MODULE 14: Crank

Genre:

Verse Novel

Book Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Kristina Snow is a great daughter, great student, great sister, great friend. Until her estranged father insists that she visit him over the summer in Albuquerque. There she meets Adam who introduces her to “crank” (methamphetamine) and Kristina becomes Bree, an alter ego who spirals out of control. After returning home to Reno, Kristina/Bree continues this path of self-destruction seeking out others who can fuel her need for meth, or “monster.” Thus, she begins a tumultuous relationship with her mother, who refuses to acknowledge Kristina’s problems. She meets lifeguard Brendan who takes advantage of her, and resident bad boy Chase who initially feeds her addiction but loves Kristina and ultimately realizes that she is in too deep. When Kristina finds out she is pregnant with Brendan’s baby, a product of rape, Chase stands by her, offering to give up his scholarship to marry her and take care of the baby as his own. Mercifully, Kristina does not let him do this, but she does decide to keep the baby. Despite a reconciliation with her mother and having a son to raise, Kristina/Bree cannot escape the monster that is meth.

APA Reference of Book:
Hopkins, E. (2004). Crank. New York: Simon Pulse.

Impressions:
The verse format of the book was awkward at first, but it did not take long to fall into a rhythm and realize the talent that went into these pages. The way Hopkins manipulates the words to form alternate verses and shapes gives the text a third dimension that prose could not accomplish. The text seems to take on Kristina’s emotions which is both insightful and heartbreaking. The reader cannot help but hope that she can overcome this addiction all the while knowing that the monster has control. Kristina is like so many teenagers who find themselves making decisions that take them down a dark path. Crank provides a terrifying glimpse of addiction and just how easy it is for anyone to fall into this world and the near impossibility it is to climb out. Knowing that this is based on the author’s experiences with her daughter makes it even more emotional and adds authenticity to the story.

Professional Review:
Seventeen-year-old Kristina Snow is introduced to crank on a trip to visit her wayward father. Caught up in a fast-paced, frightening, and unfamiliar world, she morphs into "Bree" after she "shakes hands with the monster." Her fearless, risk-taking alter ego grows stronger, "convincing me to be someone I never dreamed I'd want to be." When Kristina goes home, things don't return to normal. Although she tries to reconnect with her mother and her former life as a good student, her drug use soon takes over, leaving her "starving for speed" and for boys who will soon leave her scarred and pregnant. Hopkins writes in free-verse poems that paint painfully sharp images of Kristina/Bree and those around her, detailing how powerful the "monster" can be. The poems are masterpieces of word, shape, and pacing, compelling readers on to the next chapter in Kristina's spiraling world. This is a topical page-turner and a stunning portrayal of a teen's loss of direction and realistically uncertain future.

APA Reference of Professional Review:

Jones, T. E., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., Larkins, J., & Korbeck, S. (2004). Crank (Book). School Library Journal, 50(11), 145.

Library Uses:

Crank could be used in conjunction with National Poetry Month and featured with other verse novels to promote this genre. Many students do not care for poetry, but the novel format is familiar. After reading, students can write their own verses using the author’s style for inspiration.

Readalikes:

Saving Red by Sonya Sones – Molly meets Red, a homeless girl, while completing service hours for a school project. Still hurting from a family tragedy, Molly focuses her attention on reuniting Red with her family. With the help of Cristo, the boy she meets on the Ferris wheel, and her service dog, Pixel, Molly discovers the truth about Red, and herself in the process.

Rubber Houses by Ellen Yeomans – Kit’s life is almost perfect, until cancer strikes. Yeomans uses baseball and travel references to tell Kit’s story about losing a loved one and part of one’s self.

What My Mother Doesn’t Know by Sonya Sones – Sophie is a typical teenager trying to figure out teenage love. Dylan is hot but so is her online fling with Chaz. After breaking it off with both of them, she realizes that she doesn’t have to go far to find what she’s looking for. 

MODULE 13: Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed

Genre:

Graphic Novels and Series

Book Summary:

It’s picture day, only Junie B. Jones makes the worst face ever just as the photographer takes her picture. During the class photo, Paulie Allen Puffer tells Junie B. that there is a monster under her bed. His proof is in the drool on her pillow every morning. Junie thinks her “piggy toes” look like sausages and the monster will want to eat them. Despite her parents telling her that monsters are not real, Junie has a hard time going to sleep and tries to get out of bed and even attempts sleeping in her baby brother’s bed. After a restless night, Junie goes to school and gets her school pictures and gets an idea. She puts her ugly photo under her bed to scare off the monster.

APA Reference of Book:

Park, B. (1997). Junie B. Jones has a monster under her bed. New York: Random House.

Impressions:

Junie B. is an adorable, precocious character who gets into trouble even when she’s not trying. I have enjoyed reading this series with my daughters, but we somehow missed this one. As far as plot goes, the formula for each Junie B. book is predicable and reminds me of an 80s family sitcom. At first, I was not fond of Junie’s dialogue and sometimes inappropriate and disrespectful actions. But once you fall in love with her, it’s easy to overlook these minor faults. It’s also clear that Junie is not a bad child, just headstrong and willful. As the parent of a child who is a little like Junie, I can sympathize with her parents’ exasperation with her antics. However, despite her best efforts, Junie is a lovable character.

Professional Review:

Junie's kindergarten classmates convince her that an invisible monster lives under her bed. Her parents and grandmother are unable to convince her otherwise until Junie hits upon the idea of putting her unflattering school picture under the bed to frighten the monster. In Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook, the little girl discovers that "finders keepers losers weepers" is not an appealing philosophy when she loses the special gloves her grandfather gave her and the child who finds them doesn't take them to the lost and found. Junie's first-person narration is sprinkled with deliberate grammatical errors and misunderstood word usage in an attempt to show a five-year-old's viewpoint ( "I runned home," "They got stoled on purpose."). Precocious use of sophisticated language is also used to achieve an intended humorous effect. The black-and-white, full- and half-page illustrations reflect Junie's cockeyed view of the world and will help attract beginning chapter-book readers. The issues the child is dealing with are right on target for the intended age group, but Junie's personality is more annoying than endearing and the humor lacks freshness and spontaneity. But where the series is popular. - Lisa Smith, Lindenhurst Memorial Library, NY

APA Reference of Professional Review:

Smith, L. (1997). Junie B. Jones has a monster under her bed / Junie B. Jones is not a crook. School Library Journal, 43(11), 96.

Library Uses All of the Junie B. Jones books are great for read-alouds, either by the teacher/librarian or by students.

Readalikes:

Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park – Read more about June B. Jones and her antics in kindergarten and first grade.

Fancy Nancy series by Jane O’Connor – Nancy and her friend Bree find fancy adventures in everyday life. Readers will also learn Nancy’s favorite fancy words.

Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald – Readers who enjoyed Junie B. Jones or Fancy Nancy will appreciate Judy Moody, third grader, and her crazy adventures.

MODULE 12: America's Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle

Genre:

Biography

Book Summary:

After nearly drowning in a pond, Gertrude’s father teaches her to swim and sets her on a path to greatness. Trudy went on to set 29 U.S. and world records and won three medals at the 1924 Olympics. She then set her sights on crossing the English Channel. When her first attempt failed, Trudy continued to train and completed the grueling challenge in 1926.

APA Reference of Book:

Adler, D. (2005). America’s Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle. New York: Gulliver Books.

Impressions:

I had never heard of Gertrude Ederle before reading this book.  I loved reading about a strong, female role model, especially one from a period when strong, females were uncommon. Her perseverance and training for the Olympics and the English Channel swim is inspiring and I like that the author included the parts when Gertrude was chided for her efforts just because she was a woman. This did not discourage Gertrude, but made her work harder. It was also heartwarming to read about the support she received from her family, especially her sister who encouraged her throughout the English Channel swim. The colorful, art deco-like illustrations added to the overall feel of the time setting. Overall this is an excellent book to show girls that they can accomplish great things with hard work and perseverance.

Professional Review:

The team behind The Babe & I and Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man here abandons the baseball field for the chilly, choppy waters of the English Channel, which Ederle swam across in 1926. The first woman to accomplish this feat, Ederle also beat, by almost two hours, the existing men's record. Widener's stylized acrylic paintings again creatively evoke a bygone era, while Adler's direct yet descriptive narrative establishes the historical context. He notes that in 1906, the year of Ederle's birth, women in most states could not vote: "Many people felt that a woman's place was in the home," writes Adler. But Gertrude Ederle's place was in the water." Readers will warm to the heroine, a city kid who was taught how to swim only after she, at age seven, fell into a pond and nearly drowned. Text and art offer a compelling, in-depth account of the adult Ederle's crossing of the Channel, as she swam for more than 14 hours from Cape Gris-Nez, France, to Kingsdown, England, despite driving rain, strong winds, high waves, a powerful current--and her trainer's directive to quit. An exciting story, well told; kids will dive right in.

APA Reference of Professional Review:

Forecasts: Children's Books. (2000). Publishers Weekly, 247(10), 111.

Library Uses:

This could be used as part of a women’s study, more specifically women in sports. It could also be used to demonstrate the character trait of perseverance.

Readalikes:

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman, by David Diaz – After contracting polio, doctors said Wilma would never walk again but Wilma proved them wrong and went on to break records and earn three Olympic gold medals.

Women in Sports:  50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win, by Rachel Ignotofsky – A brief look at fifty extraordinary female athletes and their accomplishments.

Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still, by Karlin Gray – Russian Nadia Comaneci made history at the 1976 Olympics earning seven perfect scores.

MODULE 11: George Washington's Teeth

Genre:

Informational

Book Summary:

George Washington was afflicted with dental problems that left him with two teeth by the time he was elected president. Each loss coincides with a significant historical event. Washington’s innovative dentist fashioned a set of false teeth made from real teeth and ivory.

APA Reference of Book:

Chandra, D., & Comora, M. (2007). George Washington’s teeth. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Impressions:

This is a fun read, written in rhyming verse that flows smoothly and humorously. With each tooth loss, the action and words seem to speed up. I did not realize Washington had so many dental problems, so the story was entertaining and educational. Not only does the story recount historical events in the life of Washington but explains the dentist’s process for creating the false teeth. The watercolor illustrations are whimsical and match the text perfectly. The timeline in the back adds to the authenticity of the text. The picture of Washington’s false teeth is a little gruesome but interesting and I think kids will enjoy seeing the real thing.

Professional Review:

Now It Can Be Told: that severe, square-jawed look that the Father of Our Country flashes in his portraits reveals not only strength of character, but also his straggle to hide the fact that he was nearly (entirely, later in life) toothless by keeping a succession of spring-loaded false teeth in place. Drawing information from Washington's own writings, the authors deliver a double account of his dental tribulations: first in sprightly rhyme--Martha "fed him mush and pickled tripe, / But when guests came to dine, / He sneaked one of his favorite nuts. / Then he had only nine"--followed by a detailed, annotated timeline. Cole's (Larky Mavis, 2001, etc.) freely drawn, rumpled-looking watercolors document the countdown as well, with scenes of the unhappy statesman at war and at home, surrounded by family, attendants (including dark-skinned ones), and would-be dentists, all in authentic 18th-century dress. Contrary to popular belief, Washington's false teeth were made not of wood, but of real teeth and hippo ivory; a photo of his last set closes this breezy, sympathetic, carefully-researched vignette on a note that will have readers feeling the great man's pain---and never looking at his painted visage the same way again.

APA Reference of Professional Review:

George Washington’s Teeth (Book). (2002). Kirkus Reviews, 70(24), 1846.

Library Uses:

This could be a read-aloud to celebrate President’s Day or as biographical study of George Washington.

Readalikes:

Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books, by Kay Winters – A biography of Abraham Lincoln’s childhood when he loved to read and tell stories.

George Washing and the General’s Dog, by Frank Murphy – While fighting in the American Revolution, George Washington finds a dog in the middle of the war.  

John, Paul, George, and Ben, by Lane Smith – The story of some of our country’s founding fathers, with a true/false chart to clear up any misconceptions.

Madam President, by Lane Smith – In this story, a little girl dreams of being president and the duties and perks that come with the job.

MODULE 10: Paperboy

Genre:

Historical Fiction

Book Summary:

Set in segregated Memphis, Paperboy is the story of the narrator’s experiences as he takes over his friend Rat’s paper route in the summer of 1959. This is a daunting task for Little Man, whose name is not revealed until the end because he stutters and dreads having to talk with his customers. However, Little Man, who throws a mean fast ball, feels obligated, after busting Rat’s lip with a baseball. He meets several of the customers on his route including Mr. Spiro, a merchant marine who helps with his stutter. He also has a run-in with Ara, the local junk man, despite warnings from his African-American nanny, Mam, who must protect Little Man from the deranged man. This incident prompts Little Man to write the story using his trusty typewriter.

APA Reference of Book:

Vawter, V. (2013). Paperboy. New York: Delacorte Books.

Impressions:

Little Man narrates like he thinks so there are no commas which is a little distracting at first. However, once you get used to it and realize he stutters when he speaks, it makes sense and becomes part of the story. We do not find out his name until the end because it is difficult for him to speak. Despite the violence at the end, this is a sweet story about friendship, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles. Little Man displays loyalty when he agrees to take over his friend’s paper route, mostly out of guilt for hitting Rat with a baseball. He is extremely nervous about the route, especially about having to talk to the customers. It turns out to be a great opportunity for Little Man after meeting a few of the customers who, in some way, help him with his affliction. The one who stands out is Mr. Spiro who takes a special interest in Little Man and gives him words to think about and help him overcome his stutter. Mr. Spiro is patient but persistent with Little Man until he is called back to the Merchant Marines. It is easy to forget that this book is set in 1959 but the underlying tension between Little Man, Mam, and Ara T keep this aspect in the forefront. Mam is more like a mother to Little Man and the scenes on the bus when she must sit in the back unless she is with Little Man remind the reader that this is a different time. The violent incident with Mam and Ara T show just how dedicated Mam is to Little Man and the bond that they have. This is a great book about racial tensions in the south and overcoming disabilities like stuttering.

Professional Review:

It is with some trepidation that the eleven-year-old narrator, who withholds his name until he completes his story, takes over his best friend’s paper route until the other boy returns from vacation. It’s not that pitching papers is too hard; he’s known among the local kids for his arm on the diamond. Afflicted with a severe stutter, he’s embarrassed and concerned about how he will communicate with customers when he makes the collection rounds—a weekly task back in 1959. The humble neighborhood route turns into something of a voyage of discovery for the boy, who normally keeps to himself. There’s the flirtatious attention of a young alcoholic housewife, a glimpse into the mysterious condition of a boy who sits at the TV with the sound turned off, a bachelor who lives among stacks of books and has a knack for helping the new paperboy control his stutter, and, in a darker turn, a junk collector who attacks and threatens the life of the black housekeeper who looks after the paperboy. The protagonist tells his tale in short paragraphs that capture the way he imagines his own fluent speech—articulate, economical, and completely devoid of commas, since there are already too many pauses in his actual speech. Confidence born of his weeks of accomplishment eases his stutter somewhat, and readers will offer quiet but heartfelt congratulations when he finally utters his own name, which begins with the letter most difficult for him to pronounce.

APA Reference of Professional Review:

Bush, E. (2013). Paperboy by Vince Vawter (review). Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 66(7), 355-356. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Library Uses:

After reading Paperboy, students can research and report on different disabilities.  

Readalikes:

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, by Dusti Bowling – Born without arms, Aven Green moves to Arizona with her adopted parents who are hired to run the western theme park Stagecoach Pass.

Fish in a Tree, by Lynda Mullaly Hunt – Ally has been able to hide her secret until a new teacher discovers her dyslexia.

Mockingbird, by Kathryn Erskine – Mockingbird is the story about Caitlin who has Asperger’s and trying to piece her family back together after a tragic loss.

MODULE 9: Abduction

Genre:

Mystery

Book Summary:

When Bonnie’s brother, Matt, goes missing from his school, no one suspects his absentee father of the abduction. Matt knows not to talk or go with strangers, but Denny uses the family’s dog, Pookie, to lure Matt into the car. To deter Matt from calling home or seeking help, Denny tells him that his mother and Bonnie are dead and reveals that he is Matt’s father. After a chance encounter leads Bonnie to Matt and Denny, the two siblings must work together to escape and return home to their mother.

APA Reference of Book:

Kehret, P. (2006). Abduction. New York: Puffin Books.

Impressions:

Meg is a strong, female character who never gives up on finding her brother. She bravely goes after Matt even though Denny has him, and she keeps her cool on the ferry. Abduction is an enjoyable read but some parts of the plot are a little contrived. For example, even though Denny had never been around, it seems the police would have pursued every angle from the beginning. It also seems like Denny’s sister would have been more skeptical about her brother suddenly showing up with his son. This is a good reminder to talk to kids about strangers and what to do in a similar situation, however the group that needs this the most is too young to read the book.

Professional Review:

In a highly suspenseful but simply written kidnapping story, 13-year-old Bonnie tries to find her five-year-old brother, Matt, when the boy is taken by his sociopath father, whom he’s never met. Kehret tells the story from many different perspectives, including those of Bonnie, Matt and the kidnapper, Denny. She dramatizes the police and community efforts to find the boy, and highlights Denny’s twisted personality as well as little Matt’s responses to his predicament and the missed opportunities of others who inadvertently come into contact with the case. When Bonnie decides to pursue Denny on her own, her efforts lead to a dramatic climax that may put her own life in danger. Kehret writes these stories over and over again, but she always demonstrates a deft touch in maintaining suspense while keeping her narrative light enough for the age of her intended audience. It’s entertaining and enlightening for older children as well as some reluctant adolescent readers.

APA Reference of Professional Review:

Abduction! (Book). (2004). Kirkus Reviews, 72(22), 1090.

Library Uses:

Abduction is narrated by alternating characters so this could be used to demonstrate point of view.

Readalikes:

I’m Not Who You Think I Am, by Peg Kehret – 13-year-old Ginger is being stalked by a woman who believes Ginger is her daughter and is planning to kidnap her.

The Abduction (Kidnapped series), by Gordon Korman – Aiden’s sister, Meg, is kidnapped and Aiden has to work with the FBI to get her back.

Runaway Twin, by Peg Kehret – Separated by her twin ten years prior, Sunny runs away from foster care to find her but she may not like what she finds.

MODULE 8: Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Genre:

Fantasy and Science Fiction

Book Summary:

Ten-year-old Abilene adores and dotes on her vain, porcelain rabbit, Edward Tulane. After falling into the ocean, Edward begins an adventure, passing through the lives of several new owners. Each stop brings a little more damage to Edward’s outer appearance but teaches him about love and the human spirit. The final stop brings him full circle and reunites Edward with an old and new friend.

APA Reference of Book:

DiCamillo, K., & Ibatoulline, B. (2006). The miraculous journey of Edward Tulane. Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press.

Impressions:

This is a charming fantasy book that reads like a fairy tale or fable as Edward learns about unconditional love. Edward’s owner, Abilene loves him despite his narcissistic ways. Each of the people he meets along the journey give Edward a piece of his heart but after Sarah dies, Edward does not want to love anymore because it hurts sometimes.  However, in the toy shop, one of the dolls sums it up best when she tells Edward, “if you have no intention of loving or being loved, then the whole journey is pointless.” Edward learns that even if you get hurt, the journey is not worth it if there is no love. Just like the prodigal son, when Edwards is reunited with Abilene and her daughter Maggie, she accepts him with open arms and Edward finally feels at home. The ethereal illustrations add to the story bringing the characters to life.

Professional Review:

There's something about an inanimate rabbit that sets fabulists scurrying to the anxious task of sorting out whom and why we love and whether it's ever enough. Somewhere between The Velveteen Rabbit and The Big Ugly Monster and the Little Stone Rabbit (BCCB 9/04), we find Edward Tulane, a dandified specimen belonging to a girl for whom he has little use, other than as a valet to dress him in his finery. Her grandmother Pellegrina senses this and tells girl and toy a cautionary tale about the wretched fate of a beautiful princess who loved no one. Her words transmute into a curse for the unfortunate rabbit, who, after being lost overboard on a cruise, begins a long journey of misadventures. He is alternately beloved and treated with scorn, but in the course of his ignominious fate, he learns what it means to love. The plot is often contrived and the sentiment inclined toward the maudlin, yet there is more than a touch of Hans Christian Andersen in the sadistic treatment Edward must endure to ultimately learn his lesson; indeed, adults will love this moral, especially those who feel that their petted and pampered offspring are not forthcoming enough with the displays of gratitude and affection that warrant their indulgence. Children, on the other hand, may be swept along by the pathos of Edward's various ordeals, especially the final loss of the boy who steals him off a scarecrow's pole to take to his dying sister, and then, after her lingering death, takes him to the city only to lose him to a toymaker, nobly choosing to give a broken and ratty Edward up so that he might be restored to his former glory. The delicate sepia images that head each chapter and the full-color illustrations augment the emotional tenor of the book; each image manages to evoke a sense of longing that serves to involve the reader in Edward's transformation, thus rendering the newly humbled and loving rabbit's return to his former owner an affecting conclusion.

APA Reference of Professional Review:

Coats, K. (2006). The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (review). Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 59(8), 347-348. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Library Uses:

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a modern fable warning about vanity and narcissism. Students could find other stories with similar messages or write their own fables warning of other human weaknesses.

Readalikes:

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo – This is a story about a mouse named Despereaux, Roscuro the rat, and Miggery Sow, an unlikely group of characters who eventually come together to save the Princess Pea.

The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo – Peter believes he has no family after being orphaned when his mother died giving birth to his sister, also presumed dead. After a fortune teller tells him that his sister is still alive and that an elephant will lead him to her, Peter finds that nothing is impossible.

Pax by Sara Pennypacker – Peter and Pax are inseparable until Peter’s father goes to war and Peter must go live with his grandfather and is forced to set Pax free. Unable to bear the separation, Peter goes in search of the fox.  Pax finds a group of foxes who teach him how to be a fox.