Jacqueline Woodson Books

I first learned of author/poet Jacqueline Woodson when I started using our newest Literature series at school in 2007. A poem called "Almost Summer Sky" captivated me, but it wasn't until this school year that I investigated the book that contained that poem. The book is titled Locomotion, after the name of the main character, Lonnie Collins Motion. It was a 2003 National Book Award finalist.

Through this eleven-year-old's poetry (which he writes because his teacher has assigned it!), we learn of his life as a foster child and the reason why he has become one. Some of the poetry is written in specific forms, like a sonnet or haiku, but most is free verse poetry, which I don't particularly like but think it works very effectively in this book. I remember the first time that I read a book that was in the form of a diary - I didn't like it at first, but wow! the style is really unique! I also like this book because it gives you a very realistic look at poetry from the eyes of a kid - poetry is hard, it's boring, etc. But Lonnie Collins Motion shows you that poetry can be just about anything. This is definitely worth the 1-2 hours you'll spend reading it. I reread it today sitting in the waiting room at my doctor's appointment today. (Yes, I had to wait THAT long!!!)

The other book by Woodson that I read on Tuesday is titled Feathers. It's interesting to me how an author's writing can have it's own unique "flavor", a word I use a lot with my students. These two books definitely have the same flavor. On the page preceding the first part of the book, Woodson quotes Emily Dickinson - "Hope is the thing with feathers/that perches in the soul,/And sings the tune-without the words,/And never stops at all."

In the book, Frannie is trying to understand how hope has feathers. She is a black girl going to an all-black school in the 70's. Everything on her side of the highway is black, and the other side is all white, and this after de-segregation! One day, a new student comes to her school - he used to live on the other side of the highway. He claims he's not white, although no one can figure out why. His light skin and longer wavy hair make some of the kids think of pictures of Jesus they've seen, so they take to calling him Jesus boy. The guy receives verbal abuse from one boy in particular, but he can tell that Frannie is interested in figuring him out, especially when he uses sign language that he knows she can understand. Frannie deals with the "stupidity" of others when they react to her brother's deafness. She tries to dodge her best friend's invitations to come to church with her, and she struggles with her mother's health issues as well as her own place within the family. I didn't love-love Feathers, but often I'm grateful for reading something that helps me see things through the eyes of someone very different from me. For that reason alone, I'd recommend it to you!

The Shadow Children Series - 7 Books in 7 Days!

I first inhaled The Shadow Children sequence, written by Margaret Peterson Haddix, five years ago when only the first five books had been published. The last two books were published in 2005 and 2006, but I was busy having babies then - who had time to read? I knew that if I was going to do justice to the series, I'd have to read them again in sequential order. I read all seven books in seven days!

Also, I didn't want to recommend the whole series without reading all of it. I didn't want there to be any "surprises" in the last two books that made me regret my recommendation. I can happily say that I have no reservations whatsoever in recommending these books to boys and girls alike! In fact, just this school year, one of my 6th grade boys started reading this series, and he got hooked.

In the first book of the sequence, we meet the main character, Luke Garner. Luke is a third child. The Government decided that no family is to have more than two children because there has been a lengthy and severe drought, and the concern is that there will not be enough food for everyone in the country. So a new law was passed that makes Luke Garner and every third, fourth, or fifth child an illegal.

Luke is forced to hide from the world in his family's attic. It wasn't so bad at first. The Garners lived in the country, away from most people, and that meant at times Luke could go outside and play in his father's fields or barn. But now the forest surrounding the farm has been taken by the Government and is being cut down for new housing developments. Luke must remain indoors at all times.

Luke visits the outside by sneaking peeks out a vent in the attic. He learns all of the routines of his neighbors so well that one day he notices something that shouldn't be. He knows he's found another shadow child! When Luke gets up the courage to run over to the house next door, he meets Jen, a girl who has a plan liberate the shadow children. It sounds dangerous, and Luke just can't be a part of it.

But Jen is determined to make her plan work - no matter what the cost! Over the course of the rest of the books, Luke wonders if it was wrong of him not to join Jen in her quest for freedom. He looks for ways that he also can help other third children while at the same time protecting his family and remaining true to what he believes.

Luke's journey starts with his getting a fake ID, continues with him going to a boarding school, becomes rocky when he must impersonate the boy whose name he now uses, and reaches a precarious point when he actually joins the very group that seeks to stamp out illegal children everywhere! Often we find him struggling with his former inclinations to hide, to stay where it is safe and comfortable. But in the end, he must choose which life he wants to live!

---

Throughout the story, we meet other illegals - some of which become the main characters of certain books in the series. It's an interesting feature. Whereas I enjoyed the story in its entirety, Book Seven was the least engaging - which is disappointing since that is the final taste left in your mouth! But on the whole, this is reading worth checking out - take my word for it - or don't take my word for it and read them yourself - just don't wait several years before finishing them!

The Giver

In the fall of 1994, I was a junior in college, and I was taking a Children's Literature course. It met on Monday nights for almost four hours, and I loved every minute of it! Usually I hated evening classes, but this one was great. Each class, our professor would open up an old suitcase and begin pulling out books written for children 14 years old and younger. She would tell us a little bit about each of them. She asked each of us what our favorite childhood book was. I recognized many of the titles shared, but didn't think anyone would have heard of mine. When I said "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" several others chuckled and agreed with me.

This professor also expected us to read two children's novels - an experience that forever changed me, obviously! :) The two books were both Newbery Medal Winners. I hadn't heard of either one: Bridge to Terabithia and The Giver. They knocked my socks off! To this day, The Giver, by the fantastic author Lois Lowry (you'll see much more about her on this site), ranks highest of all the surprises/shocks I have ever had while reading a novel. It shocked me so much that I went back to the beginning and started reading it over again!

Jonas is an 11-year-old boy who is anxious about the upcoming Ceremony of Twelve. He is to be assigned his role in the community, but he has no idea what that role could be. He doesn't want to be a Laborer or a Pilot, and he could never be a Birthmother. He knows that the Selection Committee always chooses the perfect job for you.

But when Jonas is passed over at the Ceremony of Twelve, everyone thinks something is wrong. When finally called on stage, it is said that Jonas is not going to be assigned. While this would normally bring great shame to himself, his family, and his community, Jonas hears that he has been selected - selected for a position that holds the highest honor in the community. Little does Jonas know, but the position also holds the most pain.

Now, I'm purposefully not telling you more about the book. I don't want to give much away. But suffice it to say this book is going to surprise you. You'll be reading along, lah-dee-dah, and then WHAMMO!!! No socks. Oh, and spoiler alert: you're going to hate the ending. I love this book, but I hate the ending. You'll see why when you read it - and when you do, let me know what you thought of it. (Hey, why do I always have to be the giver? Ha!)

Fever 1793

About six years ago, I had a group of 7th grade girls that were absorbed with historical fiction. I'm always curious about the reading waves that go through groups of friends, so I read a few of the books they were sharing. Many were by Ann Rinaldi (and I'll share some of her books later) but the first one the girls suggested I read was Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson. A good recommendation it was!

1793 was a great time to live in the United States' capital city of Philadelphia. Business was thriving for Lucille Cook and her daughter Matilda. Running a coffeehouse was respectable for a widow, but Mattie had other ideas. She wanted to expand the coffeehouse into something grander. But that would have to wait, because the news that suffocatingly hot August was that yellow fever was killing those people who lived near the docks. And it was spreading. In three months, nearly 5000 people died.

The wealthy fled for the cooler weather of the country and mountains. Told that they couldn't catch the fever, Negros cared for the sick - but they had been misinformed. Doctors bled patients and argued over treatments. And yellow cloth was tied to railings of homes where the fever was, including the coffeehouse when Mother became ill. Mattie is sent away originally, but she is forced to return to Philadelphia, where she begins the battle for her own life. Will this determined young lady survive and realize the dreams she has set out to achieve?

I think historical fiction is a great way to learn about history. Some may view a history textbook as being rather dry - but that's sort of the way a history textbook needs to be. Publishers don't want to present a biased account of historical events, so they stick to the facts. Unfortunately, facts don't necessarily appeal to everyone's learning style, but historical fiction might engage a learner.

If you haven't had exposure to historical fiction, I would definitely encourage you to seek it out. Remember, it's not just fiction that takes place in another time period. Historical fiction is a story set within the confines of an actual historical event or era, and although the character may be fictitious, usually his or her story is also based on things that happened during that time. It's really wonderful and has a unique flavor all its own. Try it - you'll like it!

Monitoring What Your Child Reads

More and more, I am shocked and concerned by the Godless items I see on the shelves of bookstores - titles of books and cover art that are geared toward high school and middle school students (and sadly, even kids younger than that!) These books are making their way into our Christian homes and into our children's hearts. What can we do as Christian parents to prevent the infection of worldly viewpoints infiltrating our homes?

I think the answer is to monitor what your child reads - and when you are able, to do that before they start reading the book. I ask the parents of my middle school students to take the lead on this responsibility. If asked whether or not a book is a good one for kids to read, I will give my opinion, just as I do on this blog, but I expect that a parent will then follow up with his or her own evaluation of a book.

A few years ago, a student turned in a book she was reading. The title was very teenagery, but not concerning. Never having heard of the book, I thumbed through it quickly. I wasn't looking for anything because I had no reason to mistrust her or her parents. That's why I was shocked to see some of the Godless language and references when I was paging through! Wouldn't you know it, Dad stopped by my room that very afternoon, and I showed him what I'd found. He was frustrated because he'd been the one with the daughter to okay the purchase of the book. He admitted he hadn't looked at the book carefully.

Now, I share this story not to condemn the parents in this example, but to illustrate two things: first, how easy it is for this garbage to get into our kids' hands, and secondly, how easy it is sometimes to discover the garbage before it gets to them. Here are some suggestions for how you can monitor what your child reads.

1. If you can, page through the book before it's purchased or checked out from the library.
2. If an unfamiliar book comes home, look through it and read a bit.
3. If you have initial concerns with the book's title or suggested subject, read the book yourself before your child does. Make sure you communicate to your child why you are reading it!
4. Talk to other parents to see what they know or have read.
5. Research a book's subject matter online. (I did this recently, but after I read the reviews, I still read the book myself so that I could come to my own conclusions.)
6. Be smart when it comes to a book series! Don't assume that if the first book was acceptable that the rest will be okay.

Finally, keep talking to your kids. They are young in their faith development and really need us to be proactive in their lives. But they also need to know the motivation behind the action. It's not always easy to "train up a child in the way he should go." The devil sets out many stumbling blocks and hides behind facades like "modern ideals" and "political correctness." I pray that as you monitor what your children read, and as you do all the other things necessary to grow them in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, that you would know you are doing a valuable work - one that will be a blessing to them and bring honor to our loving God.

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle is the first book written by Avi that I ever read. Although it has not been the last, I think it is my favorite! This book was the only Newbery Honor Book for 1991 - it lost the Medal to Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. (No offense to Jerry, but I think Avi should have won!)

Charlotte Doyle is a proper young lady returning to America after receiving her education at a fine English school. She is sailing on a ship that is owned by the company for whom her father works. All is arranged - she is to have traveling companions for the journey. But on arriving at the docks, she finds no companions and a crew that is none to interested in having her board ship. But she is to follow her father's instructions, and board the Seahawk she does.

What meets her there is the beginning of a voyage unlike any other. It begins seemingly enough - a rough crew and a distinguished commanding officer. At first Charlotte trusts Captain Jaggery, but certain events that occur cause her opinion of him to be tainted. The sailing is full of mutinous conversation and sabotage. Eventually, after becoming part of the crew herself, Charlotte is convicted of murder!

Will the deceit that hangs over all the members on the ship somehow balance the scales so that justice can be served? Or will there be a revolution? Ah, mateys, you must read the book to find that out!

This novel's value was worth using my free time to create a teaching unit specifically about it. Like The Westing Game, this is among the books that I recommend to students who have difficulty finding books they enjoy reading. I actually had a boy take me up on this suggestion this year - and I think he secretly may have enjoyed the book, not that he would admit it to me! I tell you, this one will keep the kids up past bedtime reading with a flashlight - it's that good! And if you are old enough to set your own bedtime, I'd encourage you to read it too! :)

The Westing Game

It had been several years since I had read this book the first time, but I enjoyed it immensely then, and was equally captivated by it this weekend. In the 1979 Newbery Winning book The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, you have the opportunity to solve a mystery - who is the rightful heir to the Westing Fortune?

If you love puzzles and mysteries, you will absolutely love this book, and if you don't, you will absolutely love this book. It is an intriguing story of a hodge-podge group of people, all living in the same new apartment building, who find themselves listening to a dead man's will and being challenged by him to find his murderer.

Old Man Westing has left all kinds of clues for them to decipher. The occupants of Sunset Towers naturally begin to suspect each other. Only the true heir will be able to figure out the mystery. The question is: Can you unravel the mystery before the heir does?

In many ways, the book reminds me of another one in which you try to solve a mystery with clues you are given in the story - Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett - but that's another review! Over and over again, the heirs need to remind themselves of what was in the will: "It's not what you have that's important. It's what you don't have." Well, I think you will still be surprised when you get to the end. You may have been able to figure out some of the answers, but there are others that I'm sure will elude you until the conclusion!

This is one of the books I recommend to my students who aren't really crazy about reading. I think it keeps your attention, doesn't get too heady, and is a quick read. I'd love to hear what others think about it!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

For the last few days of the school year, I have been reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo to my 7th graders. The book has been out for a while, and though I have wanted to read it, this was my first experience with it as well.

Edward Tulane is a china rabbit with real rabbit fur ears and very elegant clothes. He cringes at being referred to as a doll and thinks himself superior to all other toys. Edward belongs to a 10-year-old girl named Abilene who loves him very much, but Edward does not love her. In fact, he doesn't love at all!

While sailing across the ocean with Abilene and her family, Edward is inadvertantly sent overboard and sinks to the bottom of the ocean. Several months later, a fierce storm churns up the water so much that Edward is drawn up toward the surface and is ultimately caught in a fisherman's net. And this begins his journey - a journey that teaches him so many things: humility, compassion, and especially the joy that comes from loving and being loved. Edward Tulane learns that although there is pain when he loses someone he loves, getting another chance to open his heart again is worth the wait!

I didn't instantly fall in love with this book, but the more I read, the more I found to appreciate. Once again, like in The Tale of Despereaux, DiCamillo has written brief chapters that can be digested by a young audience. Most of all, I appreciate the theme of the story - that in spite of both our personal brokeness and our fractured relationships, we can find strength, healing, forgiveness, and be made whole.

The Tale of Despereaux

It was never a question for me as to which book would be my first shared on Anovelanche! If ever you are buried in the frozen tundra, a few pages read of The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo is enough to melt the polar icecaps! It is my favorite book of all time - one of those.."you had me at 'Hello'" books - except in this case I was hooked at the end of the first chapter when the Narrator addresses the Reader. It literally took my breath away.

The Tale of Despereaux...."..being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread." These words complete the title page of this enchanting story. It is the story of an unlikely hero, a tiny mouse with large ears, who is imprisoned for acting un-mousely and for falling in love with a princess. But he brings the light of a story to a jailer in the dark, and he discovers the plan of a vengeful rat and a dimwitted servant girl.

This tale is told in four sections: the story of Despereaux, the story of Roscuro the rat, the story of a girl named Miggery Sow, and finally how their lives intertwine and bring about the good of all. It is a story of love lost and love found, a story of good vs. evil, and a story of how truth and understanding bring light where darkness once was.

Whether you are looking for a hearty laugh, a good cry, a damsel to rescue, a hero to root for, or a villian to despise, this book is for you! All the chapters are brief, making it the perfect read-before-bed book. I can't wait until my boys are just a little bit older and I can share this book with them!

I'm sure many of you have read this book already and love it as I do. I can't imagine anyone NOT loving it! It was justly awarded the 2004 Newbery Medal - I knew it would as soon as I read it. Now that the book has been released as a movie, I am torn.

Are you like me? When I read the book first, I usually end up being frustrated with the movie, and if I see the movie first, then the book seems wrong. When I read, I create my own sort of movie - what I often refer to simply as "the movie in my mind." Usually, my movie is much better than what I see in the theater. And so, I have not seen the movie of The Tale of Despereaux. I guess I have too much respect for the book.

Welcome, One and All!

The idea for this blog has been a grain of sand in my oyster for quite a while! Thanks to the input and encouragement from my students and family, it's now time to harvest the treasure! I'm excited to be sharing with you my love of books for middle school kids. Some of the books I've read in the past, some I will have just finished, and some I keep reading over and over again!

I invite your feedback - sharing thoughts is what this is all about. But first, we have to prepare! Claim that cozy chair, get a snuggly blanket, fire up your fireplace when appropriate, grab a cold Pepsi, and join me as I bury myself in Anovelanche! Happy Reading!