Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson

A celebration of African American women and their traditions from generation to generation are detailed in Jacqueline Woodson's picture book, Show Way. This is the first book I've written that is based on my family's history - tracking my family down the maternal line, from my great-great-grandmother to my daughter, Toshi." (http://www.teachingbooks.net/)

Show Way begins with Woodson's great-great-grandmother being sold at the age of seven and taken away from her home in Virginia to live in South Carolina. While listening to stories about freedom from Big Mama, she used the piece of muslin, red thread, and two needles to create a Show Way, or a quilt that showed messages and directions for slaves to escape through the Underground Railroad. The craft of quilting is passed down from woman to child year after year, and soon culminates through eight generations, ending with Woodson and her daughter Toshi on the final pages, as the story comes full-circle. "Writing Show Way made me remember that that's the not only the blood that runs through my veins, but it's the blood that runs through my daughter's veins and it's the blood that runs through all of our veins. I mean, the fact that we as human beings have gotten this far is amazing."

Together, both Woodson and illustrator Hudson Talbott emphasize the importance of how these quilts represented the memories of the past and present. Talbott's stunning illustrations link closely with the text while also carrying the same quilt-like motif. Just by looking at the pictures, not even reading the words, a story is told about the culture, traditions, trials, and tribulations through the use of color, size, shape, and background effects. Quilts are also used in the design of the book; for example, on the cover Mathis May is holding a candle. "A diamond is actually cut into the cover as diamonds represent the four stages of life in African textiles." (http://www.newyorktimes.com/) Pictures of African American leaders such as Martin Luther King, words by Sojourner Truth, and other inspriational historical figures are stiched together on the cover surrounding Mathis, demonstrating an importance and celebration of their efforts for equal rights.

Woodson's family stories in Show Way created an opportunity for readers to reflect and learn about the past experiences of these women. Readers obtain a firm understanding of the importance of how these quilts and patterns told a story that was shared from mother to daughter. This story will encourage readers to seek information about their own family's background, while learning about how their experiences and traditions helped shape their present lives.

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis is about a first-generation freeborn black 11-year-old named Elijah Freedman. Elijah is best known around his community for having thrown up on Frederick Douglass as a baby. The book focuses on Elijah's life, attending school, doing chores, fishing, and playing with his friends. Elijah was the first to be "born free" to former slaves in Buxton, Canada, and although he's heard stories about slavery from the freed slaves that surround him in his settlement, he has not come face to face with it.

Elijah's innocence to slavery changes as he, who is once described by his parents as being a "fra-gile" boy, embarks on the dangerous journey to America. Elijah, accompanied by Mr. Leroy, emarks on this quest in order to track down former slave, Reverend Zephariah, who stole Mr. Leroy's money that was intended to buy his family back from captivity in the south. Elijah's fragile persona is put to the test once reaching the destination and after Mr. Leroy unexpectedly passes. Elijah, though unable to recover the money and find the evil Reverend, successfully rescues an enslaved baby girl named Hope and the two journey safely back to Buxton.

Once described as a "fragile" boy, Elijah demonstrates the ability to face the harsh reality of slavery and finds the strength and courage that portrays him as the "grown up" that he longed to be perceived as by his family and friends. And he gave the greatest gift of all to Hope-a life of freedom, growing up in the settlement of Buxton, Canada, land of the free.

Curtis was able to depict a historical fiction story that contained the cultural and historical authenticity, while painting a clear picture of what life was like for runaway slaves and those who settled in Buxton. The character that he creates through Elijah is believable to readers, and does not make him "superheroic," while his rescuing of Hope proves to be a brave and admirable characteristic of a hero, it is believable of his age.

In the author's note, Curtis states that while some of the story is fictionalized, most of the story is based on fact. Frederick Douglass and John Brown did visit Buxton, and Reverend William King did found the Elgin Settlement for freed slaves. He encourges readers to go visit Buxton, while "it is almost impossible not to be deeply moved while looking out on fields that were cleared by people who risked their lives for the dream of freedom."

As this was my first book that I've read by Christopher Paul Curtis, I gained a deeper understanding of what life was like for those who were successful in escaping slavery after reaching Canada. It is unreal what young children, such as Elijah, had to endure throughout their lives. I respect, value, and admire their brave spirits as they experienced a life filled of uncertainty and danger.

Joyful Noise-Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman

Joyful Noise by Paul Fleischman is a collection of poems that beautifully articulate the noises, actions, and appearances of the insects around us. While the poems are intended to be read aloud by two voices - recitors can speak simultaneously or alternate lines while bringing each poem to life with a musical tone. While reading this independently, I wondered whether his writing style for poetry consistently contains paired poetry recitations.
After reading, I found in a Q&A inteview session on his website. Fleischman was asked, "Why do you write poems with more than one voice? Fleischman's response: "If I could, I'd write music rather than books. Alas, I don't have that talent--but writing multi-voice poetry at least gives me a taste. Playing in a recorder consort in college led me toward those poems as well. I loved being part of a group. I've tried to bring that feeling of interplay and joyful collaboration into the poetry."

The emotions resonating throughout each poem in Joyful Noise vary - some sad, loud, quiet; however, each share a common characteristic as they make "booming, boisterous, joyful noise." Before reading the poetry collection, I thought to myself - Yuck! Poems about insects. However, as you read poem after poem the insects take on more of a human-like persona as you get to know their distinct personalities, habits, practices, and functions in our environment. This is constructed through personification and imagery. In the poem Fireflies, Fleischman describes them as "insect calligraphers, practicing penmanship, copying sentences." He also uses alliteration - "fireflies, flickering, flitting, flashing...glimmering, gleaming, glowing." A comparison using a similie, for example, is also demonstrated in the line, "Signing the June nights, as if they were paintings." All of these literary techniques aid in the overall rhythm, flow, and clarity in the content of the poem that also allows for the reader to visualize what is happening line by line.

One thing is for sure - you cannot get the same effect of reading this independently as you would with a partner, reciting it from beginning to end. So, I decided to listen to Joyful Noise on audio. And what a difference it made!! Narrators Melissa Hughes and Scott Snively recite each poem and with such energy and enthusiasm that bring these creepy, crawly creatures to life!

Illustrator Eric Beddows aids to the realistic adventure that the reader travels through while reading each poem. Each insect's composition, line, and shape add to its realistic form, while also creating a sense of movement on each page. Beddows also added a comical sense to the poems - for example, in the poem Honeybees, the queen bee is lounging on what looks like a chaise lounge, complementing the lines, "I'm up at dawn guarding, the hive's narrow entrance..."then I put in an hour making wax without two minutes' time to sit and still relax." This also compliments Fleischman's technique of personification.

Poetry is type of writing that expresses feelings. I believe that Fleischman did it an outstanding job in being able to capture the essence of each insect, while allowing for readers to explore and learn about their individual characteristics, purposes, and states of being. I gained a greater apprecitation for the subject matter as well as for the author. His literary techniques kept me interested and invested in his poems; in addition to the fluctuation of first to third-person narration without, you keep wondering what will happen next! Similar to Bull Run and Seedfolks, Fleischman interconnects his characters by giving their perspective, thoughts, and feelings.

I also feel that students would be highly interested in engaging in these poems as a reader's theatre or poem recitations, while also providing content area facts for science. The level of engagement provides a greater opportunity for students to maintain motivation and attention, while the rhythm and musicality make it a fun learning experience!

I Had Seen Castles by Cynthia Rylant

John Dante grew up playing with toy soldiers as a young boy– never knowing he’d grow up to be a soldier fighting in a war for his country. From the very start, I felt as if I were right there with John, waiting for him to turn 18 and enlist in the war, wondering, would he return to his family safely? Would he reunite with Ginny and marry as they promised? Would he be able to move on with his life after returning to the United States from war?

In an end of the book interview, Rylant claims, "I do try to imagine what someone might feel. I needed a lot of empathy to write a war story--empathy for fear and pain." My emotions were instantly invested in the story, as I sympahized with the ordeals of all of the characters as we see the world through their own eyes. John's written account 50 years after his return from war, reflect the heartbreak and suffering that he experienced as if it had happened yesterday. The use of descriptive details and imagery allow you to feel as if you are right there on the front lines of war with John and his infantry unit. "Numbed by the horror of what he sees and does, John realizes that he is fighting only to keep himself and his fellow soldiers alive. "We were the ghosts of boys and we had come to believe in nothing but each other."

Four years after enlisting, John finally returns home. He realizes that he has very little in common with other people who did not fight in the war. Would there be anyone who could possibly understand what he went through over there? Ultimately, I thought John would tell of how he was reunited with Ginny, yet he didn't go to find her. Was he afraid that the man he'd become would not be able to give Ginny the life that they dreamed of years ago? I wanted to shout at him and tell him he was a fool for not going after her. But his experiences on the front lines changed his life forever, stealing his youth, creating a distance between himself and his loved ones, and forever altering his perception of the world in which he lived. The message at the end of the book to Ginny states, "I want you to know that I am really alive. And I still love you." It truly hurts to know that they will never reunite, but shows just how powerful their love for one another once was and that even the war had not changed his feelings towards Ginny.

I thought Rylant did a remarkable job in detailing the harsh realities of war and how it affected the lives of soldiers, like John Dante, for the rest of their lives. These were such young boys who hadn't experienced the smallest things that we take for granted today. Were they ready to take on such an important role? They were just kids when they left, but many returned men who were unable to fit into the place that they once called home.

Throughout the year, my class writes letters to World War II lveterans that live in Virginia. We write back and forth to one another. My students look forward to their letters as I know that the veterans enjoy the company of a pen-pal writing. They are very proud of their accomplishments and have sent pictures of themselves in uniform, in the past and present. I know that our letters give these men the company and support that they deserve, and just knowing how much we appreciate their sacrifices must mean the world to them. And we will never be able to truly describe how much that means to us and our nation.

Missing May by Cynthia Rylant

They were one big, happy family that lead simple lives in Deep Water, West Virginia. Simple lives filled with love for one another. Summer's Aunt May passes on and life gets much harder for her and Ob, May's husband. This event comes at a time when Summer finally feels secure after experiencing many years of instability in shifting from home to home. She questions whether or not Ob can regain his strength and be able to focus on the two of them as a family - as the two continually think about May and wish for her to return to them once again.

Ob shares with Summer that he has felt May's spirit. This event gives Ob hope, while it in turn reminds him of the tragic loss of his wife. Summer sees Ob lose faith, inspiration, and purpose as he fails to wake up on time one morning. But as Cletus Underwood, a boy that Summer can barely stand, manages to instill a new sense of hope to Bo and tells him he can try to communicate with May once again through a "Spiritualist." Summer does not go for this idea, and is shocked when Bo buys into taking the journey three hours to Glen Meadows. However, the three travel on while Summer feels content and safe on their way to the Church as they travel in silence.

When they arrive at the Church of Glen Meadows, they learn that the Spiritualist has passed on her nephew will not be able to assist them in connecting with May. But something changes in Bo on that ride back to Glen Meadows. He decides to turn the car around and go visit the capitol. Upon their return home, Summer sees an owl fly above her, giving her a sense of May's presence - and finally, Summer begins to let her emotions out. Bo comforts her as he did when she was a little girl. And that next morning, the three of them go out to May's garden and hang up Bo's whirligigs and the pamphlet they picked up in Glen Meadows, giving them a place to spin, live, and fly - while Cletus asks, "What is the true mission of spirit messages?" "To bring us consolation in the sorrows of life..." Then everything was set free by the wind.

While Summer is only twelve in the book, it seems as though her life experiences thus far have matured her greatly. She communicates very personal thoughts with the reader about how she misses May. However, she does not show her emotions around Bo, in order maintain strong for him in his time of need. It isn't until Summer feels May's spirit as the owl flies over her, that she finally lets go and grieves the death of May, while being comforted by Ob as she once was as a child. I believe that this was May's way of showing Summer that she is safe and that everything will be alright.

As I read Missing May, I felt drawn into the state of emotions resonating through the actions and thoughts of the characters. Rylant creates characters that are real people who experience real-life situations such as death and how people cope in different ways. She uses quite a bit of symbolism thoughout her writing. For example, when the owl passes over Summer I believed that was the moment that Summer felt May's presence of spirit and that at that moment she could surrender her true emotions and start the grieving process, and that she didn't have to be strong for Ob any longer. However, when May is expressing her thoughts about the owl she states, "I'd not ever seen an owl in all my days, and when I hadn't had you but a few weeks there that one passed through my life. I knew you'd always be doing that for me and for Ob. Bringing us good things like that." To me this represents May's wish for Summer and Ob to move on and have a new beginning in their lives together, just as Summer had created a new beginning for May and Ob when she became a part of their family. In other example of Rylan't symbolism, as the three hang up Ob's whirligigs outside at May's garden, the wind sweeps them up and carries them away as if to represent a fresh start of their lives together.

I believe that it isn't until you are faced with someone you love dying that you will not know how to cope with this life altering event. People deal with it in different ways. Some people get depressed, hope to connect with their loved one through a spiritual connection - like Bo. While others contain their emotions in order to stay strong for others - like Summer. But it isn't until someone unexpected, like Cletus, in a way fills that missing void, and brings people closer together in a time of need. And when time is given, people find their own way to say good-bye while holding onto the memories that transformed their lives.

A few of moving scenes of how Ob and Summer dealt with the loss of their beloved May...

"Right out of the blue, he wanted to live again. And I'd like to think maybe he wanted to live because of me. Because he couldn't bear the thought of saying good-bye to me."

And Ob said, "She's still here, honey. People don't ever leave us for good." (p. 84)

"I closed my eyes and thought of my poor young mama and May's poor mommy and daddy and my dear May herself. But I didn't dwell on them with pain or fear. There was a tranquility in me that felt all right, and as I remembered them all, my tears dried up and I fell asleep." (p. 84)

The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Giver by Lois Lowry details the life of a young boy Jonas who has been raised in a world that is seemingly perfect, a somewhat "utopian society"; until, he receives his life assignment that completely changes his perspective on the "ideal" world that he had once lived. While during his training as the new Receiver, Jonas is transmitted feelings of happiness, sadness, joy, pain, grief, hope, and love. He begins to question his trainer, the Giver, as to why his community has put away these memories of generations past.

Jonas, while admirable of these memories that the Giver instills upon him, becomes frustrated with the fact that he cannot share what he has learned with others such as his family or friends, and also comes to learn about how his father participates in the Release of people, while planning to let go of Gabriel. While it is quite risky, Jonas kidnaps Gabe and journeys to the land of Elsewhere, with the intention of living within the world that was once known many years ago - before the community's robotic theme of "sameness" among all. Jonas is able to endure the pain through his recollection of memories of warmth and happiness, and is able to transfer them to Gabe.

As the story concludes, the final scene leaves Jonas with the first memory of snow and sledding down a hill, in which he and Gabe travel downhill, closer to the sound of music, closer to what he believes is people singing.

"Behind him, across vast distances of space and time, from the place he had left, he though he heard music too. But perhaps it was only an echo."

This left me feeling hopeful for Jonas and Gabe, yet uncertain about their fate. Did they make it to the world that once included people from past generations that Jonas had so desired? Or did they come to another utopian-like society in which humans did not experience true feelings or experiences.

What did Lowry want her readers to feel in The Giver? I felt somewhat secure, at first, in Jonas's utopian society where there was no crime, no sadness, no poverty. However, as Jonas receives memories from the Giver, he realizes that his world is somewhat corrupt and parallel to the past. My feelings changed quickly changed to frustration (as Jonas experienced while not being able to share his thoughts with others), and continually questioning as to why the future world would want to put away. Along with frustration, I experienced sadness, but still a sense of hope for Jonas and Gabe in that they would find a perfect "imperfect" world to live and feel secure in once again.

I found an interview with Lowry on ReadingRockets that was particulary interesting as Lowry wanted for readers to see Jonas to set out to change the world in which he lives in; and that is a message that is shown through Jonas's character development. However, she claims that some become frightened of the plot - I can see this as the events may be controversial.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid46047440001?bclid=42498921001&bctid=36542925001

Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal, A Worldwide Cinderella by Paul Fleischman

Author Paul Fleischman's Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal, created a text that embraced the varying"versions" of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. Fleishman's tale keeps the sequence of the tale to be similar to the original version, while allowing for comparision and differentiation between cultures and traditions throughout the world. The themes that have resonated throughout this classic remain to be conquering evil with love.

Illustrator Julie Paschkis use of bright watercolor paintings demonstrate vibrant-colored individuals in the traditional dress of their native country. When looking closely at these figures, it is almost giving the sense of folk art images. I connected these illustrations with local painter Nancy Thomas, and her use of contemporary art that show wonderful color and warmth. Paschkis full page-bleeds of the illustrations depict images and people within the specific culture or area of the world, while providing a color scheme that sets the text and illustrations apart. Her use of color in the frames of the text, illustrations, and page give an overall warm and welcoming feeling to the reader, almost created a quilt-like image that shows the relationships between the countries. Along with the illustrations, Fleishman's placement of the text allows readers to follow in sequence of the story and reveal the similarities and differences in the story.

Fleishman and Paschkis Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal provided the opportunity for readers to explore this well-known tale, and how different parts of the world interpreted and conformed it to become a story that told of their customs, traditions, and values. The last page, a full page bleed, shows Cinderella's wedding to her King, bringing together all of the images of people depicted throughout the book - demonstrating an overall feeling of celebration in unity and and diversity throughout the world.

Nancy Thomas Art homepage: http://www.nancythomas.com/cart/cover.html

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DeCamillo

Despereaux Tilling is a very small mouse with a very large ears and a strong desire for adventure within the Kingdom of Dor. This little mouse stands out in ways that the entire mouse community, even his family, cannot understand. The daily life of mice activities in scurrying, cowering, and munching on books isn't quite what this young mouse yearns for ... and finds his true passion within the pages of a book. Chivalry, honor, and bravery are among the qualities that Despereaux wishes to fulfill - as he vows to "honor" Princess Pea upon their meeting. Due to his inconceivable interests, he is banished to the dungeon with the rats.

As the story of Despereaux unfolds, Miggery Sow, who was once traded by her father, desires to be a real Princess. Roscuro, a rat who comes from a species that feeds of darkness and dread, longs for light and goodness - until, he falls into the Queen's soup and kills her instantly. From ths point, soup is banned from being made in the Kingdom of Dor, which was once a cusinary delight and represents goodness to all. The King, has also lost all hope and spirit as his world begins to crumble. As Roscuro seeks forgiveness from Pea, he is treated as a "typical" rat and turns against the Princess and returns to the darkness. What was once Miggery's wish to become princess, becomes more of a reality as Roscuro tricks her into kidnapping the princess to the dungeon with the rats, with the help of Botticelli Remorsos and his "coaching" in seeking revenge. And what Roscuro thought would make him feel better, ultimately, only made him feel worse and realize that he had to learn to forgive, as well as the Princess Pea had to forgive him for his mother's unexpected passing.

Despereaux, with the valor of a knight, comes to the rescue to his Pea as Miggery Sow reunites with her father, while learning to forgive and love someone in return. Roscuro, the so-called "villian" of this fairy tale learns to see the light and comes out of the darkness, while proving that rats do have a heart, even though they are taught to be deceitful beings.

The Tale of Despereaux is unlike a typical fairy tale, and the hero, is truly unlike any hero who saves the day. The four separate books within the novel, although presented as separate stories, all find a way to feed into one another as Kate DeCamillo introduces each of the characters and their perspectives. Throughout the book, DeCamillo leads the reader into questioning the personalities of each character and how their actions contribute to the page-turning events. While reading, her words and questions to the reader allow you to feel as though you are having a conversation within adventure. With the unpredictable twists and turns in plot, DeCamillo keeps the reader in suspense, with the hope that all involved will find their own version of happily ever after. The Tale of Despereaux teaches us that while there is darkness, there is always a way to reconcile or forgive others if seek it.

After reading this story, I became interested in finding out how author Kate DeCamillo came up with the idea for The Tale of Despereaux, as the fairy tale was unlike the usual "knight in shining armor that defeated the dragon and saved the princess." What gave her the idea to create this protagonist in the story?

Matthew Peterson: What gave you the idea for The Tale of Despereaux?

Kate DiCamillo: It was actually my best friend’s son, who was eight years old at the time and Winn Dixie had just come out and he’s a reader. And so he was kind of impressed with me. And he said that he had an idea for a book about an unlikely hero with exceptionally large ears and I said, “What happens to the hero?” And he said, “I don’t know, that’s why I want you to write the book.” So that’s kind of where I started.

And I think that is why so many are influenced by this story of this unusually small mouse with big, floppy ears - he is truly like any other hero in a typical fairy tale. DeCamillo demonstrated the ability to deviate from the "typical" and transform it into something that is an extraordinary piece of literature that can capture the audience of both children and adults.