f1fteenreason5why-blog

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Module 15: Scary stories to tell in the dark

• Genre

Horror/ Censorship Issues

• Book Summary This book is an anthology of chilling stories collected from American folklore.

• APA Reference of Book Schwartz, A. (2010). Scary stories to tell in the dark. New York, NY: Harper Collins.

• Impressions I think this is a cool book for kids to get a taste of exaggerated and real-world horrors found in daily life. I know this book was challenged due to violent content and for being unsuited for

• Professional Review Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a classic collection of chillingly scary tales, in which Alvin Schwartz offers up some of the most alarming tales of horror, dark revenge, and supernatural events of all time, complemented in this paperback edition by spine-tingling illustrations by renowned artist Brett Helquist. Walking corpses, dancing bones, knife-wielding madmen, and narrow escapes from death—they're all here in this chilling collection of ghost stories. Make sure you read these books with the light ON!

• APA Reference of Professional Review

Amazon. (2010). Scary stories to tell in the dark. In Amazon Book Review.

• Library Uses If the library were to have a Halloween program, this book would be an appropriate way to share scary stories; whether read aloud or on their own, kids can read this book and get their socks scared off.

• Read-a-likes 1. Favorite scary stories of American children by Richard Young (1990)- Both titles offer a variety of American folklore that aims to frighten children. 2. The cabinet of curiosities by Stefan Bachmann (2014)- While both titles share scary stories, this book is filled with original stories, as opposed to collected American folklore. 3. Literally disturbed by Ben H, Winters (2013)- Both titles tell scary stories with black and white illustrations.

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Module 14: Make Lemonade

• Genre Novel-in-Verse

• Book Summary This book follows the life of LaVaughn, a 14-year-old girl, and her dream to go to college. LaVaughn lives with her mother in an apartment building that requires constant watch, due to the fear of residents being robbed or attacked. LaVaughn dream is to go to college. She knows that going to college is going to take a lot of work and a lot of money, so she gets an unfavorable job as a babysitter for Jolly, a 17-year-old mother of two. LaVaughn grows fond of Jolly and her kids, Jeremy and Jilly, but becomes weary when Jolly is fired and can no longer pay her. LaVaughn continues to work without pay because she feels bad for Jolly’s circumstance, and uses her as a model of what not to do. Although young and naïve, LaVaughn is certain that she doesn’t want to end up like Jolly, or anyone else in their town. LaVaughn suggests that Jolly go back to school, so she can get a better job and take care of her kids. While hesitant at first, Jolly accepts help for school and tries her best to become a good student and an even better mother. LaVaughn and Jolly’s relationship is a twisted mixture of strain and understanding that keeps their lives forever entangled. The end of this first installment leaves off with Jolly (a hero) and Jilly (alive) rushing to the hospital while LaVaughn and Jeremy have a sleep over at her house. Although LaVaughn’s mom was cautious about Jolly’s influence on her, she is sweet towards Jeremy, pausing the chaos and tension that is soon to follow in the next book.

APA Reference of Book Wolff, V. E. (2006). New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.

• Impressions My first impression was that the story was about a young girl and her mother, trying to make ends meet, but that was only the beginning. When reading any story told from an unfamiliar perspective, it is common to “categorize” who and where these people are in relation to the story. When I first started reading, I thought the main characters were African American/Black, but the more I read the less I saw just one color. The author doesn’t deliberately say the race of the characters, but I believe it’s more about the circumstances, and labeling universal circumstances leads to biases. This book reminded me of the novel Push by Sapphire (1996), and the life of Precious, a mother of two trying to get her education against all odds. The format of this book, novel in verse, is what really caught my eye, and helped me engage in the story like no other book has.

• Professional Review KIRKUS REVIEW Wolff follows her rich portrait of a gifted young musician (The Mozart Season, 1991, ALA Notable) with a spare, beautifully crafted depiction of a 14-year-old whose goal of escaping poverty is challenged by friendship with a single teenage mother. With the support of her widowed mom, who's always made ends meet, LaVaughn sets her sights on college but knows she'll have to come up with the money herself. Taking a job caring for Jolly's babies while Jolly works, she's soon enmeshed in the young woman's problems--especially after Jolly is fired for spurning a harassing boss. Deeply concerned for the feckless, near- illiterate 17-year-old's welfare, LaVaughn is tempted to give her the money she's saved; yet (as marvelously encapsulated in LaVaughn's internal debate) she makes the tough decision that ``That won't help...I feel very mixed but my eyes stay steady.'' With difficulty (Jolly's too proud to ask for welfare and fears losing her children), she persuades her to enter a high-school program for young mothers. It's best for both--Jolly begins to ``take hold'' of her life--but bittersweet: while LaVaughn's grades go back up, she must relinquish her beloved charges. LaVaughn's narrative--brief, sometimes ungrammatical sentences in uneven lines, like verse--is in a credible teenage voice suited to readers like Jolly herself; yet it has the economy and subtlety of poetry. These girls could be from more than one ethnic group and almost any inner city--the setting is deliberately vague; but their troubles--explored in exquisite specificity--are universal. Hopeful--and powerfully moving. (Fiction. 10+)

• APA Reference of Professional Review Kirkus Media LLC. (2010, May 20). Make Lemonade. In Kirkus Review. Retrieved December 3, 2017, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/virginia-euwer-wolff/make-lemonade/

• Library Uses This book can be used to show the perspective of teen mothers, and the value of education when looking towards one’s future. Also, this book can teach kids to overcome circumstances that are out of their control; and instead of feeling bad for themselves, they can learn to make lemonade with the cards they are dealt, and find ways to make it by getting an education and having hope.

• Read-a-likes 1. Push by Sapphire (1996)- Both titles incorporate teenage mothers and their goal of getting an education, while living in poverty. 2. My book of life by Angel by Martine Leavitt (2012)- Both books are novels-in-verse that shed light on bleak, yet inspiring stories of teenage girls trying to overcome their circumstances. Although Angel faces more mature issues, Angel and LaVaughn (and Jolly) are trying to navigate their way out of deep hole. 3. Someone like you by Sarah Deesen (2000)- Both titles deal with teenage mothers and realistic fiction

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Module 13: Who Was Princess Diana?

• Genre Series Book

• Book Summary Most people know about Princess Diana from the televised “wedding of the century” in England to Prince Charles in 1981. The book goes into detail about Diana’s childhood and her family, and how she always cared for others. As she got older, Diana’s passion for helping people didn’t slow down. She became an assistance kindergarten teacher to keep busy while living in London. Due to Diana’s family status, she never had to work, and this didn’t change when she married the Prince of England. After meeting at a polo match, Prince Charles and Lady Diana began to court and marry, welcoming two boys into the world. Princess Diana had a hard time adjusting to royal life and wanted to be more involved, especially with her boys William and Harry. While most royal mothers had nannies, and sent their kids to boarding school, Princess Diana was always involved and a part of her kids’ lives. The royal marriage began to crumble due to their conflicting schedules and lack of time together. After their divorce in 1996, Diana’s popularity rose through her friendships with, now notable photographers and designers, and celebrities at parties and other charitable functions. Princess Diana became the “Princess of the People” because she captured everyone’s heart using her fame to help people. She was an activist for many causes and worked with the Red Cross and AIDS foundation to help sick people and fund research. Although her death was sudden, her impact on the world will live on through her kids and supporters of her charitable work.

• APA Reference of Book Labrecque, E. (2017). Who was Princess Diana? New York, NY: Grosset & Dunlap.

• Impressions Princess Diana was a great person because she didn’t let fame, royalty, or money get in the way of the people and causes she loved. I really enjoyed reading about Princess Diana’s life in the “Who was-” series, because it was a great mixture of her life story, accompanying facts, and sketch illustrations.

• Professional Review A shy twenty-year-old girl stepped out of a horse-drawn coach and into the world spotlight, capturing the imagination of millions as a real life fairytale princess. Although the storybook marriage didn't have a happy ending, Diana learned to use her fame as a way to champion charitable causes near to her heart. She became the People's Princess by humanizing the image of the royal family and showing care and concern for all people, including the homeless, the sick, and others in need.

• APA Reference of Professional Review Goodreads. (2017). Who was Princess Diana?. In Goodreads Book Review. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31159244-who-was-princess-diana

• Library Uses I would recommend this series to a classroom that was doing biographical book report, because it is filled with notable leaders, inventors, scientists, etc. If the library ever had a British display, this book would be a kid-friendly guide to Princess Diana’s life and the impact of one’s charity onto the world.

• Read-a-likes

1. Princess Diana by Joanne Mattern (2006)- Both titles are biographies about Princess Diana and include visual aids to tell her story. 2. Growing up royal by Jane Billinghurst (2000)- Both titles show biographical accounts of real princes and princesses who lived within British nobility. 3. Kate Middleton Duchess of Cambridge by Robin S. Doak (2015)- Both titles are biographies and talk about the lives of notable Princesses, linked by Prince William, from mother to wife.

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Module 12: Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein

• Genre Biography

• Book Summary In this delightful partial biography, the focus deals with Albert Einstein’s childhood and the events that shaped his life, leading up to an adulthood of scientific achievements. Born in 1879, Einstein was a loner that enjoyed his own company, and not of his sister or other kids. At an early age he found an interest in math, and refused to learn other subjects because he deemed them a waste of time. As he grew up and wanted to pursue his ideal field of study, he was rejected because he didn’t meet basic requirements. After getting his GED, Einstein went to college in Switzerland, and after graduation, he takes a job working in a Swiss patent office. Ultimately, Einstein grows up, has a wife and kid, and continues to change the world with his mind. Although he started off rough, like most of us do, he was not a victim of circumstance and rose above his stubbornness to become one of the world’s greatest thinkers.

• APA Reference of Book Brown, D. (2004). Odd boy out: young Albert Einstein. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.

• Impressions I thought that young Albert Einstein was more relatable than his adult counterpart. Although he was rough with his sister and not very social with his peers, Einstein’s mind was on another level. I believe Einstein may have been on the spectrum of Autism, which would explain his behavior and latent social cues. Granting he wasn’t the most popular kid, he followed his passion of puzzles, which allowed him to change the world. This book can show kids that one’s childhood status or behavior doesn’t dictate the future. I like how it didn’t talk too much about his wife and kid because that isn’t a theme we want kids to think about at such an early age.

• Professional Review Gr. 3-5. Young readers won't come away from Brown's newest picture-book biography understanding the theory of relativity, but they will be heartened by the parallels between their own experiences and those of an iconic science guy. The author-illustrator of Mack Made Movies 0 (2003) and other books presents the future Nobel Prize winner as a sallow, sunken-eyed little boy who lingers on the sidelines as other boys roughhouse, spends hours building a house of cards "fourteen stories high," and vexes his teachers (one tells him that "he would never get anywhere in life"). Brown's language dips into vagueness when it's time to describe the mature scientist's contributions, and the accompanying artwork is often disappointingly generic, awkwardly incorporating computer-generated elements that overwhelm the delicate ink-and-watercolor style used elsewhere. Still, this joins Frida Wishinsky's What's the Matter with Albert? 0 (2002) as one of the very few picture-book biographies of Einstein available. Try giving it to older elementary students, who will get the most out of the detailed author's note and bibliography featuring many books for adults. --Jennifer Mattson Copyright 2004 Booklist

• APA Reference of Professional Review Mattson, J. (2004). Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein. In Booklist. N.p.: American Library Association.

• Library Uses After reading the book, kids can do a hands-on activity of trying to make a house of cards, puzzles, or problem-solving activities, like Einstein did.

• Read-a-likes 1. Ask Albert Einstein by Lynne Barasch (2005)- Both titles incorporate the genre of biographies and Albert Einstein. 2. The girl who thought in pictures: the story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca (2017)- Both titles discuss the biographical lives of scientists. 3. A picture book of Benjamin Franklin by David A. Adler (1990)- Both titles are biographical picture books of notable inventors. 

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Module 11: Now and Ben: the modern inventions of Benjamin Franklin

• Genre Informational/Nonfiction

• Book Summary This informational picture shows a dichotomy of past and present inventions and institutions created by Benjamin Franklin, and how we continue to benefit from Benjamin Franklin after almost 200 years. In addition to a list of inventions and services that are utilized every day, such as bifocals, lightning rods, and city departments, this book sheds light on Benjamin Franklin’s life in a kid-friendly picture book that creates a base-line for future research on his life.

• APA Reference of Book Barretta, G. (2006). Now & Ben: the modern inventions of Benjamin Franklin. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.

• Impressions I really enjoyed this book because I learned more about Benjamin Franklin and his outstanding contribution to modern day life. It’s amazing that we are still using the foundation of his inventions, with a modern twist. By comparing our current state of technology with the supplies and resources from the 18th century, people are still amazed about how far we have come.

• Professional Review From School Library Journal Grade 2-5–A clever, concise introduction to the contributions of this colorful colonial figure. The first spread depicts Franklin standing proudly by his family home with his wife and children smiling from within. His various occupations–writer, printer, diplomat, musician, humorist, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humanitarian–are written on the cobblestones beneath him. Next is a spread of a busy city street today, which challenges readers to guess which modern conveniences are owed to the subjects creativity. Subsequent spreads take a closer look at each invention from political cartoons, bifocals, electricity, lightning rod, and Franklin stove to daylight saving time and more. Each spread features a Now… description of a modern concept or convenience facing an early Ben… idea. Now…every automobile has an odometer to measure the distance it travels. Ben…invented the odometer when he was postmaster general so he could measure his postal routes. The fanciful final spread depicts a futuristic scene with flying-saucer vehicles and robot servers, which encourages youngsters to imagine how todays inventions will evolve in time. Engaging and humorous watercolor cartoons depict just how Franklins inventions were conceived and developed. The yellow mottled endpapers are filled with sketches of the inventions featured within. Both Alikis The Many Lives of Benjamin Franklin (S & S, 1988) and Rosalyn Schanzers How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning (HarperCollins, 2003) offer more background and biographical information, though this lively offering is sure to inspire readers to learn more about its fascinating subject.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

• APA Reference of Professional Review Auerbach, B. (2006). Now & Ben: the modern inventions of Benjamin Franklin. School Library Journal, 52(3). Retrieved November 22, 2017, from Proquest.

• Library Uses While kids learn about the famous inventor, Benjamin Franklin, they can also try creating their own inventions and useful tool to help the world. This book would go great with a Makerspace program.

• Read-a-likes 1. Mesmerized by Mara Rockliff (2015)- Both titles focus on Benjamin Franklin as a scientist and inventor. 2. Cheer up, Ben Franklin! by Misti Kenison (2017)- Both titles celebrate Benjamin Franklin with illuminating illustrations that capture his essence and spirit as an American trailblazer. 3. The amazing life of Benjamin Franklin by James Cross Giblin (2000)- This title is a biography, and it the next step read for learning about Benjamin Franklin.

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Module 10: Goin’ Someplace Special

• Genre Historical Fiction

• Book Summary ‘Tricia Ann embarks on an epic journey of going someplace special, alone, while navigating through racially segregated 1950’s southern town. After asking her grandmother for permission to go out on her own, ‘Tricia Ann goes through the motions of boarding public transportation, going to the park, and walking through a hotel, all by having to follow Jim Crow laws and racial segregation. In ‘Tricia Ann’s case, she must sit in the “Colored’s Only” section of the bus, on a “Colored’s Only” bench in the park, and endure stares and rude comment by accidentally going through the front door of a hotel. On her way to her special place, ‘Tricia Ann encounters multiple people that have different views on how the world works and their place in it as a person of color. This is seen through her interactions with Jimmy Lee, a street vendor, and Mr. John Willis, the hotel’s doorman. While they are aware of the injustice thrust upon them, they are unsure of how to claim their rights without harm. ‘Tricia Ann runs out of the hotel, after someone yells “No Colored’s Allowed” in her face. Distraught by the encounter, ‘Tricia Ann goes to a nearby church garden and claims that her journey isn’t worth taking, and wants to go back home. She see’s one of her grandmother’s friends, Blooming Mary, and is inspired by her wise words of persistence and determination, that she sets off back on the trail to her special place. After another discriminatory encounter with a little boy and his sister at the matinee, ‘Tricia Ann isn’t phased by it, and keeps walking to her destination. ‘Tricia Ann finally makes it to her someplace special at the end of the book; which was the local public library where all people are welcome, and not affected by Jim Crow laws.

• APA Reference of Book McKissack, P. (2000). Goin' Someplace Special. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

• Impressions I thought this book as an age-appropriate perception of life during Jim Crow laws. A lot of kids today think that race doesn’t matter because they have the unique opportunity to live in communities with a variety of races and cultures. However, every person of color had to endure discrimination, segregation, and humiliation while they were trying to exercise their rights as American human beings. When I got to the end and realized her special place was the library, my heart melted. Not only did she love the library for it’s content, but it was her safe-haven in a time when people of color were constantly being hassled and told they weren’t good enough. “Separate but Equal” was an unusual phrase that lead to the disenfranchisement of people of color; hence, we have program in place, such as Affirmative Action, to ensure that people aren’t discriminated against based on their color and other factors that have nothing to do with their ability to complete a job or task. It still baffles me that people couldn’t walk through the front door of an establishment because of their skin color, point blank. It is important for books to talk about uncomfortable themes and events from out past, and that books, such as this one, are in libraries and schools. It would be ignorant to discredit the hardship people of color had to endure and are still enduring today because it’s in the past or the subject of racism is too taboo. Along with government programs, people of color now have their own awards to gain recognition among themselves and others for their contribution the American experience through multiple platforms.

• Professional Review McKissack draws from her childhood in Nashville for this instructive picture book. "I don't know if I'm ready to turn you loose in the world," Mama Frances tells her granddaughter when she asks if she can go by herself to "Someplace Special" (the destination remains unidentified until the end of the story). 'Tricia Ann does obtain permission, and begins a bittersweet journey downtown, her pride battered by the indignities of Jim Crow laws. She's ejected from a hotel lobby and snubbed as she walks by a movie theater ("Colored people can't come in the front door," she hears a girl explaining to her brother. "They got to go 'round back and sit up in the Buzzard's Roost"). She almost gives up, but, buoyed by the encouragement of adult acquaintances ("Carry yo'self proud," one of her grandmother's friends tells her from the Colored section on the bus), she finally arrives at Someplace Special—a place Mama Frances calls "a doorway to freedom"—the public library. An afterword explains McKissack's connection to the tale, and by putting such a personal face on segregation she makes its injustices painfully real for her audience. Pinkney's (previously paired with McKissack for Mirandy and Brother Wind) luminescent watercolors evoke the '50s, from fashions to finned cars, and he captures every ounce of 'Tricia Ann's eagerness, humiliation and quiet triumph at the end. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

• APA Reference of Professional Review

Goin' Somplace Special. (2001). In Publishers Weekly. Retrieved December 4, 2017, from https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-689-81885-1

• Library Uses This book provides a good foundation for anyone that is unfamiliar with Jim Crow laws and how it affected millions of people by separating them and giving them lower quality goods and services. This book, and similar titles, can keep kids connected to the historical fiction genre and aid in learning about pivotal historical events.

• Read-a-likes 1. Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin A. Ramsey (2010)- Both titles are picture books set in the Jim Crow era, and have a young female protagonist. 2. Irene and the big, fine nickel by Irene Smalls (1991)- Both titles are historical fiction set in the 1950’s. 3. Let the children march by Monica Clark-Robinson (2018)- Both discuss the subjects of segregation and African Americans.

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Module 9: Mystery at the Club Sandwich

• Genre Mystery

• Book Summary This book is about Nick Trunk, an elephant private investigator, and his unruly case of Lola Gale’s missing marbles. After performing on stage at the Club Sandwich, Lola goes to her dressing room and sees that her lucky marbles have been stoles. Lola Gale hires Nick Truck, via her assistant Maggie Trouble, and Nick Trunk is set on finding the culprit for a fee of peanuts. When Nick and Maggie arrive at Club Sandwich, Nick starts looking for evidence in Lola’s dressing room, as well as the whole club. Nick finds three suspects (Maggie Trouble the assistant, a magician, and the cook; who all are connected through the clues of an empty jar of peanut butter, a peanut butter smudge on the door, and an ostrich feather. Each suspect had access to the room, but Nick figured out who would have the most to gain from the stolen marbles, which was Maggie. After discovering Maggie ate a peanut butter sandwich that night, and a rejection letter from another club addressed to her, Nick Trunk knew the case was closed. To prove his claim, Nick found the marbles, which were hiding in plain sight inside the fish bowl, and revealed Maggie as the culprit. Although a nutty case, it still got cracked, thanks to Nick Trunk.

• APA Reference of Book Cushman, D. (2004). Mysteries at Club Sandwich. New York, NY: Clarion Books.

• Impressions I liked that it was a black and white picture book. Most picture books tend to drown in color and heavy illustrations, but this book was the first one I’ve seen that was monochromatic. In a way, it is a picture book for older kids (5th graders) because of the lack of color, the reader can focus more on the text than the illustrations. As a crime show buff, I knew who the culprit was before the end of the book. If the name Maggie Trouble didn’t give it away, it was a combination of her actions and drawn expressions that made her seem guilty. All in all, it was a pretty good whodunnit picture book for older kids.

• Professional Review Lola Gale has lost her marbles. Literally. Nick Trunk, private investigator, has been hired to find them. He’s a very good detective, but this case is a tough nut to crack. The only clues are an ostrich feather and lots of peanut butter—delicious peanut butter. Will Nick be able to solve this sticky crime? Monochromatic illustrations give this hilarious whodunit the dramatic feel of an old black-and-white movie, while endearing animal characters, plentiful P.I. and peanut puns, and a suspenseful but-not-too-hard-to-follow mystery make this a crime story that’s hard to put down. • APA Reference of Professional Review Mystery at the Club Sandwich. (2004, October 18). In Goodreads. Retrieved December 1, 2017, from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/138096.Mystery_at_the_Club_Sandwich

• Library Uses The library could share this title, along with an activity that involves gathering evidence to solve a mystery. Either as simple as playing the Clue board game or as intense as an Escape Room, kids will have fun incorporating the story with real life mysteries they can solve together.

• Read-a-likes 1. Ace Lacewing, Bug Detective by David Biedrzycki (2005)- Both titles focus on anthropomorphic animals solving mysteries in a picture book. 2. Tuff Fluff: the case of Duckie’s missing brain by Scott Nash (2004)- Although the titles are geared towards different age groups, they both depict stories of animals solving cases among other animals. 3. The top secret files of Mother Goose by Gabby Gosling (2003)- Both titles are picture books that focus on solving mysteries among animals.  

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Module 8: Nightmares!

• Genre Fantasy

• Book Summary Charlie Laird experience the loss of his mother and is unable to cope with a reality without her. Charlie takes out his anger and frustration on his little brother Jack, his father, and his new stepmother; which he thinks is evil. As Charlie’s father, brother, and stepmother try to move on and be happy in a new house, he is stuck in the past. Every night, Charlie has nightmares about a witch trying to eat him, being chased in the woods, and evil monsters. When Charlie’s dreams start slipping into reality, he teams up with his friends to prove his stepmother is a witch and the cause for all the bad in his life. Once he discovers the portal between the Waking world and the Netherworld in his stepmother’s office, Charlie’s mind and body are stuck in the Netherworld and whatever happens to him there will happen in real life. When he realizes his stepmother was his mothers best friend, not a witch, and a genuinely good person, Charlie’s eyes are open to the real culprit; the principal. After putting his friends and classmate’s in a series of test that depict their worst nightmares, the kids persevere and save the town from the corrupt principal. Charlie finally learns that facing your fears is the only way to stop the nightmares, so he finally comes face to face with his nightmare, his mom! Once Charlie accepts that his mother is physically gone, yet her spirit will always be with him; he can join his family and friends on the path to happiness.

• APA Reference of Book Segel, J., & Miller, K. (2014). Nightmares!. New York, NY: Delacorte Press.

• Impressions This book was filled with a creative mix of humor, horror, and humility. I couldn’t imagine my mom dying, at all, especially at such an early age, but as someone who has experienced ‘loss,’ I could relate to Charlie and his daily struggles of dealing with the mundane and his deep-rooted pain. Although he lashed out at his family and friends, he soon realized the severity of pain he causes others by looking at their dreams. This story, like many others, is a wonderful way to present loss and empathy, in a modest way, so that kids can take a step back and look at the whole picture of events happening, like Charlie did. The death of his mother took a great toll on him, but when his father remarries, Charlie is convinced she is evil. I think Charlie used his new stepmother as an excuse to be mad at life. Although it is in his head, Charlie believes everyone has forgotten his mother and that his stepmother is trying to replace her. We must remember the simply complicated minds of children and how they perceive the world through their adolescent minds. When Charlie finally accepts his mother’s death, he is freed from his fears of living life without her and can help his friends and town defeat the true evil.

• Professional Review When Charlie Laird's mom died, he was, of course, devastated, and he's devastated all over again when his dad marries Charlotte, the kooky herbalist with unruly red hair. After they all move to Charlotte's family home a spooky, purple mansion Charlie begins having terrible nightmares starring a cauldron-stirring, red-haired witch, and he starts believing that his stepmom is not who she seems. While investigating her workroom in the tower of the house, he stumbles through a portal into the Netherworld, a creepy, fractured version of his own town that's populated with elements from kids' nightmares, including bunnies with toothy jaws for faces and a fedora-wearing gorgon. There he discovers who's really behind his bad dreams as well as some secrets about not only Charlotte but also his own mother. Segel (of The Muppets movie) and Miller build an entertaining, cartoony world full of scary (but not too scary) monsters, silly jokes, plucky kid heroes, and a cinematic plot that trundles onward to a satisfying conclusion, with a promise of adventures to come. Final illustrations not seen.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2014 Booklist

• APA Reference of Professional Review Hunter, S. (2014, September 15). Booklist Online. Retrieved November 30, 2017, from https://www.booklistonline.com/Nightmares-Jason-Segel/pid=6870499

• Library Uses This book can be used as a great tool for kids who have experienced loss or are resistant to the inevitable changes around them. This book can also be a great guide for kids overcoming their fears.

• Read-a-likes 1) Legendtopia by Lee Bacon- Both titles share the genre of fantasy fiction and include the use of parallel universes. 2) The girl drank the moon by Kelly Regan Bamhill (2016)- These books share the theme of fantasy and the subject of witches. 3) Gossamer by Lois Lowry (2006)- Both titles focus on nightmares and fantasy fiction.

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Module 7: Paper Towns

• Genre: Realistic Fiction

• Book Summary: Quentin (Q) and Margot are entering their senior year in high school and have been next door neighbors since they were ten years old, yet Q has been in love with her the whole time. Instead of making a move or talking to her, he decides to work hard in school to go to a good school far away so he can finally get over her. One night, Margot asks for his help to prank her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friends who were sneaking off and cheating together. Her other friends got pranked because they knew about it. With a lot of hesitation, Q decides to be Margot’s getaway driver and sidekick on her prankster escapades. After a hardcore night of pranking, Margot “disappears” and leaves Q with the mystery of her whereabouts. Q teams up with his best friends Radar and Ben (and Lacey) to put together clues to try and find Margot. Once they get to Algoe, NY (in the paper town) Q and Margot meet face to face again. Margot is confused to why Q randomly shows up and Q is almost expecting a thank you. Not all who wonder are lost. Q comes to term with his rejection and goes back to Florida to graduate and move on with his life.

• APA Reference of Book Green, J. (2008). Paper Towns. New York: Dutton Books.

• Impressions: I think it’s cool that Q wanted to find Margot, but I think he missed the fact that she left the town because she was sick of the people there and genuinely wanted to start a new chapter in her life. Towards the end of the book, Margot was blown away (not in a good way) by the fact that Q was expecting something after “finding her.” Although she wasn’t lost, Q realized that the past couple of weeks of chasing her down and finding clues allowed him to jump outside of his comfort zone, which allowed him to find himself before going off to school. Although Q’s existence was sad, because he was pining away for Margot from a distance, I believe he finally let her go; closing one door so that another could be opened.

• Professional Review: o APA Reference of Professional Review Some-Infinies-Katie. (2015, April 28). Paper Towns by John Green-Review. In The Guardian. Retrieved October 20, 2017, from https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/apr/28/review-paper-towns-john-green

• Library Uses: At the beginning of the summer, we could have a program focused on road trips and having kids mark where they’ve been and where they want to go.

• Readalikes: 1. “Trouble is a Friend of Mine” by Stephanie Tromly- Both titles involve bored teenagers in a mundane town surrounded by mystery and adventure with the opposite sex. 2. “Althea and Oliver” by Cristina Moracho- Both titles follow teens on the precipice of adulthood, and the main characters have known each other from an early age. 3. Let’s get Lost” Adi Alsaid- Adventure and quests connect both titles from boring towns to new horizons before they are forced to grow-up and move away from everything that is safe and familiar.

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Module 6: Rabbit & Robot: The Sleepover

• Genre: Picture book, Winner of a 2013 Geisel Honor

• Book Summary: Rabbit and Robot are best friends and they are planning to have a sleepover at Rabbit’s house. Rabbit is very structured and has a set list of things for them to do. The list is in order as followed: 1) Make Pizza, 2) Watch TV, 3) Play Go Fish, and 4) Go to Bed. When Robot arrives at Rabbit’s house, Rabbit gives him strict instructions on how to make his pizza, so that it will be the same. Rabbit, however, doesn’t take into consideration that Robot is, well, a ROBOT, so he can’t eat real food like carrots and peas. When Robot tries to make his pizza to his specifications, Rabbit freaks out because nuts and bolts and screws were not on the list for making pizza. After the food is ready, Rabbit and Robot set up to watch TV while they eat. Rabbit seems to have lost the remote and freaks out again. Luckily, cool headed Robot find the remote control wedged inside Rabbits ear. Rabbit pulls out the list and decides they will play Go Fish. After a couple of rounds, Robot asks if they could play Old Maid, and Rabbit freaks out again ecause Old Maid isn’t on the list. Robot’s batteries are low and Rabbit’s inability to help his friend scares him, but after he replaces the batteries, Robot is up and at ‘em. After a stressful day, Rabbit is worn out from one anxiety attack from another, but Robot is wide awake, thanks to the fresh batteries. As Rabbit begins to fall asleep, Robot prints out a new list of their activities, all positive and looking towards the bright side of their friendship.

• APA Reference of Book Bell, C. (2012). Rabbit & Robot: The Sleepover. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

• Impressions: Reading this book was like reading about a split personality within myself. At times, I have OCD and need to complete things from my list, like Rabbit. However, other times I’m laid-back and am willing to do whatever and go with the flow, like Robot. When Robot takes apart the table to eat the hardware, my mind was blown. On the bright side, they make the best of the situation and have a picnic. This book is all about looking on the bright side and finding solutions to problems that could go wrong. Rabbit and Robot depict the polarization of the majority of people, one side being really controlling and the other being laid-back. These friends are a good example of how opposites attract and how friendship is about accepting people for who they are and loving them regardless.

• Professional Review: o APA Reference of Professional Review Bird, E. (2012, November 14). Review of the Day- Rabbit & Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell. In School Library Journal. Retrieved October 21, 2017, from http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2012/11/14/review-of-the-day-rabbit-robot-the-sleepover-by-cece-bell/

• Library Uses: This book can be used for a library program involving making personal pizzas and playing card games, such as go fish or old maid. This will take place after school, in the library, and kids can socialize over games and food.

• Readalikes: 1. “Frog and Toad” books by Arnold Lobel- These stories are relatable due to their common theme of friendship and anthropomorphic characters 2. “Elephant and Piggie” books by Mo Willems- This title is a lot simpler than Rabbit & Robot, but they are alike with their comical dialogue and illustration style. 3. “Little Bear” by Else Minarik- Although this title centers around one bear, it follows Little Bear and his multiple friendships with other animals in the forest.  

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Module 5: Juana & Lucas

• Genre: Realistic Fiction, Pura Belpre Award

• Book Summary: Juana is a spunky girl living in Botega, Columbia, and this book follows her life and all her favorite, and not so favorite, people and things. Juana loves Lucas, her dog; Juli, her best friend; and her family. Juana despises her school uniform and the idea of learning English. When Juana is told she must learn English, she is upset because she is fluent in Spanish. To help her make her decision, Juana goes around and talks to many different people about the importance of English and why she should learn it. She talks to the Herrera brother and they think learning English is great, so that she can help them translate their list of goods and products in their market. Juana asks her Aunt Cris, and she also thinks it’s a good idea so that they can listen to American music and sing together. After a few others, Juana talks to her grandfather and he claims that she must learn English because he is taking her and her parents to American to see Astroman. Through this incentive, Juana jumps into learning English with both feet. Some time passes and Juana is amazed at how well she has picked up the language. On the way to America, Juana meets and talks to a lot of new people because she is one of the few who can speak English. Juana meets her hero, Astroman, and is ultimately disappointed. She thought she would be able to converse with Astroman, but like many other action figures you meet in person, it’s someone dressed up in a costume that cannot talk. Although she couldn’t talk to Astroman, she learned that learning English was a great tool for herself and her community.

• APA Reference of Book Medina, J. (2016). Juana & Lucas. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

• Impressions: This was one of my favorite books, so far in the class. This inspirational story hit me like a ton of bricks and has been retold and paraphrased to my friends, family, and coworkers. The element of trying something new is always hard, especially with children, and Juana’s brave attitude towards learning English is very relatable. When I was in high school, my grandmother made me a deal; she said, “I’ll give you $100 if you get all A’s on your report card”. At my school, there were four grading periods for report cards, so I got $400! When it comes to people of all ages, bribery is a great motivator. I don’t mean to say it ok to bribe kids to keep secrets, but a bribe to prepare them for something like a trip overseas is really cool. I think the grandfather knew that it wasn’t really about Juana meeting Astroman, it was more about developing a skill that could help advance her community and personal growth. What started as a trip to American to meet her hero, turned into a genuine life experience of talking to and understanding a new group of people. I love the interaction Juana has with the reader, and how the worlds literally jump off the page using a mix of English and easy Spanish words sporadically within the text. The amazing part, for me, is that Juana initially rejects English, like some Americans would reject Spanish. While watching Juana keep an open mind, the reader is unknowingly are picking up on Spanish words and phrases.

• Professional Review: o APA Reference of Professional Review Kirkus. (2016, June 15). Juana and Lucas. In Kirkus Review. Retrieved October 22, 2017, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/juana-medina/juana-and-lucas/

• Library Uses: For National Hispanic Heritage month, we can make a display and a program with some of the read a likes to promote Spanish speaking in English literature.

• Readalikes: 1. “Lola Levine is not mean” by Monica Brown- These titles are both told using a first-person narrative with a strong and adventurous female character 2. “My family adventure” by Jacqueline Jules- Both titles are early chapter books with an energetic young girl and have mostly English words with some Spanish words and phrases. 3. “Anna Hibiscus” by Atinuke- Both titles are early chapter books that represent multiracial girls and a different perspective on life.  

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Module 4: The Whipping Boy

• Genre: Children’s Literature, Adventure

• Book Summary: The story revolves around two young boys, a prince and a whipping boy. Prince Horace is a brat and his punishments are taken out on Jemmy, the whipping boy. One day, Jemmy is tired of taking lashes for the ungrateful prince, so he decides to run away and pursue his former occupation of rat catching. Prince Horace sees Jemmy leave and decides to embark on an adventure with him; without Jemmy’s permission or knowledge. The two boys come face to face with danger when they run into Hold-Your-Nose-Billy and Cutwater, two highway men that eventually hold the boys for ransom. The boys switch identities because Prince Horace can’t convince the highway men he is a prince because he doesn’t know how to write his own name. Luckily, Jemmy learned after being whipped for Prince Horace’s disregard to learn (and behave). After escaping the highway men, prince Horace and Jemmy meet Betsy and her pet bear, Petunia. They all travel to a nearby fair and meet Captain nips who sells and feeds them potatoes. After being on the run, the boys hide in the sewers until prince Horace decided to return to the palace. Prince Horace overhears that there is a ransom for him, so he tells Captain Nips to collect the ransom money from the King and has Jemmy pardon. The highway men end on a ship headed for a prison island, and the two young boys are best friends in the palace.

• APA Reference of Book Fleischman, S. (1986). The Whipping Boy. New York, NY: Greenwillow.

• Impressions: I thought this book was cool, especially for kids, because it takes place in a realistic time period and teaches a lesson of not taking things for granted. When I read this book, I thought about the entitlement and privilege some people have, either through wealth or skin-color. Prince Horace thought he was better than everyone because he was a Prince, while humble Jemmy had to work as a whipping boy to have a roof over his head. The twist for me was when they switch identities. I wasn’t expecting them to switch places because I thought that Jemmy would ditch Prince Brat the first chance he could. Although he tried, Jemmy showed real compassion towards the Prince even though he was a pain. Instead of holding a grudge, Jemmy put the past behind to protect the vulnerable prince from captors. Sometimes people are so unbearable and unforgiveable, but compared to what the whipping boy went through, kids can learn to stick together and not give up so easy under adversity.

• Professional Review: o APA Reference of Professional Review Jackson, K. (2015, August 6). The Whipping Boy: Book Review. In Common Sense Media. Retrieved October 20, 2017, from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-whipping-boy

• Library Uses: We can make a display of books that talk about the 18th century, the division of rich and poor, and books on how to be a good friend.

• Readalikes: 1. “The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg” by W.R. Philbrick- Both titles feature mistaken identity and action/adventure. 2. “Freaky Friday” by Mary Rodgers- This book takes mistaken identity to a whole new level! While the boys in the Whipping Boy switch names to fool bandits, the mother and daughter in Freaky Friday switch bodies; thus, making this title the next step in role reversal books. 3. “The Prince and the Pauper” by Mark Twain- This is basically the same book, but with different characters. There is a role reversal between the rich and poor, and they get to experience the life of the other half.

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Module 3: The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship

• Genre: Children’s Picture book, Adventure, and Caldecott Winner

• Book Summary: Set in Russia, the Czar promises to marry off his daughter to anyone that brings him a flying ship. The Fool of the world sets out to marry the princess and leaves his parents to go find a ship that can fly. He meets an old man, shares his lunch, and the old man give him the ship; however, the Fool is instructed to pick up everyone he meets along the way. During the journey, the Fool meets: The Listener, the Swift-goer, the Far-shooter, the Eater, the Drinker, a man with sticks, and a man with straw. When they all get to palace, the Czar realizes that they are all peasants and tries to push them away by making them complete impossible tasks like eating forty oxen and drinking forty barrels of wine. With the help of his peculiar friends, the Fool completes the feats of the Czar and demands to marry his daughter, or else he will wage war on him and his people. The Czar complies and they live happily ever after.

• APA Reference of Book Ransome, A. (1968). The fool of the world and the flying ship: a Russian tale. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

• Impressions: This book is a great indicator to not judge a book (or a person) by its cover. I really dislike the fact that he is labeled the fool. I believe they may be comparing him to someone who has is intellectually disabled, and it was easier to label someone a fool back then. Although the story didn’t mean to be, this story is somewhat progressive in how they translate the Czar’s request. It says that the Czar is looking for anyone to bring him a ship, and then he will give them his daughter. I know that it was assumed that man would marry the princess, and that if a woman brought a flying ship to the Czar, she would probably be persecuted for witchcraft…double-standard. I do like that this isn’t a traditional story of the perfect guy, setting off on a quest, yet an unruly character that finds friends to help him. This is a cool lesson for kids because when life throws you curve balls, you don’t have to be ashamed to ask for help or do the impossible alone.

• Professional Review: o APA Reference of Professional Review The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship: Humorous Tale of Magic and Faith with Great Illustrations. (2001). In Barnes & Noble Book Reviews. Retrieved October 18, 2017, from https://www.barnesandnoble.com/reviews/fool-of-the-world-and-the-flying-ship-arthur-ransome/1100167545?ean=9780374324421

• Library Uses: We can make an activity to compare and contrast the book and the film adaptation, and have a discussion.

• Readalikes: 1. “The Tale of the Firebird” by Gennady Spirin- In addition to being set Russia, both titles feature the main character going on an epic adventure. 2. “Jack and the Beanstalk by John Cech- This epic tale of personal shortcomings and adventure is parallel to the Fool’s in how they wanted to find adventure in their banal lives. 3. “Princess Florecita and the iron shoes” by John W. Stewig- Both titles focus on quests and the element of fairy-tales.

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Module 2: Miss Rumphius

• Genre: Picture book, Realistic Fiction, Classic Children’s Literature

• Book Summary: Alice Rumphius dreamed of travel, living by the sea, and making the world a beautiful place; all because she admired her grandfathers’ life. Miss Rumphius starts her career by working in a library, and from those books, embarks on a solo journey that would intimidate the majority. After a lifetime of travel and cultural experiences, Miss Rumphius settles down by the sea, like she always intended to. With two out of three of her goals met, she ponders on how she could make the world more beautiful. Then, after a harsh winter, she decides to plant lupines, her favorite flower, all around town, so that they can be enjoyed by all. As Miss Rumphius’ (The Lupine Lady) hair turns gray, her great niece listens to her life story and wants to live the adventure of her elders.

• APA Reference of Book Cooney, B. (1982). Miss Rumphius. New York: Viking Press.

• Impressions: This book represents a life of love and freedom for the world and for one’s self. I truly admire Miss Rumphius and her dedication to seek out her goals and actually accomplish them. Although this book is about the life of Alice Rumphius, it embarks on a journey that extends past the pages and into reality. With an “If you can dream it, you can do it!” attitude, readers (including myself) are propelled to jump into life and go after what matters to them most.

• Professional Review: o APA Reference of Professional Review Y, M. (2009). In Sweet on Books. Retrieved from http://sweetonbooks.com/all-titles/394-miss-rumphius.html

• Library Uses: As a children and/or young adult program we could have a Storytime of the book and then a gardening activity to plant lupines near the library or the nearest park. Also, we could have a lesson on basic gardening techniques and seeds.

• Readalikes: 1. “The Tree Lady” by H. Joseph Hopkins- Both titles tell the bibliographic story of strong women and how they helped their communities by planting a tree (Kate Sessions) or flowers (Alice Rumphius). 2. “Wangari’s Trees of Peace” by Jeanette Winter- Both titles showcase brave women ahead of their time that transformed the land around them into lush landscape. 3. “Who Says Women can’t be Doctor?” by Tanya Lee Stone- In a time where women where women didn’t have as many or the same opportunities as men, these strong female leads prove that anything is possible. With hard work and determination, girls can do anything (like travel the world) and become anything (like a doctor).  

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Module 1: It’s a Book

• Genre: Books About Reading, Picture Book • Book Summary:

A Jackass and a Gorilla talk about their preferred medium of access to information. The Jackass has a laptop and is confused when the Gorilla cannot apply the same functions of a device to his printed book. After the Jackass looks at a page, he tries to condense the content into short hand, like in texting or direct messaging (DM). Once the Jackass starts reading the book, the Gorilla can’t seem to get it back now, so he goes to the library.

• APA Reference of Book Smith, L. (2010). It's A Book. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press.

• Impressions: I think this was a very cool, interesting book that promotes the convenience of print books because they don’t need to be charged, use Wi-Fi, or utilize a mouse (unless there’s one on your head). Instead of depicting what a book is, the author did an excellent job of showing what a book is not in a simplistic way of questions and answers. When the Jackass tries to apply the same principles of a laptop to a print book, the Gorilla can only negate the “abilities” of the book. This negation, however is not negative. A positive surge comes over the Jackass when he realizes that he can explore another world through a book without having to adhere to the tediousness of getting online, having a screen name, or a password. Although there are electronic books that can be read on a laptop, the ease of accessibility, with a print book, allows the Jackass to take a break from the connected world; which is always good every once in a while.

• Professional Review: o APA Reference of Professional Review Gopnik, A. (2010, October 15). iRead: Children's Books. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/books/review/Gopnik-t.html

• Library Uses: This book, and its readalikes, can be on display for National Library Week to promote the significance of reading physical books in a digital world.

• Readalikes: 1. “Tek, the modern cave boy” by Patrick McDonnell- Caveboy Tek, much like the Jackass, is obsessed with technology and the terminology associated with his device. 2. “Hello! Hello!” by Matthew Cordell- The main character, Lydia, is excited to discover the world around her outside of her mobile device; much like the Jackass and his laptop when he starts reading a book. 3. “I am a story” by Dan Yaccarino- Both illustrations celebrate the importance and celebration of stories, regardless of format.