Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

Every Last Word

by Tamara Ireland Stone

Purely Obsessional OCD controls Samantha McAllister's every thought and action.  Because she obsesses about appearance, friendships, and what people think about her, she maintains a superficial friendship with the very unpleasant "Crazy Eights," the queen bees of her high school.  These are the wealthy, stylish "mean girls" in the school, of course; and Samantha compromises her own character as she struggles to live up (or down as the case may be) to their standards.  Samantha, an excellent swimmer, dreams of earning a scholarship and going to college; however, her obsessive behavior, dark and violent thoughts, and insecurities are holding her back, forcing her to maintain the status quo with the Crazy Eights.  

Samantha's counselor encourages her to distance herself from her destructive friends and develop new, more healthy friendships; so when Samantha meets the mysterious Caroline, who invites her to attend a meeting of the Poet's Corner, she hesitantly agrees.  Finding she enjoys writing poetry and the secrecy, comfort, and acceptance offered in the Poet's Corner, Samantha becomes involved and interested in the lives of her new friends.  Samantha and the talented musician AJ, who had been wounded by bullying from the Crazy Eights as a child, begin to develop a relationship.  

Stone accurately and sensitively portrays teens who struggle with emotional issues and mental illness.  This book is definitely a worthwhile read for teens or adults.  For those who fear that the storyline may be trite, beware--Every Last Word contains an intriguing twist.

EQ: Are you attentive to bullying?  Are you willing to reach out to those who may be viewed as "different" by others students?  Are you willing to look beyond the façade to see the soul of a person?   

A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston

A Child of Books

by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston

"I am a child of Books.  I come from a world of stories..."  This enchanting book has just become my favorite children's book.  I can truly identify with the "child."  As an only child growing up in the rural Midwest without access to television, I was a child of books.  The books whose words construct the pictures for this book were dear to me.  Many of the books mentioned had become an integral part of my life by the time I reached 7th grade; and, in my mind, I roamed their pages frequently.  The illustrations in the book are built with words from books.  The child floats on an ocean of imagination filled with the words of The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, Robinson Crusoe, The Swiss Family Robinson, The Count of Monte Cristo (I loved that one!), Kidnapped, Gulliver's Travels, and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.  A road paved with Alice in Wonderland leads to the mountains of Peter Pan and Wendy (I would have used Heidi here).  We float through a dark cave of Kidnapped and Treasure Island to discover a chest of treasure.  Books of fairy tales create a forest while Frankenstein, Dracula, and other Gothic tales create a monster attacking a castle.  If you love books, A Child of Books will find a home on your shelf!  I've already ordered my own copy...I love amazon.com !  By the way, order through smileamazon.com to donate painlessly to your favorite charity.

EQ:  What books were important to you as a child?  

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

The Serpent King

by Jeff Zentner

372 pages

Zentner pours his heart for teens into his first novel, The Serpent King.  He says, "I wanted to write about young people who struggle to lead lives of dignity and find beauty in a forgotten, unglamorous place.  Who wonder what becomes of dreams once they cross the county line.  This book is my love letter to those young people and anyone who has ever felt like them, no matter how or where they grew up."  

I was one of these young people from a rural area, so the plight of these kids reached straight into my heart and pulled out the memories.  I know the kids who dreamed and escaped. I know the kids who dreamed and died, I know the kids who dreamed and stayed, and I know the kids who did not dare to dream and live there still, some struggling to live and others trying to make life better for those who remain behind with them. My admonition to readers is to remember that there IS beauty even in that which seems mundane and unglamorous.  Sometimes we have to search hard and long to find it, and sometimes it just quietly lies there waiting to be noticed.  

Travis, despite his father, is able to see beauty in the art of taking apart and putting an engine back together or loading a pile of lumber. He can enjoy stars and the cool of an evening while he toils to make a few dollars. He is not afraid to dream, and he is not afraid to be different.  I knew someone like him.

Talented and tormented, Dill believes he is trapped by his family's past.  When he listens to his heart instead of his head, he is freed to build his own future.

The fashionable, witty Lydia learns that her world is not quite as dreary and unappealing as she has believed.  She begins to realize the benefits of growing up in rural Tennessee and learns that true friends honestly acknowledge and accept one another as they are...no hiding.

EQ:  How much influence does our environment have on the paths we choose in life?

The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid

The Diabolic

by S.J. Kincaid

403 pages

The Diabolic is an exciting book dealing with the implications of human genetic engineering in a futuristic world.  Diabolics are genetically altered and trained to be bodyguards to the person imprinted upon their minds.  They are born, bred, and altered to be killers.  Can they change? Donia thinks so.  The story follows Nemesis, Donia's Diabolic, as she takes Donia's place as hostage to the hostile court of the Emperor.  Inspired by Robert Graves' I, Claudius, Kincaid describes the dangers and intrigues of a dangerously political imperial court while delving into the moral realm with questions of what determines whether or not a genetically-engineered being has a soul.  The story becomes a bit predictable when Nemesis refuses to acknowledge her growing love for Tyrus, nearly loosing him because of her stubborn refusal to admit that she can love.  Of course, the decadence of society and refusal of the supreme family to allow the advancement of scientific knowledge has essentially doomed all of the "races" and planets.  Space itself is beginning to disintegrate.
EQ: What comparisons may be made between Graves' I, Claudius and Kincaid's The Diabolic?

Nobody Likes a GOBLIN by Ben Hatke

Nobody Likes a GOBLIN

by Ben Hatke

When adventurers--note to Tolkien fans: The adventurers are ironically pictured as a man, an elf, a dwarf, and a wizard--invade Goblin's dungeon, steal his possessions, and kidnap his old friend Skeleton, Goblin goes on a quest to rescue him.  Goblin strikes out wearing a crown, his only remaining treasure. On the journey, he meets Troll who has also encountered these destructive adventurers.  Troll warns him, "Be careful....Nobody likes a goblin."

Goblin travels far into the world of men and elves where he is shunned and pursued.  He finally happens upon the thieving adventurers and is able to escape with Skeleton.  As they run, they encounter more goblins...remember who is wearing a crown...?  Goblin, Skeleton, and his new friends now have the advantage.  Oh, there's a kidnapped girl involved as well...who will get the girl?

EQ:  Do you ever consider how a story would change if viewed from the opposing side?  Think how different The Hobbit or LOTR would be if written from the goblin viewpoint.

The Boy on the Wooden Box: A Memoir by Leon Leyson with Marilyn J. Harran & Elisabeth B. Leyson

The Boy on the Wooden Box: A Memoir

by Leon Leyson with Marilyn J. Harran & Elisabeth B. Leyson

231 pages

This incredible man was one of the youngest of the Jews on Schindler's "list." He tells his heart-wrenching story of loss, bravery, intrigue, and determination with simple honesty and a generosity that few would be able to maintain after going through such horrors.  

Leon Leyson presents Oskar Schindler's heroism in his effort to save hundreds of Jews from certain death in the work camps and concentration camps of Poland and Germany. From Schindler, Leyson learned that "one person can stand up to evil and make a difference." He quotes Joseph Campbell as saying that "a hero is an ordinary human being who does 'the best of things in the worst of times.'" Leyson goes on to say, "Oskar Schindler personifies that definition."  

I personally believe that Leon Leyson is a hero.  This man did not hold bitterness and anger in his heart.  He grew into a man of compassion and kindness, a man who honored "the memory of his family and of the millions of other victims of the Holocaust" as he shared their story.

The Boy on the Wooden Box is well worth reading.

EQ: What are the qualities that you believe makes a person heroic?

The Journey by Francesca Sanna

The Journey

by Francesca Sanna

Apropos for our current political and social situation, The Journey tells of the confusion and terror suffered by a young family which has lost their father to war.  They flee the country as the war creeps closer to them. Exhausted, frightened, hungry, and bereft, they are smuggled across borders, hiding from those who would stop them and return them to their war-torn country. The travelers hold on to the hope that one day, their journey will end as they find a new home in a safe place and once again be able to go on with their lives. Sanna based her book on true stories she was told by refugees she met in Italy where she was studying art.  She wrote and illustrated The Journey hoping to give voice to and honor the strength of these brave immigrants.

EQ:  What are you willing to do or give up to help those who seek shelter in a safe harbor?

We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen

We Found A Hat

by Jon Klassen

Two turtles wandering in the desert find a hat.  The hat looks great on both of them, but there is only one hat.  What will they decide to do?  Klassen explores the value of friendship over that of material objects in this endearing picture book.  I can't wait to read I Want My Hat Back!  I love the subtle lessons in these books!

EQ: Are you willing to sacrifice things you want for those you love?

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

This Is Not My Hat

by Jon Klassen

Poor fish...

"Be sure your sins will find you out"!  A rather large fish is searching for his very small hat which has been stolen while he sleeps.  A very small fish wearing a hat which fits him very well is fleeing.  He thinks he can hide.  Klassen's concise little book teaches lessons on many different levels, and the illustrations allow children to use their imagination to fill in important parts of the story.  This hat series is a "must read."

EQ: Why is it sometimes more effective to leave details to the reader's imagination?

Kristen Hearne introduced me to this great reading website where teachers and professionals can read, critique, and recommend pre-published books.  I was so thrilled this morning to find that I have 4 new books on my "shelf" ready to be previewed! After the big game--Wren High's Varsity Basketball team is in the AAAA state championship game!!!!--I'll be READING!

ish written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

ish

written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

This delightful little book serves as an encouragement to young and old alike.  It doesn't matter if your art, poetry, feelings...whatever...are like anyone else's. Be yourself.  The artist dedicates his book to "Doug Kornfeld, my art teacher, who dared me to draw for myself and find my voice."

Ramon is frustrated by imperfections in his drawing after his brother Leon sneers, "What is that?"  Ramon continues to draw, but because nothing looks quite like what he is "supposed to be" drawing or painting, he crumples up all of his work, finally giving up on art all together.  Ramon's little sister, Marisol, is disappointed because she enjoys watching him draw.  Grabbing his final crumpled up work, she runs to her room and opens the door.  What Ramon sees there inspires him to pursue his favorite pasttime once again.  His work is "ish," not perfect but "ish," and "ish" is just fine with Marisol.  Ramon is "energized." He draws, paints, writes poetry, and just basks in the wonderful feeling that his works are ... ish!

EQ:  Are we, as teachers, encouraging creativity and individuality in our students; or are we squelching their creative endeavors by insisting on perfection and doing things our way?

The Singing Bones by Shaun Tan

The Singing Bones

by Shaun Tan
185 pages

The Singing Bones is an amazing work of art.  Those of you who know me well know that I love Shakespeare, CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, art, fairy tales, and mythology, each of those topics being bound to the others with silken threads of delight.  Well, this book furnishes delight for the eyes and the mind!

Shaun Tan weaves sculpture, photography, and the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm into an amazing tapestry of color, horror, enchantment, darkness, and whimsy.  He whittles 75 of the Grimm fairy tales down to their verbal core, and using simple materials, sculpts the heart of the tale before photographing the sculpted tableau.  

I saw the book and fell in love...book lust...whatever you want to call it, but I had to own this book! No waiting for my turn to borrow, read, and evaluate the book...I ordered it on Amazon the night I saw it!

What makes this book so fascinating?  In his foreword to The Singing Bones, Neil Gaiman says that Tan's sculptures "do not look like moments of the stories; instead, they feel like the stories themselves."  He goes on to say, "Shaun Tan makes me want to hold these tales close,...inspect them from unusual angles,....makes me wonder...how badly I could hurt someone if I hit them with a story."  Not that any of us would actually want to hit someone, but what a mental jolt some of these stories and sculptures produce!  Tan himself indicates that he is seeking to portray the concept of the story rather "than a detailed likeness," and his sculptures seem to be "odd objects resting in the dark galleries of our collective subconscious." Think about what true fairy tales are...or were before they became sanitized for modern consumption.  They speak to our inner light or darkness, making us take a long look at ourselves to examine who we truly are...hero, villain, or the reluctant bystander who must choose a path.

My particular favorites from the book are:

    "The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage" because it speaks to work ethic, and I love the intricacies of the scupture;

    "The Singing Bone" because of the stark, realistic image portrayed;

    "The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids" because I love the images, and it's always great for the good guys to win;

     and my most favorite, "The Elves," because this was one of my favorite stories growing up, and the sculpture is so happy and whimsical.

For more information about Shaun Tan and his projects, check out his fascinating site.  http://www.shauntan.net/
This is a link to a flyer I recently made promoting Shaun Tan's books. https://www.smore.com/wr963
Oh!  I am also in love with his charming little red fox!  Where can I get one??!!

EQ:  Why have modern versions of fairy tales been sanitized?  Did the older, more harsh versions harm us?  They have been sanitizing more of the darkness from these stories since the late 60s.  Has this improved society?

Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell

written by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell

illustrated by Rafael López

The work of muralist Rafael López inspired this story about a little girl named Mira who wants to bring color and happiness to her cold, grey city.  She paints beautiful, colorful pictures and hands them out to people in her culturally diverse neighborhood.  After Mira decides to hang one of her bright, cheerful pictures on a shadowy wall, she sees a man with paintbrushes looking inspired by her effort to brighten up her city.  He sees, "Maybe...something beautiful." He paints, and Mira joins him.  They pass out paint and paintbrushes to the entire block; and, soon, not only is their corner of the city brighter but the neighbors are united.  

Painting on walls in the cities used to be considered vandalism; however, graffiti artists are becoming legitimized as their efforts brighten up dark and forbidding corners of our cities, sometimes making statements and sometimes just cheering up the silent walls. I've seen areas of Atlanta transformed by the bright, positive "graffiti" painted on dreary neighborhood walls.  

Here's Rafael's site: rafaellopez.com/

Check out the artwork on this site: https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/09/tribute-to-graffiti-50-beautiful-graffiti-artworks/  

Think about getting involved.  Even if you feel that you can't produce a work of art, support those who do. Organizations like Backstreet Community Arts which uses art as therapy for those with PTSD and makes art materials available for those who just want to create. https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/09/tribute-to-graffiti-50-beautiful-graffiti-artworks/ 
Another group working for communities is GraffitiHeArt. http://www.graffitiheart.org/

EQ:  How can you help brighten your corner of the world?

Thirteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons Why

by Jay Asher

288 pages

Although I believe that this book would be very beneficial and appealing to teens, as an adult, I had a difficult time reading Thirteen Reasons Why.  

Written as a series of audio tapes interspersed with the thoughts of the listener, the book follows the high school experiences of Hannah, who has chosen to kill herself.  She leaves behind a series of audio tapes, addressed to each, in turn, of the persons who intersected with her decision to end her life.  Some are more guilty than others, but all play an integral part in her choice.  Clay, the listener whose thoughts we are allowed to share, is probably the least "guilty"; however, he ends up feeling extremely at fault.  Instead of growing bitter or angry at others, he allows that feeling to better guide his actions in the future in hopes of preventing another such tragedy.

While some of Hannah's "reasons" may appear, at first, to be trivial to the reader, they all "snowball," as she says, ultimately causing multiple tragedies resulting in ruined or damaged lives.  Adults who feel that she may have overreacted to small slights need to keep in mind that teenagers have a vastly differing outlook on life, and what we may have learned to brush aside may have devestating effects on the younger mind.  Teens reading the book need to take heed to the warning and guard their words and actions, even the tiniest ones, as words may be life-shattering, and our actions show the world who we are inside.  As a former victim of bullying as child, teen, and adult, I can give testimony to the fact that this form of abuse, indeed, can cause a person to contemplate suicide.  I chose to move on, as Hannah's teacher advised. Unfortunately, some follow through.

Although, in many ways, I could identify with Hannah through my past experiences, my difficulty in reading the book was an adult mind difference. Since teens text, read memes, visit social media constantly, and get their news from the radio or short social media blurbs, they would probably not have a problem following the relatively short passages as the author switches between Hannah's audio tapes to Clay's thoughts.  As a more mature reader, used to digesting longer, more complex passages, I found the brief entries and constant switch distracting and hard to follow.  I read very rapidly, so that probably caused part of my issue.  Students will read much more slowly, so they may not have the disconnect I experienced.  If you read this one, it's worth it; but slow down your reading speed.
EQ: What can you do to prepare yourself to help if you are approached by a student or friend who is contemplating suicide?
Helpful link:  Jason foundation.com

Dave the Potter by Laban Carrick Hill

Dave the Potter:  Artist, Poet, Slave

written by Laban Carrick Hill

illustrated by Bryan Collier

An amazing artist, Dave spent most of his life working for a variety of potteries in Carolina.  Almost two hundred years later, his pots are precious works of art. We know about Dave and his pots because despite living in an age when slaves were not encouraged to read or write, Dave not only signed many of his pots but he also inscribed poetry on them. 

This lovely picture book describes the process Dave would have used to prepare, throw, and mold the pots using a potter's wheel as well as his glazing techniques. After following his steps as he crafts his pots, we peek into Dave's mind and soul as he inscribes messages to those who will use his pots.  "I wonder where is all my relation/friendship to all--and, every nation/--August 16, 1857"  "I, made this Jar, all of cross/If, you dont repent, you will be, lost==" Messages of loss, hope, acceptance, friendship, concern...these messages make Dave's pots unique and valuable and mark him as an artist and a person of great compassion despite his situation.

Illustrator Bryan Collier sums up the book in his dedication: "I dedicate this book to all artists, and everyone who loves picture books.  Because this story is really about the power of the human spirit, artistry, and truth, and that cannot be silenced by bondage of any kind."

I will be following this book up by reading an adult biography about Dave by Leonard Todd entitled Carolina Clay: the Life and Legend of the Slave Potter DAVE. 

EQ: Have you ever considered that any work of art you create now (be it poetry, sculpture, painting, or graphic arts) may be viewed by someone two hundred or more years from now?  What impact will you have on their lives?

Raja and the Rock Relay Rescue by Joan Johnson

Raja and the Rock Relay Rescue

written by Joan Johnson

illustrated by Terry Dietrich, Griffin Lichtenfelt, and Katie Mruz

Published by the Set Free Alliance (SetFreeAlliance.org), this picture book tells the heart-rending true story of Raja and Yami, two brothers who have been sold into slavery in India, and the brave man who has brought about the release (to date) of over 11,000 enslaved children. Slavery is illegal in India, as it is in most countries; however, often the authorities turn a blind eye until someone protests.  Pastor J goes to the government and asks for the release of several children who are being made to work in a rock quarry. These children spend their days passing and stacking stones for their masters. They have little food, scant clothing, and inadequate shelter.  They are frequently physically and sexually abused.  Medical care is nearly non-existent as new slaves are easy to acquire. The story follows the life of Raja as he is freed and finds that there are people who will care for him, educate him, and help him build a life of independence.  

Many of us are not aware that slavery is alive and "well" in the world today. Over 48.5 million men, women, and children are being exploited by human traffickers. Without resources and voices to speak, they often go unnoticed even here in the United States. This book will open eyes and hearts as the reader realizes what children as young as 4 years old are enduring.  This is happening right now...as you read.  

EQ:  What are you willing to do to help stop human trafficking?  Be aware; get involved. 

Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart

Lily and Dunkin

by Donna Gephart

340 pages

Lily and Dunkin are two unlikely heroes caught up in the difficult world of eighth grade drama. Gephart skillfully entwines the lives of these two young people as they face family conflicts, learn to accept themselves and others, stand for what they believe in, and "let the world see" them as they really are.  Lily/Tim struggles with being accepted as transgender, and Dunkin...well, Dunkin isn't truly certain what is and isn't real in his life as he battles between the desire to be popular and the need to face and deal with his dangerous mental state.  We get a glimpse into the heartache and turmoil both families feel as they struggle to accept and give support to these hurting teens.

When I look at the bullying and lack of understanding faced by teens that society has labeled as "different," I have to agree with Lily's assessment:  "I wish the world were made of dogs.  They love you one hundred percent of the time, no matter what."  Unfortunately, we have to deal with people, not dogs. Dig into this book, look at the world from a different point of view, and empower teens to be themselves and be seen by the world. 

Teachers, the book includes several helpful resources of interest to teens and families dealing with these issues as well as excellent discussion questions for classroom or book club reading. 

EQ: Consider this fact, "Forty-three percent of transgender kids try to kill themselves" (p 324), and decide what you are going to do to help teens accept and respect themselves and others.

PAX by Sara Pennypacker

PAX

written by Sara Pennypacker and illustrated by Jon Klassen

276 pages

This one is bound to make you cry!  I'm fairly certain that I cried for at least half an hour after I finished reading it.  If you are an animal-lover, or if you've ever owned a pet that held your heart, you will love this book.  

Peter saved the tiny fox kit and named him Pax.  They became inseparable...the boy caring for and loving his fox; the fox protecting and loving his boy. The irony and symbolism of Pax's name become apparent as Peter's father is called away to war. Unfortunately, Peter will have to live with his grandfather while his father is away, and the fox will not be allowed to go.  The book begins with a desertion. I began crying right then as I pictured the confusion, hope, hurt, and hopelessness that Pax feels; and I sniffled throughout the remainder of the book.  Yes, I am a softie.  That's okay.  

People, don't "tame" something and then desert it!  As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said in The Little Prince, "You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed."

While Pax goes about the task of waiting for Peter to return, he learns how to survive in the wild; meets Bristle, Gray, and Runt; and learns to fear man with his penchant for violence and war.

Peter, meanwhile, is determined to return to his fox.  He sets out on a 300-mile journey to reunite with Pax.  Peter learns how to overcome his physical limitations; meets the mysterious Vola; and, despite the accompanying pain, learns to let that which he loves go free.

This one is a keeper!
EQ:  What elements in this book may be used to teach symbolism and irony? 

As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds

as brave as you

by Jason Reynolds

410 pages

When I first began this book, I was a bit dubious about its worth.  The main character spends what I thought was an inordinate amount of time discussing, shoveling, and flinging "poop."  This discussion was followed by what is probably typical boy-talk about other inappropriate words and topics.  I considered breaking my "don't stop reading a book...finish it" rule; however, my attention was quickly piqued by the curiosity of the main character, Genie.  Genie keeps a small notebook in his pocket in which he writes questions...questions such as "Do honey badgers eat honey?" and "Where is Sam Hill?  I thought we were in North Hill."  The intelligence, curiosity, and fascination this young man brings to his new surroundings drew me in.  

Genie and Ernie (of Brooklyn, NY) are spending a month with their grandparents in rural Virginia while their parents take a much-needed vacation to repair their marriage.  Both boys face new experiences, learn about country life, and face their fears.  Genie is amazed to find that adults have fears they must deal with just as children do.  He learns to be honest and forthright and develops a close relationship with his grandfather.  If I am being honest myself, the moment Grandpop pulls out his harmonica and plays for the boys, I was hooked, and the "poop" talk at the beginning became unimportant.  I was transported back to summers spent with my grandparents and evenings listening to my own grandfather play the harmonica for me.
EQ:  Do objectionable elements ever serve a purpose in literature?

Update: Okay...Let me just say that after reading this book, I began to search out any and all books written by Jason Reynolds.  He has become my absolute favorite YA author. If you've not read a book or poem by Mr. Reynolds, you are absolutely missing out. Check out any of his books, and don't bypass interviews with him. His insight into YA readers is astounding. Other books by Jason Reynolds: Long Way Down, Lu, Sunny, Ghost, All American Boys, The Boy in the Black Suit, When I Was Greatest, Miles Morales, Patina, For Everyone, My Name Is Jason...Mine Too, and several books written for younger readers which I have yet to dive into. Flinging poo or not...Jason Reynolds has an uncanny grasp on young readers. So many of my students have been drawn in by his books (these are seniors who've not read anything that wasn't required in years, mind you), and then they go on to become daily readers. Check him out at https://www.jasonwritesbooks.com/.

 

Cleonardo the Little Inventor by Mary GrandPré

Cleonardo

written and illustrated by Mary GrandPré

Proving her talents to her father and her community, Cleonardo saves the day when inventions collide at the annual Grand Festival of Inventions.  Miss Cleonardo Wren comes from a family of inventors.  Her grandfather and father love to create mechanical projects, while Cleonardo invents using items from nature.  Father and daughter each work hard to create entries which will make the family proud.  They work separately, but when the great festival day arrives, they learn that despite differing styles, working side by side is the best way to succeed.  This book is a "hat's off" to GrandPré's father and is beautifully illustrated.
EQ:  Why do we often find autobiographical elements in an author's work?  

The Watch that Ends the Night Voices from the Titanic by Allan Wolf

The Watch that Ends the Night

Voices from the Titanic

by Allan Wolf

466 pages

I'm still reading this amazing book; but when I finish, I'll update this entry and add a link to a timeline with photos, a project I'm working on for one of our school's PD assignments, YA Hooligans.  The Watch that Ends the Night is a "novel" written as poetic journal entries expressing the imagined thoughts and feelings of 24 characters aboard the ill-fated Titanic. I am horrified by the situation, yet captivated, as I read passages which portray a variety of passengers ranging from Captain Edward J. Smith to a scurrying, scrabbling stowaway rat. This book is well worth the time...and expense, as I will soon add a copy to my personal library. Watch for updates!
Here is a link to my timeline...which is actually a sort of picture log of the people/characters who speak in the book.  All photos were "borrowed" from Encyclopedia Titanica and the Titanic photo site on Pinterest.
https://drive.google.com/a/apps.anderson1.org/file/d/0B2dIHTpwzF6fN01yMEVuOEE5TlU/view?usp=sharing
I've finished reading; and, yes, I cried.  I remember studying and reading about the disaster when I was in elementary school in the 60's, and feeling so overwhelmed at the needless loss of so many lives.  Several of the survivors were still alive then; and, occasionally, one would be interviewed about the ordeal. After all, this isn't just a story.  It's about life, death, needless deaths, cowardice, heroism, loss, and survival; and the people are real.  The movie about Jack and Rose is a nice story, a sad story, and something like that could very well have happened aboard Titanic, but the real stories are so much more tragic.  Think of the family of eleven...third-class passengers, father, mother, and nine children...all perished as the freezing water filled the sinking ship. Remember Ida and Isador Straus.  Isador tried to place his beloved wife aboard a lifeboat, but she refused, saying, "Where you go, I go."  They died together. Most of the characters we get glimpses into in The Watch That Ends the Night, which was the seventh watch, by the way, survive the tragedy.  However, only 712 of 2,223 people on board survived.  The loss of life was horrific.   
Wolf does an excellent job weaving together fictionalized poems reflecting what the characters may have been thinking along with letters, wireless transmissions, investigative testimony, and numbered body registrations.  
EQ:  Which account of a disaster is more effective, a fictionalized account or a factual account?  

Anything Is Possible by Giulia Belloni

Anything Is Possible

by Giulia Belloni

illustrated by Marco Trevisan

This creative picture book presents collaborative learning in a new light. Traditional enemies, the sheep and the wolf, work together to do the impossible--build a flying machine.  Wolf is quite skeptical and accuses Sheep of spending too much time dreaming about being a bird, but Sheep persists in her desire to look at the world from a new perspective.  "Only those who dream learn to fly," declares author Belloni. Sheep's dream is realized as, despite beginning failures, she and Wolf soar into the sky in a huge dragon-shaped flying machine.  
EQ:  Is it possible for people who would normally disagree fundamentally to cooperate together for a common goal?