A Step From Heaven
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Na, An. 2001. A Step from Heaven. Front Street. ISBN 1886910588.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book is the story of a young Korean girl and her family that has difficulties learning the English language and adjusting to life in America.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Innocent and heartfelt are two words I would use to describe this book. Na does a wonderful job of allowing readers to step into the life of Young Ju, a young Korean girl excited about her family's move to "heaven". This is what she called America. It is through statements such as "dirty black water with bubbles floating", "two monies" and "color sticks inside the box" that we understand how innocent Young Ju is. Na creates a character that exudes excitement about her new land. A Step from Heaven chronicles her life from her toddler years to her teenage years. Readers are touched by Young Ju's strength through her relationship with her mean alcoholic "Apa" and burdened yet resilient "Uhmma". Her experiences with her parents and her brother makes her all the more determined. Na showcases this when Young Ju receives the ninth grade award for the highest GPA although her parents were not there because they were dealing with a situation at home. She finds consolation in her American best friend, Amanda. "At first I am not sure if they called me because the name sounds so garbled, but when Amanda gives me a nudge I stand up. Amanda and her parents clap loudly as I walk to the front to shake the principal's hand." Although a child, Young Ju represents the "strength" of a family unit. This book is very inviting and easy to read. The dialogue is natural. The chapters are short and titled. This novel keeps the reader wanting more. It showcases the difficulties many young people are faced with. You will not want to put the book down. You will fall in love with Young Ju's eagerness for a new life inspite of circumstances. A Step from Heaven will certainly draw on your emotions. It is a must read for readers of all ages.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"A beautiful novel."
---------Booklist
"Astonishing and memorable."
----------The Horn Book Magazine
5. CONNECTIONS
Classroom Connections:
This book would be great to share with any student moving to America.
Have students research information about Korea.
Think about setting up buddies for students that have recently relocated from another country.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Genre 6: Fiction: A Book by Louis Sachar
Holes
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sachar, Louis. 1998. Holes. New York, NY: Dell Yearling. ISBN 0440419468
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book is the story of a young boy named Stanley Yelnats who is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center for a crime he did not committ. At Camp Green Lake Stanley along with the other "inmates" have to dig holes. One day the holes lead him to more than he could imagine, the truth.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Pack your bags and lets get ready for a camping trip. Well it's not your typical campstie. It is a place called Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention facility where there is not a beautiful lake but holes to dig. Unfortunate? Yes! Well that was the life the Yelnats family was accustomed to. Bad luck was what they knew because of a deal broken by their "no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather." Sachar does an awesome job of helping the reader understand just how bad the family's luck was. He uses language that is very straightforward and easy to understand. The characters are believable. It sheds light on a special bond that developed between Stanley and Zero. " "I should warn you," Stanley said. "I'm not exactly the luckiest guy in the world." Zero wasn't worried. "When you spend your whole life living in a hole,"he said the only way you can go is up." They gave each other the thumbs-up sign , then headed out." Although the family thought they were cursed, Stanley stumbles onto something more than anyone could expect, even the cruel warden. It is a story of good versus bad. It reassures you that whenever there is a struggle between good and evil, good always wins. It is a must read for readers of all ages. It will keep you coming back for more.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Dazzling blend of social commentary, tall tale and magic realism."
-----------Publisher's Weekly
5. CONNECTIONS
Other Books by Louis Sachar
There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom
Dogs Don't Tell Jokes
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
Marvin Redpost Series
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sachar, Louis. 1998. Holes. New York, NY: Dell Yearling. ISBN 0440419468
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book is the story of a young boy named Stanley Yelnats who is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center for a crime he did not committ. At Camp Green Lake Stanley along with the other "inmates" have to dig holes. One day the holes lead him to more than he could imagine, the truth.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Pack your bags and lets get ready for a camping trip. Well it's not your typical campstie. It is a place called Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention facility where there is not a beautiful lake but holes to dig. Unfortunate? Yes! Well that was the life the Yelnats family was accustomed to. Bad luck was what they knew because of a deal broken by their "no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather." Sachar does an awesome job of helping the reader understand just how bad the family's luck was. He uses language that is very straightforward and easy to understand. The characters are believable. It sheds light on a special bond that developed between Stanley and Zero. " "I should warn you," Stanley said. "I'm not exactly the luckiest guy in the world." Zero wasn't worried. "When you spend your whole life living in a hole,"he said the only way you can go is up." They gave each other the thumbs-up sign , then headed out." Although the family thought they were cursed, Stanley stumbles onto something more than anyone could expect, even the cruel warden. It is a story of good versus bad. It reassures you that whenever there is a struggle between good and evil, good always wins. It is a must read for readers of all ages. It will keep you coming back for more.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Dazzling blend of social commentary, tall tale and magic realism."
-----------Publisher's Weekly
5. CONNECTIONS
Other Books by Louis Sachar
There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom
Dogs Don't Tell Jokes
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
Marvin Redpost Series
Genre 6: Fiction: A Book by Lois Lowry
The Giver
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lowry, Lois. The Giver. Dell Laurel Leaf Books, 1993. ISBN 0440237688.
2. SUMMARY
This book is the story of young boy named Jonas that is a part of a perfect world. There is no pain, no war and no choices. Every person is assigned a task in his world. When Jonas reaches the grand age of twelve he is chosen to receive a special honor from the Giver. The Giver is the only person that holds gift of life's memories, good and bad. When Jonas receives the gift he uses it to help lead a newborn to a better life.
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lowry, Lois. The Giver. Dell Laurel Leaf Books, 1993. ISBN 0440237688.
2. SUMMARY
This book is the story of young boy named Jonas that is a part of a perfect world. There is no pain, no war and no choices. Every person is assigned a task in his world. When Jonas reaches the grand age of twelve he is chosen to receive a special honor from the Giver. The Giver is the only person that holds gift of life's memories, good and bad. When Jonas receives the gift he uses it to help lead a newborn to a better life.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lets take a trip into the future. A future without pain, fear and war. Everything is planned and organized. A world such as this would be great except to live without choices can be devastating. Lois Lowry does just this in The Giver. It is written from the point of view of a young boy named Jonas. He is a member of a futuristic society that is run the same for everyone. All sadness, fear, hatred and war has been removed. The characters in this book seem normal except they are programmed. The plot does offer events that are true to life. For example the idea of birth and death is true to life although the decision to be "released" is decided by someone else. Society has eliminated choice and at the age of twelve each citizen is "assigned" a job based on his or her abilities and interests. Jonas is bestowed the gift of memories by the Giver. It is this very gift that makes Jonas' idea of life richer and more meaningful. A richness he longs to share with others. Although Lowry creates a great picture of how life should be you are immediately saddened at the beginning when you find out that a problem child that Jonas' father has been caring for is going to be "released." It is through this situation that the story develops and you understand through Jonas' hasty actions how this young boy tries to make a difference. Jonas takes Gabriel and very little supplies on a journey, a journey to a new life. The places in which they travel are believable places. This book leaves the reader with a revelation that you have the ability to change whatever state you are in and share that change with someone else in need. "He pressed his hands into Gabriel's back and tried to remember sunshine. For a moment it seemed that nothing came to him, that his power was completely gone. Then it flickered suddenly, and he felt tiny tongues of heat begin to creep across and into his frozen feet and legs." "For a fleeting second he felt he wanted to keep it for himself, to let himself bathe in sunlight, unburdened by anything or anyone else. But the moment passed and was followed by an urge... a passionate yearning to share the warmth with the one person left for him to love. Aching for the effort, he forced the memory of warmth into the thin, shivering body in his arms." It is at this moment that the author illuminates Jonas' love for someone else. It confirms the longing in him to be a part of a world that is full of passion. Lowry's theme is made very obvious. People have an internal desire to live, love and learn through experiences. Without experiences good or bad we have not lived. This book gives readers the overall impression that there is hope regardless of circumstances. The ending, although unexpected, gives readers the opportunity to fill in their own beliefs and dreams. It gives you the chance to write your own conclusion to this story. This book is a must read.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Lowry is once again in top form.....a tale fit for the most adventurous readers."
------Publisher's Weekly, Starred
"The final flight for survival is as riveting as it is inevitable. This tightly plotted story and its believable characters will stay with its readers for a long time."
-----School Library Journal, Starred
5. CONNECTIONS
A teacher's guide to The Giver
www.randomhouse.com/teachers/guides/give.html
Series by Lois Lowry
The Anatasia Series
The Sam Krupnik Series
Books about the Tates
The Gooney Bird Books
A Few stand alone books by Lois Lowry
A Summer to Die
Find a Stranger, Say Goodbye
Stay! Keeper's Story
Number the Stars
Friday, April 6, 2007
Genre 5: Historical Fiction: A Book by Russell Freedman
Eleanor Roosevelt, A Life of Discovery
1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Freedman, Russell. 1993. Eleanor Roosevelt, A Life of Discovery. New York, NY. Clarion Books. ISBN 0-89919-862-7.
2.PLOT SUMMARY
This book chronicles the life of one of America's most influential women, Eleanor Roosevelt. It takes us from her early ages to her renowned worldwide activism.
3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
"If anyone were to ask me what I want out of life I would say-the opportunity for doing something useful, for in no other way, I am convinced, can true happiness be attained."
---Eleanor Roosevelt
Certainly Eleanor Roosevelt was a woman of her words. In this biography Freedman sheds light on how such a woman transcended both an unfortunate childhood with the death of her mother and her father, and a modest nature to become one of America's most outspoken, highly regarded woman in history. Freedman vividly showcased how Eleanor defied the expectations of a serious, reserved, traditional wife and mother to become a political figure in her own right. As First Lady, she went above and beyond the call of duty. Freedman vividly details just how remarkable First Lady Eleanor was. "I never wanted to be president's wife, and I don't want it now....Now I shall have to work out my own salvation." To make such a statement took a great amount of courage. It is through this statement we understand her willingness to support her husband and her country despite her own reservation. It is with that reservation that we see her at her strongest. The text is well written and easy to read. There are well over 100 photos, which allows the readers to step into the past. Chapters eight through eleven are especially revealing as it amplifies First Lady Roosevelt's selfless acts. Freedman keeps the reader engrossed and immediately provides a crossroad for connection. It is evident that Freedman has done research. Although recommended for ages nine and up, this book is a must read for readers of all ages. Women especially must read this book. It will confirm and reaffirm the determination and power that is within you.
4.REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"A natural follow-up to Freedman's biography of FDR, this impeccably researched, highly readable study of one of this country's greatest First Ladies is nonfiction at its best."
-----Publisher's Weekly
"Grade 6-12 fans of Eleanor Roosevelt will enjoy this detailed anecdotal record of her life."
-----School Library Journal
5.CONNECTIONS
Other Books by Russell Freedman:
Teenagers Who Made History
A Photobiography
The Wright Brothers:How They Invented the Airplane
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Freedman, Russell. 1993. Eleanor Roosevelt, A Life of Discovery. New York, NY. Clarion Books. ISBN 0-89919-862-7.
2.PLOT SUMMARY
This book chronicles the life of one of America's most influential women, Eleanor Roosevelt. It takes us from her early ages to her renowned worldwide activism.
3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
"If anyone were to ask me what I want out of life I would say-the opportunity for doing something useful, for in no other way, I am convinced, can true happiness be attained."
---Eleanor Roosevelt
Certainly Eleanor Roosevelt was a woman of her words. In this biography Freedman sheds light on how such a woman transcended both an unfortunate childhood with the death of her mother and her father, and a modest nature to become one of America's most outspoken, highly regarded woman in history. Freedman vividly showcased how Eleanor defied the expectations of a serious, reserved, traditional wife and mother to become a political figure in her own right. As First Lady, she went above and beyond the call of duty. Freedman vividly details just how remarkable First Lady Eleanor was. "I never wanted to be president's wife, and I don't want it now....Now I shall have to work out my own salvation." To make such a statement took a great amount of courage. It is through this statement we understand her willingness to support her husband and her country despite her own reservation. It is with that reservation that we see her at her strongest. The text is well written and easy to read. There are well over 100 photos, which allows the readers to step into the past. Chapters eight through eleven are especially revealing as it amplifies First Lady Roosevelt's selfless acts. Freedman keeps the reader engrossed and immediately provides a crossroad for connection. It is evident that Freedman has done research. Although recommended for ages nine and up, this book is a must read for readers of all ages. Women especially must read this book. It will confirm and reaffirm the determination and power that is within you.
4.REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"A natural follow-up to Freedman's biography of FDR, this impeccably researched, highly readable study of one of this country's greatest First Ladies is nonfiction at its best."
-----Publisher's Weekly
"Grade 6-12 fans of Eleanor Roosevelt will enjoy this detailed anecdotal record of her life."
-----School Library Journal
5.CONNECTIONS
Other Books by Russell Freedman:
Teenagers Who Made History
A Photobiography
The Wright Brothers:How They Invented the Airplane
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Genre 5: Historical Fiction: A Book by Richard Peck
A Year Down Yonder
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Peck, Richard. 2000. A Year Down Yonder. New York, NY. Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-8037-2518-3.
2.PLOT SUMMARY
A Year Down Yonder is a story of a fifteen year old girl, named Mary Alice, whose parents experience hard times because of the Depression. After dad looses his job, then their apartment Mary Alice is forced to leave Chicago and spend a year with her grandma in a small Illinois town. This book chronicles the adventures Mary Alice share with her grandma, best known for shaking things up.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
A Year Down Yonder is a heartfelt story of an adventurous time shared between a young girl and her grandma. This story is told from the point of view of Mary Alice, the fifteen year old main character. In the beginning Mary is hesitant to spend time with her grandma because of her overwhelming and harsh personality, but she soons realizes grandma's ultimate motive is to help those in need. On one such occasion she showcases her willingness to assist when she makes pies for a school function with pecans she takes from Old Man Nyquist and pumpkins she takes from the Pensingers. "It was slim pickings on the refreshment table..."Grandma and I began cutting up the pies..." "I was shocked at how grown-ups pushed in first..."" We fed the multitudes." Peck vividly depicts the harsh, yet gentle side of grandma during such a depressing time. The characters and historical period definitely was brought to life in this brilliant story.
While the writing styles don't yield itself to too much historical details, readers have a strong sense of what it was like to live during that time. The story ends on an emotional note, not just happily ever after between man and woman, but between granddaughter and grandma. When conditions improved and Mary had to return home she did not want to go. Grandma realizes her hesitation. "You go on home to your folks. It'll be all right. I don't lock my doors." "She knew the decision was too big a load for me to carry by myself."" She had eyes in the back of her heart." It is at this moment that grandma showcases her wisdom and confirms the special bond that had formed between them. This heartfelt story is a must read for readers of all ages.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Hilarious and Poignant."
----Publisher's Weekly
"Peck is at his best with these hilarious stories that rest solidly within the American literary tradition of Mark Twain."
-----Amazon.com
5. CONNECTIONS
Other Books by Richard Peck:
Strays Like Us
The Great Interactive Dream Machine
Lost in Cyberspace
Amanda/Miranda
A Long Way from Chicago
Classroom Connections:
Research information about the Depression
Spend time talking about grandmother and the important roles they play
Compare and contrast life in the city and the country
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Peck, Richard. 2000. A Year Down Yonder. New York, NY. Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-8037-2518-3.
2.PLOT SUMMARY
A Year Down Yonder is a story of a fifteen year old girl, named Mary Alice, whose parents experience hard times because of the Depression. After dad looses his job, then their apartment Mary Alice is forced to leave Chicago and spend a year with her grandma in a small Illinois town. This book chronicles the adventures Mary Alice share with her grandma, best known for shaking things up.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
A Year Down Yonder is a heartfelt story of an adventurous time shared between a young girl and her grandma. This story is told from the point of view of Mary Alice, the fifteen year old main character. In the beginning Mary is hesitant to spend time with her grandma because of her overwhelming and harsh personality, but she soons realizes grandma's ultimate motive is to help those in need. On one such occasion she showcases her willingness to assist when she makes pies for a school function with pecans she takes from Old Man Nyquist and pumpkins she takes from the Pensingers. "It was slim pickings on the refreshment table..."Grandma and I began cutting up the pies..." "I was shocked at how grown-ups pushed in first..."" We fed the multitudes." Peck vividly depicts the harsh, yet gentle side of grandma during such a depressing time. The characters and historical period definitely was brought to life in this brilliant story.
While the writing styles don't yield itself to too much historical details, readers have a strong sense of what it was like to live during that time. The story ends on an emotional note, not just happily ever after between man and woman, but between granddaughter and grandma. When conditions improved and Mary had to return home she did not want to go. Grandma realizes her hesitation. "You go on home to your folks. It'll be all right. I don't lock my doors." "She knew the decision was too big a load for me to carry by myself."" She had eyes in the back of her heart." It is at this moment that grandma showcases her wisdom and confirms the special bond that had formed between them. This heartfelt story is a must read for readers of all ages.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"Hilarious and Poignant."
----Publisher's Weekly
"Peck is at his best with these hilarious stories that rest solidly within the American literary tradition of Mark Twain."
-----Amazon.com
5. CONNECTIONS
Other Books by Richard Peck:
Strays Like Us
The Great Interactive Dream Machine
Lost in Cyberspace
Amanda/Miranda
A Long Way from Chicago
Classroom Connections:
Research information about the Depression
Spend time talking about grandmother and the important roles they play
Compare and contrast life in the city and the country
Genre 5: Historical Fiction: A Book by Christopher Paul Curtis
Bud, Not Buddy
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 1999. Bud, Not Buddy. New York. Delacorte Press. ISBN 0-285-32306-9.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Bud,Not Buddy is the story of a young, African-American, motherless boy on the run. He is in search of the father his mother never told him about. Although he has no information about his father, he sets out an adventure with his suitcase, a set of rules and one clue about his father, a flyer of Herman E. Calloway and his famous band. In the end, Bud finds more than he was looking for.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Christopher Paul Curtis does an excellent job of vividly describing the adventures of a ten year old, African-American boy told in his own words. He takes you on an emotional roller coaster from sadness and disappointments to laughter, relief and closure. Curtis awesomely and accurately depicts the grim conditions of the Depression in Flint, Michigan. The reader is instantly engrossed with Bud's, the main character, determination to find his father despite obstacles with only a flyer as his lead. We are able to understand and connect with Bud through his "Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself." Bud's rules illuminates the unfortunate realism of his life. I don't know many ten year olds that could wake up and create this rule: "When you wake up and don't know for sure where you're at and there's a bunch of people standing around you, it's best to pretend you're still asleep until you can figure out what's going on and what you should do." With this rule alone Curtis allows the reader to see just how much Bud had to endure on his adventure to find someone that cared. I think it was at this moment I truly began to sympathize with Bud. While most ten year olds wake up in their warm beds surrounded by loved one, Bud had to immediately think of away to adjust to his current condition and act as an adult. Curtis does an extraordinary job of making the reader feel as if we were apart of that time. The characters came to life. Although there were no illustrations, I was able to envision the characters and hear the melodic sounds of the band, and understand the suffering during that time. The spirit of the times definitely came to life. Curtis' writing style is to be commended! This book doesn't just reveal history, but it unveils the strength and determination of a young boy. This book is a must read for readers of all ages.
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 1999. Bud, Not Buddy. New York. Delacorte Press. ISBN 0-285-32306-9.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Bud,Not Buddy is the story of a young, African-American, motherless boy on the run. He is in search of the father his mother never told him about. Although he has no information about his father, he sets out an adventure with his suitcase, a set of rules and one clue about his father, a flyer of Herman E. Calloway and his famous band. In the end, Bud finds more than he was looking for.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Christopher Paul Curtis does an excellent job of vividly describing the adventures of a ten year old, African-American boy told in his own words. He takes you on an emotional roller coaster from sadness and disappointments to laughter, relief and closure. Curtis awesomely and accurately depicts the grim conditions of the Depression in Flint, Michigan. The reader is instantly engrossed with Bud's, the main character, determination to find his father despite obstacles with only a flyer as his lead. We are able to understand and connect with Bud through his "Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself." Bud's rules illuminates the unfortunate realism of his life. I don't know many ten year olds that could wake up and create this rule: "When you wake up and don't know for sure where you're at and there's a bunch of people standing around you, it's best to pretend you're still asleep until you can figure out what's going on and what you should do." With this rule alone Curtis allows the reader to see just how much Bud had to endure on his adventure to find someone that cared. I think it was at this moment I truly began to sympathize with Bud. While most ten year olds wake up in their warm beds surrounded by loved one, Bud had to immediately think of away to adjust to his current condition and act as an adult. Curtis does an extraordinary job of making the reader feel as if we were apart of that time. The characters came to life. Although there were no illustrations, I was able to envision the characters and hear the melodic sounds of the band, and understand the suffering during that time. The spirit of the times definitely came to life. Curtis' writing style is to be commended! This book doesn't just reveal history, but it unveils the strength and determination of a young boy. This book is a must read for readers of all ages.
4.REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"While the grim conditions of the times and the harshness of Bud's circumstances are authentically depicted, Curtis shines on them an aura of hope and optimism." "And even when he sets up a daunting scenario, he makes readers laugh---"
---Publisher's Weekly
"Grade 4-7-Motherless Bud shares his amusingly astute rules of life as he hits the road to find the musician he believes is his father. A medley of characters brings Depression-era Michigan to life."
-----Library Journal
5.CONNECTION
Recommended Book(s):
The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963
Classroom:
This book would be a great read aloud to students in grades 4-6. It can be used to introduce the Depression. After reading this books students could have discussion and also further research information about the Depression .
It is also a great book to illuminate the power of determination. It is a great discussion starter.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Genre 4: Nonfiction: A Book by Gail Gibbons
Ice Cream: The Full Scoop
1. BIBLOGRAPHY
Gibbons, Gail. Ice Cream the Full Scoop. Holiday House, 2006. ISBN 0-08234-2000-0.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this book Gail Gibbons describes how ice-cream was developed from flavored ice to the creamy cool treat we know today. Gibbons describes the earliest hand-cranked ice-cream maker, the origins of the ice-cream cone and even how a modern day ice-cream factory works.
3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Look out Haggen-Dazs, Baskin -Robbins and Braums! Here I come! In this awesomely written book, Gibbons explains how one of America's favorite dessert was developed. It accurately follows the journey of ice-cream from China, Marco Polo the British, American colonies and finally to the grocery store shelves. The organization is outstanding. The book is organized in such a way that helps the reader easily understand the text. From the beginning of the book with the origin of ice cream to the end of the book with the "scoop" on ice-cream, you will be ready to "spring" into the nearest ice cream shop. The format makes the book reader friendly. Possible unfamiliar vocabulary is defined within the text or in captions. When reading this book readers will without a doubt understand words such as "stabilizers" and "emulsifiers." The text is simple and straightforward and the illustrations are colorful, cheerful and well defined. The design of the book is definitely appealing. It will have children of all ages wanting to read more about this wonderful treat. Labels are provided for many of the illustrations making it inviting to the reader. Graphics are placed appropriately. Gibbons does an excellent job of keeping the reader interested in the text. Although intended for ages 4-9, readers of all ages should read this book. It will definitely stir up an appreciation for how ice-cream was developed and it will have you splitting to get a "banana split."
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"There is a lot going on in this book, but the layout guides readers through the wealth of information. "
--School Library Journal
"In cheerful watercolors and a lucid text, Gibbons delivers the scoop on ice cream history, ingredients, innovations, and the mechanics of its small-and large scale production."
--Booklist
5.CONNECTIONS
Other books by Gail Gibbons:
Apples
The Art Box
Bats
Bicycle Book
Easter
Dogs
Horses
The Planets
Sea Turtles
Trains
Wolves
Activity Suggestion:
After reading this book, make banana splits with your class.
This could also be a great book to read before a writing assignment that focuses on non-fiction text.
1. BIBLOGRAPHY
Gibbons, Gail. Ice Cream the Full Scoop. Holiday House, 2006. ISBN 0-08234-2000-0.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this book Gail Gibbons describes how ice-cream was developed from flavored ice to the creamy cool treat we know today. Gibbons describes the earliest hand-cranked ice-cream maker, the origins of the ice-cream cone and even how a modern day ice-cream factory works.
3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Look out Haggen-Dazs, Baskin -Robbins and Braums! Here I come! In this awesomely written book, Gibbons explains how one of America's favorite dessert was developed. It accurately follows the journey of ice-cream from China, Marco Polo the British, American colonies and finally to the grocery store shelves. The organization is outstanding. The book is organized in such a way that helps the reader easily understand the text. From the beginning of the book with the origin of ice cream to the end of the book with the "scoop" on ice-cream, you will be ready to "spring" into the nearest ice cream shop. The format makes the book reader friendly. Possible unfamiliar vocabulary is defined within the text or in captions. When reading this book readers will without a doubt understand words such as "stabilizers" and "emulsifiers." The text is simple and straightforward and the illustrations are colorful, cheerful and well defined. The design of the book is definitely appealing. It will have children of all ages wanting to read more about this wonderful treat. Labels are provided for many of the illustrations making it inviting to the reader. Graphics are placed appropriately. Gibbons does an excellent job of keeping the reader interested in the text. Although intended for ages 4-9, readers of all ages should read this book. It will definitely stir up an appreciation for how ice-cream was developed and it will have you splitting to get a "banana split."
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
"There is a lot going on in this book, but the layout guides readers through the wealth of information. "
--School Library Journal
"In cheerful watercolors and a lucid text, Gibbons delivers the scoop on ice cream history, ingredients, innovations, and the mechanics of its small-and large scale production."
--Booklist
5.CONNECTIONS
Other books by Gail Gibbons:
Apples
The Art Box
Bats
Bicycle Book
Easter
Dogs
Horses
The Planets
Sea Turtles
Trains
Wolves
Activity Suggestion:
After reading this book, make banana splits with your class.
This could also be a great book to read before a writing assignment that focuses on non-fiction text.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
