How I Live Now

Bibliography:

Rosoff, Meg. 2004. How I Live Now. Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 0553376055.

Plot Summary:

How I live now is a first person story of Daisy, a self absorbed 15-year-old girl from New York who is forced to stay with her cousins in England. Her four cousins, Piper, Edmond, Isaac and Osbert all seem to have a telepathic bond which Daisy finds amazing. She is most enthralled by Edmond who she is seemingly falling in love with as time goes on. Their world changes forever as England is invaded during what seems to be the start of another world war. Soldiers come to their farm and break up cousins sending them to different places all over the English countryside. Daisy is heart broken over being separated from Edmond. Even though she knows their love is forbidden she can’t help the way she feels. The whole country is sent into mass chaos as their water supply is poisoned and all electricity and phone lines are shut off.

Critical Analysis:

The characters in the novel are believable in the fact that they all overcome challenges and obstacles. They all gradually change throughout the story, especially Daisy, which makes the characters parallel real people. It is easy for anybody to relate to Daisy, as she begins the novel as a egotistical, bitter person to a brave, strong woman who fights for her life and love. Many can see themselves in this character as they reflect back on their own growth process.

The plot is intriguing, suspensful, and at times unbelievable. Daisy saves herself by saving her cousin Piper and dreaming of reuniting with Edmond. The obstacles Daisy faces, with a new line of work, and being torn away from her family in a strange place, make it seem impossible to get back home. It also seems a bit unbelievable how the author makes a book about incest seem appropriate and common since this book takes place in the 21st century. The setting of England, does however, make a war seem a bit more believable. Not many can fathom the terrors Daisy and her cousins faced happening in the U.S., therefore changing the location of the novel was effective in making the story more realistic.

The theme of this story is one of fate. This is a timeless theme, one that many can understand and relate to. Daisy faces many trials before she eventually is back with Edmond where she knows she belongs. She feels she is there to heal his wounds and give him much needed love, indiciating that they were meant to be together all along. This story also gives a theme of hope and courage, to grow strong in order overcome obstacles in order to succeed and achieve. To never lose sight of the goal at hand and you will succeed. Throughout the story, Daisy knew she had to protect Piper and longed to be back in Edmond's arms. The fact that she does these things, illustrates the point that one can do anything they put their mind to.

The author's style is interesting yet frustrating at the same time. Her attention to detail enables the reader to envision the setting and characters clearly and invites the reader to become part of the story. However, at points throughout the novel, the author's lack of punctuation and run-on sentences are tiring and ineffective at keeping the reader interested. Although the story does end on a happy note, it seems to end suddenly and acts as though it is unfinished.

Review Excerpts:

Publisher's Weekly, starred review: "This riveting first novel paints a frighteningly realistic picture of a world war breaking out in the 21st century . . . Readers will emerge from the rubble much shaken, a little wiser, and with perhaps a greater sense of humanity."

The Bulletin, starred review: "Readers will remain absorbed to the very end by this unforgettable and original story."

The Horn Book, starred review: “A winning combination of acerbic commentary, innocence, and sober vision. . . . Hilarious, lyrical, and compassionate.”

Connections:

*This book can be used to help readers cope with the emotions of forbidden love.

*This book can be used to help readers understand the possible living conditions during wars.

*This book can be used to discuss the similarities and differences between the USA and England.

*This book can be used to inspire bravery and determination in order to achieve goals.

Princess Academy

Bibliography:

Hale, Shannon. 2005. Princess Academy. Bloomsbury Publishing: New York, NY. ISBN 1-58234-993-2.



Plot Summary:

Miri, a 14-year-old girl, lives with her hardworking family in a close-knit community high in the mountains of Mount Eskel. Word comes to the town that the prince will be visiting soon to choose his bride. Although Miri has always aspired to work in the mines with her father and older sister, she cannot help but wonder what it would be like living in luxury in the lowlands, able to provide for her struggling family. Not being allowed to work in the mines (she thinks because she is too small) also drives her desire to prove her worth to her father by marrying a prince. Miri and several other competitive girls are taken away by soldiers to a required year-long academy that helps prepare them for a life of royalty before the prince makes his decision. While enrolled, Miri gains self-confidence with her talent of "quarry-speak" and also becomes fed up with the inferior treatment towards the girls while in the academy. While isolated in the academy, Miri becomes a leader, finds friendship, and discovers much about herself.



Critical Analysis:

Miri is a sassy, strong character in the story that thinks for herself and stands up for what she believes in. She is a loyal friend and protects those she cares for, like when she takes the blame when the mistress caught Miri and Gerti talking during class, Miri said, "Gerti didn't ask for help...it was my fault". She is a character that many young adults can relate to when dealing with unfair authority figures and inspires readers to become a leader in any situation but especially in desperate ones. Miri's character is a likable one, since she is treated by her town with respect and has many friends. Although she is imperfect like many of the other characters in the book, she makes the right decision even if it will cost her in the end. Her comical way of insulting the "superior" mistress and royalties to make her points, makes her even more appreciated throughout the story.

The plot begins with a realistic setting with a hardworking family in the mountains, to a fantasy adventure with secret languages and villains. All the while this story is believable and keeps the reader's interest.

The setting is vividly explained, "to the east...yellow green slopes and flat places...climbed into the gray blue peak..." so the reader can picture the environment clearly. Based on the language patterns, dialect, occupations and materials throughout the story, one can see that it takes place in another country outside the U.S. and possibly in the 1800's. This makes the royal adventures and characters' actions more realistic.

The theme of this story is a timeless one: home is where the heart is. Miri's journey reinforces her belief that Mount Eskel is where she truly belongs and where she is happy. Another important theme throughout this story, is friendship/love is more powerful than riches. Miri and the academy girls become friends and survive the experience both mentally and physically because of their teamwork and compassion.

The author style accurately depicts each group within the story: the royalty from the "highlanders". From the way they speak to the way they are described to carry themselves, they are separated in everyway. The author coins the phrase, "quarry-speak" (a silent way of communicating, done in the mines) and carries it throughout the novel in order to play an important role in saving the girls' lives in the end when they face kidnappers. There is a clear point of view, third person with an omnicient point of view of Miri, which is consistent through the novel.

Excerpt Reviews:
School Library Journal Starred Review: "This is not a fluffy, predictable fairy tale . . . Instead, Hale weaves an intricate, multilayered story about families, relationships, education, and the place we call home."
Kirkus Starred Review: "An unalloyed joy."
A Newbery Honor Book
A New York Times Bestseller



Connections:

*This book can help teach young adults how to deal with fierce competition.

*This book can be used as a discussion starter about friendship.

*This book can be used to discuss leadership or goals.

*This book can be used to discuss "home" and what that means to each individual.

The Midwife's Apprentice

Bibliography:
Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife's Apprentice.

Plot Summary:
The main character, Brat, begins the story as a homeless young girl in Medieval England, living on the streets. When a midwife takes her in and gives her work in return for food and shelter, Brat begins to feel self-worth. The midwife changes her name to Beetle and treats her badly. Beetle rescues a cat off the streets and nurtures it back to health. Learning as much as she can by secretly watching the midwife as she works, Beetle begins to gain self-confidence. Beetle runs errands for the midwife and is complimented in town and treated with respect. She rescues the town bully from drowning and aids a homeless man get back on his feet. Beetle changes her name to Alyce and she is soon turned to for advice within the village. After being requested to deliver a baby instead of the midwife, Alyce realizes she doesn't know everything necessary and is ashamed to have to ask for help from the midwife. Alyce runs away but then returns after discovering that what she wants in life is to be the midwife's apprentice.

Critical Analysis:
Alyce is an interesting and diverse character throughout the novel. She is first found with no self-esteem, dirt poor, and with feelings of unworthiness. As the story progresses, Alyce slowly regains self-confidence. Her journey of identity within herself allow many readers, especially young adults, to relate to her. At the adolescent age, many feel self-doubt, depression, and lack of self-esteem.

Alyce conquering her fears and becoming an honorable, confident young girl ties into the theme of hope and deterimination. She teaches her readers that with hardwork and not losing hope, one can overcome any obstacles and perservere. Young people this age can relate this this timeless theme, as they search for their own identity and niche in life, and can often feel there are several obstacles in the way of their dreams.

The plot and setting are accurate to the time period. In the Midieval times, midwife's were common (along with the many other occupations discussed), as were herbal remedies and singing songs to deal with emotions. The author uses vivid detail to describe the sights, smells, and sounds within this historical setting.

The style of the story was written in 3rd person narrative and includes dialogue reflective of the time period.

Excerpt Reviews:
Publisher's Weekly: "[Cushman] has an almost unrivaled ability to build atmosphere, and her evocation of a medieval village, if not scholarly in its authenticity, is supremely colorful and pungent."
Booklist: "Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone"
School Library Journal Starred Review: "...truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children’s literature."


Connections:
*This book can be utilized as a discussion opener about self-esteem, self-confidence, respect, and self-worth.
*This book can be used to discuss conquering your fears, dealing with change, and perservering.
*This book can be used as a discussion opener about goals, how to achieve them, and helping others achieve their goals.
*This book can enhance a lesson on Medieval times, including the occupations during that time period.

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Bibliography:

Kinney, Jeff. 2007. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Amulet Books: New York, NY. ISBN0-8109-9313-9.



Plot Summary:

The main character, Greg Heffley, comically records his experiences in middle school in a journal, interspersed with illustrations, that his mother insisted he start. Greg tells of the events that take place almost daily, including holiday celebrations, his family, classes and classmates, traumatic sports activities, practical jokes, and video gaming. Greg continually strives for popularity and status among classmates and girls, however, his efforts are cancelled out by his nerdy friends, bully of a big brother, preschool-aged little brother, and his protective parents. When his best friend Rowley becomes more popular, Greg goes to great lengths to save their friendship.



Critical Analysis:
The main character, Greg, personifies the common teenage boy who prioritizes popularity, girls, and video games above most everything. He has a humorous way of dealing with and interpreting situations throughout the novel, which make him a likeable character. He is a practical joker, who is embarrassed often by his family which many males can relate to during this age. He tries to seem stronger both physically and emotionally than he really is, such as when his mom bails him and Rowley out of a haunted house, he says, "I guess it was a little embarassing when Mom did that, but I'm willing to let it go this one time." He is imperfect and does reflect his age with actions such as lifting weights in order to impress classmates in his new wrestling class, or passing out flyers for a haunted house that opens at 3pm when it is 2:30pm and they haven't set it up yet. These things make Greg a believable, innocent character that many readers will be rooting for.

The plot is very original and creative which keeps the reader's interest. It bounces from one activity or event to another, sometimes without completing one thought first (just as in a teenagers mind). However, it is consistent in that it all takes place in the usual daily life of a teenage boy: at school, at home, and at friends' houses. The events that take place are believeable and logical based on the age group and a setting in the 2000 era.

The theme is one of friendship. Greg and Rowley have an interesting, but tight-knit friendship in the beginning of the story. When Rowley, the nerd, suddenly begins to climb the social ladder at school, Greg becomes jealous. Greg goes to great lengths to become Rowley's best friend again. In the end they do go back to the way things used to be and learn to appreciate each other that much more. This is a timeless theme that rings true for many teenagers struggling with friendships as they grow and change.

The authors chose a first person point of view which enhances the pleasure of reading this story. The hysterical cartoons that accompany an extremely likable character make any reader engaged. The author has accurately reflected the speech patterns of this age group, with language such as, "gonna" and "parent-proof". Made-up things such as, the "Cheese Touch" (like cooties) add more interest into this believable story. The young group is separated from the "parent" group in this story by actions such as teenagers calling people "cool", having "back-up friends", trying out to be a tree in a play just for the opportunity to throw apples at a girl that wouldn't let you cheat on a geography test, etcetera. While the parent group just wants what is best for their child and to make them well-rounded so they "ground" them, insist they try out for plays, and don't let you listen to or play anything that isn't parent approved. All of which are logical personalities for these two groups of people.



Excerpt Reviews:

School Library Journal: "it is an excellent choice for reluctant readers, but more experienced readers will also find much to enjoy and relate to in one seventh grader's view of the everyday trials and tribulations of middle school"

Publisher's Weekly: "His print debut should keep readers in stitches, eagerly anticipating Greg's further adventures."

Booklist: "At every moment, Greg seems real, and the engrossed reader will even occasionally see the logic in some of his choices... Greatly adding to the humor are Kinney's cartoons, which appear on every page...The simple line drawings perfectly capture archetypes of growing up"



Connections:

*This book is a great tool to get junior high aged students interested in reading.

*This book can be used as a discussion starter for many things, including popularity, the first day of school or first day in a new place, friendship, family, etcetera.

*This book can be used to demonstrate how to write a comic book or novel with cartoons. It can serve as an inspiration for assignments such as these.

*This book can be used as an inspiration to start a journal or diary.

The River Between Us

Bibliography:
Peck, Richard. 2003. The River Between Us. Dial Books: New York, NY. ISBN 0-8037-2735-6.



Plot Summary:
15-year-old Tilly Pruitt narrates a story during the start of the Civil War in 1861. One day a steamboat arrived in their small town of Grand Tower in southern Illinois. Off of the boat came 2 women from New Orleans; 1 light complexioned and 1 dark complexioned. The two women were sent off by their mother, a black woman married to a white man, in means to give Delphine a normal life as a "white" woman (not connected with a black family). Although questions were raised about these mysterious women, Tilly's mother invites them to stay her in home. Tilly's twin brother Noah falls in love with one of the women, Delphine, before he leaves to fight in the war. Tilly's mother becomes worried and upset and decides to send Tilly and Delphine to retrieve Noah. Upon arrival , they find Noah in a tent hospital, take him home, and are traumatized by the realities of the war. The entering of Delphine and Calinda into the Pruitt's lives, changes them all forever. The opening and closing of the book takes place in 1916 where Noah and Delphine's grandson learns about and narrates these events during the War. We also learn what has happened to these characters discussed in the story.



Critical Analysis:
The characters in this story are sensitive and although a bit strange, they are still believable to the reader. At the same time, the characters within the book are true to their time with their clothing style (bonnets, caps, hoop skirts, cloaks, petticoats, etcetera) among other material items used during those times. Being from Illinois, their dialect is much like today's, although the author did add in some vocabulary that people back then would have used such as, "skedattle" or "yonder".

The plot and setting is realistic to the time period, as the Civil War was a known event during this time. Illinois was a border state and the home state of President Lincoln. Grand Tower's location being near the slave states (Missouri is just across the river) meant that
feelings over slavery and secession were divided, which was accurately displayed in the book by some boys wanting to join The Confederacy and the other half The Union Army.

The theme in this book is timeless: loss, sacrifice, and new beginnings. These are all things in which people can relate to at some point within their lives.

Excerpt Reviews:
Kirkus Starred Review: "A rich tale full of magic, mystery, and surprise."

The Horn Book Starred Review: "The harsh realities of war are brutally related in a complex, always surprising plot that resonates on multiple levels. "
Publisher's Weekly Starred Review: "Peck reaches new depth with this Civil War-era novel. "



Connections:
*This book can be used to teach a lesson on the Civil War.
*This book can serve as insight to the culture and time period of the 1860's-1920's.
*This book can be used to provide insight on the impact the Civil War had on people, especially women.

NightJohn

Bibliography:
Paulsen, Gary. 1993. NightJohn. Delacorte Press: New York, NY. ISBN 0-385-30838-8.

Plot Summary:
This book is about a 12-year-old slave girl named Sarny. Sarny tells of the inhumanity that takes place on the Waller plantation and how it makes her feel. Although she is not yet old enough for "the troubles" of breeding or being a farmhand, she thoroughly understands the immense pain she will soon face combined with the discomfort and hunger that she currently experiences. Sarny explains how she met Nightjohn, a slave who travels in the night from one slave camp to another to teach slaves how to read and write. Sarny knows this is forbidden but cannot resist the temptation to learn. Once she is caught with her newfound knowledge, she and those around her are punished for her betrayal. Despite her fear, she escapes with Nightjohn to an underground pit school to learn with others like herself.

Critical Analysis:
The main character in this story, Sarny, is young and believable enough to young readers. The imperfect Sarny is someone that many young adults can relate to with her excitement about the unknown and the risks one takes to find out, "I be making the word and forgot where I was...I knew... I was just excited." At the same time, Sarny and the other characters within the book are true to their time with the dialects and language patterns used such as, "Mammy", "ain't", "the master whipped her his ownself", "come be making us free", etcetera.

The plot and setting is realistic to the time period, as slavery was a known event during this time. The author portrays these events accurately and provides enough detail to educate the reader of the setting. From the clothing (tarp-cloth and rawhide) to the food (pork fat, tobacco, cornbread) to the description of housing quarters on the plantation, Paulsen accurately illustrates the living conditions for slaves in the 1850's.

The theme of hope, inspiration and perserverance is timeless. Although the perceived "Pale white maggot ugly" whites of the time were forbidding the blacks to be free physically, emotionally, religiously, or mentally, Nightjohn renewed hope for all blacks when he explained and then demonstrated his success at escaping to freedom.

Excerpt Reviews:
Publisher's Weekly: "Among the most powerful of Paulsen's works..."
Children's Literature: "Taking on the personae of these characters will not only develop your young writers' voices, but will also immerse them in history from a first-hand point of view. "

Connections:
*This book can be used to discuss the living conditions of slaves during the 1850's.
* This book can be used to teach a lesson about perserverance and hope.
*This book can be an engage component for a lesson or craft on appreciation or things that we are grateful for.

The Last Princess

Bibliography:
Stanley, Fay. 1991. The Last Princess: The Story of Princess Ka'iulani of Hawai'i. Ill. Diane Stanley. HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0-688-18020-5.

Plot Summary:
This story is about a time in Hawaii when Kings and Queens ruled the land. The young Princess Ka’iulani was heir to the throne. While she was away at school in England her native land was being overtaken by U.S business men. She made many unsuccessful attempts to keep her country from being annexed to the United States. After her Aunt, the last Queen Hawaii had, was forced to give up the throne, Ka’iulani returned to Hawaii to save her people from the businessmen. Again she was unsuccessful as Hawaii became a U.S territory. She died shortly after, never taking the throne.

Critical Analysis:
This book is accurate with its historical retellings and true to the emotions of the Hawai'ian people during that time. The illustrations of clothing, hairstyles, etcetera also accurately reflect the time period and setting in which the book takes place. The book is organized well, with text on every left page and a full-color, full-page illustration on every right hand side. The story is told in sequential order which makes it easy for children to follow and understand. The illustrator chose to depict the emotions of the characters through body language rather than facial expressions which makes it a bit more difficult for children to understand the impact the annexation had on the Hawai'ian people. Despite the mostly solemn facial expressions, the body language does depict ranging emotion starting with content family portraits and get-togethers where characters are close together) to sad and distraught (sickness and intense discussions where individuals stand farther apart opposing each other).

This book is good for older children aging 11-12. It is a good tool to use to help children understand the annexation of Hawai'i and the emotions felt during that time. However, it is not a book that many children would willing read and find interesting due to the large amount of text, old fashioned illustrations which lack action, and the wide range of vocabulary used.

Excerpt Reviews:
School Library Journal: "The full-page paintings are stunning, reflecting the beauty of the islands and the handsome, racially mixed people who live there...a visual treat."
Children's Notable Book: "It is a fascinating piece of American history."
ALA Notable Children’s Book 1992
Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice

Connections:
*A great tool to aid in the teachings of US History, especially in relation to the annexation of Hawai'i.
* Great book to include in a royalty discussion of notable Kings and Queens.
*Can be used to encourage children to think for themselves, work hard, and stand up for what they believe in.