Fantasy/Graphic Novel_Rapunzel's Revenge_Hale & Hale

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon and Dean Hale. 2008. RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE. Ill. by Nathan Hale. New York, NY: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books. ISBN 9781599902883.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Rapunzel is young girl living a sheltered life in an elegant, but well guarded villa with Gothel—the woman she believes is her mother. As Rapunzel begins to grow, so does her curiosity for what exists outside the enormous walls that surround the villa. On her twelfth birthday, Rapunzel sneaks out during her party determined to see what Gothel has forbidden her to see. Rapunzel is condemned to live in the hollow of a towering tree for having disobeyed Gothel. After four years in solitude, Rapunzel finally escapes using her lengthy braids as her weapon of choice. She makes the decision to rescue her birth mother and the people under Gothel’s evil power; thus, sets out west.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
When Rapunzel learns of Gothel’s sorcery and the evil she casts on the land and people, a courageous female character is born. Husband and wife team, Dean and Shannon Dale, have developed a whimsical, lovable heroine in Rapunzel. The fearlessness and nobility she portrays are qualities young readers and tweens will identify with—especially since children of all ages have, at one time or another, draped a bath towel over their backs and run amuck as cape crusaders.

Although Rapunzel’s Revenge is a fractured fairytale, the journeys the protagonist takes and the characters she encounters along the way are creatively consistent and maintain the reader’s enthusiasm and curiosity. Readers want to spy the villains, attack and conquer them with Rapunzel.

Hale and Hale’s choice for the story’s setting in the American west is well suited for the western antics that take place and the dialect emitted from characters. Illustrator Nathan Hale—no relation to the authors—does justice to the setting with his eye for detail. For instance, the “Wanted Dead or Alive” poster of Rapunzel, the riding and roping she does on a bull, horse and colossal snake; the outlaws she battles, and the inclusion of the map of “Gothel’s Reach” all add flavor to the scenes of the wild, wild, west.

The theme of good versus evil, which transcends time and place, is evident throughout the book. On her journey to rescue the people under Gothel’s clutches, Rapunzel and her sidekick come upon the kidnapping of a rancher’s daughter. “…that poor girl, trapped and alone,” whimpers Rapunzel. Shortly thereafter, Rapunzel adamantly declares, “We’re going to rescue his daughter.” The dangers that lurked didn’t keep her from accomplishing what she set out to do.

Shannon and Dean’s incorporation of a western dialect with sass complement the framework of the story. Readers will hear the twang of the characters in their respective speech bubbles or captions. “I figured the cowardly rogue had tricked me proper” fretted Rapunzel. “Whipping me ain’t gonna work sister,” scowled the bandit. The western drawls, scruffy characters, and creative settings draw the reader closer to this humorous fictitious world. Readers will appreciate Rapunzel and her adventures. She proves to be a force to be reckoned with, rather than a damsel in distress.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
2009 Leah Adezio Award For Most Kid-Friendly Work

ALA 2009 Notable Children’s Book award

YALSA 2009 Great Graphic Novel for Teens award

Eisner Award nomination

★Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody.”

★Starred review in THE HORN BOOK: “Shannon and Dean Hale’s graphic novel treatment transforms Rapunzel into a spunky, hair-whip-toting cowgirl. Rapunzel’s maturation and growing sophistication are enjoyable to watch, as is the deepening friendship-flowering-into-romance between her and Jack (and yes, he’s that Jack). With such a successful debut, one hopes to see more graphic novels from this trio.”

★Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This is the tale as you’ve never seen it before. The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive. Knowing the there are more graphic novels to come from this writing team brings readers their own happily-ever-after.”

Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “The Hales apply a new twist (or three) to the classic tale, creating a strong, sassy, braid-whipping character who waits for no prince. Nathan Hale’s art, stylistically reminiscent of a picture book, provides a snazzy counterpoint to the folksy text. A dash of typical fairy-tale romance, a strong sense of social justice and a spunky heroine make this a standout choice for younger teens.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*An example of a strong female protagonist.
*This tale definitely lends itself to Readers Theater.
*Compare this tale to Paul O. Zelinsky’s, RAPUNZEL.
*Read the classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

Realistic Fiction_Joey Pigza Loses Control by Gantos

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gantos, Jack. 2000. JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 9781400086160 (CD book: Unabridged Production).

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Protagonist, Joey Pigza, tells of his long awaited visit with his father, Carter. During his stay, Joey desires to establish a father-son relationship through meaningful conversations that bring up his father’s past. Joey quickly learns that his father refuses to recount the past. Carter, on the other hand, desires to create a new beginning with his son—one that will erase all of his wrongs with Joey. Consequently, Carter decides to make up for his wrongdoing by liberating Joey from the prescription patches that he wears. As a result, Joey Pigza loses control.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jack Gantos has done a superb job immersing the reader into the chaotic mind, inner struggles, and life of his star character Joey Pigza in his unabridged CD book. His use of Craig, the second main character, adds depth to the estrange relationship. Consequently, readers will develop sympathy for Joey as they become aware of the internal emotional tug-of-war that rages within him. They will also grow fond of Joey because his desire to believe in his father—and do right by him—is a testimony of his love and strength. Another element that audiences will be receptive to is the dialogue between the different characters. This element complements the three dimensional characters Gantos created.

It is safe to say that audiences at one time or another have come in contact with a child like Joey. Therefore, can recognize some of the ADD characteristics Joey exhibits. Despite, Joey’s impulsivity, readers will grow fond of him. His sense of humor in times of uncertainty is very relatable. Joey’s infamous phrase, “Can I get back to you on that?” makes one chuckle. Furthermore, the audience can identify with some of the complex issues Gantos imbeds; for instance, being the odd ball, divorce, fractured families, poor parenting, disrespect, disappointment, yet in the midst of it all love. Though troublesome, these issues create rising action that leads to a strong climax and a plausible ending.

Joey’s desire to have his parents get back together is a subtle theme that Gantos brings to the surface. However, the subject of making up for lost time and correcting the error of your ways is highly evident throughout Joey and Craig’s interactions. Craig frequently exalts his revelations, decisions, and advice. On several occasions Craig reveals his new self through figurative language. He contrasts putting his life back together to Humpty Dumpty and repairing his relationship with Joey by seeking him out like the giant sought Jack out in Jack and the Beanstalk. Even though Craig’s intentions are sincere, they go awry.

Similar to Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, the audience sees Gantos’ forthright trademark manifests itself again in Joey Pigza Loses Control. He stays true to Joey by authorizing him to tell the events from his perspective. Joey’s voice is an investment to the tone, mood, and plausibility of the story.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA Booklist
2001 Newbery Honor Book
NY Time Book Review Notable Book
Booklist Editor’s Choice
Horn Book Fanfare Book

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Readers will be drawn in immediately to the boy's gripping first-person narrative and be pulled pell-mell through episodes that are at once hilarious, harrowing, and ultimately heartening as Joey grows to understand himself and the people around him. The ride home isn't smooth, but it is hopeful and loving. Does this mean that he is on the way to a happy, "normal" life?”

Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Like its predecessor (Joey Pigza Swallowed The Key), this high-voltage, honest novel mixes humor, pain, fear and courage with deceptive ease. Struggling to please everyone even as he sees himself hurtling toward disaster, Joey emerges as a sympathetic hero, and his heart of gold never loses its shine.”

Review in KIRKUS: “As if Joey didn't get into enough trouble in his unforgettable debut, Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (1998), Gantos has him wig out again in this sad, scary, blackly funny sequel.... A tragic tale in many ways, but a triumph too.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*To become familiar with Joey Pigza and his history, have groups of students read Gantos’ books and present them to the class via Readers Theater.
a) 1998—JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY.
b) 2000—JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL
c) 2002—WHAT WOULD JOEY DO?
d) 2007—I AM NOT JOEY PIGZA.

Contemporary Realistic Fiction_Johnson

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Johnson, Angela. 2003. THE FIRST PART LAST. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9781442403437.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
On his sixteenth birthday, Bobby skips school to celebrate it with his friends. Later that day, he learns from his girlfriend that she is pregnant. The pregnancy alters their lives. Their decisions are no longer about where to hang out, but about doctor appointments and adoption. Bobby’s boyhood antics are traded in for the responsibilities that define a man.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Johnson has developed a prime example of contemporary realistic fiction indicative of teenage pregnancy issues. Through brief chapters entitled “then” and “now,” readers become familiar with Bobby, his family’s dynamics, his girlfriend—Nia, his two closest friends, and his daughter Feather. The language, thoughts, and behaviors elicited by the characters make the story plausible. Confronting their parents with the truth gives you the sense of the parents’ disappointment and Bobby’s regret. In anticipation of his parents response, Bobby plays out the following in his mind, “How did this happen? Where was my head? Where was my sense? What the hell were we going to do?” (13).

The “then” chapters seize moments of Bobby’s youth when it was simple, free of fatherhood, or in his new supportive-boyfriend role. These chapters depict his desire to be carefree and his conscience to do the right thing. “Hell, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Nothing ever is, anymore,” remarked Bobby after an argument with his girlfriend erupts in the obstetrician’s office (27).

The “now” chapters illuminate his inner struggles with his role as a father and the level of maturity that it is going to take to raise his daughter. Johnson does not stop short of illustrating the realities that come with teenage parenting; the “rules” exemplify one aspect. “If she hollers, she is mine. If she needs to be changed, she is always mine. In the dictionary next to “sitter,” there is not a picture of Grandma. It’s time to grow up. Too late, you’re out of time. Be a grown-up” grieved, Bobby during the middle of a night he wakes to tend to Feather
(14).

Johnson’s unique style is evident in the informal dialogue exchanged between the teenagers. Irritated by his friends’ laughter after he confides in them Nia’s pregnancy, Bobby yells, “What the hell is so funny?” K-Boy stops laughing, but J.L. replies, “Hey, Bro, I was just going to make a call for you to 1-800-ISTUPID” (37). Though crass, you witness Johnson’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach style via J.L.’s upfront statement. Readers will find Johnson, her characters, and the conflicts believable.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Winner of the 2004 Coretta Scott King Award (Writing Category)
Winner of the 2004 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting.”
Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “The author skillfully relates the hope in the midst of pain.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Johnson makes poetry with the simplest words in short, spare sentences that teens will read again and again.”
Review in CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “[The First Part Last] teach[es] about life, growth, and maturity.”
Review in KLIATT: “Johnson has a way of getting to her readers’ emotions with few words, creating characters we really care about. Her young people are thoughtful, conscientious, and loving—certainly with failings, but trying to do better.”
Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “A story that is always complex, never preachy.”
Review in U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT: “Johnson has carved a niche writing realistically about young people’s issues.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Read the following two books by Angela Johnson to complete the Heaven trilogy:
• Heaven. 1998. ISBN 9781442403420. (Coretta Scott King Award)
• Sweet, Hereafter. 2010. ISBN 9780689873850. (The final book in the Heaven Trilogy)

*If you are open to reading and discussing the teenage issues of guilt and grief checkout the following:
• Johnson, Angela. LOOKING FOR RED. 2003. ISBN 978-0689863882.

Historical Ficiton_Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kadohata, Cynthia. 2006. WEEDFLOWER. New York: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division. ISBN 9780689865749.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Since the accident that took their parents’ lives, twelve-year-old Sumiko and her younger brother live with relatives in California. Sumiko helps the family with their flower farm. Known for producing high-grade flowers, Sumiko wishes to someday own a flower shop. In the meantime, she deals with the problems of teasing and lack of friendships.

Life for Sumiko and California Japanese changes when Pearl Harbor is bombed. Fear and suspicion dominates the thoughts and actions of the white community. Consequently, Japanese are removed from their homes and confined to different areas in the United States. Sumiko and her family are detained on an Indian reservation in the Sonoran desert of Arizona.

During their stay, Sumiko learns to adapt to life on the camp—she develops friendships, attends a few parties, and grows fond of a young Native American boy—but struggles with feelings of hopelessness and the uncertainty of a future. She realizes that regardless of her lot in life, she can change it.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Cynthia Kadohata does a brilliant job weaving fictional characters with the paralyzing event of Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. The characters, starting with Sumiko are seemingly real. From the beginning, the reader develops empathy for Sumiko. Her indifference to the school population automatically makes her an outcast. The taunting by classmates, lack of friends, or being oblivious to ones peer resonates with a wide audience.

History books provide readers with overviews, dates, cause and effect relationships, and other generalities of Pearl Harbor. Kadohata, on the other hand, incorporates facts with affective characteristics. Upon learning that Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, the reader can sense rapid movement and anxiety when Auntie announces, “We’ll have to burn our things….Get your notebooks that you practice Japanese in” (48). Not wanting to do it, Sumiko’s uncle shook her and affirmed, “Now get your things and anything else that seems un-American” (51-52). The chaos erupting in the United States is simultaneously occurring in homes across the Japanese communityin California.

Disorder is very much a part of the setting Kadohata creates. From the evacuation of their homes to their trek to Arizona, readers can visualize the active neighborhoods, inhabited by Japanese families, become desolate. “As they drove, Sumiko saw that the community was deserted. Nobody worked the land, no kids played in the yards, no old people sat on their front porches” (80). Readers also get a look at the somber and cramped quarters of the train that took them to Poston, Arizona. “She thought the desert was supposed to be full of sand dunes, but this desert was filled with dry bushes and dry tress growing in dirt” (103).

Kadohata takes an important event and exposes the rise of prejudice, betrayal, racism, and hatred in America. The reader learns that the day the United States declares war on Japan, children like Sumiko are kept home from school; a governor decreed that if ““Japs” living in California tried to come to his state they would soon be hanging from trees” (54). The reader also learns how relations between Japanese Americans and Native Americans evolved and impacted the future of this nation.

The author’s End Note demonstrates the validity of the accounts described. There was a Regimental Combat Team made up mostly of Japanese Americans who fought to defend American against Japan; Native Americans joined the military; and Poston emerged into a prosperous farmland.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Asterisked review in KLIATT: “...it is a haunting story of dramatic loss and subtle triumphs."

Review in KIRKUS: "Kadohata combines impressive research and a lucent touch, bringing to life the confusion of dislocation."

Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "Kadohata clearly and eloquently conveys her heroine's mixture of shame, anger and courage. Readers will be inspired...."

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, Marilyn Taniguchi: "Kadohata brings into play some complex issues, but they realistically dovetail with Sumiko's growth from child to young woman. She is a sympathetic heroine, surrounded by well-crafted, fascinating people. The concise yet lyrical prose conveys her story in a compelling narrative that will resonate with a wide audience."

 ALA Best Books for Young Adults nominee
 ALA Notable Children’s Book nominee
 BookSense Top Ten Summer Pick
 Junior Library Guild selection
 NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
 OneBookAZ for Kids 2007
 Our Community Reads, St. Charles, IL
 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award
 Texas Bluebonnet 2007-08 Master List
 Agatha Award Finalist
 ALA Notable Children's Book Nominee
 Booklist Editors' Choice
 CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
 CCBC Choices (Cooperative Children's Book Council)
 Charlie May Simon Book Award ML (AR)
 Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best
 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award Master List (VT)
 Indian Paintbrush Book Award Master List (WY)
 IRA/CBC Children's Choices
 Jane Addams Children's Book Award
 Kentucky Bluegrass Award Master List
 Keystone to Reading Book Award Master List (PA)
 Massachusetts Children's Book Award Master List
 Nene Award Master List (HI)
 PEN USA Literary Award for Children's Literature
 Young Hoosier Book Award Master List (IN)

5. CONNECTIONS
*This book shares comparable sentiments with the attack on the Twin Towers and the suspicions that arose against people of Middle Eastern descent.

*Overcoming differences and building friendships.

Historical Fiction_Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. New York: Yearling. ISBN 0440403278.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen chronicles accounts that occurred in 1943—the third year of the Nazi regime invasion of Copenhagen, Denmark. Annemarie reveals the presence of armed German soldiers standing on street corners throughout the city, the order to deport Copenhagen’s Jews, the abrupt shutting down of Jewish businesses, and the dangerous tasks she and many Dane citizens undertake to protect Jewish families and friends.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
With great reason, the Holocaust brings to mind Nazi Germany and neighboring countries such as Poland, Austria, and Hungary. Rarely, is the Holocaust thought of occurring in a smaller country such as Denmark. In Number the Stars, Lowry brings to the forefront the Nazi invasion on Copenhagen, the persecution Jews faced, and the brave acts committed by Dane citizens to protect Jewish families and friends.

Through the very young eyes of Annemarie Johansen, readers can relate to the simplicity of a ten-year-old and also become absorbed with the chilling and suspenseful events she describes. Despite the presence and intimidation of German soldiers on city streets, Annemarie responds with a freedom that only comes from innocence. By the same token, the reader relates to the irritation she feels when her little sister is overbearing as well as, her obedience to her parents, and love for a best friend. Annemarie is an exceptionally believable eyewitness.

Lowry’s insight to the Holocaust in Denmark is astounding and educational. She presents frightening events without needing to become graphic or gruesome. One example that illustrates this point is the evening officers intrude on the vigil held for Aunt Birte. Knowing that it was customary of the Danes to leave the casket open, the officer demands, “Why is it not open?....Let us open it up….” Mrs. Johansen immediately walks over and explains, “The doctor said it should be closed, because Aunt Birte died of typhus, and he said there was a chance the germs would still be there…” (85). The officer slaps Mrs. Johansen and calls her foolish when she agrees to open the casket.

Slowly, the reader becomes aware of the organized activities conducted to protect the Jewish people and is immersed in the time and place of the events. Dark, damp, cold, quiet, and still, are adjectives that capture the essence of Denmark at the time. The reader gets a sense of the conditions the Danes and Jewish people experienced.

Via this text, readers confront moral struggles; selflessness over selfishness, courage over fear, lies over truth and maturity over immaturity. Every act committed by the Johansens demonstrated brotherly love and courage. However, Annemarie didn’t see herself as courageous. “Brave?” asked Annemarie with great surprise. “No, I wasn’t. I was very frightened,” she replied. “You risked your life,” said Uncle Henrik, letting her know that her selfless act constituted bravery.

Lowry’s straightforward manner is appealing. The reader comes to know the characters and their sense to help others. The reader also comes to understand how lies for the good of the masses are necessary—especially in such a time as this. Lastly, the reader can appreciate Lowry for her candor. In the Afterword, Lowry confesses, “Annemarie...is a child of my imagination.” Nonetheless, the accounts rest on stories told to her by a dear friend who was a child in Copenhagen during this historical era.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
1990 Newbery Medal winner

Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “A deftly told story.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Lowry tells her story well, fashioning a tense climax.”

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “[A story of] Denmark and the Danish people, whose Resistance was so effective in saving their Jews.”

Review in THE HORN BOOK MAGAZINE: “The whole work is seamless, compelling, and memorable—impossible to put down; difficult to forget.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Follow up with THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK by Anne Frank. Compare and contrast the characters, events, etc.

*Pose questions related to lying. For instance, “Under what circumstances is lying acceptable?”

*Use electronic sources to stimulate discussions, create time line of events, research Holocaust victims, etc.

*Read the article found on the link below and view footage of personal histories, photographs, artifacts, and BROWSE ALL TESTIMONIES for true first-hand accounts. http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId10005209

*Have students visit the Web site, CHILDREN OF THE HOLOCAUST at http://graceproducts.comfmnc./main.htm

*Students can also visit Jewish Virtual Library at http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/holo.html

Historical Fiction_The Land by Mildred Taylor

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Taylor, Mildred D. THE LAND. New York, NY: Phyllis Fogelman Books. ISBN 0803719507.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Protagonist and narrator, Paul Edward Logan tells of his life from the time his was nine years old into manhood. Raised by his white father, a plantation owner and former slave owner, and his mother Deborah, a former slave of African and Native American descent, Paul is privy to a similar lifestyle as his three white half-brothers. Although Paul and his eldest sister Cassie can pass as a white, the townspeople and neighbors know they are children of color. As Paul grows older, the privileges he grew up with are removed. He begins to experience racism and injustices within his own family and outside of his father’s plantation. Eventually, Paul leaves his family and sets out with his former childhood rival, Mitchell. His journey takes him to Mississippi and Vicksburg. After a year in Vicksburg, Paul moves on his life-long dream—to own piece of land.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Rather than solely read THE LAND by critically acclaimed Mildred Taylor, I simultaneously listened to the audio cassettes narrated by Ruben Santiago-Hudson and followed along in the text. The brilliantly written work of Taylor along with Santiago-Hudson’s range of voices put me in a trance. The characters, setting, events, language, and mores of the times became real.

Despite not having lived during the 1800s, readers can relate to Paul’s fear, anger and frustration against Mitchell, the bully. “…there was a time it seemed like to me Mitchell Thomas lived just to taunt me. There were other boys too who picked on me….” (3). Paul’s anger, frustration, protests and rebellion against inequality are also emotions and actions readers can connect to.

Taylor’s judgment to maintain the raw language and attitudes of that period, rather than “white-wash” it is fitting (Taylor). It is these ingredients that present the crude realities of life after the Civil War and help create visuals and stir emotions in the reader. For instance, when Paul confronts Mitchell about his resentment toward him, Mitchell retorts, “I got no use for white niggers” can make one gasp (15). Another example that illustrates Taylor’s choice to use jarring language and the mentality of the times is evident in the conversation Paul has with his mother after his father whipped his naked body with a strap: Paul exclaims, “That’s all you going to say about what happened?...Don’t you feel anything about what he did?” In a quiet, but stern demeanor, his mother replies, “….I’m glad your daddy done it. High time he did too. I been telling you and telling you those brothers of yours are white and you ain’t” (90).

Whether an event was taking place on the farm in Georgia, in the plains of East Texas, along the woods of Mississippi, or the barn in Vicksburg, Taylor’s descriptions and Santiago-Hudson’s mesmerizing narration, painted vivid images without fail. One evening, after Paul and Mitchell deserted the lumber camp in Mississippi and—for their safety—agreed to split up, the narrator whispers in Paul’s amazement, “Next morning when I woke…, I was awed by what I saw. All around me was emerald grass, and above that, God’s own bluest skies, blessed only with two or three perfect rolls of pillow-like clouds. A meadow lay all around me, and a forest of longleaf pine dotted with oak and hickory circled the meadow” (159).

As mentioned above, Taylor is true to the morals of the time. The belief and practice of superiority and status, inferiority and subservience permeated through the printed pages and echoed in the voices and dialects Santiago-Hudson brought into existence. The narrator adjusted the pitch, tone, rhythm, inflection, and cadence to bring quality to the voices he produced for the white and black male and female characters.

Every detail involved in constructing this powerful novel, attests to Mildred Taylor’s efficacious character, style and credibility. Taylor’s acknowledgements at the beginning of the book, the diagram of the Logan Family Tree, A Note to the Reader, and the Author’s Note speak volumes to the quality of literature Taylor produced.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
2002 Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner

Starred review in HAZEL ROCHMAN, BOOKLIST: "[T]his powerful historical novel...refuses to 'whitewash' history....Through Paul's personal turmoil, Taylor dramatizes society's rigid racist divisions....Paul-Edward's granddaughter will be Cassie Logan, and readers who remember her from Roll of Thunder will grab this and be astonished by its powerful story."

Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "Taylor's gift for combining history and storytelling are as evident here as in her other stories about the Logan family....Although her depiction of the 19th-century South is anything but pretty, her tone is more uplifting than bitter....Even during the book's most wrenching scenes, the determination, wisdom and resiliency...will be strongly felt."

Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Readers have come to expect Taylor to deliver a powerful story...and she continues to do so here.... [T]his is an aspect of the legacy of slavery not often confronted in children's books; Paul-Edward makes the reader feel its grotesque injustices. They will root for him, as they have for his children and grandchildren, to overcome."

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "[A] wonderful novel of close friendship, harsh prejudices, and deep yearning....This historical novel brings this period of American history to life."

Review in CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: "Written with great care, accuracy and emotion, The Land is a wonderful novel, telling a family story that will move and enrich its readers. Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of what life in the South was like for African-Americans struggling to make their way in a society grounded upon prejudice."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Students can create a family tree and maintain a family history journal based on family interviews.
*Have students visit the Web Site “Doing” history http://www.dohistory.org to explore their genealogy.
*Students can create a movie trailer summarizing their family history/genealogy findings.

Informational Text_The Voice That Challenged a Nation by Russell Freedman

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Freedman, Russell. 2004. THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION: MARIAN ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618159762.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Voice That Challenged a Nation tells of Marian Anderson’s life and her triumphant musical career as a contralto singer. Her rise to fame flourished in Europe long before thriving in America. The potent racial divide that existed in America during that period delayed the acclaim she deserved. After years of compromise and inner discontent, Anderson’s voice, whether in song or speech, became every Black American’s voice and pride.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
If I was limited to a word or small phrase of this book I would say, LIFE-BREATHING! Freedman’s narration of Marian Anderson’s struggles and triumphs in her life and career as well as his consideration of dates, newspaper clippings, photographs, copies of concert programs, and use of quotes transports the reader to not only Ms. Anderson’s sorrows and joys, but to a morbid time in America when tolerance for racial injustice was acceptable by many and fought by few.

Russell Freedman’s credentials as a Newbery Medalist and Robert F. Sibert Award winner, his judgment to include a Table of Contents, Bibliography, Discography, Acknowledgements and Picture Credits, and Index in this book, attest to the accuracy of this literature. Ms. Anderson’s personal writings and first-person accounts of other individuals also give credence. The full page spread of Marian standing before an audience of 75,000 people on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial leaves you in awe. The realities of racism in America, which are confirmed by news paper headlines and Jim Crow law segregation signs, breathe life into this biography.

Chapter one marks a pivotal moment in the lives Marian and many Americans. Though quiet and shy by nature, Marian demonstrated her allegiance with those fighting for racial equality—“Barred from Constitution Hall, she would give a free open-air concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial” (3). The chapters that ensue—along with their poignant titles—reference aids, and picture captions solidify the logical text structure Freedman chose. The biography progresses with a clear timeline of her childhood and adulthood; with vivid flashbacks from Marian. The final chapters encapsulate Marian’s vocal genius and her struggle to confront and take a stand against the racism that plagued America.

What is most striking in this book is how the author traces Marian’s life. He first acquaints the reader with a monumental moment in Marian’s life and its impact on America’s history; then delves into her humble beginnings. Knowing that Marian was born thirty years before slavery was abolished helps the reader imagine the setting and understand the modest life Marian lived. The reader also understands her passion for music when Freedman invites us to peek into a memory of her fourth grade classroom, which was next door to the music room. “I did not hear a word my teacher spoke. I was as completely in that other room as one could be while one’s body was elsewhere,” Marian exclaimed (5). The black and white photographs, which are an appropriate complement to the text, are another appealing feature of the text.

Without a doubt, Russell Freedman, poured his energy into the development of this informational book. His ability to tell about Marian Anderson with raw facts and direct quotes in an eloquent and literary manner is uncanny. Impressive is his scope of writing two contrasting experiences and capturing the essence of both. Although her musical genius was recognized by the United States and Europe, it was the treatment of this distinguished African American artist that set these two nations apart. With regards to her social experience in Scandinavia, Marian divulged, “People…accepted you as an individual in your own right, judging you for your qualities as a human being and artist and for nothing else…” (37).

Along with the events of her musical career, the author enthralls the reader with illustrations of Marian’s tenacious, yet mild-mannered character. Despite her meager earnings, Marian regularly sent money home to provide for her family and ultimately saved enough money to help her mother with a down payment on a house (23). As a result of her giving spirit and determination to succeed, the reader develops an affinity for Marian. The many details provided give you a sense of realism and Freedman’s perspective and passion for social justice and fairness. His voice breathes life into this exceptionally written informational text.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
2005 Robert F. Sibert Award

2005 Newbery Honor Book

Review in CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: "[A] beautiful biography....[P]erfectly written....You must own this book."

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "This inspiring work once again demonstrates Freedman's talent for showing how a person's life is molded by its historical and cultural context."

Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Well-chosen, well-placed archival photographs, clear writing, abundant research seamlessly woven into the text, and careful documentation make an outstanding, handsome biography. Freedman at his best."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students debate the social issues of the time.
*Create a timeline of events in Marian Anderson's life.
*Analyze the sentiments of racism in America and Europe.