Reading Log #2 Title: Queenie Peavy Author: Robert Burch Genre: Realistic Fiction Format: chapter book Awards:

Jane Addams Children's Book Award, 1967 Reflection: Queenie Peavy is set in what appears to be the depression or post-depression era. A young troubled girl, whose father is in prison, learns to accept responsibility for her self and her actions and realizes that the truth is not always what you want to believe. This book is very believable. The characters act in a way that would be expected of a southern small-town rural area, complete with everybody knowing everybody elses business. Neighbors work together to help one another. The town sheriff, the circuit judge, and the school principal all take a personal interest in helping Queenie, individual of each other. Hard work, honesty, and personal honor are highly valued. Regardless of the trouble Queenie is in, she is always honest about her part. Queenie and the other children in the story work hard at home daily to accomplish the necessary tasks such as milking, churning butter, carrying firewood, etc. Queenie also excels in her schoolwork because she prepares for her lessons and frequently reads ahead. It is important that her teacher be proud of her. Although she has a reputation as a troublemaker, she does not want to cause trouble for her mother. Realizing she may have to pay medical bills for another child that was injured due to her poor choices, she finds a job and commits herself to working however long it takes to repay the debt. Although set in a time period

very different from today, there are many correlations between the issues that Queenie struggles with and those of young people today. There is hope for Queenie. She decides to pretend to be good for a day and, as a result, realizes that life can be better. By changing her attitude towards the world she lives in, she finds more happiness and satisfaction even being invited to a party with the boy she likes. Engaging and wellwritten, Queenie Peavy is an excellent book that can be enjoyed by young people and provide insight to problems many adolescents face at one point or another.

Book 2: Title: On My Honor Author: Marion Dave Bauer Genre: Realistic Fiction Format: chapter book Awards: Newberry Honor Reflection: While this book may be perfect for many older children, it is one to be read or recommended with consideration for the individual reader. Unlike most childrens books, On My Honor does not have a happy ending. While many children face death of a loved one at some point, few will ever face the death of their best friend. Even fewer will feel they are responsible or could have directly prevented the death. While engaging and well-written, all children may not have the emotional maturity for this topic.

The characters, Tony and Joel, are two typical boys exploring on their bikes and taking risks while playing that they shouldnt take. Two values strongly influence this book. One is obedience to parents and the other is loyalty to ones friend. A conflict between the two exists throughout this story. Eventually, loyalty wins. This is a conflict with which many children can identify. Today, it is called peer pressure. The narrations of Joels internal struggle coupled with the conversation between the two boys create a very real experience for the reader. The reader is able to feel the guilt, fear, anguish, and denial of Joel as he struggles to understand what has happened and his role in the events. It is only through the understanding and compassion of his father that he is finally able to accept the events of the day. Reliance on family and the safety that comes from loved ones often is what helps individuals overcome the greatest tragedies. While very real, this story does not provide enjoyment. It leaves the reader experiencing the feelings that accompany death.

Book 3: Title: The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo Author: Judy Blume Genre: Realistic Fiction Format: Chapter book Awards: no awards Reflection: This story definitely provides enjoyment for children. It is funny, realistic, modern; something children can relate to in their own lives. How often do children feel Illustrator: Amy Aitken

ignored or left out compared to a sibling? This can be especially true if their sibling(s) are exceptional in a particular area. In Blumes story, the middle child has a chance to shine and be recognized, even envied by his brother and sister. This story meets many of the criteria for good childrens literature as presented in the class text. The language and vocabulary used is not too difficult for the average reader in the target audience for this book. Although a chapter book, it is intended for younger elementary aged children. There is enough support from the pictures and larger font to encourage young children as they engage in this particular work. Blume maintains a light, entertaining, hopeful outlook throughout the story. This is part of the charm of this book. Aitken, the illustrator, uses simple sketches as the illustrations. The use of color is used only a few times throughout the entire book. It draws attention to the main character. The story is about recognizing Freddy, the middle child. The illustrator remains true to this concept. Only Freddie, as the green kangaroo is illustrated in green. Although the sketches are simple, the have just enough detail to enhance understanding of the story. They facial expressions of the characters convey not only their moods, but also their relationship to one another. It is easy to detect who each illustration is. Overall, this is a pleasant book that children can enjoy.

Book 4: Title: Salsa Stories Author and Illustrato: Lulu Delacre Genre: Realistic Fiction Format: Chapter book

Awards: Amricas Commended Title, 2000 Reflection: Salsa Stories is more of a message book than a pleasure book. Delacre conveys quite a bit of Hispanic culture through the various stories that are told. Although the stories are interesting, they are not highly engaging. The vocabulary is difficult as Spanish words are used frequently, often without translation. To someone unfamiliar with the Spanish language, this could be both frustrating and distracting. Although most children can relate to listening to the stories of elder family members and participating in family gatherings, the story does not address any basic needs or provide a substantial conflict. (The only conflict is Carmen Teresa deciding what to write in a book she is given.) It is merely a collection of stories of her family members as children. These stories do, however, have morals. They pertain to situations that children could relate to and possibly have experienced themselves. In this way, the book can be compared to fables. If the intent is to instruct on certain story elements, this book would well serve its purpose. However, many children would probably find this book a little boring. The illustrations in this book are unique and very interesting. They are created using a technique known as linocuts. This is the process of producing a print made from a design cut into a mounted piece of linoleum (Webster). The contrast between black and white is very evident and effective in conveying the feelings and emotions of the characters. Line is also heavily used along with repletion in many of the linocuts. These convey the setting and plot of the individual stories. These lines are also used to construct a feeling of texture within the artwork. In many of the linocuts, the artist has used curves and swirls to enhance the mood of the picture and create a correlation to the story.

Overall, they are effective in communicating the main idea of the story that they represent.

Book 5: Title: Ruby Bridges: Through My Eyes Author: Margo Lundell Genre: Realistic Fiction Format: Picture Book Awards: 1999 Parents Choice Award 2000 Jane Addams Childrens Book Award 2000 Carter G. Woodson Book Award Reflection: This is an inspiring story that could easily be confused with an autobiography. Written in first person, the story of Ruby Bridges is told in such a way as to enable the reader to enter the life of this young girl. It brings to light racism from the viewpoint of a child. Simply put, there is no such thing. Its we adults who teach it (Lundell, 1999) Racism is a difficult subject for children to acknowledge, much less comprehend. As with any obvious injustice, it makes them feel uncomfortable. In todays world, young children are free to be friends with whomever they choose. Boys and girls, black and white, sit together, play together, and have love for one another. The color of their skin makes no difference. They notice it just as one would notice the color of a persons hair or height. Its a physical characteristic. Nothing more, nothing less. This was not true for Ruby Bridges. But even then, as a young child, she didnt notice racial discrimination. Photographer: various

It wasnt until later that she realized the injustice of the society she lived in. Lundell does a wonderful job of portraying her journey through segregation. The information is true. It is not an imagined story, but one that really happened. This creates a stronger bond between the reader and the text. Children can relate to and internalize a child who, simply by doing what she was told, overcomes tremendous obstacles and becomes a hero. All children have moments when they feel singled out and excluded. Regardless of the reason, these are emotions with which all children can identify. Thus Ruby Bridges is a beautiful story that can touch the hearts of all. The photographs chosen for this book are factual. They are a compilation of actual photographs taken throughout the civil rights movement during this time period. This reality adds even more authenticity to the story. It is difficult to look at the angry mobs and burning crosses without feeling compassion for the Bridges family and all others who endured the period of time.

Book 6: Title: The Drinking Gourd Author: F.N. Monjo Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Picture Book Awards: Library of Congress Childrens Books ALA Notable Childrens Book Illustrator: Fred Brenner

Reflection:

What a great story! As mentioned in the Authors Notes, this story about a family escaping to freedom could have really happened. The setting is appropriate for an 1850s rural area. A young boy, Tommy, gets in trouble for being bored at church and is sent home. Once home, he entertains himself by jumping into hay bales. The reader can easily identify with the mischievous nature of this young boy. As the story develops, important vocabulary is introduced by the father explaining the Underground Railroad to his young son who discovers a family of runaway slaves. Various viewpoints are explored as the Marshall almost discovers the refugees hiding in the hay. Through cleverness, Tommy becomes the hero and persuades the Marshall that he is actually running away to avoid being disciplined by his father. This creates another situation in which a child reader can identify with the main character. In addition to being an engaging read, The Drinking Gourd teaches an important part of American history accurately in an entertaining way. Another attribute of this book is the appropriateness of the text for young readers. Simple words and sentence structure are used to allow a younger child to understand and enjoy reading. The illustrations throughout this book are adequate for helping the reader gain insight into the characters and setting of the story, but are not very engaging on their own. As this story was published in 1970, the colors are not very vivid. Also, the sketches do not contain very much detail. Lines are used repeatedly to create the illusion of texture with regard to clothing, facial hair, hay, and even the mist over the water. While the story is well done, the illustrations could be improved.

Book 7:

Title: Wagon Wheels Author: Barbara Brenner Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Picture book Awards: Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies (NCSS/CBC) ALA Notable Childrens Book Reading Rainbow Book Illustrator: Don Bolognese

Reflection: The adage truth is stranger than fiction is most appropriate for this book that is based on historically accurate information. Though fictional details have been added, all of those details were frequent occurrences with the early settlers. Many of the themes of western frontier are evident in this story. As former slaves, the Muldie family longs for their own land and are willing to work together and sacrifice to get it. Prejudice towards Native Americans was very common during this time period. Although afraid, the family learns to appreciate the Osage Indians and vows to stand up to any who speak against them. Also, the citizens of Nicodemus must work together to survive the harsh winters and prairie wildfires. All these elements are portrayed eloquently as the story unfolds. The family overcomes the difficulties they face and the story has a happy ending. Given the intended audience of this book, this is very appropriate. The focus of the book is primarily on the plot, which develops quickly. Characters are not fully developed. However, this does not interfere with the understanding of the authors purpose. The

purpose is primarily to convey the story the events that happened in the lives of the Muldie family. The illustrations in this book are interesting. Color is used for the background only. All sketches of the characters are black and white. This gives the reader the feeling that the events, scenery, and setting are more important than the characters. This correlates with the story in that the land controls the events that occur in the lives of the family. Size is also an important factor in the illustrations. At times, the characters are small and far away. At others, they are larger than life. The perspective of the illustrations goes along with the mood of the story.

Book 8: Title: When I was Young in the Mountains Author: Cynthia Rylant Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Picture book Awards: Caldecott Honor Book ALA Notable Book Reflection: When I was Young in the Mountains has a nostalgic feel. Nothing much really happens and its almost as if time stands still. It gives an insight into the everyday life of Early America, complete with the general store, swimming holes, and one-room schoolhouses. The slow moving feel of the book is appropriate for the historical period it represents. The reader is able to gain insight as to the rhythm of everyday life for these Illustrator: Diane Goode

mountain folk. While enjoyable to take this trip down memory lane, it may not be engaging enough for many young readers. There is no conflict or resolution, but merely a series of memories. The language of the book is fairly simple, making it manageable for young readers. There is also a great deal of figurative language. This allows the reader to hear and see what the author is describing. The illustrations in this story are well done. There is rich detail in many of the pictures, helping the reader to better understand life in this era. They also have a smudged or muted quality to them, giving the feeling of old photographs. This enhances the mood set by the story. In many of the illustrations, the center has the richest colors and they fade as the go out into the page. This focuses the readers attention on the primary purpose of the particular illustration. Overall, this is an enjoyable book, though not particularly a favorite.

Book 9: Title: The Great Pumpkin Switch Author: Megan McDonald Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Picture book Award: 1993: Carolyn W. Field Award Reflection: The illustrations in this book are beautiful and captivating. So much so that when I first opened the book, I was compelled to simply admire the artwork before beginning to read. The colors are vivid. Light is used to capture expression in the characters faces Illustrator: Ted Lewin

or set the mood of lightness or darkness. Shadowing is found in almost every picture, creating the feeling of realness and depth to the characters and objects within. The expressions of the characters are captured almost as if a photograph had been taken. And, they do a great job of telling the story. Just by viewing the pictures, one has a foundation for the story before every beginning to read. The story itself is not that outstanding. Its about a boy and his friend who accidently break his sisters pumpkin she is growing and have to replace it. Everything works out in the end and the little sister is happy. There is some dialect in the story, but is not used throughout the story and the terminology is never explained. Why do the boys call the man who sells pumpkins Potato Man? And why does the Potato Man say, Abba-no-potato-man! and what does this mean? The story never explains, so it doesnt really fit. The story really didnt tell much about a particular historical period or about the lives of the people involved.

Book 10: Title: Johnny Appleseed Author: Reeve Lindbergh Genre: Historical Fiction/ Poetry Format: Picture Book Awards: none Reflection: This is a wonderful book of poetry that tells the tale of John Chapman, otherwise known as Johnny Appleseed. The rhythm of the verses flows smoothly and captures the Illustrator: Kathy Jakobsen

readers interest. Even more difficult vocabulary is easily explained within the story. This easy to follow story uses repetition in verse to carry the reader back in time to the American frontier. A hundred years of is used frequently in the beginning of the story to strongly emphasize the time period. Children everyone have grown to love Johnny Appleseed. He lived simply, loved the earth, and respected all living things. These are ideals that children can relate to. The poem in this story tells factual information about his life in an entertaining way. It allows the reader to explore the American frontier in a way that will capture their interest. The illustrations within Johnny Appleseed are beautiful paintings. The pages are either text or illustration. However, the text pages are bordered by smaller illustrations that add depth to the setting. Its almost like catching little glimpses into his travels and explorations. The paintings make excellent use of color, shape, and perspective to draw the reader into the story. Another element used in the illustration is the repetitive use of dots. In some instances, they serve to add texture to the painting. However, in most of the works of art, they are used to direct ones attention to particular items within the picture, especially the trees. Since Johnny Appleseeds fame is apple trees, this is very appropriate. Just looking at the pictures alone would be enough to generate a childs interest in this book. They are beautiful.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linocut