Ship Breaker

Author: Paolo Bacigalupi

Publisher: Little, Brown Books         

Year: 2010

ISBN: 9780316056212

In this post-apocalyptic adventure the main character, Nailer, is a light crew worker stripping copper wire from the inside of stranded old, oil tankers. His days are filled with back breaking work, lack of food, and the almost impossible task of evading his abusive father. In this violent world where most people will do anything for money and “family” are those that watch your back, Nailer is just trying to survive. When a super storm leaves a “swank” ship wrecked upon the beach a lone survivor will live or die depending on the choices Nailer makes. Will he let his friend Pima slit the girl’s throat so they can claim salvage or will he help the beautiful, rich, girl find her people and perhaps change Nailer’s fortunes forever? Complex characters with multilayered personalities, untenable choices, and futuristic dog men make Bacigalupi’s gritty look into the future of Earth a compelling read that you won’t put down until the very end. 

Awards/Reviews:

Exciting and sometimes violent, this book will appeal to older fans of Scott Westerfeld's "Uglies" series (S & S) and similar action-oriented science fiction. School Library Journal

Starred Review: Vivid, brutal, and thematically rich, this captivating title is sure to win teen fans for the award-winning Bacigalupi. Booklist

Connections:

Encourage students to use descriptions of the characters in the story to become “sketch artists”. Have them create impressions of characters who have distinctive physical descriptions (scars, tattoos, piercings, clothing, hair, facial features, etc.: Nailer, Richard Lopez, Pima, Moon Girl, Nita, Tool and the half-men, Lucky Strike, etc.

Sadna opens the last chapter of the book by reminding Nailer that “killing always costs.” Elaborate on this quote for characters such as Nailer, Sloth, Richard Lopez, Sadna, Lucky Strike, and Tool. 

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Author: Grace Lin

Publisher: Little and Brown

Year: 2009

ISBN: 9780316114271

Plot Summary:

A young girl named Minli, lives with her parents at the foot of Fruitless Mountain near the Jade River. Desperately poor and barely able to keep food on the table Minli’s father tells her tales to pass the time and make their evenings easier. Minli’s mother, angry and disappointed at their lot in life, thinks that he fills her head full of nonsense. When Minli’s father tells her the story of the Old Man of the Moon and his ability to answer any question, Minli decides to find him and ask how to improve her family’s life. Throughout her journey she finds excitement and danger. She meets new friends, gains wisdom and realizes where her true fortune lies while her parents learn valuable lessons at home.

Critical Analysis:

Lin’s insertion of Chinese folktales within the larger story of Minli’s exciting adventure cleverly enhances Minli’s journey and makes this fast paced fantasy especially rich and meaningful. Each of the folktales is incorporated into the lessons Minli is learning about friendship, family, love, and contentment. The occasional full-page illustrations contain intricate detail and vibrant colors that add a richness and depth to this story while Lin’s portrayal of Minli’s lively spirit and strength of character make her a heroine worth reading about.

Awards/Reviews:

The author's writing is elegant, and her full-color illustrations are stunning. School Library Journal

Starred review: Children will embrace this accessible, timeless story about the evil of greed and the joy of gratitude. Booklist

Bets Children’s Books of the Year, 2010; Bank Street College of Education; United States

John Newbery Medal, 2010 Honor Book United States

Young Reader’s Choice Award, 2012, Nominee Junior United States

Connections:

Find other Chinese Folktales and compare them with the book Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Create your own illustrations for your favorite part of the story. Use collage materials rather than pen and ink, or paper and paint.

Write Chinese characters for mountain, moon, fish, and rice.

 

Who Am I, How Do I Fit?

American Born Chinese

Author: Gene Luen Yang

Publisher: First Second Books, Roaring Book Press

Year: 2006

ISBN: 9781596432086

With a distinctive style and bright colors Yang weaves an intricate tapestry of Chinese American life through the eyes of several characters. Using the familiar Chinese folktale of the Monkey King, the subtle racism of fellow classmates and the exaggerated stereotypical behavior of a distant cousin, Yang tells the story of flawed but familiar characters. The foibles, failings and challenges in the lives of each of the characters tell of the journey to acceptance, friendship, and self awareness that all people go through regardless of where they come from or who they may be.  A surprise twist at the end of the book reveals to the reader that although we may come from different places and cultures we are also very much the same. We all need to learn who we are, what we stand for, and how to become comfortable in our own skin. This award winning graphic novel is a well written and thought provoking and yet often humorous examination of the serious issues of racism, friendship and self acceptance.

Award/s:

National Book Award, 2006 Finalist Young People’s Literature United States

Michael L. Pintz Award, 2007 Winner United States

Cybil Award, 2006 Winner Graphic Novels Ages 13 and Up United States

As you read you see the connection of all the characters who fight their way out of the boxes designed for them by others. The contemporary stories and the fable come together in terms of plot and theme as the characters enter each others’ stories, revealing and transforming themselves as the tales merge. Children’s Literature, 2006

Yang’s narrative builds to an unforgettable and dazzling series of revelations as the three storylines surprisingly converge in a book that is eye-opening and provocative, pushing the boundaries of comfort for readers as it exposes racism from its most subtle to most overt. Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices, 2007

Connections:

Have students draw their own biographical comics

Visit Author Website: http://humblecomics.com/

Teaching Guide: http://www.kennedy-center.org/education/pwtv/studyguides/GeneYang.pdf

Suggested Readings:

The Arrival by Shaun Tan

Re-Gifters by Mike Carey

Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say

There's Something Inside So Strong It Flies Forever

 Elijah of Buxton

Author: Christopher Paul Curtis

Publisher: Scholastic Press, NY

Year: 2007

ISBN: 9780439023443

Plot:

Elijah Freeman is 11 years old. He is the first child born free in Buxton, Canada; a settlement of runaway slaves. He once threw up on Fredrick Douglas and he is afraid of just about everything. His parents tell him he must get over his “fra-gile” ways and learn some sense.  As far as Elijah is concerned it makes perfect sense to run from hoop snakes and ride a mule instead of a horse because it is closer to the ground. It’s just plain easier to avoid flying hooves on the way down.  For Elijah, becoming less “fra-gile” is about the hardest work he has ever had to do especially when your folks don’t seem to notice the progress you’ve made. Growing up sure is confusing to a boy struggling to understand adults. Then one day tragedy strikes. The money Mr. Leroy was saving to buy his family’s freedom is stolen all because Elijah didn’t tell what he thought he knew. Elijah’s determination to make it right sends him on a journey to America and he risks his life to help his friend. What he sees there will change his life forever.

Critical Analysis:

This is a poignant story told in the first person narrative. It resonates with readers of Elijah’s age and yet allows the older reader to sympathize with this very human little boy. Humorous interludes intermixed with vivid details told in the language of a first generation free child make this an irresistible read that will have the reader laughing, crying and raging from one minute to the next. Curtis paints a picture of slavery and freedom through the eyes of an eleven year old boy that allow the reader to experience the injustice of a practice that holds men and women in bondage. Powerfully well written.  Elijah of Buxton is an outstanding read for all ages.

Award/s:

Starred Review Booklist

John Newbery Medal, 2008 Honor Book United States

Book of the Year Award for Children, 2008 Winner Canada

Best Book for Kids and Teens, 2008 Canadian Children’s Book Centre; Starred Selection; Canada

Connections:

Visit the following sites to discover more about the Underground Railroad.

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/elijah-buxton-discussion-guide

http://www.historiclewiston.org/freedomcrossingwebcam.html

http://wned.org/AM/UGRR/default.asp

Send for these activity books so students can learn about the Underground Railroad while they earn their Junior Ranger Badges.

http://www.nps.gov/subjects/ugrr/education/upload/Junior-Ranger-Activity-Booklet.pdf

Montana Here She Comes!

Hattie Big Sky

Author: Kirby Larson

Publisher: DeLacorte Press

Year: 2006

ISBN: 9780385733137

Plot:

Year 1917

Hattie has never had a home of her own. Both of her parents are long dead.  She has been passed from relative to relative like last years’ hand me down clothes. Hattie is the Here-and-There girl seemingly destined to serve at everyone’s whim.  Until the day a letter arrived in the mail and changed her life forever. An unknown uncle has left her his homestead claim along with a trunk full of memories, a mean and ornery cow and steadfast horse named Plug. Determined to create a life for herself and eager to prove that she belongs somewhere, Hattie plunges into homestead life in Eastern Montana. Backbreaking work, heartfelt friendship, and hard lessons learned of sorrow and pain, between friends and enemies, patriotism and hatred are woven throughout this story set during the days of WWI. Intertwined within this skillfully crafted tale are personal letters to her longtime friend Charlie who is somewhere in France fighting the enemy while Hattie is learning life’s difficult lessons at home.

Critical Analysis:

Careful research into homestead records and journals lends Larson’s story an authentic, true to life feel. This is enhanced by the figurative language and authentic first person narrative that entices the reader into Hattie’s life. The letters to Charlie that are interspersed throughout the book  and the newspaper articles Hattie writes to earn extra money give the reader added insight into Hattie’s hope, dream, and struggles making this a powerfully written novel made more so by the knowledge that it is loosely based on Larson’s family history. Well written and deeply moving.

Award/s:

Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2007: Banks Street College of Education; United States

Starred Book Review, Booklist, Sept. 1, 2006  

YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2007; American Library Association; United States

Connections:

Here is the link to an excellent teaching resource for Hattie Big Sky. It contains some insightful questions, related books and information about the author Kirby Larson.

http://www.lesliepreddy.com/yhba/08-09/Middle/HattieBigSky-Scharbrough.pdf

Hattie wrote letters to her friend Charlie while he was away at war. Have your students write letters to soldiers overseas or get well cards for those at the local VA hospital.

Have students create a diorama of their favorite character in the book.

The Great Hunger

Title: Nory Ryan’s Song

Author: Patricia Reilly Giff

Publisher: Random House

Place: New York, New York

Year: 2000

ISBN: 9780307538987

Plot Summary:   

English landlords tax the land her family owned for generations. They take what they want when they want and no Irish dare stand in their way. Folks get by on what they can. If they are lucky they own a pig or cow. They can always rely on the potato crops to feed hungry bellies until now. The potatoes are rotting in the ground and folks are starving.  With her da gone fishing to make the rent money and her older sister off to America to start a new life 12 year old Nory must try to find something for her family to eat. Is she strong enough to keep hope alive as she struggles to scavenge what food she can wherever she can? Will her family survive until they can all be together again? Will her dream of the family being together in America become a reality? Patricia Reilly Giff’s riveting story will keep you enthralled until the very end.

Critical Analysis:

Giff’s glossary of terms adds clarity to the text while her letter to the reader ties this work to modern times and lends a personal touch to this poignantly written historical fiction. Accurate without overwhelming the reader with dry dates and facts, Giff weaves a true to history tale with believable characters, realistic plot, and the timeless ideals of strength of character, unending love, and unfailing hope.  Giff’s style draws the reader skillfully into Nory’s world and allows one to feel her struggle with hunger, fear, and anger. She skillfully weaves enough authentic language into the text as to lend the work historical authenticity without making the text too difficult for the young reader. A marvelous read!

Reviews:

"Giff meticulously re-creates the Great Hunger as she traces a 19th-century Irish girl's struggle to survive," PW wrote. Ages 8-12. (Sept.) Publisher’s Weekly

Golden Kite Award, 2001, Honor Book Fiction United States

Parent’s Choice Award, 2000, Gold Fiction United States

Star Review August 2000 School Library Journal

Star Review June 15, 2000 Kirkus Review

Star Book Review September 15, 2000 American Library Association; United States

Connections:

Research and create a family tree

Read The Irish Dresser: A Story of Hope During The Great Hunger by Cynthia G. Neale. Compare and contrast with Nory Ryan’s Song