Amelia Lost by Candace Fleming

Fleming, Candace. 2011. Amelia lost: the life and disappearance of Amelia Earhart. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 0375841989

Summary:
The biography details Amelia Earhart's life and career from her childhood to her disappearance on July 2, 1937. The chapters are interspersed with an account of the disappearance and subsequent search for her lost plane. Photographs, letters, and other documents correspond to the narrative, and related sidebars appear frequently.

Analysis:
The author explains in the introduction that Earhart's reputation was the result of exaggeration and embellishment, but the biography strives to look past the folklore and tall tales to the unearth the true story of the woman.  A table of contents and index help organize the story, and the background of the sections on the disappearance and search are gray to distinguish them from the sequential chapters on Earhart's life.  The primary source documents that are reprinted in the appropriate place in the chronology lend visual interest, and the sidebars offer supplementary information.  The text is supported by an extensive bibliography and list of websites that provide resources for additional exploration.  Fleming's expertise as a biographer shines in the text which is informative and engrossing, artfully depicting a life that needs no embellishment.

Reviews & Awards:2012 Orbis Pictus Honor

2012 Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction

Kirkus Reviews, starred review:  "Handwritten notes, photos, maps and inquisitive sidebars . . . complete this impeccably researched, appealing package. A stunning look at an equally stunning lady."

The Horn Book Magazine, starred review:  "The book’s structure and scope, along with the story’s inherent drama, provide a taut, cinematic backdrop for the history of Earhart’s doomed flight."

School Library Journal, starred review: "What could be a dry recitation of facts and dates is instead a gripping and suspenseful thriller..."

Connections:

• Use in Women's History Month display with biographies of other important historic women.
• Highlight as a book club selection to encourage middle grade readers (especially girls) to explore informational texts.
• Visit the websites suggested in the "Finding Amelia on the Web" section.
• Other biographies by Candace Fleming:

Fleming, Candace. 2009. The great and only Barnum: the tremendous, stupendous life of showman P.T. Barnum. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 0375945970
Fleming, Candace. 2005. Our Eleanor: a scrapbook look at Eleanor Roosevelt's remarkable life. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689865449
Fleming, Candace. 2008. The Lincolns: a scrapbook look at Abraham and Mary. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 0375936181
Fleming, Candace. 2003. Ben Franklin's almanac: being a true account of the good gentleman's life. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689835493

We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson

Nelson, Kadir. 2008. We are the ship: the story of Negro League baseball. New York: Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786808322

Summary:
In this social history, Kadir Nelson traces the history of African-American baseball players from the 19th century to the formation of Negro Leagues in 1920 to the breaking of the color barrier in major league baseball in 1947.  Written from a first person player/narrator perspective, the story highlights important managers and players, the unique playing style of the leagues, and the discrimination and hardships that were a part of segregated baseball.  The narrative is illustrated with Nelson's life-like paintings and peppered with quotes from Negro League players, managers, and owners.

Analysis:
The text is accompanied by a foreward from baseball legend Hank Aaron, endnote citations and bibliography/filmography of sources Nelson consulted, and an author's note detailing Nelson's inspiration and research process.  An index provides access points to players, teams, and illustrations throughout the book.  The book is organized into nine "inning" chapters plus a tenth "extra inning" that recounts the fate of the Negro Leagues after Jackie Robinson and other black players were allowed into the major leagues.  The full page paintings in Nelson's characteristic style are a rich, stately accompaniment to the text, placing the reader into the action, evoking the emotion and spectacle of the national pastime.  The narrative is heavily embellished with anecdotes that convey the history in a personal and conversational way.

Reviews & Awards:
2009 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal
2009 Coretta Scott King Award, author
2009 Coretta Scott King Honor, illustrator
Booklist, starred review:  "The stories and artwork are a tribute to the spirit of the Negro Leaguers, who were much more than also-rans and deserve a more prominent place on baseball’s history shelves."
School Library Journal, starred review: "A lost piece of American history comes to life in Kadir Nelson's elegant and eloquent history of the Negro Leagues and its gifted baseball players."

Connections:

• Incorporate into seasonal displays or programming for Black History Month (February) or Jackie Robinson Day (April 15).
• Connect with related scenes/interviews of Ken Burns's documentary Baseball which features players from the Negro Leagues.
• Encourage readers to further explore Negro League players through biographies or websites.
• Explore Kadir Nelson's artwork on his website www.kadirnelson.com
• Other informational books written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Nelson, Kadir, and Martha Rago. 2011. Heart and soul: the story of America and African Americans. New York: Balzer + Bray. ISBN 0061730742

Nelson Mandela biography to be released in 2013

• Informational books illustrated by Nelson:

Weatherford, Carole Boston. 2006. Moses: when Harriet Tubman led her people to freedom. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786851759

De la Peña, Matt. 2011. A nation's hope : the story of boxing legend Joe Louis. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803731671

Jordan, Roslyn and Deloris Jordan. 2000. Salt in his shoes: Michael Jordan in pursuit of a dream. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689833717

Time to Eat by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Jenkins, Steve, and Robin Page. 2011. Time to eat. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 0547250320

Summary: 
Using torn paper collage illustrations, Jenkins and Page depict a variety of species of animals and provide facts about the unusual eating habits of each.  A brief introduction connects the readers to the subject matter by asking about favorite foods and comparing potential answers to the unappetizing diets that are featured in later pages.  Each animal description and illustration has a headline or  caption that employs humor or surprise to catch the readers' attention.  The illustrations are colorful and realistic and support the unexpected, informative, and sometimes grisly details of the ways animals seek, store, consume, and digest food.  At the end of the book, the authors have provided additional information about the habitat and lifestyle of each animal.

Analysis:
Jenkins is a prolific author of informational books on animals.  His website (http://www.stevejenkinsbooks.com/) provides background on his interest in animals and science and also provides a glimpse into the process he uses to research his books and create the illustrations.  The information provided in the end notes is full of specifics and facts that will enhance the reading.  Although the book covers a wide range of species, animals that share two-page spreads in the book are connected either by a similarity in their feeding habits or because they represent two extremes.  The common wood tick, which can wait years between meals, is contrasted with the northern short-tailed shrew which must eat every few hours or die.  Each page is simply adorned with the animal illustration with no background or clutter to distract, and white space is used to good effect.  The text is brief and simple letting the facts provide the punch.   The illustrations are sure to catch the eye of scanners or browsers and each spread is self-contained enough to stand alone, although the books as a whole will provide a more cohesive experience.

Awards & Reviews:
2011 Eureka!  Nonfiction Children's Book Award
2012 Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best
Booklist, starred review:  "Another standout science title from the husband-and-wife team."
Publisher's Weekly review:  characteristically naturalistic yet artful collages"
School Library Journal:  "With phenomenal illustrations and facts both revolting and fascinating, this title is sure to please."

Connections:

• Use as a read aloud with young elementary students in animal behavior unit.
• Have children write and illustrate an animal fact.  Assemble into a book for the classroom library.
• Encourage students to explore the author's website and view the "making books" section for insight into the research and creation of Jenkins's work.
• Other animal books by Jenkins & Page:

Jenkins, Steve, and Robin Page. 2011. Time for a bath. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 0547250371

Jenkins, Steve, and Robin Page. 2011. Time to sleep. Boston: Houghton Mifflin books for Children. ISBN 0547250401

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

My second-ever attempt at book trailer creation . . .

Figuring out how to have the book audio clip and the music playing at the same time is the greatest achievement of my life.

We Are America by Walter Dean Myers

Myers, Walter Dean. 2011. We are America: a tribute from the heart. Ill. by Christopher Myers. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children's Books. ISBN 060523085

Summary:

In free verse enhanced by quotations from American history and mural-style illustrations, Myers creates a portrait of America from its native people to the children of the future with allusion to so many events, people, and ideas that have shaped the nation.  

Analysis:
Myers manages in a few lines to chronicle several hundred years of history while capturing the spirit of freedom and striving that have always defined success in America.  The poem’s words, though powerful and vivid on their own, are difficult to separate from Christopher Myers’s artwork.  Historical figures and iconic images from history appear alongside young, colorful, hopeful faces of Americans in harmony with the poem.  The imagery of the poem is strong, using metaphor and other poetic device to convey powerful emotion.

Awards & Reviews:

NCTE Notable Poetry List 2012

CYBILS Award Finalist 2011

Kirkus Reviews:  "The poetry and the paintings will be an excellent jumping-off point for discussions."

From Publisher's Weekly:  " . . . few will be unmoved by this stirring and provocative collaboration."

Connections:

• Share the author notes from the book and show students the video (below and at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDQXjG0hjLQ) of the poet and illustrator discussing the inspiration for the poems.
• Explore the companion website Who Is America? (http://www.who-is-america.com/) and encourage students to create video responses for the site.
• Use the historical events alluded to in the poem or depicted in the illustrations as well as the quotations to introduce history lessons/discussions.  
• More poetry/art by Walter Dean Myers & Christopher Myers:

Myers, Walter Dean. 1997. Harlem: a poem. Ill. by Christopher Myers. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590543407

Myers, Walter Dean. 2006. Jazz. Ill. by Christopher Myers. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823415457

• America-inspired poetry:

Borden, Louise. 2002. America is--. Ill. by Stacey Schuett. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN 0689839006

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. 2000. My America: a poetry atlas of the United States. Ill. by Stephen Alcorn. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689812477

Panzer, Nora. 1994. Celebrate America: in poetry and art. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 1562826646

What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones

Sones, Sonya. 2001. What my mother doesn't know. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689841140

Summary:
Written in free verse, the novel is narrated by fourteen-year-old Sophie who is navigating life, love, and high school with varying degrees of success.  In short titled poems, readers learn about Sophie’s fighting parents, best friends, and the birth and slow demise of her relationship with Dylan.  A mystery encounter with a masked man at the Halloween dance fill her with questions and longing, and when his identity is eventually revealed, Sophie must make some mature decisions about her life, identity, and popularity.

Analysis:
Sophie’s voice is authentic and emotional, conveying the confusion, passion, and angst of adolescence without shying away from sensitive topics.  The lines of most of the poems are short but full of imagery and description.  Repetition is used for emphasis in several poems, most notably and effectively in a poem describing the after-effects of a fight with her mother entitled “I Hate Her” in which she details a list of things she hates about her mother most of which have nothing to do with their fight. The concise but descriptive language manages to convey both the action of the narrative and the full range of emotions in a unique way which will connect with teen readers while also resonating with adults who can still remember the elation and tragedy of growing up.

Awards & Reviews:

ALA Best Book for Young Adults (2002) ALA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2002) International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice (2003) Winner of the Iowa Teen Book Award (2005–2006)

Starred review, Publisher's Weekly:  "With its separate free verse poems woven into a fluid and coherent narrative with a satisfying ending, Sophie's honest and earthy story feels destined to captivate a young female audience, avid and reluctant readers alike."

Starred review & Editor's Choice, Booklist:  "The poetry is never pretentious or difficult; on the contrary, the very short, sometimes rhythmic lines make each page fly."

Starred review, Kirkus Reviews:  "A verse experience that will leave readers sighing with recognition and satisfaction."

Connections:

• Incorporate into a Banned Books Week display, discussion, or Read-Out.  
• Introduce to young writers' group to encourage journaling and authentic voice
• Make connections to the art in the book including Renoit and the Museum of Bad Art (museumofbadart.org)
• Connect readers of the book with the author's website (sonyasones.com) for background information, writing advice, and blog.
• Other novels in verse for young adults:

Herrera, Juan Felipe. 1999. CrashBoomLove: a novel in verse. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press. ISBN 0826321135

Sones, Sonya. 2004. One of those hideous books where the mother dies. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689858205

Sones, Sonya. 1999. Stop pretending: what happened when my big sister went crazy. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0060283874

Sones, Sonya. 2007. What my girlfriend doesn't know. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689876025

Tregay, Sarah. 2012. Love & leftovers: a novel in verse. New York, NY: Katherine Tegen Books. ISBN 0062023586

Autumnblings by Douglas Florian

Florian, Douglas. 2003. Autumnblings: poems & paintings. New York: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0060092785

Summary:  
In this topical collection of poems, Florian explores the sights and sounds of the changing of the season from summer to autumn to the encroachment of winter.  Accompanied by watercolor illustrations by the poet, the twenty-nine poems tumble through the distinctive ideas and images of fall:  apples, pumpkins, leaves, holidays, etc.  

Analysis:
The rhymes, repetitions, and rhythms of the poems are simple and appealing.  Florian uses form and shape of the words and lines themselves as well as the illustrations to visualize the meanings of the poems.  The word play that features in so many of the poems adds whimsy and playfulness.  The poet creates puns and invents new words like autumn-atically, fallicopters, owlphabet, and hi-bear-nate to capture those things that are so unique to this season.  Although the topics, rhymes, and poetic devices vary from poem to poem, the collection is drawn together by the overall theme as well as style, artwork, and a sense of fun.

Awards & Reviews:
From School Library Journal:  "A natural for use in classrooms and library programs, and accessible to newly independent readers, these poems will delight youngsters."

A Booklist review:  "Florian presents a winsome series of poems about fall, with the punning theme of the title carried throughout."

Connections:

• Use selections in storytimes for younger children with an autumnal theme.
• Have older students visit Florian's website www.douglasflorian.com or his poetry blog www.floriancafe.blogspot.com to learn more about the author and see more of his artwork.
• Introduce lessons about science and seasons with selected poems.
• Encourage children to write and illustrate their own seasonal poetry.
• Other topical poetry collections/anthologies about seasons:

Florian, Douglas. 2006. Handsprings: poems & paintings. New York: Greenwillow Books.  ISBN 0060092807

Florian, Douglas. 2002. Summersaults: poems & paintings. New York: Greenwillow Books.ISBN 0060292679

Florian, Douglas. 1999. Winter eyes: poems & paintings. New York: Greenwillow Books.  ISBN 0688164587

Rogasky, Barbara. 2001. Leaf by leaf: autumn poems. Ill. by Marc Tauss. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590253476

Sidman, Joyce. 2009. Red sings from treetops: a year in colors. Ill. by Pamela Zagarenski. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 0547014945

Yolen, Jane. 1986. Ring of earth: a child's book of seasons. Ill. by John Wallner. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. ISBN 0152671404

Zolotow, Charlotte. 2002. Seasons: a book of poems. Ill. by Erik Blegvad. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0060266988