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?