A.Bibliography:
Mora,Pat. Illustrated by Francisco X. Mora Delicious Hullabaloo/Pachanga Deliciosa. 1998.Houston,TX: Piñata Books. ISBN: 1558852468.
B.Plot
A variety of fun-loving animals prepare for a raucous party.
C. Critical analysis with cultural markers
The animals eat a variety of fruits found in tropical countries such as mangos and bananas. Mora lets the Spanish language rhymes create the cultural atmosphere but does not rely as much on the illustrations to provide cultural markers. The song/preparations for the fiesta take place in a non-descript house in a moonlit desert with sparse,flat surfaces and multicolored armadillos,fish and lizards that don't belong to any human culture.
However, there are quite a few cultural markers: The lizards mix together cilantro,tomates, and chile for the salsa ranchera, or tomato based hot sauce in a molcajete or Mexican mortar and pestle.In one illustration they are eating pan dulce or mexican pastry. One of the lizards plays maracas while another amigo plays guitar.
The poetry , which doesn't really flow very well,carries most of the cultural markers simply because it is Spanish. The lagartijas or lizards have amigos or friends and celebrate a pachanga or rowdy celebration or "blow-out."
Frankly, I found this book a bit dull and muted and wondered how a non-native speaker of Spanish would wrestle with the word "lagartija" while reading aloud.
D. Review Excerpts
Booklist: Presented bilingually with a Spanish translation by Alba Nora Martinez, this western frolic is winsomely illustrated in soft and soothing Southwestern shades. Slight but sassy, serve this one up with salsa and mariachi music.
San Antonio Express-News:
"Lively and colorful illustrations of dancing armadillos and salsa making lizards abound in this savory book. Mora’s poetic language and the sun-washed colors of the character animals and their food make this book a delight for the senses—it’s hard not to cha-cha while reading it aloud
E. Connections
Other bilingual poetry books (English/Spanish) for young children that celebrate animals include:
Mora,Pat. 1994. Listen to the desert. ISBN: : 9780395672921
Ada, Alma Flor and Isabel Campoy. 2005. Mama Goose: a Latino nursery treasure.
ISBN:9780786819539
Hall, Nancy Abraham. 1994. Baby chicks sing: traditional games,nursery rhymes and songs from Spanish speaking countries. ISBN:9780316340106
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Module 2 Book 3- General African American Book
A. Bibliography:Lester,Julius. 2001. The Old African. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York,NY: Walker and Company. ISBN: 0803725647
B.Plot Summary
After living through the horrors of slavery for many years, a wise slave with strange powers leads his people on an unusual march to freedom.
C. Critical Analysis (with cultural markers.)
The Old African is a harrowing read that depicts the suffering of slaves in a realistic and genuine fashion. Specifically, the suffering and life story of Jaja, an Ybo man from Africa is shown with great sensitivity and attention to historical detail. Pinkney expertly draws the clothes, while Lester includes a few words of the Ybo language and shows the strength of their religious beliefs.
Pinkney also shows the rich skin tone , muscular body type of the able-bodied slaves, and their unshorn hair that is later shaven. What is most vividly and realistically presented, however, is the horror, stench, disease and death of the middle passage.
The middle passage is only part of the Old African,Jaja's suffering. As a young man,he witnessed his friends and family being shot by the slave traders or The Lords of the Dead. After his arrival to the United States, he witnesses more horrors. Riley and other slave owners tortured and beat their slaves mercilessly. In the end, Jaja must depend on his long dormant, but very effective supernatural powers to seek freedom and lead others home.
Jerry Pinkney's art work for the book, originally created with graphite,gouache,pastel and watercolor on paper, vividly portrays the terror experienced by the kidnapped Africans in swirling, teeming panels. Later, as the slaves seek freedom, the sea turns a welcoming aqua blue and the skies seems spacious, golden welcoming and open.
In the end,Pinkney and Lester have created a story that is at the outset very disturbing. (As it should be.) However, by the glorious and triumphant end, several important values have been reaffirmed. Readers also see the resilience and courage of the African slaves. The ultimate triumph of the slaves, even if it is through the use of magical realism, provides a meaningful story with material that is self-affirming and positive.
D. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal:Lester and Pinkney combine their talents here to create an unusual, complex, and thought-provoking offering in which the Old African is the keeper of a power that brings comfort and, ultimately, salvation to his people
Booklist:Complemented by Pinkney's powerful illustrations, this picture book presents an unflinching account of the brutal history and of personal courage, told with a lyrical magic realism that draws on slave legend and the dream of freedom.
E. Connections
Older kids may want to research the history of the Old African's tribe, the Ybo people. Others may want to read copies of the WPA slave narratives recorded in the 1930's.
Other books that deal with escape from slavery and African-American history.
Raven, Margot Theis. 2006. Nightboat to freedom. ISBN: 0374312664
Woods, Brenda. 2006. Sally Little Song. ISBN: 0399243127
Woodson, Jaqueline. 2005. Show way.ISBN:9780399237492
B.Plot Summary
After living through the horrors of slavery for many years, a wise slave with strange powers leads his people on an unusual march to freedom.
C. Critical Analysis (with cultural markers.)
The Old African is a harrowing read that depicts the suffering of slaves in a realistic and genuine fashion. Specifically, the suffering and life story of Jaja, an Ybo man from Africa is shown with great sensitivity and attention to historical detail. Pinkney expertly draws the clothes, while Lester includes a few words of the Ybo language and shows the strength of their religious beliefs.
Pinkney also shows the rich skin tone , muscular body type of the able-bodied slaves, and their unshorn hair that is later shaven. What is most vividly and realistically presented, however, is the horror, stench, disease and death of the middle passage.
The middle passage is only part of the Old African,Jaja's suffering. As a young man,he witnessed his friends and family being shot by the slave traders or The Lords of the Dead. After his arrival to the United States, he witnesses more horrors. Riley and other slave owners tortured and beat their slaves mercilessly. In the end, Jaja must depend on his long dormant, but very effective supernatural powers to seek freedom and lead others home.
Jerry Pinkney's art work for the book, originally created with graphite,gouache,pastel and watercolor on paper, vividly portrays the terror experienced by the kidnapped Africans in swirling, teeming panels. Later, as the slaves seek freedom, the sea turns a welcoming aqua blue and the skies seems spacious, golden welcoming and open.
In the end,Pinkney and Lester have created a story that is at the outset very disturbing. (As it should be.) However, by the glorious and triumphant end, several important values have been reaffirmed. Readers also see the resilience and courage of the African slaves. The ultimate triumph of the slaves, even if it is through the use of magical realism, provides a meaningful story with material that is self-affirming and positive.
D. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal:Lester and Pinkney combine their talents here to create an unusual, complex, and thought-provoking offering in which the Old African is the keeper of a power that brings comfort and, ultimately, salvation to his people
Booklist:Complemented by Pinkney's powerful illustrations, this picture book presents an unflinching account of the brutal history and of personal courage, told with a lyrical magic realism that draws on slave legend and the dream of freedom.
E. Connections
Older kids may want to research the history of the Old African's tribe, the Ybo people. Others may want to read copies of the WPA slave narratives recorded in the 1930's.
Other books that deal with escape from slavery and African-American history.
Raven, Margot Theis. 2006. Nightboat to freedom. ISBN: 0374312664
Woods, Brenda. 2006. Sally Little Song. ISBN: 0399243127
Woodson, Jaqueline. 2005. Show way.ISBN:9780399237492
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Book 2 Module 2 novel by Jacqueline Woodson
A. Bibliography:
Woodson, Jacqueline. 2003. Locomotion. New York, NY: Putnam & Sons.
ISBN: 0399231153
B. Plot Summary
Lonnie Collins Motion finds a way to express his reaction to his parent's death in a fire,as well as his observations of the world around him through poetry.
C. Critical Analysis ( Including Cultural Markers. )
Jacqueline Woodson effortlessly weaves many cultural markers into Lonnie's poems,such as description of physical attributes,portrayal of the urban setting as well as language patterns.
For example, in the poem Commercial Break Lonnie describes his reaction to a TV commercial that depicts a happy,perfect, affluent family situation so unlike his current one. When Lonnie notes that the family in the commercial is white, his English teacher Ms. Marcus wonders why he always has to be so aware of race. In that moment, Lonnie becomes very conscious of the color of his own dark brown skin.
Lonnie records the genuine voices of people in his neighborhood: For example, Miss Edna, his foster mom, has a very lively and natural voice. Lonnie depicts her delight while they are grocery shopping. She says, " You know how we love ourselves some Twinkies,Lonnie."
Likewise,Lonnie's male school friends shout out exuberantly "Hey Dog. You want to hoop." from the basketball courts.
Lonnie also uses slang correctly. Later, in List Poem, Lonnie refers to his shoes as "kicks."
As she is using a vivid first person, verse narrative, Woodson is free to tackle familiar themes in a refreshing way. She lovingly portrays Lonnie's enduring relationship with his little sister Lili, who is being raised in another foster home. Using the voice of Lonnie, Woodson can discuss and depict the everyday rituals of life as well as the strength of the African-American family. Because the catalyst for Lonnie's self expression is an English class taught by the committed and sympathetic Ms. Marcus, Woodson affirms the value of education and literature.
In addition to successfully tackling important African_American themes, the author succeeds on many levels. In Lonnie Collins Motion, the reader finds an unforgettable, loving , wounded character. In the book Locomotion, the reader is also swept along by the liveliness and authenticity of Lonnie's poetic voice as the story unfolds.
D. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal:
Told in Lonnie's affecting voice, this tightly constructed, exemplary novel in verse will touch readers' hearts.
The Horn Book:
The line breaks make for very easy reading, and Lonnie talks about those line breaks and about poetry forms, making this ideal for use in classrooms where students are reading and writing poetry. From rap to haiku, Woodson shows and tells that poetry is about who we are.
E. Connections
Teachers might encourage students to write haikus about their own experiences.
Students who enjoy reading stories in verse might enjoy these books about young people meeting adversity.
Frost, Helen. Keesha's House. ISBN: 9780374340643 (Young Adults)
Johnsohn, Angela. Running Back to Ludie ISBN: 9780439293167
Creech, Sharon. Heartbeat. ISBN: 9780060540227
Testa,Maria. Becoming Joe DiMaggio. ISBN: 9780763615376
Woodson, Jacqueline. 2003. Locomotion. New York, NY: Putnam & Sons.
ISBN: 0399231153
B. Plot Summary
Lonnie Collins Motion finds a way to express his reaction to his parent's death in a fire,as well as his observations of the world around him through poetry.
C. Critical Analysis ( Including Cultural Markers. )
Jacqueline Woodson effortlessly weaves many cultural markers into Lonnie's poems,such as description of physical attributes,portrayal of the urban setting as well as language patterns.
For example, in the poem Commercial Break Lonnie describes his reaction to a TV commercial that depicts a happy,perfect, affluent family situation so unlike his current one. When Lonnie notes that the family in the commercial is white, his English teacher Ms. Marcus wonders why he always has to be so aware of race. In that moment, Lonnie becomes very conscious of the color of his own dark brown skin.
Lonnie records the genuine voices of people in his neighborhood: For example, Miss Edna, his foster mom, has a very lively and natural voice. Lonnie depicts her delight while they are grocery shopping. She says, " You know how we love ourselves some Twinkies,Lonnie."
Likewise,Lonnie's male school friends shout out exuberantly "Hey Dog. You want to hoop." from the basketball courts.
Lonnie also uses slang correctly. Later, in List Poem, Lonnie refers to his shoes as "kicks."
As she is using a vivid first person, verse narrative, Woodson is free to tackle familiar themes in a refreshing way. She lovingly portrays Lonnie's enduring relationship with his little sister Lili, who is being raised in another foster home. Using the voice of Lonnie, Woodson can discuss and depict the everyday rituals of life as well as the strength of the African-American family. Because the catalyst for Lonnie's self expression is an English class taught by the committed and sympathetic Ms. Marcus, Woodson affirms the value of education and literature.
In addition to successfully tackling important African_American themes, the author succeeds on many levels. In Lonnie Collins Motion, the reader finds an unforgettable, loving , wounded character. In the book Locomotion, the reader is also swept along by the liveliness and authenticity of Lonnie's poetic voice as the story unfolds.
D. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal:
Told in Lonnie's affecting voice, this tightly constructed, exemplary novel in verse will touch readers' hearts.
The Horn Book:
The line breaks make for very easy reading, and Lonnie talks about those line breaks and about poetry forms, making this ideal for use in classrooms where students are reading and writing poetry. From rap to haiku, Woodson shows and tells that poetry is about who we are.
E. Connections
Teachers might encourage students to write haikus about their own experiences.
Students who enjoy reading stories in verse might enjoy these books about young people meeting adversity.
Frost, Helen. Keesha's House. ISBN: 9780374340643 (Young Adults)
Johnsohn, Angela. Running Back to Ludie ISBN: 9780439293167
Creech, Sharon. Heartbeat. ISBN: 9780060540227
Testa,Maria. Becoming Joe DiMaggio. ISBN: 9780763615376
Module 2 Book 1 Book ill. by Jerry Pinkney
A . Bibliography.
Schroeder, Alan. 1996. Minty: A story of young Harriet Tubman. Ill. By Jerry Pinkney. Dial Books: New York,NY. ISBN: 0803718896.
B. Plot Summary
A spirited young Harriet Tubman defies her white masters with the same intelligence and determination that she will later use to lead the underground railroad.
C.Critical Analysis (including cultural markers:
Even though the author and illustrator had to take some artistic liberties because not much is known about Harriet Tubman's childhood, many well researched details appear in the both the text and the illustrations. The illustrations realistically depict the bare, dark wooden cabins where the slaves lived and contrast their stark surroundings to the well-lit ,luxuriously appointed home of Mr. and Mrs. Brodas, the masters.
The clothing of the slaves is threadbare, but the colorful or striped kerchiefs worn by the women and girls as head coverings stand out and add a touch of color. This specific aspect of plantation life, as well as other authentic elements,such as the fact that the slaves ate blueberries ,were well researched by Jerry Pinkney at the Banneker-Douglas museum in Maryland.
The language of the characters is realistically shaped by their experience of opression and slavery. In richly symbolic language, Harriet's mother, Old Rit, warns Harriet that "If your head is in the lion's mouth, it's best to pat him a little."The dialogue of the characters is also filled with words where the endings are truncated. This gives the dialogue a more natural sound. For example, Old Rit, Minty's mother typically states, "There's somethin'I gotta say t'you."
In addition to providing well-researched details, Minty beautifully depicts the indomitable will and head strong spirit that will lead the young Harriet Tubman to freedom and define her risky life as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Minty faces many heartaches and injustices,including brutal whippings,the burning of her precious doll and the sale of her friend. Yet, she refuses "to pat the lion's head" and her will to defy her oppressors prevails. After coming to grips with Minty's determination, her father teaches her to swim as well as how to survive in the wilderness by reading the trees and the stars.
This story depicts several strong African-American themes ,as identified by Violet Harris, including "slavery and its impact" and the " strength and resilience of African-American people in the face of adversity." The story of the bowed, but not defeated Harriet provides material that is self-affirming complete with a depiction of a strong,loving , if threatened African-American family in squalid and oppressive surroundings.
Pinkney's water colors and use of pencil further reinforce the message of the story. The dappled greens and blues are used to depict the comforting forest and the concealing water as sources of strength and knowledge for the future underground railroad conductor. In addition, readers are visually and symbolically assured in one small way that Minty will win out over her masters: She is usually depicted wearing a beautiful, bright red kerchief or turban that boldly stands out against the more muted backgrounds.
D.Review Excerpts
Publisher's Weekly:
Schroeder's (Ragtime Tumpie; Carolina Shout!) choice of lively vignettes rather than a more traditional biography is a wise one. With color and feeling he humanizes a historic figure, coaxing readers to imagine or research the rest of the story.
E.Connections
Teacher's might consider renting a Freedom Box-Traveling Trunk with scripts, props and educational materials from the National Underground Freedom Center, a national museum dedicated to preserving and teaching the history of the the Underground Railroad. http://www.freedomcenter.org/
Look for these and many other excellent children's books about Harriet Tubman and/or the underground railroad.
Weatherford, Carol Boston. Moses: when Harriet Tubman led her people to freedom. Illustrated By Kadir Nelson. ISBN: 9780786851751
Ringgold,Faith. Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the sky..
ISBN:0517587688
Clinton, Catherine. When Harriet met Soujorner.ill. by Shane W. Evans. ISBN:9780060504250
Schroeder, Alan. 1996. Minty: A story of young Harriet Tubman. Ill. By Jerry Pinkney. Dial Books: New York,NY. ISBN: 0803718896.
B. Plot Summary
A spirited young Harriet Tubman defies her white masters with the same intelligence and determination that she will later use to lead the underground railroad.
C.Critical Analysis (including cultural markers:
Even though the author and illustrator had to take some artistic liberties because not much is known about Harriet Tubman's childhood, many well researched details appear in the both the text and the illustrations. The illustrations realistically depict the bare, dark wooden cabins where the slaves lived and contrast their stark surroundings to the well-lit ,luxuriously appointed home of Mr. and Mrs. Brodas, the masters.
The clothing of the slaves is threadbare, but the colorful or striped kerchiefs worn by the women and girls as head coverings stand out and add a touch of color. This specific aspect of plantation life, as well as other authentic elements,such as the fact that the slaves ate blueberries ,were well researched by Jerry Pinkney at the Banneker-Douglas museum in Maryland.
The language of the characters is realistically shaped by their experience of opression and slavery. In richly symbolic language, Harriet's mother, Old Rit, warns Harriet that "If your head is in the lion's mouth, it's best to pat him a little."The dialogue of the characters is also filled with words where the endings are truncated. This gives the dialogue a more natural sound. For example, Old Rit, Minty's mother typically states, "There's somethin'I gotta say t'you."
In addition to providing well-researched details, Minty beautifully depicts the indomitable will and head strong spirit that will lead the young Harriet Tubman to freedom and define her risky life as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Minty faces many heartaches and injustices,including brutal whippings,the burning of her precious doll and the sale of her friend. Yet, she refuses "to pat the lion's head" and her will to defy her oppressors prevails. After coming to grips with Minty's determination, her father teaches her to swim as well as how to survive in the wilderness by reading the trees and the stars.
This story depicts several strong African-American themes ,as identified by Violet Harris, including "slavery and its impact" and the " strength and resilience of African-American people in the face of adversity." The story of the bowed, but not defeated Harriet provides material that is self-affirming complete with a depiction of a strong,loving , if threatened African-American family in squalid and oppressive surroundings.
Pinkney's water colors and use of pencil further reinforce the message of the story. The dappled greens and blues are used to depict the comforting forest and the concealing water as sources of strength and knowledge for the future underground railroad conductor. In addition, readers are visually and symbolically assured in one small way that Minty will win out over her masters: She is usually depicted wearing a beautiful, bright red kerchief or turban that boldly stands out against the more muted backgrounds.
D.Review Excerpts
Publisher's Weekly:
Schroeder's (Ragtime Tumpie; Carolina Shout!) choice of lively vignettes rather than a more traditional biography is a wise one. With color and feeling he humanizes a historic figure, coaxing readers to imagine or research the rest of the story.
E.Connections
Teacher's might consider renting a Freedom Box-Traveling Trunk with scripts, props and educational materials from the National Underground Freedom Center, a national museum dedicated to preserving and teaching the history of the the Underground Railroad. http://www.freedomcenter.org/
Look for these and many other excellent children's books about Harriet Tubman and/or the underground railroad.
Weatherford, Carol Boston. Moses: when Harriet Tubman led her people to freedom. Illustrated By Kadir Nelson. ISBN: 9780786851751
Ringgold,Faith. Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the sky..
ISBN:0517587688
Clinton, Catherine. When Harriet met Soujorner.ill. by Shane W. Evans. ISBN:9780060504250
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Module 1 Book 1- Mem Fox book.
A. Bibliography:
Fox, Mem. 1989. Feathers and Fools. New York,NY: Harcourt,Brace & Co.Illustrated by Nicholas Wilton. ISBN:0152004734.
B.Plot Summary
Two flocks of birds focus on their differences, commit violent acts against each other and hoard weapons to defeat each other . The two flocks seemed doomed and are almost entirely wiped out by their hatred and destructive behavior until a new, kinder generation is born.
C. Critical Analysis
This allegory reads like a modern day Aesop's fable with its plea for tolerance. The horrifying and escalating battles between the proud, angry peacocks and the suspicious swans are portrayed with a palette of angry reds and muted greens that grow increasingly dark as the anger between the two groups increases. The illustrator also frames the pages with fringed black borders and dark symbols such as thorns and snakes, thus further illustrating the fear and frustration of the warring flocks. This is a somber book, with each turn of the page increasing the reader's sense of doom until the final hopeful page.
Because this tale is an allegory, there are no realistically portrayed cultural markers, but the peace advocating moral should be clear enough so that the perceptive child will understand that it is better to find common ground with the so-called enemy. The reader will clearly see that hatred and suspicion can only lead to doom and mutual destruction.
D. Review Excerpts
Publisher's Weekly:
This powerful allegory portrays the dire reactions of a "pride of magnificent peacocks" and a "flock of elegant swans" who cannot see beyond their differences
School Library Journal
This tale will be an easy step-off to discussion of the late arms-race, perhaps helping to clarify thoughts, even to changing opinions. Fox clearly implies that war is the result of stupidity and unreasonable fear.‘
E. Connections
Look for these other books that advocate peaceful coexistence and getting to know your neighbor:
Seuss,Dr. The Butter Battle Book. ISBN: 0394865804
Tres, Seymour. We Played Marbles. ISBN: ISBN: 9780531300749
King, Larry L. Because of Lozo Brown. Illustrated by Amy Schwartz. ISBN: 9780140505931
Fox, Mem. 1989. Feathers and Fools. New York,NY: Harcourt,Brace & Co.Illustrated by Nicholas Wilton. ISBN:0152004734.
B.Plot Summary
Two flocks of birds focus on their differences, commit violent acts against each other and hoard weapons to defeat each other . The two flocks seemed doomed and are almost entirely wiped out by their hatred and destructive behavior until a new, kinder generation is born.
C. Critical Analysis
This allegory reads like a modern day Aesop's fable with its plea for tolerance. The horrifying and escalating battles between the proud, angry peacocks and the suspicious swans are portrayed with a palette of angry reds and muted greens that grow increasingly dark as the anger between the two groups increases. The illustrator also frames the pages with fringed black borders and dark symbols such as thorns and snakes, thus further illustrating the fear and frustration of the warring flocks. This is a somber book, with each turn of the page increasing the reader's sense of doom until the final hopeful page.
Because this tale is an allegory, there are no realistically portrayed cultural markers, but the peace advocating moral should be clear enough so that the perceptive child will understand that it is better to find common ground with the so-called enemy. The reader will clearly see that hatred and suspicion can only lead to doom and mutual destruction.
D. Review Excerpts
Publisher's Weekly:
This powerful allegory portrays the dire reactions of a "pride of magnificent peacocks" and a "flock of elegant swans" who cannot see beyond their differences
School Library Journal
This tale will be an easy step-off to discussion of the late arms-race, perhaps helping to clarify thoughts, even to changing opinions. Fox clearly implies that war is the result of stupidity and unreasonable fear.‘
E. Connections
Look for these other books that advocate peaceful coexistence and getting to know your neighbor:
Seuss,Dr. The Butter Battle Book. ISBN: 0394865804
Tres, Seymour. We Played Marbles. ISBN: ISBN: 9780531300749
King, Larry L. Because of Lozo Brown. Illustrated by Amy Schwartz. ISBN: 9780140505931
Friday, June 18, 2010
Module 1 Book 3: Moribito:Guardian of the Spirit by Nahoko Uehashi
A.Bibliography
Uehashi,Nahoko. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit. Translated by Cathy Hirano. New York,NY: Scholastic. ISBN:978-0-545-00542-5
B.Plot Summary
In a fantasy world that,according to the author "carries the scent of [feudal] Japan," Balsa must serve as the guardian of the intelligent young prince Chagum. Balsa, a talented female body guard must care for the child entrusted to her by a royal consort while protecting the boy from both the supernatural forces that live within the child and the ruthless court assassins hired by the boy's father.
C. Critical Analysis(including cultural markers)
Without additional research,it may be difficult for the average non-Japanese reader to distinguish between the authentic cultural details of daily life in feudal Japan and the customs that belong exclusively to the fantasy world based on old Japan created by the author.
However, some cultural details emerge as important markers.
Balsa, a fearless and athletic female bodyguard must still pay a great deal of respect to her elders and teachers. For example, Balsa still venerates and uses a more formal tone to address the elderly Magic weaver, Torogai, who served as her mentor. This aspect of the story appears to be rooted in Japanese culture.
Another aspect of the story that also seems to mimic Japanese society is the stratification of the society in which Balsa and Changum live. Each class or member of the society fits in within a certain level of a hierarchy with royalty being semi-divine beings at the top of the social strata. Errand runners,merchants and soldiers all know their place within this society that seems to allow for little upward mobility. Only certain lucky people such as gifted children plucked from their families by palace emissaries and trained as palace guards and hunters appear to have any hope of breaking through class barriers.
The book is rich with created cultural details. The fact that the author Nahoko Uehashi, has a PhD.in cultural anthropology seems to explain her ability to convincingly weave the creation myths of the two main fantasy cultures into the plot of the book. These two cultures are the Yakoo or the original inhabitants of the Japan-like place called the Nayoro Peninsula and the Yogo, the more recent colonizers of the peninsula. The origin myth of the first water snake who created the world told by the Yakoos and the myth of the first giants of the earth from the Yogos would seem to be influenced by Dr. Uehashi's studies of creation myths as part of her cultural anthropology background.
Aside from the portrayal of an ancient culture, Moribito has much to offer readers. The characters such as the clever 30 year old body guard Balsa and her friend the sardonic but compassionate healer Tanda are sharply drawn. The plot, while intricate and convoluted is filled with martial arts action and palace intrigue.
Moribito has become a huge hit in Japan where it has spawned an anime series and 10 manga books in a series. This book should also become popular with young adults who enjoy character driven mangas that take place in ancient worlds.
D. Review Excerpts
Hornbook:
"In this vivid, suspenseful martial arts story, Balsa, a female bodyguard and skilled warrior, is hired to protect the Second Queen's son from assassins. The prince is the Moribito, host to a water spirit whose death would bring drought to the country. Despite some flat characters, the thrilling action and thoughtful prose create an intelligent and exciting fantasy."
Booklist:
Guardian will sell itself in booktalks: the story is intriguing, and Balsa is a smart, crotchety, fully realized heroine. Even the minor characters are interesting. Uehashi's Moribito series is enormously popular in Japan, and if the remaining nine stories are as enjoyable as this one, boys and girls here will be clamoring to read them.--
E.Connections
Young Adults and older children interested in Japanese culture and literature might try to attend a local anime and Japanese culture festival such as San Japan ( a San Antonio festival that features manga, anime and other aspects of Japanese culture.)
Look for these other books about young people on a quest in feudal Japan:
Haugaard,Erik Christian.The Boy and the Samurai. ISBN:9780618615117
Namioka,Lensay. The Den of the White Fox. ISBN: 9780152012830
Snow,Maya. Sisters of the Sword. ISBN: 9780061243882
Module 1 Book 2 Vendela in Venice-translated from Swedish.
A.Bibiliography:
Bjork,Christina and Eriksson Inga-Karin. Translated from the Swedish by Patricia Crampton. New York, NY: R& S books. ISBN: 9129 64559x.
B.Plot Summary:
Young Swede Vendela relives the magical and sometimes surprising week that she spent in Venice as a tourist with her father by compiling a scrapbook of postcards, memorabilia and diary like recollections.
C. Critical Analysis (with cultural markers.)
Vendela in Venice is about a Swedish girl,Vendela who vacations with her father in Venice. She appreciates the beauty of Venice and compares it to her native Stockholm.
The book tells of the monuments, museums, restaurants and churches of Venice but does not provide details about many Italians. The natives of Venice do notice the difference between themselves and the main characters of the book, Vendela and her Father. An Italian doctor nicknames Vendela,"ochi-blu" or blue eyes.
The book was originally written in Swedish for a Swedish audience. It is meant to show Swedes a portrait of Venice. It provides a glimpse of the life of the city as experienced by two Swedes.
The author does not idealize this famous tourist destination. Vendela complains about trash in the canals.
Readers are also introduced to a new language that is set apart. The Italian words are written in italics.
Bjork, the author is not writing about characters outside her own culture. Her main characters are from her own culture but are learning about a new culture as tourists. Thus the father and daughter of the story experience Italian culture but they are removed from it because they are tourists. Because they are tourists, they never experience Italian home life. The book does not try to depict a typical Italian home.
Not surprisingly the clothes worn by the Venetians and the Italians do not differ significantly. The facial features of the Swedes and the Venetians are not that different either.
The author does attempt to portray the lack of cultural familiarity when she shows the heroine's reactions to the less touristy aspects of Venice like the fishmarket where the fishmongers chop newly killed fish into pieces. Blood runs everywhere as the fishmongers complete their gruesome work. Vendela is shocked by this less than pretty aspect of the picturesque, tourist filled city. The author is careful to describe not only the historic Venice but the contemporary Venice with its modern day challenges such as garbage pick up and produce delivery. Vendela observes Italians delivering produce on a barge piled so high with tomatoes, that the produce topples.
The beautiful illustrations with collages of post cards, reproductions of famous Italian paintings and photo montages of landmarks like the stone lions of Venice create the feel of a travel journal with souvenirs glued inside. The beautifully detailed, vibrant watercolors of people and places, as well as little drawings on the bottoms of the pages also give the book the feel of a travel journal or an impromptu scrap book. Little bits of memorabilia such as drawings of ticket stubs and glass beads adorn the pages and add to the scrapbook effect. The endpapers of the book also include beautiful maps of Venice.
The author provides a helpful glossary of Italian words and fast facts in a final section entitled Things You Might Like to Know. There is also a list of adult books about Venice and a time line of important historical dates.
D. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal:
A must-read for armchair and actual travel enthusiasts, the book will also provide accurate and easily accessed data for reports.-
The Horn Book:
An enchanting introduction to the fabled Italian city, as seen by a Swedish child whose father takes her there for Easter vacation.
E.Connections:
Young adults and older children who enjoyed these books might want to find guide books about Venice.
Look for these other books about young travelers and travelogues:
Mauner,Claudia. Zoe Sophia's Scrapbook: An Adventure in Venice.
ISBN: 9780811836067
Knight,Joan. Charlotte in London.
ISBN: 9780811856355
McCauley, David. Rome Antics.
ISBN: 0395822793
Bjork,Christina and Eriksson Inga-Karin. Translated from the Swedish by Patricia Crampton. New York, NY: R& S books. ISBN: 9129 64559x.
B.Plot Summary:
Young Swede Vendela relives the magical and sometimes surprising week that she spent in Venice as a tourist with her father by compiling a scrapbook of postcards, memorabilia and diary like recollections.
C. Critical Analysis (with cultural markers.)
Vendela in Venice is about a Swedish girl,Vendela who vacations with her father in Venice. She appreciates the beauty of Venice and compares it to her native Stockholm.
The book tells of the monuments, museums, restaurants and churches of Venice but does not provide details about many Italians. The natives of Venice do notice the difference between themselves and the main characters of the book, Vendela and her Father. An Italian doctor nicknames Vendela,"ochi-blu" or blue eyes.
The book was originally written in Swedish for a Swedish audience. It is meant to show Swedes a portrait of Venice. It provides a glimpse of the life of the city as experienced by two Swedes.
The author does not idealize this famous tourist destination. Vendela complains about trash in the canals.
Readers are also introduced to a new language that is set apart. The Italian words are written in italics.
Bjork, the author is not writing about characters outside her own culture. Her main characters are from her own culture but are learning about a new culture as tourists. Thus the father and daughter of the story experience Italian culture but they are removed from it because they are tourists. Because they are tourists, they never experience Italian home life. The book does not try to depict a typical Italian home.
Not surprisingly the clothes worn by the Venetians and the Italians do not differ significantly. The facial features of the Swedes and the Venetians are not that different either.
The author does attempt to portray the lack of cultural familiarity when she shows the heroine's reactions to the less touristy aspects of Venice like the fishmarket where the fishmongers chop newly killed fish into pieces. Blood runs everywhere as the fishmongers complete their gruesome work. Vendela is shocked by this less than pretty aspect of the picturesque, tourist filled city. The author is careful to describe not only the historic Venice but the contemporary Venice with its modern day challenges such as garbage pick up and produce delivery. Vendela observes Italians delivering produce on a barge piled so high with tomatoes, that the produce topples.
The beautiful illustrations with collages of post cards, reproductions of famous Italian paintings and photo montages of landmarks like the stone lions of Venice create the feel of a travel journal with souvenirs glued inside. The beautifully detailed, vibrant watercolors of people and places, as well as little drawings on the bottoms of the pages also give the book the feel of a travel journal or an impromptu scrap book. Little bits of memorabilia such as drawings of ticket stubs and glass beads adorn the pages and add to the scrapbook effect. The endpapers of the book also include beautiful maps of Venice.
The author provides a helpful glossary of Italian words and fast facts in a final section entitled Things You Might Like to Know. There is also a list of adult books about Venice and a time line of important historical dates.
D. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal:
A must-read for armchair and actual travel enthusiasts, the book will also provide accurate and easily accessed data for reports.-
The Horn Book:
An enchanting introduction to the fabled Italian city, as seen by a Swedish child whose father takes her there for Easter vacation.
E.Connections:
Young adults and older children who enjoyed these books might want to find guide books about Venice.
Look for these other books about young travelers and travelogues:
Mauner,Claudia. Zoe Sophia's Scrapbook: An Adventure in Venice.
ISBN: 9780811836067
Knight,Joan. Charlotte in London.
ISBN: 9780811856355
McCauley, David. Rome Antics.
ISBN: 0395822793
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