Fantasy Review-THE CITY OF EMBER

1. Bibliography

DuPrau, Jeanne. 2003. The City of Ember. Maryland: Random House. ISBN 0375822739

2. Plot Summary

DuPrau tells a story of a future society that lives underground and is desperately dependent on quickly disappearing resources and a faltering electrical system. Although the reader is not sure of the catastrophe that drove mankind underground, the prologue explains that the "Builders" who created the safe haven left instructions for the people to return above ground after 220 years but the instructions were lost. This sets the scene for our protagonist, Lina Mayfleet, a young girl who lives in the city of Ember many years after the forgotten deadline has passed. As expected, the situation is dire with shortages of food and supplies, a deteriorating generator, and no hope in sight. Lina begins to piece together clues that lead her to the conclusion that there must be a way out of Ember. Along with her friend, Doon, Lina works against time to unravel the mystery in order to save the people of Ember and in the process, uncovers government corruption. Doon, Lina, and her baby sister Poppy find the way out and escape into a world of light. As they explore a cave, they look down a deep hole to see the distant lights of Ember beneath them. Doon writes a letter to his father with the instructions for leaving the city, ties it to a rock, and drops it down the hole in the hopes that the people of Ember will receive it and escape the city also. The story concludes with one of Lina's neighbors finding the letter and setting the way for the next book in the series.

3. Critical Analysis

Young people will be attracted to the strong character of the young protagonists in this book. Although they are young, Doon and Lina alone have the determination, bravery, and curiosity to acknowledge the impending danger and search for answers. The adults in the story range from corrupt government officials, to citizens who refuse to accept the situation, to adults who practice a "religion" that believes that the "Builders" are going to come and save the city. Whether they are kind or cruel, the underlying message is that they are powerless. That theme is evidenced further by the fact that Lina's parents are dead and her grandmother, their only caretaker, has grown feeble of mind and dies in the course of the story, leaving Lina and her sister to a kind neighbor. Lina portrays the struggle of a child with too many adult responsibilities. The children also win the morality test as Lina feels guilty and overcomes her selfish desires when she loses her sister while on a errand to find colored pencils for herself. In striking contrast, the mayor of the city, greedily and maliciously uses his power to create a personal stockpile of food and supplies for himself while others go hungry. The characters in the story are very believable and the dialogue is natural. Although the reader is in the dark about the specific disaster that led to the creation of Ember, the story of its origins are told via a diary page from one of the first settlers of Ember. The details are very well thought out and the pretense is believable. The description of this deteriorating city flooded in artificial light is very vivid and the reader can really get a feel for its citizens with their fear of black-outs and their society structure. The underlying theme is that you must be brave and search for answers instead of accepting the status quo. There is also a powerful metaphor of escaping small-minded human nature and corruption for a brand new world. This is brilliantly described as Lina and Doon watch their first sunrise after escaping from underground. Duprau captures the wonder of two children who have never seen the light of day. When Doon throws the message back to the imprisoned people of Ember, it is the perfect ending full of hope for a new day.

4. Review Excerpts

Kirkus Reviews "Well-paced, this contains a satisfying mystery, a breathtaking escape over rooftops in darkness, a harrowing journey into the unknown and cryptic messages for readers to decipher."

School Library Journal "DuPrau debuts with a promisingly competent variation on the tried-and-true "isolated city" theme... the quick pace and the uncomplicated characters and situations will keep voracious fans of the genre engaged."

Booklist "Readers will relate to Lina and Doon's resourcefulness and courage in the face of ominous odds."

Publisher's Weekly "Thanks to full-blooded characters every bit as compelling as the plot, Lina and Doon's search parallels the universal adolescent quest for answers. Readers will sit on the edge of their seats as each new truth comes to light. "

5. Connections

The Books of Ember

The Prophet of Yonwood-Prequel-ISBN 0440421241

The City of Ember

The People of Sparks ISBN 0375828257

The Diamond of Darkhold: the Fourth Book of Ember ISBN 0375855718

Historical Fiction Review-ELIJAH OF BUXTON

1. Bibliography
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439023459.

2. Plot Summary
Elijah is the first free black child born in Buxton Settlement in Canada West. His parents and other folks are always on Elijah about being "fra-gile", which in his case means he scares easy, is prone to tears, and is a bit gullible. Curtis paints a vivid picture of life in the settlement and develops Elijah's character along with his family and the inhabitants of Buxton before unraveling the pivotal events in the book. After working hard for many years, a friend of Elijah's, Mr. Leroy, finally has enough money to buy his family out of slavery in America. In his haste, he trusts the wrong man to arrange his family's departure and ends up losing all of his money. After Mr. Leroy dies of a heart attack, Elijah tries to keep his promise of finding his money but instead finds himself face to face with recaptured slaves. In the hopelessness of their existence, Elijah tries to find the courage within himself to make a difference by smuggling their baby back to Buxton and to the freedom the slaves will never know.

3. Critical Analysis
This is a surprisingly profound book on the plight of slaves and newly freed slaves during this time period. It is surprising because the author very wisely eases the reader into heavier subject matter by spending a large part of the book developing characters and using humor and realistic dialog to paint a picture of life in the settlement of Buxton. By the time the action takes place, the reader is already connected to our endearing protagonist, Elijah, who, despite all his good intentions, is often misguided and is blissfully removed from the horrors of slavery. The reader is also familiar enough with the Preacher to be wary and familiar enough with Mr. Leroy to be outraged at the injustice done him. Curtis provides an Author's Note that reflects how much research he put into this story and outlines so many facts that he weaved into this fictitious tale. This novel certainly does not sugar coat the reality of slavery. In fact, the reader may feel that the story stopped short. After all, Mr. Leroy dies, nobody recovers his money and his family remains in slavery, and Elijah cannot save the recaptured slaves. But central to this story is hope and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of tragedy and hopelessness. The most moving dialog in the book is when Elijah has taken the recaptured slaves' baby and is starting to return to Buxton when he overhears the mother and father talking to one another, still in chains and facing the option of returning to slavery or killing themselves with Elijah's gun. They argue affectionately about who will keep the gun and who can make better use of it and then the mother teases:
"'Sides, Mr. Kamua...if you's the mighty African king you's always claiming you is, and you wants this here pistol so bad, why don't you come on over here and take it from me?"
The father replies with a laugh, "I love you, Chloe."
"She said , "Aww, hesh, Kamua, I love you, too."
The humanity and humor in the face of such tragic options and the comfort the slave parents take in knowing their baby has a future is a haunting and moving testament to the courage of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

4. Review Excerpts

Booklist starred review-"Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at other moments, moved to tears. A fine, original novel from a gifted storyteller."

School Library Journal-"Elijah's decisions along the way are not easy ones, but ultimately lead to a satisfying conclusion. Curtis's talent for dealing with painful periods of history with grace and sensitivity is as strong as ever."

Publisher's Weekly-"The powerful ending is violent and unsettling, yet also manages to be uplifting. "

Newberry Medal Winner

5. Connections
*Could accompany any discussion on slavery
* Could spark a discussion on courage to do the right thing in the face of danger
Other books by Christopher Paul Curtis:
Bud, Not Buddy ISBN 0385323069
Bucking the Sarge ISBN 0440413311
The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963 ISBN 044022800X

Historical Fiction Review-THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE

1. Bibliography
Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife's Apprentice. New York: Harper Trophy. ISBN 006440630X.

2. Plot Summary
The beginning of this story finds a little orphan girl with no name and no home sleeping in a dung heap to keep warm. After the village midwife finds her and allows her the floor to sleep on and a little food in return for her labor, Beetle, as the midwife has named her, begins to find security if not affection in her place as the midwife's apprentice. She begins to learn the midwife's skills, to stand up to village bullies, and even gives herself a name: Alyce. All of her new found self-esteem is deflated, however, when she tries to deliver a baby and fails. In shame, Alyce runs away to a nearby village and works as an inn girl. While she is there, she is befriended by a wise scholar who teaches her to read and asks an interesting question of a "worthless orphan": "And what, inn girl, do you want?" Alyce's thoughtful answer is, "A full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world." One day unexpected visitors at he end put Alyce in the position of having to deliver a baby all by herself. After the success of this task, Alyce finally knows her place in the world and returns to the village and the midwife who is harsh but fair and will teach her the skills she needs to become a midwife.

3. Critical Analysis
This is a story with complex characters that are easy to identify and sympathize with. Alyce's heartbreaking existence where"snug cottages and warm bread and mothers who hugged their babes were beyond her imagining," helps the reader understand her low self-worth and the thought processes behind her actions. The midwife is an intelligent depiction of the dichotomy of human faults and strengths. Although she is harsh and cruel to the child and jealous of her emerging skills, she also sees the value in her and ultimately helps Alyce to know her purpose in life. The plot of the story realistically depicts the lot of an orphan in medieval England and the role of midwives in village life. Cushman describes in detail the superstition that accompanied medicine in general and birthing babies specifically. Cushman includes an Author's Note that further describes the role of midwives during this period of history and how that profession has evolved to accompany the medical field. The description of the village, the brief but thorough portrayals of the village inhabitants, and the dialog of the characters all lend authenticity and richness to the setting. An easily identifiable theme in this book is that of finding your self-worth and purpose in this world. We watch Alyce evolve from a powerless child with no name to one who has special skills, who stands up for herself and even finds the courage to stand up for others, and who is finally sure of her worth and where she belongs. I think that her kindness to the cat, to the village boy she saves from drowning, and to the little orphan boy are very important elements to the story. Not only does it help to show her progression from a child that can't even help herself to one that can not only help herself but help others, but it also has a universal truth to say about planting seeds of kindness that come back to favor you and stresses the fact that even a little orphan girl with nothing has the power to choose to be kind. I think this is a beautiful transformation story that is easy to identify with and is rooted in an interesting and well depicted time period.

4. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal-"Earthy humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children's literature."

Booklist-"This is a world, like Chaucer's, that's neither sweet nor fair ; it's rough, dangerous, primitive, and raucous. Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone."

1996 Newberry Award Winner
A 1996 Notable Children's Book (ALA)
A 1996 Best Book for Young Adults (ALA)
New York Public Libary 1995 List of Recommended Books
Booklist "Books for Editors' Choice"
School Libary Journal Best Books of the Year, 1995

5. Connections
*Could accompany a history lesson on the medieval time period
*Could spark further discussion on the roles of midwives throughout history and the superstitions and traditions that accompanied their line of work
*Could spark further discussion of orphans and their plight throughout history
Other historical fiction by Karen Cushman:
Matilda Bone 0440418224
Catherine, Called Birdy 0064405842
The Loud Silence of Francine Green 0375841172
Rodzina 044041993X
The Ballad of Lucy Whipple 0064406849

Historical Fiction Review-NUMBER THE STARS

1. Bibliography

Lowry, Lois. 1989. Number the Stars. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc. ISBN 0613723198.

2. Plot Summary

Number the Stars tells the story of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen living in Nazi occupied Copenhagen in 1943. It unravels the progression of food shortages and harassment by Nazi soldiers to the mysterious "relocation" of Denmark's Jews. As the danger increases, it becomes apparent to Annemarie that sinister things are happening in her beloved homeland and, surprisingly there are many resistors willing to risk their lives for their Jewish neighbors, including her own parents! With this knowledge, Annemarie is thrust into a dangerous mission to save her best friend's life as well as many others by helping to smuggle them across the sea to neutral Sweden. A beautiful story of bravery, loyalty, and a commitment to human decency, the Afterword of this book summarizes the unique and remarkable actions of the people of Denmark during the Nazi occupation that led to almost the entire Jewish population escaping to Sweden and out of Hitler's clutches.

3. Critical Analysis

This book is very easy to read, written in simple language and not getting lost in too many details. The story, told from a child's perspective, brings an extremely relevant and personal aspect to the horrific events of the Holocaust. It begs the question, "What if my best friend had been Jewish?" as was the case in countless situations. It really brings to light the fact that the Jewish people of these occupied countries were active citizens that were deeply entrenched and tied to the non-Jewish citizens. It is a fact that is sometimes easy to forget when studying the detachment and segregation of the Jewish people during this time period, and in doing so underestimate the fear and pain of severed ties felt by all. Lois Lowry has told a very important story that played a part in this horrific time period. Perhaps it was a small part and not as big as some of the other events that took place during the Nazi occupation, but that makes it all the more reason for it to come to light. In a time of unthinkable injustice, brutal mistreatment, and unbearable sadness, a light in the dark came from the people of Denmark, who succeeded in protecting their Jewish friends and neighbors, but more importantly, had the courage to stand for goodness and righteousness. The Afterword summarizes the actual events in history and gives readers an overview of Denmark and it's role during World War II.

4. Review Excerpts

School Library Journal-"Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery. "

Starred review-"A story of Denmark and the Danish people, whose Resistance was so effective in saving their Jews."

Kirkus Reviews-"A deftly told story that dramatizes how Danes appointed themselves bodyguards--not only for their king, who was in the habit of riding alone in Copenhagen, but for their Jews."

5. Connections

*This book could be used in conjunction with any unit on World War II and the Holocaust.

*Should spark a thoughtful conversation about discrimination, hate, and the choices we have to make in order to do the right thing in difficult circumstances.

*Could be enriched with further research of Denmark and its people.

Other books by Lois Lowry:

The Silent Boy ISBN 0440419808

Autumn Street ISBN 0440403448

Anastasia Krupnik ISBN 0440408520

Gossamer ISBN 0385734166

Messenger ISBN 0385737165

The Giver ISBN 0440237688

Gathering Blue ISBN 0385732562

The Willoughbys ISBN 0618979743

Nonfiction Review-HITLER YOUTH

1. Bibliography

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. 2005. Hitler Youth: Growing Up In Hitler's Shadow. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0439353793

2. Plot Summary

Susan Campbell Bartoletti has revisited one of the darkest times in history when, under the control of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, millions of Jewish people and "undesirables" were persecuted and executed. Told through the stories of the young people that were brought up in Germany at the time, Bartoletti brings this period of history alive from the perspective of former Hitler Youth, persecuted Jewish youth, and young people who bravely resisted the powerful Nazi movement. The book begins in 1932 when Hitler was just becoming powerful as the leader of the rising National Socialist Party and follows historical events through 1945 with the Allied victory of World War II and the suicide of Adolf Hitler. The last chapter summarizes the aftermath of the Third Reich such as the Nuremburg Trials and the state of Germany to the present. Bartoletti leaves young readers with a warning and a challenge: "What are you willing to do to prevent such a shadow from falling over you and others?" There is a brief epilogue that explains "what became of the young people in this book", as well as a timeline of events for the Hitler Youth. Bartoletti also provides an "Author's Note" that explains how her interest in this subject came about as well as a note about the origin of the abundant photographs in the book.

3. Critical Analysis

Bartoletti has taken an extemely profound time in World History and told it in a brand new way: from the perspective of the children who were indoctrinated, betrayed, persecuted, and manipulated by Hitler and the Nazi movement. Not only that, but she has written it in such a clear and simplistically powerful way, that young readers and adults alike will learn and be moved by this account. The stories of the young people that Bartoletti follows helps to personalize the events. Despite the amazing details and amount of information the book contains, the text is never overwhelming. Instead, it is divided into ten chronological chapters that are well organized and accompanied by an abundance of unbelievably powerful black and white photographs. The photographs cover everything from life in Germany, to front lines of battle, to concentration camps and complement the text perfectly. The amount of painstaking research Bartoletti conducted to make this book is evident. She has made an extremely important book that speaks to all mankind, but most importantly, to the next generation of young people-the ones who will decide what direction our future takes and whether or not we are destined to repeat history.

4. Review Excerpts

School Library Journal-Starred Review-"With a focus on the years between 1933 and the end of the war in 1945, Bartoletti explains the roles that millions of boys and girls unwittingly played in the horrors of the Third Reich...Bartoletti lets many of the subjects' words, emotions, and deeds speak for themselves, bringing them together clearly to tell this story unlike anyone else has."

Booklist-Starred Review-"Bartoletti draws on oral histories, diaries, letters, and her own extensive interviews with Holocaust survivors, Hitler Youth, resisters, and bystanders to tell the history from the viewpoints of people who were there."

The Horn Book-Starred Review-"The power of the account...matched by the many period...photographs, well-married to the text by strong captions and placement…"

5. Connections

*This book would complement any World History curriculum on World War II

*Could be used as part of a multicultural unit

*Could be used to introduce or in conjunction with a novel unit dealing with the Holocaust (ex. The Diary of Anne Frank, Number the Stars)

Other books on the Hitler Youth:

Kater, Micheal H. Hitler Youth. ISBN 0674019911

Koch, H.W. Hitler Youth: Origins and Development 1922-1945. ISBN 0815410840

Heck, Alfons. A Child of Hitler: Germany in the Days When God Wore a Swastika. ISBN 0939650444

Rempel, Gerhard. The Hitler Youth and the SS. ISBN 0807842990

Metalmann, Henry. A Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Germany in the 1930's. ISBN 1862272522

Dvorson, Alexa. The Hitler Youth: Marching Towards Madness (Teen Witnesses to the Holocaust) ISBN 1562544624

Other nonfiction books by Susan Campbell Bartoletti:

The Boy Who Dared ISBN 0439680131

Growing up in Coal Country ISBN 0395979145

Black Potatoes: The Story of the Great Irish Famine 1845-1850 ISBN 0618548831

Kids on Strike! ISBN 0618369236

Nonfiction Review-Destination Jupiter

1. Bibliography
Simon, Seymour. 1998. Destination: Jupiter. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0613336917

2. Plot Summary
Seymour Simon provides a wealth of factual information for readers who are interested in learning about "the largest planet in the Solar System": Jupiter. Every aspect of the planet is covered from how to recognize it ("It is the fourth-brightest object in the sky..." and "looks like a bright star") to what Jupiter's clouds are made of (mostly hydrogen and helium). Simon documents the history of attempted human contact with the planet through Hubble Space Telescope, the Voyager, and the Galileo. Young readers will enjoy the colorful way that facts are presented ("If Jupiter were hollow, more than thirteen hundred planet Earths could fit inside it.")

3. Critical Analysis
Even though there is a lot of information in this book, the text is broken up into sections so as to not overwhelm. There are breathtaking photographs on every double page spread that are not only fascinating and beautiful but essential in presenting what is being described in the text. Entertaining trivia help to further explain concepts (for example, in explaining Jupiter's atmospheric pressure-"If you weigh 100 pounds on Earth, you would weigh 264 pounds on Jupiter"). This book is great for young readers who already love outer space as well as those who would like to learn more about it.

4. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal-"Expertly balancing the verbal and visual presentation, Simon again demonstrates his ability to inform and entertain simultaneously."
Kirkus Reviews-"Spectacular full-color photographs. Fascinating...not to be missed."

5. Connections

*This book would complement any science curriculum concerning the solar system.

Other books on Jupiter for young readers:

Landau, Elaine. Jupiter (True Books) ISBN 0531147894

Taylor-Butler, Christine. Jupiter (Scholastic News Nonfiction Readers) ISBN 0531147614

Loewen, James. The Largest Planet: Jupiter (Amazing Science: Planets) ISBN 1404839615

Kerrod, Robin. Jupiter (Planet Library) ISBN 0822539071

Seymour Simon has an extensive body of work on every aspect of outer space. He also has written books on the following subjects (to name a few):

Weather ISBN 0060884398

Bones: Our Skeletal System ISBN 0688177212

Animals Nobody Loves ISBN 1587171554

Seymour Simon's Book of Trains ISBN 0064462234

Oceans ISBN 0060889993

Pyramids and Mummies ISBN 1587172410

Now You See It, Now You Don't: The Amazing World of Optical Illusions ISBN 0688161529

Nonfiction Review-THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET

1. Bibliography
Krull, Kathleen. 2004. The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Suess. Ill. by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. New York: Random House. ISBN 0375822984

2. Plot Summary
With the opening line, "Once upon a time, there lived a boy who feasted on books and was wild about animals," Kathleen Krull begins a journey with readers through the childhood of Ted Geisel, the boy who would one day grow up to be the legendary Dr. Suess, beloved children's writer and illustrator. The book includes details that most likely influenced him and fed his imagination and love of books, such as his father's career as the superintendent of the zoo or the fact that his mother read to him every night. The account details Ted's neighborhood, his friends, the trouble he got into at school and also lesser known facts such as the discrimination that Ted and his family endured during World War I because of their German ethnicity. This book follows Ted Geisel all the way through his school years, college education, and the beginning of his struggling career as a writer and cartoonist. Kathleen Krull concludes her story of "Dr. Suess's" humble beginnings with Ted moving to New York to pursue his budding career selling drawings to magazines and newspapers and, at twenty-two years old, looking forward to an exciting future.

2. Critical Analysis

Kathleen Krull writes an interesting and informative book in a clear way so that young readers may understand and enjoy learning about one of the most profound and beloved children's book author and illustrator of our time. Young readers will be captivated by reading Ted Geisel's story through the eyes of his childhood and will love the endearing flaws that Krull relates such as the fact that Ted struggled in school, had a problem with exaggerating the truth, and was voted "Least Likely to Succeed" by his classmates at Dartmouth. Krull includes an epilogue entitled "On Beyond Fairfield Street" that begins where the story leaves off and describes Ted Geisel's long career as Dr. Suess. There is also a list of "Great Works Written and Illustrated by Dr. Suess" written in a timeline format and a few suggested titles for further reading.

The beautiful paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher complement the story and have the same type of simplistic appeal that the text has. Every double page spread has a page of text and an opposing page with a painting. In this way, the illustrations really depict and help to describe the action in the story. It also creates the perfect amount of text so as to not overwhelm young readers. In the white space surrounding the text, a cast of Dr. Suess's famous characters and doodles dance and tumble across the pages as if accompanying the reader.

4. Review Excerpts

Booklist-" Krull's pithy text is extended by full-page paintings that glow with the memory of yesteryear and capture the mix of humor and poignancy that comes with trying to fit in. Spot art from Geisel's own books enlivens the text pages. "

5. Connections

*This book could be used in a research project for students to learn more about their favorite authors

*Could be used to introduce a book by Dr. Suess

Anther book about the life of Ted Geisel aka Dr. Suess:

Kudlinski, Kathleen. Dr. Suess: Young Author and Artist. ISBN 0689873476

Other biographies by Kathleen Krull:

Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought). ISBN 0152008071

Leonardo Da Vinci: Giants of Science #1. ISBN 067005920X

Houdini: World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King. ISBN 080279646X

The Road to OZ: Twists, Turns, Bumps and Triumphs in the Life of L. Frank Baum. ISBN 0375832165