Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Full Bibliographic Data: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Author: Grace Lin

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Place of Publication: New York

Date of Publication: 2009

ISBN: 978-0316114271

Summary: Minli and her parents live in the Town of Fruitless Mountain where they work the rice fields all day and come home at night to a meager meal accompanied by lively stories told by Minli's father, or "Ba" as she calls him. Minli's mother disapproves of the stories and the false hope she believes they bring. Her consistent complaints of the family's poor living conditions spark a desire in Minli to find a way to change her family's fortune. Leaving a note and packing a small satchel, Minli sets off with the hopes of finding the "Old Man in the Moon" she has heard so much about from her beloved Ba. On her journey, Minli faces many dangers, makes new friends, and discovers what "good fortune" truly is.

Review: Initially, I was quite unsure of whether or not I would enjoy this tale. The similarities with Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland caused me to question the originality and quality of this work. I am so grateful I didn't give into my pre-conceived notions because this story turned out to be eloquent, inspiring, and touching.

Grace Lin has embraced the heritage she once shunned and created homage to the Chinese culture that projects the wisdom, humility, and beauty found woven throughout. The legendary anecdotes, given as explanations to various references made on Minli's adventure, offer a charming addition to this already alluring tale. Minli is a likeable girl who is brave, optimistic and warm-hearted. Her family’s struggles offer room for readers to relate on many levels. Her personal desire to please her parents and control her destiny allows for a universal lesson to be learned. Friendly dragons, Goddesses, talking tigers, and royalty all come together to create the ultimate fairy tale setting; but the wisdom and poignancy found sprinkled throughout this work of art provides more than the typical moral of good vs. evil that most fairy tales would teach. The many deep and spiritual lessons found in this piece transform it from an every day tale to a journey of the soul.

Finally, there are multiple illustrations which usually begin the chapters but are sometimes included in other passages. These drawings are simple, fitting, and add just the right touch to this Chinese fairy-tale themed read.

Review Excerpts:

“Readers will love this extraordinary tale with its fanciful characters, colorful illustrations, and the hopes and dreams of a determined and courageous young girl. Highly Recommended” (Library Media Connection, 2009).

“Grace Lin deftly inserts a series of tales inspired by traditional Chinese folktales into the larger tapestry of Minli’s extraordinary journey that is full of adventure and trials” (CCBC, 2010).

Awards:

Best Children's Books of the Year, 2010 ; Bank Street College of Eduation; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars , May 1, 2009 ; United States
Booklist Top 10 SF/Fantasy for Youth, 2009 ; American Library Association; United States
Choices, 2010 ; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Kids Reading List, 2010 ; Oprah/ALSC; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, May 1, 2009 ; United States
Notable Books for a Global Society, 2010 ; Children's Literature Special Interest Group IRA; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2010 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts, 2010 ; NCTE Children’s Literature Assembly; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, July 2009 ; Cahners; United States
Teachers' Choices, 2010 ; International Reading Association; InternationalRelated

Beehive Award, 2011 Winner Fiction Utah
Cybil Award, 2009 Finalist Middle Grade Fantasy & Science Fiction United States
E.B. White Read Aloud Award, 2010 Honor Book Older Reader United States
Indies Choice Book Award, 2010 Honor Book Middle Reader United States
John Newbery Medal, 2010 Honor Book United States
Josette Frank Award, 2010 Winner United States
Massachusetts Book Award, 2010 Winner Children’s / Young Adult Literature United States
Mitten Award, 2009 Honor Book Michigan United States
Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature, 2010 Winner Children’s Literature United States
National Parenting Publications Award, 2009 Honor Books for Ages 9 & Up United States
Parents' Choice Award, 2009 Gold Fiction United States

Battle of the Books, 2010-2011 ; Nominee; Elementary; New Mexico
Battle of the Books, 2010-2011 ; Nominee; Intermediate; New Mexico
Beehive Award, 2011 ; Nominee; Fiction; Utah
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2010-2011 ; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Maryland
Cochecho Readers' Award, 2010-2011 ; Nominee; New Hampshire
Gate City Book Award, 2011-2012 ; Nominee; New Hampshire
Horned Toad Tales, 2010-2011 ; Nominee; Texas
Keystone to Reading Book Award, 2010-2011 ; Nominee; Intermediate; Pennsylvania
Magnolia Award, 2011 ; Nominee; Mississippi

Related Materials:

Official Site for Author: http://gracelin.com/

Other Newbery Award Winners: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberyhonors/newberymedal

Teaching Ancient China: http://china.mrdonn.org/lessonplans.html

Some Chinese Folktales: http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/china.html

Nation by Terry Pratchett

Full Bibliographic Data: Nation

Author: Terry Pratchett

Publisher: Harper Collins

Place of Publication: New York

Date of Publication: 2008

ISBN: 978-0061433016

Summary: When a tsunami destroys an entire island and the plague falls upon the British, two young people, Mau and Daphne, come together to assist one another in a survivor tale like no other. Initially, the struggle to stay alive and create something out of nothing is enough to keep everyone busy but eventually the need to protect what has been established becomes a point of focus. As a new nation is born from the remains of others, crucial topics are examined and re-evaluated for their place in the future.

Review: A story of true survival and raw humanistic matters; Nation is relatable on many levels which ultimately simmer down to communication, strength and the desire to know oneself in a way which offers insight to others. Mau and Daphne offer contrasting personalities that consist of core characteristics central to a variety of readers. Religion, ethics, and evolution are just a few of the thought provoking issues Pratchett weaves through the plot of this modern sci fi novel suitable for teens and adults alike. This book will encourage discussion and evoke a need for further exploration of one’s self.

Awards:

Best Kids Books of the Year, 2008 ; Washington Post; United States
Booklist Best Books for Young Adults, 2009 ; American Library Association; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars , Aug. 1, 2008 ; United States
Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2008 ; American Library Association; United States
Booklist Top 10 SF/Fantasy for Youth, 2009 ; American Library Association; United States
Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2008 ; The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
Capitol Choices, 2009 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Horn Book Fanfare, 2008 ; Horn Book; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, August 15, 2008 ; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2009 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Outstanding International Books, 2009 ; USBBY; United States
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books, 2008 ; Publishers Weekly; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, August 11, 2008 ; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Best Books, 2008 ; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2008 ; Cahners; United States
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2009 ; American Library Association; United States
YALSA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, 2009 ; American Library Association; United States

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, 2009 Winner Fiction and Poetry United States
Cuffies: Children's Booksellers Choose Their Favorite (and not-so-favorite) Books of the Year, 2008 Honorable Mention Favorite Novel of the Year United States
Cybil Award, 2008 Finalist Fantasy and Science Fiction (Young Adult) United States
Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, 2009 Longlist United Kingdom
Locus Award, 2009 Finalist Young Adult Book United States
Los Angeles Times Book Prize, 2008 Winner Young Adult Literature United States
Michael L. Printz Award, 2009 Honor Book United States
Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature, 2009 Finalist United States
Odyssey Award, 2009 Honor United States
School Library Journal Battle of the Kids' Books, 2009 Nominee United States

Battle of the Books, 2009-2010 ; Nominee; Middle School; New Mexico
Delaware Diamonds, 2009-2010 ; Nominee; Middle School; Delaware
Grand Canyon Reader Award, 2011 ; Nominee; Teen; Arizona
Green Mountain Book Award, 2011-2012 ; Master List; Grades 9-12; Vermont
Wisconsin Battle of the Books, 2009-2010 ; Senior; Wisconsin

Related Materials:

Terry Pratchett’s web site: http://www.terrypratchettbooks.com/

Terry Pratchett Quotes: http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Terry_Pratchett/

About Tsunamis: http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/tsunami-profile/

Teaching Tsunamis: http://www.tsunami.noaa.gov/teacher-resources.html

Calamity Jack

Full Bibliographic Data: Calamity Jack

Authors: Dean Hale & Shannon Hale

Illustrator: Nathan Hale

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Place of Publication: New York

Date of Publication: 2010

ISBN: 978-1599900766

Summary: Meet Jack. “Born to scheme”, Jack lives a colorful life speckled with plots, partners and “unexpected consequences”. After losing his father to “the fever” Jack is determined to make his “Momma” proud but his idea of valiant efforts tends to differ from that of his mother’s. After a failed attempt at what would have been one of Jack’s grandest heists, Jack leaves his mother, and his hometown, in shambles with the hopes that when he returns he will be able to rectify all his wrongs. When he does return he has a girl on his arm and a plan in mind; though things rarely go according to plans as seen in Jack’s case. However, when it is all said and done, Jack manages to right his wrongs, and step into a new role as “one of the good guys” as his girl, Rapunzel, calls him.

Review: Review: This cleverly spun story delivers it all – from giants who masquerade as ant people in an effort to monopolize a city, to a western gal who knows how to use a lasso. There are even pixies and a golden egg laying goose! The setting is versatile – whether in the city where Jack is from or out west where he flees to temporarily readers will be able to recognize similarities to somewhere they have been or read about before.

What really shines about this graphic novel, however, is the way that the Hale’s are able to produce such contrasting dialects with wit and charm. Jack and his girl “Punzie” may be colorful characters with some stereotypical traits but their personalities are universal to anyone who has struggled to gain approval, stand up for what’s right, or explored new levels of possibility within a friendship. There is something in this read for everyone. Children will adore the action and vivid illustrations while older teens and adults will appreciate the witty humor that keeps this graphic novel rolling from page to page. In the end, a message of positive morale is solicited and everything turns out “just daisy”! A fine end to a fine read.

Review Excerpts:

“Shannon and Dean Hale have done an excellent job stretching the bones of the traditional fable into a high-action coming-of-age story that will keep young teen readers excited and engaged” (Booklist, 2009).

“Readers will relish this gleeful mix of fairy tale, adventure and romance” (Kirkus, 2009).

Awards:

Best Children's Books of the Year, 2011 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2011 ; American Library Association; United States

Related Materials:

Official Site of Shannon Hale: http://www.squeetus.com/stage/books.html

How the book began: http://www.squeetus.com/stage/jack_begin.html

ALA’s YALSA 2011 Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens list: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklistsawards/booklists/greatgraphicnovelsforteens/ggnt11_topten

Moon Over Manifest

Full Bibliographic Data for Moon Over Manifest:

Author: Clare Vanderpool

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Place of Publication: New York

Date of Publication: 2010

ISBN: 9780385738835

Summary: A young girl is sent away to the town of Manifest, Kansas by her struggling father, Gideon, with not much more than a satchel and a broken compass. Abilene quickly acquaints herself with a colorful crew and discovers a box of mementos; both of which guide her on her exploration of her father’s past and its connection to her present situation.

Review: Based on the actual town of Frontenac, Kansas, Manifest is a typical American city struggling to remain in tact despite national oppression. The main character, Abilene, extremely independent for a girl of her age, conveys a raw truth about children who suffered due to the hardships of this era. Old letters, newspaper clippings, and colorful dialogue between distinct voices, all come together to provide readers with this cleverly told tale through the personal journey of young Abilene, which sheds light on major historical events such as World War I, The Great Depression and the effects of both on common people. Abilene’s fearless determination begs readers to root for her success in the unfolding of her family history.Tragedies such as the Spanish Influenza, orphan trains, and the Ku Klux Klan are all featured in this poignant trip down memory lane. The author’s note following this story provides detailed information on fact vs. fiction throughout this piece, as well as sources for creativity within. The suggested readings which follow, along with the author’s note, serve as crucial tools for the educational context of this novel. “Of course most of the story is fiction. But even fiction has to come from somewhere. Many elements in the book were inspired by family stories and newspaper articles from regional papers of both 1918 and 1936” (Vanderpool, Author’s Note).

Review Excerpts:

“Alternately set between World War I and The Great Depression, the story is sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, and sometimes poignantly sad, but page after page, it is hard to put down” (Children’s Literature, 2010).

“Vanderpool weaves humor and sorrow into a complex tale involving murders, orphans, bootlegging, and a mother in hiding. With believable dialogue, vocabulary and imagery appropriate to time and place, and well-developed characters, this rich and rewarding first novel is “like sucking on a butterscotch. Smooth and sweet” (Booklist, 2010).

“The absolute necessity of story as a way to redemption and healing past wounds is at the heart of this beautiful debut, and readers will cherish every word up to the heartbreaking yet hopeful and deeply gratifying ending” (Kirkus Reviews, 2010).

Awards, Honors, Prizes:

John Newbery Medal, 2011 Winner United States

Best Children's Books of the Year, 2011 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States

Booklist Book Review Stars , Oct. 15, 2010 ; United States

Booklist Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth, 2011 ; American Library Association; United States

Kirkus Best Children's Books, 2010 ; United States

Kirkus Book Review Stars, September 15, 2010 ; United States

Notable Children's Books, 2011 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States

Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, September 27, 2010 ; United States

Related Materials:

Official site for Clare Vanderpool: http://www.clarevanderpool.com/

Online learning for children re: WW I and The Great Depression: http://www.treasurydirect.gov/kids/history/history_wwi.htm

Kansas for Kids: http://www.kidskonnect.com/subject-index/33-states/180-kansas.html

History of Frontenac, KS: http://www.frontenacks.net/history-of-frontenac.htm

Elijah of Buxton

Full Bibliographic Data for Elijah of Buxton

Author: Christopher Paul Curtis

Publisher: Scholastic Canada

Place of Publication: Toronto

Date of Publication: 2007

ISBN: 9780439936477

Summary: Elijah Buxton is a young boy in the settlement of Buxton where slaves had gone to escape the horrors of slavery; a cruelty young Elijah never had to know given the fact that he was first child to be born in the settlement. This story depicts the joys and sorrows of this culture from Elijah’s simple perspective as he learns that not all people can be trusted and embarks on a mission to bring to light the truth of a con artist within his community.

Review: Christopher Paul Curtis has written a story which gently unfolds at a child’s pace. Elijah is a simple child with loving parents and a sense of adventure. As life begins to reveal injustice to this young boy, his innocent naiveté turns out to be wisdom incognito. The choice of dialect employed by Curtis sets the stage for the small, rural, town Elijah inhabits. Without the overt use of physical descriptions, Curtis manages to bring vivid images of the characters in this story through their actions and dialogue. Elijah is cleverly labeled as “Fra-gile” by his mother who is staunch in role and delivers love firmly. The term “fra-gile” turns out to only convey a small part of who this courageous, kind-hearted, character truly is. Elijah of Buxton is a work of historical fiction which has done a fantastic job at teaching its readers about actual events of the past through a story which captivates readers and opens room for much discussion. The author's note following Elijah of Buxton offers insight to the process which led Curtis to tell this candid story and relates details of those who inspired such spirited characters.

Review Excerpts:

“Christopher Paul Curtis shines as a fine storyteller. His compassionate novel is a suitable class read aloud for junior grades and intelligently challenges such an important historical event” (Canadian Children’s Book News, 2008).

“Elijah of Buxton will quite deservedly find a place in every elementary and middle-school library.” (Resource Links, 2007).

Awards:

Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2008 ; Canadian Children's Book Centre; Starred Selection; Canada
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2008 ; National Council for Social Studies; United States

Book of the Year Award for Children, 2008 Winner Canada
Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, 2008 Winner Canada
Governor General's Literary Awards, 2007 Finalist Children's Literature (Text) Canada
IODE (National Chapter of Canada) Violet Downey Book Award, 2008 Short-List Canada
John Newbery Medal, 2008 Honor Book United States
Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award, 2008 Shortlist Young Adult/Middle Reader Canada
TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, 2008 Finalist Canada
TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, 2008 Winner Canada

California Young Reader Medal, 2010-2011 ; Nominee; Middle School; CA
Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award, 2009 ; Nominee; Manitoba
Massachusetts Children's Book Award, 2009-2010 ; Master List; MA
Red Cedar Book Awards, 2009-2010 ; Nominee; Fiction; Canada
Red Maple Award, 2009 ; Nominee; Fiction; Canada
Rocky Mountain Book Award, 2009 ; Nominee; Canada

Related Materials:

Christopher Paul Curtis by Random House: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/christopherpaulcurtis/christophercurtis.htm

Web site for the Buxton Museum: http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/history/hist-ELGIN.html

Online biography of Frederick Douglas: http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdfdoug.htm