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

R My Name is Rachel

Full Bibliographic Data: R My Name is Rachel

Author: Patricia Reilly Giff

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Place of Publication: New York

Date of Publication: 2011

ISBN: 9780375838897

Summary: R my name is Rachel reveals the life of a small family from Brooklyn during the time of The Great Depression. Readers engage in the struggles of daily life during this era as they witness adversities such as job loss and the upheaval of this family's home when they pack their things and head for rural territory. Everyday customs become sorely missed and valued as luxuries of the past. In the end hope is still present and life seems enjoyable despite the despair brought on by the failed economy. Rachel and her family pull together to make the best of their situation.

Review: Set, first, in Brooklyn and, finally, in upstate New York, R my name is Rachel is riddled with vivid details which allow the reader to feel as though they, too, are part of this resourceful family. Rachel and her siblings are highly believable in their dealings with each other and the loving Miss Mitzi is a woman any child could imagine being heir confidant. Rachel's love for words and learning is a pleasurable adage to this tale which at times can be heartbreaking. Readers will begin to understand how important the "little" things, such as shoes, electricity, and food, which are easily taken for granted, truly are. Rachel's personal struggles are not only due to the Great Depression but, also, often parallel those of the country's as the Great Depression takes its' toll. At the forefront of this family's tumultuous tale is a love story between Miss Mitzi and Pop as well as her special bond with his children. The letters between Rachel and Miss Mitzi give the readers and insight to the world the rest of the plot does not reveal. R my Name is Rachel is an enjoyable read and one I would suggest to anyone wanting to know more abot the effects of this era on a typical American family.

Review Excerpts:

“This beautifully written novel vividly depicts the hardships endured by families during the Great Depression. Young readers will come away with a better understanding of this period of our history while laughing with Rachel’s family at some of the mishaps” (Children’s Literature, 2011).

“Fleming has done a great job of introducing this important woman to young readers” (Library Media Connection, 2011).

“Written in a fluid, journalistic style and enhanced by photos, boxed-out “Sam Stories,” charts tracking changes in Americans’ spending habits, and a lavish source list, this account of the man who created what is today the world’s largest company makes compelling reading—particularly for would-be entrepreneurs” (Booklist, 2011).

Related Materials:

Patricia Reilly Giff’s Blog: http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/patriciareillygiff/

PRG’s official web site: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/patriciareillygiff/index.htm

Teaching Resources on the Great Depression: http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson147.shtml

More Resources: http://www.uscupstate.edu/academics/education/aam/lessons/allison_catto/Links/Links%20to%20The%20Great%20Depression%20Websites.htm

Hitler Youth: Growing Up In Hitler's Shadow

Full Bibliographic Data:

Hitler Youth: Growing Up In Hitler’s Shadow

Author: Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Publisher: Scholastic Nonfiction

Place of Publication: New York

Date of Publication: April, 2005

ISBN: 13: 978-0439353793

Summary: This is an in depth look at the development of the Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth). Beginning with an organization which exhilarated and captivated the youth of Germany, the movement known as Hitlerjugend grew in numbers at a seemingly exponential rate. Eventually, this growth plateaued with some members changing sides and actively resisting the efforts put forth by their original leaders. Detailed accounts are given of every facet of the appalling operation, known as Hitler Youth, through various perspectives of actual people involved. The piece begins and ends with background and current information on the persons highlighted throughout.

Review: From the first page to the last, it is evident that Campbell has not only done her homework but has made it her mission to accurately portray just how so many children could have been swayed to join such a maniacal movement. While never condoning the brutality of the war, Campbell helps her readers to understand the enticement German youth felt when Hitler came on the scene. Furthermore, Campbell introduces heroes, not usually mentioned in relation to this period, such as the teenagers who formed the White Rose organization which worked to the death to alert the public to Hitler’s lies and destruction.

This book not only informs readers in a manner that is sure to have a lasting impression, but through stark use of black and white images and candid accounts of personal loss, Campbell has succeeded in honoring the memories of all the victims of this movement – some of whom were, indeed, disguised as the antagonists.

Awards:

Carolyn W. Field Award, 2006 Winner United States
John Newbery Medal, 2006 Honor Book United States
Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, 2006 Honor United States
Parents' Choice Award, 2005 Gold Non-Fiction United States
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2006 Honor Book United States

Review Excerpts:

“Bartoletti’s carefully researched, fascinating narrative is a compelling work of non-fiction. She provides extensive documentation in a volume that not only informs but also inspires readers to ask difficult questions about choices they may face in their own lives.” (Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices, 2006).

“Case studies of actual participants root the work in specifics, and clear prose, thorough documentation and an attractive format with well-chosen archival photographs make this nonfiction writing at its best. Essential for WWII collections as well as teaching units on conformity, peer pressure and resistance. Superb” (Kirkus Reviews, 2005).

Related Materials –

Bartoletti’s Official Site: http://www.scbartoletti.com/

Holocaust Education& Archive Research Team: http://www.holocaustresearchproject.org/holoprelude/hitleryouth.html

German Propaganda Archive: http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/kbuch.htm

An essay written by an Hitler Youth official: http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/hjredner.htm

The History Place on Hitler Youth: http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/hitleryouth/index.html

Mr. Sam: How Sam Walton Built Wal-Mart and Became America's Richest Man

Full Bibliographic Data:

Title: Mr. Sam: How Sam Walton Built Wal-Mart and Became America's Richest Man

Author: Karen Blumenthal

Publisher: Penguin Books

Place of Publication: New York, NY

Date of Publication: 2011

ISBN: 978-1-101-52922-5

Summary: A simple, yet thorough, and straight-forward depiction of Sam Walton’s life from childhood through death. Blumenthal delineates the process of Walton’s success beginning with this first business venture and ending with the ongoing success of the monstrous corporation known as Wal-Mart. A peek into Sam’s personal life is also given but business is definitely at the forefront.

Review: Blumenthal has succeeded in creating a biography which engages readers and delivers the details of Sam’s business ventures in a manner which allows laymen the opportunity to grasp the process in its entirety. Photographs from Sam’s life punctuate this well told story while reoccurring charts titled Our Money serve as a point of reference for readers to understand Sam’s gains and losses in an appropriate context. Blumenthal’s style is complimentary to the life Sam lived and appreciated by her audience.

Review Excerpts:

“Making the life of a man who devoted nearly every moment of his adult life to expanding his company an interesting story could be tough, but Blumenthal succeeds in bringing Walton's driven personality and obsession with winning to life” (Kirkus Reviews, 2011).

“Written in a fluid, journalistic style and enhanced by photos, boxed-out “Sam Stories,” charts tracking changes in Americans’ spending habits, and a lavish source list, this account of the man who created what is today the world’s largest company makes compelling reading—particularly for would-be entrepreneurs” (Booklist, 2011).

*Recommended by The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Related Materials:

Wal-Mart’s About Us web page – http://walmartstores.com/AboutUs/9502.aspx

History of Retail (discount stores) – http://www.businesshistory.com/ind._retail_discount.php

Karen Blumenthal bio - http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Karen-Blumenthal/1921359/biography

Walt Whitman: Words for America

Full Bibliographic Data for:

Walt Whitman: Words for America

Author: Barbara Kerley

Illustrator: Brian Selznick

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Place of Publication: New York, NY

Date of Publication: 2004

ISBN: 0-439-35791-8

Summary: Meet Walt Whitman as an adolescent who discovers his passion for words and immerses himself wholeheartedly. Follow Walt as he grows into a man who discovers the turmoil of war and becomes just as passionate about serving the victims he encounters as he is about the language he uses to interact with them. Finally, the war ends and Abraham Lincoln is assassinated. Walt struggles, with the rest of the nation, to resume some sort of normalcy in his life and continue with this writing. Following the story are author/illustrator notes as well as excerpts and complete poems from Whitman’s collection.

Review: Barbara Kerley has written a story that serves as a history lesson disguised as a warm, enjoyable tale. Kerley manages to depict Whitman in such a concise manner despite the fact that Whitman himself was anything but. From childhood, and his initial discovery of language, to his valiant efforts during the civil war, Walt is presented as the whole person that he was – not just the writer, and this portrayal is crucial if Whitman is to be truly understood. Vivid illustrations alert readers to the depth of Whitman’s passion and clearly depict the dichotomy that was Whitman’s existence – a seemingly helpless witness of tragedy and war versus an extremely passionate artist of words, determined to change the world. The sharply realistic drawings capture the spirit of Whitman and instantly transport the beholder to early America. Walt Whitman: Words for America is a well delivered story and should be utilized at home and in the classroom.

Review Excerpts:

“Barbara Kerley quickly sums up the details of Whitman’s young life, demonstrating his love affair with language and poetry, his fascination with the common people, and his passionate appreciation for the potential of America” (CCBC, 2005).

“A cultural force rendered with power and immediacy for a new generation” (Kirkus, 2004).

Awards:

Beacon of Freedom Award, 2007 Nominee United States
California Book Awards, 2005 Silver Medal Juvenile United States
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year, 2004 Winner United States
Parents' Choice Award, 2004 Silver Non-Fiction United States
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2005 Honor United States

Related Materials:

Barbara Kerley’s official web site - http://www.barbarakerley.com/Site/Welcome.html

The Walt Whitman Archive - http://www.whitmanarchive.org/

The Civil War for kids - http://www.pocanticohills.org/civilwar/cwar.htm