past generation. Say shares the cultural differences in the life his mother lived in California as a child before moving to Japan. In Japan she was expected to learn flower arranging and calligraphy. She was expected to wear a kimono and sit for long periods on the floor. It is interesting and shares several Japanese customs. When May is told she needs a husband she replies, "A husband! I'd rather have a turtle than a husband!" When she meets Joseph she changes her mind.
The illustrations by Allen Say are beautifully done. They resemble photographs from a family photo album. Older children and adults rather than the four to eight-year-old would appreciate the illustrations and story. The styles in the illustration are reminiscent of a time before Say was born.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Kirkus Reviews
In describing how his parents met, Say continues to explore the ways that differing cultures can harmonize; raised near San Francisco and known as May everywhere except at home, where she is Masako, the child who will grow up to be Say's mother becomes a misfit when her family moves back to Japan. Rebelling against attempts to force her into the mold of a traditional Japanese woman, she leaves for Osaka, finds work as a department store translator, and meets Joseph, a Chinese businessman who not only speaks English, but prefers tea with milk and sugar, and persuades her that ``home isn't a place or a building that's ready-made or waiting for you, in America or anywhere else.'' Painted with characteristic control and restraint, Say's illustrations, largely portraits, begin with a sepia view of a sullen child in a kimono, gradually take on distinct, subdued color, and end with a formal shot of the smiling young couple in Western dress. A stately cousin to Ina R. Friedman's How My Parents Learned To Eat (1984), also illustrated by Say. (Picture book. 7-9) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Publishers Weekly
Say's masterfully executed watercolors tell as much of this story about a young woman's challenging transition from America to Japan as his eloquent, economical prose. Raised near San Francisco, Masako (her American friends called her May) is uprooted after high school when her parents return to their Japanese homeland. In addition to repeating high school to learn Japanese, she must learn the arts of a "proper Japanese lady" flower arranging, calligraphy and the tea ceremony, and is expected to marry well. Declaring "I'd rather have a turtle than a husband," the independent-minded Masako heads for the city of Osaka and gets a job in a department store. With his characteristic subtlety, Say sets off his cultural metaphor from the very start, contrasting the green tea Masako has for breakfast in her home, with the "tea with milk and sugar" she drinks at her friends' houses in America. Later, when she meets a young Japanese businessman who also prefers tea with milk and sugar to green tea, readers will know that she's met her match. Say reveals on the final page that the couple are his parents. Whether the subject is food ("no more pancakes or omelets, fried chicken or spaghetti" in Japan) or the deeper issues of ostracism (her fellow students call Masako "gaijin"Aforeigner) and gender expectations, Say provides gentle insights into human nature as well as East-West cultural differences. His exquisite, spare portraits convey emotions that lie close to the surface and flow easily from page to reader: with views of Masako's slumping posture and mask-like face as she dons her first kimono, or alone in the schoolyard, it's easy to sense her dejection. Through choice words and scrupulously choreographed paintings, Say's story communicates both the heart's yearning for individuality and freedom and how love and friendship can bridge cultural chasms. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
CONNECTIONS
Other books by Say
Say, Allen. 1993. GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY. Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books; ISBN-10: 0395570352 ISBN-13: 978-0395570357
Say, Allen. 1998. STRANGER IN THE MIRROR. Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books; New Ed edition. ISBN-10: 039593883X ISBN-13: 978-0395938836
Say, Allen. 1989. THE BICYCLE MAN. Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books; 1st Ed edition
ISBN-10: 0395506522 ISBN-13: 978-0395506523
Say, Allen. 2005. KAMISHIBAI MAN. Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books.
ISBN-10: 0618479546 ISBN-13: 978-0618479542
*Work on a Genealogy project
THE STAR FISHER by Laurence Yep
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Yep, Laurence. 1992. THE STAR FISHER. Puffin: New York ISBN-10: 0140360034 ISBN-13: 978-0140360035
SUMMARY
In 1927, a Chinese American family moves to West Virginia from Ohio. The Lee family opens a new laundry in an old school house. Their landlord, Miss Lucy, is a kind and interesting woman that befriends Joan and her family. Mrs. Lee grew up as the youngest child in her family and never learned to cook. After several ruined dinners Miss Lucy offers to teach Joan's mother to cook. Mrs. Lee is asked to bake a pie for the church social. With the help of Miss Lucy, Mrs. Lee presents a pie that is enjoyed by several people at the social. The majority of the people in Clarksburg are slow to accept the Lee family. With the help of Miss Lucy and the Reverend, the town begins to accept the Lee family and bring business to the laundry.
CRITICAL REVIEW
The story is based on the memories of the authors' family. Joan Lee is fifteen and born in America. According to her mother, she is sixteen in the Chinese tradition of counting from conception. The title of the book comes from a folktale. In the story that is told by Joan to her little sister, a farmer falls in love with a woman with a beautiful voice. The woman is a magical kingfisher bird. The farmer takes the woman away from her sisters by taking her magical feathered cloak. He hides the magic cloak from his wife to keep her from leaving. They marry and have a child. The child feels different from the other children and doesn't feel as if she belongs. After several years the mother discovers her cloak and flies away telling the child she will return for her. The child has been marked by the golden kingfishers and will also be a star fisher that has the freedom to fly away.
The folktale plays an integral part in the Star Fisher. The book relates the ideas in the folktale to Joan's feelings of being different and not fitting in. As the woman in the tale is held captive, Joan also feels that she needs to become independent from her parents. The mother's in both situations are looking for a way to return to what they know.
The Star Fisher is written in English. The reader is meant to read the story as if it has been told in Joan's home language. The words spoken in English by the characters are printed in Italics to differentiate them from the rest of the text.
Language is a barrier for the mother that speaks very little English. The mother is a strong character that wants to control her family. The mother and daughter share in the universal theme of 'leaving the nest'. Joan is growing up and has a need for independence. In the story, Joan and her mother begin to understand the needs of each other.
The Lee's are confronted with prejudice in their new home. They must deal with derogatory remarks and words painted on their fence. The laundry, in this story is based on the author's history. The Chinese Laundry is a stereotype that has been used over the years. It plays an important part in the story but perpetuates the stereotype. In The Star Fisher, Mr. Lee is a scholar that writes poems. Political problems in his home country forced him to start new life in America. The Lee family wears clothing like other Americans but are kept at a distance by most of the town because they look different. They are treated as if they are "fresh off the boat" and don't understand English. They eat apple pie and sandwiches and are in many ways, acculturated into the American lifestyle.
The Star Fisher is a quality story for children and adults. It is interesting and has depth in it's characters. It was a winner of the Christopher Award.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publishers Weekly
Based on the author's own experiences, this Christopher Award winner movingly describes a Chinese American family's adjustment to their new home in West Virginia in 1927 and the prejudice they encounter there. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
School Library Journal
Grade 6-8-- On the first night in their new home in a small West Virginia town, 15-year-old Joan Lee lulls her little sister to sleep with the story of a magical kingfisher who is held captive in human form by her mortal husband, but who is later helped by her daughter. She soon joins her mother in the stars, but is sometimes seen, comet like, attempting to bridge heaven and Earth. Joan, the oldest daughter of the only Chinese family in 1927 Clarksburg, at first sees only herself in the story's symbols: caught between two worlds. As she braves the curiosity and prejudice of the townspeople, helps bridge a friendship between her mother and an elderly neighbor, and gets acquainted with an enigmatic classmate, she realizes that she is not the only one struggling to find a niche. Joan's story will appeal to any reader who has ever felt excluded, but she and her family seem to hold many more stories begging to be shared. Based on tales Yep gleaned from his mother and her family, whose resilience and humor shine through, The Star Fisher offers tantalizing glimpses of interesting characters, but abruptly shifts focus from a family story with the younger sister as a strong character to a relationship between mother and daughter. Basically, there is too much depth and complexity here to be confined to one book. --Carla Kozak, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
CONNECTIONS
Other books by Yep
Yep, Laurence. 2001. COCKROACH COOTIES. Hyperion. ISBN-10: 0786813385 ISBN-13: 978-0786813384
Laurence Yep
2003. THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH. HarperTrophy. ISBN-10: 0064408523 ISBN-13: 978-0064408523
Laurence Yep. DREAM SOUL.
*This books gives an opportunity for a discussion on predjudice.
Yep, Laurence. 1992. THE STAR FISHER. Puffin: New York ISBN-10: 0140360034 ISBN-13: 978-0140360035
SUMMARY
In 1927, a Chinese American family moves to West Virginia from Ohio. The Lee family opens a new laundry in an old school house. Their landlord, Miss Lucy, is a kind and interesting woman that befriends Joan and her family. Mrs. Lee grew up as the youngest child in her family and never learned to cook. After several ruined dinners Miss Lucy offers to teach Joan's mother to cook. Mrs. Lee is asked to bake a pie for the church social. With the help of Miss Lucy, Mrs. Lee presents a pie that is enjoyed by several people at the social. The majority of the people in Clarksburg are slow to accept the Lee family. With the help of Miss Lucy and the Reverend, the town begins to accept the Lee family and bring business to the laundry.
CRITICAL REVIEW
The story is based on the memories of the authors' family. Joan Lee is fifteen and born in America. According to her mother, she is sixteen in the Chinese tradition of counting from conception. The title of the book comes from a folktale. In the story that is told by Joan to her little sister, a farmer falls in love with a woman with a beautiful voice. The woman is a magical kingfisher bird. The farmer takes the woman away from her sisters by taking her magical feathered cloak. He hides the magic cloak from his wife to keep her from leaving. They marry and have a child. The child feels different from the other children and doesn't feel as if she belongs. After several years the mother discovers her cloak and flies away telling the child she will return for her. The child has been marked by the golden kingfishers and will also be a star fisher that has the freedom to fly away.
The folktale plays an integral part in the Star Fisher. The book relates the ideas in the folktale to Joan's feelings of being different and not fitting in. As the woman in the tale is held captive, Joan also feels that she needs to become independent from her parents. The mother's in both situations are looking for a way to return to what they know.
The Star Fisher is written in English. The reader is meant to read the story as if it has been told in Joan's home language. The words spoken in English by the characters are printed in Italics to differentiate them from the rest of the text.
Language is a barrier for the mother that speaks very little English. The mother is a strong character that wants to control her family. The mother and daughter share in the universal theme of 'leaving the nest'. Joan is growing up and has a need for independence. In the story, Joan and her mother begin to understand the needs of each other.
The Lee's are confronted with prejudice in their new home. They must deal with derogatory remarks and words painted on their fence. The laundry, in this story is based on the author's history. The Chinese Laundry is a stereotype that has been used over the years. It plays an important part in the story but perpetuates the stereotype. In The Star Fisher, Mr. Lee is a scholar that writes poems. Political problems in his home country forced him to start new life in America. The Lee family wears clothing like other Americans but are kept at a distance by most of the town because they look different. They are treated as if they are "fresh off the boat" and don't understand English. They eat apple pie and sandwiches and are in many ways, acculturated into the American lifestyle.
The Star Fisher is a quality story for children and adults. It is interesting and has depth in it's characters. It was a winner of the Christopher Award.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publishers Weekly
Based on the author's own experiences, this Christopher Award winner movingly describes a Chinese American family's adjustment to their new home in West Virginia in 1927 and the prejudice they encounter there. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
School Library Journal
Grade 6-8-- On the first night in their new home in a small West Virginia town, 15-year-old Joan Lee lulls her little sister to sleep with the story of a magical kingfisher who is held captive in human form by her mortal husband, but who is later helped by her daughter. She soon joins her mother in the stars, but is sometimes seen, comet like, attempting to bridge heaven and Earth. Joan, the oldest daughter of the only Chinese family in 1927 Clarksburg, at first sees only herself in the story's symbols: caught between two worlds. As she braves the curiosity and prejudice of the townspeople, helps bridge a friendship between her mother and an elderly neighbor, and gets acquainted with an enigmatic classmate, she realizes that she is not the only one struggling to find a niche. Joan's story will appeal to any reader who has ever felt excluded, but she and her family seem to hold many more stories begging to be shared. Based on tales Yep gleaned from his mother and her family, whose resilience and humor shine through, The Star Fisher offers tantalizing glimpses of interesting characters, but abruptly shifts focus from a family story with the younger sister as a strong character to a relationship between mother and daughter. Basically, there is too much depth and complexity here to be confined to one book. --Carla Kozak, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
CONNECTIONS
Other books by Yep
Yep, Laurence. 2001. COCKROACH COOTIES. Hyperion. ISBN-10: 0786813385 ISBN-13: 978-0786813384
Laurence Yep
2003. THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH. HarperTrophy. ISBN-10: 0064408523 ISBN-13: 978-0064408523
Laurence Yep. DREAM SOUL.
*This books gives an opportunity for a discussion on predjudice.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
FOX SONG by Joseph Bruchac
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bruchac, Joseph. 1993. FOX SONG. Putnam Juvenile. New York
ISBN-10: 0698115619 ISBN-13: 978-0698115613
SUMMARY
Grama Bowman was over ninety and Jamie's great grandma. They were very close and it has been hard for Jamie since Grama Bowman died. They had all lived together for the last six years by the Winooski River. It was the family way to take care of each other. Jamie and her Grama are Abenaki. Jamie's father was French but Grama had said they were good people and "quick to learn, and we were ready to teach them. I think that is why we kept on marrying them all these years." Grama had taught Jamie to pick wild berries and to make birch bark baskets. Grama Bowman had made Jamie laugh. They would walk into the woods and sip maple sap from the bucket. While in the woods, Grama tells Jamie, "when you are out here and I am not with you, you keep your eyes open. You might see her (the fox) and when you do, you will think of me." When Jamie walks in the woods now, she feels her Grama beside her. Grama had talked of the leaves and how they liked to dance. The leaves reminded Grama of her old people and made her remember that they are still with her. She taught Jamie a special song that would help Jamie if she was feeling alone. Grama had prepared Jamie, "when you are in the woods alone and you see the fox think of me." After Grama died, Jamie went to walk in the woods, she sang the special song that she had had been given by Grama Bowman. As Jamie sang she saw the fox, sitting and listening to her song. Jamie knew that she would never be alone.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Fox Song is based on a special relationship that Bruchac had with an old friend. The friend had given him a gift of a song. A song given as a gift by the Abenaki is kept close and personal. When Bruchac saw a fox in the woods he sang the song in memory of his friend. Bruchac uses Abenaki language in his story. Wokwes for the fox, Kokohas for the old owl, Madegwas for rabbit and alniminal for the wild berries. Ways of life significant to the Abenaki are shared in the story. Badogi is the mark of thunder. Grama gives a gift of tobacco to the Maskwa blanket tree. She shows Jamie how to strip the bark to the left, the way the sun moves around the tree. It is important to only take what they need so the tree won't die. The Abenaki believe that lightening doesn't strike a Birch tree and that it is a safe place in a storm.
The birch basket that is pictued in the illustrations is an accurate representation of an Abenaki birch basket. The illustrations are warm and show moments of happiness. The dark hair and golden skin reflect Jamie's native American heritage. The few items of Abenaki art are set in a modern day home. The clothing worn by Jamie and her Grama are typical of current styles worn by all people today. Nature is depicted in an inviting way with sunshine and color. The paintings by Paul Morin are attractive and full of life and soul. The book Fox Song expresses the author's empathy with the loss of a loved one.
Fox Song is recommended for ages 4-8 but an enjoyable story for all ages.
REVIEWS
Publishers Weekly In this tale of the sweet and vital bond between Native American great-grandparents and children, Bruchac, a well-known storyteller with Abenaki roots, offers a glimpse into traditional ways through the experience of Jamie, an Abenaki girl who lives near Vermont's Winooski river. One morning, Jamie resists waking and clings to fitful dreams in which she is reunited with her dead great-grandmother. Bruchac's clever device unifies various memories of Grama Bowman: she has taught Jamie to collect berries and to care for the patch ("burn off the dead bushes each year so that new ones will be green"), to peel bark from birch trees to fashion baskets, to follow wildlife signs in the winter woods, to sip maple sap. Primary to this story is the poignancy of lessons whose meanings ripen only with time. The aging woman lovingly and unobtrusively prepares her great-granddaughter for their inevitable separation, telling Jamie that when she sees the fox she will think of Grama Bowman. A delicate secondary theme is the unusual parental sympathy for Jamie's lazy morning--her mother and father understand the healing power of dreams. Through an appropriately autumnal palette, Morin's oil paintings on canvas echo the texture of Abenaki artifacts: birch bark and sticks, leather, carved bone, drying leaves. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
School Library Journal
Grade 2-4-Jamie, grieving over the death of her great-grandmother, remembers and describes some of the special times they shared. Grama Bowman, an Abenaki, told her stories and taught her about "'our old Indian way.'" Memories of gathering berries, birch bark for baskets, or sap for maple sugar, activities that brought them together and close to nature are related. She recalls seeing the tracks of a fox and her grama telling her, "'When you are out here and I am not with you, you keep your eyes open. You might see her and when you do, you will think of me.'" The elderly woman's wise words and an Abenaki song of greeting help the girl cope with her loss. When Jamie sings the song in the woods, she sees a fox and knows that she will "...never be alone." Morin's oil paintings are both realistic and textured. The characters' faces are depicted lovingly but without idealism. The palette is rich and warm, in mostly autumnal tones, but with spring and winter accents. Strong artwork and multiple themes compensate for the rather pat ending.Patricia Dooley, formerly at University of Washington, SeattleCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
CONNECTIONS
Crazy Horse's Vision (Paperback) by Joseph Bruchac (Narrator), S. D. Nelson (Illustrator), Curtis Zunigha. Live Oak Media; Pap/Cas edition (January 30, 2007) ISBN-10: 1591124514 ISBN-13: 978-1591124511
* Ask the children if they have ever seen a fox. Let them share stories of special times with their grandparents.
reviews accessed from http://www.amazon.com
Bruchac, Joseph. 1993. FOX SONG. Putnam Juvenile. New York
ISBN-10: 0698115619 ISBN-13: 978-0698115613
SUMMARY
Grama Bowman was over ninety and Jamie's great grandma. They were very close and it has been hard for Jamie since Grama Bowman died. They had all lived together for the last six years by the Winooski River. It was the family way to take care of each other. Jamie and her Grama are Abenaki. Jamie's father was French but Grama had said they were good people and "quick to learn, and we were ready to teach them. I think that is why we kept on marrying them all these years." Grama had taught Jamie to pick wild berries and to make birch bark baskets. Grama Bowman had made Jamie laugh. They would walk into the woods and sip maple sap from the bucket. While in the woods, Grama tells Jamie, "when you are out here and I am not with you, you keep your eyes open. You might see her (the fox) and when you do, you will think of me." When Jamie walks in the woods now, she feels her Grama beside her. Grama had talked of the leaves and how they liked to dance. The leaves reminded Grama of her old people and made her remember that they are still with her. She taught Jamie a special song that would help Jamie if she was feeling alone. Grama had prepared Jamie, "when you are in the woods alone and you see the fox think of me." After Grama died, Jamie went to walk in the woods, she sang the special song that she had had been given by Grama Bowman. As Jamie sang she saw the fox, sitting and listening to her song. Jamie knew that she would never be alone.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Fox Song is based on a special relationship that Bruchac had with an old friend. The friend had given him a gift of a song. A song given as a gift by the Abenaki is kept close and personal. When Bruchac saw a fox in the woods he sang the song in memory of his friend. Bruchac uses Abenaki language in his story. Wokwes for the fox, Kokohas for the old owl, Madegwas for rabbit and alniminal for the wild berries. Ways of life significant to the Abenaki are shared in the story. Badogi is the mark of thunder. Grama gives a gift of tobacco to the Maskwa blanket tree. She shows Jamie how to strip the bark to the left, the way the sun moves around the tree. It is important to only take what they need so the tree won't die. The Abenaki believe that lightening doesn't strike a Birch tree and that it is a safe place in a storm.
The birch basket that is pictued in the illustrations is an accurate representation of an Abenaki birch basket. The illustrations are warm and show moments of happiness. The dark hair and golden skin reflect Jamie's native American heritage. The few items of Abenaki art are set in a modern day home. The clothing worn by Jamie and her Grama are typical of current styles worn by all people today. Nature is depicted in an inviting way with sunshine and color. The paintings by Paul Morin are attractive and full of life and soul. The book Fox Song expresses the author's empathy with the loss of a loved one.
Fox Song is recommended for ages 4-8 but an enjoyable story for all ages.
REVIEWS
Publishers Weekly In this tale of the sweet and vital bond between Native American great-grandparents and children, Bruchac, a well-known storyteller with Abenaki roots, offers a glimpse into traditional ways through the experience of Jamie, an Abenaki girl who lives near Vermont's Winooski river. One morning, Jamie resists waking and clings to fitful dreams in which she is reunited with her dead great-grandmother. Bruchac's clever device unifies various memories of Grama Bowman: she has taught Jamie to collect berries and to care for the patch ("burn off the dead bushes each year so that new ones will be green"), to peel bark from birch trees to fashion baskets, to follow wildlife signs in the winter woods, to sip maple sap. Primary to this story is the poignancy of lessons whose meanings ripen only with time. The aging woman lovingly and unobtrusively prepares her great-granddaughter for their inevitable separation, telling Jamie that when she sees the fox she will think of Grama Bowman. A delicate secondary theme is the unusual parental sympathy for Jamie's lazy morning--her mother and father understand the healing power of dreams. Through an appropriately autumnal palette, Morin's oil paintings on canvas echo the texture of Abenaki artifacts: birch bark and sticks, leather, carved bone, drying leaves. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
School Library Journal
Grade 2-4-Jamie, grieving over the death of her great-grandmother, remembers and describes some of the special times they shared. Grama Bowman, an Abenaki, told her stories and taught her about "'our old Indian way.'" Memories of gathering berries, birch bark for baskets, or sap for maple sugar, activities that brought them together and close to nature are related. She recalls seeing the tracks of a fox and her grama telling her, "'When you are out here and I am not with you, you keep your eyes open. You might see her and when you do, you will think of me.'" The elderly woman's wise words and an Abenaki song of greeting help the girl cope with her loss. When Jamie sings the song in the woods, she sees a fox and knows that she will "...never be alone." Morin's oil paintings are both realistic and textured. The characters' faces are depicted lovingly but without idealism. The palette is rich and warm, in mostly autumnal tones, but with spring and winter accents. Strong artwork and multiple themes compensate for the rather pat ending.Patricia Dooley, formerly at University of Washington, SeattleCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
CONNECTIONS
Crazy Horse's Vision (Paperback) by Joseph Bruchac (Narrator), S. D. Nelson (Illustrator), Curtis Zunigha. Live Oak Media; Pap/Cas edition (January 30, 2007) ISBN-10: 1591124514 ISBN-13: 978-1591124511
* Ask the children if they have ever seen a fox. Let them share stories of special times with their grandparents.
reviews accessed from http://www.amazon.com
THE RANGE ETERNAL by Louise Erdrich
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Erdrich, Louise. 2002. THE RANGE ETERNAL. illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. Hyperion: New York ISBN-10: 0786802200 ISBN-13: 978-0786802203
SUMMARY
An Ojbwa family lives in a cabin with mica windows in the Turtle Mountains in South Dakota. Mother cooks soup on the Range Eternal. It is an old wood cook stove that is that heats the home as part of it's duties. She learned to write her letters from the words on the front of the Eternal Range stove. With charcoal from the stove she learned to write on the margins of her father's newspaper. She slept in a cot near the stove with a warm stone from the fire wrapped in a cloth at her feet.
Electricity came to the cabin while she was a child. The years have brought electric lights instead of kerosene lamps. The Range Eternal was taken and hauled away. It was replaced with a new electric stove. In the summer the Range Eternal wasn't missed as it would heat the house when bread was baked. In the winter the hot flames and warm potatoes in your pockets were missed. The visions in the flames were missed the most.
Grown, with a family of her own. She still misses the memories of the Range Eternal. She finds a blue Eternal Range wood stove in a store window and makes it a part of her home. The flames bring back the memories of childhood when she envisioned the animals running on the plain. She shares her vision of shadows and flames with her family in their city home.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The illustrations draw you in to the story and life on the South Dakota plains. The warm colors are reflected in the visions in the flames. The cool colors make the cold a reality. You can almost feel the warm potatoes in your pockets. The characters are welcoming and loving in their representation. A close family and sense of caring is reflected in the illustrations.
The cultural markers used in the story are tied to stories of the past. Windigo the ice monster with wind claws and ice teeth is an Ojbwa story that frightens children. Without the warmth of the Range Eternal, Winingo can get closer. The child sees visions in the flames they are memories of old Ojbwa tales that she has heard growing up. The play on words tie the old stories of the animals that are plentiful on the range to the vision seen in the Range Eternal in the flames. The young girl in the story is the author telling of her memory of a simple life growing up in South Dakota. She is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojbwa. As a child she is comforted by the dancing flames in the old cook stove. The clothing is generic and fits to the time of the story. Electricity coming to the cabin may show the isolation living in a remote area of the country. The story is recommended for 4 - 8 years but will also be enjoyed by adults that understand the pull of childhood memories.
REVIEWS
Publishers Weekly
Erdrich (The Birchbark House) skillfully weaves family memories into a poignant and lyrical story of home and hearth. The symbolism may be more moving to adults, but the theme of family and preservation will resonate with children. A young mother relates how when she was a girl in the Turtle Mountains, a wood-burning, enameled stove ("The Range Eternal" emblazoned on the front) provided the family with good soup, warmth and protection. As she looks through the stove's window, the girl sees in its flames "pictures of long ago" that conjure up a range of another kind ("I saw the range of the buffalo... the wolf range and fox range.... I saw the Range Eternal." Johnson and Francher (New York's Bravest) suffuse their breathtaking paintings with light-buffalo and deer gallop in golden clouds across the landscape; in a later painting, the steam from a pot of soup curls through the afternoon sun as the young mother longs for a "center of true warmth" like that of her childhood. When she finds a stove just like her family's in an antique shop, she brings it home and teaches her son "to enter the pictures... to see... the living range restored." Erdrich skillfully works in homely details, crafting language both musical and evocative (the girl is "tucked into the stillness" on a winter night; the stove is the "warm heart of the house"). Sumptuous paintings of the plains and cozy domestic scenes combine with graceful language to describe the rituals that keep family and community together. Ages 4-7.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4-In this evocative glimpse into the past, a narrator recalls the blue enamel stove of her childhood home in the mountains of North Dakota. Her mother cooks with one hand while feeding the fire with the other. A girl thaws herself by the stove after chores. Stones warmed in the stove keep feet cozy on winter nights; hot potatoes keep hands from freezing on winter walks to school. The stove offers more than heat. It provides light and comfort against night fears and casts shadows on the wall that turn into pictures of the plains long ago, thick with grazing buffalo. The raised lettering on the stove, The Range Eternal, provides an early writing lesson. Much is lost the year electricity comes down the road, and the enamel range is traded for an electric one. Years later, the nostalgic young woman finds The Range Eternal in an antique store and is able to bring her memories to life for her son and her husband. Dreamy illustrations in muted colors float across the pages with the texture of steam, wind, and shadows forming connections between past and present. This is a peaceful story of imagination, memories, and the ties among generations.Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FLCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
CONNECTIONS
*Crazy Horse's Vision. 2000. by Joseph Bruchac. S. D. Nelson Illustrator, Curtis Zunigha. Lee and Low Books Inc; New York. ISBN-10: 1591124514 ISBN-13: 978-1591124511
Draw pictures or write stories about things that make you feel warm and comfortable.
Erdrich, Louise. 2002. THE RANGE ETERNAL. illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. Hyperion: New York ISBN-10: 0786802200 ISBN-13: 978-0786802203
SUMMARY
An Ojbwa family lives in a cabin with mica windows in the Turtle Mountains in South Dakota. Mother cooks soup on the Range Eternal. It is an old wood cook stove that is that heats the home as part of it's duties. She learned to write her letters from the words on the front of the Eternal Range stove. With charcoal from the stove she learned to write on the margins of her father's newspaper. She slept in a cot near the stove with a warm stone from the fire wrapped in a cloth at her feet.
Electricity came to the cabin while she was a child. The years have brought electric lights instead of kerosene lamps. The Range Eternal was taken and hauled away. It was replaced with a new electric stove. In the summer the Range Eternal wasn't missed as it would heat the house when bread was baked. In the winter the hot flames and warm potatoes in your pockets were missed. The visions in the flames were missed the most.
Grown, with a family of her own. She still misses the memories of the Range Eternal. She finds a blue Eternal Range wood stove in a store window and makes it a part of her home. The flames bring back the memories of childhood when she envisioned the animals running on the plain. She shares her vision of shadows and flames with her family in their city home.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The illustrations draw you in to the story and life on the South Dakota plains. The warm colors are reflected in the visions in the flames. The cool colors make the cold a reality. You can almost feel the warm potatoes in your pockets. The characters are welcoming and loving in their representation. A close family and sense of caring is reflected in the illustrations.
The cultural markers used in the story are tied to stories of the past. Windigo the ice monster with wind claws and ice teeth is an Ojbwa story that frightens children. Without the warmth of the Range Eternal, Winingo can get closer. The child sees visions in the flames they are memories of old Ojbwa tales that she has heard growing up. The play on words tie the old stories of the animals that are plentiful on the range to the vision seen in the Range Eternal in the flames. The young girl in the story is the author telling of her memory of a simple life growing up in South Dakota. She is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojbwa. As a child she is comforted by the dancing flames in the old cook stove. The clothing is generic and fits to the time of the story. Electricity coming to the cabin may show the isolation living in a remote area of the country. The story is recommended for 4 - 8 years but will also be enjoyed by adults that understand the pull of childhood memories.
REVIEWS
Publishers Weekly
Erdrich (The Birchbark House) skillfully weaves family memories into a poignant and lyrical story of home and hearth. The symbolism may be more moving to adults, but the theme of family and preservation will resonate with children. A young mother relates how when she was a girl in the Turtle Mountains, a wood-burning, enameled stove ("The Range Eternal" emblazoned on the front) provided the family with good soup, warmth and protection. As she looks through the stove's window, the girl sees in its flames "pictures of long ago" that conjure up a range of another kind ("I saw the range of the buffalo... the wolf range and fox range.... I saw the Range Eternal." Johnson and Francher (New York's Bravest) suffuse their breathtaking paintings with light-buffalo and deer gallop in golden clouds across the landscape; in a later painting, the steam from a pot of soup curls through the afternoon sun as the young mother longs for a "center of true warmth" like that of her childhood. When she finds a stove just like her family's in an antique shop, she brings it home and teaches her son "to enter the pictures... to see... the living range restored." Erdrich skillfully works in homely details, crafting language both musical and evocative (the girl is "tucked into the stillness" on a winter night; the stove is the "warm heart of the house"). Sumptuous paintings of the plains and cozy domestic scenes combine with graceful language to describe the rituals that keep family and community together. Ages 4-7.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4-In this evocative glimpse into the past, a narrator recalls the blue enamel stove of her childhood home in the mountains of North Dakota. Her mother cooks with one hand while feeding the fire with the other. A girl thaws herself by the stove after chores. Stones warmed in the stove keep feet cozy on winter nights; hot potatoes keep hands from freezing on winter walks to school. The stove offers more than heat. It provides light and comfort against night fears and casts shadows on the wall that turn into pictures of the plains long ago, thick with grazing buffalo. The raised lettering on the stove, The Range Eternal, provides an early writing lesson. Much is lost the year electricity comes down the road, and the enamel range is traded for an electric one. Years later, the nostalgic young woman finds The Range Eternal in an antique store and is able to bring her memories to life for her son and her husband. Dreamy illustrations in muted colors float across the pages with the texture of steam, wind, and shadows forming connections between past and present. This is a peaceful story of imagination, memories, and the ties among generations.Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FLCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
CONNECTIONS
*Crazy Horse's Vision. 2000. by Joseph Bruchac. S. D. Nelson Illustrator, Curtis Zunigha. Lee and Low Books Inc; New York. ISBN-10: 1591124514 ISBN-13: 978-1591124511
Draw pictures or write stories about things that make you feel warm and comfortable.
INDIAN SHOES by Cynthia Leitich Smith
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Smith, Cynthia Leitich. 2002. INDIAN SHOES. Illustrator Jim Madsen. HarperCollins; 1st edition ISBN-10: 0060295317 ISBN-13: 978-0060295318
SUMMARY
A selection of short interrelated stories of Ray and his Grandpa, of Seminole-Cherokee decent. Ray lives with his Grandpa Halfmoon in Chicago. Grampa reminisces about family and old times in Oklahoma. In the first story, Ray negotiates the trade for a pair of moccasins for Grandpa Halfmoon. In the last story, Ray and Grandpa visit family in Oklahoma. Ray discovers the reason Grandpa, a world class fisherman isn't catching any fish. We learn that Ray's dad is missing from Ray's life, and the stories, because he had died. Grampa Halfmoon is spending more time remembering his son that has died than fishing.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The short stories are interesting although they lack a conclusion. The stories leave you wanting more. In the stories, Grandpa is reminiscent of old times in Oklahoma. "Every once in a great while, my Gramps used to wear moccasins, instead of his cowboy boots," said Gramps "He use to pitch to me and my cousins too, and Gramps usually struck us out..." Shows the generations that have changed from the old ways to modern ways of life. After the conclusion of the trade of moccasins for hightops, the librarian displays Ray's hightops in place of the moccasins. A sign that reads, "traded from Ray Halfmoon, Cherokee-Seminole Hightops. Not Indian made but Indian Worn, Guaranteed" is displayed with the hightops. The use of the term, Indian, in the sign shows that the librarian is an outsider. The sign represents a degree of understanding but has an overhanging impression of stereotyping.
The many subtle references, reinforces the fact that Native Americans wear the same type of clothing and live in the same type of houses as everyone else, is an idea that needs to be understood by children. The stories show the close relationship between Ray and his Grandfather.
The illustrations are good representations of Native American lifestyle in the current day. Electric lights and a microwave are shown in the illustrations. Modern day clothing styles are worn by the characters. Uncle Leonard uses a laptop computer. These are items in the stories that are meant to convey an accurate representation of current lifestyles of Native Americans. In the illustrations, Grampa wears a ponytail that could represent his heritage. Caring for animals and fishing are important segments in the stories that represent closeness to nature that could relate to their heritage. Ages 4-8
REVIEWS
Publishers Weekly
Ray Halfmoon, a Seminole-Cherokee boy living with his grandfather in Chicago, is at the center of Smith's (Rain Is Not My Indian Name) slim collection of six tales. Though the author affectingly portrays the strong bond between grandson and grandfather, the narrative bogs down with flowery or overwritten passages (e.g., "Ray's and Grampa's breath puffed cloudy as they trudged next door to the Wang home. In the driveway, Mrs. Wang's VW Bug waited to be freed from the snow like a triceratops skeleton embedded in rock"). Kids may have trouble sticking with this collection. Ages 7-10. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
School Library Journal
Grade 3-5-Smith adds her voice to the precious few authors portraying realistic contemporary life for Indian children. Although she tells little of his background, the author uses six vignette chapters to introduce Ray, an affable mixed-blood Cherokee-Seminole boy living in Chicago with his Grampa Halfmoon. With humor, compassion, and ingenuity, . There are no mystical nature spirits or cathartic history lessons, only the everyday challenges common to any contemporary kid, as experienced by an Indian boy who is firmly grounded in his own family's heritage. With its unadorned portrayal of urban Indian life, Shoes is a good book for any elementary-aged reluctant reader, and a necessity for indigenous children everywhere.Sean George, St. Charles Parish Library, Luling, LACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
CONNECTIONS
*Other books by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Smith, Cynthia Leitich. 2001. Rain Is Not My Indian Name. co author Lori Earley. HarperCollins; New York. ISBN-10: 0688173977 ISBN-13: 978-0688173975
Smith, Cynthia Leitich. 2000. Jingle Dancer. Cornelius Van Wright (Illustrator), Ying-Hwa Hu (Author). HarperCollins ISBN-10: 068816241X ISBN-13: 978-0688162412
*Talk about fishing with students, asking about their experiences. Have they lost someone in their family? Do they have a special memory that they would like to share?
Smith, Cynthia Leitich. 2002. INDIAN SHOES. Illustrator Jim Madsen. HarperCollins; 1st edition ISBN-10: 0060295317 ISBN-13: 978-0060295318
SUMMARY
A selection of short interrelated stories of Ray and his Grandpa, of Seminole-Cherokee decent. Ray lives with his Grandpa Halfmoon in Chicago. Grampa reminisces about family and old times in Oklahoma. In the first story, Ray negotiates the trade for a pair of moccasins for Grandpa Halfmoon. In the last story, Ray and Grandpa visit family in Oklahoma. Ray discovers the reason Grandpa, a world class fisherman isn't catching any fish. We learn that Ray's dad is missing from Ray's life, and the stories, because he had died. Grampa Halfmoon is spending more time remembering his son that has died than fishing.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The short stories are interesting although they lack a conclusion. The stories leave you wanting more. In the stories, Grandpa is reminiscent of old times in Oklahoma. "Every once in a great while, my Gramps used to wear moccasins, instead of his cowboy boots," said Gramps "He use to pitch to me and my cousins too, and Gramps usually struck us out..." Shows the generations that have changed from the old ways to modern ways of life. After the conclusion of the trade of moccasins for hightops, the librarian displays Ray's hightops in place of the moccasins. A sign that reads, "traded from Ray Halfmoon, Cherokee-Seminole Hightops. Not Indian made but Indian Worn, Guaranteed" is displayed with the hightops. The use of the term, Indian, in the sign shows that the librarian is an outsider. The sign represents a degree of understanding but has an overhanging impression of stereotyping.
The many subtle references, reinforces the fact that Native Americans wear the same type of clothing and live in the same type of houses as everyone else, is an idea that needs to be understood by children. The stories show the close relationship between Ray and his Grandfather.
The illustrations are good representations of Native American lifestyle in the current day. Electric lights and a microwave are shown in the illustrations. Modern day clothing styles are worn by the characters. Uncle Leonard uses a laptop computer. These are items in the stories that are meant to convey an accurate representation of current lifestyles of Native Americans. In the illustrations, Grampa wears a ponytail that could represent his heritage. Caring for animals and fishing are important segments in the stories that represent closeness to nature that could relate to their heritage. Ages 4-8
REVIEWS
Publishers Weekly
Ray Halfmoon, a Seminole-Cherokee boy living with his grandfather in Chicago, is at the center of Smith's (Rain Is Not My Indian Name) slim collection of six tales. Though the author affectingly portrays the strong bond between grandson and grandfather, the narrative bogs down with flowery or overwritten passages (e.g., "Ray's and Grampa's breath puffed cloudy as they trudged next door to the Wang home. In the driveway, Mrs. Wang's VW Bug waited to be freed from the snow like a triceratops skeleton embedded in rock"). Kids may have trouble sticking with this collection. Ages 7-10. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
School Library Journal
Grade 3-5-Smith adds her voice to the precious few authors portraying realistic contemporary life for Indian children. Although she tells little of his background, the author uses six vignette chapters to introduce Ray, an affable mixed-blood Cherokee-Seminole boy living in Chicago with his Grampa Halfmoon. With humor, compassion, and ingenuity, . There are no mystical nature spirits or cathartic history lessons, only the everyday challenges common to any contemporary kid, as experienced by an Indian boy who is firmly grounded in his own family's heritage. With its unadorned portrayal of urban Indian life, Shoes is a good book for any elementary-aged reluctant reader, and a necessity for indigenous children everywhere.Sean George, St. Charles Parish Library, Luling, LACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
CONNECTIONS
*Other books by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Smith, Cynthia Leitich. 2001. Rain Is Not My Indian Name. co author Lori Earley. HarperCollins; New York. ISBN-10: 0688173977 ISBN-13: 978-0688173975
Smith, Cynthia Leitich. 2000. Jingle Dancer. Cornelius Van Wright (Illustrator), Ying-Hwa Hu (Author). HarperCollins ISBN-10: 068816241X ISBN-13: 978-0688162412
*Talk about fishing with students, asking about their experiences. Have they lost someone in their family? Do they have a special memory that they would like to share?
Friday, July 6, 2007
PACIFIC CROSSING
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Soto, Gary. 1999. Pacific Crossing. Harcourt Paperbacks; Reprint edition ISBN-10: 0152046968 ISBN-13: 978-0152046965
PLOT SUMMARY
Lincoln Mendoza and his friend Tony live in San Francisco California. Lincoln is studying Kempo, a Japanese martial art. The junior high boys are asked to be foreign exchange students in Japan for the summer. Lincoln will continue his training of Kempo while in Japan. The families in Japan welcome Lincoln and Tony. They have sons the same age as Lincoln and Tony. The boys become close friends with their host families. Mitsuo is a new brother, they plan to be friends forever and visit in San Francisco.
Lincoln and Mitsuo take a trip to Tokyo on the train on a scavenger hunt arranged by Mr.Ono. Mitsuo's father works for the railroad and sends them off in the mail car. In the city the boys find the hidden paper and discover Mr. Ono's joke.
Lincoln and Mitsuo go camping with Mr. Ono. On the trip, a poisonous spider bites Mr.Ono. Lincoln, only fourteen, drives him to the hospital. The car gets a dented fender and a cracked windshield but the adventure is successful and the boys work to repair the car.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Soto is familiar with the language of boys today. He uses mannerisms of speech that would be recognizable to young readers. Spanish and Japanese words in the book give a cultural feel to the story. Soto is not repetitive in his translation of the Spanish and Japanese words used throughout the book more than necessary. His choice of words doesn't distract from the story. It gives authenticity to the represented cultures. A glossary follows the story for definitions.
The characters share their love of Mexican food with the Japanese families. The meal that the boys cook is not as successful as the growing friendship. Food is an intigral part of the story and the sharing of cultures.
The length of the book is manageable for young readers. The story moves along quickly with an interesting plot.
On several occasions the boys run from adults and shake their fists in defiance. The actions are extreme and unnecessary for two young boys. Lincoln and Mitsuo would be expected to show a more respectful attitude. It is debatable if the boys' actions are true representations of character.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal Grade 6-9-- Mexican-Americans Lincoln and Tony, both 14, are chosen as exchange students for a summer in Japan. They reside with different families and the focus is on Lincoln, with Tony appearing only when a sounding board is needed. The boys prepare a botched Mexican meal for their hosts, and Lincoln saves his host family's father's life by driving, unlicensed, to a hospital. Other than these episodes, little happens in what is essentially a novel of manners contrasting cultural mores. The writing is very good, often elegant, and the point of view is in keeping with a 14-year-old. The text contains many words and phrases in Spanish and Japanese, set off in italics and defined in separate glossaries. Unfortunately, this becomes distracting and often vexing, slowing down an already uneventful narrative. Readers will wonder just what is the lingua franca between the boys and their hosts. All of the Japanese exhibit a complete mastery of English, a nearly universal proficiency that is never explained. Though not without interest, the story is too languid and linguistically confusing to hold the attention of this age group. --John Philbrook, San Francisco Pub. Lib.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
CONNECTIONS
Other books by Gary Soto
Petty Crimes
Publisher: Harcourt Paperbacks; Reprint edition (May 1, 2006) Language: English ISBN-10: 0152054375 ISBN-13: 978-0152054373 9-12
Taking Sides
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1 edition (September 15, 1991) Language: English ISBN-10: 0152840761 ISBN-13: 978-0152840761 9-12
Soto, Gary. 1999. Pacific Crossing. Harcourt Paperbacks; Reprint edition ISBN-10: 0152046968 ISBN-13: 978-0152046965
PLOT SUMMARY
Lincoln Mendoza and his friend Tony live in San Francisco California. Lincoln is studying Kempo, a Japanese martial art. The junior high boys are asked to be foreign exchange students in Japan for the summer. Lincoln will continue his training of Kempo while in Japan. The families in Japan welcome Lincoln and Tony. They have sons the same age as Lincoln and Tony. The boys become close friends with their host families. Mitsuo is a new brother, they plan to be friends forever and visit in San Francisco.
Lincoln and Mitsuo take a trip to Tokyo on the train on a scavenger hunt arranged by Mr.Ono. Mitsuo's father works for the railroad and sends them off in the mail car. In the city the boys find the hidden paper and discover Mr. Ono's joke.
Lincoln and Mitsuo go camping with Mr. Ono. On the trip, a poisonous spider bites Mr.Ono. Lincoln, only fourteen, drives him to the hospital. The car gets a dented fender and a cracked windshield but the adventure is successful and the boys work to repair the car.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Soto is familiar with the language of boys today. He uses mannerisms of speech that would be recognizable to young readers. Spanish and Japanese words in the book give a cultural feel to the story. Soto is not repetitive in his translation of the Spanish and Japanese words used throughout the book more than necessary. His choice of words doesn't distract from the story. It gives authenticity to the represented cultures. A glossary follows the story for definitions.
The characters share their love of Mexican food with the Japanese families. The meal that the boys cook is not as successful as the growing friendship. Food is an intigral part of the story and the sharing of cultures.
The length of the book is manageable for young readers. The story moves along quickly with an interesting plot.
On several occasions the boys run from adults and shake their fists in defiance. The actions are extreme and unnecessary for two young boys. Lincoln and Mitsuo would be expected to show a more respectful attitude. It is debatable if the boys' actions are true representations of character.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal Grade 6-9-- Mexican-Americans Lincoln and Tony, both 14, are chosen as exchange students for a summer in Japan. They reside with different families and the focus is on Lincoln, with Tony appearing only when a sounding board is needed. The boys prepare a botched Mexican meal for their hosts, and Lincoln saves his host family's father's life by driving, unlicensed, to a hospital. Other than these episodes, little happens in what is essentially a novel of manners contrasting cultural mores. The writing is very good, often elegant, and the point of view is in keeping with a 14-year-old. The text contains many words and phrases in Spanish and Japanese, set off in italics and defined in separate glossaries. Unfortunately, this becomes distracting and often vexing, slowing down an already uneventful narrative. Readers will wonder just what is the lingua franca between the boys and their hosts. All of the Japanese exhibit a complete mastery of English, a nearly universal proficiency that is never explained. Though not without interest, the story is too languid and linguistically confusing to hold the attention of this age group. --John Philbrook, San Francisco Pub. Lib.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
CONNECTIONS
Other books by Gary Soto
Petty Crimes
Publisher: Harcourt Paperbacks; Reprint edition (May 1, 2006) Language: English ISBN-10: 0152054375 ISBN-13: 978-0152054373 9-12
Taking Sides
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1 edition (September 15, 1991) Language: English ISBN-10: 0152840761 ISBN-13: 978-0152840761 9-12
TRINO'S TIME
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bertrand, Diane Gonzales. 2001. Trino's Time. Arte Publico Press. ISBN-10: 1558853162 ISBN-13: 978-1558853164
PLOT SUMMARY
Trino is a young Hispanic boy that takes the hardships of life in stride. He helps his single mother with the care of his three brothers. His mother lost her job and it is difficult to pay for the things they need. Trino's family has been eating a lot of eggs and tortilla's. The earnings from his labor at a local store help to buy food for his family. Mr.Epifano hired Trino to help out at his store for two dollars and the old perishables and dented cans. Trino's friends had beaten Mr. Epifano in a robbery. Mr. Epifano was a difficult man but Trino feels bad that he had been beaten.
Memories of his best friend's death during a robbery haunt Trino. He sees the value in making better choices for himself. He is inspired to do better in school by the coach and his new friends. Trino is proud of the Mexican man Navarro in his school project. Navarro had signed the Texas Declaration of Independence with the memorable words, "Time will speak for everything." Trino researches his project at the college library. He encourages his mom to seek a job cleaning at the college despite her insecurities of being a high school drop out.
When a tree falls on the roof, destroying their mobile home Trino rescues his mother. Trino is recognized as a hero when he is interviewed on the news. Trino 's determination comes from his goal to help his family.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Trino's Time is an interesting book for 10 and up. Trino is mature for his years and recognizes that hard work and determination are needed to get by in life. The characters are identifiable for young people in their quest to become adults. Trino discovers that good friends can be found when you least expect it. Trino chooses to follow his own path rather than the path of his old friends that committed a crime. The difficulties experienced by Trino's family are believable and not sensationalized. The struggle for survival in poor Hispanic single parent families is an accepted reality. The story gives hope for a better future for Trino as he sees the value of education.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal-Grade 6-9-The 13-year-old introduced in Trino's Choice (Pi-ata, 1999) is having a difficult life at home and at school. Recently, he has been trying to come to grips with the death of his best friend during an attempted robbery at a car wash-a robbery for which Trino barely missed being implicated. He and his three younger brothers live in a trailer park in Texas with their poorly educated mother who does her best but barely manages to support them. When she loses her job, the family struggles just to get food and clothing. Luckily, Trino is able to find some work and his mother's new boyfriend takes the family under his wing. At the same time, a group of teens at school shows Trino the true meaning of friendship, and he even embarks on his first romance. As he begins to trust in his own abilities, he discovers that he really is smart, and that school can be fun and challenging, and can teach him some important things about his heritage. Through his example, his mother finds the courage to get a job for which she had been embarrassed to apply. When a terrible storm leaves the family homeless, Trino finally gets the chance to prove he has changed for the better. The story has high interest and a quick pace with realistic dialogue including suitably placed Spanish words and phrases. Characters are likable and carefully drawn. Those readers who were frustrated with the open-ended conclusion of the earlier title will find satisfaction in this well-written sequel.Diane P. Tuccillo, Mesa Public Library, AZ Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. BooklistGr. 6-12. In Bertrand's solid follow-up to the award-winning Trino's Choice (1999), 15-year-old Trino moves past the haunting memory of his friend's murder and takes on more responsibility in his family. To contribute to the small household income, Trino accepts a job in a grocery store, taking time from friends and schoolwork. When he's assigned a biographical report on Jose Antonio Navarro, Trino finds a hero who helps him aspire to more than just survival. The drama is seldom intense in the story, but the emotions are sincere, and selfless Trino is an appealing protagonist. Family ties are strong, and the teen issues, especially Trino's struggle between wanting to do for himself and sacrificing for his family, are entirely believable. Surrounded by a volatile mother, her well-meaning but less-than-stellar boyfriend, and young siblings, Trino is the anchor that keeps his family, and this novel, firmly planted in reality. Roger LeslieCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
CONNECTIONS
TRINO"S CHOICE. Pinata Books; 1st edition (1999) Language: English ISBN-10: 1558852689 ISBN-13: 978-1558852686
Bertrand, Diane Gonzales. 2001. Trino's Time. Arte Publico Press. ISBN-10: 1558853162 ISBN-13: 978-1558853164
PLOT SUMMARY
Trino is a young Hispanic boy that takes the hardships of life in stride. He helps his single mother with the care of his three brothers. His mother lost her job and it is difficult to pay for the things they need. Trino's family has been eating a lot of eggs and tortilla's. The earnings from his labor at a local store help to buy food for his family. Mr.Epifano hired Trino to help out at his store for two dollars and the old perishables and dented cans. Trino's friends had beaten Mr. Epifano in a robbery. Mr. Epifano was a difficult man but Trino feels bad that he had been beaten.
Memories of his best friend's death during a robbery haunt Trino. He sees the value in making better choices for himself. He is inspired to do better in school by the coach and his new friends. Trino is proud of the Mexican man Navarro in his school project. Navarro had signed the Texas Declaration of Independence with the memorable words, "Time will speak for everything." Trino researches his project at the college library. He encourages his mom to seek a job cleaning at the college despite her insecurities of being a high school drop out.
When a tree falls on the roof, destroying their mobile home Trino rescues his mother. Trino is recognized as a hero when he is interviewed on the news. Trino 's determination comes from his goal to help his family.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Trino's Time is an interesting book for 10 and up. Trino is mature for his years and recognizes that hard work and determination are needed to get by in life. The characters are identifiable for young people in their quest to become adults. Trino discovers that good friends can be found when you least expect it. Trino chooses to follow his own path rather than the path of his old friends that committed a crime. The difficulties experienced by Trino's family are believable and not sensationalized. The struggle for survival in poor Hispanic single parent families is an accepted reality. The story gives hope for a better future for Trino as he sees the value of education.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal-Grade 6-9-The 13-year-old introduced in Trino's Choice (Pi-ata, 1999) is having a difficult life at home and at school. Recently, he has been trying to come to grips with the death of his best friend during an attempted robbery at a car wash-a robbery for which Trino barely missed being implicated. He and his three younger brothers live in a trailer park in Texas with their poorly educated mother who does her best but barely manages to support them. When she loses her job, the family struggles just to get food and clothing. Luckily, Trino is able to find some work and his mother's new boyfriend takes the family under his wing. At the same time, a group of teens at school shows Trino the true meaning of friendship, and he even embarks on his first romance. As he begins to trust in his own abilities, he discovers that he really is smart, and that school can be fun and challenging, and can teach him some important things about his heritage. Through his example, his mother finds the courage to get a job for which she had been embarrassed to apply. When a terrible storm leaves the family homeless, Trino finally gets the chance to prove he has changed for the better. The story has high interest and a quick pace with realistic dialogue including suitably placed Spanish words and phrases. Characters are likable and carefully drawn. Those readers who were frustrated with the open-ended conclusion of the earlier title will find satisfaction in this well-written sequel.Diane P. Tuccillo, Mesa Public Library, AZ Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. BooklistGr. 6-12. In Bertrand's solid follow-up to the award-winning Trino's Choice (1999), 15-year-old Trino moves past the haunting memory of his friend's murder and takes on more responsibility in his family. To contribute to the small household income, Trino accepts a job in a grocery store, taking time from friends and schoolwork. When he's assigned a biographical report on Jose Antonio Navarro, Trino finds a hero who helps him aspire to more than just survival. The drama is seldom intense in the story, but the emotions are sincere, and selfless Trino is an appealing protagonist. Family ties are strong, and the teen issues, especially Trino's struggle between wanting to do for himself and sacrificing for his family, are entirely believable. Surrounded by a volatile mother, her well-meaning but less-than-stellar boyfriend, and young siblings, Trino is the anchor that keeps his family, and this novel, firmly planted in reality. Roger LeslieCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
CONNECTIONS
TRINO"S CHOICE. Pinata Books; 1st edition (1999) Language: English ISBN-10: 1558852689 ISBN-13: 978-1558852686
Thursday, July 5, 2007
TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Mora, Pat. 2000. Tomas and the Library Lady. Raul Colon (Illustrator) Dragonfly Books; 1st Dragonfly Books Ed. 10: 0375803491 ISBN-13: 978-0375803499
PLOT SUMMARY
The story of Tomas is based on the life of Tomas Rivera, a successful Mexican American writer and educator. As a boy Tomas loved stories told to him by his Papa Grande. The Rivera family were migrant workers that traveled between Iowa and Texas to help with the harvest. In Iowa, Papa Grande sent Tomas to the library to find more stories. The library lady invited Tomas in for a drink of water. She brought him books to read about dinosaurs and tigers and anything that interested Tomas. Tomas would read to his family many of the stories from his books. Tomas taught his new friend, the librarian words in Spanish. Words like libro for book and pajaro for bird. Tomas and his family would visit the dump to find metal to sell. Tomas would find books that other people had discarded that he would read. When the harvest was finished, Tomas and his family had to head back to Texas. Tomas brought a 'pan dulce,' a traditional Mexican sweet bread, made by his mother as a gift for the library lady. The library lady gave Tomas a book to take home to Texas.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The biography of Tomas Rivera, by Pat Mora gives children a realistic look at life for a Mexican American migrant family. The story encourages learning and the enjoyment of reading. The inside cover of the book has suggestions for activities to enhance the story. Suggested questions are given on the inside cover to inspire discussion. Matching words in Spanish and English are provided as an activity. The scratchboard drawings are interesting with a style reminiscent of earlier times in the 1940's. The story of Tomas is for 4-8 year olds
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist -
Ages 4-8. From the immigrant slums of New York City to the fields of California, it's an elemental American experience: the uprooted child who finds a home in the library. Mora's story is based on a true incident in the life of the famous writer Tomas Rivera, the son of migrant workers who became an education leader and university president. Far from his home in Texas, the small boy is working with his family picking corn in Iowa. Inspired by the Spanish stories his grandfather (Papa Grande) tells, Tomas goes to the library to find more stories. The librarian welcomes him into the cool, quiet reading room and gives him books in English that he reads to himself and to his family. He teaches her some Spanish words. Then, as in so many migrant stories, the boy must leave the home he has found. He has a new, sad word for her, "adios. It means goodbye." Colon's beautiful scratchboard illustrations, in his textured, glowingly colored, rhythmic style, capture the warmth and the dreams that the boy finds in the world of books. The pictures are upbeat; little stress is shown; even in the fields, the kids could be playing kick ball or listening to stories. Perhaps the most moving picture is that of the child outside the library door, his face pressed against the pane. In contrast is the peaceful space he finds inside, where he is free to imagine dinosaurs and wild adventure. Hazel Rochman --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Kirkus Reviews-
A charming, true story about the encounter between the boy who would become chancellor at the University of California at Riverside and a librarian in Iowa. Tomas Rivera, child of migrant laborers, picks crops in Iowa in the summer and Texas in the winter, traveling from place to place in a worn old car. When he is not helping in the fields, Tom s likes to hear Papa Grande's stories, which he knows by heart. Papa Grande sends him to the library downtown for new stories, but Tom s finds the building intimidating. The librarian welcomes him, inviting him in for a cool drink of water and a book. Tom s reads until the library closes, and leaves with books checked out on the librarian's own card. For the rest of the summer, he shares books and stories with his family, and teaches the librarian some Spanish. At the end of the season, there are big hugs and a gift exchange: sweet bread from Tomas's mother and a shiny new book from the librarian to keep. Colon's dreamy illustrations capture the brief friendship and its life-altering effects in soft earth tones, using round sculptured shapes that often depict the boy right in the middle of whatever story realm he's entered. (Picture book. 7-10) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
CONNECTIONS
Dona Flor: A Tall Tale About a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart (Pura Belpre Medal Book Illustrator (Awards)) (Hardcover) by Pat Mora (Author), Raul Colon (Illustrator)
g level: Ages 4-8Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (October 11, 2005) Language: English ISBN-10: 0375823379 ISBN-13: 978-0375823374
Pablo's Tree (Hardcover) by Pat Mora (Author), Cecily Lang (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; Library Binding edition (September 1, 1994) Language: English ISBN-10: 0027674010 ISBN-13: 978-0027674019
*Visit the library
Mora, Pat. 2000. Tomas and the Library Lady. Raul Colon (Illustrator) Dragonfly Books; 1st Dragonfly Books Ed. 10: 0375803491 ISBN-13: 978-0375803499
PLOT SUMMARY
The story of Tomas is based on the life of Tomas Rivera, a successful Mexican American writer and educator. As a boy Tomas loved stories told to him by his Papa Grande. The Rivera family were migrant workers that traveled between Iowa and Texas to help with the harvest. In Iowa, Papa Grande sent Tomas to the library to find more stories. The library lady invited Tomas in for a drink of water. She brought him books to read about dinosaurs and tigers and anything that interested Tomas. Tomas would read to his family many of the stories from his books. Tomas taught his new friend, the librarian words in Spanish. Words like libro for book and pajaro for bird. Tomas and his family would visit the dump to find metal to sell. Tomas would find books that other people had discarded that he would read. When the harvest was finished, Tomas and his family had to head back to Texas. Tomas brought a 'pan dulce,' a traditional Mexican sweet bread, made by his mother as a gift for the library lady. The library lady gave Tomas a book to take home to Texas.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The biography of Tomas Rivera, by Pat Mora gives children a realistic look at life for a Mexican American migrant family. The story encourages learning and the enjoyment of reading. The inside cover of the book has suggestions for activities to enhance the story. Suggested questions are given on the inside cover to inspire discussion. Matching words in Spanish and English are provided as an activity. The scratchboard drawings are interesting with a style reminiscent of earlier times in the 1940's. The story of Tomas is for 4-8 year olds
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist -
Ages 4-8. From the immigrant slums of New York City to the fields of California, it's an elemental American experience: the uprooted child who finds a home in the library. Mora's story is based on a true incident in the life of the famous writer Tomas Rivera, the son of migrant workers who became an education leader and university president. Far from his home in Texas, the small boy is working with his family picking corn in Iowa. Inspired by the Spanish stories his grandfather (Papa Grande) tells, Tomas goes to the library to find more stories. The librarian welcomes him into the cool, quiet reading room and gives him books in English that he reads to himself and to his family. He teaches her some Spanish words. Then, as in so many migrant stories, the boy must leave the home he has found. He has a new, sad word for her, "adios. It means goodbye." Colon's beautiful scratchboard illustrations, in his textured, glowingly colored, rhythmic style, capture the warmth and the dreams that the boy finds in the world of books. The pictures are upbeat; little stress is shown; even in the fields, the kids could be playing kick ball or listening to stories. Perhaps the most moving picture is that of the child outside the library door, his face pressed against the pane. In contrast is the peaceful space he finds inside, where he is free to imagine dinosaurs and wild adventure. Hazel Rochman --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Kirkus Reviews-
A charming, true story about the encounter between the boy who would become chancellor at the University of California at Riverside and a librarian in Iowa. Tomas Rivera, child of migrant laborers, picks crops in Iowa in the summer and Texas in the winter, traveling from place to place in a worn old car. When he is not helping in the fields, Tom s likes to hear Papa Grande's stories, which he knows by heart. Papa Grande sends him to the library downtown for new stories, but Tom s finds the building intimidating. The librarian welcomes him, inviting him in for a cool drink of water and a book. Tom s reads until the library closes, and leaves with books checked out on the librarian's own card. For the rest of the summer, he shares books and stories with his family, and teaches the librarian some Spanish. At the end of the season, there are big hugs and a gift exchange: sweet bread from Tomas's mother and a shiny new book from the librarian to keep. Colon's dreamy illustrations capture the brief friendship and its life-altering effects in soft earth tones, using round sculptured shapes that often depict the boy right in the middle of whatever story realm he's entered. (Picture book. 7-10) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
CONNECTIONS
Dona Flor: A Tall Tale About a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart (Pura Belpre Medal Book Illustrator (Awards)) (Hardcover) by Pat Mora (Author), Raul Colon (Illustrator)
g level: Ages 4-8Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (October 11, 2005) Language: English ISBN-10: 0375823379 ISBN-13: 978-0375823374
Pablo's Tree (Hardcover) by Pat Mora (Author), Cecily Lang (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; Library Binding edition (September 1, 1994) Language: English ISBN-10: 0027674010 ISBN-13: 978-0027674019
*Visit the library
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