Beautifully expressive writing in its simplest form. When a book has this characteristic, I couldn't care less about its topic. Twelve Kinds of Ice trBeautifully expressive writing in its simplest form. When a book has this characteristic, I couldn't care less about its topic. Twelve Kinds of Ice transports you to a Maine farm where winter is the star of the seasons. I was surprised tight composure of this slight memoir. Guided into the approaching winter by the characteristics of different ice events, I expected the book to be a sweet reflection through and through. Not so. Well, yes so but it's more than that. Winter is fun and lively once the rink is finished.
Obed picked all the right details to include and all the right details to leave out, making the story sweet and sentimental without it being; eye roll- sweet and sentimental. The boys getting impatient for hockey time, throwing the puck on the ice just to retrieve it. The girls telling the "rink manager" and mom settles the infraction by extending figure skating time by 5 minutes. Just perfect. Yet, we don't have a single character's name. Perfect.
The true genius of the book is in its organization. And, really, everything else about it but let's say the organization stands above. Each "ice" is more spectacular than the next throughout the impending winter. Each "ice" Obed revolves her story around is as potent as the previous. As spring approaches the fleeting "ices" deposit you right at the end of the book. But this one, this book, is so transportive that I longed to flip back 20 pages just to be a part of those glorious winter skates once again. And, I hate ice skating and winter. ...more
From an informational stand point, by far the strongest text I've come across. Possibly ever. This book should be held up as the example for just how From an informational stand point, by far the strongest text I've come across. Possibly ever. This book should be held up as the example for just how significant a role text formatting can enhance a non-fiction reading experience. The main passages on each page are as stylistically potent as the information it contains. This is quite the abstract topic matter, astrophysics. So, how do you make that accessible to a young audience? By connecting and relating to more concrete concepts. Each passage relates the aspect of the black hole covered to more observable phenomena, progressively building the concept as you travel through a page. This brilliant progression is also followed chapter by chapter. Using evident text interpretation strategies, like comparing and contrasting, DeCristofano uses devices like first illustrating how a black hole is like a whirlpool, then following that up with a section entitled, "Even though a Black Hole is like a like a Whirlpool, A Black Hole is not a Whirlpool."
Concepts are never simplified, the stylistic elements of the writing like, "But you know what? A black hole isn't a monster. It's not even alive. That means it can't lurk, eat, or belch. It has no dar, destructive desires. Of course, you may have already figured this out. But you know what else?" Excite the reader to flip the page without ever feeling like they're being talked down to.
But, my absolute favorite aspect of this book is how respectfully the denser information is presented. Take, well density, for example. On page 15, in a table at the bottom, the author comparatively takes you through the density of snowball sized objects. First a fluffy snow ball, showing the reader how many grams (37) it weighs, then relating that weight to something concrete, a slice of bread. This, of course, helps readers gain a better understanding of a black hole, measurement, and the concept of density. As the table progresses it becomes even more fascinating, a hard-packed snow ball, a rock, a ball of plasma from the sun, before finally showing the black hole's density.
I can't count the times I've worked with my students about reading the ancillary information on a page of informative text. More often than not, in a text book the information contained in a table is fine. It presents facts. But DeCristofano shows us how effective that information can be when it's designed to wow you. That's what the concrete relationships do, I found myself with a better picture of grams, density, and the universe.
So, this and Steve Sheinkin's Bomb are my two favorite non-fiction books that I've ever read. While Bomb is and should be the example of non-fiction narratives for young adults, I think Black Hole might be even more important because it's a tightly packed informational text. Taking nothing away from the amount of work it took Sheinkin to turn the events surrounding the bomb into a story, I think it might be even more of a challenge to take an abstract concept and present it in an informational format that usually lacks true engagement. I guess I'll count myself lucky to have two non-fiction books this year that I can hold up and say to my students, "It doesn't matter what you're reading about, when the information is presented well, you will be fascinated. And if you're not, it's probably the book's fault." I hope between DeCristofano and Sheinkin, this is the new bar in non-fiction writing. ...more
I'd much prefer snakes to be in belt or shoe form. Bishop blew me away with Snakes and not just with his exceptional photography. The text in this booI'd much prefer snakes to be in belt or shoe form. Bishop blew me away with Snakes and not just with his exceptional photography. The text in this book is friendly and informative. Each main selection gives you some general background about the snake species. Each segment is beautifully integrated with the imagery of his spreads, text formatting that is just as beautiful as the photographs. It makes you want to read it as opposed to just flipping to the next aww (or eww) inspiring picture. Smaller captions set out of the main text gives you a bit of specific information about the type of snake in the picture.
Even more fascinating than the actual reptile information is the author's note at the end. Bishop shares the background of how the photographs came to be. Whether using glass in between the snake and himself, staying up night after night to catch some of the more elusive snakes in action, or what it was like being stuck by the first snake photographed, this glimpse into the process of capturing these creatures in action was the most interesting author's note I've come across to date.
If you love snakes, great, this is definitely for you. But, for those of you who hate snakes, I highly recommend giving this a chance. I'm not saying it will make you like snakes any more but you be able to help being impressed by the sheer quality of this book. ...more
I'm not going to pretend I don't love a story that tears at the heartstrings. Conventional wisdom dictates that boys are supposed to want plot driven I'm not going to pretend I don't love a story that tears at the heartstrings. Conventional wisdom dictates that boys are supposed to want plot driven adventure or some good potty humor but I've always had a great response from boys to stand-above character driven stories as well. So, the back story to my experience with One For The Murphys: This one appeared on my radar last summer thanks to the ubiquitous Dr. Susannah Richards. I picked up a copy and passed it to one of my 5th graders and asked her to check it out for me and let me know if it was something I need to read. That was on a Friday. Monday morning she insisted that I read it. In fact, she was so adamant about this insistence that another student overhearing our conversation begged for the book. Of course, I made a big stink about it being my turn while our argument drew the attention of a few others. I relented, sat back, and watched the book jump from desk to desk until every one of my girls had tore through it. I was a little surprised when Emily, who had finished the majority of the story in a day or two, came to me before independent reading expressing that she didn't want to finish it. When I asked why, it was because she didn't want to cry this early in the day.
Finally, after hearing the story about the creation of story, I sat down to experience what all of those students went through this year. I totally understand where Emily was coming from. Lynda has put together nothing short of an emotional masterpiece. My tears started rolling a full hundred pages before the end of the book. Uh oh. So why do I think Murphys is such a stand-above story? Carley. Carley is by far the most compelling character I've ever met. When a story impacts you as forcefully as Carley's does, unpacking why she worked so well is nearly as exhausting as her experience.
As they say, it begins at the beginning. The gravity of Carley begins its pull from the first chapter. She's in the back of a car annoying the social worker by clicking and unclicking the door locks. It's the perfect unique action speaking volumes about both Carley and her situation. When the social worker asks her to "Please" stop, Carley comments, "I love it when people use the word please but they sound like they want to remove your face." What a perfect observation of a universal truth. I'm sure there's not a kid on the planet who doesn't understand this truth that Carley so perfectly articulates. Done. I love her. Page one.
This magnetism from the beginning can create an interesting problem. If the bar is set so high from the start, how can you pull a reader along without the character falling? Some books succeed because of excellent plotting, some because the storytelling is outrageously good, some because of unique settings, some because the whole is greater that its part; there are millions of ways for a book to be successful. One For The Murphys is a cut above precisely because each and every character we come in contact with is three dimensional from the moment we meet them and they remain true throughout the entire story. This seems like a simple statement about good writing but to pull that off when your novel revolves around an emotionally driven idea, the level of complexity is beyond fathomable. Not a single character flaw ever felt cheap. Not a single relationship felt forced. And above all else, the development of the characters- and thus, the story shines bold and brilliant. When that succeeds, you look forward to crying not because of a forced sappiness but because One For The Murphys remnids you just how lucky we are that we're human beings and how refreshing it is to feel such intense emotions.
I know the girls will be an easy sell. This year will be about getting the boys on board. ...more
Not my kind of book. I don't mind a tear-jerker but the injustice of captivity is too much for me. I read the first half of the book earlier in the yeNot my kind of book. I don't mind a tear-jerker but the injustice of captivity is too much for me. I read the first half of the book earlier in the year but it was so troubling that I put it down. Katherine Applegate gives Ivan, a silverback gorilla, tourist attrition held at a local strip-mall, a voice that drips with torment. Most impressive was her ability to do so through complacency rather than through outrage. Ivan is content in his domain. Through conversation with the other "attractions" these relationships feel old and familiar. His observations, routines, and conclusions about his world reveal an utter defeat. It's the authenticity of his voice that makes this tale so disturbing. There isn't a time when I questioned his perspective as a gorilla. It was just too real. I really don't want to believe that life can wear you down to a point where you just give up, accept your situation, and make the best of it.
I really wanted to see Bomb receive the medal. I wanted that utterly enthralling non-fiction to hold literature's most esteemed honor. Thus, I was disappointed to see Ivan win. His story would always be beautiful, I wanted Bomb to be emulated, remembered. But, I knew it was an uninformed opinion so I picked up where I left off. After seeing the work in it's entirety, my feelings haven't changed. I still would have preferred Bomb. But, there is no question, this certainly is a book extremely worthy of its distinction. Beautifully sparse and equally majestic, the writing stayed as crisp as it was poetic, which is often the problem I find with novels in verse. Ivan brings the substance deserving of the medal. It was a good choice.
Plus, Three Times Lucky got an honor! All told, this committee did a bang-up job representing a variety of interests. I'm glad I finished the book after it medaled. There was no shortage of distinguished standard-fare not represented in the selections. Ivan truly is a cut above and I have no quarrels. ...more
Another gem of a story. Grace Lin nailed the art of the companion. Distinctly it's own story, Starry River had just the right amount of nods to Moun
Another gem of a story. Grace Lin nailed the art of the companion. Distinctly it's own story, Starry River had just the right amount of nods to Mountain Meets the Moon. I absolutely loved the layering of narrative and folk tales and just as they intertwined in the first book, the final culmination hit all the right notes. While Mountain was a masterful adventure, Starry River was about the internal struggle of retuning home. A very tasteful contrast that make a tremendous pairing....more
I have nothing against the heartfelt tearjerker. Oh, did this one do it for me. The ending had me crying to the point of snot leaking out of my nose. I have nothing against the heartfelt tearjerker. Oh, did this one do it for me. The ending had me crying to the point of snot leaking out of my nose. I won't say any more about the end than that.
When you hear the premise, two girls burying their dead foster mom in the garden, you're bound to have some preconceived notions. Appropriate? Believable? There is no need worry. In this case, the concept of death is much easier on the emotions than either of the girl's backstory. We simply needed the adult out of the way for story's sake. And what a story it was. ...more
This story, without a doubt, is a masterpiece. If Sheinkin's previous title, The Benedict Arnold, set a new standard for how non-fiction should be wriThis story, without a doubt, is a masterpiece. If Sheinkin's previous title, The Benedict Arnold, set a new standard for how non-fiction should be written for children; Bomb raises that bar.
Fact can be stranger than fiction. So why is it so difficult to get kids reading it? As Steve notes on the author flap, he's a former text book writer trying to atone for his sins. Shienkin prides himself as a story detective, taking a factual event and teasing it into a gripping retelling. Benedict Arnold was utterly compelling throughout it's first half. While the political climate is an essential element to the plot, it definitely slows the story before coming to a very satisfying conclusion.
Bomb is an overwhelming success from the first page to the last. Commensurate with Sheinkin's style, the story of the atomic bomb open's at the close. From there he seamlessly stitches together multiple subplots, each more exciting than the next. The climax is perfectly placed at the point where bomb is tested. My heart beat with the dedicated scientists as they anxiously awaited the result of years of theoretical physics. You know you're in the hands of true talent when you're on the edge of your seat even though you knew the outcome before you even cracked the cover.
The true merit of this account is in how quickly Sheinkin takes you from jubilation over the success of the science to utter heartbreak over that same reality.
Bomb has some inherent advantages over Arnold's story, namely, the language. While Sheinkin always assisted his young readers in understanding the language of the time period, Bomb doesn't require that same bridge. And it free's Sheinkin to let loose this immense story at a rip-roaring pace. I've seen others describe it as a James Bond novel, but more precisely it reads like a James Bond novel written by Michael Bay. ...more
"I've been naive. I've taught you to live in a world I wanted to exist, not one that actually does."
Nothing makes me happier than to blindly stumble i"I've been naive. I've taught you to live in a world I wanted to exist, not one that actually does."
Nothing makes me happier than to blindly stumble into a great story. With the right recommendation, even the flap is a spoiler. Boo Nanny is the first reason to fall in love with this book. As Moses tells it, she takes in wash from the white people in town which clues us in to the time period. Jack Thomas, dad of Moses, works for a newspaper, the first black daily. Over the next 120 pages we coast through Moses's 5th grade summer, getting a feel for life in post Civil War Wilmington, North Carolina. The black community is thriving. Firefighters, police, lawyers; Jack serves in local government in addition to reporting the news. Race certainly isn't ignored but given the time and location, the lack of animosity is heartwarming.
Boo Nanny's superstitions hint at trouble to come but it isn't until 160 pages in that we get our first taste of just how ugly racism is. Until Moses and his dad wind up caught in the middle of a white supremacy demonstration, injustice was served as something you persevere through. The kind of everyday belittling where you kept your chin up and eventually you would change attitudes. The first half of the book lulls you into a 10 year old child's view of his world. The second half exposes a hatred that forces Moses into adulthood.
For the first few days I had to set goals, fifty pages here, twenty-five there. There was no way I was putting Crow down once Moses and I reached that turning point. And about 3/4 of the way through, I began fearing the worst. That this novel was actually based on true events. Sure enough the historical note is absolutely infuriating.
Barbara Wright took her time suckering us into believing this was a story about the country on its way up. Which it was. Until, through intimidation and violence, the once prosperous city of Wilmington is taken hostage by a vigilante militia. As heartbreaking as the back half of the story was, it's nothing compared to historical events depicted as Crow unfolds. Wright expertly stitches together speeches, documentation, and historical figures to weave a story that reads like fiction. But, as is too often is the case, the facts are far worse than anything invented.
The vigilantes eradicated the city of its upstanding black citizens through threat of violence, re-segregated neighborhoods, and passed legislation stripping black citizens of their votes; effectively laying foundation for the Jim Crow mentality that persisted for another 160 years. And that's not the infuriating part. What causes me the most trouble is that this story remained untold until a commissioned report on the riots was released in 2006.
Crow is brilliantly told. It certainly couldn't have been easy crafting the first half of this story knowing what was about to transpire. It was good enough to make me ignore the warnings peppered throughout. Here's the problem. I desperately want every student to experience and understand this event. Crow delivers the horror of racism directly to the heart. But, this story requires patience. A patience that I'm not sure the majority of my students have.
So, how do we build it? Well, one way would be to make it a required read. However, Diary of Anne Frank is required reading for entering 7th graders and in 5 years, I still haven't found a student that hasn't hated it. That's the problem with forcing people into a story. Then there's reading it aloud. If all you have is 15 minutes a day (max), you're asking kids to stick with you for at least 3 weeks. What about several excerpts from the first half, straight through the second? If you have an opinion, I'd love to hear it. ...more
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