A. Bibliography: Seeger,Pete and Jacobs, Paul Dubois. Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. 2006. The Deaf Musicians. New York, NY: Penguin Group. ISBN:
039924316x.
B. Plot Summary
A group of deaf musicians form an exciting new band that exposes subway riders to a different kind of music.
C. Literary Analysis ( with Cultural Markers).
" The real music is in people joining together."
In this jazzy and engaging book, people find a way to a new identity through their disability. The vivid eye-popping acrylic and charcoal illustrations, the onomatopoeia musical sounds, and the irresistible, zippy rhymes tell the story of Lee, a musician who is losing his hearing. Pictures show a Lee who is confused and downcast until he sees an advertisement on the subway for a school for the deaf. Maybe I can learn how to do something new, he thinks.
Thus begins Lee's entry into an exciting new world. Lee goes to class and falls in love with sign language because it looks like jazz. Soon Lee meets Max, who eagerly discusses music with Lee in sign language, on the subway. They start to make their own kind of melodies and are happily joined by Rose and eventually her friend Ellie. In no time their unique talents are recognized and they draw a crowd of regular subway commuters, who answer the question ;"Who will listen to a deaf musician?" with an enthusiastic "everyone!"
This appealing story should be a crowd-pleaser because of the bright colors and jazz-like rhythm of the language. There are only a few markers of deaf-culture in the book. These include the postive attitude toward deafness and the joy in the rich expressiveness of sign language. However, this last attribute is not clearly demonstrated as the signing hands of the musicians appear very small in the illustrations. The hands are a little hard to see.
Even so,this book,with its exuberant cascade of words and lively, resourceful characters deserves a large audience of young children.
D. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal:
"Both uplifting and inclusive, it is a celebration of music and resilience."
Kirkus Reviews:
"An unusual story, both stylish and uplifting."
E. Connections.
Have a sign language group come in to present ASL (American Sign Language) poetry or view ASL poetry on DVDs for children.
Other picture books with a positive portrayal of disabled characters include:
Stryer,Andrea Stenn. Kami and the Yaks. ISBN: 9780977896103
Parker, Robert Andrew. Piano starts here:the Young Art Tatum. ISBN: 9780375839658
Uhlberg,Myron. Dad Jackie and Me. Illustrated by Colin Bootman. ISBN:1561453293
Monday, August 9, 2010
Module 6 Book 2 Gay Literature
A. Bibliography.
Sanchez, Alex. 2001. Rainbow Boys. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. ISBN: 0 689857705.
B. Plot summary.
Jason, Kyle and Nelson come to terms with their gay identity and look for love and freindship at their suburban Washington DC high school.
C. Literary Analysis (with cultural markers.)
Jason Carrillo, a star basketball player, Kyle, a sensitive and bright swimmer, and their flamboyant and impetuous friend Nelson don't really explore their cultural roots. Rather each character represents a type of "every boy" in this story about gay identity. The author chooses to explore a generic High School millieu rather than a specific culture. Although Jason has a Spanish surname, he only says one word in Spanish. Likewise the setting is only vaguely alluded to when the boys take the metro,but does not really matter.
Rainbow Boys explores the coming out process of three likeable gay boys in a non-judgemental, light and upbeat way. In contrast to older portrayals in YA literature, the boys are presented as fairly well-adjusted, if temporarily troubled. Their situation is recounted in a positive and understanding light with no tragic and overly melodramatic consequences.
It is this refreshing approach, rather than the flat characters, and odd stilted dialogue, and contrived situations, didactic tone that makes the Rainbow books so appealing. The budding romance between Jason and Kyle is portrayed sympathetically and with great respect and sensitivity. Although Jason's girlfriend Debra is really just another generic character, she is also shown to be angry, but ultimately kind and forgiving.
The Rainbow books are a breezy, strangely compulsive and uncomplicated read that shows Teen Gay readers a hopeful and positive look at Gay Life. Even kids who read below grade level can escape to the simpler world of Jason, Nelson and Kyle. The series is valuable, not for its literary merit,but because of its groundbreaking portrayal of ordinary Gay teens without censure and moralizing.
D. Review Excerpts
Booklist
Ultimately, the author demonstrates, coming out is really coming in--entering a circle of support and self-acceptance that may lead to a more universal community of acceptance and tolerance.
Horn Book
A well-observed, witty, and sexually honest look at the process of coming out both publicly and to oneself.
E.Connections.
Encourage Teens to form a Gay/ Straight alliance or seek out such a club.
Inform Teens of the following useful resources:
Human Rights Campaign- an organization that works for equality.
www.hrc.org
PFlag
Parents, Families, and Friends of Gays and Lesbians.
www.pflag.org.
Visit the website to find a local chapter.
Fight Violence and Hate Crimes against Gays and Lesbians.
www.avp.org.
Other books with positive portrayals of gay teens include:
Levithin, David. Boy Meets Boy. ISBN:0375824006
Burd, Nick. Vast Fields of Ordinary. ISBN:978-0803733404
Ryan, P.E. In Mike We Trust. ISBN:978-0060858131
Sanchez, Alex. 2001. Rainbow Boys. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. ISBN: 0 689857705.
B. Plot summary.
Jason, Kyle and Nelson come to terms with their gay identity and look for love and freindship at their suburban Washington DC high school.
C. Literary Analysis (with cultural markers.)
Jason Carrillo, a star basketball player, Kyle, a sensitive and bright swimmer, and their flamboyant and impetuous friend Nelson don't really explore their cultural roots. Rather each character represents a type of "every boy" in this story about gay identity. The author chooses to explore a generic High School millieu rather than a specific culture. Although Jason has a Spanish surname, he only says one word in Spanish. Likewise the setting is only vaguely alluded to when the boys take the metro,but does not really matter.
Rainbow Boys explores the coming out process of three likeable gay boys in a non-judgemental, light and upbeat way. In contrast to older portrayals in YA literature, the boys are presented as fairly well-adjusted, if temporarily troubled. Their situation is recounted in a positive and understanding light with no tragic and overly melodramatic consequences.
It is this refreshing approach, rather than the flat characters, and odd stilted dialogue, and contrived situations, didactic tone that makes the Rainbow books so appealing. The budding romance between Jason and Kyle is portrayed sympathetically and with great respect and sensitivity. Although Jason's girlfriend Debra is really just another generic character, she is also shown to be angry, but ultimately kind and forgiving.
The Rainbow books are a breezy, strangely compulsive and uncomplicated read that shows Teen Gay readers a hopeful and positive look at Gay Life. Even kids who read below grade level can escape to the simpler world of Jason, Nelson and Kyle. The series is valuable, not for its literary merit,but because of its groundbreaking portrayal of ordinary Gay teens without censure and moralizing.
D. Review Excerpts
Booklist
Ultimately, the author demonstrates, coming out is really coming in--entering a circle of support and self-acceptance that may lead to a more universal community of acceptance and tolerance.
Horn Book
A well-observed, witty, and sexually honest look at the process of coming out both publicly and to oneself.
E.Connections.
Encourage Teens to form a Gay/ Straight alliance or seek out such a club.
Inform Teens of the following useful resources:
Human Rights Campaign- an organization that works for equality.
www.hrc.org
PFlag
Parents, Families, and Friends of Gays and Lesbians.
www.pflag.org.
Visit the website to find a local chapter.
Fight Violence and Hate Crimes against Gays and Lesbians.
www.avp.org.
Other books with positive portrayals of gay teens include:
Levithin, David. Boy Meets Boy. ISBN:0375824006
Burd, Nick. Vast Fields of Ordinary. ISBN:978-0803733404
Ryan, P.E. In Mike We Trust. ISBN:978-0060858131
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Module 6 Book 1. Islamic- American Teens
A. Bibliography:
Budhos,Marina. 2006. Ask me no questions. New York,NY: Simon and Schuster.ISBN:1416903518
B. Plot Summary :
Nadira and Aisha, two Bangladeshi girls who have spent most of their lives in New York, must face an uncertain future after their father is arrested for an immigration violation while seeking asylum at the Canadian-American border.
C. Literary Analysis (with cultural markers)
The Bangladeshi-American culture is portrayed with detail and sensitivity. Because of Budhos' skill as a writer, the reader comes to understand what it is like to be Bangladeshi-American . This understanding goes beyond the knowledge that Nadira's Ali-Uncle (a good family friend) wears a khurta, or loose collarless shirt and that her Ma wears a shalwar kameez and that they eat luchis, spiced potatoes and polau, and celebrate Pohela Boiskahor Bengali New Year. Instead, Nadira's voice is so believable and compelling, that readers come to inhabit her skin and comprehend her values.
They come to understand Nadira's sense of unease with her outspoken and defiant,but ultimately successful, cousin Taslima. Readers come to share in the sense of comfort that she gets in the familiar surroundings of her Ali-Uncle's magazine shop and the importance of Nadira's Aunties and Uncles in her life.
Budhos also perfectly captures the sense of anxiety, fear and uncertainty that always follows the Hossein family. Important events in the history of the family like the violent partition of India into Muslim and Hindu states are also woven into the story in a masterful way that add to the reader's understanding of Nadira and Aisha's background.
The author gives us a sense of Bangladesh history using lyrical language, powerful allusions to water and vivid images of past catastrophes. "Generation after Generation the water and the land melt and blur;people move across borders that make no sense." and "When Abba and Ma were growing up the land began to rumble and shift again." It is this careful and deft use of language that sets this book apart as a Young Adult literary work.
The sisters respond to their situation and shared culture and history in different ways. Aisha, Nadira's eldest sister has always been the driven, bright, self-assured and determined one. Aisha is so fearless that she had no trouble , as a young teenager, calling an immigration lawyer that she saw on TV and convincing him to take the family's case. How can Nadira compete with that force of personality? Will she always be overshadowed by Aisha? But her father's detention and the possible loss of her academic dreams lead Aisha to break down. Nadira has always been the slower, chubby sister, but she finds a hidden strength. Her growth as a character seems natural and believable. The depth of her character also leads the reader to a sense of authenticity and understanding.
Other characters are also well drawn, giving us a real sense of life in the immigrant world of Flushing Queens, NY. "The Perfect Girls" Rose Chu, Kavita Menon and Risa Sharansky, who are Aisha's best friends and very competitive scholars , as well as accomplished at other activities, transcend the "model minority" stereotype because one sees the anxiety at the root of their brittle, competitive conversations. Characters such as Nadira's Ma, who learns bravery, wears a dashing purple thrift store coat with panache and improves her English from watching cooking shows on TV and her Auntie, who screws up her courage to get a part time job at the local Flushing, Queens dollar store, also come alive.
D. Review Excerpts
Horn Book
Nadira and Aisha's strategies for surviving and succeeding in high school offer sharp insight into the narrow margins between belonging and not belonging, and though the resolution of the story is perhaps more optimistic than realistic, it feels earned.
Publisher's Weekly
But the events of the novel are powerful enough to engage readers' attention and will make them pause to consider the effects of a legal practice that preys on prejudice and fear
E. Connections
Encourage students to discover volunteer opportunities at different social organizations that help recent immigrants.
Teens might want to explore the immigrant experience with these books. Some of these books are more humorous in tone than Ask Me No Questions:
Hidier, Desai Tanuja. 2002. Born Confused. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN:9780439357623
Marina, Tamar Budhos. 2010. Tell Us We're Home. New York,NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781416903529
Sheba, Karim. 2009. Skunk Girl. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.ISBN:9780374370114
Budhos,Marina. 2006. Ask me no questions. New York,NY: Simon and Schuster.ISBN:1416903518
B. Plot Summary :
Nadira and Aisha, two Bangladeshi girls who have spent most of their lives in New York, must face an uncertain future after their father is arrested for an immigration violation while seeking asylum at the Canadian-American border.
C. Literary Analysis (with cultural markers)
The Bangladeshi-American culture is portrayed with detail and sensitivity. Because of Budhos' skill as a writer, the reader comes to understand what it is like to be Bangladeshi-American . This understanding goes beyond the knowledge that Nadira's Ali-Uncle (a good family friend) wears a khurta, or loose collarless shirt and that her Ma wears a shalwar kameez and that they eat luchis, spiced potatoes and polau, and celebrate Pohela Boiskahor Bengali New Year. Instead, Nadira's voice is so believable and compelling, that readers come to inhabit her skin and comprehend her values.
They come to understand Nadira's sense of unease with her outspoken and defiant,but ultimately successful, cousin Taslima. Readers come to share in the sense of comfort that she gets in the familiar surroundings of her Ali-Uncle's magazine shop and the importance of Nadira's Aunties and Uncles in her life.
Budhos also perfectly captures the sense of anxiety, fear and uncertainty that always follows the Hossein family. Important events in the history of the family like the violent partition of India into Muslim and Hindu states are also woven into the story in a masterful way that add to the reader's understanding of Nadira and Aisha's background.
The author gives us a sense of Bangladesh history using lyrical language, powerful allusions to water and vivid images of past catastrophes. "Generation after Generation the water and the land melt and blur;people move across borders that make no sense." and "When Abba and Ma were growing up the land began to rumble and shift again." It is this careful and deft use of language that sets this book apart as a Young Adult literary work.
The sisters respond to their situation and shared culture and history in different ways. Aisha, Nadira's eldest sister has always been the driven, bright, self-assured and determined one. Aisha is so fearless that she had no trouble , as a young teenager, calling an immigration lawyer that she saw on TV and convincing him to take the family's case. How can Nadira compete with that force of personality? Will she always be overshadowed by Aisha? But her father's detention and the possible loss of her academic dreams lead Aisha to break down. Nadira has always been the slower, chubby sister, but she finds a hidden strength. Her growth as a character seems natural and believable. The depth of her character also leads the reader to a sense of authenticity and understanding.
Other characters are also well drawn, giving us a real sense of life in the immigrant world of Flushing Queens, NY. "The Perfect Girls" Rose Chu, Kavita Menon and Risa Sharansky, who are Aisha's best friends and very competitive scholars , as well as accomplished at other activities, transcend the "model minority" stereotype because one sees the anxiety at the root of their brittle, competitive conversations. Characters such as Nadira's Ma, who learns bravery, wears a dashing purple thrift store coat with panache and improves her English from watching cooking shows on TV and her Auntie, who screws up her courage to get a part time job at the local Flushing, Queens dollar store, also come alive.
D. Review Excerpts
Horn Book
Nadira and Aisha's strategies for surviving and succeeding in high school offer sharp insight into the narrow margins between belonging and not belonging, and though the resolution of the story is perhaps more optimistic than realistic, it feels earned.
Publisher's Weekly
But the events of the novel are powerful enough to engage readers' attention and will make them pause to consider the effects of a legal practice that preys on prejudice and fear
E. Connections
Encourage students to discover volunteer opportunities at different social organizations that help recent immigrants.
Teens might want to explore the immigrant experience with these books. Some of these books are more humorous in tone than Ask Me No Questions:
Hidier, Desai Tanuja. 2002. Born Confused. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN:9780439357623
Marina, Tamar Budhos. 2010. Tell Us We're Home. New York,NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781416903529
Sheba, Karim. 2009. Skunk Girl. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.ISBN:9780374370114
Friday, July 30, 2010
Module 5 Book 3 Book ILL. by Yumi Heo
A. Bibliography
Look,Lenore. 2006. Uncle Peter's amazing Chinese wedding. ILL. by Yumi Heo. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. ISBN: 9780689844584,
B. Plot Summary
Jenny's favorite uncle,Peter is getting married and everyone is happy except Jenny. Will Uncle Peter still pay attention to Jenny now that he is marrying Stella ? Jenny attends the wedding, with its many traditions, and learns that she still retains a special place in Uncle Peter's life.
C. Analysis (with cultural markers).
Uncle Peter's Amazing Chinese Wedding deals with universal emotions, a child's jealousy and uncertainty set against a rich and authentically portrayed backdrop of a Chinese wedding.
Jenny's Uncle Peter is "the coolest dude, a girl's best buddy." Illustrations show him wearing a baseball cap and an oversized contemporary jersey,not the monochrome pajamas of Asian stereotypes.
Jenny, who fears that she will no longer be [Her Uncle Peter's]" special girl, just me", after Peter weds his girlfriend Stella, is shown with long braids and a smooth round face. In one bright illustration, Heo shows Jenny surrounded by All-American objects that reinforce the narrative. For example, Jenny has just been describing how she and Uncle Peter eat a hot dog lunch, followed by popcorn at the movies. In the opposite illustration, Jenny's sad face is framed with a vibrant, detailed collage of popcorn and hot dogs.
Jenny deals with her emotions even as her relatives re-enact a series of matrimonial traditions. Rather than simply presented as a "cultural parade", the traditons and customs are seen through the eyes of a young girl who appreciates them.
The first tradition the reader sees is the presentations of gifts from the bride's family to the groom. The aunties, who all have distinctive hair color, varied skin tones, and unique facial expression "ooh and aah" over the shoes, wallet, and new suit from the bride's family. Readers learn that "Dui ho" means best quality because the aunties, quite naturally, admire the gifts.
Our narrator, Jenny's explanations of historical, but no longer observed wedding customs, such as the bride's sedan chair ,are seamlessly woven into the narrative and naturally lead to a description of the all of the fascinating parts of the ceremonies and ritual associated with the wedding.
Although all the customs are explained in rich detail, the young reader never loses sight of the strong emotions that are bothering young Jenny. The little girl expresses her jealousy by dumping the hot "Chrysanthemum Special from her Grandma's fancy pot" before the tea ceremony, where the family officially welcomes the bride. After learning about what Jenny has done, her compassionate mother talks to Jenny and is able to calm Jenny's fears of abondonment.
After this emotional scene, which take place in a bright living room of an easily recognizable 21st century house, Jenny is mcuh calmer. She can continue to talk about all the fun associated with the wedding. Readers learn that the modern bride and groom incorporate contemporary rituals with older traditions: Couples still light incense and bow to the pictures of the ancestors, accept red packets of Hunbau or lucky money,but they also exchange rings, kiss,drink toasts, have the bride throw the bouquet, and shimmy to hip bands like GigaDragonByte.
Aside from offering a non-stereotypical insider's view into some wonderful and intriguing wedding customs, this book offers children a way to deal with the commonly felt emotions of jealousy and fear of change. The reader learns both to enjoy and appreciate these wonderful traditions, with no unecessary or clunky explanations and also learns how the charming and sweet narrator, Jenny comes to accept her new Aunt Stella.
D. Review Excerpts
The Horn Book
Rituals, both solemn and fun, once again form a backdrop for universal emotions about family and change in this companion to Henry's First-Moon Birthday.
School Library Journal
Heo's child-inspired illustrations contribute to the story's strong appeal with lively colors, perspectives, and details that accentuate both Jenny's feelings and the wedding traditions. A delightful invitation to learn more about Chinese traditions
E. Connections
Have children discuss other unique wedding traditions that they have witnessed.
Look for these other books that discuss wedding customs:
Soto, Gary. Snapshots from the wedding. ISBN: 039922808X
Jackson, Ellen B. Here come the brides. ill by Carol Heyer (non-fiction) ISBN: 0802784690
For a book on dealing with jealousy and anxiety and change after a wedding, try :
Brannen, Sarah. Uncle Bobby's Wedding. ISBN: 9780399247125
Look,Lenore. 2006. Uncle Peter's amazing Chinese wedding. ILL. by Yumi Heo. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. ISBN: 9780689844584,
B. Plot Summary
Jenny's favorite uncle,Peter is getting married and everyone is happy except Jenny. Will Uncle Peter still pay attention to Jenny now that he is marrying Stella ? Jenny attends the wedding, with its many traditions, and learns that she still retains a special place in Uncle Peter's life.
C. Analysis (with cultural markers).
Uncle Peter's Amazing Chinese Wedding deals with universal emotions, a child's jealousy and uncertainty set against a rich and authentically portrayed backdrop of a Chinese wedding.
Jenny's Uncle Peter is "the coolest dude, a girl's best buddy." Illustrations show him wearing a baseball cap and an oversized contemporary jersey,not the monochrome pajamas of Asian stereotypes.
Jenny, who fears that she will no longer be [Her Uncle Peter's]" special girl, just me", after Peter weds his girlfriend Stella, is shown with long braids and a smooth round face. In one bright illustration, Heo shows Jenny surrounded by All-American objects that reinforce the narrative. For example, Jenny has just been describing how she and Uncle Peter eat a hot dog lunch, followed by popcorn at the movies. In the opposite illustration, Jenny's sad face is framed with a vibrant, detailed collage of popcorn and hot dogs.
Jenny deals with her emotions even as her relatives re-enact a series of matrimonial traditions. Rather than simply presented as a "cultural parade", the traditons and customs are seen through the eyes of a young girl who appreciates them.
The first tradition the reader sees is the presentations of gifts from the bride's family to the groom. The aunties, who all have distinctive hair color, varied skin tones, and unique facial expression "ooh and aah" over the shoes, wallet, and new suit from the bride's family. Readers learn that "Dui ho" means best quality because the aunties, quite naturally, admire the gifts.
Our narrator, Jenny's explanations of historical, but no longer observed wedding customs, such as the bride's sedan chair ,are seamlessly woven into the narrative and naturally lead to a description of the all of the fascinating parts of the ceremonies and ritual associated with the wedding.
Although all the customs are explained in rich detail, the young reader never loses sight of the strong emotions that are bothering young Jenny. The little girl expresses her jealousy by dumping the hot "Chrysanthemum Special from her Grandma's fancy pot" before the tea ceremony, where the family officially welcomes the bride. After learning about what Jenny has done, her compassionate mother talks to Jenny and is able to calm Jenny's fears of abondonment.
After this emotional scene, which take place in a bright living room of an easily recognizable 21st century house, Jenny is mcuh calmer. She can continue to talk about all the fun associated with the wedding. Readers learn that the modern bride and groom incorporate contemporary rituals with older traditions: Couples still light incense and bow to the pictures of the ancestors, accept red packets of Hunbau or lucky money,but they also exchange rings, kiss,drink toasts, have the bride throw the bouquet, and shimmy to hip bands like GigaDragonByte.
Aside from offering a non-stereotypical insider's view into some wonderful and intriguing wedding customs, this book offers children a way to deal with the commonly felt emotions of jealousy and fear of change. The reader learns both to enjoy and appreciate these wonderful traditions, with no unecessary or clunky explanations and also learns how the charming and sweet narrator, Jenny comes to accept her new Aunt Stella.
D. Review Excerpts
The Horn Book
Rituals, both solemn and fun, once again form a backdrop for universal emotions about family and change in this companion to Henry's First-Moon Birthday.
School Library Journal
Heo's child-inspired illustrations contribute to the story's strong appeal with lively colors, perspectives, and details that accentuate both Jenny's feelings and the wedding traditions. A delightful invitation to learn more about Chinese traditions
E. Connections
Have children discuss other unique wedding traditions that they have witnessed.
Look for these other books that discuss wedding customs:
Soto, Gary. Snapshots from the wedding. ISBN: 039922808X
Jackson, Ellen B. Here come the brides. ill by Carol Heyer (non-fiction) ISBN: 0802784690
For a book on dealing with jealousy and anxiety and change after a wedding, try :
Brannen, Sarah. Uncle Bobby's Wedding. ISBN: 9780399247125
Module 5 Book 2 -Novel by Grace Lin
A. Bibliography
Lin, Grace. 2006. Year of the dog. New York,NY: Little Brown and Company. ISBN: 0316060003.
B. Plot Summary
Pacy tries to discover her talents as she experiences life with her friends and family during the year of the dog.
C. Analysis ( with cultural markers).
Year of the Dog is a charming exploration of a year in one Taiwanese American elementary school girl's life.
The doodle-like,dotted line drawings accentuate the story. Pacy, who also has the Chinese name of Grace, struggles to come to terms with what it means what it means to be Taiwanese American. She also tries to fit in with her classmates. Pacy longs to be Dorothy in the school play, but is too embarassed to audition after a classmate taunts her that Dorothy was not Chinese.
Even as she longs to be as inconspicuous as her classmates, she enjoys the Taiwanese traditions of her family,such as the red egg party for her cousin Albert. She also relishes eating traditional Chinese food such as ginger and chicken soup.
While Pacy finds comfort in these traditions, they do not asuage the pain she feels in being different and unacknowledged. She struggles to fit in until her friend Melody arrives. Melody is also Taiwanese.
Unfortunately, Pacy finds out about Melody in an embarassing way because a cafeteria lady mistakes Pacy for Melody. To the cafeteria lady, " all Chinese look alike."
In the end, Pacy deals with this prejudice by deciding to write her own book because she wants to see a book about a little girl like her.
D. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal
This is an enjoyable chapter book with easily identifiable characters.
The Horn Book
With a light touch, Lin offers both authentic Taiwanese-American and universal childhood experiences, told from a genuine child perspective.
E. Connections
Have students visit the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio to learn more about Chinese New Year.
Here are some other books about Asian and American culture that kids might enjoy.
Lin, Grace. Year of the rat. ISBN: 9780316114264. Sequel to Year of the dog.
Look,Lenor. Ruby Lu, Brave and True. ISBN: 0689849079
Namioka, Lensey. Yang the Youngest and his terrible ear. ISBN: 0316597015
Lin, Grace. 2006. Year of the dog. New York,NY: Little Brown and Company. ISBN: 0316060003.
B. Plot Summary
Pacy tries to discover her talents as she experiences life with her friends and family during the year of the dog.
C. Analysis ( with cultural markers).
Year of the Dog is a charming exploration of a year in one Taiwanese American elementary school girl's life.
The doodle-like,dotted line drawings accentuate the story. Pacy, who also has the Chinese name of Grace, struggles to come to terms with what it means what it means to be Taiwanese American. She also tries to fit in with her classmates. Pacy longs to be Dorothy in the school play, but is too embarassed to audition after a classmate taunts her that Dorothy was not Chinese.
Even as she longs to be as inconspicuous as her classmates, she enjoys the Taiwanese traditions of her family,such as the red egg party for her cousin Albert. She also relishes eating traditional Chinese food such as ginger and chicken soup.
While Pacy finds comfort in these traditions, they do not asuage the pain she feels in being different and unacknowledged. She struggles to fit in until her friend Melody arrives. Melody is also Taiwanese.
Unfortunately, Pacy finds out about Melody in an embarassing way because a cafeteria lady mistakes Pacy for Melody. To the cafeteria lady, " all Chinese look alike."
In the end, Pacy deals with this prejudice by deciding to write her own book because she wants to see a book about a little girl like her.
D. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal
This is an enjoyable chapter book with easily identifiable characters.
The Horn Book
With a light touch, Lin offers both authentic Taiwanese-American and universal childhood experiences, told from a genuine child perspective.
E. Connections
Have students visit the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio to learn more about Chinese New Year.
Here are some other books about Asian and American culture that kids might enjoy.
Lin, Grace. Year of the rat. ISBN: 9780316114264. Sequel to Year of the dog.
Look,Lenor. Ruby Lu, Brave and True. ISBN: 0689849079
Namioka, Lensey. Yang the Youngest and his terrible ear. ISBN: 0316597015
Module 5 Book 1 Picture Book by Allen Say
A. Bibliography
Say,Allen.2008. Erika San. New York,NY: Houghton Mifflin.
ISBN: 9780618889334
B. Plot Summary
Young Erika sees a picture of a Japanese house that will change the course of her entire life and eventually lead her to Japan in search of the house in the picture.
C. Critical Analysis ( with cultural markers.)
Allen Say shows Erika, a young Caucasian American girl who goes searching for a quieter, rustic Japan years after she sees a picture of a traditional Japanese house on her grandmother's wall. Because of this picture Erika studies Japanese in school and becomes fascinated with Japanese culture. She arrives in modern Japan which is shown as an industrial country with both busy, crowded cities and historically rich rural districts. The Japanese people that Erica meets are shown in all their variety, with different facial expressions and haircuts. Say also incorporates Japanese words and phrases in his story so that the story flows naturally.
The soft, beautiful water color illustrations show the Japanese dressed in modern clothes. In contrast, Erica ,the American teacher fascinated with Japanese culture, is shown performing the traditional tea ceremony after practicing for many months in traditional clothing.
This book beautifully captures one American woman's search for beauty and history in modern day Japan and quietly conveys a deep respect and understanding for the Japanese.
D. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal
More romantic and idealistic than many of Say's stories, Erika-San will find readers beyond the usual picture-book crowd.
Horn Book
Say's storytelling and art are as absorbing as ever; the illustrations of rural Japan will have adults yearning for their own remote farmhouse.
E. Connections
Have a former participant in the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) program come talk to students. Contact the JET alumni association for more information:http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/jet/link.html#jetaa
Have students do research about English teachers in Japan.
For more stories about the meeting of Japanese and American cultures, try:
Say, Allen. Tea with milk. ISBN:0395904951
Friedman, Ina R. How my parents learned to eat. ILL. by Allen Say. ISBN: 0395353793
Igus, Toyomi. Two Mrs. Gibsons. ILL. by Daryl Wells.
ISBN: 9780516200019
Say,Allen.2008. Erika San. New York,NY: Houghton Mifflin.
ISBN: 9780618889334
B. Plot Summary
Young Erika sees a picture of a Japanese house that will change the course of her entire life and eventually lead her to Japan in search of the house in the picture.
C. Critical Analysis ( with cultural markers.)
Allen Say shows Erika, a young Caucasian American girl who goes searching for a quieter, rustic Japan years after she sees a picture of a traditional Japanese house on her grandmother's wall. Because of this picture Erika studies Japanese in school and becomes fascinated with Japanese culture. She arrives in modern Japan which is shown as an industrial country with both busy, crowded cities and historically rich rural districts. The Japanese people that Erica meets are shown in all their variety, with different facial expressions and haircuts. Say also incorporates Japanese words and phrases in his story so that the story flows naturally.
The soft, beautiful water color illustrations show the Japanese dressed in modern clothes. In contrast, Erica ,the American teacher fascinated with Japanese culture, is shown performing the traditional tea ceremony after practicing for many months in traditional clothing.
This book beautifully captures one American woman's search for beauty and history in modern day Japan and quietly conveys a deep respect and understanding for the Japanese.
D. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal
More romantic and idealistic than many of Say's stories, Erika-San will find readers beyond the usual picture-book crowd.
Horn Book
Say's storytelling and art are as absorbing as ever; the illustrations of rural Japan will have adults yearning for their own remote farmhouse.
E. Connections
Have a former participant in the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) program come talk to students. Contact the JET alumni association for more information:http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/jet/link.html#jetaa
Have students do research about English teachers in Japan.
For more stories about the meeting of Japanese and American cultures, try:
Say, Allen. Tea with milk. ISBN:0395904951
Friedman, Ina R. How my parents learned to eat. ILL. by Allen Say. ISBN: 0395353793
Igus, Toyomi. Two Mrs. Gibsons. ILL. by Daryl Wells.
ISBN: 9780516200019
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Module 4 Book 3 American Indian Youth Literature Award
A. Bibliography
Medicine Crow, Joseph. 2006. Counting Coup: Becoming a chief on the reservation and beyond. Washington,DC:National Geographic Society. ISBN: 0792253914.
B.Plot Summary
Joseph Medicine Crow recounts his life as a modern day member of the Crow tribe,his childhood, and his exploits during World War II.
C. Critical Analysis ( Including cultural markers.)
"When I was born on October 27, 1913,there were no doctors or nurses around with their instruments, just a medicine woman, who specialized in child delivery. With incense of burning cedar and singing of sacred songs, I came into the world. I was singing too, but they probably thought I was wailing." So begans the utterly compelling journey of contemporary Crow chief,Joseph Medicine Crow,as he tells readers of his childhood, education, and recounts the four war deeds he performed to become chief.
Along the way , the reader is steeped in the specific culture of the Whistling Water Clan of the Crow Nation. Many celebrations are detailed including a meeting of the Sioux and the Crow in 1919. Medicine Crow also describes the special celebrations that he missed upon his return from World War II. His mother was to have spread a stack of new Pendleton blankets on the floor of the train depot. These blankets would have reached some 60 feet away to some singers that would accompany Joseph Medicine Crow in a dance.( In a wonderful story that clearly places the events within modern times, Medicine Crow misses his train and his ceremony because he is chowing down at Louie's Hamburgers.)
In addition to the celebrations, the names of the characters are prominent in the story. Joseph Medicine Crow mentions his grandparents, The Yellow Tails,as well as his great grandmother Bear That Stays by The Side of the River and his stepfather, White Man Runs Him. All his important relatives are named and in some cases, their names are explained.
Readers can see the physical attributes of the narrator while looking at the color photographs in the book. In the most recent photo, Medicine Crow is a contemporary, though elderly, chief who has on eye glasses while wearing his traditonal regalia at a recent Crow Fair. Historical pictures and postcards of his parents and his cousin Agnes Yellow Tail are also included. The older photos are shot in a very respectful way.
This is a fast-paced riveting autobiography that depicts an Indian living today, his family, his history, and his many adventures. The writing style is reminiscent of a grandfather telling his grandkids about his rollicking life and should prove to be very popular among young and older readers.
D. Review Excerpts
Junior Literary Guild Selection
2008 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner
School Library Journal:"Using large printand short chapters, this informative yet entertaining read just might inspire children to interview their elders and write their stories."
Booklist:
Medicine Crow's straightforward style and gentle humor make his recollections easy to read and hard to forget, and they provide a cultural context and understanding that is rare in books about American Indians for middle readers.
E. Connections
Learn about other contemporary and historical Indian voices. Have the class read aloud from:
Singer, Beverly R. and Hirschfelder, Arlene B. Rising Voices :Writings of Young Native Americans. ISBN: 0684192071.
or
Sneve, Virginia Driving Hawk. Dancing Teepees:poems of American Indian Youth.Illustrated by Stephen Gammell. ISBN: 0823407241
Read other historical accounts of Indian childhoods in the book by
Gleason, Katherine, Native American Literature. ISBN: 079102477.
Medicine Crow, Joseph. 2006. Counting Coup: Becoming a chief on the reservation and beyond. Washington,DC:National Geographic Society. ISBN: 0792253914.
B.Plot Summary
Joseph Medicine Crow recounts his life as a modern day member of the Crow tribe,his childhood, and his exploits during World War II.
C. Critical Analysis ( Including cultural markers.)
"When I was born on October 27, 1913,there were no doctors or nurses around with their instruments, just a medicine woman, who specialized in child delivery. With incense of burning cedar and singing of sacred songs, I came into the world. I was singing too, but they probably thought I was wailing." So begans the utterly compelling journey of contemporary Crow chief,Joseph Medicine Crow,as he tells readers of his childhood, education, and recounts the four war deeds he performed to become chief.
Along the way , the reader is steeped in the specific culture of the Whistling Water Clan of the Crow Nation. Many celebrations are detailed including a meeting of the Sioux and the Crow in 1919. Medicine Crow also describes the special celebrations that he missed upon his return from World War II. His mother was to have spread a stack of new Pendleton blankets on the floor of the train depot. These blankets would have reached some 60 feet away to some singers that would accompany Joseph Medicine Crow in a dance.( In a wonderful story that clearly places the events within modern times, Medicine Crow misses his train and his ceremony because he is chowing down at Louie's Hamburgers.)
In addition to the celebrations, the names of the characters are prominent in the story. Joseph Medicine Crow mentions his grandparents, The Yellow Tails,as well as his great grandmother Bear That Stays by The Side of the River and his stepfather, White Man Runs Him. All his important relatives are named and in some cases, their names are explained.
Readers can see the physical attributes of the narrator while looking at the color photographs in the book. In the most recent photo, Medicine Crow is a contemporary, though elderly, chief who has on eye glasses while wearing his traditonal regalia at a recent Crow Fair. Historical pictures and postcards of his parents and his cousin Agnes Yellow Tail are also included. The older photos are shot in a very respectful way.
This is a fast-paced riveting autobiography that depicts an Indian living today, his family, his history, and his many adventures. The writing style is reminiscent of a grandfather telling his grandkids about his rollicking life and should prove to be very popular among young and older readers.
D. Review Excerpts
Junior Literary Guild Selection
2008 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner
School Library Journal:"Using large printand short chapters, this informative yet entertaining read just might inspire children to interview their elders and write their stories."
Booklist:
Medicine Crow's straightforward style and gentle humor make his recollections easy to read and hard to forget, and they provide a cultural context and understanding that is rare in books about American Indians for middle readers.
E. Connections
Learn about other contemporary and historical Indian voices. Have the class read aloud from:
Singer, Beverly R. and Hirschfelder, Arlene B. Rising Voices :Writings of Young Native Americans. ISBN: 0684192071.
or
Sneve, Virginia Driving Hawk. Dancing Teepees:poems of American Indian Youth.Illustrated by Stephen Gammell. ISBN: 0823407241
Read other historical accounts of Indian childhoods in the book by
Gleason, Katherine, Native American Literature. ISBN: 079102477.
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