Book Review - SIX DAYS IN OCTOBER

Book Review – SIX DAYS IN OCTOBER: THE STOCK MARKET CRASH OF 1929: A WALL STREET JOURNAL BOOK FOR CHILDREN

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Blumenthal, Karen.   SIX DAYS IN OCTOBER: THE STOCK MARKET CRASH OF 1929: A WALL STREET JOURNAL BOOK FOR CHILDREN. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2002.  ISBN 978-0689842764

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

This book delves into the stock market mania of the 1920’s, which culminated in the crash of 1929.  It covers all the major corporate players, the individuals enticed into placing all of their savings into the market, and the government response to the situation.  After setting the stage, it goes day by day and describes the reaction as the stock market goes down, up slightly, and then nose-dives off the cliff.  Efforts by the banks and government to reverse the situation are described and it tells how some in power shamelessly tried to profit from the terrible situation of their own making.  There is also an epilogue that describes what eventually happens to the personalities and markets that defined the era.  The book finishes with a list of sources, picture credits, acknowledgements, and an index.

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I read this book with an eye toward finding parallels between what happened in 1929 versus what happened just a few short years ago.  The pictures and cartoons of the era were very interesting and gave a unique view into events of the day.  The anecdotes, misdeeds, and personal stories of the corporate players and Hollywood actors such as Groucho Marx were also enlightening.  The writing style and explanation of stock market terms were perfect for the middle school age student audience.  The book was an entertaining and engaging read.  I was disappointed by two things in the book, however.  First, the book repeats several times that the stock-market crash of 1929 did not start the Great Depression.   It says “what it did do was slash the wealth of the richest” (Blumenthal, 131).  This does not square with the first part of the book where it explains how a great number of average Americans were sucked into playing the market with promises of great wealth, and suffered devastating losses.  This kind of large event shook the confidence of all Americans in the stock market and the worth of businesses across the nation.  It did not single handedly cause the depression, but it did contribute greatly.  To quote the book, “After the crash, American life would never be the same” (Blumenthal, 134). The second disappointment was the book did not delve into the government response much at all, such as the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933.  Did it help or hurt and why?  The book does not say.

4.       REVIEW EXCERPTS

Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “A Wall Street Journal bureau chief, Blumenthal combines a fascinating overview of the infamous stock market crash in 1929 with a rare and useful primer of financial basics.”

Reviewed in PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “This fast-paced, gripping (and all-too-timely) account of the market crash of October 1929 puts a human face on the crisis.  A compelling portrait of a defining moment in American history.”

Robert Sibert Honor Book

5.       CONNECTIONS

Another great book by Karen Blumenthal for middle school readers:

Blumenthal, Karen.  LET ME PLAY: THE STORY OF TITLE IX: THE LAW THAT CHANGED THE FUTURE OF GIRLS IN AMERICA. 978-0689859571

This book would be an excellent introduction to the stock market, and would complement the study of U.S. History in the 1920’s.

Here is Karen Blumenthal’s Official Publisher Page.



Book Review - THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST





Book Review – THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Montgomery, Sy.  2004. THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST. Photographs by Nic Bishop. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0-618-14799-3

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

As a reader would guess from this informational book’s title, here is the world of tarantulas (and other spiders) in the rainforests of French Guiana according to expert arachnologist Sam Marshall.  This is a wonderful collection of facts, stories, and observations by the author, who, along with a photographer, accompanied the scientist on the expedition.   Children will learn about all facets of a tarantula in this engaging book, including why it’s important to protect these mysterious creatures.

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is an engaging informational book that is the cumulative effort of three uniquely talented individuals.  Author Sy Montgomery uses quotes from arachnologist Sam Marshall, along with plenty of stories from Sam’s background and his exploits into the wild to bring personality and insight into the world of tarantulas.  This book is loaded with detailed information on spiders, and would be perfect for fourth and fifth graders.   Equal attention is paid to discoveries made in the lab by Sam and his assistants.  It could easily inspire any child to take a fresh look at spiders found in and around their own house and appreciate how amazing they are.

Equally impressive are the photos by Nic Bishop.  Children will have an opportunity for multiple extreme close-ups of tarantulas, not to mention a few other spiders and insects.  Some take up entire pages, with details you almost want to reach out and touch (if you dare)!  Pictures show Sam Marshall in the lab and in the wild, giving kids a taste of what scientific field research looks like.  Also included are fascinating spider statistics, a glossary, a brief bibliography, websites for further research, and an index.  Finally, they touch on what to do if you buy a tarantula, but, after reading this book, a child might decide against the idea.  You might think this was because the book scared them, but that isn’t the reason at all.  It’s because children have a new appreciation of why these arachnids should be kept in the wild.

4.       REVIEW EXCERPTS

Reviewed in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (Starred Review): “An exceptional addition to a fine series that carries the same hallmark quality as its predecessors.  This is a vivid look at an enthusiastic scientist energetically and happily at work…A treat, even for arachnophobes”

Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “Enthusiasm for the subject and respect for both Marshall and his eight-legged subjects come through on every page of the clear, informative, and even occasionally humorous text.  Bishop's full-color photos, which concentrate on detail, not scale, are amazing--Marshall coaxing an elusive tarantula into the open or bringing readers literally face-to-face with a hairy spider.”

A Sibert Honor Book

An ALA Notable Book

5.       CONNECTIONS

More great nature books by the same team:

Montgomery, Sy.  THE SNAKE SCIENTIST.  ISBN 978-0618111190

Montgomery, Sy. KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD’S STRANGEST PARROT. 978-0618494170

Montgomery, Sy. THE QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA. 978-0547248929

The official page for this book can be found on Sy’s site HERE.  http://symontgomery.com/?page_id=220



Book Review – THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY)

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. 2010. THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY).  Ill by Edwin Fotheringham. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.  ISBN 978-0545125086

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Starting from a real diary written by Mark Twain’s thirteen-year-old daughter Susy, author Barbara Kerley creates a clever picture book biography that captures the famous author’s life and personality from a unique viewpoint.  Details of Twain’s private life are especially revealing, given that teenage girls are known for their candor.  The book includes author’s notes on Samuel and Susy Clemens, notes on “writing an extraordinary biography” by the author, a Mark Twain timeline, and a list of sources.

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The book is a blend of actual passages from Susy’s diary (reproduced here as mini-journals tucked between most pages), quotes of Twain’s as recorded in the diary, and the author’s own additions.  The portrait is made even more poignant by the author’s note mentioning that the real Susy died when she was 24 from spinal meningitis, and describing the devastating effects on Twain.  Also noteworthy is Twain’s reaction to finding the biography, which he examined with “deep pleasure” and his admiration of how she didn’t “cover up one’s deficiencies but gave them an equal showing with one’s handsomer qualities”, a quality shared with all good biographies.  The book is a unique title, effectively blending several voices to bring a new insight into the famous author’s character.

The illustrations by Edwin Fotheringham were done in digital media, and use a color palate appropriate for the era.  They capture several private moments well, and enhance the text by giving warmth to the characters and their relationships.  There are several instances where the pictures give visual hints of handwriting and cursive flourishes.  The final image of young Susy pulling on Twain’s famous mustache while he smiles captures the love and mutual admiration.

4.       REVIEW EXCERPTS

Reviewed in PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “(An) accessible and inventive vision of an American legend.”

Reviewed in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Kerley and Fotheringham again craft a masterfully perceptive and largely visual biography, this time about the iconic 19th-century American writer.” 

5.       CONNECTIONS

The official site can be found HERE.

http://www.barbarakerley.com/Susy.html

Another book by this award winning team:

Kerley, Barbara. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE?: HOW ALICE ROOSEVELT BROKE THE RULES, CHARMED THE WORLD, AND DROVE HER FATHER TEDDY CRAZY! 978-0439922319

This book will make an excellent addition to studies of THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN, or any other Mark Twain book.  It would also make a fine introduction into how create an effective biography.

Book Review - DARK EMPEROR



Book Review – DARK EMPEROR & OTHER POEMS OF THE NIGHT

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sidman, Joyce. 2010.  DARK EMPEROR & OTHER POEMS OF THE NIGHT.  Ill. by Rick Allen.  New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0547152288

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

“Welcome to the Night!”  This informational poem picture book features 12 selections that focus on what goes on in the woods when the sun goes down.  Snails leave slick trails of silver, horned owls search for mice to eat, porcupettes raise their quills, and much more.  Children will have a new appreciation of everything that goes on when they are in their beds sleeping! There are plenty of adventures until the sun comes up again. “Another eternity of sunbeams to wait.”

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Children will enjoy this glimpse into the strange world of the woods at night.  It is a concept that is mysterious and threatening, yet fascinating at the same time.  This book would make an excellent read-aloud, with simple rhythms and rhymes selected carefully to evoke mental images of the night in the listener.  In the sidebar of each poem, a more literal and scientific explanation is provided to give more information and background for the reader.  The two sections complement each other very well and really capture a feeling of a trip to the woods in the dark of night.  A glossary is also provided at the end to help with any of the tricky words.  The pictures are simply a visual treat.  The process used to develop these images is called relief printing, and it is explained in detail on the copyright page.  It requires quite a bit of effort, but the illustrations are detailed, unique, and quite beautiful.  They do an excellent job of creating that unique, forbidding atmosphere from sundown to dawn.

4.       REVIEW EXCERPTS

2011 Newbery Honor Book

 Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “This picture book combines lyrical poetry and compelling art with science concepts.”

Reviewed in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The bookmaking is beautiful with the concept of night lending itself generously to poetry.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

* The official website for the DARK EMPEROR book can be found HERE.

http://www.joycesidman.com/darkemperor.html

* More nature poetry by Joyce Sidman:

Sidman, Joyce.  SWIRL BY SWIRL: SPIRALS IN NATURE.  ISBN 978-0547315836

Sidman, Joyce.  BUTTERFLY EYES AND OTHER SECRETS OF NATURE.  ISBN 978-0618563135

Book Review - DIAMOND WILLOW



Book Review – DIAMOND WILLOW

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Frost, Helen.  2008.  DIAMOND WILLOW.  New York, NY: Frances Foster Books.  ISBN 978-0312603830

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Diamond Willow is a tween girl growing up in the fictional rural town of Old Fork, Alaska.  She is an introverted girl, preferring the company of dogs over “sneak-up-on-you boys”.  The one friend she does have (Kaylie) is starting to show more interest in boys, driving her to spend more time with her dog, Roxy.  Willow is desperate to show her parents that she is growing up and decides to take the sled home by herself on a visit to her grandparent’s house.  Unfortunately, she has an accident due to going too fast and Roxy is badly injured.  After making it home, mom helps Willow while dad tries to see what can be done for the poor dog.  The girl is shocked to discover that Roxy may be put to sleep.  Willow decides to take Roxy back to her grandparent’s house to recover.  She is sure they can help!  On the way, Willow, her friend Kaylie, and the dogs get lost without the help of her lead dog.  Willow’s ancestors (in the form of animals) watch over her and help her reach their destination.  Mom and Dad come to the grandparent’s house and everyone shares what they love about Roxy.  Grandpa surprises everyone when he mentions “the other baby”!  Diamond, Willow’s twin sister, tragically died only a few days after she was born due to a birth defect.  Her spirit lives on in the dog, Roxy.  Everyone decides to cancel the veterinarian’s appointment and keep Roxy, who eventually pulls a sled again (“seeing isn’t as important as you think”).   By the story’s end, Willow finds happiness running with a sled and six dogs.  Through interesting character development, she has matured during the course of the book.

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a smart, touching story about growing up that can warm the coldest of hearts!  It is presented as a novel in verse, with each terse line featuring carefully chosen words telling the tale.  One interesting idea is how Willow’s thoughts are presented in the shape of a diamond, while her ancestor’s thoughts and views are shared in traditional text.  The words in all of the selections are minimal and chosen very carefully.  Another unique concept is how the girl’s pages have hidden message with bolded words such as “this gets scary sometimes and I love it” when she is describing a fast sled run with her beloved dogs.  Willow’s transformation from a sad, lonely, insecure girl into something new makes for an interesting journey that many young readers will understand and sympathize with.  The author shows great insight into how some girls of this age think and feel.  The author’s note at the beginning foreshadows the symbolism of the scarred diamond willow sticks and how it is important to the story. “The scars, and the diamonds that form around them, give diamond willow its beauty”.  The painful experiences Willow goes through forge a beautiful young lady with joy in her heart.  This book packs a strong emotional punch.

4.       REVIEW EXCERPTS

Reviewed in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This complex and elegant novel will resonate with readers who savor powerful drama and multifaceted characters.”

Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “Set in a remote part of Alaska, this story in easy-to-read verse blends exciting survival adventure with a contemporary girl’s discovery of family roots and secrets. Frost, who spent years teaching in Alaska, blends the young teen’s viewpoint with a strong sense of place and culture.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

* Teaching Ideas for DIAMOND WILLOW can be found on Helen Frost’s webpage HERE.

http://www.helenfrost.net/item.php?postid=23

* More novels in verse by Helen Frost:

Frost, Helen.  HIDDEN.  ISBN 978-0374382216

Frost, Helen.  KEESHA’S HOUSE. ISBN 0374400121

* This book would be a great starting point for a conversation with children about feeling “invisible” to the world around you.

Book Review - BEES, SNAILS, & PEACOCK TAILS



Book Review – BEES, SNAILS, & PEACOCK TAILS

1.       BIBLIOGRAPHY

Franco, Betsy. 2008. BEES, SNAILS, & PEACOCK TAILS. Ill. By Steve Jenkins. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books.  ISBN 978-1416903864

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

Through poems, the author tells an introductory story about patterns and shapes found in the natural world.  These patterns can be found in a variety of animals, fish, and insects in the air, sea, and land.  Anywhere nature can be found!  At the end of the book, there is a small section giving more facts about each featured animal.

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book would make an excellent introduction to poem picture books.  The fonts vary in size and shape, sometimes adapting to the animals they are describing.  There are never too many words in each poem, keeping it accessible to young readers.  The rhymes like "round" and "profound" feel natural and the word selection is appropriate for the age group.  Clever similes like “then takes off its skin like a knee-high sock” evoke images that are familiar to children.  The sensory words create a living visual image of the animals for the reader.  The illustrations by Steve Jenkins are collage, with pleasing colors and details, ranging from a snake’s scales to a mouse’s fur.  These pictures will draw in young readers to examine these shapes and patterns for themselves!

4.       REVIEW EXCERPTS

Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award Nominee

Kentucky Bluegrass Award Master List

Reviewed in BOOKLIST: “The duo behind Birdsongs (2007) teams up again in this winning introduction to the patterns and shapes found in the natural world.  The perfect precursor to a science unit or a simple walk in the park.”

Reviewed in PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “This inviting book is bound to spark more careful observation of the shapes and colors in the reader's natural world.”

5.       CONNECTIONS

* This could be a great book for young readers to learn about patterns and shapes in nature.

* The author, Betsy Franco, has written other poetry picture books about nature:

Franco, Betsy. POND CIRCLE. ISBN 978-1416940210

Franco, Betsy. BIRDSONGS. ISBN 978-0689877773

* The official site can be found HERE.

http://www.betsyfranco.com/bees__snails____peacock_tails_69771.htm