MODULE 4: Bud, Not Buddy

Book Cover Image:

Genre:

Newberry Winner

Book Summary:

10-year-old orphan, Bud Caldwell, lives in Flint, Michigan and bounces between foster families. He clings to his memory of his mother through a blanket, a rock, a poster of Herman Calloway, who Bud is convinced is his father. After a brush with his new foster family’s son, Bud runs away with his friend Bugs. When Bugs hops a train leaving Bud behind, Bud starts to walk to Grand Rapids when he meets Lefty Lewis. Lefty gives him a ride and lets Bud stay with him, but eventually Bud leaves in search of Herman.  He finally meets up with the band and discovers that Herman is not his father, but his grandfather.

APA Reference of Book:

Curtis, C. P. (2001.) Bud, Not Buddy. New York, N.Y.: Delacorte Books.

Impressions:

Bud is a lovable character who oozes with charm and charisma. Readers will enjoy Bud’s personality and appreciate the many people who helped him find his way. The situations he gets himself into are all stepping stones leading him to his grandfather and what turns out to be the family he’s been searching for since his mother died. These situations also serve to inform the reader about the history of African-Americans during the Depression and are the perfect backdrop to spark conversations about this time in American history. 

Professional Review:

Bud Caldwell, age ten, has been living in a Flint, Michigan orphanage since his mother died when he was six years old. Sent to an abusive foster home, Bud runs away, intending to seek the man he believes to be his father, Herman E. Calloway, leader of a noted African-American jazz band. On the road Bud gets a ride with Lefty Lewis, a good-natured, good-hearted man who drives him to Grand Rapids, the location of Calloway's band, where Bud finally finds the place he belongs. The story of Bud's search is set against the background of the Great Depression, and Curtis evokes an atmosphere of need and despair held together by strands of hope and generosity. Individual scenes have tremendous emotional impact: Bud, too late to get a place in line for breakfast at the mission, is temporarily adopted by a family already in line; a confrontation in a freight yard between residents of a Flint Hooverville and Pinkerton detectives gives a sense of the determination of men desperate to feed their families; Bud's encounter with Lefty Lewis on a dark road in the middle of the night circumspectly indicates the dangers of being Negro in a racist community. While the circumstances surrounding Bud's return to his family may gently chafe against credulity, Curtis' characterizations are so strong they make coincidence acceptable. The resourceful Bud is a hero readers will take immediately to heart, and the people he encounters on his journey have a specificity that raises them above plot devices and makes them individually memorable. JMD

APA Reference of Professional Review:

Del Negro, J.,M. (1999). Bud, not buddy. Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 53(3), 89. Retrieved from https://libproxy.library.unt.edu/login?url=https://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2165/docview/223700425?accountid=7113

Library Uses:

This could be used in conjunction with Black History Month or research on the Depression. Students could research some of the events and situations that are described in the story. It could also serve as a focus point for a Black History display featuring important events in African-American history.

Readalikes:

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred D. Taylor – This is another poignant story about an African-American family during the Depression told from 9-year-old Cassie’s point of view.

Esperanza Rising, by Pam Munoz Ryan – From wealthy farm girl to field worker, Esparanza’s story of the plight of migrant workers in California during the Depression is a historical eye-opener about one of the most difficult times in American history.

The Watsons go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis – Curtis’ story follows the Watsons on their journey to Alabama when one of the most heinous events of the Civil Rights Movement takes place. 

MODULE 3: The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Book Cover Image:

Genre:

Picture book/Graphic Novel

Book Summary:

Orphaned Hugo hides in the walls of the Paris train station, where he lived with his uncle before his disappearance, repairing clocks and rebuilding the automaton that Hugo and his father found years before.  Fates collide when Hugo is caught stealing a toy mouse from one of the station’s shopkeepers and meets the man’s goddaughter, Isabelle. The shopkeeper forces Hugo to work for him in exchange for the return of Hugo’s notebook which contains notes and drawings of his father’s attempt to repair the automaton. Hugo befriends Isabelle but steals her necklace, the key to the automaton, and the two bring the machine to life. The mechanical man draws a picture and signs the name of Georges Melies, the shopkeeper and Isabelle’s godfather, who is also a well-known, French filmmaker. Hugo’s friend, Etienne, a film student, helps them piece together the life of Georges, who nearly went mad after his career waned, and together they assemble a tribute to the film pioneer.

APA Reference of Book:

Selznick, B. (2007.) The invention of Hugo Cabret. New York, NY: Scholastic.

Impressions:

Inspired by the life of French filmmaker Georges Melies, The Invention of Hugo Cabret reads like a cinematic masterpiece. Pushing the boundaries between picture book, biography, graphic novel, children’s story, and cinema, Selznick creates a magical story from the moment the reader steps into the first page. At first glance, it is a bit intimidating with over 500 pages, especially compared to other Caldecott winners. However, it does not take long to appreciate the beauty and importance of the illustrations which at times come alive like a flipbook animation.  Hugo’s determination and perseverance are inspiring, and his quest to reassemble the automaton leads him to assemble an eclectic family to take care of him.

Professional Review:

In a book that blurs the genres between picturebooks and graphic novels, Selznick tells the story of an orphan named Hugo who lives in a train station in Paris and is determined to fix a mechanical man called an automaton that his father was working on before dying in a fire. Hugo meets a mysterious man in the train station who turns out to be a celebrated filmmaker named George Méliès. The style of this book is unique in that there are many sequenced pages of charcoal sketches that make readers feel as if they are actually watching a film unfold. Some pages offer close-ups of small details in the way that a camera would. This book is a masterpiece and hopefully will lead others to experiment with hybrid texts. At the end of the book, Selznick includes a listing of all the films that were referenced throughout the book. 

APA Reference of Professional Review:

McNair, J. C. (2009). The invention of Hugo Cabret. Language Arts, 86(4), 322. 

Library Uses:

This book would be a great inspiration for a Makerspace or STEM project kickoff.

Readalikes:

Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick

The Houdini Box, by Brian Selznick

The Marvels, by Brian Selznick

It’s difficult to compare Selznick to another author but his other titles are similar cinematic experiences and format. 

MODULE 2: The Story of Ferdinand

Book Cover Image:

Genre:

Classic Picture Books

Book Summary:

Ferdinand is not interested in playing with the other bulls; he just wants to sit under the shade tree and smell the flowers. His mother worries about him, but Ferdinand grows big and strong like the other bulls. When the men come to pick a bull for the bullfights in Madrid, Ferdinand goes to his shade tree, sure that they will find another bull for the event. However, Ferdinand unknowingly sits on a bee that sends him in to a bucking frenzy, dazzling the men who pick him for the bullfights. At the fights, everyone expects Ferdinand the Fierce, but he prefers to sit and smell the flowers in the ladies’ hair, so the men take him home.

APA Reference of Book:

Leaf, Munro. (1936.) The Story of Ferdinand. New York, NY: Gossett & Dunlap.

Impressions:

The Story of Ferdinand is a delightful read about the courage to follow your heart and be yourself. It also teaches readers that first impressions are not always accurate. The red book cover is fitting for a story about a bull, and the black and white illustrations are perfectly detailed and a sharp contrast to the cover. Ferdinand is a lovable character who is not afraid to be himself, even when faced with peer-pressure to join the other bulls in their typical bull activities. This is something that many readers can relate to and Ferdinand encourages them to follow their instincts even when you find yourself in the middle of a bullfight. Though she worries, Ferdinand’s mother is supportive of his choices. Her actions are a great reminder to parents to accept their children no matter what and encourage their differences and interests. Although written in 1936, this is a poignant story for anyone who does not fit societal norms.

Professional Review:

With new war fronts popping up on a seemingly daily basis, it may be an opportune moment to revisit the story of Ferdinand, the peaceable bull. Today marks the 75th anniversary of “The Story of Ferdinand,” written by Munro Leaf, a prolific writer for children, and illustrated by Robert Lawson, the only person ever to win both the Caldecott and Newbery medals.

“Once upon a time in Spain there was a little bull and his name was Ferdinand,” the book, which was illustrated with simple black-and-white ink drawings, opens. Deep in corrida des toros country, Ferdinand stood out from all the other bulls: “He liked to sit just quietly and smell the flowers.”

First published in 1936, “Ferdinand” was released shortly before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War and was widely viewed as pacifist propaganda, leading to bans in many countries. It became an international hit anyway, translated into more than 60 languages and selling millions of copies worldwide. When Sandra Bullock read the book aloud to her sons in “The Blind Side,” sales in the U.S., always steady, spiked dramatically. Last year, the actor Seth Rogan gave a live reading, set to music, in Los Angeles.

“Ferdinand” actually has a long cinematic history. In 1938, Walt Disney created a short animated cartoon of the story, which went on to win – deservedly – an Oscar for Best Animated Short Subject (Cartoons). And just last month, Fox Animation Studios acquired the rights to the book, with plans to adapt it into a full-length CGI film. Carlos Saldanha, the director of the “Ice Age” franchise, is attached to direct.

It’s not a stretch to think of Ferdinand as more than just a symbol of peace, but as an icon for the outsider and the bullied. “He was gentle and kind/ And his moo was refined/Which the rest of the bulls all resented,” goes the song “Ferdinand the Bull,” sung by “America’s sweethearts,” The Lennon Sisters, and later covered by Michael Feinstein, the acclaimed songwriter and singer, on his children’s album, “Pure Imagination.” “He knew how to tango/And dance the fandango/But he never learned how to fight.”

APA Reference of Professional Review:

Paul, P. (2011). Ferdinand the bull turns 75. Retrieved from https://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/ferdinand-the-bull-turns-75/

Library Uses:

The Story of Ferdinand perfectly illustrates the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” and can be used in conjunction with a diversity unit or lesson on stereotypes.

Readalikes:

Giraffes Can’t Dance, by Giles Andreae – This is another book about a character who does not conform to the expectations within his peer group.

Duck! Rabbit! By Amy Krouse Rosenthal – Perhaps even more than The Story of Ferdinand, this story illustrates how things are not always as they appear at first glance, and when given another chance we may see things much differently.

The Monster at the End of This Book, by Jon Stone – “Lovable, furry old Grover” is a perfect example of self-acceptance as does not realize he is the monster. However, by the end of the book he accepts this fact, something the reader has known all along.

MODULE 1: Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

Book Cover Image:

Genre:

Books about Reading

Book Summary:

Morris Lessmore is a lover of books and stories, and writes his own life story until a storm rolls through and blows away everything, including Morris’ words. After the storm, he roams aimlessly until he meets a woman floating with a bouquet of books. The beautiful lady sends Morris a book that leads him to a library where Morris spends his remaining years caring for the books and writing his life story. The books return the favor and care for Morris when he grows older. As Morris’ life comes to an end, he says goodbye to his friends, the books, and floats away just like the lady he met many years before. The books are sad until a little girl discovers the library and Morris’ book opens, and the wondrous cycle begins again.

APA Reference of Book:

Joyce, W. (2012) The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. New York, NY: Moonbot.

Impressions:

From beginning to end, this book is a celebration of books and stories and the impact they have on those who love and care for them, and emphasizes the importance of passing this love from generation to generation. The cover sets the tone with a beautiful illustration of Morris and his stacks of books, leading readers to wonder why some of the books are flying. The illustrations provide whimsical imagery for the story that unfolds as Morris grows old with his books, his friends that never change and care for Morris as much as he cares for them. Joyce’s story started before but came to fruition after Hurricane Katrina destroyed his home state, and he witnessed the power of storytelling through his volunteer efforts with the children of New Orleans. This message is timeless and timely as books and their stories compete for children’s attention in an ever-increasing world of technology.

Professional Review:

Pre-Gr 3--Joyce's Academy Award-winning animated short-film-turned-app that celebrates those who care about (and receive nourishment from) books is, ironically, now a picture book. The wonder and mystery inherent in the wordless film and the ability to manipulate the visuals and play the soundtrack on the app's piano beg the question: Can the book compete? As it turns out, the book has its own rewards. Clarity comes from Joyce's well-chosen words. In the opening on a New Orleans balcony, readers learn that Morris "loved words…stories…books." Every day he would "write of his joys and sorrows, of all that he knew and everything that he hoped for." When an Oz-like storm turns everything topsy-turvy, the melancholy man in the pork-pie hat spots a lady held aloft by a "festive squadron of flying books." Her gift leads Morris to a book-filled sanctuary set in a landscape staged and lit like a Maxfield Parrish painting. He tends to the volumes, distributing favorites to visitors, whose once-gray bodies blossom with color. Every life and story ends, and those struggling with their own goodbyes (and yearnings about printed books) may find comfort in seeing the fading elder revert to his younger self in order to be transported by the joyful squadron-just as a little girl arrives to choose Morris's story. The author's motivations (explained on the flap) will resonate with adults in the reading business. The best part? Lingering quietly while savoring the atmospheric scenes of Joyce's narrative vignette.

APA Reference of Professional Review:

Lukehart, W. (2012). The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. School Library Journal, 58(8), 78.

Library Uses:

This book could be used at the beginning of the school year to introduce students to the wonders of the library. Students who have never visited a library may feel just as Morris did after the storm until he discovers the library. This book can spark a conversation about caring for the library and the books. For example, even though the books wanted to mingle, Morris tried to keep them organized. His books were loved and well-kept, and he enjoyed sharing his books with others.

Readalikes:

The Book with No Pictures, by B.J. Novak – Even without pictures, this book encourages readers to read and discover what the story has to offer. Children are sure to enjoy this, especially as a read-aloud, as the narrator says silly and sometimes nonsensical words, because the reader must read everything on the page.

Books Always Everywhere, by Jane Blatt – This book emphasizes the importance of reading to young children, even babies, no matter what they may do with the book. With sparse words, the illustrations show how readers can be immersed in the story.

Read It, Don’t Eat It, by Ian Schoenerr –  Another good book to use when introducing young students to the library, Read It, Don’t Eat It illustrates the rules of the library with adorable animal characters.