Week 11 - Historical Realism!

 Hello Professor and classmates! This week, I evaluate the realism genre in children's fiction, let's begin! 

    Rinaldi, Ann. 

    Dear America: My Heart Is on the Ground: The Diary of Nannie Little Rose, a Sioux Girl. Scholastic, Inc., 1999. 

    ISBN 0-590-14922-9 

   

    My Heart is on the Ground: The Diary of Nannie Little Rose by Ann Rinaldi, is a historical fiction set in 1880, which tells the story of protagonist Little Rose, a twelve-year-old Sioux girl who is taken from her home and parents with her older brother Charles, to be forcibly enrolled in the Indian School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The story is told from first-person perspective as Little Rose writes in her diary about her experiences at the school. Little Rose makes friends and enjoys her diary writing, but has her culture, language and other connections to her Sioux heritage strongly discouraged by the institution throughout her year there, to be replaced with White European American customs of the late 1800s. Rinaldi’s novel deals with themes regarding racism, oppression, forced assimilation and shedding light on the far-reaching consequences of American colonization from the point of view of someone who is directly, negatively impacted as a member of minority. However, the novel also has a theme of finding joy in even in incredibly difficult circumstances, such as Little Rose making friends at the school, and her dream of becoming a schoolteacher for the children of her tribe’s reservation when she graduates.

    Rinaldi comes across in her text as having had good intentions when writing her historical fiction. The author discusses in her author’s notes being horrified learning about the terrible conditions that Native American children were forced by the government to experience at the Indian schools, believing that the perspectives of the children needed to be shared through her work. Rinaldi appears to have genuinely tried to convey the time period, geographically, and historical context of the Indian schools in the late 1800s Pennsylvania with accuracy. Although there are no bibliographies, timeline or glossaries, Rinaldi includes historical notes within the back of the book about her research, depicting photographs and records of the Indian school, along with acknowledgements in her anthropology research and fact-checking on the Lakota Sioux people. I feel Rinaldi tried to be sensitive in her characterization of Little Rose, and her friends, but the writing still comes across as stereotypical in its depiction of indigenous characters, their relation to white characters, and the portrayal of Native American history. The style of writing felt as though it was reinforcing harmful stereotypes about indigenous American people and ultimately glosses over the many issues of the Indian school by the story’s end.

 

 

     Kadohata, Cynthia, and Julia Kuo. A Place to Belong. 

    Simon & Schuster, 2019. ISBN 978-1-4814-4664-8

 

 

    A Place to Belong by Cynthia Kadohata is a historical fiction novel, set in the early 1940s and tells the story of twelve-year-old, Japanese American protagonist, Hanako Tachibana, as she, her little brother Akira, and their parents move to Japan to live with her grandparents after the family is uprooted from their lives due to World War II, having lost their home and restaurant in Los Angeles after spending four years in Japanese prison camps. This is especially confusing for Hanako who was always encouraged by her parents to focus on her North American culture over her Japanese heritage in order to fit in with white European American customs, but is now leaving America for Japan, a nation, culture, and family members that are all unfamiliar to Hanako. Harder yet, is that the farming community that Hanako’s family moves to in the countryside is outside of Hiroshima, where people everywhere are still suffering from the aftermath of injuries and mass destruction caused by the bombings.

    A Place to Belong is an incredibly moving work of historical fiction, written from the perspective of Japanese American author, Kadohata, with careful thought, research, love and consideration for the Japanese American people who experienced the hardships in the aftermath of World War II shining through on each page of the novel. Although there are no bibliographies, the author’s afternotes convey that Kadohata put extensive research on the life experiences of Japanese Americans in the 1940a, with the context of the historical, Japanese culture, geographically and politics in the aftermath of World War II coming across clearly in style of the writing and depiction of the setting. The characters come across as three-dimensional and realistic, with Hana’s bond with her grandparents in particular, being very heartwarming. A Place to Belong deals with the theme of loss and despair, but also about having hope and love of family during difficult times, as Hana struggles with adjusting to life in post-war Japan, but ultimately finds connection in her new community that brings her happiness.   

    Williams-Garcia, Rita. One Crazy Summer. 

    Amistad, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2019.

    ISBN 978-0-06-076088-5

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia is a middle grade historical fiction which tells the story of eleven-year-old, African American protagonist, Delphine, and her little sisters, Vonetta and Fern, as they fly from Brooklyn, New York to Oakland, California in the Summer of 1968, to visit their mother who had abandoned them and their father. Unfortunately for the three sisters, their mother acts indifferent to her children, treating their visit as an inconvenience in her life at best, and directs the girls to a summer camp at the local community center, run by members of the Black Panthers organization. Soon, the girls find themselves making friends at the community center and taking part in local politics.

    Williams-Garcia’s One Crazy Summer is an incredible novel for older children, as it introduces history of the Black Panthers and the civil rights movement of the late 1960s through the fictional lens of the child protagonist’s perspective. There is genuine heart, humor and care in Williams-Garcia’s writing with fully realized, three-dimensional characters on the page, with Delphine’s struggle with having to grow up too quickly by being a mother figure to her younger sisters, her culture shock from her life in Brooklyn to being in California, and her conflicted feelings towards her mother, all combined to create a great protagonist and supporting characters throughout the book. Within her acknowledgements page, author Williams-Garcia reflects upon the girls and women in her own life who inspired the book, while also recognizing that the story and time period in American history she wanted to tell had required extensive research on her part as the author, having gone through records, interviews and articles on the experiences of African American people who lived in the 1960s era or had been connected to the Black Panthers movement in history. Williams-Garcia’s writing feels reflective of the late 1960s period, as the history and culture of that decade, focused on the perspective of African American families who lived through it, comes to life in the narrative.   The themes of becoming a positive force change in the world, finding empowerment as a young girl, having pride in one’s identity, and broadening one’s perspective are all great talking points for child readers, just as the protagonist Delphine discovers on her hero’s journey throughout the novel.

Week 10 - Graphic Novels!

 Hello again, Professor and classmates! This week I review and reflect upon graphic novels, let's begin! 

    Sturm, James, et al. Adventures in Cartooning. First Second, 2009.   ISBN-13 978-1-59643-369-4

    Adventures in Cartooning, a collaborative work between cartoonist James Sturm, and his former students, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost, is a graphic novel which introduces children to the basic steps and structures of creating comic books while also telling the story of a stubborn knight, a magical elf and their very silly horse who go on an adventure to rescue a princess who wants to be a cartoonist. Throughout the heroes’ adventure, the authors demonstrate to young readers how illustrations, text and the placement of panels work together in order to create a story told in a graphic novel or comic strip format. The story itself is easy for children to read and follow along, being a fairly simple medieval fantasy of brave heroes going on a quest to rescue a princess, facing challenges along the way, but with a comedic, cartoon twist. The illustrations, panel arrangements and text combine to not only make the story fun and silly entertainment for its elementary-age target audience, but it also educates its young readers about the creative process which goes into making cartoons, such as in its inclusion of comic book-making instructions within the back of the book, encouraging readers to lean to become cartoonists themselves.

    Brown, Jeffrey. Star Wars: Jedi Academy. Scholastic Inc., 2013. ISBN 978-0-545-50517-8

    Star Wars: Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown, is set within the familiar universe of the Star Wars franchise, told from the perspective of protagonist Roan Novachez, a twelve-year-old boy from Tatooine who is discovered to be Force-sensitive and sent to be one of Master Yoda’s students at the Jedi Temple’s equivalent of middle school. Although Roan lives in a galaxy far, far away, he is a relatable protagonist for young readers, especially those who are entering new grades in upper elementary and facing new challenges; as Roan struggles with self-confidence and faith in his own abilities as he navigates his new school environment, while learning to use the force alongside classmates who have been raised by the Jedi from their early childhoods. Brown’s witty text combines greatly with his cartoon illustrations, reimagining iconic Star Wars characters, alien races and galactic locations in fun and fresh new perspectives, with the author’s love for the Star Wars franchise shining through on the pages.

    The book pages alternates between comic strips of Roan’s school days, text of paragraphs told through Roan’s class notes and diary entries, with cartoon drawings of Roan, his friends and family scattered throughout the graphic novel. Children who are already fans of Star Wars are likely to enjoy this graphic novel, the first in a trilogy series, with the story’s ending concluding in a manner where it can either be read as a stand-alone or lead directly into the book’s sequel. Children who are unfamiliar with the Star Wars universe can still appreciate Brown’s unique take on the world, with a memorable cast of characters who make up Roan’s world, along with clever humor and heart on the pages as Roan finds his place as a Jedi Padawan in his new school. Even if the Star Wars series is new for some young readers, the universal experiences of entering a new grade and integrating oneself into a new classroom environment are themes that many children can relate to when reading Brown’s graphic novel.  

 

    Craft, Jerry, and Jim Callahan. New Kid. 

    Harper, an Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2019.

    ISBN 978-0-06-269120-0

    First book in a trilogy series, New Kid by Jerry Craft follows the story of twelve-year-old protagonist, Jordan Banks, who is the titular new kid, not only in middle school, but at the most prestigious private school in his state. There is fun in Craft’s story follows Jordan as he adjusts to his new school environment and makes new friends, while also depicting Jordan’s struggles with fitting in with a serious sense of realism, as Jordan faces microaggressions from classmates and teachers alike due to being one of the few African American students at the school, as well as dealing with being one of the few students who has a middle class background compared to many of his peers, such as Jordan’s new friend, Liam, whose family comes from generational wealth. Craft’s story is filled with mature themes of racism and classism, along with genuine heart and a sense of humor as Jordan bonds with classmates Liam, Drew and his almost-girlfriend, Alexandra, who each come from a variety of backgrounds, with their own challenges in private school as well. Craft’s illustrations are bright, fun, and have occasional silly sight gags, depicting the issues of Jodan’s middle school with humor when needed, without downplaying the seriousness of a chapter or moment when the protagonist is facing a mature issue.

    Jordan’s bond with Alexandra in particular is heartwarming as she struggles with social anxiety out of fear that her classmates will bully her for having a burn mark on her hand that she hides with sock puppets; through Jordan’s kindness, friendship and willingness to listen to her problem, Alexandra gains more confidence in social interactions with classmates by the end of the story. Jordan is a great protagonist for child readers to relate to, as despite the challenges at his new middle school, Jordan remains true to himself, remaining a friendly, creative kid who stands up for his friends when they need support, finding a happy balance between his home life and school life by the end of his hero’s journey. Craft’s graphic novel is a wonderful story about inclusivity, the importance of taking a stand against injustices when they are witnessed, and the value of finding a balance between remaining true to one’s self with embracing change while growing up. I would recommend this book for older elementary and middle school readers, such as the issues of racism and classism within the story may engage and resonant with older children more so than potential younger readers.   

    Brian, Rachel. 

    Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of You.

    Little, Brown and Company, 2020. ISBN 978-0-316-45773-6

    The graphic novel Consent (For Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of You by Rachel Brian is a very valuable educational book for children. Throughout Brian’s book, the author teaches young readers about the incredibly important concept of consent for one’s own body, learning how to say “no” when made to feel uncomfortable by someone else, how to recognize signs and creating boundaries, all in child-friendly language. Brian uses stick-figure, cartoon drawings and comic panels with cute characters to convey her message about a very serious topic that many parents and guardians may have trouble starting a conversation about with their children; the cartoon characters within Brian’s book discuss the matter of consent at a level and in terms that elementary age children can understand, making a very serious issue easy enough for young readers to follow along throughout the lessons in the book, as the author teaches readers how to express themselves in a firm manner and how to recognize signs when a situation doesn’t seem right, rather it is when an adult is being inappropriate with a child or if a child doesn’t want to greet and say goodbye with hugs. Although targeted to early and older elementary-aged children, readers of all ages can benefit from the messages about consent within Brian’s graphic novel.

 

 Annable, Graham. Peter & Ernesto: The Lost Sloths. First Second, 2019. ISBN 978-1-62672-572-0

    Peter & Ernesto: The Lost Sloths by Graham Annable is about two best friends who, as the title implies, are sloths who lose their beloved home after a hurricane destroys their tree. Nervous and cautious Peter wants their sloth tribe to stay in their familiar area and rebuild amongst the damaged area, avoiding any potential danger, while easy-going and adventure-seeking Ernesto want to lead their family across the rain forest to find an even better tree to call their perfect new home. The group of sloths, led by inseparable Peter and Ernesto, face peril, but find friendship with different animals as they quest to find the right tree to live, finding a friendly, but lonely bird along the way who is excited to become their roommate. Annable’s Peter & Ernesto: The Lost Sloths is the second book in a series of children’s graphic novels, but can just as easily be read as a standalone if this is a reader’s first introduction to Peter and Ernesto. The story is fairly straightforward and easy for young elementary school-aged children to follow along. The simple text and cute, warm earth-tone illustrations of the sloths work well together, combining to create a nice, fun and sweet story about two sloth best friends finding a new home.

 

 

Week 8: Beginning & Transitional Readers!

 Hello again, readers! This week, I am reviewing books for beginning and transitional readers! Let's begin!

    Hale, Shannon, et al. The Princess in Black. 

    Candlewick Press, 2014. ISBN 978-0-7636-6510-4

    For my first selection, I have chosen The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, published in 2014 through Candlewick Press. In this first book of a series, the Hales introduce readers to the protagonist, the Princess Magnolia, who on the surface appears to be your typical prim and proper princess who loves sparkly, pink dresses, but in reality, Magnolia is the titular Princess in Black, a vigilante who protects her kingdom from danger, enjoys fighting monsters and loves the color black instead of pink. In this Magnolia must balance her responsibilities as a princess to have tea with a member of her court, Duchess Wigtower, while protecting the farmers’ goat population from a goat-eating monster, all while making sure Duchess Wigtower doesn’t discover her double-life as the kingdom’s protector!

    After reading The Princess in Black, I place that this book is at level three. It is an early chapter book, with under ninety-page numbers and longer sentences, not quite reaching a full transitional book, but certainly more complex than level two and below books, being a fun, witty story for early elementary aged children from kindergarten to third grade who have begun to read independently from their parents and teachers. There are typically six-to-eight lines on each page, not extending over fifteen in a more natural sounding language, with the pages alternating between full, colorful illustrations complement the story as decoration, whereas text is on primarily white pages with margins taking more space than the illustrations.

  Elliot, Zetta, and Geneva B. Dragons in a Bag.

     Random House Children’s Books, 2018.

    ISBN 978-1-5247-7045-7

    For my second selection, I have chosen Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Eliott, illustrations by Geneva B., and published in 2018 through Random House Children’s Books. Eliott’s Dragons in a Bag follow the protagonist, nine-year-old Jaxon, who discovers his grandmother, Ma, is actually a witch and becomes her apprentice, helping her on a quest to deliver three baby dragons to a hidden realm. After reading this book, I place it under transitional books. At a hundred and fifty-four pages, with fairly large typeface, minimal black and white illustrations which alternate every few pages, primarily white pages of alternating long and short sentences, and lines which typically go over eight words, I categorize this early chapter book as fitting of a transitional book for elementary school-aged readers.

 Keller, Laurie, and Mo Willems. 

    We Are Growing! An Elephant and Piggie Like Reading! Book.

    Hyperion Books for Children, an Imprint of Disney Book Group, 2016. ISBN 978-148472635-8

    For my third selection, I have chosen We Are Growing! An Elephant & Piggie Like Reading Book by Laurie Keller and Mow Willems, published in 2016 through Hyperion Books for Children. A children’s book about a talking blade of glass named Walt who struggles with his self-esteem after watching his friends growing and seemingly becoming more impressive plants.  After reading this book, I place it at level one. My reasoning is that the book, just under fifty pages, is composed of sentences that are typically six words or less of two to three lines per pages. Additionally, words within the book seem primarily for the purpose of sight vocabulary, lacking the complexity and wit of higher-level books I have reviewed such as The Princess in Black and Dragons in a Bag.  

    Fenske, Jonathan. A Pig, a Fox, and a Box. 

    Penguin Young Readers, 2015. ISBN 978-1-480-67973-3

    For my fourth and final selection for this week’s readings, I have chosen A Pig, a Fox, and a Box by Jonathan Fenske, published in 2015 through Penguin Young Readers. A children’s picture book about two best friends, the titular Pig and Fox, in which Fox attempts to play pranks and hide-and-seek games with a box in order to tease Pig. Although the book itself classifies itself as a level two book, but based on my reading of the book, I would place it as level one instead. The book has simple sentence structures, with five to six words on average per page, and two-to-three lines on each page, with single syllable words which focuses on sight vocabulary. Each page is fill with simple lines and fun illustrations of eye-catching greens, blue and oranges which take up most space within the book, with little white space alternating between pages. It is an entertaining story for young readers, but one that does not have the complex writing and sentence structures, sparsely utilized illustrations or the direct dialogue of early chapter books for older children.