Embedded Files
ELEMENTARY
My Grandfather's Coat
Author: Jim Aylesworth
Scholastic, 2014
ISBN: 9780439925457
Grandfather came to America when he was very young, trained as a tailor, and fell in love. When his love agreed to marry him, he busily created and sewed himself a long formal coat that he wore on his wedding day. You know how men are, they wear the same clothing over and over because it is their favorite, and the grandfather was no exception. At last the coat worn. In this incremental story the question is asked: “So what did my grandfather do?” The repetition of his “work, snip, clip, stitch and sew” is delightfully recited as the coat becomes a jacket, a vest, a tie, and a baby’s toy. But that was not all it became! My Grandfather’s Coat will be a favorite read-aloud for families and librarians. McClintock’s art is created with black pen and watercolor. The author and artist notes on the rear verso page are worth sharing with your readers!
Joan Enders, Educational consultation and Follett Trainer, http://joanenders.com
Captain Beastlie's Pirate Party
Author: Lucy Coats
Nosy Crow, 2014
ISBN: 9780763673994
Captain Beastlie is a putrid smelling, foul mouthed pirate with filthy pirate jargon who is only five days away from his birthday. He reminds his crew each day that his special day is getting closer and closer as he continues to spill food everywhere and create a huge mess wherever he walks on the ship. His crew is clean and spotless, so for his birthday, they grab him, scrub him down, comb his hair and beard, and dress him in a new pirate suit. Yet, his first meal spills down his front. Buy this book! The language is rich and colorful and piratey! The kids will love the sound of the text is this story is read aloud.
Reviewer: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Dear Mr. Washington
Author: Lynn Cullen
Scholastic, 2014
ISBN: 9780439925457
This hilarious book about Charlotte, James, and baby John Stuart is a wonderful introduction to text complexity and primary source documents. Cullen creates a delightful sense of mayhem as the three children of Gilbert Stuart systematically create upheaval as he attempts to paint George Washington’s portrait. Charlotte’s letter of apology for their bad behavior is answered with a copy of Rules of Good Behavior for Boys and Girls. Charlotte dutifully copies 10 of the rules and then begs Washington to return—with a promise that she and her brothers have learned the rules and will follow them. Mr. Washington returns to continued disastrous, but well-intentioned results. The font selected for the book is perfect, and the random capitalization employed in early documents is replicated in this story book. The Author’s Note at the end explains Stuart’s contributions and the inspiration for the book. The illustrations complement the story beautifully and are sure to make readers smile.
Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Red, A Crayon's Story
Author: Michael Hall
Harper Collins Children's Books 2015
ISBN: 9780062252098
Michael hall has become my new favorite author. I love It's an Orange Aardvark and now I crave RED. Every teacher needs a copy of this book. Kids will love the illustration and the talking crayons, but adults will take a step back and reexamine what they do and say to and about kids. Red is the label on the crayon, but his color is blue. Every time he tries to draw items in red, it is wrong and all the colors of crayons begin to worry about him and try to change him. The crayons are characters. For example, gray and silver are his grandparents. One day a purple crayon asks Red to draw the ocean for her boat. When he realizes he is blue, he goes wild coloring blue. All of the other characters changed their opinions and accepted him as brilliant. Some may interpret this book as acceptance book as a book about the acceptance of all the people in the world, but I see themes about the importance of accepting kids.
Reviewer: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary School, Kelso, WA
A Fine Dessert
Author: Emily Jenkins
Schwartz & Wade, 2015
ISBN: 9780375868320
Blackberry Fool is a luscious dessert that has spanned decades and cultures. This picture story book looks at four families from 1710, 1810, 1910, and 2010 and compare their steps in making the dessert. Of course, there is much more to compare and contrast: dress, homes, technology, licking the bowl clean and family circumstances. Lucky for those of us who have yet to enjoy the dish, a recipe is included. The story of blackberry fool is followed with interesting notes by the author and illustrator. This is a perfect vehicle for simple through complex comparisons that students need to experience to improve their thinking skills.
Reviewer: Joan Enders, Educational consultation and Follett Trainer, http://joanenders.com
Marilyn's Monster
Author: Michelle Knudsen
Candlewick Press, 2015
ISBN: 978076360116
Marilyn does not have her monster yet, and all the other kids--including her brother--had been found by their monsters. Marilyn tried to be perfect and ready so her monster could find her, but he didn't come. She went looking for her monster--which was not the way it was supposed to happen. Luckily, she found her monster who was lost and stuck in a tree, and scared. Marilyn rescued her monster who flew her home, and they became fast friends. Sometimes things work in different ways. What an adorable story to read aloud and make references to celebrating diversity amongst kids. I loved it!
Reviewer: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Louise Loves Art
Author: Kelly Light
Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, 2014
ISBN: 9780062248176
Louise, aspiring artist loves to draw, and spends every waking hour exercising her imagination to produce a masterpiece for the art show she’s planning. An artist has to notice every line, but Louise doesn’t notice that little brother Art wants to get in on the fun, too and has been adding to her drawings with his red crayon. As she visualizes how her cat’s portrait will look on the “Gallery du Fridge”, Art is busy cutting it into paper dolls (with their expressive cat figuratively having kittens in the background). A deflated Louise sees Art’s remorse and looks again at her little brother’s offering—little brothers holding hands with bespectacled big sisters—proclaims that she loves it and gives it 1st place on the fridge with the caption “Louise loves Art”, accompanied by portraits of both artists. The final spread under the colophon has cat, Art, and Louise all drawing together (tongues parked in the corners of their mouths in concentration).
Reviewer: Carol Blix, Cathlamet Public Library
The Book With No Pictures
Author: B. J. Novak
Dial Books for Young Readers, 2014
ISBN: 9780803741713
This book is absolutely impossible to read silently. It screams, "Read me ALOUD!": Right, there are no pictures, but there are colors to add emphasis to your read aloud. The words make the reader say silly things about himself or herself and the listeners get uproarious with laughter. Varied font sizes and type create a discussion tool. Be prepared to call yourself a ridiculous name. BUY THIS BOOK!! BUY SEVERAL! GIVE IT AS A GIFT!
Reviewer: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary School, Kelso, WA
I Wanna Go Home
Author: Karen Kaufman Orloff
Candlewick Press, 2015
ISBN: 9780763669430
If the pictures don’t get you. . .the story will. This is the story of Alex, a little boy whose parents are going to Bora Bora. While they are away, Alex and his siblings Annie and Ethan are going to stay with his grandparents. The story is told entirely in letters and messages between the characters, and it is hilarious! It opens with a letter from the grandparents telling their grandchildren how excited they are for the visit. The next letter is from Alex entreating his parents to allow him to stay with his friend, Stinky, instead. This missive is an excellent opportunity to introduce young readers to rhetorical devices. Unfortunately for Alex, his parents are unmoved, so to Grandma Shirley and Uncle Ralph’s they go. The exchanges that ensue are wonderful comparisons of generational differences. In this tale, Peter Rabbit is OLD! The combination of the misadventures of both Alex and his grandparents make this an excellent read aloud with wonderful Common Core instruction possibilities.
Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
A Violin for Elva
Author: Mary Lyn Ray
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015
ISBN: 9780152254834
How long does a dream last? For Elva, quite a while. There was always someone or something holding her back from becoming the violinist she wished to be. I can’t help but seeing this book paired with Miss Rumphius, rather an opposition to this book, but with the same tone. I loved the artistic “blessings from heaven” on the “VIOLIN” page following her purchase of her first, real violin. Elva thought her natural love for the instrument would effect a “music man” moment, but, alas, she finally turned to an instructor for help. There she was, in her own recital, surrounded by students half her size. She was swept away by her music! What price will our students give to realize their dreams? Do they have dreams? Certainly they do, and this picture book would be a wonderful writing prompt for even teens and adults. LOVED IT!
Joan Enders, Educational consultation and Follett Trainer, http://joanenders.com
Coming Home
Author: Greg Ruth
Feiwel and Friends, 2014
ISBN: 9781250055477
This book is short on words, but long on emotion, and that is what makes it a starred review for me. The story opens to a group of people, and a dog, waiting anxiously behind stanchions. The reader’s attention is drawn to one little boy who is wearing a red-orange t-shirt. The next page is of a plane that has landed, and the anticipation of the group is heightened through the author’s use of perspective—as if readers are watching with the crowd. Beautifully colored pages show how each of the waiting audience finds his or her family, friends, and dog, but still the little boy in the red t-shirt—who is, incidentally, alone—continues his search. The last two pages are the most poignant as readers see the smile reach the boy’s face from behind the legs of the person and realize that the returning soldier is his mother. A visit to Ruth’s website www.gregthings.com reveals the fascinating artist behind this work.
Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Evil Twins
Author: Scott J. Savage
Harper, 2014
ISBN: 9780062133373
Case File 13 book 3. Nick and friends, Carter and Angelo, head off on a camping trip with Nick’s parents. The campout doesn’t go as planned and they end up staying at a sketchy campground off the grid. The boys are awakened by the sounds of something getting into their car and discover the car locked, but a trail of snacks from the car leading off into the woods. They discover a miniature “Carter,” a homunculus that mimics Carter. Carter sneaks the homunculus home which creates huge problems. The homunculus begins to change into other people and disappears one night. Then the real trouble starts as doppelgängers begin to appear and want to take over the town. It is up to the trio to stop the doppelgängers and return the homunculus to its home. This is a great adventure that will appeal to fans of the supernatural. A great mix of creepy and comedy that upper elementary and middle school boys will surely gobble this up.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
What to Do When You're Sent to Your Room
Author: Ann Stott
Candlewick Press, 2014
ISBN: 9780763660529
What to do with this book?!? First of all, readers who have sons will appreciate it. Educators who consider it as a read aloud are liable to quake in fear at the copycat activities that may ensue. Ben is no stranger to being sent to his room. He is also an excellent narrator as he explains how writing a letter of apology is an excellent way to get one’s sentence reduced. He follows this advice with a description of his activities while there. He ends his story by explaining that he can count on his older brother to occupy the room before long and why his mother will not leave him and his older brother alone in the room together. From the illustrations that include a picture of Ben and his brother—with his older brother making rabbit ears behind Ben’s head—to the inventive ways that Ben uses a slingshot and the heads of his toy army men to subdue his evil stuffed bunny, this is a book that is all boy. Educators could use it to discuss interpersonal relations—what works, and what doesn’t—imagination, and safety. I loved it!
Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Disappearance at Hangman's Bluff
Author: J. E. Thompson
Walden Pond Press, 2014
ISBN: 97800062104496
Felony Bay book 2. Friends Abbey and Bee are trying to enjoy their remaining summer vacation when they witness their neighbor’s dog get taken by two strangers. The girls quickly link the dognapping to the string of recent crimes on the normally quiet island. Unable to reign in their quest for answers, the girls get themselves into trouble by trespassing and looking for clues in Hangman’s Bluff. As the puzzle pieces fall into place, the girls must rally together and enlist the help of a former enemy to save themselves and their families. This is a fast paced mystery with strong girl heroines. Further depth is added as Bee is African American and Abbey’s family used to own slaves, Bee’s ancestor’s, on the plantation, which Bee’s grandmother now owns. Bee wants to know more about her ancestors and the events at Hangman’s Bluff further fuel her fire. This is a great complex mystery that will hold wide appeal to upper elementary and middle school students. Readers will enjoy it all the way to the last page and will be awaiting the next adventure.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Emmanuel's Dream
Author: Laurie Ann Thompson
Schwartz & Wade Books, 2015
ISBN: 9780449817445
This is one of the best picture books I’ve read in a long time! It tells the inspiring story of a boy, Emmanuel, who was born in Ghana with a deformed leg. His father left the family when he was born and many of the villagers thought he was cursed. His mom believed in him and made sure he went to school in a time when many with disabilities in Ghana stayed hidden at home. Emmanuel eventually learned to ride a bike and rode across Ghana to raise money and awareness of the things that people with disabilities can do. His efforts were the first of that kind in Ghana and he became a national hero. The simple illustrations have large faces that clearly show each character’s emotions. The story focuses on Emmanuel’s persistence and perseverance and will be enjoyed by young readers. It would also make a great read aloud for upper elementary or middle school students to highlight the importance of including everyone.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Here Comes Santa Cat
Author: Deborah Underwood
Dial Books for Young Readers, 2014
ISBN: 9780803741003
The narrator in the story talks to the cat who wants to be Santa. The cat is worried that he has been naughty and will not get any presents from Santa, so he dresses as Santa, but can't do the job. When the cat receives two cans of food as a gift, he shares with a kitten and, AHA! He has done something nice! Santa comes and asks the cat to be his assistant. This plot is clever with an off-page narrator who talks to the cat. The cat, himself, does not talking. His only communication is his actions portrayed through adorable soft pencil sketches by the illustrator. Based on this title, I will also order Here Comes Easter Cat.
Reviewer: Debbie Johnson, Wallace Elementary School, Kelso, WA
Spots in a Box
Author: Helen Ward
Templar Press, 2014
ISBN: 9780763675974
I just don’t know what I like more about this book: the verse, the theme, or the artwork. Ward employs a Suess-like cadence to tell the story of a guinea fowl who has no spots. His spotlessness causes him to stand out among his peers, so he sends a letter requesting spots. The spots he gets in return are not quite right: big, light-up-the-night, dot-to-dot and other types of spots. . .until he finds a colorful bunch of spots that are the right size and make him smile. The theme of the desire to fit in and still stand out is a pretty sophisticated one for children to comprehend, but it is delivered so subtly that it is likely to stick. In fact, even the dedication “to the quietly eccentric” is testament to the author’s purpose (hint, hint all you Common Core buffs). The watercolor artwork is colorful and endearing, but is interspersed with shiny foil or cutouts that make the book that much more interesting. Though designed for children, this is a title I would be tempted to inflict on my high school students followed by a narrative writing prompt to share an experience of trying to fit in.
Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Glamourpuss
Author: Sarah Weeks
Scholastic Press, 2015
ISBN: 9780763669430
The cover of this book includes glitter. Although that would normally consign it to the pile of books most likely to appeal to girls, Glamourpuss is entertaining enough that it could be enjoyed by children of either gender. Glamourpuss is the reining feline in the Highhorsen household. Her rule is unchallenged until Aunt Eugenia brings Bluebelle, a Chihuahua, to visit. All of a sudden, Bluebelle and her adorable tricks and outfits begin to take center stage, and poor Glamourpuss begins to question where she fits in the family. The conflict is resolved when Glamourpuss discovers Bluebelle destroying the costumes she has been forced to wear and watches Bluebelle as she attempts to behave like Glamourpuss. Bluebelle’s status changes from that of an annoyance to protégé and friend. The illustrations are hilarious, but even better is the incredible word choice: “Glamourpuss didn’t go down stairs – she descended. She didn’t lie down – she reclined. Children and the adults who read the story to them are bound to fall in love with the pretentious Glamourpuss and her less glamorous sidekick, Bluebelle.
Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Let the Celebrations Begin
Author: Margaret Wild
Candlewick Press, 2014
ISBN: 97807636670139
Toys. Polish prisoners. Liberation. Now there is a unique combination for a picture book story! Margaret Wild discusses the challenges in having this book come to print due to the sensitive subject matter being pictured. There were stuffed toys made by the Polish women in Belsen for the children’s party held after liberation! Think about that: a celebration of survival and the future and playfulness, no matter the situation. Here is another example of Holocaust prisoners who determine that their circumstances would not define them. What kind of idiot makes toys for children in a death camp? That’s what cantankerous old Jacoba thinks, but she even gives pieces of her clothing for the toys. The toys are constructed with whatever they can find. The day came when British soldiers liberated the camp, and the party could start! Julie’s pastel watercolors are breathtaking. I would couple this with Man’s Search for Meaning, Night and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas for a variety of perspectives from survivors. Add a guest speaker from a Holocaust Center and viola! an amazing instructional experience.
Joan Enders, Educational consultation and Follett Trainer, http://joanenders.com
Orion and the Dark
Author: Emma Yarlett
Templar Books, 2015
ISBN: 9780763675950
Orion and the Dark is a fabulous story with a seeming mixture of media and a couple of pages that are cut out to be wonderful. Orion introduces himself as a child who is scared of many things, but most of all he is afraid of the dark. As he tells the story, it is illustrated with a taped collage of all the things that frighten him, all the solutions he has tried, and most of all dialogue in word bubles that is partially in cursive. As Orion tells the story, the Dark comes to visit him, and it is here that the Dark’s hand is cleverly created in a way that conceals dialogue that occurs on the next page, but extends to shake Orion’s hand when the arm and hand are turned. The Dark takes Orion on an adventure to see that all of the scary things that terrify him are really adventures in disguise. By the end of the story, Orion is no longer afraid. The fun fonts for dialogue and the use of collage for the multiplicity of scary things are unique and engaging. Overall, this is an inventive book that is wonderful for helping youngsters face and overcome their fears.
Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
SECONDARY
D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy, 1944
Author: Rick Atkinson
Harper Henry Holt and Company, 2014
ISBN: 9781627791113
“D-Day“ is an adaptation, for young readers, of the book “The Guns at Last Light, D-Day”. Written in great detail, “D-Day” doesn’t lose the reader with too many details. Planning an assault on foreign soil by sea is no small task. Providing a united front to effectively defeat the Axis forces would take finite details. Each summary details the bravery of the men who fought, maps of the battles and sacrifices made. This is a great book for any age reader that really enjoys history. It is very detailed but not overwhelming.
REVIEWER: Tina Campbell, Toutle Lake JR/ SR High School
The War that Saved My Life
Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015
ISBN: 9780803740815
This is one of the most amazing stories I’ve read in a long time! Set in London at the beginning of WWII, ten-year-old Ada has never left the small flat she shares with her mom, Mam, and younger brother, Jamie. The family is very poor and Mam is abusive to both children, but mainly Ada because she was born with a clubfoot that was never corrected. Ada lives in a very painful world until the children of London are evacuated to the country. There she and Jamie are sent to live a woman, Susan, who is forced to take them in. Susan is grieving the death of her “best friend” and lives in the house they had shared. Slowly the children and Susan all begin to heal and Ada is finally becoming a strong person. The trio begin to trust each other and thrive together. After many letters to Mam seeking permission to have Ada’s foot corrected, Mam finally shows up at Susan’s house only to take the children home so that she doesn’t have to pay for anything. Mam strips Ada of her crutches and vows to make her life more miserable than it was before. London is bombed during the night and Ada and Jamie escape and they are overjoyed the next morning to see Susan looking for them to take them home. This is such a compelling story! The characters are honest with their feelings and the reader cheers, and cries, for all three along the way. A superb read for middle school students.
REVIEWER: Debby Iverson, Coweeman Middle School
Pretty Girl-13
Author: Liz Coley
Katherine Tegen Books, 2013
ISBN: 9780062127372
Since reading this book myself several months ago, another of my students read it and her response was pretty visceral. This is an important book, written by an author whose background interests include science, but it is a pretty tough read. It starts with a prologue written in second person that situates the story in context: you are camping and you are abducted. Chapter 1 begins with Angie’s reentry into civilization. She is unable to answer questions about her multi-year absence, her abductor, or anything that has occurred. As the story unfolds, Angie begins therapy for a clearly traumatic event. It is through this therapy that readers discover that Angie has Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)—formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. With infinite care and no small dose of authentic voices, Coley provides a picture of a young woman who is struggling with the decision about whether to reintegrate the separate personalities inhabiting her mental space and how to fit back into her family. The development of the relationship between her and her parents provides an equally painful portrait of adults who are trying to cope with a child they had finally given up on ever having returned to them as well as the difficulty of coming to grips with the abuse she has survived. All of this drama is set against an ongoing investigation by law enforcement and Angie’s apparent unwillingness to cooperate. The Author’s Note is poignant and Coley includes a way for readers to learn more about DID. This is a story that will grip its readers, but its raw take on a brutal reality will make it a story that should be recommended to more mature readers.
Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Can't Look Away
Author: Donna Cooner
Point, 2014
ISBN: 9780545427654
Cooner delivers yet again in this story about grief, loss, and popularity. Though only in high school, Torrey Grey has managed to build a fanbase on her vlog. That notoriety serves only to make the death of her younger sister makes her public argument with her sister just prior to her demise fodder for public comment. Her sphere of influence apparently does not extend to the small town in Texas to which her family relocates and attempts to pick up the pieces of their lives minus one person. Readers who loved Skinny will appreciate a cameo appearance by Ever (the protagonist of Skinny). Torrey, who is uber aware of the social hierarchy, begins her climb in a new school, ever concerned that her classmates will discover her secret. Her need to fit in is so great that she nearly sabotages a healthy relationship with Luis, the social pariah. This is an excellent book that deals realistically with the drama and trauma of relocating, guilt, and grief. Its fast pace will make it an easy read, and it one that one of my student readers gushed over.
Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Audacity
Author: Melanie Crowder
Philomel Books, 2015
ISBN: 9780399168994
I love that this story is based on a real person; and what a person she was. Told in snippets of free verse, we follow Clara Lemlich Shavelson from her time in a tiny Jewish village in Russia through emigration after a devastating pogram, to Ellis Island and the sweatshops of New York. Throughout it all her tenacity and thirst for education and knowledge is a driving force in the face of her religious scholar father's belief that girls do not need education and into the wrongs perpetrated against a child workforce. Her dream was to become a surgeon but she abandoned it to fight for herself and fellow workers who were treated like chattel in the "factories" of New York. In spite of no formal education, she learned to read and write and to speak Russian, which her father forbade as the language of their oppressor. She read secretly and went to English classes at night while working to support the family upon their arrival in America. There is a wonderful synopsis of her true life in the back of the book, along with an interview with her surviving family and two different glossaries for the Jewish and Russian terms used throughout. The poetry transports the readers to experience what she is going through. This is a wonderfully inspirational story that is beautifully told. (Note: This title has also been highly reviewed by teen reviewers from ReAL Teens Read)
Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Mark Morris High School
Above the Dreamless Dead
Ediotr: Chris Duffy
First Second, 2014
ISBN: 9781626720657
Social studies and English teachers are likely to appreciate this collection of graphic adaptations of World War I poetry. Duffy has collected 28 poems that represent the call to war, the trenches, and the aftermath of World War I from poets of the period. Summarizing this particular piece is impossible since there are so many different artistic styles and interpretations of the poetry. Representative poets include Thomas Hardy, Rudyard Kipling, Siegried Sassoon, and Robert Graves. Each artist, whether using caricature or vividly realistic renderings has created a tone and feeling that is indescribable. . .they must be seen to fully appreciate the work of art they represent. This is a piece that U. S. History teachers should incorporate as part of the corpus of their curriculum. The poems and songs represent primary documents, while the artists’ interpretations represent a secondary document—something that is rare in any book. This provides multiple opportunities for critical discussion about both the content of the songs as well as the graphic interpretations of them. Aiding in that discussion are the notes at the end that provide information about the vocabulary or the artists’ choices, a brief biography of each of the poets, a brief biography of each of the “comics contributors,” and a selection of further reading. The graphic content may not be appropriate for younger middle school students, but it could be adapted for students in upper middle grades.
Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Macbeth
Author: Gareth Hinds
Candlewick Press, 2015
ISBN: 9780763669430
What can I say, I’m a Gareth Hinds geek, so perhaps that predisposes me to love his newest adaptation of the bard’s infamous play, Macbeth. Readers of Hinds’ work are not in it for the easy read. If accessibility to the plot of the play is the goal, Stone Arch’s adaptation by Powell and Daniel is much easier for a struggling reader to understand and has all the glam and glitz of a full-color graphic novel. For sheer beauty of language and nuance of art, Hinds delivers as gloriously as he did with Romeo and Juliet last year. The color palette reflects the gloom of Scotland, punctuated by bold splashes of red during battle scenes. The three witches are a delightfully creepy blend of shaman and wise woman and lend context to the description “What are these, so withered and so wild in their attire, that look not like the inhabitants of the earth, and yet are on it?” Hinds concludes his adaptation with historical notes, notes on the text, and Page-by-Page Notes that explain his artistic choices. His one concession to accessibility was the decision to present the play in prose rather than its traditional iambic pentameter. For students who struggle with text complexity maintaining a collection with both an easily accessible and Hinds’ more sophisticated adaptation will scaffold Shakespeare for students who need the visual cues.
Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
The Opposite of Hallelujah
Author: Anna Jarzab
Delacorte Press, 2012
ISBN: 9780385738361
When Amazon can still charge the list price for a book, you know it’s pretty golden! Caro Mitchell started lying in elementary school. She told everyone her sister, Hannah was dead. It’s a lie that comes back to haunt her when Hannah is released from her vocation as a contemplative nun. Hannah’s return creates completely new issues for Caro and her family. As Hannah is wasting away before their eyes, Caro begins to dig into the circumstances of Hannah’s withdrawal while navigating the pitfalls of high school relationships with boys, best friends, and crises of faith. Jarzab spends a great deal of time developing each of the characters and Caro’s self-discovery as the book progresses is realistic and engaging. It’s refreshing to read about a “normal” family and how it traverses the minefields of growing and maturing into something that is broken but becomes whole. Initially, I expected to read a rant against religion, but instead Jarzab delves into the deep end with questions that are answered by Father Bob, Caro’s counselor and confidant. I loved that Jarzab didn’t offer easy answers nor shy away from the hard issues with which even healthy families grapple. The one caveat is the somewhat cavalier treatment of high school drinking and parties, but even that is dealt with responsibly and realistically. This is one book that I can’t wait to share with the Health teacher.
Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Aphrodite: Goddess of Love
Author: George O'Connor
First SEcond, 2014
ISBN: 9781596437395
This gorgeously crafted graphic novel is a must-have as a supplement for any curriculum that includes The Odyssey. The first few panels are a little hard to follow, since readers must wrap their brains around the idea that the force of Eros could create first the earth and then Aphrodite herself. It took reading the story a second time to understand the timeline and the significance. O’Connor focused on the contest between Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena for the golden apple, but put his own special twist on it which he explains in the Author’s Note at the end of the novel. There are many cultural references that make O’Connor’s interpretation of Aphrodite contemporary and even ironic. His creative process is further elaborated in the “GReek Notes” that are alternately informative, engaging, and witty. Also included is a baseball card-esque panel devoted to Aphrodite with a stats-like section that includes her roman name, her connection to contemporary culture—like days of the week and the month, sacred animals and other such trivia. He also includes similar panels for the Charites and Eros. He caps it off with discussion questions that could easily be turned into Common Core aligned writing prompts and a bibliography appropriate for both younger and older students. His carefully conceived drawings of the nude Aphrodite and his diplomatically discussed sexual antics make this a graphic novel that could be used with students in middle school. This is definitely a series that has my vote. It be worthwhile to note that the Olympians Boxed Set includes the following titles: Zeus, Athena, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, and Aphrodite for a list price of $59.99, but an actual price that is lower.
Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
Ares: God of War
Author: George O'Connor
First Second, 2015
ISBN: 9781626720138
As with his prior graphic iterations of the Greek gods, George O’Connor once again sets the stage with his “An Olympians Family Tree” on the inner front cover of the book. What follows in Ares is a comparison between Ares and Athena—both deities who are assigned to war. His delineation is clear and cleverly incorporates the second person perspective to bring the reader into the action. After that introduction, readers are inserted into the heart of the Trojan war as Paris and Menelaos battle for Helen of Troy. O’Connor manages to tie the whimsy of the gods to the actions of the humans in a way that makes the war accessible for all readers. Readers are able to alternately see the view from Mount Olympus—with gods and goddesses who are larger than life—and are able to visualize the human pawns with the gods and goddesses behind them. As the battle rages on, readers are able to see the lines drawn by the varying gods who supported either the Greeks or the Trojans and the bloody outcome. O’Connor evens manages to create an excellent father-son dynamic between Zeus and Ares. As with Aphrodite, O’Connor provides an Author’s Note that explains his thinking, GReek notes that explain the artistry, and panels that provide snapshots of Ares, his sister Eris, and Achilles, and a bibliography for further exploration. At a relatively inexpensive paperback cost, it is well worth the investment to provide students with an engaging way to make sense of Greek mythology.
Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School, http://krusereviews.wordpress.com
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