Module 4: Newbery and Printz Award Winners

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Speare, E. (1958). The witch of blackbird pond. New York: Dell Publishing.

Summary

Speare tells the wonderful story of Katherine (Kit) from Barbados who must go live with her aunt in Connecticut after the death of her grandfather. Raised as a privileged child of wealth in Barbados with a great amount of freedom, she finds it difficult to adjust to the strict Puritan lifestyle of colonists in 1687 Connecticut. She quickly finds a friend in the outcast Quaker woman who lives in the meadow, but this friendship eventually leads Kit into trouble.

My Thoughts

This book captures the essence of Puritan life in this time period and does a wonderful job portraying Kit as a homesick, out of place tropical bird who must learn to live with this new reality. The characters are developed and multi-faceted and one can't help, but appreciate all of them for their individual personalities. It is easy to understand why Kit is drawn to Nat whose mocking, relaxed attitude is so unlike the strict nature of her uncle Matthew. As Kit gets to know the people of Wethersfield better she realizes that despite their strict way of life and strong Puritan values they are kind, strong poeple who have embraced her. It is a pleasure to watch Kit mature and gain a better understanding of her family as she in turn learns more about herself. While part of my love for this book come from its historical aspects, I think the characters and relationships (especially the romances) make it the great book it is. As I know it is often used, I think this is a good read for the classroom when learning about early colonial America, Puritans, or even witchcraft (although I think there are better historical reads about witchcraft out there). It is such a great example of historical fiction and is really an excellent read in terms of literary quality.

Review

Gr 5-8-Mary Beth Hurt gives an excellent performance in this reading of the Newbery Award-winning novel by Elizabeth George Speare (HM, 1958). The setting is the Colony of Connecticut in 1687 amid the political and religious conflicts of that day. Sixteen-year-old Kit Tyler unexpectedly arrives at her aunt and uncle's doorstep and is unprepared for the new world which awaits her. Having been raised by her grandfather in Barbados, she doesn't understand the conflict between those loyal to the king and those who defend the Connecticut Charter. Unprepared for the religious intolerance and rigidity of the Puritan community, she is constantly astounding her aunt, uncle, and cousins with her dress, behavior, and ideas. She takes comfort in her secret friendship with the widow, Hannah Tupper, who has been expelled from Massachusetts because she is a Quaker and suspected of being a witch. When a deathly sickness strikes the village, first Hannah and then Kit are accused of being witches. Through these conflicts and experiences, Kit comes to know and accept herself. She learns not to make hasty judgments about people, and that there are always two sides to every conflict. There are several minor plots as well, including three romances, which help to bring this time and place to life. Hurt's use of vocal inflection and expression make this an excellent choice for listening whether as an enrichment to the social studies curriculum or purely for pleasure. Mandell, P.L. School Library Journal 2003.

Gr. 4-7. In 1687, 16-year-old Barbados native Kit Tyler arrives in Connecticut, unprepared for religious intolerance and rigid Puritan ways. Her friendship with Quaker widow Hannah Tupper causes both women to be accused of witchcraft when a deadly sickness strikes the village. This book is also available in an Illustrated American Classics edition, with illustrations by Barry Moser. Weisman, K. Book Links, July 2006.

Module 3: Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, and Pura Belpre Winners

Goin' Someplace Special by Patricia McKissack, Jerry Pinkney (ill.)

McKissack, P. (2001). Goin' someplace special. New York: Simon and Schuster.

Summary

This book follows Tricia Ann, a young girl living during segregation in the 1950s, as she goes on a journey to "Someplace Special" one afternoon. As Tricia Ann makes her way across town she is repeatedly faced with the reality of Jim Crow laws and segregation during that time period. Each reminder and hindrance discourages her more and more, and she is tempted to go home without even reaching "Someplace Special". After encouragement from an elderly woman who tends a church garden, Tricia Ann is reminded of her own worth and finally makes her way to "Someplace Special", the only place where she is considered equal as an African-American.

My Thoughts

Not only did I enjoy the realistic, expressive watercolor illustrations, but I also thought McKissack conveyed a certain message without being overly pushy or socially aware. You feel for Tricia Ann as she struggles to live in a world that keeps her from enjoying simple things like sitting on a bench by a fountain or being allowed in a restaurant. Despite reminders from several people throughout eh book about her own self-worth, Tricia Ann is so discouraged by the reality of life and as a reader you want to also keep pushing her to reach her final goal of "Someplace Special". Finally, as a librarian, when one discovers that "Someplace special" is in fact the library, the only nonsegregated place in town it makes one happy to be part of that legacy. This book would be great for teaching younger kids about civil rights and segregation in a way they could better understand the history of civil rights in America.

Review

Pinkney's characteristic, pastel watercolors place this story long ago. 'Tricia Ann is excited about the prospect of going someplace special without her grandmother, until she loses her way in a throng of folks who push her into a hotel lobby where "colored people" aren't allowed. References to seats at the back of the bus and a "Jim Crow sign" indicating the "colored section," as well as a bench labeled "for whites only," will require explanation for children. The special place named in the title is the public library, where "all are welcome." (The drawings of stone blocks and columns on the endpapers suggest Andrew Carnegie's libraries.) McKissack concludes her story with information about her childhood in Nashville, Tennessee, and the importance of the love, respect, and pride that fortified her and enabled her, as they do 'Tricia Ann, to face racial bigotry and discrimination. This book would be useful for discussions of daily life and instances of injustice in the 1950s, civil rights, and the importance of free access to information and recreational reading. As such, it would be a wonderful addition to library and school collections. Nelson, A.B. Library Talk, 2002.

Module 3: Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, and Pura Belpre Winners

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble

Goble, P. (1978). The girl who loved wild horses. New York: Simon and Schuster.

Summary

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses is about a young Native American girl who chooses to live with a herd of wild horses after she is separated from her tribe during a storm. Her love of animals and her ability to understand the horses make her life with them very happy. Her family eventually brings her back to live with her people, but she is very unhappy and returns to the wild horses. From then on she lives in harmony with the horses and is believed to have turned into a wild horse herself.

My Thoughts

This book has beautiful illustrations that capture the beauty of the wild horses and the landscape. The bright colors and strong contrast are striking. I especially enjoy the illustrations of the storm with the rolling black clouds and the horses running to escape them. Goble is an excellent storyteller and uses imagery and descriptive writing to help the reader envision life in the desert with this Native American tribe. I love the voice of this book because I think while it celebrates the girl's relationship with the horses and our connection with nature in general, I find that it is somewhat sad. When the girl stops visiting her family and they believe she turned into a horse, you know that while they are happy for her it is still a farewell. Other than the incredible illustrations and wonderful voice, I think I also enjoy this book so much because I love her connection with the horses. I like the emphasis on the close relationship with animals and nature; something that I think is somewhat lost in many people today. Although it doesn't discuss a particular Native American tribe, this book would be a good read when teaching elementary students about the different Native American groups and discussing some of the important characteristics of some of their cultures.

Review

PreSchool-Grade 2-Paul Goble's beautifully-told, Caldecott Award-winning book (S&S, 1978) receives a fine treatment in this book and tape set. It is the tale of a Native American girl whose tribe follows the buffalo. She tends the horses, and grows to love them so much that eventually she joins them. Accompanied by Native American music, the story is clearly and lovingly read by Lance White Magpie, and sound effects help bring it to life. One side of the tape includes page-turn signals, while the other does not. Audio quality is excellent. This would make a good listening center for units on Native Americans, art, or horses. Mandell, P.L. School Library Journal, 2002.

Module 2: Classic Children's and Young Adult Literature

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder


Wilder, L. (1932). Little house in the big woods. New York: Harper Trophy.

Summary

Wilder's first book in the Little House series focuses on her early childhood life in the woods of Wisconsin in the 1870's. Wilder tells her stories of growing up in a cozy log cabin from the third person, but maintains the personal perspective of Laura, the vivacious, spunky second child. Each chapter tells a different story involving life in that time period, including encounters with bears, wolves and panthers, daily chores, summer berry picking and other charming stories. Wilder captures the true personalities of each character and does a wonderful job of portraying the love and closeness of her family.

My Thoughts

My mother read all of the Little House books to my sister and I growing up and I couldn't resist revisiting the series. I find them to be endearing and engaging. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of Laura's life in the "big woods". Although they are written for children and therefore lack the deep development, however each character maintains a unique personality and role in the book. You love Pa for his loving protector role and Ma for her strength and steadying presence. It is easy to imagine Laura running around the woods, playing under the trees and giving in to her curious nature. Pa's songs and fiddle playing bring a sense of involvement to the reader. Wilder uses extensive imagery to describe the flora and fauna of the region. She captures the nuances of the cabin, the food they eat, and the changing seasons. I think this book is also appealing to readers because it talks about a kind of life that is no longer experienced by the majority of children today and therefore represents a kind of fantastic, unknown world. I think this work absolutely deserves the title of "classic" and will be something that I read to my children. For use in a library, this could possibly be used as a read aloud for elementary students, however I think it might have limited appeal to some readers. It could be used as an example of 19th century America life and the move westward.

Review

The stories of the Ingalls family and their progress from Wisconsin to South Dakota, through good times and bad, unselfconsciously recall the expansionist era of American history. The books describe a self-sufficient, brave, and proud family. Most important in my mind, in book after book, they give precise, accurate details of changing life that shifted quickly from rural to agricultural on the way to industrial in the last third of the nineteenth century. If it is a time that is distant but still plausible to me, it is unimaginably remote to today's children. All the more reason to make the books a gift to children a century hence. There's no magic in the Little House books, no invisible railway platform leading to a fantastic place, no wizards at all. It's a plain account of ordinary lives, but that's just what makes it so thrilling and so engrossing. The Ingalls family's ordinary lives are so far from our own. The lesson they teach, without comment, is that there is dignity, honor, and pleasure in work well done. They teach it superbly. Lipson, E.R. Horn Book Magazine, December 2000.

Module 2: Classic Children's and Young Adult Literature

Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel


Lobel, A. (1972). Frog and toad together. New York: Harper Collins.

Summary

Composed of five different smaller stories, Frog and Toad Together focuses on the friendship between Frog and Toad. Frog and Toad each encounter different "challenges" and rely on each other to make the most of it. When Toad decides to plant a garden he follows Frog's advice on how best to make it flourish. His disappointment at its lack of growth in a day is alleviated by Frog's encouragement and reassurance. The book emphasizes the importance of true friendship and all the wonderful things one can accomplish with a little support from friends.

My Thoughts

I love Frog and Toad. My favorite thing about Frog and Toad books is their friendship. They go on different adventures and learn new things, but they are always together as friends. They help and support each other and I enjoy reading about their friendship. Although in some of the vignettes they are doing things individually, in the end they share their exploits with each other. I think their example of friendship is a great one for kids because it shows them another side of love:that between best friends. Frog and Toad have completely different personalities, yet it only makes them appreciate each other more. I also like how the book is composed of several shorter stories because I think that keeps kids engaged and interested in what their reading. They are long enough to develop a theme (which is not forced upon you) and plot, but short enough to keep one's attention. I truly enjoy reading the Frog and Toad books as an adult and remember loving them as a child and will continue to encourage young readers to experience them. They are excellent books for storytimes and discussing friendship.

Review

Preschool-Gr. 2. This sequel to Frog and Toad Are Friends (Harper-GoUins, 1970) features five stories that demonstrate the enduring quality of the two animals' friendship, whether they are sitting and doing nothing, growing gardens, exercising willpower, testing their courage, or dreaming of grandeur. The softly colored illustrations in this I Can Read Book are a perfect complement. Days with Frog and Toad (HarperGoUins, 1979) continues the amphibian friendship and fun for early readers. Suen, A. Book Links, July 2006.

Module 1: Introduction to Children's Literature

You Were Loved Before You Were Born by Eve Bunting, Karen Barbour (illustrator)

Bunting, E. (2008). You were loved before you were born. New York: Blue Sky Press.

Summary

This book focuses on the excitement and preparation that precedes the birth of a new baby. The perspective of several family members such as grandparents, aunts and parents is touched upon. The author discusses how the family gets ready for the baby and the gifts they have purchased, emphasizing that this process reflects the love the family felt for the baby before he/she was even born.

My Thoughts

I was not impressed by this book. While it touches on something that all families experience with the birth of a new baby it was not presented in a manner that would appeal to a child. It would certainly speak to a mother because it it something she understands so well, but for a child this book is a bit obscure. I felt that the message was too obvious and over emphasized. I think this idea is a good one, the unconditional love that a family feels for a child, but it could have been presented in a less forced way that would have spoken to a child better. This is a definite example of a book that an adult loves, but is a less than exemplary children's book. Honestly, I don't think I would do anything special with this book in a library setting, maybe to help kids welcome a new baby and adjust to that kind of change.

Review

A mother voices a familiar message to her new arrival: that relatives and neighbors had expressed their love for the baby in a variety of ways before the birth. Grandmother planted a rosebush, grandfather brought a rocking chair, an aunt painted a mural in the nursery. In Barbour's stylized scenes, flowers, trees, and houses are depicted as bold shapes upon which a multitude of patterns have been painted. The decorative designs contrast with the background expanses of warm color in which dry brushstrokes provide texture. While the unspecified gender and Barbour's choice not to alter the mother's body during pregnancy make this story adaptable to a variety of situations, including adoption, it is questionable whether youngsters will really appreciate this title. The Cubist faces come across as rather stern, and the figures are static. The story lacks the humor of Robert Munsch's Love You Forever (Firefly, 1995), the tension and cultural interest of Barbara M. Joosse's Mama, Do You Love Me? (Chronicle, 1991), and the emotional range in Patricia McMahon and Conor Clarke McCarthy's Just Add One Chinese Sister (Boyds Mills, 2005). This title's greatest appeal may be to parents and grandparents. Lukehart, W. School Library Journal, January 2008