Mod 15: And Tango Makes Three Review

What's It All About?

Tango's family isn't the typical setup you'd see in the zoo. Tango has two parents, both are male. This picture book is an illustrated version of the true tale of Tango and his papas.

What'd I Think?

I loved it. It's a sweet tale of two penguins who are in love and longing for a child. When they substituted a rock for an egg, it melted my heart. Tango is so lucky to have been raised by his adoptive family. This would even be a great story to read just regarding adoption and showing that you don't have to be the birth parents to show love to your child.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

What'd They Think?

Horn Book Guide

(October 01, 2005; 9780689878459)

Two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo court, build a nest, and raise their (adopted) daughter Tango. Highly anthropomorphized to maximize the sentimental but noteworthy lesson on family diversity, the story gains depth from the biological reality of same-sex penguin partnering. Gentle illustrations of the smiling penguin family add appeal, if not scientific accuracy, to this book based on a true story. (c) Copyright 2010.

Publishers Weekly

(May 16, 2005; 9780689878459)

Tango has two daddies in this heartwarming tale, inspired by actual events in New York's Central Park Zoo. Two male penguins, Roy and Silo, "did everything together. They bowed to each other.... They sang to each other. And swam together. Wherever Roy went, Silo went too.... Their keeper... thought to himself, `They must be in love.' " Cole's (The Sissy Duckling) endearing watercolors follow the twosome as they frolic affectionately in several vignettes and then try tirelessly to start a family-first they build a stone nest and then they comically attempt to hatch a rock. Their expressive eyes capture a range of moods within uncluttered, pastel-hued scenes dominated by pale blue. When the keeper discovers an egg that needs tending, he gives it to Roy and Silo, who hatch and raise the female. The keeper says, "We'll call her Tango,... because it takes two to make a Tango." Older readers will most appreciate the humor inherent in her name plus the larger theme of tolerance at work in this touching tale. Richardson and Parnell, making their children's book debut, ease into the theme from the start, mentioning that "families of all kinds" visit the zoo. This tender story can also serve as a gentle jumping-off point for discussions about same-sex partnerships in human society. Ages 4-8. (June)

What Do I Do With It?

Students can draw their own depiction of the penguin family based on real photos and the illustrations.

Mod 14: Hard Hit Review

What's It All About?

Ann Turner puts Mark's physical and emotional journey in verse in this heart-wrenching story.
Mark thought living up to his baseball coach's standards was tough and that his dad was always pushing him a bit too hard. His friends Eddie and Diane help take the tension off but even they can't help when his world turns upside down. His dad is diagnosed with cancer and he has to struggle to learn how to cope with this devastating diagnosis. 

What'd I Think?

Turner expertly got the emotional point across in this minimal word, verse novel. I wept many times throughout as I read of the ups and downs of living after the diagnosis.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars!

What'd They Think?

School Library Journal

(February 01, 2006; 9780439296809)

Gr 8 Up-As in Learning to Swim (Scholastic, 2000), Turner addresses an intense subject in lyrical poetry. Mike, 16, has the perfect life-star baseball player, cute girlfriend, and loyal best friend-until the phone call that turns his life upside down. His father has pancreatic cancer. While his friends continue to live their lives, time stands still for Mike. His dad suffers through and begins the wasting away that cancer causes. A short period of remission brings a brief period of celebration. In the end, however, Mike finds that his bargains with God and his attempts to get along better with his sister are all for naught. His father dies and he must find a way to go on with his life. Teens who have experienced serious illness and/or death in their family or with close friends will relate to Turner's profound novel that traces the journey of one young man through the stages of grief and recovery. National help lines, addresses, and Web sites are included for readers who need them.-Kathryn Childs, Morris Mid/High School, OK (c) Copyright 2010.

Booklist

(February 01, 2006; 9780439296809)

Gr. 7-10. Tenth-grader Mark Warren is a golden boy: good friends, a gorgeous girlfriend, and an awesome pitching arm, an arm that his dad has cultivated since Mark was small. Yet all turns gray and meaningless when Mark learns that his father has pancreatic cancer. In a carefully crafted, free-verse narrative, the teen tells of his struggle with faith, hope, and disillusionment as his family watches his father slip away--and the inevitable terror and guilt of those still living. It's a hard, sad, beautifully written book, spare yet with surprisingly well-developed characters. Unlike longer, more complex novels that build layers of emotion through description and events, Turner employs poetry to paint the reality of gradual loss, and the language conveys the absence of all the family has known and its emptiness without its central figure. A short bibliography of resources for children whose parents have died rounds out this special book. --Frances Bradburn Copyright 2006 Booklist

What Do I Do With It?

Students will write a one week journal in verse about their lives.

Mod 13: The Amulet #1: The Stonekeeper Review

What's It All About?

Emily and Navin must move with their mother to their deceased great-grandfather's house after their dad passes away. The house is strange and filled with secrets. When their mom is lured into the basement by an unknown creature they are the only ones who can save her. They end up stepping into a world filled with talking animals, and demons. Will they save their mom? What secrets will they find in this secret world?

What'd I Think?

I can definitely see why this is popular with the tween boy set. It is rich with fantasy and adventure on top of creepy demons. The illustrations are spot on. It wasn't my favorite graphic novel ever but it was a good read.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars!

What'd They Think?

School Library Journal

(January 01, 2008; 9780439846806)

Gr 4 Up-Hurrying to pick up her brother, Emily and her parents have a tragic accident, and her father dies. After this dark beginning, the story skips forward two years to when the remaining family members are forced to move to an ancestral house in a small town. Rumored to be haunted, it is unkempt and forbidding. The first night there, Emily's mother goes down to the basement to investigate a noise and doesn't return. The kids search for her and discover a doorway into another world, where their mother has been swallowed by a monster and is being taken away. An amulet that Emily found in the house tells her that together they can save her, but her brother isn't so sure that this voice can be trusted. Still, what other choice do they have in this strange place? Gorgeous illustrations with great color bring light to this gloomy tale. Filled with excitement, monsters, robots, and mysteries, this fantasy adventure will appeal to many readers, but it does have some truly nightmarish elements.-Dawn Rutherford, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA (c) Copyright 2010.

Publishers Weekly

(January 28, 2008; 9780439846813)

Almost too clever and poignant, Amulet is, on the surface, about navigating the murky waters of adolescence and, beneath that, an exploration of abandonment and survival. Emily and Navin are lost children, literally lost in a dark, new world and struggling to save their mother, who has been kidnapped by a drooling, tentacled beast. With stellar artwork, imaginative character design, moody color and consistent pacing, this first volume's weakness lies in its largely disjointed storytelling. There is the strong, young, heroine; cute, furry, sidekicks; scary monsters-all extraordinary components, but pieced together in a patchwork manner. There is little hope in his dark world as Kibuishi removes Emily and Navin's frame of safety. Their hopes rest in a magic amulet that seems to be working in the interest of the children-until it suddenly isn't. The most frightening element of Amulet is the sense of insecurity we feel for Emily, fighting her way through uncharted terrain with no guide and no support system. This first volume of Amulet isn't a disappointment, but it does feel like a warmup to the main event. If anything, it's a clear indication that Kibuishi has just begun skimming the surface of his own talent. (Jan.) (c) 

What Do I Do With It?

After reading this graphic novel and discussing the format students can create their own graphic novel showing how they think the series will continue. Once the novels are complete they can be compared/contrasted with the second book in the series.

Mod 12: Odd Boy Out Review

What's It All About?

Brown has created a picture book focused on young Albert Einstein. Children can see that he wasn't always this old man sticking his tongue out. He was ornery, and strange but brilliant. Brown's book does a fine job of illustrating the fact that we all start somewhere.

What'd I Think?

While the story about Einstein's young life was enlightening, he comes out looking worse in my mind than he did going in. Who knew he was such a jerk in his younger years? It's not the authors fault as they didn't commit the bad behaviors listed but it just put a sour taste in my mouth. THe illustrations were fantastic.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars!

What'd They Think?

Booklist

(September 01, 2004; 9780618492985)

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

Publishers Weekly

(October 18, 2004; 9780618492985)

Brown (Mack Made Movies) shapes an impressionistic portrait of Einstein in his early years, opening with comments of family members gazing upon the newborn (his grandmother says he is "much too fat" and "his mother fears his head is too big"). Writing in the present tense, the author shares anecdotes that reveal young Einstein's character: his temper tantrums scare away his tutor; he brings "a single-minded attention" to such pastimes as building elaborate houses of cards; his parents so encourage his independence that they allow him to wander the streets of Munich alone at the age of four; and the boy early on displays an extraordinary skill at and fascination with mathematics (though other schoolwork bores him). True to the book's title, Brown emphasizes ways in which Einstein fails to fit in with his peers. He dislikes sports, is disturbed rather than excited at the sight of soldiers parading in the street and, as the only Jewish student in school, is taunted by his classmates. The writing occasionally becomes muddy when discussing Einstein's scientific thinking and discoveries ("He says that everything is in motion and when something moves very fast, as fast as light, strange things happen, like clocks running slower and objects becoming shorter"), targeting the book more to kids who identify with the hero's personality traits than to those interested in the man's ideas. But Brown's narrative and appealingly quirky pen-and-ink and watercolor art effectively illuminate the eccentricities and intelligence of Einstein the boy and the man. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

What Do I Do With It?

Students will create a timeline of Albert Einstein's life. They can add enhancements such as pictures or drawings of him at varying ages, his discoveries, etc.

Mod 11: Dogs on Duty Review

What's It All About?

Patent shows how man's best friend becomes a soldier's best friend on the battlefield. She elaborates on the history of service dogs, what they can contribute, and what kind of life they lead once their duties are finished. Dogs on Duty is an excellent sampling of brave K-9 heroes in the United States Military.

What'd I Think?

I've never really been one for non-fiction books but this one captured my attention from the start. The story was fast-paced and filled with interesting tidbits. The full-color photos were a lovely addition to the timeline of America's service dogs. I found the book riveting and enlightening!

I give it 4 out of 5 stars!

What'd They Think?

School Library Journal

(September 01, 2012; 9780802728456)

Gr 3-6-The invaluable contributions of Military Working Dogs are well documented in this book. Patent discusses their special attributes such as the night vision and sense of smell that help MWDs to keep their human partners safe. The roles they have played in World Wars I and II, in Vietnam, and in Iraq and Afghanistan are highlighted. Brief histories of individual dogs such as Stubby from World War I and Eli in Afghanistan are touchingly told. Present-day training and equipment are also explained. The excellently selected, full-color photos constantly capture these devoted canines selflessly performing their duties and sometimes just offering comfort and affection to their human counterparts. The author points out that the military continues to classify these dogs as equipment in spite of their unique service, and many were abandoned in Vietnam when the U.S. left the country. Today, more are returning home and being adopted or continuing to serve in other capacities. Their story is impressive and the author has told it well.-Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA (c) Copyright 2012.

Publishers Weekly

(August 06, 2012; 9780802728456)

In informed prose and photographs of conflicts past and present, Patent explores the timely topic of dogs trained to assist soldiers. Images from contemporary wars depict such breeds as the Belgian Malinois (the breed of the dog that famously assisted with the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound) being trained by handlers and at work in the field, while vintage photographs of soldiers and their dogs from WWII and other past wars reveal how dogs have been involved in combat for generations. Profiles of "Hero Hounds" appear throughout, offering specific accounts of dogs at war. A moving portrayal of the powerful human-canine partnership. Ages 4-up. (Sept.) 

What Do I Do With It?

Students can write a poem about what makes military dogs heroes in their eyes.

Mod 10: Penny From Heaven Review

What's It All About?

11-year-old Penny's family is far from normal in the summer of 1953. No one mentions her father, her Uncle lives in his car with a perfectly good house right in front of him, and her mom won't speak to any of her dad's Italian family. When Penny gets hurt, she overhears something startling about her dad. Could it really be true? What did being Italian in America during the 50s REALLY mean?

What'd I Think?

Holm's depiction of the off-the-wall family raising Penny was flawless. She gets you invested in them to the point of feeling like you are a part of the family as well. I ugly sobbed towards the end. I had no idea that things like this happened to Italian families not so long ago in American history.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

What'd They Think?

Publishers Weekly

(August 28, 2006; 9780375936876)

Newbery Honor author Holm (Our Only May Amelia) conjures a nostalgic 1953 New Jersey summer in this novel with a plucky 11-year-old narrator at its center. Penny divides her time between two extremes: her overprotective single mother (who is "afraid of just about everything that involves fun") and the maternal grandparents with whom she lives, and her deceased father's colorful Italian family. Despite her passion for the Brooklyn Dodgers and gentle comic voice, Penny emerges primarily as an observer witnessing the antics of her more zany relatives, including her favorite uncle Dominic who lives in his car, her scheming cousin Frankie (who doubles as her best friend) and her perennially black-clad grandmother Nonny, who lives to feed people and feuds with her daughter-in-law, an ex-Rockette. In the conflict between Penny and her mother's beau, the narrative offers a fresh take on a familiar plight. The relaxed pace picks up after an accident lands Penny in the hospital and she overhears a rumor about her father. Holm includes telling historical details, including information about WWII Italian internment camps and how Penny's mother will not allow her to swim in a public pool or visit a movie theater because of the risk of polio. Readers will enjoy observing Penny's growth, how she mediates a peace among her family members and offers a glimmer of heaven. Ages 8-12. (Aug.)

Booklist

(April 15, 2006; 9780375936876)

Gr. 5-8. Penny lives with her plain old American mother and grandparents, but she has an open invitation to visit her deceased father's Italian family, where the delicious aromas are as inviting as the boisterous relatives who welcome her. Against the backdrop of these contrasting 1950s households, the author of Newbery Honor Book Our Only May Amelia (1999) charts the summer of Penny's twelfth birthday, marked by hapless episodes as well as serious tensions arising from the estranged families' refusal to discuss her father's death. Penny is a low-key character, often taking a backseat role in escapades with high-spirited cousin Frankie. However, Holm impressively wraps pathos with comedy in this coming-of-age story, populated by a cast of vivid characters (a burping, farting grandpa; an eccentric uncle who lives in his car--not exactly normal for people in New Jersey ). Concluding with a photo-illustrated endnote explaining Holm's inspirations in family history, this languidly paced novel will appeal most to readers who appreciate gentle, episodic tales with a nostalgic flavor. Hand selling may be necessary to overcome the staid jacket illustration. --Jennifer Mattson Copyright 2006 Booklist

What Do I Do With It?

Penny carries a magic/lucky bean with her everywhere she goes. What do the students imagine the bean looks like based on any descriptions from the book and filling in the rest with their imagination. They will create a bean in this image using air-dry clay and paint.

Module 9: The Dollhouse Murders Review

What's It All About?

12-year-old Amy is always having to look after her sister, Louann, who is brain-damaged. THis costs her friendships and the joy of being a kid with no responsibilities. When Aunt Clare lets Amy stay with her for a while she discovers an exact replica of the family home in dollhouse form. THis isn't just any dollhouse though, it is haunted by a past family mystery and won't stop until someone hears what the dolls within have to say. With the help of her sister, they'll dig up the past and solve the mystery once and for all.

What'd I Think?

I'm not typically into paranormal-type mysteries as I am what one might call a "Pansy." THis one had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out just what had happened in that old house. Wright does a great job of keeping the suspense up and illustrating the ups and downs that come with being the sister that is always counted on.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars!

What'd They Think?

School Library Journal

(August 01, 1999; 9780874995206)

Gr 3-7-When she witnesses peculiar events surrounding her aunt's old dollhouse in the attic, 12-year-old Amy unravels a mystery that involves a deadly family secret. By Betty R. Wright. (c) Copyright 2010.

Publishers Weekly

(May 10, 1999; 9780874995237)

Wright's taut, suspenseful novel proves a solid choice to kick off the Live Oak Mysteries audio series. The attic is always a great place to look for nuggets of one's family history, but when 12-year-old Amy explores her great-grandparents' attic, she uncovers clues to a chilling family secret. As Amy and her Aunt Claire sift through clothes, trinkets and other memorabilia, Amy comes across Aunt Claire's long-forgotten dollhouse, a finely crafted replica of the house they are in. Aunt Claire seems unusually distressed about the dollhouse and Amy is determined to find out why. The real fun begins when Amy learns that the dolls in the dollhouse move of their own willÄand that they seem to be trying to tell her something. After a little sleuthing at the local library, Amy learns that her great-grandparents were murdered years ago and that Aunt Claire's fianc‚ (who died in a car accident that same night) was the prime suspect in the unsolved case. Before long, Amy unravels the mystery, helping Aunt Claire to resolve her feelings about the past. A subplot about Amy's relationships with her parents, younger sister and best friend adds depth and warmth to this crisply paced tale. Stewart handles the narration with aplomb, using her voice to give listeners a hint of each character's personality. Her portrayal of Aunt Claire, who delivers a few chillingly snappish retorts to Amy, is particularly strong. Ages 8-up. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

What Do I Do With It?

Using a shoebox, students could create a diorama/dollhouse of any type they choose. It could be based on a house from a story, real life, or even just their imagination. They will create objects such as tables, and couches using recycled materials.