The Midwife's Apprentice

Bibliography

Cushman, Karen. 1996. The midwife’s apprentice. Performed by Jenny Sterlin. Prince Frederick, Md.: Recorded Books. ISBN 1402523203

Plot Summary

Brat, a 12 or 13-year old orphaned girl, roams from one medieval village to another begging for food. When Jane the Midwife discovers Brat burrowing into the dung heap for warmth she gives Brat a new name, Beetle. Jane offers Beetle scraps to eat and a cold floor to sleep on in return for work. Beetle soon becomes the midwife’s apprentice; one the midwife is sure is too stupid to ever offer competition. Once Beetle is no longer scrabbling for food and warmth, however, she slowly begins to blossom. Beetle finds a real name for herself, Alyce, and develops a fascination with the midwife’s work. After suffering the disappointment of failing with a difficult delivery, Alyce runs away believing that she is too stupid to ever become a midwife. Alyce finds work at an inn and begins to rebuild her self-confidence. When a laboring woman arrives at the inn, Alyce finds the confidence to deliver the baby, and the courage to ask Jane to take her on as a real apprentice.

Critical Analysis

Filled with detail, The Midwife’s Apprentice draws the reader into the life of a medieval village. Through Alyce’s story the reader learns about the superstitions of the time, healing remedies (both effective and absurd) used in midwifery, and the day-to-day existence of people from the village beggar to the cook at the manor.

Jenny Sterlin gives this historical tale an extra layer of authenticity by bringing the medieval dialect, and each distinct character, to life. Less than 3 hours in length, this unabridged recording on 3 compact discs was absorbing and left me wanting to know more about Alyce and her village. Unfortunately, the audiobook does not include the Author's Note which offers more insight into the history of medieval midwifery.

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal: “Earthy humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children's literature.”

Horn Book Magazine: “The graphic and convincing portrayals of medieval life and especially the villagers given to superstition, casual cruelty, and duplicity — afford a fascinating view of a far distant time.”

Connections

* For further exploration of medicine, healing, and midwifery in the Middle Ages:

Eastwood, Kay. Women and girls in the Middle Ages. Crabtree Pub. Co., 2003. ISBN 0778713784

Elliott, Lynne, 1968-. Medieval medicine and the plague. Crabtree Pub., 2006. ISBN 0778713903

Strom, Laura Layton, 1962-. Dr. Medieval : medicine in the Middle Ages. Children's Press, 2007. ISBN 0531187977

* More historical fiction by Karen Cushman:

Cushman, Karen. Alchemy and Meggy Swann. Clarion Books, 2010. ISBN 0547231849

Cushman, Karen. Catherine, called Birdy. HarperTrophy, 1995. ISBN 0064405842

Cushman, Karen. Matilda Bone. Random House Childrens Books, 2002. ISBN 0440418224

Number the Stars

Bibliography

Lowry, Lois. 1989. Number the stars. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0440403278

Plot Summary

Ten-year-old Annemarie has grown accustomed to food shortages and making do without materials such as rubber and leather. Annemarie plays with her best friend Ellen, goes to school, and tries to avoid being noticed by the Nazi soldiers on every street corner. Everything changes when the news comes that Jewish families are being “relocated”. Ellen’s parents go into hiding while Annemarie’s parents take Ellen in and pass her off as one of their daughters. Annemarie’s mother takes the children to the country to visit her brother, where Ellen is reunited with her parents. Ellen, her family, and other Jewish refugees set off on a dangerous journey to escape Nazi-controlled Denmark. A journey that is certain to end in tragedy unless Annemarie can be brave enough, smart enough, and quick enough to get past the Nazi soldiers to deliver a very important package.

Critical Analysis

Inspired by real events, this historical fiction celebrates the courage and strength of the Danish people who refused to allow the Nazi slaughter of their Jewish friends and neighbors. Written for younger readers, the story manages to portray the fear engendered by the Nazi soldiers, and the bravery required to outwit them, without going into the true horror of the Holocaust. In the first half of the book, Annemarie’s innocence and obliviousness to what is going on around her are not quite believable.

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal: “This timeless story of courage, friendship, and family, based on the actual events of the Danish Resistance to World War II, should be part of every child's introduction to the Holocaust.”

Kirkus Reviews: “…there is little violence here; like Annemarie, the reader is protected from the full implications of events--but will be caught up in the suspense and menace of several encounters with soldiers and in Annemarie's courageous run as courier on the night of the escape.”

Connections

Dallas Holocaust Museum: Center for Education and Tolerance

http://www.dallasholocaustmuseum.org/index.php

The Storm in the Barn

Bibliography

Phelan, Matt. 2009. The storm in the barn. Somerville, Mass.: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763636180

Plot Summary

Eleven-year-old Jack feels useless on his family’s dying Kansas farm. It hasn’t rained in four years and he has never had a chance to prove his worth to his father. The favorite target of bullies, Jack enjoys hearing the “Jack” tales told to him by the general-store owner. When Jack sees a mysterious, menacing, presence in an abandoned barn he is afraid he may be suffering from “dust dementia”. Soon though, Jack begins to suspect what is in the barn. Desperate to save his sister from dust pneumonia, and his family from despair, Jack confronts the thing in the barn. The menacing presence is the rain, which has been building power by withholding rain until the people are desperate enough to worship him. Jack releases the storm and brings hope back to Kansas.

Critical Analysis

Inspired by photographs of the people from the Dust Bowl, Matt Phelan has captured the bleakness of the period in this historical graphic novel. Phelan also uses references to popular books and stories of the time to give insight into Jack’s life and set the stage for his epic battle with a mythic being.

The use of color throughout the book is amazing. The greys and browns of the dust is the predominant feature, with colorful pastel memories of better times, the dark indigo of the brooding storm, and the vivid blood red of the rabbit drive.

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal: “Children can read this as a work of historical fiction, a piece of folklore, a scary story, a graphic novel, or all four. Written with simple, direct language, it’s an almost wordless book: the illustrations’ shadowy grays and blurry lines eloquently depict the haze of the dust. A complex but accessible and fascinating book.”

Kirkus Reviews: “Author/illustrator Phelan's first graphic tale is part historical mystery, part fantasy thriller. The pencil-and-watercolor panels are cinematically framed and often wordless, advancing the plot and delineating character with careful strokes. The bleakness of the Dust Bowl comes through in both the landscape and the hopeless faces of his characters.”

Connections

The sources of Matt Phelan’s inspiration:

Worster, Donald, 1941-. Dust Bowl : the southern Plains in the 1930s. Oxford University Press, 2004. ISBN 0195174887

American Experience: Surviving the Dust Bowl. WGBH Boston Video, 2007. DVD. UPC 783421418196

Hitler youth: Growing up in Hitler’s shadow

Bibliography

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. 2005. Hitler youth: Growing up in Hitler’s shadow. New York: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0439353793

Plot Summary

During the Third Reich, the Nazi regime in Germany, Hitler harnessed the power of youth by establishing the Hitler Youth. What began as a youth group that attracted children and teens interested in camping and sports became an efficient tool for indoctrinating youth with Nazi ideals and for training future soldiers. This story of the Third Reich is told from the perspective of Hitler Youth, young resistance fighters, and young Jews.

Critical Analysis

With first-person accounts and photographs, Bartoletti paints a disturbing picture of youth in Nazi Germany. The words of former Hitler Youth members tell the story of an organization that held the same appeal that Boy or Girl Scouts hold for youth in America. As the book progresses through the years of the Third Reich, Bartoletti shares the words of the youths who resisted Nazi propaganda and the words of the youths who were willing to sacrifice everything for Hitler. In the end, there are the stories of the youths who had to deal with the knowledge that they played a part in the murders of millions of people.

The experiences of twelve youths in particular are featured throughout this social history. These twelve youths are introduced with pictures and brief biographical sketches, which help the reader remember who is who. An epilogue tells the reader what happened to these youths after the war. A timeline in the back of the book helps to keep the timeline of events straight as the chronology of the chapters overlap. Additional access features include an index, a sequential list of quotes and their sources, and a bibliography that highlights sources of special interest to young readers.

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal: “Hitler's plans for the future of Germany relied significantly on its young people, and this excellent history shows how he attempted to carry out his mission with the establishment of the Hitler Youth... Bartoletti lets many of the subjects' words, emotions, and deeds speak for themselves, bringing them together clearly to tell this story unlike anyone else has.”

Publishers Weekly: “Powerful black-and-white photographs testify to the lure and also the cruelty of the Nazis. Bartoletti's portrait of individuals within the Hitler Youth who failed to realize that they served "a mass murderer" is convincing, and while it does not excuse the atrocities, it certainly will allow readers to comprehend the circumstances that led to the formation of Hitler's youngest zealots.”

Connections

Historical Fiction about Nazi death camps:

The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen.

Houdini: World’s greatest mystery man and escape king

Bibliography

Krull, Kathleen. 2005. Houdini: World’s greatest mystery man and escape king. Ill. by Eric Velasquez. New York: Walker & Company. ISBN 0802789536

Plot Summary

This brief biography of Houdini shows his determination to become the greatest magician of his time. Houdini sought fame from a young age and actively pursued his dream through practice, physical training, and reading every magic book he could find. Five of Houdini’s greatest escapes are featured.

Critical Analysis

Beginning with a dramatic description of The Milk Can Escape, this biography weaves details of Houdini’s death-defying escapes through the description of his life. Throughout the book, Krull emphasizes Houdini’s determination, the training he underwent to master his stunts, and the importance of the books that he used to learn magic. Velasquez’s oil paintings capture the feel of the period and the theatrical showmanship. The illustration of the featured escapes is effective with a series of pictures of the escape from begin to end, and a master of ceremonies to clue the reader into the change from the narrative of the biography. A bibliography and list of websites provides sources for further investigation into the life of this mysterious man.

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal: “Framed descriptions of some of Houdini's most famous stunts are interspersed within the overview of his life. The author's crisp narrative style and careful choice of detail are evident here. Readers get a sense of Houdini's commitment, determination, and dedication to his family. His belief in hard work, self-education, and the value of books is emphasized.”

Kirkus Reviews: “Houdini left swaths of his past and his techniques shrouded in mystery--but here veteran biographer Krull peeks behind the curtain for glimpses of his life, his feats and his character... Budding magicians won't find more than hints here of how Houdini did it, but a tempting set of print and digital resources caps this perceptive and dramatic tribute.”

Connections

* Teach children a few beginning card tricks and provide books to learn more.

* Watch performances of contemporary illusionists performing variations of Houdini’s classic stunts.

Historical Fiction featuring Houdini:

Selznick, Brian. 2008. The Houdini Box. New York: Atheneum. ISBN 1416968784

Animals Nobody Loves

Bibliography

Simon, Seymour. 2001. Animals nobody loves. New York: SeaStar Books. ISBN 1587170809

Plot Summary

The title of this book says it all. From cover to cover, this book is filled with photos and facts about some of the most fearsome, revolting, and sometimes-misunderstood animals and insects in the world. Find out why piranhas can be more dangerous than sharks, or what you should do if you happen upon a grizzly bear. Learn how and why these animals have earned bad reputations, and which animals have been judged unfairly because of the way they look.

Critical Analysis

This photo essay book uses vivid full color close-up photographs of disgusting or fearsome creatures to grab the reader’s attention. A brief introduction and conclusion present the author’s desire that by learning a bit about these animals the reader will begin to understand and respect them, even if he cannot love them. Each of the twenty animals or insects is featured on a two-page spread with a short essay opposite a full-page photograph. The information offered for each creature varies between what they eat, their attack or defense strategies, their habits and habitats, and what people should do if they encounter one.  This book features a table of contents, but most kids will probably just want to flip through it. This book contains just enough information to make you want to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

   

Review Excerpts

Booklist: “The photos (and even the text) won't do much to change the reputation of animals such as the vulture and the rat, but there's no denying they'll draw a crowd and a chorus of "Gross."”

Connections

* As suggested by the author, have kids make a list of animals that they don’t love and think about the reasons why. Have the kids find books about those animals to see if they deserve to be feared or if they are misunderstood.

One of those hideous books where the mother dies

Bibliography

Sones, Sonya. 2004. One of those hideous books where the mother dies. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689858205

Plot Summary

After her mother’s death, 15 year-old Ruby is on her way to L.A. to live with her father, a famous movie star who left before Ruby was born. Through poems, Ruby expresses her grief about losing everyone she loves and being forced to live with a father that she believes never wanted her. Feeling bereft by the absence of her beloved aunt, worried about her long-distance boyfriend straying, and betrayed by her best friend; Ruby has a hard time adjusting to glitz and glamour of L.A. while maintaining her emotional distance from her father. The death of an unknown schoolmate triggers an explosion of grief and Ruby is finally able to open her heart to her father.

Critical Analysis

The free form verse poems of this verse novel deftly express the turbulence of thoughts and emotions of an angry, grieving teenage girl. The short poems jump from poisonous anger at her father, to lusty thoughts of her boyfriend, to incredulity about life in L.A., to fervent denials of the depths of her grief.  The use of emails between Ruby and her friends, and emails written to her dead mother, moves the plot along and gives context for the reactions and feelings that are expressed through verse. The verse form makes the book a fast read and really draws you into Ruby’s new life.

On a personal note, the subject of this book was difficult for me. As the single mother of a soon-to-be-teenage daughter, whose deadbeat dad has never wanted any contact… I was able to empathize with Ruby’s initial anger towards her absent father, but I felt a bit betrayed by the pat ending where it turns out it was all the mom’s fault that he had not been a part of his daughter’s life. For most readers, this story would be no different from any other piece of fiction, but for me it rang false in the end.

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal: “This is not just another one of those gimmicky novels written in poetry. It's solid and well written, and Sones has a lot to say about the importance of carefully assessing people and situations and about opening the door to one's own happiness.”

Kirkus Reviews: “Short, stream-of-consciousness free-verse poems make up most of the narrative, by turns bathing readers in Ruby's emotions and treating them to very sharp, very funny observations about LA.”

Connections

Other verse novels for teens by Sonya Sones:

Sones, Sonya. 2001. Stop pretending: What happened when my big sister went crazy. ISBN 0064462188

Sones, Sonya. 2003. What my mother doesn’t know. ISBN 0689855532

Sones, Sonya. 2008. What my girlfriend doesn’t know. ISBN 0689876033

When Gorilla goes walking

Bibliography

Grimes, Nikki. 2007. When Gorilla goes walking. Ill. by Shane Evans. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 0439317703

Plot Summary

This collection of poems introduces Cecelia, an African-American girl, her best friend, also named Cecelia, and her cool “rain-cloud gray” cat, Gorilla. Through rhyming verse and a haiku, Nikki Grimes presents the antics of a feisty, proud cat and her devoted human.

Critical Analysis

The humorous poems in this collection are full of action and capture the crazy, independent spirit and loving nature of a cat. Even the name of the cat, Gorilla, invokes giggles. The true nature of Cecelia and Gorilla’s relationship is made clear in the poem “Learning the Rules”:

I run, I jump, I fetch, unless

my master turns away

and stretches ‘cross the carpet,

reclining still as stone,

ignoring me until I see

she wants to be alone.

The vibrant paintings of Cecelia and Gorilla compliment the poems. The smug kitty smiles, stretches, and pounces with glee, while Cecelia looks on with love and exasperation.

   

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal: “Simple language, a fresh childlike perspective, and fluid, funny illustrations make this book a standout.”

Book Links: “Grimes’ skillfully chosen sounds and rhythms echo the distinctly feline behavior, from erratic, zooming action to soothing, purring comforts.”

Connections

* Invite discussion with children about the crazy antics of cats they know .

* Have pairs of children read and act out the poems, with one child acting the part of Gorilla and the other Cecelia.

Bow wow meow meow: It's rhyming cats and dogs

Bibliography

Florian, Douglas. 2003. Bow wow meow meow: It’s rhyming cats and dogs. Ill. by Douglas Florian. San Diego: Harcourt, Inc.. ISBN 0152163956

Plot Summary

In this collection of poems about cats and dogs, poems celebrate the yapping bark of the Chihuahua, the oodles of curls of the poodle, the imperiousness of the Siamese, the “fur-ocious” roar of the lion, and much more. With humor and clever wordplay, Douglas Florian has captured the unique qualities that make cats and dogs our favorite animal companions.

Critical Analysis

This poetry collection uses a variety of poetic forms to describe the physical characteristics and personalities of various breeds of cats and dogs. Beginning with a poem about dogs in general, followed by odes to specific breeds, the first half of the book is devoted to dogs. The second half of the book follows the same pattern for felines. A table of contents at the beginning allows readers to locate their favorite poems quickly.

Poetic license is taken with words to emphasize traits, such as a bloodhound’s senses being “scent-sational”, and to get a laugh, such as playing in “jaguarundi-wear”. The text on the page also plays into the qualities of the featured animal. Each line about the poodle’s oodles of curls is formed into a curlicue, and the letter O’s are black spots in the poem about Dalmatians.

On the opposite page from each poem is a watercolor on brown paper bag painting. With a child-like style, the paintings give form to the imagery of the poem.

Review Excerpts

Book Links: “In this winning collection, both clever and silly, Florian again shows how much fun poetry can be.”

The Horn Book: “Twenty-one pithy poems celebrate our favorite domestic animals and their wild cousins. With a master's hand and a generous variety of creative devices, Florian melds sense, sound, and visual image”

Connections

* Invite discussion with children about the characterization of the cats and dogs in the poems. Do they know any dogs or cats that look like that, or act like that?

* Encourage children to create their own poems describing their favorite pet or wild animal.